Lord, When will MY turn come!? Sound Familiar?

Over the past few weeks I've been surrounded by individuals who are in the season of waiting, praying and needing God to come through. In major ways. Some need jobs, some desire love and relationships, some are in need of financial favor and others in the areas of healing, restoration and just change in general. That is the motivation behind this blog entry.

 

It's amazing that many are focusing on what they desire simply because they see how God is moving in the lives of others. Asking the age old question, "Lord when will my turn come!?" In due season is one of those things that can truly be a test in itself. In due season could be minutes, days, months or years. That's a hard pill to swallow. As believers, it's hard to wrap our minds around the fact that something we've been seeking God for may take longer than we think it should. It's hard to accept that some prayers we may actually have to wait for. It's hard to accept that what we desire may require some mental, emotional, spiritual and character conditioning before it happens. Or...it may not happen at all if it's not in our best interest or doe not align up with the plan God has for our lives.

 

I honestly can't believe that I've finally arrived at the place where I can say, "Lord, it is well with my soul." Specifically regarding one area that I have been praying and seeking God to move in my favor. In fact, I've been holding on for about 3 years now. While I think it should have happened long ago and I've come so close a few times...it hasn't. Why? I have no clue but, it is well...with my soul. That feels so amazing to say and believe. I've arrived at the place where I trust that God has a birds-eye-view of the bigger picture. He knows why it hasn't happened and when it will. Notice that although I've acknowledged that it may be a blessing delayed...I know it's not a blessing denied. I said...when, because I know by faith that it will, just not now. I trust God's plan way more than I trust my desires. One of my favorite sayings is, "The Universe has a weird way of protecting us and providing provisions when our desires align with Gods plan for our lives." I believe that.

 

So, if you're one of those people asking the question, "Lord when will my turn come!?" just know....it will be so perfect and so on-time that this delay will all make sense. You will have that ah-ha moment when it finally does come to be. That will be followed by a praise because as you reflect back over this very season, God himself will reveal why it had to happen exactly when it did. You'll realize that God was looking out for you, keeping you and guiding you the whole time. If it does not happen, just know that there is indeed a reason and trust that God knows best.

 

Hold on. Find peace in Gods plan and process for your unique life. It is well....It is well....with my soul.

 

Be Blessed.

Living in the Moment

I love this picture. I think it captures the true essence of how living in the future or living beyond the moment can lead to us missing the mark. It's okay to dream, have goals and plan. It really is. But living too far ahead of where you are at this moment prevents you from savoring the amazingness of the moment you're in. I've come to realize that I am in my most peaceful state when I just let go of my thoughts. In that, I let go of what I need to do, what I'm planning on doing, what I hope happens, what I'm striving to become. I let it all go! When I do that I open myself up to enjoy and marvel over what is...instead of what is to come. My heart-rate decreases. My breathing slows up. I'm at peace when I exercise living in the moment.

 

I find that many people, myself included, are always trying to get somewhere, both mentally and physically. Things are always moving or plans are always being made. A constant state of preparing and anticipating. I'm sure this sounds familiar to you. This way of living is stressful. It robs you of taking in precious moments in your present. Moments that you will never get back. Since I finished Graduate school I've started practicing living in the moment. Now that I no longer have papers to write or classes to rush to or deadlines to meet...I've started embracing the slowness of my life. I don't always succeed at it but at least now I'm more mindful of it. I can say, "Chanel, slow down. You're getting too far ahead of yourself."

 

I know God has great things in store for me, and you. But I also know that life and time are so precious you cannot spend it always anticipating the "what's next" stuff of life. You truly have to cherish and value each day, hour, minute and second you are allowed to see. I often think about people who received the news that they only have a few months or years to live. I ask myself, "If I were in their shoes, how would I spend my last days?" Like, after getting over the devastating news how would I maximize life until I had no more life left? I pray that I wouldn't spend it moping around or feeling sorry for myself. I also pray that I would make the absolute most out of the time I had left!

 

I want to start living my life that way. I would encourage you to do the same. Live like your time here on earth is limited. Live and enjoy each moment you're blessed to see. Celebrate your daily accomplishments instead of waiting until the whole puzzle is completed. Bask in the sun and the beauty of the day...of the moment. I plan to start reading Eckhart Tolle's, "The Power of Now." I pray that this work helps me to start living in my now, without me having to work at it. I want living in my now to be my norm. I challenge you as well to take one day where you only focus on your now. It will lead to amazing memories and a more peaceful way of life.

I won't complain

A Dear friend shared this with me: "If you have a group of people put all of their problems in a circle, read them aloud, I guarantee you will pick back up your own problems."

 

God always shows me things that money cannot buy. Health, Love, Strength, Peace of mind and Joy. This is His unique way of dealing with me and keeping me in check. God knows us and He knows exactly how to deal and speak to us. It's amazing that when He does this...my mood, when I'm in a funk, instantly changes! Like, instantly. Thank you Lord for speaking to me and convicting me when I need it. I thank you for ALL you've done for me. Giving me another day to get it right for starters..........

 

Remember:

- Things could always be worse.

 

- Be Thankful for where you are and what you have.

 

- There is always someone dealing with a situation in life who would love to be in your shoes, problems and all.

 

- Stop living for what may or may not happen tomorrow. Live for today. Tomorrow may never come.

 

- Let tomorrow take care of itself. God's Got this. He's got YOU.

 

 

I won't complain
I've had some good days
I've had some hills to climb
I've had some weary days
I've had some sleepless nights
But when I look around
And I think things over
All of my good days
Outweigh my bad days

So I won't complain

Sometimes the clouds hang low
I can hardly see the road
And then I ask the question
Lord why so much pain
But He knows what's best for me
Although my weary eyes can't see

So I'll just say thank you Lord
I won't complain

God's been so good to me
The Lord has been so good to me
More than this old world
Or you could ever be
The Lord has been so good to me
And he dried my tears away
And he turn all my midnights into days

So I'll say thank you Lord
I just say thank you Lord
I'll just say thank you Lord
I won't complain

"No" is an answer...Praise God for it!

I know it's hard to accept but "No" really is an answer to your prayer(s). In fact it's one that I believe we should shout more for.  Let me explain....the yes is amazing because it's usually an answer we've been praying for. Something we prayed for is now a reality! Maybe it's that relationship, job, financial blessing, new home, new car...etc. When God says yes and you receive whatever it is you've been praying for you know that the desire of your heart, the plans you had, the dreams you had...your prayers...aligned with Gods Will for your life. Now that's wonderful!

 

But..........

 

When you pray so hard for something. Turn down your plate for it. Worship God for it. Devote your time, energy and prayer life to it and the answer to your prayer from God is No....Now, THAT'S a difficult pill to swallow and even more difficult to understand and accept.

 

As I grow in my faith I'm coming to realize that when God answers me with a no... I'm far more accepting and thankful for it than I was a few years ago. Why? Because for every no He gave me there was a far better yes....waiting for me on the other side of it. There are some prayers that I was down right pissed when He answered me no but looking back on my life I can truly say, Thank you JESUS for that No!! I'm thankful that He said no to some of the prayers I lifted up because His plans for me were greater than my own.

 

Maybe you've received your no and it was a tough blow. Maybe your no is one you're having a hard time accepting. Maybe your no has really thrown you for a loop. I've been sent to tell you that this No is indeed the answer to your prayer, even if you can't see it right now. It will work out for your good. God sees the bigger picture and blueprint of your life. He knows what you need and when you need it. He also knows those things you pray for that will really end up hurting you in the long run. Again, even though you can't see it now.

Trust God with the desires of your heart. Trust that His plans for your life are greater than any of the minuscule plans you could ever have. Trust that somehow this no will lead to a yes that will blow your mind....when the time is right. The no could also be a... "not right now."

 

Until then, trust, believe and have faith that the no you received from God is not to punish you but to put you position for the yes that will blow your mind!

 

Be Peace!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you Trust His Will?

I must confess...I've been convicted for neglecting this Blog. So many things have happened in my life since my last entry but I know this is something I've been called to do and God WILL see to it that I do. It's bigger than me and I must be held accountable. Lord forgive me.

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The reason I love the above picture is because it reassures me that life is a process. The plan God has for me, and for you, will sometimes involve pain and discomfort. BUT...when you are living in the will of God there is purpose in the process.

 

God builds character in you during the stormy seasons of your life.

 

Think back to the most difficult seasons of your life. Now, think about how that painful and difficult time altered the course of your life and who you are today.

 

The stormy seasons of life ultimately teach us something and are very much part of Gods plan to develop and grow us. Character is not build without some form of pain and or suffering. You have to go through in order to be who God needs you to be according to His will. The pieces of the plan don't always fit together or make sense. But when you reach the true passion and purpose for your life they will fit together just perfectly. In time it will be revealed.

 

Please know...if you continue to trust Him, pray and believe... those difficult times will prove to work out for your good. Even though you can't see it now there is always a blessing waiting on the other end of the storm. I can testify to that.

The most painful season of my life was indeed the work of God. It made me into a better person and for that I have to give praise. Had I not gone through that time of my life I would NOT be where I am today. It was painful, depressing and just too much for me at times but Gods plan was to prosper me and take me to the next level in my life. I am indeed a new creature in Christ. Not without flaw and fault... but my heart was changed and character was developed within me.

 

If you are in that season of your life right now please don't give up and throw in the towel. Hang in there. It's hard. It's painful. But God will show up in your life. Something is being developed within you that needed to be done. It had to be this way. Why? We may never know but God does. That's the hard part. Trusting that He knows what's best even when it seems like NO good can come of the situation. It's scary and trust me I know it's not an easy pill to swallow.

His purpose and plan for your life will prevail over any circumstance or situation you may be facing. Have peace in that fact. This will some how...some way...work out for your good!

 

 

 

Be blessed.

 

 

God is in the Details. Trust His Process!

I had a self discovery moment where I realized my anxiety and stress skyrockets when I am trying to plan out, plot out and control every aspect of my life. Like, when things will happen? How they will work out when the logistics just makes no sense!? How do I position myself to reap my due season? Who? What? Where? When? Why? How!?

 

The details.

 

Then I paused and told myself, "Self, God is in the details. So just keep praying and moving forward."

 

Oftentimes we lose sight of the fact that God Himself is in the details. The small intricate details of our lives and the journey's we have been selected to travel, He cares. When we surrender control over the details of our lives we won't be as stressed, depressed and frustrated. We must simply live in our purpose. Be true to your dreams, goals and aspirations and don't worry about the logistics of how or when they will play out.

 

I try to remind myself that when you live for God and proclaim Him as your Lord and Savior there are three amazing promises that come along with that, Grace, Mercy and Favor!

 

That means:

 Sometimes things may not make sense, the numbers just don't add up, the circumstances seem impossible, the facts say it should not be, Man says it can't happen, your education says you won't qualify, your credit score reads denied, you past says you can't achieve it, your actions say you will be punished, your bank account says you can't afford it, the doctor's say there is no hope.....

BUT GOD!

 

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

 

Trust God with the details and processes of your life. Unlike you, He has a birdseye view of your life. Not just a view of your current moment. Remind yourself that He loves you and He knows exactly where you are and what you're going through. He wouldn't bring you this far to leave you.

 

Faith~Trust~Believe!

 

 

Finish What You Started!

I woke up yesterday, Tuesday morning and flipped through the television channels only to land on one of my favorites, Joyce Meyer Ministries. On Monday night I made the decision to complete my Masters Degree program this Spring. My original plan was to spread it out to three semesters but thought to myself, "I really could finish next semester if I put my mind to it." Joyce Meyer's message was about finishing what you started. Her exact message was "Anyone can start something but it shows character when you finish." God spoke to me loud and clear through that word. I plan to finish what I started. I never equated seeing a plan to the finish with character but it does make sense. Many people have bright ideas, goals, dreams and aspirations placed on their hearts, they start with excitement and so much enthusiasm only to lose drive and never complete what they set out to do. Then the dream dies. A dream deferred. The Holy Spirit instantly brought to my remembrance, "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the Sun....?" 

I wonder how many people would be living the lives they've always wanted to live if they had just finished what they started. I don't believe God plants seeds in us without there being a higher purpose and plan for it. What is that plan? We won't know until due season. But we do know that everything works together for good for those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. 

So, where will this degree program lead me? I have no idea. But I do know I started for a reason and I was divinely placed in it so God must have a plan for it! That's what I place my hope and trust in. I do feel in my heart that in order for me to get to the next level that I've been praying for professionally and financially I need to have it. 

I don't know what led you to this blog but I pray it speaks to you and your current situation. I hope it serves as confirmation for something you've been on the fence about. Finish what you started. Don't give up. There is a purpose for the struggle and sacrifice. God sees and will give you the strength to endure til the end. If it was placed on your heart and on your mind to do....you need to see it to completion. Yes, it may be difficult. Yes, it seems easier to just throw in the towel. But finishing what you started is the gateway to the blessing. Finish in faithfulness. Know that God is with you and will see to it that you have everything you need to complete the task.  

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."

What's meant for YOU...will be!

Sometimes the universe has a way of showing you amazing signs...you just have to be listening. If you listen and you are receptive to things happening around you, clarity and revelation will come. Also, the universe sets into motion a chain of events in order to assure that those things that are meant only for you...find a way to you. Don't believe me? Let me share with you what happened to me yesterday. 

I have purchased a pair of purple Levi chucks back in 2009. I actually wore them for my birthday party that year and I wore them on my wedding day last month (Pause--Happy One Month Anniversary Sweetpea). Purple is my favorite color so these sneakers are special. Well, last year I was cleaning them and didn't realize that the wipe I was using had bleach in it. Needless to say my right shoe has a little but of a discoloration on it from that dang wipe! I was blown but it wasn't that horrible that I couldn't wear them anymore. But still, noticeable enough that I thought about buying a new pair just for the right shoe. 

Fast forward to yesterday. My wife and I did what we often do...Thrift store shopping for what we call "treasures." She went to look at something and I went to my usual sections which is the household items and the vinyl records crate. Suddenly, I looked over in the shoe department and whadda ya know a PAIR OR PURPLE LEVI CHUCKS!!!! Holy crap! I honestly could not make this up! And, they were MY size. 

But wait. It gets better. 

===This is the part you probably won't believe OR it will totally make you a believer in how the universe works===

I messed up my right shoe with the bleach. The pair of shoes at the thrift store had one perfect right shoe and the left shoe was discolored. The cashier told me the left shoe had been washed out by the sun, at the store, because it was in the display window. But she said she put the shoes on the rack in the thrift store anyway. When I told her the story of my shoe and why I was purchasing this pair she said, "GET OUTTA HERE!" lol She even told me to repeat the story to another cashier. lol

I'm sure several people walked right on by the shoes because of that discolored left shoe and the fact that now they no longer matched. Everyone except me. I needed the perfect shoe. The right shoe. Not the left.

You see where I'm going with this?

Those sneakers had my name on them. They were meant for me to see them. The universe knew I needed that shoe. They weren't meant for anyone else. The universe set everything into place long before I knew I would end up at that particular thrift store on yesterday. I got the message loud and clear. What's meant for you...will find its way to you.

Don't look at this as just a pair of shoes. I know I sure don't. This is just one of the many examples of how the universe makes sure you get what's meant for you. You don't have to worry it into place or stress over it. When things don't happen or you don't get what you want just say to yourself with confidence "something else will come my way." Something perfect and tailor-made just for you! This small work of the universe gave me peace with a lot of things. If God gave me something as simple as the "right shoe" I know He will give me everything I need to make it in life. He will also do the same for you. Just trust and listen to the universe along your journey. In your case, it may be a job, house or relationship. Whatever it is...please know that when something is truly meant for you it will be. 

Live~Love~Laugh

Chanel-

Positive Message. Spread it!

I was almost on the verge of quitting blog world. I started this blog because I feel God has allowed me to go through certain things in life to help other people. He allowed me to go through pain, suffering, joy, amazing accomplishments etc...to tell someone else that it DOES get better and everything that happens in your life has purpose. I felt that blogging was an opportunity for me to reach people all over the world in search of a positive word. 

I received an email from someone on my blog roll list asking me to "please remove me from this blog/list." Immediately I could not understand why someone would want to be removed from my blog list when all I've ever tried to do with it was uplift and encourage people. That message made me question if I should even continue with it. I mean, I only send out one blog email per month so it wasn't like I was spamming with several entries every single day! It was disappointing and could have possibly ended what I feel God laid on my heart to do.

But it didn't. 

I know now, it's not about me, it's about Him and He will lead who He wants to this blog.

What I've discovered along this journey is that not everyone will receive the message I bring. Not everyone wants to read just how GREAT God is. Not everyone wants to read week after week or month after month how God has delivered, answered prayers, made a way or healed a loved one. I also had to learn how to not internalize the request of that individual. It's not me that this person wanted to disconnected from...it is the message I bring. Gods message. I know that now. That's not my battle to fight. God will lead the right people to this blog at the precise moment they need it. For bloggers, the most important thing to us is that somehow, someway our words make a difference and it reaches the intended target and in this case that would be YOU!

When you find yourself on the verge of giving up on spreading positivity, encouragement, joy, and uplifting word...don't! There are people who need it. There are people searching the internet right now trying to find a tailor-made word to get them through whatever season they may be in. They need you to keep spreading the word and being obedient. When I was going through a stormy season of my life, it was a blog that helped me get through the day. His words spoke to me and encouraged me to keep on pressing. You never know who will stumble across your blog searching for a word for their moment. Continue to let your words help people.