Quote – 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

When I was a kid, we switched schools quite often.

Let’s see…… I went to preschool near my home that we shared with both of my parents.

Kindergarten is a blur.

1st grade was spent at The Brenan Elementary School.

2nd Grade was spent at a private school.

Back to Brenan during 3rd and off we moved….All the way to the low end on 29th and King Drive. We would spend a year at Drake Elementary and the next three years at John J. Pershing.

I had a love/hate relationship with school. I had AMAZING teachers, yet I remember begging my mom to home school me. I particularly loved Science. I remember the teacher teaching us all about working in the lab, and I couldn’t wait to get my body in one of those lab coats!! But then there were my peers. My mom just didn’t understand.” She moved us away from the “bad” to what appeared to be the “better.” It was and it wasn’t. Everyday was a choice.

She didn’t see the daily struggles to fit in, to be seen, to BE….

She didn’t see the kids who were mean to me and didn’t accept me. Heck! I didn’t even accept myself back.

She didn’t see the boys I fought as a 1st grader.

She didn’t see that I didn’t have enough “of the right clothes” to fit in with the “popular crew,” yet didn’t quite fit in with the “unpopular crew” either. I was the outcast! So I thought……

She didn’t see the daily choices I had to make.

Fast forward to the birth of my children… I made so many vows to myself about my children.

I would never do this and never do that. Although l was successful in many areas, I forgot that they had to face this world one day.

They make a choice every single day; to be apart, to distance themselves, to accept and pretend, or to be who they were meant to be. I honestly forgot how hard it was to be a kid.

Everyday is a battle for our babies who face this cruel and wicked world….. Those choices aren’t always easy, yet each choice comes with a cost.

As I enter the walls of my school everyday, I remind myself that no child is “bad.” They’re just a combination of choices they make and don’t make. They are also a product of choices their parents and community make everyday.

I urge the youth to chose wisely, for your very choices will determine your path in life….

Everyday is a Battle

Quote• Posted on April 29, 2019April 30, 2019 by gurlstalkn

The Gurls are on the Road again! Where to? Springfield, Illinois was our stomping grounds this weekend!

Who’s Your Daddy was the title of the sermon given on yesterday that led to a compelling message delivered by our amazing guest Pastor of the evening, Amy McGlamery!

I must say, I shed a few tears, praised my awesome Jesus, and left with my marching papers! Today is a new day! I know who I am!

I must say, it has been one rough year. I have felt discouraged, lost, and downright left behind, but you know what?? I lost sight of who I am and who I belong to?

Several take aways from this weekend…..

My identity determines my DESTINY! When you know who you are, you know exactly where you are going. Jesus knew exactly who He was, and why He was here on earth. His identity determined the very course of His life. We were left with one question on our first evening….Will you compromise your destiny for a moment of pleasure??

Day 2 was all about being Brave!

In order to be brave, we have to turn away from fear, take our thoughts captive, tame our tongue, put our dukes up (get ready for battle), and title our future!

We have to have a “different spirit” like Caleb in Numbers 14:24, because he followed God passionately! Wow.

Bravery does NOT mean that trials will not come. It simply means that WHEN they do, because they will, BE PREPARED. Be ready by keeping your mind on Him, pushing past fear, taking every evil thought captive as referenced in Philippians 4:8, having mustard seed faith, getting back up again and again, and speaking life over your future.

Oh and let me not forget the amazing worship on this weekend! I felt like I was sitting at the feet of JESUS, as they reminded us that God is greater than the mountains before us, He is the Lion of Judah, the lamb that slain for all of our sins, and He says that I am enough! Which brings me to the theme our our conference, SHE IS ENOUGH!!!!

As our mentor instructed us to “have a blast… get strengthened, refreshed, recharged and renewed,” we did JUST THAT! #gurlsonthemove

She is Enough by Candice, Karen, and Leah

Quote• Posted on March 16, 2019 by gurlstalkn

Grab your coffee and have a seat with me!

Years ago, I was sitting on my bed teaching my stuffed animals! Panda Bear was sent to the office for talking back. Sally the Giraffe, did not do her homework, and I was fed up with Tom the dog! Chile, when I tell you teaching was hard work back then….. it REALLY was.

Over the years, my passion and desire to teach was what led me to go to school and pursue a degree in Elementary Education. Anything to boss little kids around. 🙂

Fast forward, and I am currently in my thirteenth year of teaching. When I tell you I feel Langston Hughes on his famous line, “life for me aint been no crystal stair…,” ALL FACTS and then some.

In my teaching career, I have had to grow up, mature, surrender, and sometimes, just downright give a good cry. I don’t think I know any teacher who has never felt sad about not being able to save that “one child.” The child who pulls on your heart strings, the child who you know can accomplish anything if he/she just believed, the child who wanted to quit but didn’t because of the words you spoke into his/her life, the comfort he/she feels in knowing that someone cares, the short and long talks in between lessons, the lightbulbs that go off because they finally had their “AHA” moment. These are moments I crave for. The moments when all else seems to be going wrong, but that one challenging child wants to go to the board and show you he understood the lesson that no one else could grasp.

I get to look into the eyes of all the kids who walk into my room everyday with a frown, smile, or neither on his/her face, and I have the ability to turn that frown upside down.

You see, teaching isn’t for the weak or weary at HEART. It’s an everyday battle to change the very world we live in….It’s the attitudes, crying spells, and downright laughter from deep within. It’s the good, the bad, and the ugly.

So if anyone is mad, it’s me! Why???…….Because I want them all to succeed.

Signed, DEDICATED TEACHER…..

#NOteacherleftbehind #weCareyesWedo

Diary of a Teacher!

Quote• Posted on March 12, 2019March 16, 2019 by gurlstalkn

So I love music! Music has always been apart of who I am. I can go wayyyyyyy back to early Saturday mornings, scarf on, gloves in hand, as we clean while my auntie blasts her black stereo to the latest songs, as we patiently await the Soullllllll Train!

Pretty much all of my family can sang! From mom, aunts, cousins, siblings, and I’m not too shabby my self :). I even performed in a couple solo concerts as a kids with the wall being my audience!

So I wanted to share a few of my current music favs. These are the songs I wake up to, walk around the house singing, and just plain ole enjoy!

1. This is a brand new song out now! The first time I heard one of the young ladies sing was at a recent youth concert, and I was blown away! I absolutely love seeing youth singing for the glory of God.

You can find them right on sound cloud and iTunes!

https://soundcloud.com/a4lmusic/joy

2. I was at a friend’s house enjoying the fam bam. While talking about our favorites scriptures, she played this song for me, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Reckless Love is constantly on repeat!

https://youtu.be/6xx0d3R2LoU

And Blanca! Where have you been?! I simply conducted a search one day looking for inspirational music that my girls would love, and who do I find?!! Blanca! Her vocals are amazing, and so is her message. This is one my my favs on repeat right now.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/best-part-of-me/1413398879?i=1413399347

What are your current favs??

Candice’s Playlist

Quote• Posted on February 25, 2019 by gurlstalkn

Today’s vlog was about the In-laws!!! How do you maintain balance with your children and their spouses?? Check out our vlog below!!!!

If you would like to follow Karen’s social media pages, she can be found on our GurlsTalk’n page as well her business page titled A Touch of Class Gift Baskets.

Day 4; The In-Laws!!!!

Quote• Posted on January 6, 2019January 6, 2019 by gurlstalkn

We had a ball on today’s VLOG with Jackie focusing on peace and joy!

Check out the video below, and you can also follow her on her business page titled Grandma Neldas Sweets and Racism is Stupid!

Day 3; Peace and Joy!!!!

Quote• Posted on January 5, 2019 by gurlstalkn

Today’s vlog was near and dear to us Many times we feel like it’s too late for us, but it isn’t! If you’re still breathing, there’s still time to do what you have been called to do! Let’s get it cracking!

Check out today’s vlog with Eunice, and keep up with the page she manages on Instagram!

https://m.facebook.com/groups/1636356596613433?view=permalink&id=2198499900399097

https://instagram.com/onusda?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=o4nh3vjjjneq

30 Days of Vloging; Day 2…..Going Back to School After Raising Children!

Quote• Posted on January 4, 2019 by gurlstalkn

Today’s Vlog was amazing on so many levels! We often get distracted and discouraged by our pain, but if you would just keep pushing and pressing towards the mark, there’s purpose on the other side! Check out today’s vlog with Author, Writing Coach, and CEO of November Media Publishing Company, Tiheasha Beasley!

https://www.facebook.com/candice.jackson.505/videos/10161293813615201/

Stay connected with a Tiheasha on social media! novembermediapublishing.com

30 Days of Vlogging! Day 1 – No Pain in Wasted

Quote• Posted on January 3, 2019January 4, 2019 by gurlstalkn