Life Challenges

March On by Karen

Posted on March 18, 2016April 28, 2016 by gurlstalkn

Because of current circumstances going on with other family members lately, I’ve been in observation mold. During these unusual times, it is important I keep my focus on God. As I do so, I find myself comparing and creating analogies of what I see.

I see your struggles and understand you are dealing with unpleasant trials today, but tomorrow it may be someone else’s turn, perhaps it will be me. Do you know someone too going through?

Today is INSPIRE A Sista Day. This is Your day! EXPECT TO BE HEALED AND MARCH ON!!

Recently, I reread the story about the “woman with the issue of blood”. (Matthew 9:20-22). She put a demand on the healing anointing and received her miracle. In the story, once she pushed her way through the crowd, pushed past the years and years of disappointment from failed treatments, and pushed against the stigma of being unclean, she expected to be healed”.

Here’s an excerpt from the story: a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him. She touched the fringe of His robe, for she thought, “If I can just touch His robe, I will be healed”. Jesus turned around and said to her, “Daughter be encouraged! Your faith has made you well”. The woman was healed at that moment.”

Please know you can place that same demand to receive your healing.

Push forward
Expect something will happen
Stay encouraged
Don’t let the enemy talk you out of your healing
Keep your mind on God
Trust the One who died for YOU and YOUR healing

NEVER give in, NEVER give out and definitely, NEVER give up!!!

If you are in a good place today, then your assignment is to encourage a Sista to NOT give up or give in.

MARCH ON!!!!!

KEEP PRESSING TOWARDS THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT!

His Peace I leave you with…..

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.

Circle of Life by Leah

Posted on March 11, 2016April 5, 2016 by gurlstalkn

As my husband and I were driving home after having dinner at my mom’s house, we began discussing our life.

We talked about times spent at a former fellowship and how our pastor died. We did not expect him to die nor did we anticipate the members would divide and depart just a couple of years after his death. In fact, the entire church eventually folded.

We talked about friends and acquaintances who were a part of our every day lives, and now we hardly see or share a conversation with them.

We reminisced about our grandparents, his dad and brother, our former neighbors and childhood teachers whom have departed this life and we were left only with memories in our hearts that they truly existed.

How about you? Do you remember your grammar, junior high, high school, and college friends? You know your “ace cum booms“? Those BFF’s you thought you would hang out with forever? The ones you shared your deepest and darkest secrets with? The friend you talked to all night and never tired? The ones you fought and cried with or listened to their woes?

How about the ones you were friends with since the second, third or fourth grade? Then one day you realized each of you had outgrown the other. Many of those friendships eventually ended.

Do you remember your first kiss? Do you even know where that person is now? Are they dead or alive? Live in your same city or moved on to another location oblivious to you?

Can you recall the day you met your spouse? Did you ever dream or see yourself married to them? Even if you did, did life turn out the way you expected it?

Wow, these thoughts and our conversation brought to mind so many people, events and bitter sweet memories I had not thought about for a very long time.

I began to feel some kind of way–a little melancholy about some bad choices I made, while reminding myself I made many good ones too–those that changed me and my life’s perspective for the better.

Today I encourage you to cherish your time spent with others no matter the circumstance. Respect those relationships and don’t regret mistakes, missed opportunities or misunderstandings. Take the time to live in the moment. Stop rushing through encounters you don’t like or understand. Pay attention to the lessons you are being taught about yourself and others. Don’t apologize for loving too hard. Forgive those who have taken advantage of you. Free and release others you’ve held in bondage far too long. Learn what is necessary and then move on.

As you continue to mature, allow others to see you fail. Be transparent. Don’t get stuck on the stupid stuff. Some of the people and things you have in your present life (including spouse, other family members, place of employment, etc.) are here today, but gone tomorrow–becoming a mere thought from your past.

It’s ok to laugh loud, love much and live hopeful–I mean really live in the moment!!! Life is only a dash. Oftentimes too short and vanishes quickly. Whatever you do, do it on purpose (this is one of my favorites sayings)!!!

Life Challenges

Do Not Enter, Wrong Way by Chris

Posted on March 4, 2016 by gurlstalkn

One day as I was driving my children to the doctor’s office, I made a wrong turn and was headed in the opposite direction. By the time I realized my mistake, I was about 12 blocks away from my destination with only 5 minutes to spare.

At that moment my thoughts drifted on areas in my life that are currently distracting me. This reminded me of the time when I was a teenager I struggled with “fitting in” and worried about what others thought of me. I was not popular or in the “in” crowd. I didn’t rock the latest name brand clothing or shoes, but I enjoyed learning and loved writing. Like a geek, I walked around carrying a notebook and pen so I could write down my thoughts and feelings. I was insecure, traveled down some dark roads and entered streets with only an entrance and no exit.

How many times do we allow distractions to take over our lives? Sometimes the distractions are people who weren’t meant to be in our lives, yet we allow them in. Places we should not go, we go anyway. Activities we should not partake in, but we do.

All of these distractions can get us off track and point us to roads we were never designed to travel. I have been distracted and off course many times, but God! He led me back to the right road and never allowed me to live in a detrimental state, while I was on the wrong path. In fact, He led me back to the road that was meant for me.

When we include God in our lives, we can ask Him for direction. He will give it to us. He sees what is down every street, road or avenue before we even jump into the car. I’m happy to know He knows where I am going, even if I do not.

Life Challenges

What Makes My Heart Beat by Chris

Posted on February 26, 2016March 20, 2016 by gurlstalkn

Have you ever been so mad at someone you could have knocked them out? Do you remember the scene in Mortal Combat’s video game when one of the male character’s says, “finish him?” Lol…..yeah, that kind of angry.

When I get that angry, as soon as I yield to love, the following three things “magically” comes to mind AND……….the pain lessens.

1. You cannot control people.

2. Many disagreements are trivial.

3. As soon as that person “butters” you up with gifts and kind words……You are OVER it and it’s as if it never even happened.

Let’s be frank, you may not instantly “get over” the hurt or anger, but somehow you eventually forget and move on.

That’s the power of love. Love always wins!!

Love and hate cannot dwell in the same place. It is like apples and blueberries–well, maybe not, lol. But it’s very similar to light and dark. It cannot be dark outside when light is still present. Love is the driving force behind our abilities to obtain happiness here on earth.

Love is what keeps my heart beating. Love is so powerful sometimes I find myself getting out of my comfort zone and doing things I claimed I would never do. Why? Love is boundless and has no limits.

Love freely gives. So why do I at times take into account when it is not reciprocated? Do I do for others based on what I feel they can offer me in return? It has taken me many years to focus on doing for someone what I want and not based on what they can do for me.

Truthfully speaking, it is a challenge to give someone a gift when you have a need. I decided to make a conscious effort to love others like I wish to receive. Love keeps the blood flowing smoothly in my heart. I believe it is the very reason my heart has not stopped beating.

What would the world be like if we yielded more to love and light and less to hate and darkness? It is easier to love because the message it sends is powerful.

Love keeps my heart beating.

Life Challenges

The Heart of the Matter – I want to be Hooked by Karen

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

On March 3, 1988, I was invited to a friend’s church service in Maywood, IL to hear their guest speaker, Kim Clement. I had never heard of him before receiving this invite, but over the years I have learned more and more about him and his ministry.

During the services, he prophesied to me and many others. What he spoke to me concerned matters I was dealing with in my heart at that time–all of what he spoke came to pass in my life. I don’t recall everything he said, but I remember him saying this: “God says I am going to place a hook in your mouth……”.

Let’s fast forward to the present day.

The other day as I was on my way to work I began to think about fish. As my thoughts continued, I envisioned this fish. I then asked the Lord to clean, scrape, scale and gut out of me anything not pleasing to Him, as a fisherman would clean the unwanted insides of a fish.

I remember as a child growing up that my mom loved fish. She drove to the grocery store and returned with her favorite food, fish. I watched closely as she rinsed, scaled and scraped, scraped and scraped and finally gutted those poor little fish.

That’s how I want God to handle me. I want Him to remove all of my insides that do not represent a follower of Christ. I want Him to completely remove the uncomely parts: gut out all the ways and thoughts that do not please Him.

Even as I write this, I am reminded fish are scraped, gutted, cleaned and prepared to ultimately serve as someone’s meal. This is EXACTLY the position I want to be in: ready to be served for others.

Now back to the “hook in the mouth” aspect of the story. In order to capture fish, the fisherman starts out by placing bait on a fishing hook. After the bait lures the fish to the hook and the fish bites the bait, then the hooked fish is immediately pulled from the water.

Oh yes, I want God to place His hook in my mouth, pull me from the depths of the murky waters of life, reel me into my destiny, which is His purpose for my life, and prepare me to be His servant.

Jesus called his disciples to become “fishers of men” (Mt.4:19).

My oldest son and his son loves to fish. I can picture them putting bait on the hook at the end of their fishing poles knowing their hooks will soon be embedded deep inside of the fish’s mouths to prevent the fish from shaking loose and getting away.

I desire God to place His hook deep inside my mouth, so everyday I will bring my needs, joys, and hurts to my Loving Father. I want to draw near to Him as He draws nearer to me, so I will not get away or shake loose from the Greatest Fisherman there ever was or ever will be.

NOW THAT’S THE HEART OF THE MATTER!!!

Life Challenges, Live. Laugh. Love

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…

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!!

Giving Back, Life Challenges

Baby Love THYSELF by Candice

Posted on December 21, 2015February 15, 2016 by gurlstalkn

For years, I sought the approval of others. And I must admit, at times I still desire for everyone to like me, not be mad at me, just love me for me, and the list goes on and on…. For a long while, I was lost and confused by my idea of what love is. Continue reading “Baby Love THYSELF by Candice” →

Events, Life Challenges

Baby Girl You’re a Blessing by Chris

Posted on December 10, 2015February 15, 2016 by gurlstalkn

No hair extensions, no make-up, no high heels can change the way you really feel.

Listen Baby Girl, YOU are beautiful, talented, worth waiting for, worth dying for–don’t act as if you haven’t heard this before.

The world is waiting on the Queen you will become…

The love you will attain…

The life you will lead…

The world is empty without your beauty, without your fly-ness.

Yes, Baby Girl, YOU ARE A B-E-A-U-T-Y!!!

You see, BEAUTY is the name I’ve chosen to go by. A name truly meant for a Queen.

I embrace it, and everyone knows why. I hold my head high while determining I will not let my life just pass me by.

Understanding my true identity was not an easy task. So I decided there was nothing to lose, so I gave this thing called life a try.

Male friends cannot comprehend why. Why am I so emotional that often I cry?

Guys may never understand what makes YOU and Me so fly.

It seems as though life has its lows and its highs. Friends come into our lives, while others disappear without a trace, leaving a mere mist of smoke in the sky.

It feels as though no one comprehends these feelings we share. Will the unaware even dare to look us in the eye?

This reminds me of my father and others who have disappeared. It’s funny, but I used to wonder why. Now that I understand my true identity, the questions of who, what, when, or why doesn’t even come to mind.

As a troubled teenager facing all kinds of trust issues, little did I know time would quickly fade on by.

Being hurt from broken promises does not give me permission to label others. Everyone deserves a second chance to prove their love. Relationships will not last if you are not willing to give them a try.

On an emotional roller coaster, waiting for the ride to end. I never knew what my purpose in life was then.

I’ve learned to be slow to speak, before I utter a mumbling word, allowing myself time to think. Emotionless is not a part of the make-up of a Queen, but neither is being an emotional, out of control train that no one would have seen.

No one could’ve seen me coming if I hadn’t applied the brakes. Like high grass before its cut, leaving behind hidden snakes.

Sometimes silence is golden, just to keep the peace and hold ‘em. Baby Girl, you don’t have all the answers. You must learn to glean from your Elders. You must be made and molded.

I recall powerful words from my Queen, such a blessing she has been. She said, Baby Girl, you’re a blessing. Don’t lose your trust in hurts and lessons.

Instead leave a legacy for your baby blessings. You’re a Queen, never to be deemed as unimportant or just a mere human being.

She reminded me life isn’t as it seems and if I choose to walk this dotted line, I must never become a hopeless teen. A hopeless teen who gleans from tarnished environments, someone bound by fear.

Fear of the unknown. Taking a chance allows the fears to never be born.

So I share these thoughts with YOU, as someone who has real life issues and struggles. I’m not a curse, a statistic, or a worthless being. You know what I mean, Baby Girl, YOU too are destined to be a QUEEN!