“How much are you willing to risk for what you want? It’s not about who’s the most talented, but who wants it the most”

This quote speaks to me in ways you do not know! There are some great things I have a strong desire to pursue but a part of me is scared, cautious about the risk(s) required to obtain them. After seeing this picture and quote my faith has been fueled! Just a few hours before I saw this I had a convo with a friend and she told me: “scared money, don’t make money”.

This was JUST the inspiration I needed to aggressively pursue the things I want the most!

photo source

What do you want the most? What are you willing to risk?

Related posts:

1. Daily Inspiration: May The Bridges I Burn Light The Way
2. Daily Inspiration: God Honors Decision With Breakthrough
3. Daily Inspiration: Something to Smile About

photo source

Have a Great Weekend!

Related posts:

1. Faith Friday: What’s Holding You Back?
2. Faith Friday: UKNOWGZUS
3. Faith Friday:Faith & Relationships

I came across an interesting blog post Single, Saved, and Sexin’: The Gospel of Gettin’ Your Freak On. After reading, my mind was swirling with so many thoughts that I couldn’t fully articulate. Here are some excerpts:

Single, Saved, and Sexin

“Like most conservative Christian folks, I grew up believing, that sex was reserved for marriage. For years my sexual experiences were laden with guilt. I routinely went years at a time with no sexual contact, until I would finally, in a fit of weakness give in to my urges. I was caught in a continual cycle of self-denial, self-indulgence, guilt, confession, rinse and repeat, topped off by five years of celibacy. I was treating sex as if it were a bad habit that I desperately needed to break.”

“All of that is a prelude to a confession: I’m single. I’m saved (as in born-again Christian). And I have sex. Unapologetically.”

“Christianity is too much about grace, too much about freedom to engender the continual guilt, frustration, and anxiety, which I continually confronted merely for expressing my sexual selfhood. Surely there must be a better way.”

“But when it comes to the sex life of the single Christian, it’s hard to take the Bible as the gospel truth, because for us, their ain’t no good news in it. Song of Solomon’s erotic imagery notwithstanding, no scriptural loopholes permitting me to get my much-needed freak on presented themselves.”

She goes on to say:

“I needed a bigger view of God….so I’ve actively and painfully gone in search of a better way, filled with life affirming principles and enough grace to let me enjoy my life and some good sex, too.  ‘Cause frankly, now that I’m over 30, getting some, getting it good, and getting it on a regular basis is non-negotiable. I refuse any longer to live a fear-driven life, based upon a set of rules that mete out punishment and reward based on how well I perform.  I think Jesus came to free us from performance driven living.”

She believes:

“Sex is a form of creative power. I think God wants nothing less than this for us, and that requires regular, intimate connections of bodies, or at the very least a very regular, intentional and unapologetic intimate connection with our own body.”

“So sex is back on the table for me in an emotionally safe intimate connection with another person. Because marriage or no, I am clear about this one thing: celibacy is not for me. I need connection. I need intimacy. I need sex. Period.”

“That’s why I’m unapologetically single, saved, and sexin’”

With over 50 comments, the reactions are varied. Some women give literary praise and kudos of her bravery, while others stand in strong, complete disagreement.

Stand out comments:

Crunkashell THIS IS POWERFUL STUFF! It takes bravery to speak your truth but it also takes faith to be vulnerable and put yourself forward in way that your gift may be abused, misunderstood and dismissed. I am thankful for both your sense of bravery and faith in offering this post and engaging in both its support and critique so thoughtfully

Is fornication still pre-marital or extramarital sexual intercourse, relations, expressions? Did God set a boundary and standard as it relates to sexual intercourse, that’s still valid? If He did, do we have the authority and freedom to expand that boundary/standard of God based on: the level of difficulty (“it’s too hard”), the aversion to denying self/self-expression, the existence of social and gender double-standards (“preachers/men don’t adhere”), the fight for unbound liberation, being covered by grace, in search of a “better” way? Who else (thieves, liars?) and to what else (loving our enemies?) can we apply similar sentiments of “legalism” and living a “fear-driven life” based on rules?

Christ has saved us from being SLAVES to sin. Meaning we no longer have to sin because “we can’t help it,” or “it’s too hard.” Romans 6:1 “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” What you are bragging about in this post, sis, is your dedication to living in sin, because God’s grace is going to cover you.

I understand the frustration, being celibate many years before marriage myself but we must go to word for true guidance. A wise woman of God shared these scriptures with me.
* Be careful not to abuse Grace > Romans 6:1-2
* Be careful not to be lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God > II Timothy 3
* Be careful not to turn your ears towards truth but towards fables > II Timothy 4:1-4.

It seems your conclusion is God is not enough and he can’t keep you. God did not create you for the sole purpose of being with a man (and having sex) You were created just for Him. (forgive me on this feminist website for the masculine use of “Him” when referencing God-we know that God is Spirit-neither male or female.) We were created for HIS PLEASURE. (Revelations 4:11) Now for us, if we want pleasure, it can be found in Him. (psalm 16:11)

When you are sexing does God get the glory? In your sexing position should God hold that last breath will he say to you “well done”?

DC District Diva wrote a response to her : Single, Saved, and Sexing? Not in the Name of Christ You Won’t?

What do Total Life Prosperity readers think?

Related posts:

1. Saved & Sexy: Saved Men Aren't Blind
2. Love Lockdown: How to Date and Stay Saved + GIVEAWAY!
3. Kingdom Music: Young Fly & Saved

Happy Friday Total Life Prosperity Family!!! A few days ago on my way to work I was stopped at a red light. I just so happened to be behind this car with personalized tags that I thought would be great for a Faith Friday post. Here is a young woman driving a Mercedes GLK350 with tags that read: UKNOWGZUS (you know Jesus). For some reason I was compelled to snap a pic on my Blackberry. I thought about the countless number of people who view her tags on a daily basis. Without her ever opening her mouth her vehicle is a ministering tool everywhere she travels. Simply Amazing!

Have a Great Weekend!

Related posts:

1. Faith Friday: the 13th edition
2. Faith Friday: LIVE YOUR LIFE!
3. Faith Friday: RAISE UP

I created this blog to share personal reflections about my life towards Total Life Prosperity. My journey includes more than just me. It encompasses the people and places I encounter along the way. Pastor Creflo Dollar stresses the importance of divinely ordained relationships. He teaches that we must be able to recognize and honor covenant relationships because they are bridges to our success and prosperity.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Understanding the importance of covenant relationships is a critical part of fulfilling the will of God for our lives. Covenant relationships are those relationships that God has divinely placed in our lives. Over the past 4 years I’ve witnessed an amazing covenant relationship between two young believers and I felt compelled to share their story with my readers.

Here are some highlights about their journey towards Total Life Prosperity :

After a surprise wedding proposal on Cornado Island surrounded by close friends and family, Robert (Tre’) and Tia were 1 of 3 finalist to win a wedding giveaway from CBS Atlanta.

They didn’t win the wedding giveaway but they were blessed to land Tia’s dream wedding photographer Ross Oscar Knight. Here’s a shot from their engagement photo shoot.

Leading up until the actual wedding ceremony God gave Tre’ a vision for his relationship step-by-step from the timing of the proposal, ceremony date, location, and most importantly who was supposed to be apart of their covenant. For anyone considering marriage, Tre notes the vision starts in the heart of a man. God is a God of order. The concept of “headship” was an important principle he learned throughout his process of becoming one with his wife. He advises couples to ensure they are properly aligned and committed to doing it Gods way. He says: “the relationship aspect of marriage is a perfect thing. Don’t let the world define marriage or corrupt it. Approach marriage from God’s point of view and in his divine timing because like everything there is a season for marriage.” It took 6 months for God to reveal to him the actual wedding date of September 25th. The 25th represents the power of agreement (2), grace (5), and completion (2+5=7). It is also the date of Tia’s late grandmother’s birthday. Instead of becoming absorbed in the wedding planning process, this couple wanted a strong support system leading up to the ceremony and throughout their marriage. They desired to create an atmosphere where each person could develop a stronger relationship with God,  and experience personal growth along with other wedding party members. One foundational scripture throughout this process was Amos 3:3. It was of the utmost importance for the entire wedding party to be in complete agreement during a time where there is such an evil attack on relationships and marriages. The soon-to-be bride and groom knew radical measures in the spirit realm were necessary to see God’s vision come into fruition. This vision would come to pass by prayer and fasting. Starting February 25th all of the bridesmaids and groomsman were asked to collectively fast on the 25th of every month for the next 7 months. Even though I wanted to share the fast with others, I was reminded of this scripture on fasting:

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,  so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

No one outside of the wedding party was aware of this fast. The wedding party fast was one of the many ministering tools and examples of what God can do in the lives of young marriages when you acknowledge him first. I wouldn’t be honest if I portrayed this story as picture perfect. Unbeknown to Tre, his unemployed, law student fiance became slightly overwhelmed with the costs of her dream wedding and secretly borrowed a $10,000 loan to contribute to wedding expenses. Once she told her husband-to-be they agreed to immediately return the funds and stand in faith that God would supply all of their needs and give them the desires of their heart. Moving forward every aspect of the ceremony from the wedding colors, location of the white courthouse, reception details, and vendors was done in faith. God is not a man that he should lie so everything they desired down to the napkin fold was granted to them completely DEBT FREE!

This couple purposely laid aside their feelings of it being their “BIG DAY” to it being a day to show forth God’s glory. I’m already an emotional person as it is but the overflow of emotions at the ceremony was a beautiful thing. You had to be completely heartless not to shed at least one tear during the ceremony. The spirit of God was definitely in that place!

My words don’t do it any justice but Ross captured some of those moments perfectly!

Like most weddings, unforeseen circumstances arise which caused the wedding reception to start later than anticipated. Instead of  getting stressed and flustered this couple made certain not to let anything or anyone steal their joy by refocusing their energy away from time delays. Tia later explained to me, “it felt as if God slowed down time for us to fully indulge and interact with all of our guest.” Some newlyweds look back on their special day and feel like it was a blur. I’ve heard brides say the day went by too fast or they didn’t even taste their reception menu dishes. Not the case for the Patterson’s. They ate, drank, and entertained wedding guest with the flyest wedding dance to Usher’s OMG and then Tia taught Tre’ how to do “Tha Dougie”.

After returning from a paradise honeymoon in Hawaii the Patterson’s explained how their wedding ceremony exceeded their expectations. Lives were changed that day! A co-worker that attended the ceremony recently accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior, several friends re-dedicated their lives back to living for God, and family members have restored broken marriages. Now as one, they are passionate about their ministry to restore families and marriages. They are patiently awaiting future testimonies and miracles that will manifest for years to come in future generations.

You can view the rest of their wedding pictures on Ross Oscar Knight’s Photography blog. Special thanks to the Patterson’s for allowing me to witness their journey towards Total Life Prosperity! In a world full of failed marriages it was extremely refreshing to encounter a glimpse of agape love on earth.

A man that finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. (Proverbs 18:22)

Related posts:

1. Love Lockdown: Love & Remarriage
2. Love Lockdown: MUST READ For Relationships
3. Love Lockdown: Should you marry outside your faith?

I can’t believe its NOVEMBER already! 2010 is quickly winding down. As I reflect over this year I realize I’m STILL not where I expected to be for 2010. No worries…Total Life Prosperity is a journey not a destination. As I patiently wait for certain things to manifest in my life I’m reminded that I have to learn how to appropriate the resources I have NOW! I owe it to myself to benefit from the things, people, places, and opportunities around me to experience goodness. Part of that process includes preparing myself mentally and physically. I’m sure at one point in time you’ve heard the quote:

“Be careful the bridges you burn today, they may be the very ones you have to cross one day”

Even though it never made it to this blog, I recently faced a tough career choice. I struggled with the decision for weeks! My mind was filled with thoughts of: Am I making the right choice? Is this the will of God? Will I be happy? Will I burn any bridges? etc. I finally got a word from God about my decision so now instead of worrying about “burned bridges” or “wrong decisions”, my hope is that every decision I make in faith will continue to lead me in the way God has for me.

“The hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which bridge to burn” David Russell

What changes or decisions are you making in your life to prepare for your next blessing? Not everybody or everything should be going with you!

Related posts:

1. Daily Inspiration: God Honors Decision With Breakthrough
2. Daily Inspiration: In Time Anything Is Possible
3. Daily Inspiration: What You Want Is Worth the Risk

 Are you Existing or Living?

photo source ChicSeven

Related posts:

1. Faith Friday: LIVE YOUR LIFE!
2. Faith Friday: A picture is worth a thousand words
3. Faith Friday: UKNOWGZUS

A few weeks ago I posted Kanye West’s new song “Devil In A New Dress”. I don’t even care for rap music but the song had  two stand out lines that made me re-listen to this several times. If you haven’t heard it Listen Here: Devil In A New Dress. The post generated a few comments concerning Christianity and I felt the need to address in this weeks’ Faith Friday post. For starters neither I, nor any other earthly being has the ability to say who is a “true Christian” or not. I did not suggest that Kanye was the poster child for Christians in rap music but I will argue that Kanye made some valid statements regarding Christianity.

"We love Jesus but learned a lot from Satan"

"I seen good Christians make rash decisions"

As a Christian I can directly relate to both statements. I love God with all my heart but some of my past decisions didn’t reflect that. I’ve displayed character traits that were everything BUT Christ-like! At one point in my life I was hell on wheels, doing any and everything that was ungodly. Thankfully, I re-dedicated my life to God and began living a life pleasing to him. I meditate on the word daily and I still struggle EVERY single day! My daily struggles don’t mean I’m not a “true Christian”…it means that I’m human but by the grace of God through Jesus I am still his child. There’s a scripture that says:  if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Even if people don’t act “saved” all the time, I feel comfortable stating that most Christians are working towards being transformed into the image of Christ (including myself). Some days are better than others but I am confident that he, who began a good work will continue his work until it is finished when Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:6) Being a Christian doesn’t mean you are perfect, it simply means you are a follower of Christ. If you follow  the teachings of Christ, remember what he said…he did not come for those who were already whole. He came to seek those which are lost. He also commanded us to be soul winners for the kingdom. Condescending comments and endless arguments about if people like Kanye are “true Christians” or not aren’t winning any souls to Christ.  Being a Christian is all about being “Christ like”…acting the way Christ did while he was on earth.

Even Paul said:

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do…it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing. . . So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members” (Rom. 7:15-19,21-23).Paul summed up his state: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?”

Paul admitted that even the most mature Christian like himself struggles with sin, desires of the flesh, temptations of the world, and is in constant warfare with the evil one. I’m not singing Ye’s praises, nor am I comparing him to Paul but he referenced some of these same exact struggles in his song (sex, drunkenness, greed, humility, etc). It takes a mature Christian to realize we all are imperfect in the sight of God. However the amazing grace of God is just like an imperfect Paul, we still can serve God! Paul was a great example of someone who really understood salvation and the re-birth through Jesus. Instead of worrying how society viewed him, and if he was really a “true Christian” or not, he still served God mightily. I encourage everyone to learn from Paul and press on towards perfection, regardless to what people may say about you. We all stumble and may  even fall but the key is to keep pressing toward the goal. Like Paul, I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection.  I have NOT achieved it, BUT I focus on this ONE thing:

“forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made” (Philippians 3: 12-16)

Press Toward the Goal!

Related posts:

1. Faith Friday: Got Faith?
2. Faith Friday: RAISE UP
3. Faith Friday: the 13th edition

When I saw this picture I immediately thought of this scripture: “The just shall live by faith and not by sight”

On my journey towards Total Life Prosperity, I’m reminded not to be discouraged by the things I see. Seeking the unseen is better than the seen because faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things NOT seen… And I know without faith it is impossible to please God. I want to please God and he’s already told us in his word that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible. If you’re not familar with the size of a mustard seed…this is the amount of faith God requires for the impossible!

Have a Great Weekend!

Related posts:

1. Faith Friday: the 13th edition
2. Faith Friday: Got Faith?
3. Faith Friday: What’s Holding You Back?

This week I heard all sorts of disturbing news from those around me. In the midst of everything I deal with on a daily basis I still have peace and that alone is enough to be thankful for. While none of the negative situations directly affected me, I still felt like people were losing the battle not only in their minds, but also in the realm of their mouths. I heard nothing but negativity. I was reminded of this quote posted on the Total Life Prosperity Blog Facebook Fan Page:

“A mind ill with negative attitudes is more dangerous than a sick body, for its sickness is always contagious. Don’t associate with those who are afflicted with the mental sickness of constant negative thinking.”

Soon after my iPod was on shuffle and played Donald Lawrence “I Speak Life”. The song that reminded me how powerful it is to speak positive over my life and the lives of others.  We all need encouraging and this song did it for me!

Remember death and life are in the power of your tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21) I’m off to St. Louis for my best friend’s wedding!

Have a great weekend!

Related posts:

1. Faith Friday: LIVE YOUR LIFE!
2. Faith Friday: Press Toward the Goal!
3. Faith Friday: Not By Sight