Do you have the hook up?

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. He also trims every branch that produces fruit to prepare it to produce even more. You have already been prepared to produce more fruit by the teaching I have given you. Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me.  “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything.
John 15:1‭-‬5

"I can do it!" "I've got this!" "I'm independent. I can handle it."

These are a few example phrases that my sister often responds with when I try to help her. For those who may not know, my sister has cerebral palsy and while she is absolutely amazing and smart, like all of us, there are areas where she has limitations.

As her caregiver, its my responsibility to ensure that she receives proper care and discern when I am to step in to assist or step back and allow her to grow in knowledge and strength. Sometimes I've offered to help because experience and knowledge has taught me that she is simply speaking from a place of limited perspective and knowledge yet I still had to force myself to sit back and pull a "you gon' learn today" move because of her protests of "I've got it!" Once she figures out that she "doesn't have it", she looks at me with a "can you help me please! " I'm usually already in position to help & I sometimes shake my head in frustration due to knowing that the issue could've been avoided if she'd said yes to help in the beginning. Operating in the role of a caregiver is both character building and rewarding.

 There are many days of shedding tears but there are also days of laughter and smiles. There are also times where people may misunderstand , judge, or try to provide verbal instruction of how to provide care without actually lifting a finger to help or having applicable experience with being an adult caregiver. There are also days where you may question yourself about if you're doing enough or even condemn yourself for the feelings of frustration and weariness that you sometimes feel.  These caregiving experiences are from a human perspective. God is the ultimate caregiver and He neither gets weary or tired which is why He's the perfect foundation and help.

While I can sit here and act as if my sister is the only one with the mindset of "I've got it", that would not be true. I've battled with the same mindset and if you're honest, so have you.

Many times we think that just because things sometimes come easy or since we've been doing something for a while, that its our own ability and hands that caused it.

I've also seen unbelievers become extremely " successful "by the world's standard and proclaim to be "self made". They falsely believe that they are in control. This mindset has caused believers to doubt God at times because of what looks to be a win on the surface. We must remember that what is unseen is more real than what is seen.

Its easy to get caught up in the hype of false teachings that exalt self over Christ. The truth of the matter is that without a genuine connection to Jesus Christ, everything that's done, will not be of any value eternally. This means that I can have the largest ministry in the world, speak the most elaborate prayers, give to every charity, have more degrees than a thermometer, be surrounded by thousands of friends, fast 364 out of 365 days a year, and memorize every scripture in the bible yet if I'm not connected to the True Source of life and power, its in vain.

A consistent, dependent, and enduring relationship with Jesus Christ is what produces eternal and good fruit. Without Him, we will be like a artificial tree with plastic fruit that looks good to the eye but upon closer examination it proves faulty.  During the time of need, the fruit won't measure up because when you're hungry, you desire to taste real fruit that fills a hungry stomach, not plastic.

Keep in mind that fruit is not simply what's accomplished but also our character. Many times we have abundant gifts but our attitude and character lack. We complain and grumble when we should be speaking life so that the light of Christ can be seen clearly. A relationship in right standing with Jesus will always show in our relationship with one another because to really know Him is to love one another which is shown in our actions. We must learn to show honor even when dishonored by others. That can only be accomplished through a genuine and divine hook up!

So the next time you're tempted to say "I got it!" in response to your God given assignments, remember that you really don't but Jesus does so lean on Him in daily dependence and obedience and watch Him work and grow through your life for His glory! Delight in Him & He'll give you the desires of your heart. Do you have the hook up? If so, stay connected. If not, get connected through consistent prayer, worship, studying His Word, and obedience to what He tells you. Talk to you later!

Cheerfully in Christ,

Renate'

Photo Credit: www.drawingfromexperienceblog.WordPress.com

New Chapter

Hi there! Happy New Year🎉 Its that time of year where everyone is excited and energized about setting new goals and following through with them. Although this happens year after year and there are many who may have already lost their enthusiasm and returned to what's familiar, I'd like to speak to those who aren't embracing the hype of change based on a man-made clock but who feel the urgency and pull towards greater by God Himself👑

True change begins with a choice to commit towards going forward in God's purpose at all costs, including fear. Don't allow the fear of the unknown to stop you. Embrace the known fact that God is Who He says He is and He is not a liar.

I recently read a note that said, "You are no longer a wanderer, but a broker of hope and breaker of chains. You were once married to sorrow but joy is now your companion. The hurts of your past are becoming unfamiliar".

Are you ready to embrace your new name? Old stories don't belong in a new chapter. Old mindsets can't thrive in this new season. The way that you used to think won't be effective in this new season. Those that refuse to call you by your new name can't go with you into this new season. They will be a distraction and hindrance. We often cling to what's familiar even when its unhealthy. Let go. Don't be angry. Don't be bitter. Surrender to God and move on. Surround yourself with people that are genuinely committed to Christ and who want to see you grow in Him. Too many times we continue to hold tightly to dysfunctional and growth stunting connections. Sadly, some may not be comfortable with your growth. Love them but move on. Get around people that have been where you're going. Get around people where everyone will support one another and be authentic instead of taking advantage of one another or who seek to hold one another back.

Out with the old. In with the new. God ordained dreams are being revived.

Are you willing to step out on faith and commit to God in a greater way in this new season?

Now catch this:

You will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living:-)

In order to receive and see the promise manifest, we must be obedient by faith in Christ alone. The promises are for those that have faith and show their faith through a life of obedience. This means that we can't sit around living outside of the will of God in disobedience or doing absolutely nothing to show we believe yet still expect a reward. It doesn't work that way.

Get in a position of submission.

Cheerfully in Christ,

Renate'

*Photography supplied courtesy of www.picturequotes.com*

He Knows

Hello there! Yes, I know its been a while. To be honest, I have to admit that I've been a bit stubborn and preoccupied with other things but this has always been in the corner of my mind. Much like "the elephant in the room" type deal but up until this point I ignored it. I assume that many of you that are reading this have a relationship with Christ. Some may be more intimate than others but all of us can always go deeper with the lover of our soul and I pray that each of you are on that journey. Given that you have this relationship with Him, you know that once He has purposed a thing in your life, He does not give up on reminding you. It will ALWAYS be on your heart. Something in you will always urge you to do as He has asked. Now don't get me wrong, He's always a gentleman and doesn't force any of us to do anything but He has a way of getting us to where we need to be even if its from the belly of the whale. Ask Jonah>Jonah's Story I say this to say that God has told me to write countless times in which I still do but not in this format. A lot has happened since I last wrote in this space and I'm thankful to God for His grace and the journey that He has me on although this road can be rough and if I'm not abiding in Him like I should, extremely tiring. But its comforting to know that He's by my side. Did you know that you are never alone? I know that you hear these things from sermons, preachers, teachers, friends, etc but I need you to seriously understand that you are never alone. Did you know that when you seriously are hurt and shed tears, that Jesus weeps with you also? This was revealed to me last night. I've heard it countless times but for some reason, God saw fit to drive this point home for me last night. As I read and meditated over the scriptures, the Holy Spirit began to do a work on my heart. In John 11 when Jesus sees Mary fall at His feet weeping, He groaned within Himself. He wept.->He Understands  Immediately the revelation was given to me that those many dark moments when all I could do was hold my stomach, fall to the floor, and weep, He was right there. I assume that He is reminding me of this due to the recent anniversary of my mother's transition from this life to the next. There are moments in life that each of us will have that we will never forget and that is one of those moments. Yes, life goes on. People change. Circumstances change but Jesus never does. He is a very present help. He is a Restorer of souls. Although life will bring us pain and things that we wish we didn't have to go through, He promises to be present and not only that, He understands. He doesn't forget us. He doesn't look at us in disgust or indifference with a cold "get over it and move on" type of demeanor. He understands. He wasn't looking at me unmoved. He wasn't sitting afar off unaware. He was right there with me.  Jesus is right there with you through both the good and bad times. The enemy of our soul would have us to believe that God doesn't care and that we are alone without purpose and without love. Such a lie but when you are hurting, those things are a little easier to believe. God's character is not that way so don't believe the lie of abandonment. The deeper that you go in relationship with Him, the more you will recognize His presence. He feels our infirmities. He knows when you are broken in your heart and why exactly you are broken. He can fix it if you allow Him. These things don't always happen overnight. They take time. It is a process. 

 

Many of us are broken. Many of us walk around with a rehearsed smile and conversation to get through the hustle and bustle of each day only to go home and reveal the true face at night. Understand that you don't have to live that way. Jesus can fix you. It is a constant transformation so understand that noone is perfect. No one has it all together. No one on earth knows it all or else they'd be sitting on the right hand of God. Jesus knows the true you. He wants you whole. You don't have to settle for the table scraps of the world's temporary fix which comes from people pleasing, materialism, sex, drugs, alcohol, career, etc. Those things truly do not give you validation & worth. They simply cause you to falsely assume that its  the key to your happiness only to be let down by their failure to permanently meet that deep inner need for validation. Do you know what happiness truly is? Do you know what success truly is? Success is fulfilling your God ordained purpose in the earth. Many of us don't know what that is...yet. Constant prayer, reading, and meditating on His Word will be your guide. Many of us do not want to hear that because we are choked by the cares and worries of this world but once we make up in our mind that in order for us to go up, we must first go down on our knees and actually listen, then we will find ourselves, smack dab in the middle of His will. All of us won't get to travel the world doing missionary work but it doesn't make what He calls us to do any less important. Everything has a purpose under the sun. There is no big I's and little you's in God's kingdom. God is SOVEREIGN. HE is Lord. Besides Him there is no other. This means that as Creator, we are simply the created. We are all equally loved in His eyes. Do you believe that? Do you believe that you are not here on a whim? Do you believe you have purpose? Don't worry about if you don't exactly what that is yet. He will tell you. Remember, the just shall walk by faith and not by sight. I hope this blessed you. Remember, you are blessed to be a blessing. May you be an instrument of God that builds up His people instead of tearing them down. Give mercy and mercy shall be returned to you. 

Blessings,

Renate'

Are you thirsty and tired?

Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven’t told me the secret of your great strength.” ¹⁶ With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it.

¹⁷ So he told her everything. “No razor has ever been used on my head,” he said, “because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.”

¹⁸ When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. ¹⁹ After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him.^[c] And his strength left him. ~Judges 16:15-19

 

Many people know the general story of Samson & Delilah. I'd like for you to be patient with me for a minute while I explain how the spirit of the above text is still relevant today. Samson was a man of great strength. Before Delilah, he had a wife that he was madly in love with whom his enemies ended up killing as an attack against him. While he took revenge on his enemies for killing the love of his life, Samson was still walking around with a hole in his chest that the love, admiration, and comfort of his wife once filled. As a man of great strength, he was still wounded in a sense being that his enemies destroyed the very person he loved and received his fulfillment from. This is where his thirst began. When a person is very thirsty for something, anything that even partly resembles what they once had or sometimes have never had, is often accepted, even a counterfeit version. 

Samson found his thirst and need for rest being fulfilled by a prostitute named Delilah. Delilah met Samson as a temptress. Samson wasn't a man that was led by lust. Samson was a man led by his desire to rest on the lap of someone that at least partly resembled what he lost in the battle...his wife. Be very careful when you are tired and thirsty as to where you lay your head because when we are in a desperate mindset, we will do desperate things and this can be blinding to our spiritual eyes because we are desperately seeking to nurse the wounds in our lives due to our various battles. 

Samson was resting in the lap of someone who was trying to kill him and get this...he knew it. He knew the lap that he was laying in was not one that was beneficial but he was so desperate that even a temporary moment of rest was something he was willing to accept. Sometimes we can break the rules when we're tired and desperate. We begin to compromise and go into denial within ourselves. Samson felt that he could lay with Delilah yet not lose what he had because he'd convinced himself that he had it under control...until she touched his wounded place with her words..."How can you say I love you when you won't confide in me?" I'm sure this took him back to the days where he and his wife would confide in each other and would have that special bond and love as a result of it so I'm sure that he thought just maybe he could get that back again from this temptress even if she'd already betrayed him several times before, he'd be willing to forget all of that and just hope this one time, it would be different and just maybe this time, he can get that hole in his chest filled again.

Samson is attracted to Delilah's light like a moth to a flame yet he is afraid of the fire. What do you do when your urges are in conflict with what you know to be true? How do you get the light you need without being burned by the fire? Something is saying that you have to have it...that's your carnal mind. The still small voice is saying, "Don't do it. You will get burned."...that's the spirit man.

Delilah wanted to know what made Samson so strong and different. She wanted to know this in order to try to kill it...so he could be ordinary like the enemies around him. 

God places in each of us unique and distinct talents and gifts that are meant to be used for the uplifting of his kingdom. There are times where the enemy will try to distract us through circumstances and sometimes relationships to figure out how to destroy those gifts and talents. His goal is to try to rape you of your stuff and then proceed to say you weren't nothing to begin with after he has succeeded. 

Don't lose your stuff. Stay vigilant. You have things on the inside of you that you aren't even aware of yet. Don't let people and circumstances deter you of the purpose and plan that God has for your life. He has a wonderful plan for your life. Don't believe me? Check this out-> His Plan for YOU

Don't let your mistakes or the labels that life has tried to place on you, define you. Look to God's word for validation. He validated you before you were formed in your mother's womb. God KNOWS you! You are already accepted in the beloved. Keep your eyes on him. He is your Source. Stop seeking validation and acceptance from others and material things and allow God to meet all of your needs. He knows every detail of your life so that means the people that are sent by him will be for you. The material things you may need in this life, will chase you down if you seek HIM in all of your ways. It won't be difficult. It will fall in place because when he has declared and decreed a thing, it comes to pass. Don't believe me again?? Check this out->HIS word STANDS  

Are you a Samson? Did you or have you accepted a Delilah as a temporary fix for a much deeper issue than you're willing to admit? A Delilah is not always a person. A Delilah can also be in the form of money, food, sex, a job, etc. What or Who is your Delilah?

I'd like to end this post by saying, God loves you. I know that there may be some wounds on your soul that you may or may not want to acknowledge. I know that behind that smile is a person crying out and seeking the need to be loved, validated, and accepted. I know that many times you may act or think in a way that is desperate to fulfill those needs. I know because I too am a Samson. I too have sought to fulfill deep wounds with a temporary fix. I've found that this is not the way. At the end of the day, the need will still be there if we are not looking to Jesus to heal these wounds in our hearts and souls. If we are not careful, we could very well end up laying in the lap of Delilah which is a temporary resting place that eventually turns into a place of affliction.

Seek Christ to fulfill your needs. Seek him for everything. Make him first in all that you do. Not your will be done, HIS will. You will not regret it. You will be made whole. You will have peace. You ARE loved. You ARE accepted. God doesn't make junk so don't treat yourself as such. Just try him.

Kingdom Love,

Nata Bee

He Hears!

"Who am I that you are mindful of me, that you hear me when I call?" As I ride home from work, the radio on full blast, the words to this song pierced through my spirit. I mean really, who am I that he's mindful of me when I call? He truly hears me. I know he does. There is no other way to explain how at just the right moment, minute, and second; an encouraging word comes forth through the mouth of a preacher, child, song, television program or friend unbeknownst to them of course, speaking directly towards whatever issue I may be facing at the moment. As I walk around my small but nice apartment, I look around with a fleeting thought/feeling of...well umm...how should I put it...umm...I guess I'll be straightforward...a fleeting feeling of loneliness. I don't dwell on it long though because today, I recognize it as a small opening to try to get me to go back "there". You know where "there" is don't you? If not, its that heavy place of depression. Anyway, as I proceed to prepare my clothes for work tomorrow, I turn on the television and low and behold, I just flip to a random channel because I really am just looking to hear sound rather than watching anything in particular. So there's a lady looking directly into the camera and she says, "Do you know that God loves you? Some of us may know the scriptures but if you can't think of anything else, know that you are not alone. Know that you don't have to carry that burden by yourself. Give it to him. His yoke is easy and light."

Once I heard that, I knew once again that my Daddy saw fit to give me a special shout out through a "Godwink". I'm grateful that he takes the time to speak to me. He spoke yesterday too. It was really personal yesterday so I'll just keep that between me and him but do know that God doesn't love me anymore than he loves you. Whatever you may be going through, know that if you truly go to him in prayer even if it's just to say "thank you Lord" or "Lord please help my unbelief", know that he is faithful. He doesn't lie.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob is powerful and his spirit can dwell & do a work in you if you allow it. It is the spirit of truth and will definitely guide your steps. The Holy Spirit is so gentle that you're not always aware that you're being led or used to build up the kingdom, until you look around and say "Umm...I wouldn't have done that on my own". There is a Source so much greater than you and I and his name is Jesus. He is not some make believe "Sunday Tradition" that many today have tried to label him as.

Do you know that you're never alone even when you're doing things that you wouldn't want anyone to know about? Do you know that he still loves you but those things are not what he wants for you? He will help you if you ask you know. He will help you if you are genuine with him. Don't lie to yourself either. Be honest with yourself and then you will be able to be honest with him. Yes, he already knows but he wants us to willingly confess and open up our hearts for him to be FIRST PLACE in every aspect of our life. No worries about measuring up to other human beings. That's not the goal. I'm a sinner saved by his grace and so far from perfect. We are ALL a work in progress but the key word is PROGRESS. That means we are to continue to try. Never become stagnant in your walk with him or you'll become dull in your sensitivity to his perfect will for your life. Take a step and let him be your "EVERYDAY & ALL DAY" Savior. God loves you! Be encouraged and I'll talk with you sooner than later beautiful vessels!

Nata Bee

I challenge you! Will you meet it?

This idea was first inspired by the Holy Spirit who pointed me in the direction of another sister in Christ. I would like to share this with those that may be reading this post. I'd like to challenge you to participate in a journal challenge with me. Here's what you'll need:

Journal:



Notecards:
You will use them to write down the scriptures. Meditate on them throughout the day. Write out the scriptures longhand– based on what God places on your heart to study & meditate on. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart, then proceed to write:



An example of how you’ll start your journal can be seen below. This one is started with “Dear Daddy”– Be sure to write the CONSISTENT day. The point of this journal challenge is to get you to be consistent in spending time with God daily. So that means writing, day 1, day 2, day 50, day 56.. etc.




Ok, so now that you have all of the materials that you'll need, you may be asking, "HOW DO I JOURNAL?" & "WHAT DO I SAY?"

First, You'll unclutter your mind BEFORE all of this by praying a prayer that will rebuke your wondering thoughts/mind. You will get on your knees and pray a prayer of submission of all of you in exchange for him. You will submit your will for his.

Then, you'll write/say what you'd say to a close friend, hubby, sister, mother, or brother. Its your diary to God. Pour out what's in your heart. Write out everything that hurt you on that day. Write out everything that made you smile that day. Write out your questions that may have come up for the day. Just be OPEN.  He is your best friend. He longs to have a genuine and true relationship with you. Not just one where you go through the motions on Sunday because of "tradition" and then go right back to the defeated mentality on all of the other days of the week. Be honest about everything at all times because he already knows. This is to strengthen your FELLOWSHIP with him. Many of us have a relationship but we don't have fellowship. There is a big difference.

Lastly but definitley not least, one you've finished reading and writing the scripture and your thoughts, just get QUIET and LISTEN!!



Sometimes he'll place something in your spirit and sometimes he'll just be quiet and allow you to enjoy his presence. Treat your relationship with God like a REAL relationship because IT IS.

Don't be one-sided by just speaking and never listening. Let's stop neglecting our time with him. 

We have to READ & MEDITATE ON HIS WORD in order to know his thoughts and to discern what his perfect will is in all of the situations that we'll face in this life. We make time to meet our girlfriends for dinner or lunch. We make time to take trips by packing and getting to the airport BEFORE our departure time. Lets make time to communicate with the one who blesses us to be able to do these things. We should enjoy our time with him and WATCH how we begin to become transformed from the INSIDE to the outside. No amount of make-up, jewelry, and clothing can even begin to TOUCH the type of beauty that comes from true and genuine fellowship with our Daddy. 

Keep in mind that the enemy WILL come to try & distract you. There will be ringing phones, barking dogs, crazy thoughts, sleepiness, etc... PRESS THROUGH and FOCUS on him. Take the time to turn your phone, tv, and any other distraction OFF. It's HIS time. You will not regret this. Trust him. This works for your good! 

If you need a accoutability partner, I don't mind at all. We can be accountable to each other! Just let me know!!

I challenge you to start TODAY! Let it go & LET'S GO!!

Your Sister in Christ,

Nata Bee

Unchartered Sets

The following creative entry was written in the confines of a cubicle during break time between a coworker and myself. Food for thought, you do the dishes! Enjoy!

New beginnings…new places…

Fresh Grace…..new faces…

Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday struggles

The walls of the cubicles, closing in like a prison structure…

Please give me muscle

To get past all of the daily tustle

Of endless mindless almost rusted

Baggage of loss grace to the point I cant trust it

Release me I say- its unwanted.

What’s unwanted you may ask?

The tustle of mediocrity

The bustle of creased slacks, collared tee’s

Paperwork that gives you a case of the zzzz’s

Is there an opportunity to advance?

Or have I reached the glass ceiling?

Does the American dream apply to me?

Or is that a fairytale feeling?...

Or a dream that has not been fulfilled yet

a longing to reach uncharted sets

that I just cant seem to touch- yes

I cant stop this feeling that im supposed to be a queen- chess

But I realize now I need others to help achieve it

Solo is no longer the means-correct

I finally mastered the ability to dream, or is this a test?

The end and the beginning should be the knee- pray yes

Prayers moves mountains

Mountains are moved by faith

The size of mustard seed is all that is needed

Perseverance, Hope, and Discipline

Spiritual ingredients deposited into a spiritual cake

Its time to break the chains off of our minds

It’s time to break out of that generationally limited nest

It’s time to spread our wings out as the eagle does

Will you past the test?

I need rest

Time to allow my mind to collect

All this information is here to progress

Yet I still continue to digest

All this fake mess

That surrounds me everday, obsessed

I'm drowning in a life of worthlessness

Please hear my call Lord for substance

He hears the cries of the afflicted

The struggle is not in vain

All things work together

For those who believe in his name

Weeping endures for a night

Yet joy comes in the morning

He’ll exchange our ashes of sorrow

Give us joy instead of mourning

His ways aren’t our ways

His thoughts aren’t our thoughts

His plan is to give us hope and a future

But first we must be taught.

Taught what you may ask?

You can’t tell me this is all on purpose?

The sleepless nights, tear soaked pillows

Screaming inside yet smiling on the surface

Taught to smile through the tears and walk through the fear

Taught to walk on the tightrope of life

Reject the negative and bring the positive near

Taught to reject the idea of a being a public success yet a private mess

Taught to look to the hills, stop dwelling on what WAS and look to..

WHAT'S NEXT!

Written by:

LaShonda Cole & Renate' Bender