In the Flow of the Spirit

How many times are we resistant to moving in the flow of life with God? For me, it can be tough. This summer, it was my mantra "Move in the flow of the God's spirit". So many things, good-bad-in between were happening.

Work increased. Lost a contract. Gained 20 new clients. Gained one new larger contract. Getting married. Planning it (with help). Moving. Getting used to living with someone. Getting used to living with a man. Staying true to myself. Making time for myself. Sleep. Eating right. Needing a vacation. Money Issues. Can't fit my old pants (I've had them since 1st year of college and I'm in mourning). Need to clean my house. Need to hire new staff. Dealing with jealous people. Dealing with rumors that try to knock your character. So much! And the list goes on and on...

The truth is that there will always be a list of things. The lesson of the summer is finding the important thing and sticking with only that. What did I focus on "Casting all my cares on HIM" "Knowing that God will never leave me nor forsake me" "God will keep me in perfect peace if I keep my mind stayed on him"

I had to focus on that. Did it help...yes! I also got an iPhone that allows me an iPod to listen to music. I also learned to take long deep breaths. I also learned that things really do happen in the time that they are supposed to...and to make room for God and the Kairos moment.

I am one woman. I can do so much. I can pray alot. I can believe God for all things.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygpcnB2WAZI

What A Life Moment!

I am fortunate enough to work in a field that I enjoy and feel is my life's work. It took quite a long time for me to lay aside the pride of having an advanced degree from a great school and earning less than friends who had less advanced degrees but were in corporate america. Move Forward 7 years and I am in private practice because I want less red tape and want to just focus on children. I also fully embraced by calling as an educator. When you love your job and the people that you serve, it is difficult to embrace the reality that people die young. When a client dies, its a difficult place for a therapist to conceptualize. Especially when you feel that your earthly duty is to serve and make them better.

So...when these things happen, the question becomes "What have I done and how have I served the least of these?" The answer...we served him well. He was able to communicate better, decrease behaviors, and better relate to his family.

Life's Moments with this little courageous and warrior spirit are not lost. He taught me that looking into the eyes is a connection to spirit...and I worked with him best by speaking to his spirit. Life's moments taught me that not one moment or second should be lost in teaching children to relate to their families. This mother never heard him say "I Love You"...but she knew it, because he learned to smile and look at her. Life's moments taught me that treating people well is a human responsibility and duty never to be taken lightly!

He will be Missed by many...

IN THE MIDST OF IT ALL

It has been such a long time since my last blog entry! Still moving forward and I think a part of me starting going full speed ahead based on information given to me. It's very interesting to be in a situation where a group of people receive information and only one has been moved to action. In an effort to move forward, I have come to understand that some things simply are group projects and require a collective and not a singular effort. So where am I now at this moment? In a waiting and observation position.

Business is good...I have help! Talk about things moving forward on that end.

All in all life is good. I am glad I know who I am in God.

Never Would Have Made It

I've been reading a book called Breaking Free by Beth Moore and it has been one of those books that you can read in doses. In addition, I've been reading Praying God's Word For Your Life by Beth Moore as well. The books have proven to be a wonderful conviction and eye opening experience since I realize how much I worry rather than praying to God about my triumphs and challenges.

Yesterday I received an award as a A Woman You Should Know and I quite honestly was stunned. And then I realized that being in the "thick of a situation" I have forgotten to celebrate myself.

God has brought me in business and now I am in the 6th year of a educational practice with two offices. I am earning more contracts than ever and increasing the number of clientele. But Breaking Free from Strongholds of Disbelief, Pride, etc are essential and allowing God to be the only Stronghold in my life. It is true that God is larger than large and He can change things in the blink of an eye. But believing God and not being afraid to walk and proceed with Faith is what his desire is. It is true that He will do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we could ever ask of think.
My favorite scripture is Hebrews 10:35
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.
My other favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
Another favorite scripture is Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.


There is a favorite song by Marvin Sapp that is my testimony in song.

TAKING THE REIGNS

In the past few weeks, I have taken the reigns and while it is busy, challenging...it is necessary and liberating. What took me so long to trust my gut and make some necessary changes? I guess I was scared and just didn't want to deal with certain things. But when you give yourself time to take a step back and see things for what they are...you decide that God did not put you here to fail or be taken out. More than that I know that God wants me to be a diligent over the things he has given me and not let other things or people take over what he has called me to be and do!

I am also growing in being more prayerful about everything and everyone that enters my space and life.

So yes I took the reigns...and I and the business are better for it. Much Prayer Much Power!

PURE INSPIRATION

I have been watching the Giants versus the New England Patriots and the Giants were the underdogs. After all, they were playing against and undefeated team. Well I am watching this game in utter amazement and even in the final 1.45 minutes of the game, another miracle occurred. A touch down was made and the Giants won the game.

The perceived underdog stayed with it.
The perceived underdog perservered.
They knew their plays and did not waver. This team was focused.

Today I volunteered with the CT for Barak Obama team and canvased area neighborhoods. I was so very proud to stand for this fellow Chicagoan, fellow Champion, and campaign for something I believe in for my next president. This man has been the perceived underdog, but he has stayed with it and defied all odds.

I know I have stood in this "underdog" category, but in staying focused, determined, and perservering...odds can be defied.

That's the thing about odds, they are supposed to be defied. Miracles are supposed to happen. We are supposed to stay focused and conquer. We are supposed to have a game plan and play it through to the end. We are supposed to Win!

My hat is off to the Giants in that they provided PURE INSPIRATION and stand as a testament of what happens when your BELIEF is backed by FAITH, a PLAN, and PERSEVERANCE.

Moving beyond the limits set before me " I press toward the mark toward the prize of the high calling"

OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!

CAN'T STOP NOW!

I attended a celebration yesterday honoring Dr. King. It was more than a reminder that I must not get weary in doing this work! There are too many shoulders that I stand upon to give up, turn back, or not move with focused determination.

There was a young lady who presented an original poem entitled "Enlighten Me"...the first formed chapter of NSBE in this community was also presented. The question is "What am I giving?" beyond my professional day to day. I often find this a difficult question to answer since I truly believe that my professional work is also my ministry. It is Heart work! However, I must make some time..aside from my exercise schedule :) [it is coming on a consistent basis]. I have decided to start a Toastmaster's for Teens chapter in this community! It speaks to me professionally and personally in teaching communication skills to teens.

In remembering Dr. King...I remember Harriet Tubman (my She-Ro), Betty Shabazz, Malcolm X, and many more. These strong shoulders hold me up so that I may someday be the shoulders upon which someone else will stand!