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-

Moving Past Your Fears!

So many people are living limited and joy-less lives because of their fears. I love the above picture because that's exactly what we do... FEED fears! We reach back into our past and dig up old situations that help our fears to grow. We search the internet for Dr.Google to further intensify our fears. We seek the counsel of those people who will not hesitate to "keep it real" with us by offering worse case scenario's to our fears. Fear is a crippling spirit. It limits us, it depresses us and nothing good ever comes from it. Period.

We will all feel fear in our lives but we don't have to let it keep us from living fully in each moment we are blessed to have. It's okay to acknowledge that you are afraid and to be open about the things you fear but it's NOT okay to let that spirit overtake you. God has not given us the spirit of fear. He has given us the promises of a sound, stable and peaceful mind if we keep our thoughts rooted in His word. 

The tricky thing about fear is that it almost always brings along its trusty pals... worry, doubt, sadness, anxiety and panic. When we fear something we worry about it. We allow it to consume our thoughts and emotions. We begin to doubt IF things will work out. We begin to be sad and our emotional state is altered. We then kick into high gear trying to figure our how things will work out...what we can do to solve it and then anxiety and panic takes us over the top! 

 As you can see, our fears have the ability to totally take our eyes and minds off our center. Fear also negatively impacts your health. 

Oftentimes we stress and worry about things in the future. We paint elaborate events in our minds about how situations will play out. And it's almost always negative. We kill our own spirits with these horrible and dreadful endings! 

Instead of living engulfed by whatever it is that you fear give it to God. Surrender the situation or problem over to the one who is in control. Instead of making yourself sick and living everyday worrying about things turn it over to a God that is and always has been in control. Be at peace knowing that He is better able to handle things and knows exactly how it will all play out in the end. Don't fear or worry about what tomorrow may or may not hold. Live in this very moment enjoying life. 

Pray, seek peace and have full confidence in God's ability to lead and direct. 

"If you're going to worry, Don't Pray. And if you've prayed, don't worry. God's got you!"

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.  

Updates and such.....

It's been way too long ...but a much needed and necessary break from blog world.

Where do I start....well, first and foremost I thank God for guiding me through these past few months with clarity and peace. I had to step back from blogging to keep my head clear and focus where it needed to be. I had to concentrate on those areas of my own life that God was dealing with and that meant I had to clear my space spiritually, emotionally and physically in order for that to happen. Time has been moving SO fast and by the end of my day all I had the desire to do was get some rest! So, for all the phone calls I couldn't answer, emails I never got around to replying to, text messages that went unanswered PLEASE charge it to my head and not my heart. 

Wedding: 

SEVEN Days! One week. NEXT Friday!!.....I will be saying "I do" to thee most amazing woman everrrrr! She has been such a blessing to not only my life but so many others. I really can't believe it's actually happening! I'm thankful for every failed relationship, disappointment, heartbreak, tough life lesson and experience that has prepared ME to be the person I am. It was in those situations that I can now see I was being tested, molded and crafted to receive the blessing I had been praying for. A life partner. When I initially started praying for someone I could spend forever with, I wasn't ready. But with the words I released from my mouth to God's ears... He would prepare me. He used so many situations and people to humble me, teach me and test me...to see if I was ready for what I prayed for. I can now say by faith, I passed! And next Friday, July 20th my obedience and faithfulness to HIM...will be rewarded when I marry the one person that I am so blessed to have in my life.

Blessings:

Just over a month ago, I formed a small intimate prayer group for something Nicole and I laid before God. After trying so long to obtain it on our own, I knew we had to take everything up a notch. Spiritually.We had done all we could humanly do and....nothing. I sent an "I need you all praying like you've never prayed before" text out and within minutes they were ON it! For a week straight we all stayed in constant prayer and believed it would come to be. I never doubted. I never wavered in my faith. I knew the power of prayer and that's all I could lean on. After that week...the group continued to lift us up. Saying our names and lifting up a very specific prayer. You cannot tell me there is no God because on 07-07-12...that prayer was answered! There is no other explanation. No other justification. It HAD to be God. I LOVE when He does that! I just want to thank those folks for their unselfish prayers on our behalf. No words could ever explain how grateful we are for you and we in turn pray for YOU. 

So, I probably won't do another entry until after I am officially hitched! *smile* I am looking forward to a much needed honeymoon and relaxation! I really appreciate each and everyone of you reading this blog. I know it wasn't my "normal" kinda entry but if you only take one thing from this one PLEASE let it be....Prayer works! And, everything you may be going through at this moment may seem like it's leading nowhere, but I am living proof how your "nowhere" seasons in life can be the perfect set up for ALL of your hearts desires coming to be.

Love you all.

Chanel-

"The Devil Made Me Do It"

"The Devil Made Me Do It"

I pray everyone is in the best health and spirits. I also hope that you're still being mindful of paying it forward and #Love365. A little bit of genuine niceness goes such a long way.

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I laughed when I came across this picture because A. I wasn't even born (I don't think) when Flip Wilson was at his antics and B. It SO applies to this blog in some respects.

I've found that we give the devil way too much credit. Well, let me speak for myself... When things are going wrong, or not the way I want them to, when everything seems to be falling down around me, when all hell just seems to be breaking loose...I say, "The devil is just SO busy!" I think culturally we have been programmed to think that when things are not going according to plan or when "bad things" are happening OR "good things" are not happening (that's a whole nother' blog) we immediately give credit to the devil. Sometimes, there are evil forces at play and the devil IS busy but sometimes it has nothing to do with him at all. 

What life has taught me is that sometimes God allows things to happen or not happen to build us. To make us. To shape us. Lessons that come in the form of tests, trials, frustrating predicaments, heartbreak and loss. He allows our finances, health, relationships, children, homes etc to come under attack not to destroy us but to teach us something. And trust me, He KNOWS exactly what to use to get your attention. I've learned some of my greatest lessons during seasons where I thought the devil was surely out to get me! But it turned out not to be the devil...but God shaping, molding and developing my character. I know this because the end results were positive, wonderful and morphed me into the person I am today. I'm far from perfect and I have situations going on in my life at THIS moment where I'm only standing because of my faith but I know that God is with me so I have to press and not lose focus. 

There may be something that is going on in your life right now where you feel like you are under attack. There may be situations that make you question is God even with you. Life may have dealt you some blows that have you feeling like you are the devil's target and you are growing weak. To that I say...maybe, but...it also may be God trying to bless you with something amazing and you have to go through whatever you're going through to be ready for it when it comes. This season may just be your conditioning for your blessing. Through it all you have to pray and be mindful that the rain doesn't last forever. The devil doesn't have reign over your life so stop giving him credit! Stand firm, keep the faith and feel special that God is trusting you to pass this test. 

Have a Super week!

Chanel-

Transparency Series #2

(One picture from our Engagement Photo Shoot! #Shoutout to Marsalis Images)

Updates:

School - Since my last transparency blog I did drop the one late class. It was just too much for me and it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders not having to be in class until 11pm. I am doing very well in the Urban Crime Patterns class and I hope to pull out an A. I have also registered for the Fall semester (although I said I was going to drop out) lol. I mean, the way I see it I will just keep on until either I'm done or life happens and I just don't go anymore. Either way I'm okay with it. So...school stuff is smooth and no complaints in that department.

Career - I REALLY need ya'll praying for a position I am applying for. It would be the BEST Job ever at this juncture of my life. I honestly think the job was created JUST for me. I made a few calls, sent out my info and all I can do now is pray that everything falls into the right hands! I'm trying not to think about it too much because I know it will drive me nuts! Let's just say it would be an awesome opportunity. God knows what I need and what my passion is so I have no doubt that IF it's meant for me...all of the things that need to come with it will be. So I release it into the universe. It's gonna be weird leaving the Forensics Field. But I know the time has come. I'm no longer driven or passionate about what I do. I DO what I'm supposed to do but I'm just not challenged nor am I excited about it anymore. I've been feeling this way for about 2 years now. I have actively been looking for another job for about that long as well so prayerfully my TIME has come! Please take a few moments to send some UP for MY new job!! *I'm speaking as though it already is!!*

Love -  Me and my other half are doing wonderful! It's such a blessing. We will have our last marriage counseling session at the end of May. We started back in August. It has really been a rewarding experience for us. I have actually enjoyed it. We both have. We went into this very serious and in agreement that we would not take the next step forward without completing counseling. Besides, I HAD to lock it down...nobody is going to cook for me EVERY night, pack my lunch EVERY day, Count my calories for me, LOVE family structure the way I do, let me be an individual, put up with my antics AND share my same sense of humor like her! Ha! We will keep our therapist info on standby and schedule appointments as needed in the future but for now we are done! The Big day is quickly approaching, 07/20! *save the dates will go out next week so if you get the special telegram....you're on the list~* If not, please know that in order to stay within our budget we HAD to make some tough calls as to who we could invite. It's going to be very small and intimate with 50 guests. We are very excited about EVERYTHING that's going on in our lives now and all I can say is having Christ as the center and foundation of your relationship makes ALL the difference. 

Friends - I love ya'll so much! I honestly don't know how I would keep my sanity with out my Ace's aka Stunts and Sold out Shows crew. lol There is nothing like a balanced life with true and genuine friends you can always count on. I am so grateful for each of you. Even with all your antics and foolishness! lol I know I tell ya'll all the time but I just wanted a special place in this blog for YOU.

That's all for now............

Have a GREAT week!

Chanel-