Time to Refocus!

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

It’s time for all of us (especially me) to refocus our attention on all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely admirable, excellent and praiseworthy–and close the door (at least for a moment) on all the ugliness, hate and bigotry that surrounds us on a regular basis.

What is true–is that none of us–individually can do much to change the unfolding events that will inevitably impact our lives in a negative way. But is also true is that together, collectively, we can stand up and speak out against hatred and bigotry and be heard. It is also true that on a daily basis, I am speaking out against injustice and the idiocy and making it known that I am planning a bid for the White House as the next president.

What is noble in my running for president? I already know how the odds stack against me–an older Black woman. I know this is true because a number of Americans chose to believe the lies and false propaganda promoted about an older White woman, who was the most qualified person on the planet to serve and govern in the White House. My running for president is noble because even though I know the odds against my winning, I am determined to seek the position so that I can help raise the standards for all Everyday Americans and I’m not afraid of adversity, animosity, or facing downing the liars and hypocrites that will come floating to the surface of reality to rail against me. I know it’s coming and I’m ready–feet firmly placed for balance and I will not be moved by bigotry.

What is right about my running for president is the fact that many people have said they are tired of old White men, career politicians, and the rich and famous trying to govern when their purposes are self-serving. I am not a career politician and in fact–just made up my mind to get “politically active” earlier this year during a tax day march. I know the struggles and challenges that face Everyday Americans because I’ve lived them. I could enumerate them here, but I’d rather wait and do them in another forum, preferably an interview so all can hear at one  time. I’ve raised children by myself; I’ve held minimum wage jobs; I’ve wondered how we were going to make it from payday to payday; I’ve been out of work through no fault of my own but because of the negligence of a drunk driver; I’ve suffered the loss of my mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, brothers in close proximity. I’m a grandmother raising my oldest grandson, and in the midst of all that, I decided at 48 years-old to go back to school and complete a Bachelor’s degree and kept going.

I’ve had ups and downs and certainly I would never say that I’m a perfect person, but I can say I serve a perfect God who loves me enough to chastise me when I’m headed in the wrong direction and I hear him and obey. It is because of His love that He came in the person of sinful flesh to save me and all others who are willing to receive Him that I can move forward with confidence.

What is pure about my running for president? I have no ulterior motives in seeking the position other than to help all. I have no goals of obtaining wealth through nefarious means, or abuse of power or status. I have no plans to install friends or family who are not qualified for roles of authority. I don’t plan to become a career politician; my only goal is to help steer America back on the track to having the respect of the rest of the world and its leaders. I know my limitations and know how to seek those who know more than I know. I have not need for pride and ego to interfere with ability to serve the needs of all because I’ve never allowed pride and ego to drive my decision-making. I am–Holy Spirit-guided in all I do and I am not ashamed of that fact. I know how to love unconditionally and have no room in my heart for hatred of anyone. I can love with the purity of God the way He loves me.

What is lovely about my running for president? I have no need to put up a front about anything. Anything anyone wants to know about me can be found online simply by typing in my name on any search engine and see a variety of pictures of me and I have it on good authority (my children mostly) that I am a lovely person–inside and out.

What is admirable about my running for president? There is nothing hidden about me and I’m ready to stand up to the scrutiny I know is coming. I’m not afraid of background checks, mental evaluations or financial inspections. I understand the role of government and know that nothing is ever easy, but with cooperation by all–we can solve some of our problems and show the world that we are indeed–the United States of America, not the divided house of horrors.

Whether there is anything excellent or praiseworthy about my running for president has yet to be revealed. No leader is any better than those who support them. If I can find those who support me who are Talented, have Integrity, are Enthusiastic, and have Strategies to win an election, we’ll be a great team. When people meeting that criteria come together, it will indeed be an excellent opportunity for all to work together for a common cause–in Raising the Standards for all Everyday Americans and we’ll leave others to determine the level of praiseworthiness when they reap the benefits of the work we accomplish.

So, yes–it’s time for all to refocus our attention. We have elections to win–all the special elections, the Midterm elections and the General election in which I hope to be the next resident in the White House. Are you with me? Check out the information already available on http://www.facebook.com/YesIAm2020 to see if your concerns are addressed, and if not, please let me know what your concerns are so I can address them. Together we can do this and all will rise!

 

 

 

Looking Ahead, Not Behind!

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. Philippians 3:12-17 NIV

Sometimes, we tend to allow our pasts--when we spend too much time thinking about them--to get in the way of our future. Lately, my thoughts keep going backward as I consider facing the microscopic scrutiny I know I'll be subjected to in my quest to make a run for the White House and because of my imperfections--doubt tends to creep in. So, this morning, as I read what Paul has to say, I am determined to not allow those thoughts to deter me. I am focused and looking forward to the experience of daring to make a big difference in our country.

Will I get where I want to be? Who knows?

I know I am qualified to be president of the United States (per the constitutional requirements) and now I must determine a path that will make me "electable" since that factor is more important than others.

With that insight, I know what I have to do--appeal to the masses and find those who--eventually--are great at fundraising--since that is not one of my strengths.

In the end, only those who believe in me--believe what they hear God speak to their hearts about me--will truly determine my electability.

In the interim--I'm going full steam ahead with research on issues that concern Everyday Americans and in finding viable solutions. I've written letters to "experts" in the field and waiting to hear from them. And while I wait--they're all pretty busy--I'm doing what I do best--writing and promoting my name.

Sooner or later--the name will be known and hopefully, the masses will know I'm on the side of the Everyday Americans, but I know I can govern for all Americans.

His Faithfulness and Our Determination!

Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:23 NKJV

Instead of being fearful, we need to be wise and courageous, knowing our God is faithful to all who love Him.

This applies to anything we do--whether in the church or anywhere else--we must know--not believe--we serve a faithful God. And when we know, we can proceed with courage to do all we need to do--knowing we will accomplish the goal.

Yesterday, as I was walking around our high school track, in the midst of a sprinkle, strong winds, and chilly temperatures, I thanked God for being faithful to us. Though the sprinkles continued, I said to Him, "Daddy, I know You love me and I thank You for moving the clouds and warming our bodies as we do this for the kids."

Within minutes, the sprinkles stopped and before long, the clouds moved and the sun shone brightly and more kids came out to participate. Although the temperature rose slightly, so did the wind, but through it all--we were determined and we stayed the course. My personal goal was to walk 20 laps (5 miles) and I walked 26 laps (6.5 miles), not because of who I am, but because of Whose I am. His faithfulness and my determination made it all possible.

God's faithfulness to us--His children--is never-ending, but what makes the difference between our experiencing victory or defeat is a matter of our own determination. It is our determination that wavers--not God's faithfulness. So if we want to see victory--in all areas of our lives--let's work on our determination to endure until the end--because His faithfulness--never wavers.

Be courageous and brave and determined in all you do and His faithfulness will bring it to pass!

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." (Hebrews 10:36 NIV)

The difference between those who succeed at one level than those who barely succeed--doing anything--is the level of commitment to keep going, keep refining, keep fine-tuning, keep revising, and keep believing that success is theirs. We know that true success is not achieved by a level of intelligent, but by a level of determination that no matter what happens, the focus is forward, not backwards.

But can there be success without failures in the interim? No--it is the failures that drive true success. We have but to look at Thomas Edison, Stephen King, Benjamin Franklin and so many more. We tend to believe that the success enjoyed by some occurred overnight because we only focus on the final result--not the journey to get there. So, for those who are weary and feel like giving up, today is not the day.

When God gives us a vision it is because He knows our capabilities beyond our doubts.

When we have obeyed Him in all things to please Him, He promised to give us the desires of our hearts and we must remain focused on the prize in order to receive the promise.

When things don't go the way we expected, we take a critical look at what happened, analyze the whys and gear up to keep going.

When we think we have reached the end of our rope and all hope is gone, we tie a knot before we get to the end of the rope, and hold on, expecting help because He said He'd never leave us alone.

Every ministry poured into us will succeed as long as we keep our eyes on Him, not people, always seeking His wisdom for direction and guidance.

Every dream we have will come to pass, if we just keep the dream in front of us and are willing to navigate every challenge that confronts us.

Every promise of God will be fulfilled, if we just listen to His still small voice and are willing to do things His way and not our own.

We were not told that we COULD do all things through Him who strengthens us just to fill words on a page.

We were not told that with God all things are possible because those who wrote the words just had a little time on their hands.

We were not told that no weapon formed against us would prosper for us to sit on our duffs, waiting for something to happen, without doing anything.

We were not told that with His going before us, He is more than the world against us for us hide behind shame and embarrassment with our first failure.

We serve an awesome God--One who created the universe from nothing and His arm is not shortened when it comes to the success of His children! Surely, goodness and mercy will follow us from each failed attempt to the promised success, by reminding us--we belong to Him and every good and perfect--those gifts He has poured into us--comes from above and all things--especially the failures--work together for our good!

In Him and through Him, we have what it takes to accomplish all things as long as we are determined to reach the goal and refuse to allow the failures to stop us at the starting gate. We are more than conquerors, victorious in all things, now let's act like it and get it done--persevering through every obstacle to make it happen!

Focused Thoughts Keep Hope Alive!

"Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest." (Hebrews 13:1 NIV)

The heavenly calling--to accept Jesus as our personal Savior through the work on the cross and to promote the Gospel--is not just a vocation--as some think, but a commission for all who Believe in the Risen Savior. In order to accomplish our mission, we must stay focused on Jesus and all that He has called us to do.

Whenever we hear discouraging news as reported by the media, our focus is momentarily off Jesus. Instead of getting discouraged, we need to be encouraged by our faith in Him, knowing that all these things must come to pass in preparation for His return. While we wait, we must use every opportunity to point people in the direction of Jesus Christ. Though it may be difficult--since we are but flawed human beings--we must discipline our minds to think on Jesus for it we take our mind off Jesus, the enemy wins.

Instead of getting upset with the media reports, let's praise God and thank Him for the return of Jesus to the earth. Everything the enemy does, he does by influencing the minds of those who are weak and only want to pacify the flesh. We who may be physically weak are strengthened in our spirits by the hope we have in Jesus. Therefore, nothing the enemy does shall affect our ability or desire to promote Jesus--from within and without--we praise Him in the Spirit and magnify Him with our lives.

Every day we see and hear disturbing reports about negative things happening all over the world. We are more distressed when the events are closer to us, but no matter where the events are unfolding, we have little to no ability to control them, but we have full control over our reaction or response to those events. We should change our focus--and be careful not to allow the media reports to become internalized so much that we cannot focus on God's goodness.

As disturbing as some news reports are--we are to remain vigilant in prayer and praise, seeking God's wisdom in all things--before we allow the reports to affect our thought-life or our actions. Many are those who react to situations before thinking them through and we know from the results that God was not consulted. If we're going to act with mob-mentality over anything, it should be in prayer--admonishing sinners to repent and believe. We should pray for parents to teach their children right from wrong. We should pray for children to obey their parents. We should pray for parents to conduct themselves as Godly parents. If we all did as God desires us to do, we would not have so many negative events for the news to report.

We must focus on His return and what His return to collect us means. We observe the signs of the times and know He'll be coming back soon, though our definition of soon may not be His. We know He's coming, so let's do everything we can to prepare all in the earth for His return so no one will be left to be influenced by the enemy.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask You to break the stronghold the enemy has in the minds of those who have been influenced by him. Fill them love and joy and keep renew their minds with a focus on You. Give every heart a new song in praise and adoration of who You are and a desire to please You with everything we do. In Jesus' name we ask and thank You, Amen!

Renewed Strength!

"...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

No matter what happens or has happened in the past that drained our strength and made us feel we could not go on, when our hope is in The Lord, our strength--courage and determination--will be renewed (revived).

This is why we cannot get stuck on news reports with all the negativity. Those negative reports of violence, hatred, bigotry, and despair, drain us of hope and then some wonder why there are so many depressed and oppressed people. If we continue to simply look at all the negatives--and never look to Jesus--we will lose all hope cease to live the life that He intends us to live.

Whenever we feel like we cannot go on--our focus should be on Jesus and all He has done--and trust that He will continue to do for us. The disparaging reports of people dying should not deter us from living. The reports of bigotry of hatred should not keep us from loving. Every time we hear a negative report about anything--we should talk to the Father--praying for comfort, healing, resolution to problems, and peace and joy in the land. That should be our response to negative events--not hopelessness, but hope in The Lord.

If church leaders and those who plan "revivals" really understood the purpose of a revival (not to make money)--to strengthen the hearts and minds of Believers by turning their focus to Jesus, we would rise and soar with renewed conviction in our Risen Savior! Revival cannot occur in the Body of Christ until we make Jesus the focus--not the news or how much money we need to raise because of poor money management skills.

Until we--the Believers--get our priorities straight, we cannot hope for a world influenced by darkness to ever understand or have hope in The Lord we say--we believe and trust. Our priority--get everyone focused on Jesus--not the President, or Congress or any other person we have no control over, but turn them over to the One who can speak to their hearts and set them on the right path.

Renewed strength comes with renewed focus on Jesus and then our spirits will know true revival and hope fulfilled in the knowledge that whatever we need, will be supplied in Jesus' name!

What Faith Does!

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

Notice that this verse says-"faith is" not what faith does. Our faith does not stop bad things from happening to us--"it sustains us through the event" keeping us from being defeated by the event.

Many have asked why bad things happen to good people--or better yet--to Believers and many have attempted to explain the rationale. Actually, the reasoning is as simple as this-Satan doesn't have to tempt those already following him; he knows who they are. His job is to discourage those who have faith in God and tempt them to believe that our faith is in vain.

How many times do we "see" the remarks that unbelievers make about our misplaced and misguided faith in a God they don't believe in? How many times have we heard disparaging remarks about our faith from unbelievers?

Don't get mad at the ones who are making the remarks; fight back (spiritually speaking) against the one who influences their thinking--the devil--whose job is to kill, steal, destroy, manipulate and lie. He's doing his job, we need to do ours.

"Hold fast to your faith" which will sustain you in the depths of the valleys, in the wilderness, in the midnight hour, and when it appears that all hope is gone--hold fast to the faith you have in the One true God, the one who makes all things possible, and with Him, nothing is impossible.

Remind the devil that you have more faith than the size of a mustard seed and that you are victorious in all things. We are conquerors; not the conquered. We are the head, not the tail. By His stripes we are healed, not wallowing in sickness. No weapon--nothing the enemy says--can defeat us because the greater One resides within us.

Faith keeps us focused on Who, not the what, that happens in our lives. Faith sustains and keeps us in communication with the Father and we know that nothing we ask of Him, in Jesus' name will be denied us.

So, when bad things happens or you get a report that is not from The Lord, keep the faith and keep saying what God says about your situation, no matter how things look. Don't worry about the report--focus on The Word!

Created To Do Good!

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared for us in advance to do" (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

Before we were formed in the wombs of our mothers, God had a plan for us and He prepared that plan specifically for each of us--in advance--of our acceptance of the work on the cross, inviting Christ into our hearts and in making Jesus Lord of our lives. 

We are created in the image of God who can only do good works and therefore, if we love Him, we can do the works He created us to do.  God cares and so should we--about the plight of the poor, the vulnerable, the sick, and peace in the nations.  Since we were created to do good works, what's stopping us?  Are too busy or too blind to see?  Are we too hard-hearted to care? Are we too insensitive to feel?  Are we limited by our own sense of insecurities and shortcomings?  If we take our focus off of us and what we want--we can see the needs of others, and know that we can do all things well through the strength we are given and can operate in by the Holy Spirit.

Lord, help us to see the needs of others and to do something about them when we see them.  Keep our focus on doing what You would do--loving all and helping where and when we can.  Help us to be the beacon of light that draws others to You so we can eradicate darkness and dark works that keep people in bondage.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!