Happy Mother's Day!!!

 

 Mother's hold their children's hands for a short while but their hearts forever. 

 Happy Mother's Day!!!

Out With The Old, In With The New

Source

I tiptoe through my past like a robber in the night. I search for a great memory that is worth bringing with me. I was so caught up in my fantasies I couldn't determine what was real from what I had hoped for. That was the beginning of my destruction. No one stopped me. I did not care because when I am so focused not even the most beautiful words can stop me. I cried. I hurt. I got revenge. Revenge tastes so sweet until God exposes what you did.

He exposed me. He exposed me.

That was my chance to change, but instead I went back to my past and tried to ignore the pain that remained. I failed and the cycle began. It took a couple more times until my secret nights of tiptoeing began to cease. I had a few more failures and brought some unexpected things with me. I went creeping through my past so much that it was barely anything there to take. There was no more tiptoeing because my present contained those old memories. I thought they would be so sweet, so kind, but instead they stole from me. I missed out on many opportunities because I was caught up in my dreams...or dare I say nightmares. But in the midst of my mess and confusion, God spoke to me. And for the first time, I decided to listen and obey. I didn't have much hope in what He had spoken to me, but I had tremendous doubt. Every time I tried to ignore Him, He exposed the truth in my past. Every time I attempted to run from Him He exposed the pain. As He exposed, He began to heal.

Expose and heal. Expose and heal.

 I began to believe there could be a future outside of that comfortable pain. So much luggage I had brought. So many tears I had released. So much pain I had endured, but God kept me. I had searched for great memories that had continuously left me empty. I did not understand why but God kept me. I released my fear and doubt, those old fantasies and the luggage from there to now. I feel empowered. Renewed. Refreshed.

I. Am. Healed. Because He exposed me.

God's Grace,

Likyla

Review: Not Just a Hearer but a Doer

First of all, when I received this book I was pleasantly surprised to see it began and ended with an opening and closing prayer. I was immediately ready to begin.

Not Just a Hearer but a Doer - Deliberately Living Life Devotional Study by Yolanda Shanks is a 31 day devotional study Mrs. Shanks developed to help others become doers of the word and not just hearers only.

This devotional is filled with a huge amount of information and scripture references using majority of the King James Version unless noted otherwise. She has also included a black and white image which corresponds with the purpose of the specific chapter. Although this Volume One study is only 143 pages, you will learn a great deal packed in such a small book.

Each day will consist of the topic introduction paragraph followed by the "Observation" which is a scripture reference. Then the "Background" will give an explanation of the verse used. Next is the "Interpretation". This is where Mrs. Shanks goes into a little more depth regarding the topic and scripture. Now we are at the part of the "Application" which provides a brief summary and "Memory Scriptures". You will also find space for you to share your thoughts and/or notes on the scriptures for the day’s text.

Although I did not like the idea of the images not being in color, it did not take away from the substance of the book at all. I liked the fact the chapters were not long and tedious. Mrs. Shanks really had you digging into the scriptures. I felt as though this devotional was well put together and she really put some thought and prayer into it. I certainly enjoyed this devotional and would definitely recommend.

I’m looking forward to Volume Two!

About the Author: Yolanda Shanks

Multi-published author, speaker, blogger, teacher, wife, grandmother—Yolanda Shanks wears many hats, but the one she most resonates with is her role as an advocate for living life to its fullest.

Shanks’ award-winning first book, Destined to Live, Despite Me, continues to be a source of hope for those battling effects from a prior suicide attempt. It garnered an enthusiastic Kirkus review, which stated the book was “a commendable guide for finding meaning after considering suicide.”

Her second book, Not Just a Hearer but a Doer (released June 2012) challenges the body of Christ to act upon scripture. In the Fall of 2012, she released a third project, entitled Destined to Live, Despite Me – A Cause to Be Thankful.

Link to Main Website: http://www.YolandaShanks.com/

Link to a Bio for an Author: http://yolandashanks.com/about-the-author/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/yolandashanks

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew

LET THEM GO! BY BISHOP T.D. JAKES

There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. 

I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone. When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left. 

The Bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19] 

People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay. 

Let them go. 

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead. 

You've got to know when it's dead. 

You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay. 

Let them go!! 

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to . . . . . . . . 

LET IT GO!!! 

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains . . . . . . . .

LET IT GO!!! 

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth . . . . . . .

LET IT GO!!! 

If someone has angered you . . . . . . . . 

LET IT GO!!! 

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge . . . . . . . . 

LET IT GO!!! 

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction . . . . . . . . 

LET IT GO!!! 

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents . . . . . . .

LET IT GO!!! 

If you have a bad attitude . . . . . . . . 

LET IT GO!!! 

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better . . . . . . . . 

LET IT GO!!! 

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him . . . . . . . . 

LET IT GO!!! 

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship . . . . . . . . 

LET IT GO!!! 

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves . . . . . . .

LET IT GO!!! 

If you're feeling depressed and stressed . . . . . . . . 

LET IT GO!!! 

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to . . . . . . . . 

LET IT GO!!! 

Let the past be the past Forget the former things. GOD is doing a new thing for 2013!!! 

LET IT GO!!! 

Get Right or Get Left… think about it, and then . . . . . .

LET IT GO!!! 

"The Battle is the Lord's!"

Monday Inspiration: Jesus Culture - Holy

This song will definitely take you into worship.

Just one look on your face
Just one glance of your eyes
My whole world is changed
My whole world is changed

All I seek, only to see your face
I don't wanna go anywhere without you God
Without your presence
Oh, let me see your face
The beauty of your holiness God
Take me in to the holy place

And only one word comes to mind
There's only one word to describe
Only one word comes to mine
There's only one word to describe

Holy, holy
Lord God Almighty

There's no one like you
You are Holy, holy

PLAGIARISM

via

A dear friend of mine posted the following post on her blog and she also shared it on facebook page the other day. Once I read it, I immediately knew I wanted to share it here with all of you. I'm sure some of you have probably gone through this at some point but I encourage everyone to please read this in it's entirety.

 PLAGIARISM

Many will get offended by this- or should I say FEEL THE STING OF CONVICTION upon hearing/reading this; but praise God that He loves you enough to bring this to your attention, that you may REPENT and get it together privately- before He exposes you publicly! THIS IS NOT UP FOR DEBATE! IF YOU DISAGREE, WE'LL JUST HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE AND KEEP IT MOVING....


God speaks to and uses us ALL in many DIFFERENT ways. His call on MY life is NOT the same as His call on YOUR life or anyone else's. Whatever God calls US to do, He will equip US to do it. We should NEVER try to be anyone else, or do what anyone else is doing, except that which GOD has called US to. Now SHARING is one thing, but STEALING is quite another! We should NEVER try to take credit for something that God has ordained for someone else. That includes EVERYTHING, even writings, sermons, prophecies, and yes, FACEBOOK postings! When we sneakily 'use' something that God has given to someone else and PURPOSELY MISLEAD people to believe it is our own, we are DECEIVING them and ourselves! And in the case of using people's writings, etc. without their expressed PERMISSION and/or ACKNOWLEDGMENT, (PURPOSELY REMOVING THEIR NAME AND/OR COPYRIGHT), we are PLAGAIRIZING/STEALING! And should an author or whomever's 'work' we are using is UNKNOWN, we should make that very clear as well!


Beloveds, we have to treat other people in the SAME manner that we ourselves would like to be treated, in EVERY single area of our lives. We should ALWAYS GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE! Of course, GOD GETS ALL THE GLORY as He is the ultimate Source of all we have, all we do, all we are; but again, He has chosen to give EACH one of us certain gifts, tasks, etc. to bring forth for His glory.


Going deeper.... Blasphemy is attributing/giving credit to- the things of God to satan or anyone/anything else and vice versa. The bible teaches us that all sins are forgivable EXCEPT this one- blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. So even God is NOT pleased with the lying, stealing and deceitfulness involved in this! So BE CAREFUL beloved- you may be fooling 'man' some of the time, but you are NOT fooling God any of the time! And you better believe that you will have to GIVE AN ACCOUNT to God for all of this deceitfulness one day! If you truly LOVE GOD and have a REAL and INTIMATE relationship with Him, you will NEVER be at such a "LOSS FOR WORDS," or have to PRETEND that you are so "SPIRITUAL" and hear such "DEEP" things from God that you have to COPY/IMITATE/STEAL; and claim something as your own that you KNOW full well God has NOT given to you! The Spirit of God will be able to FLOW FREELY in, through and OUT of you for the glory of God. Beloved PLAGIARISM is pathetic... It's really sad and disheartening-especially in the Body of Christ! But I thank God for divine revelation... REPENT NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.... Selah! 

 Copyright © 2013  LaTanya Scott (WomenArise)

Review: Prayer Never Fails: Especially During Trials by Berney K. Dorton

I must admit the title of the book sparked my interest in the beginning, but after reading the synopsis I was really looking forward to reading this book. I could not have received this book at a better time. Not to mention, I could relate to many of the tragic events she shared. Therefore, it left me anxious and a little nervous to receive this book because of the many different emotions I was already dealing with.

Prayer Never Fails has 14 Chapters and is an easy and quick read. Although, I would recommend you taking your time and really digesting every scripture and story that is shared.  I found myself reading a few chapters more than once and crying during some. Also, every chapter begins with a scripture mainly taken from the New International Version (NIV).

Often times when we are going through trials we feel like giving up but Mrs. Dorton reminds us to continue to pray and have faith regardless of the circumstances. “Prayer should be our initial response instead of our last-ditch effort.”  She highlights five reasons to pray.

        1.       Pray to confess and confront the sin in our lives.

        2.       Pray to thank God for His blessings.

        3.       Pray to develop intimacy with God.

        4.       Pray for cleansing and restoration.

        5.       The righteous prayers availeth much.

I liked the concept of her using real life stories as examples of different trials she faced to insure the readers they are not alone and she is not exempt. Everyone will go through many different trials in life but with continuous prayer we will make it through.

I believe others could genuinely benefit from reading this book because it will encourage them to continue to pray while going through tough circumstances. 

Prayer Never Fails: Especially During Trials

ISBN: 978-1600475344 

List Price: $13.95 

Format: Softcover 

Page Count: 182

The book is available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or via her website.

About the Author: Berney K. Dorton

Berney K. Dorton, a native of El Sobrante, California, is married, mother of three grown children, an accomplished registered nurse, professor, inspirational speaker, and author. She is the host of Flames of Fire ministry. She works with Circle of Love Men’s ministry, the Good News Jail ministry.

If you would like to learn more or wish to connect with Berney K. Dorton, please visit her at the following links.

Berney’s Main Website

Berney on Twitter

Berney on Facebook

Book Trailer Video

 

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.