gurlstalkn

Devon Franklin & Meagan Good’s clapback that went viral: Trust the Process by Leah

Posted on February 18, 2016February 19, 2016 by gurlstalkn

Much has been said about the video of Rev. Franklin and Meagan Good. This is a TOUCHY subject. Here are my comments on the matter:

While listening to Rev. Devon Franklin address the woman in the audience, I paid close attention to Mrs. Franklin and thought I saw her look uncomfortable. I don’t know if she was uncomfortable with the woman’s comments or her husband’s response to it.

I remember in my early days after becoming a Christian, I lived and dressed a totally different life than I do today. My “Walk” has been progressive, and one of trial, errors, pain, tears, joys, laughter, etc. The most important part of this Walk is Him growing and maturing me into something so beautiful I no longer see the “old me”.

As Mrs. Franklin loves, listens and follows God, she will continue to grow in her “walk” with Him too. God loves her more than anyone else on earth can…

I will pray and cover her.

“Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from the love God has for us. Not death, not life, not angels, not ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, or anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 ICB.

#trusttheprocess

Please share your comments…

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. These are only our suggestions. We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Now is the Time!! by the G.U.R.L.S.

Posted on February 17, 2016February 19, 2016 by gurlstalkn

At times, we all lack the confidence within ourselves…whether you say or think to yourself: I’m too large, or too ugly, not tall enough, not this, or not that. Understand, there is more to you than the external.

These thoughts hinder us from focusing on what truly matters! Let’s keep the focus off of ourselves and be strong in the Lord! He is our confidence. In Him, we have everything we need. No, we don’t look perfect or know every scripture in the bible, but one thing is for sure, we are called and now is the time!

Sometimes we don’t feel like we are worthy to be fostering this women’s ministry, but we know God has called us for such a time as now!!! Now is the time.

Testimony from one of the Gurls:

“While shopping at a local discount food store the other day, my clothes were looking a mess, I wore no makeup, and I was feeling fat. I thought to myself, I hope nobody sees me. Actually, I didn’t even want to make eye contact with anyone.

As I sat down waiting for my sister, who stood in the checkout line to purchase her items, in my heart, I heard the Holy Spirit sternly check me and say: ‘sit up straight. I want you to now look up, and as people exit the checkout lines and pass you by, look them directly in their eyes’.

He reminded me who I am and Whose I am!”

What time is it for YOU?

Health & Fitness

More to the Heart Than Blood Vessels by Leah

Posted on February 12, 2016February 13, 2016 by gurlstalkn

The power you need to accomplish anything is found within!! Although it is hidden from the natural eye, it exists. What is this unseen power? It is your heart. It is MIGHTY and can frame your world by what you put in it and what you allow to come out of it.

Let’s take a closer look as I build a healthy heart.

Where do I start? With faith. What’s that? Faith is having a dead lock confidence in something I previously hoped for. Real faith lies in the heart and not the mind or body.

Even if I have doubts in my head, what I am confident about (i.e. faith) will still work for me if what I believe is in my heart. It’s heart faith that gets the job done not head faith.

“Protect your heart purposefully and intently for out of it flows success or ruin”.

Leah, who loves life and seeks good days, let her keep her tongue from “speaking” evil words and from “eating” harmful foods.

If I constantly eat and don’t exercise I will grow fat and flabby. If I don’t feed my faith by continually speaking lively, wholesome, and beneficially good things then my portion of faith will grow weak and leak (yes my faith leaks–for another blog). If I don’t exercise my faith daily, then my heart muscle hardens too. Have you ever heard someone say, “Her heart has been hardened with bitterness…”?

If I don’t fill my heart with words and objects that are pure, lovely, just, and of good report, then my mind and body will not benefit positively from these either. The heart, mind, and body must all agree in order for me to be complete and whole.

My heart is a hidden “man”. The “real” me unseen.

I must remove doubt and fear, which can also keep my heart unhealthy. “I will have what I ask for if I do not doubt in my heart”. Remember, this works for what I believe and pronounce negatively and positively; right and wrong; helpful and harmful; good and bad; etc.

With the heart a man believes or disbelieves. Faith and what I believe is of the heart.

What are my motives for having a healthy heart? If I want to get and stay healthy, I must know why it is important to me. What drives me will also be a beacon of light to help me navigate to my destination.

More to share on this Matter. Your heart depends upon it…

Life Challenges

Matters of a Changed Heart Part 2 by Candice

Posted on February 10, 2016February 12, 2016 by gurlstalkn

Where did we leave off??

Oh yes–what do I do when I am in my “feelings”? I don’t have a quick fix or formula. I do what works for me: a good cry; laughter, prayer; and being around true friends.

Sometimes I have a good “ole” cry! I mean I really ‘boo whoo’. During these crying moments, I also sit down and pray. When I pray, I talk or have a conversation with God. He just understands me, you know? After prayer, I begin to speak positive words over my life and situation. After I am done crying and praying, I usually call someone who is also an encourager and one I can share a good laugh! I love to be around others who uplift me.

Most times when I’m feeling sad or down, I go out and encourage others! After I do–especially when I am feeling low, I am built up and made stronger. It naturally lifts my spirits.

At the end of each day, I look to who and what are important to me and focus on those things. When I am distracted by unimportant events, I find myself in my “feelings” all over again.

Life Challenges

Matters of a Changed Heart by Candice

Posted on January 31, 2016February 2, 2016 by gurlstalkn

In the past few months I have had some major changes that have occurred in my life…and ironically, so has just about everyone else around me. From challenging relationships, losing jobs, lacking self-worthiness, dealing with issues with the children, facing financial woes, suffering with sickness, and the list goes on and on.

I have come to this conclusion–we all have some type of struggle or hang up. We all have to deal with or continue to face challenges in our lives.

Earlier in my life, I struggled with depression. I made several attempts to end my life. Why you may ask??? Because my life stunk to me. My parents divorced when I was in grammar school and it was difficult for me to understand why my mom and dad didn’t work it out.

As I suffered through the aftermaths of a split home, I was hurt and then I began to hurt others. At the time, life seemed so hard and there were so many things I didn’t understand. I felt I had to always prove myself to others because I was never enough. WHY WHY, WHY I asked myself this over and over again??? (Insert your whys lol).

Although I no longer struggle with depression, every so often it tries to “rear up its ugly head” in my life. Every now and then, a trigger will cause some of those same feelings to resurface…. be it a dad taking his daughter on a daddy daughter date, (something I never had), or I see others successful in business (I have some great business ideas, but sometimes fear grips me when I want to move forward) or I see people hurt by others (reminding me I use to be the one who rendered the hurt), etc.

Instead of giving in to the triggers, I’ve learned to recognize them when they appear. I make a conscious effort to see it for what it is worth–a trigger and no longer who I am. I do not allow myself to fall apart at the seams anymore too.

So here’s what I do if I am in my “feelings”:

Have a good cry
Have a good laugh
Go and pray
Surround myself around true friends

To be continued….

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only. These are only our suggestions. We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Life Challenges, Live. Laugh. Love

Your Ending is the Beginning by Leah

Posted on January 25, 2016April 5, 2016 by gurlstalkn

Some pasts are dark
Some filled with fury and hate
Some of utter shame
Some lost in fear and pain
Some a single step away from hell
While locked in the mind’s prison cell

Who you were is not who you have become

Countless times too many to name
Would have given anything to let go of blame
Lived through many disappointments
Disappointments of others and of self

Crying out nightly from bad dreams
Waking up in sheer terror
Left once again confused and in pain

As a child prone to sleep walk in the night
Always full of fear running in flight
Running away from what? The “Boogie man”, of course
Only to be shaken awake with a stern hand

Fatherless
Friendless
Hours and hours per day spent alone

Read thousands of books as a means to escape
Escape to warm, colorful, peaceful places
Those that promised adventure and fun
Anything to hide from a life of no Son

Now…

Love to dance
Love to sing
Love to give
Love to serve

Hopes once again
Aware of His many promises

Suffers through anger by smiling
Laughs instead of crying
Gives to others when in need
What? She acts like her Father?

Finally found the One who could save me

He loves and doesn’t judge me
He encourages

He is gracious and kind
He is generous
I have become a Gift by the Life Giver

Now it’s clearly seen who I was always meant to be….

Who you were is not who you have become

“…He who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves. He who summons horses and chariots and armies–they lie down and then can’t get back up; they are snuffed out like so many candles: ‘Leah‘, forget what has happened; do not keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I am about to do something brand-new. It is bursting out!!! Can you not see it?

THERE IT IS!!! Swoosh…

I am making a road through your deserts, rivers in the badlands of your life. Wild animals like the coyotes and buzzards will “Thank you”, because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth, drinking water for ‘Leah‘, for I made ‘her‘ especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me….” ISAIAH 43:16, 18-19

Life Challenges, Live. Laugh. Love

Many Faces of Happiness Keep Smiling and Be Happy by Karen

Posted on January 25, 2016February 15, 2016 by gurlstalkn

In honor our new 2016 theme: Baby Love Thyself–BLT, the Gurls encourage YOU our captive audience, to join us in our pursuit to BLT. If we do not work on and love ourselves, then how are we able to continue in our purposes?

Let’s start with a Happiness Makeover. Loosen up and remember to smile. Often, we walk around with a deep, serious and unapproachable stare on our faces. Relax that look, “it’s going to be ok”!

Let’s take a quick peek at what the Word says about joy, gladness and laughter:

Proverbs 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come.

Proverbs 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

Job 8:21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Woman to Woman–let’s adorn ourselves in the beauty of a smile and be God’s kind of a woman!!

Events, Vlogs

Random Saturday Afternoon with Gurls, Candice and Leah

Posted on January 23, 2016February 12, 2016 by gurlstalkn

#nofilter #justus

Live. Laugh. Love

I’m Still Ready by Karen

Posted on January 18, 2016January 18, 2016 by gurlstalkn

If you had the pleasure of attending our 2015 mini conference, you’ll remember the theme was “Lord I’m ready now”. Well you know what? I was ready then and I am definitely ready for 2016!!!!

One may ask, “What are you ready for?”

During the Christmas holiday, the GURLS received an extraordinary Blessing: a reflexology massage & relaxation retreat!!!

I have never been one to pamper myself with a massage, but I truly enjoyed it! Surprisingly, I received more of a spiritual experience than the physical benefits it was intended to give. Let me explain.

Some of the benefits of a Reflexology Massage are: prevent Neurasthenia and Insomnia; lower Blood Pressure; alleviate Leg Numbness; treat Colds; promote Body Healing; remove Fatigue and Stress Relief; treat Diabetes; promote Beauty Slimming; and so much more.

I went in not knowing what to expect. We were taken to a large room with dimmed lighting, and soft music of birds tweeting and serenading. We were each assigned a masseuse for a whole hour. I was instructed to lay down so my person could begin to work on my legs, arms, fingers, toes, head and face (not necessarily in that order).

As well as having my feet soaked in hot relaxing water, I was flipped and turned over, patted and rubbed. A light cloth was placed over my face during the entire massage, so I was unable to see what was coming up next. Afterwards, I was even given a hot drink before our departure.

Here are some of the physical benefits I received: untightened stiff muscles; opened up stuffy sinuses; and loosened bowels (I went to the bathroom twice, lol). Overall, it was a great stress releaser. However, I received an even greater benefit than the physical–my mind was on the Lord.

As I felt His presence with me, I began to make some comparisons of my current situation. I was laying on a table in a place I had never visited. I immediately entrusted and allowed this stranger free access to my body. I wondered: do I give Jesus total freedom and complete control over my body? I let a stranger place a covering over my face not knowing what was going to happen to me. Yet, do I surrender to Jesus as quickly and freely? Am I ready to drink from His cup He offers me?

2 Timothy 1:12 tells me “for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him”.

As I continued to lay there on the table with the cloth over my face not knowing what was going to happen next, I could clearly see the parallels of truth spoken of about faith; believing what one cannot see is the reward of faith.

So I guess the massage was a decoy, Lord, because it was simply about You and me. I just had to open my spirit to You. So here I am.

What am I ready for?

I am ready for You to reshape my heart. Let it expand to fit that place You have made for me in this world. You have something far greater for me to grow into: Your purpose for my life.

Home & Fashion

New Year New Who by Christa

Posted on January 11, 2016January 23, 2016 by gurlstalkn

Every year I hear many say, “New Year, New Me!” I do agree each year one should make positive changes to become better, but it holds no merit if it’s just mere words.

Yes, I am changing the way I think, watching what I eat, and being careful of what I speak. However, in retrospect, I realized nothing much had changed for me internally or externally in previous years.

In the days ahead, my focus is not to get rid of certain people in my life, but rather remove all the filth in me. Chris needs to become the best Chris she can be. Will people, places and things dissipate? Possibly, but my intent is not to carry the “chopping ax”. I plan to zoom in on everything I want to accomplish.

So instead of creating yearly goals, I created quarterly objectives this year in the following areas: financial, spiritual, and physical. My family and I agree to work as a unit towards meeting all of our individual and combined family goals. We will be accountable to one another.

After reflecting on the past, I clearly see I was a sailor without a ship. I was the one who said, “This year I am going to do this and that”, and then made zero progress. My fears and unbelief’s held me hostage and did not allow me to fulfill those well-intended desires.

So now my focus resides on not talking about it, but being about it. I am a writer, so I will make these visions plain by writing them down.

One phrase I choose to live by is, “They will know me by my fruits”. I desire for my fruit to be positive and life changing, while providing freedom from bondage–you know, good looking and tasty fruit.

After I turned 30 years old, I decided I want others to remember more of what I do and less of what I say. I strive to become a Doer and not a Sayer!

Live. Laugh. Love

New Lifestyle Changes by Candice

Posted on January 1, 2016January 23, 2016 by gurlstalkn

As I approach each new year and become a year older, I ponder on how my life has changed in the previous year.

This past January I vowed to leave fear behind me, reach for those hidden desires I had for years, and step out on faith. In January 2015, my year began with me creating a vision board.

As I look back, I’ve made great strides and accomplished those desires in my heart……

So as we approach another year, I say happy birthday to me, and let’s get it cracking in 2016! Free from bondage, unity amongst family, friends, and those around me, and a deeper walk with my daddy…..I AM HIS BABY GIRL…..

My Goals for 2016:
Lose weight and feel great! Lol lbvs
Larger living space for the fam bam
Debt-free and a couple of private goals

Chime in!! What are your goals???

Live. Laugh. Love

Final Hours of 2015 by Leah

Posted on December 31, 2015February 15, 2016 by gurlstalkn

What a strange and crazy year this has been for me!! In these final hours of December 31, 2015, I remember….

I see growth in so many others, including myself. I meet wonderful people, make some new friends as I travel, let go of some heavy baggage that weighs me down and detach myself from doubt and fears. Some describe this as growing pains. I agree. I desire to continue to mature. Although it is physically and emotionally draining, it is necessary.

All in all, I am grateful for every laugh, tear, smile and frown. I make more closures this year than in the previous one.

I am honored to work alongside three terrific ladies from Gurlstalk’n, not to mention I have the best family on this side of creation.

This year I am privileged to work with all types of people–obstinate, kind, stubborn, loving, mean, free giving, hopeful, determined, dogmatic, passionate, compassionate and driven. I learn from them all.

Many people embrace what He places on the inside of me, which helps me appreciate the disagreements I sometimes share with others. I accept and bid well wishes to those who may not like or care for me. Not an easy task to do, but again a necessary one.

I set new goals (not resolutions) for myself in 2016. God speed and good cheer to you ALL, as I KICK down 2016’s door in a victorious ROAR!!!!!

This is a SHOUT OUT to my daughter, Candice, who celebrates her birthday in a few hours @ 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2016.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY my Candy Gurl!!! Love, Mommie