Today, I really want to say so many things:  "Watch your mouth", "Speak love",  "Trust Him more",  "Let go of dead weight", "Move beyond your past", etc.  But as I prayed and asked God for a Word to share.  He simply said, "Look to Me...redirect your attention to Me".  Wow!  In the midst of chaos and the various challenges we face daily, it's so easy to get caught up and swept away by the bondage of our situations.  We must remember that God is bigger than big and greater than great.  When we focus our attention on Him, we no longer feel the weight of our burdens, but we experience the peace of God that comes only when we look to Him.

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Have you ever questioned the blessings of someone else?  Have you ever wondered why God's favor seems to rest on the lives of others...blessing after blessing while you watch and wait?  If you are guilty of this selfish, time consuming act...stop and repent!  You may not know the story of pain, heartache, suffering and sacrifice of those who labored and are ripe to receive their blessings from God.  God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).  Furthermore, who are you to question God's judgment?  The blessings of God belongs to Him and He can distribute His blessings as He pleases.  Let's be clear that what God has for you, is just for you.  Are you seeking Him?  No one or nothing can stop the move of God.  His supply will not end.  He will not forget what He has promised you.  He will not set you up to bring you down.  God is a faithful God.  God is a gracious and merciful God.  This realization will free you to celebrate the blessings of others as you prepare yourself to receive your own.  God's favor is abundant upon the obedient.  Trust Him to do everything He said, and it will come to pass in His appointed time.

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Every day, every hour, every minute, every second, every moment...we need Him.  Even during the times when we feel like we have life under control, His presence and hand of mercy are necessary.  Decision making with what seems to be trivial, managing the minute situations, letting go of the "little things" increase our faith as we dare ourselves to trust Him.  He is able and willing to do what needs to be done in our lives, if we trust Him to do so.  As we learn to let go of everything, we realize that we can trust Him with anything...great or small.  If left to rely on our own wisdom and knowledge, we would certainly be lost.  Why not allow your faith to take you where He wants you to be?

The Word of God says with faith the size of a mustard seed, mountains can be moved.  With faith, nothing is impossible for you.  How big is your faith?  How much do you trust?  I challenge you to take your faith to the place of trust and rest in His arms of safety.  He will deliver day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, moment by moment...trust Him enough!

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So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.  Matthew 17:20

Happy Resurrection Day!  Yes, I know Easter was celebrated several weeks ago, but my Savior is alive and well everyday.  His presence should be celebrated everyday.  As I reflect on His love for me and think of how He gave His life that I might live, I am moved to tears.  His love is beyond explanation.  Understanding exactly who He is and realizing what He did:  His death, burial, and ressurection is indicative of the fact that I can do all things because He lives in me.  I am victorious. I am an overcomer.  I am more than a conqueror.   I do not have to die when I face any trial or tribulation...He paid the ultimate price so I can live and win.  Therefore the "it's" that I encounter in this life cannot overtake me because He lives and He is greater than the "it's".  The challenges I encounter do not seem as complicated because He lives.  The situations I face that would stress me will not shake me because He lives.  Other people's problems will not me press me because He lives.  I can walk in faith, no fear, because He lives.  I may be knocked down, but I will not be counted out.  Because He got up...I can too!  Happy Resurrection Day!

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We have so many layers.  Many of us have several roles, some played simultaneously. We are so complex, that one word is not enough to adequately describe who we are and what we are about.  Doctors, lawyers, educators, mothers, fathers, sisters, friends, employees, employers, shareholders, members...so many layers.  Creatively we are just as diverse.  The many gifts and talents we are equipped with are too many to mention. 

Our truth is reflected in our habits and character.  But are we defining ourselves by the titles we hold or the possessions we collect?  What do your layers say about you?  While many use fictitious layers to disguise imperfections, the truth is exactly what it is.  Our identity is not depicted by the lies that disguise or goods we display. The truth can be found at the core, the heart, and is revealed in each layer.

As we grow in grace, we develop layers and we shed layers as we overcome challenges and experience the lessons God has purposed for us.  While battling two natures, it would be impossible not to shed as God chastises and corrects us.  But as we grow and shed layers, know that we develop more into the men and women that God has called us to be.  So...layer up!

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Don't be confused about who I am and to whom I belong
Don't mistake my kindness for weakness cause baby I'm strong
Don't judge me by my past and the many mistakes I've made
Don't forget that Jesus died for my sins, an awesome price He paid
Don't discredit my gifts and talents just because of who I was
Remember God qualifies and He loves me just because
Don't make assumptions based on what you see
You may not notice I'm walking in freedom...totally.

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According to Merriam Webster's Dictionary:
Be - verb (used without object)  to exist or live;  to take place; happen; occur; to occupy a place or position;  to continue or remain as before; to belong; attend; befall

Fads fade just as fast as they were formed. 
Make your own film.
Make an authentic impression.
Allow the real you to stand up and be. 
Be...free to live in the abundance God has provided.
Be...free from the stain of sin. 
Be...free to live your purpose and not exist below your potential. 
Be...free to experience God in His fullness. 
Be...the you God created. 
Be...Be...Be...all God has called you to be. 
Be...healed, delivered, set free...be.
Fads fade just as fast as they were formed. 
Make your own film.
Make an authentic impression. 
Allow the real you to stand up and BE!

There have been times when I wished I had never gone through certain situations in my life to avoid unnecessary pain, heartache, and disappointment.  As I have grown, I realize that everything I went through contributed to who I am right now.  I was not defeated.  I was not destroyed.  I overcame it all.  In this life, mistakes are inevitable, as well as disappointments, let-downs, and failures...and that's ok.  Those very discouraging situations can teach us a very valuable lesson if we own the victory on the other side of the challenge.  We are not defined by our mishaps, we are healed through our confessions.  It is after our confession when God can restore us and use us for His glory.  The Word of God says that trials come to make us strong.  We are strengthened through our faith in Jesus Christ as we stand on the promises of God as we go through various trials.  Denial and the weight of past mistakes only keep us in the bondage that the enemy desires.  We must take responsibility for what was and stand on what is.  God is able to heal, deliver, and set free. Own your healing.  Own your deliverance.  Own your freedom.  Release the power that your past holds over you.  Loose the guilt and shame.   Discontinue doubt, unbelief, and defeat and surrender to your conquering spirit.  Your past does not dictate your future.   You are more than a conqueror...own it!

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Reality shows have consumed our society while sending mixed messages to our daughters about building relationships and maintaining integrity.  Lying, cheating, stealing, and compromising our values do not contribute to a strong character or strong faith.  In fact, it tears us apart and diminishes our value.  We cannot be an asset to the Body of Christ if we sacrifice ourselves for money, power, or 15 minutes of fame.  We are worth so much more than the cheap thrill that self gratification lends.  Yes, I meant lends...because self gratification comes with a cost...and it ain't cheap. 

Sisters we have a responsibility to teach our daughters the way of the Lord.  They need to know how to develop into the women that God desires us to be and how to build their character and maintain their integrity.  And they are watching us!   We must be an example of Godly living while building each other up from the inside out.  If every woman would commit to a self examination and surrender completely to God's will for their lives, we could make a significant impact without pointing fingers, gossiping, or compromising our value.  Let's live life so God can use us to be a blessing to our daughters, our sisters, for we are our Sister's Keeper.  She may need you today, but you may need her tomorrow.  A kind word or deed can mean the world to a sister in need.

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There is absolutely no way I could have lived "this life", with "this mindset" 15 years ago.  I was not equipped to handle it.  My mind, body, and soul was not in the position to receive God's instruction for the destiny I'm being propelled into today.  I had to go through some changes in order learn a few lessons.   During this journey I've learned that each trial, each challenge, and each tragedy I experience, builds my character and strengthens my faith as I press forward through Jesus Christ.  This is the building process.  Each challenge prepares me for the next trial, and the next trial prepares me for the next trial.  Every opposition gives me an opportunity to see God work and it also gives others an opportunity to watch my witness.  Will I fall and be counted out, or will I stand?

The building process takes time, in fact it never ends.  Each victory results in a stronger faith, a closer relationship with the Lord, and a powerful witness.  Standing is an awesome testament to the fact that God is exactly who His Word says He is...which is everything I need Him to be.  I was designed to stand...destined to rise...created to be all that God is calling me to be.  As a Believer, I have the power through Christ Jesus to overcome that which comes to break me.  But I am saved and I am strong.  I was built to stand...therefore I will. 

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