Category Archives: Women

Sep 02 2015
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Encouragement, Friendship, Women

My Lionesses

Hello September and Readers!!

It has been a while since I have blogged, and to be honest I wasn’t sure if I was coming back. Luckily I heard that small voice telling me that it is time for me to return. So here I am!
Tonight or this morning, depending on where you are, I wanted to share with you all about this amazing journey I have been on. God has placed me on a path that I never really thought that I would walk down or want to walk down; it is the path of sisterhood. Now while my best friend is a girl, I always found myself connecting better with guys. I fell into the belief that ladies were full or drama and all they did was back stab and gossip. Well, the unfortunate truth is that everyone, whether male or female, has gossiped or did some form of backstabbing.
No longer believing the negative hype surrounding women and also getting over being hurt myself by women; I asked God to bring some women into my life that can pour into me, and that I can also pour into. This year my prayer was answered. I have cultivated such an amazing relationship with these ladies that continues to grow daily. Our relationship reminds me of the book Lisa Bevere wrote entitled, “Lioness Arising.” In the book she speaks of the importance of women embracing who they are called to be and how the can change the world around them. What stood out to me most was when she spoke about women coming together and being a strong united force.
Since coming into contact and building with these ladies I have seen strength and growth, but also unity. I feel as if I have found my tribe. This is something that Bevere talks about in her book. She also spoke about how in the tribe lioness groom on another. They keep one another clean from all the dirt and bugs that attaches itself to them. This is something that I have begun to witness with my tribe. We love “grooming” one another. We don’t mind removing the dirt and negative things that try its best to stick on us. It can be our sin, short comings, attitudes, etc. We are quick to “clean” each other up, because we want each other to be and feel their best.
What I love the most about these women is that we challenge each other to do better and there are no secrets. We are open, honest, and raw with one another. We speak on our short comings and celebrate our victories. If one strays away we go after her. No one gets left behind. Best of all we have taken a vow to be accountable to one another.
Having this type of relationship is not always easy, because we don’t allow each other to get away with stuff. If we see that someone is messing up we are not afraid to address the situation, but we do it all in love. There have been times where we have gone over each others homes just to pray for one another. We are truly committed to fighting the good fight along side each other. 
Since being connected I feel that we all have grown in various ways. I have never experienced such a beautiful relationship like this before, and it is my prayer that other woman can also experience this type of relationship amongst other women.
I want to encourage my ladies to no longer believe the lie that all women are just about drama. That is the furthest thing from the truth. We are strong, wise, caring, beautiful, and powerful. Imagine what that would look if we all came together in all our loveliness, especially for the Kingdom of God; the things that we would be able to accomplish and the people we would be able to inspire.
If you are lacking sisterhood I would definitely encourage you to allow that to be your prayer point. Ask God to give you a heart for your sisters and to remove the negative connotation concerning women. Also check out Lisa Bevere’s book which you can purchase at your local bookstore, Amazon, or on your smartphone reader app.

As always be blessed,

-Jacs

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Nov 23 2014
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Christiantiy, Confidence, Encouragement, Vision, Women

Virtuous Womens Network

What a day today! I am living off of a few hours of sleep,  but before I go get some rest, I have to share with you all about this wonderful woman named Monica Sims.
This afternoon I attended one of her annual events known as the Silver & Gold Women’s Extravaganza. This is an event where women of all ages come to connect, uphold, support, and share with each other. Tonight’s theme was based around saying goodbye to the “I Can’t” and welcoming the “I Can.”
She encouraged us to no longer allow situations to keep us from moving forward and walking out our God-given purpose. She charged us to no longer use the excuse of “I can’t” but instead replace it with “I can” and actually go and conquer. Sims also touched on the importance of our attitude and the words we speak over our lives. She shared one woman’s story of how when she was little she went to go see, “The Harlem Nutcracker”, and as the girl sat in the audience watching the dancers perform she kept saying out loud, “I can do that.” Throughout the play the young girl repeated that phrase over and over. She did not realize that affect her words would have over her life,  and now at the age of twenty-three she is living out her “I can” as a dancer.
Along with the stories that were shared tonight, we also got a chance to connect with each other. As the women chatted there was one name that kept popping up; Monica Sims. Many of these women had experienced some type of tragedy or set back, and Mrs. Sims was there encouraging them and pushing them forward, not allowing them to give up. Her words moved a woman to go and get her master’s degree and another woman shared how  it was Mrs. Sims who took her apartment hunting after a terrible divorce. It soon hit me that Monica Sims has truly grasped the understanding of the power of words, and how the right words can plant seeds that can produce awesome fruit. She took the time to plant seeds in each of these women and now they are able to bare fruit and in return go an plant seeds in other people’s lives. Sims is not a woman who provides other women with a feel good messgae,  but she is actually living out what she speaks.
It was a true honor to have been able to attend such an event and hear these awesome testimonies, but it was even better to see how one woman was capable of using her voice to uplift and encourage those around her. If you want to find out about more about Monica Sims and the Virtuous Womens Network, check out her website at Virtuous Womens Network

Be Blessed and Joyful

-Jacs

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Nov 19 2014
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Confidence, Encouragement, Fighters, Honor, Joy, Love, Women

It’s A Celebration

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Happy Birthday to me!
Thank God for another day, another year, and another blog. I can’t believe that I was able to accomplish writing for 18 days straight.  It was challenge, but by God’s grace and the encouragement of others I stuck to it.
Today as my mother and I talked she began reminiscing about her pregnancy.  As my mother shared her story, I realized that she went through so much just to get me here. God had shown my mother that she was pregnant with me in a dream. While she was excited about this news, she faced opposition. She was told to have an abortion by one of her family members and she was dealing with my father, who at the time was abusive. There was other things that she was dealing with that was trying to steal her peace of mind, but she was determined to keep her sanity and keep me. As she exclaimed, “I was fighting for your life.”
Thankful God had His angels around my mother. Nine months and two weeks later I entered into this earth.
I am grateful for my mother’s fight; that she trusted in God and refused to allow anyone to dictate what she would do with the life God appointed her to have.
Today I not only celebrate the life that I have the privilege of living, but I celebrate the life of my mother. It was because of her fight that I now can live and fight for others.

Be Confident

– Jacs

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Nov 16 2014
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Christiantiy, Encouragement, Faith, Fighters, Forgiveness, God, Jesus, Love, Prayer, Women

Stephen

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Last night I had a very interesting dream. In this dream I was sitting with a group of people, and an individual proceeded to talk about me and call me out of my name. I stopped and turned to this person, replying in a way that was no better than theirs. The person stared at me for a moment and then ran away crying. I chased after them, feeling very guilty. I apologized for my harsh words, but I also offered correction to them, letting them know that I was not pleased with how they spoke to me. I learned three things from this dream; 1. Words are powerful, 2.There is a way that you can correct someone without having to be rude or nasty, and 3. Forgive.
I believe my dream was God’s way of reminding me about what my Pastor had taught this past Wednesday night. He encouraged us to be a house that speaks. He charged us to no longer be silent, but open our mouths as the Holy Spirit leads us. Also be intentional with your speech. Not everything needs a response, but when it is time to respond speak in wisdom, love, and authority. My Pastor taught from the book of Acts chapters 6 and 7, the story about Stephen. Next to Nehemiah and Abraham, Stephen is one of my favorite men in the Bible. Stephen was someone who was fearless. In the Bible he is described as a man of grace, power, and wisdom. When you read the story you will see how people came against Stephen and they tried to defame him. Instead of retaliating in the same manner as they did, He spoke in truth, hoping to enlighten them and help them see the error of their ways. Unfortunately, the people refused His wisdom and stoned him.
While my Pastor’s focus was about speaking up, I had another take away from the story of Stephen. One thing that I noticed was that before his stoning, the people had first dragged him out of the city, but there was never a mentioning of Stephen fighting the people off of him or there being a sense of fear. I like to believe that Stephen was aware of his fate, and he refused to allow death to bring hate or fear into his heart, nor did he allow it to silence him. As Stephen was being stoned He lifted up His voice to God and asked that the people’s sins would not be held against them. Wow! Just like Jesus, He asked for forgiveness for those who wronged him. Could you be able to do that? In the midst of being attacked by someone or people, could you take a moment to not only have forgiveness in your heart for them, but ask that there would be no repercussion? Today I want you to really ask yourself that question. It is something to truly consider, because while we may never be hung on a cross or stoned, there will come a time where we will face opposition from others and have to be strong enough to look past their actions and interceded on their behalf. You may even be facing this situation currently. I want to encourage you and let you know that love and forgiveness are two of the most powerful weapons to fight with. They not only cover a multitude of sins, by they bring freedom to you and the person who has wronged you. Before you use your words to fight, make sure that everything you say is said with grace, wisdom, and power; completely lead by the Holy Spirit. If that person/people refuse to receive your words, be like Jesus and Stephen and pray for them and allow God to take it from there; for you have done your part.

Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Be Confident

-Jacs

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Nov 09 2014
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Christiantiy, Confidence, Encouragement, Faith, Humble, Just Writing, Prayer, Women

Life is Prayer

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There is something so beautiful about prayer. It is more than making your request known to God, but it is that moment where we can communicating with our Heavenly Father; something that can be normally overlooked. For some, prayer has become just another daily routine, no longer being looked at as time of intimacy and importance. It is a time when we can come and humble ourselves before God’s precious throne and honor Him. When we speak He listens, and when we listen He speaks. As we pray things begin to happen. A decree and declaration is being released into the atmosphere. God is not only hearing us but He begins to respond to the sound of our voices. As we come lifting our prayers unto Him we are, in a sense, giving Him permission to make things happen on our behalf.
Yes, it is true God knows our wants and our desires, but it is up to us to open our mouths and speak. Throughout the new testament the people came before Jesus and made known their request to Him. A great example was when Jesus was passing the blind men. He was clearly aware of their situation, but as they cried out, He asked them what was it that they needed. The men had to make their request known to Him. It is the same thing today.
We should never be afraid to talk to God or pray to Him. He loves to hear from us. He loves for us to pray prayers that seem impossible to answer, because there is nothing is too hard for Him and He loves to show us that. I don’t believe that there is necessarily a right way or a wrong way to pray, but I do know that we must have faith and beleive.
If you are not sure how to start your prayers or feel like you have been praying a “routine” prayer I would like to share with you with what is known as the ACTS prayer.
(A)-Admiration- Begin your prayer by speaking words of admiration to God. What is He to you specifically?
(C)-Confession- Next confess your sins unto Him. If there are no sins to confess use this time to speak to Him about any doubts or worries you have been dealing with.
(T)-Thanks-This is my favorite part, thanking God for what He has done for you. Let God know you are thankful and appreciative for what He is doing and what He is about to do in your life.
(S)-Supplication-Lastly come to Him with your request.
Make sure that you take the time each day to pray to God. He has His ears open to you just waiting to hear the sound of your voice.

1 John 5:14-15, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”

Be Confident

– Jacs

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Nov 08 2014
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Encouragement, Faith, Jesus, Patience, Women

In God’s Hands

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At the moment I really tugging on God to give me the strength to write this blog. For the past six days I have really enjoyed being able to write and share what God has been placing on my heart. I feel a sense of accomplishment and freedom. Today, day seven, is a little challenging, because I am dealing with some pain due to an ovarian cyst that I have. Once a month this sharp pain kicks in and literally knocks me down. I have had some friends and family suggest that I should go and have surgery to rid myself of the cyst, but in my opinion that seems like the easy route. As much as I really, really want to have this surgery and be done with it there is something that is keeping me from calling my doctor and making the appointment.
I truly believe that God is still in the business of healing His people, and with all my heart I believe that I am going to be healed from this cyst. I have not only prayed and declared healing over my body, but multiple people have also came in agreement with me concerning my health. I trust in my Lord and He is knows this body better than I do. I look forward to the day when I can go back to the doctors office and have them give me the news that the cyst is no longer there. That will be an awesome time to share that it was nothing but God who touched my body and healed me. I know that day is coming.
I want to be clear I don’t have anything against doctors or those who choose to have surgeries whatsoever. I believe that there are definitely moments when surgery is necessary. In my case, I am making the choice to put my trust in God and speak His healing over my body. I have also taken the time to seek Him concerning my decision. I know that God has heard my prayers and is interceding for me just as He is doing for you. Continue to have faith in God and know that He has not forgotten about you. Everyday Jesus shows His love for you by waking you up in the morning and providing you the opportunity to experience His new mercies. Even when you are experiencing tough times or pain He is right there pushing you and encouraging you to stand firm in His word. There is nothing too hard for God, and our problems, sickness, sins, and doubts are all things He can handle and He will get us through. Don’t give up! Continue to stay in this race.

Proverbs 3:1-35, “My son [daughter], do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Be Confident

-Jacs

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Nov 06 2014
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Encouragement, Faith, giving, Just Writing, Quick Write, Women

It is Better to Give

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Today I want to encourage you on the importance of giving and not from a financial standpoint. While I totally believe in giving your tithes and offering, I believe that there is something else you can give that is priceless; yourself. Aside from the gospel, you are a wondeful gift that is to be shared with the world and the world is waiting on you! You may feel as if you may not have anything to offer anyone, but my friend you are wrong. God has placed something inside you specifically that is suppose to cause a shift and a change in this world. It does not matter what you have been through or what you have done, it can all be used to testify of the goodness of our Lord.
One way I have chosen to give, is by giving my time to connect and disciple this wonderful teenage girl. If I can be honest, when God called me to my church’s youth program I was a bit hesitant. As mean as this may sound, I really could not stand teenagers. I didn’t know how to connect with them, and this is something that I delt with back when I was a teenager. I started attending their services and talking with them and that coldness I had towards them melted away. The teens I have been serving have been through so much and they need real genuine people to do life with them.
Once I was able to get over myself and my own personal outlook I had of teenagers in general; I was able to see something so beautiful. These teens are marvelous and they are going to do some awesome things in this world. What really blessed me concerning them was the hunger they have to connect with God. Yes, sometimes their faith waivers and yes the fall back into their sin, but they refuse to give up. They are really chasing after God. They inspire me to get better and grow, and I would have never experienced this if I had never made the decision to give my time or effort to be amongst them.
Building relationships and connecting with people can not only bless others but it can bless you as well. Being able to mentor this young girl is something I don’t take for granted. She has been one of the best additions to my life, even when she is being hard headed, but I love her and I am going to make sure that I can be the one who will continue to push her towards Christ.
So whether it is today or this week I want to encourage you to give yourself. It can be a simple call to a family member or friend, baking a cake for a neighbor, encouraging your supervisor, or even taking a moment to pray for a stranger. You can do it!

2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Be Confident

– Jacs

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Nov 04 2014
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Confidence, Encouragement, Just Writing, Women

Woman to Woman

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How many times have we as women heard or have even said, “I rather hang out with guys,  because they aren’t messy” or “Girls are just drama”? I know I have said that myself on many occasions. It wasn’t until I checked out a youtube video of Lisa Bevere, and she discussed this very topic, the quote above actually came from her.
As Mrs. Bevere explained to her audience, we as women are the answers not the problem, therefore we should not view other women as such. The way we were created is simply amazing. Even in the Bible the word wisdom is personified as a “she”, yet we are so quick to tear each other down and bad mouth each other. I believe that many of us view each other as problems or even enemies because we have yet to forgive Eve.
When we think of Eve we attach so much negativity to her. Eve is the one who ate the forbidden fruit and shared it with her husband,  Eve is the reason we have labor pains, Eve is why women are looked at as the weaker vessle, etc. Even Adam turns on Eve and blames her for “the fall of mankind” Genesis 3:12. We often overlook two things when it comes to Eve, 1)she was not even formed when God gave the instruction to Adam to not eat of the fruit, Genesis 2:16 and 2) she was deceived by the serpent. The serpent’s intentions was to cause division between man and woman and God and His creation, but when we look around there is division everywhere.
Unfortunately, we as women stand divided amongst each other. We see each other as competiton and not comrades. We have taken on a trait similar to Adam, where we blame the woman and not consider her back story. Lately I have been intentionally building relationships with women, and one thing I realized is that many of us have been broken and/or deceived by the enemy. Some of us have been healed while others are steal in the healing process. Some are easy to talk to, while others not so much. One thing we have in common is that our past/present situations have molded our outlook and our interactions. I noticed that for some of us we tend to focus  so much on the exterior that we are unwilling to move past that and get to the interior; not taking into consideration that some shells are harder than others.
Now, I realize that some personalities won’t mesh well with others and everyone is not meant to be friends, but I rather have us make this decision off of the content of that woman’s character and not her gender.
I want to encourage you today to see your sisters with new eyes. No longer walk in jealousy or envy. We should no longer strive to compete with one another, but instead cheer each other on. Embrace each other’s uniqueness!   For the women you find it hard to connect with; be quick to pray for them and slow to speak out agaisnt them. Lastly forgive Eve :).

Romans 12:9-10 “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly/[sisterly] affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Be Confident

– Jacs

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