Update: Life and Various topics

Hey everyone! Sorry for the delay of posts I have good reasons though. I went to visit my family along with my dad for three weeks. For those who want to know, yes my parents are divorced. So, since I only get to see them during the summer; I've been going consistently for about four years. On and off before then. This is my last summer I spent with them because, I am now a senior. So, I've been planning and getting ready for this busy scheduled year ahead of me. My family is distressed and saddened  about how fast time has flown by, how I'm now about to be let out of the bird cage to fly. I'm a first child, my dad's only child and a first grandchild imagine that kind of toll. Within these three weeks I've messed up as far as lustful thoughts and was upset over it. I couldn't dwell on it, but move on. I've been praying for a heart that lusts for godliness, trusts Him 100% and truly lets Him lead my life. Along with obedience to Him and submissiveness from here on out. To be honest, I wanted to dwell on those lustful thoughts. I knew it was the opposite of what represents God, it was my own desires and my flesh. Which is why I have to kill my own desires and thoughts that aren't Godly and replace it with my Savior. Romans 7 is a perfect example of what I'm talking about. Check it out! I've been overwhelmed and super grateful by how Abba has been working in my life; within a little over a year that I've been saved. Along with listening, answering my prayers and over blessing me overall. His Word is a blessing in itself. I know he's always listening and answering prayers, but you(well I) never truly appreciated(took for granted) how giving, considerate, understanding and loving(I could go on) of a God I serve. I love talking about my Father, I love him and he makes me blush and smile of happiness :). I could go on, but I'm gonna cut it short. Thank you guys, thank you for reading and I'll be praying for you.

Grace,Love&Blessings

Insecurity, Society, and Security in Our Maker

Lets face it, we all deal with insecurities about ourselves from time to time. Both males and females, we have those days where we just feel poopy(only word that came to mind). Picking up and out all of our flaws, insecure about how God has made us and comparing yourselves to others. Looking at what society broadcasts as beauty physically, immodestly and lustfully. You see the ads, all of the commercials on anti-aging products, plastic surgery etc,. I'm going to say this as bluntly as possible just to wake you up. There is always going to be someone who looks better than you, but they may lack something that you have in life or internally. It's true someone is always going to look better than you. But, anyone who is in Christ is in fact beautiful regardless of what your human self says. Stop the comparisons, stop it. The more you are in Christ and the more you embed yourself in the truth the more stable and confident you'll be about yourself. Sometimes a part of insecurity is being paranoid and continuation of focusing on your flaws; while thinking negatively. Have you prayed about it, even though He knows. It's just better to go to Abba and ask of his help and security about how he has made you in His image, in Him. Encourage each other, give compliments. Because you never know how much it may brighten someones day!

Grace,Love,&Blessings!

Using Time Wisely

I feel the need to be transparent with you guys, what's the point of sugar coating anyways? As stated in the previous post I had a one month music fast, but I didn't break in down in detail. I actually fasted from YouTube too. The fast ended today  6/11/13 and I was eager to hear my music when the clock hit 12 o'clock. In fact as I type this I'm listening to "Cliff&Claire by Sho Baraka." It was very exhilarating. You're probably like exhilarating?! Yes exhilarating, because I can appreciate the music even more than I did before and connect better spiritually. Just because the music talks about God, their walk in the faith and trials doesn't mean that it could replace mine/your time reading God's word. Music is just a way of giving praise to God and of course you can praise Him in different ways. During my fast I couldn't listen to my music or Christian music(whatever you want to call it). I could listen to music in the car with other people or with other people who played their own not mine. Some of the music I listened to before I came to Christ, so it was a bit challenge because I'm use to plugging in my earphones to avoid it. Even though I don't have an interest for half of the music I use to listen to, I have those flashback memories of the song and lyrics. So I had to talk to God a lot about not singing the lyrics in my head. I actually got to listen to the lyrics of the songs out today and it goes from decent to terrible. Boasting, pride, greed, lust, the list could go on and then your normal love songs. The fast helped me realize most of all out of everything that I need to use my time wisely. Even though I wasn't occupied with researching new music and artist; I spent more time on facebook and googling normal to non-sense things. I did complete plans on the YouVersion Bible app and read in my Bible, but not as much as I could have. I've started praying about using time wisely, balance in my life and better consistency in people's lives along with my normal 5 finger prayer. I consider myself an introvert, and a little bit of an extrovert sometimes. I communicate when needed or when I want and I enjoy alone time, but I can still hang out with my family and friends. Our electronics can be used for the greater good and the maximum bad. I tend to overdo it with the electronics, I must admit; which is why I pray about what I pray about. I take full responsibility for my actions and sins, because I know what I do so I have to confront myself. You might not be an electronic head, but you may be doing something else. Something else that is taking up time that you could be doing something beneficial with, like reading God's word, serving your community, evangelizing, communicating, building relationships or whatever.

Grace,Love,&Blessings!

Confronting Yourself about Your Sins

Sin! The big, nasty slobby monster that we fight with as humans. We are natural sinners it's a part of our nature, but that doesn't mean that you should make excuses for your sin. Just because you're saved and you know you're forgiven already. It doesn't mean that you should sin on purpose and then go repent. That is truly hypocritical and it shows that you are taking God for granted. Confront yourself when you notice this pattern of sin in your life, be honest with your self. Most times we get frustrated(well I do) at ourselves when we keep repeating the same sin, we miss something that could have easily stopped us from sinning. If you know something is going to tempt you and lead you to sin then stop, don't do it. Pray for self-control and strength to avoid it, meditate on scripture, talk to someone that can help you and hold you accountable. At the end of the day, we are held accountable for our own sins. Not Satan as we like to blame Him all the time, it is not Satan all the time. It can be yourself that leads you to sin. *Gasp* I just surprised you guys! Conviction is powerful and a blessing to help you realize (insert whatever) and leads you to a certain point in your life. I absolutely love conviction, it helps better me in the faith. I hope this post has opened your eyes. You can lie to yourself, but you can't lie to God because he already knows.

Grace,Love,&Blessings!

P.S.: If any of you need scriptures to help in your situation, a meditation post or whatever contact me by email or post on my profile.

Writer's Block, School and Updates!

Sorry I've been neglecting you guys! I really haven't had any post that I've felt compelled to write about. I'm out of school, so I should have more time to think and write post more frequently. I've been on my music fast since, the 14th of May it's going to be over on the 11th of June. I've learned during this fast that music had a greater role in my life than I thought it had, that I was actually idolizing my music and that I need to cut out how much I listen to music and communicate more with my family. Looking up the lyrics is the same as listening! But, even though I was on this music fast I went on face book and stuff more than the music I'm fasting from. I need balance and consistency in my life. I find my self on electronics more than reading the Word when it should be vice-versa. Everyday I learn, grow and mature into a greater young woman of God. I hope to help and encourage you guys on your walk with Christ; as much as you all encourage me. Also, sorry if I don't accept your invitations to communities, adds and connections with me a.s.a.p. I try my best to add you all back, accept invitations and communicate back with you all. Hope you understand!

Grace,Love&Blessing!

Converse with Me on Social Media

If you guys have any question you want to ask me about my walk with Christ, myself or anything reach me here.----> http://ask.fm/Hischild14  Questions may be asked anonymously or not, your choice.

Fasting

When fasting is thought about food is brought up, because that is what is normally fasted from. Just to let you in on a little secret, that is NOT the only thing that you have to fast from. You should fast from things that consumes your life more than it should and/or is a part of your life more than God. You could even be idolizing it. For example: things like video games, television, music, a website that you use a lot(YouTube?), social media sites and so on. You get the drift right? Things that you do the most of and consumes a lot of your time. During that you could be reading God's Word and/or communicating with Him through prayer. So, whenever you find out what you can fast from; you set how long you're going to fast. From two weeks, to a month, to three week, to how ever long you feel the fast is needed. If you feel like you're going to be tempted by having the app on your phone delete it. If you feel as though having the music on your phone is going to tempt you or in your car take it off. If you feel as though having the video game plugged in is going to temp you as well unplug everything. There are no excuses, stick to the fast and do whatever you have to, to continue on your fast. When you fast you replace God with what you're fasting from and it brings you closer to God and shows Him how committed you are to bettering the relationship. It should be exciting to please God, walking with Christ is not about you, but Him.

So do you have anything you're fasting from? Do you know what is majorly consuming your life? What steps are you going to take to lessen it's grip on your life?

Grace,Love&Blessings!

Physical Sexual Immorality, but what about Spiritual Sexual Immorality?

Often times it is stressed to stay physically pure and away from sexual immorality. My question is what about staying spiritually pure? Why is that more set aside and pushed away, more so than the physical aspects of sexual immorality overall. Being spiritually immoral is the same as being physical, if you're thinking  lustfully or whatever it is you are committing it(sin). What about 1 Corinthians 6 and on? We need to stop making excuses for our sins and be submissive to God. When you're submissive to God it prepares you to be submissive to your future husband or wife. Keeping making war again yourself, flesh and sin. Praying for y'all! Just cause the media exploits sexual materials to everyone and everyone's doing it. It doesn't mean you have to. Stay pure spiritually and physically single or married!

Grace,Love&Blessing!

P.S- Keep fighting the good fight, you grow more:)

Spiritual Cancer and Physical Cancer

Enjoy her testimony, through her trial she's content with it all:)

Americanized Christians, Are You One?

  You may think you're on the right path as far as your relationship with Christ. You may not be sure if you're doing what you should be as a Christian. Whatever your case, is God pleased with the way you carry yourself, talk, respond, and act as you say that you are a CHRISTian? Are you sure of your right standing with Him today? When you give your life to Christ you are dying to self and gaining true life in Christ. That day, that moment when you repented. That was the beginning of you turning your back on your sinful ways, not repeating them and letting God transform you into the person that HE wants you to be for HIM. That day, that moment when you got baptized as Paul said in Romans 6:3,4, " 3) Or have you forgotten that we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4) For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we may also live new lives." You were united in his death, foreshadowing the cross, those three nails, and his blood that cleansed us. You are a Christian when Christ is in you. So, have you been ignoring him? Have you just completely dropped your faith? Have you gone back to your sin? Have you stayed in your sin? Having you been surrounding yourself with Christians to hold you accountable? Have you been reading His Word often to learn, grow spiritually, and apply it? Are you the only Christian in your household? Do you just not have the drive to read the Bible? If you've answered yes to any of these questions it's not too late to get back on the narrow path,  or get on. It's not too late to pray about the situation you're in for guidance. It's not too late to pray for the drive to read His Word. What ever your situation it's not too late, just know that you can't do it without God's help and strength. Here's a scenario of the Americanized Christian in the general population and entertainment industry. The typical Americanized Christian claims to believe in God, goes to Church every Sunday they can, and shun's some of the things God does. Oh, I've prayed one time before I'm okay with God right? But, still continues to dwell in their sin. Just because God knows they sin and are forgiven, but are reading too far into the lines; to fit what they want to be as a Christian. They still participate in the activities they did before they met Christ, still use profanity, still gets drinks to get drunk, still parties, still watches porn, still listens to the vulgar/prideful/sexual music, still lusts, still watch what you shouldn't, still gossips, still quarrels, still whatever(you get the point). It's a heart thing, if God is going to change your heart you have to let him. If you harden your heart and don't welcome Him to do his work in you through the Holy Spirit then it was no point in you getting saved. If you let your fleshes desires affect your heart then you're going to continue in that sin. You have to give God your all so you can get all of Him. If you keep bits and pieces of your sins and do some of what God wants you're a Americanized Christian. In order to please Him you have to obey Him. It shouldn't feel like a burden, because Jesus thought of you on that cross, He thought of you as He was lashed, He thought of you as He was mocked, He thought of You. We could've easily not have had an option to go to Heaven or hell and just went to hell. He showed and still shows love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. How hard is it to just obey Him and live as Christ lived?  It is hard, but it's totally worth it. Yes we mess up, but you shouldn't continue to do the same sins over and over again. You can't get into Heaven by Good Works alone, don't feed into that lie. You have to die to yourself and let Christ live in you to remove your burdens, give you peace, cleanse your heart, help you to not fear death, work in you and help you OVERALL!!  Being a Christian through trials and hardships, those are the moments when you should come to God first. Even on your best days, it's often the only times people come to God when they need something or are going through something. It's an everyday thing until He comes back for His people. Not a just when I want to thing. Instead of going to everyone else and then God last, what do you think that looks like to God? It's like you ignored Him and spit in His face when he was there all along. Run to Him in prayer, His Word and you will be guided. Remember God is always there, you just don't acknowledge His presence. Examine yourself, is there anything you can improve? Are you not 100% sure you are saved? Are you unsure of where you would go if you were to die? If Jesus were to come back tomorrow would you think that you've done all you could as far as living out his name, representing Him and sharing Him? Would He be pleased? Are you bearing fruits to show that you are a Christian?

I hope this has brung those who are the Americanized Christian to the reality of it all. Praying for You!

Grace,Love&Blessings!!

New Music: Smile by Jonathan McReynolds

It's not really new, it's just that I'm just now hearing of this song and this artist. He's a really gifted and anointed Man of God. I'm considering posting a song mid week of every other week. Anyways, remember to smile knowing that God has your back. I hope that everyone's day and rest of the week goes well. Enjoy!

Grace,Love&Blessings!

The Different Versions of the Bible

There are KJV's (King James Version), NKJV (New King James Version), ESV (English Standard Version), NLT (New Living Translation) just to name a few. People are stern and set on KJV being the best, accurate and oldest version. That's  just THEIR preference just like you prefer the version you have.  For me I personally like the NLT version better; simply because I find it easier to read and understand. I do have a KJV Bible, but I barely read out of that one. It's good to know that all of these versions are summarized by different theological/biblical scholars. Just know that it is just your decision on which one you like the best. Some are over summarized which is why I don't broaden my Bible version horizons that much. KJV is most aligned with the Hebrew Bible, but KJV is not everyone's preference of Bible choices. If you want the real deal consider a Hebrew Bible, it is harder to read and is of course in Hebrew. If you want to see the Hebrew Bible I'll post a link right here -----> http://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/Hebrew_Index.htm <------ it's the online version. Overall, it's up to you which version to read/use. If you're having a hard time choosing pray about it, pray that God will lead you to finding the perfect version for YOU. Happy Bible shopping:)

Grace,Love&Blessings!

Evangelzing, are you equipped?

Yes, yes you are equipped to evangelize, that's one of our various jobs as God's children. I wanted to speak on Evangelizing, as it is throughout the Bible. Such as 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NLT, stating that Evangelizing/Witnessing is a task that God has given us(his children) to reconcile people to him. Since God was in Christ, so that us sinners could be forgiven. Christ is in us to proclaim his name and just share what Christ has done for us, not forcefully and not demanding to the person who isn't in the faith.  But, with love and if you want to you can even tell them your testimony. Tell them what God has delivered you from, why it affected you, why it was wrong and how you're doing now.  Don't be pushy or aggravating, that will give Christ an worst name than people already make of Him and may even push the person farther away from Christ. Nervousness is normal when it comes to telling people about Christ, it's that make it or break it moment. Before you evangelize pray about it, ALWAYS pray before you try to evangelize. Pray for gentleness, peace, self-control, God's grace to lead you and whatever God feels you need to do so. Remember that if a person doesn't give their life to Christ that they maybe aren't meant to or not at that moment. Also, remember that you CAN NOT save the person, CHRIST is the only one that can change their heart. Enjoy this video on evangelizing!

Grace,Love&Blessings!

Scripture, Applications, and Spiritually Connecting

When it comes to God's word reading it, applying it, meditating on it and connecting with it, it becomes confusing. Made up of 66 books, the Old Testament being the prophesies and stories of men like Solomon, Saul and Abraham. While the New Testament is helping you out, telling you how to live the Christian life, with the apostles/servants of Christ talking to you and overall warning you of certain situations. Many do not know where to start. So, I'm going to let you know that you can start anywhere. Me personally I started with Genesis and went all over the place. From Genesis to Corinthians to Ephesians to Revelations to Acts and so on. As I read and came upon what books I really like, I developed a pattern on how to read and learn. I highlight and take really short notes to summarize the verse/s and familiarize myself with it. Say for instance I went to James read all of it and highlighted most of everything that hit me, is useful and that I will need. Knowing that you are or maybe will go through something similar about holding your tongue, faith and coming closer to God. Using different color highlighters is a good idea, along with meditating on it if you are having trouble with holding your tongue. So that when a moment comes when you want to say what's on your mind that scripture comes to mind and you think before you say it. As for Old Testament I remember the stories from when I was younger and my private school teachers would read the stories. I get a reminder when I go back and read, along with reading the stories to my brother and sister. I'm really bad at reading the Old Testament, so I'm challenging myself to read the Old Testament. I've of course read Psalms(some of it), Proverbs(most of it), Ecclesiastes, Isaiah and Job.From now to however long it takes to finish reading it. I've tackled reading the little books like Ezekiel-Malachi that no one really reads. I try reading as often as I can, daily if possible. I have a Bible app on my phone that has daily verses that I read, write down and go back and highlight in my Bible if it's really impacting. They also have plans that you can read on an array of topics, the app is called YouVersion. So, if you are still having a hard time reading the bible; pray about it. Pray that good opens your mind and heart, grants you the determination and self control to read His word. God Bless:)

Grace,Love&Blessings!

The Gospel in Four Minutes

What is the Gospel you ask? Well, poet Propaganda, explains it brilliantly in great detail in a short amount of time. His love for The Lord is very great, enjoy!

New Music

  Hi, everyone as you know I usually don't post music, I just add new music under the new music tab. But, since I really love this song I thought I would share, you may or may not like it but, listen to the lyrical context. The name of the group WLAK stands for We Live As Kings and the group consists of Christon Gray( The guy singing), Dre Murray(The guy rapping), Alex Faith, and Swoope. Their first joint collaboration album will be coming out Tuesday, March 5, 2013 and if you want to listen or download their free mixtapes go here. ---->http://collision-records.com/<----

Happy Listening!
Grace,Love&Blessings!

Giving Up All of Your Worldly Ways, Why Are You Still Holding On?

Have you ever felt as though your growth in the faith was stunted? As if you only grew to a certain point and couldn't go on any further? There are many Christians who go through this for many reasons such as: thinking that they are going be firm in the faith without being surrounded by other Christians, not going to church and surrounding their selves with the rest of God's army(just because they've had a couple of bad experiences with legalistic churches), not reading the word of God as often as they should, still clubbing, drinking to get drunk, smoking to get high, still fornicating or committing adultery to achieve a so called good thing, watching stuff that they shouldn't and also, listening to things they shouldn't be etc,. When you come to Christ, you have to know that you have to turn your back to ALL of your worldly ways, not just what you want to give up. You have to realize that it's all for your good and it makes it easier when you avoid those things. So, as you and I both examine ourselves and question what we are doing that is preventing us from growing in the faith, what do you see? If you don't see anything, ask God to show you and to help you stop or get rid of whatever it is. And when he reveals it/ and or those things to you, ask him to give you the strength and self control to put it behind you and not to turn back to it. Pray that he gives you the strength to resist the temptation, and if whatever the situation is, is really hard talk to someone in the faith that you know you can trust, to help you out because they may have struggled with the same issue you are. I'm praying for you!

Grace,Love&Blessings!
God Bless:)

Battling with the Flesh

Hate, envy, lust, greed, lying, stealing, cheating, etc., it's a constant battle but, God is right there besides you. He knows that we are human and we are naturally sinners, that's why we are forgiven through Christ Jesus. But, hold your horses, there is no excuse for you to sin on purpose, what does that look like to God? Especially if he knows what you are, were, and was going to do before hand. It's like you're spitting in God's face. That's why you have to put up a battle with the flesh, avoiding any kind of temptation that'll lead you astray, resisting the fleshes desires and yes my be get caught off guard and give in but, remember this... Though they stumble, they will not fall for the Lord holds them by the hand - Psalms 37:24. One of my favorite verses when I come upon impediments in my life, when the devil is messing with me or it's me against my flesh. It's best to run to God's word and him in prayer everyday and not just when, you're in trouble or need something, what do you think that looks like to God? So instead of just, giving in to you flesh go against it, put up a fight, and resist the temptation. Remember, Christ is walking with you as you confide and walk with him, stand firm and put up a huge fight!

Grace,Love,&Blessings!
God Bless, Have A Nice Day :)

Book Review: Trip Lee: The Good Life

Author: William Lee Barefield III better known as Trip Lee

Foreword by: Matt Chandler

Pages: 169

Publisher: Moody Publishers

Overview: 

"Everybody wants to live the Good Life, Maybe money won't solve all of your problems. Maybe life isn't all about us. And maybe the ideas we've been sold are pointing us in the wrong direction. In this book, titled after his fourth album The Good Life, Christian rap artist and author Trip Lee unveils what the world, the flesh and the Devil promote as the ultimate and most satisfying life. He then explains what The Good Life really is: a life within our reach and yet beyond anything this world has to offer. This book aims to turn us away from the lies that have made us robots and lead us to true freedom. The road may not be easy, but it's worth it. You can be freed from your robot soul. You can live the good life."

My Review:

This is a very short informative book that has topics that ranges from Trip Lee's life before he came to Christ, the people surrounding him, his music, how wealth is futile but, doesn't satisfy, how God owns everything we have, being Christ like, enjoying the gift's God gives you, sharing the Good Life(Good News) with others and many more topics. I love how Lee talked on all sorts of topics within a page or less, going straight to the point, then to the next. Lee also, spoke on success and how society has driven this idea of what success is and if you choose another route it's all wrong. How when you finally achieve the idea of success, you don't have any determination or drive because, you've made it. Another topic I like was he introduced you to experiencing the Good Life and living it out, which most people don't know how to truly do or think that they have to clean up their selves before they come to Christ, when Christ is Cleanses you. This is all I am going to say about the book, go out and buy it or purchase it online, it's definitely not a waste of money. The book is under $10 and as of right now it is $5 and some change online, come on!, you can't beat that for an informative book with vital information and stories. 

Where to buy you ask? 

Barnes&Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-good-life-trip-lee/1105316309?ean=9780802408587

Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/The-Good-Life-Trip-Lee/dp/0802408583/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360786393&sr=8-1&keywords=the+good+life+trip+lee

Grace,Love&Blessings!

Hope you liked and and get the book.

Fruits of the Spirit, are you bearing fruits?

Fruits of the Spirit are the following: Love, Joy, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Peace, Kindness, and Self-Control. Galatians 5:22-23 is where the fruits of the spirit can be found.

You need Self-Control to apply and utilize the other fruits, so that Christs light can shine through. As, you bear these fruits it eludes from you and can be noticed by non believers, as well as believers who aren't bearing the fruits. When they are noticed it is for sure that Christ is shining and showing the goodness of his self to others, that is how you shine Christs light to non believers and other Christians that aren't producing or have fallen off of the faith. When you bear the fruits of the Spirit it is different and sometimes appealing to people, they will wonder what is up with him or her. What is it about them? Why are they so nice? Why is he/she so serene? He/she is so different. If you aren't bearing fruits and you are in the faith, maybe you are not truly right with God. Pray about it, ask God to shine or show why you aren't bearing the fruits. Pray to see if you are holding onto sin that is preventing you from bearing fruit. Fruits are an essential part as to telling that you, yourself are a Christian, as with other Christians too. The Holy Spirit shows who is and isn't a Christian without even asking that person. So, I hope that you continue to bear fruit, start to bear fruit or come to bearing fruits.

Happy Bearing!
Grace,Love&Blessings!