I Refuse to Re-Elect President Obama

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ... President Obama and why I refuse to re-elect him!

I was shock and angry to hear that President Obama decided to become the "Gay President," after he accepted my vote. I feel cheated and lied to. He used me and other Christians for our vote and now when he is "fearful" of loosing he is now openly "the Gay President."

When I choose to elect an official I expect them to be truthful about the issues they care about. How deceptive to LIE just so you get into office.  That act alone is a character flaw.

YES, He is a liar!!!!

Many of you may say that's just politics, but for Christians shouldn't it be more? Shouldn't we expect more from leaders who call themselves Christians? He said he was a Christian...or did he change his mind or got confused?

I will not make the same mistake twice. I don't know about you. I do realize some women are voting for him because he looks good to the eyes and on paper. My girlfriends all have shared their real reason for voting for him. He is young, Black and educated. He did what everyone say "we" should do and he succeeded.

Well--I guess that's one thought. But then you have to say. I am a Christian, I can't interpet things the same way I did when I was in the world. I am now a young, educated Christian. What is going on with our president we elected. He said this at first and now he is doing this and saying that.

After much debate, My friends and I are determine NOT to re-elect this double talking president. I am NOT about legalizing GAY MARRIAGE. I think homosexuals may need CIVIL UNIONS or CIVIL RIGHTS for medical purpose or when they are on their death bed and they need one to speak up for their health decisions.

I will never vote for GAY MARRIAGE, I am not going to HELL for anyone. I will never allow your gay lifestyle to infringe on my RIGHTS and my RELIGION. I have a problem with it. How dare you try to get my pastor to marry you when its against my religion...its been that way for over 3000 years. I don't see how that can be a law or you can change this basic law of life.

This generation wants to re-label sin as "normal," but the Lord is still on the throne and he needs some followers who are not going to wimp out and sell their soul to the devil just for votes and millions of dollars.

Its sad that his Harvard University education didn't teach him much about Civil Rights because if he and his wife knew any better they wouldn't dare compare the homosexual agenda to those of my forefathers history. But many people say "Power" is such a draw for many people.

For those who may have forgotten and those didn't go to Harvard University, Blacks before the Civil Rights movement were treated like subhuman. I have never heard of homosexuals experiencing anything like those of my ancestors. If they don't compare their plight to the Holocaust then don't compare it to the Civil Rights Movement.

Choosing to have SEX with the same SEX is not a Civil Rights Issue. Stop insulting my ANCESTORS. My ancestors couldn't hide being Black; however, many homosexuals can hide and pretend in certain situations that they are or are not homosexuals. Yes, I do have a gay cousin like everyone, but let be REAL. He knows what is doing and experiencing can not be compared to what grandma and grandpa went through down South. Any person who experience life in the "pre or post Civil Rights Movement era" could not in their right mind make such a comparrison.

African Americans had to face Jim Crow Laws, Ku Klux Klan, Separate But Equal Laws, Literacy Tests to Vote, and many were Sharecroppers who got rip off daily. Black people in American weren't given jobs because of their race. They didn't receive equal pay. They weren't allowed at certain places they had go through the back door, when they went to the stores they couldn't try things on. They had to live on the other side of the railroad track. They could only go to Black Only University, Hospitals, and Doctors. They weren't allowed to go to schools with whites. People treated them like animals. They would be spit on, people would encourage their dogs to attack them, lynched, drag through the streets and fired for any reason. They were locked up or killed if they had children with nonblack people and would have to lie or hide their children.

Yes, I have heard people call homosexuals "fag," "fairy," "twinkle toes," and "sugar." I have seen men walk away and men not wanting to be in the same room as a homosexual male. I have never seen lynching of homosexuals, or homosexuals being attacked. I am not saying it doesn't happen. I am saying I have never seen things where I could campare it to the Civil Rights Movement.  If anything, I have seen homosexuals given more RIGHTS than any other so called oppressed group in America without experiencing much oppression. They have used their financial influence to change policies and now are trying to push their agenda on HETROSEXUALS to influence our churchs and try to change God's doctrine.

My friends and I are reserving our RIGHT to change our mind. We are followers of Christ and we are going to stand up and not elect President Obama because he has changed his mind to support issues of interest to us. I am sadden to see such an educated man sell his soul for a million dollar and a vote. I was reminded of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord was just looking for just ten righteous people who lived there.  He couldn't find one!

Are you going to be ONE, not scared to stand up for what is right? Are you satisfied learning that your President has "changed his mind" and view?

Are you comfortable just supporting President Obama because he is young, black, looks good and have a nice looking family?

Do you really think GAYS are really oppressed like African Americans were during the Civil Rights Movement?

Are you just scared to make a comment? Are you just a complacent Christian? You rather not shake the boat?

The Gift of Time: Are You Wasting it?

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...the gift of TIME.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 (NIV)

Imagine, the Lord has blessed us with 24 hours. We all have between 6-7 hours after work or school to do some of those things on our "bucket" list but are we using our gift wisely. If your bucket list keeps getting longer and therre isn't anything checked off then you and your family is wasting time. Time is precious and you can't afford to waste it.

How can you get control of your time? First, make a list of everyon's schedule and evaluate any issues. Are we wasting time as a family going to too many activities or practices? Have we over committed our time on committes at church, school, in the community or with other organizations?

We can't do things that just eat up our time and is not making our quality of life better. Think of ways you can decrease chores and errands? Can you declutter so you don't have to clean so much because there is way too much stuff from clothes, toys, books to useless things? Can you order your grocery online--the extra delivery cost is worht it if you will have two hours for family night. Are you wasting your Saturdays to the point where your family no longer enjoy new experiences?

Wouldn't it be nice to have time to teach your daughter to cook grandma's cake recipe? Wouldn't it be nice to play SCRABBLE every evening after work with your husband? Wouldn't it be nice to kick your feet up and read a book during the week? Wouldn't it be nice to go to bible study with the stress of neglecting something? Wouldn't it be nice to go bike riding after dinner? Wouldn't it be nice to go visit grandma without the stress of all the things you need to get done? What are you doing with the time God has given you?

*SHARE: How can you add more time to your day? What can you change or eliminate in your life?

Have You Just Been Eating Bread?

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...Have You Just Been Eating Bread? 

A few years ago, while enjoying my tea and toast and reading a magazine, God spoke to my heart and said, "you give the best part of your day to your toast and the magazine, what about Me?" Ouch!

Then, The Lord led my mind to Matthew 4:4 which says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." This caused me to study the meaning of "live by God's Word" and I found that it means we are not just to dabble in and taste His Word, but we are to literally exist by it.

In other words, we should not just read the word of God, but we have to let the word transform our lives. This literally means, read it, believe it, and apply it. When we do this then we will truly experience what Scripture means when it says, "Thy Words were found, and I did eat them." (Jeremiah 15:16)

In these end times, we can't afford to only "taste" or "sample" God's Word because then we won't be able to stand against the wiles of the enemy and all the events of the last days.

Just like our physical diet affect our physical body. I truly believe that we grow only in proportion to the daily diet of God's Word that we are "eating." I know personally that my daily actions are largely determined by the amount of time I spent in the Word that day.

Only in reading and eating God's Word will I be reminded to put off the garbage in my own thinking and put on the Mind of Christ. Then, I'll be "ready" and "prepared" for whatever God allows into my life.

Our life depends upon our daily eating God's Word. "...Faith cometh [how?] by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17).

Enjoy Holy Week!

Message From the Lord: Stop the Foolishness

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ... Have you heard a message from the Lord?
Well what did you do with it? Did you have faith in the word from the Lord? Did you listen to his will for your life?

Well the Lord speaks to us through his work, his teachers and preachers and through others in the way of their testimony.
Well, I would like to encourage today to stop the FOOLISHNESS. Whatever, excuse or foolishness you have been making as to why you can't get serious about your walk with the Lord. The Lord is not going to put up with all our foolishness for much longer. Its really time for YOUto stop the "okkie doke" and start seeking a mind of Christ.

Enjoy Sister Jeanette utube, I hope the Lord speak to you through her, today. Enjoy because the Lord wants your mind to change. Please share what the Lord has revealed to you after hearing this little "God" message.

http://youtu.be/igCj3jsbcqs

In Search of Something Lovely

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...search of something lovely.  I love to decorate and I really want or desire this fabulous closet in my head. My closet is small but I have big dreams for it so I have been goggle and bing searching all day. Check out my pictures I found. There are different elements of the pictures I like.

During my bible study I read Phillipians 4:8:

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV)

Yes, my desire is for a beautiful closet that will make me smile everytime I walk in. The problem is I am having problems departing with ALL my stuff.  I have invested so much money in my garments and I don't know if I will be able to replace my things in the future with the same high quality merchandise. If I throw away my cowboy boots will it come back in style by the fall? How about my neon sweater from junior high school? or my double belts?

I have had to pray about the issue because I feel stuck and I really dream of having a lovely closet. I don't want to remain in the same place. I really want change. How do I get rid of things with so much meaning? I should give away my suits to a worthy cause but for some reason I can't follow through with it.  I have told myself to get rid of everything and enjoy starting all over from scratch. Okay it didn't work! I have outgrown most of the style of my clothes in my closet but some how I am having problems parting with it.What could I be holding on to?

I guess my struggle is normal. Change can be hard. Do you find it hard to take the first step in making a change? Putting that 20 year old sweater into the trash seems to hold a lot emotion. How about you and your sin?

What issue or thing are you finding hard to part with or just give up? You desire a lovely life or in my case a lovely closet but lack of TRUST seems to be holding you back. You really have to trust the Lord with all your heart.

You have to trust the Lord with your issue. I have to trust that when I get rid of something I will not all of a sudden need it. You have to trust that the Lord will be with you as you move to change in your life.

The Lord wants you to have a lovely life but you have to trust him every step of the way. Even when things get hard and emotional. The Lord will give us the desires of our heart. It can me anything we can imagine, even a fabulous closet:)

In Pursuit of Proverbs 31

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ... Pursuit of Proverbs 31.
I don't know if you have had the chance to read Proverbs, especially chapter 31 in the bible. Proverbs 31 is the chapter often read by most women and sometimes its often a misundrestood chapter. Mainly because this women in the chapter seems like such a fabulous Christian woman that many often feel inadequate as a womn after reading the chapter.

Yes, we know its a model of an ideal Godly woman and it may not be actually one particular person but when most women read Proverbs 31 they strive to become this super woman of God.

Is Proverbs 31 a model of Christian womanhood? Why did the Lord put this chapter in the bible for women? What does the Lord wants us to learn from reading the chapter? These and many questions can be answered in this new book.

In Pursuit of Proverbs 31, Amy Bayliss gives you a biblical view of the scriptures that are found tucked away at the end of the book of wisdom. With Southern charm and raw, real emotions she’ll tug at the core of your being. She’ll give you a new perspective and inspire you to pursue Proverbs 31; she’ll inspire you to pursue Jesus.

eBook: 145 pages
Publisher: My Southern Media
Language: English
Price: $4.99

 I want to encourage all my readers and blog followere to check out the work of a fellow Christian blogger, Amy Bayliss, whose work I admire. Her new ebook, Pursuit of Proverbs 31 is perfect for the Christian woman who wants to strengthen her walk with the Lord. It will get you to examine your purpose as a mother and women of Christ.

Pursuit of Proverbs 31 releases on February 27th. Visit her blog to see if you can win a pre-release copy to get a little head start. There will also be a Proverbs 31 Bible study beginning soon on Joyful Mothering http://joyfulmothering.net/2012/02/16/an-invitation-to-a-new-pursuit-of-proverbs-31/

If you are interested in joining the 10-week study hosted here each Monday from March 5th – May 7th, sign up on the linky link. You will need a copy of the eBook, “Pursuit of Proverbs 31“. It is only $4.99 and releases on Feb. 27th. You do not need to have a blog to participate.

Good Deeds: Good Needs

http://youtu.be/pwcmBBnh4vo

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...GOOD DEEDS.

Yes, I am excited to see Tyler Perry without Madea and the storyline looks interesting I hope he pulls it off. The plot is really interesting about living ones purpose and giving back to ones community. I think many young professionals will be able to relate.

I am excited that Tyler has decided to add an outreach component to his new movie. I actually hope his marketing department actually reach out to many youth groups nationwide. I find that this generation of kids do not do more than their school service hours. Outreach seems difficult for many.

Tyler reportedly experienced some homelessness in his own life so maybe that fueled the direction of the movie.  The Good Deed: Great Need Program is collecting unused gift cards to give to the homeless kids at Covenant House, a immediate care facility for so called "runaway or throwaway" kids.

In addition, Liongate will make a financial donation to Covenant House everytime everyone shares the GOOD DEEDS trailer. The movie seeks to galvanize the communitiy around the issue of homelessness. 

TYLER PERRY’S GOOD DEEDS opens in theaters everywhere on February 24, 2012. The film is a moving, uplifting drama about coincidence, courage, and the defining choices we make on our paths to happiness. To learn more and share Good Deeds:Great Needs, visit www.gooddeedsgreatneeds.com.

Whitney Houston Reminds Us Tomorrow is Not Promise

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...Whitney Houston.

I wasn't going to talk about Whitney Houston. I really loved her work and even though many of us may not have experienced drug addiction we all have had to overcome some issue in life. I was hoping to see Whitney have a full recovery and I wanted to see her make a comeback. I believe the Lord is able to do whatever is in his will.

But tomorrow is not promised to anyone of us.
I wanted to share some Whitney Houston family pictures I found on the net through my goggle search. I just saw the Grammy highlights on the news, I am happy that LL.Cool J began the Grammy with a prayer. It was sad that many in the audience didnt even know what to do when he said let's start with a prayer. Ladies this just show you how important it is for believers to witness to others.

We have to remind this next generation that the only thing to fill that empty space in your heart is not food, drugs, sex, a mate, fame, fashion or time its just something simple. Jesus. Tomorrow is not promised.
I don't care if you are an executive or a janitor you can take the time to tell everyone in your cirlce about the goodness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Don't assume everyone has heard the good news. Many say this might have been an accidental drowning from being on the drug Zantex which I am told knocks you out. Any way you look at it it was such a sad ending. To die in the bathtub, the reason doesn't really matter.

I am really concern about Whitney's daughter,  Children who grow up their entire life with addicted parents always need help some additional support. I hope Whitney's sibling will reach out to her. She needs people outside the "Hollywood Life" to help her mourn, and get grounded. I pray the Lord will send her some Christian mentors.

I just can't image living with such a powerful singing voice. When the Lord gives you such a gift and people are willing to pay millions of dollars to you and your family for you to just sing. How did that alone effect her family? How did she relate to her siblings? Did they know one another? Where were the parents?  We really just can't relate to the struggles or experiences she had to face. I read she sang beside her mom in nightclubs at a young age but I always thought her mom was a gospel singer but who know maybe she had to pay her bills. Thosse are things you never know the reeality behind the so called glamour.

When money is the number one factor in your existence. Even in her death the music power houses are meeting today trying to decide how they are going to market and take advantage of her fifteen minutes of death. I pray her daughter will get some support because she will now have an inheritance and rumors has it that she is getting a little wild. But as believers we know prayer can change all that. She needs her Christian family members to step up and help.

Here is a touching Jesus moment I noticed, Her first solo performance in the church at age 11 was "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" and her last performance with singer Kelli Price was "Jesus Love Me." http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/video/news/sky-news/4124486/Whitney-Houston-last-performance.html#ooid=R0Y3RoMzqwt_PVKcJ9P-enW6mc371D64

No matter who you are and how famous your are or are not one day it will be you time to go. Do you know where you will go if you were to die today? Are you sure you will go to heaven? Are you uncertain?

Here is a little prayer:
Jesus, I know I may have asked you into my life. I thought I was your child, but my life hasn't shown the fruit of my belief. Lord I want to be your child, I want to make a real commitment to You as Lord and Master of my life. Amen
 (Read 1 John 5:13)

Beware of Christians

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ... Beware of Christians.

After all these crazy stories in the media about churches or so called Christians some people in the world might be quietly saying to themselves BEWARE OF CHRISTIANS in a negative sense. But this DVD is not about anything negative.

Its a coming of age time documentary for us "normal" Christians.  Its a story of the journey of some regular Christian kids. It is a great DVD to watch with your teen.

The Movie is about Alex, Matt, Michael, and Will, they grew up good Christian kids. But in college, these four friends began realizing that the Jesus they'd known as Americans was far different than the Jesus they read about in the Bible.

Wanting to look at life with fresh eyes, they left all that they knew and headed to Europe with little more than the clothes on their backs and a camera to capture what they learned as they searched for truth and deeper meaning. Get ready to experience Beware of Christians, a movie that Mark Lewis, the director of spiritual life at Abilene Christian University calls, "Amazing. Relevant. Compelling for students and those who work with students."was far different than the Jesus they read about in the Bible.

Check out the Movie Trailer:
http://youtu.be/IMIydiF69mA

Bishop Eddie Long Crowned King, Of What?

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...PEOPLE DIE FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE.

I read this article on Black America Web. com and I thought it was outrageous. I just could not believe what I was reading.
I just could not believe what I was reading.

Why isn't this man in JAIL?

Why are we as a nation still allowing people who hurt children not to face any consequence especially when they are high profile. The statue of limitation should be extended on child molestation. He took advantage of children. He took time and groomed these little boys so he could victimize them and he had the money years later to pay them off or should I say he paid them off for their viginity.

Now his pride is so so out of control that instead of confessing and asking for forgiveness he found another fool who could
give him a new title. According to the article Bishop Eddie Long was crowned King. Yes, King!

Really People, you don't have anything else to do?  How about laying on the alter and confessing to the Lord?

How about retiring and getting your marriage in order, or do they have an agreement?

The world is so crazy, many high profile people with money...you know that little root to evil.  MONEY causes some women to sign these marriage of agreement contracts.

You have hear of them before. You do what you want, stay in your preversion and you pay me to make our marriage look
normal. Money in exchange for bondage. Is that deep or what?

What would you have done if you were sitting in the audience, witnessing the crowning of a king...or whatever that spirit is??????

*************************************************************************

New Birth Crowns Bishop Eddie Long 'King'

Date: Thursday, February 02, 2012, 11:25 am
By: Blackamericaweb.com

The congregation witnessed the elaborate ceremony at a recent church service. (AP)

In a January 29, 2012 service at Atlanta's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, parishioners witnessed a ceremony that has many wondering what's next on the church's agenda.

Guest Rabbi Ralph Messer, who is part of the Hebrew Roots movement, crowned Bishop Eddie Long king in an embellished ceremony. The rabbi blesses a purported 311-year-old large scroll covered with the words of the Torah, wraps the bishop in it, exclaiming that he is now protected from attack.

The 14-minute ceremony also includes four parishioners lifting the seated bishop up on their shoulders to be viewed and applauded by all.

30 Day Challenge to Healthy Meals: Turkey & Beans

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ... my effort with the 30 Day Challenge to increase my meal selection to something more healthy.

Today I made Turkey Wings and Pinto Beans.Yes, I am calling this healthy...I believe it is, lol. No pork, or grease. This is one of my favorite simple comfort food.

If you have time slow cook your seasoned beans. Ladies you have to learn how to cook beans because if you get your guest to lick their fingers on your beans then you know you can cook. The seasoning has to be right on point and the beans tender.

No one wants nasty beans so don't try to bake them.

If you are on the go pressure cook those beans. If you have less than an hour get some no salt Pinto Beans in the can and season yourself. Don't forget to add seasoning and beans else it will just taste plain. This is a comfort dish.

I season my Turkey and just boil (My water is seasoned too)  and then bake for about 30 minutes. I like the skin to get a little brown with the seasoning. I like my meat soft so that is why I boil first. Don't over boil else when you bake it--it will
be quite dry.

I boil my rice to perfection. Not the American way. Every island girl know what I mean, lol. I mean every grain is cooked to perfection the old fashion way.

I then plate my dish. I put the salad in a separate bowl. I use the sauce of my beans as a gravy. You may not see
it in the picture. I just thicken the juices from the beans with a little flour. Take off the tips on the wings to make the presentation more classy. I love the tips so I left them on, lol. For my vegan friends my beans and rice alone is to "die for," lol.

That's it. Its my twist to an old fashion African American southern dish. In the old days the meat was seasoned with pork and women slow cooked the meal in one pot which is great in our modern day crock pot. I was served with collard greens or kale. I hate both so a salad is a great substitute. If you get a chance to try it out let me know how you enjoyed it.

3 In 30 Challenge: Goals for January

http://3in30.ashleypichea.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/3in30-e1304446364370.png

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...the 3 in 30 Challenge.

You know I have to support my blog supporters, lol. What is your top 3 goals for this month. I mean something attainable in the next 30 days.  One blogger told me to think of a word for the month since January is a time for new beginning.

My word is ASK for what I want.

According to the 3 in 30 Challenge Setting goals is more than deciding what you want to do. It involves figuring out what you need to do to get where you want to go. And how long it will take you to get there.” (Source)

The first task in developing goals is to determine what you want to do. Think of the “big picture” in this step.

• Is there an area in your life that you’d like to see improvement in?
• Do you have a skill you’d like to learn?
• Is there a character quality you’d like to possess?
• Are you looking to grow in an area of knowledge?

Take a few minutes to read through some of the other 3 in 30 participants lists and “borrow” their ideas!
Next, you need to break that goal into smaller pieces. Break the goal into stair steps – create a SMART goal for each of the steps. These SMART goals will build upon one another to help you reach the big picture goal.

Your online community of friends will help to encourage you for the next 30 days to ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS!!
Yes its just that easy. Tell the world about your goals and have all of us as your accountability partners, lol.

My goals for this monthis going to be short and sweet, lol.

1. Create a healthy weekly dinner menu.
This is a challenge for me because I tend to stay within my comfort zone. I want to have everything planned out so I can use my coupons more effectively.

2. Drink more water daily.

3. Publish my audio book.

We want to know your THREE goals for January!

• Write a blog post telling us and link it up below… OR…
• Share your goals in the comments on this post.

Just vist the website and join http://3in30.ashleypichea.com/join-the-3in30-challenge/

New Years Resolution: A Christian Perspective

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ... New Year Resolution.

Have you made a resolution for 2012?

Many people around the world take time at the end of the year to reflect on the past and plan for their future.
Many people plan to lose weight, save money, get organize and have more fun in life. These are all quiet great goals to try to attain but as believers we have to remember that we don't do anything on our own through our own strength.

Its great to make plans and set goals but we can not forget the power of prayer within each believer. Take a moment and pray over the desires of your heart. Leave your burdens at the feet of our Savior. Pray about that thing you noticed that needs to be changed in your life. Pray, pray, pray and have faith and expect that the Lord WILL answer your prayer.

When you pray daily your faith gets stronger. As a believer in the Lord, Jesus Christ one has to learn some basic skills in simple faith. You  have to believe that the Lord can help you overcome that food issue. You have to pray everyday for the Lord to teach you to be satisfied with what you have so you won't spend money on things you don't need. You have to take the time to pray everyday that the Lord will help you put things back in their proper place so you can stay organize. You have to pray that the Lord will give you great peace in your situation so you can have fun in the simple things in life.

You can't achieve if you do not have faith in the Lord. He is only one who can help you move those mountains you will face. You can't overcome your New Years Resolution without the Lord. Things are often difficult in our Christian journey but you have to have faith in the Lord and pray as he shows you how to deal with these things.

Your faith will grow in 2012 if you take a leap of faith and do what the Lord tells you to do. My favorite saying is in my bathroom it says: Life is God's Novel let him write it.

As you ponder your 2012 resolution, I want you to take a moment and explore the word of the Lord. Jeremiah 29:11-12 (NIV):

¹¹ 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. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

Preparing For the New Year

Free New Year Desires eCard - eMail Free New Year Greeting Cards Online

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets
talk about ... Preparing for the New Year

Its time to get rid of the old and prepare for the new.
I am throwing out.

I don't think you should start the New Year with a dirty house or laundry.

I think its a cultural thing from my ethnic group but I don't believe its a luck thing.

 I just don't want to start the year of right  by getting rid of the clutterr and leaving room for the Lord to come into my space and guide me into my 2012 destiny.

I feel the Lord has some new things for me to do in 2012 and I am excited to get started.

My personal 2012 goal is to only have things I LOVE in my space. I didn't realize how many things I really HATE are in my space that others have given me but I felt bad to throw away.

I have thrown away some ugly orange shoes, a sweater a student gave me as a gift. In the trash goes that polka dot dress my pastors wife gave me. Everything HAS to go. 

I was donating 100 books.

My husband thinks I have lost it but my home is going minimal in exactly 2 days. I have thrown away every extra lotions, towels, bedsheet in my hall closet. Some I am ashame to say may have been Christmas presents.
I think I really brought into capitalism in the past and wasted lots of time and money but in 2012. I hope to get it right. I don't need another thing except maybe furniture and that is very expensive. Which translate in money terms to "You need to wait and make due with what you already have."

No more clutter!

It can be a burden and it takes up space. I am in the education field and I donate 200 pencils to my local Christian Academy.

That is just too much junk!

I even found some donation bins in my neighborhood. I don't know who the donations go to but I have added more
books in them too.

I also had lots of little cermanic statues like flowers, frogs, dogs, etc... they didn't even go with my decor but some friend or relative gave it to me.  I hope they are not reading because its going to the Salvation Army Thrift Store.

I am cleaning out my closet. I have lots of clothes and I feel if I throw it away I will need it tomorrow. I have 5 bags of clothes to donate right now and I am working on my shoes. Oh  no! I love shoes and coats.

I made space for only 24 and I am seriously having problems trying to downsize. I am trying to think about how many
coats a woman. I need more than four. Yes, its a real need. Well, I feel its a need.

I have never been to a therapy session but it may feel like this, lol. As I touch each item I keep saying, "I know I dont need this stuff." I have found many garments with their tags still on. Ohhh No!!! That is so bad. If I haven't worn it in a year its in the trash bag.

No I can not hold on anything for a yard sale because I am just not going to do it. I hope to share my before and after pics with you soon after I go through this mountain of stuff.

 I also have to take down all my Christmas stuff before the New Year.

Do you do  anything to prepare for the New Year? Is there any goals you have besides losing weight?

Please share.

Enjoying the Advent

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...getting ready for the Advent.

The word Advent means "coming." I know many churches and denominations do notcelebrate the Advent in atraditional sense but it is a wonderful way to keep your family minds and heart on the reason for the season.

The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and as Christians we are anticipatingthe Lords return or his Second Advent.

Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God.

Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life.

Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power.

So even though my church doesn't necessary promote the Advent it is my family holiday tradition. We make an advent wreath (we recyle every year). We buy an Advent calendar or make one. We light candles, we read scripture, we sing a Christmas song, we learn a little history, and we try to have an activity every other day if possible. We do the things like
arts and craft, trim the tree, volunteer together and do fun things like seeing the  Christmas decorations in our area, see a play, etc.

My children get so excited as we count down to Jesus Birthday. On Christmas we eat a red velvet cupcake for Jesus birthday cake. I bet youdidn't know Jesus likes red velvet cupcakes, lol.

Please share what your family like to do for the holiday.

Could the Penn State Abuse Happen in Your Community?

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...the Penn State incident. Could the Penn State Abuse Scandal happen in your life or community?

If you haven't heard. One of the coaches at Penn State started a nonprofit organization to help "low income orphaned" children. However, his main goal was to prey on little children who had no family support. His target audience for his organization made it easy for him to groom new victims.
According to numerous news outlet the abuse of young boys has been going on for years since the late 1960's. Many people knew especially those in the Administration. Many had the power to make a simple call to police without identifying themself but they chose not to do a thing. Everyone decide the best thing to do is to keep their mouth shut.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/12/penn-state-scandal-jerry-sandusky-gay-adoption-_n_1090253.html  http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/penn_state/133781018.html  http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigten/story/2011-11-06/penn-state-abuse-scandal-chilling/51100830/1

The SIN of silence. The Enemy will use silence as a way to promote evil and lies. Some people think that if they choose not to make "waves" they are doing a good thing. However, they are only looking out for their best interest. They feel their silence separates them from the SIN. Its funny that if you see sin and do nothing the sin seems to just multiply.

I hope the FBI charges everyone from the top down. How can you know a sexual crime to minors are happening and do nothing for years. They should all be charged with being Accessory to the crime. An accessory to a crime means you help the criminal escape from the law.

According to the Bleacher Report, Assistant coach Mike McQueary, former head coach Joe Paterno, former athletic director Tim Curley and vice president Gary Schultz all knew that something suspicious was happening with Sandusky in the Penn State locker rooms, even the janitors knew about this, but no one did anything to stop it.

If that was not disgusting enough Mike McQueary, a graduate student at the time, witnessed a child naked get raped in the shower with a grown man. He decided to do nothing. He decided to say nothing. Why didn't this student yell at the man and encourage the child to run? Why didn't the student run if he was scared and quickly call the police? Why did he just remain silent?

Would you ignore sexual abuse of  a child? If you saw it happening with your own eyes?

I still do not understand Mike McQueary's motivation for remaining silence. Was he a victim as a child? Was it fear? Greed? Selfishness? What was it that caused someone to just turn their head when they someone hurting physically and emotionally? Why? Why? Why?

When difficult issues come our way. The Word reminds us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

I understand that someone would be afraid to "tell on" their boss. But if you saw sexual abuse how could you just walk out the door? I am assuming that this student may not have been a Christian. But as believers I want to remind you of your duty as a believer in the world.

Christians can not forget the power of prayer. We can not handle every issues that come our way especially in this sin sick world. We can not ignore "sin" around us. Sometimes we have to try to be the salt even in the sea of pepper.

When Interruptions come your way. The Word reminds us: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7) (Also see Psalm 55:22-23)

When things get too hard to handle on your own. The Word reminds us to: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones” (Proverbs 3:5-8).

When we feel all alone when standing for Right. The Word reminds us: “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6).

When our decision may affect or status of financial life. The Word reminds us: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

When everyone has turned their back. The Word reminds us: “…put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 131:1)

Life is sometimes hard for believers but the Lord want us to be doers of the Word. We know the difference between right and wrong. We can not just turn our backs when we see wrong or sin in our midst.

We can not ignore or just say nothing. Imagine, how many lives that Graduate Student could have saved if he just had the courage to stand up for what was right. This week look around and see how you can make a diiference in your community.

Why Christians Still Faking and Celebrating Halloween?

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...Christians still celebrating Halloween?

As for me and my household when I got saved the first thing we realized wasn't glorifying God was to celebrate Halloween. We don't support all those other alternative either.

The Lord helped us realize that trying to dress things up on Halloween was still just as bad. So when my church has its annual Harvest Fest, OctoberFest, Hallelujah Night, Trunk or Treat or whatever cute name they decide, we do not participate.

I was surprise when my children were younger and friends and relatives we angry, dissapointed and down right mad because my kids did not participate in Halloween. I would tell them I was a Christian and they keep saying my kids would resent me when they become older or they were missing out on a childhood experience. No one seem too concern about my children soul. They seem more concern about by children social standing with their peers.

The word reminds us that we show be in the world not "of it." I believe it means we live in this world for right now, but as we live in this world we are to live for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be seperate and holy before God in Him by not living the lifestyle(s) of the world (fornication, homosexuality, sorcery, false religions, idol worship, etc).

If nonbelievers celebrate Halloween and dress up in costumes and go door to door for candy and the church
has kids come out to the church on Halloween and dress up and pass our candy what is the difference. Are Christians celebrating or not celebrating Halloween? What is the national number of children actually being SAVED at this church sponsored Halloween parties? Are we confusing the next generation by showing that Christians still don't comprehend or believe in absolute truth?

Halloween has strong roots in paganism and is closely connected with worship of the Enemy of this world, Satan. The History of Halloween hasn't change. The only people who seem to have change has been Christians. We are now calling wrong right and right wrong. Making excuses that we don't want our children to feel left out among nonbelievers. Wow!!! What is happening to "so called" Christian parents?

Instead of trying to follow the crowd may I encourage you and your family to try something new and  do nothing and enjoy another day the Lord has made without celebrating a pagan holiday. October 31 or Halloween provides an excellent time to remind our children that, as Christians, we are different, and not of this world (Heb. 11:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11).


What do you think? Do you celebrate at one of these alternative programs?

Are You Biblically Literate?

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ...Bible Literacy.

Would you consider yourself literate or illiterate on the Bible?

1. Unfamiliar with the structure of the Bible.

Have you ever picked up the bible and actually opened it? Do you know why the Bible is split between Old and New Testaments? They cannot name the books of the Bible. That the books are grouped into certain categories is unknown to them. And, sadly, many people cannot even locate a verse of Scripture.

2. Unfamiliar with the content of the Bible.

Have you heard of some bible stories? Many people know a few childhood stories such as Moses, Noah, etc. Do sermons of Jesus draw a blank? Do you know the Pauline and General Epistles? Or are they much too difficult to read and really aren’t practical? Do you think the books of the Prophets are totally useless?

3. Unfamiliar with the purpose of the Bible.

Do you understand the point of the Bible? The Bible is certainly not science, and even its history is suspect. At most it’s a moral code, but even then, the vast majority of people haven’t read it to know what moral code it contains; they quote the Golden Rule and think that’s all Jesus ever said.

4. Unfamiliar with the theology of the Bible.

Do you understand bible basics? Words such as sin, salvation, sanctification, grace, justification, and redemption are archaisms completely out-of-touch with modern-day America. The concept that there are doctrines of God, man, Christ, and the Trinity is unheard of.

5. Unfamiliar with the truth of the Bible.

Do you know the truth of the Bible? In a world of moral relativism and moral decay, the statement that there is absolute truth, revealed by the one true God, would be considered ridiculous, narrow-minded, and old-fashioned.

Online Bible Study: Session One

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets begin our Online Bible Study.

Jonah: Navigating the Life Interrupted Bible Study Starts Today
We begin our Jonah Bible study today, a six week journey into four chapters of scripture.

We are all taught to make plans in our life. We are taught at an early age to plan what we want to be when we grow up.
We plan our days, week, holidays and vacations.

In our society we encourage everyone to be organized and schedule things. Everywhere we look we have technology to help us stay organize.

What if God called you specifically by name, told you to change course, change your life purpose and change your plan?

We’re about to discover more of ourselves as we read the life of Jonah, “the only prophet who received instructions from God and ran from what God told him to do.” (page 6, Priscilla Shirer)

This study begins with Session One in your workbook. You can get a free download of Session One on www.lifeway.com
 You do not need to listen or watch the videos but it will offer insight and content to your study.

Getting Started:

1. Before you start you study, we recommend you write a letter to God on the inside cover of the workbook, and date it. Tell Him why you are reading Jonah and what you hope to learn from the study. Ask Him to keep you centered and focused on the Word.

2. There are five lessons each week. The lessons require about 30-45 minutes of time each day and we recommend you complete them first thing in the morning.
3. Pray for the Spirit to guide you in this study and to keep you on track with the lessons. Pray for the other women in this study and for the leaders.





Group Discussion
Priscilla says “Interruption is something in your life that takes you off guard, its not necessarily tragic, it can be a good thing. It’s just shocking when it happens and you’re trying to navigate life off a charted course.” How has your life been interrupted lately?

What Are You Opening Yourself To?

Sisters, come on in and grab a cup of tea and lets talk about ... Christian Comedian Small Fire.

You can't spend you whole like working and taking care of others. Sometime we all need a break. And if you can laugh it makes it even better.

I want to share with you a funny southern comedian. Her stage name is Small Fire and stop for a moment and enjoy her routine.

She was a secular comedian on such venues as Def Jam, etc. She shard on a few previous interviews that the Lord convict her during a show and reminder her that during a comedy experience the people laughing are opening up themselves spiritually and the comedian is pouring into them. The Lord asked her what was she pouring into people.

Wow, she could have had a Jonah complex but instead this Sister in Christ decided to embrace the call on her life. She has been around for over 15 years. Take a moment and enjoy a laugh moment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhL2L9vg_oI