2010 LIFE GOALS

As we prepared to roll out of 2009 and transition into 2010, it's important to be intentional about coming into the next level that God has for us. Of course New Year's Resolutions don't work. Oftentimes it is because we attempt these very lofty ideals that leave us disappointed and sometimes disillusioned before January has ended. Thus its crucial that we are intentional and focused on those things that will truly help us move ahead.

So I want to propose some 2010 Life Goals (to concentrate on for the first quarter of the year) that I believe will help to catapult us into our next level in 2010. Here goes:

#1 - Become more serious about your Personal Relationship with the Lord. I know you are saved, sanctified, and all that stuff, but let's be real! You go to church and maybe even serve on a ministry or two. But you know that you have been operating on "automatic pilot" for a while now. You have been going through the motions, and your relationship with the Lord has taken a hit. Your devotional time is stale and maybe even non-existent, your prayer life is lackluster, your attitude has been blah, and your faith has been wavering. In 2010, plan to become more serious about the Lord. This means that you must be ready to "kick it up a notch", (and you know exactly what that means for YOU). As you sow to your spirit, you will reap supernatural benefits!

#2 - Move away from Negative People. Negative people are draining, taxing, and they DO NOT help to catapult you to your next level. Whether you realize it or not, there's a pay-off for the type of people that you allow to be in your life. Some have negative people around because it allows them a "safe" person to vent with and complain with, and the positive people won't allow them to go there. Yet others have negative people around because they have a need to "rescue" others from their despair. And even others deal with negative people because those persons have been in their lives for a long time, and they are afraid to move them out. Question: How's that working for you? I mean really, all of us have bad days from time to time, but to be in a perpetual state of negativity is unnatural for a child of God when we understand that "the joy of the Lord is our strength". (Neh. 8:10b) As you start to move away from negative people, you will begin to feel more refreshed and less weighted. Before you know it, the Lord will open the door for new and healthy relationships. Trust me....it works!

#3- Be More Balanced - This is a huge one, because I "know" that I'm called to do 50 different things, all at the same time! But seriously, it is so important to know what God has called you to do "in this season", and to know what he has not called you to do. Of course there are some things that we must do such as making a living, possibly going to school, if married, investing in your relationship, and if we have kids, we must feed them, clothe them and take care of them. But other than the obvious, how do you know what God has really called you to do? Ask yourself these questions: Is what you are doing keeping you from the Lord? Do you have a passion about what you are doing? And are you good at what you are spending most of your time on? If you answered "yes" to the first question, then you need to go back to Life Goal #1. If you don't have a passion about the thing that you're spending your time on, then is it really for you? And if you're not good at what you're spending your time on, then maybe your focus is on the wrong thing.

Dr. John C. Maxwell, in one of his awesome books, (I don't recall which one), says that we need to invest our time and energy on the things that we are good at. We have a great potential of excelling when we enhance the gifts that we already have, than if we spend a lot of time on the the things that we are barely good at. . So it's necessary to re-evaluate everything that you are spending your time on and trying to juggle, in order to determine what really deserves your primary attention and what can take a backseat.

So, as we look ahead to another year that the Lord is gracing us with, let's agree to commit to these life changing Life Goals for the first quarter of 2010. If you are serious, they "will" make a different in your life. Send me your praise reports. I can't wait to hear how God is re-directing your life. I'm on the sidelines cheering you on. Remember, you are Called to Excellence!

Happy New Year!

The Reason For The Season

Can you believe that it is already December? Before we know it, 2009 will be behind us and we will be scrambling to get our lives in order for 2010.

For many of us, this is a joyous time of the year. And for others, it brings great sadness. I can truly identify with both ends of the spectrum. It is sometimes sad because I'm forced to remember that my mother and father are no longer living. I miss sharing this time with them, talking with them, and being babied by them.

But it is also a joyous time of the year. It keeps me in touch with the true "reason for the season". Jesus is the true reason for this season. And when we celebrate His birthday, we are more and more in touch with the purpose of His birth, the life that He lived, and the life that He gave up for you and me. Even in the midst of difficult times and a turbulent year for many, God is still good! Just knowing that there is someone who loves you more than you could EVER love yourself, should be comforting. Just knowing that there is someone who loves you and me in spite of us, should be reassuring. Just knowing that there is someone who continues to give us chance our chance our chance, should be encouraging.

There are so many things to be thankful for, even in the midst of our storms. Jesus who died for our sins, loves us so much, and this time of year gives us a formal opportunity to thank God for Jesus. And guess what, the best gift that you can offer someone this year, is the gift of salvation. When we reflect on where we were before Christ came into our lives, we should be lining up on the rooftops, to sing His praises.

So don't fret. Don't get overwhelmed. Don't even get caught up in the hustle and bustle (unless you enjoy it like I do). Just enjoy Jesus who is the real Reason for The Season! Agape!

 

I NEED A WORD

"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace". Isaiah 9:6

I'm so glad that God sent Jesus as our Light and our Deliverer from sin. He is Wonderful. He is Mighty. He is Eternal. He is Magnificent. He is Glorious. He is Holy. And this is why we should celebrate His life and the difference that He has made in ours.

PATIENCE

As we prepare to approach the holiday season, shopping lines will get longer, produce items will be harder to find, family members will start scheduling your time, and your workload and "to do lists" will seem heavier and longer. As a result, it's going to be imperative that we exercise that much dreaded word: Patience!

For some reason, it seems so difficult to be "patient" in the midst of the impending hustle and bustle. I must admit, I LOVE being in the rat-race of the holiday season, particularly if there isn't anything in particular that I'm looking for. It's something about the holiday season that is "fun" to me. It's probably because those who are usually not as nice, tend to be a bit nicer during this time, and people tend to be more mindful as to how they treat one another.

Nevertheless, with whatever you may be facing in the coming weeks, you must remember to walk in patience. Patience entails endurance and tolerance. In fact, it is so important, that it is even a manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit. In other words, if we are truly walking in the spirit, then we should be exemplifying Patience. (See Galatians 5:22).

So, let's determine that we won't major on the minors. We will let the "main thing" be the main thing, and we won't sweat the small stuff! We will be patient, enduring, tolerant, forebearing, non-complaining, amenable, self-controlled, and willing to go with the flow! Who knows.....it just might work!

GOOD HAIR

I understand that Chris Rock's new movie entitled "Good Hair" opens in the Charlotte, NC area on tomorrow (10/23). Unfortunately I only saw intermittent parts of his interview on Oprah several weeks ago. I do know from the various media writings and from the movie's trailer, that Rock was inspired to produce this movie after his six year old daughter asked him, "why don't I have good hair"? So I want to talk about this age-old topic of "good hair".

When I was growing up, we would describe people with fine and often naturally straight hair, as having "good hair". Good Hair was the kind that didn't "nap up" or cause you to have "bb shots" or what we commonly referred to as a kitchen in the back of your neck. This occurrence was due to the lack of having a relaxer in your hair. Over the years, African American women (primarily) have had to deal with the many struggles and challenges relating to our hair.

Historically as a culture, African American women have had to deal with varying degrees of name-calling and put-downs if our hair was not "tight" and "right". In fact, often the natural state of our hair which is coarse, kinky and for some, even bushy, has carried a negative connotation. But many of us have allowed the images of media to shape and define how we should look, and as a result, what is considered the look of beauty. Regardless of where you fall in this argument, there is no doubt that 85% of all hair products is purchased by African American women. Is this because we are vain? Do we hate who we naturally are underneath? Have we bought into the old adage that "white is right; if black get back"?

I'd be the first to admit that I HAVE TO GET MY HAIR DONE! For me, that's permed, trimmed and sometimes colored. Does that mean that I'm denying who I am in some way? I don't think so. I was fortunate to be raised to have an appreciation for my heritage and for my race. As a child of God, I understand that who I am on the inside is what defines my value and my worth. I wear my hair short and "my man" likes it! But for those who choose to weave it, wig it, or add a few pieces to it, I simply say, DO YOU! In my opinion, it's all GOOD HAIR!

At the end of the day, we must be comfortable with who God has made us to be. (Sounds like a previous posting doesn't it?) Enhancing what He has given you doesn't make you wrong or bad. There simply needs to be a healthy understanding that our hair does not make us who we are. So we shouldn't hate the hair that we have, but at the same time, we shouldn't feel like a sellout just because we decided to add mousse or a flat iron to our shopping cart. Celebrate you, whether long tresses or short. God loves you either way!

I NEED A WORD - DEVOTIONAL

Jeremiah 31:3 - "…I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness."

You know you have the true love of someone when they can see you with your hair all over your head and still love you. God sees us with our hair "undid", or while hiding it under a cap or scarf, and He STILL loves us. What a loving Father. We don't have to fix up, dress up, or make up. He loves us (even in our natural state) with an everlasting love!

CHILL OUT

It seems as though there is "never" enough time to do everything that needs to be done. Between work, home, school, kids, and don't forget, trying to workout or having a meal with a friend, it's as though the day is never, ever, long enough.

I must admit that I am the master multi-tasker. I can eat, text, pause to answer a question, and tell you the plot of a television show, all at once. I'm not proud of this constant juggling, but I've made it work for me.

Nevertheless, there's a lot to be said about pausing and taking a break. Whether it is to reflect on your fleeting day, or to ponder on the goodness of the Lord, we all need to take a big EXHALE!

It's a little corny, but we really should slow down to smell the roses. There is so much beauty around us that often times we don't make the time to enjoy it. But just as important is our need to simply REST. Do we even know what that means? No agenda, no schedule, no To-Do List, no errands, no taxi service, no nothing!

It might mean taking a soaking bath with the door locked, so that junior and 'em can't get in. Or it might mean just laying on the couch, listening to Smokie Norful Live. However that looks for you, make a vow to start taking some time to just CHILL OUT!

I NEED A WORD - DEVOTIONAL

Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light".

Often times as women, we can take on the weight of the world. We are equipped to solve every problem, short of World Peace. But the load can get heavy is we are not giving our issues (and everybody elses) over to the Lord. He says if you're worn, come to Him. If you feel beatdown, come to Him. If you feel like you are running on empty, come to Him. Everything we need is in Him. And He is able to carry every burden that we have. He provides us with sweet rest for our soul. So unpack every weight, and watch Him gladly take it.

TESTIMONY TIME

At our church, we have "testimony time" on Tuesday nights prior to the Bible Study lesson. It's a time for members and others to share with the congregation, the goodness of the Lord in their life.

A lot of times we think, "I don't really have a testimony". And that's because we often assume that it has to be this earth-shattering religious experience, that resonates with angels dancing and the sound of harps playing in the background.

But truth be told, we ALL have a testimony. A testimony is simply a public declaration of where you were at a particular time in your life, how God intervened, and where you are now. I too used to believe that I didn't have a testimony until I started thinking about all of the small things (that were really big things) that the Lord had brought me over, around, and through. In fact, there is so much that the Lord has done for me, that as the songwriter wrote, "I just can't tell it all". But sometimes, we have to shut the devil up by sharing our story, even when we feel worn, weary and beatdown.

So here goes: I thank God for keeping me through some really crazy stuff! While in college, like a lot of young adults, I got caught up in the midst of a few things (and a few people). I would catch a ride home with someone I had just met; drink out of cups that had been left on a table in a club after coming back from dancing; ride in cars with drivers who had been drinking; take trips down the highway with NO money; room with people who I knew "nothing" about; sell books door to door, out of state, with another group of people who I knew "nothing" about; and on and on and on.

I'm sure you're saying, "yes that WAS crazy"! And it was! But THROUGH IT ALL, God still kept me! He kept me from being poisoned and drugged; he kept me from being a drunk driving statistic; he kept me from being robbed, beaten, or left in the middle of nowhere! HE KEPT ME! And because of that, I must say, THANK YOU LORD!

When God has a purpose for your life, you can think that you have derailed it, but His guiding hand will always steer you and direct you. He has a way of cutting danger off at the path. He protects us and He covers us.

I'm thankful that God has kept me. I know that some people are "almost perfect" and can't imagine the foolishness that I've experienced, but all I can say is "but God". Looking back, I realize that it has only been God who has watched over me, even when in my silly state of mind.

And because of that, I have a testimony. For everything that I have gone through (and this doesn't even touch the tip of the iceberg), I'm still here! And it makes the devil mad! It's something when you can go through some fiery experiences, and like the three Hebrew boys, come out without even the stench of smoke! (Daniel 3:27)

You too have a testimony, big or small. And maybe, just maybe, you'll share just a bit.....in order to make the devil really mad!! Minister T


I NEED A WORD - DEVOTIONAL

Jeremiah 29:11 - "'For I know the plans that I have for you', declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope".

Everyone has a story to share. Sometimes we allow ourselves to believe that because of the experiences that we've had and many times the bad choices that we've made, that God can't or won't use us. But God has a plan for you. I'm a living witness! His plan is not to harm you, but to do you good. He even has a future expectation for you. So regardless of what you have gone through, know that God has a purpose for your life, yet to be fulfilled.

MR. GORDON

Often times in our final Sunday Service, the Holy Spirit will move in a way that He didn’t move during the other three services. We had such a time on yesterday. The Special Music Team had just sung “You’ve Been So Faithful”, and with that, they ushered in another level of anointing. We then transitioned to “I Will Trust In The Lord”. At that time, my husband (Pastor Henderson) exhorted the congregation and shared that there was a burden amongst people who wanted to give up. It seemed as though, as soon as he did an altar call, rows of people were spread across the front of the altar.

In the midst of the crowd was a man coming forward, who was escorted by a woman. It was difficult to detect his age. He had a patch over one eye, his face was swollen, and he was slowly walking with a cane. I would suspect that he was highly medicated. His name was Mr. Gordon. I don’t know him personally, but I do know that he is a member of our church, and I recall seeing him pretty regularly at one time.

Mr. Gordon has cancer. He was brought to church by his sister. Hospice has been called in and they have given him a short time to live. I’m writing this because I was compelled to share his situation while lying in bed last night. In the midst of his pain, and in the midst of his prognosis, he found his way, ever so surely, to the front of the altar. As he did that, I was reminded of the woman with an issue of blood who determined that if she could just “touch the hem” of the garment of Jesus, she knew that she would be made whole. (See Matthew 9:20-22)

Mr. Gordon has something that many of us fail to activate during the crucibles of our lives: FAITH! I saw his faith activated as he took those short, meaningful steps towards the altar. He might have been exercising “mustard seed” faith at that time, but the word of God says that even that will move mountains. (See Matthew 17:20)

So why am I writing this? I’m writing this because Mr. Gordon needs a miracle! And Matthew 18:19 states, “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven”. So I’m asking those who know the power of prayer, to agree with me for Mr. Gordon’s miracle! God is still in the miracle-working business! Believe with me for his caretakers! Believe with me that none of them will give up! Believe with me for total healing!

I don’t know what God’s purpose is for Mr. Gordon. I do know that Hezekiah was mortally ill, and he was told by the Prophet Isaiah that he was going to die. The Bible states that Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord. And the Lord heard his prayer and saw his tears. And He told the Prophet Isaiah to tell Hezekiah that He was going to heal him and add 15 years to his life. (See 2 Kings 20:1-6)

My prayer is that God’s will be done! In the meantime, let’s add our faith to Mr. Gordon’s faith, and believe God for the supernatural. We never know when we’ll need someone to pray for us! Minister T


I NEED A WORD - Devotional

Jeremiah 32:17 - “Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You…”

BABY GIRL

I love terms of endearment! The term "Baby Girl" has many connotations: the youngest child (or girl) of the family; or a term of affection towards someone who is "cute like that"! The Urban Dictionary defines this term as a "name for one's friend who is a girl", and also a slang term that a guy uses to describe his woman.

I must admit that I am the "baby girl" of my family. There are four of us, and I am the youngest girl and the youngest of the four. So if you were to ask the other three, they would probably say (with no proof to back it up of course), that while growing up, I was spoiled rotten and considered as the favorite. Of course I don't agree with that, but we'll leave it up for debate.

Nevertheless, I found that there were some benefits to being the "baby girl". Namely, you rarely had to take the blame; you could always plead ignorance; and my favorite, "I'm too young to know better!" Boy the things that I got away with! I remember "tattling on my siblings", charging my brother to make his bed; and spying on my sister when her boyfriend would come over. (Oops! I probably wasn't supposed to tell that one). The memories are sweet and the acts committed were truly innocent.

Make no mistake about it, my childhood was no bed of roses, but the good times were GOOD! And as I get older, I'm learning to cherish the good times and not dwell on the "not so good times". In fact, all of us can recall times that we'd rather forget, but aren't you glad that the Lord brought you "through" all of those times? He kept you, and protected you, and guided you through the dark places of your life. He too has some names for you. He calls you "His own", "His children". In I Peter 2:9, He refers to you as "a chosen people", "a royal priesthood", "a holy nation", "a people belonging to God". And I think it's fair to say (with all reverence and respect), that you are His "baby girl". You are His favorite! He allows you to get away with things (in a sense) and continues to love you (most times in spite of you). He spoils you by blessing you, and graces you, and gives you chance after chance after chance. And He doesn't throw your mistakes back in your face, because He covers you with His lovingkindness. I thank God for being the "baby girl" of my family. But what's far more special, is being the "baby girl" of the KING! Minister T

I NEED A WORD - Devotional

Psalm 89:1 - "I will sing of the lovingkindness of the Lord forever; To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth".

We've all had different childhoods and upbringings. Some of us grew up with siblings and others were an only child. Regardless of the make-up of your family, and the highs and the lows that you may have experienced, God is still good! He has continued to be there with us, through our good times and our bad times. He has been a friend when we were friendless. For some, He has been like a brother and to others, like a sister. He has even been a mother to the motherless and a father to the fatherless. His lovingkindness has been our anchor. For that reason, we should be compelled to share of His goodness. Someone needs to hear about His faithfulness. As His chosen child, may you share of His goodness to all generations!

CHICKEN LEGS & BIG LIPS

Kids can be very cruel! Do you remember how mean some kids were when you were growing up? If you had really skinny legs, you may have been called "chicken legs". Some of us with full lips were called "big lips". How about "blackie", "redbone", and "bald-head"? These are just a few of the labels that we were given many moons ago. I remember being called "smut face" while riding the school bus. This was a term used for someone who had a dark-complexion. Amazingly, the sting of that harsh comment didn't get a chance to stick to me very long. See my parents (in particular my mama), constantly encouraged me by telling me how beautiful, talented and exceptional I was. So when I heard that mean boy on the school bus say what he said, I thought he was crazy, because obviously he didn't confer with my mama first!

Unfortunately though, many of us are STILL holding on to these labels. We have allowed some very damaging mental tapes to continue to play in our minds. As a result, some of the comments that we have kept alive in our memory banks, have helped to shape our choices (sometimes bad ones) regarding the people that we have allowed into our life. Some of us have compared ourselves to our girlfriends, wondering why we weren't more "like them". Some have gotten into terrible relationships as a result. (No one should be abusing you physically, mentally, or psychologically!) And even others have allowed the old tapes to hold them back professionally and educationally because their self-confidence was lacking.

It may not seem glamorous, but I've discovered that God values a clean heart and a right spirit. (Psalm 51:10) What must be cultivated in order to live a life of "excellence", is to focus on your inner qualities. The Lord likes you "just the way you are". You are special to Him. In fact, Psalm 139:14 states that you are "fearfully and wonderfully made in His image". (paraphrased). Who cares what Hollywood says? Trust me, when the Hollywood stars go home, they take off their hair, nails, lashes, spanks, and tons of make-up, and they look JUST LIKE US! So, promise me that this week, you will determine to celebrate who God has made you to be, even with your "chicken legs". Agape! Minister T

I NEED A WORD - Devotional

I Samuel 16:7 - "…for God sees not as man see, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart". (NASB)

Have you allowed society to define how you should look? Are you constantly trying to fit into a mold that is not your "shape"? My mama used to say, "looks can be deceiving", meaning that you can't judge things or people based on outward appearances. I'm so glad that no matter how much we try to cover up or conform, God is able to see our heart. You are unique in your own way. So, commit to focus on matters of the heart. That's what gets the attention of God.

SISTER TO SISTER

Welcome to the inaugural posting of Called to Excellence! This blog is for women, about women, and to women who desire to obtain "next level living TODAY"!

Admittedly, next level looks differently for all of us, but nonetheless, I'm convinced that the Lord's will is that we aim for our God-ordained best, so that we can become everything that He desires for us.

If you are like me, there have been numerous things over your lifetime, that have either derailed your path to next level, or at the very least, slowed it down to a snail-like pace. There have been things that I have bumped my head on (sadly to say) over and over again, until a tender spot helped me to finally see the light! Why are we like that? Why does it sometimes take us so long to "get it"? How is it that we can be so accomplished in some areas, and be totally defeated in others?

I want to attempt to address a myriad of issues that impact us as women. Some pretty....some not so pretty. But all of them being concerns that we can relate to either directly or indirectly. So journey with me as we share, as we cry, and as we encourage one another along the way. As I always like to say, "we are more alike, than we are different"!

I NEED A WORD - Devotional

Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brethen, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things". (NASB)

Excellence first begins in our minds. Our thought life has the ability to either cause us to move forward or to stay stagnant. But when we start thinking and dwelling on things that make deposits into our spirit and not continual withdrawals, then our mental banks stay full of the things that will propel us to our next level.

What has been "on your mind" recently? Is it lifting you up or pulling you down? My prayer is that you will vow to start thinking on those things that will take you to your Next Level, TODAY!