Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Use It or Lose It!!!


 
 Okay, so were in 24 days in January and in our New Years Resolutions, if you’ve once again made the pledge to yourself to be kinder, wiser, and finally LOSE WEIGHT!! Some of us are coming off the 21 Day Fast aka Daniel Fast and some have dropped off the wagon fast, but whichever one it is “Congratulations” or GET BACK on that wagon the fight isn’t over!!!  As for myself I just came off a 1500 calorie diet that my sister suggested and I have to thank her because I was able to lose three pounds in two weeks, so kudos to me for sticking it out.  I used an App on my phone called “Lose It” which has an online site as well, so you can track your food intake.  It was very handy on my phone because I stopped and inputted everything I put in my mouth, but also made me aware of the things I may have wanted to eat, but second guessed depending on the calories.  One of many treasures I found was Ghirardelli has a dark chocolate with sea salt and almonds that’s only 190 calories (serving size of 3 pieces) and really good since I'm a chocoholic, but the jury is out on the % on the cacao, so use to your discretion.  





 

 Lose It App available Marketplace on iphone and Android phones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This whole process was to help myself do a trial of http://www.blogger.com/www.medifast1.com%20 a weight loss program my Brother-In-Law tried and had success in losing the weight he so desired.  I’m two days in and as I’m writing this it isn’t time for dinner nor a dessert yet—which in all honesty I just might have bump up the snack while I’m patiently waiting for dinner to be served which tonight is a turkey salad with spinach (Lean and Green).  On second thought I’ll just drink my water and use willpower for a change instead of falling victim to my flesh. “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” ~ Romans 8:5 New International Version (NIV)  I don’t want to sound as I’m diet hopping at this point I’m trying to jump start the process and then settle in healthy habits. I have finally decided to do the Clean Diet http://eatcleandiet.com/and Bob Greene’s http://www.blogger.com/www.thebestlife.com

 

 

 

   AND

 

This time around I’m motivated, but I know I have to keep encouraging myself that I’m capable to do it and learn to “Eat to live rather than Live to eat”  I have the potential to do this by the grace of God.  Let me tell you, if I can do this YOU definitely can do this.  I have a weakness for GOOD food and chocolate is my downfall.  Last week Oprah and Dr. Oz were featuring weight loss segments and that ignited the fire and motivation to do it FOR REAL this time.  My mother’s side of the family has a record of the women dying young and I don’t want to be one of them.  We have the knowledge and the tools to assist us to live healthy lifestyles and we should take advantage of it.  So I’m going to make my journey spiritually, mentally, and physically transparent to you I will be sharing my highs and my lows and if you need an encouraging word email me and we can keep each other on track.

God Bless You and Pray for me.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

You Are Heir To The Throne ~ "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." ~ James1:12



So Cinderella or Prince Ali Babawa aka Aladdin you gave your life to Christ now what?  Well, HE washed you clean with the blood of HIS son Jesus and you are now a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17 ~ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.) Well, the drill goes like this get connected to a Bible based church to get the Word of God, Study scriptures being taught, study Jesus’ Life story, pray, attend church, get connected, tell people about Your God, and serve.  I know it’s awesome—the scales have been lifted off your eyes and you see the world in a whole new way.  (Ephesians 2:3-4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.) But you still have problems and you ask yourself “Why is that?”  Well, my dear—there are accessories you have to put on to walk through this journey as a Princess or Prince of God.  I know that in the beginning of my walk with God everything was good.  I was on cloud 9+ and my fire for God was ALL consuming through me, but I still had my marital problems.  I didn’t know where to start, but I asked the Lord for major help—I mean I said “Lord, get me out of this marriage. Let Your will be done open all doors that you wish me to walk through and close all doors that you will not allow me to go through.”  When I tell you God showed HIMself mighty!!!  It’s a testimony that I tell you can help you to believe that (With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” ~ Mark 10:27).  HE truly made the impossible possible. I left my marriage, but I continued to pursue God as I was still a “Baby Christian”, but I love the Lord with ALL my heart and soul as you do as well.  HE showed me alot about HIM and God always has an agenda when HE gives you something you desire.  I was on a mission for the Lord to help a close friend bridge that gap to the relationship with the Lord and it was a glorious experience that I would never forget.  God will do that HE will place people in your life for HIS glory and purpose, so be prepared to be used by God in situations that you could only imagine.  When HE places me in situations--I always look up and talk to HIM and acknowledge what I call "The Set-Up". Now before you go start your walk or as you are continuing your walk with God remember the basic principles: God is in Control…You have the peace of God available to you…and the Word of God is your guide to life’s situations.  You have your crown and now it’s time to get fully dressed in the clothes and accessories that your Heavenly Father has ordained for you to wear as HIS heir.  It’s called the “Full Armor of God” and it’s going to help you with your walk and the daily attacks by the enemy and people.







 (Ephesians 6:13-17 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.



Art by Practical Pages.wordpress.com


            This picture illustrates how we should be spiritually dressed on a daily basis.  The belt of truth which represents God Word—Speak them in every situation to defeat the enemy tactics and schemes against you.  We are in right standing with God, so we are considered righteous nothing from our past or anybody can take that away from us.  We are not perfect people—because, if we were we would not be here.  Our peace was left with us when Jesus ascended to Heaven, so we can tap into that anytime through the Holy Spirit who is with us always.  Faith is belief what we walk by as Christians because we know that we know that we know that God is faithful and HE will do exactly what HE says HE would do remember that HE is not a man that HE shall lie.  As for our feet we should be prepared for anything that comes along our path.  Though our carriage will not turn into a pumpkin and our threads will turn into rags we will always be heir to the throne because of God’s unfailing love and mercy. 

            As I digress because I know this is probably a bit deep for some of you—I have heard from a man that died for 90 minutes he said that “Heaven is a prepared place, for prepared people” ~ Don Piper. Which means we always have to be prepared in the Word of God, and know what to say at the appropriate time for the appropriate battle and stand firm on God’s promises as you are the heir to the Most High God—Nobody Greater.  Always remember and never forget to enjoy your walk with God.  Share HIS word with as many people you encounter because your testimony can change a life.  There are hurting people out there and as the daughter or son of God you have a duty to tell all about his Majesty, Love, and Faithfulness.



VaShawn Mitchell ~ Nobody Greater

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Monday, January 16, 2012

Freedom ~ No More Shackles, No More Chains, No More Bondage...I Am Freeeee Yea!!!


Rekindlingfire ~ Based on Isaiah 49
“In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign it’s desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, “Come out, and to those in darkness, “Be free!”

Rekindlingfire is the beginning of my testimony—it’s the beginning of me.  Once I gave my life to God myself and two other co-workers decided to have “Bible Lunch” it's what we called it where we would get together during lunch and each one of us would take a turn and give a scripture to the group and we would study it, reflect on it and apply it to our life.  The name Rekindlingfire was born out of that group when I had a moment with God and HE deposited the name in my spirit with the scripture Isaiah 49 being the bases of my purpose, plan and will God placed on my life.  Let’s rewind 3 ½ years ago--I gave my life over to God when the pressures in my marriage were wearing me down.  I could feel the heaviness of the silent treatment and the emotional rollercoaster taking me on another unwanted ride when I said to myself—enough is enough!  I worked with a woman named Maria who had started going to church 8 months earlier and has always invited me to various woman conferences at her church, but each time I would decline…didn’t have time is what I kept telling myself and just giving her excuses. So that faithful Wednesday morning knowing her church would have Bible Study that evening I decided to tell her that I would be joining her for services—the delight in her eyes was somewhat bothersome to me.  I told myself “What is she so darn happy about” Around 4:30 something (which I know now was the Holy Spirit) said “She’s going to come around that corner and ask you are you still going?”  Low and behold she came around and asked and I told her I knew that she would ask and I told her “Yes, I will be going—I need to go!”
Services were extra special as they had a guest pastor from Africa who was visiting and his ministry was through song and dance.  When they finished with all the praise and worship they had an altar call and I went up with all the burdens and heaviness that I came in with and laid it on the altar for God to take it ALL!!!!  When I left that church all my burdens and heaviness was lifted—it was like God “turned me around and around until I made a stop.”  When it was all said and done I was a new creation in Christ 1 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” I jumped into my truck put the CD I purchased from the visiting pastor and going down the road I was asking myself “Nina, why were you holding me back from this—this is what I have been wanting ALL of my life!” Kirk Franklin came out with the “Looking For You” that described me to the T. 

 

"Looking For You" ~ Kirk Franklin

Since then my life has been dedicated to serving God, helping and encouraging others through the love of God and being a light in a world of darkness. I have taken the group Rekindlingfire from Beliefnet to MySpace and now Facebook, and out of that I also bore the women's group God's Redeeming Love Sister Circle which is still in the beginning stages, but it's purpose is to help people who God places in our path and help the community as well.



  God Bless You!! And remember Salvation is FREEEE!!!!


"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."
 ~Romans 10:9-10