Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ Faithful…

Inspirational – Vicki Yohe – He’s Been Faithful… (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqaDl625bvU)

For a moment... think back on past events... the emotions... the choices you were afraid to make... the influences of others... so much that was meant to take you out... and then you said something similar like this: 

Lamentations 3:17-24

[17] Peace has been stripped away, and I have forgotten what prosperity is.

[18] I cry out, “My splendor is gone!  Everything I had hoped for from the Lord is lost!”

[19] The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. 
[20] I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. 
[21] Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:

[22] The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease. 

[23] Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 
[24] I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”

Thought:  Even now, there are devices that are trying to pull us down.  Fears, financial issues, past hurts, drugs, suicide, molestation, death of loved one, and so on.  The central thing is that if any of these issues can get you distracted then Satan will sift you as wheat...  But it’s something how when one thinks of who God is to them...  Simply amazing. 

The verses I stand on...

James 1:3-4 (New International Version)

³Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

And if you know that God is with you ... well I’ll leave that to you...

Dollar$ & $en$e – Why Did I Buy That?

I must say that I am really excited about this latest course; Financial Peace University.  Finally, some insight on how to manage the finances properly.  Hmmm, I would be taking this class as I am in the process of buying a house.  Seems like it would have made sense to do the class and then consider a house.  Something has been on my mind though.  Sunday during service, something was said that got me the thinking.  Some of the big ticket items that I would love to purchase or have purchased; why the desire?  What’s the reasoning in the purchase?   

I am reminded of the first big ticketed item I bought.  A 1994 sky blue Ford Escort LX Wagon. I loved this car.  For one I HAD CAR FINALLY!  But it was convenient in so many ways.  From the additional trunk space to the fact that this car could actually drive through snow.  Granted replacing tire rods were a pain, but I LOVED THIS CAR.  And it only cost $2000.  The biggest thing, it was mines… not owned by Ford Finance or whatever it’s called.  No monthly payments.  I held onto this car until about 2009 and it finally gave up the ghost.  In between that time, I bought another car in 2006.  A 2006 Black Acura TSX… alias… NUN OTHA… alias BLACK ESSCENCE.  I love this car as well, but nothing compares to my BLUE SENSATION!!! LOL.  But driving the Acura does push the ego level up some.  Thank goodness I have the reminder of filling up a 14-gallon tank on premium to humble me (lol) as well as the car note.  But I remember the #1 reason why I financed this car; credit building. 

By 2006, I’d obtained a job that was paying a good amount of money and my first thought was… BUY A HOUSE.  But at that time I realized that I needed to work on building my credit in a positive matter.  BE CONSISTENT with paying bills ON TIME and build up some credit, period.  Hence, I decided to go for a car.  Maybe not the smartest thing at the time, but the Acura has forced me to be committed to paying the note every month.  Since the demise of my BLUE SENSATION… I am determined to be a car owner AGAIN…  And that will prayfully become a reality at the end of 2011.  Acura Financial Services you fittin’ to be served!!! HALLELUJAH!

Today, I am now on the verge of an amazing adventure… homeownership and I’m excited, but conscience of the pending responsibility that comes with it.  Mortgage, utilities, up keep of the house, neighbors, and so on.  Which brought me back to why am I now purchasing a home?  I guess it was on a humble.  Back in May of this year, I was told that Ryan Homes was building townhomes within walking distance of Addison Road Station in Capitol Heights, MD.  Now most that know Capitol Heights… assumes that it’s hood.  But that’s not the case.  Tyson’s Corner in VA can be hood and is at times too lol and that’s supposed to be high sadiddy… hmmm… But a great opportunity for a reasonable price… why not?

And so now I am within days/weeks of settlement on a dream that I wasn’t looking to see a reality until I was about 33.  But I guess God had to remind me it’s not my will but His Will.  But if I had to put a reason on it… God spoke to me and said, “Son it’s time for the next level… be ready to do your part and I have your back.”  And I guess that’s why I am in this class as well… I’m starting to see where God is at work and I’m hearing the invitation to HIS WORK. 

Currently we are in Lesson #1 – Super Saving.  Interesting already.  We are being challenged to start an emergency fund with a $1000 in a money market account.  I also made a challenge to myself to pay off my Navy Fed Credit Card and Car Note by the end of 2011.  I’ve also made the challenge to pay my student loan off myself within 3 years.  A bold declaration for someone buying a house, but I’m focusing on the truth who is Jesus Christ and He’s in control; therefore, it will all happen in His Time.

Well, that’s it for today…

THOUGHT:  Before you decide to make that big purchase, ask yourself why are you considering it?  Is it out of emotion?  Is it what God has ordered you to do?  Will the purchase hold a long term value that will lead to prosperity?  Also, make a goal to pick a bill; big or small and pay it off.  If you can do it in 6 months, 12 months; whatever… make that goal for yourself and see how God works in the midst of it.  You’ll feel such gratitude that you accomplished a goal that you’ll want to do more.  But make sure… IN ALL YOU DO AND WHO YOU ARE, SEEK GOD FIRST AND LET HIM ORDER YOUR PATH…

Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ Dollars & Sense…

Hello all... Hope all is well with everyone.  Last night, I started a new class, entitled, “Financial Peace University”.  A 13-week class that promises to get to the root of the dreaded, FINANCES.  A scary thing to think of because let’s face it, who wants to talk about a budget and savings… Why not talk about the nice ride, house and the lavish traveling.  Isn’t that what most of us want?  Of course with all of that comes a price… and that’s not always monetary.  This class, prayfully, will mark the beginning of some discipline and knowledge of how to manage money, as well as manage what God has given me. 

And so…

Today I will start a new blog series called, Dollars & Sense.  Dollars & Sense will basically include a journal of my progress during the class, as well as, my issues with finances and how through God, will be conquered.  Also, I have to tie some Lil’ Son messages behind it so some of the blog entries will consist of inspiration from Financial Peace University and of course the Bible.  I hope as God opens my eyes to real deal on money matters that these entries will add to you financial knowledge as well and of course add many many many blessings to you and your loved ones…

I have 91 days to BEAT DEBT …AND BUILD WEALTH… Well to at least start on the right path!!! Let’s get it in!!!

Be blessed All!!!

P.S. Day #1 down… 90 days to go and a lifetime of prosperity in God …

Lil’ Son Chronicles – The Modern Day Esther…

Inspiration ~ My Mother, Rose Marie’s Natal Day….

*In my 50 Cent voice… GO GO GO GO Go Momma, it’s yo’ birthday LOL!!!*

Today, join me and my sisters as we celebrate Mom’s Birthday.  Rose Marie, girl you done cross into a new year!!!  Out of fear that I will be cut and taken out of the will, I won’t tell Rose Marie’s age lol.  But I will say, she looks younger than her age… hence why I am 29 and can pass for younger lol. 

Nonetheless what I can say about this modern day “Esther”?

The biggest thing that sticks out to me about my mother is her willing to be a nurturer and to give people words of affirmation that helps them along the way.  In my opinion, Rose Marie has and is an encourager.  Someone that will immediately lift you up when you feeling the blues. 

Below is what I shared of Mom from last year.  Very relevant…

My mom and I talk a lot and she has shared a lot with me; life lessons, her past, her future and so forth.  And that’s on top of the sacrifices she has made for Erika, Monique, and I.  But I think about the conversations and I’m like wow... 

  

When I think of mom I am reminded of the smile on her face.  And there’s nothing fake about it.  She understands the importance in a smile.

Point #1.  Smile, because you really have a reason.  Folks, yes; the world presents challenges and experiences, but each day you are blessed to open your eyes is reason alone to smile.  Take a step back and realize, you can smile, because God loves you.  After all, He allowed His Son to die so you and I can live. 

Also, Mom is serious about the Kingdom of God…

Point #2.  In this year, we are charge to return to the state of Holiness.  Let’s challenge ourselves to live holy.  It’s not the most popular thing to do, but the blessings one receives, the lessons one learns, the example one can be... is all worth it...

Leviticus 20:7 (The Message)

^7-8 "Set yourselves apart for a holy life.  Live a holy life, because I am God, your God.  Do what I tell you; live the way I tell you.  I am the God who makes you holy.

And so…

Mom,

I just want to say thank you for all you do.  For the lessons you teach me, the discipline you give, the respect you demand, the example you set as a mother.  Thank you for being a praying Mother.  When I was going through and even though you didn’t know exactly, you steadily prayed and I thank God for you.  God has blessed you as a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a grandmother, a friend and most importantly, God’s Daughter.  Mom, Happy Birthday to You... and May God continue to bless you all the more.

Love,

Son...

P.S.  For Mom and everyone else...  Enjoy the best of Jesus...

Romans 16:20 (The Message)

^19-20And so while there has never been any question about your honesty in these matters—I couldn't be more proud of you!—I want you also to be smart, making sure every "good" thing is the real thing.  Don't be gullible in regard to smooth-talking evil.  Stay alert like this, and before you know it the God of peace will come down on Satan with both feet, stomping him into the dirt.  Enjoy the best of Jesus!

Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ The Divine Detour @ Sandy Cove (Part 2)

On this past Saturday, I found myself once again sitting out by a big body of water.  Earlier this year it was the Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean while in Cancun.  This time, it was the Chesapeake Bay at Sandy Cove in Maryland.  If you every get a chance, please go.  The view is spectacular.  A blessing that is truly inspirational. 

But anyway, I’m sitting on the bench and listening to the calm water and watching the sunset.  For some reason, I became fixated on the sun’s reflection in the water.  Looking at it was simply amazing.  I mean think about it.  To see God’s work in this matter… and fashion; beautiful.  But it got me thinking.  We can look at something like the sun’s reflection in a body of water and notice its beauty.  Yet sometimes we look at ourselves in a mirror and we only concentrate on the flaws, the mistakes, and the bitterness; hence we look at ourselves as rejection.

But the reflection of the sun in my opinion served as a reminder to me.  I can recall a time when I would look myself in the mirror and feel I had nothing to offer and didn’t feel that I added to my life or anyone’s life.  And many of us feel that way at times.  The brokenness, the pain of the past, the anger… but when you look in that mirror there’s something else that’s there are well. 

Spiritually, when we look at our reflections, shouldn’t we be able to see Christ? After, we are Children of God; Brothers and Sisters of Jesus Christ, called by His Name.  We are made in His Image… therefore; when you see yourself in the mirror… don’t focus on the negative… You are still here.  You have a voice.  A voice that can save a soul.  You matter to someone.  Your mom, dad, husband, wife, children and friends… even the unknown.  Your life can lead one to their deliverance. 

Here’s a poem that I wanted to try. 

The Reflection… 

A reflection can tell a lot…

From the abstract colors to a simple blemish or spot…

For years and years, I was ashamed to look at me…

Ashamed, because I felt within me… there was no good deed…

Satan said look… your worthless… hence you will be my seed…

And even with that, I still would look at my reflection and see…

All the things that I desire to do and to be…

And then there was a time when I looked…

Only to see a demonic being within that had me shook…

At this point I was going down…

Vincent was dying and Lucifer had me bound…

But once again, I heard a voice…

A voice that said you have a choice…

The choice to look at another reflection…

But what was the point… I only would see rejection…

But His voice called out to me…

God said, My son… don’t forget what you can be…

Remember, I created you and love you most…

I will never leave you; stay by you close…

Years would pass and through God I would gain…

Yet, He reminds me of His Power through the past; the pain…

It was Saturday afternoon when I saw a reflection…

A reflection that cause me to fall under subjection…

The creation of the sun; as it kisses the sea…

Reminding me of the Son; who died for me…

I am reminded that all I endured…

Christ died for me; so one day I would be pure…

Ahh, the things you see in the reflection…

The way He reminds us; we’re His Selection…

It’s true; a reflection can tell a story…

From the pain of the world… the enemy of Satan…the worry

Yet it all works together in God and now I represent His Glory

And so when I look in the mirror, I see more than me…

How Mary Mary put it…. It is the God in me…

Father God:

Thank You for who You are in me.  Thank You for You are Love… Thank You for everything… Thank You for giving me back me…

In Jesus Christ Name… Amen …

Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ The Divine Detour @ Sandy Cove (Part 1)

Inspiration:  Men’s Retreat at Sandy Cove…

Imagination a place of serenity.  A place where you, for a time, forget all about your responsibilities to the world.  A place where God meets you.  A place in where you can truly experience God. 

This weekend I had the unique opportunity to spend 3 days with my Brothers in Christ from the Life Center Church at Sandy Cove in North East, MD.  I think the best way to sum it all up is wow.  The transparency, the testimonies, the worship, the fellowship… the REFLECTION ON THE CHESAPEAKE BAY… CAN WE SAY DA BIZNESS!

And so…

Father God:

How many ways can I express my gratitude?  Thank You for this continuous journey.  When you allow us to experience You in this matter, it humbles me even more to have an appreciation for every trial.  Because each trial has prepared me for such a time and more.  Father, I thank YOU for my Brothers in You.  God you allow me to have a Brotherhood in fraternal bond with Kappa Alpha Psi.  But to share a spiritual and holy bond with my Brothers from the Life Center… I thank You God.  I thank You for the realness… no airs… nothing fake… just realness.  I thank You God for how each man from the Life Center has deposited in my life… and I’m grateful that You’d use me for such a task to encourage.  Lord, I thank You for the reminder that this is a process.  A process; while challenging, will bring forth prosperity in You.  Father God, thank You for restoration… Use us to be a blessing as You have blessed us.  As we obey You and serve others, we will be blessed.  I thank You God for a humble heart.  God, You know what each man stands in need of.  As they made an investment into someone else, God please continue to pour Your power within us. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen

There truly is something amazing when men can get together in the name of Jesus Christ and fellowship, praise, worship… laugh, cry… encourage one another… help to rebuild one another.  I said to each man that reads this… You are mighty in the name of Jesus.  God loves you and so do I.  The enemy desires to strip you of your Godly manhood; right now I rebuke the enemy in the Name of Jesus.  Satan, because you did not create us, you cannot have authority us.  We are God’s sons… He loves us the most… and He calls us out and sets us apart for all that He desires… Satan in this past weekend you lost once again to the mighty power of God. 

To my Brothers from the Life Center… I salute each of you.  Let this weekend serve as a jump start/new level in our Brotherhood… in our relationship with Christ.  Let us continue to support and encourage one another and be the best that God calls us.

P.S. There’s more writing to come based on this past weekend… so much that God showed us all… I can’t put in one entry… lol.

Lil' Son Chronicles ~ Obedience...

Luke 5...  ⁴When he finished teaching, he said to Simon, "Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch."

^5-7Simon said, "Master, we've been fishing hard all night and haven't caught even a minnow.  But if you say so, I'll let out the nets.”  It was no sooner said than done—a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity.  They waved to their partners in the other boat to come help them.  They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with the catch.

When God says give a command... don’t think about... just do it.  As humans, our response to situations and people are quick when we can see with our eyes and feel with a touch.  Something that is tangible will get a quick response.  But when we hear from God to go out into the unknown or do try again, we question it.  Don’t question what God is calling you to do.  He knows that you can do it.  Even if it appears to be a risk to you, God really wants 2 things.  To see if you are obedient and to continue to have relationship with you.