The Unknown

Sooooo it's been a couple of weeks. My apologies on my hiatus.

A couple of weeks ago God lead me to write on my Facebook status, "If you never do anything that makes you nervous then you aren't pushing yourself to grow" or something along those lines. Most of my Facebook statuses are things that I've heard from God that I'm lead to share and I thought that would be encouraging to others.

I was looking through my journal and noticed something I had forgotten all about. This time last year I was accidentally writing 2012 instead of 2011. I remember journaling about it because it was odd to me. Who accidentally writes the NEXT year. I've made mistakes of writing the previous year around Jan/Feb when I'm still in the habit of the old year. But never have I written the NEXT year especially in like April/May. It was weird lol

But in my journal I wrote how I was lead to pray about this year. 2012, 2012, 2012. I had so much expectancy of this year around this time last year! God then revealed to me that this would be my year of experiencing the unknown. What???? What does that mean? I had no clue but I wrote in my journal, JUST BE OBEDIENT. Ok cool. I can do that!

One thing I know for sure is I put myself through so many unnecessary trials because I chose to be disobedient to God. I vowed no matter what, I would do WHATEVER He told me to do. I went to a young adult small group last night and it was amazing! One of the girls was talking about how God would tell her the most off the wall random stuff that didn't make sense but she would just do it. He would wake her up in the middle of the night just to clean her room.

She confirmed so much that she doesn't even know. God has given me a wide variety of instructions this year, even to the point of not being able to sleep until I do it. And I'm talking small stuff like "Take the long way tomorrow." Um..ok. To the big stuff like "Time to transition." But God revealed to me, that big or small it's all been a test of my obedience. Once He can trust you to be obedient to the smaller things, He knows you'll listen to the bigger things. Praise God.

I realized God works in steps. Just like following a gps. Good luck trying to find a place after you've skipped a couple directions. Every turn you  make intersects with the next turn. Some people are lost because they missed a turn. Or were disobedient because they thought they knew a quicker way. But they didn't see the road blocks, traffic jams, etc that God strategically led them around. I don't want to be delayed AT ALL. I have an assignment at one o'clock and I want to get there on time lol And the thing I LOVE about going step by step with God when it doesn't make sense is that it forces you to rely on Him fully. I'm constantly going back to Him checking in like "Ok God where to next?" Because I don't know the way at all. That's the way He wants it. And although it's uncomfortable to me, "me and God are doing this thang mane" (In my country slang)

So I'm going towards the unknown which makes me nervous but like the quote, it means I'm growing. I went to a service this past Sunday night and the pastor was ministering on the supernatural. He was saying that everyone who is filled with the holy spirit can experience the same healing and delivering power that Jesus experienced. He told everyone that was in need of healing to raise their hand and everyone who didn't should go lay their hands on a person near them. I was ready to sit down and just pray since I wasn't a member there and didn't want to be out of order but before my backside hit the sit, I felt a kick like "You better go over there and lay your hand on that lady's back!" Um ok..lol

I put my hand on her shoulder and one on her mid back. Everyone in the sanctuary was praying in the Spirit. Next thing I know this lady started twisting and bending to touch her toes, lifting her hands in the air, pretty much doing aerobics. Praise God! I thought that was amazing. And a faith booster in my eyes like wow God really will use ANYONE who is willing. And He is so BIG. The favor of God is on His entire Kingdom. He is no respecter of persons. (Romans 2:11) He is everywhere and doing miraculous things in all believers' lives.  I love experiencing His vastness. It's so exciting driving to an unknown place with God while He guides me turn by turn, uncomfortable but exciting. True peace, joy, and growth can only come from being obedient to the Father especially when it doesn't make sense. Our human minds can't comprehend the supernatural anyway. Praise God!

"I come to the garden alone  

While the dew is still on roses  

And the voice I hear falling  

On my ear the son of God discloses

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known."

The Draino Effect

It seems like every few months my shower drain just gets clogged. Most likely, from when I wash my hair. Although, I'd thought I had been doing a good job of removing the hair from the shower and disposing of it in the trash or toilet. Nevertheless, I was taking a shower a couple days ago and noticed that I was standing in a growing puddle of water. I immediately knew what the problem was; it just happens so often to me.

I thought I was gonna have to make a trip to the store to get that trusty Draino, but I found an unopened container in my bathroom cabinet. Thanks Daddy! lol...I guess he was tired of me calling on him whenever this issue arose.

So I finally did that this morning. Yes, I'd been showering with a flood at my feet for a couple days smh lol...But I took matters into my own hands! We don't need no plumbers! lol

Wisdom is the Principle Thing

Wisdom is the principle thing. Therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)


Wisdom is the power of right judgement and discernment--the ability to choose the correct solution for any situation.

I had the honor of going to a women's conference last weekend, and the theme was entitled "Wisdom Is The Principle Thing." At one part of the conference, there was a panel discussion in which a group of older ladies actually shared nuggets of wisdom they had learned over the years. I think the oldest of the ladies was in her late 80's. I truly enjoyed hearing all that was shared. I've always loved hearing what older people have to say in general about life. I mean, they've been there and done that. They know things that the younger generations don't know, so we need to glean from them as much as possible while they're still living.

The ladies touched on living the single lifestyle, among other various topics. It was agreed that each day needed to start with prayer and devotion. No excuses! If you have to wake up 30 minutes earlier to get it in, then do what you have to do. Prayer can take place all throughout the day, but it should at least be at the start of the day so things will run smoothly and you will be more aware.

One of the ladies admonished the singles to take advantage of their singleness. (PROJECT WIFEY!!!) It's not a curse. There is a freedom that you won't have once you're married to do things. (And of course, she wasn't referring to sexual or impure things.) You're just able to be about God's business and have Him at the center of your world. When you're married, you don't necessarily put God on the back burner; you just have domesticated, and maybe motherly duties, to attend to as well. However, when one does get married, you will be required to share your freedom. Meaning....you gotta cut off all selfish tendencies! Or else...the lovely union you envision will be harder than it already is.

Proverbs 3:5-6 was mentioned quite a few times, and it definitely rings true in my own life. Someone then closed with, "Ask God for understanding in all things. Wait on the Lord. It will come to pass."

If you have older folks in your life, spend time with them! They have important words to pass down to you! You could also volunteer your time in a nursing home. Yes, some old people can be crabby to the 10th power; however, I think they all just need love and company.

Remember that wisdom is one of the most important things you could ask for. Having all the money in the world won't teach you how to handle that money. Wisdom + Understanding = GREAT LIFE.

Gardening 2012

In case you didn't know, I'm very old school. I love all that classic soul music that came out wayyyy before my time (i.e. Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, ETC.) as well as the 90's music. I don't know why I like what I like, but I do. That's not what I wanted to talk about though. Don't get me started on all that old school stuff; I spent an entire semester in my Public Speaking class going on and on about it. Good stuff! 

My grandma says I have an old soul. I'm very different from my generation. My new spring/summer hobby that I acquired last year is GARDENING! I'm not a professional with an exquisite green thumb. I just like the simplicity of putting a seed in the ground, watering it, and watching it produce and maximize into actual food that you can eat! It's amazing to me.

I've heard a lot of talk this year from people starting gardens. My uncle and older cousin have each started gardens this year as well. So, there's 3 gardens within walking distance on my street. We gon' be eatin' good this summer! Cookouts/fish frys and family = priceless moments.

Here's a tip: If you're planting vegetables, plant stuff that you actually eat on a regular basis.

Sounds simple enough, right? But I thought it'd be cool to plant squash last year, even though I'd never eaten squash a day in my life. So there's a bag of squash that's just been chillin' in the freezer for a year, because I don't know what to do with it. I'm not sure if it's still edible or not. I should probably check on that.

This year, if nothing else but collard greens comes out the ground, I will be HAPPY! That is my favorite vegetable hands down; I could literally eat that everyday. My dad and I also put down cucumbers, corn, green peppers, and tomatoes.

If you have the space in your yard, give it a try. Whether you're interested in fruits, veggies, flowers, or plants, there's something for everyone! 

Make the Most of the Alone Times

Last Friday, I did something that I'd never done before. Aside from getting my hair dyed completely honey blonde, I decided to make a trip to the movie theater. Alone. In all my years of life, I'd never done that. I always thought that was so weird and loner looking. However, I must say that I really enjoyed the time I spent with ME!

If any of y'all (mainly ladies) have fallen in love with The Notebook, then you will really enjoy The Lucky One! It's ranked up there for me! I mean, any movie that has the power to make me cry must be good in some way. And my my my...if my desire for a white man wasn't refueled in that movie! Move over Noah...and come on in the house Logan! =)

So I guess that little bit of eye candy on the screen made my solo movie going experience worthwhile...lol. However, I don't think I'm ready to go by myself to a sit-down restaurant or a night showing of a movie yet. And I mean, I shouldn't have to do anything alone. And don't get me wrong; I have friends that could have very well accompanied me. This was by choice, and I wanted to spend time with myself for a change.

For some people (maybe you), doing anything alone is a scary thought.  They feel lost without noise, chatter, and events with friends filling up their schedule. They don't know the essence of who they really are without their trusty clique and/or significant other.  Everyday they "grind," and pretty much they live for the weekends. And it's just a repeat cycle, with a mix of random events and the annoyances of life.

My question is: What are you gonna do on those days when you have no one to call? When you're just stuck with you?

The real prayer is that you will have enough sense to look above and call on Jesus. That's the only friend that will be closer to you than your brother, sister, parents, boyfriend, fiance, best friend, etc. He's availabe 24/7 and He knows you more than you know yourself, so why not consult the Master?  

***NewsFlash: Anyone other than your big brother Jesus will always always always find a way to disappoint you (in some way). Don't kid yourself. So, you might as well make Him the priority. When all else falls through the cracks, He will still be there in all His consistency. 

This is YOUR life. Don't wait on others to accept your dreams before you start living them. Don't hold yourself up from having a good time, just because others may be doing their own thing. The choice is yours. Embrace the surprisings and blessings each day offers. Enjoy time with friends, as well as time spent hanging out in your own company. When you're comfortable in your own skin, it shows!

Mini Cooking Adventures

I'm cooking a little more you guys! Yay me! Roughly 1-2 times a week...lol. Not much, but it's more than what I had been doing.

I'm late posting what I made a few weeks ago. No specific name for it. Just rice, shrimp, green and red peppers, and some Caribbean Jerk sauce from Kroger's...all combined to form a perfectly spicy meal. I was really in the mood to cook that day, so I called Chelsea for suggestions. And this is what she recommended. It was quite bum, I might add. My family enjoyed it too. I didn't realize how vast the variety and flavors of sauces were at the grocery store. (I don't really do much grocery shopping.) So, you can get even more creative with this recipe; mix/blend sauces or opt for something a little less spicier than the Caribbean Jerk flavor.

This didn't take long to make. Disregard the "30 Minute Marinade" on the sauce, because I clearly didn't follow those directions. I just combined everything together; I don't think it took longer than 30 minutes altogether though (including removing the tails from the shrimp, boiling rice, etc.).

I really need to start couponing though, because this one meal cost around $22. And that's what the price came to after scanning my Kroger's card. I mean, I don't grocery shop on a regular basis yet. So, maybe this is the average. I guess that's a good deal, as 3 people feasted on this $22 meal. I think the shrimp caused it to be that high, now that I think of it.

I'm starting to become an expert at frying chicken. I know, y'all have been doing it all your lives and I'm the slow one now catching on....yadda yadda. But better late than never! 

Frying with this fryer definitely calls for patience. Only 5 wings will fit on it comfortably. Then, I have to wait for them to be cooked completely...which could be around 15-20 min. For a family of four (including two dudes that stay hungry) that's a lot of time on the entree alone.

Nevertheless, I made chicken wings for dinner tonight, along with a salad and fries. Then, I wanted to experiment on the last few wings I had left. I shook some of the Caribbean Jerk sauce (mentioned above) in the chicken batter bag. It was so good! I should have made them all like that. My dad even said if I keep cooking like that, I'll get a husband! Ayeeeee! lol

Check His Track Record

I admit that sometimes I subject my mind to the "what ifs" of life, and I tend to worry (for a minute) on situations that are simply just out of my control. Tonight was one of those nights; I began to ponder on some things...things that I thought were pretty stable and concrete in my life. However, now, I feel a shift taking place. But I'm not gonna get specific, because I really don't know what's going on just yet...lol.

Anywho...So as I was pondering these things, God reminded me that He is and has always been a Provider in my life. He is definitely my source! My job, family, and even friends could never ever give to me what He's given to me. He's known me through it all, before it all, and He'll know me after it's all said and done with on this Earth.

Whenever I'm in a tough spot, I like to replay God's track record in my mind. He's never let me down. Like the old folks used to say, "He may not come when you want Him, but He's always on time." Of course, I've felt like He wasn't listening to my prayers and/or He was just too far away from little ol' me and my "problems." But when I look back at all those difficult, trying moments, He always Always ALWAYS brought me out.

I remember having low self-esteem and being extremely shy. It's a miracle that I'm doing this right now. I stayed in my shell, barely coming out for air. I cried myself to sleep many many nights. I cried out to God on several occasions, asking Him why He made me so different from everyone else.. People thought I was a weird, quiet girl in school.

I know what it's like not to have friends outside of family. I know what it's like not having anyone to sit with at lunch. I know the feeling of being "looked over," as if my very existence doesn't matter. Like you're only talking to me because you're merely tolerating me. To this day, I know of at least 2 people who just don't like me for whatever reason; they only tolerate me because we have mutual friends. (And I'm not just saying that. Discernment is an amazing thing.) I've been used, cheated on, cussed at, lied on, lied to, etc...but God was right there listening to my prayers muffled by my crying.

When my heart was broken, he mended it. He worked on it, giving me the tools to regain wholeness. His angels comforted me when I was on the brink of death...when I wanted to commit suicide because life was just too much to bear. Because I thought no one loved me. Because I thought I was a nobody and that no one would even notice that I was gone.

BUT GOD....!

He has brought me to a place of so much joy and peace. These last couple of weeks I've been experiencing unexplainable joy. I've just been so HAPPY! And HOPEFUL! And EXCITED! I'm thankful that my Father brought me out of my gloomy days from way back then. Or else I wouldn't have a clue as to what was waiting for me. I'm on the verge of experiencing Heaven on Earth! He's given me dreams and assignments that have yet to reach the world, but I'm just thankful for His patience with me.

To wrap it up, you can do ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING with Christ! If ever in doubt at what God can do, just check His track record! He's done something in your life, whether you believe in Him or not. Continue to show Him appreciation for everything you can think of, and just watch where He takes you!  =)

Testimony Time

I absolutely love my church, y'all! You can probably tell, right?

Remember all that talk about The End Zone ? Well, now they have posted some folks' testimonies online (as a result of being connected and sowing into this campaign). You can view those here. God is just doing some amazing things, not just in the Richmond, VA area, but all over the world. I also have a testimony of my own, and since this is one of my primary mediums to get info out to the masses...I'm going to share it with you. This is the email I sent to my church to share my praise report. Tacky? Errr...whatever! lol

Hi!

My name is Candice Smith, and I've been a member of Mt. Gilead since 2003.

I'm so thankful to have been apart of this ministry for nearly 10 years. It has blessed my life so much, and I truly don't know where I would be had God not led my family and I to this church.

I've been employed at the same job (Chick-fil-A) for almost 7 years now, since I was 16 years old. I'm also a college student. I have been desiring a higher paying job for quite some time now. I've applied to so many jobs in the past couple of years, that I don't even remember what they were all for. In a couple separate instances, I was actually called back by the employers to schedule an interview. I was busy on all the instances, so I had to call the companies back to leave a voice mail. However, none of the companies ever called me back to return my calls for scheduling the interviews. One member of Mt. Gilead also informed me of a job opening at the bank she worked at. I thought she was gonna hook me up with the position, since I personally emailed her my resume and I believe one of us contacted the manager as well. However, I never got a call back from the bank either.

A month or so ago, I was informed of a job opening at DMV. Thirty positions were available, and one of the assistant managers also attends Mt. Gilead. She told me I could personally give her my application and resume and she would give it to the right people. Some time goes by, and I still don't hear anything back. She gives me a number I can call to check the status of my application. I call the number, but the person isn't there. So, I leave a message, hoping that they will return my call. They never did. My mom also works at DMV, so she gives me the number of the HR director. I call that number, and the lady politely informs me that all those positions have already been filled; over 200 people applied for 30 positions. 

At this point, I was very confused. I thought I was about to experience favor, since I knew one of the assistant managers. I turned in my application and resume on time, so I thought my stuff should've been at the top of the stack. I had almost 7 years of customer service, so I knew I was qualified for the job. I tithed and gave my offerings consistently. I sowed into all three of the debt free rallies. I also felt God leading me to sow over half of my income tax return check into 5 unsuspecting (but very deserving) Hispanic co-workers of mine. So, I didn't understand WHY I wasn't seeing any manifestation...why I still felt like I was living paycheck to paycheck.

This was bothering my mom as well. She didn't understand why I didn't even get an interview, since I'm definitely qualified for the job. Unbeknownst to me, my mom prayed and fasted on Mon, April 30. On Tuesday (May 1) she went to work and talked to the HR director, just to inquiry on why I didn't get chosen. (She later told me that this was so out of her comfort zone, but God kept pressing her to do it.) The director pretty much told my mom the same thing she told me; all 30 positions had been filled, but that I should keep checking DMV's website weekly, as they constantly update the site. When my mom got home from work, she relayed that message to me and told me not to be discouraged.

A couple hours later, I'm on my computer checking my class schedule for the upcoming semester, when I get a phone call from an unknown number. It turns out to be the man that headed up the 30 positions job opening (I don't remember his title). He asks me if I'm still interested in the position, because they are just wrapping up the hiring process. Of course I'm still interested! He asks when can I start, and I tell him May 14. He tells me that I just need to get my finger prints done, so I went and got those done on Fri, May 4.

**NOTE: I NEVER had an interview! I got a job for the State without an interview! Glory to God!

On Fri, May 4, I also received a raise on my current job! God is awesome!

Just when I thought God was half-listening to my prayers, He showed up unexpectedly and worked everything out for my good! I am in such awe of His works! I'm still believing God for my car to be paid off, as well as student loans...TO BE CONTINUED...

God is so awesome! I just want to encourage you in whatever state you find yourself today! God can do it. I've been in church all my life, but it's truly a blessing to witness actual miracles taking place in my life (and others' lives as well). He isn't a respecter of persons; what He can do through one person's life, He can do through and for your life as well!

Women of God

As a Woman of God, you must love God more than you love yourself and let Him use you to extend His love to everyone that you come in contact with: The people you like, and those who are less than your favorites; the ungrateful as well as the grateful; your enemies as well as your friends; the undeserving as well as the deserving; the people who always do right by you as well as those who wrong you; the people who bring you joy as well as the ones who cause you pain ... everyone.

We are all called to be this woman. And we all are capable of being this woman. Proverbs 31 bound!

Don't be the insecure woman

So I was thinking about my last couple red flag posts and I realized I need to say some things to the women. I'll get back to the men but I want to try and balance it out a little. :-)

One thing I know for sure is that if a person is insecure in a relationship, it WILL NOT work. Especially if it's a Christian relationship. I say that because "the anointing" is attractive. When people flow in their gifts and are being used by God, someone who you typically may not be attracted to can look mighty mighty fine when they are anointed.

I hope all Christian women desire men of God. Missionary dating is no good! For real! But with a Christian man comes a whole bunch of thirsty women. It's an unfortunate truth but the ratio between men and women in the church is extremely off. There are way more women than men and since that's the case, alot of women run at the new single guy in hopes to "find" their husband.

With standards, I'm thinking a woman will desire someone who they are attracted to and someone who loves God above all else. That's enough to catch the attention of most women. So if your man (current or future) possesses these qualities, be prepared for some woman somewhere to be looking, whether they know about you or not. And let's be real, women LOVE leadership. If a man exudes leadership qualities, then you already know! lol

 Women will migrate to a man of leadership. You don't want to be one of those women who nag. "Who was that?? What did she want?? Why was she talking to you??" If he had qualities that attracted you to him, more than likely someone else sees those qualities as well. If no one else wants him, then maybe he isn't that great lmbo Just saying.

I remember when I was a teenager and my boyfriend at that time became a youth pastor. Things changed. He already had women migrating to him but I remember when he did his first sermon. It was a whole different ball game! You would've thought he was a lady magnet. Everybody waiting to talk to him was a woman and usually was pretty young. I had to make up in my mind if I was going to become some jealous insecure person or just trust the God on the inside of him. I made up in my mind at that moment, I would NEVER be that woman who drives herself crazy thinking every woman wants her man. So I let it be. It's important to realize that if a man has respect for you and for God, he will know how to handle a thirsty woman. If he's just as inappropriate as her, then you need to let him go. Who wants to be with a person you can't trust? Please don't settle for that!

So I asked one of my guy friends what he considers as a woman whose insecure in a relationship. (He said that some women are only insecure in a relationship. I thought that was interesting. I'll probably do a post on that soon.) But we had a really good conversation on this. And it inspired this post. Everyone has some areas of insecurities somewhere but these are a little excessive. I guess #redflags for men to watch out for lol

• She knows everything he's done on facebook, twitter, and other social networking sites even if it were months ago. (In other words, FACEBOOK STALKER lol)
• She thinks every woman that talks to him, likes his Facebook photo/status, adds him as a friend, retweets his tweets, or looks in his direction is plotting how to steal him away. (She can only take him if HE lets her fyi)
• If he doesn't reply to her text in under 10 mins she thinks she's being ignored and gets upset. (This one was me a few yrs back hahaha but patience is a virtue and one of the greatest lessons I've learned. Let him be productive. He'll get around to replying. So CHILL!)
• If he doesn't contact her all day, she feels neglected and suspicious. (I look forward to the relationship where we both have our own lives and are productive to the point that we have to catch up because "yesterday" was just too busy to talk lol)
• If he wants a weekend to himself to hang with friends, by himself, family or whatever else and she's offended. (You're not the only person in his life. And you're not even married.)
• She revolves her entire day around him. In other words, she wants to see him and talk to him all day if possible even if that means putting off other things that are important. For example, using her quiet time to talk with him instead. No bueno. (Nothing is cute about a clingy woman unless he's an insecure man. For real. My mom always said, insecure men LOVE clingy women. Makes sense.)
• She's jealous of all his female friends. If she had it her way, the only women in his life would be her and his momma. (Friends probably know him better than you. If they're truly important to him and they understand how much he cares for you, you need to get to know them. They know things about him, his likes, dislikes, personality, etc that can probably be beneficial for you to know.)
• She nags and is supicious of every female he talks to. If out in public at a social event, she observes his every move and can't enjoy herself because she's too distracted by his whereabouts. (Just because you're together doesn't mean you have to be joined at the hip wherever you go. Meet some folks and relax.)

I'm done for now. But all this is in the context of a Christian relationship with a man who fears God and is filled with the holy spirit. Otherwise, there's no guarantee that he's trustworthy at all. If you don't trust the God on the inside of him to begin with then he shouldn't even be in the running. The only man I can trust is one who understands he has to answer to God for every action he makes even when no one else is looking. Otherwise, there's a chance that his heart won't feel any conviction with ungodly actions and even ungodly thoughts Something to consider peeps. Ask God to show you  insecurities that could possibly hinder a relationship and/or your destiny and He will. 'Til next time! :-)