People will start out with a BEAUTIFUL idea for an invention, work project, or family event. However, often times they fail and quickly succumb to it not being supported, cursed by an enemy, or not being approved by God. Yet, I have often wondered if they’ve taken the time to focus on the unseen aspects of their efforts. If God has placed beautiful on your heart to do something, you must take yourself and man out of the equation.
Spending time with Him solidifies where He wants you to use the gift. We often equate a good idea only to where we are planted. My husband is a recording artist for Christ. Someone reached out to tell us that there is a person close to us who had cursed our ministry and that’s why there is no movement in him becoming a global artist. I chuckled. He chuckled because we’ve been preparing our armor through GOD.
Did they think we were doing it for the fame and fortune?
No! My husband sings for Christ and if he reaches one of God’s children, that is touching the globe. Our goal is to prepare our hearts for Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:18 – what’s seen is temporal but what is not seen but done for God is eternal.
REMEMBER
B – BEAUTIFUL. Romans 10:15 – How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news
E – Enthusiasm – Romans 12:1 – Be enthusiastic in serving the Lord in all YOU do
A – Ask – Matthew 7:7 – Ask Him for what YOU need.
U – UNDERSTANDING Jeremiah 3:3 – What YOU don’t understand, He will show YOU
T – TEMPERANCE – Galatians 5:22 – Temperance in YOUR lifestyle
I – IGNORE – Psalm 37 – Fret not. Ignore any enemy
F- FORGIVENESS – Luke 6:37 – should be a part of your armor
U-UNIQUENESS- Ps 139:14 -Your Uniqueness and Authenticity was orchestrated by GodYou are fearfully and wonderfully designed by God.
L – LOVE – 1 Corinthians 13:13 – Love is the greatest. Let it cost your heart with his anointed oil.
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At the start of a new year, many people make resolutions. Some ensure that the laundry is done, all dishes are clean, and each room is spotless before the stroke of midnight on December 31st of the outgoing year. At the start of a new school year, new notebooks replace the old, backpacks are upgraded, and fresh, crisp sneakers make their debut down freshly polished floors. The smell of fresh paint perfumes the air and teachers laminate and hang new posters. Most people can instantly recall the “new car” smell.
Why do we focus so much energy on the new?? Some psychologists believe that our brains associate new things with the potential for rewarding us in some way. So, in many instances we get this euphoria when we encounter new things. Revelation 21: 5 speaks to this newness:
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
But sometimes, despite the calendar change, we feel stuck in the old because our external circumstances don’t match our declarations. To be perfectly honest, I faked, I mean FAITH, my way into 2023. My new, purple 2023 planner had arrived a couple of weeks before New Year’s. I had already started planning some vacations for 2023. We had an amazing New Year’s Eve service at church. But to be perfectly honest, deep down, though I was grateful for life, health and strength, I wasn’t that enthusiastic about entering 2023. I entered the last few years with optimism and hope, and my reality was so different than what I declared. I took one of the biggest leaps of faith in August 2022; I walked away from a 6-figure job without another one in sight. Though the salary fattened my bank accounts, the unrealistic expectations, and constant stress starved my soul. There were days I would sob as I listened to my gospel music (I was working remotely), praying that God work it out. One day, while I was working and praying for answers, I heard God say “Step out on faith. You are released.”.
As I began praying in the spirit, I knew that it was God’s voice and not mine. So, I gave my two weeks’ notice with no backup plan. Now what? I had never walked away from a job without having another one already lined up. I started applying to other jobs and really focusing time on my coaching business, which is my real passion. Two months prior to giving notice to my employer, I invested in a business coach who guaranteed that I would make my investment back after working with her, and if I didn’t, she would continue working with me, for free, until I did. It was a large investment, for me at least, so we agreed that I could pay her in installments. When I first enrolled into coaching program, I was so excited. I thought that this was the answer that I had needed for my business. I thought I had finally found the ticket to lead me to full-time entrepreneurship. Sadly, that hasn’t been the case, yet. It was so supposed to be a 90-day program, it’s been 6 months and I am nowhere close to making my investment back.
And if that wasn’t discouraging enough, the reward of my daily job applying, in an alleged job seekers market, has resulted in a flood of rejection emails. That’s if they even bother to respond at all. Even a document review project that I was cleared to work on, got cancelled.I had login credentials and all, but the review company’s client cancelled the project at the last minute.I was making some progress in the application process for a Legal Editor job, that would be perfect for me. I spent several hours working on case studies, only to receive an email on the day I was going to submit everything, that they were no longer hiring for that position.
The questions did figure-eights in my mind.
What is this?? I stepped out on faith, Lord. I did what you said to do. Why isn’t ANYTHING working out?Did I mis-hear You?
Here’s the thing, I initially had such a surge of confidence when I heard God say Walk away, because I knew what he said. But as time passed and things were not going the way I thought they should in the timeframe that I thought they should, I lost that confidence. When you know that you know, you rise up with such a confidence. Earlier last year, my husband and I were playing Carnival Trivia on our last cruise. One of the questions they asked is, “Who is Carnival’s brand ambassador?” I instantly knew the answer because I had joined several Carnival Facebook groups and followed their ambassador on social media. I wrote “John Heald” on my paper. My husband wrote “Shaq” on his paper. I showed him my answer, and he asked if, I was sure. I told him that, I was positive. I knew that I knew the correct answer. And guess what.., it turns out that I was right. So how could I be so confident in something as inconsequential as a trivia game but lose confidence in what I knew God said to me.
In times that our circumstances don’t feel new, we have to focus on what we know: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:23. “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.” Jeremiah 29:11 “Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10. “Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.” Psalm 139:4. “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:3
Just recently, I was sitting down ,in the quiet, talking to God. I asked him what the next step was, and minutes later I got a text from someone inviting me to an event with other wellness professionals. I had no clue that this organization even existed. Later the same day, I got a call back for an interview for a position that I applied to before Christmas. A few hours later, I got a call for to set up an interview for an job that I applied for that same day. A little while later that same day, I received an email letting me know that Legal Editor position had re-opened, and asking whether I still want to be considered for the position..Then later that same evening, I got an email with my onboarding schedule for a freelance position giving legal advice. While I don’t know how any of these latest developments will turn out, I pray that God gives each of us the grace and peace to rest in what we knew he said, so we have the capacity to fully receive somethingnew.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV
Seemingly the words grateful, thankful, blessed have been an ongoing cliche’ trend of words, tossed around especially during this time of year. When I think about my life and all the situations and obstacles that God has brought me through, these are the words that I would personally choose to sum up the attitude that I strive to have toward everything that I’ve been through. Life can throw some pretty hard blows at times and I’ve realized the attitude of gratitude or the lack thereof makes a difference! Gratitude is the quality of being thankful or the readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. It turns what we have into enough.
Gratitude as a lifestyle
Cultivating a lifestyle of thankfulness has many benefits. Giving gratitude to God for all the things that he has done in my life has brought such peace in the time of chaos. Feelings and mindsets of fear, doubt, anxiety, depression and so much more were defeated. I can recall a time where I was suspended from my job for three days as a result of a false accusation. I could have been down in the dumps about it, however I just began to praise and thank God in advance for the outcome. Three days later I received a call and was told that I could return to work and that I would be paid for the time off because they were not able to substantiate the accusations. It is my belief that the simple act of me celebrating Jesus and giving thanks to him in spite of changed the outcome of my situation. I will be the first to say that I have not perfected the art of a grateful lifestyle. I have fallen short many times but it is a daily goal that I strive to maintain an attitude of gratitude.
THROUGH THE HARD TIMES…REMAIN GRATEFUL
Many times it can be hard to be grateful especially when times are hard. Seemingly it would make me feel better to just grumble and complain. Although that seems right, it’s not the answer. In Ps. 77:11-12 the writer Asaph says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” This came a few verses after him venting. What this says to me is that he had to encourage himself and be grateful (to God) even in the midst of hardship and things not going his way. When we take on an attitude of gratitude especially when things aren’t going the way we would like them to, it invites God into our situation and gives him the opportunity to get the Glory in and through it. It also lifts our spirit and brings us out of feelings or despair
WHEN SCIENCE & GOD ALIGNS
From a scientific standpoint, maintaining an attitude of gratitude boosts the levels of dopamine. Dopamine is the feel good neurotransmitter that is released in our brain and is the one most affected by gratitude. It’s no wonder that God would tell us to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Practical ways to apply an attitude of gratitude:
>>Singing songs of praise to GOD
>>Thankful journal-writing down daily 3-5 things your thankful for and why
>>Finding the good in the bad on purpose and meditate on it
Hebrews 11:6 But without Faith is impossible to [Walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] see Him. (AMP)
I had no idea that by the end of the year my entire career would be shifted. My position was a firefighter/ Paramedic and I was also on the Special Ops team. What I enjoyed doing shifted within one year. It was time to be promoted and I was ready to get out the position that I no longer enjoyed. However, I didn’t pass my written promotion test the first go around which lead me into a depressive state.
Opportunities
By the end of that year, I had another opportunity to be promoted. I had a discussion with the Lord that I would give this my everything and leave it all on the table. Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he had done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)”. I prayed to pass the test this go around, but if He didn’t open this door for me to be promoted then that would mean its time for me to go. It would mean there would need to be another conversation. I passed the written and got the 2nd highest grade!!
Turning Point
Now I just needed to pass the practical. The last few minutes of my practical seemed surreal, like I knew I had passed and I was moving forward. Then BOOM, I had made one critical error and I didn’t pass. Ecclesiastes 3:1 To Everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven. (AMPC). I walked away with my head down because I knew it was over. No one knew this except me. I went into a deeper depressive state. There are plenty of details I can’t fit within this blog, but the Lord finally had my attention and gently let me know the season He graced me to be a Firefighter was over.
Walk of Faith
It was time to go. Proverbs 19:21 “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” (NLT). When I made the decision to follow God, I had this overwhelming peace, so I followed HIM; leaving a 7-year career behind. This alone allowed my Faith to Ascend and I never looked back.
Each of us have assignments on our lives. Some of these assignments are temporary and some are long-term. Your assignment may take you out of your comfort zone, it may also be something internally you feel unqualified for buts what God has called you to do at this time. Whether your assignment is temporary or long term in nature, its tied to your purpose and you must complete it.
Your purpose of why God created you and working in it, gives him glory and honor that is due to him. Your obedience to fulfilling your assignment also blesses others in the process. That is why its so important to let nothing or no one separate you from your God given purpose. Working in your purpose and fulfilling the assignment that God has for you will take sacrifice, time, and effort.
Don’t Separate from GOD
Sometimes giving up someone or something that is comfortable or familiar to you, but it’s necessary. Romans 8:35 NLT “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute or in danger or threatened with death?” No one said the assignment said it would be easy and that people would agree with what you are doing for Christ sake.
Victory
But Romans 8:37-38NLT says “Despite all these things overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.” God’s covering not only protects, but under him our every need is supplied. He qualifies us when we are in a place that we feel unqualified to complete the assignment. He keeps us, loves us, and gives us favor amongst men. We must complete the work he has given us despite difficulty, hardships, and distractions that come. It’s our purpose, it’s our responsibility; No Excuses
#NoExcuses #GODsAssignments #Author & Founder of Victory Over Violence of FL
Have you ever wondered what caused that small tingling feeling in your gut? Or that feeling of “this isn’t right, or this is right”. Well for me I have learned that it’s intuition and not just any type of intuition, but the intuition of GOD. There are many that would say that it’s just a coincidence of things happening, but I know from experience that it isn’t. Intuition is a gift from GOD. I have had this gift for a long time, but I never understood it. However, as I started to learn how to properly receive the gift, develop and strengthen it, it helped me steer clear of some disastrous decisions. It also helped me achieve some great opportunities . At the times I did not listen and properly execute my gift of intuition, I found myself in some situations that only GOD could get me out of.
Disobedience
That brings me to the year 2017. I had been in my position of Systems Operator at Publix for 2 years now, but with the company for 7 years. I was managing two warehouses and working 50-plus hours while raising my boys alone. There was this man at my job that everyone kept telling me he liked me. He was very Casanova and charming. However, there was this strange feeling about this man every time he would get near me that I felt wasn’t right. But I ignored it. You are probably wondering..” why would you ignore it”…well I was tired of being alone. I desired companionship and did not want to keep having to raise my sons by myself. After about a month, the man and I started dating. Again, that feeling was still the same. I started having vivid dreams and my deceased brother came to me in my dreams. Now anytime my deceased brother comes to me in my dreams, he is always trying to save me from these vicious venomous snakes.
The lesson to be learned
This time I sort of listened. I contacted my pastor and we sat down and talked. I even included the man because I wanted him to be part of this. I did not want him to be the vicious venomous snake. The pastor interpreted the dream and prayed with me individually and then with us. Three days later a real snake ran across my feet in my garage. NEVER has this happened! I kept snake away and sulfur all around my house. I called my pastor again. All while this was occurring, that man was deceiving me and I still married him. Despite my intuition, despite the signs from GOD, I did the worse. I started experiencing all kinds of hell which lead to my children and I being homeless. I felt like GOD abandoned me because I did not listen. During this time I learned a VALUABLE lesson: DON’T IGNORE GOD & YOUR GIFTS!
OBEDIENCE
From that moment on I started tapping into this gift of intuition. I first asked GOD to forgive me. I then started asking GOD to provide me with the tools to make this gift stronger. To help me actively listen and adhere to this gifting. When I obeyed GOD, he sent me to Galatians 5:16, 25 “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” God helped me navigate, without paying any money, to get a legal divorce from that man. Ever since I do not ignore that gut feeling. I do not ignore the voice of GOD; I do not ignore my dreams. The Bible speaks often about seeking wisdom as the chief ambition, and when we do, our intuition can be a safeguard against tragic mistakes (Proverbs 2:3–5; 4:7; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalm 111:10).
So I say to you today, Listen Intuitively to GOD. Having intuition is a gift from GOD. Start to strengthen that intuition. When intuition is rooted in God’s Word, surrendered to the control of the Holy Spirit, and aligned with God’s wisdom, it can protect us from errors and help keep our feet on the straight path.
You get a vision from God on a plan for your life, so you get excited! You start making moves, trying to manifest and pray all the “special prayers” to make it happen – in your timing. Then when you realize things aren’t working out like God said it would, what happens? You feel confused, frustrated or even upset with God, because He didn’t do what He said He would do.
Truth
Here’s the truth – it’s not God’s fault. It’s ours. Our timelines. Our lack of understanding of the full picture. Our rushing to keep up with whoever we’re comparing ourselves to. Here’s a tip – slow down! It’s like walking on the sidewalk, with your destination point well in sight – but first you have to cross a proceed when He gives you that clear sign to go.
Signs of GOD
The signs can be bold or subtle, yet very clear. Both can be found when you’re being still in His presence praying, journaling, worshiping, reading your Bible or a devotional. It could be felt or seen in the mundane things you do. Practice waiting well, by living grateful for where you are – in those blessings you once prayed for. And here’s a big one! The plan He has for you might be for the evolved version of you that hasn’t been cultivated yet! So, continue to grow in your mind, body & soul.
PEACE
When the “peace of God that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:6), shows you it’s go time, even if it doesn’t make sense in the natural, in the spiritual you’ll know without a doubt it’s a yes from Him. And remember whatever is for you, will not pass you by. Trust that God’s got you.
Proverb 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Your Summer Prescription: Daily dose of sun. Mixed with water.
Potential Side Effects: Decrease in stress levels, increase in sleep rhythms, clarity of mind, elevated levels of creativity, and an overall better you. I don’t have to tell you there is A LOT going on in this world. And while I know Women of Warfare Win, just observing the world events from afar can be more than a bit much, even for WOWWNOW women.
Summer is Here
Well school is out, and summer is in. Let’s take this opportunity to lay down the cares of this world and recalibrate and replenish ourselves. Nope, I’m not a physician; however, I am certain that the prescription above will work wonders for you this summer. Did you know, “being near, in, on or under water can provide a long list of benefits for our mind and body?” Additionally, a healthy dose of sunlight provides benefits such as Vitamin D for a boost of energy and serotonin, which helps to put you in a better mood.
Travel
Perhaps traveling to the crystal clear blue waters of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific is a pretty far-fetched idea. You say relaxing in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora or watching a multi- colored sunset while strolling in the beach sands of Santorini, Greece is also not going to happen, at least not this summer. Not even the closer waters of the Caribbean seas are in your summer 2022 break-from-real-life budget.
Cook Island in Australia
Make it Happen
Don’t fret. The water is still calling you and adhering to your new prescription is a must. So, find a beach nearby and listen to lapping of the waves, with some cute shades of course. Hit your local pool and let the laughter of children and the splish splashing of toddlers put a smile on your face. Too noisy? Get your summer playlist and watch. You and your earbuds can become one, while you enjoy your own poolside escape. Go skip rocks near a pond or take a lunch stroll around a lake. And if by chance, none of the above are options, invest in an at home, tabletop fountain. Splurge on a high-end scented candle, and boom, light and water right there where you are.
If this prescription is for you and you’re in, be sure to tag your sisters when you take your dosage
I believe one of our greatest superpowers is forgiveness. As a woman we encounter many trials and unfortunately our children share in the repercussions of them. Being a mother is a heavy, heavy title to carry. We not only have to have the resilience to bounce back for ourselves but also for our children. I remember when I was shot 3 times by my husband, once in my head and lost all I owned.
BEING A MOTHER: GOD SAVED ME
The one thing that did not change. I was still a mother to two children. Months after I carried bitterness, anger and unforgiveness as my ammunition against him. Thank God I realized that my children were watching my every move and listening to my every word. The unforgiveness aroma that diffused from me was and would affect my children if not now, later in life. You must be careful of the seeds you plant in your children now because they will grow over time. I needed God to answer my prayers for restoration. Forgiveness became my weapon to overcome that trial. Over time, God gave me the strength to let go of the bitterness and hurt and to forgive! Forgiveness is not saying what happened is okay. It’s saying they or it will not keep you in bondage.
ALWAYS FORGIVE
Mark 11:25, “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:15, “But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
We must understand forgiveness gives us the power to bounce back. It’s called RESILENCE
FORGIVENESS IS A WOMAN’S STRENGTH – say I FORGIVE..UNTIL YOU MEAN IT! THAT’S HOW YOU LET GO!
By: Dr. Veronica J Walters (Wiggins) “Her FAITH Story”
Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” I think this verse is a great reminder that the Lord God provides and cares for us, being our sun and shield
Surprised Awakening
I anxiously opened up the app. I had gotten the notification that my DNA results were finished. So here we go… Wait! Who is that? Close family… I don’t recognize that name.. The unknown close family member who was either my half-sister or my niece, the unknown second cousins, third and fourth cousins, and my cousin not fitting where he should, all let me know that the man that I had called Daddy for 55 years was not my father. I didn’t need Maury to let me know that fact. Therefore, I had a biological father out there somewhere and I wanted to know who this man was.
Search & You Shall Find
In response to the results, I did what most people would do, I started asking questions. My mama was not a lot of help on the journey. So, I started the journey that has changed my entire life with my new cousins. I went looking for my biological father and I found him!
Fatherly Love Shared & Received
One conversation solidified for the both of us who we were in each other’s lives. He welcomed me into his life and began to love on me immediately. “Daddy.” I said, “I’m sorry. Can I call you Daddy?” His reply set the course of our relationship; “Of course, you can, Baby! It’s your birthright!”
Change of Scenery and Love Bountiful
From there, I have tapped into my birthright on every level. I ended up moving to Gates, North Carolina with my biological father who has been EVERYTHING I ever wanted in my Daddy. He speaks my love language and affirms me for the amazing woman that I am. Since then he gave me his name, his mama’s bible, and an acre of land. All because it was my birthright. Faith is required to get your birthright!
An empty bucket is full of possibilities.” –Dr. Veronica J. Walters (Dr. V)
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