Life Challenges – Gurls Talk’n

Day – 24, January 24

Life’s Passport.

What is a US Passport Book (the “Passport”)? It is the US Department of State’s official book that is initially filled with blank pages. As a US citizen travels abroad to countries and provinces outside of the US, upon entering and existing a foreign country that requires a visa, the Passport must be shown and marked accordingly. This Passport is a country’s device to trace your every move, as you visit their land.

God has a Passport Book (the “Bible”) that He uses too. His Book has certain requirements its citizens must adhere to as well. With their compliancy, God’s citizens are given rights and privileges, as outlined in the Book. He also warns the non-compliant travelers of consequences if they do not follow the Book.

For my Bible readers, do you remember the story of Abram (later God changes his name to Abraham)? God sent him out on a journey without any initial direction, but a simple “Go!” As Abram obeyed, God provided additional instruction. Check this out–God was not only interested in Abram’s obedience, but also He paid close attention to Abram’s character and gauged Abram’s movement according to His tracker, the Book.

When Abram left Haran for this long expedition, he lied before he entered Egypt. The entire time Abram traveled, God tracked his movements, the lies he told and deceitful acts he performed on his journey.

What places have you visited that God withheld His stamp of approval? Did you enter any foreign lands doing illegal activities (i.e. doubtful, fearful, jealous, hate, steal, covetousness, spiteful, revengeful, etc.)?

What illegal stamps are marked on your Passport for the world see? Are there stamps of anger, envy, liar, prideful, resentful and the like on display?

DISCLAIMER: The information provided by us on Gurlstalk’n (the “Site”) is for general informational and entertainment purposes. All information on this Site is provided in good faith. However, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site. We do not advocate any particular service, product or site.

Journey with Lee (Day 24 of 31)

Quote• Posted on January 24, 2020February 25, 2020 by gurlstalkn

Day – 23, January 23

I want change! Something different, new and exciting!!! Who also wants to feel alive and free again?

I heard someone once say that if you want to change anything in your life, then you must change your heart. I have spoken similar words too in the past, but there’s another key ingredient we need to add for effective and lasting change: your ears. My ears? Yes, your ears!

What are you listening to everyday?

If I want a life-defining, purposeful and hopeful change in my world, then I must train what I hear and prioritize what’s important. Do not allow any self-destructive behaviors, which begin with conflicting words, penetrate through your ears. If I permit negative people to speak into my life, then my actions will match what I hear. I definitely don’t want that… I desire wholesome and healthy interactions.

Want to lose weight? Tired of being sick and not feeling well? Living from paycheck to paycheck? What words does your body (i.e. ears) hear coming out of your mouth? Looking for a new start in a new city or state? Then what are you waiting for? The words you repeatedly speak over and over again paint pictures that transcends from your ears to form words that your mouth speak out loud.

I desire revival in my home and neighborhood. Am I asking for too much? Perhaps, but what if revival begins with me? Maybe I can begin by strategizing and prioritizing what I listen to first thing in the mornings with thoughts on how to strengthen my community. And every day there after, I can stop, pause and rewind my words to shape and create hours that turn into days that transcends into months and years of resurgence around me!!!

My Daily Medicine: My faith in God increases if I speak what is true, and decreases if I don’t. Be mindful of what comes out of your mouth, for what you say is on display for everyone to see.

“So faith proceeds from hearing, as we listen to the message about God’s Anointed. Is your mouth an open gate to death or life? Are you speaking for God or against Him? Does your words heal or kill?”

Paraphrased from Romans 10:17, Romans 3:13-15, respectively.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided by us on Gurlstalk’n (the “Site”) is for general informational and entertainment purposes. All information on this Site is provided in good faith. However, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site. We do not advocate any particular service, product or site.

Journey With Lee (Day 23 of 31)

Quote• Posted on January 23, 2020February 25, 2020 by gurlstalkn

Day – 22, January 22

How would you describe your life? Chaos or Calm? Hurry or Harmony? Torment or Tranquil? I wish I could describe mine as smooth, restful and in order, but that’s not always the case. Most days I am disoriented and disorganized, and my house is in disarray.

I do not function well and I’m not very productive when my thoughts are restless and in turmoil. The same is true when my home is cluttered, which just a few days ago everything was out of place and messy in several rooms.

It is difficult for me to see beyond the grayish, cloudy skies or align and discipline my thoughts or stay focused and execute my goals when I lack structure and organization at home. Am I the only one who suffers from this?

This week, determined to cut loose from lazy and lethargic habits, I promised myself I would declutter, dispose of unwanted junk and tidy up at least one room. To my delight not only was I able to thoroughly clean out one area, but also I knocked off four work items from my Task List. “I can see clearly now cause the junk is all gone …” (me singing).

My Daily Medicine: God is not messy, but works congruently in all things. He is well-organized and purposeful. And so must I.

“For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace …”

Paraphrased from 1 Corinthians 14:33 [MEV].

DISCLAIMER: The information provided by us on Gurlstalk’n (the “Site”) is for general informational and entertainment purposes. All information on this Site is provided in good faith. However, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site. We do not advocate any particular service, product or site.

Journey With Lee (Day 22 of 31)

Quote• Posted on January 22, 2020February 25, 2020 by gurlstalkn

The month of January exemplifies new beginnings. January starts the beginning of every year and people around the world make vision boards and new year’s resolutions in order to motivate themselves to achieve goals before the year ends on December 31.

However this year, I did neither. Instead, I spent the last two weeks of December and the first two of days of January, physically sick.

I woke up January 1, 2020 feeling unmotivated, fighting with internal battles/insecurities, and feeling like there’s something more I need to do this year. I convinced myself once again that everyone around me with similar gifts like mine are more talented than I.

But then I wondered how can this be? How can someone fulfill the unique gifts and talents that were placed within me when they are uniquely designed for me? I then realized I must be careful with my thoughts, and know when to reject the negative, and unproductive ones, because the mind is a powerful thing. LOL!

I’m not sure why I was in a funk. Could it be a lack of sleep or because I was not feeling well for two weeks? Whatever the reason, I will not allow it or anything else to “excuse” me from soaring this year.

On January 2, 2020, the kids and I got up to get ready to go to school and I to work. It was business as usual.

The following day, I was in “a better place, spiritually” and I felt better internally.

As I headed to the shower, my six-year-old son walked over to me, rubbed my face and told me he loved me. This act was not out of the ordinary. My baby boy does this every day. He loves his momma and I never have to question that! But this day was different and his usual expression of love was not so usual. It was almost as though he was looking straight through me when he spoke those words and touched my cheeks.

I instantly received the strength and motivation to “keep it pushing”. My attitude immediately changed and I began to realize my children deserve to live their lives to the fullest by first witnessing me successfully reaching my full potential!

The Gurls and I decided the theme for this month is, “As for Me and My House, We will Serve the Lord.” With the physical and emotional inner struggles I was experiencing, I believe my son’s affections and January’s theme are my path for helping me stay focused.

I began thinking about how my family and I can get back to some of the basics at home by starting our day out on a positive note.

My husband can confirm I am a mess every morning. I fuss and yell at everyone, especially if we are running behind schedule by even one minute. It has caused me, the kids, and him to have rocky mornings. But why? My home should be the one place that is a safe haven. I want to do something different. I must do something different.

Before we left out of the house on January 3, 2020, I did something different. I gathered my 5 children together and told them how much their dad and I loved them—how much God loves them, and how we were going to incorporate God into our everyday routine, starting that day. We paused at the kitchen table and read 2 Corinthians 5:7. We talked about what the scripture meant and how we are going to spend time with God every day.

The looks on their faces were priceless. They listened intently and asked questions. Even my four-year-old nodded her head in agreement to choose God every day.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”

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.

My House, My Safe Haven by Christa

Quote• Posted on January 6, 2020January 6, 2020 by gurlstalkn

Life Challenges

Sadness by Candice

Posted on October 27, 2018November 12, 2018 by gurlstalkn

Ever have moments where sadness seems to overtake you???? Me too. What do I do? Well it depends.

The other day, when I felt sad, I quickly dialed my momfriendster (mom, friend, and sister all wrapped in one, lol). I called her to talk about something else so I could get my mind off of the thing that was causing me to be sad and somehow it ended in prayer!

Talk about shedding some tears and feeling grateful. This was just what I needed.

This blog is dedicated to all those who are within my circle of influence. You know who you are. You are the ones who encourage me, pray with me, speak life back into me or you give me a good ole laugh.

Even though I’ve learned over the years that not one person can meet all of my needs or wants (that’s what God is for), we sure do compliment one another.

Cheers to You who know your purpose, and walk in it everyday!!

I’m grateful today for the love I have yearned for for so many years; the peace I prayed for; the joy I strive to obtain in each day is truly found in Christ!

Life Challenges

Journey With Me by Lee (Day 21 of 31)

Posted on January 21, 2018February 11, 2020 by gurlstalkn

Day 21 – January 21, 2018

God wants me to love and everything within me is screaming, NO!!! I don’t want to do it! I don’t want to admit it, but God not only loves us incredibly so, but He Is LOVE.

When He said to me to love, it was not a suggestion, comment or a question. It is His commandment to me. I don’t want to admit it, but He is not asking my permission, but demanding my obedience.

“Father, why can’t I love others from afar? I can pray for and give and help when needed. Why do I have to engage into their lives and on a regular basis? This is so uncomfortable for me.”

“Yes, I know it is. I have hidden many things in love. If you do not obey, you will remain in bondage and never walk in total freedom–the freedom I placed in my Son. Every victory in your life is hemmed in my Love. I gave everything so you would find all you need, in Him. Remember, I gave everything to you for love’s sake. You must follow my lead.”

In a moment’s time, my insides began to heat up. I am very warm. I reach for my fan and turn it on. The heat continues to burn within. I am now sweating, so I keep the fan on. In silence, I hear only the humming of the fan.

I get a quick glimpse of the compassion I lost, the simple task of just sitting with a friend, without saying a word, because no words are necessary, only my presence. I am sad, because now I realize the negative impact I left behind because of my lack of love.

Daily Reflections: Forgive me for my selfishness. Yes, I will obey and love….

Life Challenges

Journey With Me by Lee (Day 20 of 31)

Posted on January 20, 2018February 11, 2020 by gurlstalkn

Day 20 – January 20, 2018

So now that I have a clear revelation of what is going on with me. I asked, “What do I do to move forward? Where do I begin?” This is going to sound cliche, but its what I heard: love and receive His love through others.

By nature I am a loner and I generally don’t trust others, because I have been hurt sooooo many times, too many to mention (does anyone know what I’m talking about?).

I don’t want to get too close to anyone either, because then I begin to feel vulnerable, and I don’t like that or being in anyone’s debt. When you reach out to others in love, you are expected to open your heart up to them, otherwise the relationship is one-sided and phony and will fade away into nothingness. Trust me I know. I’ve had a few of those with family and friends. If you’re not going to honestly open yourself up, then do not bother.

So all of these thoughts ram-sacked my mind when I heard the word, “love.”

“Father, I don’t want to. Please, is there any other way? ‘Let this cup pass from me….’ ”

I know my next statement should be: “However, let your will be done and not my own.” But I don’t want to say that, because if I do, His will for me is to love and in doing so, I must trust someone else with me. I’m not ready to face disappointment again. This is hard for me….

I know what it looks like to allow others to enter your safe zone. People are messy, and selfish, and mean-spirited, and hateful, and envious, and jealous, and competitive, and nasty, and talk about you, and ignore you, and leave you out, and treat you as though you are invisible, and forget about you, and are pretentious, and, and, and, and ‘sometimy’, and You want me to open up to that, Father? At least show me who “they are” first and then I’ll decide ….

Daily Reflections: The struggle is real today…..

Life Challenges

Journey With Me by Lee (Day 19 of 31)

Posted on January 19, 2018February 11, 2020 by gurlstalkn

Day 19 – January 19, 2018

I have been experiencing dis-ease in my body for a few days now. My husband was very ill at first. So after work each night, I’d come home and “doctor him up” to recovery. He was off from work for a week. A couple of days after he returned to his job, I laid in the bed sick.

I spent the day going over my previous days of journal entries. I felt like God was saying to me your sickness is more spiritual than physical–what is going on with me externally is a reflection of what is going on inside of me.

There is a great battle against my mind. My salvation, my love for God, my obedience to Him and to His word, my ability to take the “high road” during the hard tests of life, are also under attack. I must seek His plan for overcoming the nightmares and fears of driving (by myself, or at night, or to places I have never driven before). I must follow His blueprint for anything that is blocking my way to a victorious life.

Yes, my body is suffering from flu-like symptoms, but my heart has a leak in it. The spiritual attack is more real than the physical. I must not run away from God, but to HIM with everything within me. I must stop trying to rhyme and reason the events of my life. If there is something God wants me to know, He will share them and in His perfect timing. I will not allow my analytical mind to get me off course again.

Daily Reflections: Today, I do not engage nor fight without God. I am putting on all the weapons He gave me: Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith and Salvation. These are NOT just words, but are filled with the very essence of God and Who He is in my life. He told me to put them on as though there is some indication that I do not automatically wear them all the time. Hmmm ….

“Don’t ever go into battle again without being fully dressed. We are up against more than we can imagine. Here is the weaponry I wear: I strap Truth around my loins, which protects my very sensitive body parts; I guard my heart by putting on my chest Jesus; I prepare my way by slipping on my Gospel of Peace shoes; I slip on my Faith Shield, because the enemy will surely bombard my life with deadly arrows of accusations, discords, distrust, deceits, distractions, etc. to get me off point; and I lock on my head Salvation’s Helmet, which is God’s Word. Although most of us consider the last one to be the least among all the weapons, don’t be fooled. It is NOT. Our salvation is the very foundation of our life and who we belong to. Jesus redeemed us from sin and eternal death. Oh, and never ever leave out prayer …. this keeps you focused and humbled.” Paraphrased from Ephesians: 6:13-18 (MSG).

Life Challenges

Journey With Me by Lee (Day 18 of 31)

Posted on January 18, 2018February 11, 2020 by gurlstalkn

Day 18 – January 18, 2018

My Winter Season

I’ve been under attack for a while—didn’t realize the magnitude of it until yesterday… I’ve been performing certain acts like going to church, studying, praying, reading the Bible, giving to others, worshipping, loving my family, friends, etc., etc., etc., but living apart from God.

I just recognized my heart has not been wholly towards God’s, but I’ve been overcompensating the void by “doing” things out of habit.

Do you understand what I mean? You do the right things, but for the wrong motives… my God!!!

So that’s why He stripped away the job and the travel? When my husband and I thought it was our time to move on to another home, or out-of-state, or into ministry, we’d always get so close and then, BAM, the doors slammed shut in our faces. This also explains the emptiness and unsettling feelings that never seem to go away. The periodic highs and lows. The great victories and then even greater losses. The confusion, endless sleepless nights, horrible dreams of torment, fear, depression, weight gain, sickness in our bodies, the sufferings my children are also dealing with, broken family relationships, separations of all kinds…. and the list goes on.

For a few years now, it seemed as though God has been silent to my prayers…. yet at the same time, He continues to help me by protecting me from others and myself… keeping a watchful eye… not allowing the enemy to devour me and sift me into nothingness… thank You, Father, thank You, thank You!!!

Daily Reflections: Empty your life from ALL ritualistic acts and ways and doings… remove the pride…. look in the mirror and see the truth. Are you tired of waiting for Him to answer your prayers? What if He has already answered and you are unwilling to accept it? Let go. Stop allowing your head to rule your heart. Are you following Him OR what pleases you?

Please take that hard look today!!!

Life Challenges

Journey With Me by Lee (Day 17 of 31)

Posted on January 17, 2018February 11, 2020 by gurlstalkn

Day 17 – January 17, 2018

What are you looking for? A pat on the back? Someone to tell you how wonderful you are? Or an exuberant applaud for being a good parent? Maybe you’re hoping your co-workers will invite you to sit at their lunch table? Are you expecting a thank you from your siblings, spouse or children for all the sacrifices you’ve made and in some instances still making?

Please STOP! You cannot control what others say, do or think.

We try to ignore the sneers and side remarks our boss and co-workers say about us–we pretend we don’t hear them.

We deal with all kinds of disappointments and mean behaviors, yet we take the high road, don’t we? What if we decide to ride on the Gutter Train Express today? I wonder how others would feel if our roles were reversed? I’d imagine they would feel like we do: fed up, tired and disgusted.

Taking that train ride would not be a pretty picture at all. In fact, we would be adding to the chaos and spitting out negativity into the atmosphere too.

But wait, something else happens when we do ….

After we release mean words, doubts, fears, worries, un-forgiveness, and grudges in the air, the wind makes a sudden shift and all the garbage we released boomerangs back on us an hundredfold!!!

What is that horrible odor and yucky goo we now have on us? It smells disgusting and we no longer look like ourselves. This wasn’t our plan nor intentions. We only retaliated against those who deserved it, right? Yet, when we followed their evils ways, this is our reward.

Daily Reflections: What you sow you get back and more ….

Life Challenges

Journey With Me by Lee (Day 16 of 31)

Posted on January 16, 2018February 11, 2020 by gurlstalkn

Day 16 – January 16, 2018

What an odd day today is …

Today is my oldest grandson’s birthday. What is still strange for me is another year passes and I will not see him. Due to some family issues, which were beyond my control, it is has been over 10 years since the last time I laid my eyes on or held him.

I remember that day as though it was yesterday. We were all leaving Bible studies that fall Wednesday evening. He wore navy blue slacks, with a blue and brown navy sweater, with a yellow and blue bow tie–looking as cute as a button, lol!!

At the time, I didn’t know it would be the last time I would see him. Weeks later, it was confirmed when his mom made it clear to my son and the family we were not going to see him again or be apart of his life.

At first I thought it was a bad script written from a B movie. The whole family was saddened and distraught, especially my son. Since that time, we made a few attempts to get the mom to change her mind, but to no avail. With nothing left but to pick up the ragged pieces, we managed to move on.

Sometime later–not sure if it were days or weeks afterwards, I prayed and asked God to forgive all of us for all wrong doings and sin we committed known and unknown. I asked Him to allow my son, my family and I to see my grandson again, regardless of how long it takes. I prayed He would shorten the time and not allow it to be a factor. I even asked Him to supernaturally give us a wonderful relationship with my grandson, as though we have always been together.

Happy Birthday Grandson!!! Wherever you are, know that YOU ARE LOVED. Nana misses you and will see you soon ….

Daily Reflections: God keeps all of His promises. We lie and manipulate to have our own way, but not Him. He is not like us. He is good, kind, merciful and faithful. I’ll take my chances with Him.

“God, rescue us from this time of trouble.”

“And may God keep His word, and bless you just as he promised.”

Paraphrased from Psalm 25:22 and Deuteronomy 1:10, 11, respectively (MSG).

Life Challenges

Journey With Me by Lee (Day 15 of 31)

Posted on January 15, 2018February 11, 2020 by gurlstalkn

Day 15 – January 15, 2018

God, why I am here? Have you ever asked Him this question? Yes, me too!! Here’s what I hear Him say, “You are here for my glory…”.

During today’s worship and prayer time, I thought about who God is to me. Though this list is long, it is incomplete. Please feel free to add your names to this list:

Melekh (King) Father Tsaddig (Righteous One)
Holy Trinity El-Gibhor (Mighty God) Jesus Christ
Eyaluth (Strength) Purifier El-Berith (God of Covenant)
Jehovah-Rohi (Lord our Shepherd) Most High The Door
El-Roi (God of seeing) Jehovah-Sabaoth (Lord of Hosts)
Kadosh (Holy One) Jehovah-Nissi (Lord our banner)
Bright and Morning Star Light of the World Yahweh
Jehovah (Lord) Faithful and True My Well-Beloved
Eternal God Rose of Sharon Jehovah-Jireh (Lord provides)
Lily of the Valley My Shield Abba-Father Strong Tower
Altogether Lovely Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Lord of Righteousness)
El-Shaddai Our Passover Lamb Adonai Comforter
Holy Spirit Gentle Whisperer The Interpreter Hope
Most High Bride Groom Alpha & Omega Master
Vine El-Elyon Living Water Jehovah-Raah Creator
Truth My Restorer Author of Life Prince of Peace
Lord of lords Great Shepherd Elohim Rock of My Heart
Jehovah-Rophe (Lord Who Heals) Mediator Amen
The Rock Jehovah-Shalom (Lord of Peace) Love
Friend that loves at all times Jehovah-Shammah (Lord is there)
The Way, The Truth & The Life Abi (Mighty One) Messiah
True Light Aleph Tav Kadosh (Holy One) Advocate
Shaphat (Judge) Wonderful Counselor Gaol (Redeemer)
Magen (Shield) Kanna (Jealous) Palet (Deliverer)
Ancient of Days Qanna Stone Sceptre out of Israel
Captain of the Hosts The Shiloh God My Buckler
Jehovah-M’Kaddesh (Lord Who Sanctifies) Revealer of the Hearts
King of kings I AM that I AM

Daily Reflections: Who is He really to you? Who do you want Him to be in your life?