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. 

Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ Remember: SURRENDER… PARTY!!!

Inspiration:  Adriana Evans – Surrender (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXUG6hWpqeM )

Well, another work week is here.  Yeap, it was struggle but you had to get up, turn on the coffee pot and perform for 8 hours.  Ain’t it funny how we complain about a job, but we have one.  Er’body wants a promotion and more money and this and that.  Funny we want so much and yet we aren’t prudent over what we have.  We pretend that we have arrived, when in fact, we haven’t started.  All the stuff we complain about is just that… stuff.  Sure you may not think it means anything, but it can weigh you down and you don’t even realize it.  But wouldn’t it be radical to simply let it go, maximize what you have now and surrender to a peace of mind?  Okay, so that’s a $64,000 question, but there’s an answer… and it was inspired by Miss Adriana Evans…

Adriana recorded a track, Surrender.  An old school flavor for the clubs, but it’s got a good feel as far as the lyrics.  Here are a few lyrics:

Take my problems if you please and leave them behind…

If my ears do not deceive me they’re playing my song this evening and er’ thang is feeling so right…

If all the people came to groove, just remember to SURRENDER; PARTY!

Now while this one is for clubs… its good riding music… and its good motivation to say:

You got problems like the next… so what?  We all got some issues, but remember in er’ thang… surrender and party… shake the issues off.  Of course face them and deal with them, but once it’s over with… shake it off and enjoy life and all it has to offer. 

Now if that isn’t clear enough… Know that in all the circumstances… the solution… is God.  Stop giving those bills power… stop giving that abusive relationship control… stop surrendering and partying with Satan.  Who wants to do the dance with the devil?  Really… whatever… lol.

Look at yo’ issues… then look at all that God has done… is doing… will do… and with that said… SURRENDER to God and start up a Praise PARTY!  Why… Because He is God… Because of who He is… and because of who you will become with Him leading…

Romans 12:1-2 (The Message Bible)

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Lil’ Son Chronicles ~ Room 3026 LIVE!!!

Inspiration:  Monday – Friday from 1-2 PM

I guess it’s been about three or four months now that I’ve been privileged to listen to Room 3026 Live and I must say I’m enjoying it.  For one, I love to see folks doing something that adds to others.  This radio show does that… from tech news… to pop culture mixed in with tons of laughs and good cheer.  A good thing indeed.

It’s easier said than done to stay committed to anything.  I know this all too well with staying committed to the Living Purpose course and series.  And so I tip my fedora off to you guys for staying committed to the show.  Through the show, many friendships have been made and network, network, network is very evident…

And so, y’all know I gotta PUT U ON BLAST!!!!

To Damond, Derek, Michael, Darin and Patrick… Thanks guys.  Y’all definitely help the Monday-Friday go a bit smoother.  Of course y’all some smooth brothers anyway lol.  But I’ve learned quite a bit about technology; I’ve even started to like my Samsung Omnia again, granted I see a DROID phone in my future lol!  But knowledge is a good thing… and no matter how much you learn… you still can be taught more.  And that’s a humbling feeling.  Good job gentlemen and keep up the good work… And Mike… my bad on the twitter hiatus LOL!!!!  Derek, we gotta talk about some statistics and the fly hats… and Damond, NUPE thanks for being an example of ACHIEVEMENT.

To er’body else:  If you have an opportunity, check out Room 3026 Live… It really is a good show!  Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/damondnollan.  Set yo’ account if you don’t have one foo!!!  LOL… Tune in Monday – Friday from 1 – 2PM, if possible.  Become a tech geek for an hour, but you get to be cool as well with some SWAGG… lol.