Hello!  I've been away for a little while, but I'm back.  I recently lost a dear sister/friend/photographer in the person of Denise Gray.  Many of my posts on FB for the past week were in reference to her.  Here's where I picked up after an awesome day of worship on Sunday, April 29, 2012. 

This has been a rough week, but I know God is still faithful. I thank God for using Pastor Washington once again on yesterday with "Don't Give Up" from Luke 18:1-8. The message was all about prayer. We can't get enough of it. Why? Because: (1) Persistent prayer keeps us focused; (2) Persistent prayer clarifies our request(s); (3) Persistent prayer prepares us for the answer - but the flesh has got to die; and (4) persistent prayer strengthens our faith. Pray about everything; worry about nothing. Pray until you get an answer. We are NOT waiting on God...He is waiting on us. Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Don't Faint!

If I had to rewrite some pages of my life, would I do it? Of course. Are there some roads I wish I did not have to travel along the way? Absolutely. We must always keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. God makes no mistakes. Everything He allows us to go through is for a purpose. God's plan is perfect...regardless of how painful or frustrating it may be. Stay with Jesus, no matter the situation. There's a guarantee that He WILL bring you out if you faint not. Enjoy your weekend!

Call on Him!

"I cried out to the Lord and He heard me; he delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). Family, can you just let your mind roll back to just one thing that God did for you when you cried out to Him? Ain't it good to know that Jesus is the same today, yesterday & forevermore? If you're in despair about a situation that you know no one can work out but Jesus, just think about what He's already done. Don't be discouraged. I'm a witness...& you are too...that God is still able. Bless Him! Love ya!

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

The joy of the Lord is our strength. The Bible teaches that God will keep us in perfect peace if we keep our mind stayed on Him. That means a lot, but one of the greatest wisdom nuggets I get from that is we don't have to walk around in worry or defeat. Know that God has a plan for you and that He is big enough and bad enough to bring it to pass. I dare you to praise God in advance for bringing you through whatever your storm may be, for bringing to pass whatever He promised and bringing you up to where you know you're supposed to be. And it IS so! AMEN! Have a blessed day!

I Would Rather Be More Like Thee

"To emulate my mother is fine, to imitate my sister sometimes, to accomplish what my brother has achieved; I would rather be more like Thee...to win a Grammy someday, to see my name in lights on Broadway. These things really don't matter to me; I would rather be more like Thee" (from an old John P. Kee classic, "More Like Thee.") It's so easy to get caught up in glitz & glamour, fortune & fame. But our main priority everyday should be to seek to be more like Him. Lord, help us to stay focused & to remember that if we seek You & Your righteousness, everything else will fall into place according to Matthew 6:33. Be blessed! Love ya!

Hold on: Help is on The Way & Happy Birthday, J!

Special thanks to Elder Vanda Jackson for ministering powerfully during Pastor's absence: "Hold On: Help is on the Way" from Psalm 107:1-8 and Romans 10:13. God WILL respond, revive and restore. Such good news! And I cannot go without wishing my oldest child, James Jernigan a very special 19th birthday. Seems like I just had him, but I'm so proud of the strong young man he's become. I render all the love a mother could possibly give today and always. To God be the glory!

An Affirmation of Blessings

Hey yall! Today's affirmation: I am blessed beyond measure. Good and mercy are following me. The joy of the Lord is my strength. I am not afraid of man, for what can he do unto me? The Lord is my light and my salvation. My worst days are over and the best is yet to come because the favor of God rests upon my life. God IS and shall continue to forever be glorified in my life. Satan is a liar and a defeated foe. Every day is a day of destiny, purpose, service. And we declare these things to be true in the name of Jesus. AND IT IS SO. AMEN AND AMEN AGAIN! God bleshya!!

On The Other Side of Through

The difference between a winner and a loser is that the winner never quits. Remember, the race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to the one that endures until the end. In the midst of life's storms, the key is to keep moving in the midst. Yes, you may have to change your route, lower your speed, move with extreme caution and, of course, NEVER STOP PRAYING. In the words of musical genius James Bignon, "There's a blessing on the other side of through." God's got you, my friend. Be encouraged and know that your victory is on the way!

This Is The Day!

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). I pray that today will be one of your best days ever! May it be a day of expectation yet a day of great productivity. Knowing that faith without works is dead, let us move forth in faith, knowing that God's true desire is for us to prosper and be in health even as our soul prospers (III John 2). Remember: prosperity is not just $: it is our health, our mind, our spirit man, our relationships...every aspect of our lives. So go 'head and make it a winning day with your prosperous self!

If I Can Help Somebody...

"If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain" (Anonymous). Service is one of the best gifts we can give to others. Whether it be an encouraging word, a smile of comfort, sharing our abundance or any other kind deed, its impact can be amazing. What will your gift of service be today? God bless!

Be Still

Greetings! I hope everyone had a blessed weekend. Pastor Washington completed her series yesterday on GPS - God's Positioning System. She used the stop sign & the message was "Be Still." From Psalm 46, she taught us we should: (1) Be Still and Be Cautious; (2) Be Still and Be Comforted and (3) Be Still and Be Courageous! Whew! What a Word! I got a lot out of it but one of my favorite nuggets was that being still DOES NOT mean sitting like a bump on a log doing nothing. It means going forth with what God has already planted inside of you with full confidence that He WILL be God! Trust Him, lean on Him, depend on Him and He WILL see you through. Be blessed!

"God is great and God is good, but..."

Happy Friday! "God is great and God is good, but without Him, we are neither" (Anonymous). When I first read this quote, it reminded me that we can be anything God has called us to be, but we must remember that without Him we are nothing and without Him we can do nothing. Always remember that our God desires for us to win. If we would only open our hearts, trust Him and follow Him, there's no way we can lose. Will we make mistakes along the way? Of course. But our task then becomes to learn the lessons, try to avoid making the same mistakes in the future and keep it moving. Have a wonderful, wonderful day and weekend! Love ya!

Our Prayer for Discernment

As hard as it may be to believe or embrace, we must understand that all who are among us are not always for us. The passage from today's "Our Daily Bread" (Joshua 9:1-16) reminds us of this. People come in all kinds of disguises with the wrong intentions. This is what happened to Joshua. He helped those who sought his help, but he did so without the Lord's counsel. My prayer for us today is that God will give us discernment to know who is for us and who is not. And when He gives it, I pray He gives us the courage to act accordingly. In Jesus' name we pray. AMEN!

The Proposal

In my excitement, I forgot to post this on Monday, February 27. Here it is: Today I am SIMPLY GRATEFUL! I'm grateful to have a pastor who loves me enough to preach the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ. She loves me enough to correct me when I'm wrong. But finally she believes in the power of love enough to allow the man that loves me to give the most beautiful proposal a girl could ever ask for in the presence of my loving church family. Yall just don't know how I feel right now. My heart is totally overflowing with love, joy and peace. I rejoice in the Lord today like never before! I hope you will rejoice with me. Nevertheless, there's NOTHING that can destroy this joy I have. To God be the glory!

Want Peace? Focus on Jesus

How does one find peace in the midst of chaos? Isaiah 26:3 tells us that God will keep us in perfect peace if we keep our minds stayed on Him. We must realize that there are some situations we could NEVER change, some people who just WILL NOT like us and some things that are just TOTALLY beyond our control. But when we put our total confidence in the Lord and focus on Him, He has a way of lightening the load. I encourage you today to not stress over stuff and thangs but totally lean and depend on Jesus. His track record for giving us the victory is impeccable! Have a fantastic day!

Waiting for "Just Right"?

Hello! Have you ever had a burning desire to do something you know God has impressed upon your heart, yet you hesitated because you wanted to wait until things were "just right"? Well, consider Eccl. 11:4, "He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap." In other words, things may never be "just right". It is our time of prayer and reading the Word that God's true revelation and encouragement come forth. I pray that during this Lenten season God will give you greater clarity in whatever it is that's weighing heavily on your heart. I will be praying for you. I love you and have a blessed day!

Oh, God: How I Bless Your Name!

Today, I feel a praise in my heart that says, "I've got so much to thank God for. So many wonderful blessings and so many open doors. A brand new mercy along with each new day. That's why I praise You (God). And for this I give You praise: for every mountain You've brought me over; for every trial You've seen me through; for every blessing, Hallelujah! For this I give You praise." Yall just don't know. This is a true testimony for me. You see the glory, but you don't know the story. I'm a witness that God is a keeper, a provider, a way maker....He's alla that and so much more. Won't you join me in blessing His mighty name? Thank you, Lord for all You've done, but more importantly just for being who You are! In Jesus' name. AMEN!

Intercession for the Saints

Today, I really would like to offer intercession for those who have been going through and are waiting on their breakthrough. According to Psalm 20, here's my prayer for you: "May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions...Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses. But we will remember the name of the Lord our God...Save, Lord! May the king answer us when we call." In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus we pray. AND IT IS SO! AMEN.

What's Stopping You?

GM, FB fam! Have you ever wondered what separates the good from the great? There are several factors, but what's weighing heavy on my heart today is tenacity. You've got to have a "sticktoitiveness" that just will not quit, regardless of what it looks like. Disappointments and frustrations are a given, but learn the lessons & keep it moving. If God can allow a single mom who once slept on the floor of a radio station to now own several radio stations & a TV network (Cathy Hughes), & if He can allow a limbless boy (Dustin Carter) to compete in state wrestling championships, surely He can work with you & I! I challenge you today to stay on course to where you know you're supposed to be heading. I'm on it, and I'm rooting for you, too, because I love ya! Have a blessed day in the Lord!

I Love Myself and I Love Everybody Else

"I love myself and I love everybody else," is the mantra I've adopted for the month of February. Yet, I have to tell you: sometimes those are not always the easiest things to do. There've been times when I've come down way too hard on myself because of my imperfections. Then there have been times when it's been difficult to love everybody else, particularly those who have hurt me, whether intentionally or not. But let's praise God that His love is strong enough to pick us up and allow us to love anyhow. Heavenly Father, thank you for your perfect love that enables us to love and be loved, despite any situation. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Sanctification

The prayers of the righteous, indeed, avail much! Thank you! Daddy's out of the hospital and recuperating at a rehab facility. We're hoping the visit will be short. Please keep praying. Also, yesterday's series on God's Positioning System (GPS) produced a Word about "Keep Straight Through Sanctification." Pastor Washington reminded us that holiness is right, regardless of who's not talking about it nowadays. And we must know that it's a process. Dear God, help us to die daily to our flesh so that we may walk in the Spirit. We know we CANNOT do it on our own; we need the Holy Spirit to do a work in us. Thank you, Lord, for this process of sanctification. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. Have a blessed day! I LOVE YOU!!!

An Update on Daddy & My Thoughts on Whitney

Hello! I remain forever grateful for the love you've shown during Daddy's time of recovery. He will have to be released to a rehab center so he can strengthen his legs and walk better. Prayer works! Thanks so much for yours. I also have to vent now about the Whitney Houston situation and the role the body of Christ played, particularly the Christian radio community. When I heard an influx of her music being played (on Christian radio) AFTER her death, I couldn't help but wonder why it was not played as heavily before her death. Did we refrain because of her lifestyle? Had we written her off as a lost cause? I personally believe we missed an opportunity to love on her while she yet lived. As much as I love Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Yolanda Adams & Mary Mary, I can't help but wonder why secular radio would embrace their music but Christian radio would not embrace Whitney's until she died. My girl can't hear nothing now. I'm just saying, but what are your thoughts?

Thanks for Your Prayers & Treat People Well

Thanks so much for the tremendous outpour of love for my dad's healing & restoration! As of yesterday, his diabetes was under better control. God is still able; we are hoping he'll be released between today and tomorrow. In the meantime, I'd like to call your attention to 1 Samuel 30:13-15. My pastor just shared this short story that came with the simple thought of "treat people well." I thank God for you in your treating me and my family well. May God forever bless you. Love ya! I will keep you posted.

Please Pray For Daddy

Good morning. Today I solicit your prayers for my 76-year old daddy, Rev. Alonzo Parks. He's been hospitalized since Thursday for fluid buildup. However, he is a heart patient, his diabetes numbers are high and his gout has flared up; he's unable to walk. Yet, he is trying to orchestrate his release. Please agree with me that the Ultimate Healer, Jesus Christ, will do a divine work in his body and mind, as well as give peace to my mother and the rest of the family. In Jesus' name, it is so. AMEN.

Celebrating Love

Here's wishing you a very special Happy Valentine's Day! I pray that this will be a beautiful day of love, whether you have a sweetheart or not. I am of the personal persuasion that there is someone for everyone. Unfortunately, too many people masquerade & say they don't need anyone. I'll be honest enough to say that's not my testimony. I think we all need companionship & the subsequent love that results; life is too long of a road to travel alone (in the natural). And just in case that special one is not in your life at this point in time, my most earnest hope is that the love of God will overshadow any possible void and that you will still celebrate the beauty of love. Have a wonderful day!

The Order of Whitney

Usually on Mondays I give a recap of what was shared by my pastor at Love Life. No doubt, the word was off the chain: "I'm Coming Out With My Hands Up" (Romans 12:1-2); subject was about surrendering our all to Jesus. But today I have to tell you what I shared with Pastor about Whitney. She lost her life at age 48; 4 and 8 are 12, which represents order. Regardless of what the media tries to say abt the circumstances of her death or her life in general, I submit to you today that she already had her business with the Master in order. Isaiah 49:16 tells us that God has tattooed His beloved children in the palm of His hand. I believe Whitney is no exception. Let us celebrate her life, legacy and the awesome and inimitable gift of song that she gave to the world. Rest in peace, Whitney. Thank you for the impact you made upon my life.

Jesus IS on the Main Line!

Happy Friday! Here's a friendly reminder that I believe is more than just a simple cliche; it's the truth and it still works for me: Jesus is on the main line: tell Him what you want! He already knows but it won't hurt to talk to Him and nurture your relationship with Him. And while you're at it, it'd make Him feel even better if you tell him just how wonderful He is, how much you love Him and how much you need Him. Truly, we serve an awesome God! Have a blessed day & weekend. Love ya!

It's Gonna Get Better!

Hello! Today's message is short and to the point: "What's to come is better than what's been; the worst is over and the best is yet to come!" I encourage you to take this attitude today and get ready to embrace all the wonderful opportunities that lie ahead just for YOU! God sees, He hears and He knows exactly what you need. Trust Him to bring it to pass. Love ya & have a glorious day!

The Benefit of the "Step"

Have you ever been stepped on? Stepped over? Asked to step aside? Asked to step down? Denied a chance to step up? Well, here's good news: according to Psalm 23, as long as you allow the good Lord to be your shepherd, as long as you stay in His will, He WILL place your enemies at your feet; they will become your footstool! So as they are digging a ditch for you, it would behoove them to dig two...one for themselves because when God gets ready to bless you...guess what? He's gonna do just that! HALLELUJAH! Stay with Jesus. He'll NEVER let you down. Be blessed!!!

When Pleasing God, Don't Worry About Your Haters

"When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him," (Proverbs 16:7). Don't worry about trying to please man. That's one thing for certain you will NEVER master. Instead, place your concentration on pleasing the Father. Some will still hate (for many, this is because that's all they know to do), but in their heart of hearts they will know that you are in right relationship with God. And at the end of the day, that's all that matters. Peace and love to you today & always!

GPS - God's Positioning System

Good morning! We were truly fed with manna from heaven yesterday! As Pastor Washington began a series on GPS - God's Positioning System - she told us that Jesus is the ONLY WAY (John 14:5-6). We can do things the world's way, our/your way or God's way. It's time out for playing church. WE MUST BE BORN AGAIN. Our works, kind deeds, etc. will not be enough for us to make it in. I'm not sure about anyone else, but I'm living this life just to live again. Gotta get in! Have a blessed day!

How Are You Living?

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years" (Abraham Lincoln). Soooo....how are you living? In fear of what may/may not happen? In bitterness because of your refusal to forgive and let go? In annoyance because of others' pettiness & foolishness. In frustration because of past failures? Or.....are you living in the full confidence of the Holy Ghost that says through Him you can overcome any situation that would seek to destroy, distract or discourage you? NEVER allow the enemy to control ur state of being. You were born to win!

God Is Still Worthy!

Today, I'd like to share one of my life's mantras: "I try to live my life in such a way that people will not know if I am just entering a storm, in the midst of a storm or coming out of a storm. Why? Because NO STORM is big enough to overshadow my praise." God has just been too good! No, things are not perfect, but I'm so thankful that they are as well as they are. I am even more thankful for the manifestation that shall yet come forth. So in the midst of whatever, I WILL bless the Lord at ALL times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Love yall!

Don't Allow Anyone to Design Your Pattern of Grief

At some point in our lives, we will all grieve. It could be grief over the death of a loved one, the demise of a relationship, the loss of a job, the grief that comes with rejection, among others. But whatever it is, don't let anyone tell you how you should or should not grieve. Do it the best way you can until you feel better. Suppressing any feelings, whether it be grief, anger, depression or even happiness, can be detrimental to your health...and that is NOT the will of God for our lives. Be blessed! Love ya much!

Let's Support Our President!

"Politics is not perfect but it's the best available nonviolent means of changing how we live," (Maynard Jackson). If ever his words need to resonate, NOW is that time. Although I don't care for party affilations (just do what's right is my stance), I can still truly say that every time the Republicans open their mouths, they make it VERY CLEAR that the biggest beef with our President is the mere fact that HE IS A BLACK MAN! Make the devil out of a liar, people, and support our President as he continues to clean up the mess that was created years ago. NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE SILENT AND MERELY BE A SPECTATOR! Remember, there is strength in unity!

I attend Love Life Christian Fellowship under the dynamic leadership of Pastor Grace C. Washington. "There's a Bright Side Somewhere" was the closing thought on Pastor Washington's series on hope. What stuck with me most was, "No vision, no hope; no hope, no life." So my challenge to you today: "Do you know what your vison is? For without it, the people perish." You've come to far to fall by the wayside now. If you are unsure of your vision or if life has beaten you to the point where you've lost sight of your vision, ask God to show you, to restore it or renew it. It's time to experience the promised "more abundantly" while you yet live. I'm all in. How 'bout you? Be blessed!

How Strong Are Your Convictions?

My 6-year old amazes me with the level of convictions he has. I mean, whatever he believes, he holds fast to it. If I didn't know any better, I believe he could convince even Jesus that the sky is green! The moral? How much do we hold fast to our convictions? Do we believe what God says or what man says? If God says we r victorious, there's no need to walk in defeat! I challenge you today to hold fast to whatever God says about you, whatever He has promised you. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. Speak life into your situation, hold fast and expect your breakthrough!

A Mind Is A Terrible Thing to Waste

It's been a while since I've been here. But guess what? I'm back! Visit me daily for words of inspiration. How's this for a comeback? "A mind is a terrible thing to waste," (United Negro College Fund). Today, I want to encourage you to not waste your precious time entertaining the foolishness of haters, doubters, dream killers...anybody who decides to invade your space with negativity and confusion. Don't even give them the time of day. Instead, use that time on something productive that will help bear fruit in the efforts that you so greatly desire to come to pass.