"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before," Phillipians 3:13
It's been a while since I blogged anything. I have actually had a lot to say however I have not had the time. Tonight I said "Why not?" *I'm actually yawning at the moment so I will rush through this* :")
I was speaking with someone who is divorced and has been for quite some time. Her ex-husband still has deep feelings for her and honestly would like to remain in her life. Although they are divorced, they speak regularly (almost daily) and he regularly finds a reason to visit her house. She says she does not have feelings for him and she just talks to him.
Anyone who knows me intimately knows that I can be brutally honest at times. I was with her. I flat out asked "Why is he still hanging around? You all have been over for years!" Her reply was "He won't stop coming around until I get a new man."
This is not healthy. God cannot bless you with something new if you are still holding on to the old. You don't have room to receive! Your "hands" are already full, so you can't grasp hold of the newness coming your way. You cannot effectively move forward if you are still looking backward. You can say that you are "waiting on God" or what have you, but true faith is backed up with action (or quite frankly "Faith without works is dead! James 2:17")
If you really believe that God will bless you with something new, SHOW HIM! I challenge you to clean house. Clear your life of everything negative from your past. Cut off old relationships. If it's over, LET IT BE OVER! Let go of the old in anticipation of the new. Do whatever it takes. As much as you want God to bless you, go just that much harder in proving to Him that you are ready.
The past is done. Let go!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Big C
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
Believe it or not, I am a cancer survivor. The strange thing is that for the longest time, I was embarrassed by that testimony. To the outside person, "WHY?" would be the response to the fact that I was embarrassed by my survival. My response is that the enemy tried to shame me into silence. Not anymore! I am not ashamed of the fact that I have gone through some things but now I am healed, mind, body and spirit.
It started with my sinful life. I was a serial fornicator. That of course means that I was having sex outside of marriage. I thought that because I was only with that one man (to whom I lost my virginity) that it was not as "bad" so I should be ok. I could not be considered "whorish" because I had only been with one person. The problem was that I got so comfortable with him, that we stopped using protection in our sexual life. I was monogamous. He was not.
To sum up our story, he infected me with the HPV virus. Glory to God in the HIGHEST, it was not HIV or any other disease or virus. HPV is a commonly spread STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection). It does not always have symptoms and is only detected in women during a PAP smear. I had no symptoms and was unaware that I was sick.
I discovered my status when I lost my job. I lost my job, which meant I lost my healthcare benefits. I was still sexually active after I became unemployed so I needed birth control pills. I went to Planned Parenthood. In order to get the pills, I had to be examined to ensure I was healthy and not already pregnant, which is how I discovered that I was ill.
I discovered my status when I lost my job. I lost my job, which meant I lost my healthcare benefits. I was still sexually active after I became unemployed so I needed birth control pills. I went to Planned Parenthood. In order to get the pills, I had to be examined to ensure I was healthy and not already pregnant, which is how I discovered that I was ill.
You see, me losing my job saved my life. I did not like losing my job then but now that I see the bigger picture, I give God praise for upsetting my life to save my life! #ThatWillPREACH! Romans 8:28!!! Had I not lost my job, I would not have needed a doctor’s appointment. That means my aggressive cancer would have continued to go undiagnosed and I may have lost my life! THANK YA!!!!
Back to my story: As you may or may not know, HPV is a virus that leads to cervical cancer in women. There are different stands of the virus. Each strand is associated with a number. The lower the number associated with the strand of virus means the lower the chance of cancer. The strands start at number one and they increase by number. As the strand number increases, so does the danger level. Upon testing, I learned that my strand was in the double digits…the danger zone. Basically, this meant that my cervix was more than 50% destroyed and I had either pre-cancerous cells or cancer growing in my cervix.
I was able to find a job within 3 months of the diagnosis so I gained insurance. I immediately went to my regular gynecologist. She analyzed the results from Planned Parenthood and had me come in for a second test. I convinced myself that Planned Parenthood may have made a mistake. I would not accept the facts unless MY doctor told me. Again, the test came back positive. Now I not only had a STD looming over my head but she confirmed cancer in my body! WHAT????
I was a virgin two years prior and was only with one man the entire time. I was saved! I was a “good girl” who loved the Lord. I just struggled with sex. How could this happen to me when there were EXTREMELY loose women out there who got away with their sin with no repercussions (at least in my eyes)? Why me? Why is it that when other women have sex, they get off easy but when I do it, I get stricken with the shame of a STD and now cancer? I said what most anybody would say: "God, this is not fair!"
I got mad at God as though it was His fault. I said that He could have covered me but chose not to therefore I was angry with Him. It was ALL His fault! Ungrateful.com!!! I cried. OMG, I cried and was angry. I could have KILLED my partner! I blamed him as he was much older and I was just beginning to walk into womanhood. I placed the blame on everyone except for myself (IMMATURE!).
I got mad at God as though it was His fault. I said that He could have covered me but chose not to therefore I was angry with Him. It was ALL His fault! Ungrateful.com!!! I cried. OMG, I cried and was angry. I could have KILLED my partner! I blamed him as he was much older and I was just beginning to walk into womanhood. I placed the blame on everyone except for myself (IMMATURE!).
Planned Parenthood previously told me that most likely, IF I were able to conceive at all, I would not be able to hold my child in my body more than at the maximum, 5 months. All of my pregnancies would be high risk and I would have to be on bed rest to keep my child in my body. I would be required to have a C-section to birth my children because if the virus touched a child during childbirth, they could get cancer instantly in their eyes and/or throat. My greatest dream was to be a mother and now that dream was threatened.
After my pity party, my spirit man rose up. I was tired of crying and blaming everyone. I was tired of worrying. I said I would not receive that report from Planned Parenthood OR my OB/GYN. I wanted HEALING! I went to my pastor and told him that they were trying to tell me that I had cancer. He instantly rebuked it! He prayed then looked me in the eye and said, "I don’t care what the doctor says. You shall live and NOT die!"
My faith accepted that. I knew that I was now in the fight of my life and with the help of Christ, I would WIN! I was no longer willing to accept that I was a cancer patient. HPV was NOT an option for me! I would have all of the children that I wanted. My story was NOT going to end like this at the age of 19!!!! Yes, I was 19 when this happened. I was a virgin until I was 17. Two weeks before my 20th birthday, cervical cancer entered my world.
The next day, was the big test to see how "far gone" I was. I told my mother and she came with me. I knew that this was a fight but I had SUCH a sense of peace because I KNEW that I would live and not die! I was smiling. I was happy. I was actually giddy because I knew that it was not over for me. I still had a life to lead and work to do.
I sat on the table in the room as my doctor prepped me for what was to come. She would not even look me in my face. This intimidated me for a BRIEF moment but I chose to shake it off and stay in good cheer. My doctor pulled out diagrams of what my cervix was supposed to look like in my condition. She showed them to my mother but she was blatantly ignoring me. I felt like a criminal at trial when the jury comes back with a guilty verdict and will not look at the defendant. The fear returned to me. I silently began to cry.
I thank God for my momma because she did not judge me. She did not condemn me. She just held my hand and was there for me. I am so grateful that God was there for me spiritually and my mom was there for me naturally so that I was not alone.
The procedure then began. I will spare you the gruesome details but to sum it up, a piece of my cervix had to be removed and sent to a lab. The lab would rate the progression of the cancer cells. I was laying on the table as my doctor was conducting this procedure. I then heard an awkward noise. "Hmm," I heard my doctor say. My mom (being the protector she is) says "What?!"
"I don't see anything!!!" My spirit was now CHARGED with excitement. This was the same doctor who had just pulled out diagrams to explain how destroyed my insides were. Now she was confused because did not see anything that she should have seen for someone in my condition "I think I see a cell but there should be CLUSTERS of cells on the cervix. They are not there."
To be sure, she then takes a scalpel to cut through my cervix to find cells. The word OUCH does not suffice for the pain that I felt. Yet and still, the clusters of cells that she was looking for, she could not find. That chick sliced me for no reason! LOL!!! (Kidding, guys!)
That night, sore and all, I went to choir rehearsal. I did not care about pain. I KNEW that God had healed me and I was going to serve Him, limping and all!!! (That may not have been the wisest thing in the world to do but again, I was just turning 20 years old). Lol! I knew I was healed but I was just waiting for the confirmation from my doctor. She told me that I would hear from her in two weeks.
One week later, I got a phone call. I was not only cancer free but the HPV virus (which is a virus that stays in your blood stream for LIFE) was gone. By HIS stripes, I was completely and 100% healed!!
I give God so much praise because that cancer could have taken me out but He spared me to testify of His goodness! To any woman who reads this, I encourage you to stay on top of your yearly ob/gyn testing and visits. To anyone suffering with cancer, viruses or any other affliction, know that your doctor does not have the last say. God is in complete control and even if you are diagnosed with an ailment, know that Jesus already paid the price for your healing. Just walk in your healing by FAITH. Know that God has your back! I am a WITNESS, chile!
I used to be HORRIBLY embarrassed to tell that testimony simply because my cancer was brought on by my sin (unmarried sex) and also the fact that STD's are a "taboo" subject. The enemy wanted me to feel shame so that I would rob glory from God by not revealing my miraculous healing. The Word tells us that the wages of sin is death and that is what I encountered. What I also encountered was healing and redemption. I am NOT my past. I am NOT what I have been through and I will not be ashamed to tell what transpired because God is glorified! He healed me because I BELIEVED that He would. What a mighty God I serve. Thank You, JESUS!
Never be ashamed of your testimony. You would be amazed at how many people are in similar shoes to yours and shame prevents them from seeking help or has them feeling helpless. Once God removed the shame and I told my testimony, SO MANY WOMEN began to tell me how HPV has affected their lives. I give God praise knowing that He has no favorite children. If He healed me, He will heal anybody!
Tell of God's goodness. Someone needs to hear it!
"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..." Revelation 12:11
There is freedom power in your testimony. Tell it!!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Your Legacy-A Message of Hope
Yesterday was Oprah's final episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show". I was not able to watch the show as meteorologist took over my television. There were multiple tornadic wall clouds throughout St. Louis (they dispersed, Glory to God!) so in order to watch the show, I had to watch the 3am replay. I'm not much of a sleeper so this was fine with me.
What I liked....no. What I loved about the final episode was that she gave glory to Jesus. Many people say God but shy away from the name Jesus. It was refreshing to hear her say that. I also enjoyed her teaching life lessons. She spoke on many lessons that inspired a sense of hope. She said a few things that stuck out to me. The first was "You are in control of your life. What your momma did does not control your life. What your daddy did does not control your life. You are in control of your life."
That was profound to me. Of course we know that God is our head and is in control of our lives (sinners and saints alike). That goes without saying. What we must also realize is that God does not override our free will. He has a plan for our lives/destiny but our obedience to His plan is our choice. We make the choice as to what we will do with our lives. Our lives, meaning the decisions we make for our lives, are in our control. There is power in every decision that we make.
What decisions are you making that are benefiting your destiny? Are you making choices that are hindering your progress? If so, it is not too late to change those choices. Do you have bad habits that need to be broken? Break them! You are one determined decision away from living your best life. Use your control and LIVE!
As the final credits started to role, I began to cry. Oprah is inspirational to me, however I was shocked that I was moved to the point of tears by the show ending. It was because it signified an end of an era in my life as a viewer. Where else can I get daily "Aha moments?" Lol! I thought about Oprah and the legacy that she leaves behind for daytime television and humanity as a whole: A legacy of giving and teaching.
I now ask you who are reading this: When you leave this earth, what will your legacy be? Will it be that you were a good Christian? Will it be that you were a giver? Will it be that you were mean? What will people not only say but feel about you when you depart this beautiful journey called 'life'?
Each day that you are living, you are leaving a little piece of you in the world. When you finally leave Earth (by death or rapture) all of those little pieces will be composed to one big picture. That big picture is your legacy. Make the determined decision that you will use everyday to build a legacy that you will be grateful, not fearful and embarrassed, to present before God on judgment day. I'm not just referring to a life that is obedient to the Word of God (though that is of the utmost importance). What I am also referring to in addition to righteous living, is a legacy of loving everybody, a legacy of kindness, a legacy of gentleness, a legacy of giving, a legacy of doing good deeds. What impact are you leaving on our world?
It is never too late to build an awesome, loving legacy. I love the quote "People don't care what you know or remember what you say. They care and remember how you made them feel." Be determined to ensure people feel the love of God every time you walk into a room, open your mouth or even cross the mind of someone else. As humans, we know our moods don't always live up to that. I am a witness myself! What is also true is if you don't put your best foot forward, it is wisdom to fix that experience with the person who did not see your best you. If you are a little short with someone or impatient in the moment, go back and fix it. Apologize.
Life is short. Everyday is a day that we cannot get back. EVERYDAY, you are leaving your imprint on the world. When all is said and done, live a life and let your legacy be so that when you stand before God on judgement day, He PROUDLY says "Well Done! You can come on in!"
What I liked....no. What I loved about the final episode was that she gave glory to Jesus. Many people say God but shy away from the name Jesus. It was refreshing to hear her say that. I also enjoyed her teaching life lessons. She spoke on many lessons that inspired a sense of hope. She said a few things that stuck out to me. The first was "You are in control of your life. What your momma did does not control your life. What your daddy did does not control your life. You are in control of your life."
That was profound to me. Of course we know that God is our head and is in control of our lives (sinners and saints alike). That goes without saying. What we must also realize is that God does not override our free will. He has a plan for our lives/destiny but our obedience to His plan is our choice. We make the choice as to what we will do with our lives. Our lives, meaning the decisions we make for our lives, are in our control. There is power in every decision that we make.
What decisions are you making that are benefiting your destiny? Are you making choices that are hindering your progress? If so, it is not too late to change those choices. Do you have bad habits that need to be broken? Break them! You are one determined decision away from living your best life. Use your control and LIVE!
As the final credits started to role, I began to cry. Oprah is inspirational to me, however I was shocked that I was moved to the point of tears by the show ending. It was because it signified an end of an era in my life as a viewer. Where else can I get daily "Aha moments?" Lol! I thought about Oprah and the legacy that she leaves behind for daytime television and humanity as a whole: A legacy of giving and teaching.
I now ask you who are reading this: When you leave this earth, what will your legacy be? Will it be that you were a good Christian? Will it be that you were a giver? Will it be that you were mean? What will people not only say but feel about you when you depart this beautiful journey called 'life'?
Each day that you are living, you are leaving a little piece of you in the world. When you finally leave Earth (by death or rapture) all of those little pieces will be composed to one big picture. That big picture is your legacy. Make the determined decision that you will use everyday to build a legacy that you will be grateful, not fearful and embarrassed, to present before God on judgment day. I'm not just referring to a life that is obedient to the Word of God (though that is of the utmost importance). What I am also referring to in addition to righteous living, is a legacy of loving everybody, a legacy of kindness, a legacy of gentleness, a legacy of giving, a legacy of doing good deeds. What impact are you leaving on our world?
It is never too late to build an awesome, loving legacy. I love the quote "People don't care what you know or remember what you say. They care and remember how you made them feel." Be determined to ensure people feel the love of God every time you walk into a room, open your mouth or even cross the mind of someone else. As humans, we know our moods don't always live up to that. I am a witness myself! What is also true is if you don't put your best foot forward, it is wisdom to fix that experience with the person who did not see your best you. If you are a little short with someone or impatient in the moment, go back and fix it. Apologize.
Life is short. Everyday is a day that we cannot get back. EVERYDAY, you are leaving your imprint on the world. When all is said and done, live a life and let your legacy be so that when you stand before God on judgement day, He PROUDLY says "Well Done! You can come on in!"
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tick Tock Goes My Biological Clock
You know, this was SOOO not suppose to be a women's empowerment blog but that seems to be a common theme with me. Anywho...Here's another piece of my heart.
So once again, I do not put a lot of personal information online but know that I am a woman of "a certain age" (Lol!). I have never been married and I do not have children. What I am noticing more and more is that as my age increases year by year, people are becoming more and more questioning of me.
"When are you getting married?" "Isn't it about time that I should be getting an invitation to your wedding?" "It's time for you to settle down!" "What are you waiting on? You ain't getting no younger!" People (mainly older women) BOLDLY make those proclamations to me. I laugh it off because this is my philosophy: "It is better to be single and happy than married and miserable (like majority of the people that are rushing me to the altar are feeling!)" #BOOM
People who have watched me grow up boldly approach my mother asking why am I not married and is there a reason that my I have not yet given birth. I deal with that often but what I hear even more than marriage questions is BABY QUESTIONS!
"When do you plan on having babies?", "You would have such pretty babies! Don't you want them?", "What are you waiting on?" and MY FAVORITE ONE: "You need to hurry up and have babies! You want to be able to enjoy your kids (as if my age determines that!)." My mother is even now outwardly expressing that she is excitedly awaiting the day to obtain the title "Granny!"
I'm sure I am not the only one with family, friends and associates thinking that because you were not married by the time you were 23, you are moving too slow! It's as though people believe that all of the good men will be taken (or gay) if I don't rush and snag one. They also seem to believe that my eggs have an expiration date.
If you are in that same boat, honey you are not alone. Here is my response to ALL of the concern for my pace through life:
Marriage:
Once I'm married, I will be married for good. I want to enjoy my man and our marriage but until GOD, and I mean God (not selfish desires) sends him my way, I will continue to enjoy my life as a single. I do not have to follow the timeline trends of people. I will not rush into a permanent situation to appease the concern of pessimistic thinkers. If it is meant to be, it will be. Please, be seated!
Biological Clock:
If God let Abraham and Sarah have children in their old age, I think I'll be alright. God is the creator of the world, the ruler of time. Time is in His hand and so is my UTERUS, thank you very much! God controls my biological clock and since I am doing things His way and in His timing, I am positive that He is hitting the snooze button for the moment and not unplugging the "clock" altogether. I will have babies in His timing, not others, as I am sure that the same noisy people won't be buying the diapers needed throughout my babies' infancy.
Being single is not a punishment. It is the time to enjoy YOU because once you marry it's no longer a YOU! The two become one. Upon marriage, my concern won't be for ME...it will be for WE! I'm enjoying my singleness as this is the appropriate time to be selfish.
Let nobody rush you through life. Take things slowly at a pace in which you are comfortable. Marriage and childbirth are an important part of your life but don't commit to these things until you are ready. Forget people! People will ALWAYS find a way to criticize you for something in life and if you cave in to it, you will always live your life to please others. Living your life to please people is to live life mentally and spiritually imprisoned. Free yourself!
Your life is not any more or less valuable, depending on your relationship status.
You are not more or less of a woman based upon when or even IF you give birth. Look at Oprah.
Take a listen to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igCj3jsbcqs
God bless you!
xoxo
Faye.
So once again, I do not put a lot of personal information online but know that I am a woman of "a certain age" (Lol!). I have never been married and I do not have children. What I am noticing more and more is that as my age increases year by year, people are becoming more and more questioning of me.
"When are you getting married?" "Isn't it about time that I should be getting an invitation to your wedding?" "It's time for you to settle down!" "What are you waiting on? You ain't getting no younger!" People (mainly older women) BOLDLY make those proclamations to me. I laugh it off because this is my philosophy: "It is better to be single and happy than married and miserable (like majority of the people that are rushing me to the altar are feeling!)" #BOOM
People who have watched me grow up boldly approach my mother asking why am I not married and is there a reason that my I have not yet given birth. I deal with that often but what I hear even more than marriage questions is BABY QUESTIONS!
"When do you plan on having babies?", "You would have such pretty babies! Don't you want them?", "What are you waiting on?" and MY FAVORITE ONE: "You need to hurry up and have babies! You want to be able to enjoy your kids (as if my age determines that!)." My mother is even now outwardly expressing that she is excitedly awaiting the day to obtain the title "Granny!"
I'm sure I am not the only one with family, friends and associates thinking that because you were not married by the time you were 23, you are moving too slow! It's as though people believe that all of the good men will be taken (or gay) if I don't rush and snag one. They also seem to believe that my eggs have an expiration date.
If you are in that same boat, honey you are not alone. Here is my response to ALL of the concern for my pace through life:
Marriage:
Once I'm married, I will be married for good. I want to enjoy my man and our marriage but until GOD, and I mean God (not selfish desires) sends him my way, I will continue to enjoy my life as a single. I do not have to follow the timeline trends of people. I will not rush into a permanent situation to appease the concern of pessimistic thinkers. If it is meant to be, it will be. Please, be seated!
Biological Clock:
If God let Abraham and Sarah have children in their old age, I think I'll be alright. God is the creator of the world, the ruler of time. Time is in His hand and so is my UTERUS, thank you very much! God controls my biological clock and since I am doing things His way and in His timing, I am positive that He is hitting the snooze button for the moment and not unplugging the "clock" altogether. I will have babies in His timing, not others, as I am sure that the same noisy people won't be buying the diapers needed throughout my babies' infancy.
Being single is not a punishment. It is the time to enjoy YOU because once you marry it's no longer a YOU! The two become one. Upon marriage, my concern won't be for ME...it will be for WE! I'm enjoying my singleness as this is the appropriate time to be selfish.
Let nobody rush you through life. Take things slowly at a pace in which you are comfortable. Marriage and childbirth are an important part of your life but don't commit to these things until you are ready. Forget people! People will ALWAYS find a way to criticize you for something in life and if you cave in to it, you will always live your life to please others. Living your life to please people is to live life mentally and spiritually imprisoned. Free yourself!
Your life is not any more or less valuable, depending on your relationship status.
You are not more or less of a woman based upon when or even IF you give birth. Look at Oprah.
Take a listen to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igCj3jsbcqs
God bless you!
xoxo
Faye.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
I Forgot to Forget...
"Forgive but don't you ever forget!" How many of you were taught that lesson? *raises my own hand*
Men, you can ease drop on this one. This is for the ladies: After reading this, take time to think about what was said...
WOMEN do not forget ANYTHING! We can forgive but we will always remember. We are emotional creatures and that is a part of our makeup! We are taught to forgive someone but not forget what they did .
I was content with that way of thinking, to forgive but never forget because that is what I was taught to do.Well, I realized that I was so WRONG! I was reading Hebrews 10 and at verse 17 it says "Then He adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." This thought process came to me: If God Himself forgets what we do when we ask for forgiveness, why can't I forget what people do to me? Why is it necessary to hold on to the memory? Here's the answer: Women do not forget because women have a hard time TRUSTING!!!! When you know the source of a problem (the root) you have the power to change it. So to anyone who is practicing "Forgive, but never forget," Congratulations. You now know that you have a problem trusting people. FIX IT!
I am COMMITTED to changing that behavior. You should, also. I remember watching Gerald and Tammi Haddon discuss marriage on YouTube (the link is below). Gerald said there is NO worse feeling than to argue with his wife and she brings up something that happened more than 10 years ago that she said she forgave him for. This is true in any relationship, not just marriage. It is a HORRIFIC feeling to have messed up, apologize and ask for forgiveness and then have the situation brought back up later on.
In order to have a healthy relationship, you MUST be able to trust your partner. We are humans and we mess up but with the same mercy you want your boo to show you, you must be willing to give it as well. Trust them and if they make a mistake, forgive them and LET IT GO by forgetting and NOT BRINGING IT UP AGAIN! Am I saying be foolish and stay with someone who is regularly hurting you and betraying your trust? NO! But I am saying if you have a jewel that is worth keeping, you must forgive and forget and that comes in trusting.
LEARN TO FORGET!
Watch this video of Gerald and Tammi Haddon (10 years of marriage, Woop Woop!) and listen. Start at 5 minutes and 30 seconds to see what I was referring to....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1HMJNLQclQ
Men, you can ease drop on this one. This is for the ladies: After reading this, take time to think about what was said...
WOMEN do not forget ANYTHING! We can forgive but we will always remember. We are emotional creatures and that is a part of our makeup! We are taught to forgive someone but not forget what they did .
I was content with that way of thinking, to forgive but never forget because that is what I was taught to do.Well, I realized that I was so WRONG! I was reading Hebrews 10 and at verse 17 it says "Then He adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." This thought process came to me: If God Himself forgets what we do when we ask for forgiveness, why can't I forget what people do to me? Why is it necessary to hold on to the memory? Here's the answer: Women do not forget because women have a hard time TRUSTING!!!! When you know the source of a problem (the root) you have the power to change it. So to anyone who is practicing "Forgive, but never forget," Congratulations. You now know that you have a problem trusting people. FIX IT!
I am COMMITTED to changing that behavior. You should, also. I remember watching Gerald and Tammi Haddon discuss marriage on YouTube (the link is below). Gerald said there is NO worse feeling than to argue with his wife and she brings up something that happened more than 10 years ago that she said she forgave him for. This is true in any relationship, not just marriage. It is a HORRIFIC feeling to have messed up, apologize and ask for forgiveness and then have the situation brought back up later on.
In order to have a healthy relationship, you MUST be able to trust your partner. We are humans and we mess up but with the same mercy you want your boo to show you, you must be willing to give it as well. Trust them and if they make a mistake, forgive them and LET IT GO by forgetting and NOT BRINGING IT UP AGAIN! Am I saying be foolish and stay with someone who is regularly hurting you and betraying your trust? NO! But I am saying if you have a jewel that is worth keeping, you must forgive and forget and that comes in trusting.
LEARN TO FORGET!
Watch this video of Gerald and Tammi Haddon (10 years of marriage, Woop Woop!) and listen. Start at 5 minutes and 30 seconds to see what I was referring to....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1HMJNLQclQ
Friday, May 20, 2011
Caught Up!
""However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." Matthew 24:36 NLT
*This is going to be another "churchy" blog. Bear with me! :")
May 21, 2011 is tomorrow and unfortunately the world is on alert as Harold Camping has created a mathematical theory that says that at 6pm in whatever part of the world you are in, there will be an earthquake. This is the rapture (so...where is the trumpet sounding and those who died in Christ rising from their sleep? Where is Jesus being seen in the clouds in all of this???). Then by October 2011, God will destroy the entire universe.
This theory irks my very soul and I'm sure that God is not pleased, either. The bible clearly mentions what is suppose to happen during the rapture. Nowhere does Harold Camping even mention Jesus! He just relies on an earthquake going around the world for 24 hours on May 21, 2011. According to him, there is no great tribulation period (7 years) because by October, Earth will be no more.
There are so many holes in his theory that I could elaborate on but I would be typing for a couple hours. Just know this: The bible is right and Harold Camping is WRONG! If Jesus said that ONLY the Father knows, if Harold Camping is not the Father (which he is not), then sadly he is as inaccurate as he was years ago when he predicted that the rapture would happen in September of 1994 (yes, this is his SECOND time predicting the rapture)!
What bothers me with this all is that I feel as though this is giving leeway to secular arenas to make a mockery of the church because of this false prophet! Of course, we can't judge him and I am not. I am just stating a fact and the fact is that Harold Camping is a false prophet and for this sin, he will be held accountable.
This is a perfect example of why you should study the Word for yourself so that you will not be weak prey to falsehood.
(Disclaimer: I don't use the title of "Prophetess" online because I feel like it is the "in thing" for people to have great titles that most of them honestly don't live up to. It is CRAZY to me how many people have these grand titles but bear NO fruit to match. I have the title and truth be told, sometimes I prefer not to have it OR the office/authority, so why people flock to be known as "Prophet, Bishop, Apostle So and So" is BEYOND me! Any REAL prophet can testify that this is NOT a calling that you want because there is a huge price to pay. I treasure my calling but I really don't need the fan fair of a title. Call me Faye. *sorry for that vent just now! LOL! Back to business* I do walk in the office of a prophet so here's a lesson that you must remember about any prophecy-God will NEVER contradict His Word. If what a prophet tells you (God's spoken Word) does not match what the Bible says (God's written Word), throw that "word" away. They lied!).
While my spirit is grieved for the people who have accepted the lie about May 21st to be true and for the people who are using this situation as propaganda as to why you should not believe in the Bible, I rest knowing that God will be glorified. One day the REAL rapture will take place and if I have not yet passed, then I too will be raptured out of here and headed HOME! I just pray that everyone who reads this will be ready as well!
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" 1 Thessalonians 5:2
*This is going to be another "churchy" blog. Bear with me! :")
May 21, 2011 is tomorrow and unfortunately the world is on alert as Harold Camping has created a mathematical theory that says that at 6pm in whatever part of the world you are in, there will be an earthquake. This is the rapture (so...where is the trumpet sounding and those who died in Christ rising from their sleep? Where is Jesus being seen in the clouds in all of this???). Then by October 2011, God will destroy the entire universe.
This theory irks my very soul and I'm sure that God is not pleased, either. The bible clearly mentions what is suppose to happen during the rapture. Nowhere does Harold Camping even mention Jesus! He just relies on an earthquake going around the world for 24 hours on May 21, 2011. According to him, there is no great tribulation period (7 years) because by October, Earth will be no more.
There are so many holes in his theory that I could elaborate on but I would be typing for a couple hours. Just know this: The bible is right and Harold Camping is WRONG! If Jesus said that ONLY the Father knows, if Harold Camping is not the Father (which he is not), then sadly he is as inaccurate as he was years ago when he predicted that the rapture would happen in September of 1994 (yes, this is his SECOND time predicting the rapture)!
What bothers me with this all is that I feel as though this is giving leeway to secular arenas to make a mockery of the church because of this false prophet! Of course, we can't judge him and I am not. I am just stating a fact and the fact is that Harold Camping is a false prophet and for this sin, he will be held accountable.
This is a perfect example of why you should study the Word for yourself so that you will not be weak prey to falsehood.
(Disclaimer: I don't use the title of "Prophetess" online because I feel like it is the "in thing" for people to have great titles that most of them honestly don't live up to. It is CRAZY to me how many people have these grand titles but bear NO fruit to match. I have the title and truth be told, sometimes I prefer not to have it OR the office/authority, so why people flock to be known as "Prophet, Bishop, Apostle So and So" is BEYOND me! Any REAL prophet can testify that this is NOT a calling that you want because there is a huge price to pay. I treasure my calling but I really don't need the fan fair of a title. Call me Faye. *sorry for that vent just now! LOL! Back to business* I do walk in the office of a prophet so here's a lesson that you must remember about any prophecy-God will NEVER contradict His Word. If what a prophet tells you (God's spoken Word) does not match what the Bible says (God's written Word), throw that "word" away. They lied!).
While my spirit is grieved for the people who have accepted the lie about May 21st to be true and for the people who are using this situation as propaganda as to why you should not believe in the Bible, I rest knowing that God will be glorified. One day the REAL rapture will take place and if I have not yet passed, then I too will be raptured out of here and headed HOME! I just pray that everyone who reads this will be ready as well!
"For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" 1 Thessalonians 5:2
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A "Touchy" Subject (Pun Intended)
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" Romans 12:2
*This one will be a little bit more churchy due to the questions I was asked. If you're not quite "there" spiritually, don't worry. You can follow along and still understand. I don't get all deep and philosophical on you! :")
Last night, I took the time to write a blog about celibacy. I prayed about it which is why I wrote it. I got feedback from some people on Twitter and I am grateful for it because that means that the writing was not in vain. I pray that God touches someone through what is said on this page. Well, multiple people questioned about one particular topic that I was led to speak on. That topic is masturbation. While this blog page is not dedicated to sex (or the lack thereof), this blog IS dedicated to being real, honest and uncanny about life's issues affecting us as a people so that we can successfully walk the Christian walk. For so long in the church, there have been issues that need to be discussed and taught about yet they remain swept under a rug due to seeming taboo. The main thing that seems to be taboo in the church is sex.
Believe it or not, there are people in the church who are having sex or struggling to not commit the act and YES, they are saved! There are unmarried Christians who are sexually active. Should they be? NO! Should you be overeating? NO! Should you be on the phone gossiping when the bible specifically tells us to live a quiet life and mind our own business (1 Thess. 4:11)? NO! We cannot judge one another. That's God's job and He does all things well. It is our job to tell the truth in love including on the subject of sex. For those who are having sex and are YET saved, as their love for God begins to increase and their self-discipline increases, they will let go of the sin. Until they can successfully live a life free of fornication, they still need help in the "right now" of dealing with those sexual desires as they mature to the place of being able to control their flesh. Before you look down on those who are sexually active, remember "And such were some of you!" (1 Corinthians 6:11).
I personally realize that we do not know what we are not taught and many spiritual leaders are not teaching on how to be "Successfully Saved and Single" as many of our leaders do not know what it is like to be an adult who has to go years without being sexually active or without a romantic companion at all (dating). We are to help one another, so somebody needs to drop their fear of public scrutiny and speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help them God (and I ain't NEVA scurred [scared]! I'm SO St. Louis Lol!)
Well, the question posed was "Are unmarried Christians allowed to masturbate to help them get through their "singleness" without fornicating and of course can I back up the answer with the word of God". Ok...well here goes!
What does the bible say about masturbation?
Nothing. Next question please? (lol!)
Since the bible does not address it, can an unmarried Christian masturbate and it not be a sin?
This is a touchy subject. Well...the bible does not say anything about pornography nor smoking cigarettes either. Let's not focus on what the bible does not say and focus on applying what it does say to this subject. Here are some scriptures to look at:
"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" 2 Timothy 2:22
"Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;" 1Peter 2:11
"[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16
So the question is:
What is lust? According to Strong's Concordance (Greek, 1939 entry), lust is a longing especially for what's forbidden; Are you LONGING for something that you can't have (sex, food, money, a spouse, etc.)? Congratulations. You are lusting for it. #FACT.
Masturbation is used (by yourself) to achieve sexual satisfaction at that moment. That moment is brought upon by lust (longing for sexual activity that you cannot have). In that moment, you are lusting for sex. Now, those who are unmarried should not be having ANY sexual contact. Therefore, I conclude that to commit a sexual act (masturbating) in order to receive sexual gratification brought upon by lustful feelings is indeed a sin. In 5 words or less, "Masturbation is a sin."
If you do not agree, I would suggest that you contact a spiritual leader in whom you can trust about this subject and ask for a second opinion. I'm licensed...but I'm not your spiritual mother. You are not under my spiritual leadership so if you have a question, you should always feel free to ask someone else (my feelings won't be hurt! Lol! I actually will be happy because those who are spiritually mature do not just take the word (opinion) of someone else...they research the Word for themselves!)
I practice what I preach so I will put it out there for clarification...NO, I don't do "it"! Thank you very much! LOL! Remember in the previous blog, I said that I threw stuff out of frustration in a "moment" a while ago. Yep, that's why I threw it! Could that (me throwing out of anger) be a sin in that moment? Yes, because I had sinful desires in my heart and I was angry that I could not fulfil the lust of the flesh but all I can do is be honest. In that moment, I was desiring for something that I could not have and instead of getting the thought out of my head and moving on (2 Cor 10:5, Phil 2:5), I chose to get angry and start throwing stuff! LOL!!! I repented, saints. I know better now. :")
Anyway, that was my two cents on the topic and again, if you disagree with what I have concluded based upon scriptures, ask a spiritual leader in whom you can trust that will not be too shy to answer.
Love you guys! Agape!
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service." Romans 12:1
*This one will be a little bit more churchy due to the questions I was asked. If you're not quite "there" spiritually, don't worry. You can follow along and still understand. I don't get all deep and philosophical on you! :")
Last night, I took the time to write a blog about celibacy. I prayed about it which is why I wrote it. I got feedback from some people on Twitter and I am grateful for it because that means that the writing was not in vain. I pray that God touches someone through what is said on this page. Well, multiple people questioned about one particular topic that I was led to speak on. That topic is masturbation. While this blog page is not dedicated to sex (or the lack thereof), this blog IS dedicated to being real, honest and uncanny about life's issues affecting us as a people so that we can successfully walk the Christian walk. For so long in the church, there have been issues that need to be discussed and taught about yet they remain swept under a rug due to seeming taboo. The main thing that seems to be taboo in the church is sex.
Believe it or not, there are people in the church who are having sex or struggling to not commit the act and YES, they are saved! There are unmarried Christians who are sexually active. Should they be? NO! Should you be overeating? NO! Should you be on the phone gossiping when the bible specifically tells us to live a quiet life and mind our own business (1 Thess. 4:11)? NO! We cannot judge one another. That's God's job and He does all things well. It is our job to tell the truth in love including on the subject of sex. For those who are having sex and are YET saved, as their love for God begins to increase and their self-discipline increases, they will let go of the sin. Until they can successfully live a life free of fornication, they still need help in the "right now" of dealing with those sexual desires as they mature to the place of being able to control their flesh. Before you look down on those who are sexually active, remember "And such were some of you!" (1 Corinthians 6:11).
I personally realize that we do not know what we are not taught and many spiritual leaders are not teaching on how to be "Successfully Saved and Single" as many of our leaders do not know what it is like to be an adult who has to go years without being sexually active or without a romantic companion at all (dating). We are to help one another, so somebody needs to drop their fear of public scrutiny and speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help them God (and I ain't NEVA scurred [scared]! I'm SO St. Louis Lol!)
Well, the question posed was "Are unmarried Christians allowed to masturbate to help them get through their "singleness" without fornicating and of course can I back up the answer with the word of God". Ok...well here goes!
What does the bible say about masturbation?
Nothing. Next question please? (lol!)
Since the bible does not address it, can an unmarried Christian masturbate and it not be a sin?
This is a touchy subject. Well...the bible does not say anything about pornography nor smoking cigarettes either. Let's not focus on what the bible does not say and focus on applying what it does say to this subject. Here are some scriptures to look at:
"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart" 2 Timothy 2:22
"Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;" 1Peter 2:11
"[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." Galatians 5:16
So the question is:
What is lust? According to Strong's Concordance (Greek, 1939 entry), lust is a longing especially for what's forbidden; Are you LONGING for something that you can't have (sex, food, money, a spouse, etc.)? Congratulations. You are lusting for it. #FACT.
Masturbation is used (by yourself) to achieve sexual satisfaction at that moment. That moment is brought upon by lust (longing for sexual activity that you cannot have). In that moment, you are lusting for sex. Now, those who are unmarried should not be having ANY sexual contact. Therefore, I conclude that to commit a sexual act (masturbating) in order to receive sexual gratification brought upon by lustful feelings is indeed a sin. In 5 words or less, "Masturbation is a sin."
If you do not agree, I would suggest that you contact a spiritual leader in whom you can trust about this subject and ask for a second opinion. I'm licensed...but I'm not your spiritual mother. You are not under my spiritual leadership so if you have a question, you should always feel free to ask someone else (my feelings won't be hurt! Lol! I actually will be happy because those who are spiritually mature do not just take the word (opinion) of someone else...they research the Word for themselves!)
I practice what I preach so I will put it out there for clarification...NO, I don't do "it"! Thank you very much! LOL! Remember in the previous blog, I said that I threw stuff out of frustration in a "moment" a while ago. Yep, that's why I threw it! Could that (me throwing out of anger) be a sin in that moment? Yes, because I had sinful desires in my heart and I was angry that I could not fulfil the lust of the flesh but all I can do is be honest. In that moment, I was desiring for something that I could not have and instead of getting the thought out of my head and moving on (2 Cor 10:5, Phil 2:5), I chose to get angry and start throwing stuff! LOL!!! I repented, saints. I know better now. :")
Anyway, that was my two cents on the topic and again, if you disagree with what I have concluded based upon scriptures, ask a spiritual leader in whom you can trust that will not be too shy to answer.
Love you guys! Agape!
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service." Romans 12:1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)