Prayer Paralysis

About two weeks ago, I was sharing some ideas and dreams with my husband and explaining to him how I wanted to pursue them. Then, I said my famous words, "I need to pray and ask God what to do with it." He looked at me and said, "Okay baby, just don't get prayer paralysis". Those words stuck with me and ring very strong in my heart and mind as I realize more and more that I've prayed so much that I haven't done anything! I'm not discounting prayer, because it is needed, but we have to DO something afterwards. The Bible says it very clearly in James 2:26, "Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works." (NLT)

Sometimes the question isn't if, but when!

Paralysis: a state of helpless stoppage, inactivity, or inability to act

Be You, but...

"Just do you!"

"I'm going to do Me!"

That seems to be the anthem that rings from coast to coast as people are finding more and more ways to cover and excuse some of the behaviors that are sometimes unethical and inexcusable. In a world where we affirm that it's okay to be ourselves, we dismiss the fact that we also need to be open for correction and improvement. No one wants to be told by someone that something is not appropriate or it's just wrong, but it is necessary for growth.

I'd be the first to say that I am easily offended when someone tells me something is wrong because internally I'm thinking that it's an attack on my character. I couldn't be more wrong. While I'm thinking that I've done my best in an area, their thinking, "Yes, you did and it's awesome, but here's how to make it better." I am grateful for this lesson (although it's been a hard one) because I've opened myself up to do better, live better and dream bigger.

Don't be so quick to "do you" that you aren't open to someone else's wisdom and guidance in a situation. Saying that we can't accept what someone else has to offer says that we are perfect and we have all the answers. Basically, we are saying that we are God...and my friend, we are far from being Him.

The Pain of Consistency

I am one of those people who likes to get things done. When it doesn't work, I'm all for trying something different. I have often tried to do different things expecting different results, sometimes finding disappointment because I really should have kept doing the things I was doing, giving them time to develop (whew!). The truth is, in order for things to develop, there has to be some consistency, and that could be a painful process. Consistency requires one to be faithful and firm. Once we are hit with the reality that things just may not go our way, we become quick to back out and surrender to the giant demon of failure. Be sure not to confuse insanity with consistency. Sometimes consistency comes in different forms. It often doesn't look like we imagined and causes us to stretch beyond our means. I guess you can say that consistency embraces the fact that you'll also need a little bit of faith.

And Then There's Monday

I love church. I grew up in church, I've prayed in church, I've danced in church, I've sung in church, I've worked in church, I've slept in church, I've even played church. The messages have been anywhere from dry and long to exciting and life-changing. I've witnessed people healed and made whole, freed from depression and shame, saved from whatever may have had a hold on them. Then, Monday came. The experience was off the chain and absolutely incredible, but then it was time to walk it out. I read a lot of great things that happened and are still happening to people who choose to live for God full-time. Unfortunately it's the part-time Christians that get all the glory. The ones that live by what makes them feel good, as they ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Listen, it's all good to enjoy the service on Saturdays or Sundays, but please don't forget to represent Jesus on Monday after your high is gone.

The Frustration of Now

I often look at my children and wonder, "what on earth will become of these people?" Like any mother, I want my children to have the best in education, career, spouse, and life in general. My desires for them to have the best often causes frustration in what they appear to be now. I get lost in the nonchalant attitudes, muffled responses, and careless upkeep of me and my husband's space that we allow them to call "their" rooms! I get so engulfed with who I want them to become, that I don't enjoy who they are right now. See, it's easy to fuss and complain about what's not done, but I'm challenging myself to compliment them on what is. Whew, this is going to be a tough one, but how else will they become all God wants them to be unless I speak it?
Would you like to go on this journey with me?

It's the Simple Things

Sometimes life gets so chaotic and busy that we forget to enjoy the simple things in it. As you get consumed with the stuff that doesn't even matter at the end of the day, here are a few tips that I hope will help you to keep it simple:

• A simple smile has the ability to create an atmosphere of kindness
• Taking a deep breath sometimes offers just what's needed in the middle of an anxious moment
• Take a look at a photo(s) of someone or people you love or care about
• Close the door and just 'be' (silence is a powerful tool)
• Take a walk to appreciate the mobility and 5 senses you've been gifted with

There's a lot to complain about, but there's more to be thankful about! Keeping it simple lessens the stress and increases your sense of enjoyment and gratefulness for life.

Daniel

ENCORE!

Has God ever done something for you that you would love for Him to do again? There have been moments that were monumental in my life where I've said, "How in the world did I get out of that?" Not that I want to be in that particular situation again, but the way God delivered me out of it was crazy.

It was something like when Paul and Silas were in the jailhouse and their praise rocked the prison doors open! WOW! Like really...God, can you do that again? Not that I want to be in prison, but when you show up, your miraculous power changes everything!

Like when Hannah was being ridiculed by a woman who could have as many babies as she wanted, but Hannah was barren. Then...God shows up on the scene! God, can you do that again? Can you take a situation that's hopeless and turn it around?

Like when a Jewish woman by the name of Ester, took instruction from her uncle, Mordecai, and mustered up the boldness to go into a palace that plotted to kill Jewish people. She gained the favor of the king and saved her whole nation! God, can you do it again?

I am sure God is reading my blog saying, "Are you kidding me Kashonna, I'm STILL God, the same yesterday, today, and forevermore."

And I say to you Lord, I'd like an Encore!

If you want God to do an Encore in your life, just comment, "Encore"!

James Fortune & FIYA say it like this:

http://www.lyricskid.com/lyrics/james-fortune-lyrics/encore-lyrics.html