Lil' Son Chronicles ~ From Complex To Simplicity...

This I wrote back 2 and half years ago. Check it out:

July 17, 2006

An interesting thing happen on yesterday. My best friend found out on yesterday that he was approved for new house. This was the call that he was anticipating but at the same time he didn't think he would get the call back. Well by the Grace of God he did get the call back; however, now he is concerned as far as the mortgage and the new household expenses. I thought about that and it reminded me of how when I found out about my new job and how nervous I was about accepting the offer. And then the Lord spoke to me and said...This is what you have been praying for...now that your prayer has been answered...are you ready for the blessing?

A lot of times we pray about things and we wonder...is God hearing me? And then we realize that God hears us because He answers our request. But we have to asked ourselves...are we truly ready to receive the blessing? You know that you are ready for the blessing when this happens...If you get that call back about a loan for new house, a new job, being delivered from drugs, the Holy Spirit falling down on you...the first thing you do is give God the Praise because He is worthy. Don't worry about how this will happen and that will happen. Just give the praise that He deserves and trust me...He got your back.

Let's pray that first of all we can boldly stand on the Word of God and know (Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans that I have for you saith the Lord, they are plans for prosperity and not disaster, plans to give you a future and hope.) Know that God has plans for us and that they are to uplift and build His Kingdom...God doesn't bless us to make us scare. He's loves us so that is why he showers us with blessings. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim. 1:7)

So when you receive that blessing (from waking up in the morning to any and everything else you are believing to happen)...give Him the Praise and the Glory because God is truly worthy of it all and then some.

Be Blessed People and remember...You Gotta See It, Before You See It, or You Will Never See It... But once you see it manifest...go into praise...

December 4, 2008

Since then a lot has occurred. Some bad ... some good, but in actuality... all of it has worked out for the good. As much as we sit and complain about this and that, know this:

You are alive. God has granted you another day. This means there’s work to do. Souls to save. Addictions to beat. Insecurities to overcome. And so on... Know that with everything that goes on... that God loves you.

And while you have family and friends that may or may not know that you have the potential to do great things... know that God created you for greatness. So don’t sweat the things that are a challenge, because thru the challenge you will go to a new level in your walk with God and in who you are.

THOUGHT: If the challenges that we face are so complex then let’s try a simplistic approach... simply start off with ... “Because of Who God has been to me... I will give Him praise...” and take it from there...

Two of my favorite verses...

Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:3-4

Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ Serving the World... A Story of Viola Vaughn...

Okay... so for the last couple days, I have been breaking down the message from Sunday courtesy of Pastor Cameron. The message, “How to Live the Blessed Life,” broke down to three steps:

1. Love God. The deal is this... without the Love of God in you... DO NOT expect to made whole.

2. Love Yo’ Neighbor. Loving God is top priority... but you prove your love for God when you are obedient to His Word and love others.

3. And today we will talk about serving the world.

Yolanda Adams had a cut some years back that is one of my favorites, Save the World. On a live version of this song, she said, “We’ve been commissioned to save the world.” Real talk, we are y’all. Don’t believe me... check this out:

Matthew 28: 16-20

16. Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.

17. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20. And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

On last week an interesting conversation came up. On Thanksgiving Day, the family was all around and we got on the subject of other family members and my grandmother said something that stuck out to me. She made comment in reference to some woman that “would bust hell wide open...”

Of course my sisters were like... “Momma (that’s what we call grandma sometimes)... Momma that’s not right... you should pray for her.”

Grandma: Well, I don’t all that strength to pray like that.

And then there’s me and my mouth (LOL... I swear I’ma be put out the will LMBO!):

Me: Well grandma... Jesus Christ got up with all power in His hand and that same power rest upon us so... if He’s all power and we have a piece of that... don’t we then have the strength to do all things?”

Of course there was silence... I think I may have pissed her off a lil’ bit which was not my intention, but this is stuff her and grandpa would tell me as a child, hence Grandpa sitting in the other chair nodding in agreeance and cheesing...

In Matthew 28... Jesus has risen and now He gives out one of the greatest commissions... to make disciples and baptize in His Name... and teach to the nations what He taught them (the 11 disciples).

Today we would also look at that as this:

Matthew 5:16. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

But how can yo’ light shine if you don’t follow steps 1 & 2... I find that at times, when you just do what God says... most of the time you don’t really have to say much. When one makes the decision to acknowledge that 1) God have placed an anointing on then & 2) to operate in the anointing... that the light from Heaven will be so bright... folks will see a glow around you that make them ask... hmmm what I gotta do to get that type light in me? Who is this person y’all talk about....? Jesus Christ?

Sometimes many of us feel that we don’t have what it takes to save the world... I know I use to feel that only the pastors and folks of the church could... but I realized that anyone can. Something small as a smile can have the potential to prevent a person wanting to kill themselves. A hug can remind a single mom that God is with her and in spite of the situation... she will prevail... Even when you have a disagreement with someone... a kind word can turn away wrath... and furthermore can have the potential have a ripple effect that will be an added blessing to many. Just know; if you know that you have a reason to give God praise then you can testify to others; hence doing your part to save the world.

Below are a couple YouTube clips I found of a woman named Viola Vaughn. Pastor Cameron showed a video clip of it during service and I was amazed. Through an event that could have caused her to lose focus... she made the choice to turn her misery in ministry... Check it out:

THOUGHT: Indeed we all have our hang-ups... but hey like Dr. Mattie Moss Clark said... He was hung up for my hang-ups. Indeed we all have mishaps and yeah we have to go through... But it’s a time for all of that including... being prosperous in the Spirit of God which really is all the time seeing you are alive, breathing, with working limbs... a job... a house... a car... peace of mind... and we can go on ... lol... But with all of this ... know that to have the blessed life... you have to Love God... Love Yo’ Neighbor... and do your part to Save This World. But that all starts with You and I. And before that can happen, we gotta be willing to give who we all to God. Challenge indeed. Sometimes God will allow you to get to end of yourself, before returning to Him. Also, know that you can’t force the Lord on anyone, just being true and obedient to the Word of God will alone draw people to ask how can I get help... And another thing (AND I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN THIS: Do not half step when it comes to helping others. Be real always; even when they may not like what’s being heard. 9 times out 10, they feeling convicted by what’s being said cause they know God has spoke with them on the same matter. Also, don’t half step because; if you know that God has truly brought you out of some tight situations... then don’t be ashamed to talk about Him... After all... He didn’t have to wake you up this morning...

Father God:

Thank You for this Word that was channel through Your Child... Jay Cameron. Lord thank You for a new day that I have never seen. Another opportunity to make a change and to seek You more. Lord, I pray that all who have read these messages will be blessed by it as I have. It’s something God that I know for myself I wrestle with as far as loving myself... loving You... and loving others. And now God, I bless Your Name for creating in me a heart for You... that helps me to believe in You... believe in myself... and believe that with You... that we all have the victory...

In Jesus Name...

Amen

Be blessed y’all. Have fun shopping but don’t forget... everyday is Christmas... so celebrate now...

Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ Serving the World... A Story of Viola Vaughn...

Okay... so for the last couple days, I have been breaking down the message from Sunday courtesy of Pastor Cameron. The message, “How to Live the Blessed Life,” broke down to three steps:

1. Love God. The deal is this... without the Love of God in you... DO NOT expect to made whole.

2. Love Yo’ Neighbor. Loving God is top priority... but you prove your love for God when you are obedient to His Word and love others.

3. And today we will talk about serving the world.

Yolanda Adams had a cut some years back that is one of my favorites, Save the World. On a live version of this song, she said, “We’ve been commissioned to save the world.” Real talk, we are y’all. Don’t believe me... check this out:

Matthew 28: 16-20

16. Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.

17. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.

18. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20. And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

On last week an interesting conversation came up. On Thanksgiving Day, the family was all around and we got on the subject of other family members and my grandmother said something that stuck out to me. She made comment in reference to some woman that “would bust hell wide open...”

Of course my sisters were like... “Momma (that’s what we call grandma sometimes)... Momma that’s not right... you should pray for her.”

Grandma: Well, I don’t all that strength to pray like that.

And then there’s me and my mouth (LOL... I swear I’ma be put out the will LMBO!):

Me: Well grandma... Jesus Christ got up with all power in His hand and that same power rest upon us so... if He’s all power and we have a piece of that... don’t we then have the strength to do all things?”

Of course there was silence... I think I may have pissed her off a lil’ bit which was not my intention, but this is stuff her and grandpa would tell me as a child, hence Grandpa sitting in the other chair nodding in agreeance and cheesing...

In Matthew 28... Jesus has risen and now He gives out one of the greatest commissions... to make disciples and baptize in His Name... and teach to the nations what He taught them (the 11 disciples).

Today we would also look at that as this:

Matthew 5:16. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

But how can yo’ light shine if you don’t follow steps 1 & 2... I find that at times, when you just do what God says... most of the time you don’t really have to say much. When one makes the decision to acknowledge that 1) God have placed an anointing on then & 2) to operate in the anointing... that the light from Heaven will be so bright... folks will see a glow around you that make them ask... hmmm what I gotta do to get that type light in me? Who is this person y’all talk about....? Jesus Christ?

Sometimes many of us feel that we don’t have what it takes to save the world... I know I use to feel that only the pastors and folks of the church could... but I realized that anyone can. Something small as a smile can have the potential to prevent a person wanting to kill themselves. A hug can remind a single mom that God is with her and in spite of the situation... she will prevail... Even when you have a disagreement with someone... a kind word can turn away wrath... and furthermore can have the potential have a ripple effect that will be an added blessing to many. Just know; if you know that you have a reason to give God praise then you can testify to others; hence doing your part to save the world.

Below are a couple YouTube clips I found of a woman named Viola Vaughn. Pastor Cameron showed a video clip of it during service and I was amazed. Through an event that could have caused her to lose focus... she made the choice to turn her misery in ministry...

Indeed we all have our hang-ups... but hey like Dr. Mattie Moss Clark said... He was hung up for my hang-ups. Indeed we all have mishaps and yeah we have to go through... But it’s a time for all of that including... being prosperous in the Spirit of God which really is all the time seeing you are alive, breathing, with working limbs... a job... a house... a car... peace of mind... and we can go on ... lol... But with all of this ... know that to have the blessed life... you have to Love God... Love Yo’ Neighbor... and do your part to Save This World. But that all starts with You and I. And before that can happen, we gotta be willing to give who we all to God. Challenge indeed. Sometimes God will allow you to get to end of yourself, before returning to Him. Also, know that you can’t force the Lord on anyone, just being true and obedient to the Word of God will alone draw people to ask how can I get help... And another thing (AND I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN THIS: Do not half step when it comes to helping others. Be real always; even when they may not like what’s being heard. 9 times out 10, they feeling convicted by what’s being said cause they know God has spoke with them on the same matter. Also, don’t half step because; if you know that God has truly brought you out of some tight situations... then don’t be ashamed to talk about Him... After all... He didn’t have to wake you up this morning...

Father God:

Thank You for this Word that was channel through Your Child... Jay Cameron. Lord thank You for a new day that I have never seen. Another opportunity to make a change and to seek You more. Lord, I pray that all who have read these messages will be blessed by it as I have. It’s something God that I know for myself I wrestle with as far as loving myself... loving You... and loving others. And now God, I bless Your Name for creating in me a heart for You... that helps me to believe in You... believe in myself... and believe that with You... that we all have the victory...

In Jesus Name...

Amen

Be blessed y’all. Have fun shopping but don’t forget... everyday is Christmas... so celebrate now...

Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ Love Yo’ Neighbor

What up people? How is everyone? Hope all is well. Well today we’ll continue with the message that Pastor Jay gave on Sunday. How to live the blessed life. Yesterday was part I, Love God. Here is the thought from that message:

THOUGHT: The deal is this... without the Love of God in you... DO NOT expect to made whole. There’s a difference in just being healed... or delivered ... of unbound. When one realizes that he/she must submit him/herself to the Will of God and do as Deuteronomy 6 says... then and only then can the process of being made whole begin and in turn... you can be sangin’ with the Clark Sisters (I’m Living A Blessed Life) in the car LOL!!!! Okay well may not quite that song...lol... but you definitely can start living a blessed life.

Today is step 2.... Love Yo’ Neighbor.... *sigh*... this will be fun.

It is IMPOSSIBLE to Love God without loving people. Let’s be real, people will piss you off. But you cannot allow the actions of people to cause you have hatred towards them. For example, I have an aunt that I love dearly, but her actions.... *sigh* let’s just say with me loving her, God is quite pleased LOL! (Erika, Monique and Mom... no comment lol!). But when you walk around and everything is negative and you have this nasty attitude, you gotta ask yo’self...do I really love God??? I mean seriously... half of y’all know y’all look too good to be looking a mess in the face... it only take 17 muscles to smiles and a lot more to frown. Fellas... it’s not a good look to be balding in you 20’s behind hating on folks... Ladies... why go through getting all pretty and yo’ attitude makes you look like a gremlin... and I’m not talking about Gizmo... Ight let me stop, before y’all cut me... hmmm... WHATEVER LOL!!!

But seriously, when one does walk around like that... that’s an indication that you got issues that you can’t control. So give it to Jesus... More importantly, the root is being unloved. You would be surprise how many folks that have good jobs... homes... friends... family and so on and yet never felt love. And then as the song goes... looking for love in all the wrong places... (I think that was a song but don’t quote me on it lol). But think about it... this leads to abusive relationships (physical... mental and yes... verbal)... in and out this one and that one’s bed... drugs... alcoholism... and anything that you become addicted to outside of God.

But here’s a thought:

Proverbs 25:11

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Take the chance and speak about what’s in you. You be surprised how what you say may be similar to what the other person may be going through. And to those that are the shoulders... don’t help folks for your own self gain... Do it because... it’s your obligation.

Make the effort to show compassion to others because truth of the matter, someone show you compassion. And to those on the receiving end, if there is a friend or family member that you confide in... Listen to them when they speak... while they don’t have all the answers, the fact that they are willing to listen to you will do wonders alone.

SIDE THOUGHT: Yeah we all have our times when we vent about this and that, but be mindful with that. One time is cool, but afterwards, you should start making changes so that you don’t say the same thing over and over.

While you in the dumps acting like Eeyore, you can be channeling that energy into something positive like helping someone else... or getting a promotion... or dealing with the past issues that have you down in the dumps.

SELF: For me, when I came to DC, it was easy for me to be depressed and mad with the world. I buried my dad and granddad within a month’s difference and I didn’t feel like it. Jermell and Gloria would listen, but after while they would look at me and be like... “Uhhh Bitch? Can you man da hell up?” Yeah they get cut throat like that, but shoot I needed it... I was a hot mess. LOL! Couldn’t drive... credit jacked up and so and so on. It wasn’t until 2006, that I realize yeah, that I present value added... to my nieces... godsons... and others... but most importantly... that I could finally say, “you know what I really love me... and I really do have a love for others and I love God...” And so that’s what brought about this whole writing. At first it was really cool. To think my big head had all this stuff in me lol... but now I look and realize... this is part of God’s will for me. To use this venue to be a blessing. Some people say oh V that was good... but I’m like naw... this is God... all God. I’m just thankful that He would use me to be a blessing to others and that I made a choice to serve Him. With each, God shows me things about myself; some I like... some I don’t, but it all works together for the better and so I bless Him for it all.

THOUGHT: Loving God is top priority... but you prove your love for God when you are obedient to His Word and love others. Even with all the mess that folks have... realize you have mess with yourself as well.... so don’t get it twisted. At the same token, loving people does not always mean you have to be in all their stuff either. Sometimes something powerful like prayer is enough. That is a lesson that I am learning now... a lesson that hurts a little, but reminds me that I have to be ... c’mon say it with me OBEIDENT... As difficult as it can be, some people you will love so much that you must let them go and can only pray for them. Besides... I may call myself being a friend but what I’m doing is helping may actually hinder, then I’m not helping and trust me, God will pull you up on it.

Stay Tuned for ...Serving the World... A Story of Viola Vaughn...

Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ Livin’ a Blessed Life...

What up people? Ight... I know everybody has stuffed themselves for thanksgiving lol... well I know I did lol... nonetheless... I hope you enjoyed your families and loved ones... now let’s get it going... another work week.... yeah *being sarcastic* lol... but serious have a blessed week y’all...

Now we all have heard the song from the Clark Sisters... Livin’... but let’s take it to another level. Yesterday in church, Pastor Jay Cameron spoke on something that we say a lot of but don’t understand... to live the blessed life. There was so much that was said so I’ll break this up into a few messages.

Step 1 to living a blessed life. Love God.

Amazing when we love that somebody... we gotta tell our best friends and so on and so on. You know how it is. I can recall when I was involved with this chick a few years back. All I knew was her and all my peoples knew her. Well at the same time... I kind of put everyone else on the side line... all because of the excitement that she brought me. The question that Pastor Jay proposed... Why not apply that same type of excitement for God? Got me the thinking... hmmm.

When your love for God is top priority, meaning... you and God are in right relationship... you will start to here from Him that there are things, places and some people that you have to leave alone. Now... don’t think I’m saying just forsake folks and act like you better... Don’t get it twisted lol... but if you know that God has told you not to hang out with certain people that can hinder you and you hinder them... don’t be hard-headed lol... All God looking for is people that have a heart for Him and are willing to be obedient. Now that’s easier said than done... but it can be done. Just take it a day at a time.

Furthermore, as stated earlier, be obedient. Don’t believe me... check out the Word and see it for yo’ self...

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

1) These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2) so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. 3) Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.

4) Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5) Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6) These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7) Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8) Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9) Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

When you love someone... you want to make sure that they know that... and that’s cool... but I know I have said in the past that I love God, but He turns around and says, “Well son do you? I mean all I see is you being depressed, down in the dumps... smoking... drinking... sleeping around... I mean... the last I checked... I CREATED YOU FOR ME... You said that you build your hopes on things that are eternal, yet you are operating in only what you can physically see. Get it together Vincent...” And me... “Yes sir...”

Yeah... God and I have those types of conversations sometimes lol... He has His Way of yoking me up a few times lol... But I am truly grateful for the tough love...

If we indeed love God, then everyday we should make the effort to express our love to Him. A prayer... giving thanks... sharing a kind word with others... just being obedient to God... and there are many more ways... but it starts with being obedient.

THOUGHT: The deal is this... without the Love of God in you... DO NOT expect to made whole. There’s a difference in just being healed... or delivered ... of unbound. When one realizes that he/she must submit him/herself to the Will of God and do as Deuteronomy 6 says... then and only then can the process of being made whole begin and in turn... you can be sangin’ with the Clark Sisters (I’m Living A Blessed Life) in the car LOL!!!! Okay well may not quite that song...lol... but you definitely can start living a blessed life.

Stay tuned for Step 2: Love Yo’ Neighbor... (Hmmm... this will be fun lol)

Father God,

I thank You for today. A new day with new opportunities to right wrongs and seek You more. Lord, thank You for the ministry at the Life Center. It indeed has been a blessing to me. I thank You God because You are answering my prayer everyday as far having a closer walk with You. Lord there are things that I know I am still hardheaded about, but I know thru self examination that You present to me... that I will make the change that is need so that You get the glory. Thank You God for Jay Cameron. Thank You for allowing this man to be real so that others can truly see themselves and make the steps to Love You More and serve You better. Protect us all on today Lord as we go out to work via... bus, train, cars... Lord let us learn something on today that we did not know yesterday and then apply it to our lives and tell someone how You are our light so that others can see You and ask what is it that I need to do get this light. Thank You God for you have done... doing and will do.

In Jesus Name...

Amen.

Be blessed y’all... Oh and another thing: Today is World AIDS Day. Get tested, know your status and pray for those struggling with this disease, directly and indirectly....