Glory Only In Christ

** I am once again participating in the Lenten SheSharesTruth activity given by the wonderful writers of the blog SheReadsTruth. This week were given the task of interpreting 1st Corinthians 2: 1-5. May you be blessed by what the Lord has laid on my heart to share. Any woman trying to get deeper in God, please visit the blog and join a community of women intent on indulging on His word .**

"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth." Psalms 115:1

Take back my degree, erase everything that I went to college for, disregard my eloquent speech, remove my titles, strip me bare of my accomplishments and see only the Christ in me. My things only distract you from seeing the real Star of the show, the Risen Christ. Whatever great things you thought I did do not even measure up in comparison to the greatness that He did on the Cross. I assure you, we are the same, equal, and evenly matched. I cry when you cry. I labor when you labor. I rejoice when you rejoice. I hunger when you were hunger. I stutter when you stutter. If I look weak, great. If I am labeled as meek, wonderful. If I let you cut me off and speak to me in a condescending tone, perfect. As long as by the end of our conversation you realize that the same Christ who justified me also justifies you, it was all worth it. "But he who glories, let him glory on the Lord. For not he who commends himself is approved, but who the Lord commends." 2nd Corinthians 10:17-18 This is what Paul is saying, this is what Stephanie is saying. All glory belongs to the Risen King Jesus.

Jonah's Great Escape: My Interpretation of Jonah 1 & 2

** I am once again participating in the #SheSharesTruth activity given by the wonderful writers of the blog SheReadsTruth. Any woman trying to get deeper in God, please visit the blog and join a community of women intent on indulging on His word .**

Jonah 1 & 2: First Hand Account

He says "Go there.", I say "Flee from here!" Why me? Why now? Why there? There's a boat going to Tarshish and I'm going to be on it so I can go as far away from You as possible. "He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." Sorry God I'm not your man, You should choose someone else more fit for the position.

What is all that noise? I guess my sleep will have to wait, I can rest and relax when I get to Tarshish anyways. Why does the boat feel like it is going to flip upside down and rip in two? "But the LORD sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship was about to be broken up."  Uh-oh, God is this You causing the sea to open up and swallow us? Why do You pursue me so? Why do you make the waves chase after me? 

 Others call on gods who can do nothing for them. I know that You can calm the very sea that Your hands crafted. My fellow sailors seem to have more reverence for You than I do. How foolish of me to think that I could escape You? You who sees all, knows all, and created all things. I know what must happen, just throw me overboard. Get rid of this raging sea by getting rid of me. "And he said to them. 'Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is  because of me.' "

God, I recognize my wrong and want another opportunity to get it right. I know that You called me to do something great. On Your strength and power I  will stand. Even though it's dark where I am, I know that You are with me as my protection. "Yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD, my GOD." In my darkest moments is when I can see You the clearest. "So the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land." As I turn my face towards You, I finally see daylight and dry land. I'm ready to fulfill Your purpose for my life.

Whether we are running from Nineveh, accepting the call to become a minister, opening that business, going back to school for that Master's Degree, or signing up for that Missions Trip that has been tugging on our heartstrings, there is a God-given purpose that we may be running from.We must unlace our track shoes and shake off the feelings of inadequacy or lack. My Sisters, behind every glimpse of our purpose that is revealed to us, God puts the provision and ability to carry it out. May your days be filled gloriously with carrying out His purpose. xoxo

Interpretation of Psalms 130

Song of Ascents = Pilgrim Songs, Songs of Degrees, Songs of Steps

Interpretation of Psalm 130:

 Down in the pits of our lowest point when we have been cut off from everyone whom we thought could help, Your Name is called upon earnestly. I beg that you hear our cry and listen to lips full of humble prayers. Where could we hide if you kept a record of all of our iniquities? What scale could hold the weight of our sins? How merciful You are that You smooth out the rough patches of life with Your grace and mercy, if you didn't we would unravel like a ball of yarn. Thanks be unto You for Your loving kindness and ability to forgive. You are eternally reverenced because You never stop forgiving. No matter what happens or what challenges arise, unshakable faith is the only response.

 In pain or joy, tears or laughter I will wait upon Your presence to speak to my soul as only You can. With a heart of expectancy and hope, I will sit patiently knowing that You are never far. In you do I put my trust oh God, for there is no one else who can redeem me from my sins. My hand is in Your hand lead me in the land of uprightness.

“Gratitude for forgiveness leads the worshiper to reverent fear and obedience.”

** Today, I dust off my blog for an exciting challenge in which other readers and I get to share our insight of a particular passage of scripture pertaining to the Lent season. I'm participating in the activity with the blog shereadstruth . I recommend it to any woman seeking to get deeper in God. **

My Daniel Fast Recap

At 12 am this morning I completed my 21 day Daniel Fast *30 second praise break*. For this fast I asked God to endow me with more self-control. For those of you who aren't familiar with it I will explain what it entails. On the fast, which started on the 16th of January, I was not supposed to consume any sweets, carbonized liquid, fried foods, white bread, caffeine, white sugar, junk food, shellfish, or pork. I looked at that list and was confused at what I was supposed to eat instead. Looking back, it really wasn't very hard to find alternate food selections. The first week only consisted of not eating the foods previously listed, the second week however limited our eating to only two meals a day, and the third week limited our eating to only one meal a day (Hay Dios Mio!).

Fasting Tip: Go into with a couple of friends so that you can have accountability partners.

The first week was interesting to say the least. I love sweets so that is where my struggle came in. We were instructed to read through the entire book of Acts, and I have to say that I fell in love with the book. I turned off my TV and limited my time on facebook, twitter, etc. The extra time spent in The Word and talking to God in the first week set the foundation for the rest of the fast. Adding my own personal touches on the fast I decided that I would spend limited time around my friends so that I could be focused.

Fasting Tip: Start slow and gradually work up to a more advanced fast. If you're just starting out and set the bar too high, you will only be disappointed. 

Week two came before I knew it and I definitely felt the absence of  the third meal. My self-control was tested and then some! We were allowed to eat snacks but for the most part I tried to stick to just the two meals. In this week we were instructed to read through the books of Ephesians and Galatians. These books were the perfect substitute for TV and the internet Once, again I found myself loving these books. The 13 Letters are AMAZING! Paul is my Hero (umm after Jesus, David, Solomon, Jacob/Isreal, and Bathsheba).

Fasting Tip: It's okay to look at how others fast for a reference ONLY. You have to do what is right for you. 

Week three rolled around and I felt that I was prepared to drop my meals down to one. I decided that I would eat at 4:30 every day because it would keep me full for the rest of the night. In this week the substitute for TV, the internet, and two meals were the books Philippians and Colossians. Philippians (2:2-11 to be specific) is my absolute favorite book of the Bible so I was all too happy to read it in its entirety. If my self-control was not tested anywhere else it was during this week. I stayed buried in The Word and in constant conversation with God so I would not always be thinking about food (if you didn't know, I LOVE FOOD so your girl was going through!)

 Fasting Tip: Give it your all!  Even if you're giving up TV or facebook instead of food, be dedicated.

My main fear during the fast was that I would not be able to control my hunger and cheat. I am proud to say that I did not cheat once during this fast. I realized that I am stronger than I thought I was. "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord" -- 2 Corinthians 10:17. Shout out to my Heavenly Father for making this journey worthwhile. That's all for now...

.

 

Getting This Off of My Chest

One of my Brothers in Christ pissed me off something terrible today and I completely shut him out and told myself that he didn't exist. I ignored him the whole day and avoided being in the same space as him. I thought I was through with being cold and heartless, apparently I'm not! I don't like when I get the "I don't care attitude" because I cut everyone and everything off and exist in a world by myself. I created this defense mechanism when my parents got divorced and I didn't want to deal with the pain. I'm not that scared little 12 year old girl anymore who is afraid to face her problems. I refuse to revert back to my old ways. This issue will be handled tomorrow. God I thank You for Your redeeming mercy.

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." Matthew 18:15

Girlfriends Conference 2010

For this entire weekend I'm attending a Girlfriends Conference at my church and I'm being truly blessed! I love men just as much as the next woman but it's a joy to be surrounded by your sisters and Christ and be having a good time. Our first lady opened up the conference with an amazing sermon. She preached on why women are so unhappy and a few of the points hit home.

1) Give Me a Break. We as ladies don't take enough time out for ourselves and then get me mad when we don;t get rest. It's okay to sit down and kick you feet up for a little bit. Your husband, children, boss, friends, etc. will be just fine while you're getting some rest.

2) Stop Your Stinkin' Thinkin'. We think negatively so we are negative. It's so much easier to be negative then to be positive but we have to fight against nature and gain positivity. We must realize the importance of our thoughts.

3) Watch Your Mouth. Since our words become reality so quickly we have to watch what we say. Make your words work for you!

S/N: Even though the message was aimed at women, fellas feel free to apply these lessos to your life too.

Scriptural reference: Luke 10, John 15, Phil 4:8

Stephanie's Book Club

"Chosen & Destined" by Patricia Haley.

As I was strolling through the book heaven named Barnes & Nobles I spotted a book named "Chosen" that had this fine man on the front. Like really fine, here take a look http://www.amazon.com/Chosen-Patricia-Haley/dp/1416580506. I must confess that I do judge books by their covers, I have passed on books that have dull or boring covers. Pardon me, I digress. So anyways, the cover caught my eye initially and then when I read the description of what the book was about I was hooked. Patty (yup I've already nicknamed her) decided to write a book using the biblical story of King David & King Solomon as her base. I don't know about you but I love to read modernized Bible stories! When trying to figure out who the different characters were I found myself reading these books and The Bible (The end of 1st Chronicles & 2 Chronicles ) simultaneously. Patty did an amazing job and I recommend these books 100% to anyone who loves intrigue, mystery, suspense. She gives a fresh outlook to the age-old tale of two of the best Kings in the history of the Bible.

A Season of Waiting

Not settling for less than you deserve is a blessing & a curse. I see all these people in relationships and want that for myself. Then I remember that because I waited for the right one, what I have will last. So I'm in a season of patiently waiting for him from Him. I'm taking this time to perfect myself so that when the moment comes I will be ready. #ahardpilltoswallow

There's so much going on that I have to break my blogging ban...stay tuned for more

Love Will Set You Free...

We have picked up the work, and we do what we can to watch and pray. The patterns seen by the first continue. This time, however, no one has forced us to do this, he greatest blow to all of humanity has been to destroy the truth. Men make children from one bed to the next. These children grow up without the love of that man. The men move through life without learning the power of loving through the eyes of their children. Woman have become strong resilient, unbreakable. In many respects this is good, for who will care for the children if they are too weak to do so? But their hearts have hardened to the peace that surpasses understanding. They go from one man to the next looking for the love that they didn't find in the last. Hardened by the cycle of their life, they turn away from their mother's love, who in their later years find the true meaning of this life. Unable to connect, these women, mothers, and daughters, and sisters, are not able to pass what the learned to one another. Passion rules the day, and love must be held at bay. Even the sweetness of our passion is kept secret because we have now learned shame and hatred over humanity and peace. We can no longer merely watch and record. The chosen ones must stand up and be counted. We must be the light for others to see. We must stand in the gaps. It's time to speak truth to power, to walk in love boldly. Fear no one. Tell of the peace that comes in knowing who we are and whose we are. Love your children. They don't have to come from you to belong to you. Love your parents. They have hurt in ways that you won't because they loved you. Love your mate. Spend as much time and energy keeping them as you did trying to get them. Love yourself and your community, your people. They are one in the same. Above all, love God, your creator, your maker. Love God more than you love his world and the things of this world. They will not last. But love never fails. When you get love, are walking in love, have learned to be loved, teach it to others. The time is now.Are you the one, the chosen? Will you walk with us? Will you stand in the power of love?

This passage is taken from Bertrice Berry's "Jim & Louella's Homemade Heart-Fix Remedy" and it touched my soul so deeply I had to put the book down and cry for a minute. Love conquerors all...

Sunday Randomness

*singing* Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me...all of my days

Trying to supress the feeling of home sickness creeping up

Thinking about actually sticking to my weight-loss New Year's Resolution this year

Thanking God for providing me with eternal friends

About to watch Waiting to Exhale (one of my favorite movies)

Day-dreaming about waffles, cheese eggs, and turkey bacon (Oooh Glory!!!)

Putting my feet on the path of my Purpose

A Glimpse Inside My Mind...(A Calandra Original)

Penned a few lines in class of something that was on my heart. This song explains it best:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrrHJYxDyyA

Pornography distorting my mind. Clouding my thoughts. Fogging-up my judgement. My forbidden fruit, my kryptonite,my addiction forever. It perverts my thoughts on sex. What was once pure and ordained for marriage is now sick and twisted. Like Paul when I want to do good I end up doing wrong. Fingers typing without my consent. Thoughts being processed without my permission. Imagination bursting in without first knocking or being invited. "Jesus take this burden"I pray multiple times during the day. The enemy trying to steal my purity, trying to reduce the importance of my virginity. Curses being wrapped around my future because of my past actions. Just one drop of that Atonement blood will release me of my bonds and free me to live in the purpose He has for me. I want a long and blessed marriage. So I must walk the narrow path that many take. I want God's Favor. So I must remain near the Cross. What he meant for evil, God meant for good. His grace allows me too "confess my sins so I can be healed". Well let the healing begin! Jesus lifted the 2-ton weight off of my shoulders so now I can stand up straight.*breathes a heavy sigh of relief* Head held high and feet marching on towards the goal...

"Good and Bad Hair Whether You're Dark Or You're Fair...

Chris Rock was bold enough to make a documentary about a touchy (literally) subject within the black community : A Black Woman's Hair!! In his movie "Good Hair" he touches on an array of topics that Black females face everyday. Topics include : weave, natural-hair, perm, and the image that Black females project within the hair community. Also, the Bronner Brother's Hair Show and all its antics makes an appearance too.

First let me start by saying that I thought the movie was fantastic! It was funny to see our hair experiences broad-casted to a wider audience. Prior to me viewing the movie I had heard mixed reviews from twitter, facebook, and other blogs about the content of the movie. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little skeptical upon entering the movie theatre. Aside from Chris Rock's hilarious narration and interviews the documentary was extremely enlightening. The good Reverend (Al Sharpton of course) brought up an excellent point in the movie: Black females contribute tremendously to the hair industry, so why aren't there more Black owned hair businesses? Better yet, why aren't we supporting the Black businesses that are in existence? *puts up church finger and excuses myself* Preach Reverend!! Black people have struggled with this "supporting our own" issue for centuries, and at some point it needs to be addressed in depth and handled properly.

Once I was told that I had "good hair". What does that mean? Isn't all hair good? Why isn't natural hair promoted as much as straight hair? (Natural hair is freedom by the way! lol) This movie peers into the way Black females in particular tie our self-esteem/confidence into our hair will do just about anything to make sure our hair is on point! Also how females (or the S.O.'s of said female) will pay astronomical amounts of money just to have their hair done. This movie is a must-see and a guaranteed laugh factory. India.Arie sang it best "I am not my hair!I am not my skin I am the soul that lives within!" If only 85% of the Black female population knew that truth...

The Risen King!

Hallelujah You have won the Victory! Hallelujah You have won it all for me! Death could not hold you down, You are the Risen King. Seated in Majesty, You are the Risen King!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkAREE-h2Dc

Enough said! Waves of emotion crash over my body as I listen to this song over and over again. I am so thankful that I don't have to speak to a dead god. I serve a Living God and will not waste anymore outside of my Purpose. Death could not hold Him down...he defeated the grave just like we will defeat the enemy. The fight is fixed what am I scared of?? I claim the Victory in the Mighty Name of Jesus! Time to shed the cloak of fear the devil has draped heavily over my body. Time to step into the Light of God's Promise. I'm going on a journey...and I won't stop until I see His face!

Friendship Inventory

I woke up this morning and decided to write down the way I feel about my friendships. I listened to a minister named John Gray in church yesterday and he spoke about cutting off people who are not adding anything to your life. What is a friendship if there is no honesty present? Why are people so quick to surround themselves with "yes" people who do not have their best interests in mind? Our society breeds sugar-coating, passive people who cannot by any means handle the truth. I only know one other person (you know I'm talking about you) like me who is so real that it hurts. The truth always hurts though, can YOU handle the pain? Authentic friendships are very rare in contemporary times and it's about time they came back! If you ask then I will tell you my honest (operative word is honest) opinion. I'm sick and tired of being called rude or hostile because I voice the truth that everyone is trying to cover up. I will not be silenced (I never have been but you get the point)! I have some friends who are still not used to my honesty,our relationship will be dwindling rapidly. There is no time for mediocre friendships, if our relationship is parasitic then it's done. I'm on a mission to seek and spread the Truth. I you can't take the heat kindly excuse yourself from the kitchen.

The ultimate Friend (Jesus Christ) said it best: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."(John 15:13). Would you?

Sunday Randomness

I'm really considering getting a tattoo on my wrist!

Papa Jones is in town! I am really learning a lot about him...

I'm not sure where I would be without God!

Why isn't it Columbus week I'm sure Christopher and 'em celebrated longer than a day when he made his discovery!

*singing like J-Hud* I aaaaaaam changing...(for the better of course)

That's all for now...

Restoration

I just had a nice long talk over Cuban food with my Daddy! I love him so much and I thank God everyday for the major changes He has made in my father. As I was listening to this man pour out his heart and emotions as freely as our waiter poured out water into our glasses, I just felt love. I came to the conclusion that God has the best sense of humor e.v.e.r. He ought to be a stand-up comedian. Just when I thought something was going one way He switches it to the opposite direction. Me: Okay cool this is going that way, God: Hahahahaha that's what she thinks! It is an honor and a privilege to serve such a humorous God and know that even when I am going through He has EVERYTHING in His control. He is truly the God of restoration and healing. I commit to willingly jump out of my comfort zone so I can see the true wonders and miracles of God. That's all for now...

10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1...BLAST OFF!!!

10 Things I Wish I Could Say To 10 Different People

**I was 2 seconds from putting the people who I wanted to say this to, but I figured it would defeat the purpose...lol**
1. I'm not nice when I'm annoyed, so please don't annoy me.

2. I'm just waiting for you to ask because the answer is yes.

3. Your actions made me lose a lot of respect for you.

4. It's not too late for you to change.

5. The life you are living is taken you down a road that was not meant for you.

6. Stop trying to be someone you are not, your fakeness disgusts me.

7. I don't want your man because if I did he would be mine already. (Forgive me Lord)

8. Your dependence on everybody but yourself boils my blood.

9. You don't have to run anymore, we're your family and we love you no matter what.

10. Just give it up because it is not worth your salvation.

9 Things About Myself

1. I have no filter on my mouth, as soon as I think it out of my mouth it flows.

2. I connect with males better than I do females.

3. I hate relationships but want to get married.

4. I have the mindset of a 33 year old.

5. I have visions of things that always come to pass that same day or a couple days later.

6. I want to record a song in a professional studio.

7. I learn songs as soon as I hear them.

8. I consider my brother to be my father because he was there when my father wasn't.

9. If I have children I want all boys.

8 Ways To Win My Heart

1. Just be yourself (trying to be overly macho will have you seeing the back of my head as I walk away before you remember my face good)

2. Be able to sing me to sleep.

3. Be able to show some emotion (I have no problem with seeing a guy cry).

4. Treat your Mom and the females in you family like queens (that is a direct representation of how you will treat me).

5. Be truly rooted in God (nothing attracts me more than seeing a guy who is not afraid to give God some genuine praise).

6. Don't suffocate my personality with yours.

7. Be able to kiss so good my socks come off (even if I'm not wearing any).

8. Be an intellectual and thirst for knowledge constantly.

7 Things That Cross My Mind Often

1. Jesus when are you coming back?

2. Why am I such a loner?

3. I need to lose some weight.

4. What a much better world it would be if everyone was as real as me.

5. God give me strength.

6. Hmmm I think I'm a racist, since I can count on one hand the number of white people I like.

7. Some of these college chillrun need their butts beat!

6 Things I Do Before You Go To Sleep

1. Oil my hair.

2. Brush my teeth.

3. Listen to music.

4. Go on Facebook.

5. Talk to my Mom.

6. Put a bandu on my hair.

5 People I Couldn't Live Without

1. My Mom!

2. My Siblings

3. My Aunts

4. My nieces/nephews

5. God

4 Things I'm Wearing Right Now

1. Multi-colored bandu

2. Obama shirt

3. Sweatpants

4.Headphones

3 Songs That Fit My Life Perfectly

1. "Woman Like Me" by Beyonce

2. "I Am Ready for Love" by India.Arie

3. "You Never Let Me Down" by Marvin Winans Jr.

2 Things I Want To Do Before I Die

1. Visit Africa.

2. Live in a different country for at least two years.

1 Confession

Before I am 30 I want my whole left are full of tattoos that pertain to music.

From the depths of my heart

The temps say "Papa was a rolling stone, where ever he laid his hat was his home" but what if my Papa never stopped rolling long enough to make a home where we could become one and be one family unit. When Papa divorced Mama he also divorced us kids and now we have chosen to divorce you.

There is no need for lengthy court proceedings or Johnnie Cochran-esque lawyers because it's all a mutual agreement. You don't call me and I don't call you, now every body's happy (well at least I am). Since I refuse to do things I don't want to do:

No I didn't show up to your wedding to a lady who I was never properly introduced to because I didn't like the bride or the groom.

No I will not speak to you when you call, Mama taught me not to speak to strangers.

No I can't see myself respecting what you say because my Mom and Dad are embodied in one person, you're just extra.

I'm not sure why you don't understand where this is coming from. You brought this on yourself!

Yes I am pissed when I didn't get a call on my birthday but instead an annually late card.

Yup I am confused at how you and my Mom were married but I still feel like I was raised in a single-parent home.

Of course I am enraged that you sat back in your weak state and allowed my mother to raise us to the best of her ability and then you want to criticize how we were brought up.

Don't mistake my passion for hate. I would actually have to acknowledge your existence to hate you. I don't so I don't...from the depths of my heart.

*disclaimer* My father and I recently reconciled, but this was on my heart and can now be released in love*

My Ode to Chocolate Brothers (A Calandra Original)

I have seen a surplus of fine chocolate brothas lately so I had to drop a few lines to express my appreciation. India sings it best:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_4ynkfLg5o (please open in a new tab)

There is something about chocolate skinned brothers that attracts me to no end. Whether they have no hair, dreds, or a high top fade, seeing their smooth skin is the highlight of my day. Their skin reminds me of slightly melted Hershey's chocolate smooth with a little bit of gloss. Lawd Jesus don't let them have pearly whites to match. The white color of their teeth contrasted against that skin, constantly sends my whole world in a spin. I can only imagine chocolate colored Kings and Princes in the Motherland, commanding tribes with a spear in hand. I think I have seen the light, but ironically it is dark. If they say light skin is in then I want to be out, because without a doubt dark-skinned brothers are the finest people out. This is my dedicated ode to chocolate brothers all around the globe.