Have you ever woke up and your spirit wasn't right?
I woke up this morning - thanked God for blessing me to see another day. As I laid in bed, I felt something strange in my spirit. I can't describe it but I felt it. I prayed that the feeling would disappear - go away but it's midday and I still feel this strange disposition in my spirit. Maybe I'm blowing it out of proportion, but I can't ignore it. I'm asking God to remove this spirit from my soul today. I prepare for the worse and expect no expectations.
God has sustained me through worst times and feelings. I want clarity and peace to ease my mind. God, I'm asking, I'm seeking your guidance today. Please speak to my heart. I need you more now than ever.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Experience: The Blues
Mid 30's Crisis or "The Blues"
by: Nadia Sweeting
I must say what's on my heart. Here it goes......
Feeling confused and slightly frustrated with my thoughts and position today - more explicit, my position in my life. I am extremely thankful to god for granting me another day on this beautiful place we call Earth. I woke up this morning all confused for the lack of a better word. Confused about WHY, WHAT, WHEN.
Why do I feel this way?
What am I doing?
When did this feeling start?
The constant tug of being a single mother, career woman, sister, daughter, girlfriend and friend is ....not sure of the word here. I love my life and all the people who support me and why do I feel this way right now. I am exhausted and feel as if I've lost my passion and I'm searching for a path back to ME and what makes me happy. I was out of work (transitioning) for 8 months and during that time, I made it a point to build up my professional skills. I recently started a contract position with a Fortune 500 company and all is great, but why do I feel jumbled? I CAN most certainly do the work and is up for the challenge, but why do I fee jumbled? I am exhausted and blurred.
Whatever I'm feeling, makes me want to breakdown and cry. Totally dislike feeling this way. I am not depressed because I have faith in God that things will soon turn around. I have so many things to be thankful about - an amazing daughter; awesome significant other; great family and supportive friends. This is all on ME. I remain in constant prayer and know that my god is walking with me during this time.
Maybe it's mid 30's crisis who knows! Is there anyone else experiencing what I am feeling?
Changing my name to Blues Clues today
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
God's Allowance: Experiencing time in the Valley
Lessons From The Valley
by Nadia Sweeting
For the past two weeks, I had the priviledge of listening and learning the true meaning of "the valley" as taught by my pastor, Arthur Jackson of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Miami Gardens. Here are just some of my notes from the past two weeks...Lessons from the valley!
The pastor mentioned how there's both VALUE and POWER in the valley. The valley represents a low point in your life; a depression; uncomfortable situation. God put us in umcomfortable positions (valleys) in effort to force us to look up at Him for guidance and strength. Life is a balance - Peaks and Valleys. Valleys are surrounded by mountains and on the climb up, one must rely on God's guidance and path.
God gives us victory while in the valley. One must continue to praise God while in the valley. He still deliver His promises, despite our vices. According to Pastor Jackson, here are 4 reasons why God give you VICTORY while in the valley: POWER of the VALLEY (2 Chronicles 20:13-17)
- Manipulate your perspective (2 Chronicles 20:16)
- Valleys place you in a lower perspective which forces you to look up (v.12) The situation is forcing you to look up! Eyes not on the situation, but on GOD!
- Manufacture some patience
- God requires more from our lives; God requires us to hang in there to the end of the valley. One must ask...do you have enough trust to hang in there to see to the end? When one get to the end of the valley, you must stand there and BE STILL and WORSHIP HIM! The God that stations you, is the same god that sustains you.
- Manifest His presence (2 Chronicles 20:17)
- You have to see all sides of god. In the valley, you experience god's hands. In the valley, god put you in a situation for you to share your testimony with others about god.
- Magnify your praise (2 Chronicles 20:20-22)
- Jehoshaphat teaches us about praising god
- Preparation for praise - they praised early in the morning
- Place for praise - real praisers pray anywhere
- Priority of praise - make pray/praise your priority
- Power of praise - praise god before the situation; god moves before your situation.
We've all heard Psalm 23 and have memorized the passage. My pastor explained this passage in such a way that I was blown away. David spent time in the valley(v.4). God gave David 3 things: Green Pastures, Geniune Peace and Godly Path
One may ask...how do you get out of the valley? According to Pastor Jackson, one must:
- Keep moving through the valley
- Keep moving forward. God has equipped you with everything you need to move forward
- Manage your fear in the valley
- A shadow denotes interference of light; something in the way of light. Your valley can't kill you!
- Keep your mind on the feast after the valley
- God has something waiting for you at the end of the valley. Keep your mind on what's at the end of the valley. Like a distance runner, you must equip yourself with the proper clothing, shoes and gear in efforts to keep your mind on the finish line. No matter how rough the valley appears or may be, god has something waiting for you.
God was...BEFORE David (as his shepherd) while he entered the valley (v.1-3)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
God was WITH David while in the valley (v.4)
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
God was BEHIND David out of the valley (v.5-6)
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Take the time today to thank God for the small things as well as the big things. Thank God for your valleys and struggles for you know that victory is waiting on you at the end. I thank HIM everyday and all day for the victories and trials.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Experience: Being Sick!
Today, I'm not feeling so good. I am exhausted and have no energy. I thought today was Saturday...just a day off.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Enjoy: Technology is Key
CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BEST FRIEND AND MY SISTER
MAKEBA DARDEN
Today, my best friend and sister, Makeba Darden was featured on the front page of the Miami Herald newspaper. Makeba, a graduate of University of Miami and current MBA candidate at University of Phoenix, is a Mathematics teacher at Norland Middle School in Miami Gardens, Florida. She's passionate about teaching students in the critical shortage area of Math. Makeba discussed how she move her students despite the lack of technology in the classroom. Makeba has maintained high standards when it comes to preparing her students for Florida's controversial Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).
 |
| Makeba Darden, Mathematics Teacher, Norland Middle School |
This article discuss how there's a lack of updated technology in Miami-Dade County Public School system and teachers uses antiquated technology to instruct students. On November 6th, Miami-Dade County residents will have the opportunity to vote on a spending plan for $1.2 billion bond issue. "Every Miami-Dade classroom would also get some kind of interactive device, like a SMART board, under the preliminary plan. Many educators say the digital boards make class more visual, allow multimedia-rich lessons and keep the attention of students, who can touch and manipulate the screen."
Again, congratulations to Makeba Darden!!!
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