Yep, I realized the words my mother and grandmother spoke so often, unfortunately are true.

If you keep it up....you'll learn.

If you don't stop and think, you'll learn the hard way.

Keep on living, you'll see.

Today, I feel it.
I am learning.
I've got lemons and I don't want dang lemonade.

A few months ago I made a decision that I believed would improve the lives of so many.
I prayed, I received confirmation, and I left.

I left a big big town with many friends and relations to go to a small small town fueled with inequality and even less friends and relations.  However, this town landed on my "trajectory" plan.

Little discomfort...for big rewards, RIGHT?

Anyway, to make this move to the Bang (my name for the town), I had to make a deal with my co-parent, BD, non-custodial partner, to ensure he had time. I wanted to be sure we had two happy parents.....


I offered holidays and summer break and knew with technology "FACE-minutes" and chat it would be like we were still next door.

Until today.

4 months in the Bang and I felt like this:


GIFSoup

as my baby pulled away from the curb.

Although I complain daily about "mommying" and really looked forward to a camp, sports, begging-free summer....I was lost and sad.

I have yet to put on clothes....walking around looking at her empty room.
I even think Melot misses her....

Yes, I know she is alive, but she is not here.

Did he feel like this when I decided what was best for EVERYONE?
Was I selfish in making this decision?

Hmmp....this lesson hurts.

Pray Saints!

So in my sadness I called BD and cried. I cried without fear of judgement, because recognized that I'd deemed his feelings/desires irrelevant......and I was wrong.

This lesson allowed me to learn that life is short, the time we have with our babies is even shorter. We have to do what's right: make amends, show love, ask for forgiveness, get healthy, etc. so we can enjoy this life a little longer. 

What is it that you need to do/learn before the lesson gets "taught"?

I'm telling you....you don't want to wait because the lesson hurts!

Your time is now.

I'm praying for you as you pray for me!

Love Ya!

LadyA

I was ready to share my positive reflective statement for the day, and then good old Yolanda Adams posted this video on her FB page:



Why did this song take me down a path of uncontrollable emotions about HOME?

Originally sung in the Wiz, I remember singing it over and over, because I thought I was Stephanie Mills!!


Hey, but who didn't?

Today I HEARD the words, FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME!

Here are a few of the lyrics (From AZlyrics):

And just maybe I can convince time to slow up
Givin me enough time, ooh, in my life to grow up
Time be my friend
And let me start again

Suddenly my worlds gone and change its fate
And I still know where I'm going
I have had my mind spun round in space
And watched it growing

And oh, if you're listening, God, please don't make it hard
To know if we should believe the things that we see
Tell us should we try and stay or should we run away (Should we run away)
Or will it be better just to let things, let them be, oh

Livin here in this brand new world
Might be a fantasy
But its taught me to love, oh, yeah
And its real, its so real, its real to me

And I've learned that we must look
Inside our hearts to find
A world full of love
Like yours, like mine

Like home
Like, like home


In the midst of all that's going on across the world, especially with our babies (Tyshawn Lee, MIZZOU, etc.) we need to have a safe place where the fears of the world cannot enter in.

• “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” Psalm 61:1 

• “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint ." Isaiah 40:28-31

• "The second is like to it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:31

Will this make every place HOME? 
I am not sure, but my soul longs for it.
My soul longs for this world to live and love...Like Home.  



We need to be able to press on and believe in what lies before us and power of our God.


We must love our neighbor as ourselves to change the current state.

I guess you can do the math, but this year was a monumental year for me and my DD. We both celebrated turning the big _0! Ms. Meep, became a double digit and I became one of the oldest mommies at the birthday parties!


It's okay, I once felt bad being one of the oldest adult parents in the group, but there are 3 good reasons why I am now okay.

Reason #1: I have already overcome the drama.

So, if you have read any of my posts here or on InspireMe, you know I have been up, down, in and out and can write a book about it.  Therefore, I don't respond to the dumb things that may arise when dealing with a 10 year old:

• No, you won't get Jordans and I don't care if you say you will starve yourself or run away....
• Yes teacher, I have reviewed all of her assignments and kept a nice file of all assignments returned, so please update your Powerschool to reflect the grades on the assignment
• Yes, they talked about you in class, but they talked about Jesus! Are you better than Jesus?

Sometimes instead of just posting and praying, I have a moment where I want to just cry out and share with my Father and this is okay.  Although I have shared my letter here, I want you to know that it is okay to stop, cry, write, or scream out to God when you need Him.  He knows your struggle and He knows your needs and He is here! Today I am thankful for His omnipresence....So grateful...

If you ever want to pray, or need me to pray for you....Inbox me. I am here.

So, for those of you that have missed me, I am back!! I have been hosting a blog on ChicagoNow called Inspire ME and it takes a lot of time!!

Well, Ms. Tates is now a 10 Year Old Pre-Teen!!!
and I have enjoyed every moment with her!

We travel and read and argue?? (yes, I know), but I love it all.

Except......Mealtime!

That is why I have become SNEAKY MAMA in addition to the FystyMAMA!
My child has a very strong aversion to vegetables and fruit! This drives me crazy because I want to expand our dinner options, but I also want her to enjoy mealtime!

So, I purchased the Deceptively Delicious book, hoping that I could come up with creative ways to sneak veggies into her meals.  THIS BOOK WAS A GOD SEND!

I began blending broccoli and adding it to burgers. I added carrots to cookies and finally, I added blended apples to Kool-Aid!!! Yes, I turned a normally empty drink into a fiber filled delicacy!

So I plan to share my Sneaky Recipes soon, so come back for more!

If you have any deliciously sneaky recipes that have worked for your family, share them with me!

After all, with friends we can make this FystyMama thing look easy!!!

This week on one of my favorite shows #Iyanla Fix My Life, they discussed the infidelity of a Pastor and its effect on the wife, children and parishioners.  This story affected me greatly because it shows that although people are called to a position, the flesh is weak and if we don't die daily, those with greater responsibility will face (and may fall to) greater temptation.

However, I also began to reflect upon times in my life when I let my guard down because of position and promise not realizing the true identity and "mess" in the message.  For example, when I would begin to talk to a man  as a potential "suitor" back in the day, I could recognize "game" instantly.  If he gave me his cell and was vague on the phone and call only during the work hours, I would understand that there is probably another relationship or something he is hiding from me.  I would then discontinue conversations because I did not have time for mess. 

On the other hand when a man from church approaches with the same actions and untruths, I  may let him pass, because he is a "Good Man".  Very similar to the wife in the television scenario, I realized because a man is deemed "of God", attends church, knows the word, and may even preach very well, we, as women, give them extra "grace" or "bonus points" because of their potential. We figure that if he knows God, then he can't be all that bad, and if there is a problem God can fix it, right?

I can admit, I have even had a man in leadership tell me abstinence is Old Testament and we are now under grace! I knew it was wrong, but the man was good looking and had a word in him, so I kept the conversation going.  I began to envision all of the perks (as the wife mentioned on #IFML) of dating this man and ignored the signs! Although I never followed up on "that discussion", I now realize I fell for the banana in the tailpipe in effort to link up with potential instead of recognizing the mess! 

The Bible tells us in Romans 16: 17-18 to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.

I thank God for growth and the ability to recognize flattery and deceit in effort to move us away from our Purpose! 

Be strong sisters, He hears us and will soon send the one He kept for us!

Love-

Lady A-TFM

I’m In This Place Kim Stratton-A Prophetic Ministry-Yet the current Soundtrack of My LIFE!!

Scriptural References:

1. Luke 17: 21 KJV-Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. 
2. I Corinthians 6: 19-20 KJV- What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's 

We have been anointed and appointed for such a time as this! The Glory of the Lord shines both around and within us as we were selected to do a good work in the Kingdom. Prior to our delivery in this world, God decided and planned our destiny and path in life. Once we were birthed into our earthen vessels, we were then allowed to live freely on this Earth, deciding to stay or stray from the path of righteousness. As believers, we know that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead is alive and dwells within us. Thus, I believe that God has instilled in us His glory, majesty and power, and when we are to do a good work on this Earth we have the power to see it to fruition. Likewise, because we are His children and heirs to the throne, if we are ever unable to tap into the power that dwells within us, we have the ability to call our Daddy for assistance. When we seek His face and his presence, our Father will come to comfort and calm us. When we are weak He gives us the strength to endure and restores us.

I chose this song because this year showed me that not only does God hide us from tumultuous circumstances, but He also comes to us in the midst of our trials to show us that He loves us and is never too far away. Sometimes, we get so “bogged down” with the cares of the world that we have to stop and realize He is there, standing right beside us holding our hands. He is right in that very place where we have diligently sought to see His face. Although we can’t always feel it or recognize when we have entered into His presence, He sees and knows what we are going through. Similarly, God continuously guides us and protects us so while we are in the fire we can come out unscathed. I needed to know this during these past few months. Although I know God permissively allows certain circumstances to occur in our lives as a pruning process, there are times when I just become overwhelmed. This song ministers to my spirit as it constantly reminds me that God comes to give us Spiritual Prosperity! For this our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). Because He dwells within me, I continuously tap into that inner faith and power to move forward victoriously. He is in this place-my heart, my mind, and my soul! I can trust, lean and cast my cares upon Him, because He has already taken care of it all!

Have You Tapped Into That Power That Works Within YOU? Do you realize God is in This Place?

Love you!

Lady A-The FM

Proverbs 22:1-4

1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. 2 The rich and the poor have this in common, The Lord is the maker of them all. 3 A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the Lord Are riches and honor and life.

What is in a Name? Yes we were all born and given a name, and as we grow up we decided whether to shorten it, hyphenate it, or change it altogether.  In  a worldly sense, we adapt our name based upon our current circumstances and settings, so that it is acceptable.   For example, as a teen I was Angie, as driving teen I became Baby G, as an adult I prefer Angela.  Yes, as I changed my name changed, yet the purpose and plan for my life remained the same.  People that know the transitioning Angie, Baby G, Angela can link behaviors and ideas to each and every name.  Yet, all the names fit the same purpose and although linked to trouble, at times, overall remained blemish free.  Angela means the Heavenly Messenger, and although I don't believe my parents knew this, I feel it was divinely ordered. It was a good name for me, but what I do with the name, purpose, and plan for my life is up to me.  If I tarnish this "good name" with acts of evil, backbiting  slander, lying, stealing, cheating, and others, I have chosen to move myself out of my purpose and from this God ordained realm of favor, as He freely gives it to all.

I shall Praise the Lord At All Times

The Good News is- if we confess our sins-we have a forgiving God that is faithful and just, and allows us to again walk in our "good name". That name is sometimes all we have, remember Ike and Tina "but only if you let me keep my name". Even if the name is tied to too much iniquity, God will change our "good name" (e.g. Saul) and allows us back into His loving favor, with the ability to move forward, in our purpose, without hindrance from our past.

What is your "good name"?

This is one of my postings from the 31 Days of Proverbs Challenge....There is power in a group of praying women! Join Us.

You may think that everything you do is right, but remember that the LORD judges your motives.
 Do what is right and fair; that pleases the LORD more than bringing him sacrifices.
 Wicked people are controlled by their conceit and arrogance, and this is sinful.
 Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough. (Proverbs 21:2-5 GNT)

Motivated Mothers and Daughters-

As we wake each day let us begin in the spirit of worship. Waking early and giving God our attention and our praise shifts us into a realm of clarity. When we tell Him how good he is then he turns around and shares with us who we are! This clarity prevents self promoting, deceptive, and unruly motives which ultimately lead to destruction.  Go before God early and ask Him to order your steps as the steps of the righteous are ordered.  Declare and decree that your day will follow God's plan for your life without hinderance or disturbance from others.  This declaration and worship not only sets the tone for your day, but also prepares you to go forth victoriously and receive the "plenty" God has for you!

Love ya-

Lady A-TFM

This has been an AWESOME week filled with mind blowing Prayer, online bible study and concerts!!  Not only did we interview Worship Leader, Pastor, Writer extraordinaire, Sheryl Brady, but I finally finished the BOOK!! Pastor Brady has authored You Have It in You, and although I had to stop for praise breaks, I  finished reading it!  I received so many messages from God during this time..Destiny delivered in increments..I will detail you later.

I have also received daily blessings from devotional pages on Facebook! First, Bishop TD Jakes has been tweeting his daily pecking orders, as a result of his message at #WTAL.

The second Facebook devotional/bible study l is a group of  Women reading and discussing Proverbs over the course of 31 days!  If you have never read Proverbs, it is a must.  This challenge is pushing us to endure through tough times. We must go through tough pruning seasons, so we are able to grow stronger/tougher fruit!  I know God is trying to do something in me because Proverbs can cut deep.  Today we were given an additional challenge:

Proverbs 31 Challengers: All of you will read this post at different times and on different days. So, after you read it, I submit to you, during your 15 minute daily prayer time, to PRAY FOR THE NEXT 3 CONSECUTIVE DAYS for these intangible seeds that will yield a righteous and holy harvest. Seek ye first the KINGDOM OF GOD and HIS righteousness, everything else that you need WILL BE ADDED TO YOU. 

There are times in your life when you feel like God is just moving and shaking every fiber of your being! I have had such a pouring into of my spirit, not only by attending the Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference, but also by the teachings of my Pastor, EITI Eagles preparation, and the daily communication with God.

On yesterday, my Pastor had an anointing service (applying of oil and prayer-in case you didn't know) and the spirit was so strong, we knew we were in for a blessing!!! All I could do was lay in the presence of the Lord! I know He is doing a new thing in me and I am ready for it.  Side note-I believe I know what this new thing is God is working out of me, but ....We will discuss more later.

Prior to attending the anointing service DD said "Mommy please don't embarrass me" as she was afraid and embarrassed about worship.  After a long discussion, she forgot about me and was ready to get her worship on.  My child was excited to have the anointing poured for her...Ain't he good.  

Pastor Cheryl Brady @ Book signing

Pastor Brady at Apostolic Faith Church

Finally tonight I had to go see Pastor Sheryl Brady again!! She's in Chicago for the FaithWorks conference at Apostolic Faith Church, where Bishop Horace Smith is the Pastor.  Pastor Brady's got an anointing and a fresh word is shared every time I see her.  Again....Filled to the brim! Just know: a renewed mind allows you to change in all other areas of your life! I want to be pliable and adaptable so when God Pours Into Me...I will not burst.  I am renewing my Mind to stretch because OLD (stuck/religious/dead) MINDS  CAN'T HOLD NEW BLESSINGS!

Amen--

OMG!!! I must share how AWESOME it was to be surprised by one of the "King's Men", Isreal Houghton.  He ushered the Spirit of Worship a little higher in preparation for the message. He made us Take The Limits OFF! How appropriate....

All around me

Stretch forth

Break forth

Release me

Enlarge my territory

Isreal Houghton @ FaithWorks 2012

FULL---

Goodnight!

FM

I just can't contain it!! I am a chick that wants out. This years Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference was on time and on point for me!!! The word that went forth in that arena, in the words of Tasha Cobbs, broke every chain!!

Of course you know I love Pastor TD Jakes and First Lady Sarita, but I have to mention Pastor Sheryl Brady!!! Her story is so powerful, and her new book "You Have It In You" was the theme of the conference.  I will discuss more of that later.

When I tell you the anointing was so heavy in that place, at times all I wanted to do was fall on the floor!!! I got my run in a few times, but literally I was Slain in the Spirit!!

On a carnal note :-), the shoe game of these ladies, especially Sarah Jakes, made me step up my shoe game for Church on Sunday!

My Favorite Christian Louboutin

Today a good friend talked about Microwave Christians saying that we have become the name, claim it, and want it now believers.  

Microwave Mentality

I, unfortunately, have to agree because there have been times that I have been given a promise from God, and when it doesn't come I find myself uttering and moaning.  So in effort to prove that I am a King's Kid and already know that those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31)...Faithfully I will wait!

• When the water heater breaks and I can't pay to fix it................Faithfully I will wait.
• When the DD is having a fit because she left her book bag at school...........Faithfully I will wait.
• When I thought a check was in the mail and the mailbox was EMPTY........Faithfully I will wait.
• When the collection calls keep coming in.....................Faithfully I will wait.
• When students keep asking the same question over and over and over again, even though I am on lunch.............................Faithfully I will wait.
• When the called Dance Ministry leader acts like she knows it all with no dance background nor training..........................Faithfully I will wait.
• When the bills are due and my month is longer than my money...................Faithfully I will wait.

For I know that in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. So in faith I will wait on the Lord.

I am up very early this morning in anticipation of the Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference to be held in Atlanta, Georgia beginning TOMORROW! We are about to hit the road, as we are driving and fellowshipping our way into GA! I know there must be a blessing in this conference because I have been fighting the enemy on every corner just to make it!

Do you know about Woman Thou Art Loosed? This is an annual conference hosted by none other than Bishop and Serita Jakes!! This year the conference will include Pastor Sheryl Brady, Pastor Paula White and Dr. Cindy Trimm and will be held at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta on October 4-6, 2012.


I told you I am waiting in expectancy because I know it is going to be a blessing in the building. So if you me running, shouting, or just laying prostrate-just hold my mule, (and make sure I'm okay -aka- nothing improper is showing) and join me in worship!

I plan to update my journey down to Atlanta and during the conference so let's KIT.

Love you and God Bless!

FM

alt=" Running Man"

Press Towards The Mark

I am sorry guys but I have been sitting and seeking songs to complete my current assignment.  This song was selected because it is based upon my favorite scripture Jeremiah 29:11.

Ok all, there is a song that is on repeat in my life lately. It is In this Place by Minister Kim Stratton (whom I recently saw at Christ Bible Church). I searched over and over for this song to hear and read the lyrics, but to no avail.  So I finally sat down and listened to hear not only the lyrics, but to also hear what God is saying to me through this song.  I have shared the lyrics below, and want to know if you feel a move of the prophetic? Do you hear that God is calling us to cast our cares upon him and then relax!! OMG ain't he good?? I feel a Praise Dance coming soon!

As I glance at my budget, I notice that I am one run away from falling in a financial mudpit!  In my anxiousness to sign-up for every 5K run I could handle, I forgot that I have a household to maintain.  Yet to my surprise, and thanks to BGR Sisters, I found  out about VIRTUAL RUNs!!!  These runs are completed at your own leisure and guess what...THEY ARE CHEAPER, and support a CAUSE!!!  I am currently looking at two for August...

1. Barking Mad About Breast Cancer Virtual 10K!
2. The Great Cupcake Race!

It has been exactly 391 days since my last post, and  I only just realized it as I entered a contest!! Thanks to Calendar Counter Page for this wonderful chart to show me how delinquent I have been!

		Rounded:	Rounded Up:	Rounded Down:
Number of days	391 days	391 days	391 days	391 days
Number of weeks	55,86 weeks	56 weeks	56 weeks	55 weeks
Number of months	13,03 months	13 months	14 months	13 months
Number of years	1,07 years

• I am a new RUNNER!!! I began my running fun with BGR!!! and I love it! The only problem is childcare in the morning when we go :-(.  It is okay, I am making it work and love how my body feels post run!! As I mentioned before...I was trying to enter a contest and realized that my blog was (gasp) abandoned...the contest is for a Muddy Run!! Doesn't that sound like fun!!  The Pretty Muddy is coming up really soon, and I am gathering friends now!!  However, this is one of the more costly runs of the ones I plan to do, sooooo that is why I entered A Stay At Home Mom's Pretty Muddy Contest!!!... So, as I train, complain and grow into this season, I will definitely keep you in the loop. 
• I am also trying to keep a Happiness journal as discussed on OWN!! I look forward to seeing my end result...

So, FystyMama is back-Running On-Ready to see what the end is going to BE!

It is Wordless Wednesday, but a new MOG I met on Twitter Minister Hanchell @TWH_PhD has also appropriately named it Soul Winning Wednesday!  There has been a lot of POWERFUL PRAYER this past week through internet based connections!  Since I have been so fortunate to just fellowship with others through the blogging and twitter use, I want to bask in this PEACE! 

Resting in His Promise

FystyMama