Posts Tagged ‘decision making’

Do you remember the song…”Whip Appeal” by Babyface?   Yes, I am dating myself.  However, I was thinking about it tonight while I was mediating on my scriptures for the day Joshua 5:2, Romans 2:29 and Colossians 2:11 all in which talk about circumcision first of the body and then the subconscious mind otherwise known as our hearts.

If you can follow my train of thinking the Word of God has “Whip Appeal”.  Once you begin to really dig your heels into it, it whips everything that does not line up to it right out of you!  You begin to desire it more and after awhile don’t mind that it is whipping the fleshy things right on out.

In truth true freedom begins first in your mind.  Once your mind is renewed… the flesh has no other choice but to submit.

August 8^th, 2010 – Yesterday, in preparing to go to my church’s general service, I decided to have as my traveling music Byron Cage’s “Faithful to Believe” album. When I arrived on location the song that was pumping through my ear phones was “I Can’t Hold it”; a song that gets me every time in the mood to praise.  After attending a meeting I proceeded to go downstairs to visit with one of my friends in another volunteer department (I serve in the Music Ministry.)  I opted for the elevator versus the stairs.  Two of my friends one an armor bearer for my pastors and another a pastor’s aide waited with me.  When the elevator arrived we were greeted by another one of my friends that is an armor bearer and unknown gentleman.

My friend who is an aide seeing the unknown gentleman assumed he was new armor bearer / vision keeper in training.  She proceeded to confirm this by asking the question if in fact he was.  His response “Yes, I am dedicating my life to Christ today.” The elevator then stopped and he got off.  We all looked at each other for a second in slight confusion.  My friend the aide stated “He must have not understood the question.”  My response was I believe he did.  He was stating what he believed was keeping the vision.  He was dedicating his life to the Lord.

We at that moment arrived at our own floor and all parted ways; I to visit my friend and them to go to their individuals assignments.   When I found my friend, her department members and she were preparing to pray and meet.  I decided to join them in for the prayer.  After the prayer I went upstairs to report to my own department officially and proceeded to do my pre-service duties.  Praise and worship was extra anointed that night and my lady pastor, Taffi L. Dollar really urged us in her opening encouragements to bask in the presence of God a bit longer.

The message itself was excellent and as always an on time one.  When she called for the altar call for those that wanted to get saved, rededicate their lives to Christ, received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (with the evidence of speaking with tongues) or join the church she also instructed us as is customary to ask our neighbors the same four questions.  Low and behold the unknown gentleman who was on the elevator with me earlier was sitting in the next row.

I knew that was a sign from God that he wanted me to be the one to ask him personally if he had made a quality decision.  At that moment I turned around and asked, he resoundingly said yes and confirmed that he wanted me to walk him down.  He and I were the first ones to arrive at the altar that evening.  I was so much in a state of utter joy that when I went to go back to my seat, I first went to the wrong row.  After laughing at myself I walked to the correct one and just began to thank God for gentleman making a quality decision and for allowing me to assist him.

True tears of joy just began to fall from my eyes.  An older woman, who I know only by casual fellowshipping, tapped me on the shoulder to hug me.  I was so much on a spiritual high that I just could not almost contain myself; I think I gave her an extra squeeze.  During my trip home I felt as I was floating on cloud nine.  I continued to thank God for bring the gentleman, to my attention and using me to be his escort to the altar.

It’s just amazing how simply by paying attention to your surroundings, not questioning and obeying the voice of the Holy Spirit and doing an act of service can bless you right back in return.  It is almost 24 hours later and I am still on a spiritual high.   I served again this morning at satellite church and was taken out of my comfort zone.  I was asked to sing lead for the last song of the worship set and to minister the altar call song.  In the natural I made a few errors (early start on a song because I was lost in the spirit), however I had said “Ok, I will do it, Lord.”  And he yet again showed out…more souls came to the kingdom!

I believe last night in a sense I to rededicated my life back Lord; and I will continue to give him the glory for each opportunity he presents to me.

Friday July 2^nd, 2010 – I woke up this morning with a new spring in my step.  Today, I am Houston, TX bound for the first time.  I am spending July 4^th weekend with my sweetie and his family.  I packed the night before while being coached (over the phone) by a professional, my sweetie coaches, football.  As he stated, his major boyfriend duty was to make sure I went to bed with enough time to not be cranky in the morning.  Mission accomplished.

Leaving for work, I said my goodbyes to my pets.  My plan was to head for the airport after work.  Auston my dog I could tell sensed I was leaving.  He stayed even closer to me and gave me those sad puppy dog eyes that normally melt my heart.  My cat Tigger on the other hand was more concerned about his next meal.

I was so excited about the day.  I arrived almost 45 minutes early into the office.   This will be my sweetie and my second away trip, as a couple and once again outside of me booking my flights he is planning our entire itinerary. See, for the average person this would not seem to be a big deal.  However for me, there is never anything average.  Professionally I assisted in and planned complex events that hosted from less than 10 or more VIPs to thousands of attendees weekly.  From the venue selection, to the vendors and fine tuning of the guest list, so me having the faith in and ability to trust him completely in the planning of our trips activities, once again tells  and speaks volumes.

With arriving to work early I had time to check in with my sweetie and my sister-friends.  After which, I began tracking the weather conditions out of Houston and my flight.  Well, what I thought was my flight. It turns out I was tracking the wrong flight all day!  However I will get into how I found out about that later.  I didn’t get upset however when I saw that there were delays due to extreme weather conditions (Thunderstorms and flash flooding.)  I just began praying for the passengers and flight crew.  I giggled with my co-workers saying I would be able to finish a book or get some writing done while I waited for my flight to arrive.  Little did I know my attitude through the entire ordeal would be a testimony in it self.

When I got off from work I had two options from Penn Station to get to the JFK connector station; the subway or the LIRR.  I decided after getting some sage advice from a co-worker to not take the LIRR.  Instead I took the less crowded and less expensive E train (subway) to catch the AirTrain to JFK International Airport, NY Mass Transit’s greener alternative to get the world famous portal to the world.  My total commuter cost to JFK was $7.50 ($2.50 for the subway and $5.00 for the AirTrain fare.)

Walking to the E train, talk about perfect timing the train arrived just as I was going through the turnstile.  The complete ride was an experience.  After only one stop I was able to get a seat.  By that one stop I knew for a fact that I was on a train with a host of characters.  From the African American young man dressed as Edward Scissorhands with his reflecting contacts, sporting two cell phones, to the little Hispanic girl that instinctively used my shoulder as a pillow; I told her mother I didn’t mind.   As a child I remember doing the same thing myself while on long train ride J

When I arrived to my destination Supthin Blvd; I was already pumped because I knew I would have some stories to write about.  Getting on the AirTrain I checked “my flight” again.  The report was showing the plane was getting ready to taxi leaving Houston for New York.  I called my sweetie who was picking me up from airport to tell him the status and he was still shocked at how calm I was and the fact I was giggling, though it looked there was almost 4 hour delay.  I was just really enjoying myself.  The AirTrain takes you for a full loop around JFK and I was taking in the beauty of the airport and its terminals.

When I reached my terminal, I again found joy just ridding the moving walkway.  The inner kid in me wanted to ride it again on the opposite side.  I didn’t though.  I took a picture at the top of the escalator before going into check in and when I got my boarding pass was kind of shocked to see my ticket said my flight was leaving on time.  The funny thing is that actually ignored it and checked my bag, however was led to look up at the flight board and back at my boarding pass and was pleasantly surprised to see my flight was leaving on time.  I had arrived to the airport within 90 minutes of departure.  My exact words were “Glory to God!”

After calling my sweetie to give him the update and my sister-friends, I sat back and marveled at God.  Though I had made the error in tracking the wrong flight, he still showed me favor.  My entire flight was wonderfully smooth.  I know that is a testimony to how I maintained my attitude and through the power of prayer done by my intercessors.  The flight time was cut from 3 hours and 50 minutes to just 2 hours and a half.  I arrived in Houston almost an entire hour early.

This past Sunday, I was called in to worship as an alternate singer at one of satellite church’s my local church supports. I woke up that morning with a pressure headache that made me want to stay home.

I had planned out my trip ahead of time, but the train I was to take was pulled from the schedule. During the Praise and Worship section of service I felt actually at some points I was going to fall out.

BUT and yes I do know but cancels out all that I just said. I rejoiced all the way through the pressure. My point in all this is to say…many times we allowed the pressures of our days to move us from our God given purposes.

More and more I am learning how to take my SELF out of the way so HE meaning God can use me the way he intended to.

My job is just to obey, and when I am not sure maintain an attitude of gratitude and praise.

My question to you this morning is… Are you rejoicing through the pressure? Or are you staying in your Sinai Dessert only a praise away from your destiny?

Destiny is not a destination its a journey to be enjoyed!

1 Samuel 15:23 AMPILIFIED – For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim (household good luck images). Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.

Has this ever happened to you?  So God has been speaking to you about doing something.  Yet you have been shookin’ and divin’.  Telling HIM, not right now… you are not ready to do IT; making excuses for why you are not obeying…

Hmmm… but then you are confronted again with IT.  Folks have been talking about IT indirectly to you… The songs you listen to on the radio, the programs you watch on TV all refer in some way about or to IT.  Your Pastor is led suddenly to teach on IT at church.  It seems as if you can’t avoid IT.

While all along in your quiet time you have asking God to speak to you… However, what IT is, is not what you want to do, right? So you have been ignoring the very thing that is going to be the key to your breakthrough.

So my question to you is… Has God been trying to tell you something?  If so, just say yes and do IT already!

Lela Jefferson, © 2010 All rights reserved.

– www.memoirsofablackgirl.com

I read having a Mary Heart in a Martha World – Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life by Joanna Weaver over the summer.  A book I now highly recommend for all women, young and old to read.  I have been actually sharing my findings as I journey through the accompanying Bible Study Mrs. Weaver placed at the end of the book on my blogs.  Here is the latest question I studied out and gave commentary on.

Questions for Discussion or Reflection – Day Fifteen

2) According to Dr. Edward Hallowell, over half of us are chronic worriers.  Which of the ten signs of a big worrier on page 33 do you struggle with?  How do worry and anxiety spill over into your daily life and affect your behavior? Your physical health?

Ten Signs of a Big Worrier

Is worrying a problem in your life? Dr. Hallowell says it might be if these worry signs are true about you:

1)      You find you spend much more time in useless non constructive worry than other people you know.

2)      People around you comment on how much of a worrier you are.

3)      You feel that it is bad luck or tempting fate not to worry.

4)      Worry interferes with your work – you miss opportunities, fail to make decisions, perform at lower than optimal level.

5)      Worry interferes with your close relationships – your spouse and/or friends sometimes complain that your worrying is a drain on their energy and patience.

6)      You know that many of your worries are unrealistic or exaggerated, yet you cannot seem to control them.

7)      Sometimes you feel overwhelmed by worry and even experience physical symptoms such as rapid breathing, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or trembling.

8)      You feel a chronic need for reassurance even when everything is fine.

9)      You feel an exaggerated fear of certain situations that other people seem to handle with little difficulty.

10)   Your parents or grandparents were known as great worriers, or they suffered from an anxiety disorder.

Search me O God and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting – Psalm 139:23 – 24

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Personally I believe all of us have some areas and have had times in our lives where we have worried over people, places or things that we should had turned over to God.   I know for me, I have a tendency to either over analyze a thing or want something to be so prefect that I fail to even start on a project I know. I should be doing.  Praise God, he is helping me in that area by bringing the right people and influences across my path and I am willing enough to accept their counsel vs. being offend by it.

2009’s I speak by faith and see by my actions strongholds are not being carried over into this New Year.  Missed blessings or opportunities are not an option.  I have cleaned out my inner ear to hear more clearly from God.  In turn, I have begun the process of removing the waxes sort of speak of distractions, either externally or internally created.

To be continued… I welcome your comments!

The previous article can be found here.

Lela Jefferson – http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com

Proverbs 18:16 (Amplified Bible) ¹⁶A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.

It has been a good challenge for me to decide what would be the first topic; I would blog about this year.  A lot has happen since my last posting.  I celebrated a birthday my 31^st, I began working in a new industry health care administration and officially graduated to the status of courtship with a man of valor; a friend I have known since my girlhood.

With all these new developments and responsibilities I had to begin the process of evaluating my priorities again.   Judge myself and see if the last things God told me to do, if I was still doing them with the same level of passion I had when they were first dropped in my spirit.  Or had I allowed other things to distract me from accomplishing my assignments.  Basically I asked myself have I been a faithful steward.

In short in some areas being very transparent, I have not been consistent.  The word consistency is defined by Webster to mean “1 a archaic: condition of adhering together: firmness of material substance b: firmness of constitution or character”.  Ironically, one of the points my Pastor taught during our Watch Night / New Year’s Eve service was in fact the importance of being consistent.  He let us know that his year having a steadfast mind will be one of the perquisites for obtaining the fullness of the blessing (the empowerment to prosper.)

Looking back at the last 12 months and at my I WILL statements for 2009, I can say I believe I have made good progress in areas such as being a better steward over my relationships with others professionally, personally and spiritually.  I have become more pliable and fearless out of necessity and a true desire to want to change my life for the better.

2009 was a year where God began pruning me.  I was like a tree with unruly branches that were bearing fruits of selfishness, a short temper and just plain fleshy behavior.   I had to go back to the basics in making sure I was getting in enough word and fellowship time with God (prayer) to balance any worldly attacks.  I had to humble myself and repent to those I may have hurt emotionally through the neglecting of their needs in my pursuit to guard myself from new hurts.  In short I had to get honest with myself and God.

So as I embark on this New Year 2010, the one question that I continue to replay in my head and I know I must answer is… “What was the last thing God told me to do?”

I am sure and I know that there will continue to be more pruning by God as he prepares me for the next phase.  He is preparing me to walk out my destiny in fulfill his ultimate purpose.

I DARE YOU… To begin to ask yourself similarly the question, WHAT WAS THE LAST THING GOD TOLD ME TO DO?  AM I STILL CONSISTENT IN FULFILLING IT? You may be surprised by the answer you receive back.

If you liked this feature and would like to share your own dreams, leave your comments now.

Lela Jefferson

http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com

I will pass the test of walking in love even in the midst of hurt feelings.  I know that I am accepted by my Abba Father and am the righteousness of God.

If I must boldly stand apart and embark on things unknown, I know my faith in the covenant promises will be more than enough to sustain me.

I will see God’s will done through my life of bond servitude and my inheritance.  Know this…I regret nothing, nor do I desire to go back through doors that have been clearly shut.

Lela Jefferson

- http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com

I have been studying the book of Ruth from the Old Testament for the last month and a half.  Not for the usual reasons.  Women are generally told to learn of and study Ruth’s life in preparation of meeting their own Boaz or future mate.  I understand that as a single born again Christian woman, Jesus is my Boaz till I marry.  So, anything I do now in “preparation” is really maintaining and improving when it comes to OUR relationship together.

The character I have been drawn to is Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi (from her first marriage) and her development throughout the book…from being a bitter and discouraged woman that mourned the loss of her husband and her two sons…to becoming a helpful, selfless, wise and mature woman, who was finally restored and redeemed beyond measure…

In my own life I have had to put aside feelings of rejection, failure, disappointment, betrayal, mistrust, doubt and a host of others in order to not close my eyes and heart to visions of God’s will for my life.  During this last year for example the roots of my character have been examined, tested and still are as I have begun the process of executing / birthing visions.  I am not the same person I was a year ago and I know it is all for the better.

What inspired me to begin this study of Ruth was as I was coming home from a powerful rehearsal session of the volunteer / seed sowing ministry I serve in Music (at my church), the Lord through the Holy Spirit pressed on my heart to begin reading.  Since I joined my church now over 5 years ago, I have made it my business to always have in my bag a Bible translation.  So when prompted, I didn’t question why I was being led, I just began to read.

What has surprised me the most is the fact that I do not know how I could had (in the past) overlooked the importance of Naomi’s role in the story’s back drop.  It was Naomi’s son whom Ruth was first married to.  It was Naomi’s homeland of Bethlehem where Ruth is introduced to Boaz and it was Naomi who advised Ruth in all she should do to prepare for Boaz.  It was Naomi in the end of the book that becomes nurse to Ruth and Boaz son O’bed who would one day be the paternal grandfather to King David.

Naomi was able to do this because her heart began to be changed through service and obedience she received from Ruth.   Slowly her attitude became one of gratitude.  So, like many great preparers of other biblical characters before and after her, Jethro (Moses’s father-in-law) Samuel (prophet and appointed  kings), Mordecai (uncle and adviser of Queen Esther) she was used by God in such a way that has affected generations.

That part of her testimony is one that I want to one day also be remembered for…

Lela Jefferson

www.memoirsofablackgirl.com

So… in thinking about what was going to be my 1^st blog topic today, led me to think about both my pastors (Dr. Creflo A. and Taffi L. Dollar) recent teachings on the faith of what an AUTHENTIC Christian should be and its co-relation to a tweet quote I read sent by John C. Maxwell in regards to Integrity.  ”Integrity is the glue that keeps our way of life together.  We must strive to keep our integrity intact. – Billy Graham”

From Webster:

Main Entry: in·teg·ri·ty

Pronunciation: \in-ˈte-grə-tē\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English integrite, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French integrité, from Latin integritat-, integritas, from integr-, integer entire

Date: 14th century

1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility
2 : an unimpaired condition : soundness
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness

synonyms see honesty

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To me what it means to be an AUTHENTIC Christian is to do what Jesus would have done.  To have compassion, have a strong sense of integrity, have temperance (and all the other fruits of the spirit) be able to correct and be corrected (teachable) with love, and a willing to lay your life down for the Abba Father.

One of my attitude adjustment plan steps is to work on correcting one challenging thing about myself one day at a time.  So that what I want to be projected about my character lines up with the WORD and is pleasing to God.  In order to do this I know that I need to know what God says about me, have a teachable spirit, be able to hear the voice of God and be willing to obey it immediately.  By doing this I am developing what I like to call the “Self Correcting Spirit”.  Knowing when something is wrong (does not line up to God’s word) and being able to correct my actions and words before they become habits.

Today I am reviewing my INTEGRITY.  What aspect of your character will you be reviewing / working on correcting today?

Lela Jefferson – www.memoirsofablackgirl.com