faith

I Knew What I Wanted To Be When I Was 10

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I knew what I wanted to be when I was 15. I knew what I wanted to be when I was 21. I knew what I wanted to be when I was 25.

None of those things were the same thing.  I ended up doing those things and many more.  Let me be honest. I have had a great deal of fun, but seldom have found satisfaction.  Many times we do things in hope that it will satisfy us, but usually end up void. After many years of struggling and finding new things to do, I found the remedy for it all.  One of the most powerful thing I learned is Psalms 32:8.

I often think about Abraham leaving his family and going with God. I am sure it was a frightening proposition to go face the unknown. Some of the places God has taken me have been cooler than anything I could imagine, and some of the places have been “What the heck?” One of the first things I learned about God was He is more interested in my character than my comfort. I mean I started to learn that if I was too comfortable,  what I was doing wasn’t from God.

When God is your guide, He often takes you along the scenic route.  I don’t ever remember getting anywhere quick or in my timing.  I mean somethings have taken decades to get to, but He is faithful.  There are also detours along the way.  If you do not stay connected to God these detours will slay you. You will think God has lost his mind or doesn’t plan to do good for you.  Sometimes we get in our own way, like Sarah giving her handmaid to her husband to make a child.  I got in my own way so many times, God stopped telling me what was going to happen. He just led me. I learned to shut up and follow.

You have to trust Him that the path He takes you on is the best path for you.  I admit there were times I would ask “What are you doing? This is crazy, God!” I have had some of the craziest jobs, but I can see how each experience has taught me more about the Creator of the Universe.  Sometimes people get stuck because they have not learned what God needs them to learn.   I am reminded that David spent 16 years learning how to shepherd all the crazy odd people before he became king over the entire nation. I have to remind myself that God created me and knows me well. This means He knows what I need and when I am able to learn it.

Another thing I learned about the Father is that He always puts me in a situation where I need Him. I can’t do it without Him. But the beautiful thing about this is that it will stretch you beyond your limits.  You will learn about yourself and the God who created you.  It will take you in new directions. He turned one of my deepest fears into something I love dearly.  Only a God who knows you well can do that.

I hope you will stop faking it and focus on what seed God has placed in your heart. Allow Him to take you on an adventure that will make your life satisfying.  As my sister says,  You only have a few moments left on earth, use them on your mission. Stop wasting time trying to buy a new home, car or vacation. Connect with your purpose for life and that will be more than you can even imagine.  Trust the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)

If You Scared Take A Tiny Step,

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if you are not, take a BIG step. Pursue the dream God has placed in your heart. You were created for a purpose, so you need to live in it while there is still time. Nothing is more fulfilling than doing the thing you were created to do.

When I see folks pursuing their dream it gives me energy. There is great joy in seeing people do what they were created to do. It inspires me to do more. You know iron sharpens iron. (Proverbs 27:17)

A few weeks ago, I got to learn about ceramics from a person who loves ceramics. She has more than 30 years experience and continues to grow. It was fun. It was inspiring. It made me think 3D instead of 2D. I mean I won’t be a master in ceramics but it was good to develop my  ideas around sculpture.

 

I understand that it is very scary to take a step toward something that probably makes your heart beat faster. It is worth it. Once you get use to taking those steps you will find it easier to venture beyond your initial plan.

I love to tell a story. I am learning a new way to do that. I am currently working a musical. I am excited and scared at the same time. But I am in love with the notion of telling the story of love and redemption through music. I have never done anything like it before, but I am going to put everything I got into it.

Sixty Six with tag line

Whatever it is you are supposed to do. Do it with everything you got. Stop waiting for the right time. Now is the right time. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be done.

 

Public Worship Personal Praise

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This morning I was more late than usual. I arrived in time to sit on one of the back rows and hear the praise team rehearse the last song. I didn’t play with my phone or talk to the person sitting close to me. I just listened to them rehearse.  Soon I started singing with them cause I liked the song.

As I listened to the words of the song, I got into it.  The words resonated with my spirit. I sat in the dark sanctuary having my own worship session. Then the Holy Spirit nudged me to stand up, throw my arms up and praise Him.  Now the room was empty except for a dozen or so people preparing for the service. I mean I would be the only one physically worshipping during the rehearsal.  Pretty sure I would catch some strange looks.

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But I did it anyway! (I mean David’s praise when they brought the ark back has always been my model. He didn’t care who watched. His praise was meant for God. ) I loved it. My private praise and worship session was now public.  Everyone would know that the love of God could slay me at any moment in time. I did not look around to see if anyone watched me, I just looked up to the one I was praising.

After the rehearsal, the worship leader said to me “You were getting into that.”  I told him, he lead that thang! Always appreciate someone who can lead you to the throne of God. I have learned that not all people who lead worship know God.

During the services, when we sang the song in community, it took the worship to a whole nother level for me. The Holy Spirit’s sweet sweet nature filled the room.  I saw Him (The Holy Spirit) in the singers and band on the stage. I saw Him in the uplifted hands of the audience. I felt Him in me. My tears fell with every word.

Praising Hands

I pray that each of you will invite the Holy Spirit to fill your worship so you may experience His sweetness beyond description. I want you to have that indescribable moment with God that fills your spirit, stretches you beyond your flesh and mind. It will transcend time and space and let you know that God loves you very much.

There should come a moment in your life when you realize that even if you gave the Lord every ounce of your being, it wouldn’t be enough to make up for all He has given you.  And He doesn’t hold it against you. When you accept His grace, it will lead you to worship in spirit and truth.

There is nothing like it.

Asked For

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In the current bible study I am doing, Beth Moore has taught us that the name Saul meant “Asked For” He was a king they asked for. It reminds me that some of the things that I ask for look good on the outside, but woe the trouble it brings. This drawing is based on James C Lewis’ photograph Saul. Lewis created a series of images with People of Color in the role of Bible characters.

Saul

Watching Passion Blossom

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Art to me is like a new boyfriend. I am enjoying the time getting to know it, staying up late, and learning its secrets.  It is sexy, funny and surprising. It strengthens, encourages and challenges me. I like capturing an image that tells a story. Each one will speak to you.

One of the things I found as I looked around was few artists showed People of Color. As I glean from other artist, I will add my perspective as an African-American woman. One of the things my work brings to the table are People of Color. God created us to be equal, but made us so different in many ways.  We have a passion for life. There is a strength in People of Color that will endure.

All of the work below started as something someone else created. I was able to look at it and see new possibilities. My work will always be a celebration of People of Color. Thus far my work has been fun and playful.  It has been colorful and over the top.  I love the opportunity to show the beauty in color. It represents taking life and all it has to offer.

Enjoy

Dancing During the Storm Vol 2 is June’s Featured Book

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The best part of my life is that I get to tell stories that have been inspired by the Creator of the Universe. Whenever I feel as though I am done with this writing thing, He gives me a story I can’t keep to myself. And the funny thing about it is, many of the stories I tell seem to have to real connection. But I trust the Ultimate Storyteller. This month I am working on some new projects, but here is a done one that I just love. Dancing During the Storm Vol 2 is a collection of short stories that captures the imagination. His Favorite One is the story of a man given a great responsibility but has to deal with the consequences of not fulfilling them. Dancing Vol 2 is the featured book for the month of June. It is available on Amazon, Createspace and Books2Read.com

Dancing 2

When I Hear People Complain

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about social media, I have to wonder who the heck they are following or allowing to follow them. God warns us pretty clearly when He says “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

I mean you can get rid of people with the click of a button. I know I have done it. Your media should be the perfect because you follow the folks who encourage you, delete those folks who get on your nerves and live your best life.

I love Twitter. It is a place where I can see what people really think.  I mean you might sing a great song, or preach a great sermon, but I want to know what you are about when the fat meets the fire.

I mean if you are prolife but have not problem with the government taking children  from their parents and releasing them to human traffickers, I need to know that about you.

If you post a whole bunch of I love Jesus stuff, but the only  love you show is  your friend group, I need to know that.

The thing I love the most about Twitter is the ability to comment back.  Nothing is more empowering to me than to be able to say, “Oh you got that all wrong!” or “Keep up the faith sister, we all in this together.”

This week I have been encouraged by the women who support other women.  They encouraged them not to grow weary in the fight for justice.   They said accept every little victory as a victory.

I love knowing that there are women out there fighting the fight with everything they got. It gives me a pin hole of light in a very dark world.  Because of Jesus, I build my world on hope that good will triumph over evil.

 

Some Days It Cracks Me Up

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I like the internet, but can’t keep up with everything that happens.  I am usually behind when I finally catch on to something that has been trending a while.

Mostly because whatever is trending is blowing my mind. By that I mean it is really stupid, or it’s pretty wow or it just can’t be figured out.

But sometimes it is just stinking fun.

So with that. I am on team Laurel. I know right. Blew my mind. I went to several sights to listen to it. All the time, Laurel.  It was weird. Then I went through the house and made others listen. Yanny. Can you believe I live with a bunch of Yannys? But doesn’t it speak to how unique we all are?

Then I kept seeing this woman on the phone on some of the craziest memes. And I asked myself, what is that all about? This woman called the police because some people were grilling in a park.  That was stupid and so the internet went to town on her. And you know it is funny when you have friends and family from all over the place sharing the different memes.

This one here made me stop and take notice.

20180517_142623.jpgWhenever there is a shifting in the atmosphere there is one I call, but you can’t get Him by phone! This meme cracked me up.

It is also something that should make you stop and think before you do something someone else can make look stupid.

Yet in addition to that I read Black Guns Matter, a dehumanizing president is the most openly bigoted one ever and American Christians love it, our freedom is slipping away as we focus on the wrong things, when we put ourselves before the ones we love we end up missing the greatest day of their life and how to define my own success.

Instead of a small world that consist of my four walls, my work friends and a few people I have stayed in touched with over the years, I am drowning in a world of photos, quotes, prom and graduation photos of people I will never meet, vacation spots I never knew existed, clothing that will train my waist (lol),  exercisers, travelers, dance recitals, remarkable looking food, a valiant history that reminds me how long and hard we have fought for freedom, and I love every minute of it.

Thanks for sharing your life.

 

My Praise

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For Lent this year I wanted to praise God through my art.  It was hard to be creative and get my message across. I used some familiar verses that spoke to me, and some that fell fresh on my ears.  Here are some of my favorite pieces.