Keep Praying...It Gets Better

On last evening, during my routine quiet time, my mind went back to a few months ago when it seemed like I was caught in a whirlwind of trials...if it wasn't one thing it was ten others. I remember there was this one situation that all but sucked the life out of me. My heart was aching, my spirit was low, my mind was messed up and I was ready to call it quits on everything...no joke. I just couldn't see things becoming better and I had literally reached my breaking point.

Praying was the one thing I never strayed from, no matter how irritated, agitated and frustrated I grew. I even solicited prayer from two very dear friends, because I knew it was the only way I was going to make it through such a difficult season in my life. *Pause* Never be too ashamed or proud to ask for prayer.

Even through times of intense prayer and fasting, I still sometimes felt that things, or at least my ability to deal would never get better. But one day, smack dab in the middle of the fight, I realized that something was different...something had changed...something had actually gotten better. But what was it? I'm still in the midst of this tumultuous storm, so what could possibly be better?  It was at that moment, that God reminded me of a simple prayer I'd been praying Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things that I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.  In the midst of those prayers, God strengthened my abillity to go through. You see, I couldn't necessarily change the situations, but I could change my mindset and the way I chose to deal with difficult times. Making that adjustment has turned out to be one of the best changes I could have ever gone through. Dealing with trying times has gotten soooooooooooo much better. I can go through the storm with complete peace in knowing that my Heavenly Father is going to bring me out just fine.  *Note* The way we deal with things makes a HUGE difference in how we hold up during hard times.

Today, I want you to know that IT DOES GET BETTER.  You may not be able to change what you're going through, but with much prayer you can surely change how you go through. Granted if we had the option of skipping over trials and tribulations altogether, I'm sure we all most certainly would; however, none of us are exempt from rough patches in life. Besides, it's those times that try our faith and strength that brings out the true champion within us.

If you get nothing else out of anything I've shared today, please know that you don't have to give up...you don't have to give in...you don't have to give out because God promised that He'd see you through. Hold on and DON'T STOP PRAYING...it gets better! With God's grace you can keep on going a little longer.

Til we meet again...live more, worry less, laugh often!

Your sister in Christ,
Keisha

Push Past Your Fear

Last week, I traveled to Orlando with my church family.  We had a blast!!! I made up in my mind that at every park we went to, I was getting on all of the gut-wrenching rides. My son, Joey, decided he wanted to roll with the big dogs and follow mommy. Granted, there were some rides that I absolutely refused to let him get on because I know my scaredy-cat son and there was no way I was going to get to the front of the line then have to turn around because he's crying.  Well, he made up in his mind that it didn't matter how scary the next ride I went to was, which was The Mummy, he was getting on. Ok...fine. "Once we get in here, there's no turning back" I told him. "Yes ma'am" he replied.

Within a minute of getting inside the attraction to stand in line, Joey wraps his arms tightly around my waist and whimpers "Mama, I'm scared."  I tell him "It's too late to be scared now, you're in here. Mama's got you. You'll be fine."  Though my words of consolation didn't stop him from shedding a few tears before we actually got on the ride, when it was all over he walked out with a smile on his face and yelled "That wasn't scary...it was fun!"   Though the dark building and weird noises caused him to be fearful, because I held his hand and assured him everything would be fine, he pushed past his fears and ended up enjoying himself.  Had he given in to fear, he would've missed out on a perfectly fun ride.

This made me think about how many of us can be when it comes to doing something God has instructed us to do. We look at it from the surface and because it looks scary we allow fear to encompass our mind and make us want to run in the opposite direction. I have definitely been there.

One thing you must always remember is that fear is of the enemy. He knows that he can use fear to rob you of living a purpose-filled life and cause you to be too afraid to be the person God intends for you to be. Keep in mind that God has not given you the spirit of fear; but a spirit of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). 

Today, I dare you to push past your fears and make the decision to go along for the ride. Whatever it is God is calling you to do, I encourage you to trust that there's no need to be afraid because God's got you...you'll be fine. We all have fearful moments, but when you feel afraid just wrap your arms tight around the Master and allow Him to be your security. Don't give Satan the satisfaction of making you punk-out and run for the border, instead show Him who's boss!

Til we meet again...live more, worry less, laugh often!

Your sister in Christ,
Keisha

Celebrate Your Freedom

July 4th is a national holiday set aside to celebrate the day the United States declared its independence. People from all walks of life gather with their loved ones and enjoy fireworks, barbecues, parades and many other exciting festivities! We celebrate the fact that America is a free country.

Last evening as I was enjoying my routine quiet time, I began to think about the freedom that God gives.  I thought about the scripture "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (John 8:36) So many of us are bound and we don't even have to be.  Jesus is standing right there with open arms, just waiting for you to declare your independence from bondage. Freedom is readily avaliable to you today...acknowledge it, accept it, act on it.

There's nothing more Satan would love to do than to keep you bound...in your heart, in your mind, in your spirit.  He knows that if he can hold you hostage to bondage, he can kill your purpose.  Oh, but that old devil is a liar. Today, I dare you to sign your Declaration of Indepence from all pain, hurt, guilt and shame. Open your heart and recieve the freedom that Christ is so eager to give you.

There's no freedom like freedom in Christ! Celebrate your freedom, not just on July 4th, but everyday of your life! Your soul is free; your heart is free; your mind is free...celebrate!!

Til we meet again...

Live more...worry less...laugh often!

Your sister in Christ,
Keisha

He Wants Your All

Today, I'm experiencing an excitement that I haven't felt in quite some time. It's one that I can't exactly explain, but it's making me want to jump for joy. No, I haven't gotten a million bucks, a brand new house or car, or gone on a lavish shopping spree (although all of that would be great!).  But my excitement is deeper than that...goes far beyond the surface.  You see, I've decided to say YES to God with my whole heart and I'm excited about it!  God has been tugging at my heart for a very long time, but my own inadequacies caused me to run and try my best to dodge His calling upon my life. But, how many of us know that there's really no dodging God? If He wants you, He definitely knows how to get you!

About a month ago I kept hearing four words in my spirit Give me your all. And God began to deal with me on the matter. I remember saying Lord, what do you mean? Haven't I done that? He began to show me just what He meant in saying He wants my all. Though a lot of what He showed me is completely beyond what I feel comfortable doing, I made the choice to surrender...wholeheartedly.

In giving God all, we give ourselves over to Him...mind, body and soul. A surrendered heart says Whatever you say, I'll obey. This means that although our emotions may sometimes fight what God is saying, we put our feelings aside and just do what God said do; a yes spirit doesn't just say yes in words, but in action.  So often we tell God yes, but then when He reveals just what that declaration means, we go running.  But God is looking for those who will surrender their all to Him and follow where ever He may lead. He's looking for those who say Lord if you send me to the valley, I'll go; If you send me through the desert, I'll go; If you send me to preach, I'll go; If you send me alone, I'll go; Whenever, where ever, whatever...I'll go.

All God wants is your all.  When you give Him all you have, He will begin to shine His glory upon you and His purpose for your life will be made manifest. I am so excited about giving God my all! Will you join me in saying YES?

There's a song that is so befitting for what God is saying today...let the words pierce your heart.



Til we meet again...

Live more...worry less...laugh often!

Your sister in Christ,
Keisha

When Duty Calls

Recently, after reaching the 10 years out of high school mark, I was reflecting over my senior year. I was thinking about how although I had dreamed of going to college to study Psychology, I had this bright idea to join the military...the Marines to be exact. *I'm chuckling to myself just thinking about this.* Now mind you, I'm the girl who opted for JROTC just so I wouldn't have to take physical education. How in the world did I come up with that million dollar idea?! Anyway, I went all the way through the process...even the swearing in process. Then, all of a sudden it hit me like a ton of bricks...what if one day duty calls me to go to war? My recruiting officer told me, "when duty calls, you answer." Uhh, I don't think I'm cut out for this, is what I began to think. Even though there was no war going on at the time, the thought of having to go if one occured scared the living daylight outta me. Long story short, due to severe migraines I was medically discharged and never went through with my career as a Marine. I don't know what I was thinking...

Being in the military you never know when the call to duty may come.  When it does, you have to answer because once you swear-in, you belong to Uncle Sam and when he says jump...well you know the rest. Though some are enthused about the call to duty, there are some who struggle with answering the call. When a soldier refuses to answer the call, serious repercussions follow. The good thing about the military though, is that they train and equip you for whatever task they place before you.

This is much like many of us in our spiritual walk with Christ.  Once we "swear in" and accept Him as our Lord and Savior, we belong to Him. He has a plan and purpose for each of us and at any given time, He will impress upon our hearts that it's time to walk in purpose...this is our spritual call to duty.  Accepting the call often pushes you out of your comfort zone, and for some that is a scary thing.  Though God trains and equips us through tests and trials, we often struggle with accepting the call. But just like you can't run from Uncle Sam, you can't run from God because He will find you.

It's always much easier to willingly obey God, because one thing you don't want is for Him to put you in a position where you have no other choice but to say Yes Lord.  If we are soldiers in God's army that means sooner or later, duty is going to call. When God calls you, all He wants you to do is answer and follow where ever He leads you. Where ever He sends you, whether it's into preaching, teaching, evangelizing, writing, mentoring, singing...you can rest assured that He's got you covered.

God is looking for soliders who don't mind answering His call to purpose.  Can He trust you to answer when duty calls or will you go AWOL? When duty calls, answer.

Til we meet again...

Live more...worry less...laugh often!!

Your sister in Christ,
Keisha

Discovering Contentment

"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Philippians 4:11, NIV)

Whatever the circumstances? I don't know about that. This is what I've found myself thinking lately. I must make a confession...content is a word that scares the bejesus out of me. I think it's because I see being content with something as being satisfied with it as it is, but there are certain situations in my life where I am everything BUT satisfied.  So I sometimes find myself asking God "How do you expect me to just be cool when this area of my life is hot as Hades?" I am having a hard time with this one...

This morning I began my quest to gain a better understanding of what it means to be content, and through dictionary.com I found out just how discontent I am. I could identify with almost every antonym listed. Wow! (SMH) Immediately I began to pray, asking God to forgive me for being so dissastisfied with my current circumstances that I've allowed myself to be unhappy with and question His plan for my life. I asked Him to help me discover and embrace true contentment. Afterall, contentment and happiness are totally different. So, being content isn't saying I'm necesarrily happy with the circumstances, but I'm okay with accepting them as they are until they become better.

We all face seasons in our lives when we feel dissatisfied, discontent and disturbed by the raging storms God uses to mold, mature and birth ministry within us.  During these times all we want is for things to change...quickly. But what we often fail to realize is that it takes time to learn what God is trying to teach us; therefore, we must learn to be content with whatever state we are in. Chances are, until we've absorbed the wisdom wrapped within the circumstance things aren't likely to change. Unless we embrace what God is doing, no matter how discontenting it may be, growth and development will not take place in our lives.

I know that I am not alone in my struggle to discover contentment in certain areas of my life, so whoever you are that can relate to what I'm experiencing join me in going before God and asking Him to teach us how to be content, whatever the circumstance. I can readily admit that accepting what God allows is not always easy and we often want to fight against it, but I promise it gets you absolutely no where...except further away from God. And I'm sure that's a place none of us, who really love Him, want to be.

One thing I love about God is that He promised all things would work together for our good...and He's a God of promise!! So, if you're like me and haven't quite gotten this contentment thing down to a science, let's make the discovery together. As Paul Morton's song says, "I pray for you, you pray for me and watch God change things."  We're in this together...

Til we meet again...

Live more...worry less...laugh often!!

Your sister in Christ,
Keisha

Yes YOU Can!

I am the first to admit that I allowed fear to rob me of many opportunities in life. There is so much that I missed out on, quit, or never even attempted because I just knew that I'd be no good at it or simply because I was afraid to try. At least that's what I allowed fear to tell me. I thank God that He is giving me a new outlook on life and buidling my confidence in myself through Him. Growth is such a beautiful thing...

Many times, in attempting new ventures or facing tough challenges, we become overwhelmed and bogged down by insecurities. We tend to feel that we are not equipped with whatever abilities that are necessary to accomplish the task placed before us. As a result, we throw in the towel and quit. We say just forget it. There is a very familiar scripture which says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13) We’ve quoted this scripture to others, and ourselves, on numerous occasions. So, why is it that even with the knowledge of what God’s word says, we often fail to apply it to our own lives? We merely speak the word with our lips, while not believing the very same word in our heart. When we find ourselves faced with tough, or new challenges, we can’t allow the enemy to cause us to buckle under the pressure and begin speaking self-defeating phrases like “God, I can’t do this! This is too hard!” When things become challenging in our lives, we can’t throw Philippians 4:13 out of the window, but we have to internalize the word of God, embrace it and act upon it. Feeding into the false belief that you can’t, even before you try, will always produce negative results. If you face a challenge with the preconceived notion that you will not succeed, you are more prone to fail. Remember, “your attitude determines your altitude.” What you believe is what you’ll receive.


We can do ALL things through Christ. Whatever we set in our heart to accomplish is possible through Jesus. Psalm 37:4 (CEV) says, “Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart’s desire.” Don’t be afraid to try. We can not allow fear to have such a grip on our mind that we abort our dreams. Fear says:
• You're not smart enough to go back to school, so don't apply.

• You're not qualified for that job, so don't go to the interview.

• You can't manage a business, stop thinking about it...etc.


But Christ says you can do ALL things. The Contemporary English Version says, “Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” All things are possible if you apply yourself and believe. “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:20) You must do your part! Then, depend on God to do what you can’t do; God helps those who first help themselves. Never allow anyone, including yourself, to convince you that you CAN’T, because as long as you live a life pleasing to God, YOU CAN!! Why? Because God’s word says so, and his word will not return void: “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11, CEV)

Tell yourself, Yes I can, yes I will be all that God says I can be because all things are possible through Christ. Sure, it sounds cliché, but God is waiting to help you reach your highest potential. When you feel like you can’t, lift up your eyes to the hills from whence cometh your help (Psalm 121:1) and allow God’s word to be your assurance.

Will you trust God enough to believe that you can achieve whatever you purpose in your heart to accomplish?

Til we meet again...

Live more...worry less...laugh often!

Your sister in Christ,
Keisha