Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

While there is no scriptural passage to my knowledge that directly speaks to cleanliness and God, there is nothing better than having a clean home, office, or wherever it is you dwell the most. One of the items on my "to do" list has been to do some thorough cleaning of my home. Today, I was able to do just that. Yeah, yeah...Most people want to just relax and rest on their vacation. I am not to be excluded in that number, but my studies in Proverbs have kept me being a little more dilgent and less idle...And, that I can back with a verse!

Whoever loves discipline loves, knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. - Proverbs 12:1

To truly live a disciplined life, there has to be some order and organization in one's life. I realize a big part of why I am not where I'd like to be has to do with this lack of structure.

Keep in mind that a close, related word to dicipline is DISCIPLE. I am a follower of Christ. Not only can I know the word, but I need to live it...and in every aspect of life: talk, walk, thought, etc.

So, on this evening as I prepare for slumber, I rest knowing that I've ridded myself of much clutter. I will be donating and giving away about 7 bags of goods. I threw away about 6 (or more) garbage bags of JUNK. Putting in this type of work will allow me to really enjoy the remainder of my time off, but spiritually I pray it will show him that I'm making space for the blessings he has for me. This season is not just about the physiological, but EVERY aspect of me. I'm aiming to cleanse the heart, but this will mean having to touch or change some things around me...maybe there is some connection to the cleanliness/godliness saying.

Got Christ? Go Tell It!

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise." - Proverbs 11:30

So the youthful tune "This Little Light of Mine. I'm Going to Let it Shine!" overwhelms my spirit as I type. The day's proverb and study is not so profound, but truly important for us to exercise in the way of doing: discipleship and testimony, winning souls and speaking on God's goodness.

We often feel uncomfortable having to share our "religious" beliefs. As a girl, I recall my Brownie troop leader giving us sound words of advice for life, which have remained with me: "There are three things you should never discuss with friends: Politics, Money, and Religion." I'm not sure she put them in that order, but I can remember the image of where I was sitting and what I was doing when she said it to us...And that was MANY MANY years ago, people!

Excuses are made for why we do not express the goodness of God to others: I don't want to impose; People will think I'm crazy; I'm not really confident in sharing--what if they ask me tough questions or challenge me?!

Stop your excuses. Let's impose!

The Word tells us there are great rewards in winning lost souls (Daniel 12:3). I am not saying you need to do it for the reward that come...Think of it as the benefits it gives and offers to someone. You never know the powerful and positive impact you could have on someone in just sharing how God's been good to you. It doesn't have to be some major, life-changing story...Your personal encounter(s) with him will be meaningful enough if it is important and meaningful to you.

Do not be ashamed to tell somebody about how great He is. The joy we share and have in Him should not be a secret!

Vision & Mission Driven

In chapter 10 of Proverbs, verse 32--the last line--stands out: "Without Good Direction, People Lose Their Way" (MSG).

Today, our leadership team met to discuss the book reading we had for the summer. The book's focus is establishing and building a Professional Learning Community. The author, Rick DuFour, provides the cornerstones to educational organizations working in collaboration and as teams, and the very first step is having a vision and mission that all understand, know, and buy into for direction...Hm, sound familiar (see previous posts)???

The exciting thing about where I currently am professionally is I have reached a place where I truly can begin to positively impact the live of those I've been hired to guide and direct. I have spent the last couple years on the job just trying to survive, learn the players, and understand what it means to be a "coach". With wonderful mentorship and a great education, I have been successful on a variety of levels.

I understand there has been a lot of favor in my life. In fact, it's been heavily on my mind this evening. My mother has always been my biggest fan. There hasn't been anything she felt I could not tackle or accomplish. As a result, I moved confidently through my learning experiences even in the midst of sometimes failing or embarrassing myself. It did not matter because there was a goal. I often wonder why I didn't end up being laughed at, denounced, or put aside...not taken seriously...God's favor! People saw that I was a hard worker and doer. I also believe they were invested in me given my passion and the love of God in my heart.

Whatever the case, I recognize the goodness of those who have led me down a good path. I am thankful for the developed realtionships founded in trust by those I work with, befriend, and love.

I am excited for this upcoming year because of the Good Direction that we've been able to set in place thus far.

Pearls of Wisdom

I'm blessed to have some wonderful, extraordinary, beautiful, intelligent women in my life. They are my sisters, best friends, and I imagine God's blessed me with them not for a season but a lifetime.

We all come from different backgrounds with different stories, but I love my sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. It was a treat for me to be able to spend quality time with my soror who crossed with me. One highlight was seeing 'The Color Purple' at the Kennedy Center. Further, Stevie Wonder happened to be there for the show, and he had to use our aisle to enter and exit the theatre...WOW...

However, the topper was when we went to M St Bar & Grill in Washington, DC, for brunch. We're sitting and catching up when my dear soror who's a lawyer begins this wild wave with one of the customers. She's a nice looking woman with her family and she smiles and waves to us...Leasa makes out the word "Justice..." which is right about when it clicks that this is the newly sworn in Supreme Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She was with her family enjoying brunch.

Well, we were off the chain and Angel with her big camera whipped it out ready to do begin the photo shoot...YEAH...a bit embarrassing when the Secret Serviceman came to our table and had to get buck. However, Justice Sotomayor thought we were a fun bunch, sending us the flowers the managers had prepared for her at her table. We got to take a picture with her and mingle afterwards. It was super cool and made for a memorable experience.

Here is a true example and pillar of wisdom that we had the chance to meet and exchange words with...






"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdome, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10

In essence, "The pathway to success in everyday living requires pursuing the practical wisdom of the Lord amidst the distrations of a seductive world."

E.G.O. Tripping & Real Love

"Good counsel and common sense are my characteristics; I am both Insight and the Virtue to live it out." Proverbs 8:14

Before any beautiful mountain, ocean, valley, sunrise or sunset, there was God. He created the heavens and earth. He made each one of us, and we are fearfully and wonderfully created with a purpose: to worship him. We were the first of his creations and most valued and cherished.

When I allow wisdom to be my guide, I contribute to the good in this society...from government and lawmakers to militaries and wars. Little ol' me makes a contribution daily in the decisions I make with my actions.

Simple, godly living results in major benefits...Hard to believe? But, what sacrifice has he made? The ultimate one: He bled love and the scars continue to bleed when we close our hearts to his goodness.

I'm talking about Real Love sings MJB...I'm talking about E.G.O. Tripping ---Thank you, Ms. Giovanni!

I leave you with an acronym that will allow you to have a big ego and get your swagger on: Easing Out God.

Be richly blessed by embracing his ways and instructions...It's priceless, yet the most valuable piece/peace one might possess. And, it's yours...all yours...for free.