Dear Sister,

I am sitting here at my window since before daybreak – waiting.  Waiting for the big snow storm that is due in later this morning and waiting to hear from God concerning some things I have petitioned Him for.  But while waiting I heard something in my spirit that I was not looking for and had nothing to do with my specific petition.

I feel compelled to share this with you although I posted on this blog just last night. And normally I don’t’ post more than once a week.  Anyway, this is what I heard.

The spirit was saying to me that too many of us have lived and continue to live in negativity—negative self-image, negative environments, around negative people, negative lifestyles based on choices, and we nurture negative thoughts.  Negativity has been so much a part of our lives for so long a time until we do not even realize it for what it is anymore.  It just appears to be the norm and we go with the flow of it. That’s what I heard.  But as I sat I, in the next moment I heard, “Now is the time, today is the day, and this is the hour to choose people, places, things, and even thoughts that propel you forward, encourage, and lift you.”  Dethrone negativity.  It is a cancer that is killing you softly and cheating you out of your best life.

Life is a precious moment. In the book of Job life is called “a breath.”  Thinks about it—a moment – a breath—that’s just too short to waste.    Life is a gift from God and the shortness of it makes it oh so precious.  Someone once said to me if we could see a timeline that measured from eternity past to eternity future, and if we lived for 100 years, (and most of us won’t) that 100 years would be less than a split second in time.  That 100 years would not even register on the timeline—its span is too short.  Imagine 100 years amounting to no more than a split second of time.  And, like I said, most of us won’t live to be 100 years old.  So, that shortens that split second even more for us.   Sisters, less than a split second is not a lot of time.  All I can say is don’t waste that tiny fraction of that split second you have on this earth living in negativity.  Choose to make your tiny fraction of the second you’ve been given time well-spent.

keeping you in my prayers,

angela

Dear Sister,

Guarding a sister’s secret is the same as guarding her heart. If you hold the secret of another sister, you hold a piece her heart—a piece entrusted to you for safekeeping. On the other hand, if you reveal a sister’s secret you are wielding a double-edge sword. One side of the blade injures the betrayed sister’s heart and the other side of the blade swings back and damages your own honor and reputation.

Keeping the secret of another sister requires understanding that you are creating a “circle of trust.”   When you agree to keep her secret you are entering into a “contract of confidentiality” – a contract that includes her, you, and God who hears the vow you are making as a confidant.   The ability to guard words spoken to you in confidence is like a holding up a mirror that reflects who you are.   If you repeat them to even one other person, you have broken the trust. So when you look into that mirror, what will it reveal to your about your trustworthiness and self-discipline?

This is how it ususally goes. You repeat what you were told “in confidence” to someone else who promises not to repeat it.  You know, they always respond with something like, “Girl, who am I going to tell?”  In turn, they do the same with another and that person does the same with someone else.  Before you know it, what was spoken to you privately becomes fairly well-known publicly.  And, here’s the kicker.  Sooner than later, the secret winds its way back to the person who told you in the first place.  Then you get busy trying to prepare a cover for that which has been uncovered. It’s too late to try to close the door; the cow is already out of the barn.  Now what needs to take place is a coming together and asking for forgiveness.  But, unfortunately, we know that’s not how these dramas usually play out.  They usually end with two sisters parting company without any conversation.  And if there is any dialogue at all, it is usually nothing nice.  But these kinds of things need never to play out, if we practice keeping a secret, a secret.

I’ve learned, the hard way, that secrets are best kept to oneself or to have a little talk with Jesus.  But sometimes a person can feel the need to unburden herself to another human being.  If she chooses you it’s because she trust you.  For somesone to trust you is not a matter to be taken lightly.  Trust is a big deal and once it has been breached, it can almost never be repaired.  And if it is repaired, at some level, it is almost never restored to its original state—it will never be the same between you and your sister-friend.  How sad.

A real sister will keep her sister’s secret under lock and key.  She will lock them away in her heart and throw away the key.  A true sister will keep the secret in anger and through every other temptation to tell someone else.  Even if she parts company with the sister who shared her secret with her, she understands that the secret is still a secret.  If you are tempted to tell a secret, just pause for one moment and think about how you would want your secret to be handled by another sister.  You never know when the script might flip.  The day may come when you need to unload something that’s too heavy to carry alone.  Think of how you would feel if a secret of your heart was mishandled by someone you trusted. For goodness sakes, we are sisters in Christ ladies.  Let’s take better care of one another and keep each other’s secrets.

with love,

angela

Encouragement is what this blog is all about. At least, that’s my intent. I try to talk about things that are real in life and seek to find something in everything that will encourage you to move forward in divine purpose. I try to build up your courage, inspire you to see the awesomess that lies within, and help breathe life into dead places in your life.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their work.  And if one has a fall, the other will give him a hand; but unhappy is the man who is by himself, because he has no helper.”

–Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

Encouragement is what this blog is all about. At least that’s my intent. I try to talk about things that are real in life and seek to find something in everything that will encourage you to move forward in divine purpose.  I try to build your courage and confidence, inspire you to see the awesomeness that lies within, and I hope I am helping to breathe life into the dead places in your life.

Today I was thinking about how to encourage you to make a difference in the life of someone else–pouring something of yourself into another, if you will.  Do you know at least one sister who is feeling overwhelmed right now with financial issues, family matter, health concerns, employment problems (whether on the job or looking for one), marital problems, dealing with loss of a loved one, emotional challenges, or any number of other downers?  The list could go on almost forever.  First things first, pray for her.  Then look for ways to be there for her in whatever way you can.  There are limitless way to lift someone up.  I’ll make a few suggestion to give you a jump-start.

· Make a casserole and drop it off with a salad so she doesn’t have to deal with making dinner tonight.

· Give her an afternoon off by babysitting for a few hours so she can have some “me” time

· If you can, drop some anonymous cash in her mailbox

· Send her an “I Appreciate You” plant or bouquet

· Invite her to your home or find a quiet coffee shop and just sit and talk—about everything or nothing.

· Grab your sad girlfriend, pop some popcorn, rent a silly chick flick and laugh yourself stupid.

· Treat her to a spa day or s massage.

· Give her a book that you can both read together and talk about.

· Pick up the phone and tell her how important she is in your life and let her know you are there for her.

· Oh yeah, that sister you barely know or maybe don’t know at all, you know, the lost sister.  I challenge you to get to know her and encourage her to make Jesus the Lord of her life.

You get the idea.  You can probably co me up with things even more creative than my suggestions.  The point is to do something to lift another sister where you see she is limping.  Don’t wait for her to ask.  She may never do that.  Anyway, real sisters don’t need invitations or wait to be asked when they see need in the lives of someone they care about, right. I’d really like to hear some of the creative things you come up with and the outcome of how you blessed another sister. Let’s support the sisters we already have.  And let’s, by any means necessary, reach out the sisters who are lost and need help finding their way to Christ. Whatever the crisis or situation, it is better to have another to walk it out with you. I dare you to step and partner with a sister who is walking through a rough patch right now. There’s one everywhere you look–everywhere.

your sister,

angela

Today I was thinking about encouraging you to make a difference in someone else’s life—pour something of yourself into another, if you will. Do you know a sister who is feeling overwhelmed right now with financials issues, family matters, health concerns, employment problems (whether on the job or looking for one), marital problems, dealing with loss of a loved one, emotional challenges,  or any numbers of other downers?  The list could go on almost forever. First things first, pray for her.  Then be there for her in whatever way you can.  There are limitless ways to lift someone up.  I’ll make a few suggestions to give you a jumpstart.

“ So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!”  –Exodus 14:22  (New Living Translation)

If He did it for them, He will do it for you because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  The waters of life can often be very turbulent and seemingly impossible to tread.  But He who is able can provide safe passage through to the other side.  He can turn the muddy path into dry ground and make a way for you that can be easily and safely navigated.  You don’t have to struggle in your own strength. Besides, your strength will ultimately not be enough anyway.  All you have to do is trust Him to make a path for you. Your job is to simple walk the path that has been laid out. Notice the Scripture says there were still walls of water on each side.  To me that means troubles are ever present but He provides a safe passage through them.  The water didn’t disappear but still the people of God walked through on dry ground. God does not operate like a magician. The waters don’t magically and instantly disappear, but He got His people through. And He will do the same for you.

Trust and be patient.  God has not forgotten you.  Do not allow the rising of the tide or the size of the waves cause you despair and discouragement.  Take up the shield of faith against the stormy sea.  If He feeds the sparrows, how much more will He provide for his daughter? He cares for you and has given you an open invitation to cast yor cares upon Him.  So, why are you allowing the burdens of this world to weigh so heavily upon you when you have a burden bearer?    Yours is not a walk of feeling, it is one of faith.  His eyes are fixed on you.  He will perform his Word in your life. So rest assuredly He will bind up your wounds, heal your broken heart, transform the shattered pieces of your life  into something beautiful. He will bless you and through you He will bless others. Be still, be blessed, and be a blessing.

Let your heart rejoice and be glad that in this new year He has already begun to do a new thing in you. So, decide right now to drop all of the baggage that is hindering your journey.  You can move a lot faster if you lighten your load.  Banish that bag lady who lives inside of you and begin to live the life God designed for you.

“Bag lady you gone hurt your back
Dragging all them bags like that . . .

One day all them bags gone get in your way, so pack light . . .

Bag lady you gone miss your bus
You can’t hurry up
Cause you got too much stuff . . .

Girl I know sometimes it’s hard
And we can’t let go
Oh when someone hurts you oh so bad inside
You can’t deny it you can’t stop crying . . .

Bag lady
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go

–Erykah Badu

It’s sad but true, sometimes the world “gets it” before we do.  Drop the baggage, pull your feet out of the mud and walk on the dry land He has prepared for you.  Believe for victory, expect it.

Blessed and winning,

angela

Dear Sister,

I was sitting here this afternoon and this came to my mind. I wanted to share this with you.  It’s my spin to “Twas The Night Before Christmas.  If I don’t speak to you via this blog again before Christmas, have a merry one and be blessed.

‘Twas the night before my breakthrough and all in my mind danced negative thoughts of every kind.

Old enemies came to haunt me; I fell prey to their game

But my spirit was quickened, and I called them by name.

Now fear, now failure, shortcomings, and blame

I declare and decree you are under my feet with the rest of my shame.

Then I crawled into bed looking forward a sweet rest

But before I could lay me down to sleep, my thoughts were again put to the test.

They came slowly through the backdoor of my mind, a legion, it seems,

bombarding me with all manner of demonic chatter

I sprang from my bed to handle this matter.

I prayed, I spoke in tongues, and declared a fast.

But those little demons kept reminding me of my past.

I spoke with firmness as I decreed, “My mind is renewed and this battle you wage is already lost, because all of my past has been nailed to the cross. There’s no shame in my game, so get your little Nike’s and return to  from whence you came.”

But the enemy in his persistence reared his head again, filling my mind with clutter and doubt

So I gathered my Christ confidence, and didn’t stutter or shout

I spoke plainly and firmly saying, “I cast you out, and under my feet you shall remain, because I speak to you with authority in Jesus’ name.

And in that moment I fell on my face, giving glory to God for his saving grace.

As I lay there in the presence of His peace, I heard a voice calling my name saying, “Daughter, it is finished for you and all who will claim.”

And to all who will claim, it is finished in My name.

angela

Dear Sister,

I want to invite you to take a stroll down memory lane.  This is a one time invitation (I don’t normally like looking back). You can stroll back as far as you’d like your mind to take you.  Now, I want you to be looking for certain things.  It’s kind of a mental scavenger hunt.  What I want you to make note of are the times that God came through for you.  You remember, of course you do, the times when your back was against the wall, the times when you were so angry with God because He did not answer you when and how you wanted Him to, and the times when you just could not understand why God let certain painful things happen to you.  We’ve all have those times.  But when you think about it and if you are honest with yourself, there have never been a time that God did not answer.  He answered every time.  Maybe it was not the answer you wanted or His timing didn’t fit your timetable—but He answered every time—even when the answer was,”No daughter.”

Looking back at out past experiences with God should teach us that we can depend on his faithfulness.  It doesn’t matter how you feel, nor does it matter how dark the hour, God never forsakes his own.  Our blessings have nothing to do with how we feel or even whether or not we make the right choices.  Psalm 37:28 says, “For the LORD loves justice And does not forsake His godly ones; They are preserved forever,. . .”(NASB)  So, we have to fight feelings and grab faith by the throat and hold on.  Feelings will get us into trouble.  When we start looking to feelings, we begin to misinterpret and misjudge what God is doing in our lives.  We are naturally inclined to believe we know what is good for us and what will make us happy.  And if what God is doing does not line up with our vision, we fall into the evil of thinking God does not love us or has abandoned us.  Those are evil, corrupting and self-defeating thoughts.  Sister, depart from those thoughts and just trust God even though you can’t see the physical evidence of His work in this present moment.

God will always deliver what is best for you and he will deliver it on time.  I’ll say it a little louder, “GOD NEVER FORSAKES HIS OWN—NEVER!’  David reminds of us that in the 25^th verse of Psalm 37 when he wrote:

I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread. (NASB)

God, in his goodness, even extends his protection and provision to your seed for generations to come.  So, my sister, I said all of that to say this, If  God has always come through for you without  fail and He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever, then He will continue to come through since He does not change.  Knowing this, then be reminded of the first two words in Psalm 37 which are, “Fret not. . .”  If David were writing in the language of the 21^st century he would have written, “Chill out, I got this.”

angela

Dear Sister,

In this race, you will encounter barriers that have many names such as Doubt, Fear, Discouragement, etc.  But it doesn’t matter what the devil names your enemies—and that’s what they are—you are encouraged today to run your best race, trusting in God’s power and might as you overcome each obstacle.  The enemy loves to sow seeds of discord, distraction and discouragement and his most commonly used and most powerful tool is the tongue. As a believer you are redeemed from his evil tactics and your redemption is as close as your own lips.

Those juicy little morsels of GOSSIP seem harmless but in reality they are almost never kept in confidence.  Instead they spread like wildfire and serve only to divide, damage, and destroy relationships and lives.  Choose to use your tongue to speak the GOSPEL—words of salvation, edification, and deliverance. Speak words of encouragement to yourself when no one else is around to speak them to you. 1 Samuel 30:6 says, “ … but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” Speak positive words to the other sisters when they are down, following the instruction given in Hebrews 3:13 that says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” But especially speak about things that are true, honorable, pure, lovely, and of good report to those who come bearing ill reports and the latest “he say, she say.”

“Where there is no talebearer, strife ceases” Proverbs 26:20

Your tongue determines your direction.  Choose ye this day, GOSSIP or GOSPEL.

your sister,

angela

There is power in giving thanks. Let this Thanksgiving Day become the kick starter for you to move into a life that is ever mindful to be grateful in all things.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

THE POWER OF GIVING THANKS

Angela

Today, think of each moment as a new opportunity to fulfill all of the possibilities that lie within you.  With each tick of the clock is a new moment– a golden opportunity to begin anew.  Do not allow yourself to become encumbered with the frustrations and disappointments of moments past.  Instead, choose in every future moment to take positive and purposeful steps in the direction God is leading.  Choose to make each moment a magnificent manifestation of what God has poured into you.

Start in this moment to press into God with boldness and renewed commitment, knowing that every moment puts you closer  to the realization of what has been planted in your heart.  Then, be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for Him to act.

“You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.  They cannot be numbered!

I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” — Ps 139:16-18 (NLT)

Dear Sister,

‘Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it.  Action has magic, grace and power in it.”             –Johann von Goethe

Today you need to make a conscious decision to just believe.  Other than Jesus, Peter was the only other person to walk on water.  Why?  Because he dared to believe and act on what he believed.  There were others in the same boat with Peter.  They too saw the vision.  But Peter was the only one who got out of the boat.  Why?  Because he simply believed and stepped out of the boat onto the water and began to do what appeared to be impossible—with his eyes on Jesus—he walked on water.

Now you already know, once you get out of the boat, the winds of fear and doubt will blow with a ferocity that is intended to derail you and blow you off course. In those moments all you need is mustard seed size faith.  Just that itty bitty inkling will be enough to trust Jesus anyway and keep to walking on the water.

God has shown you the vision. Now get out of the boat and put feet to your faith.  It doesn’t matter if no one else on the boat gets out. Don’t let the winds frighten you.  Don’t let the water deter you.  Peter has shown you that it is possible to walk on water.  And, it doesn’t even matter how deep the water is—you’ll be walking on it—not in it.

Be encouraged,

angela