SUBMITTED IN THE SHIFT!

I haven't posted anything in a few months but during my time off I continued to write. In our lives we continue to shift from one situation to another; one relationship to another (short or long-term), one mindset to another and more. Shifting is not a bad thing!

Shifting may come as a result of the need to move from a state of complacency and being comfortable where you are-- to stepping out of the boat and having confidence that you can do so much more than you think. I really had to consider where I am in my life, determine if I am happy with it, and if I'm not, what will I do about it! So, when considering it all, I decided that I am ready to shift because right where I am and have been for a few years has only become a cycle or revolving door if you will.

Just like with driving or riding in a car with a stick shift, when gears are changed, we feel the jerk reaction initially but then its a smooth ride! I am ready for God to shift me so I am going to do what is necessary to remain in a state of submission when the shift comes. I don't mind the jerks (disruptions, shaking up, interruptions in my plans) because I know what God has planned for me is so much better.

As a GEM, I expect a continuous SHIFT in my life as I progress towards God's destiny for me! If you are a GEM, begin to confess daily that you will be SUBMITTED IN THE SHIFT!

Father I thank you for the SHIFT in my life
I yield and accept your timing
Even though I may not understand it completely.
Your plan for me is much greater than the plans I made for myself
So I trust you in this process
And will hold on tight to you
As I SHIFT to a new level, a new dimention and a NEW ME!

God Bless ---

Ms. Val
FREE2BE

Tyler Perry: "Untie the Rope"

I along with thousands of others received an email from Tyler Perry last week that was so powerful.  Yes he talked about a few movies he is working on but my attention was drawn in, particularly when he said "UNTIE THE ROPE".  Not only did he get my attention by using all caps (in email etiquette it symbolizes yelling) but also the words he used. I was happy he was yelling because the message was profound.

After meditating on this I not only realized the ropes I needed to untie for the first time, but I could hear in my spirit that there are ropes that I untied but chose to re-tie them for the 2nd or even 3rd time! 

We often hear that we need to disconnect from people and things in our lives that are holding us back and slowing us down. It's easy to re-tie the rope and welcome things and people back into our lives that we are familiar with and have become comfortable with for years. Yes, I've found myself hoping and praying that time made changes in people and things, so I re-tied the rope - but I didn't realize the rope returned in a different package, but it was the same rope!  I just settled for less than God's best for me. I sometimes told my children, "You will make a change when you get tired enough of dealing with it; if you continue to accept certain things, you are not tired enough!"   

What ropes do we need to untie so we can go to our next level (dimension)?  I am thanking God for revealing the ropes I need to untie (keep untied). God is revealing situations and people that were only supposed to be on my destiny path for a season, but I kept them there because I wasn't ready to let go completely. It may be tough and hurt some, but God has equipped us and will strengthen us in the process of untying or even cutting - so don't re-tie and hold on to "time wasters".

A GEM THOUGHT: "REMOVING ANTs" FROM OUR LIVES

As we change our paradigm, we change our confession (what we speak).  A few years ago a therapist shared a list of ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) with me. They are the negative thoughts and words that we sometimes speak unknowingly.  Our thoughts and words contribute to our current paradigm (state of mind) and our level of expectation.  In our frustration, disappointment and anger --what comes out of our mouths is sometimes an afterthought and not aforethought. Just like sticks and stones, words hurt, can bring life or death so Speak LIFE...

Father I thank you that every word I speak is life and peace.
Negative words will no longer grow in me
But I will make positive confessions every day of my life.
Father I thank you that I will learn to speak truth, faith, peace and prosperity,
And life to the full and overflowing.
Father I thank you that as I speak life
My expectations will change so the things I thought were impossible
Now become possible and a reality by faith in you.
My children will change and realize their true value
My relationships will change from dysfunctional to healthy
My money will change as I speak wealth and riches in my home
My health will change as I speak that I am well.
Father I thank you that as I change my language
I will begin to see your Word manifest in a great way in my life.
Father I thank you that as I talk daily and make the "oops" remarks (intended or unintended)
I am learning what doesn't need to be on my lips
And decide to no longer entertain or emulate negativity,
But that my mouth will be filled with fruitfulness
So I can live in Jesus' Name!   ~~~~~ Written by: Valerie B. (Free2Be) 

STEVE HARVEY & KIRK FRANKLIN ON TBN

Watching Steve Harvey hosting "Praise the Lord" on TBN tonight. As he and Kirk Franklin talk, it took me back. Thank God for reflection, realness, renewal and revelation!  How I look back and realize that had it not been for the mercy and grace of God...where would I be? Kirk said, "A physician can't help unless you can tell him where it hurts or what is bothering you; God is not looking for performers".  Steve said, "Prayer is a cold piece of work!" Wow... 

HOW DO YOU TREAT YOU?

How have you trained people to treat you?

"We teach people how to treat us by what we will accept from them!"
                                                                         Thanks for the reminder Dr. Kim Ventus-Darks.

It may be time to re-train people, even some in your circle. Better yet, how do you treat yourself? See your value and so will others.

Daily Mind Renewal

I will consider my choices today
I will transform my mind and not conform to situations in my day
My faith is not limited by what I see with my natural eyes
I am valuable
I am walking in God's strength
I am Free!
My mind is renewed!

Think on These Things....

As I was watching the news today, a news reporter asked if Memorial Day was only intended for us to remember those veterans who lost their lives while fighting for our country. As he said no he was in Veteran's Hospital sharing the story of those veterans, who are still alive but yet have memories of the devastation of war as they remain hospitalized. One man, bed ridden and unable to walk or sit up spoke as he said how nice it would be if he and other veterans would get visitors periodically.  His memories of the war that led to his condition must have played over and over in his head, in his lonely yet idle mind. Unable to imagine fighting in a war, being left alone, and hearing his pleas for one visitor, tears rolled down my face. Maybe he just wanted someone to pray for him, encourage him or tell him God can work the supernatural. I recalled my son who went into the military right after high school and has been to Iraq three times and began to consider his memories of children begging for candy in one hand but a handgun in another ready to kill him, or road side bombs and explosions that took the lives of his friends and more. All these memories led to PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and depression that God has delivered him from.

This was not meant to be a somber post, but one to have us consider the memories we store that may keep us in a place of desolation because some are unaware that God can renew our minds daily. Let's keep praying and interceding and know ministry is needed beyond our homes, churches, jobs and circle of friends. 

I am thanking God for daily mind renewal. 

"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." (Philippian 4:8 NIV).