Do Not Be Afraid of a Little Storm

Society has taught us anytime you experience a trial, it is due to some form of inconsistency with you. You bring certain things upon yourself because of lack of dedication and awareness. In some cases both of those statements could be absolutely true. However, what would you say if I suggest some trials are God's way of not only getting our undivided attention which requires obedience on our part, but to also prepare us for a blessing?

Deuteronomy 8: 1-5

Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers. Remember how the Lord your God lead you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your father had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you.

If you are not careful you will miss the the lesson God is attempting to teach you. Remember each trial you endure is to strengthen your faith. It also provides the opportunity for you to be humbled, so you will know what it is like to do without. That way when you come in contact with someone that is less fortunate, you will be more apt to lend a helping hand. Every trial serves as a testimony of God's unwavering grace and mercy towards us. When that trial is over you can better appreciate the blessing that follows. So the next time your storm comes, slip on your raincoat and rubber boots. And by all means do not forget your umbrella. This time when the rain ceases, and sun evaporates the remaining drops of water, the rainbow that emerges will be truly symbolic of the calm after the storm.

Be Blessed,

Lady 4.0

Doing Your Part

There comes a time in your life when you have to decide is it in your best interest to continue to please those around you and remain in a state of what if, or take a leap of faith and pursue your own aspirations. If everything you have ever done in your life was to please someone else, does that mean the life you are currently living a mere fabrication? God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us. He instills specific gifts and talents to each of his children. Believe it or not the gift or gifts you possess may be outside of your comfort zone. This almost always is a bit challenging. Sometimes that is why you can get caught off guard because you think whatever gift God has given you to share would surely be something that is pleasant and easy to achieve. Keep in mind God does not give us unattainable tasks, but rather tasks that will deepen our level of commitment and faith in Him. However if you are pursuing someone else's gift and not your own, you are not following God's divine plan for your life. What that means is that you are missing the opportunity to move closer to God as well as be a blessing to those in need. According to

Romans 12: 1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Be Blessed,

Lady 4.0

How are You Perceived

There is a definite distinction between having confidence and being arrogant. Sometimes we tend to think more highly of ourselves due to certain accomplishments in life. The completion of a Bachelor of Science or Masters Degree program, the purchase of a $200k home, a luxury vehicle or even a promotion call allow some to believe they are above reproach by those they deem less significant. While all those milestones are definitely applaud worthy, they do not put you in a special line for God's grace. Do not get me wrong God does know and want the best for you.

According to Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Remember until you break pride, you will not develop faith. And when you show all you have, that is all you are worth. God expects you to use your success to help others, not tear them down. Just in case you did not know arrogance is one of God's strong dislikes.

Be Blessed,

Lady 4.0

You Don't Know Me

Behind a sea of unknown faces I emerge, and I see scared people

Afraid to pass me on the street as if the plague they think I have
will mysteriously leave my body and permeate theirs

They say in order to know someone's story, you would have to walk
a mile in their shoes

You cannot even begin to know the places I have traveled in these
worn and tattered shoes. And if my soles could talk it would definitely
bring tears to your eyes

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, but they have
also seen the bones of those the devil has discarded

I have seen and experienced more than most of you will experience in
your entire lifetime, and I am only sixteen

So don't give me your woulda, shoulda, coulda and whoa is me stance
you have no idea of the mentality I have from living on these streets
and the dirt that stains my hands

You drive by in your fancy car to your house up on the hill, and I am
picking up loose change trying to pay for what may be my last meal

My life has been hard, but I am not the begging kind. The next time
you look in your sons and daughters eyes, think of the fear in mine

Believe it or not, I am more afraid of you than you should ever be
of me

The difference between you and I is that Christ lives in me and that
you probably would not understand

You have no idea about God's love because you are unwilling to lend
me a hand

So instead of you judging me by circumstances you just don't know,
I'm placing the ball back in your court

Because contrary to your belief I'm not your average Joe

Be Blessed,

Lady 4.0

What Does Your Life Say

I've been looking at life through rose colored glasses and it's changing the perception of my reality

I've become unfamiliar with my surroundings, and the question is "should I be?"

It's as if everything is moving in slow motion and I press fast forward to reach the place I am destined to be

The struggles are many but I except the challenge of becoming a better me

My eyes remain closed to block the pain of the past that I'm afraid to allow you to see

My mind is cluttered with images of those who have previously passed judgment on me

Truth be told if our deeds were measured you'd be the peasant and I'd be the queen

God has shown favor over my life even though my faith wasn't always there to see

The scars I have are signs that haters still exist and will attempt to crucify me just as they did JC

But knowing where my faith lies will give me the opportunity for testimony

My trails are an indication that God is preparing to elevate me

Be careful not to get swept up in my dust because the devil will be forced to flee

Don't question what you don't know, if in doubt education is the key

Don't waste time on causes that only promote your vanity

If God called you home today what would be printed on your obituary?

Would your life have been one of glamor or of great sacrifice?

It would be nice to be known for more than just living your life


Be Blessed,

Lady 4.0

After Thought

Love is that tender feeling that can only be captured by the pain of knowing

you are the only one that can bring me to tears.

I often envision what my life would be like if we had actually taken the time
to pursue the love we both so desperately needed.

The smell of your masculinity overpowers my desire to think rationally. Your
touch is like consuming a controlled substance that is no longer available for
refill.

I find the thought of you utterly intoxicating. Like consuming a fine wine
allowing the taste to role across your palate and bring delight to an otherwise
prosaic situation.

Sometimes I get so caught up in the past that I began to question my reality.

I get caught off guard by visions of the future because the portrait we created
no longer includes your silhouette.

My mind is overtaken by images of uncertainty, and I can not seem to release
the treasures that are prohibiting my desire for rebirth.

I pray for God to release me from exile, but for now He see's fit to allow me
time on this deserted island to sort through this maze of emotions.

I have often heard the phrase "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger."
But if death is already upon you, how is it possible to regain your strength.

I find solace in knowing that one day I will have the pleasure of being
introduced to the one person that speaks my love language fluently.

Once the tide rises up and washes the sand through my toes, I will anticipate
the revival of new life.

If I tilt my head just right, I can catch a glimpse of my future in the distance.

As the new portrait is unveiled I stand firm in knowing I am alive, I am loved
and I am free.

Be Blessed,

Lady 4.0 ©

Think Big

Have you ever wondered why it seems some people have the continuous hand of God working in their life, despite their circumstance? That is because they have learned to allow God to direct their path, to begin walking in their purpose. Faith in God requires a great deal of patience. When praying to God, don't assume the answer is no because you do not get an immediate response. Once God has given you your purpose, you are then given a vision. Remember vision is defined as the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be. So think big. Any vision that you can accomplish without God's help is too small. When God makes your purpose plain he is expecting you to follow his lead, because he is prepared to assist you with accomplishing unbelievable odds. When you see someone achieve the impossible, know that God truly shows favor to those that are faithful. Do not waste time reminiscing on deeds that did not come to pass. That just means God had a larger vision for you to follow. So study his word, listen for his voice, and follow his direction. He will never steer you wrong.

Job 5:8-10 But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.

Be Blessed,

Lady 4.0