Many People but One Body Pt. 2

Romans 12:3-5
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Think about the family tree and how the blood from your great, great, great ancestors runs through your veins. Think about the sister or brother that looks nothing like the parents or siblings but looks like an auntie or a grandparent. Think about how people and parents influence their children and how they become them or end up being nothing like them but more like someone else in the family. Think about an elementary school teacher of yours made a huge impact on you and how you are as a person and because of them you give a piece of that teacher unknowingly to someone else. We are all connected in some sort of way blood or not.

When I think about this I think about the church. The believers, the thirsty and the leaders in the church some how all the time someone is influencing others whether they know it or not. I sing on the praise team so I am on stage and I can see the people and how they look at me and others in the congregation. I see children with locked eyes on the teens and the adults in the church and they process what they see and they develop a belief of that person.

I have heard and talked with many people who are just stifled by the leaders in the church. They cannot take them seriously because they do not practice what they preach. When I was younger there was a minister that was sleeping around with so many women and they knew about it... well if I knew about it they had to have known. But anyways I look at it like what you do DOES affect me and others around you! Leader's of the church preaching and teaching on what they do not live in the home. Laying hands on the sick yet they are sick them selves. I understand that God uses people that are broken and cracked... My thing is when they are "CALLED" then that is when they are supposed to make thoughtful and wise decisions to live a blameless life.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God- 33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

What is happening is that many of these leaders in the church are causing the sick to fall and it is because what they are doing is infecting the people. People's spirits are contagious. So many are wolves in sheep's clothing. This world is falling because they are "Bending" what they believe and are not standing firm and living their lives in the way of their beliefs.

Let's go back to the "called", how do a lot of these leaders become leaders? Is it based on time they have been involved, filling in the gaps, book smart, street smart? Just because someone has a testimony does not mean they are called to teach or preach or usher, or whatever. Just because someone read a chapter of the bible and can eloquently decipher and expound on what it means does not mean they are living it... So who is doing the calling?

Let me ask you this! Would you want someone who just WATCHES ER and whatever hospital show to perform surgery on you? Would you want someone who only knows how to DRIVE a car fix your car?NO I hope is what you answered... but we allow it in the churches.  PARENTS.... I know you hate getting advice on how to raise your kids from someone who has NONE... and Relationship advice... who wants that when you have been divorced 4 times? The only advice I will take from you is what NOT to do...

The leaders are corrupt and infecting believers and those that are thirsty....

My only advice which I think is the BEST Advice is to have that personal relationship with God not religion not traditions but with GOD... He will pull the veil off of people, He will filter what is being said to you. Then you can POSITIVELY affect others because know that they are WATCHING and HEARING YOU.. They will see you for who you are, what you are not, what you were and why you do what you do.

How are you infecting others and with what?

Many People but One Body... Pt 1

You are unique and an individual. There is no one like you and nobody can do what you do best but you! You provide something that people need, you offer something to the bigger picture that will build it up or tear it down. Although only one you, you are a piece of the puzzle that makes it complete. With out you, you leave room for discomfort, discouragement, confusion, and it's unfinished. Romans 12:3-5 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We all have a specific and broad function in the many areas of our lives, in our families, work, church, school, etc... if one part is not functioning then two things are going to happen: 1) Others around you will be affected and they will have to carry your weight which will be difficult because they do not have those "assigned" roles that you specifically had 2) If we are not bearing fruit we will be cut off.Matthew 7:18-20 8"A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.19"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20"So then, you will know them by their fruits.… Take a look at your fruit is it bearing good or b

What we do truly affects others I have heard many people say, "What I do should not affect you" which is totally wrong. You do may not stop me because of my determination but there are things you do and words you say have an impact on not only someone directly but others indirectly as well. There is this philosophy that I truly am connected to, it is called Ubuntu "I am what I am because of who we all are." (From a definition offered by Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee.) Archbishop Desmond Tutu offered a definition in a 1999 book:[8] A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, based from a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed. Tutu further explained Ubuntu in 2008:[9] One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu – the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality – Ubuntu – you are known for your generosity. We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole World. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity. (Wikipedia) I seriously believe that we are all connected. What I do today will affect someone 10 years from now! What are you doing that is effecting the people around you, especially the ones you love? What are others around you doing that cause you to have to shift for good or for bad? Stay tuned for part 2!

What is Your Net Worth?

So I love to read but what is funny is that I have a hard time reading from cover to cover... I was a professional student for a long time and have graduated but in my education, I taught and conditioned myself to skim and get the parts that I needed out. So I still struggle with that! BUT ANYWAYS... I am currently reading T.D. Jakes "He-Motions" I got it for my husband but began reading it myself. But it is good for men and women who love the men in their lives. So in my skimming I came across a set of questions that sparked my interest. I think it is because I am working on myself these days. Finding out who I am in this stage of life. I feel like I kinda lost myself the past year and looking to gain perspective and "DO ME" lol. Many women tend to lose their selves when they first get married, I can only speak for myself right now but I was so consumed on being that "WIFE" doing everything the Bible says a wife needs to be. Trying to make a happy home but in reality what was going on was I was in crisis mode and crisis can be defined as a point in your life where things just change drastically. This does not have to be in a negative sense. I had a huge moment of crisis where things were changing all at once. I moved back to Minneapolis, starting and finishing graduate school, changing churches, getting married, moving out of my moms care, and more. It was a very emotional time for me. Especially the changing of churches and getting married. I grew up in my church and my family grew up in their too. Marriage, well I have never been married before and did not have that model two parent household so I did not know what it was like to live with a man. So I went into SURVIVAL MODE I was lost and trying to make things perfect but it WAS NOT.... So my current situation is to thrive rather than survive and doing that means getting back to the basics finding who I am at this stage in life. Know that every 3-5 years you are changing because life happens and if you do not keep up you will stay in survival mode and there is no growth in that.

Thinking about our net worth reminds me of a few scriptures: Romans 12:6 We have different gifts based on the grace that was given to us. So if your gift is prophecy, use your gift in proportion to your faith. And then the Parable of the Talents Matt 25:13-30 13 “Therefore stay alert, because you do not know the day or the hour. 14 For it is like a man going on a journey, who summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability.  And then again in Luke 19:11-27... We are significant and worth so much but God is not going to give us more if we are not faithful over little Matt 25:21. Think about your current situation, now think about 5 years ago. Can you see increase? Is your net worth increasing? Maybe you are stuck right now, like me trying to figure out who you are at this stage in life. The list of questions in HE-Motions were: How do you behave when you are alone? Often, what you spend your money on is a direct reflection of where your values are placed. What do your spending habits say about your values? How much do you enjoy your own company? What do you enjoy most about being alone with yourself? Whats the hardest part of being alone with yourself? How have you handled being alone in the past? Can you write a letter or have a conversation and tell who you are without telling what you do?  Do you have a fair and objective sense of the intimacies of your character? He goes on to say that get to know yourself better requires a personal audit, comparison of your assets to liabilities to determine your net character worth. I want to make sure that my life is increasing according to what God wants in my life and how HE wants to use me. I have to make sure my goals and aspirations align with the will of God and I know my life will be blessed more than I can measure.

I pray increase in your life, I pray that everything you touch prospers. I pray that you will be used for the building of the kingdom of God. I pray that God increases in your life and you decrease.

Peace and Blessings,
Cicely

My Pearls are Precious: 5 Reasons to NOT Throw Your Pearls to the Pigs

You my dear, are a rare and sacred vessel. How do I know that? Well God made you and in HIS image. You were chosen out of millions of “Sea Men” to represent God here on earth. You are a pearl. Pearls have a simple yet elegant beauty about them. Pearls symbolize Purity, Spiritual Transformation, Charity, Honesty, Wisdom and Integrity, all the best within us  To me they represent a lady. 

Imagine how the pearl became a pearl. It started off as a grain of sand locked in a dark place where life got a hold of it. Lots of pressure from everything around it causing friction and irritation. But then someone found it and opened it and in it was beauty. That is God molding and shaping us into this beautiful gem representing what God does for us. We have become God's masterpiece, His beautiful art. 

Matt 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. What does this mean? Just think about it dogs are seemingly aggressive and savages they tear things up. And pigs, an unclean animal that lives in the mud. Really, throw beautiful pearls to it? It is just going to stomp all over it. Why give your pearls, your holiness to something or someone that will never see the value in it? But do not go around labeling people as pigs or dogs just because they are not for you does not mean they are not for somebody else. What I am saying is HEAR God when it comes to finding someone that will value and cherish those beautiful pearls.


5 Reasons to Stay Sacred and NOT Throw Your Pearls to Pigs:

1. You Are Unique- No one can do what you do like you do. They can't look like you, talk like you, produce the greatness that only you can produce. In other words, there is only 1 you and you better own it! Kept wondering why you did not fit in, it's because you are the star of the show! Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations
   
2. You are Beautiful, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made- For some of us we know we are beautiful others have a hard time believing that. We need so many people to tell us that we are beautiful and still we need more. It took me a long time to really believe that I was beautiful and that God saw me beautiful! It is so true I do not care how much you do NOT look like the people in the magazines... They do not even look like the people in the magazines :) You have to hold on to those pearls until you really believe it because if you do not then those pearls will fall into the wrong hands.
   
3. Your Body is God's Temple- Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body," (1 Cor. 6:19-20). What you put in it, what you allow to go inside of you can either do harm or good. So eat healthier, exercise, get the LIVING WORD in you, read books that will help you grow into the person God wants you to be! Don't allow for men and women to misuse you and abuse you- easier said than done but practice makes almost perfect. What you wear plays a big role what message are you sending even though you may not plan to send any message people are receiving a message from you!
   
4. That ONE is getting ready for you- Are you becoming a wife? Are you preparing yourself for the next step for marriage? Proverbs 18:22 says, when a man findeth a WIFE, not a girl but a wife. You have to be a wife therefore the old you has to die. You can't do childish things anymore. Hold on to those pearls for that ONE that will cherish it FOREVER not just temporarily.
   
5. God entrusted you with those pearls- You have those pearls for a reason. He did not give them to pigs He gave them to a beautiful woman so learn how to cherish, honor and respect them. IF you cannot do that then why do you expect for someone else to? Learn to love yourself; learn yourself period. You are with you all the time and many people do not know who they are, whose they are and what they represent. Better get excited about those pearls. 

Just remember if your pearls have been mistreated, used and abused, devalued and trampled on, pick them back up. Go and wash them off. Polish them until you see them shine. Put them back on and wear them proudly. Or put it in your jewelry box until you want to wear them again. God will restore! 

Peace and Blessings,

Cicely

Gentleness, such a GREAT power

By the Meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you (2 Cor 10:1) that gentleness indeed holds such a great power and those who possess that fruit of the Spirit knows exactly what I mean! Here I go AGAIN with this gentleness topic.... I do not know I how got here again, but I am assuming that it needs to be heard. 

I am reading many different books for Christian women and two of them are Kingdom Woman by Tony Evans and his daughter, Chrystal Evans Hurst and I keep going back to the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. Go pick up these amazing books! 
Well I was rereading the chapter in Captivating titled, "Arousing Adam" and it was so deep and I just kept hearing gentleness. For the past couple of months I have been struggling with being heard and felt like I was being taken advantage of by so many people and I thought that is was because I was so kind and gentle and so I began to try to be a bit more TOUGH and have an attitude. I began to see people's Diva-like, "Aint nobody got time for that" type attitudes and thought it was working well. I tried it and failed. I felt silly, I felt like it just did not come out as nice as I thought it would. I just wanted to be heard you know. But that was not me. 

One day I was with one of my more "Urban" Girl Scout groups, a bunch of 4/5th graders and I spoke to them nicely, did not raise my voice and just was kind to them something they were not used to. But they were being so loud and doing their own thing and I began to get more stern. But then a hall monitor came in loud and putting them in "check" and they got quiet but out of fear. I asked them, "Is that how I need for you all to listen? Be loud and mean or speak to you nicely?" They said, "No, NICELY" I then realized they loved being with me because I was calm and sweet and gentle something they needed but was not used to. So I began to love on them a little bit more when they wanted hugs I gave them hugs, when they wanted to talk I let them talk and I listened. 

Now ladies, we have become a loud, angry, violent type of women and it has come from so many issues that we have been through and our parents have been through that we keep trying to adapt to this crazy world. Thing about it we are to live in the world not be of it (John 15:19) that is where we are struggling because we want the world to love us because we love it. 1 John 2:15-17 says, If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

Why can't we be a gentle woman speaking with kindness, showing love and mercy? I will let you know that the most loud, angry women heavily portrayed in the media is of black women, I see it on videos and even in real life. I am not trying to single any race out that is what I see and what the world sees and people laugh. It is so sad to me. I live in Minnesota, born and raised and seen really old married black couples and very few YOUNG married. Why is that? I went to college in Marshall, MN and saw so many young married white couples and serious relationships. I saw the black football players as just that, "PLAYERS" but they weren't with the black girls, they were with the white girls. A few black guys said they don't like all that loud attitude black girls give and I was like dang.... But oh well. Just earlier I was watching a couple videos people posted on FB of black girls LOUD AND FIGHTING... and the guys just sat around laughing. 

I remember one thing my husband said while we were dating and even in marriage he needed peace in the home. Peace not meaning quiet but peace as in serene a place of retreat, a place to be revived and rejuvenated. A place where he WANTED to come home, a place to escape the madness of the world. And why shouldn't he be allowed that? I know I want it! Did you read that story at the top? How the sun won with gentleness? I am telling you, you could get a lot of what you want with being gentle. 

If you are seeking to get married or need a more peaceful place at home in the marriage you have, just remember that men, the real ones, the ones that want to make YOU THE ONE, want and need a wife to be gentle. Gentle with her words and actions. Here are some scriptures to prove it:

• Proverbs 19:13 ...and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. (Contentions: heated disagreement, quarreling)
• Proverbs 21:9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
• Proverbs 21:19 Better to live in a tent in the wild than with a cross and petulant spouse. (The Message Bible)

So if we see that being contentious, petulant, cross, quarreling etc. has the power to drive away our men then what power do we have with showing and being gentle? 

• Well Proverbs 25:15 says, Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone
• And, Proverbs 15: 1 says, A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger
• It also says that it is UNFADING BEAUTY, "Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:4
• It is also one of the fruits of the Spirit, Galatians 5:23.

So it can break bones, turn away wrath, is forever beautiful, and like Christ... hmmm there seems to be a lot of power. 


If we are Christians that means we are to being walking like Christ, Christ said, Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matt 11:29) 

Be like Christ, be gentle to those around you, they need the peace, they need rest for their souls. Our men had a long, tough day at work be gentle. Our children was bullied or yelled at, be gentle. Your friends and family are going through a tough time, be gentle... Be gentle to all (2 Tim 2:24).

I dare you to practice this, you will change your atmosphere for better! 

Peace and Blessings,

Cicely

Aesop's Fable- The North Wind and the Sun
The North Wind boasted of great strength. The Sun argued that there was great power in gentleness. 
"We shall have a contest," said the Sun. 
Far below, a man traveled a winding road. He was wearing a warm winter coat. 
"As a test of strength," said the Sun, "Let us see which of us can take the coat off of that man." 
"It will be quite simple for me to force him to remove his coat," bragged the Wind. 
The Wind blew so hard, the birds clung to the trees. The world was filled with dust and leaves. But the harder the wind blew down the road, the tighter the shivering man clung to his coat. 
Then, the Sun came out from behind a cloud. Sun warmed the air and the frosty ground. The man on the road unbuttoned his coat. 
The sun grew slowly brighter and brighter. 
Soon the man felt so hot, he took off his coat and sat down in a shady spot. 
"How did you do that?" said the Wind. 
"It was easy," said the Sun, "I lit the day. Through gentleness I got my way." 

Waiting for that Kairos Moment- That God Moment

The other day I was reflecting on time wasted and how not only people wasted my time but I was the main culprit of wasted time. The phrase made famous by a lady whose apartment was on fire always plays in my head, “Aint nobody got time for that”. It plays always when people are wasting my time or other outside forces but never when I am wasting my own time. 

I see time as wasted when I am not living up to my full potential on a day to day basis but mostly when others take my time for granted. You see I have been pointing fingers at everybody else thinking they run my life clock but in reality it is all me. I allow for others to run my clock but realizing that I have control over my own actions and God is the official clock runner. He started it and He will end it, it is up to me on how I use my time wisely. Psalms 139:16 “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

I know you have said this a time once before or maybe a lot, “Where has the time gone?” Do you remember all the great things you have done/experienced or are you regretting those moments where you could have done more. Did you give up too soon or did you jump the gun? 

This "time" I speak of and we live is a chronos time, you know chronological. We live from point A-Birth to point B-Death.  In between those two points God gives us these special moments called Kairos.  You can find this Greek term in the New Testament.  It is those God-ordained moments, those RIGHT time moments, that appointed season.  Those moments when time(chronos) intersect with that ordained point of time(kairos) that is God at work. 

You ever feel the presence of God at some time in your day? That is where the Holy Spirit is waiting for the words to be spoken. Look at Genesis 1:2-3 “2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” That was a God-ordained moment.

Take a moment or two to reflect on your life can you remember those moments where you just stood there and thought, “ I was at the right place at the right time?” Or thinking, “yes this is my time my season!”  Think of those moments. Write them down even.
One thing I realized that the enemy is so real and does not like that God has a purpose and a plan for our lives. The enemy will do so much to stop you before you reach that next Kairos moment. We even block those moments ourselves, we get in the way of God. Either we get scared and begin to sabotage it or we want it so bad we jump the gun and mess it all up. I personally jump the gun which I am working on. 

What about you? Are you wanting those awesome God ordained moments without the obstacle’s? Do you want the husband/wife you have been praying and dreaming about but just on your terms, no issues, no fights, no baggage etc? Do you want the job but do not want to work hard to get it or keep it? We do not want the struggles and hardships but we want what God has for us. Or are you the type  where we want it but on our time, our schedule- that chronos time? You are thinking ok God, you promised me this but I am getting old, I need it now God. If I do not get it at this time I am going to give up or make it happen for me. When we think like that we END a lot of things prematurely. Did you wait on God for that answer? 

If we can just wait on God for that right time, that ordained time, that season through all the ups and downs, what we have to go through to get there we will get it and it will blow your mind. God and the Holy Spirit is working and setting us up for those moments we just cannot grow weary Galatians 6:9 says “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  It says that PROPER TIME- that God-ordained time and then it says we will reap a harvest we just cannot give up. 

The past month my husband and I have been just going through it. We definitely were pressing the eject button we were trying, we were getting prepared to go our separate ways.  I personally believe that after the storm there will be the rainbow so I knew there was peace coming. However, in the storm it does not feel good at all. But somehow we kicked God out of our marriage and my husband and I were so far apart but right next to each other.  We were taking matters into our own hands, I know I had that attitude saying, “God if you don’t hurry up I am leaving”, “God, he needs to change right now because I can’t take it” I put God on a chronological timeline and God is not on our time.  We need to just pray and wait for God because I know when He does it, it is going to be AMAZING…. I could not do it or my husband cannot do it as good as our God, there actually is no comparison. 

Just have to trust God and believe that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). 

So question to you: Would you want it NOW with the little that you have or WAIT till God gives it to you with all His power and abilities?

Peace and Love
Cicely

Funny: Husbands For Sale

HUSBANDS FOR SALE !

A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City , where a
woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a
description of how the store operates. You may visit the store ONLY ONCE
There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the
shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch .. . you may choose
any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you
cannot go back down except to exit the
building!
So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband .
On the first floor the sign on the door reads:
Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.

The second floor sign reads:
Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and
love kids.

The third floor sign reads:
Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love
kids, and are
extremely good looking.
"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep
going.

She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:
Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love
kids, are drop- dead
good looking and help with the housework.
"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand
it!"

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:
Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love
kids, are drop- dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a
strong romantic streak.
She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth
floor and the sign
reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor.
There are no men on
this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women
are impossible to please.
Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Watch
your step as you exit
the building, and have a nice day!


SO NOT TRUE but a GOOD LAUGH!!! 

The Enemy Comes to Kill Steal and Destroy- But I won't let him

Entering a peaceful moment in my life after a heavy attack from the enemy. I felt so lonely and felt the whole world was against me. I questioned all the things I did right and how things could go so wrong. I questioned my growth in God. I was stuck in a hateful and angry place and could barely see the light. I did not want to be around anyone but God would not allow that and the people that came into contact me was a true blessing from God. I have been writing this blog to help encourage myself and just to be able to share what God is doing for me and that God can do the same for you. However, I let the enemy get ahold of my situation. I started seeing things for what it looked like and not having faith for what it could be. I was giving up, I was letting go and through it all I still trusted God and prayed for my heart to be healed and my mind to be at peace.

My marriage was breaking down. Both of us said things that really did not help the situation. We both were giving up. I was angry because I was believing God for more. I kept hearing before everything "Get Ready" I just did not know to get ready for. But that is all I heard. Maybe it was for this period that my husband and I went through.
I could not write, I could not encourage I was devasted. But I love to write so I just did a disservice to myself. The enemy was slick trying to kill my spirit, steal my joy and destroy my marriage. But I kept praying and seeking wise counsel. And so many people were praying for me and my husband. I tahnk God for them! I encourage you to find people not just any people but that God kind of people that will pray for you for God's will not for their will or my will.

My prayer was to have a marriage that honored God because that is what it is supposed to be like! My prayer was for my heart, mind, eyes, and ears to be cleared away from the old and be open to the new. It was funny because I thought that I was the victim and that I was right in everything. I believed that my husband was at fault for everything but God opened my eyes, ears heart and mind and I saw some things that I was doing and it was not right, it was not beneficial to our marriage.

Marriage is not easy AT ALL! I do not care what your friends are posting on Facebook or Instagram or waht ever social medium I realized people only post the good stuff and you think they have it all together but they don't and its ok. There will be problems on top of problems the only way to get through them is with God.

Marriage is awesome don't get me wrong, I love being married to my husband, my king. I love the companionship and support. I love hugging and kissing him. We both just have a lot of learning to do and a WHOLE LOT OF COMPROMISE. But as long as we are doing it the God way we won't fail!

Stay tuned for more! I have a lot to say!

Cicely

Fear--- Get outta HERE!!!!

Oh my Gosh FEAR... Something we all have or had or will have. It will keep us in bondage for sure. I have been posting a lot on letting go on my facebook page because I keep talking with people who are in fear of the future and holding on to past hurts and events that won't allow them to move on. Here are some posts:

-----"People are just plain confused, on the fence, don't care either way, or whatever.... Make a decision, you cannot serve two masters. You cannot move forward if you holding on to the past. Usually if you don't make a decision life and time will make it for you and that aint always the best!

Revelation 3:15-16

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

-----"Its time to let it go and move on with hope of better things to come. God has something so much better in store.
Jer 29
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

I was scrolling along on Facebook and came across a friend of mine by the name of Alaina's and she had a post about fear and I just had the urge to go read it. I was reading and was all these things came across my mind of all the things I let pass me by due to fear. This gentleman by the name of  Darren D. Moore, Ph.D., LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, wrote an article about an event that he hosted, (click here for article) the title is "Speaking fear invites it into your life" and it is so true, what you speak begins to shift your world. I have written about this before, speaking life. But in the article there was an activity that they did which is awesome way to close one door and begin moving forward. They wrote a list of many of the things that they feared which held them back in those strongholds. They then read them aloud and think about how much time they were "operating out of fear". Then they went to the trash and apologized for being in fear and said, "I will fear, no Moore" and threw it away. I urge you to read the article in detail and take on that challenge to conquering fear. Of course be sure to pray first and ask God to give you the strength and courage you need. Remember that when we are weak God is strong (2 Cor 12:10) so it is alright to be weak. This is the perfect opportunity to give God the glory that He deserves! I personally had a fear of speaking in front of people and that included singing. I have a great voice but I have yet to break that fear completely. However, I am working it. I joined the praise and worship team and we each have our own mics and there is only 4 of us so it is like I cannot hide behind anybody. But I am sure I will be better if I keep working on getting OUT of my fear. Well I dare you to do that activity that is in the article and start seeing the changes. Peace and Blessings, Cicely

Some Scriptures to speak about Fear.... "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD." Psalm 27:1-6 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." Psalm 56:3-4 "Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:25-26 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Stop Comparing Your Life to Others...

Saw this picture on Facebook and was immediately inspired. I believe it comes from Proverbs 31 Ministries whom I follow and Love...

Ever just look at peoples pics and get depressed because you want what they have or you are not feeling like you are at the right level based on what they are doing. I have plenty of times. But then I realize I do not know what they went through to get to where they are at and that I am only accountable of myself therefore there cannot be any comparison especially when every one did not start at the same starting line and different resources.

Compare yourself to the old you.. see how much better you can get!


There is this activity called The Privilege Line where it is like a group of people are in line holding hands. The idea is that you are all here at the same time but everyone had different routes to get there. The thing is yes, you may have crossed paths at one point but people can only be on one path, in their own lane. Even married people have their own lanes but I imagine that to be parallel and they venture off sometimes but come back. Because when you become one, your goals and visions should align or come together but still keeping some sense of self; your individuality. But back to the privilege line, everyone is lined up and there are statements that that make you take a step back and a step forward according to your race, upbringing, nationality and more. It is really good for those who are coming together for a like cause.

But God has created us all different but for one cause to believe in Him and do His will. HE gave us all gifts and abilities and a future but no one has the same outcome and path. That is why we just cannot compare ourselves to others, if God wanted us to do that then He would have all made us the same and that my friends would be boring!!

Better start getting excited about your life and all that God has done for you and blessed you with. People you see should be inspiration not goals. Come up with your own goals!!

Peace and Blessings,
Cicely

What are you doing with your talent?

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything you gave me"-- Erma Bombeck As every man has received a gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10 My pastor has been teaching on the Parable of the Talents and it has really enlightened my thinking and when your thinking begins to change your words and behavior then changes. I was wondering what am I doing with this "Talent" God has given me? Talent can mean so many things such as time, gifts, money, opportunities, children, spouse, jobs etc. God has given us so much for the upbuilding of His Kingdom and according to our ability (Matt 25:15). In the parable, Three men were given an amount according to their ability, one man 5, the other man 2 and the other 1. All of them except the last used their talent and earned double. The last man was scared and hid it away and of course the master was uspest and took his talent and gave it to the first man; he was given more for using, being faithful and obedient over his talent. We have been given so much from God and what do we do with our gifts, our talents? Let's think about this literally- "talent", someone having great skill in a certain area. For example, I can sing, but for long as I can remember I was always shy and feared being in front of people. People who know me would say that I am far from being shy but that is how I felt. I sang in the choir but I just used my gift superficially, I did not go in deep because of fear and then I hid it. I realized, God gave me a gift and how am I using it to Glorify God? I wasn't, I locked away and did other things which just kept me busy. Recently I got back singing on the Praise Team for church and was still shy but as I dig deeper in my relationship with God and my desire to please God in all that I do so He can get the Glory my fear on stage is slowly disappearing. What other talents has God given you? What ministry did He put in your heart? Why don't you know? Some may know but are not working it, so why? Why are we not being good stewards over these gifts God has given us? Many people were given children and some have not been good stewards over God's blessings and when that happens he removes them or you and blesses someone who has been good stewards. It is just like a bank, why they only give loans and credit to those with good credit and have a history of paying things back and on time. Why would I trust you with much when you cannot take care of the little you have, "“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’" Matt 25:21. Oh my God! How awesome is that! I get to share my Master's Happiness...

And people wonder why the rich get richer and the poor get poorer sad to say but it is true. So what gifts do you have that God has given you to Glorify Him and build His Kingdom? Maybe you are an entrepeneur, partner with your church and start a business that will bless the church and the people. Maybe you are very detail-oriented, work as the adminstrator at the church or help plan strategically to take the church to the next level. Maybe you are an educator, people are needed to minister to the youth at the church. Maybe you can write, start a blog talking about the love of God. But whatever it is, use your gift and, "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men" Prov 18:6. God will send people to use your talents, your gifts and you will bring much Glory to God. You will bless His people. When it is all said and done God will ask you what have you done on earth and you can say I used everything you have given me and He will say well done my good and faithful servant Here is MORE! You definitely cannot beat God's Giving.... What is holding you back from using your talent? What is it that has you in bondage? Because when you are in bondage you cannot be used and not effectivily for God's work. It is time to get to WORK!! W-WILLING to do it... change that heart, that mindset. God cannot use those who do not want to be used. O-OBEDIENT- It is what God says to do! R-READY--- You got to always be ready when God calls K-Keeping GOD always first... remember everything you do is unto God! Please Comment and Share-- would love to know what people are doing with thier talents God has given you!!! Peace and Blessings, Cicely

Duties of a Wife... hmmmm

I Peter 3:1, 3-6 NKJVWives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

Marriage is quite the ride. Some scary parts, some thrilling parts, some boring parts and for those who have never been married some parts where you do not know what is coming next. But you stood in line, you knew it was a ride, you heard the screams, you saw the pictures, you heard from others who have experienced it, you gave them your ticket, sat in that seat, put your seat belt on, and you took off. You cannot get off until the ride is over, usually. It does not matter if you are crying, if you bumped your head, you threw up or whatever you are staying on that ride until it comes to an end. Just like marriage, you not only made a vow to your spouse but to GOD and that right there is no joke. Unfortunately, in marriages people do not stay to the end, they give up even though they knew what they were getting into. 

I absolutely love the thrill of marriage. Sometimes it is unbearable and I cry my little heart out and a lot of times it’s great. There are of course your mundane times where you feel like you are not going anywhere. But through it all I have my GOD who is my everything and sometimes I forget but He always reminds me. 

In the scripture Peter talks about the characteristics, roles, and what to do as a wife. This is very hard to swallow for many people do to culture and just people wanting to do them! But lets look at it. 

1)      Be submissive to your own husband

2)      Your beauty should be meek and quiet where people can see

3)      Be attentive to other Godly women 

The first part many women hate but it is good not only for our husbands and future husbands but good for us. I work at being submissive to my husband and have found joy in doing so. I struggle though every day and wonder if I will ever have it down but I still work at it for many reasons. When I see my husband I see the God in him. I serve the God in him and I love the God in him. My husband is a hard man but because I made a vow first to my God to marry this man forever I submit even harder. When I cook his dinner it is unto God, when I clean the house it is unto God, whatever I do for my husband it is unto God. Colossians 3:23 says, “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Submitting to my husband is submitting to God. Do you want to know the reasons why I do so? Well Ephesians 5:25  says for husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church. I want that love from my husband. He may not ever love me as much as I want him to but does that mean for me to stop submitting? NOT AT ALL… remember what I do is unto the Lord. But isn’t it beautiful how Christ love the church so much!!! Women love that type of love. 

Marriage is the earthly connection for the Lord Groom and His Church Bride. The church submitted to the Lord. The Lord submitted to do the will of His Father and if we call ourselves Christians we are supposed to walk like Christ so why shouldn’t we submit. 

Another reason is because I follow the word of God and I obey with all of my might to do what He says do even when others are doing what they are supposed to do. I realize I am accountable for myself and therefore I have to do the will of God. 

The second part which comes to me naturally but I cannot stand it. That was the previous blog I wrote. That meek and quiet spirit. But the scripture says that our beauty should not only be jewels and clothes but come from within showing a meek and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of the Lord. That last part oh my gosh, precious in the sight of the Lord remember what I said earlier what I do is unto God. I love God and I love that he loves me back and the things I do excites Him! May not excite my husband but my heavenly Father oh yeah. Ok I can bear to be meek and quiet. What does that mean though. Well you are not snapping at the drop of a dime. You hold your composure in tight situations. You are kind and gentle you do not harm people with the words or actions you may want to use. People love to be around that spirit. It brings peace in the middle of the storm. How many of you have such beauty? When you see someone loud and tripping for no reason ready to fight or the silliest things what do you see? You see all these gorgeous women all dressed up but so many are ugly on the inside. We wives and future wives must learn that skill and hone it to our own. We need to embrace that not only for God but the sake of our dear husbands. I know men would love to come home to peace after a long hard day of work not loud disrespectful women. The want sweet kind words that exhort them and honor and respect them. This is no easy task but once you do it, do it again and again and again until it becomes habit and then it becomes a part of you.

I joined my husband’s church for a few reasons and so I had to meet new people. I really connected with my First Lady whom I love! She Rocks! But she has been a great mentor, role model and wise counsel for me as a wife. The third part is to be attentive to Godly wives. The scripture gives us a model, Sarah, who obeyed Abraham… Is there a wife that you can confide in, who can give you wise counsel, whose marriage is Godly? My first lady and her husband have told us it hasn’t always been easy but then something clicked and now have an impressive marriage. I love their marriage. They have fun and joke around. They encourage each other and love each other. That is one of the Holy, Godly wives that I set my eyes and ways on. You cannot follow just anybody’s steps and ways so be careful who you focus in on. Be careful of the company you keep because you start taking on their ways and it may not always be good! 

As I write this, I feel so good about this passage in the bible. I was nervous to dig into it but God has changed my heart and in love with doing His will. 

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to share. I really want you to!  I would love for this to be an open dialogue so get your friends in here! 

 

Peace and God Bless,

Cicely