Wednesday, November 4, 2015





Today I re-read my journal entry from August 20th and thought I'd share...
August 20, 2015

I saw a mountain move today. Let me write that a little more forcefully. I ACTUALLY saw a mountain move today!!! And my eyes filled with tears as I stood in awe of God’s glory all around me.

Shan and I went hiking. As soon as we got there, he started up a mountain. I was hesitant. Going up doesn’t scare me as much as coming down does—especially when I’m wearing my ancient shoes with the holes at the top and the slick bottoms. As we headed up I felt anxious. I had to talk to myself. I had to pray. I had to rebuke negative thoughts and images of falling or having to run or roll down because of a ferocious animal chasing us. It was difficult, but by the time we made it down, I was happy. My anxieties melted away. I was thankful because I had made it safely up and down. I felt victorious. I told God that I was no longer afraid now that I had actually done it.  I had seen that it was possible.

Flash forward.

We continued walking through winding dirt trails and when we headed back to the car Shan stopped to take a breather, so I stopped too. I turned around and faced the mountain behind me and the most amazing thing happened. I could see it moving—not by giant leaps and bounds, but it was like there was energy coming out of it as it slowly moved away from me. The air around it moved toward me. “Shan, do you see this?” I asked excitedly. “The mountain is moving!” He couldn’t see it. There was a stillness on the left side of me, but on the right I could feel the breath of God swiftly blowing past my ear. Inside my heart, I heard the words, “Faith can move mountains.” Wow!

With God all things are possible. What seems impossible for us is very possible for Him. He really can move mountains—if only we believe. And what more could He do through us if we didn’t allow fear and doubt to dwell in our minds. How much more victorious could we be if we made it to a place where we trust He’s got us without having to see a thing? It reminds of John 20:29: “Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

After my mountain experience, I believe! He allowed me to see the impossible happen. I will rest in the knowing that God’s got this!

Friday, October 9, 2015

It is Good


When reading the creation story in Genesis recently, something stood out to me for the first time. After each thing God created, He made a point to acknowledge that it was good. And after making man and woman (the pinnacle of creation) He took it a step further and acknowledged that all of His creation was VERY GOOD. In other words, God gave Himself props! This made me think. How often do we take time to reflect on the good things we have done and pat ourselves on the back for a job well done? As believers, we are taught not to toot our own horn. We don't want to be perceived as big headed or full of ourselves so we downplay our successes and accomplishments. But there is nothing wrong with celebrating the kingdom impact you have been able to make through Christ's strength. The bible says that the error is in thinking too highly of yourself.
 
Sometimes I get so caught up in the busyness of life that I don’t stop long enough to catch my breath and acknowledge the things I have done that are good. Once I complete one project, I’m off to the next. Interestingly there have been times in my life when I have felt like I haven’t done enough or accomplished enough. I’ll get down on myself because I feel like I should be further along than I am. But honestly, I’m right where I am for a divine reason.
In a recent conversation with my husband, he encouraged me to to take a moment and list out my accomplishments of the last three years. He bought me a poster board and insisted I write everything down. At first the thought made me extremely uneasy, but after a while I realized that creating the list would be a great way to see just how God has blessed and been able to use me over the years. The list would be a reminder of His power and His ability to take seeming impossible and hopeless situations and use them for His glory. The list would give me visual touchstones and help me focus on the fact that God always answers prayers, makes ways, and has the final say in my life.
As I sat and wrote out my list, I couldn’t help but smile. My mind was flooded with memories of some pretty amazing things I have been able to accomplish with God’s help—I’m a published, best-selling, award nominated author, I am the co-founder of a powerful inspirational newsletter for Christian young women (C.A.L.I. Girl), I have spoken at multiple empowerment events for young women throughout the city of Los Angeles, I co-lead a weekly women’s bible study at a homeless shelter, I have been able to make a few financial contributions to organizations I respect that support and uplift young women in urban communities, and I have helped others realize and accomplish their kingdom assignments as well.
I haven’t done nearly as much as I hope to do before my time on earth ends, but I definitely have reasons to be proud of my accomplishments. I don’t need outside validation because I can give it to myself. I’m living in my purpose and I’m on the right track.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to think about the things you have accomplished over the past three to five years. Write them down on a sheet of paper or on a poster board and title them “It is Good.” Visit this list as often as you need to remind yourself that although you still have work to do, you have already made strides in the right direction. Avoid including things you hope to accomplish—as the place for those things would be a vision board. Remember, the purpose of your list is not to make you complacent, but to help you see all that you’ve been able to accomplish with God’s help in spite of the challenges you’ve faced. It’s your testimony! I pray that your list will encourage you along your journey as mine is encouraging me.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Hi there,
 
I'm so excited about my first book signing! Please join Best-Selling Authors LaChelle Weaver, Cheryl Ashford Daniels and me at the Chocolate Boutique in Morrisville, NC June 13th from 4-6pm. You're sure to have a great time! I hope to see you there. :)
 

Thursday, March 12, 2015


Don't Look Back
 
God wants to bless you. But sometimes the blessing He wants to give you requires leaving your comfort zone and launching out into unknown and sometimes uncharted territory.  Do you trust Him enough to be obedient? Do you trust Him enough to leave the familiar? Do you believe that what lies ahead is better than what is behind you?

According to the account in Genesis 18 and 19, Abraham’s cousin Lot and his family lived in a city called Sodom. God was extremely displeased with the moral corruption of Sodom and its neighboring city, Gomorrah, and planned to destroy them both.  Abraham pleaded on behalf of his relative to at least spare Lot and his immediate family.  God agreed, however, in order for them to live they had to flee Sodom, head to a different city, and keep their eyes in front of them. God’s angels warned Lot’s family not to look back or else they, too, would be destroyed.

Lot and his daughters followed the instructions given by the angels.  Lot’s wife did not. Soon after they set off, she disobeyed God and looked back at Sodom. The moment she took her eyes off the promised blessing and looked back in the direction of her past, she immediately turned into a pillar of salt!

The bible doesn’t specify why Lot’s wife looked back.  Perhaps she wanted to see whether Sodom would indeed be destroyed.  Or maybe she wanted a final look at the home she had grown to know and love. But whatever the reason, she was disobedient and the results were deadly.

Although there are numerous lessons to be learned from this account, a few things stand out to me during this season of my life.

First, when God tells us to do something, we must do it.  Disobedience has deadly consequences. We cannot afford to compromise. We must take action to passionately follow His commands, understanding that obedience is always better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22b).

Second, God is a loving God who has wonderful things in store for His children.  He is also true to His word. When He urges you to leave your comfort zone, step into the unknown, and put your complete trust in Him, He is able to bless you exceeding abundantly above all you can ever ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). In essence, all roads of trust and obedience lead to blessings!

Finally, don’t look back. Don’t allow yourself to return to the comfort zone of your past. Don’t even flirt with the idea of returning. Be confident that what you have left behind doesn’t compare to what He is calling you to step into!

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

THE DATING GAME

I am excited to announce that I am officially a published author.  Please check out my short story, "Holiday Party," in the Amazon #1 Best Seller THE DATING GAME.  The anthology is comprised of 16 stories by 17 talented authors. Each story is really good and I'm so thankful to be a part of it.  Purchase your copy today and leave a review on Amazon.

Thank you,
Lou

Saturday, February 7, 2015

He Just Loved Me


 
I was devastated when I first found out I was pregnant.  I was a sophomore in college.  I wasn’t married. I wasn’t even in a relationship with my child’s father. I was nowhere near financially stable.  I didn’t feel I was mature enough or kind enough or selfless enough or wise enough to raise a baby.  To make matters worse, I was the pastor’s daughter.  I sang in the choir.  I was a Sunday School teacher. I should have known better. If I chose to keep the baby I would prove to be the stereotypical rebellious P.K. (preacher’s kid) and my secret sin would be exposed to the world. 

I felt so ashamed. I just knew that my mom and dad would be disappointed.  I remember thinking that terminating the pregnancy would be my best option.  That way only God and a couple friends would know about my indiscretion. I just hoped that God would forgive me for the choice I planned to make.

I scheduled my doctor’s appointment for a Tuesday and was certain the test in her office would confirm the results of two tests I had already taken at home.  I was prepared to tell her that I didn’t want to go through with the pregnancy.  I rehearsed the conversation in my mind as I headed to my parents’ home the day before my scheduled appointment. 

It was during that car ride that the Holy Spirit spoke to me.  “It will be alright,” He said.

I shook my head. I must not have heard correctly. 

“It will be alright,” He said again.  “Don’t worry about what people think.  I am with you and it will be alright.  Yes, your parents will be disappointed, but they will love you and your child unconditionally.”

I voiced my many other concerns, but God assured me that He would help me, that my child was a blessing, and that He would provide all of our needs according to His riches in glory.

“I am her Father.  She will be fine,” He assured me.

I remember feeling an overwhelming sensation of love after talking honestly with my heavenly Father.  I had heard about His love.  I thought I understood the depths of His love, but my conversation with Him during that car ride was when I really felt the power of His love. 

He loved me so much that He was willing to forgive me on the spot.  He wasn’t angry with me.  He just loved me. He even promised to bless my child (and me). He offered peace, if only I would trust Him.  He promised not to let me fall. That’s some kind of love!

Twelve years later, I look back and see that God was true to His word.  When I first told my parents, they both responded in love—especially my dad, who said that they would do whatever they could to support me.  And he absolutely meant it. As long as they lived they earnestly loved my daughter. They did above and beyond what was required to make sure she knew how loved she was. I was initially worried about graduating from college on time. I graduated on time and with honors. I didn’t start out as an affectionate or selfless mom. I had a lot of growing up to do. But God was right there with me. I can honestly say that I am now a wonderful mom. And just as God promised, my daughter has been such a blessing to me. I’m still not where I want to be financially, but my daughter has not “needed” for anything—God has provided.

I encourage you to cast your cares upon God because He cares for you. He will quiet your anxieties and give you peace that surpasses understanding, if only you will trust Him. Rest assured, when He makes a promise, He is faithful to keep it.