WPOV on Right To Real Love Radio

As some of you may remember I was a guest on Right To Real Love back in Sepemter of 2014. I spoke on forgiveness. Out of that experience I was given a spot as a cohost on Women's Point Of View which will air monthly. I give all thanks to God for this platform to be able to minister to others. Please check out the first episode The Girlfriend's Guide To Making Sure You Are Ready To Datewhich debuted today. Also please subscribe to the podcast so that you can get a better feel and be further blessed by becoming a R.E.A.L lover yourself. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Mighty In Battle

The other day I found myself asking my mother why am I so sensitive. Why do I let the negativity of others impact my day sometimes? For the most part I am happy, love to smile, and I am definitely upbeat with a spring in my step. To me there is no greater joy sucker than entering a room and encountering Debbie/Donnie Downer while they suck their lemons of life. You know what I'm saying. We've all been there. The question is how do you handle it?

It's very easy to allow someone else's crass behavior affect you. However, I want to dig a little deeper. What if they don't necessarily say or do anything to you directly? Sometimes I can enter a room and just feel the energy that one is putting out even if they are being cordial. I am often amazed how others do not have the ability to discern spirits. If I am not careful I can take that negative energy with me by way of what I call a hitchhiking spirit (Matthew 12:43).

I know it may sound spooky and superstitious to some but it's a reality as Christians that we must come to know. The war is real and we must be prepared and our children are not exempt. That's why the instructions of Ephesians 6:10-17 should be the first thing we do before our feet hit the floor.

I wake up every morning before Sienna and its not because I need to play Betty Crocker and whip up a hot breakfast either. I get up early so I can tap into The Source/God and call forth a day of peace and the ability to be a blessing. When I am spending the early morning with God I ask that He keep her protected and for her light to shine bright to draw other lost children and fend off the devil's minions.

I often think about the time when I found out a sexual predator was working close with my child. It took everyone by surprise except for me. Though he had no prior convictions/arrests the Holy Spirit let me know there was an unclean spirit about the childcare center. One day I walked in and the vibe was way off. Something wasn't right. I didn't say anything. I went through my usual 50 question routine when Sienna and I got into the car. Later that night I prayed for God to bring the evil I felt to light and He did.

Don't get me wrong I'm not saying I was privy to what was happening. I just knew something was not right. While waiting on God to move I increased my presence and made unannounced visits. Sienna's dad and I would go to the center together. My motives for doing this wasn't only to protect my child but all of them. I am sure the victims' parents probably did all of these things. However, Satan knows Sienna has a hedge of protection around her and he chose to stay away. The devil is bold but he's not crazy. He will only go so far with my seed...God's seed.

You see parents, that's why we must be able to discern spirits . We must pray for and with our children. Teach them that goodness and mercy does follow them wherever they go. For they aren't alone. Check out this powerful song and be blessed!

Happy New Year

It's the last day of 2014, half the day is already gone. As I reflect on the year I find myself over come with emotion. When 2014 came in I was a few months out of a relationship that I thought was going to be forever. I was uncertain, somewhat nervous, but I knew God had a plan...doesn't He always? The funny part is His plans are better than mine. Go figure.

How could it be, 2014, a year that started off dismal turned out to be the best year of my life so far. Why? This year I actually gave up trying to control my life and allowed God to really pilot. I thought I had done this years before but nothing compares to this year. As Joyce Meyer says, I have reached a new level and the wonderful thing is you can too. That is the purpose of my blog. I don't want any glory. I'm certainly not trying to build a fan base per se. All I want to do is let you know that great days are ahead! Job 8:7 says that our beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will our future be.

 I want us to go into 2015 expecting amazing things from The Lord our Savior! Declare that our children will be mighty soldiers in His army. This is the year we are going to embed The Word of God into their hearts and minds. We are going to be better parents than we have ever been because there is always room for improvement. We are going to have a house of plenty and never lack. For those of us who desire a mate, 2015 is going to be the year that we get ready and in position because our Boazes (Esther if you are a man) are close.

I encourage you to take inventory of your life. See where God has brought you, don't worry about how far you have to go. Just know you are journeying with the most skilled guide. He will lead the way. Yes we may get off track. We may even stop along the way but keep going. I am excited about what is going to happen in your life. I want to read all about it and to celebrate life's victories with you. However, I will only know if you leave a comment and I am asking you to please do so. Also share this blog with others. These words are not just for parents but for everyone. Check out my favorite song and blessed. See you next year!

Take Time To Pray and Praise

Hurry up! Get the lead out. Vamanos. No matter how you say it being in a rush sounds the same. Sometimes there are periods in my life that I wish I had 8 of me so that I could go to Fiji while the others worked and parented. It's during these times I feel like the cat on a poster I saw once. It was a kitten holding on to a rope. The caption read "When you feel you are at the end of your rope...tie a knot and hold on."

Over the years I have learned that my life has cycles. I don't know if it happens like this for everyone because some people's entire lives are a big rush all the time. For me it comes and goes like the ocean tide. It is my faith in The Most High God that drives me on. I have to tap into my source daily or else I couldn't handle times like this. Daily I wake up, spend my quiet with God, and call forth a peaceful day. I keep at the front of my mind my response to things. I can feel myself relax with each short prayer I pray.

God is so amazing, as I was typing this post I got a call from a dear friend of mine back home. She called to tell me how overwhelmed she felt and was crying. She is a working single mom like myself and she needed some prayer. I thank God for giving me the ability to empathize with others. I am grateful that I can look beyond myself to lend a listening ear and heart. Sometimes I feel as if I am pulled in so many directions. By nature its easy for me to go into a tail spin. Every and anything can become urgent. When I feel myself getting wound up I hear that still small voice reminding me to breathe and prioritize.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Do you ever find yourself thinking or saying, "I take care of everyone and no one takes care of me. " I used to say that. Boy that was my anthem and it was a big lie I was telling myself. My heavenly Father was taking care of me and He still does. It's easy to fall into that way of thinking though.

That's why God's word says we should think about loving and happy thoughts (Philippians 4:8). There are songs by Yolanda Adams, "It's Gon Be Nice" (listen) and "I Gotta Believe" (listen ) that  really help me make it through rough periods and help me get my praise on. Check them out when you get some time. Really listen to the words. Feel renewed hope and strength while she sings. I promise it will change your mindset.

What Is Your Message?

The other day I was listening to my big little brother Jay Mayo on the Right To Real Love podcast. In this particular episode  (Click Here) he had a phenomenal guest speaker named J. Patrick Wise. He had so much wisdom to share about being single, his last name is "Wise" for a reason I tell you. The insights he shared were amazing. There was a part in the show when he said "Our children are our message to the future." This phrase sums up how I starting parenting when Jesus changed my life. I could never find words to describe how I feel about my calling as a mother. This says it all. Raising a child of God is something I am very passionate about. It makes me excited to know there are fathers and future fathers out there who feel the same way.

It seems the number of people around me having children because "time is running out", to keep a man/woman, or for any other reasons except the right ones are increasing. I am also discovering that so many of us are not intentional with our parenting and are too casual about this important assignment. I don't profess to be an expert nor am I knocking anyone's choices. Trust me when I say that I don't have it all together. I get it wrong sometimes but when I do the Holy Spirit is quick to correct me or call my attention to a hidden issue. That is why we must pray and spend time with God.

When my mom found out I was pregnant she was upset that I was bringing a child into this chaotic world. She asked why was I doing it. My response to her was, "Ma, we need more good people in this world. Why should I let the world stop me from bringing a good life to this place." When I'm driving alone I often think about what type of adult Sienna is going to be. I envision this intelligent, strong, beautiful young lady who is on fire for Jesus. My child is like an arrow in the hand of a warrior (Psalm 127:4). She will do great things to further God's Kingdom work. That is my message to the future.

So, what is your message? I hope it's a good one. I pray that it is something big. Make a statement for God! It's so easy to feel as if the future isn't a bright one, especially with the state of the world today. However, we  have the power to change the future and it starts with our children.

It Will Be Worth The Wait

A few months ago I was shopping for office furniture I had to have for my new job. Having a home based office requires more than a dining room table and chair and I was on a shoe string budget and was strapped for cash. Lucky for me I have no problems buying things second hand, I was blessed to find a plush office chair and a shelving system with a drawer for only $15. All that was missing was a desk. After spending a few days stalking thrifts stores and yard sales I found a couple of desks but they were either out of my price range or I had to cart it home myself. Physical strength and a truck are not things I am blessed with so I had to pass on the desks. Time was of the essence though I didn't lose hope I was a little anxious.

Reluctantly I went to a local furniture store and found what I thought was the perfect desk for me. It was just the right size for my room and my car, had extra shelves and was in my price range. Sold! I think not. It missed fitting in the trunk of my car by literally a half an inch. I couldn't believe it. The desk was perfect and I didn't know anyone I could call with a truck to pick it up for me. When the three men at the store realized I was at their mercy (so they thought) they immediately tried to swindle me. The manager told me their delivery fee was $70. I told him no thanks. The desk was priced at $45. Who was he trying to play? I wanted to tell him what he could do with that desk but I am a changed woman. The next guy said that he delivers after hours to make extra money and could bring it to my house which was less than 5 miles away. Don't get me wrong I am the last person to look for an handout or anything for free. So I knew it would come with a price. I was thinking $20. This guy must have bumped his head when he said $55 for delivery. I told them all no thanks and got out of there.

As I drove home I was upset but it wasn't about me not getting the desk. I was upset about how the men tried to take advantage of me. Had I been desperate I would have jumped at the opportunities that were presented to me. When I got home I sat on the couch and prayed. I couldn't believe this is the state of our world, especially the men. Are they not supposed to be protectors? I then thought about Sienna and prayed that God would give her a "God man"...an Ephesians 5 man. It's never too early to pray for your child's spouse. I don't want her to follow in all of my footsteps. Yes I have a great life but being a single mom with a divorce under her belt is not what I want for my kid. I want her to have better and make better choices than I did.

After my talk with God he led me to Craigslist and there it was! A desk better than the one I saw at the store and it was $20 cheaper. I called and asked if it was still available. It was and they had no problems delivering it to me. I jumped in my car and met him and his wife at the storage unit. Before I left I did text my best friend to let her know my whereabouts just in case something happened to me. You can't be too careful these days. When I arrived he and his wife were there, they followed me back to my home, set up my desk, I paid and they left. What was the grand total you ask? A whopping $45! You can't beat God.

How many times in life do we think we have found the right person, job, etc and we hit a roadblock? How do you react when that happens? Do you go to The Father for clarity? Do you try to find a hidden meaning to what is happening below the surface? God's delays are not always a definite "No". Sometimes they are, "Not right now child because I have someone/something better for you." Proverbs 19:21 says "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

The Outpour of Blessings

Making good grades always came naturally for me. I prided myself on my being an excellent reader. I was far ahead of the rest of my classmates. I received many accolades for my achievements and was inducted into honor societies in different grades. My dad is a genius, I'm not kidding, and my mother is no slow leak either. I was blessed with brilliant parents. Education and smarts were stressed so much in my home my dad always told me to make sure I had kids with a smart man so that my kids would be intelligent. Sienna's dad is a very smart man. I chose wisely on that. You can only imagine the confusion I felt when my daughter began to struggle in school.
When helping Sienna with her homework I would lose my patience as I silently compared her to myself at that age. It was frustrating no doubt for the both of us. I dreaded the evenings as my baby girl struggled to read and comprehend. So many thoughts ran through my mind. I just couldn't do it so I hired a tutor.

Finding a tutor for my child is just as nerve racking as finding a babysitter. I don't want any and everybody sowing into her life. And let's not talk about the financial aspect of it all. Private tutors don't run cheap. So you can only imagine the joy I felt when I found a retired teacher who offered very reasonable prices and was close to my home. I scheduled an appointment immediately.

When we went for the interview everything seemed fine. No red flags went up but I am no fan of leaving my little girl alone with strangers so I would sit outside his office door in the waiting area. This occurred two nights a week for almost month. As time went on I noticed the tutor was running late each session and didn't apologize for his excessive tardiness. I am stickler for time so after a few violations I politely said something. It was then I saw the true nature of the man within. Honestly I had noticed the evening before that he had made snarky remarks to one of the parents. He didn't know I was there. So when he got mad with me I wasn't surprised. I promptly let him know his services weren't needed anymore and that he could keep the tuition that I had paid him in advance.

This conversation took place in front of Sienna who was no doubt shocked at his behavior and disappointed by the fact she was no longer going to be tutored. It was at that moment I taught her that R-E-S-P-E-C-T is more than just an Aretha Franklin song but a way of life. I allowed her to dissect the interactions between the tutor and I and to tell me what she thought. She was right on the money. He was rude and wrong. After we got through that teachable moment she asked, "Mom what are we gonna do?" I told her we were gonna trust God because He knows what we need. In Matthew 6:25-26 Jesus tells us not to worry about our lives. God takes care of the sparrows and if He watches over them then will He do that much more for his children.

One day I received a letter from the school stating Sienna was going to receive FREE tutoring at her school twice a week! I couldn't believe it but then again I could because that is how my Father works. He never lets me go without. Sometimes I feel like I'm his favorite. No more rushing home to eat dinner to get to the tutor late in the evening. Our schedule is back to normal, Sienna's grades have picked back up, just in time for report cards next week. More important her father has become active in her life again and I know that it is God. I truly see a change in that man. He has been helping her over the phone with her homework and listens to her read some nights. I am truly thankful for this turn around in our lives. I can't wait to see what else is in store for us. Praises to The Most High God!