Posts Tagged ‘relationships’
Just a week ago today was Valentine’s Day and I am still basking in the love and affection shown by my Coach. There is something to be said about simplicity. When you practice loving someone everyday it doesn’t take much to impress them.
Flowers die, teddy bears gather dust, but words of encouragement, sentiment that feel as real as a longing embrace and as sweet as a butterfly kiss across your cheek… are priceless!
TweetThis past Saturday evening my favorite football coach and I decided to take an alternate way back to Brooklyn from church and the City. He is home for a least a month to spend some quality time with me, his family and friends; since the UFL’s 2010 season is over. The absolute gentleman he is, he normally rides with me via my train route to my stop and walks me to my door. However this evening I convinced him that I would be fine if we took his train route home, since my stop is right after his. I knew he was tired and I was attempting to be accommodating and save us some time getting home.
See, this December marks our one year anniversary as a couple officially. We have been friends since high school and reconnected about two years ago. December is also my birthday month, so having him so close is a present / blessing all by itself.
Being the typical New Yorker I am before we entered the train, I took a look at the signage at the token booth to see if there were any scheduling changes. Since none were posted we paid our fares and proceed to go to the platform where our train should arrive to take us home. However when we got there the signage stated that the express trains were running on the local track where we just had come from!
Not getting upset while he allowed me to decide which direction we were going to take and the fact that we just ran down and up two flights of steps, my love told me once again that I was a trip. Then he just proceeds to smile, hug me and tell me he was just glad to be spending this time with me. Talk about cool points!
In the interim of all this we run into one of my new little sisters at church. She and I end up talking for a second. After she and I finish our conversation my love and I finally get on a train heading to Brooklyn. One of his other nicknames for me is social butterfly 
I wonder why? In addition to all this, we had learned we would have to transfer to another train in order to arrive to our destination of Brooklyn. When we arrived at one of the stations on our route he sees an express train and decides we should sprint for it. However, we then hear the overhead announcer telling us that all passengers would have to switch to the train we were just were on to get to the South Ferry, where we would get our free transfer into Brooklyn. So, what do you think we do? If you guessed that the two of us sprint back to our train, giggling all the way, you would have guessed correctly. Truly it was just a pleasure to be there and talk with him.
When we arrived at the South Ferry station, we are then told we have to leave the station and walk one block to the Bowling Green stop. Honestly if I had been by myself walking in that pitch blackness, the outside perimeter of the Bowling Green, I would had been praying for an extra legion of angels to protect me. The signage was horrible and the walkway not well lit. When we arrived at what we thought was the entrance of the station, there was no transit personnel in sight. Some of our fellow passengers used the talk box to get directions to where we had to go to get our free transfer. It turned out to be another block away and across the street!
At the station, my love jokingly says to the station agent that they were not really trying to give us the free transfer. Her response back to him was at least we got some free exercise. At that point I had to remind myself that I was in fact a saved born again Christian. The Coach however, thought he was going to have to hold me back. He didn’t have to though I took control of my emotions After that exchange we proceed to go to our platform and wait for our train to arrive. At that point I did a quiet prayer for seats. My love shook his head at me in disbelief and said he should update his Facebook status to read only the message “She prayed for seats!” He had prayed earlier for our train to arrive in a timely fashion, so my seats prayer was to cover all the bases
Shortly thereafter our train did arrive and it was not but for one stop and I did in fact get my seat 
My love on the other hand who at first laughed at me rode all the way home standing. Who says my Lord does not provide even for the little things like seats! In the end, the train ride was one I will always remember and as you see had to write about. My love even wants to do it again, get lost in the transit system with me on purpose go figure Life is truly a journey, however it’s up to us to decide if its going to be a pleasurable one or one of regret.
He Treats Her Like a Lady
/ / Chapter 2 //
Three years earlier and a week before Valentine’s Day; Alex had just left her house to catch the train to work, when she was hit by a walking vision. A vision that stopped her completely in her tracks and caused her to audibly plead the blood of Jesus over what she saw; praying for the memory of it to be speedily cast from her mind.
A vision of her long-time boyfriend, who she had rekindled three months prior her relationship with; a man who she thought was the love her life in the throes of passion with another man.
See Pierre after relocating from New York to Florida six-months earlier, had taken a job running deliveries for a local chain of night clubs in South Miami. What he had not told her was that one of the clubs owners who was openly gay had been hitting on him and that he had begun to have dreams of accepting his propositions. Propositions of buying him lavish gifts and paying off his debts. Debts he had accumulated after Alex had cut him off financially after changing jobs herself and taking a pay cut to pursue a career in the non-profit sector fulltime.
So, the vision should not have shocked her. The signs had been there throughout their relationship however she cared to ignore that she may have been in a relationship for more than six years with a man that had more secrets than she cared to know. She had thought her ignorance was bliss, but because a growing relationship with God her higher power; all that was in the dark was about to suddenly come to the light.
Alex prayers, “Heavenly Father, let this not be true! I cast down this vision in the mighty name of Jesus and I plead the blood over this situation now, Amen!”
Feeling uneasy for the last few days, she had not heard from Pierre in almost a week and had known he was driving an extended cross country trip from the East Coast to the West Coast on business. His vocation as a truck driver sometimes made it difficult for them to connect, but almost a week was not normal.
After praying she was able to somehow stumble into work, the day seemed to drag. Alex had attempted to text and call Pierre more times than she would care to tell during the day. Finally, when almost everyone had left the office Alex still plugging away at a project hears her phone awaken from its deafening silence. She glances down and sees it’s a text from him. She almost doesn’t want to read it knowing in her heart that it will confirm all her fears, but she does. It reads “Something happened…”
An excerpt from “He Treats Her Like a Lady” a new short story still in the works …
Lela Jefferson, © 2010 All rights reserved.
TweetHe Treats Her Like a Lady
/ / Chapter 1 //
She sits and stares pondering how she could had forgotten how it felt to be treated as she should, like a lady only after so short of a time. He asks her if she is ok, because her face had contorted while she was lost in thought. She tells him she is fine. Her mind had only wandered away for a moment.
She stares down at her left ring finger again and then into his eyes and smiles. Inwardly thanking God for loving her so much to bring him back into her life. And now he has pledged himself to her. She is now his wife. Just a few moments ago they said their vows and sipped from the communion cup, confirming before God and all those that they love to honor and cherish each other for the rest of their lives.
She is now Mrs. Alexia Uhuru St. Claire, married to the man of her dreams and her prayers. It all quickly comes back to her as she comes out of her daze; they are seated at the bride and groom’s table at their wedding reception. Family and friends are hitting their champagne flutes, giving the ceremonial signal that they would like to see the newlyweds kiss. Her husband, wow it still sounds weird even in her own head to comprehend that Charles is now her husband. He leans towards her and kisses her softly on the lips. He pulls away just a bit and lingers just before moving to her ear to mouth the words “I love you”. Alexia, sighs again before saying the same to him.
An excerpt from “He Treats Her Like a Lady” a new short story still in the works …
Lela Jefferson, © 2010 All rights reserved.
TweetProverbs 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 31st, 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
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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 Going Deeper – Day Thirteen
7) Write Jesus a letter beginning with “Lord, I know you love me because…,” and list the ways he has shown his great love for you.
Lord, I know you love me because you gave your life as a living sacrifice for me. You taught through your example to others that even though it is over two thousand years later I am still gleaning from your wisdom! You left me the greatest comforter, the Holy Spirit to be my daily guide. Even though you have been redeemed and have returned to sit at the father’s side you STILL intercede on my behalf ceaselessly. With the simple calling of your name and my belief in your word, your only answer to me is always YES!
There is SO much that I can list about how you have shown your great love to me, but the greatest is that you called me yours before I even knew how to utter your name. Each day I fall more and more in love with you as we grow more intimate with each other. All I want to do is serve you and your people. I know through my willing servitude and swift obedience to your voice, I show you my love, trust and respect in return.
To be continued… I welcome your comments!
The previous article can be found here.
Lela Jefferson – http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
TweetI 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 Going Deeper – Day Twelve
6) Read Psalm 103. List at least five of the many ways God shows his love for us. (If you are struggling to know the Father’s love, consider memorizing this chapter so you won’t forget “all his benefits.”)
The benefits that stand out for me are as follows, the complete chapter follows my highlights:
- God forgives us of ALL our generational sins (iniquities) and he heals us of ALL our diseases (things that don’t put us at ease.)
- God redeems our lives from evil and makes them beautiful, dignified with his loving-kindness for his sake with tender mercy.
- Through our confessions he renews our youth like that of an eagle.
- God does not hold grudges.
- He removes transgressions from our lives.
Psalm 103 (Amplified Bible)
Psalm 103
[A Psalm] of David.
1BLESS (AFFECTIONATELY, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!
2Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits–
3Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,
4Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;
5Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]!(A)
6The Lord executes righteousness and justice [not for me only, but] for all who are oppressed.
7He made known His ways [of righteousness and justice] to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
8The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness.(B)
9He will not always chide or be contending, neither will He keep His anger forever or hold a grudge.
10He has not dealt with us after our sins nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him.
12As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].
14For He knows our frame, He [earnestly] remembers and imprints [on His heart] that we are dust.
15As for man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16For the wind passes over it and it is gone, and its place shall know it no more.
17But the mercy and loving-kindness of the Lord are from everlasting to everlasting upon those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, and His righteousness is to children’s children–(C)
18To such as keep His covenant [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it] and to those who [earnestly] remember His commandments to do them [imprinting them on their hearts].
19The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.
20Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word.
21Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, all you His hosts, you His ministers who do His pleasure.
22Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion; bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul!
Cross references:
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation
To be continued… I welcome your comments!
The previous article can be found here.
Lela Jefferson – http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
TweetI recently finished reading having a Mary Heart in a Martha World – Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life by Joanna Weaver. A book I now highly recommend for all women, young and old to read. For the next 12 weeks, I plan to share my findings as I journey through the accompanying Bible Study Mrs. Weaver placed at the end of the book.
Going Deeper – Day Five
6) Have you seen God’s work for transformation in your own life or some else’s? How did you know it was a “holy makeover” and not a just a temporary “facelift”?
I have definitely seen God’s transforming love work in my own life as of late. As I strive to get more intimate with him, he shows me time and time again how much he really loves me. My relationship with Abba Father truly is a daughter-father one. I am learning each day how much he wants the best for me as well. How by accepting him as my Abba Father that there is a set of standards of my own behavior, how I look and act, the people that I fellowship with, where I fellowship and the words I allow to precede out my mouth, my attitude EVERYTHING has to line up with his WORD and his instructions for me. If I even THINK of deviating, I now get roadblocks and warning signs clear as a bell from people, places, things and more times lately than ever prophetically from the pulpit at church! It like he is saying…”I am warning you. Giving you a fair amount of time to make the right decision, so if something happens you have no reason to be upset with me. You will know, clearly know where the fault lays and what you need to do in the future to prevent that blessing blocker from even appearing.” In return, my answer now is ‘Yes, sir and amen!”
Temporary facelift!?!?! Ha, definitely not. Once you are in covenant with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, it is for life even if YOU think is conditional. In relation to the World’s thinking it is like the mafia. God is all inclusive; he doesn’t do anything half stepped. To be quite honest I would rather submit and be protected by his shadow (reference Psalm 91); then disobey and be heavenly corrected. I have already experienced a few heavenly corrections in my lifetime, and though I felt his presence embracing me and loving me all the while. The sting is still there to remind me and the process to get back on my original course could have been avoided if I had just listened, submitted and obeyed in the first place.
To be continued…
The previous article can be found here.
Lela Jefferson – http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
TweetI recently finished reading having a Mary Heart in a Martha World – Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life by Joanna Weaver. A book I now highly recommend for all women, young and old to read. For the next 12 weeks, I plan to share my findings as I journey through the accompanying Bible Study Mrs. Weaver placed at the end of the book.
Going Deeper – Day Two
3) Read Luke 10:38-42. List two things you learn about Martha in this passage and at least two things you learn about Mary. How would you sum up Martha in one word? How would you sum up Mary?
Luke 10:38-42 (King James Version)
38Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.
41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
The two things I learned about Martha in this passage is that one she had the wisdom to welcome Jesus into her home and to treat him as an honored guest. The second is that she really did not seem to enjoy life, she had many concerns. However, they did not seem to be anything of substance. I have to add a third she seemed to operate on automatic. Martha, did not wait for instruction before busying herself. Nowhere in this passage of scripture do we see her asking Jesus what he would prefer instead it seems as if she chastised / questioned him for encouraging Mary not to help her.
Now Mary, on the other hand, is shown to have the good sense one not to open her mouth to speak before listening. Secondly she had the wisdom to sit herself at the feet of Jesus to hear his instruction.
If I was to use one word to describe Martha it would be “Driven”.
If I was to use one word to describe Mary it would be “Purposeful”.
To be continued…
The previous article can be found here.
Lela Jefferson – http://www.memoirsofablackgirl.com
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The Writings and Experiences of Lela Jefferson.