Words that spoke to me

Be still, and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10 NKJV
"Be Still"

Anxious soul, God is saying to you today, "Be still, and know that I am God."
And there's a reason He's saying it. Your activity, when born out of anxiety,
actually prevents Him from showing Himself strong on your behalf.
That doesn't mean you're to be passive or lazy; it just means you're to do
whatever He leads you to do without running ahead of Him in the energy
of the flesh! It also means you're to submit to Him first,then slow down and
wait! In other words, make sure you have a sense ofpeace to go along with
the ideas you believe He's given you. Ask Him to reveal to you His will in the
matter, then "be still" and acknowledge that He's God, He's in charge, He knows
what He's doing! Learn to trust Him without always demanding to know what
He's going to do, when He's going to do it, and how He's going to carry it out.

Jesus said, "I am the vine, and you are the branches" (Jn 15:5 NIV).
Until you really embrace those words you'll keep trying to do things that
only God can do - like blessing yourself, promoting your own ministry,
solving your own problems and answering your own prayers. Or worse,
you'll try to cover up for Him because you think He's not doing it fast
enough, or in the way it should be done. Give it up! Try less and trust more!
Jesus said, "I am the vine, and you are the branches."
All you have to do is stay connected!

Bible-in-a-year Reading: Eph 4:17 - 5:21, Jn 15:1-17, Ps 91, Pr 21:28-31


I received this in my email from one of my poetry groups.
This is what I needed to hear. BE STILL. Wait and lean back in his
comfort. I see there is real peace in knowing that I am not alone-
a HIGHER Power IS looking out for me. Not a mere human who can
fail me, but a HIGHER being who created me knowing that I would have
these issues, and created me knowing he would take care of me- he came
with answers and direction…..I just have to follow it.

My faith has enabled me to DO....

....when my head says, “I can’t”
A scripture I read last week has been haunting me.
In Luke 17, the disciples asked Jesus to:

“Give us more Faith…”
Jesus’ response was to the effect of ..(not quoted) ‘if you had Faith the size of a

mustard seed, you can tell a tree to move and it would up root and MOVE…’
…. what a powerful analogy!

Many things came to me, but I'll share two:
1) Do you know how small a mustard seed is? And
2) Some obstacles, aspirations and wants in my life are the size of a little rock
- but when I say “move” they are not shaken.
Should this give me an ideal of my faith in these areas? *

I am always amazed at God’s timing. His timing for everything.
Most recently, his timing for revelation and enlightenment.
I’ve known (memorized) this parable since I was a child.
I’ve heard many sermons on it. Had many ‘grannies’ repeat it.
However, it is only NOW do I understand and can relate it to my life.
And it is NOW that I (and maybe you) need to understand and apply it.
God’s timing is unmatched.

Anyway, I’ve been on the fence about a few of my aspirations…battling with
thoughts of “How can it be done?…” , “Will it be needed or wanted?”…
”Why, again, am I doing it?” ….
"Is it good enough?” …”Am I good enough?” and getting a bit discouraged,
and fearful. Many of life’s obstacles seem to keep interfering with the “smooth”
sailing I anticipated. –MY "perfect" plans are not being followed.
HOW DARE LIFE DO THIS TO ME? …lol…
This parable was JUST what I needed. The confirmation of the power I possess.

“MOVE TREE!!!!!!!”
In fact,…
“MOVE FOREST! GET OUT OF MY WAY- BECAUSE I AM DOING

WHAT THE LORD HAS CALLED ME TO DO.”

I know, without doubt, that I am called with purpose. A few purposes!
And I know that I can not live without fulfilling them. I just cant. I
t just WILL NOT happen.
I have made up my mind to DO- that which is my calling; regardless of
what may stand in front of me…and I need to reclaim my victory and begin.
There is no time for fear… no time for procrastination…no time for self-doubt.

No time for self-doubt!
…Why? Because my trust is not in myself- but in the LORD that dwells within me.

So this week, I am challenging myself…and all that believe.
Let’s exercise our faith and try to at least have it the size of a mustard seed…
if we can move a tree, imagine what we can do reaching our own small goals.

Peace & Blessings,
~Nia


*I know that some things(‘crosses to bear’) are placed in our lives to
make us in some way- so all that I want to move will not just up and move...
and this is no reflection on my faith.
But I’m talking about things I KNOW, would be allowed by God if I had more
faith in him working in these areas and not myself. SELF is afraid, and has
totally let ‘fear’ drive, hence my idleness….

God's Call

Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work.
- Jeremiah 1:5NCV

God's Call

There's a consistent pattern in Scripture of what happens in a life that God wants to use
and improve:
(1) There's always a call. God asks common people to engage in uncommon
acts of trust,
like getting out of the boat and walking on water.
(2)There's always fear. God has a habit of asking people to do things that
scare them: like
Moses who told God, "I'm not a good enough speaker, usesomebody else."
(3) There's always reassurance. Listen: "As I was withMoses, so I will be with you."
That's what God told Joshua, the newleader who'd just taken over.
(4) There's always a decision. Sometimes,like with Gideon, we say yes to God's call.
Sometimes, like the richyoung ruler who spoke to Jesus, we say no, but
always we must decide.
(5)There's always a changed life. Those who say yes to God's call don't walkperfectly, not by a long shot. But because they say yes they learn and
grow, even from their failures, and become part of His actions to redeema lost world.

Those who say no to God are changed too; they become alittle harder,
a little more resistant to His calling, a little morelikely to say no next time.

Is God calling you?

Maybe it has to do with your work, yourrelationships, your money,
or facing your deepest fear. God's call willgo to the core of who you
are and what you do. If you say yes to Him,you'll never regret it!

Bible-in-a-year Reading: Song of Songs 1-4, Jn 11:45-57,
Ps 78:32-39, Pr20:20-21

Rhema Broadcasting Group (c) 2003
Julie Gaskins, a.k.a. "J"
http://profiles.yahoo.com/tremendousjewel
tremendousjewel@yahoo.com

Got Faith?

What a time, we are living in! The state of the world is pure confusion and sorrow. So many of my friends are popping anti-depressants like candy……. many are at their wits end. Many are engaging in activity, potentially harmful and they don’t even know it. Lord, have mercy.

“What to do Lord?”

That was what I asked. “God, what can I do? I, myself, am just a bit away from snapping! How can I help? What can I say?"
But something MUST be done…
Then it occurred to me. Since I haven’t “snapped” yet-lol- I should be strong for us both!

Got Faith?

I have Faith enough in God to know that not only I can develop, grow and pull through the struggle but so can YOU!
Isn’t that why we have each other- to lean on?

I can’t stress enough that we ALL are created with a purpose. We all are created with the intensions of succeeding. Not success as we see it and know it, such as achieving these material things that can be given and taken…but spiritual and mental success.

We have the ability to pull ourselves out of these depressive states, in spite of what’s going on around us- in order to reach our goals. Fulfill our purpose. These emotional and mental attacks are on us for a reason- to stop us from reaching our goals. God’s goals. To stop us from having what God has offered us. Success. Peace. Joy.

But, we must have Faith! We must have faith and continue to persevere and not give up. Not give up mentally- no matter what our bodies are telling us. Train your mind, and the body will follow.

Have Faith, until you can, I will for you- because we are our brothers’ keeper.

Peace & Blessings,
~Nia

The Gift of Encouragement

While reheating my tea, for the second time- the Lord spoke to me.
We are all blessed with different gifts. God has equipped us with all we need to be productive people, but we do not take advantage of most of our talents. We figure if we can’t financially be a ‘blessing’ or support- than there is nothing else we can do.

One of the gifts God brought to my mind is the gift of Encouragement.
With a simple note, we have the ability to make someone’s day a little brighter.

I urge you in all your web surfing- if you see a site you’ve enjoyed just drop the owner a line, -leave a comment. Let him/her know that their hard work is not in vain. Their site is being viewed and was enjoyed.
Yes, many have site counters- but I’d rather get an emailed comment over 100 hits any day. I’d rather know that someone actually took time out to let me know that my hard work is seen. That’s what keeps me motivated. Not the number of hits, but is do someone walk away feeling better. Feeling empowered!
That’s what keeps me working harder to improve the quality of what I produce.

If you have the gift of encouragement, use it! You never know what your little comment could do- some are life changing, and some, life saving…

Peace & Blessings,
~Nia

JUST GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!

1. Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.
2. Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create
conditions in your life.
3. What you speak about, you can bring about.
4. If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.
5. If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.
6. If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen
or just stop operating.
7. If you keep saying you're always broke, guess what? You'll always be broke.
8. If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will
always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.
9. If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.
10. If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believein you,
our very thoughts will attract more experiences to confirm yourbeliefs.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positiveand power
packed with faith, hope, love and action.

Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.

taken from www.SisterPower.com

We're winners!!!

*All men are by nature equal, made all of the same earth by one Workman;

and however we deceive ourselves,

as dear unto God is the poor peasant as the mighty prince.

~Plato

This quote really touched me today. Sometimes we lose focus of God and start to look around us. We begin to look at other people, other businesses- and see that they are “flourishing”, growing or doing so much more than we are.

It seems as if, no matter how hard we try, we “can’t win for losing”.

I had asked God, “Why do you allow some to have more than others? Are they more special in some way? Is your favor on them, but not on the others? Is this JUST??”

God spoke to me.
Firstly, “His ways are NOT our ways…neither are his thoughts our thoughts” (in other words, “How dare I try to comprehend his justice and why he does things- I could NEVER begin to understand with my mortal mind”…)
Needless to say, that shut me up pretty quickly!! LOL

Secondly, we are ALL equal in his eyes. No one is greater. Actually- none of us really ‘shine’, when you get down to it. Compared to him, our greatest deeds and ‘best-of-the-best’ is like “filthy rags” .

Isa 64:6 “ But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;”

However in spite of that, God still loves us. His mercies keep us. Even when I feel that I am going backwards, not progressing-but losing in this game of life…

I’m not.

I am a winner in more ways than one. You may not see it- but I know it.
So are you! I may not see it- but God know it.
…Now isn’t that what truly matters?

Peace & Blessings,
~Nia

* Quote taken from Julie Gaskins, a.k.a. "J"
http://profiles.yahoo.com/tremendousjewel
http://authorsden.com/julieagaskinstremendousjewel@yahoo.com

Helen Keller Quote

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. "
Helen Keller

US blind & deaf educator (1880 - 1968)

"I AM PLANNING WITH PURPOSE....

".......... PREPARING WITH PRAYER,
PROCEEDING POSITIVELY IN PERSISTENCE OF MY GOAL."


There are four rungs of success:
Plan Purposefully, Prepare Prayerfully, Proceed Positively, Pursue Persistently.
-- African American folklore

In everything you do, have a purpose.
Make sure the quality of your intent is one of truth, honor and love.
Prepare to pursue your purpose with prayer.
Ask for guidance, protection and direction.
Ask that closed doors be opened and that the
purpose of those that remain closed be revealed.
Give thanks for your answered prayers by proceeding without any doubt.
Keep your purpose in mind, trust the guidance you receive, have faith in the ability to succeed and accept all that comes your way.
If your purpose is clear, your prayers backed by faith,
your outlook sure and positive, never, never look back.
You may meet forks and turns in the road, by your obstacles shall all be removed.

taken from "Acts of Faith" by Iyanla Vanzant

Post by: Crystal

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SingleSistahsintheCity

Taken from the Yahoo group ATL Sistahood

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/atl_sistahood/

I GIVE NO POWER TO FEAR

Taken from the yahoo group Atl Sistahood

By Crystal of Single Sistahs in the City; Atlanta

Before you run, check to see it the bulldog has teeth.
- Les Brown

Fear is a very natural and normal response to the challenges we face in life.
Fear tells us there is something we must be cautious about.
Fear puts us on alert and tells us there is something we must be prepared for.
Fear means something we know nothing about is about to come upon us.
Fear of change, the unknown, rejection, failure, and success are like the barking of a ferocious bulldog.
For people of color, the fear of being bitten, again, immobilizes us.
A history that has not honored our sense of worth and value supports our fear.
The best thing we can do to fear is confront it.
We must believe we can conquer them.
The next time the bulldog of fear is upon you, stare it down, open its mouth and check to see if the thing has teeth.

I GIVE NO POWER TO FEAR

A Change of Direction

(Taken from a daily Devotion)

After Elijah had delivered his powerful message to Ahab and Jezebel, the Lord told Elijah to go into obscurity--disappear for a while--and God would provide for him there.

Does Elijah's sudden turnaround sound a little familiar? Maybe things were going reasonably well in your own life, and God redirected you. It didn't necessarily make sense at the moment.

Maybe that's happened to you too. Things were humming along, then one day your spouse said, "I'm leaving. I don't want to be married to you." He's gone.

Maybe you got a call from the place you've worked for twenty years: "Sorry. We have to downsize." Your world ended. Or so it
seemed.

Actually, it might be a whole new beginning. When God closes one door, He opens another. Elijah was about to discover this. In fact, God was preparing him.

God was getting him ready, step by step, challenge by challenge. Big things were coming. The next phase was about to start. It's the same with you. If you've been told to head for the hills and be fed by birds, so to speak, if your brook has dried up, if a door has closed in your life, don't think God is done
with you. You need to just trust Him. He may be getting you ready for phase two. He may be whipping you into shape for something beyond your wildest dreams.

--Greg Laurie, Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners

Tuesday's Thought

Developing a "quiet" spirits helps one discern what's speaking to you the loudest.

Got something in you, you want to birth, and get out.

Or maybe you're multi-talented, and have a couple of things in conception mode
that you want to birth twins, triplet, or quadruple style.
Either way, too much going on inside your mind
creates nothing but static, confusion, and often times
stagnation.
Learn to develop "total" quiet time
No phones, No TV, No noise
but the thoughts inside your head
Especially when stressed and confused
and a call to a family member or friend, instead of a call to go quiet
is not in your remedy bag.
When you go into that quiet space.
What ever is deep in you
rings (LOUDLY) through,
producing clarity on what you gotta do!
Try it.

~Sudani Something_Positive_Yes yahoo group

A note/quote from a powerful women

“When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.” -Edward Teller

Have faith in yourself. You have gotten this far, haven't you? You have braved difficulties and made it through. Real satisfaction comes not when everything goes well, but in taking on a challenge and conquering it. You can achieve things you cannot fathom now. Whatever the challenge, you will continue to find a way through.

Jacqui Worthy
Virtual Office Suite
"YOUR office away from the office!"
Phone: 704-921-1333
Fax: 603-825-2454
Email: jyworthy@cs.com

*taken from the Yahoo Group SistersNhomeBiz
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/SistersNhomeBiz/

Affirmation; Hope

I believe in myself. I believe in God within me. I will succeed. Failing is impossible.

Generating Business Fast!

Brought to you from Real Sisters Rising HTTP://WWW.REALSISTERSRISE.WS

When customers are nowhere to be found and your company's on the brink of disaster, use this smart three-step strategy to get business in the door.
June 01, 2005By Michael Winicki

How's business these days? Is everything going along swimmingly--or have you recently thought to yourself "Help! I don't have any customers!"? Don't laugh--even if you've never felt that way, other business owners know the feeling all too well. In fact, I've come across clients in this situation more times that I could count.

What generally happens is that the business runs along fine for a long period of time and then suddenly, everything goes "haywire." The reasons behind the haywire can be discussed another time, but for now, because you need to get out of that type of situation as quickly as possible, let's look at how can you can turn this around quick!

I'm going to go out on a limb here and make a few more assumptions. First, I'm going to assume that a lack of customers means you have a bank account that's near zero, so you don't have a lot of money to spend on marketing efforts.

Next, I'm going to assume that you aren't a wiz-bang when it comes to marketing. You barely understand it, and you hate most of it because it costs you money and you never get a return from it, at least in your opinion.

The third thing I'm going to assume is that whatever type of business you have, for one reason or another, you haven't been maintaining a customer database. Now if you had a customer database of some kind, our job of turning this mess around would be much easier. But in this case, no database.

The fourth assumption I'm going to make is that your business depends on local traffic to keep the doors open. You could be in retail or food service or maybe you're a contractor of some sort, but your company needs to draw people in from the surrounding areas in order to make a go of it.

Finally, I'm going to assume you can turn your negative attitude around--at least for a month while we try to infuse some cash into your operation. And don't say you don't have one. Just as a lack of customers means no money in your bank account, the same can be said about what having no customers does to your outlook: It sends it right into the pits.

But the last thing we can allow is for any new influx of customers coming through your door or calling on the phone to come in contact with a bitter person who, in many instances, blames--inaccurately, of course--their putrid business situation on the very patrons that have the power of digging them out of their financial mess.

The bottom line is, you've got to change your attitude, or least be able to fake it, or you're not going to be able to pull this recovery off. So let's get started saving this business...

First thing you're going to do is get one of those small, portable, sandwich board signs that can be placed outside your business during normal operating hours. You would then put a captivating marketing message on each side of the sign. Please don't put something lame on it like "Open" or "Mike's Auto Repair." Instead, go with "Burger, Fries $3.99 and Get a Free Drink!" or "Free estimates on air conditioning repairs."

Don't leave the same message on the sign for days on end either. If you can muster up enough creativity to come up with a different daily special, then so much the better. And don't forget to bring the sign in at night. I'm still looking for one of mine!

This sign with plastic letters shouldn't cost you much more than $150, and it may just be the best marketing investment you'll ever make. Obviously the sign will only be as effective as the marketing message on it. But you can be sure about one thing: This sign will bring in business.

As a side note, let me just say that at some point, you're going to need to learn more about marketing. Any poor-performing business has marketing issues, and to survive long term, you need to either figure this marketing thing out or get someone who can do it for you.

Some great authors have written books the "non marketing" business owner can read, understand and apply. Jay Conrad Levinson's "Guerilla Marketing" books are golden. Dan Kennedy's The Ultimate Market Plan and The Ultimate Sales Letter are wonderful books for a beginner. And my book, Killer Techniques to Succeed with Newspaper, Magazine and Yellow Page Advertising was written specifically for the person who doesn't have a background in marketing.

Hiring a marketing mentor isn't a bad idea either. And while there are thousands of consultants criss-crossing the country at any one time, if you choose to hook up with one, please make sure you get one who has a lot of experience with small businesses. Many marketing consultants have experience with larger firms, those companies employing hundreds if not thousands of people, but I've found the consultants who really specialize in small businesses to number much fewer.

The second thing you're going to do is start a "door hanger" campaign. You know what door hangers are, right? They're those small sheets of cardstock you hang on the doorknob of an outside door. And they're one of the cheapest and best marketing tools you could ever use. You can get 1,000 blank door hangers for about $20 plus shipping. I did a quick search on the Internet and found many companies that supply them.

Once you get them, you can create an offer or special of some type using simple word processing software and then print them off using your own printer. The fly in the ointment with door hangers is getting them hung. If I were you, I'd either save the money and do it myself or hire a local kid or two to do it for you. Do as many as you can every week. Door hangers are great because in many parts of the country, no one's using them and they do attract attention.

The final thing to do is create an inexpensive black and white, two-sided business card. Just have your typical business card information on one side, and on the other, put a compelling offer to visit your store or call on you for the service you provide. "Free" still works, so don't ignore the potential of using that word in your offer.

One thousand, two-sided black and white business cards shouldn't cost you more than $40. And then you know what you're going to do with them? You and your relatives and friends are going to pass them out to anyone and everyone. And once those are gone, you're going to print more. Got it?

There you go, a complete mini-marketing campaign that should not cost you more than $250 to get started. And you'll see measurable results in a matter of days. Just keep repeating the process over and over until you reach a point where other and more costly marketing tools can be brought into play.

A Great Quote

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle

Today I caught a vision

and I'm holding it tightly
….I have glimpses of “success”- although the work and trails before I reach it, are sometimes discouraging. I begin to doubt, and when I doubt I am not as motivated to move or ‘do’….
I must hold on to my dreams, hold on to the vision and press on knowing that they WILL come to pass.
I ask that you do the same….hold on, and keep working hard, this is only temporary but the rewards will be that of a life time and then transcend generations….

Habakkuk Chap 2,ver 2-3
2] And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.[3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Monday Moment - (I know, it's Tuesday)

From Sudani of “Something Positive Yes” Yahoo group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Something_Positive_Yes/

Don't worry that other people don't know you;worry that you don't know other people.

The old saying fall so true, when its said, its not about
"what you know," but "who you know"
that can make a difference.
How many of us, have "unused" talents and aspirations, that were not pursuing to the fullest capacity b/c we feel
that people don't know how great we really are at it
So sometimes we stop even working at it, or put down our passion, craft, for a regular 9-5.
Well maybe if you made it your business to
"know" those people are successfully pursuing passions
similar to yours, you would be back on track with your goals.
Is doesnt hurt to learn, the how's, what's and when's
about people
who are doing what you want to do got started
Know about them, their works, and their paths...
And by knowing "other" people
And applying what you learned from and about other people
People will eventually know of you.
And knowing if half the battle.

I hope this helps someone, cause it certainly did help me today!
-Su

Too Busy Not To Network

(Brought to you from the Soul Reach Network- check it out!!)

Too Busy Not To Network
By Robyn Henderson
How do we fit networking into our busy schedules?

One of the best ways to do this is by integrating networking into our lives. Some of the best networking opportunities take place in less formal situations—be it a baseball or basketball game or neighborhood or school get-togethers. When we combine networking with our social events, we will certainly be saving time.

In the networking ladder of loyalty, we can walk into a room full of strangers at any kind of event, not knowing anyone. Through communication—basically a combination of speaking and listening—we build trust. The more we communicate, the more trust we build and the faster we move our relationship up the networking ladder of loyalty from stranger to acquaintance to friend.

Some people shy away from the use of the word "friend," concerned that they either have enough friends already, or more "friends" mean more commitments. On the contrary! When you build up a network of friends you create communities full of open doors. Open doors where we can pick up the phone, send an email, offer information, ask for help, knowing always that the help is reciprocal.

By knowing who to call can save you time, money and effort. Networking is basically connecting like-minded people, communicating with friends and acquaintances and cementing our blocks of trust. In doing so, we form solid foundations of networks and contacts and often become known as a sphere of influence—someone who knows a little bit about a lot of things and a lot about one or two areas of our expertise. We are reliable, professional and great at accessing vital information.

You can develop a network of friends by doing the following three things:

Give without expectations. Do something for someone without the intention of getting something back. Basically as our BNI founder Ivan Misner has told us many times, "Give without remembering and receive without forgetting."


Have an "abundance" mentality. This is the belief system that regardless of profession or location, opportunities abound for everyone. Be generous with sharing information and connections, without fearing scarcity or lack.


Understand the universal law of reciprocity. This states that what you give out comes back tenfold. If you want referrals, start giving them to others.
Based on the above definition and examples we can see that networking actually goes way beyond attending networking functions. This in itself is a great time management bonus. Fifteen minutes per day keeping in touch, following up and being remembered positively will add to our networking profile.

Copyright:
Global Networking Specialist Robyn Henderson has authored seven books, including four on networking and business building. To receive a complimentary networking ebook, email her at inetwork@ozemail.com.au or visit her website www.networkingtowin.com.au.

Quote

“Some people make simple things complex; others understand the complexity of complex things. But the most valuable people we have are those who take complex things and make them easy to understand and actionable…….and then follow through.”

~Eric Evans, COO