Live. Laugh. Love

What Lies Within by Christa

Posted on April 1, 2016 by gurlstalkn

Full of lies and deceit.
Returning items with no receipt.
Looking like a shepherd who has lost his sheep.
Aiming to stay abreast, looking for some type of relief.

Something to help you believe.
Believing for something better, something greater.
Looking for myself beneath all this defeat.
Watching everyone else get married, wondering why not me?

Witnessing those around me fulfill their dreams and I’m still unable to see.
Seeing past hurts and pains that lie within.
Full of misery, jealousy, hopelessness, and shame.
Seemingly on the outside, I look content and well-maintained.

No one knows my true intent.
Intent to inflict harm to others, just to win the game.
The game of getting to the top alone, like coffins with no remains.
Focused on all the wrong things, constant battles of throwing blame.
Thinking of ways to stay sane in a world full of losses with no gains.

Until one day, I examined those areas of struggle and pain.
As I addressed what lies within, I can feel the shame lift off of me.
It was as if I had new lens that enabled me to see.
See who I am and who I would like to be.

Now, my heart fills with joy and peace.
As I walk away from those issues that once caused me to weep.
I am no longer a lost sheep and understand what lies beneath is visible for all to see.

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, 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…

Giving Back, Live. Laugh. Love

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?

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!!

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.

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

Live. Laugh. Love

Take Him at His Word by Karen

Posted on September 7, 2015 by gurlstalkn

Early the other morning the Lord awoke me and I heard, “Take Him at His Word”.

Quickly, I grabbed my journal and wrote what you are about to read.

Receive it my friend…receive it!!!!

My heart and soul cries out for You Lord.

My tongue cries out in an unknown sound.

My soul is tender for and towards You.

With much intensity and then suddenly in quietness,

I speak and say to Him, I just want You to know how I feel about You.

He replies, “I am the One that gave you that feeling”.

You drew me to You Lord and I’m now in Your presence.

Plain and simple, we must Take Him at His Word.

Read His Word, Study His Word, Hear His Word.

Then Trust His Word.

He is The Word. We are in Him literally when we get in His Word.

Do you ever long and desire to be closer to God?

Do you just want to rest in His comfort? In His peace and in His presence?

Do you weep for Him because you love Him so much?

Well, begin today by Taking Him at His Word.

I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me Proverbs 8:17 NKJV.

My prayer: Lord, I really want to grow and know you spiritually. I need my own daily walk with You, but more importantly, I want it because You’ve commanded me to do so. Thank You for giving me the strength to fulfill your commands and to grow. I don’t know if I’ll ever understand why You sacrificed Yourself for me. But from the depths of my being, I want to SHOUT praises to You and tell the whole world what You did for all of us. AMEN!!!!

The GURLS: Candice, Leah, Christa & Karen

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

Live. Laugh. Love

Posted on July 6, 2015July 6, 2015 by gurlstalkn

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