Are You Ready to Extend Your Stretch with God?

Are you ready? On your mark…get set… GO! Learn how I took on the long stretch with God and how you can too! Remember you are more prepared than you think you are!  Cool breeze kisses my face ever so lightly as I venture down a path of the unknowing. People around me chat in small groups while others walk their dogs.  Inhaling deeply, I smile and take in the moment of serenity. I then wonder, “Lord, why can’t ALL moments be like this— peaceful with NO problems?” As I continue to walk, I envision  God looking  at me with a sly grin responding, “Oh Erica, I could do that, but what fun would that be?” Tilting my head while looking at Him, I can’t help but agree. And, I’m sure you can’t but agree too. Let’s face it; our lives would be boring if no action took place, and we would operate like robots with no purpose roaming the Earth. Sis, that’s the ultimate reason I said yes to God. The Real Reason I was tired of running around the same hamster wheel, never catching a break, hanging around the same crew that didn’t align to my purpose nor His call on my life.     Now, I will admit this journey wasn’t easy then and sure isn’t easy now. However, I can say He’s been preparing me all along. He equips me for every trial I face.  Protects me from the fiery darts the enemy throws my way. He reveals things to me that will come. Just like me, if you’ve decided to say yes, He has a set of tools just for you to fight with when the enemy comes your way. Reflect and Journal Take a moment to reflect on the trials you’ve experienced. Write them out. While reflecting on these moments, acknowledge how they were challenging, but share how God saw you through them. Once you complete the task, share it with a loved one, a close friend, or someone you don’t know. You now have a testimony to share, a story to tell. Hi friend! Did you enjoy this message? Comment below your main takeaway and how you plan to implement it this season. I’d love to hear from you!  

Are You Ready to Extend Your Stretch with God? Read More »

Waddling in Weeds: My Life Changing Story

“I know you don’t smoke weed, I know this, but I’m gonna get you high today, ’cause it’s Friday; you ain’t got no job… and you ain’t got nothin’ to do.”-Smokey from Friday If you’re a 90s movie fan, I’m sure you remember the iconic line above. I know I did because in 2012 it was the EXACT line that played in my mind right before I inhaled my first joint. Thirty minutes later, I was in the cafe whispering my order to the food server perplexed because of the activity I’d just participated in. To make matters worst, “Love” by Kirk Franklin was the song of choice playing in the background. Talk about awkward. Nevertheless, as time moved on, I became comfortable with my mischievous way of living. I was FINALLY a part of the “in” crowd.  But, just like everything in life, that time in my life had to come to an end once I said yes to God. Now, did that transformation happen overnight? Not at all because when I made that clear consequence decision years later to follow God wholeheartedly, the devil came to deter me from  God’s plan. And in all honesty, I fell right into his trap. Old habits and doubtful thoughts came to mind right after God provided me with new revelations.  It took some time but sure enough, once I realized the enemy’s devious plan, I began to fight back. Now let’s talk about you… Have you been there before? Are you there now? If so, I want you to know you’re not alone. I’d gotten to a point in life where I was ready to slice off ears and walk on water just like Peter did for Jesus. However, I wasn’t aware of the battles I’d face once I said, yes to God. I didn’t know I’d experience spiritual and physical attacks by simply declaring the name of Jesus. Even now, life is NOT AT ALL what I expected it to be but one thing is for sure, God has matured me. And I know if He has matured me He is doing the same for you! You see, that is why it is important to remember the authority God has given you once you say, Yes. Jesus explains to us in Luke 10 verse 19 that He has provided us with  AUTHORITY over every and any scheme attempted by the enemy.  This means anything the enemy tries to push towards you, you have the authority to push it back and declare “NOT TODAY SATAN.” Now, don’t get it twisted, the enemy is conniving and very deceitful, so he’s not going to leave without a fight. Your emotions,  thoughts, and feelings will try to sike you out, and if you’re not careful they’ll win. However, as daughters of the most high, our Father has blessed us with a source so strong known as the Holy Spirit. By partnering with the Holy Spirit the devil has NO power over you.   So, as you continue to run this race with God I want you to know life will not always be easy, but with God He’ll make all things possible. Remember it’s the come up season, He has great things in store.   Hi friend! Did you enjoy this message? Comment below your main takeaway and how you plan to implement it in this season. I’d love to hear from you! Also, are you ready to take your relationship to the next level with God click here to get started!        

Waddling in Weeds: My Life Changing Story Read More »

What to Expect When You Say “YES” to God

“So, how old do you think you’ll be when you fully settle down with God?” my friend Reggie asked. It was my junior year in college, we’d just finished another successful game night with friends and he decided to stay a little longer to help clean up. Pausing for a minute, I thought about his question and responded, “Hmmm, I don’t know maybe when I’m about 23.”  I figured because I was in college I needed to live a little and the Lord would understand.  Smiling at my response, we continued to chat about our future and what things would look like after college.  Once he left, I remember thinking to myself, only Reggie could ask me that question and I wouldn’t get offended. I mean– he was the only man I knew in his 20s engaged,  serious about his relationship with God, but would vibe to a 2Chainz or Trinidad James song real quick. As I sit back and think about that night I can’t help, but think about how God truly slide into that conversation and even changed the ending to MY story.  You see, my goal was to live out my life the way I wanted to and slide God in when I could. A Sunday service here and a communion session there.  I mean, can I be real? However, God had other plans for my life. The two years that followed turned out to be the purge of my life. I said YES I lost loved ones,  friendships ended, relationships dissolved, and my emotions went ramped. Through it all though, I was able to go back to my first love—Father God, who accepted me with open arms.  And, He made me His number one follower the following year once I surrendered. The Choice is Yours So, if you’ve decided to finally take a stance and follow God, I want you to know you’ve made the greatest decision of your life!  If you’re still thinking about it or you’re on the fence, meet me here. You no longer have to sit on the sideline any longer but sis you can join the game.  He has so much in store for you.  I will admit this journey is not for the weak, however, because you’re a queen of the Most High, He has a set of tools just for you to fight with when the enemy comes your way.  That is why this week’s passage is Ephesians 6:10-18. As you carry out the remainder of this week I encourage you to follow along with the Come Up season right here because next week, I’ll dig even deeper into what you can expect when you say yes to God! See you then! Hi friend! Did you enjoy this message? Comment below your main takeaway and how you plan to implement it in this season. I’d love to hear from you!

What to Expect When You Say “YES” to God Read More »

The Come Up Season

In 2014, one Sunday morning, my life changed forever. I was 21, single, heartbroken, and filled with daddy wounds.  Yet, I wanted to be free. I didn’t want to spend another minute carrying traumas, past hurt, and stale relationships. I wanted to heal and the ONLY way I knew I could do so was if I gave myself away. So, I stood up with tears strolling down my face and stumbled my way to the altar. It was there I surrendered my life back to Christ. Seven years later, I’m still pushing forward. But this time, Jesus Christ is leading the way. Now, I wish I could tell you this journey has been smooth sailing with no issues at all, but I cannot.  Life is still taking place with its crazy twist and turns, however, since I made the conscious decision to connect with God, my load is a lot lighter.   Back in the day… During the end of my junior year in college, God began to move and uproot people out of my life that was detrimental to my soul. Physically, it was a hard process because when I love, I love hard. However, God knew what He was doing and provided me with clear signs as to why certain relationships didn’t work out.   It wasn’t long after they left, God began to work in me and have me want nothing but Him.  By going through that experience, I finally decided to move forward and take God seriously. In return, He made room for new people to enter into my life who uplifted and encouraged me in my flaws and all. He allowed me to seek His Word for myself and truly discover His plan and purpose for my life. If you are on the fence about your relationship with God, yet you feel an urge to take it to the next level you are likely experiencing the come-up season. It’s Time to Come Up, Sis  Simply put, the come-up season is a moment in your life when you make the conscious decision to take God seriously. No longer do you want to sit on the sidelines and see everyone get blessed around you, but you want to become a part of the family. You want to see and find out what ALL the hype is about and why so many people believe, trust, and follow Him. I will say this decision is life-changing and will cause a huge shift in your life. Nevertheless, if you are ready to move deeper in Christ and see ALL He has for you, take on this season wholeheartedly because your breakthrough will come. Below are four things you can do to move forward during your come up season: Surrender Yourself to God By surrendering your life to God you make the bold decision to believe and state aloud that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins and rose again on the third day. Romans  10:9-10 Seek God for Yourself If you’re like me and grew up in the church, it is very easy to become complacent with God. It is easy to follow set routines and patterns. Nevertheless, as you grow, He wants you to step out of normality and flow with HIm. This means it’s time to take things a little further and seek God for yourself. Write out things you don’t understand in the Bible. Cry out to God what is hurting your heart. As you begin to open up to Him He will pour out His love to you!   Connect with like-minded people As you began to grow in Christ allow Him to connect you with like-minded people. Ask Him to bring people in your life who will accept you for who you are and not judge you by your past.  Give Yourself Grace You’ve made a HUGE decision to follow God. But, let’s be honest– our flesh is weak and we are human. So, mistakes will happen. Issues will arise and doubt will come, but our God is STILL faithful and He cares for us. That is why it is important to give yourself grace because God gives you grace.  This process is no stroll in the park, but if you truly give your ALL to God I promise you HE will not fail you. Hi friend! Did you enjoy this message? Comment below your main takeaway and how you plan to implement it in this season. I’d love to hear from you! Also, are you ready to take your relationship to the next level with God click here to get started!  

The Come Up Season Read More »

The Grace Strategy Needed to Finish What You Started

Do you often question God? Does the thought “Why me?” come to mind more than once? Guilt! I know I have and I want you to know you’re not alone if you have to. For years, I moved around in cycles questioning God: “When will I get out of this rut?” ” What’s wrong with me?”  “Why Me Lord?” When life wasn’t going the way I hoped, I created a mountain out of a molehill. I doubted myself, downgraded my call, and spoke death on the very Word God gave me. Only to discover–I was my own holdup! It wasn’t until I was at my lowest peek in life when I saw God continuously move on my behalf. It helped me to realize He wanted me to succeed and see my SOUL prosper. In this post, I will share with you four ways you can stop blaming Him for your problems and discover how to give yourself the grace needed to finish what you started! The Grace Strategy 1.) Highlight Your Weaknesses Highlight areas in your life when you start to feel negative, write them down, and be honest with yourself. Prime example you may feel a  hint of jealously when you stroll on a social media site or when you FINALLY start the assignment God placed in your heart to complete NOBODY seems to care. The enemy loves for us to get into our emotions, waddle in sadness, and –let’s talk about it OVERTHINK! Nevertheless, God our Father never graced us with fear, but with LOVE, JOY, and a SOUND mind and He wants you to be honest and open with Him   2.) Believe It’s time to believe. It’s important that you take out those old notes, review your vision board, look at your list of goals, sit down, and have a little chat with Jesus. During this segment DO NOT question if this motive will work or what’s the purpose. If you do, that will plant doubt in your mind. Instead, TRUST God will sustain you and provide you with the tools you need to succeed. All you need to do is believe.   3.) Give Yourself Grace It’s obvious, but still should be recognized, when finishing what you started it’s important to give yourself grace. You and I both know we are NOT perfect and we NEVER will be. God created us and He’s aware of our flaws. He knows when we make mistakes. Yet, He’s given us the stability and strength to get back up again.   4.) Spend With God Set time aside to spend with God. Think about all the time you have in the day and what you do with it. You make have classes you take throughout the day or a 9 to 5 job. Whatever your case may be carve out some time with God. By doing so, you are able to step away from your flesh and step into your spiritual being. God has sooo much He wants to reveal to you. He wants to see you flourish. However, you must be willing to take on the grace strategy to finish what you’ve started. And, my friend if you’ve made it to the end of this post I truly believe you can do so! Hey sis, do like what you’ve read? What was your greatest takeaway? I can’t wait to read your comments below!

The Grace Strategy Needed to Finish What You Started Read More »