Simply Kashonna

Prayer Paralysis

2011-11-08T05:44:00.000-08:00

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...

2011-10-25T06:02:00.000-07:00

"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

2011-04-19T19:16:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-04T13:30:00.001-07:00

ENCORE!

2010-04-27T16:32:00.001-07:00

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

You are BEAUTIFUL!!

2010-04-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

I want to dedicate this song to some women who have yet to know how awesome they are. There is GREATNESS inside of you, just "believe in you"!

Robynne B: this is for you! ;)

I chose this version because of it's raw, real feel...Enjoy!

Empowering Teens

2010-03-31T13:28:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to embark upon a new opportunity to have a positive influence on young people, specifically teens. In this world today, wouldn't you say that there's not enough positivity floating around? When I scan shows such as; Teen Mom, Degrassi, and Gossip Girl, I wonder if anyone is paying attention or cares about what our youth are taking in! Last week, my teenage son was wearing a bracelet that came from his school that read, "I Love Boobies"....REALLY? Yes, it was a call to bring awareness to Breast Cancer, but inappropriate for the raging hormones of my teenager!

I recently read a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King that read, “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but the appalling silence of the good people.” I have made up my mind not to be silent! In June, I will launch the Summer Edition of a magazine, Youth Empowered, that will deal with relevant issues of today's youth and give them positive solutions. I ask that you stand in agreement with me that this magazine will touch teens all over the world and help them navigate through life with simplicity, while making a positive impact. Help me pass the word and get people excited about what's to come.

If you'd like to make a donation towards the project to change young lives, please don't hesitate to email me: kashonna@simplykashonna.com

Steps

2010-03-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

The other day, I pulled out an oldie, but goodie CD, Pages of Life by Fred Hammond. I jammed all the way to the song, "You're Steps are Ordered". Due to the agonizing details of the morning, that song brought everything into perspective for me. I immediately came to tears as I was reminded of God's protection, provision, and love for me as His daughter. I had to understand that the flat tire on the way to an important meeting was "ordered" by God! The stress I felt during that moment was everything except epiphany, but the moment the song came on, I began to understand unlike any other moment that every step is arranged, organized, managed, controlled and disciplined by the One who loves me more than anyone ever could.

Sometimes the thing that hurts the most, is the one that makes you stronger and also makes you wiser. It's the storm that helps define your character and standards of life. You see, if we didn't go through trials and heartaches, we would never be able to set boundaries. We would never be able to share our testimonies, our victories, nor teach life lessons to those whom we love.

The sooner we realize that every thing we go through is for purpose and designed for us, good or bad, the sooner we become "more than conquerors". Yes, your 'steps are ordered by God.'

Open Marriage...

2010-03-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have been offended in so many ways by people taking marriage as some sort of game, but the latest...open marriage. I admit, when I heard this term I immediately was excited to hear that couples have decided to be open in their marriages and share in communicating with one another. I thought to myself, 'this is what marriage is all about - communication'. Well, to my dismay, the definition of having an open marriage is nothing like I thought it would be.

It seems that open marriage is defined as two people who are indeed married, but have made an agreement to openly share their intimacies with other people outside of their covenant (yes, sexual relationships are included). As I stated earlier, I have been offended in some areas, but this takes the cake! If someone looks at my husband wrong I have to call on the Father, Son, AND Holy Ghost to help me bring it in, but to permissively allow someone to be a third party in my covenant is insane!

There are actually Do's and Don'ts, Rules and Regulations, and it is also described as "A Modern Couple's Answer to Infidelity". Friends, when you allow other people into your covenant relationship, there are no rules. You have forsaken all boundaries, and defied all trust. When we allow things such as open marriage to infiltrate our society, we are starting an epidemic that is as harsh and harmful as any STD without a cure.

I know you're asking, "What can I do about this?" You can live your life as God has commanded, loving and submitting to ONE man or ONE woman. Don't just model it, but teach it to your children. They are our future.

Some say that 'love don't cost a thing', but when you know Jesus, you realize that love cost EVERYTHING! If you're married, take time after reading this to reaffirm to your spouse that it is them and them alone!

2010-03-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

When my feet hit the floor this morning, there was enough breath in my nostrils and energy in my body to say, "Lord, I thank you!" And for that, I am grateful!

Look at Me!

2010-03-13T16:06:00.000-08:00

During a conversation with my cousin Alicia, she explained to me how her 3-year old daughter commanded her attention during conversation. You know, all those questions you answer "Uh huh" to without even looking at them! It was then I thought, "Yep, her and my 4-year old are definitely related."

Then, I came to a weekend marriage retreat to hear that our children aren't the only little ones who respond that way. It is normal for a small child to want you to 'look at them' during a conversation with them; it is just as important to them as it is to us.

I then found myself thinking about how many times God has to tell me to do something and I'm saying, "Uh huh" and He finally gets tired of my lack of attention and says, "Look at me!"

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

It's Our Time

2010-03-12T15:03:00.001-08:00

Well, my husband David and I are off to begin our Weekend to Remember! We are so excited about going into unfamiliar territory realizing that it really doesn't matter as long as we have each other! Hey, everyday isn't great, but when it is, we take full advantage of it!

It's Man-Made

2010-03-11T16:40:00.000-08:00

This week my computer crashed and I had to call a service technician out. At the end of all the test and reboots, he had to replace my entire hard drive! Of course this was not something I was very excited about, but thank God for warranties! After the technician replaced the hard drive, it was up to me to reload all the software and programs deleted (YEAH!.. not)! It was treacherous going through customer service, spending an hour on the phone trying to find out why I could not get internet. After that long hour, they told me to call my internet provider....WOW!

So, I'm thinking in my head, "Lord, it's a lot going on and I need this internet company to know what they're doing today." Long story short, I get on the phone with the internet company they tell me it's my network cable cord. "Did someone step on it or something?" "Sir, it's not even in a place where it can be stepped on, so what do you think happened?" "Well, ma'am, it's man made!"

That's when I realized that I had caused my own frustration. Everything man makes is bound to fail, but when God creates, it lasts for eternity!

"Mommy, I Know Everything!"

2010-03-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

These were the confident words of my 4 year old as I told her why she couldn't have something she felt she so desperately needed. I believe it was something like...having a piece of gum before dinner!

Are these the words we boldly declare to God through our actions?
Do we shout, "I know everything!" when we don't give Him our marriages, our children, our bills, our jobs, our finances? Come on, we've all said these words at some time or another maybe not word for word, but definitely in thought and in our actions of handling things ourselves.

All God is saying is, "I want you to eat dinner first" - Seek ye first the kingdom and His righteousness, THEN you can have 'dessert' (and all these things shall be added unto you).
Matthew 6:33

Any Difference?

2010-03-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

The older my children get, the more I see how much they need consistency and discipline while navigating through life.

The older I get, the more I see how much I need consistency and discipline while navigating through life!

Not much difference there~

EVERYTHING?

2010-03-07T20:28:00.001-08:00

So... I had the opportunity to hear an amazing message today. The thing is, I know I've heard some of this before, but for some reason, there was illumination in a simple sentence, "God owns EVERYTHING"! Are you serious? Something so simple and commonly stated was all of a sudden epiphany!

In my head I'm asking, "So does everything mean everything?" Are you serious...EVERYTHING? Right there at that moment my process of thinking began. How am I taking care of my body, my husband, my children, my home, my finances, my car, my job, my business, absolutely EVERYTHING!

The problem: I've been so busy calling it mine, that I'd forgotten it's God's - I'm just a manager. That is so liberating! I don't have the headache, the stress, the burden of worrying about whether it's going to work out or not. The beauty is that God is the CEO and it ALWAYS works!

100% Natural

2010-03-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

I am currently participating in my church's modified fast that encourages us to not only grow closer to God, but also to eat healthier. It consist of fruits, vegetables, and modified preparation of fish and chicken. No fried foods are allowed, no sweets, and no additives or preservatives. Are you feeling my pain yet? :)

Well, I finally broke down to go grocery shopping. Did you know that it cost more to eat healthy than not? It was an eye opening experience for me. What was even more revelatory was the fact that there were quite a few items that were labeled 100% Natural.

Interesting....

As I was overwhelmed with excitement of all these wonderful foods that were "Natural", I began to read the ingredients. Well, to my dismay, all the excitement that was formed reading the front of the package, was quickly squashed as I read the ingredients. Some of these labels contained salt, sugar, enriched flour, artificial flavor, artificial colors, and on and on. How dare these companies get me all worked up over nothing!

Wouldn't you know that some people are walking around the same way? Their outer appearance says, "I am 100% natural, no artificial colors or flavors", but once you read the ingredients (get to know them) you find out something totally different. Our purpose in life is not to put on masks and facades playing make believe to people we meet, but to live as we were created - no preservatives or artificial stuff.

Today, let someone see you for face value. Allow them to see how your ingredients match your label (what's really inside). Let them experience the natural you.

It's Me!

2010-03-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

Today is a new day and I am so excited about my new blog!

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