In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
—Matthew 5:16
God created each one of us in His image and likeness. We were all handmade by God for a specific purpose. As we allow God to take us through our “beautification” process we are transformed into His beautiful masterpiece. Just like a work of art our uniqueness, flaws, and blemishes make us authentic, telling the story of our process. This blog is designed to celebrate the beauty of walking in the attributes of our creator. My prayer is that you are encouraged to let God’s grace, love, and mercy shine through you also! By the way i’m a fashion & design student so there will be posts/sections dedicated on here to natural GLAM as well!
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance ~Matthew 3
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men ~1 Timothy 2
37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. ~ Matthew 9
Greetings In Grace Beloved Ones
It is the beginning of a new month, time, and season! And I am eternally 🙌🏽grateful & 🙂glad for another opportunity to enter into His gates with praise and to enter into His courts with thanksgiving. I’m thankful unto Him and I bless His name! For the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. Let’s Pray!
Father God in the name of Jesus. Thank you for your goodness, your loving ❤️ kindness, your tender mercy, and your grace. You have been better to us than life itself. Even when were/are disconnected from you, you are always accessible to us. Your word says if haply we might feel after you, and find you, though you be not far from every one of us (See Acts 17:27). Thank you for being a very present help during this time where things have been brought to crisis. ✝️Our Savior/salvation is only one turn away.
It’s 5am here in the Chicagoland region and it’s pouring down 🌧️rain as we speak. IDK about you, but It’s been a long month since our last post, tiring 😅to say the least. Nevertheless, what shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (Answer: No One & No Thing.) (See Romans 8:1) God IS Faithful!
Sometimes it takes us being pushed & pressed beyond our own ability to tap 🥊into God’s presence & power. What’s pushing & pressing on you right now? Is it health challenges, loss & grief, pain & anguish, financial hardship, brokenness, comfort & complacency, and the list goes on? WELL I have GOOD 🗣️NEWS for YOU! Jesus already paid for it at the cross. There is nothing hidden from or too hard for Him.
He see’s all, knows all, and is greater than all!
One may ask how do I experience this greatness you speak of? And the answer is simple, Surrender (see Matthew 10:39). God has already given us ALL things as it pertains to Life AND Godliness (see 2 Peter 1:3). It just takes us having a willing heart 💝 and workful 💪🏽hands. We were created to live for God. However, we live in a world where most don’t and won’t. If God was a man, though HE IS NOT (See Numbers 23:19). He would be the perfect gentleman. He never forces himself on us. He simply says this is path A, B, and C. Choose the one that leads to me.
And if we decide to go another route. He will let us. And guess what, we may even experience some success taking our own route. 🚶🏽♀️🚶♂️But why have partial when we can be full and filled? My friend’s success according to the world and according to God (The Word) are NOT THE SAME! Whereas the world lusts after things & persons. God (The Word) teaches us to love. First to love Him and after to love others, as ourselves. Have you ever heard the saying there’s a thin line between… Well just as the saying goes… it is.
I recall a number times where God showed me I had something/someone else in His place. Want to know how we can tell when this is so? How do we respond when we don’t have that thing or person? Can we stay focused👁️ and follow God with or without them/it? Or have they/it become a distraction from us being focused and following God’s lead? This can be linked to a mentality 🧠we have that leads us to a course of action that inadvertently disconnects us from God’s will/word/way.
I’m learning that 🙇🏽♀️Obedience is BETTER than sacrifice. Sometimes what we give & do isn’t always what God wants. How often have we decided I’m going to do this or say that? And God is like I did not ask you to do or say for this or that. As lovingly kind and merciful as HE IS there does come a time where He will give us over to our own desires. And the consequence of this choice is lack. 😣Not necessarily a lack of things, but of Him. Because friend, that’s what God ultimately wants us to have, HIMSELF! This includes His heart/mind, His nature, and least of all the natural things that come with that (money, fame, relationship connections, etc.).
We must begin and/or continue to daily examine ourselves against the Word of God. He is more than able and faithful to meet EVERY need. Where we lack NOTHING, Inside & Out! (See Mark 8). But it starts with a posture of LORD, I need YOU. Show me your will/word/way. And my friend the more we know. The more we grow. And that’s GOOD NEWS😍🙌🏽❤️
John 4:13-14 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”
Romans 13:11-14 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Revelation 22:1-2 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Greetings in Grace Kings Kids👑,
It’s a blessing, privilege, and honor to be partakers of the abundant life given to us through Christ Jesus. There is no god like our GOD! Regardless of where you are on your journey in life I just want to encourage you that God is greater than anything and everything, and HIS LOVE for YOU is beyond measure! So much has transpired 😰😓😅since our last talk. It amazes me how fast time moves. It was just like yesterday we were kids, then the next thing you know we are “older”. I thank God that although I’m getting older, youthfulness is just one mindset away. The other day I met the sweetest elderly couple out enjoying their life together and I thought to myself #Goals. The older I get the more I realize that LIVING your TRUE best life is all a matter of choices.
Remember, there are people all around the world who are under tremendous pressure 😖 and great hardship, but yet they are thriving💎. Life is not measured by how many material things we have but how many moments we choose to glorify God as Jehovah with thanks+giving. A life poured 🙇🏽♀️out is a life worth living! My friend I thank God for you and pray🙏🏽 that He would grant you the continual favor that comes from seeking👁👑 Him. On that note let’s dive in 🙌🏽 & 🌊 .
My aim 🏹with these posts are to keep them short, sweet❤️, and straight to the point🎯. God has been helping me to grow in administering these monthly posts in a more excellent way. Thank God for continual growth and development! I’m also excited 😆to announce a new series called Mary Had A Little Lamb 🐑AKA Letters To The Shepherds ⚕️and The Sheep. These writings will address common church topics and be a source of encouragement and redirection for leaders with/wanting a servant hearts. In addition Glam Chic Ink. is in expansion 💗mode so be on the look out for more!
Now back to today’s post entitled Tapped Out Tap In (Gos…Sip pt.2). In part 1 to this post we talked more about the negative connotation of how gossip pollutes our wells of life from the inside out. When we use our tongue to spew or take in venomous words filled with hate & hypocrisy we become toxic. This is why it’s essential that we all work diligently to guard our heart/mind and every entryway (👀eyes, 👂🏽ear, 🤫mouth, etc). We do this through the power & love filled Word of God. The scriptures talk about how the word is to have first place in our lives and the dangers of it not being. Jesus being the living word came as an example and redeemer through coming in a body to save us from the inside out. I love that the word says He foreknew us. My leader says it like this “God called us already being fully aware of everything we would ever do past, present, and future.” Yet, He still calls us. Can You Hear What I Hear?🔔
In fact even when we were paying God absolutely no attention. He knows/knew and yet still calls & causes us to arise 🌅out of the ashes of despair and 🌃🌓darkness. Even when we put ourselves there. What kinda love is that? I still marvel at how long-suffering and lovingly kind God is toward us. And my friend? I think we should be that way towards one another. In fact the bible says we owe one another love (I will post this scripture and the others in the P.S. for this month). We must ask ourselves, will we willingly lay down our lives for those we love and even those who hate us? Well that’s what the bible says we ought to do in order that we’d be like Him 💯for real for real. IDK about you but that’s my greatest 🙏🏽desire, Be more like Him!
As I mentioned earlier a lot has transpired since we last talked. It started with a 💭dream. Led to one of the most difficult seasons of my life yet it ended in joy and 💪🏽strength. Don’t you love how God shows himself fully aware and present through every test and trial/trying season. Maybe you have not experienced this yet and are new to the faith. I just want to encourage you to come/continue along the journey. This 🚶🏽♀️walk with God is a day by day journey and all of us are at different places with varying circumstances. Yet and still God knows, sees, and cares for & about us. All we have to do is be honest with ourselves and ask for God’s help to fully give Him the good, bad, and ugly stuff inside out. And my friend being a human, in a fleshly body, in a fallen world means we all have some bad and ugly stuff inside us and around us. We must ALL keep watch 👀⏰🙏🏽🧎🏽♀️🧎🧎🏼♀️🧎🏾
So long story short I lost my job last season abruptly and unexpectedly. This put me in a tail spin 😵💫of fear and anxiety. Dealing with that in addition to the weight of everything else I was carrying brought me to one of the lowest places I’ve ever experienced in my life. What one would call hell🔥 on earth. I literally felt so winded😮💨 and overwhelmed that I contemplated for the 2nd time in my life not wanting to be here. But thankfully for God’s spirit inside me and some pretty 🤩amazing leaders who God showed me in a dream were praying for me, I made it through! And y’all i’m Holy Ghost filled and Happy to know that if God be for us, who/what can stand against us. No devil/demon in or under hell nor earth, person, place, or thing. Just Speak The Word!! 🗣
Signed Grace Love & Mercy, Kristen Joi~ XOXO (It’s for you too) 😘
🙏🏽Prayer: Father, thank you for your goodness and mercy. Thank you for your lovingkindness. Thank you for being constant when things around us and even within us change. We trust and believe your word that says, “All things work together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purpose.” We acknowledge you as sovereign Lord and King. Even in unexpected & unsure times, help us to lean into you and let you guide us into life and godliness. You make no mistakes. That’s what makes you God. Keep us as the apple of your eye and forgive us for the times we missed an opportunity to worship you in Spirit and in Truth.
Titus 3:5-7 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Greetings in Grace Beloved’s,
Hallelujah to the Lord God almighty! And may His favor go before us & continuously reconcile us to His perfect will. I’m grateful for another chance to seek and share the word of God with you. Every time I hear from Father, and every time he meets me, I’m grateful & glad that He would choose to commune with me/us. We just came from a week/weekend of celebrating and commemorating our savior Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. It’s a celebratory yet sobering reminder of the price He paid for us, bestowing upon so many gifts. This includes the gift of salvation, righteousness, and the precious gift of His Holy Spirit. And to whom much is given, much is required.
I’m reminded of when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane before His death. He was pressed with the weight of what was ahead of Him to such an extent that he sweat profusely as if it were 💦🩸blood (See Luke 22:44). In that moment even Jesus who was 100 percent God in the body of a man felt pressure to such an extent He cried out to the Father that if He was willing, to let the cup (suffering) pass from Him. This moment conveys great strength but also great suffering, conflict yet complete surrender. 🙌🏽A glimpse of our savior warring against the humanity of being in a body. This is why the bible reminds us we don’t have a high priest who cannot be touched (compassionate & sympathetic) by our weaknesses (see Hebrews 4:15). He sees, He knows, He cares, and has already provided THE WAY of escape.
During Jesus’ time of immense pressure he comes to find his disciples asleep. I took notice that though he “found” them asleep, Jesus was already aware of their current and future condition(s). In the same passage He foretells that Peter would deny Him 3 times, as Peter insists that he’d never. He further admonishes them several times to arise/watch 👁️and pray. Jesus was not presenting his knowing of their falling as a form of provocation but presenting Himself as a form of provision. In addition to His admonishment He encourages them that He was going ahead of them to arise in Galilee. When we find ourselves under pressure, for better or worse, we can take joy in knowing THE TRUTH that makes us free.
Jesus chose to endure the cross because of the joy set before Him, being seated with God AND imparting unto us the gift of the Holy Spirit. That now not only He, Father, and Spirit would be one, but as He prayed before being crucified, “make them(us) one even as we(Trinity) are one” (See John 17:11). Prior to His departure Jesus ✝️encouraged His disciples that He would not leave them comfortless, and that He would come to them in all that they were soon to encounter. He further makes mention that the Spirit of Truth would bring them into peace (wholeness) & the knowledge of all things.
After Jesus is beaten, bruised, and scorned beyond recognition for our sins/sickness. In His final departure, hanging on the cross to die by asphyxiation (suffocation), He cries out to the Father Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani (why hast thou forsaken me See Matthew 27). In the account of Luke 23 it notes that Jesus cries out Father into your hands I commit my 💨spirit. I found it interesting that the word spirit means breath and that His means of death was suffocation. When a person is suffocating the loss of life is caused by a restriction of breath. This encourages me because there are times in life where trials/cares may have us struggling to catch our breath per say. In this we are reminded that He is The BREATH OF LIFE.
In John’s account (chapter 19) after He dies they pierce the side of Jesus and out comes a mixture of water and blood. The bible says that we overcome the enemy/accuser by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev 12). As I was meditating on these things passages of scripture began to flood my heart of times where Jesus spoke of giving living waters and the wellspring of life in connection with His Spirit & Word (ie. Ephesians 5:26, John 4:14, John 7:38, rev 22:17). My friend I just want to encourage you as I encourage myself that Jesus bore the weight/wail 😢of our sins & transgressions and left us with a greater weight/well ⛲️of His word & spirit while we wait. Let us continue to worship, watch & pray in the word & spirit as we wait on the Lord. The One who was, and is, and is to come.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint
Let’s Pray. Father, thank you for your Son Jesus who has given us access to you. I also thank you for every son or daughter who comes across this letter. Bless them continuously beyond measure. Keep them as the apple of your eye. Release your unconditional love into the depths of their heart & soul. Remind them of your faithfulness and all the wonderful things you have in store. Forgive us for our sins and wash us in your saving blood & love! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
As always I pray all is well with you and yours! And I’m so grateful and glad to have this opportunity for us to share together in this journey called life. I’ve been reflecting on some of the things we talked about in our last post, and the word INFLUENCE stood out to me GREATLY!!
The Oxford Dictionary defines influence as the capacity to have an effect on the outcome/flow, character, development, or behavior of something or someone, or the effect itself. It also goes on to list some synonyms such as: impact, control, power, sway, authority, mastery, guidance, and rank. We talked a little about this before when talking about prayer/intercession, and its ability to make an impact on, in, and through us & others. In fact the bible tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverb 18:21).
Never underestimate the power vested in us to speak and create/make. My time in prayer/ worship is the most important, influential, and special part of my day daily. Not only am I able to talk to & with God, but God’s presence impacts my heart to live and love (what He loves & hate what He hates)! Recently I had a moment where I was so overwhelmed that all I could do was speak in my heavenly language. I did not know the words to express what I needed at that moment, but after a few minutes praying I heard Father say “Rest” as I fell asleep. When I awakened I felt refreshed, renewed, and amazed at how something as “simple” as rest was exactly what I needed. And notice I had no idea of what was going on with me as my mind raced, but God (fore-) knew and KNOWS EVERYTHING there is to know about absolutely everything. In this I find both GREAT comfort and reverential fear!
Psalm 94:7-9 Yet they say, The Lord shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall He not hear? He that formed the eye, shall He not see?
1 John 4 warns us beloved to believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Even those with little discernment can see & agree that the times/conditions we are currently living in are quite abnormal. Let’s not forget that a few years ago MILLIONS of people WORLDWIDE lost their lives to an unseen virus transmitted through the airways. And to this day it and others of its kind are still active. In addition to diseases we have natural disasters, terrorist like crimes, unstable leadership, danger, peril, and famine all throughout the land. “These are the times that try men’s souls” -Thomas Paine.
1 John 2:15-17 ESV Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Jesus before leaving his disciples forewarned them that they would experience hardship and trouble in this world, but also encouraged them to take heart because He overcame the world(John 16:33). The bible also reminds us we don’t have a high priest who is unable to be touched by the feeling of our infirmity, He (Jesus) was tempted in all ways yet without sin(Hebrews 4:15). This passage reminds me of both the deep connection to humanity God has with His creation and the complete divinity and rule that He has OVER ALL HIS CREATION! Which is why although we ought to remain conscious and prayerful about these times, we ought not be unguarded or fearful. For neither of these are influenced by God’s Spirit.
It’s up to us which type of influence we will abide in & under, heavenly or hellish. Because of God’s just righteous sovereignty He has given us the power to choose. TALK ABOUT INFLUENCE! However, we ought not be deceived. God is not mocked; a man shall reap what he sows(Galatians 6:7-8). This is one of those superpowers that cannot & will not ever change because it is a Kingdom (King Dominat-ed/-ing) principle. Regardless of our awareness of it we all are govern-ed/-ing by principles & principalities. (I’d love to talk more about this when space & time permits it.) Nevertheless our right to choose doesn’t relinquish us from the effects of those choices on our lives.
Sometimes we look at our lives circumstances and wonder how did we end up here? This is a good thing. Asking questions and making assessments/evaluations is a wonderful way to monitor growth & development. This type of awareness shows that we are conscious of our whereabouts and curious as to where we stand. The disciples often asked Jesus questions as they journeyed with Him. Even when Jesus exposed the sin sickness of their(&our) generation, their hearts were convicted as they inquired how to increase their Faith. It takes a certain level of “bigness” and boldness to seek God with the intent of becoming better.
“Go Big or go home”
American Authors
Last post we were challenged to take an assessment of who, what, where, how, and why we say and do what we say and do. To determine if the people, places, and things we find ourselves coming into alignment with TRULY align with the word of God. And to pray that God would give us the wisdom to make any necessary adjustments. Remember small adjustments over the course of time makes a big difference in our lives and the lives of those around us. In this journey be encouraged and IN JOY!
Jeremiah 2:21 Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?
Joel 1: 14 Santify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord.
Genesis 4: 3-7 And in the process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Leviticus 10:1-2 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not. 2 And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord
Greetings in Grace Beloved, 🥰
Merry Christmas 🎁 & Happy Holy Days to you & yours! I am really excited about today’s post, as it is so fitting for the time & season we are in. I love when Papa(Father) God impresses upon my heart ♥️ to receive of the hidden manna/word that is only for those who are His. And my friend that(His) is my greatest title in this season, that i’m wearing as a badge of honor. In a time where everyone wants to be somebody of “great recognition” I find myself groaning 😩and beckoning unto God often, God I just want you. Excuse me in my folly. But my dear friend not only for myself do I inward & outwardly groan, but for you also (See 2 Corin 11:1-2).
What I’m saying is if you happen to be one of my nearest & dearest I fail not to make mention of you! And if you would like to be added to that list, I am open and taking requests 😀! On that note let’s pray. Father in the name of Jesus, I thank, praise, and acknowledge you as Lord & Savior. Touch whomever is reading this letter with your tender loving kindness and mercies that fail not. Renew us on this day and everyday to come. Let us not be conformed to this world but let us be transformed by the renewing of the mind. 🧠We know that Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Give them eyes that see & ears that hear in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. 🙏🏽 🙏🏼
So lately God has been having me to be watchful and prayerful concerning several things and an elect people (His & my Beloveds 🙂). It’s both a privilege and an honor. In addition to those that I watch for, He has been having me to petition for others, in particular those on elevated platforms. This includes leaders (spiritual & natural), “celebrities”, and authority figures (ie, police, administrators, etc.). If you know me you know that there is a call/burden on my life in particular for music ministry/industry. In fact I’d say my top three “sectors” of burden/influence would be Business (Kingdom & Earthly), Education, and Arts & Entertainment. Family is also another but for the sake of time & space we revisit that next time (hopefully).
If you watch the news, social media, and/or listen 👂🏽 to the conversations of the “elite & common” you know that there has been a lot of controversy, confusion, and change all around us. And if you have any discernment you are aware 👀that the things we are experiencing in today’s times are not normal. As the bible warns we are in end times and evil men & seducers are getting worse & worse (see 2 Timothy 3). Not only in the world but even in the church, designed to be the household of faith & prayer. And nobody wants to get to the root of it, but more so just skimming the surface in hopes of stirring up the latest greatest controversy. In the words of comedian Katt Williams “Influenceless Influencers, A time/place where anybody can be anything”. Sadness. 😔
Beloved the world and its systems will always be what it is, but when we can’t count on the church ⛪️(God’s chosen) to be the church according to His design, we are in trouble. I heard someone say they really couldn’t tell the difference between the gospel industry and the worldly/secular industry. And unfortunately I understand. Please don’t take this out of context. 🛑 I am not one who endorses hypocritical religion. I’m a Son/Saint saved by THE Son/Savior, our Lord Jesus✝️ Christ. I watch movies, listen to different music genres, wear pants & of course a cute dress or skirt occasionally, and will/have gone into dark places to be a light. Just like Jesus. Except I’m not 100% devine. Only HE IS!
Nevertheless, as a called out & chosen one it is my responsibility to live & speak THE TRUTH. Even when it’s not popular or well received. 🤷🏽♀️Remember, it came to me first. So if I have to make the adjustments, nobody is exempt. In fact I am not really your friend beloved if I can’t be honest with you. Why would I want someone I love to be “caught lackin” in any kind of way? Back to topic. I was 👁️watching some recent & older Youtube videos & magazine articles, and was horrified (not literally) as to what we consider great. The people, places, platforms, purposes, etc. that we celebrate are catastrophic and gross. I cringe as I scroll through the common.
Have you ever experienced something or someone strange, weird, off? Kind of disconnected from reality. Maybe that was you & I at some point in time? ⚠️Warning, one may experience behaviors and words that are outrageously outlandish. Well at least to the uncommon man. In fact the word strange translates, outlandish, adulterous, alien, heathendom, queer, unnatural, deviant, creepy, off-center, etc. But for some reason it’s accepted as greatness to most (See Isaiah 5:20). How? Why? When? Where? Who? Friend, we really need to start asking ourselves some questions. 🤔Examining ourselves, those we are connected to, our surroundings, and the word of God in order to see if we have alignment. If not we ought to Repent (change). Remember, we can’t change ourselves but God can (search posts on repentance).
Let’s not act as if God doesn’t see or know. He is all seeing, all knowing, and all places at all times (See Psalm 139). Not only does He see, know, Be, but He will repay. God is not mocked, a man will reap 🌱what he sows (See Galatians 6:7-9). Let’s take some time to reflect & write.
R&W Exercise 💭📝
What have I been watching, hearing, doing lately good & not so good? How does this align or misalign with the word of God (you can search scriptures by topic or consult a spiritual advisor, including us here at GC INK.)? Where do I want to go in this life & after? Why? Who are my biggest influencers? Consider these things and more as led by God. Ask God for direction & discipline to carry out His desires for your life.
In closing I want to encourage us to continue in this reflection into the new year. Consider fasting from food & distractions for 🕰️24 to 72 hours to reset and ready ourselves for the new season/year. Feel free to reach out and connect with us for an abundance of resources to assist you in this, as consecration 🙇🏽♀️and celebration🥳 is who we are and what we do. Grace, Peace, and Love Be Unto You & Yours! And until next time fare-well for now.
(Matthew 12: 48-50)49 And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! 50For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
(Matthew 10:32-39) 34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.
Also See 2 Timothy 3 (w/ emphasis on verses 16 & 17), James 4 (w/ emphasis on verses 6 & 7), and John 3:16-18
Let’s Pray! Dear Heavenly Father, thank You. During these last days of the thanks + giving challenge. We honor and acknowledge You! For who You Are. You Are the Most High and Lofty One. Seated in Majesty and Supreme Authority. There is none like You and we bow ourselves before You in Worship. For YOU Alone are worthy of worship (Prostrated Homage, Reverence, and Adoration). For You alone do we fall to our knees and lay upon our faces. We know that we WorshipYou, not just in word, but in deed through our complete obedience, and surrender to Your Will and Way. This is our prayer, In Jesus Matchless Name we pray, Amen.
Blessings Kings Kids What a privilege and honor it is to be called a Son or Daughter. In our weekly student teacher sessions we were reminded that before we are/were anything else (wives, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, husbands, fathers, grandfathers, brothers, uncles, career titles & positions, etcetera) we are/were FIRST God’s Sons & Daughters! It is His spirit that gives & bears witness to this through our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ! HALLELUJAH! My Friend, that is worthy of celebration! As we close out the month of November & soon the Fall season let’s enter in with Thanksgiving & Praise (See Psalm 100:4).
Quick story: I live across the street from a Lexus car dealership (I’ll give you my testimony on that later) and it’s positioned on the right hand side of the street (take mental note of this). As I was passing by, on my way to work I saw a sign that said December to Remember & 3 shiny new Lexus vehicles topped with BIG red bows. At that moment God began to remind & speak to me concerning His promises. This was my regular route to work, but someTHING was different this time. The scenery had changed, and I realized it was a setup/positioning for what was NEXT!
I love moments like these, where God speaks to us out of the smallest & simplest things, people, and/or places. These things, people, and/or places serve as a reminder of what God said, and that His promises are YES & AMEN. God Does NOT change, therefore neither does His Word/Promises. Oh friend we change, sometimes for the good and sometimes for the not so good, but GOD IS FAITHFUL (See 2 Timothy 2:13). And It is only by His Holy Spirit that we also can come into a place where we don’t vacillate between two opinions. The Bible states in the book of James chapter 1 verse 8 that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
In this time/season of reflection, growth, and development, let’s take some time to ask God to reveal and help us to fine tune the areas of our lives that are unstable. We all have them. Maybe it’s in the area of putting God First, loving others as ourselves, time management, caring for the things entrusted to us by God, stewarding/using the gifts & talents He placed within us, etc.. Whatever it is, God is willing and able to help us to get it right. With time & practice we will find ourselves excelling beyond those things that once had us stuck.
On that note, let’s take some time to reflect, write down, be prayerful, and put in some spirit led practice for improvement. And Remember, God’s got Us (See 2 Peter 1:3)!!!
We are officially a month away from Christ-mas and 3 days away from Thanks-giving. And y’all i’m finally in my holiday celebration mode (Christmas playlist in full effect as we speak!!). This has been a rough season for many of us and let me just encourage you… God’s not finished with US yet. Keep hope alive and give it ALL to our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ! The REE-SON FOR THIS WONDER-FULL HOLI-DAYS SEE-SON!
Heyyy Ladies & Gents,
So before 2024 ends it was impressed upon my heart ❤️ to take some time to hone in on the things this time of year is all about: Thankfulness, Gratitude, Giving, More Christ (Christ-Mas), Holiness/Sacredness, Love, Peace, Joy, Fruitfulness, Family, Friends, Food, Fun, Celebration, Gathering, Reflection, Evaluation, Growth, Goals, Newness/Freshness, Beauty, Wonder, Praise&Worship, The Word, and (if y’all anything like me) some good music, cute clothes, and pretty decorations (#mood #period 🤩)!
And when I say it all came in like a flood how eternally grateful I am to God for every season i’ve lived thus far, it’s an understatement! We ARE truly BLESSED 🥹! Some of you may say but you don’t know what i’m going through. My friend, I can’t say that I fully know what you’re up against but I just want to 🧠re-mind you. God LOVES US SOOO MUCH, has so many great things in store, and wants to re-store every part of our broke💔 hearts & lives. Life brings with it great pain, but God is still in control! Keep your head up 🆙 and Smile!🙂
On that note, this week i’ll be doing 7 days of Thanks + Giving ( feel free to do the same and share if you’re #GCINSPIRED24 ). Seven 7️⃣ is the number of completion and I want to share & show how completely grateful I am for YOU! YES YOU! If we ever crossed 🚶🚶🏽♀️🚶♂️paths in real life or 💻virtually, I just want you to know you inspire me! Your strength, your story, your glow 🌟up, your 😍beauty, your 🦄creativity, and MORE! Also stay tuned for a new divinely inspired post on Nov. 30th, after the Thanksgiving holiday.
You may ask, what is 7 day of Thanks + Giving, and how do I do it? Well first I want you to take some time to reflect 🤔on what you have to be grateful for. If you need some help, ask God to bring it to your remembrance. Ask Him to reveal 👁️❤️to you all the times He was with you and for you. Even when we are unfaithful, HE YET REMAINS FAITHFUL! (See bible verse 2 Timothy 2:13).
Caution! ⚠️ This reflection may cause feelings of shame, grief, feelings of unworthiness, even heart ache. Transparent moment, these feelings are warranted. We are imperfect/flawed humans who need a Savior. But we can rejoice in knowing that we have ONE✝️! God’s LOVE ❤️ COVERS US no matter what we do or where we are. His Grace, Love, and Mercy is there/here to restore us to His original plan for our lives (GREATNESS)!
If you want someone to talk to, pray with you, and stand with you on this journey of life, PLEASE reach out to us via message. This can be through the message/contact section ⬆️above, comment section ⬇️below, text message💬 if you currently have my/our number, or 📧email. One of our admins will connect and pray with you in faith that God will meet every need! Email Information= hpcd3glamchic24@gmail.com
Stay posted as we continue to 💗grow. Check the blog or my personal instagram (listed under contact section above) for updates, the latest posts, and how you can stay connected and/or be apart of our team! We are MOVING FOR WORD #BrideTribe!
On that note, the 7 Days Of Thanks + Giving Glam Chichallenge 💋 STARTS TODAY. November 25th through December 1st 2024. And this is how it works: After we reflect on what we’re thankful for, and ask God for forgiveness for all the times we were not, LET’S have a little FUN! 🤩 Here’s the challenge. Each day take some time to show God, Others, and Even Yourself Gratitude. Simple Right? I don’t wanna limit your creativity by telling you how to do that. Pray about it! Let Him Lead You!
But if you need a little help here are some ideas: love/like/share &support a LOVED 🥰 ONES content, business, and/or journey, say thank you and/or apologize, give someONE a special gift 💝 , feed 🍽️and/or cloth 🧤🧣someONE in need, spend some extra ⏰ time in 🙏🏽prayer/praise&worship🙌🏽/word📖, visit or call ☎️ someONE you haven’t talk to in a while, buy yourself 🥞breakfast, 🌮lunch, and/or 🍝dinner, take someONE on a date 📆, book a 🛫🏝️vacay, etc. Bottom ✍️Line LOVE GOD, OTHERS, AND YOURSELF in word & in deed!❣️
Psalm 34:17-19 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Revelation 21:8 “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Psalm 10:13-14 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.
Greetings In Grace ❤️ Beloved Ones,
I pray this post finds you well. Today’s post is a little impromptu as I didn’t realize it was the 5th of the month. It’s been a very eventful past couple of weeks & days, and I am still “grasping my bearings” ⚖️ per se. So just a few updates, I attended a live recording a few days ago that was AWEsome. I’m still gathering myself from what took place that night. I will soon be incorporating more music posts on my blog, this will include my personal creations and the creations of others that I know will be a blessing to you. 🎶 With that being said, as soon as the recordings from that night are released I will be sharing it! Also our ministry is doing a 24 hour emergency fast until this evening AND Y’ALL IT’S BEEN QUICK & POWERFUL. ⚔️ Looking forward to finishing strong and joining the saints in prayer & the word in a few hours. We’d love for you to be apart, it’s a collaborative Kingdom effort, so ALL are welcome (message me or comment below for more details).
As many of you know today is also a very important day in history, as our new commander in chief or president 🇺🇸 will be selected this evening. With that being said there is a lot of activity going on right now in the spirit realm, and I encourage everyone to be prayerful 🙏🏽& watchful/vigilant👀. I just reached out to my loved ones to make sure everyone will be settled and safe as things are unfolding both spiritually and naturally. I encourage you to do the same, check on your loved ones and BE safe.
So God was impressing upon my heart ❤️ a few scriptures over these past weeks (see scriptures above). As I was pondering on them I heard today’s title. And I admit this time I had mixed emotions 🥹 about what God was putting down. I was excited because I’m saved, but I know and love several others who are not. The bible says God DOES NOT want anyone to perish, but for all to be changed/saved (see 2 Peter 3:9). And beloved as God’s daughter & friend I feel the same. I’ve heard and seen stories 😱 about hell and it’s heart wrenching to think of that being anyone’s ending. Non-stop pain, suffering, torture, and eternal death is not the way to go. The bible says it will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (see Matthew 13:47-50).
See the enemy, the Devil, is always up to no good. He roams about the earth seeking whom he can devour (see 1 Peter 5:8). He does not fight fair! He lies and schemes to trick people into believing that if they serve him and live any kind of way (indulging in pleasure/flesh) they will be happy. And yes this may be somewhat “true”, but as the old saying goes it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. 😢 And beloved someone ALWAYS GETS HURT! You get strung along on this quick & easy magical fantasy ride until next thing you know it all comes crashing down/disaster. No matter to what extent we allow the enemy to have room in our hearts/minds and lives, it never ends well. For this reason I made up my mind 🧠that he can’t and won’t 🚫have any place in me or mine.
On the contrary God promises us just the opposite. He says that if you deny yourself now and suffer with HIM ✝️ you will have an everlasting abundant life (See 2 Timothy 2:12 & John 10:10). One may ask well why does God want us to suffer? The thing is friends, suffering is inevitable. We will either suffer with God or suffer without Him. But with Him 🙌🏽 it is so much better. We will suffer for various reasons including: choices/decisions we & others make, living in a sinful fallen world, doing what’s right, doing what’s wrong, etc. But in the end it all comes down to who we suffer with and why we are suffering. Are we suffering for good or for bad? 🤔Perspective is everything!
It’s important as we are going through the trials of life we ask God what it is He wants us to get from what we are going through. ⁉️There are always lessons to be learned in every test, trial, and tribulation. The thing is sometimes because we don’t ask or seek God as to what that lesson is we can often find ourselves going through the same troubles again and again. 🏫 Think of it like we are in school, when we fail a significant test that’s required for our next level, we have to keep taking it until we pass. The good news is our teacher (God/Jesus/Holy Spirit) wants us to pass. In fact the bible 📖 says His divine power has given us everything we need as it pertains to LIFE and GODLINESS (see 2 Peter 1:3).
Comedy and Tragedy theatrical mask isolated on a blue curtain background. http://www.freepik.com
My leader says it like this: God wants us to LIVE LONG and LIVE WELL! Unfortunately our adversary the devil doesn’t want us to have either, but on the contrary his desire is for us to die prematurely and die full of sin/sickness. BUT NEVERTHELESS GOD IS FAITHFUL and provides us with a way of escape (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). And let me admonish you that any one who does not want you to live long and live well IS NOT INSPIRED BY GOD but by the devil. 🛑 Stay Away. Transparent moment: it was really hard for me along my journey to think that I had anything in common with the enemy. It wasn’t until I had a wake up call that some of my behaviors were proving contrary. See beloved, our flesh/carnal mind is an enemy of God! This is why God says we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds (see Romans 12:2). We are all sinners in need of God’s grace to save us from evil, including the evil right within our hearts.
But I’m so glad, God again, gives us a way of escape. He says repent, change your mind and actions. Yet, again He doesn’t want us to even try to do this alone. He says that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of ALL 🙇🙇🏽♀️🙇♂️ unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). All we have to do is be honest and humble enough to come before God and say Lord I NEED YOUR HELP! And in our humble cry He will hear and answer! PRAISE GOD!
Let’s 🙏🏽 Pray: Father thank you for loving us unconditionally. Thank you for giving us a way of escape through your Son Jesus. Who came to suffer, die, and be resurrected in power so that we could do the same. Forgive us for every sin, known and unknown. Wash us and purge us with hyssop until we become whiter than snow. We don’t mind laying down our life so that we can receive a greater one. And we acknowledge we need and want your help.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit
Romans 12:2-3And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith
Greetings In Grace ❤️ Beloved Ones,
I’m excited about being able to write this post on the last day of the month. A lot has transpired since our last post. Things have been intense lately. 🥊I have never felt pushed to so many “limitations” in any of my lifelong memories, as I have been this October. I am just now exiting some serious attacks, testing, and trying that could have been life threatening but God is so good! Even the more it makes me glad to be able to come and break the bread 📖of life together with you.
So in our last post we talked about gos…sip and the importance of keeping our wells 🚰pure. The bible says that out of our belly (mind to mouth) shall come rivers of living water. And how when we allow corrupt 🚫 communication to come forth out of our lips we create the opposite of life (death) for ourselves and all involved (see Proverbs 18:21). On the contrary when we take in the word of God it cleanses us inside❤️out. I’m reminded of John 4:1-42 where Jesus is with the Samaritan woman drawing water from the well and He admonishes her to drink from Him & be refreshed.
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Today God was impressing upon my heart the word comparison. And I love how He gave it to me to write out, Compare A Son, because at the end of the day it’s always about pointing us back to Jesus. So let’s dig in. A while ago we talked about our senses (taste, touch, 👁️sight, hearing, smell👃)… I actually think we skipped the last of the 5 but I promise we will revisit it. When I heard the word comparison I saw an image of a pair of eyes👀 that were looking all around. And although we ought to be alert and aware of what’s going on around us, we have to remember we are in this world but not of it. When we start to walk based on what we see we begin to walk outside of Faith (see 2 Corinth 5:7). In other words our eyes as beloved ones ☝🏽☝🏼were made to look up TO OUR FATHER & SAVIOR (see Hebrews 12:2 & Psalm 121:1). My friend we live in a world FULL of distractions, some intentional, some not so much. But laser sharp focus (given by God) is key 🔐 to us getting the victory. And remember when we win, others win also.
So what makes our hearts/minds so restless these days? Cares my friend…cares (see post Weight for a Weight). But Jesus says cast 👏🏽those cares on Him and He cares for us (see 1 Peter 5:7). On the contrary the world wants us to be weighed 🏋🏽down, worried, and weakened with all kinds of THINGS (social media, who’s doing this, who’s doing that, what will we eat, drink, wear, rumors of wars and wars, political agendas, etc.). This tells me something: our attention must be pretty valuable 💎because not only is the ONE who deserves it (GOD) vying 🥊for it but also is the world, family, friends, spouses, etc. And of course we should make time for those we love, but at what cost? It comes down to this: who & what we treasure/value gets our attention.
One of the more difficult things I had to learn was how to not try to overcompensate😣. I found myself always reaching out to everyone, availing myself to anything, and spending a lot of time trying to make things be that weren’t meant to be at that time. Much out of fear, anxiousness, and at times loneliness, all rooted in my pride(focus on self and what I wanted). But what I had to learn was how to be able to understand moments, quiet 🤫 my desires, learn what to value (including myself), and be led by God. And in exchange I received a greater level of peace (wholeness, soundness, completeness).
It was later I found through our church’s weekly sermon on worship that these exchanges of my heart 🤯for His ❤️were considered worship. So now instead of me worshiping my way, things, acceptance of others, etc. 😢I am now able to give that to God and ONLY worship/bow to God. My friend and what I received (and continue to receive as I continue in worship) in exchange for the excess was greater levels of peace. Y’all I love that word peace ✌🏽 it’s packed with soooo much good stuff. In fact, let’s go there. So please forgive me but over a year ago I said that we were going to do a dive into the 9 fruits of the spirit, and we never did because of my procrastination. But I have a feeling God’s going to have that be my next series of posts.
Isaiah 26:3-4 reads Thou will keep him inperfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusts in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. In fact if you have time the entire chapter of Isaiah 26 is a great read it further talks about the consequences of pride and the results of walking with God. But that word peace is the word shalom shalom in Hebrew. It means: ⛑️safety, wellness, 😆happiness, friendly, health, prosperity, favor, friend, good, rest, 🫡salute, and wholly. And my husband brought to my attention the other day that the word perfect in that passage is translated the exact same thing(shalom shalom). MY LORD! That means when our minds are stayed on Him, He keeps us and we receive a double portion of all those things listed above.
LETS PRAY! God THANK YOU for every promise that you have made to us. To keep us, shield us, and bring us into your perfect peace. We acknowledge Lord there is nothing this world has to offer us that is worthy of our worship. We give you our minds, our vision(s), and everything we possess for we/it ALL belongs TO YOU. We ask for you to keep us in perfect peace as we keep our minds stayed on you! In Jesus Name We Pray! Amen!
♥♥𝔾𝕃𝔸𝕄 𝑪𝒉!𝒄♥♥ 