Author: Chanta

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GPS

When I was younger, whenever we traveled my father never asked for directions. He used positions of the sun to determine which way to go. I always found that fascinating. If we ever got turned around he didn’t like asking for help. He was fond on using a map. He taught me to always pay attention to my surroundings and use buildings as a landmark. He was always used as the point of contact for others to get directions. It didn’t matter where they were in the country, he could always get them back on the correct path. I remember one particular time a friend was turned around in another state. When my dad was on the phone with him he asked what side of the car was the sun on? When he answered him, he told him he was going in the wrong direction. Lol! We laughed about that for years. He was amazing at many things, but one thing for sure, if you were ever lost you could call him to get you back on path.

Everyone has access to a GPS on their phones or in their cars. Any place you need to go, all you have to do is put it in the system. GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and it lets you know where you are and shows you how to get to anywhere on Earth. But sometimes it can take you to the wrong destination. This usually happens when their is a weak signal, or some obstruction blocking the line of sight to the GPS satellites. I don’t know what others do, but I don’t have a problem asking for help. Who has time being lost in the woods or stranded on a deserted road? Not me! I will not be the sacrificial black girl in a horror scenario. Lol!

Just like my dad, sometimes when we feel lost we don’t like asking for help. We try to figure things out on our own. You are not alone. God knew you were going to have this problem before the problem came. He already had a solution for you. Why not use His GPS system? God’s Positioning System (GPS) is guiding us continuously. He will guide our every step. Guess what? He never gets tired! He will not leave you stranded. When we get to know Him and trust Him, he will guide us.

Last month my husband and I went to a birthday party in Atlanta, GA. Before we left our friend told him that when you put their address in the GPS it will take you to a different house. He went on to explain to him how to get there. However, when we made it sure enough the GPS took us to the wrong house. I asked my husband why don’t you call and ask him how to get to his house? He was certain he could figure it out. Well sure enough we drove around, when he finally called we were just one block away. All I could do was shake my head and laugh. The men in my life are so stubborn. Lol! My laughing was short lived though because I immediately felt convicted. I do the same thing but with God. I know I should rely on Him with everything. But, sometimes I still try to figure it out without consulting with Him or trusting Him. I had to repent. God was right there to forgive me.

Listen, God already knew the mistakes we were going to make and all the obstacles the adversary was going to throw at us. He had a solution for that, His name is Jesus! Through his blood we are forgiven. We get to repent and keep going. There is nothing too hard for God to fix. How can He fix it if we don’t give it to Him? The mechanic can’t fix your car if you don’t take it to them, right? I am asking you, to please trust Him with whatever you’re going through. I promise you, He already has an answer.

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

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Cliffhanger

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie that was so good, and when you get to the end you are left with anticipation on what will happen next? I immediately go on Google to find out when the sequel or the next series will come out next.

This year has left me with so many cliffhangers. In some ways I am excited to see what God has in store on some situations in my life. On others, I am a little nervous. I know I am suppose to have faith and know that He has a perfect plan and knows what is best. I am human, and I have my flaws. I am working on that.

Not only do we pray for others, we need to pray for ourselves as well. We get tired and weak. We need our strength in order to pour into others. How can you pour into someone else’s life if your cup is empty?

When this life knocks you down come up swinging. God is preparing you for the next chapter. Your book is already written. He knows your ending. Keep living, praying, striving, believing, and have faith. The next chapter will be better than the previous. Believe it, and claim it! 2024 better get ready for you! Your next book will be a hit!

Rest up and let’s go!

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Finish Strong

I have done workouts and the trainer says “Come on! Let’s go! Finish Strong!”. I am sweating, breathing hard, contemplating life at this point in the workout, and they are yelling telling me to finish strong. If they only knew the names I was calling them at that time. But, afterwards I am always glad that I didn’t quit. The workout brought me one step closer to my goal.

We are going to face challenges in life. That’s inevitable. It’s all about how you handle them. Anything that you go through and can be overcome. I know some battles can feel overwhelming. Problems and hardships can buildup and then something that seems so small can be the one thing that pushes you over the edge. It’s time to let it go. Sounds simple. But I know it’s not.

God knows when we are overwhelmed. He doesn’t say that He will keep us from those things, but His word promises to be there with us through them. I have a child that tried to take his life twice this year. My heart was so heavy because I felt like the enemy was attacking and winning. My husband and I were praying, and praying with him. His brothers and other family members were talking with him. After this last time, we were trying to figure out what we were doing wrong. Why is this attack happening? Well, my husband heard the Lord say “He’s still here isn’t he? I’ve got him.”. After that confirmation I just let it go. He is God’s child.

Ask for help to direct your path. He will never leave you or forsake you. As we begin a new year, don’t dwell on things that you have no control over. Forgive people, love yourself, and trust the Lord. Remember that God gives his toughest battles to His strongest soldiers. It’s not how you start, but how you finish. Finish Strong!

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

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Umbrella

I have wanted to live near an ocean all of my life. Something about the water is so tranquil. But, the thing is, when you live by an ocean you have to be prepared for tropical storms or hurricanes. You have to board your windows, cut off power, trim tree branches, etc. What if you can’t evacuate in time? Then you have to prepare to ride out the storm. I read an article on what to do during a storm, and the main point that stood out was: Never go outside the protection of your home or shelter before there is confirmation that the storm has passed the area.

Storms are inevitable. Physical and spiritual. We can prepare for both. When the meteorologists predicts rain we believe them. So we prepare by taking our raincoats, boots, or umbrellas. We are not caught off guard because we were told it was possible. What will happen if it starts to rain and you don’t use your umbrella? You’ll get wet, right? Of course!

Now, let’s look at this spiritual umbrella. Life isn’t perfect. It was never promised to be. Seems like every time you turn around there is something happening. Whether someone is diagnosed with an illness, a loved one dies, rumors of wars, a new variant, or financial challenges, something is always occurring. But, God has given us our protection from these storms. He even has instructions on how to use it. It’s called The Holy Bible. There’s even an extra layer of protection for us called The Blood of Jesus!

What good is the rain gear if we never use it. Just as an umbrella that is folded in a closet won’t keep you from getting wet, how can we navigate these storms of life is we are not preparing ourselves with God’s word? Spend time with Him. Talk to Him. Read His word.

Use the umbrella that He has given you. It only works if you open it.

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Raisin to a Grape

I’m not going to lie, the past few months, no, years I have been feeling all but motivated. I’ve forgotten how to dream. I guess you can say that I have been on auto pilot. The dreams I once had have gone from a grape to a raisin.

Today, I read that you can make shriveled raisins plump again. However, it’s not the same thing as turning them back into grapes. The process of making a raisin changes the fruit at a molecular level. But, when a raisin was placed in a bowl of water overnight it became an antioxidant grape!

This actually helped me to see things differently. God did not create me to dry up. No, he made me, and you, in His image. We allow past hurts or current struggles get in the way of believing in anything. So we get stuck in our pain. It becomes hard to think clearly.

You see, the process of having faith and believing in God and His son Jesus Christ, changes the molecular level of our spirit. You will be renewed and full of life. This life was never promised to be perfect. You will go through hard times that tests you on your deepest level. But, God has already prepared you for this. Trust Him.

I had been trying to figure out the next steps in my life. One morning, I just asked God to open a door of opportunity for me. Out of a regular conversation with my husband an idea for a business came to me. I stepped out on faith and went for it. God has been blessing my steps along the way. It is amazing how He works!

God is preparing you for Himself. Step out on faith and trust His plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

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Dancing in the Rain

On May 20, 2020 another storm came through. My nephew was shot and died the following day. I keep thinking about the day he was born. On November 8, 1999, exactly 2 weeks after my birthday, I held my sister’s hand as she pushed him into this world. Other than my own children, I had never witnessed a baby being born. Image of his little baby face will forever be with me. Now, here we are burying him. This is just so unbelievable. Burying my dad was unbearable, and now here we are 6 years later burying my nephew who was named after him.

One thing is for sure. We can’t stop storms. If one is predicted then we are better prepared because we expected it. Then, there are those that come out of nowhere. Almost like a pop quiz, a quick test on that you’ve been studying. Here’s the thing, I’ve been feeling like I’m just sitting and watching the destruction happen. Chaos all around with no signs of peace. Another piece of my heart has been cut out of my chest.

I have been reminded that I am not sitting in this pain alone. Storms refine our faith. God will use our storms to grow our faith. So, I’ve decided to dance in the rain while I wait for the storm to pass.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

Amen.

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Perspective

At the beginning of this year I, as many of us do, had this great plan of doing things differently. I mean, it’s the year 2020, and I am suppose to see things clearly, right? Well, maybe I am not too far off. It’s all about your perspective.

In January I had all the plans of what I wanted to accomplish this year: blog at least twice a month, declutter my house, spring clean, start grad school, help my grandson with his school work, pray and fast more for my husband and children, and step up my fitness routine. That all sounds great, right?

Since January, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Her surgery was set for the day after her 70th birthday. I tested positive for the flu the day before and was not able to go back with her before and after her surgery. The lumpectomy was successful, thank you Jesus, and she is going through radiation right now. Shortly after her surgery, we were hit with a pandemic. Schools shut down, and people were forced to work from home. I was feeling overwhelmed. Cooking 3 meals a day, homeschooling my grandboys, trying to keep my house disinfected, and staying on top of my coursework. I felt like my mental state was deteriorating.

During this time, we have been able to spend quality time together. We got some decluttering done, my grandchildren are healthy and safe and received some one on one instruction from me, finished my course with an A, and I have been able to exercise with my husband.

God will answer our prayers in His own way. It may not be the way you expected, but it is the way He wants you to have it. It’s all about our perspective.

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Reflection

Last day of the decade. Wow! A lot has happened, a lot has been lost. But a whole lot more gained.

The word “reflection” can be looked at with different meaning. We may reflect or give serious thought or consideration on something. People, during this time, reflect on the past year. How they did things or what they wish or plan to do differently. We look forward to the new year with hope, and new aspirations. We make resolutions and plans on how we are going to change certain areas of our lives.

“Reflection” also means the throwing back by a body or surface of light. It is just simply amazing how God created everything. Moonlight is the reflection of the sun off the moon’s surface. I started thinking about mankind. Are we truly being a reflection of God? Are we allowing His light to reflect off of us?…….Now that’s a plan to focus on during this next decade.

The definition of reflection that is on my mind is the image seen in a mirror or shiny surface. When I was younger I used to pray for 3 things. I wanted to be light skinned, have long hair, and the ability to sing. I can’t remember the number of times I prayed that prayer. But now I see God’s beauty in all skin tones. I am appreciating my tight coily hair. Although I have the ability to sing, let’s just say I will not be leading any songs let alone be invited to join anyone’s choir.

The important thing is, I believe we all need to focus on our image. I don’t mean develop a spirit of vanity. I mean when we start judging ourselves, pointing out our faults, looking at our inabilities, etc., we need to remember that the image we see looking back at us was created out of love. We were created for His glory and out of Their likeness.

While we are being down on ourselves or questioning our existence, just remember God says that the reflection that looks back at us is His!

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Chapter 48

On October 25th chapter 48 began. I don’t get excited about my birthdays anymore. I really wanted this year to be different. All I really wanted was a day of peace. But, unfortunately, I didn’t get that this time. I’m determined to not let that be the way the rest of this 48th year will be.

God only knows what’s in store. Whatever it is, I’m going to trust Him.

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Unopened Gifts

Several nights ago I cooked steaks for dinner. All of my knives were so dull. A couple of them even came unattached to the handle. After I tossed them, I remembered my husband buying me some knives a few months prior. So, I went on a search. I found an unopened box of brand new knives in the cabinet. I just kept thinking of all the times I complained when peeling fruit for my grandbabies, or trying to slice up meat for dinner. All along, I had just what I needed less than a foot away.

About 5 months ago my husband and our oldest son got into a huge argument. My husband stormed out of our son’s apartment. I stayed and spoke calmly to our son to get him to see things from our perspective. Afterwards, I went outside and spoke with my husband. He asked me to pray with him. But honestly, I was so emotionally drained. But, with tears running down my face, all I could do was say the Lord’s Prayer. Two minutes later our son came outside, got in our truck and apologized. All I could do was say “Thank YOU Jesus!”

As I look back over my life and think about all the different storms I’ve encountered, not realizing, I was equipped with the tools I needed to weather those storms. Growing up in church I always knew about Jesus and how He died on the cross. I learned about His immaculate conception and how He healed the sick, raised the dead, made the lame walk, walked on water, and cleansed the lepers. I know how awesome He is! What I didn’t know was how powerful I am by being a true follower of Christ and baptized in the Holy Spirit. I didn’t know that I had power over the enemy. I didn’t know that I could speak the word over my family and have true victory. I didn’t know that I have gift of healing. The tools I needed were in me all along. The enemy knew that I didn’t know my own strength. That’s why it seemed his team was always winning. They new what strategies to use. I was unaware. I was trying to fight this battle on my own with no spiritual tools. Well, knowledge is powerful!

God gives us the spiritual gifts we need to conquer anything that is thrown at us. You have the power. You have the gift. He placed in you. Now all you have to do is believe.

Open your gift……….