My God is AWESOME!!!

When God told me to put my home on the market before moving to Phoenix, I knew it was for a greater purpose.  Little did I know that it would stay on the market for 1 year, 7 months and 21 days! However, I did not doubt what God had told me to do.  Neither did I worry about it.  At times, I totally forgot about it being on the market. On last Friday (Sept. 13^th), it finally went to closing! Praise God! And after all that time of not paying my mortgage (since Dec. 2011), God didn’t allow it to go into foreclosure and the bank paid me a small incentive for selling my home! All for His glory! MY GOD IS AWWWWWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, after being out of the elementary school setting for almost two years, God now has allowed me to go back as a substitute teacher. Although I was offered a full-time job, I know God still needs me to be available to do His will and only wants me to substitute. Also, I’m serving as a private tutor.  I’m just thankful that He is allowing me to do both, serve Him and to teach! And He is showing His favor in both! Below are two drawings given to me by second graders in the first class I served as a substitute. For me, it was just a reminder of His promises and how much God loves me! So glad I AM HIS! 

 A rainbow to remind me of God's promises!!!!

 A message to remind me of God's love!!!!

God's Plans, My Path

Recently, God allowed me to go back to Dallas, Texas for a visit.  Most of you know that I lived there from 1994-2000. It was during my stay there that I really began to seek God for His will for my life.  During those years, God placed some wonderful people in my life who became family to me! These people also became a part of my journey in a very special way. It was during this time that I committed to living my life for Christ. And while I didn’t know then how my life would unfold, I knew God had a special purpose and plan for me.  I was so happy to see my sisters and brothers in Christ with their families. And while it was great seeing them, I must admit, thirteen years ago when I moved from Dallas back to Louisiana, I thought by now I would be married with children too.  I had no idea the journey life would take me on. During my visit, God revealed so much to me about my path. He started by sending me to Megafest to receive a word at Woman Thou Art Loosed. He reminded me that my path and pain is all a part of my purpose. He also reminded me that even though my life may not look like what I thought it would look like, His plans for me have not changed.  God still has a great purpose for my life. I’m in transition and expecting!!!

This fall, God's plans will be taking me to Turkey.  I will be serving with a team of woman from the Global Training Institute for Women, where I currently serve as a volunteer intern.  Our mission is to equip women from the Middle East to be leaders in ministry. Once again, I’m humbled and in awe of how God orchestrates my steps! I never knew when I committed my life to serving Him where life would take me. Who knew---Louisiana-Dallas-Cambodia-Phoenix-Turkey! Only God knows the plans He has for me! I AM HIS!

Moving Forward!

Recently, I heard…“Faith will make you move forward. Trust will keep you going!” By faith, I am moving forward in the things God tells me to do and trusting God every step of the way.  And I’m excited about what’s ahead as I continue to surrender my life to Christ and allow Him to direct my path.  As I stated in my last post, God has me on a “need to know basis” as it relates to “what’s next”.  I’m learning more and more how to trust Him with my future! I admit that at times this is not an easy task for me. Sometimes I wish I knew more about what's ahead, but God continues to assure me that when I trust in Him with all my heart, not lean to my own understanding, and acknowledge Him in all my ways, He will direct my path! (Proverbs 3:5-6) So I’m moving forward and trusting God!

What’s next…

In my last post I shared that God has me serving as a volunteer intern at Global Training Institute for Women in Phoenix. I’m enjoying serving and excited about what God is doing in the ministry. The vision and purpose of this ministry is to equip women for serving in ministry. Currently, GTIW has a team that travels to Turkey twice a year to train women in the Middle East. I’m in awe once again of how God orchestrated my steps to lead me to this ministry.  While God knew His plans all along, I now know it was all a part of His plan in bringing me to Phoenix. And now I also know that God's plan includes me being a part of the team that will be traveling to Turkey this November.  I’m humbled and excited to be a part of what God is doing through GTIW. I look forward to how He will use me in Turkey and how once again my life will be changed forever! I AM HIS!  

   

By faith!

During my meditation time this morning I was reminded once again of a word God spoke to me back in 2008. It was included in this quote from Charles Stanley. “Yet, even when God is changing our understanding, we can always remember that Jesus not only saves us, He is the ultimate reminder that God always keeps His promises!”  God always keeps His promises is a message that God has repeated to me over and over again.  Each time I hear it, I’m encouraged.  But I must admit, there are times when I began to think, “How?” and “When?” for some of the promises He has made to me.  Nevertheless, I continue to trust Him to do ALL that He has promised. 

Once again, God is changing my understanding about my journey and His promises! The past year and a half has really been a season of change as it relates to my understanding of who He is in my life and the plans that He has for me.  I really know Him now in ways I thought I knew Him before.  For example, I knew before He was my Provider! But now I can say that I’ve truly experienced Him as my Provider and know without a doubt that He is my Provider.  My understanding of Matthew 6-“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness;; and all these things shall be added unto you.” and Philippians 4:13-“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” has forever been changed.

Also, my understanding of obedience to God has changed.  I now have a different understanding of how  my obedience to God is required of me, even when I don’t understand or it doesn’t make sense to me.  Recently, I heard a message from my Pastor.  He said, “It doesn’t make sense to make faith.”  Lately, lots of things God requires of me doesn’t always seem to make sense, but I know it makes faith! By faith is truly how I’m living these days. And will continue for the rest of my life!

What’s next for me….

Upon graduating from seminary, I did not know exactly what was next for me. I didn’t know if I would remain in Phoenix, return to Louisiana, or go somewhere else.  When asked, I said I was waiting for God to reveal it to me.  I trusted that He would and knew when He did I would have to be obedient to whatever He said to do.  It wasn't until a few weeks after graduation that He let me know what was next.  Once again, I’m in awe of how He orchestrates my path.  At this time, God has me serving as a volunteer intern for a ministry based in Phoenix (Global Training Institute for Women).  The vision for GTIW is to “help Christian women leaders discover their purpose and impact their world”. Currently they have a team that travels to Turkey to train women from the Middle East (Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Sudan).  This fall, they will also be launching a U.S. Ministry team to do a similar training here in the U.S.  I’m so humbled to be a part of what God is doing in this ministry and looking forward to what He has next for me!  But for now, I'll be here in Phoenix! He has me on a “need to know basis”.  He only tells me what He needs me to know right now.  So I will continue to be obedient in what He tells me to do,seek Him for what He has next, and live BY FAITH. I am His!

No Place Like Home 2!

Recently, I was blessed to be able to go home to spend some time with my Louisiana family and friends! I repeat---THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME! Here are a few pics from my visit! SHOUT OUT TO MY LOUISIANA FAMILY & FRIENDS: I LOVE YA'LL! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see all of you, but the love is still there!

Love my Louisiana Love!

My daddy on the grill for the cook out!

My goddaughter, Delaney! God's child! & My earth angel in the background!

My nephews, Triston and Brycen

My Aunt Ollie (Took care of my diet while at home! LOL)

My younger sister and my mother

My "Ms. Anita"

My partners in Christ, Gary and Jackie

My childhood besties, Gwen and Madonna

Hanging out with the girls!

My sister in Christ, Latasha! 

My crazy nieces, Starr and Ressie

Me and my Mommy

My older sister, Tina

Me and My BeBe! Together again!

My Miami Heat Haters! Still love'em though! :-)

Graduation Celebrations!

Just wanted to share some pictures from my celebrations over the weekend! I give God the glory for what He has done.  It was truly a blessing to celebrate with family and friends. 

Part 1 of Celebrations:

Graduation Day!

 Me with my dad & mom!

 Me and my Aunt Gay (from Dallas)!

Phoenix Seminary Class of 2013

Some of my seminary friends!

My seminary mentor, Ms. Kathy

My landlady, Barbara

 Part 2 of Celebrations: 

Dinner with family and friends at my favorite soul food spot! (Mrs. Whites's)

Part 3 of Celebrations: 

Free to Laugh Comedy Show

Trusting God!

This morning I was reminded that "Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees."  As I look forward to graduation next week, I am trusting God for what He has next! I know that He already knows and sees my future even if I can't see what He sees.

Upon me coming to seminary, many asked or wondered what was I going to seminary "to be" (a preacher, a missionary, a nun, etc.). I didn't come to seminary "to be" anything.  I came to seminary because I am an obedient servant of the Most High.  And after seminary, I am a more equipped obedient servant of the Most High. The program God sent me to complete was a graduate diploma program in Biblical & Theological Studies.  The primary focus of this program was to study the Scriptures in more depth. God's purpose for sending me to Phoenix Seminary has been fulfilled and now I'm trusting Him for whatever He has next!

While seminary was God's primary purpose for sending me to Phoenix, it was not His only purpose! There was so much more that He had planned.  Being in Phoenix has been an amazing part of my life's journey! I AM HIS!

 In the Student Prayer Chapel at Phoenix Seminary

My Confessions

It’s hard to believe that my graduation is just a month and a few days away (May 10^th).  This past year and ½ has been life changing in more ways than one.  Even though, God’s primary purpose for sending me here was to study at Phoenix Seminary, He had so much more planned from the beginning.  I’ve been keeping this blog to keep you updated with what’s been going on with me here in Phoenix.  While I’ve shared much, there’s so much more that I haven’t shared…..

Confession Part 1

As most of you may know, my divorce back in 2007 was very traumatic for me.   Although I tried hard to mask my hurt and pain, I was devastated.  I know I heard clearly from God and was obedient to what He told me to do.  That has not changed.  But I never thought in a million years my marriage would end in divorce.  And while I know divorce wasn’t God’s will, He allowed it to happen for a reason.  Some of you witnessed my hurt and pain, and some of you saw the mask I wore to try hard to disguise it.  I was wearing that same mask when I left Louisiana in January 2012 to come to Phoenix.  Yes, five years later the hurt and pain was still there.  I know some of you thought it was gone, but it wasn’t.  I hid it behind my mask! However, I couldn’t hide it from God.  Only God knew my deepest hurts and pains.  Yes, He knew all along, and He had a plan for that too. 

While most of my studies have been learning more about God’s Word and how to study God’s word, God also has had me on a path of healing for my soul.  Throughout my time at Phoenix Seminary, I’ve taken a series of classes that have helped me to process my hurt and pain and to allow God to bring His healing to my soul.  This semester, God led me to a study group called Mending the Soul.  It’s a program for healing from different types of abuse.  Initially, I didn’t think what I experienced was “abuse”, but it was.  My emotions and spirit had been abused.  The hurt and pain I felt was deep down in my soul and only God could heal it.  Only God knew I was in desperate need of my healing. And He led me to this group which has been a safe place for me to process my hurt and pain, and my healing.  As I’ve been going through the process, I am experiencing God’s healing in a whole new way.  I am truly getting to know Him to be my Jehovah Rophi (Healer)! I’m in constant awe of God’s timing and how He orchestrates every aspect of my life.  He continues to reveal Himself to me in so many ways.  It’s been another amazing part of my journey here in Phoenix!

Confession Part 2

I know some of you are wondering, exactly what am I going to do after graduation.  The answer to that is….Whatever God tells me to do!  I know that He sent me here to prepare me for whatever work He has for me to do.  He needed to equip me with His Word and His healing.  While I know He has a great purpose, He hasn’t revealed it to me yet.  And this has been one of my biggest challenges.  I’m used to having my next move all figured out.  But this time, I’ve totally surrendered my plans to God’s plans for me.  And when He reveals them to me, I will let you know. Until then, I will continue to diligently seek Him! I AM HIS! 

Yes, I'll trust you Lord!

Jesus loves me this I know!!!

My Valentine's Day Dinner!

Mixed greens, macaroni and cheese, pork ribs, & cornbread! 

Courtesy of Mrs.White's Golden Rule Cafe in Phoenix!

Yes, that's Louisiana hot sauce and red Kool-Aid in the background! 

Yes, Jesus loves me!!!!

Celebrating one year in Phoenix!

 As most of you know, I love to celebrate life! So of course I had to celebrate my one year anniversary in Phoenix with a few friends! Here's a few pics!

 

At Chili's with some of my Phoenix family & friends!

Above: Me & some of my church family (Ruben, Jennifer, & Yvette)!

Above: Me & a couple of my seminary friends (Sarah & Chelsea)!

Above: Me & my landlord (Barbara)!

Good peeps! Good times! Cheers!

A Year in the Desert!

Today makes exactly one year that I relocated to Phoenix (in obedience to God).  This year has truly been life changing for me! Last year at this time, I referred to Phoenix as my "Promise Land".  And I must say, God has truly revealed more of His promises to me here.  I was reminded on Sunday (in the message from my pastor) that "I'm right where I need to be to get my answer from God!" Although, my main purpose for coming here was to study at Phoenix Seminary, God had so much more in store! Some of my greatest lessons learned have not been in the classroom, but in my personal experiences with God during this past year. I've learned how to totally trust and depend on God. Over and over He has provided my needs--someway, somehow! I KNOW He is my Provider!  I've learned to listen and hear His voice more clearly. It's amazing to me how much more clear His voice has become to me.  I KNOW His voice and I look forward to hearing it daily! I've also learned how very  important my obedience is to God! I KNOW I have to obey Him even when it appears to be very unreasonable and even when it hurts or causes me pain.  And I admit, this journey has been painful at times! But I won't get weary because  I KNOW my harvest is coming! (Galatians 6:9)  As I continue my pursuit of seeking God for His purpose and plans for me, I'm committed to staying focused and being diligent in what God has for me to do.  I'm excited about my future and the "expected end" God has for me.

Next week I will begin my final semester at Phoenix Seminary (I will graduate on May 10th!). Over these next few months, I'm in great expectation of God revealing His ultimate purpose and plans for my future! I trust Him for my journey and KNOW that He has great plans for me! I proclaim 2013 as my year of PROMISE! I AM HIS!

Eyes Wide Open! I am His!

As the 2012 comes to an end, I’m reflecting on my journey over this year.  It began with my move to Phoenix in January.  This was the beginning of me really living by faith!  God’s ways are so awesome!  I’m in awe of the amazing things God has done over the year to show me His purposes for bringing me here.  He has really shown me that He is my provider and that I can totally depend on Him! I know there is still more for me to see.  Recently, I received a message to “Keep my spiritual eyes open.”  And that’s exactly what I am doing.  I’m diligently seeking God and His plans for me!  As I approach the new year, I’m expecting God to fulfill more of His promises to me!  I’m reminded of the verse I Corinthians 2:9 that says, “But it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”  I’m excited about what God has prepared for me! I know that it’s something greater!  I’m walking by faith, not by sight! (2 Corinthians 5:7).  I’m expecting faith promises and blessings in 2013!  My eyes are wide open! I AM HIS! Happy New Year! 

Oh, How He Loves Me! I AM HIS!

Thanks, Aunt Gay, for the call reminding me today!  

I'm in awe of HOW HE LOVES ME!

No Place Like Home!

Last week, I was able to go home (Slidell and Franklinton) to visit my family and friends for the first time since I moved to Phoenix ten months ago.  It was truly a blessing to be able to go and I enjoyed every second of it! Along with spending time with some of my family and friends, the next best thing was the good "home cooked" food!  I had everything I wished for and more (pot roast, red beans, pigs feet-corn-potatoes, greens and cornbread, gumbo, pound cake, chitterlings/aka chittlins, homemade breakfast, etc.)! I am truly thankful for my family and friends and all the love I received. Your love gives me strength to continue my journey! I am also thankful for the opportunity to have been able to go back home to visit. There is truly NO PLACE LIKE HOME! Even though I was there for a week, the time seemed to pass by so quickly! I miss my family and friends! I wished I could have stayed longer. However, I had to return to Phoenix for God to finish what He started! On today, I received a text with a message God gave someone to give me.  Once again God was reminding me that He has not forgotten His promises to me.  He then reminded me with a song that "It's Not Over (When God Is In It)".  I AM HIS!

Staying focused!

This time last year, I was just returning home after having to have an emergency surgery (Nov.9th) from an issue I had been dealing with for a while. I was scheduled to have surgery at a later date, but God intervened and it happened in His own timing and His own way! I was believing God for a supernatural healing and that's exactly what He did.  Reflecting over the past year, God's timing and ways have continuously amazed me.  I'm in constant awe!  Even when we don't see, God sees what He promised us! (Thanks to Pastor Mason for reminding us of that tonight!) I just have to keep my focus on His promises! I am His!

Still Holding On to my Faith! I am His!

My Tribute to Paula

I met Paula this summer after she came to live with my landlord.  The first time I met her she was watching cartoons.  Sponge Bob was one of her favorites! Although I've only known her for a short period of time, I know our paths crossing was God's will..  She and my landlord have known each other over twenty years.  They use to work together in a hospital here in Phoenix. From what Paula's mom told me, Paula use to be a fun and carefree person.  She was spontaneous and did a lot of traveling. From my conversations with Paula, I learned that she was a very independent person who loved the outdoors.  We talked about me taking her to the botanical gardens in the fall when it got cooler.  Now Paula had become a dependent person who stayed indoors.  The reason being is that she had brain cancer.  She was diagnosed with it a little over a year ago after experiencing a pain in her leg. She now needed help with daily living activities like going to the bathroom, taking a shower, getting dressed, eating, etc.  She expressed to me how hard it was for her to let people do these things for her because of her independent personality.  I could definitely relate to this.  I too find it hard to be dependent on others, even when I really need help!

The first time I went over to help Paula take a shower, she began to cry and asked me "How do you know when it's time?"  She was referring to death.  I told her none of us know when that time is going to come.  We just know that each of us have a time to go.  I told her the important thing is to know where we are going when that time comes.  She expressed that she wasn't sure, but she hoped that she would go to heaven.  I asked if she wanted to be sure of where she was going and she replied "Yes".  I then led her in prayer of confessing Jesus as her Savior! I believe this was part of God's purpose of our paths crossing. To God be the Glory!

Paula died today (Sept. 1).  As I watched her decline quickly the past couple of weeks, I was reminded of a few things.  One is that God places people in our lives to be a blessing to us.  Although Paula may have thought me helping her was a blessing, she also was a blessing in my life.  It was a blessing for me to be able to serve her with the love of Christ!  I know God had me here to help my landlord with Paula for His glory!  Also, I was reminded that it's okay to let people help you.  At some point in our lives, we all need help.  It doesn't take away from your independence to accept it! Thank you Lord! Lesson learned!

Paula would have been 44 years old on next Friday (September 7th).  We were going to be celebrating her birthday with cake and ice cream.  Now we will be remembering her at a memorial service.  Although my memories of Paula are few, they will be with me for the rest of my life.  One of my memories will be: Paula liked the way I did the tango (that's what she called it when I got her up and we stepped left-right-left-right to get her on her bedside toilet)!  And when I get to heaven, we will tango again (under different circumstances) :-)!

We've all heard the cliche' that "Tomorrow is not promised to anyone."  This became even more of a reality to me today.  On yesterday evening my landlord came to get my car keys to move my car.  I was asleep because I had to go to work last night.  She was sharing with me about Paula's day with the CNA (who hospice had began sending the past week).  I told her that I was going to come over to see Paula "tomorrow" (which would have been today).  I was planning on praying with her and reading Psalm 23 to her. I knew her time was getting close to the end. However, when I got in from work this morning, I got the news that Paula had passed. Of course, I am sad, but I am also regretful that I didn't  go see her yesterday.  I now realize even more how true that cliche' is, along with: "Don't put off for tomorrow, what you can do today"!  Remember, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die;"-(Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2a).  Rest in peace, Paula! See you when I get there! I AM HIS!

Here's Paula and I just one week ago! 

Living by Faith !

Phoenix life

It’s hard to believe that over half the year has passed.  Life in Phoenix is going well. I'm living a life of simplicity and loving it! I’m surviving my first summer of Phoenix heat.  We’ve been in the triple digits since the end of May, with only a few days in the 90s.  While we don’t have to worry about hurricanes here, we do have Monsoon seasons.  This season brings rainstorms and dust storms across the desert.  I’m definitely enjoying seeing the rain these days!  I’m currently finishing up the last of my summer studies and getting ready to start the fall semester.  I’m looking forward to cooler daysJ!

Faith life

By faith is definitely how I’m living these days!  God has constantly reminded me that He is my source.  Since mid-June, I’ve been working on Friday and Saturday nights only.  At first I wondered how I was going to survive on just two days of working.  I started trying to figure it out.  Then God clearly spoke to me and reminded me again that my job was not my source and that it was just an area where I get seed to sow! That was such a revelation for me!  From that moment, my faith in God went to a greater level.  Just as He promises, He has provided ALL of my needs.  I'm in awe of how He's doing it! While my usual lifestyle may have been altered due to my decrease in salary, my faith life is getting stronger everyday!  God has assured me that if I take care of His business, He will take care of mine!  I am confident in what God has told me and will continue to trust Him!

Why the desert?

As you know, my primary reason for coming to Phoenix was because God sent me here to study at Phoenix Seminary.  My move to Phoenix was definitely a step of faith.  But as you know, God always has a greater plan that He doesn’t always reveal to us at first.  Little by little, He is revealing to me the plans He has for me!  Along with school, He has me here to serve Him at my church and on my job.  He also has me here so that I can hear Him more clearly.  WOW is He speaking to me! And I am listening! He recently reminded me why He led the Israelites into the desert.  Deuteronomy 8:2 says “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.”  What a Rhema Word! I will keep His commands and trust Him to keep His promises to me! I know He has great plans for my life!

I’m living by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)! I AM HIS!

My Life is not my own!

I celebrated another year of life on Tuesday (June 19th)!  This year was quite different.  I wasn't able to spend it with friends and family like in the past.  No one in Phoenix even knew it was my birthday (except for the seminary staff who sent me a card), and I didn't feel the need to remind or let anyone know.  It wasn't about me this year! I know my life is not my own! I went to the mall for the first time since being in Phoenix.  But I wasn't there to shop.  God had me there for His purpose and a divine appointment. To God be the glory! I know it was for Him, because I wasn't even tempted to buy anything, including things on the clearance racks! LOL! Hallelujah!  I did what God sent me there to do! Afterwards I had a staff meeting at work, I had my babyback ribs at Chili's, & went to bible study!  My life is SIMPLY good! It was definitely my best birthday ever!  I AM HIS!

I'll forever be chasing after Him! I am His!

Embracing life's realities!

Recently, I've been faced with the challenge of embracing my life's realities.  While there are some experiences in my life's journey that I would choose not to experience, I know that I must embrace them in order to grow and move forward on this journey.  I'm beginning to understand how accepting the truths of my life is what makes me free! Sometimes I try to escape these truths with my spiritual ambitions.  However, I'm learning that in order to make my life fully real and truly mine I need to embrace these truths.  It's the truth that sets us free! I vow to begin embracing these truths!

Most recently, I've been challenged with embracing the truths and reality of my life in Phoenix. I know it's part of God's plan for me, but I must admit that it is a great challenge. While I choose not to share all my challenges in my blogs, they are there and they are REAL!  But I know they are just a temporary part of this journey. I recently read, "In order to fully find my life, I must first lose it."-Matthew 16:24-25. I AM HIS!

Missing Home!

While I am excited about God's plans for me, I must be honest and admit that I do miss home!  At times I am overwhelmed with my emotions and I realize that I have to be honest with myself.  I often talk about my spiritual journey here in Phoenix, but I am also on a journey to becoming fully human.  This journey causes me to realize that I can't escape from my human feelings.  Recently, God reminded me of this and I had to really repent from trying to.  I am human and I know I can't deny that if I want to be true to God, myself, and others.

Last week, my bff from childhood loss her father.  Of course, I wish I could have been there with her and the rest of the family.  Her family is just like family to me and I love them very much.  This week (following her dad's funeral service on Saturday) her mom's sister passed away.  Her mother is very dear to me (like a mother) and my heart is so full for her.  I know she's a God fearing woman, but I also know this is a very hard time for her.  Once again, I'm sad that I am unable to be there with the family.  And while they are extended family, it really makes me miss home!

I miss all my biological and non-biological family! I miss my nephew, Triston.  He was almost two years old when I moved back home in 2000.  Now he's about to go to high school!  I can hardly believe it.  I've watched him grow over the years! I miss his hugs and kisses!  He ran track for the first time this spring and I wasn't there to see him!  He recently received an award for being an academic scholar this school year! I am so proud of him!  I miss my two year old niece, Starr, who learned to say my name after I moved to Phoenix, and is talking more and more each day.  I miss all my girlfriends who I used to meet for dinner and just have girl talk (you know who you are)!   I miss my dog, BeBe!:-)  She has a new family now that loves her and is taking good care of her!  She is the sweetest dog ever!  I miss my Brock family and students! I miss my brothers and sisters in Christ back home!  I miss my hairstylist and our talks at the shampoo bowl or in her chair! I miss my ELAKO (East Louisiana Kairos Outside) family!  I miss my Prison Fellowship family at RCC (Rayburn Correctional Center)!  I miss all my friends who were a part of my life back in Louisiana (you know who you are)! There is no place like home!

Although this journey gets hard sometimes, God continues to remind me that my sufferings are only temporary and that my latter will be greater!  I know He will never leave me nor forsake me.  I appreciate all of you for your prayers and support!  Please continue to pray my strength through this journey! I AM HIS!

I'm in Love!!!

Yes, I’ve fallen in love, AGAIN and I want the world to know!!  It’s real, unconditional, true love! I’ve known Him for a while now.  He’s someone I can lean and depend on for anything! He’s my everything! I can’t imagine living life without Him!  I’m sure you know who He is! His name is JESUS!  I first fell in love with him back in 1997 during what I called my six month “reconstruction period”.  It was a time when I deliberately spent six months seeking Him for a more intimate relationship.  During that six months, I experienced the love of Christ like never before.  I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Him, and only wanted what He had for me!  I’m back in that place again!!!!! He is my everything and I know I can’t make it without Him!  I want only and all that He has for me and has promised me!  I love my life in Christ right now! It’s a life of simplicity and obedience.  I may not have everything that I think I want, but I do have everything that He knows I need!

I love serving as a Caregiver!  I know that I’m doing what God desires of me at this time.  He constantly let’s me know this through the people that I’m serving.  On my second night of my new job, I went in to get one of my residents up to go to the restroom.  Usually, she’s a little resistant to the other caregivers, but she was very cooperative with me.  After using the restroom, I helped her back to bed.  As I was leaving out of the room, I heard her say, “Thank you God for sending her.  She is so nice.”  Of course, my eyes filled up with tears and I just gave God the glory!

I also love serving at my church (El Elyon International)!  I finally completed my new member’s class on today!  I have already begun serving on the Evangelism Team.  We recently went out for soul winning at an event here in Phoenix.  While out witnessing, God allowed me to first witness and pray for a young man named “Christian”.  While I know there are many  persons named Christian out there, I know this was a divine assignment.  Again, God confirmed to me that I was doing what He sent me there to do: to help win souls for the Kingdom!! I know I must obey God and do the work that He has assigned me.

I love studying at Phoenix Seminary!  This pass week was finals week and I’m off until summer begins on May 21^st!  TGBTG!!!!.  I am enjoying my studies and am looking forward to what’s to come.  While I don’t know exactly what God’s expected end is for me, I know that this is all part of His preparation.  I just want to be ready to do whatever He has predestined for me to do. 

Tonight during service, Pastor Mason reminded me that “My obedience is not optional”.  It is because of obedience that I am here in Phoenix, serving as a caregiver, serving at El Elyon International Church, and studying at Phoenix Seminary! In obedience, God sent me all the way to Phoenix, Arizona to fall in love with Him again! I love my life! I AM HIS!  

God opens doors!

Earlier this week, I received an email from my baby sister (thanks sis!) titled “One Door Closes, Another Opens”.  It was speaking of Revelation 3:8 where Jesus says, “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.”  You may have seen this in a spam email or text message before.  I may have to, but upon receiving it this particular day, this Word really became life to me!

On a previous blog, I shared that I had become a Caregiver and was offered positions by two agencies for “on-call” assignments.  I thankfully accepted those positions and assignments, and trusted God would provide me with a permanent position  that would give me the days and hours that I wanted to work (to accommodate my school and study time).  Over the past two months, I’ve been faithful with the “on-call” assignments I’ve been given.  All the while expecting God to give me a permanent position.  I had spoken to the supervisors at the facility where I had been working “on call” about possibly becoming permanent.  Due to their set schedule rotation, they were not able or willing to accommodate my availability.  I wasn’t discouraged, because I trusted and knew God was going to provide me a position that would accommodate my availability. I’m sure you know where this is going….. Yes, God did just what I expected Him to do!!!! This week, I learned that the facility where I had been working “on-call” (the most) had filled the position.  This means they would not be needing me as much as they have been the past couple of months.  BUT GOD!!!! Yes, MY GOD opened another door for me!! This week I also had an interview for a position at another facility that is opening a memory care unit. FYI:  I was working in the memory care unit at the other facility….talking about God opening doors!!!!.  He knew the plans He had for me all along!!! (Jeremiah 29:11)  The morning after my interview (the same day I received the email about Revelations 3:8), I received a call following my interview to tell me they wanted to offer me a position! I now know God was preparing me in the “on-call” position for this new position!!!  He knew that He had something greater in store for me!!! Not only are they willing and able to accommodate my schedule, God also gave me a pay raise!  A whole $1.32 more per hour!! LOL!! PRAISE GOD!!!! I thank God for increase!!! God’s ways and timing are so amazing and perfect! I’m in AWE once again!  HALLELUJAH!!!! I know God is my Provider and He alone  provides ALL my needs! GOD OPENS DOORS NO MAN CAN SHUT!!!! I AM HIS!!!!

Having Faith in God!

My FAITH is in GOD!

In my last blog entry, I shared that God had provided employment for me as a Certified Caregiver.  I also shared that this was an opportunity for me to serve God through serving others.  I am truly humbled at this opportunity!  Recently, God has shown me that  HAVING FAITH IN HIM IS ALL I NEED!

On last Saturday (March 17^th), I received my first paycheck as a caregiver.   Of course it was much smaller than my paychecks as a teacher, but I was thankful to God for provision.  Hallelujah! Even though it was a small amount, I figured I could use it to pay for something. On Sunday (March 18^th), I went to church and as always, I expected to receive a direct word from God! Of course, God did exactly what I expected. Pastor Mason began to teach one message but, in obedience to the Holy Spirit, was led to teach on “Having Faith in God” (Mark 11:22).  It was a powerful word from God! He shared about how our power is in our words! At the end of his message, he told us to begin to speak what we have faith in God to do for us.

At offering time, when I pulled out my checkbook to write out the check for my tithes from my paycheck, God spoke clearly to me.  He told me that He didn’t want me to just tithe on this check, but He wanted me to have faith in Him and give Him the whole check as a first fruit offering! In obedience and by faith, I wrote out the check for the amount of my paycheck (I couldn’t remember the exact cents amount so, I rounded up to the nearest dollar amount) and I gave my offering cheerfully to the Lord!  After service I did as Pastor Mason told us to do and began to speak what I have faith in God to do for me.  I shared with one person that I expected God to bless the seed I had sown during the offering time.  I didn’t tell her what God had me to do; just what I expected God to do.

The next morning, I received a text message from someone (they know who they are) asking me if I could cash a check.  I told them “yes”, and they asked for my address.  I didn’t ask them any questions. I just texted them my address.  I knew God was up to something!  I knew He was going to honor my obedience in giving Him that  first paycheck in Faith!  Well, the following Wednesday, after returning home from my evening classes, I had an envelope on my door.  Inside was the check from the person who had texted me earlier in the week.  The check was almost double the amount of my paycheck that I had given for my tithe/offering to God!  HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOD IS MY PROVIDER!!!!!!!!!!!  My faith is not in my job to provide my needs, my faith is in God to provide ALL my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)!!!!!!!  I MUST HAVE FAITH IN GOD! I AM HIS!

My Provider has provided!

Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, has provided me with employment! I knew He would! All I had to do was seek Him! (Matthew 6:32-But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.)

When I relocated to Phoenix in January, I expected God to provide me with employment for living expenses that would work around my school schedule and not take away from my studies.  I began seeking a job as a caregiver and  I found out that in order to apply for a caregiver job,  I  needed to become a “certified” Caregiver. After some searching, I found information for a Caregiver course that was suitable for my school schedule. I initially thought it would be “just a job”. However, God’s thoughts are not my thoughts!  While taking the course, God began to show me some things. He revealed to me that me becoming a caregiver is not going to be “just a job”. He showed me that being a caregiver is really a “commitment and call” and this would be another opportunity for me to serve Him by serving and sharing the love of Christ with others (in this case, the elderly)! Once again, God’s way of doing things just blows my mind!

I completed the course for my Caregivers certification on Wednesday, February 22^nd.  By the next Wednesday, I already had interviews with three different home-care agencies and was offered a caregiver position by all of them! God is soooo AWESOME!! (Philippians 4:19-But my God shall supply all MY need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus!) I accepted a position with two of them, in the hopes of getting steady hours at one or the other.  At this time, I’m “on-call” for assignments. That means they will call me whenever there is a need for a caregiver at my available times. Whether it’s one of these agencies or somewhere else, I know God will provide me a position with the exact days and hours that I want to work.  I know my prayer warriors will be in agreement with me! I just have to be faithful with the positions I’ve been given at this time. I’ve already received my first assignment! I’m always excited about the opportunity to serve God through serving others! I am His!

Below are pictures of my Caregiver Certifications!

I'M CERTIFIED FOR CHRIST!