One of the biggest challenges I face when creating VLOGS, is a lack of time. I love to create, and to just sit in front of a camera and speak, bores me! I love creating moving parts, adding music and other unexpected elements. I am an encourager, and my prayer is that these VLOGS are simple (easy to understand), encouraging and inspiring to its viewers. It is indeed a process. I am working on stepping it up in the New Year (adding new elements, while shortening the content). #StayTuned
In this week’s VLOG, I recorded over 48 minutes of content (which was both powerful & insightful), yet, the Lord prompted in my spirit to shorten it for a greater impact. During the Christmas Season, it’s important that we understand the power of the “Peace of God” and the “Impact Our Friends” have on our lives. My pastor once said, show me your friends and I will show you your future. Our friendships, matter.
Welcome to Part 2 of “Excited, Inspired & Grateful” #thewrittenblog
Years and years ago, I met a woman who I wanted very much to be friends with. I pursued but the Lord blocked and with it came a still small voice that simply said, “no.” I was new to the city (no family or friends), and she seemed a perfect fit (loved worship/music, her husband, children and we were around the same age). Instead, the Lord steered me toward another young lady and we became the best of friends. She was a married mother of 3, and our conversations made me want more of God, more of His presence and she just flat out inspired me! I loved her dearly and was thankful for our friendship (sadly her and her husband moved to another state but not before we enjoyed years of a great friendship).
After a few months, I happen to overhear a conversation that the other woman (the one God said “no” to) was having (I was not spying she was speaking loudly), and she was speaking very negatively about her husband (it seemed so easy for her to do, and she seemed to do it often- the person with her was encouraging her to complain even more). A few years later (no real surprise to me), they divorced, left the church, and her family was left -broken(in spirit).
No judgement here, Lord knows that Terence and I have been through some tough times, but the difference was that The Lord surrounded us with individuals who loved the Lord, and were passionate, and committed to their spouses and children… That made all the difference for us! That is why 29+ years later we are still married, and passionate about one another and about our relationship with Christ. #NotPerfectButInProcess What the Lord was showing us at the time was that, who we surround ourselves with, our inner circle, matters!
We are blessed to have lot of friends that we enjoy spending time with. Truly amazing individuals who motivate and inspire us every day. But our “inner circle” is small, and consist of only a few people who motivate, inspire and keeps us grounded, while going after the things of God! Like I said before, we are not perfect- but in process!
Here’s Some Encouragement For You: In order to step into the promises of God for your life, you will have to take personal responsibility for your life, Constantly! Ask yourself; “Are these individuals (those you consider friends) bringing out the best in you or encouraging you to stay stuck?” Meaning, “Are they waddling around in the mud (hurt | disappointment | fear of rejection) with you?” If they are, it is time to let that relationship go. Love, and encourage them from a far, but be careful not to bring them into your inner-circle!
For example: Some years back, a church hurt (I experienced) brought together a friendship that I thought would stand the test of time. But instead, what I found was that it (the friendship) was only encouraging me to stay stuck in a particular area. This series, “Think on These Things,” and a recent fast brought about a powerful truth/revelation of “Idle Talk.”
The Lord had whisper this in my spirit before but, I choose to ignore it (because I wanted to keep the friendship). The Fast brought clarity, and The Lord revealed the dangers of idle time! It got deep! And, I found myself face down on the floor in a repented state. Even though 90% of the conversation was good, and positive it was that 10%. And, the Lord spoke clearly, let it go – then you will be able to see things more clearly. And guess what. I did! It was not an easy thing to do. That person had really helped me through a very difficult situation. But, I trust God…
Our friendships, matter! If you want to go further, faster for Christ in 2018, then Let the Lord lead you in All Things, including your relationships.
Hope this helps! #FreePeopleFreePeople #TransparentMoment
I am believing to see God move in greater ways in 2018! What about you? #NewBookComing #NewBlogs/VLOGSComing #NewMusicComing #ItsTime “She Sings | She Writes | She Inspires!”
Remember, Our Best Days Are Always Ahead, Not Behind!
