Because He Lives

When I was a young girl, my grandmother would burst into song at any given moment singing "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow...Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, my life is worth living, because He lives."

Can't say that I really understood it at that time but as I continue to live life and experience the ups and downs of life I can truly say I completely understand her praise. My grandmother instilled into us that only what we do for Christ will last, teaching us to stay focused on what was important in this life and know that regardless of how hard it may become we can endure because Christ continues to live and work on our behalf.

The Bible tells us in John 15:5  that “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." We are nothing without him. So because He lives and dwells within us the sky is the limit...can you tell I'm grateful today...because this was not always my testimony. I forgot that I could face tomorrow and that God was with me...I lost sight of the importance of my life and was ungrateful! So now no matter what may come I now remind myself that BECAUSE MY GOD YET LIVES ALL FEARS ARE GONE!!!

STAY BLESSED
CeeRich

The Present

It's been a minute since I contributed to my blog but I know that I was created to encourage others through my writing and I had become discouraged and self conscious about my abilities as an author. But I'm back!!!! And this is what has been laid on my heart....

I had dinner with a friend who reminded me that when living in the past, it is our attempt to keep ourselves from experiencing hurt, disappointment, etc. And at the same time it hinders us from being able to enjoy the PRESENT! As we continue to tell ourselves "oh I'll never let that happen to me again" we occupy ourselves with trying to control the world around us instead of taking things one day at a time. We should take life as it comes and not hold on to the idea that we "might" get hurt. I am guilty of this, but from this day forward I vow to live in the present. I can't allow my past experience keep me from experiencing something GREAT! With that mindset you put on the spirit of PRIDE even thinking that for one minute you are in control of your life... GUESS WHAT???!!! You're not...God is in control of all things and there is a lesson in every blessing...so we shouldn't take any experience for granted! Pride is a silent killer...people think that they are protecting themselves but actually robbing themselves of the "NOW" by trying to control the past and the future. FROM THIS DAY FORWARD I'LL LIVE FOR THE NOW...BECAUSE I KNOW WHO HAS THE POWER...and it ain't me!!! Stay blessed!!!!!

CeeRich

My Dark Place Transformed My Thinking

Well HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! This is my first post of the year and I think it is very fitting for where God is taking me this year! I have been thinking about where God has brought me from and where He's taking me to. I have written about some of my circumstances and situations that I'm facing. I often think about how these things are going to make me better, because in my experiences I know that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD! I have decided to stop focusing on the WHY and focus more on HOW God is going to use it for His Glory! Recently in listening to a message by Bishop TD Jakes about Transformational Thinking he provided a good analogy on how to view where God has you in this phase of your life. In the analogy he discussed the dark place as being planted by God. In that moment I recognize that I am in my DARK PLACE...and that it's exactly where God wants me to be.

As things transpire in my life I recognize that God does not set out to hurt me or punish me for all the wrong that I've done in my life. God uses our experiences to strengthen us and humble us so that we will be of even greater use to Him. It is our responsibility to use what we learn and share it with others. As we learn we should share our revelation with others, ministering to those who are lost and haven't found their way! That's our responsibility as Christians. Bishop Jakes used the example of a seed being planted.

Think about the process of the seed:

• The ground is hollowed out for placement of the seed (Situations arise)
• The seed is placed in the ground (The situation occurs and we are attempting to figure out how to deal with it)
• The seed is covered with dirt (God allows us to be hurt, persecuted, disappointed, etc. but covers us and remains with us the entire time)
• The seed is watered, and the sun shines to help it grow (God send His word to water us while underground, and uses people in our lives to support us and bring about some joy and happiness even while we're in our dark place)
• Grows to be a beautiful plant and provide nourishment or beauty to the world (We grow and overcome the obstacles, and birth ministry and become a blessing to the world)

God has planted me and I am covered in dirt. It's dark in this place, but I'm covered by God. While underground, God send the rain to water me, the sunlight to beam on me. It develops me and humbles me. My priorities are being realigned, people are being removed from my life. I'm in a spiritual incubator and God is transforming me. I recognize that I'm not like everyone else...and that's ok. To whom much is given, much is required! I have an assignment and I must walk in my call...everyone can't go where I'm going and that's ok too. My soul has been arrested by the Lord. I have become a prisoner of Christ. I'm now chained to His will, tied to His word! He has my life!!!! I'm a prisoner of Christ and there's no place I'd rather be! When I didn't have sense enough to love me, God still loved me, when I was disobedient to His word, He still showed grace and mercy. Once people begin to realize that if it had not been for the Lord...THEY'D BE DEAD AND GONE! He's the only one with the power to keep us. The way we think and view this world has to be changed. The Bible tells us that we can be transformed by the renewing of our mind. We must be careful of how we think about where we are and how we respond to the things that happen in our life.

As Always STAY BLESSED!!!
CeeRich

2013 at a glance

2013 started out with a suicide attempt after feeling the weight of the world was on my shoulders, but God snatched me out of the hands of the enemy and gave me another chance. Then it evolved to time behind bars after being pulled out of my character by people who merely thrived off my anger and frustration. The enemy orchestrated yet another plan to take my life...but he failed! It continued and was followed up with a physical attack in front of my home, set up by someone who has hatred for me for absolutely NO REASON, a break-in of my vehicle while celebrating life and love with my family then an attempt to break into my home while I bust my butt (working 2 jobs) to take care of me and my kids. Not to mention being falsely accused of harassment and receiving absolutely no justice from the justice system.

I was quickly reminded that upon entering this year God told me that THIS YEAR would bring about clarification, confirmation and understanding! God told me that the decisions that I made THIS YEAR would be detrimental to my future successes. I read my Bible more, I prayed more, I fasted, I developed a relationship with God like I've never had before, which made my hardships manageable because in my time of need I knew who to call and depend on. I believe that 2014 will bring about manifestation of blessings...replacing all the things I lost in 2013 because of my faithfulness and commitment to God.

It's not easy...THIS YEAR...I prayed for my enemies, even as they slayed me. I gave the hard things to God, I've forgiven those who used me and turned their backs on me when I needed them the most. I've allowed God to be my refuge even when I wanted so badly to retaliate against those who have done me wrong. I've opened my heart to love and allowed God to mend the broken pieces of my heart and entrusted it to someone who loves God and understands the concept of loving another as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it...

If I ever doubted before, THIS YEAR I recognized who GOD is, and He's truly AMAZING! I experienced His power and His presence for MYSELF! I saw where he brought me from and even had opportunities to see where he's taking me to. WHO WOULDN'T SERVE A GOD LIKE MINE?????

I look forward to all that's coming in 2014...MY GOD HAS NEVER FAILED ME, so I believe that the manifestation of my blessings are coming because I endured hardness as a good solider...I didn't faint, so it's REAPING TIME!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

Stay tuned for praise reports in 2014!!!

Love always

CeeRich

Loneliness VS Being Alone

Being alone and loneliness are two different things. Recently I have been spending time alone and during my alone time I identified how being alone felt different now, than it felt months ago. It made me realize that there is a difference between being lonely and being alone. I started to write down what it felt like when I experienced loneliness. Here is the list I came up with:

•Lack
•Something is missing
•Depression
•Emptiness
•Incompleteness
•Isolation

I have studied Psychology for the last several years and I have a better understanding that loneliness is a state of mind. Loneliness is an emotion brought on by feelings of separation from other human beings. Loneliness is the feeling that you are alone in the world and that no one cares or is concerned about you. You can be in a house full of people and still be lonely, you can lay next to your spouse every night and still experience loneliness. Loneliness is isolation that is felt very deeply to an individual. Loneliness lead me to attempt suicide, loneliness lead me to react irresponsibly, loneliness lead me to believe that my situation would never change and that NO ONE WOULD EVER UNDERSTAND! Loneliness is a tactic used by the enemy to fulfill his mission to STEAL, KILL & DESTROY!



I have been delivered from the spirit of loneliness, and there are times that I am alone so I jotted down how I felt experiencing my ALONE TIME:

•Fullness
•Completeness
•Freedom to do what you want
•Aliveness
•Expansion
•Being enough


I am a witness that feelings of loneliness leave you feeling empty, hurt, and stagnant. In order to move from loneliness to feelings of being alone, you have to understand that being by yourself is not saying you are not worthy. It is, however, an opportunity to appreciate yourself, grow, and evolve. Use that alone time to get to know yourself again and to develop a relationship with God. Utilize this time to meditate, read your Bible, open up to God about your fears, your flaws and your desires. James 4:8 says "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

The Bible also says in Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
So God can use your loneliness as an opportunity to draw you even closer to him. Learning to be fulfilled with ourselves in his presence. Hearing from Him concerning our lives without interruption. Isn't God AWESOME!? That even during dark periods he can turn it around and make it work for your good. That's why I serve Him...trust Him, and love Him. There is no one like Him in all the world.

If you are experiencing loneliness as a Christian the Bible tells us in Romans 12:2  That we are not to be conformed to this world, "but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." We have to set our minds on the things of God, and continue in our faith and not operate based upon what we can see and feel emotionally. We must Trust that in every situation, God is with us and that he will never leave nor forsake us.

It's your choice how you feel. Will you be alone or feel lonely?


Love!

I will rejoice

I have learned to accept and come to terms with the known fact that ALL THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON! I am no stranger to seeing God work things out for my good and for His glory. I think about when I was a young child and my parents were addicted to drugs and alcohol. I remember going to church and praying that God would deliver them from their addictions. I remember going to shut-ins as a child and petitioning God to put my family back together. Although it took some time for things to manifest, God answered my prayers. I recognize that the burden to pray is one that I have been blessed with. Even during my times of trouble I recognize that I have cried out for the very people who wish harm upon me. I can't say that I'm always obedient to the things that God instructs me to do, but he placed a burden upon me to pray for my enemies. Its one of the hardest things I've ever done, and even when I finished crying out to the Lord on this persons behalf I questioned WHY DO I HAVE TO PRAY FOR HER???? Matthew 5:44 reads "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (NIV) It is definitely easier said than done, but trust me it is possible. I trust God, and I believe that just like he delivered my parents that I too will be delivered from the hands of the enemy. I SHALL HAVE THE VICTORY! If he did it before he can do it again, and as I rejoiced then, I will again REJOICE!

Love!

Keep Calm & Trust God ALWAYS

Thinking of some of the events that have occurred in my life, I found myself trying to figure out where did I go wrong. I questioned God on why he was punishing me and what did I do to deserve what was happening to me. In this season I have found that God speaks to us through various forms, and that we should not take it lightly when we believe that we have just heard a word from the Lord.

While I was working and the situation I was dealing with was on my mind, I changed my radio station and the man of God was preaching about the children of Israel once Pharaoh had freed them from slavery. God instructed Moses every step of the way. God instructed Moses in Exodus 14:1 "Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon. Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’ And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told."

Late in the midnight hour God had given me instructions and had led me to take actions that I thought initially would vindicate me, however just like the situation with the Children of Israel it created even more drama and chaos in my life. When my enemy found out that I was on to her plots, plans and schemes, her heart too was hardened and she came after me, yet again. I began to pray and question why these things were happening and where did I go wrong? I questioned my obedience to God and my ability to hear Him clearly and questioned if my actions were based on fleshly desires or were they really instructions from God. The children of Israel cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’” How many times do we question the things of God? How many times do we think we have it all figured out? How many times do we try to complete our own will instead of allowing His will to be done??? God is strategic and he knows the beginning from the end. His plan is always bigger and better than ours.

Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” This is the same message I received following my incident. God is setting things up so that once he delivers me from it, I'LL NEVER HAVE TO BE FACED WITH IT AGAIN! From that I found peace, and remained calm. Trusting and believing that God will fight for me and that the Egyptians I see here today I will see no more FOREVER! So I praise Him and rejoice now, for I know that God is with me and that all that is happening is a part of his master plan. The devil believes that he has won the war, but that was just one of many battles and I'm still STANDING!

Extremely BLESSED!