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!