God Works Through People
One morning I was having my quiet time alone with God, and I said to the Lord, "God, how can You stand seeing all the pain, starving children, human trafficking, genocide, injustice, degradation, poverty, in the world and not do something?"
I didn't say it as a complain or because I was questioning His integrity, and I don't even know that I was really expecting to get an answer, but I just asked Him. Immediately His answer came back: "I work through people. I'm waiting for My people to arise and do something."
You and I are part of an army, the body of Christ, and it's going to take everyone doing their part to change this world. God wants to work through us, and He's calling us to put on love and get to work.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul talked about how the churches in Macedonia gave, saying, "But first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us {as His agents} by the will of God {entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God}."
That just amazes me, because they didn't give their money, they gave themselves. God's calling us to live the same way. And one person working for the Lord has the ability to make a profound difference! So how will you give yourself to the Lord and be His agent today?
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
My New FAV song
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Where to Shop Online??
Hey guys
The spring is near and I would love to find some cute, trendy sites to shop online??? Do you guys have any suggestions?? It's so much easier and convenient shopping online and honestly I feel like you get a better deal for your money.I recently visited www.pinkice.com as a suggestion and I found some cute items there. I also heard of www.wholesale-dress.net, but noticed that they are not in the US. Have any of you guys shopped from there??
The spring is near and I would love to find some cute, trendy sites to shop online??? Do you guys have any suggestions?? It's so much easier and convenient shopping online and honestly I feel like you get a better deal for your money.I recently visited www.pinkice.com as a suggestion and I found some cute items there. I also heard of www.wholesale-dress.net, but noticed that they are not in the US. Have any of you guys shopped from there??
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Change the Way You Think
Have you ever heard the saying "a mind is a terrible thing to waste"? Our minds have so much capacity for good, to learn, create, think and grow, and it's a tragedy when we don't use them to their highest potential.
There was a time in my life when I allowed too many damaging thoughts to enter my mind, negative, tormenting, guilty, unforgiving, shameful and accusing thoughts. The problem was that I had no idea I could control my thoughts or choose which thoughts I focused on and believed in.
I didn't realize that if I was thinking something that wasn't true, I had the power to stop. No one ever told me I could win in my mind. Has anyone ever told you? If not, then I'm here today to tell you that you don't have to let your thoughts control you. You can choose to think and focus on God-thoughts!
Romans 12:2 says to "let God transform you, by changing the way you think." God wants to help you win the battle in you mind. But what does that look like on a practical level?
Here's what has worked countless times for me and what I know will work for you too: The next time you're wrestling in your mind, I want you to stop and find something specific that you can thank God for. Tell Him how grateful you are for His goodness and all the rich ways He's blessed your life. As you're diligent to do this, you will see your life begin to change and things will get better and better.
It's my hope and prayer that you will know the power God has given you and that every day in your thoughts, you will walk in the fullness of His love for you!
Have you ever heard the saying "a mind is a terrible thing to waste"? Our minds have so much capacity for good, to learn, create, think and grow, and it's a tragedy when we don't use them to their highest potential.
There was a time in my life when I allowed too many damaging thoughts to enter my mind, negative, tormenting, guilty, unforgiving, shameful and accusing thoughts. The problem was that I had no idea I could control my thoughts or choose which thoughts I focused on and believed in.
I didn't realize that if I was thinking something that wasn't true, I had the power to stop. No one ever told me I could win in my mind. Has anyone ever told you? If not, then I'm here today to tell you that you don't have to let your thoughts control you. You can choose to think and focus on God-thoughts!
Romans 12:2 says to "let God transform you, by changing the way you think." God wants to help you win the battle in you mind. But what does that look like on a practical level?
Here's what has worked countless times for me and what I know will work for you too: The next time you're wrestling in your mind, I want you to stop and find something specific that you can thank God for. Tell Him how grateful you are for His goodness and all the rich ways He's blessed your life. As you're diligent to do this, you will see your life begin to change and things will get better and better.
It's my hope and prayer that you will know the power God has given you and that every day in your thoughts, you will walk in the fullness of His love for you!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
I ♥ Make-Up & Artsy Photography
This gives me that Mona Lisa feeling, lol
These are the pieces of "ME" (Ledisi Voice)
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Be a mouthpiece for God!
If you can grasp an understanding of the power of the words you speak, it may just change the course of your life! Your mouth is a powerful tool, either for God or for the enemy. In other words, you can either speak positive, uplifting, encouraging things into existence in your life or produce negative, gloomy and discouraging things.
Now, I don't believe any of us want to be a mouthpiece for the devil. But the fact is, the mouth can be used for blessing or destruction, not only in our lives, but also in the lives of others. I've seen it in my own life. There was a time when pretty much everything I said was negative.
But the Holy Spirit taught me how to use the creative power of the Word of God. I learned how to speak to the mountains rather than about the mountains in my life. What I mean is, I learned to apply the truth of his Word to my circumstances, and over time, I began to see positive and lasting results.
The mouth is like a pen and your heart is like a tablet. When you say something over and over, it gets on the inside of you and becomes you. It's not something you have to try to do anymore, it's who you are.
I'd much rather be a mouthpiece for God than the enemy. I want to speak His truth and enjoy my life.
First Peter 3:10 says, "Let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days ... keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile." Do you want to enjoy life? Then use your mouth to speak the things of God into your life!
If you can grasp an understanding of the power of the words you speak, it may just change the course of your life! Your mouth is a powerful tool, either for God or for the enemy. In other words, you can either speak positive, uplifting, encouraging things into existence in your life or produce negative, gloomy and discouraging things.
Now, I don't believe any of us want to be a mouthpiece for the devil. But the fact is, the mouth can be used for blessing or destruction, not only in our lives, but also in the lives of others. I've seen it in my own life. There was a time when pretty much everything I said was negative.
But the Holy Spirit taught me how to use the creative power of the Word of God. I learned how to speak to the mountains rather than about the mountains in my life. What I mean is, I learned to apply the truth of his Word to my circumstances, and over time, I began to see positive and lasting results.
The mouth is like a pen and your heart is like a tablet. When you say something over and over, it gets on the inside of you and becomes you. It's not something you have to try to do anymore, it's who you are.
I'd much rather be a mouthpiece for God than the enemy. I want to speak His truth and enjoy my life.
First Peter 3:10 says, "Let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days ... keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile." Do you want to enjoy life? Then use your mouth to speak the things of God into your life!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Finding the Fun
Want to hear a funny story? I've got a lot of them, and they come from things that happened in my ordinary, everyday life. Now, I wasn't laughing when those stories were in the making, but I'm glad I can laugh about them now.
For example, I didn't think it was funny when I couldn't get my hair to stay in place, but if you'd seen what I did about it, you certainly would have laughed. It wasn't amusing when I tried to make clothes, especially for the people who had to wear them. And I was so irritated when Dave threw paper towels over the grocery store aisle at me, but I realize now, he just knew how to have a little fun no matter what he was doing. I'm glad I've learned to look at times like these and see the humor in them.
Now I know that not everything in life is necessarily enjoyable, but I think we all need to learn to have more fun in our lives. And I bet if you took time to think about it every day, you could find a moment that brought you joy or you can laugh about now.
God wants His children to have some fun. The Bible says a merry heart does good like medicine. I think we all need a healthy dose of laughter every day-many times during the day. You just can't overdose on joy!
I encourage you to deliberately look for something to smile or laugh about every day, and be sure to share a smile or a laugh with someone else and brighten their day too!
Want to hear a funny story? I've got a lot of them, and they come from things that happened in my ordinary, everyday life. Now, I wasn't laughing when those stories were in the making, but I'm glad I can laugh about them now.
For example, I didn't think it was funny when I couldn't get my hair to stay in place, but if you'd seen what I did about it, you certainly would have laughed. It wasn't amusing when I tried to make clothes, especially for the people who had to wear them. And I was so irritated when Dave threw paper towels over the grocery store aisle at me, but I realize now, he just knew how to have a little fun no matter what he was doing. I'm glad I've learned to look at times like these and see the humor in them.
Now I know that not everything in life is necessarily enjoyable, but I think we all need to learn to have more fun in our lives. And I bet if you took time to think about it every day, you could find a moment that brought you joy or you can laugh about now.
God wants His children to have some fun. The Bible says a merry heart does good like medicine. I think we all need a healthy dose of laughter every day-many times during the day. You just can't overdose on joy!
I encourage you to deliberately look for something to smile or laugh about every day, and be sure to share a smile or a laugh with someone else and brighten their day too!
The Homegoing Celebration For Ms. Whitney Elizabeth Houston
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Daily Devotion: Joyce Meyer
When is it OK to say "NO"
In Numbers 11, Moses gives us an example of what we can do when we're under stress. Talk about pressure, he was leading the Israelites through the wilderness on what should have been an eleven-day trip and instead ended up taking forty years!
The people were depressed and weeping over their situation. In verse 14, Moses tells God, "I am not able to carry all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me."
Like Moses, it's okay for us to say, "I've reached my limit." Yes, scripture says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13 NKJV), but that's really referring to times when we face various trials and situations that God will help us through.
It doesn't mean we should take on so many responsibilities that we completely burn out, like the woman who is raising five kids, works full-time, serves on the church board etc.
Sometimes, its all just too much ... and it's okay to admit that. It's okay to say "no" to some things so you can really enjoy life the way God intended.
Here's a newsflash: You and I don't have to be like everyone else or keep up with anyone else. God created some people to handle large amounts of work, but many people aren't made this way.
Each of us needs to be who God created us to be, and we don't have to apologize for it. We each need to individually find the balance of responsibility God has established for us to live in so we can enjoy our life, instead of making ourselves sick with an overload of stress and pressure.
When you reach your limit, go to God, just like Moses did. He will help you find a saner, healthier lifestyle.
In Numbers 11, Moses gives us an example of what we can do when we're under stress. Talk about pressure, he was leading the Israelites through the wilderness on what should have been an eleven-day trip and instead ended up taking forty years!
The people were depressed and weeping over their situation. In verse 14, Moses tells God, "I am not able to carry all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me."
Like Moses, it's okay for us to say, "I've reached my limit." Yes, scripture says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13 NKJV), but that's really referring to times when we face various trials and situations that God will help us through.
It doesn't mean we should take on so many responsibilities that we completely burn out, like the woman who is raising five kids, works full-time, serves on the church board etc.
Sometimes, its all just too much ... and it's okay to admit that. It's okay to say "no" to some things so you can really enjoy life the way God intended.
Here's a newsflash: You and I don't have to be like everyone else or keep up with anyone else. God created some people to handle large amounts of work, but many people aren't made this way.
Each of us needs to be who God created us to be, and we don't have to apologize for it. We each need to individually find the balance of responsibility God has established for us to live in so we can enjoy our life, instead of making ourselves sick with an overload of stress and pressure.
When you reach your limit, go to God, just like Moses did. He will help you find a saner, healthier lifestyle.
Breath Taking ...
Whitney paved the way for a lot of people and her voice and music will forever live on .... R.I.P Whitney Houston and thanks to this great performance from Amber, she truly sang the mess out of this song. :)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
In response to my stop the violence post ...
Some Saturday Blues ... Algebra Blessett
See I know what it feels like to get struck
Then have to turn and walk away
And I know what it feels like to lose your peace
But then forget that you did not pray
And I know how it feels when
Somebody does you wrong intentionally
That's why I try to live right
And late at night, I say my prayers before I sleep
Hey, I know [x6]
I Am So Thankful ...
Where do I begin ... things have been changing in my life so much and not all of it has been good! I must say I didn't have a clear vision to see how God was still blessing me in so many ways. My faith has always been in God, but it seems at times that my faith started to drift off ... putting more faith in my family, friends, and even myself. It is important for me to understand that things will happen in life that I cannot control or change .. I can only live to take it as lesson and understand that all power is in his hands! I truly have to praise my savior in the middle of the storm, because any road block that I go through will surely pass over! He has full control and I am soo thankful for everything that I have/will go through because it is transforming me into a better young woman! Still all smiles ..
My New Fav
Friday, February 10, 2012
That's My President
Hey guys, I received this email earlier and decided to share it with you! Say what you want, but that's my president!
- Check these out
1) Got
Osama Bin Laden - check
2) Unemployment rate 8.5 - check
3) 1.3 million jobs created with no GOP
help - check
4) 22 months of job and economic growth -
check
5) Ended war in Iraq - check
6) Repealed DADT - check
7) Not one tax hike in 3 years -
check
8) Exposed racism in the GOP - check
9) Still carrying over 80% of black vote -
check
10) Same wife for 15 years with no extramarital affairs - check
11) Saved the auto industry and 1.5 million
jobs - check
12) Mortgage modification to save
homeowners' homes - check
13) Still fighting for middle class
families - check
14) Reforming healthcare, making it affordable -
check
15) ONLY President to receive the Nobel Peace prize while in office -
check
and just today - freed hostages in Somali - check
The man is working for you, me and all
Americans and he can sing!! Beautiful.
Obama 2012!! -
continue the fight! Pass this on!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Reality TV
Hey Guys,
What are your thoughts on reality TV??? Love & Hip Hop showed last night that there isn't much editing to the scenes we viewed from the show. It's funny that while the show was airing, some of the cast members were blogging and interviewing that the show portrayed them differently, when in actuality their true colors were being shown. I find it pretty humorous that Erica Mena had so much animosity built up against Kimbella and she didn't even know her personally. That just goes to show how some women are very devious and before they attempt to get to know you, they dislike you based upon there on judgement! #SAD
What are your thoughts on reality TV??? Love & Hip Hop showed last night that there isn't much editing to the scenes we viewed from the show. It's funny that while the show was airing, some of the cast members were blogging and interviewing that the show portrayed them differently, when in actuality their true colors were being shown. I find it pretty humorous that Erica Mena had so much animosity built up against Kimbella and she didn't even know her personally. That just goes to show how some women are very devious and before they attempt to get to know you, they dislike you based upon there on judgement! #SAD
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Oh yes you can .... We all face temptation, it's an unavoidable part of life. The question is not, "Will you be tempted?" the question is, "When you're tempted, will you be ready?"
I really want you to get this: You can beat temptation. Stop saying, "Joyce, I just don't think I can." Take 'I can't'! out of your vocabulary.
In your own strength and by your own ability, you're right. You can't. But when you put God's Word in your heart, when you lean on his strength and trust in His promises, there's no temptation you can't overcome.
Over the years, I've noticed five hings that make all the difference in overcoming temptation. First, you've got to be wise. think about the choices you're making and the consequences before you make them. Wisdom looks ahead.
Next, you have to believe that you can resist temptation. Condemnation, guilt and shame work off of momentum, if you stop them early, they lose their power, but once they get rolling, they're hard to stop. Third, think of facing temptation as normal life. If you re expecting a fight, you'll always be ready.
Fourth, avoid areas of weakness. Don't put yourself in situations where you can easily fall. If you struggle with managing your money, don't go to the mall when you can't afford to buy anything!
And finally, don't give yourself too much credit. We don't graduate from being tempted. It's so easy to think you've matured beyond stumbling, and once that happens, you make yourself an easy target.
God wants you to trust him to bring victory in every area of your life. By His grace, you can!
I really want you to get this: You can beat temptation. Stop saying, "Joyce, I just don't think I can." Take 'I can't'! out of your vocabulary.
In your own strength and by your own ability, you're right. You can't. But when you put God's Word in your heart, when you lean on his strength and trust in His promises, there's no temptation you can't overcome.
Over the years, I've noticed five hings that make all the difference in overcoming temptation. First, you've got to be wise. think about the choices you're making and the consequences before you make them. Wisdom looks ahead.
Next, you have to believe that you can resist temptation. Condemnation, guilt and shame work off of momentum, if you stop them early, they lose their power, but once they get rolling, they're hard to stop. Third, think of facing temptation as normal life. If you re expecting a fight, you'll always be ready.
Fourth, avoid areas of weakness. Don't put yourself in situations where you can easily fall. If you struggle with managing your money, don't go to the mall when you can't afford to buy anything!
And finally, don't give yourself too much credit. We don't graduate from being tempted. It's so easy to think you've matured beyond stumbling, and once that happens, you make yourself an easy target.
God wants you to trust him to bring victory in every area of your life. By His grace, you can!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Monica & Brandy-It all belongs to me
They are at it once again .... I love this track, peep the link below ;)
It All Belongs To Me by RCARecords
It All Belongs To Me by RCARecords
Stop The Violence
I am saddened that people are continuously posting and sending videos of people fighting online. This is just becoming more and more ridiculous. What are you getting out of jumping and stomping someone on camera ... not only that, but what happened to walking away or avoiding unnecessary drama?? The sadder part is that people are spreading the foolishness all on the websites and its just not a good look. Channel 2 news spoke on this earlier and luckily they recently have been able to use a video to find suspects of this shameful crime. WE MUST DO BETTER PPL!
How Dreams Come True
I must say I didn't know much about Viola Davis and I have never seen her play the role of Aibileen Clark in The Help. She has been doing a lot of interviews lately and I was inspired after watching her interview on ET last Friday. Below there is a link of an interview she's done with ABC news.. unfortunately I couldn't find the interview from Entertainment Tonight :(! She really shows to be a great person and an outstanding actor!
'The Help' Looks to Win Big at Academy Awards: ABCNEWS.COM - Oscar nominees Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer discuss excitement of awards season.
What does Black History Month mean to you??
As you all know Black History Month is an observance of the history of African Americans. Although there has always been controversy about this month; and most likely it will always be, I think its time to educate ourselves more on what it really means. What are your independent thoughts on this month? I'm not saying that this is something we should only think about one time out of the year, but this is something that we all should be mindful of every day of our life. We don't have to dwell on the past, but I find it interesting to see how much my people have overcome. This should bring about thoughts of the way things have changed and also a better understanding of the way things use to be. I must say that "we" as a whole should all be thankful!
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