What I’ve realized recently is that everything that I want for my life–my goals, dreams, etc.–can and most likely will happen…all in good time. There is a method to the madness of the universe, and we just have to work with it instead of against it. Bouncing around my apartment the other day, brainstorming ideas for a few of the business ventures I have going on, I looked at my vision board and saw all the pictures of my future goals and dreams; and the notion of things happening in their own time really hit home for me.  As I talked out the ideas buzzing around my head, taking in these pictures in front of me, I began to see a possible natural progression of my life into the life I wish for my future. I realized that by starting where I am NOW I’ll learn all, if not more than I need to know in order to make goals A-Z happen. My present prepares me for goal X, which prepares me for goal C, which prepares me for goal M, and so forth and so on. Ya feel me?

The basic gist is…live your life for NOW, not for the future; because the future is only a result the work you’re doing now; and furthermore, when you get to the future, it’ll be “now” anyway. So you might as well just always live for now! Right? LOL. It’s so easy for us to get caught up in thinking about where we want to be and what we want to do; all the while neglecting to notice that what we’re involving ourselves in at this very moment is both practice and preparation for all the things we want to accomplish in the future. If we put everything we’ve got into the great work we’re doing at this moment in our lives, then the things we want will just find us, by way of the natural progression of purpose, our faith, and the law of attraction.

Aahhaaa!!!

It felt really great to connect with that realization. It was as if much of my worry about the future just went away. I know my dreams will come true…they’ve been planted in me (by God) for a reason. And they WILL come to pass all in good time. I (and you) just gotta remember that all the great work I’m doing now is not separate from the work  and the life of my dreams; but in reality, it’s just the first steps to making it all come to life…just as it’s supposed to…in it’s own time…when, and as I become ready for it!

Within all this growth and contentment, I am most excited about the fact that, for the first time, God and I are on the same page, walking hand-in-hand. Walking down the road of my adult life, I’ve felt like God has always been a bazillion paces ahead of me, waiting for me to get my shit together and catch up with him. True, he’s always way beyond where I am as a human being, but I feel like I’ve finally stepped up to the challenge of living a life of hard work, value, integrity, and love, and he’s met me where I am, grabbed my hand and said, “ok…let’s do this!”

It started about a month ago, at a meeting for my prayer group, Touch & Agree. I was in a somber mood, and was having a bit of a pitty party about the lack of direction my life had at the moment. My sister in Christ, Tiffany, suggested that I set a reminder for myself to, every hour, take a moment to say, “Lord, I thank you and I trust you!” I followed her advice, and began giving thanks at one minute after the hour, for every hour I’m awake. At first, it felt like I was saying it, not for nothing, but really, just ‘cuz. But after a few days I really started feeling the words I was saying: “Lord, I thank you and I trust you!” Looking at my life– where I’ve come from and where I am– I began to really believe the words I was saying. Within a few days things just started happening. Little things that just made my day and, subsequently, my life a bit better. The train would arrive in the station just as I got to the platform; the worries of life were less stressful; I started running into and hanging out with friends I hadn’t seen in a long time; my money started to look right; I started (really) writing again; and business ideas began tapping me on my shoulder, like, “I hear you wanna make a name for yourself. Well, try me…I’m worth it!” And now, I can barely contain myself for all the passion, joy and purpose that resides within me. All from simply taking the time to recognize that God does have a plan for my life, thank him for what he’s doing, and let him know that I trust his plan. Now my moment of thanks has expanded to, “Lord, I thank you, I praise you, I love you, and I trust you!” I’m just that grateful for what I’m so personally seeing him do in and around my life. It’s almost overwhelming!

I took this experience back to my Touch & Agree family on Tuesday, at which they were overjoyed in a “yep…that’s my Jesus” kind of way! It became known and clear to me that when you’re walking in the will of God– living side-by-side with him in His purpose for your life– you find yourself in the right place at the right time, blessings start appearing out of nowhere, and you really do become unstoppable! And all you have to do to get in the will of God is just THANK him for what he’s done, is doing, and will do in your life; TRUST that he knows what he’s doing and will never steer you wrong; and TALK to him about what’s going on with you. Everyone has their own place where the meet God- in the shower, walking through nature, lying in bed. Me? God and I ki-ki in the kitchen, when I’m cooking! That’s the easiest and most fun place for me to chill with him and talk to him about EVERYTHING. We talk about my day, my dreams, my ups, my downs, my goals, my trials… whatever comes up in my head to talk to him about. And it’s there, in those quiet moments in my kitchen when he talks back to me about his hopes and dreams for my life, and how I can continue to flourish. 

As Elizabeth Gilbert says in “Eat Pray Love,” God lives in you AS you. He’s experiencing the journey of life, for the first time, as a human being called [insert your name here]. Your firsts are his firsts; your joys are his joys; your tears are his tears; and most importantly, your dreams are his dreams! Share this experience of life with him. Walk with him. Thank him and let him know that you trust what he’s doing in your life- not only because it’s his plan, but because he wants abundance, prospertity and success for you just as much as, if not more than, you want it for yourself. It’s worth a try, isn’t it?

I’m tellin you…I’m on cloud 9 these days, and ascending to higher heights as each day passes! My life, in the last month or so, has changed drastically for the better, and there are some really amazing things on the horizon. And it’s all because I took the time to stop, recognize the rock from which cometh my help, joy and security, and say:

“Lord, I thank you, and I trust you!”

It all started last Tuesday. I went to my weekly prayer meeting, Touch and Agree, in a rather solemn mood. I felt as though my life was at a stand-still. Sure, there were things- bits of opportunity- sort of buzzing around me; but I couldn’t sum up the interest or desire to grab something and run with it. I know-that I know-that I know that I’m created for greatness and success in this world, but I wasn’t sure how, or in what capacity. That was causing me to doubt and have concern for my life. The overwhelming response I got from my T&A fam was to be encouraged, talk to God about what I’m going through, and ask for clarity as to what HE wants me to do and where HE wants me to go. They introduced me to Psalm 16:11 which says:

You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (MSG)

I left the meeting thanking God for these people he’s brought into my life, and asking him to help me see-give me clarity on- what I’m supposed to be doing. I wanted to be excited about my life again.

Cut to the weekend: I attended a party at a good friend’s house on Friday, at which I was teeming with ideas–that came out of nowhere– for a project that we’ve recently begun working on. I mean, I could not stop vomiting ideas. Million dollar ideas, too! I rested up a bit on Saturday, but for the rest of the weekend, I found myself overwhelmed with the drive to work. I put Friday’s ideas down on paper, began planning the next 6 months of the venture with my friend, got my blog writing back together, re-designed my vision board, and began working on a script. All the while jumping around my apartment in excitement, thanking God for answering my prayer. By the time I went to bed on Sunday, I KNEW– and, like, knew that I knew that I knew–exactly what I’m supposed to be doing at this stage of my life.

Monday, another friend of mine had a birthday party. It was there I ran into 2 acquaintances, who I hadn’t seen in YEARS! Both of them had been influential to me- one for her exuberant take on life and overall fabulousness, and the other for her drive and discipline in the area of financial wealth and stability. It was through meeting them, years ago, that I started learning to budget my money and began creating a career and financially stable life for myself (although, admittedly, that sort of fell apart when I lost my job 2 years ago). When I saw them at the party, I literally started screaming! I told them how inspired I’d been by them, and they updated me on the events of their lives. One is now journeying into home-ownership and the other, increasing her career and wealth- teaching her friends how to do the same. Before I knew it, I was being educated on the tricks of buying a home and introduced to the advanced level of budgeting and financial independence. Believing that there’s a reason and a plan for everything,  I left that party feeling very grand, with an overall sensation that my life is really about to change…toward something amazing!

Then, today, while engaged in my morning bathroom routine, God said, “Don’t forget to email ‘Tracy’ and ‘Terry’ about the information they mentioned on Monday.” I was like, yes, Lord for your beautiful reminders! I emailed the ladies this morning, and am now being sent all kinds of links and spreadsheets, offers of advice, and encouraging exclamations of the great things that are about to happen in my life given this new information, goal and journey.

Excitedly overwhelmed by all that is happening this week, all I can do at this moment is say, Thank You, Jesus! You’re up to somethin’, dude. Whatever it is, keep it comin’! I’m ready and willing. I thank you and I trust you! Let’s do this!

The topic that arose that week revolved around who, in the end, will gain entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. One of the members of the group was explaining a book she was reading in which the author references the Torah, the Koran, and the Bible in an effort to accurately trace, back to Abraham, the lineage of the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian religions. As I sat and listened to her description of the book, a question began to surface in my mind: “What happens to those who don’t believe in the teachings of the Bible when they pass on?” I posed this question to the group and was met with a variety of different answers- which then sparked a rather interesting discussion.

At first, when I offered the example of someone living outside of a modern civilization who has never heard of Jesus before, I was told that in their case, Jesus would simply look at what’s in their heart when deciding whether they should be let into the Kingdom. Fair enough. I pushed a little further and asked about those who made up other religions- Jews, Muslims, etc.- as well as those people who have no religion, but are more spiritual- Buddhists and Yogi’s. This is where things got heated. We talked about what these other religions believe that is in opposition to the Christian belief that Jesus died on the cross and is the risen Messiah. Everyone at the table was very adamant about Christianity- or the belief that Jesus is the risen Messiah- being the only way to gain eternal life. The Bible was quoted as saying (and I’m paraphrasing for I am not well versed in scripture), that the word of God will reach the 4 corners of the earth; every man will make a choice, and those who do not accept that belief will not be allowed passage. One girl went as far as saying, “I know with complete certainty that if you don’t believe then you will not be allowed into the Kindgom.” This is where I just shut down!

Excuse me? You know with complete certainty? I don’t think so. Yes, you may believe with complete certainty, but there’s no way you could possibly know for a fact who will and will not gain entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. I was so floored by that statement, and over the conversation as a whole, that I just sat there in silence. I didn’t reply- especially as I was the only one at the table who seemed to disagree. But that comment, and the subsequent backing from the rest of the group, took me back to why I stopped going to church and became spiritual over religious in the first place. There is nothing wrong with believing the teachings of the Bible and leading your life accordingly; but I take serious issue with a number of Christians who shut out and condemn any person or thinking that differs from what they “know” as truth. This girl, and what felt like everyone else at that table, was ready to send countless people straight to hell for not believing what she believes- just because of what the book that sat in front of her said. Suppose she wasn’t a Christian. Suppose she grew up as a Jew reading the Torah. She would have no idea about the teachings of Christ, and would have a completely different set of values and beliefs. Would she then believe that she was going to hell? Not at all.

I brought up my recent foray into Orpah’s Spiritual podcast channel, which drew more of the same type of commentary. Most threw out the whole idea of general Spirituality saying, “no…you can’t just wrap everything together and call it the Universe- someone’s in control. He has a name, and you should respect that and call him by his name… it’s God.” Eckhart Tolle’s book, “A New Earth”- a book from which I’ve gained a great deal of insight- was brought up in the discussion, and someone mentioned that she advised a friend who was reading it to throw the book out- calling it “the devil’s book”- and asking how can you be a Christian and go by something that doesn’t claim God or follow the Bible? By this time I had had enough. We had to break the discussion because the diner we were in was closing, and as we scooted out to find another location, I took the opportunity to excuse myself and go home. I haven’t been back to the group since.

I am a believer- let me make that clear. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, was buried, and that he is the risen Messiah. But what I don’t believe is that acknowledging and believing that is the only way to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven and gain eternal life. If God is omnipresent and can commune with us in many different ways, then why can’t we do the same? I’m not saying that all religions and methods of spirituality are acceptable- I don’t know for sure what is and isn’t valid- but I do think that the road to knowing, believing in, and following God, and eventually getting into the Kingdom, has many lanes and many passages.

After Tuesday’s “Touch & Agree,” Rhonda sat with me for over an hour listening to what I had to say, ministering to me, and reading scriptures with me. She even prayed the prayer of salvation with me- just to make sure I was saved. And I am…but I still struggle! She suggested that I get in the word and start small- take a few verses a day, read them over and over to get them in my spirit, write them down and post them on my walls. I thought it a good idea and, feeling so good after our conversation, had every intention of following her suggestion; but I did nothing. I bailed. Sure, I thought about readng scripture and studying on numerous occassions Wednesday and Thursday; but there was still a big part of me that said, “Why?” and “I don’t wanna!” Also, stuck in my head worrying about all the problems and issues I’m facing, I stayed lazy and sad claiming the excuse, “I don’t know where to start.” So I didn’t. Today I forced myself to start studying the Bible and really spending time with God. As of late, I’ve heard many people either cite or talk about Jeremiah 29:11, so I decided to begin there. It says:

“I know what I am doing. I have planned it all out- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”

That was The Message translation. Rhonda suggested reading the New King James Version, the New International Version (NIV), and The Message. I was raised onte traditional King James Version, and like it did when I was younger, it has confused me to no end as I’ve tried reading it recently. But reading the aforementioned translations made Your word so much clearer and understandable to me. I’m definitely a big fan of The Message translation! After reading verse 11 I continued on to verses 12-14, which spoke to me even more:

“When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking fr me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed…”

The NIV says (about getting serious) “When you seen me with all your heart…” I must admit, Lord, that I’m struggling with that part. I can’t yet identify with seeking You with all my heart; but I can say that I am seeking you with all that I can muster up right now- whatever that is. I want to seek You and your word with all my heart, but I’d be wrong not to admit that at this particular moment, I seek You in a reaching, arms wide open, crying attempt to find peace, help, and direction within my storm. My heart is open and I hope and believe that as I continue to read, learn, and in You and be filled by You- as we become more intimate with each other- my heart’s desire for You will expand. I consider myself to have rain my first baby step today towards seeking You and learning your word.

I’ve been asked how can I pray in faith and stand, believing in your word if I don’t know what’s in it? When I pray, I want and need to be able to call upon your word to help me with the circumstances of my life. And even more, I want to truly understand what it means to praise and bless Your name… I want to know you, Lord, so I can better praise you.

I thank You for opening this door and I pray fr your patience with me as I start this journey. I know you’re always with me, Lord- imma need your direction knowing what and how to study next. But for now, I’ll stay meditated on Jeremiah 29:11-14. Thank you!

Lord, teach me how to go beyond just getting by. In Jesus name I pray. AMEN!

one thing that always holds true whenever i go is that i never know what to expect. every time i go to church, i have a different experience; but the message given is always one that i need to hear. today was no different. i arrived sometime around 10:15 and walked in to a very crowded church (everyone came out today- i’m assuming to thank God for our new president elect). the service had already begun, and i was instructed to head to the balcony where there might be some extra seats. a group of us latecomers reached the second floor, and some were immediately seated, and others, like myself, stood around hoping that when everyone sat down more seats would appear throughout the crowd.

as everyone sat down, intercessory prayer began and my focus shifted. finding a seat was no longer important. i looked for one of the surrounding “prayer warriors” to catch my eye, and when a nice young woman did, i asked her to pray for me. she reached for my hands, said “good morning,” introduced herself, and asked what wanted to pray for. i gave her my name and stuffed as many words into 10 seconds of speaking as i could. i wanted her to touch on everything! i mentioned that my life is in transition right now, and i really need guidance as i look for a job and promote my book. i also told her that i feel very stuck and stalled right now. she then smiled, said, “ok, will,” and went to work! i got so wrapped up in our few minutes of prayer that i didn’t realize, until she was finished, that i had been crying. i thanked her for praying for me and she gave me a big hug and went on to pray for someone else. a few minutes later, she came back and told me that she prayed for a financial blessing for me as well. score!

i finally, just before the sermon started, found a seat in the first row of the balcony in the center. God really wanted me to hear this message. those of us lucky enough to be in church this morning were treated to a guest preacher who taught and spoke in reference to the book of Malachi, chapter 3, verses 8-10:

8. will a man rob god? yet ye have robbed me. but ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? in tithes and offerings.
9. ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10. bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the lord of hosts, if i will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

at first, my mind went directly to “oh, this is one of those sermons where they try to get us to give them more money;” but it turned out to have an entirely different point of view. we all know about the request God has of us to give Him 10% of the money we are given- a small token of appreciation for all He does for us. how many of us actually tithe on a regular basis if at all? i know i don’t. today’s preacher (i really wish i remembered her name) spoke to us about how we spend our money. “there are 3 people who want your money,” she said. “God, satan, and you!” we need money to survive, and we never seem to have enough, but we often forget that the money we do have is a blessing and gift from God; and by not paying tithes- giving our 10%- we’re really doing Him an injustice. in reference to satan, we learned that he wants our money simply because he’d rather see it wasted than paid back in gratitude to God.

i used to tithe all the time- but never 10% of my income. nowadays when i come into some money, i immediately pay some bills, and then usually spend the rest partying, drinking, and engaging in other money-wasting activities. satan loves that! he can keep me in those moments for a long period of time, and revels in the thought that the same money i spend on all of those drinks is the same money that i should be tithing in thanks for the blessing of having this money to begin with. i am cheating God and robbing him- in his face- of his just due. i have been blessed up and down the street all my life, but it occurred to me, through today’s message, that i’m possibly stalled in my life and career right now because of my disobedience. i could very well be tithing on a weekly basis, but i’m so busy partying my money away, only to turn around and wonder why i’m not in a position of earning more. hmmm… maybe because i’m not giving enough back! bringing 10% to the storehouse is the least i could do in payment for the force that’s ordering my steps, supplying my needs, and keeping me alive and well. it became increasingly apparent that it’s time for me to straighten out my monetary priorities.

the preacher spoke of 3 types of “tithers.” all three get the same paycheck, but one of them tithes a little when they can; another sets a few bucks aside after paying thier bills; and the third runs to give God his 10% up front. i’m shooting to be the latter type. it’s really only fair. and the benefits are overwhelming!