He Picked Me Up

Good morning family. What an "eye opening" week I"ve had. Work has been busy and I"m so thankful for that. Sometimes we go through things, hear things, witness things and share things that help move us to a higher level of appreciation and understanding. I praise God that He's opened my heart/mind to accept and use everything bit of information I receive to benefit me/mine. I truly believe everything is working for my good. The really hard part about changing and advancing is that we are sometimes so used to things not going right that we find it hard to accept when things begin to fall into place. There is a reason and a season for everything we experience and see. This morning a song keeps playing in my head. It's one our Senior Choir at New Hope used to sing, "He picked me up one day and He started me on my way, oh and that's what He's done for me. He opened my eyes so that I might see and He gave me the victory". The words seem simple but they are so powerful. Just picking us up and starting us on our way is enough. But God doesn't stop there, He removes hurdles, He takes care of our enemies, He ensures promotion. All we have to do is follow us word, love like He loves, forgive as He's forgiven us, accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, be the very best and brightest lights we can be. Everyone have a happy/safe weekend. Love God and love your family. I'm so full of joy this morning. One last thing, any man that looks down on another because they feel they are beneath them based on a title, money, status or life style is a man lost in his/her own little world. Our God doesn't discriminate. TeamHePickedMeUp. Bblessedloveyou.

Not Without Fault but Healed

Good morning family...Getting closer to this three day weekend. Around this time I usually get emotional because this holiday reminds me of Cedric. I'm reminded that our God is so awesome. He sends healing when it seems the pain won't stop. He sends people our way to encourage and inspire us even in our darkest moments. The God we serve is so good. My son is resting peacefully, away from the cares of this world and God has given me "sweet peace" by allowing me to move forward. Sometimes you have to remember the pain to get to the joy. Sometimes you have to just look over what someone says to you and about you to get to your victory and more importantly you have to stop taking the immature thoughts/words of others so seriously. There was a time in my life when I sought counseling because my husband and I were struggling terribly. I went to one session. During that session the first question asked was "what are you doing to push your husband away". Can I tell ya'll I was offended because the counselor placed the blame on me. In my immature thinking, I just assumed he would take my side because I didn't think I was doing anything wrong. I walked out of the session upset but what I missed in that question was the opportunity to complete a self-examination of "me". Some of us miss that on a daily basis...We try to fix others before fixing our "broke down" attitudes. Maybe this isn't you but it was definitely me and sometimes still is. So this morning I ask our Loving Father to forgive and help us look within before we lash out and blame others. If not for His grace/sacrifice and the prayers of others we would all perish. If someone has responded to you in a negative way, give it to God. If it doesn't seem like you're making headway in any of your relationships, give it to God. At the end of the day that's where it should been in the first place. Bblessedloveyou. TeamExaminingMe.

Loving God

Good morning family. It's hard to believe that we've gotten to the end of August. School has started back and we're on to the next "life events". Giving God the honor and praise this morning for bringing us to this day. It's not just another day, it's an opportunity to get more things done, to fulfill commitments, meet deadlines, make someone smile and walk in His light. I'm a little overwhelmed with work but I know that as long as I stay focused on the "big picture" all my work will get done. Praying for me as I pray for you this morning, Father God, we come to You today, thanking You for Your presence in our lives. Giving You the glory for waking us and allowing us to be in our "right" minds. Lord thank You for always opening our eyes to the ways of this world, keeping us focused on what You have for us. Lord without You in our lives, we would be "crazy". God, it is only by Your grace and mercy that I/we are able to face our fears and take advantage of all the opportunities that come our way. Father I am so thankful for my/our children, their confidence, their abilities. I pray Father that You use them for Your work. God let them be a light to others who only see darkness. Father, forgive me being impatient and ungrateful at times. You've blessed me/us with so many good things. As we approach Labor Day, let us remember how blessed we are to have the ability to work, to pro

sper, to learn, to grow. Father, thank you for healing, it's a beautiful thing, it's a beautiful place. TeamLovingGod. Bblessedloveyou. Matthew 5 vs 14-16, Luke 8 vs 16, 1st John 1 vs 5

Children

Good morning family. Praying for the Dixon family this morning. They lost a child last night. From what I understand he was 14. Asking that God be with his mom, Ebony. There is nothing that could have prepared her for this. Praying that she be surrounded by those who love her and that she finds a place of acceptance. Reminding all the parents and those responsible for children, enjoy your children. Stop treating them like "things", they are people. They scar easily because they are so trusting and unaware. Praying that the Dixon's find peace. Praying that we all realize that children are the future, what you pour into them is what you get back. If you're cussing them, abusing them, depriving them of love/support, not nurturing their God-given abilities then you may loose them once they start making decisions on their own. Praying for Ms Wanda and Mr Larry because they've always supported their family. Asking God to watch over their entire family during their time of sorrow. It's just my opinion but you never get over loosing a child, you learn to live with it. TeamLoveOurChildren. Bblessedloveyou

I Get Crazy Sometimes

Good morning family. Wishing my middle son Christopher a happy birthday. He's a healthy 29 years old. Dee and I were married the year he was born. Time is not waiting, right? This morning I ask for your prayers as I venture out today. Asking for prayer because I need an attitude adjustment. It's something that happens to the best of us. We get it in our heads that we're right about something and nothing anyone does or says can change our opinion/mind. I thought about "that mean old" Pharaoh. God showed him several signs but Pharaoh's heart was still hardened. He didn't care, he saw what he saw and he wanted what he wanted. That's the way I get sometimes. I understand how God wants me to live but this "ole flesh" gets in the way. I don't want to be foolish in my decision making and I don't want to be hard hearted when dealing with others. I want to live based on God's word. This morning I pray for me as I pray for you. Father God, I come to You asking for forgiveness. Asking You to remove selfish thoughts and ways from my life and anyone else who's going through. I ask that You forgive me for the prideful stance I take sometimes. God I would be lost without Your word. My heart would not stand a chance against this world. Lord thank You for opening my eyes and guiding me to Your word for me today. I give You honor and praise for Your word never changes, You don't give and then take it back. As humans, we walk away from our blessings because we feel we deserve something better, something more. Lord, I tell You today, I'm satisfied with where You've brought me and I'm ready to go farther. Walking in a minute by minute praise and worship. In Jesus Holy Name, AMEN. TeamIGetCrazySometimes. Bblessedloveyou. Exodus 5 Exodus 7

Don't Need It

Good evening (from last night)family. Praising God for all of you this evening. I listened to Bishop McGlothlin during my ride home from work today. He reminded me that as we move closer to God our challenges become greater. We may face one obstacle after another as we move away from our "worldly" habits. People will challenge you and you may have to walk away from arguments that you'd normally want to win. This evening I was reminded that sometimes what I think is the right thing to do may not be right for another. In prayer I ask that God continue guiding all of us. Let us see the non-sense for what it really is. I ask God to open our eyes so that we're not consumed by what we see. Asking Him to free us from our past and let us focus on the present. I thank God this evening that I don't hold on to worldly things just because their mine. Father God, You've provided everything I/we need. There's nothing that I've lost that You haven't returned. There is nothing that I've given away that I miss or need, when I let it go, I let it go. Father I seek Your perfect peace and guidance as I continue learning more about who You really are to me and realizing that You and only You hold the key to my future. Lord I praise You for the abundance of life and I praise You when my provisions are low. Lord help us understand that holding on to material things "just because" will not bring us the peace and prosperity we seek. Father I ask that You give each of us the courage to keep our word even when it seems impossible and unfair. Show us the importance of being supportive and understanding when we're making choices to give or not to give. Lord, in closing I ask You to forgive each of us for our selfish ways. This world has us so caught up and confused. We think that giving to others has us in default when it's really our words and actions that keep us from progressing. Lord You are an awesome God, In Jesus Name I pray (so thankful), Amen. TeamDon'tNeedIt. Bblessedloveyou Luke 6:38 Matthew 6:31-34, James 1:26, Hebrews 13:5

The Same Old Things

Good morning family. I hope the morning finds you in a good place, a blessed place. This reoccurring thought keeps popping up in my mind, "the same old thing". Every time it comes up, I'm reminded that some things in my life haven't changed, I'm either doing the same old thing or I have the same old things. What's so amazing about this thought is that it feels good to say "same old thing". Last night I watched and listened to my daughters (Alva included), my sons and my nephews move around in my "same old" kitchen. They've been doing that for years and I felt blessed that Dee and I have been able to feed people out of that "same old" kitchen for more than 20 years. There are days when I long for a fancy house, brand new and updated but that longing passes so quickly. I think about our history in that house and it brings tears to my eyes. I'm thankful that Dee saw and sees the value in a property that I sometimes don't like. This morning I pray for you as I pray for me, Heavenly Father forgive me/us for not always being thankful for the "same old things". Lord open our eyes to the blessings we sometimes overlook. Father I thank You for shelter and provision. Understanding that You didn't have to provide anything let alone allow us to hold on to the "same old things". Father God, You have been so good to this family, keeping us together, allowing us to build a bond that can't be broken. I am forever thankful for everything even when it's the "same old thing". This morning I'm reminded that I/we are exactly where we're supposed to be even if it doesn't feel right/good. It's up to us to change/move forward and update.TeamTheSameOldThng. Bblessedloveyou. Philippians 4 vs 10, 2 Corinthians 9 vs 8-11, 2 Peter 1 vs 3, Matthew 7 vs 7-15

Where A Kid Can Be A kid

Good morning family. First day of school. Baby Cory is going to Lone Star Elementary as a kindergartner. Charm Marie and Ava are going to John E Ford for K3. This is Nadya's first year in middle school. Shatiya and Josh are freshmen, Devin is a seniour, Mia and Manny are third graders, Samyah is in second grade and Simmie and Jocelyn are middle schoolers (so proud). Time flies when you're having fun. Parenting has to be the hardest job next to being someone's spouse. Both take patience, attention and love. For anyone that's in a "co-parenting" relationship, I pray you organize your thoughts and actions based on what's best for your children. Remember, children are maturing and don't understand why their parents aren't together/why their parents argue. All they know at this stage is that they love their mom and dad. This morning I ask and thank God on your behalf for allowing you to be a parent. Heavenly Father I come to You this morning acknowledging Your gift of life. Thanking You for allowing us to raise and support our children. Asking You Father God to direct and lead us in a role that is so important. Lord clear our hearts/minds so that we can do right by Your gift. Remove those thoughts of self-pity so that we're able to see the beauty of being a parent. Lord take away those nasty words that we use to describe others. No more pointing fingers, Father, just peace and harmony as we continue giving our children full support. God, I thank You especially for my children (all of them). For the ones You gave me and for the ones You sent me. Father, letting (all) of them know that I love them, I'm proud of them and I wish only the best for them. Lastly Father, reminding all the young fathers and mothers that time is short, don't spend it fighting each other, spend it loving your children, filling their days with the "best" memories, they won't be kids much longer. TeamWhereAKidCanBeAKid. Bblessedloveyou. Psalm 127 vs 3-5, 139 vs 13-16, John 16 vs 21, James 1 vs 17, Matthew 18 vs 10

Confident & Thankful

Good morning family. It's a beautiful Sunday, hope everyone has giving thanks and praises to the Father for allowing us to live to see it. Every single minute is a blessing even when you're frustrated, confused or just plain mad. This morning I pray for you as I pray for myself asking God to continue blessing our lives. Father God, thank You for another chance to move around, thank You for the opportunity to inspire and to be inspired. Lord, You know our hearts, You are fully aware of our desires and dreams. Please help us, guide us as we work towards completing those things that we think will make us happy but please show us how to get there based on Your word. Lord, show us how to unlock our potential without breaking Your laws. Remove those habits that keep our lights from shining bright. Father God, take away the taste for any poisons that we've become addicted to, unhealthy foods, smoking, drinking and/or drugs. God thank You again for time, thank You for plans (Your plans). Your word gives us directions, it is our map that shows us how to get to a place of peace, a place of rest, prosperity and success. As our children begin their year at school, we ask that You touch the hearts of the faculty members and anyone they come in contact with, Lord guide our students so that they understand the true value of education. Give them the courage to achieve and succeed in a system that's sometimes broken. Thanking You for the grandparents that assist the parents. Asking You to help us hold our peace and let our children learn to parent but make ourselves readily available for advice based on Your word. Lord I say in confidence, this is going to be a good year, better than the last, stronger than ever. Giving You all the glory, forever and ever. AMEN. TeamConfident&Thankful. Bblessedloveyou. 1st John 2-17

Step By Step

Good afternoon family. I had a nice "rainy" morning but it turned out okay. Lil Cory had fun playing football. They are so cute at this age. Feeling blessed and really appreciating life. There are days when you feel like you've been beaten down and then there are days where you feel like nothing can stop you. I'm happy to report that I have those "unstoppable" feeling days more than the "beaten down" days. I thank God for all the lessons I've learned, all the things He didn't allow me to do and for all He brought me through. Man would look at the material things I have and say I haven't done much, but I'm so glad I serve a God who doesn't measure my success based on "things" I've aquired or the amount of money in my pocket. This wonderful God we serve has blessed me with a beautiful family and the greatest friends. It's because of Him that I can honestly walk in peace, I can flash a geniune smile and I say to the world "bring it on because I'm ready". There's a song that our youth choir sang at New Hope Babtist Church, "Step by Step". I didn't really understand the meaning as a child but as the memory of our voices come back to me, the words help me move through this life. "Step by step, we'll make this journey. But we must, put our trust in God". Truly a blessing to know where my help and yours comes from. TeamOneStepAtATime. Bblessedloveyou. (Pray for Egypt..Isaiah 19:1-25)

Blessed

GM Family. Thinking about the goodness of God, giving Him praise for another opportunity to try again. Praying that we all share the beauty of His grace on our lives with someone today. Heavenly Father, Thank You for waking me this morning, my mind is clear and my day's journey has begun. I am so honored to represent You in all I do. God, I want to be right for You, forgive me for not always living up to Your expectations but thank You for reminding me of who I am. Father it's not always easy but I'm reminded that You sent Your only Son to save us. No one has ever given up so much for people so unworthy. A very glorious God and I am so thankful that You love me. God thank You for watching over us as we slept, let us walk in peace today with clear minds and open hearts. Lastly Lord, thank You for my family. At times we're dysfunctional but at end of the day we love each other. I know that it is only by Your grace and favor that we as a family are healed and together. Praise Your Holy Name. Amen. TeamNothingButGrace. Bblessedloveyou

We Need Prayer

Good morning family. Getting this day off to a good start. Thanking our Father in Heaven who makes all things possible. My prayer for us today is that we pay close attention to what's going on around us. Father God, watch over us and keep us as we fill our day with "busy" work. Lord please let us see others through "spiritual" eyes and respect them for who they are. Forgive me for judging those around me and for sharing my opinion when I really don't all the facts. God I ask that You grant me peace and understanding of the things going on around me. I also pray that I learn from the mistakes of others. God there is so much going on in this world, in our cities, the heartache, the disappointment. We must remember to keep everyone lifted up in prayer. Praying for the sons and daughters who have gone astray, praying that husbands and wives find more reasons to stay married than to divorce, praying that mothers and fathers be patient with their children as the school year begins. God, not only praying that our needs be met, but asking that you impart your wisdom upon us that we may be smart enough to take ownership of where we are in life. In Jesus' Name, Amen. TeamWeNeedPrayer. Bblessedloveyou. Revelations 9 vs 1-21

Today's message at Bethel

Audacious faith. Praising but not pleasing God. Every believer has to have saving faith. Mustard seed faith, audacious faith is all together different, asking God for the impossible. Definition of audacity, bold enough to ask for what you want no matter the comfort level. Brings you out of your comfort zone. Refusing to play it safe. A faith that sees the invisiable but not the non existing. Go to God based on what you know not what you see. I know it's there, i know it's there. Ask for it like it already exist. Pray it from the spirit realm. It's already done. Push that faith, believe in what you can't see. Stop being led by your emotions. Have confidence. Don't turn it off because of what you see. God gave Joshua more time. Are you audacious enough to ask for more time. Give me more time. Broaden my day, extend my time. God make the Sun stand still. Ask Him for what you want, set your goals and dreams on His shoulders. Faith, faith, faith, put a demand on your faith. Are you bold enough, God stand still over my children, my family, my life, everything I touch.  God steps in because He keeps all promises. He intervenes to make sure His word will come to pass. God will fix what i can't fix. God will intervene, He is still on control. Ask Him for what you want, ask for time, ask for victory. Joshua hadn't forgotten what He'd seen, the parting of the sea, He'd seen the march on Jericho. He didn't back then and He'll do it now. Deliverance is mine, my God is great, all you need is a memory. An ever present help in time of trouble and confusion. That same power, that same God. Same God, new situation. Trust the consistency of God's word and His work. Don't forget what He told you. A disipline of trusting in the word of God.

Have Faith

Good morning family. Up and moving on this beautiful Saturday morning. Thanking God for all and taking nothing for granted. Over the last few days I've heard sermons from different pastors regarding "prayer life" and "prayer time". The messages were pretty much the same and with the same reminder, pray about everything but don't forget to have faith in what you pray for. I have to say, I'm guilty of calling on God over and over. Lifting my family up in prayer, praying for my co-workers and friends, praying for "ordinary" peace but not really trusting Him to deliver. I've allowed my faith to be railroaded by what I see and for lack of patience. This morning I ask God for forgiveness because I know He's heard every prayer request I've sent up. I apologize for "lying" about my faith when really I've been faithless. I ask God for the courage and strength to wait on Him. I pray for you as I pray for me, Lord let us not be sad or upset when our prayer request aren't answered in "our" time. Father God, we know all things work for the good of those who love You. Thanking You for sending a word of wisdom and guidance. Asking for Your continued blessings. You've kept us save and provided so much. We don't thank You enough. Forgives us Lord for always begging but never participating in our "own" deliverance. God forgive our foolish ways because the very things we ask You to deliver us from, we tend to run back to. You are almighty and I know You know best and You know the "right" timing for everything that is asked of You. In Jesus' Holy Name, AMEN....TeamStopBegging&Wait. Bblessedloveyou.

Happiness

Welcome to wonderful Wednesday...Thankful to be here and to all the people who made it possible (in my Tammy Bryant voice). People have to make a conscious choice to get up every day and do the same thing. They also have to decide if their tomorrows are going to be better than their yesterdays. Some people don't realize they have these choices. There are so many people who give up before they even start. Are you one of those people? Do you get out of bed grumbling, do you look in the mirror and say why me, do you tell the same story over and over, can you imagine a joyful future or can you only see a "joyless" future, do you look forward to doing something nice for others, is your mission to verbally attack people you feel owe you? These are some good question? How you answer will determine whether you're walking in victory or misery. The funny thing is, some people don't even realize "what they're walking in" because they've been in a low place so long that it just feels natural and okay. I'm here to tell you it's not natural to always have negative feelings. Speaking for myself, I want to live and I want the way I live to be a reflection of "happiness". It's the only way to success, it's the only way we can be better and reach our goals....Colossians 3 vs 1-17. Bblessedloveyou. TeamHappiness

Sisterhood

Good morning family (actually writing this at night)...Praying that everyone had a good nights sleep and that we all make it safely to our morning destinations. Speaking to the women in my life today, we have to do better. Over the last month I've witnessed some things that just seem crazy to me. I can honestly say that I did some crazy things when I was younger, lead by emotions and selfishness, but thank and praise God that as I got older, I started to let go of a lot of foolishness. I say all the time, I'm know where near perfect but I'm not where I used to be. Yesterday morning did it for me. If we as women know what type people we're getting involved with before we allow them to take up space in our hearts/heads, then we can't complain about the outcome. What we have to and should do is pray and ask God to deliver us from the mess we started. If someone in your life has moved on, let go. If someone in your life is not treating you the way you want to be treated, let go. We must also learn to forgive each other. As women, we tend to tear each other down as opposed to lifting one another up. My prayer for us all is that we start loving each other and enjoying the beauty of being sisters/friends. It bothers me to see a woman choose a path that's leading to destruction. Can't nobody tell her anything because she's all in her flesh, how do I know, because that used to be me. Praying for all my sisters this morning/tonight. TeamSisterhood, Bblessedloveyou. Genesis 16 vs 1-6, Genesis 16 vs 7-16, Titus 2 vs 3-5, 1st Timothy 2 vs 9-10.