Wideopenrealness's Blog

Amazing Grace

Disclosed — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:20:52 +0000

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:9 NIV). We often think that our rewards result from what we do. God does look at our actions and blesses us because of our good doing. But what about the times that we know we mess up and yet are still blessed? This is God’s grace. We don’t deserve it, but He blesses us anyway. Now this doesn’t mean we can just do whatever we want and God’s mercy will take care of us. Fool around with God and He will show you who has the power. But we have to realize that we are not blessed simply because we are a member of every ministry at church or because we talk about Jesus every where we go. Its important to better the kingdom, but if our heart’s not in the right place, we won’t be blessed for that. We must seek God for what He wants us to do to glorify Him and stick to those gifts He has given us rather than creating our own. And we must have a mind for Christ. But grace is just that–grace…we don’t cause it to be, God just gives it. Its His awesome gift to us.

Giving Him My All

Disclosed — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:42:06 +0000

We make life so much more difficult than it really is. We have a God who’s willing to take all of our cares and concerns if we let Him. Lately I’ve been complaining that it’s just too hard to live completely for the Lord because there’s so many temptations to do just the opposite. I saw so many “righteous” people indulging in sin and thought, “Why am I trying so hard to live right? No one else is.” “And what is the definition of right anyway?” Church people act like sex, alcohol, and clubbing are the ultimate sins, but what about gossiping, slandering, and all the sins many church people are phenomenal for. And as I’m writing I hear CeCe sing in God’s point of view, “It is my air you breathe so I’m the one that you should please.” If that doesn’t nip my complaints in the bud I don’t know what does. I don’t live for people or follow what church people or worldly people do. I follow my creator. He created us. And He created us with a purpose–to live for Him and lead others to Him. Our everyday walk should be an example of Christ-living. We don’t have to talk about Jesus everywhere we go or tote a bible around, we just have to be pleasant with others and react in a Godly manner. This will show others that we are not of this world and they will want to enter our peace. This is how we introduce them to God, the source of our peace. I know its going to be a journey seeking the path of righteousness. But God has blessed me so much, He deserves at least that much.

Transition is bliss

Disclosed — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:20:53 +0000

Its hard to come to grips with a need for change. But there comes periods in everyone’s lives where change is necessary. I just moved 700 miles from home with no job and no direct sense of direction. But I felt it was what I needed to do to get out of my comfort zone and force myself to work towards what I want to achieve. Now, not everyone’s turning point will be as drastic as mine. But when you feel you are being led for change, you need to follow it. Don’t make a hasty decision- always seek Gods advisement before doing anything- but don’t live in fear. When you do something risky, you strive harder to achieve so that you don’t feel like you’ve failed. Its a push to accomplish the unthinkable. My transition has opened the door to some wonderful opportunities and gained me a greater sense of maturity. It takes boldness and a leap of faith to get to your destiny.

There’s Victory at the Finish Line

Disclosed — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:39:01 +0000

Exodus 23:29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beasts of the field become too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land. -It is a process to get through the storm, but trust that you will get through and you will be built up and made stronger from the obstacles that you’ve endured. No one said it would be easy. But there will be good times. Just don’t let things get you down. I know that’s easier said than done. But if we can learn to control our mind, then we can conquer our situation by rejoicing through it all. A lot of times we think ourselves into a negative situation. But if we focus on the positive then we can’t have bad results because we won’t allow it. We won’t consider it bad because we look at everything in a positive light. So focus on the good and even find good in what seems bad and God will bring you out victoriously. There’s a reason why He has you going through this, so trust that He wouldn’t put you in something without giving you victory at the finish line.

Back on Course

Disclosed — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:29:20 +0000

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. I have to get back on task. I’ve been so caught up in myself and my own plans that I’ve neglected God. I’ve allowed myself to be influenced by the world’s perception of success and I forgot about who provides the ultimate success. I haven’t been studying my Word as heavy–I’ve been reading it, but not studying. I’ve accepted things that I never would before and my mind has just been scattered. Well all of that is going to change right here and now. I know the importance of my relationship with God and I am not going to allow my earthly desires to hinder my growth in Him. I know the only way I’ll achieve true happiness is through constant fellowship and growth in God. That’s my foundation. A foundation is the base on which a foundation rests (dictionary.com). I have to rests/trust in my foundation and I will have the support I need to be what He’s called me to be. It’s what HE’S called me to be not what I plan for myself. It’s time to stop trying to figure this life out myself and allow Him to take lead.

Mama’s Boys

Disclosed — Sat, 08 May 2010 18:59:32 +0000

I love a man who has a good relationship with his mother. I believe that a good man knows how to treat his mother with respect and love. But there is a fine line between respecting your mother’s opinion and allowing her to make your choices for you.

It’s so annoying to me when a guy is such a mama’s boy that he allows to do his decision-making. Grow some balls and stand up for yourself! Don’t let your mother’s fear of losing her baby hinder you from a positive relationship with a woman who can do more for you than fix you something good to eat and rub your tummy when it hurts.

There’s no one I’m closer to than my mother and I run almost everything by her. But at the end of the day, I decide what I am going to do–not her. She may be offended, worried, or even angry about some of the choices that I make. But that’s a part of growing up and coming into my own. I can’t please everyone. But I can both respect my mother and make my own decisions. That’s what it means to be a woman.

Be a man, honey before your mama is the only woman you have left.

Sitting in this Chair

Disclosed — Wed, 05 May 2010 15:46:11 +0000

Sitting in this chair. Heat infusing, chemicals flying…the black womans sanctuary. You all know what I’m talking about. Yes, the beautyshop. There’s something about treating yourself to a hair treatment that makes you feel like a woman. The beautyshop is where we go to enhance our confidence. When our hair looks good, we feel good. As I sit under the dryer with my Black Hair Magazine and peep out the window at the Atlanta sun, I feel rejuvenated. Ready to strut my stuff. I’mma make heads turn tonight!

Value of a Woman

Disclosed — Tue, 04 May 2010 21:32:19 +0000

I got the following from a young woman, Patrice Harris who started a group on Facebook called Power of Prayer. Men and women should read this to learn the value of a woman. Women, we need to carry ourselves like this!

This week’s Prayer Theme—> The Proverbs 31:10 Woman….Men You can Read this Too!

“A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman–who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.” ~Proverbs 31:10 Amp

As Mother’s Day is approaching, I see it fit to discuss the Proverbs 31:10 Woman. A few verses stand out to me in this passage. I believe it’s God’s plan for woman to live this way and be of this character-> the following is taken from the Amplified Bible:

17; She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.

18; She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust]…………

20; She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].

25; Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!

26; She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].

27; She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.

30; Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!

31; Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]!

This Mother’s Day, may we remember to show appreciation and honor to our Mother’s as God has commanded us to do.

Prayer;
Father we thank you for allowing us to spend another year being able to celebrate this Mother’s Day with our families and loved ones. I pray for all of the women in this prayer group, that we be able to have the godly spirit of the Proverbs 31 women giving us the foundation to be an ideal women, wife, mother, and example of your word. I pray that our future husbands and current husbands recognize our worth as Women of God and support us to be rooted and grounded in your word. I pray that we make efforts to do your will, reading, sharing, and living the word of God. May our lamps never go out. Bless us to have more than enough to give to the needy. Allow us to wear strength and dignity as our clothing and keep our positions strong and secure. Help us to speak skillfully and with godly Wisdom, and allow our tongues to share the law of kindness everywhere we go. In all these things I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Thanks for joining this group! I am praying for you…Be blessed.

Connected to you through Prayer,
Patrice

Happy Mother’s Day!!!!

New Chapter

Disclosed — Tue, 04 May 2010 17:50:12 +0000

So I’ve been in Georgia now for a week and in that short span of time I’ve accomplished so much! Special thanks goes out to all the haters who said I couldn’t do it! I’ve hooked up with my girl Quianah and her, Jaleesa, and me are ready to take this city by storm! I still have a lot of things going on with my business at home which is exciting as well! Bout to make some financial moves and get on my grind as well. I feel like things are going so well, it has to be God assuring me that this is the right decision! Everything in His perfect timing.

just live

Disclosed — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:35:06 +0000

Ok, so I don’t want this blog to be all about relationships but I have to write what I feel when I feel it. Never have I been one to go all in and put myself out there. But as I grow and mature, I feel like I need to let myself take on new challenges. I have to leave my comfort zone in order to grow or else I’ll be the same all my life. I feel like my s.o.s is for me and I can accept that until God tells me otherwise. Then, I’m out the door. I think I was scared because I’m not completely sure of my goals and I felt I needed to be by myself til I figured them out. But no one fully knows the plans God has for them. I know I’m goal-oriented and I’ve never allowed the many obstacles in my life hinder me from achieving, so this is no different. This could even be a positive push toward what I will accomplish. I spoke to a friend last night about starting a business and I know that all things are possible. I believe God will make it reality if I stop doubting and live life without fear.