YES I CAN

It was nearly a year ago that we waited in anticipation for Nov. 4. Some doubted, some prayed, some vowed to leave the U.S. if prayers were answered. Some said it wouldn't happen, and then it did. If you are discouraged today, think back to just a year ago. Remember the chant, "Yes We Can!" ...Personalize it and prophesy over yourself, "Yes I Can! Yes...I...CAN" Believe it, receive it...and it is so!

A New Season

First, I would like to thank my friends who visit weekly to read the messages and lessons God allowed me to share with you. Seven is the number of completion, so it is fitting that in the seventh month of the year I temporarily suspend my blog in preparation for a new season in my life.

In addition to completing my doctoral dissertation, I am in transition to Durham, North Carolina, where I will begin divinity school in the fall. God is ordering my steps and has carried me when the journey has become overwhelming in recent days.

I am still writing, but God has directed me to preserve some items for a future print publication. LookNLive is on Facebook, where I share brief thoughts daily with my friends. Feel free to "friend me" to stay connected (http://www.facebook.com/LookNLive).

I pray God's blessings upon your life and may each of you continue to Look and Live as you walk in your blessings.

With Love,

Arlecia

Not What We Give, But What We Share

Some might think my granny would now collect a pension from the phone company. Why? Well, she has always served as the community operator. Before I knew 411 existed, I realized that you could call our home and “mama” could give you every phone number you needed. While she has been given address books, none of her numbers are alphabetized or in any specific order. Everything is written in pencil and no one else understands her system. When it comes to getting people connected, she is Johnny Mae-on-the-spot. If you need the cousin from the country’s phone number to let them know the cousin in the city died, call Louise. If you cannot find your drunken friend, call Louise and she can put you in touch with a neighbor who lives on the corner where they hang out. If you need a few dozen crabs from the crab shack on the street behind her house, call Louise. Trust me, she has the number.

This service was often a source of contention in our home, as her clients thought her husband and children were at their disposal. Sadly, we often refused to answer the phone and concluded: “they callin’ for mama and she ain’t home.”

These days, you cannot call another person for a number or even an email address without hearing, “well, let me see if it is okay.” Louise never gave those types of responses; she just made connections and updated her address book. She is from another generation. She remembers when people looked out for one another. If you knew something, you had to share it so everyone could survive. She came of age in a time when very few people could read proficiently, so they had to pool their skills so they could understand the messages coming into their community and homes. They could not avoid people with caller ID.

Even if she is not always the friendliest operator, she and so many others of her generation adhere to that one verse: “If I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”

So often people think they have to be rich or smart to help someone else. We fail to realize that just a simple word or deed can make a difference.

Could your co-worker prosper if you just suggested that she proofread memos before sending them out? You have heard them laughing, but have you used your relationship to encourage her to make improvements?

Do you have some information about a summer program or activity that would help another parent? I know, I know, I know. If you share the info, your child may not get one of the five remaining spots. Remember, you would not know about the program if someone had not shared it with you.

Does your friend just need a word of encouragement? What is stopping you from delivering the message? Send a note, buy a book, or make a simple phone call.

Have you invited a friend or loved one to Christ? Have you shared the Good News? I refuse to believe that you have not shared salvation with them because it threatens your position as Super Saint. I refuse to believe that today!


I think I have taken after Louise, as I am always sending an email that may be of interest or use. I may not be able to use it, but it may help somebody else.

What can you share today?


Running on to see what the end is going to be,

Arlecia


The photo above was taken last week on the morning of my 35th birthday (Tuesday May 26). Lord knows it was too early, but I suggested the time. LOL! In the words of the old deacon, I was thankful that my bed wasn’t my cooling board and my sheet wasn’t my winding sheet. I started my day off by having breakfast with members of my Iowa Sister Circle. At some point or time, they have rescued me from something. They've picked me up from the airport and the hospital, and shared in so many ways. I call them friends and I don't use that title loosely.

Come to think about it, I've even been in a car accident with one of them and slid off the road in a snow storm with another one. Thank God we are women of prayer and people are always praying for us.

It's Still Spring and Not Too Late for Spring Cleaning

Tomorrow is my birthday, so I'm taking a little time off to celebrate my Earth Day!

I was cleaning my refrigerator and received a Word. Some of us need to discard a few people and things that no longer edify or nourish us physically, mentally, or spiritually. I'm using Clorox in the frig, but what kind of disinfectant do you need today?

I pray all is well with you and yours. I pray today for not only those who gave their lives for our country, but also for those family and friends who continue to grieve. I also pray that the minds and spirits of all veterans will be renewed this day!

Continue to Look and Live,
Arlecia

There’s Still Power in the Name

Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)

10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.

Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)

9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.


On Sunday, I went for a walk in a wooded area near my home. It’s a trail maintained by two cities, so it is paved, marked, and there is a sign reminding users that all pets should remain on leashes.

One thing very few people know about me, is I do not like dogs. I do not like big ones, small ones, friendly ones, seeing eye ones, none. We had two dogs at home while I was growing up. I have baby pictures with Skippy, but I do not recall liking him that much either. Then there was prince, my grandfather’s friend. He would bark when my car arrived, but he knew I belonged to his family even though I did not like him jumping up all over me. If you do not want me to come to your house, just tell me you have a dog.

As a reporter, I always got the animal assignments and that was never a good thing.

On Sunday, I was energized and excited about my walk until, that is, I saw this big black dog running through the woods. “Oh, Lord.” I could not outrun him and if I went in the woods snakes and deer would greet me. I have previously encountered them during my walks. On the way to the trail, I had picked up a tree limb off the ground, so I was packing. I slid behind a few bushes. As the dog approached, I pointed my stick and yelled at the top of my lungs, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…” There were no other bikers or joggers in site to rescue me. The dog got a few feet near me and he just stopped running. I kept screaming as the dog just looked around. I cannot say what took place, I only know that the dog just kept on running and left me alone. I hustled down the track only to find the dog’s irresponsible owners looking for him. Of course, I had to remind them that they had not followed the rules of the trail by unleashing their dog. I wished for a citizen’s arrest.

To avoid another dog encounter, I exited the trail and continued home via a main highway that added another 1.5+ miles to my walk. Now my adrenaline is rushing and my heart rate and blood pressure are up, so what was my lesson for this day? There is Power in the name of Jesus.

So often, other choice words come to mind when we are under attack or in trouble, but know today that your situation can change when you call on His name. I am not sure if the dog in the woods stopped because He saw angels, what I do know is that he did not get a chance to see or taste my thigh. If demons tremble at the name (James 2:19), I can only imagine a dog’s plan to attack could change.

I am thankful today that I can call His name and trust that He will answer!


Going From Recession to Possession and Walking in My Blessings!

Arlecia

P.S. This morning I returned to the trail for a 3.5 mile walk. I have to exercise to maintain my sanity and control the jiggle in my wiggle. I couldn't resist. LOL! No dogs today!

Don’t Jump

Last week was one for the record books. In addition to having a virus, I had to make one of the most difficult decisions of my academic career. I am a soprano but I sounded like a bass; I did not have time to be ill. While I could not physically sit up on Tuesday, on Wednesday, I got the supernatural strength needed to put out the acres of fires spreading in my life. Around noon on Wednesday, I was simply through dealing. I was crying, blowing my nose, and trying to keep it together. I had prayed, but I needed to talk. I reached for my home phone and quickly scanned through the Caller ID for the Ohio call. The phone just rang, and rang, and rang, and I was about to hang up before hearing “hello.” I said the same and just started groanin’.and moanin’. I did not have to say much more. My sister friend/ prayer partner knew in that moment that I was under an attack. I did not go into that much detail about the situation before she responded as if she were a village elder. We are about the same age, but that homegrown Southern wisdom knew exactly what to say. She reminded me of God’s promises and rebuked me for any statements that did not line up with it. “We don’t receive that report,” she said to such comments. For example, earlier in that day I had spoken with one of my professors and had said, “I’ll leave here empty handed with no degree before I leave here without my sanity. Twenty years from now another degree won’t do me any good if I’m crazy.” From the very beginning, I promised myself I was going to complete this degree in my right mind.

Before we prayed together, she reminded me, “You are the descendant of the ones who chose to live.” By this time, I was having one of those Elizabeth and Mary moments where the baby is leaping. What she was referring to was the Middle Passage, the middle leg of the voyage for African slaves on their way to the New World. Whether through sickness or suicide, it is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of Africans did not survive the journey. Some jumped overboard while others starved themselves to death. (I feel sick even considering the travelling conditions. You can read basic info about the passage at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part1/1p277.html)

We each prayed and encouraged one another. I felt a release in my spirit after I hung up, and all I could hear was “don’t jump.” I had no plans of taking my life, but it was a situation where I could have lost my mind if I did not have something larger to embrace.

Beloved, I could not wait for the flames to cool so I could sit down and write this entry.

Recently, we have all seen the reports of people taking their lives and that of their family members due in part to our nation’s financial crisis. For many, life has become too hard to navigate. Just last year, my town dealt with a similar case after a former banker took the life of his wife and their four adopted kids. I will never forget the photo of the six white caskets on the front page of the newspaper.

“Things couldn’t get that bad,” we say as we hear these reports. Last week was bad, but something deep down inside of me reminded me that I had to run on to see what the end was going to be. My prayer partner’s words reinforced that. Since being here, I have heard of the suicide of at least one graduate student. In addition to the stress that comes with the territory, he was living with mental illness. “There but for the grace of God, go I.”

Life is hard.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 that although we are cast down we are unconquered. If you are more familiar with Mary J. Blige, you may recall she said it like this, “I came to the edge of the ledge, but I didn’t jump. ‘My life’ will sum it up; you can’t hold a good woman down.”

No matter how we deal with our issues, the most important thing is that we deal with them. While prayer and faith in God definitely works, we may also need to seek the help of professional counselors and therapists. While some things can only be worked out with prayer and fasting, others may require medical intervention. It is okay to say the load is too heavy. It is also just fine to say the word some of us have banished from our vocabularies: NO. Last week, someone asked about my blog and I explained that if I had anything left it was on reserve. I needed it to encourage myself.

The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Thursday, May 7 is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. This month, take the time to assess your mental health. As I mentioned earlier, I cannot complete my divine assignment if my mind is not right. The same holds true for you. Most insurance plans or employers cover counseling visits and there are free services available from various agencies in each community.

No matter how you choose to deal with your issues, just remember these two words: “don’t jump.” God is not through with you yet!

I thank God for those of you who keep me lifted in prayer. May God continue to bless and keep all of you in health and peace!

Arlecia

Are You "rehd" to Go?

I often say I am like my granny when it comes to receiving a last-minute invitation. If she has no other plans, you can call her and within a matter of minutes, she can get ready for lunch, a church service, a funeral, or for a trip to the mall. As a young woman, I learned that one should always have a few essential items in an effort to stay prepared for anything. A woman should have an inventory of pantyhose, a black dress, white suit, pair of black shoes with a good heel, some pearls and any other items necessary for your lifestyle or work. From my grandfather, I learned you should not go out with your shoes looking any old kind of way. Even if they were old, you needed to replace the heel and give them a good shine. Nowadays, most young women rely on magazines or Stacy and Clinton on What Not to Wear to teach these lessons on preparation.

Recently, an acquaintance sent me a text message inquiring about dinner. We had previously discussed breaking bread, but I did not think the invite would come so soon. I hate texting, but I responded and indicated that I could meet thirty minutes later than suggested. Thankfully, the other party called to confirm. I had a few hours warning, so I completed my tasks and started to consider what to wear. Just like granny, I threw an outfit together (I even ironed), pinned up my hair, dabbed on a little mid-week makeup and I was “rehd to go.” Granny’s principle was at play: always be prepared. After returning home and considering how quickly I was able to get ready for the impromptu date, I realized how so many people miss their moment or an opportunity by being unprepared.

Would you be ready if the opportunity you desired presented itself?
Would your resume be ready if your dream job posted within the next 24 hours?
Would you have a passport if you received a last-minute invite to sail the Mediterranean?
Would your business plan be ready if your personal banker called offering a new business loan with zero percent interest?
Would your soul be ready if Jesus returned today? 2 Peter 3:10 reminds us: “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief...”
Would you need to primp and clean yourself up, or would you be “rehd to go”?

What has the spirit been leading you to prepare for?
Have you been told to prepare for the shifting of a season in your life?
Have you delayed preparing your children in some way?

So often, we receive spiritual text messages prompting us to get ready, yet we ignore them, erase the messages, or simply power down the device. They will not disappear, like messages in the natural, that little mailbox symbol will just sit there until you listen or read the message.

It is my prayer that as we approach this new week, we will all consider how to get our physical as well as our spiritual houses in order. I may have 40 pairs of pantyhose, but if I cannot find them, I still got problems!

Continue to walk in your blessings, pray for others, and prepare to receive the blessings that are on the way!

With Love,
Arlecia

The photo posted here was taken a few weeks ago at a banquet celebrating 90 Years of Delta Sigma Theta at the University of Iowa. This look took some planning, as I bought the dress more than a month earlier.

Winning the Game of Life

As you can imagine, sometimes the inspirer needs a little dose of inspiration. Thankfully, God allows all kinds of things to encourage me as I strive to encourage myself. This morning before I went to sleep on the couch (Yes, I go to bed between 1 and 3 a.m.), I was flipping channels and landed on HBO Sports. It was there that I learned about the story of Rayna Dubose. I couldn’t the clip, but I found her website at http://www.raynadubose.net/

After hearing her story, I waved my hands and thanked God for the activity of my limbs. When time permits, take a minute to visit her site and read this powerful story yourself.

Once you’ve read her story, you’ll thank God that you have the physical ability to walk in your blessings!

Enjoy the blessings of the Lord!

Arlecia

You are the Apple of His eye!

I was recently in the produce aisle of the grocery store and a Bartlett pear spoke to me. Well, the fruit did not actually speak, but as I made my selection, God spoke

I carefully selected my strawberries, inspecting each one to make sure there were no blemishes and bruising, and proceeded to the pears. The pears were rather small and a tad hard, but I need my fiber. I loaded my bag and noticed that I had selected a few with brown scars. Not bruised, but simply kissed by nature. “Why would I pick this one with all of these marks?” I asked myself. Instantly God spoke and said, “that’s how I often pick people.” By judging the outside of the fruit I was underestimating the value inside. “There’s some good stuff in there.” I heard as I massaged the fruit.

“This is good, stuff,” I thought, wishing I had a pen and paper to write this revelation down.

Have you underestimated your value because of what things look like on the outside? Have you ignored your calling because you are more concerned with what people will think? Have you underestimated someone else’s anointing/assignment because God did not personally e-mail you that He qualified them?

So often, we disqualify ourselves because of our pasts. We walk around paranoid that someone is going to uncover our hidden secrets or begin a testimony period: “I knew her when she use to…be at the club…be at the hotel….cuss like a sailor.” You fill in the blanks.

Did you get the memo that God knows the raw material He’s working with?

If you only take one thing away this week, remember this:
“Get in alignment with your assignment”.

We align our tires; why not align our lives with God’s will?

So often, we hear God speaking to us about our assignments, but we second-guess the message and ourselves. We underestimate God’s ability to see our hearts.(See 1 Samuel 16:7)

I am not advising you to quit your good job or use what’s left of your retirement to follow a wild dream, I just want to remind you that YOU are so much more than your listing in the employee directory or the label on your name tag. Today, if you have not already done so, ask God to help you get aligned with your assignment. Ask Him for instructions on what He has given you to do. Ask him to remove the fear and mute the negative self-talk that prevent you from being all He wants you to be.

Even if you have been bruised, bitten into, left to rot, or stripped of your protective skin, know that there is still something good inside of you that God can use for His glory. No matter what you look like to others, you are still the apple of His eye!

Enjoy the blessings of the Lord and continue to pray my strength!
Arlecia

I Have Seen Him Work

Hebrews 11:1-2 (NIV)

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ²This is what the ancients were commended for.

I am not sure how restful my nights are, as I awake most morning with my mind saturated with a million thoughts, a list of things to do, and revelations that came through the night. On Monday morning after only five hours of sleep, I woke up thinking, “I wish I could bottle up some faith and distribute it.” If it were that easy, all of you would have a few ounces of the faith highlighted in Hebrews 11.

Today, I want to make this Testimony Tuesday in an effort to help strengthen your faith.

I am currently in the midst of one of the biggest faith walks of my life and if I had faith to disperse, I would probably have to maintain every ounce I had for the weeks and months ahead. In sharing the circumstances of this walk, I have found myself giving mini-sermons on faith:

“How many times in your life do you really get to activate your faith?”

“We can trust God with little things, but when do you get a chance to step out on the water?”

“You have to decide whether you’re going to stay in the boat or you if you’re going to walk out on out. “

“Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean God can’t do it!”

No matter the sermon, some faith walks must only be shared with other water-walkers. Like Peter, you might want to walk out on the water, but it is impossible when fear overrides faith

(See Matthew 14:22-33). If you tell people who normally choose to stay in the boat, you might hear:

“You gonna drown.”

“You better get back in this boat.”

“Did you see how rough those waves are?”

“You have a nice, safe boat here; I can’t understand why you would possibly want to go in that chilly water?”

In those moments, you must remember who made the winds and the waves. Peter had to remember who invited him to “Come.”

Today, I cannot package faith and distribute it, but I can tell you that you just have to step out one foot at a time. Because I have seen God work on my behalf in so many areas of my life, I cannot do anything but trust Him. My degrees, skills, gifts, affiliations or sense of humor cannot do for me what He can. I have not only seen God open doors, but He’s replaced roofs and rezoned neighborhoods so that houses with larger doors could contain those things He had for me.

As I was writing, God reminded me of the woman with the issue of blood (Matthew 9:20). I could only imagine what some of the bystanders had to say as the woman made her way to Jesus. “Why doesn’t she get off that ground?” someone said.

“Does she really think she’s going to get through all of those people? I told you she was crazy,” her best friend said from afar. They had a whole lot to say, but obviously, they had no healing powers at their disposal. No matter what they said, the sick woman realized her situation would change if she could just get in where she could fit in. Jesus recognized her faith and healed her. (Matthew 9:22)

Can you operate in faith even when others around you cannot believe? When they call you crazy? When they question you, your faith and your God? Can you trust Him when you cannot trace Him? Today, I am thankful that one of my greatest possessions in this world is my faith. I do not know what I would do without it. If you took away my degrees, I would figure out how to make it in this world. If you took away my faith, I would become what the old saints sang about, “a ship without a sail.”

Today, I pray for people who have lost faith and hope, and for people who no longer believe in themselves. If you are a water- walker, I pray that you will share your testimony of faith to encourage someone else.

As for me, I am going to stand in faith as I walk and run on to see what the end is going to be!

Hallelujah!

P.S. Feel free to share your testimonies in the comment box below.

Arlecia

Don't Wait Another Day - It's Not Promised

I am thankful to find revelations in my day-to-day experiences. This past weekend, I traveled to Norman, Oklahoma, to participate in an academic conference. It is a time where scholars fly hundreds or even thousands of miles to shake hands and make presentations that last no more than 15 minutes. After a 13-hour flying day on Sunday, I did not think it was worth it. Thankfully, God used an experience attached to the opening reception as my true reward.

On Friday evening, our group traveled to Oklahoma City where domestic terrorism took place nearly 14 years ago. As a junior in college, I watched television as events unfolded at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. On Friday night, I stood on the grounds where 168 lives were taken and over 800 people injured. The lighted memorial is an amazing site to behold; however, it was in the museum where I heard God. Museum visitors take a chronological tour through the events of the day. Video of the news reports replay, survivors tell their stories, and then there are the images that remind you that the events of April 19, 1995, involved more than a building. Children were orphaned, spouses widowed and dreams remain unfulfilled. A rumpled calendar from someone’s desk and a personal Bible found in the rubble are examples of the artifacts on display. While I had noticed other group members sniffling and shedding tears, I was good. That is, until I viewed the memorial space for a couple who died that day. Along with their photos, family members chose two small Bibles with a bronze plate that read:

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

I read the passage and I was out for the count. The server at the hotel restaurant as well as someone at the museum hinted that it was an emotional place. That night, that space also preached a few sermons with topics ranging from loving your neighbor to realizing that life is but a vapor. What words were left unsaid and how many “I Love Yous” went unspoken that morning? How many phone calls were never returned?

That night, I was challenged to consider how others would remember the life I lived. Would people remember me as a Christian? What artifact would my family donate to represent my dash?

I am not sure how the Lord has spoken to you after reading this post, but I pray you will take a moment to consider the things you must do that cannot wait another day.

Today, I pray for the survivors, loved ones, rescuers, and people of that city whose lives were forever changed.

Arlecia

P.S. At the outdoor memorial I looked for the space of brothers Aaron Coverdale, 5, and Elijah Coverdale, 2. I've always remembered their grandma, who looked like someone who could have attended my church or lived on my street. She dropped them off that morning, and after the bombing their father walked the streets with their photos. Aaron and Elijah were among the 168 victims.

For info on The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, visit http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/index.php

“Be grateful. Because there's someone else who's worst off than you.” -Walter Hawkins

A few Iowa winters ago, I was walking up the hill and lamenting that it was frigid and snowing. As the wind snatched my breath, God sent me a heavenly text message reminding me that the situation could have been worse. I looked ahead and my eyes spotted a young man in a wheelchair. He, too, was making his way up that same hill. His chair had no bells or whistles, so its movement was dependent upon his arms that maneuvered the wheels forward. His lower back was exposed, but he did not procrastinate as the snow fell. I wanted to pull his jacket down. In hindsight, I wanted to cover his back because I needed to repent for complaining. Instead of thanking God for the little legs that eventually reached their destination, I wanted to curse the snow and that cold walk.

God brought this story to my remembrance to remind you that no matter how bad you think your situation is, someone else would love to walk in your shoes. You may consider your kicks too tight, too old, too scuffed, or simply out of fashion. Yet, someone else would call them a blessing.

God knew what today’s lead story would be even before the reporter learned about it. He knows what is going on in the earth. He knows what you need. He hears your prayers and your cries.

Today, thank God for the little things. Everybody’s change is a little strange and money funny, but I am thankful that my Father claims every beast of the forest and the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalms 50:10). Walk in faith and profess that Jehovah Jireh shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory! (Philippians 4:19).

Until next time, walk in your blessings!

Arlecia

1-800-WonderfulCounselor

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
"For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor…"

This past weekend, many of us laughed out loud as we watched Dr. Phil attempt to counsel Madea. At the end of the scene in “Madea Goes to Jail,” it was clear that Dr. Phil had not gotten through to Perry’s character and somebody was going to “get got”!

If you know anything about Mable “Madea” Simmons, you know nobody can handle her issues but Jesus.

Today, beloved, that might be a Word for you: Only Jesus can handle your issues.

While Madea’s therapy session was ordered by the court, so many of us voluntarily seek counsel from friends, mentors, loved ones and professional therapists. All of those individuals are invaluable when it comes to helping us make some decisions; however, sometimes there are things that only our Wonderful Counselor can help us resolve or solve.

Maury helping you locate your baby daddy won’t fix it, Oprah cannot write a check for it, and Dr. Phil does not have a cute catchphrase for you to consider. In the words of the old choir song, “Jesus can work it out, if you let Him.”

Today, ask God to order your steps and your stops. Ask Him for Wisdom. Ask Him to show you the way that you should take. Ask Him who should be in the inner courts of your life and who should be out on the porch. Ask Him, what to say. Ask Him to operate as the Prince of Peace when you feel like someone in your world is about to “get got” (or cut)! Ask Him, and he will prove Himself as a Wonderful Counselor!

Continue to walk in your blessings and pass this inspiration along to someone who is always asking you for your opinion!

Arlecia D. Simmons

Keep Walkin'

Job 1:21 KJV
[Job] said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

No one wants to lose what we have worked hard to accumulate. We’d hate to lose our car, our job, our home, our clothes, our jewelry, or the electronics that bring us joy. But what would you do if God took it all away today? Within the past few weeks, we have seen reports of suicides, murders, and other acts of violence resulting from the economic meltdown.

What would you do, if unexpectedly, everything you value and held near and dear simply disappeared? What if fire, foreclosure, repossession or theft caused you to have a Job-like experience? Job's children and livestock died, his friends only wanted to come around to identify the problem, and his body was under attack. By contemporary standards, Job was a hot mess. However, Job did not throw in the towel.

I was in the middle of my schoolwork when God prompted me to consider, “Could you praise me if I took it all away?”

In the days ahead, we may lose some things that we never expected to.

Last week while watching the BET Honors show, Tyler Perry, who was once homeless and hopeless said, "I lost a job to gain a business, I lost an apartment to gain a house." Like Job, God gave him double for his trouble. Is it possible that God is purging something out of your life to prepare you for an abundant blessing? If so, could you say, “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”

When I get hopeless, I do not have to think back to Job, but I am reminded of my ancestors who woke up one day as slaves and woke up the next as free men and women. Some of them stayed on the plantations and continued working the land while others just started walking. They didn’t know where they were going, but they kept walking. They didn’t have money, but they kept walking. They didn’t have food to eat, but they kept walking. They didn’t have a change of clothes, but they kept walking. The 40 acres and a mule never materialized, so they kept walking. And at the end of the day, they had their minds to think, a song in their souls, and their faith in God.

People of God, keep walking. Keep believing. Know today that God is in the midst of whatever you are going through.

I bind the spirit of anxiety, depression, fear, frustration and suicide; and in the matchless name of Jesus, I loose faith, hope, joy, peace, and God’s restorative power. I call forth healing in the minds of your people, God. And when it’s all said and done, you’ll get the glory out of it, Lord. It is in Jesus’s name we pray, Amen.

Continue to walk in your blessings as God walks with you every step of the way!

Best,

Arlecia

Walk it Out

Psalm 37:25 (KJV)
"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread"

Walk it Out

This week, I wanted to write about love in honor of Valentine’s Day, however, the spirit commissioned something else.

I was standing in the mirror the other day and thinking about my plight to find a teaching job in the midst of budget cuts and workforce reductions. As I washed my face, I replayed CNN reports in my mind before a still small voice said, “This is the time that the people of God will have to activate their faith.” There is no need to focus on all that we lack. This week, God said we are just gonna have to walk it out. Walk out, that is, our faith. It is not that hard when there is money in the bank, you are happily married, you are in good health, and there are few worries. But how much faith exists when you get an e-mail, such as the one below I received on December 16:

“Due to the very uncertain economic circumstances facing higher education currently, ------ has decided to temporarily hold off on all its full-time faculty searches for this year. As you know, many institutions have placed hiring freezes or other similar limitations on new faculty lines for the upcoming year due to anticipated drops in enrollment and/or endowment revenues…
We will retain your application as part of the candidate pool. I will provide you an update on the status of this search as soon as we are able to make a judgment as to whether it will continue this year.”

Where that “Now faith… (Hebrew 11) now?

What do you do when you receive a message like that? What do you do when there is a foreclosure note on your door? What do you do when the diagnosis is incurable? What do you do when your bank account is negative? What do you do when those you depend on cannot be found? What do you do?

You must activate your faith.

Oh, I love the old hymn, “I Will Trust in the Lord.” We sing it with zeal in our homes and places of worship, but now it is time to live it. This semester, my campus group is reading a book by Philip Yancey titled, “Soul Survivor: How Thirteen Unlikely Mentors Helped My Faith Survive the Church.” This week, we read the chapter about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and how his faith in God was strengthened and his assignment confirmed after receiving one of his first death threats. Yancey discusses this “hinge moment in his life” and shares Dr. King’s account of realizing that his religion and his God had to become real.

While our hinge moments may differ, each of us, like King, must begin to trust God like never before. Although President Obama is working diligently to activate a stimulus plan, it may take time before things get back to what we consider normal or favorable. Until that time, we have to trust God even when we cannot trace him.

What comforts me during this time of uncertainty is that I’ve seen God work time after time. I’ve seen him work when my tuition was due. I’ve seen him work when the rent was due. I’ve seen him work when my car was in the shop and the bill was more than what was in my possession. I’ve seen him work when the doctor had no answers. I’ve seen him work when I had $7 in my account and I resigned from my job to return to school. Time after time after time, I’ve seen God work. Who couldn’t walk it out when you have seen him work it out? Beloved, do not be weary, do not be dismayed, and do not look at our current afflictions as the end of the world. There is no need to throw in the towel now. Walk it out!

Possibly, this is the time for your faith to be built up. Yes, the job search may be frustrating and I may feel discouraged some days. I may even have a brief pity party, yet at the end of the day when all of the e-mails are received and sent, I know that God knows what I have need of.

Profess today: “God I trust you. I believe that all things are working together for my good (Romans 8:28). I am going to walk it out because I know you are walking every step of the way with me.

Continue to walk in your blessings!
ADS

P.S. Enjoy your week and don't forget to send a card or gift to the one you love. If you won't be on the receiving end of any treats on Saturday, rest assured that Jesus loves you and so do I!

This week's photo was taken on Sat., Feb. 7 at a Red and White Ball held by my sorority sisters in another part of Iowa. I enjoyed the fellowship!

Water Your Own Grass

THE 10th COMMANDMENT
Exodus 20:17

"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbor’s."

I recently had an interesting experience that ignited the fire to write this entry. I was out at a cultural event with one of my friends, and we were searching for artwork for her office. We chatted with a young Kenyan artist about his art, admiring his work and talking about what he did as a 9-to-5. The small oil paintings were, in my opinion, very affordable; however, I joked that I did not come prepared to spend my rent money. I prompted my friend to buy one of the pieces we admired. She was a tad hesitant, as she had a particular size in mind. We debated for a few minutes before the artist chimed in, “if she buys it then you’ll be jealous.” I proudly looked at both of them and said, “I don’t covet.” We hung around for a few more minutes and abruptly left after my attempt to hook up my friend with the artist. Hey, she could get dinner and I could get a discount. I am just saying. (Smile!)

We did not purchase anything that day, but we took his card and will probably contact him later. “Wow,” I thought. That was a major proclamation to make. Is it true? “Do I covet?” There were a number of crazy things that happened that day, but I am still thinking about that one moment. “Am I jealous of others?” “Am I not satisfied with my own blessings? Hmmm…something to think about.

"Thou shalt not covet..."

The enemy is so cunning and knows how to present us with just the right images to initiate a little envy. By now, most of you are aware of the social networking sites Facebook and MySpace. I joined Facebook a few years ago because we talked about it daily in one of my classes. I never imagined how it could complicate my life. While it has been a great tool to locate old classmates and co-workers, it provides those images that may cause you to covet. You flip through profiles and see where people are employed and what they have accomplished. The profiles consist of photos that prominently feature exotic vacations, attractive spouses, and some of the cutest kids. “Sheeee’s married?” Click.Click.Click. “She’s married to him? He’s fine. Where did she find him?” Click.Click.Click. “Wow…so that’s what she’s doing now!”

Scholars have already started to analyze the users of sites like Facebook, and Oprah is even planning a show to discuss the site. While this is not my area of research, it would be interesting to examine how users felt after “making friends” and observing their success based on the info provided. Would you see your glass as half full or half empty after placing your life side-by-side with others in your online circle?

As for me, I will keep oohing and ahhing while learning of all the amazing things taking place in the lives of my “friends.” While I am not sure what my life looks like to others, I have concluded that I have a great life. It could use some adjustments, but in the grand scheme of things, it is a blessed life. While I may long to be married with a family, I recognize the many benefits of singlehood. I can easily eat sleep for dinner or a Lean Cuisine entrée for breakfast. “Should I exercise before or after I watch The View, or can I just ask them to change the channel when I arrive?” I come and go as I please, shop without permission when funds are available, and I moved nearly 1,200 miles away from home because I wanted to. Instead of thinking about daycare and diapers, I have been dreaming about a strand of natural pearls I saw in a boutique on Miami Beach. Oh, and I have been thinking about teaching in Africa.

“Wow,” you might say, “that sounds exciting.” Well, it is, some days! Everyday is a challenge and blessing. When I think I do not measure up, I remind myself that I have an arsenal of gifts and talents that others spend money trying to obtain. I also recall the words of a poem I once recited, “Desiderata”: “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.”

For too long, we have tried to keep up with the Joneses. Now we realize the Joneses could not keep up with themselves. I have decided that I cannot worry about what others have, but I have to keep my eyes on my prize. I have to make sure that what I desire to have is God’s will for MY life. These days, it is easy to think about how someone else’s life might be better. But be very careful. The old folks say, “You never know what’s going on behind closed doors.”

“You don’t know how they got it and you don’t know what they have to do to keep it.”

This week, acknowledge what God has given you. Do not look across the yard, the church, or your cubicle. Look in the mirror and profess that you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and endowed with God’s best!

Continue to walk in your blessings!


ADS

God Will Take Care of You

Matthew 6:25-26 (KJV)
25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment

26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?



After reading the headline, "LA man upset over job kills wife, 5 kids, himself," I was stirred to share this previously published post with you this week:


One Iowa winter morning, I looked out of my living room window and as far as my natural eye could see, ice and snow blanketed the earth. It was February, and it had snowed every week since Thanksgiving. As I stood there thinking about my upcoming schedule, the possibility of having to cancel an engagement due to the weather, the five extra pounds that have lingered since the holidays and the status of some relationships, I noticed a bird flying near the bush outside of my neighbors’ window. Not all birds migrate, as these resident black birds make daily visits to a bird feeder under my window.

While drivers and walkers are slipping and sliding, the birds navigated through the winds, rain and snow. They still had a song to sing as God’s hands in the earth supply provisions.

As I continued to gaze out of the window, I considered this act of nature and the verse within Matthew 6, “take no thought for your life.” We often struggle with casting all of our cares on God (I Peter 5:5; Psalm 55:22) when we are in the midst of the winds and rains of deadlines, financial lack, personal struggles and worries. Sometimes we have to ask ourselves, “Am I not much better than the birds?”

Today, I thank God for allowing me to behold the fowls of the air. Even in this physical and personal storm, God sent a reminder that He is still Jehovah Jirah, my provider, and is in control of my life!

People of God, do not be weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9). Stay encouraged and continue to walk in your blessings!

ADS

Do you shine?

Today I had the opportunity to discuss the soundtrack of the black experience in America with about 100+ workers at a corporation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I shared various songs that have been sung on our journey, and chose to end with the song, “The Little Light of Mine.” “Even on my job,” is the verse I had the group sing in unison. As I thought about the presentation, I considered how we must all work to be light in this very dark world.

As this week ends, consider the following:

As I look around my home, my community and my world, I see many challenges.
I must determine if I am the problem or if I am the solution.
I must choose to be light in the darkness.

Continue to walk in your blessings,

ADS

Help Us Help Our Chidren

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama called on all Americans to "embody the spirit of service" and "to find meaning in something greater than themselves." Members of the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are answering this call through our various efforts, which includes raising money for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County.

Because we love the kids, we are participating in the BBBS Bowl For Kids’ Sake on Friday, Feb. 21. We might throw a few gutter balls, but we trust that our efforts will aid the organization in providing much-needed services to children in our community.

We know that money is tight, but your donation of $5 or $10 will help us reach our contribution goal of $500. Who knows? Your donation may help prepare the 56th President of the United States of America!

To make your online donation, please visit the following link:

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=296576&lis=1&kntae296576=9D628840F93640309E4AE24ABBB23921&supId=244417705!

(For the past two years I have donated via this site and it is safe. Please be sure to print out your receipt for tax purposes.)

For more information on the event, visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/johnson/bbbs/

Celebrating a New Day,

Arlecia D. Simmons, Member
Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Strengthen Your Hand

Proverbs 10:4
“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.”

I’ve been misunderstood most of my life, so nowadays it doesn’t bother me when friends and loved ones don’t understand some of my decisions. For example, while the world around me is texting their lives away, I have only recently embraced the mobile phone technology. I am the first to admit that I am a late adopter of technology. I probably will not own a Blackberry or PDA until they're sold at the checkout counter at Wal-Mart or Kmart, and they are being sold for $19.99. I didn’t get an iPod until I received one as a Christmas gift.

Some people may view my purchasing decisions as strange, but they work for my budget. I know, it is shameful that I ask people to call me after 7 p.m. (CST) when my unlimited minutes start and to only text me when there is an emergency. You know, like if you’re kidnapped or stuck in a ditch. In my opinion, all other matters can be handled via e-mail or my home phone. Yes, I actually still have a home phone and a great FICO score.

This week, I share this with you because it is an example of the diligence I attempt in my financial affairs. Like millions of Americans, I have watched my food bill soar and my retirement account dwindle as our country and other nations experience recession. Yes, I know some Christians are not participating in the recession; however, the world around us is participating and we are guilty by association. Because of these things, I cannot manage my affairs with a slack hand.

To date, have you been slack with your financial affairs? Are there cuts that you need to make to weather this financial storm?

I’ve never been one to follow the crowd, so I’ll tell you in a minute when I can’t afford to do something. Can you? Are you still heading out to lunch during the week when you know that you could buy more meals at the grocery store?

Don’t be slack, be honest.

No one else knows your financial situation but you.

Don’t allow co-workers, friends, or loved ones to put more on you than you can bear. I know it is easier said than done, but “no” is still in the English vocabulary.

Just recently, I was in a group meeting and someone suggested going out to dinner that with group gratuity would have amounted to around $25. While a few people did not agree, I suggested a potluck. Yes, I know some potlucks can be unlucky, but this was a group of sistahs! Even if some of us could only be trusted with drinks and store-bought desserts, there were enough of us to furnish the entrées and side dishes. Hey, it is what Suze Orman advises. (Suze’s new book is available as a free download at www. Oprah.com until Jan. 15, 2009)

Whether you are spending too much time or too much money, know today that if you are dealing with a slack hand you will experience lack in some area of your life. This week, paste this Proverb on your wallet, debit card, or next to your credit cards.
Now, don’t use this Proverb as your excuse to keep passing the offering basket at church; rather, consider its richness the next time you consider making that purchase that will leave you emotionally, nutritionally, spiritually or financially broke.

Continue to walk in your blessings,

A.D.Simmons

Which F-word Will You Choose?

Happy New Year All!

This week, I was reminded that when God used His prophets they did not always deliver lengthy monologues, but they simply asked straightforward questions and offered simple declarations.

Yesterday, as the flight I traveled on experienced turbulence, here is what thus saith the LORD:
“FAITH and FEAR cannot operate in the same space.”

There's no need to provide examples or scenarios this week, as you already know where this Word applies in your life. This year, I pray that God will anoint you for every blessing and challenge that you will face.

I'm claiming everything that's mine in 2009!

Arlecia