Winter prepares the way for Spring!

Winter prepares the way for Spring!

In seasons of discouragement, you remember feeling great joy as you led other women worshipping God and the delight you once felt when you taught Bible Study. And it breaks your heart. You would love nothing more than to have those feelings again.

Feelings can be fickle, and we’ve got to dwell upon much more than our feelings. We must dwell upon God and fix Him in our minds. When it feels like miles of wasteland stretch between us and God, we must remember Him. His goodness. His mercy. His forgiveness. His pursuit. His incredible love. His radical grace. His faithfulness. His presence even when we are distant.

You may feel like God is not with you or does not hear you in the midst of your struggles. You may feel like your cries for help are merely bouncing off your ceiling. The truth of the Bible is that God is always powerfully at work in our lives. When feeling your most defeated and loneliest. Remember you are not alone!

In the midst of every emotion, there is one constant. God cares for you and is with you!

If you are on the mountaintop and feeling like things couldn’t be better, God cares for you and is with you!

If you are currently experiencing hurt or disappointment in ministry, God cares and is always with you!

God is close to you when you feel alone and when you cry. He’s close to you when you wonder how you’ll move forward. Pour out your pain to God; move closer to Him. Emotions are fleeting. We choose how we direct our thoughts and energy. Instead of nursing our pain, we can find freedom in choosing to cling to hope in God.

Before you get in the truck: Grab a journal. Record the feelings swirling around. The good. The bad. Record them all, and remember that God is bigger than all of our emotions.

Psalms 42:4 These things I remember,as I pour out my soul:how I would go with the throngand lead them in procession to the house of Godwith glad shouts and songs of praise,a multitude keeping festival.5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,my salvation

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#IWantToSeeYouWin

Galatians 6:9 ~ And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Life is about choices and relationships. Often when we reflect on these decisions we see how the trajectory of our lives are impacted by people. Too often we choose to fight for those that should go and not fight for those that should stay. Then when the damage is done and hind sight is kicking you in the behind we invest energies in regret and should have would haves. That time has passed move on, learn, grow and make better choices. More than ever we are witness that time is not our friend. Each day turns to weeks and then years and we are still hung up on the hurts and disappointments. When will you turn the mind set around, clean house, be accountable and walk into a healthier space, possess the promises and successes. Don’t let the past detour the future and fight hard for those who are worthy to call you friend and release those that aren’t. It’s time! Be wise! Choose love! I want you to win. 

Pray this prayer with me: Lord, Be a fence all around me everyday, In Jesus’ name, AMEN!

Written by: Cybill

I want to see you win…OnPurpose!!

Receit your A B C’s

bible-verse-alphabet-poster-mark-lawrence

A – Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits.
B – Believe in yourself and succeed.
C – Consider things from every angle.
D – Don’t give up and don’t give in.
E – Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come
F – Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches.
G – Give more than you planned to.
H – Hang onto your dreams.
I –  If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.
J – Just do it
K – Keep trying no matter how hard it seems.
L – Love yourself.
M – Make it happen.
N – Never lie, steal or cheat. Always strike a fair deal
O – Open your eyes and see things as they really are
P –  Practice makes perfect.
Q – Quality not quantity in anything you do.
R-  Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
S – Stop procrastinating.
T – Take control of your own destiny.
U – Understand yourself in order to better understand others.
V – Visualise it and focus
W -When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
X – Xcellence in all your efforts.
Y – You are unique, nothing can replace you.
Z – Zero in on your target, and go for it.

Please share…OnPurpose!!

A Paradigm Shift

Ecclesiastes 3:11 New International Version (NIV)

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Duck-Rabbit_illusion

Do you see a RABBIT or a DUCK?

We all have “learned” what we know. But what happens when you wake up one day and everything you’ve known makes NO SENSE…it looks different?  Books you’ve read several times have new and different meanings?  Scriptures you can quote verbatim mean something so different…a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions, also known as a paradigm shift!!

Romans 7:15-20 New International Version (NIV)

15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

I have been acting like a “Cra-Cra” person.  I was really strugging with this.  If I am going to be honest…I STILL STRUGGLE WITH IT!!!  I have done a few things that I think are good and healthy for me but this morning in my quiet time – I received these words of comfort:

Paradigm shifts are scary.  You may go into a crisis of faith, because you can’t trust what your know to be accurate. You may not have a clue who you can trust or believe anymore. But the one thing you can trust and believe is the teachings of Jesus– HE is everything you need and more!!

This is what I have been doing during this current SHIFT:

I have created a safe space – couple of people who I can share, cry, pout and trust with my heart and struggles while experiencing the growing pains.  These people have the same passion for following Christ as I do – they are my accountability partners.

I have identified TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS and set healthy boundaries with them.  I don’t love them any less, but I don’t buy into their controlling patterns for ME & MY LIFE.

I don’t feel guilty for embrace my time alone – God put something in me that I want to invest time with HIM to excavate, cultivate, prune, water and grow HIS plan and purpose for my life.

I LOVE to READ – I LOVE to LEARN – I LOVE to STUDY and I do these things OnPurpose and I ENJOY doing so.

I AM SHIFTING.
I HAVE SHIFTED.
I WILL CONTINUE TO SHIFT.

When the student is ready…the teacher will appear!!  God is all-knowing, all-power and the creator of EVERYTHING – there is nothing new under the sun…in His time, He makes everything beautiful.

God is taking everything I have ever known and making all things new!!  I have new sight, new touch, new smell, new tastes and new hearing.

In my case…God has put me in a place where I cannot relay on what I know because it doesn’t fit the situation…I have to FULLY RELY ON GOD [FROG]- to see, touch, smell, taste and hear FROM HIM and not myself or my limited knowledge.

Pray this prayer with me: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.  I turst Your plan for my life, I trust Your way for my life…I know You know the plans for my life, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans for hope and a future and I submit and surrender to YOU, in Jesus might name…AMEN!

Written by: The “Butterfly”

Shifting…OnPurpose!! 7/29/16

 

Why did I lose power?

Discconnected-from-God-e1353518465261Mark 8:36 – 37 [Msg]
36 What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?
37 What could you ever trade your soul for?
I felt like I have lost my compassion for the people.  I have become cynical  and callous with  people I spend time with.  I didn’t notice it right away, it wasn’t until one of my associates (who never agrees with anything anyone says unless its negative) agreed with every word that slipped out of my mouth.  I felt the light go on in my head.  I had an internal conversation in that moment…”Am I being TOXIC? Why am I not extending GRACE to people?  Why am I so ANGRY?” For 24 hours I took a break from everything and I traced my steps to see what had changed, where did I shift and miss it?
I had stepped-out on my relationship with God.  I made a turn to do what I wanted to do without seeking God – I remember when I did it.  I chose to do what I wanted to do and not what was best for me.  No studying, no worshipping, no discipline, no nothing good for my soul!!  I reverted back to a place God delivered me from.  I was in CONTROL MODE!
I had lost my eternal perspective on what was important and what was not.  I clearly lost the space where I use to experience God’s unfailing love and amazing forgiveness.  I had become numb to compassion.  I had put on my worldly outfit and stepped out on GOD and was walking in SELF and not faith.
Having & being in Control is one of the areas [Soft Spots] in my life that keeps me from experiencing God to the fullest.  It clearly blocks my way to all that God has for me.
What is the one thing that might be “blocking the way” to experiencing God fully for you?
Pray this prayer with me:
Lord, help me to see how much I lose when I lose you.  My perspective on my life and all of life gets distorted when I don’t make space for You, operating in your love for me.  Your love is better than life and truly I long for more tastes of that love.  Fill me with Your compassion, Your heart, Your eyes, Your ears and use me as a vessel to show YOUR love for me and someone who needs a touch, word or a miracle from YOU, THIS I ask in Your Precious Son’s Name, AMEN!!
Written by: The “Butterfly”
Reconnecting with God…OnPurpose!

My Reflection…

James 1:23-25 ~ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

God is showing me so much of where I need to be better. The reflection is sometimes ugly on the surface but He’s revealing to me the beauty and grace He has reserved just for me. A new thing,  a new perspective, a new peace and understanding engrossed in the ills of the world and my surroundings, He’s tapping in and saying look at yourself girl,  all that’s happening around you,  YOU mirrorneed to change the things that aren’t of me before you can expand beyond your immediate circumstances. It’s not often a comfortable place but it’s a necessary one to impact change and open the door to the promises we sabatoge. I’m starting now, battered but empowered. For His glory. He is able. Declaring victory and peace in my life. It’s already done. Love and blessings!

Prayer:  Most Precious Lord Jesus, Gentle And Wonderful God, Truly Awesome And Ever-present Holy Spirit, Precious Lord Jesus, I love you. I praise your name even when the chaos of my life means I don’t know whether I am coming or going. My life is a harried and pressure-filled mess right now. Help me live more at peace with myself, with others, and most of all, with you. When I start to lose hope amidst the pressures of my life, stop me for a moment and call upon my heart to look up to you. When I start to lose hope amidst the pressures of my life, stop me for a moment and call upon my heart to listen to your sweet voice telling me how much you love me. When my harried life afflicts me hour after hour, remind me how your peace is just a prayer away. All these things I humbly pray in the name of my most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, my Mighty God, and my Ever-present Holy Spirit upon whom I can rely. Amen!

Written by: Cybill

Living at peace…OnPurpose!!

My Testimony is my son♡

My Testimony is my son♡

John 13:7 ~ Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt understand hereafter.

24 years ago – my husband asked me for a divorce – I was giving birth to our son.  If you do not know God and His marvelous Omnipresence – I would love to introduce you.  24 years later – the child that was born of that union changed my life.

When my son was in the 4th grade – he told me – “mommy, that is not very nice what you said about my teacher,”  he added, “I am going to ask Jesus to forgive you.” ~ out of the mouth of my baby…I celebrate Jesus today for bringing me through with Grace, Courage, Beauty, Power, Authority, and Lord knows – I don’t look anything like what I have been through.

There is NOTHING in this world or any other world that God can’t work with.

July 15th my son turned 24 – smart, talented, handsome, strong, positive and delivered!!

My heart, mind, body and soul are in agreement with the love I have for my Savior and my son.

If you think you are in a mess, invite Jesus in – He will clean it us with the quickness!

I can introduce you if you need me to…<3

First written 2013 by Michale’s mom (Michelle) now known as the “Butterfly”

Here is a prayer you can pray:

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.

I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.

You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.

Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved.

Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself.

Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life. AMEN.

Written By: The “Butterfly” & “King Kale”

Enbracing Change…OnPurpose!!

Toxic People & Relationships

Read:  John 13:1-17

When you look for toxic people in the gospel, your eyes might land on Herod, Pilate, the religious leaders or Judas.  There is something horrifying about Judas – he is a disciple, Jesus chose him as one of the twelve, he is a friend, a companion over the three years of Jesus’ ministry.

Toxic people are inevitable. How do you deal with them? How did Jesus deal with Judas?

Jesus’ way of dealing with toxic people was to serve them, show them love, and welcome them in.  If we are to follow Jesus, this is how we should deal with toxic people!  Jesus says: “do this in remembrance of me” as He ate with a toxic person.

What is our purpose? Is it to change the toxic person or is it to be like Jesus?  No, It is not to change people – it is right after this that Jesus frees him to betray Him.  It is our goal to be like Jesus and let God change your Judas (toxic people.)

How do you identify or recognize  your Judas (Toxic People)?

  1. Toxic People – keep you guessing about which version of them you’re getting.
  2. Toxic People – manipulate.
  3. Toxic People – won’t own their feelings.
  4. Toxic People – make you prove yourself to them.
  5. Toxic People – never apologize.
  6. Toxic People – are there in a crisis but never ever share in your joy.
  7. Toxic People – leave a conversation unfinished – and then go offline and hide.
  8. Toxic People – use non-toxic words with a toxic tone.
  9. Toxic People – bring irrelevant detail into conversations.
  10. Toxic People – make it about the way you’re talking, rather than what you’re talking about.
  11. Toxic People – exaggerate.
  12. Toxic People – are judgmental.

It doesn’t have to be all these things…It could be just one.

What you should do?  How to I graud myself from Judas (Toxic People)?

  1. Squash Negative –Talk
  2. Set Limits (Especially with Complainers)
  3. Rise Above
  4. Stay Aware of those Emotions
  5. Establish Boundaries and STICK WITH THEM
  6. Don’t Let Anyone Limit You Joy
  7. Don’t Focus on them as a Problem—Focus on you as a Solution
  8. Use A Support System – Surround yourself with positive uplifting people who show you love and support.

Pray this prayer with me:

Father God, I blind my own role in any and all toxic relationships.  Help me see the truth about myself. Apply the healing power of Your Word to my heart and mind.  Deliver me from any stronghold that causes me to harm people with my words and actions.  Save me from self-destructive patterns.

I struggle in my relationship with ______. I need You to give me wisdom on how to love ____ well.  You are my shield and defender. Show me how, when and where to erect boundaries in our relationship.  I believe You are my healer and I trust You to guard my heart and mind.

I need Your specific directions on how to interact with ______.

I want to love _____ with a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)

Help me to love ______ courageously.  Fill me with Your truth and compel me to fearlessly tell the truth with love. Let Your perfect love cast out all of my fears related to our relationship.

I forgive ______ for hurting me. I ask You to forgive me for _______ and _______. I acknowledge my emotions: _______, _________, and _______. And I invite You to steady my heart so my emotions do not rule my decisions.  I surrender what I think our relationship should be. Please transform it so that it honors You.

In Jesus matchless name, I pray. Amen!!

Written by: The “Butterfly”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good…OnPurpose!

What Is A Toxic Person: 18 Signs

1. They often speak badly about other people.

If someone you know is regularly gossiping about others, this is a warning sign. Incessant gossiping is a warning sign of insecurity and a toxic personality.

Likewise, you can be sure that if they’re gossiping about someone else, they will gossip about you too. Be careful with gossipers and remember that gossip is usually untrue anyway.

2. They’re negative.

A hallmark of a toxic person is being negative. This includes being judgmental, sarcastic, frequent complaining and the list goes on. This negativity can be draining and no fun but it is also a big warning that you’re with a toxic person.

3. They lack compassion.

One of the key elements to a relationship is the ability to show empathy and compassion towards others. If they are unable to show empathy, they might be toxic to you.

4. They take up an inordinate amount of your time.

They show up and take up too much of your time, disregarding you and your life. Relationships are a give and take. If you feel like they’re sucking up your time without providing much in return, it may be time to reassess this relationship.

5. They’re constantly involved in drama.

If they seem to always have crisis and conflict going on, this may indicate they are they cause more so than other people in their life.This is particularly true if they seem to thrive on or actually enjoy drama. The same is true if they seem to always have a big personal mess going on.

6. They lie to you.

In addition to straight out lies, make note of even slight variations on what they tell you and note the omission of critical facts as well. Often times, it is difficult to spot a direct lie, but rather, things just don’t add up. If someone is lying or bending the truth it is wise to question whether you can trust them in your life.

7. They criticize you.

It’s one thing to help a friend out if they have some food caught in their teeth. It’s another if someone is constantly criticizing you or offering their “advice” about you and your life. This is very true of the parent-child relationship. If you feel like you are always being corrected, it’s probably them and not you.

8. They talk way more than they listen.

A big red flag is when someone talks way more than they listen or if they don’t really listen at all.

9. They act like a victim.

If they frequently blame all their problems on someone else or some situation – or even if they blame their own mistakes on someone else or some situation – this is a red flag. A lack of personal responsibility is a sign of toxicity. Be careful, toxic people can be quite convincing.

10. They are hurtful.

If someone purposefully says hurtful thing to you or engages in hurtful actions against you or even just disregard your feelings, consider them toxic to you. The way we are treated is important. It matters and if someone hurts you regularly, they are not good for you.

11. They’re always stressed out.

Life is stressful for all of us. No one gets by without some stress. If someone magnifies their stress or compounds it through their choices, they might be toxic.

12. They lose their temper.

Being around someone with a temper problem can be excruciating and unnerving. If it seems like they need anger management, you can rest assured they are toxic to your life and  you do not need to expose yourself to this.

13. They need to be right.

A sign of a toxic person is their need to be right. If they’re constantly trying to prove themselves or close off to the opinions of others, this is not good. Likewise, toxic people will often claim to be right even if they’re not. Conversation is not supposed to be a challenge that must be won. This is unhealthy.

14. They treat others poorly.

Have you ever noticed that someone can be kind to you and the people in your circle, but when you’re around other people, they treat them poorly. This includes other co-workers, service people (such as a waiter or waitress). This can be a tip off that the person is putting on a show when they’re with you, but you can see the real person in how they treat others.

15.  They’re self-absorbed.

If they usually consider themselves first, have a need to talk about their own stuff and are not there for you when you need them, consider this a warning sign that they are either not a true friend or they are toxic. Also pay attention to whether they are looking to see what they can gain in a given situation versus what they can give.

16. They try to control you.

If someone tries to tell you what to do or say or how to act, this is a huge red flag. This can often show up as manipulative behaviors as well. If you feel like you’re being used as a puppet, it’s time to take a deeper look into the relationship.

17. They have unresolved addiction issues.

No question that being in a relationship with someone battling addiction can be one of the most difficult and painful things you could ever deal with. People in the throws of addiction will often exemplify many of these behaviors listed here – not because it is their true nature, but rather because of their addiction. Addiction is a serious issue. If you have a relationship with someone who is an addict, it is imperative to seek help for yourself.

18. You just have a bad vibe about them.

When in doubt, if you have a bad vibe, trust it. Your intuition is a valuable tool and is usually right. Even if you can’t put your finger on it, you should avoid or limit interaction with someone when your gut says to “look out!”

Pray this prayer with me:

Dear God, I have loved well but not wisely. I’ve given my heart to someone who has not honored that gift and I realize this relationship does not serve either of us. Please give me the courage and strength to end this relationship gracefully. Help me to forgive, heal and move on with my life so that I may open the door to new happiness. In Jesus’ matchless name, Amen!

 If you are in an abusive relationship and you don’t know what to do – Get Help Here http://www.thehotline.org/ 
call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.
The “Butterfly” has been there before.  You can get out too!
In case no one has told you, You are beautiful, God loves you and so do I…OnPurpose!!!

All things made NEW…

Ezekiel 36:26 “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

I am a woman of God born into sin and I sin – we all do!  But thank God for the Blood of Jesus!  Jesus died on the cross so that we can be free for the bondage of sin.  Going to church doesn’t save you.  Doing “good works” does not save you.  Just talking about it does not save you.  True repentance and reconciliation is what is required – Confess & Believe read Romans 10:9stone-heart

2 Corinthians 5:16 – 18

16) So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17) Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold,the new has come! 18) All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:…

Vs. 16 is about our outward exterior Vs. 17 is about being brand new in our heart and mind Vs. 18 is all about Jesus died on the cross therefore we are afforded this gift.  It’s about the SPIRITUAL CHANGE and not so much a physical change.

Don’t look at my flesh…I am carnal.  Only God really knows.  Don’t look in the mirror…measuring up is not part of the package!  You must received this gift by FAITH.  My faith is what I have to offer…not works of “good deeds.”

Today, I will stop regarding myself by my flesh, my attitude and my works – it is all about my HEART!  My heart is made new every morning because my Savior Jesus Christ lives in my heart.

Do you have a personal relationship with Him?  Do you want one?

Pray this prayer aloud with me:

I confess with my mouth that You, Jesus, are Lord, the Ruler over all. You are the Christ, the Son of God. I believe in my heart that God raised You from the dead and You are alive forevermore, seated on Your throne in heaven next to the Father. The heavenly hosts worship before Your throne. I believe Your blood that was shed on the cross washes away all my sin. I receive You as my personal Lord, King and Commander. I invite You into my life as the Lord and Ruler of my life. I no longer choose to be in charge of my life. I give it to You. I invite You, Jesus, to have first place in my heart and my life. I ask for Your cleansing blood that was shed on the cross to come now and wash down over all my sins. Come make me clean. Restore me to a right relationship as a child of my heavenly Father.Thank You, Lord, for Your cleansing blood! I stand clean and white in Your presence. I put on Your robe of righteousness which You are handing to me. Thank You, Lord. Holy Spirit, I welcome You into my heart, my soul and my body. Come, enter me now. Take up residence within me. Be the Source of power in my life. Be the Source of my life. I choose to live and walk by Your leading within. I acknowledge You as the River which flows from the throne of God, and is now flowing within my heart (Jn. 7:37-39). Come flow within me. I want to sense Your flow within, and live out of Your flow for the rest of my life. Give life to me now, I pray in Jesus’ name. I receive the Holy Spirit. I receive the River of Life. I receive You, Lord Jesus. You are my all and my everything. Thank You, Lord, for saving a sinner such as I was and now equipping me with Your empowering Holy Spirit. What amazing gifts You have given to me!

Now wait quietly in His presence: See the light and energy of the Holy Spirit swirling around within you, changing you, transforming you, enlightening you, empowering you. Is He speaking something to you? Tune to His voice, which is flowing thoughts, and hear what He is saying to you. Respond with, “Yes, Sir.” as He is giving you your very first instructions as your new-found Commander and Friend.

Written by: The “Butterfly”

Being Made New…OnPurpose!