20Feb

The Power of the Pen

“I don’t have any talent”.

 

I vividly recall saying that to my father when I was about 13. I was a decent dancer but not good enough to compete. I was on the softball team but spent little time on the field. I didn’t play an instrument. I couldn’t sing. Yup, talent-less.

 

But….the notebooks, the journals, the legal pads filled with writing.

 

Poetry. Short stories. Endless journal entries. Later news stories , articles, essays.

 

One spoken word piece I wrote 20+ years ago starts, “The pen and pad is all I ever had…”

 

I always thought that writing was just my way of escape; a coping mechanism I developed in early childhood to disconnect from what was happening in my environment. But with my father’s insight, I came to see that my writing was not only an escape but a vehicle by which I could bless others. My Dad said writing was MY talent.

 

The power of the written record.

 

The power of the pen enables you to go back, reflect and see the progress you’ve made. Two nights ago I stumbled upon a large binder with notes from when I was a new Christian. I was completely in awe of how God had taken all that Word, pages and pages of material from classes, workshops and bible study and stored it in my heart. I sat in amazement as I reflected on how those words are now my LIFE. Those words have been inextricably written on my heart.

 

From written records we learn about people, their cultures, and their habits. We learn about our planet, its variations and its inhabitants from maps, a form of written record. And we learn about the Most High God from the best-selling written record ever, The Holy Bible. The written record has POWER.

 

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

 

Today we have access to a wealth of information. The Library of Congress has more than 162 million items in more than 470 languages in its collection. And while that is a large breath of information, it is not all applicable to us individually. God has divinely wired us to receive information in ways that are specific and relative to us. There is a saying, “There is nothing new under the sun”. And be that as it may, God has attuned our eyes and ears to see and hear message in ways that we can receive and perceive. [bctt tweet=”God has a group of people whose eyes and ears are attuned to hear from Him, through YOU.” username=”inspiredfully”]

 

Yes, God has a people who are waiting specifically to hear from YOU. You and I may have something similar to say but your background, age, race, and life experience will color the message differently than mine. So don’t you ever doubt, not for one minute the value of your message. Don’t you ever question if the marketplace is saturated. Don’t second guess if you’re supposed to step into the already flooded arena. If God has called you to it, no matter how many others are doing it, there is only one with YOUR voice and that’s you. So take your wealth of knowledge, understanding and wisdom and write it down!

 

Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. Revelation 1:19

 

God is looking for writers.

 

Who will chronicle the great and mighty acts He performs?

 

Who will leave a written record of hope for future generations?

 

Who will inspire those currently in despair?

 

I know you can do it. In a matter of months, I wrote 57,000 words and that finished product will be in your hands in late Spring 2017. In fact, I actually have a ridiculous goal of publishing 3 books this year. Yes 3 books in 2017. God is pouring His oil out on writers. He will give us supernatural grace to record His testimony. He simply needs our obedience.   As a busy mom of 6, I too wondered how I’d find time to write a book. From shuttle kids to and fro all day, ministry commitments, along with a nursing baby attached to me constantly, I wondering how I could get it done. He simply told me, “Just follow My lead”. I obeyed and watched him perform the miracle of writing the first of many books. And He can do it for you too.

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Write on my friends, WRITE ON. The Holy Spirit flows healing out of your pen.

 

Have you heard the call to write? If yes, are you obeying? In the comments below tell me what you’re working on so I can pray with you and hold you accountable.

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Mommy Moments, Purposeful Faith, Grace & Truth, Chasing Community

 

30Jan

Catch The Vision And Move

What do you do with a God sized dream?

 

How do you wrap your head around a vision from God that seems virtually impossible?

 

These are questions I’m turning over in my head. Like Mary pondering on the fate of her Son, I’m holding these things in my heart…wondering.

 

God has given me a vision for how the book I’ve written is to be used. When I was writing the book, I had the audience in mind. I could see myself sharing portions of the book at book club meetings, parenting seminars and at churches. Then God jarred me. In a vision so clear and complete, He showed me a BIGGER picture. He showed me His target audience for the book and told me the way we could go about reaching this audience.

 

And what did this girl do with that visitation from God? In a nanosecond I shot it down. I know, I know. I wish I could tell you I was faith filled and revved up. But it was more like doubt-FULL and faith-LESS.

 

You see this vision would take Jesus right into the marketplace. No separation of church and state. No way. The Lord said, “You’ll be bring me into secular environments.” And again in my limited “seeing” all I could picture was doors slamming in my face and rejection by way of “No!”, “No!” and yet another “No!”.

 

Then He washed over me with sweet assurance . In His gentle yet firm way He brought to my remembrance this powerful truth, The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters, Psalm 24:1-2

 

He also reminded to not to be intimidated by the establishment for He’s in charge of them too. The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes, Proverbs 21:1

 

So what do you do with that God sized dream?

 

How do you wrap your head around that vision?

 

Please don’t do what I did that first time. [bctt tweet=”God wants to water your mustard seed faith. ” username=”inspiredfully”]

 

You allow God to water your faith by simply giving Him your YES . Thereafter, each time He tells you to move, you move. He is faithful to give grace for each step of the journey.   Like Michael Jackson in Billie Jean, each step you take toward pursuing your God dream will be illuminated. His word is the lamp to your feet and the light to your path (Psalm 119:105). Confidently place your trust in the One who knows all, sees all and holds it all in the palm of His hand. Catch the vision and move.

 

You think this world is in chaos? Obey so He can bring order.

 

Are you concerned about the world your children will inherit? Obey so that your children’s children receive their generational inheritance.

 

Don’t like what you see happening in the news? Pray so that His kingdom come and will be done HERE as in heaven.

 

You see, He’s waiting for us to be His hands and feet in the earth so that He can MOVE. There’s nothing too hard for Him. But He would like for us to partner with Him.

 

Your God sized dream and your God vision are really quite doable. With God, all things are possible.

 

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Mommy Moments Purposeful Faith Chasing Community Grace & Truth

23Jan

How’s Your Prayer Life?

How’s Your Prayer Life?

 

I mean really….How’s your prayer life?

 

I recall being asked a question by my uncle-in-law before my husband and I got married. He said, “You know what you’re doing, don’t ya?” By this, he was asking did we know what we were getting ourselves into by getting married. I recall diving head first into a monologue about love and wedding details. You see, I completely missed the point. The question was one that need to be mined in order to uncover its treasures.

 

So I ask you again, “How’s your prayer life?”

 

Yes I’m sure you pray.

 

Yes I bet you even get specific in your prayers.

 

Hey you may even talk to God using His very WORD.

 

Yup, I don’t doubt your taking time to talk to God in prayer.

 

But are you really PRAYING?

 

Or are you merely informing God?

 

I consider myself a woman of prayer. Very early in my Christian walk I learned several models of prayer. I learned to pray the Lord’s Prayer. I learned to pray using the ACTS method (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication). Then there’s listening prayer and contemplative prayer and Matthew Henry’s method. Yup, most days I would say I’m REALLY praying. But then again…

 

I’ve heard it said that prayer is just talking to God. Be that as it may, there is an essential component that gives prayer its power. And that is FAITH. If we are praying the most heartfelt, scripture laden prayers but lack faith are we doing any more than just talking?

 

Last October, Charne Pretorius spoke at a Women’s Conference held at my church. There were many speakers on the lineup and many enticing topics to choose from. I was already in the room she was scheduled to speak in and didn’t really feel like going anywhere so I stayed and boy am I glad I did. She spoke simply yet so profoundly on prayer. And I was very much convicted.

 

Yes I had been praying.

 

Yes I had been specific in my prayers.

 

Yes I was even praying according to God’s will.

 

But even in that my prayers were lacking.

 

They were lacking a bit of faith. The kind of faith that SEES angels being dispatched to move on behalf of my prayers. The kind of faith that can let go of whatever I’ve prayed for because I can rest in knowing God has heard and is faithful to answer. The kind of faith that knows my prayers live on for ages, continuing to minister from heaven even to my children’s children. The kind of faith that knows that I know that I KNOW my God will do what He said He will do. Bold faith. Radical faith. Undaunted faith.

 

My friend you are a HOUSE OF PRAYER. Just as Jesus said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer” (Matthew 21:13), because you are a temple that houses the Holy Spirit, you are a house of prayer. Your prayers coupled with your faith create an atmosphere conducive for DUNAMIS – miraculous power, strength, might.

 

And just as JESUS drew strength directly from heaven through prayer, you are strengthen, emboldened and bring heaven to earth when you pray. When you pray, you take a direct, first-class journey to heaven. As a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20), prayer is your Visa, granting you access to travel back and forth from heaven to earth.

 

When you pray in faith, heaven touches earth.

 

When you pray in faith, God hears.

 

When you pray in faith, God moves.

 

When you pray in faith, things change.

 

When you pray in faith, hearts are mended.

 

When you pray in faith, bodies are healed.

 

When you pray in faith, minds are transformed.

 

So set your heart on having a prayer life that is fervent, vibrant and active. Get before the Father, still yourself and seek His heart. When you do that, you will tap into the heartbeat of heaven. He will pour His heart out into yours. You will be two hearts beating together in synchronicity. Faith is the metronome allowing you to keep time with the heartbeat of heaven.

 

So how’s your prayer life? I’m praying even now that you’ve been inspired to BELIEVE in what you are asking God for. I mean really believe. I pray you SEE God moving on your behalf. Yes, you’ve got to SEE it before you get to see it. And I’m praying your faith is activated. Your prayer life is literally causing heaven to touch earth. Yes, you’ve got that kind of power.

 

So how’s your prayer life?

 

DYNAMITE!

 

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Mommy Moments, Purposeful Faith, Grace and Truth

 

09Jan

A Fear Fighting START

It was 5:13am and I already felt defeated. My sweet baby was waking up yet again for another feeding.

 

I’m never going get enough sleep.

 

I’m never going to be an author and a speaker because I can’t get enough sleep to even work on the vision.

 

How will I ever manage to live the dream God has given me if I can’t even manage the little affairs of the home?

 

How will I ever serve a thousand when I can’t even get through one basket of laundry?

 

Never mind then just forget the whole thing!

 

You see fear has a way of doing that. Fear has a way of convincing you that your God dream is too big and your abilities too small. Fear has a way of putting 3D glasses on you and playing the reel as failure after failures comes whizzing past your face. And fear attempts to preserve itself at all costs.

 

Fear will have you convinced there are NO other options.

 

Fear is determined to win.

 

But TRUTH arises.

 

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13a

 

As TRUTH stood tall in me, I couldn’t help but to square my shoulders. Moments ago they had been hanging low. My posture was more Hunchback of Notre Dame than Daughter of the Most High God.  But today is my start. Kelly Balarie, in her new book, Fear Fighting says, “We don’t need to tell ourselves stop because the Spirit says Start.”

 

So what’s my “Start?”

 

Today I start with a YES.

 

I say yes to the Spirit.

 

I say yes to me.

 

The Spirit says, “Start believing in yourself. Because you believe in Me, you can believe in you. I created you.”

 

fear-fighting-book

 

Thank you God. I’m going to believe in me.

 

I give myself permission to show up just as I am.

 

I give myself permission to be here for me.

 

I give myself permission to embrace my greatness. After all, I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

 

I’m not going to stay in this same place when God has given me a glimpse of my greatness. I do my God a disservice when I minimizing the person He created me to be. I won’t do Him an injustice my living smaller than who He created me to be. Christ gave Himself that I might LIVE…..not that I might merely survive life.

 

 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

 

Standing on chubby bowed legs, an 11 month old hangs securely to the side of the couch. Not far away mama stands with her arms outstretched. Mama’s face radiates love. Mama’s face reflects trust, security and confidence. Mama’s face and outstretched arms relay a powerful message to the baby; so powerful that baby willingly releases the comfort and security of clinging to the couch, to totter precariously over to mama. One measured step, after another, then another. All the while mama’s face reassuringly communicates, not only are you safe, but I believe in you. You can do it. And when baby makes it all the way to mama they both rejoice. You did it baby. I knew you could. You did it.

 

Jesus says the same to us. Let go of the side of the couch. I’m waiting with my arms outstretched. Press beyond your fear. Activate your faith. Come to me. You are safe. I believe in you.

 

START.

 

[bctt tweet=”With active faith, fear doesn’t stand a chance.” username=”inspiredfully”]

 

So what is your START? Whatever it is, take the step. Tell me in the comments how I can pray for you.

 

Join the #fearfightingbook movement. Pick up your copy of Fear Fighting today!

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully.

 

Happy to connect with friends sharing Good News Purposeful Faith, Grace & Truth

23Dec

Is God Really Able?

There are days when you just know that you know GOD IS ABLE.

 

You know those days when money is plentiful, your job is secure, the cupboards are overflowing, relationships are effortless, children are obedient, and your self worth is high.

 

Then the other days come. Such is life right? The days that have you questioning the One who said He would provide. The days when the One who said He’d never leave nor forsake you seems to be playing a game of hot peas and butter but you don’t seem to be getting closer, only colder, colder, and colder still.

 

How do we eradicate the spirit of doubt and activate our faith? How do we hold fast to the truth that God is able? We do it with a simple two-step: Prayer and Praise. Put on your garment of praise and shirk off the spirit of heaviness. Shod your feet in your gospel of peace shoes and get your praise on.

 

By prayer Peter was released from prison (Acts 12:5-17)

 

Through prayer and praise, Paul and Silas were delivered from prison (Acts 16:25-40)

 

[bctt tweet=”Even in the solitary spaces, God is able.” username=”inspiredfully”]

 

PRAY

 

God is able to do exceedingly abundantly for me

God is able to make all grace abound toward me

God is able to give me peace that surpasses all understanding

God is able to supply all my needs according to His riches in glory

God is able to make my enemies my footstool

 

PRAISE

 

My soul magnifies you Lord

My soul boasts in you Lord

My soul blesses you Lord

My soul delights in your Word

All my inmost being praises you Lord

 

With prayer and praise move the TRUTH from your head to your heart…

 

GOD IS ABLE!

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Purposeful Faith, Mommy Moments, Grace & Truth

08Dec

Listen Up

One then done!

Maybe two then I’m through!

 

Those were my plans as related to having children. I’ve always liked kids but when I envisioned family life it revolved around my husband and me, our careers and perhaps a child or two. That was until I heard Him say, “Your womb belongs to me.”

 

The birth of my first child was a carefully calculated event. Like everything else in my life at the time, having a baby was placed into a little box of my own making. I was used to meticulously planning every facet of my life. Throw in my professional training of facilitating time management courses and it made for a well-plotted life.

 

That was until baby number two came outside of the plan. You see, my plans were written in ink and not pencil. As a new believer, I hadn’t learned Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” My veneer of planning and control had been cracked and out oozed fragility and vulnerability. As I came undone, I clung fiercely to my new faith, praying for answers.

 

And the answers came. God showed me that He loved me just as I was. He taught me that my works wouldn’t get me into heaven. He modeled for me how to love and accept others. And He was very clear that discipleship was a high calling. I understood very early in my Christian walk that He seeks for believers to be wholly committed and that’s what I intended to do. Yes, that’s what I intended to do, until He called me to do something that made no sense at all.

 

Join me over on Katie M. Reid’s blog as I share what God revealed to me, as part of the Listen Close, Listen Well series…

05Dec

A War Room Prayer For Our Daughters

Being a parent is not for the faint of heart. From watching a newborn’s chest rise and fall so you can confirm breathing to staying up late waiting for a teen to return home, being a parent can leave you sick with worry. Fear, anxiety and guilt can become permanent house guests if you’re not careful. But we are careful parents who do not let seeds of doubt and deception take root. We are parents who fiercely hold fast to the TRUTH.

 

While we may not have ALL the answers in parenting, we do have THE answer. And the answer is PRAYER. [bctt tweet=”The single most effective thing we can do as parents is to pray for our children” username=”inspiredfully”] I’ve fervently poured my heart out for our sons and you can read that HERE. Now let us bombard heaven on behalf of our daughters.

 

Lord,

 

You are a good good Father. You are the Good Shepherd who guides and protects us and our children. Thank you Holy Spirit for teaching us and leading us into all truth. And it is only by your power and revelation that we can effectively parent our daughters. So Lord I thank you that you see each of our daughters. You are intimately acquainted with everything concerning them for you knew them even before we did and you sent them for a time such as this. Thank you for trusting us to steward over these Proverbs 31 women in the making. Confirm for our girls that you love them with an everlasting love. If they’ve been wounded remind them that you see, that you care and that you are the balm that heals. Reassure them that they are the apple of your eye and a jewel in your crown. May they embrace their self-worth and see themselves clothed in beauty and splendor. May they seek to honor you in their temples by pursuing purity, eating right and exercising. May they be discerning like Abigail, knowing there is a time and a place for everything under the heavens. May they be judicious and wise like Deborah. Let our daughters be women of their word like Hannah. Through our own example, let us show them how to be hospitable like the Shunamite woman. Oh that they would have the faithfulness of Ruth and the courage of Esther. May they don obedience and gentleness as garments of praise. We thank you that your plans for them are for good and not evil. May they discover their purpose early and begin to walk in it at a young age. And when the lures of this world try to steal their attention, help them keep their minds staid on you. Lord let our daughters be cloaked in your favor. Above all, I pray they worship you all the days of their lives and dwell in your house forever.

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Purposeful Faith, Mommy Moments

 

Photo Credit

04Dec

ALOUD, Give Him Praise!

Great Morning Inspired Life Family!

 

I’m just stopping in to invite you to rejoice with me today.  This morning as my eyes sprung open, my heart was flood with a song.  Stephen Hurd, the Director of Music and Arts at my church, The First Baptist Church of Glenarden, sings a song called Great Praise, (The War Cry). In the song he encourages us to give God great praise, ALOUD. YES, open your mouth and out loud give him your best praise. On this day the Nation has set aside to give thanks, be reminded that every second we have reason to give thanks.

~He woke you up this morning, THANK YOU!

~You can these words on the screen, THANK YOU!

 

~For the electronic device you’re holding to read this, THANK YOU!

 

~For your daily bread, THANK YOU!

 

~For the heat in your home, THANK YOU!

 

~For being loved, THANK YOU!

 

~Even for being hated on, THANK YOU!

 

~For running water, THANK YOU!

 

~For affliction that keeps you clinging to the Cross, THANK YOU!

 

~For laughter, THANK YOU!

 

~For every breath, THANK YOU!

 

[bctt tweet=”Any time is a good time to give the Lord not only a great praise but our BEST praise.” username=”inspiredfully”] He’s worthy.

May your day be spent basking in His infinite blessings.

As always, I pray you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

04Dec

A Fervent Prayer for Our Sons

Kissing boo-boos and giving hugs.

 

Teaching, guiding, correcting.

 

Checking homework.

 

Giving advice.

 

Crying, praying and more crying.

 

A parent’s work is never done. [bctt tweet=”The true work of parenting is not in what we say TO our children but in what we say TO GOD about them.” username=”inspiredfully”] I’ve been blessed with FOUR, yes 4 sons. Most days, I feel pretty adequate in meeting their temporal needs. It can get overwhelming though when I think about the magnitude of my assignment: to shepherd them as they discover and walk out God’s purposes and plans for their lives.

 

So whether you’ve got a son or a daughter (yup I‘ve got 2 girls also), the most effective thing we can do in parenting is to pray for them. So join me in a FERVENT prayer for our sons. Our young men have a charge from God to be strong and courageous. And we need them to be just that as they stand firm in their convictions to help heal our land.

 

Heavenly Father,

You are Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are the Creator of all, you see all and you know all. And I thank you God that you see our sons and you know them by name. You know every hair on their heads. You know their beginning from their end. Lord I pray that they will always pursue you with their whole hearts. As the deer pants for the water, may their souls long after you and YOU alone. I thank you that your plans for them are for good and not for evil, to give them a future and a hope. Lord I pray that you will keep them hidden under the shadow of your wing. I thank you that you’ve given your angels charge over them to protect them in all their ways. Lord I pray you grant them the wisdom of Solomon and the courage of Daniel. I pray they have the obedience of Abram and the faith of Joshua. I pray that they will walk with you like Enoch and be honorable like Joseph. Let our sons be a friend to you like David. Let them be filled with gentleness, love and compassion like you Jesus. May they love and respect their bodies and keep them holy and acceptable unto you. May they think critically, communicate clearly and solve problems help humanity. May they grow in wisdom and in stature in favor with you and with man. And may they walk in paths of righteousness for your namesake as you lead them in the way everlasting. Thank you Lord.

 

Amen

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Happy to connect with friends sharing the Good News #LifeGivingLinkup, Mommy Moments, Purposeful Faith, Grace and Truth

 

Image Photo Credit

21Nov

Yes You Are {A Spoken Word Poem}

Yeshua
Yes you are
Yeshua
Yes you are

 
The Anointed One

The Lamb who was slain

The King of kings the Lord of lords

The Alpha and the Omega

The Bright and Morning Star

The Beginning and the End

 
Yeshua Hamashiach
My Salvation
The Way the Truth and the Life
The Lion of the tribe of Judah

 
Yeshua
Yes you are

 
The Lily of the Valley
My Daily Bread
The River of Living Water
The Well that never runs dry

 
Yeshua Hamashiach
Grace wrapped in flesh
The Christ
Messiah
Redeemer
Anything I need you to be,
that you are

 
Yes you are
Yeshua
Yes you are

 
You are
Yeshua
[bctt tweet=”I AM you say. I say yes you are. Yeshua ” username=”inspiredfully”]
Happy to connect with these friends sharing the Good News Purposeful Faith Mommy Moments Grace & Truth