Virtuously Yours,

The Light of Whitney Houston

2012-02-15T08:31:00.002-06:00

Hearing her beautiful voice on the radio was nothing in comparison to seeing her beautiful face when I first watched this video. Like many people, I was enthralled by Whitney Houston's beauty and poise when she was first introduced to us in the 80s. Here was this beautiful black woman who not only had a special gift from God through her voice, but she was also breathtaking to behold. Classy, poised and well-polished are the words I often use to describe her.

Like many young girls in the 80s, Ms. Houston quickly became my role model. And although I wished I could sing the way she did, it was not her voice that captured my attention. It was her class, her beauty, and the way she carried herself that I truly admired. I wanted to be just like her. So, I studied her... the way she moved, the way she spoke, the way she dressed, the way she interacted with people on TV... I studied her every move. And then, I emulated her!

I remember sitting in the mirror for hours at a time listening to her songs and pretending to be her. Over the years I wondered, "What did it feel like being Whitney Houston?" I know her family and friends must have been proud of her. It was obvious that she worked hard because she seemed to succeed at everything... number one hit after another. And yet, she always seemed to be grateful for her gift of voice, she was rooted in her faith, and she also seemed headstrong in the business aspect of the entertainment business.

Clearly to any young girl like me, she had it all together. Until... years later a tumultuous marriage seemed to dim the light that I once emulated. By this time, I was a young adult and able to clearly see what was going on with Ms. Houston and also able to make my own decisions not to emulate her many years of obvious drug abuse and her new lifestyle.

Yet, the impression she had on my life from early on always seemed to connect me with her. So, I prayed for her often. I prayed that God would give her the strength and grace to recover from drug addition. I prayed that God would restore her to the Whitney Houston I once emulated. I prayed that all would be well with her, and her family.

Sometimes it seemed that she would die in her drug abuse when pictures of her began to surface. In interviews she didn't seem like the same Whitney Houston she was in the beginning. And clearly, she wasn't. But who's to say she wasn't. We never know what a person's struggles are until they are amplified by money, fame and worldly glory. But that's neither here, nor there.

What matters the most is that she lived, she shared her gift with the world, she influenced many lives, and she eventually made right many wrongs. I say that because she was able to kick her drug habit, return to the music scene with a No. 1 album, and eventually return to making movies as well. Her comeback was the answer to many prayers... not just my prayers but I'm sure the prayers of her family, friends and many fans all over the world.

As a mentor to young girls, I hope I have half the influence Ms. Houston had on my life when she first appeared on the scene. I credit her for teaching me how to carry myself when I'm in public. I also credit her for teaching me (through her life's decisions) to never get so caught up in anything that I lose myself and risk losing the gifts God has bestowed upon me.

As we say goodbye to what I consider a "class act" all on her own, I want to stress the importance of letting our lights shine. The Bible teaching us in Matthew 5:18 that we should let our lights so shine before men that they may see our good words and glorify our Father which is in Heaven. People should be impacted and their lives should be influenced in a positive way through the Light of God that shines in you.

For me, Whitney Houston was that light. For others, I'm that light... and for the people in your life, YOU are that LIGHT! So, let YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

R.I.P. Whitney Houston

Virtuously Yours,

Deaquelynn~

How Gracious Gratitude for My Body Changed My Life

2011-10-18T13:50:00.009-05:00

This month, I'm offering a new challenge entitled, "Gracious Gratitude for Your Body " and I want to share with you how having gracious gratitude for my body changed my life.

After going through a bitter divorce and moving back to my home town of Birmingham, Alabama, I began to engulf myself in ministry. I did this for several reasons, 1) my love for God, 2) my desire to please God, 3) my life's purpose, and 4) because being busy in ministry helped me cover my inner pain.

For quite a few years, from 2003-2007, I went non-stop for the sake of ministry working a full time job, volunteering beyond my work hours, working at church, going to school, and running my non-profit organizations. At one point in my life I couldn't remember if I was coming or going. I practically lived in my car driving from one activity to the other and eating while driving.

Honestly, I never made time for myself during those years. I was so "ministry driven" that when my body began to hurt, I would slow down just enough to gather energy for the next project. I never really rested like I should have. There were often times that I worked through the pain because in my mind, if I slowed down enough, then I would have to deal with ME; and at that time I was afraid to deal with me and my issues.

My sister would often see me walking around in pain and would say, "You need to slow down." And she'd say that whatever activity I was involved in could wait until I recuperated or that someone else would have to take over in my absence.

My involvement in ministry was never about position. [For those who know me well, know that for a very long time I struggled with titles. Even in addressing myself as CEO of Quelynn, Inc. had to grow on me.] Anyway, my busyness was all about what I thought was "pleasing God"... but I quickly learned that I'm not called to everything. That's why the Body of Christ as many members. There are things that seems good and there are things God has ordained for me to get involved with.

Not long after resigning from my job for full time ministry, I began experiencing extreme pain in my body. After going from one doctor to the next, specialists after specialists, I found out my pelvis bone had deteriorated so badly that it caused my hip bone to adjust causing me to have an extreme limp and also experience excruciating pain.

During that time I was also told that the situation was inoperable, and that I would be on crutches or in a wheel chair for the rest of my life. Initially when I heard the news, I got extremely depressed and began to waver in my faith in God. For months, I struggled with whether or not God could (or even would) heal me. I struggled even in blaming myself for not slowing down and paying attention to my body and the pain I experienced years before. It was a very tough time in my life.

It was about a year later when my niece went through a traumatic experience in her health (see www.BrittneyMonyse.blogspot.com), that I got a revelation of the fact that God is THE HEALER. Not only that, but I learned the importance of having immovable faith in God. I also learned that although I did contribute to my condition by neglecting my body, in the end I had to be grateful for the fact that it could have been a lot worse, but God did not allow that to happen.

I first repented to God for not caring for my temple as best I could. Then I began to thank God for my past, present and future health and healing. After that, I asked myself for forgiveness and begin to practice gratitude for my body daily. I then began to thank God for my "regenerated" pelvis, my "realigned" hip, my legs to walk, my feet to stand, etc. This process ushered in a healing in my life I never knew I could experience.

I am no longer bed-ridden as I was at the onset of the pelvis issues. I am no longer in pain like I once was. I can now do daily tasks for myself that I was unable to do during that time. I'm not on crutches and I am not in a wheelchair as the doctors said I would be. I live an active life in my ministry calling, and I continue to practice gratitude daily.

I shared this because I've taken my experience and created a seven day challenge as a starting point for health, healing and long-life what we all can and should have. I invite you to join me by clicking here. The challenge is set for October 23-29th and I am confident that it will change your life and bring you into a better awareness of your body and of God's power to heal you.

I hope you will join me!

Virtuously Yours,

Deaquelynn~

The Day I Became Best Friends with the Girl in the Mirror

2011-06-12T14:23:00.005-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I've seen this girl. Before my very eyes she grew from a little girl into a woman. I've seen her happy, sad, confident, and depressed. I've even seen her crying her heart out from a broken heart. I've seen her get dolled up to go out. I was even there when she first started wearing make-up. Yeah, I've literally watched her grow up right in front of me.

I've known her name and everything about her, and she knew me too. As a matter of fact, she went with me everywhere I would go; and although I did not see her all the time, she was still here. Sometimes when I was out on a date or hanging out with friends, the second I went to the bathroom, she popped up just to make sure I was looking good before joining my date or friends again.

She was fly some days, and other days she was just chillin' and relaxing at home. Some days her hair was on point, and other days it was all over the place. Some days she cared, and other days she didn't seem to have a care in the world. But, again she was always there.

When I was sexually molested for years of my life, she was there. When I went through a stage of my life where I was promiscuous, she was there; even through all of the break-ups. When I was sick in the hospital and could barely move, I would lift up my eyes and look in the mirror and see her right there taking on my pain. When I buried my parents and went through a bitter divorce, there she was, no matter what.

Not only was she there for the bad times, but she was there in the good ones too: when I first learned how to ride a bike, when I accepted Jesus as my Savior, when I went on my first date, when I moved to a new city she went with me, when I got married, and even when I accepted God's purpose for my life, she were there.

All my life I've seen this girl. All my life she's been with me. All my life I'd looked at her, but I never really knew who she was. As familiar a face she was to me, she was still a stranger. Someone I grew up with, someone who was there with me through think, thin and everything in between. Yet, I had no idea who she was.

One day, in a personal quest to S.E.L.F. [seizing empowerment, love, and freedom] I asked God to send me a friend who would be there for me and have my back no matter what. One who would understand what I've been through in my life and help me get to the next level without judging me or making me feel like my life up to that point had not mattered at all. And just as I prayed that prayer, I looked up into the mirror and there she was again.

This time when I saw her, I did not just look "at" her, but I looked in her; deep into her eyes and into her soul. As I stared for what seems like eternity, I saw in her eyes a longing to be with me, to be my friend. She soon opened her mouth and began to speak.

"I've seen you grow up before my very eyes. I've been wanting to be your best friend for a very long time. Every time you'd look at me, I hoped it would be the day that you'd acknowledge who I was and ask me to be your friend. But you didn't. You just went through life without me. I saw some of the friends you had, and I would long for you to talk to me like you talked to them; to laugh with me like you laughed with them; to share with me like you shared with them. But you wouldn't. Every time I saw you brokenhearted and crying, my heart broke and I cried for you too. I wanted to comfort you. But instead you found comfort in other things and even other people. But I decided long ago that I was never going to leave you, and that one day you would discover who I am and finally become my best friend. With an open heart I receive you. And just like the first day I ever saw you, I love you now more than ever. I want you to know that no matter what mistakes you have made, no matter how much you've ignored me, no matter what reasons you did all the things you did to yourself and to me, I forgive you. Not only do I forgive you, but I also forget; and from this day forward I promise to help you be the best YOU that you can be. Will you accept my love, my help and m friendship?"

And as tears feel down both of our faces, I nodded with a silent, "Yes." That's the day I became best friends with the girl in the mirror.

Now we laugh and talk to one another every day. I consult her on every decision I make. She has helped me in discovering who I am as a woman of God, and she's also pushed me past my personal comfort zone. She has been my rock and truly my best friend. She never condemns me, but always corrects me in love. She is "dabomb.com" both inside and out. I love her like never before and can't imagine life without her again. She is my best friend. She is the girl in the mirror.

Virtuously Yours,

Deaquelynn~

Strange Place

2011-05-16T14:59:00.003-05:00

I've been in a really strange place here lately, and in this place I am feeling stretched like never before. I cannot really explain how I feel except it must be preparation for a new level or dimension in Christ.

Prior to entering this strange place, I experienced an overwhelming sense of expectancy as if God was getting ready to do something grand in my life. I cannot really say what I was expecting, but I can say that is has not manifested itself in my life just yet. Which leads me to believe that this "strange place" I'm in is preparing me to receive what God has for me.

I think about a woman who is expecting a baby and all of the natural things her body goes through after she discovers that she is expecting. She experiences morning sickness, and her body begins to change and stretch as the baby grows inside of her. As she is experiencing physical changes on the outside, the baby is experiencing physical changes on the inside. In most cases, at the full term of the pregnancy the baby is born.

Well, there it is... I'm ministering to myself right now. "Full term" is really the goal of this "strange place"... because I'm being stretched and pulled in my faith so that I can make it to full term to see the birth of the spiritual baby God is birthing right now.

I often used to wonder, "How do we know when something is opposition and when something is God ordained for us to go through?" Well, I know that this "strange place" in my life is God ordained because even in the stretching, pulling, and uneasiness, I feel His presence with me. There is a calming peace within me, the Peace of God, that let's me know that all is well and this too shall pass.

We often expect to receive our spiritual babies and promises at the moment of conception, but we must know that the longer the gestation period, the bigger and healthier the baby/promise will be. And in the case of human babies, the bigger and healthier the are, the more chance they'll have to survive and live a full life.

Honestly, I have no idea what God is about to do in my life. I have no idea what His plan is at this point. But I can say this, "I trust Him now more than ever." I have to because at the point when you don't know, all you can do is trust God.

I'm reminded of Proverbs 3:5 that says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not to your own understanding." So that's what I'm doing in this strange place... leaning on God and God alone. Even though it feels strange, even though this is an unfamiliar place, even though I don't feel good or even feel as connected as I should be right now. I know that I am!

You see, trusting God is not about feelings. You'll never be able to feel your way to heaven. However, it is all about trust [confidence, full & total reliance in]. Can you trust God when everything is or seems out of whack? Can you trust God with no money or a lot of money? Can you trust God when you can't seem to fight your way out? Can you trust God in the midst of the fire, the storm or even the lion's den? Can you trust God when you know you are healed but still feel sick in your body?

It is only when we fully trust Him that we can overcome our "strange places" in life and be able to fully receive this blessings and promises His has for our lives. So, can you trust Him even in your strange place?

Virtuously Yours,

Deaquelynn~

Dear Little Sister, II

2011-05-07T08:58:00.010-05:00

Dear Little Sister,

Hey girl! I see you looking all pretty with her hair done, nails done, make-up on and rocking those cute stilettos. So you fancy, huh?

You are making me a very proud big sister through the changes you're making with your life. I see you growing into your own and becoming the lady you were designed and destined to be. I also see that you are embracing the shine more than anything else right now... so I want to address that.

Trust me girl, there is nothing wrong with having nice things: clothes, shoes, hair, nails, cars, etc. You are a queen and all queens deserve the finer things in life. But here's the thing... you're starting to put those things first above all else and it's taking away from what makes you such a treasured vessel. I know what you're doing. You're trying to hide the pain inside of you. The pain of being lonely, hurt, abused, touched, broken-hearted, and even not having your daddy in your life.

I remember my days of living like that... make-up, hair, nails, clothes... I had it all together. I was cute and I knew it! But on the inside I was miserable. I was angry at my daddy for not being in my life. I was bitter at the men who broke my heart. I was lonely because I so desperately wanted to be in a committed relationship. I felt filthy and dirty because I has been sexually molested for years. So in my mind, I thought if the outside looked good then people would not know how miserable I was on the inside. I tried my best to hide my pain. Thank God I did not resort to any destructive devices... but then again I did. Not drugs and alcohol, but sex, clothes, and shoes. Yep, I sure did, honey!

Sometimes we look at people and think that since they appear to have it all together on the outside - nice house, car, clothes, hair, nails, make-up, shoes, etc. that they also have it all together on the inside. We see them strutting around looking good with their feaux confidence trying to really make people believe they got it going on, when in actuality they don't have it going on. I should know because that was me at one point in my life. And I tell you, I was all jacked up on the inside.

These things people portray as prosperity, riches, wealth, etc. are really a smoke-screen and an inner cry for help. Don't get me wrong... I'm not saying that you can't or shouldn't rock the latest Jimmy Choo's or Christian Louboutin's or even your Coach bag! Do you girlie! Just make sure that you invest just as much on your inner health and beauty as you do your outer appearance; and that's what I want to help you with today.

To begin inner healing, here are a few things you'll need to do...

Forgive people that's hurt you in your past.

Yep, that's right! You must forgive everybody who has hurt you in your life... regardless of who they are and what they did! Unforgiveness puts your heart in prison, not anyone else's. And in order to be fabulous, you must be free. Let go for what they said and did to you. Let go of how they made you feel. Let go of the fact that they were people you should have trusted. The truth is, people will be people and they will make decisions in their lives (good and bad), and often their decisions affect us (especially when it's directed towards us). The key to forgiving is releasing that person from their hurt and wrong and choosing not to be a victim of theirs anymore. So, forgive!

Forgive yourself for past decisions that you've made.

Next, you have to forgive yourself too. For all the mistakes you've made, poor decisions, and how you went through life up 'til now. Whatever you've done, release it and let it go too. Stand in front of the mirror, look yourself directly in the eyes and say to yourself, "I forgive you for ________________." Be very specific about what you're forgiving yourself for.

Pour into yourself spiritually and intellectually.

Inner healing not only comes from forgiveness and letting go of the past, but it also comes for learning how to be a better person. So, whatever you struggle with -- attitude, anger, jealousy, fear -- whatever, then you must extract the root of the issues by digging deep to understand why you are they way you are. After that, then you must pour into yourself by listen to audio messages, watching videos, or even taking classes that can help you in the healing process.

Think about other people and give to them.

One of the best ways to get over your issues is to help others by being a blessing to them. Give your time, give your energy, give your money, give your prayers... whatever it takes just give, give, and give some more. Volunteer at a shelter, help a family member, start a food drive, do your part to help someone else and as you are helping them with their issues, God will help you with yours.

Well, girlie, you know I love you and I am so very proud of you. As you keep growing and as you keep learning how to be a better person, I'm watching you and cheering you on. All I can say is, GET IT GIRL! Do your thang, Ma!

I love you so much and I thank God for you.

Virtuously Yours,

Deaquelynn~

P.S. I cannot wait to write you again! ;)

Dear Little Sister

2011-01-23T12:53:00.018-06:00

Dear Little Sister,

I just want you to know that I love you with all my heart. You are such a blessing to know. You are such a beautiful young lady both inside and out. You have so much potential within you, and it's only a matter of time that you'll discover that potential and begin to maximize it. I'm very proud of you, and proud to be your big sister.

I've made a personal promise to myself and to God that I will be the best big sister I can be to you; helping you grow and discover who you are, and Whose you are. That's why I'm taking this time to write you this letter.

I've been watching you very carefully and listening to the words that come out of your mouth. In watching and listening, I've discovered some disheartening habits you have that I must call your attention to. It saddens me that with all the modern technology and media outlets available today that I would have to write this letter to you and point out these things - but I realize that it may be these very technology and media outlets that's contributed to the problem I see with you.

Please, pardon me for being so frank, but sometimes a sister's gotta do what a sister's gotta do. After all, I am my sister's keeper. Let me first start by asking you...

~ Why do you wear your beautiful hair in five different shades of color?

~ Why do you mark up your body with tattoos on your neck, back, arms, legs and even your face?

~ Why do you get all dressed up to take pictures to post online and your house is all messed up in the background?

~ Why do you let so many young men wear you down... stressing, worrying, sexing, chasing, etc.?

~ Why are you spending all of your money on superficial things like shoes, clothes, purses, etc. but you don't have a checking or savings account?

~ Why do you dress better than your babies?

~ Why are you misusing and wasting your God-given talents on people and things that will not increase you - personally, spiritually, or financially?

~ Why are you cursing and using such foul language on your Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace pages? And what's up with those provocative pictures?

~ Why do you call yourself a b^*@# and h*? Why do you allow other people to call you that?

~ Does any of these things benefit you for real?

The truth is, none of these choices you're making add value to your life. If anything, they are taking away from you, not adding to you. God does not want that for you, and neither do I. That's why I felt compelled to write this letter to you.

You possess greatness on the inside of you. So much greatness, that you have the power to change everything in your life in an instant by changing how you think of yourself. It's time for you to free yourself from the mental stronghold and prison that you are in.

Now, I do realize that some of this is not your fault. You've been influenced by so many people and situations: grandmama, mama, daddy (or lack thereof), aunties, uncles, cousins, friends, baby's daddies... you've been touched, molested, cursed at, beat on... I know exactly what happened. And then it does not help that whenever you turn on TV you see negative role-models. You're either a product of your environment, or you're mimicking what you see, and it's okay sweet heart. That's why I'm here!

I want you to know that you don't have to live the life you've chosen. I want you to know that there is another place for you to go... a place where you can escape all the issues, all the drama, all the people, all the voices, all the cries, and all the abuse. It's a place where you can tap into your "queendom" and become the best YOU that you were created to be, can be, and are able to become. It's a place of joy, freedom, peace, and prosperity.

You do know what prosperity means right? It's not just having money in your pockets or being rich, but it's a place where you can flourish, thrive, and be successful in anything you set your heart and mind to. It's...ummm... how do you all say it? It's "tight, da bomb, it's off da chain!"

So now you may be asking, "Well, how to I get there? How can I get to this place you're talking about?" The answer is both simple and complex all at the same time. It requires that you be willing to change, and it also requires that you woman-up and be strong enough to change your life. The answer...

Think more highly of yourself.
If you really want to change your life and get out of a poverty and gutter mentality, then you must begin to think more highly of yourself. Did you know that you are a queen? Did you know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made? Did you know that you possess the power to own a radio station, TV station, record company, hair salon, restaurant, boutique? Did you know that God has placed within you everything you need to get you out of where you are both mentally and physically?

Just by changing your thinking and realizing that you deserve better than where you are right now is the beginning of a powerful chain reaction to change. Once you discover who you are, Whose you are, and the power you possess, you will be unstoppable. Once you make this discovery, everything you once knew that made sense to you, will no longer make sense and you'll begin to seek for and strive to do better.

Please understand that in writing this letter to you I'm in no way saying my life is perfect because it's not. I've been and done things I'm not proud of in my life. However, when I learned better I began to do better, and that's what has put me in the position to write you today.

I just want the best for you, baby girl! I really do! So I want to let you in on a few secrets that will help you...

1. Today, take a moment and look yourself in the mirror. First, look at your appearance (hair, clothes, make-up, jewelry, etc.) Second, look deep within your eyes. Just stare into your eyes.

2. While looking into your eyes tell yourself, "I am great and I am powerful beyond measure. I am bigger and better that my surroundings. I can, will and must change my life beginning today." Say it, believe it, be it! [Be sure to say this over and over again, and do this every day.]

3. Start cleaning up. Clean up your room, your house, wherever you live. Start cleaning up. Throw away unnecessary junk and trash (things you don't use or need).

4. Clean up your Facebook, Twitter and MySpace pages. Take off provocative pictures and delete posts where you use profanity.

5. Buy a notebook (or journal) and an ink pen, and write your dreams and goal on paper. Think BIG! Think beyond where you are. Use your imagination.

6. Go to YouTube and search the topic, "achieving your goals" and pick a video to watch. Watch one video a day, take notes, and do what you learn.

This is just a starting point. But I am confident that once you begin doing these six things, you will begin to find value in yourself. Remember, little sister, I am ALWAYS here for you!

Virtuously Yours,

Deaquelynn~

P.S. This is the first of many letters I'll write to you. Again, I love you girl and I am so very proud of you!

Repent, Release & Rest

2010-10-08T12:44:00.000-05:00

What happens when you’ve done all you can do and it seems that nothing you’ve done is working? What happens when you know that your breakthrough is near, but you can’t seem to push through no matter how hard you try? What happens when you know that God has spoken promise after promise in your life, yet there’s no trace of that promise ever coming to fruition? What do you do? Do you just give up and forget it? Or, do you hold out and continue to stand?

These questions echo the hearts of many Christians who are on the verge of breakthrough, but can’t seem to find the strength or stamina to make it through. I’ve been at this place plenty of times in my life: waiting up late at night for a wandering husband to return home, counting pennies for gas money until the next pay check, putting in tireless hours in developing a business that did not seem to be going anywhere, standing in faith for manifestation and seeing no results. Yes, I’ve been there!

It’s so hard when you’re in the middle of a tough situation to hang on in faith and continue to trust God and stand on His Word, especially when opposition is staring you in the face. Or, when you see your sick child fighting for their life, or you feel pain and discomfort in your body, or even when you can’t see how your bills are going to be paid. Yet, as Christians it is essential for us to hold on and never give up.

When you became a Christian, you became a new creature in Christ. This means that your spirit changed and even your soul changed to a certain degree. Yet, life and the circumstances surrounding your life did not change; and this is the dilema that many Christians find themselves in today. The question is, “How do I keep believing and trusting God although my breakthrough has not come?”

The answer to that question is an easy one to give, yet it’s difficult to apply when you’re looking adverse circumstances in the face every single day. The answer is one many have quoted over and over again, but many do not adhere to. It’s a simple reply, but so difficult to apply. The answer is found in these five simple words, “Let go and let God.”

Five words or fourteen letters that will change your life forever... let go and let God. The issue in these five words is that some people have a problem with letting go, while others have a problem with letting God. We can’t seem to let go of the fact that we can’t control the situation, or let go of the pain and hurt we feel, or even mistakes we’ve made in the past. It’s difficult to release failing health or a failing marriage because our nature is to want to hold on to what little we have for fear of losing it.

On the flip side of that issues, it’s difficult for many people to let God take care of the situations we’re so worried about. Why? Because we often times fear what we think He may do if we let Him handle it, or we fear losing control of it altogether.

Well if you’re reading this article right now, then I want to share with you three simple ways that you can “let go and let God” have His way in your life today: repent, release, and rest.

First, you must repent for taking on situations and circumstances apart from the help of the Lord. What many people fail to realize is that when we take on the cares of this world and try to handle them on our own, what we’re really saying is, “God, I’ve got this. I don’t need you. I can handle this on my own.” The truth of the matter is that you were never made to handle the care of this world in the first place. God is God and you are not. So, repent and ask the Lord to forgive you for trying to take on His role in the first place.

Here is great news when you repent, “God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we've done wrong. (1John 1:9)”

Secondly, you must release your burdens and cares to the Lord. The Bible says 1 Peter 5:7 that we should cast all our cares on Him because He cases for us. Casting all of your cares includes worry, disappointments, hurts, pain, discomfort, you name it. Once you give it over to the Lord, here’s a great promise for you, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (Psalm 55:22)” Did you read that? The Bible says that once you give your cares over to the Lord, he will sustain you and He will never let you fall. So, it’s a win/win situation altogether.

Last, after you’re repented and after you’ve released everything to the Lord, then you need to rest. Jesus was sent into this world to take all of your cares and burdens away and give you rest. “Come to me, all you who are troubled and weighted down with care, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)” Take time to rest from all your inner and outer toiling and just rest in the Lord. Don’t lose any more sleep trying to figure it out. Just say, “Lord, I give this situation over to you. Take away the burden of it from my life and allow me to rest in You.” Then go and live your life free of fear, anxiety or worry.

Once you repent, release and rest, you will experience your breakthrough.

Transformation: Growing in Confidence

2010-08-13T20:00:00.003-05:00

The journey from ordinary to extraordinary is not over, and I'm proud to say that I've transitioned smoothly along the way. One thing I know is that we're all extraordinary people! However, we have to tap into that potential by making the necessary sacrifices and taking action to be extraordinary.

I've learned that being extraordinary takes confidence. You can't possess a greater level of living without first having confidence in knowing that you're able and you're worthy to be whatever you set your heart on being.

How have I grown in confidence on this transformation journey? Let me share my steps with you:

1. I asked God to help build my confidence.

Everything begins with God. He's our Creator and the one who builds us up from the inside out.

2. I stopped comparing myself, my gifts and talents to others.

You're not made to be anyone but YOU! So, stop comparing yourself to others.

3. I honed in on what I have to offer.

You have to focus on your gifts and talents. Study them. Perfect them.

4. I discovered and began operating in my WHY.

Why are you here? Why do you do what you do? Why do you want certain things in life?

5. I began doing it!

To gain confidence in any one thing in life, simply begin operating in it. The more you do it, the more you'll learn and the more you'll grow.

6. I surrounded myself with other confident people.

It's true your friends influence your life either for good or for bad. To build your confidence have confident friends.

7. I listened to podcasts and watched videos that promoted my self-confidence.

Stop listening to and watching media resources that puts you down makes you doubt yourself. Build your confidence by pouring in uplifting audio and video stimuli.

Deaquelynn~

At What Cost Have You Betrayed Jesus?

2010-08-13T15:09:00.005-05:00

"Then one of the Twelve [apostles], who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you? And they weighed out for and paid to him thirty pieces of silver [about twenty-one dollars and sixty cents]." - Matthew 26:14-15, AMP

As I read this passage only moments ago, I was floored to see that the total sum of money Judas Iscariot received when he betrayed Jesus was only $21.60. Now, I know those times were different then and that money probably was a lot during that time. Yet as I continued to think about what seems such a small amount to betray my Savior, it hit me and I'm ashamed to admit, but...

I've sold out for much less than that in my lifetime!

You see. I've given my body in pre-marital sex for free. I've given my time to prodigal living for free. I've compromised my walk with the Lord numerous times, lied, been deceptive, and even not spoken up for what I believe in... and I did it all for FREE... and that's much less than $21.60 all day long!

I thank God for knowing better and doing better. But I'm most thankful for repentance and His promise to me in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Question: At what cost have you betrayed Jesus?

Uncover and Heal the Hurt

2010-07-12T07:10:00.000-05:00

On yesterday, my 7 year old niece Erin came to me and showed me an old cut on her hand declaring to me, "It hurts!" I examined her finger and saw nothing wrong, yet I sensed that she wanted extra attention for the cut; so immediately I said, "Get a band aid and put it on it."

That was good enough for her and with a satisfaction, she went to get a band aid. Right then I realized that I tell her that a lot... "put a band aid on it." And every time I tell her that, I also realized that covering up the wound is always good enough for her. Why? Because it brings attention when someone asks, "What's wrong?"

In that realization, I became aware that I was unknowingly teaching her to only cover up hurt and not actually deal with it or the cause of the hurt. I know this is a small example to such a huge life lesson, but sometimes the Lord has to make the simplest things clear in order to get a profound point across to us.

Ladies (and gentlemen), how often have you just covered up hurt in your life and walked around ready to give answer to those who ask about the hurt? I've done so quite a few times in my life.

Well, it's time to stop it! We've got to deal with the hurt or injury and the cause of it before we do anything else. Yes, it's time to deal with your hurt feelings because someone talked about you. It's time to deal with that whole in your heart because that man left you. It's time to deal with that brokenness because you trusted people more than you trusted God. It time to deal with having a crushed spirit because you were hurt by the church. It's time to stop covering up the pain and deal with it head on!

How to you deal with it? First, take your hurt to God and ask Him to clean the wound and heal you. Isaiah 53:3-5 is not only for our physical healing, but also healing for our souls [mind, will and emotions].

Secondly, you need to take responsibility for your part in whatever happened to you (if any). You see? A lot of hurt we deal with on a daily bases can be self-inflicted. So deal with your role first.

Thirdly, you need to confront the issue by confronting where the hurt originated and even why. In this case confronting the person who hurt you may be necessary, but only if it's safe to do so.

Last, take time to fully heal before you dive right back into whatever situation (or similar situation) you were in before you got hurt. Sometimes we can reopen wounds when we move too quickly.

In the end, if we truly give our hurts to the Lord and allow Him to heal our wounds, we can be "healed without scars." But the key is totally giving it over to the Lord with open and honest hearts ready for whatever He does to heal us.

Alcohol burns, but it kills the germs. So, even if God's way of healing burns a little, it's okay. You'll rather deal with a temporary sting from the Lord, than live a lifetime with soreness and pain.

After the alcohol is poured, the soothing ointment is applied. Remember our Lord is the Great Physician, our Healing Balm of Gilead. There is no better ointment that can be applied!

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Release It and Let It Go!

2010-07-11T13:14:00.003-05:00

Have you ever held on to something so tight that you almost damaged it? I have! Two years ago when God gave me the plans for Quelynn, Inc. I embarked upon a portion of those plans. I envisioned the entire plan and played various scenarios in my mind of what it would look like, what it would feel like and even the people whose lives would be impacted by it.

The vision was so precious that I did not want to release it. Why? Because I feared that I would be the one who messed up and damaged the vision God gave me. Have you ever felt that way? It's a terrible place to be because it will literally paralyze the vision or dream that you have and prevent it from coming to fruition.

We have to move out of our own way and begin operating in the calling God has for our lives. In my case, not only was I holding myself back because of fear, I was also waiting for life to be "perfect" before I embarked upon the next level of the vision. But I quickly learned that circumstances would never be perfect so I had to step out of that mindset and begin to work the vision right where I was at that moment.

I'm just at the beginning of the greatness that is "my life" and the beginning is wonderful! It's only a sneak peak and that's to come and it's very promising!

Today I just wanted to write this blog post to encourage you to "release it and let it go!" Whatever it is that you're hold on to for dear life, let it go. Even at the risk of falling, you must let go and let God do the rest. One thing I know for sure is that God's got you! Whether you stand or whether you fall when you let go, He's got you and He promises you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

So allow me to cheer you on... "Go for it! You can do it! I believe in YOU! Release it and let go! God's got you!"

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Man in the Mirror [My Soapbox Moment]

2010-06-28T09:56:00.004-05:00

This morning everyone is buzzing over Chris Brown's tribute to Michael Jackson at the BET Awards last night. Some are speculating that his emotional breakdown during the performance was staged, while others think it was a career redeeming moment for him. Some are asking, "Should 'we' forgive him?"

The question should not be, "Should we forgive him?" Instead, the question should be, "How can we help him?" Although it's been over a year since the incident with Rihanna, people are still holding that over his head. I am in no way condoning his behavior and I do believe domestic violence is wrong. Yet, who are "we" as a society to hold anything over anyone's head and question whether or now "we" should forgive him. That issue is between Mr. Brown and God (and them alone). Perhaps the better question should be, "Should 'we' support him and buy his albums?" And even in that case, I think about myself and all the wrong I've done in my life both in private and in public... and I sit here thinking to myself, I'm so glad that my God did not give up on me and not support my dreams and aspirations because I messed up. I'm so glad the people in my life did not leave me or come down so hard on me that it shattered my desire to want to be a better person.

Oddly enough, Mr. Brown broke down singing "Man in the Mirror." What a great song. Sometimes when I listen to that song and really meditate on the lyrics I get tears in my eyes. So, I guess I'm saying to the society that's asking, "Should 'we' forgive him?"... (Que the woman caught in adultery and being brought before Jesus) ...Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? Answer that first and then answer your own question.

Stepping off the soapbox now. Thank you for your attention.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

The One True Source

2010-06-14T15:55:00.003-05:00

A couple of months ago when we had an evening thunderstorm in our neighborhood, our lights went out. Immediately, everyone in our house (guests included) grabbed our cell phones to light the room and begin searching for a candle.

My first thought was, "Boy, how times have changed!" Then later I thought, "How ironic that we are using a temporary resource to light the room that needs the source we were lacking to continue to provide what we needed." When the cell phone batteries went low or eventually went out, we'd need power to recharge them and have the ability to use them.

So then, I replaced the thoughts of the phones to the thoughts of how I've done just what we did with the phones all too many times in my life - when something was lacking I'd rely on a temporary resources and mistakenly think that the temporary placement would last. But, it never lasted. Why? Because it was not made to last or be a permanent fix to the problem. Only the source is the permanent answer, just as only the power was the permanent answer that night our lights went off.

It's so important that we understand how critical it is to always stay plugged in to the One True Source for all of our life's situations, issues, and circumstances. That Source is the Lord God. It's time out for us to think we can do it on our own, or rely on others to do for us what only our Heavenly Father can and should do in the first place.

So with that being said, take a moment to look at your life. What are you relying on? Is it a temporary solution? If so, then know that it won't last. Only rely on the Lord God to do what needs to be done and provide what needs to be provided in your life. Know that with Him, there is unlimited provision and lasting results.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Are Your Spiritually Blind?

2010-06-12T16:02:00.003-05:00

Today I'm planning to work on rewriting my vision. I realized after much consideration and meditation that it needs to be tweaked a little. Then, while I was washing dishes not long ago, the Lord began to take me to Scripture where vision was key in possessing (Genesis 14:14-18) and manifesting (Genesis 30:37-39).

As I read these Scriptures and began to meditate, I thought of a blind person. I imagined a blind person sitting in a room with a million dollars unaware that the money is right in their reach. How could they or would they possess that million dollars? And it hit me! To a person who is naturally blind, they first need to be told that a million dollars is within their reach. Then in oder for them to possess it, they must take action - they must get up and begin moving towards the money, feeling their way until it's in their hands.

So many people are so close to their breakthrough, but they are spiritually blind and unable to see it. Because of their condition, they sit and do nothing. Many are disappointed, discouraged, and even angry that they don't have what they desire. They compare themselves to people who can see spiritually and have already possessed their promises and they feel that they are at a disadvantage in their own lives. But truth be told, there are no disadvantages when it comes to faith and possessing the promises of God.

Whether a person is spiritually or naturally blind, there is a way to possess the promises - and it begins with a word! I'm here today to tell you that your promise is at hand. It is right in your midst! All you need to do is stand to your feet and move your way towards it. Yes, you may stumble; yes, you may even fall; but when you lay hold of your promise there is a great reward.

Do ever feel that you are at a disadvantage regardless of what's going in you or around you, and regardless of what success other people are experiencing. You are just as important to God as everyone else. He wants you to experience His goodness just like everyone else. Will you only believe in Him and His promises? Then, will you begin to move towards those promises?

Remember, faith involves four components and when activated and used properly, these components will manifest the promises of God in your life. They are 1) Hear the Word of God, 2) Believe the Word of God in your heart, 3) Confess the Word of God with your mouth, and 4) Act on what you hear, believe and confess.

It's time to get up and feel your way to your promises! So go ahead... get up, and get to moving!

In God's Love,

Deaquelynn~

It's Time to Clean Up Because Julia's Coming!

2010-06-09T16:15:00.004-05:00

When I was growing up, my grandmother would make the announcement to all of us grandkids, "It's time to clean up because Julia's coming!" Those were words that we dreaded.

You see... Julia was our aunt, one of my grandparent's children, and every time she traveled to Montgomery, Alabama from Kansas City, we had to clean up the house like we had never cleaned it before. Her visit meant that we had to go through the house and clean every detail - dust everything including the "what nots", turn the sofa over and vacuum under it, sweep the cobwebs from the corners, make sure the yard was neat... basically the house had to be absolutely spotless. We also would have to throw away unnecessary junk or things my grandparent's did not use.

If it took all day to clean, then we would have to clean no matter what. The funny thing is, Aunt Julia was only one of the nine surviving children my grandparents had. Yet, she was the only one who got the supreme clean-up whenever my grandmother knew she was coming to visit. To this day, my sister and I joke and tell her kids, "It's time to clean up, Julia's coming," with the intent that they should clean up and clean out.

I wasn't sure what made Aunt Julie so different from the rest, until recently it hit me. Aunt Julia held her life and her lifestyle in such high regards, that she would always complain if my grandmother's house was not up to her standards. Now don't get me wrong, my grandmother's house was never nasty or filthy by any means; but it was a standard that Aunt Julia set that had my grandmother making sure that the house lived up to that standard when she finally arrived.

For the sake of taking a lesson from this story, let's suppose that your "Aunt Julia" is any desired success outcome you'd like to experience in your life. Now, let me ask you a question, "Is your house ready for Aunt Julia to come and visit?"

Your desired success outcome comes with standards. In order to receive them, then you have to be ready for when they arrive. You cannot expect more money if you fail to balance your check book, or if you're spending your money on frivolous things. You can't expect to receive love in your life if you don't love yourself first. You can't expect to get a promotion if you're always late and give only 75% to your employer.

In oder to reach your desired success outcome, then you must clean up and clean out. It's time to get it together and stop wishing things would happen in your life and begin to make them happen. How do you make it happen? You clean up, clean out, and make room to have what you desire. It's time to forgive, it's time to get your money in order, it's time to love yourself, it's time to invest in what's important to you, it's time to throw out doubt and fear, it time to vacuum up procrastination, and dust off your heart... it's time to clean up because Julia's coming! You don't want to risk her [your desired success outcome] passing you by or even staying with someone else because you're not ready for her arrival.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Stop, Look, and Listen

2010-05-27T17:10:00.005-05:00

When I was a kid we learned the term “stop, look, and listen” as it related to pedestrian safety. We were warned, “Before you cross the street you must stop, look and listen.”

Stop = Take caution and don’t rush to cross the street.

Look = Look both ways for oncoming traffic.

Listen = Listen for vehicles you may not be able to see, but may be just around the corner.

Recently, this term came to me in my quiet meditation time. During that time, I had a concern about people in my heart and the Lord addressed it. You see, I was beginning to believe that people just don’t care anymore about life or even their personal or spiritual development. But God spoke to my spirit and said, “It’s not that they don’t care, it’s that they are too busy.”

He went on to say, “People are too busy for their own good and it’s time for them to slow down, stop, look and listen to My Holy Spirit. It Is in My Spirit and through My Spirit that the mysteries of life will be revealed.”

People, we have an enemy (the devil) and the Bible says he roams to and fro seeking whom he may devour. So, we have to be on guard at all times. It’s very important that we do exactly what the Lord said to me and “slow down, stop, look and listen.”

Of course I dare not leave it there without giving you instructions on how to do it effectively. So, here we go:

Slow down – Sometimes we have to slow down from the busyness of day to day life to take time to listen to the Spirit of God. It comes when we turn off the TV, computers and cell phones, turn the ringer off the house phone, put the kids to bed or send them to their grandparents for a while and just slow down long enough to realign your spirit with the Spirit of God.

Stop – Stop unnecessary mind chatter and rambling thoughts and focus on the inner voice of Holy Spirit.

Look – Look into the spiritual realm by closing your eyes and allow Holy Spirit to fill your spiritual lense with visions of a better life for you and for your family. Also, while looking through your spiritual eyes, He’ll also show you where the enemy is hiding or what corner he’s around so that you will be able to avoid him.

Listen – Listen to the voice of your inner spirit, that is Holy Spirit speaking to your inner [wo]man. This is where the mysteries of life will be revealed to you. Simply listen and take heed to what He speaks. If He tells you to do something, do it. If He tells you to say something, say it. And if He tells you to go somewhere, go there! Afterall, when you follow His lead, you won’t get hit with anything unexpected, you’ll be able to avoid certain issues in life, and you will be prepared for what’s to come.

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” – 1Peter 5:8, NLT

In God's Love,

Deaquelynn~

A Secret to Success

2010-05-25T07:28:00.004-05:00

I learned a few years ago that in order to make success happen in my life, I had to put action to my plans. The following is a quote I heard in a movie and I've made it one of my personal secrets to success. It also helps me when certain parts of my vision seem big and overwhelming at times. This quote challenges me to push past my personal comfort zone to make success happen in my life. Here it is...

"If you want something you've never had before, then you must do something you've never done before."

As it has inspired me, I hope this quote inspires you. Know that once you push past personal discomfort and step our into the world of the unknown... THAT'S FAITH! Only in and though faith will you be able to manifest your next level of greatness.

If you want to be successful you'll sometimes have to do something new, different and even uncomfortable. But in the end, YOU WIN! So, go for it!

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Case of the Blah, Blah, Blahs

2010-05-24T16:15:00.005-05:00

Do you ever get to a time and place in your life when you just don't "feel" like pursuing your dreams, goals or vision? If so, then let me help you overcome the case of the blah, blah, blahs by offering you 7 tips to pull you out of your slump.

1. Pay attention to what has changed in your natural circumstances or your environment. Did you move to a new location, did you change something around, did you take on something that you do not need (i.e. workload, junk, paperwork, etc.)?

2. Examine your relationships and the interactions you've had with the people in your life. Did something change in your relationships? Did you yoke up with someone who may be pulling your spirit or enthusiasm down?

3. Examine your intentions regarding your vision. Is your vision self-inspired or is it God-inspired? If it is self-inspired, you may run out of desire and enthusiasm to make it come to fruition.

4. Review your plans. Sit in a quiet place and review your written goals, dreams, and/or vision. Make sure that your plans are not too overwhelming of a task to complete - i.e. you cannot write a book in one day (unless inspired by Holy Spirit).

5. Rest. Sometimes we get overwhelmed and feel the blahs because we do not get enough rest. Be sure to make time to rest and rejuvenate yourself so that you can be energized to put your dreams, goals and vision to action.

6. Pray. Ask God to help spark your desire for your vision again. Ask Him to remove the spirit of hindrance and procrastination from you. Also ask Him for grace to execute the plans to manifest your dreams, goals or vision.

7. Listen to motivational audio messages. Motivate and encourage yourself by popping in a CD or listen to an audio message or music that inspires you. Your spirit will always respond to sound (so make sure it's positive and uplifting!)

I guarantee that if you have a case of the blahs and you put these action steps in place, you'll soon get over it and be well on your way to manifesting your dreams, goals and desires.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Transformation: Personal Development

2010-05-19T16:52:00.007-05:00

As I'm transforming from ordinary to extraordinary, one of the challenges I issued to myself was to increase my personal development time to two hours per day. I'm pleased to announce that I have reached my goal.

Each day I spend one hour in the morning and one hour at night building myself up in various areas of my life. In addition to my morning quiet time where I read and meditate on the Word of God, I also listen to podcasts, read books, and review my daily and long-term goals. Then I set daily action steps towards my goals and take action to ensure those goals will manifest.

As a result of this personal development time, I've become more focused and dedicated to my dreams, goals and the vision God has given for my life.

One of the things I heard John Di Lemme say in a recent podcast I listened to is that we have to take personal responsibility for our lives. It's not up to anyone else to manifest my dreams, goals and vision, it's up to me and me alone. That's why God entrusted me with it in the first place... because He wants to manifest them in the earth through me. I am responsible for my life and I am responsible for my actions. ME! No one else.

As we are transforming together, I want to ask you: Are you taking responsibility for your life? If not, now is the perfect time to do so. You can begin by listing ways you can invest in your own personal development - i.e. list books you need to read, find podcasts you should listen to, find a class you need to take, or enlist a mentor or life coach to assist you in your development. Then be sure to stick with it! Remember, plan + action = results.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

It's All About Destiny and Purpose

2010-05-13T22:11:00.004-05:00

Tonight I had a "purpose" call with a dear friend and another person in ministry. We're joining together as vessels used by God to bring the Saints of God together for whole life deliverance and wellness. I'm so excited about it!

In my transformation, I talked about having to cut people off from my life. Since that time, the Lord has really enhanced some of the relationships that matters the most; ones that are all about destiny and purpose - not just for me, but also for the other people.

I posted a comment on my Facebook status recently that said, "Are you soaring with eagles, flying with birds, or walking with pigeons? It's time to soar! Find some eagles and connect with them."

I must say, God has connected me to some very strong and bold eagles and I'm so honored to soar with them and be in their presence and under their tutelage. While I'm soaring, I'm still learning, growing and leaning upon the wisdom, knowledge and insight of the Holy Spirit. He's giving me eagle eyes and allowing me to see like never before.

As the vision becomes clearer and I look around among those I'm connected with, I'm in awe! "Lord, You trust me with this?" And I can hear His say so clearly, "Yes, My Child. I trust you." -- I'm humbled and honored!

I just want you to know that whatever vision God has given you, whoever He sends in your life, and whatever He instructs you to do... it's all about destiny and purpose. All you'll need to do is be willing, obey, then find some eagles and soar with them.

Until next time... SOAR!

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

5 Tips to Living an Aggressive Prayer Life & Walking in Faith

2010-05-12T17:59:00.004-05:00

On Monday night, I was interviewed for an upcoming radio program for the It's Not Enough to Dream radio show. During that interview, I was asked to share five tips on living an aggressive prayer life and walking by faith. I wanted to share those five tips with you.

1. Know that it all begins with the Word of God. Faith begins where the will of God is known. God's will is found in His Word. Therefore, we must start with the Word of God by hearing, reading, memorizing, meditating and doing the Word of God (Read Psalms 119).

2. Know your position. When it comes to prayer, walking by faith and dealing with spiritual warfare, you must know your position. Remember, the Bible teaches that satan (your enemy) is a defeated foe. That means you are the victor. You are more than a conqueror (Read Romans 8:28-39). In your position, you must also remember that Jesus has given you the keys to the Kingdom so that may have the ability to bind and loose (Read Matthew 16:19).

3. Know and understand your adversary. satan has no power in your life unless you give him power. His only job is to fight you and oppose God's plan for your life. Jesus Himself said in John 10:10 that "The thief [satan] comes to steal, kill and destroy." But Jesus did not stop there! He continues, "...but I have come that you may have life and have it in abundance."

4. Arm yourself with your spiritual wardrobe; that is... put on the armor of God daily! Ephesians 6:11-17 says that we should put on the helmet of salvation (we must have a saved mind), the breastplate of righteousness (a heart of righteousness), gird your loins with truth (always produce/reproduce God's truth in your life), foot shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace (walk in peace at all times), take on your shield of faith (put faith before you), and the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).

5. Pray consistently. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 teaches us to, "Pray without ceasing." Also Ephesians 6:18 urges us to, "Pray in the spirit on all occasions..." Remember that prayer is communicating with God. It is talking to Him, but also listening to what He has to say to you in return. In order to be aggressive in prayer and in faith, it is essential to listen to God's voice and follow His lead.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Transformation: Bye-Bye Bad Habit

2010-05-11T10:34:00.005-05:00

I'm the kind of person that does not gossip about people. I try not to have anything negative to say about anyone at all. BUT, I do have one bad habit that relates to gossip and that is... I love browsing the celebrity gossip websites just to see what's going on in the world of entertainment and celebrity who's who.

Sometimes I would waste an hour a day reading celebrity gossip of which it had no personal benefit to me. As I thought about certain things I needed to give up in order to transition from ordinary to extraordinary, celebrity gossip was definitely one that had to go.

I work at my computer for most of the day scheduling coaching appointments, emailing, working on my curriculum, and even doing the social networking thing. So, it was easy to stop and browse for a while.

When we fasted bad habits a few weeks ago on the Quelynn, Inc. "Like" page via Facebook, celebrity gossip was the one bad habit I gave up. And since choosing to give it up for this transformation, I must admit, I don't miss it. Instead of wasting that hour, I use that time to have more of my "mental empowerment surges" by listening to audio books, mp3 messages or even watching empowerment videos. And let me tell you! I've already seen a difference in my personal motivation as well as a heightened productivity.

I shared this with you to encourage you to evaluate what means the most to you as you are transforming as well. Get rid of things that are not promoting your next level of growth and begin embracing those things that's going to help you get to where you desire to go.

It may not be easy to do at first, but stick to it! Keep your greater goals and purpose in the forefront of your mind and you can/will do it. Remember, I believe in YOU and I know you can do it.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Transformation: Do It Through Christ

2010-05-11T00:35:00.003-05:00

Earlier today I shared a Scripture with someone as I was encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone to do something they've never done before. I reminded them of Philippians 4:13 which says, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

As I've been thinking about this transformation journey that I'm on (and I know that many of you have joined me), I want to remind you that you too can "do all things through Christ" which strengthens you. So as you're transforming, don't become weary. Don't look at your goals and think they are too big or think that your vision is too much for you to handle. Remember, there is no such thing as "too big" in God's eyes. And because you are His child, there is nothing too big for you.

Through Christ [The Anointed One and His Anointing] you have been strengthened. In other words, you have been anointed by the Anointed One to do whatever God sets before you. Take your eyes off the size of the vision or the tasks set before you and put your eyes and focus on Christ and Christ alone. You do this through prayer and asking the Lord to give you grace to "do all things through Christ." It is only in Him, through Him and for Him that you can and will manifest your extraordinary life [lifestyle], vision, dreams and goals.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Transformation: Mental Fortitude

2010-05-05T23:45:00.003-05:00

Determination gives you the mental fortitude to manifest your dreams, goals, desires, and visions. That's why I'm determined to win no matter what!

As I'm transforming and renewing my mind with the Word of God, audio books, paperback books, videos and more, I'm developing a deeper sense of determination that I've not known before. It's a great place to be and a great feeling! I'll stop at nothing to experience what God wants me to experience, to do what He wants me to do, and to have what He wants me to have.

I'm anchored in His will for my life, and the feeling (spiritually, mentally and physically) is phenomenal! I've realized that in this transformation, I've got to stay rooted and grounded in God's plan, and not my own. Unlike Peter, I can't take my eyes off of Jesus, but I must keep my focus on Him only in order to continue in doing what man/woman says is impossible (Matthew 14:29-30).

As the older saints would say, "I've got to keep my mind stayed on Jesus." After all, it's only by Him, in Him, through Him and for Him that I'm transforming and transcending into this new dimension and going from ordinary to extraordinary. God can do what no man can... and that is... the impossible (Matthew 19:26)! I'm determined to hold on to Him and His promises, but above all, I'm determined to walk in His plan for my life.

Until next time, develop mental fortitude and be determined to win!

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Transformation: Pull The Plug

2010-05-05T13:42:00.004-05:00

As I was thinking about this blog series on transformation, the Lord reminded me of an assignment He gave me back in the month of February... that is... I had to literally disconnect and pull the plug from a few people in my life.

You see. While I was away on vacation earlier this year, the Lord told me that He was about to take my life to new dimensions in Him. He allowed me to see that not everyone that I was connected to would be able to travel to this new dimension with me and it was time to let them go. Then He also showed me unproductive relationships and soul ties that I was holding on to that kept me from experiencing greater dimensions in Him. So, He instructed me on each and every person I had to disconnect from. Some I had to delete their contact information from my phone and email, while others I had to quit following on the social networks.

Was it hard to do? Of course it was! Did I go back and try to pick those relationships up again? Of course I did! But as soon as I'd pick them back up, the Holy Spirit quickly reminded me of what I had been instructed to do, so I'd disconnect again.

After several attempts, I'm pleased to say that I've totally disconnected now. Sometimes I had to pray and ask God to help me do it. Then I had to pray and ask Him to help me forget telephone numbers, email addresses, etc. And guess what? He did.

Through all of this, I'm learning that obedience carries much weight (and even much wait). Have I seen that next dimension yet? No. Do I believe it's going to manifest? Yes! Why? Because God said it would. After all, how can I rush God to perform His word that I struggled to obey in the first place?

I can say this... He is now allowing me to see the land, that next dimension that He wants to take my life. It's a glorious place to be and I am excited about my arrival. I know that this transformation journey is key to getting there. So, I have to obediently stick to it and go with God. I must do what He tells me to do, say what He tells me to say, and go where He tells me to go. Then and only then will I be able to experience my next dimension in Him.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Transformation: Action Required

2010-05-04T23:46:00.003-05:00

Recently when listening to the audio book Success 101 by John C. Maxwell, he said something that spoke directly to my spirit. He said...

"You cannot consistently act in a manner inconsistent with the way you see yourself."

What a powerful statement, right? Immediately when I heard it, I stopped the recording and I asked myself two questions:

1. How do I see myself?
2. Are my actions consistent with the way I see myself?

Of course, my actions were not completely in alignment with the way I see myself so there are changes that need to be made. I've got to take action and I've got to do it now. It's not fair to God, me, the people in my life, nor the people I've been called to affect through my life that I not live up to the calling and purpose that I've been ordained before the foundation of the world to walk in.

So as I'm transforming personally and professionally, action is required. Through action, I'm guaranteed to see results. I'm working on writing my action plan, then I'll post that action plan some place where I can see it and meditate on it every day. In addition to this, I'll prayerfully commit to it and take action. Once I do, I know that my next dimension of greatness and success will manifest.

I invite you to join me on this journey. If you need an accountability partner, I'll be more than happy to support you. Simply send an email with "Transformation" in the subject line along with your name and telephone number and I'll be in touch.

In the mean time, stop for a moment and answer the above two questions on a piece of paper. That's a great place to begin.

Until next time, be blessed!

In Christ's Love,

Deaquelynn~

Transformation: Delayed Gratification

2010-05-03T18:06:00.002-05:00

During this transformation period, I realize there will be moments of delayed gratification. That is, times where I'll have to delay my personal wants and desires to meet the needs of what's best for Quelynn, Inc. In the end, I know that it will pay off.

I've practiced the art of delayed gratification for many years, and although it's not fun passing up what you desire, in the end it's really worth it. There is a quote that says, "If you live like one on else, then later you will live like no one else."

If you want to be successful in any area of your life look around and pay attention. Look at the people who have what you want. What did it take for them to get there? What sacrifices did they have to make? What road to success did they take? Then look at those who don't have what you desire and are stagnant in their lives. Why are they stagnant? What are they not doing that hinders their progression?

Learn and grow for every situation and circumstance. If you have to deny yourself the instant gratification of getting a mani/pedi to invest in books, CDs, DVDs - or invest in incorporating your business or building your web presence, then do so. One day you'll look around and you'll be able to get a mani/pedi every week if you so desire.

As I'm transforming, delayed gratification is a must. As I shared with someone today, when we practice delayed gratification we must trust that we will one day enjoy the fruit of our sacrifices.

Until next time, be unbelievably blessed!

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Transformation: I Believe in Me!

2010-05-02T07:30:00.002-05:00

While speaking to my friend about the new changes that needed to be made with Quelynn, Inc. she said four of the most powerful words to me, "I believe in you."

Those words stuck with me, and after we hung up the telephone, I had to ask, "Do I believe in me?" And the answer came as a resounding "Yes!" I do believe in me and I believe that I'm able to transform my life and my business into what God originally intended for it to be.

It's important in any transformation that takes place in your life that you believe in yourself. Believe that you are able to transform and you're able to do it successfully.

Why is self-belief important? Because if you don't believe in yourself, you can't expect others to believe in you. And they won't believe in you either. It shows when a person is not fully confident in themselves or their ability to perform successfully. It shows in their speech as well as in their actions.

Self-belief is rooted in the fact that it's not you, but it is Christ who lives in you and is able to perform through you to accomplish the will of the Father in your life. So, relax all of you who think that self-belief is a form of cockiness or conceit.

Since that conversation with my friend, I'm sure by now you can tell that it changed my life. Yes, I do believe in myself, but to hear those words spoken to me made a deposit in my spirit. As I'm transforming from ordinary to extraordinary, I've adopted the mindset of telling myself as often as I can, "Deaquelynn, I believe in you!" And already my spirit has become alert and responsive to those words.

Until next time, know that I believe in YOU! That's right... I believe in YOU!

In Christ's Love,

Deaquelynn~

Transformation: Mental Empowerment Surge

2010-05-01T15:41:00.010-05:00

"Do not be conformed to this world, but continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be able to determine what God's will is-what is proper, pleasing, and perfect." -Romans 12:2, ISV

My next stage of going from ordinary to extraordinary comes in the form of mind renewal. This is a part of my self-investment plan.

For the past 24 hours I've been pouring into my spirit by watching empowerment videos and gaining as much information as I can. I call this my "mental empowerment surge." Last night my mind was in overdrive from all the information I received that I was up from 2am - 5am writing and drawing as the Holy Spirit directed. That felt awesome!

I made a recent decision that going forward I will stop watching TV for a while, and during that time I will practice more "mental empowerment surges" by listening to cd's and mp3's, reading books, watching videos, meditating, reading the Word of God and just submerging my mind in positive material that will help renew my mind and help me to grow to the next level in my life.

As I do this, I'll have a notepad and pen handy ready to receive and take notes of all the Lord deposits and downloads into my spirit as a result. The way I see it is, "I change my life. No one else can do it for me. The change I seek begins with me." So to walk in whole life prosperity I must make time to invest in mind renewal.

Before I go, I want to share one of my favorite Scriptures with you...

"This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success." - Joshua 1:8, AKJV

Did you see that? "...YOU shall make your way prosperous, and then YOU shall have good success." That's where I'm at in this tranformation... making success happen in my life by meditation on, reciting, reading, learning, growing in, and doing the word of God. I'm guaranteed to see success!

Until next time... be empowered!

xoxo,

Deaquelynn~

Transformation: My First Investment

2010-05-01T15:19:00.004-05:00

I recall on an episode of The Cosby Show when Vanessa brought a man home and introduced him to her parents as her husband. Cliff told the man something very powerful... he likened the man to a big juicy steak that looked delicious and had all the fixings. Yet, the flip side happened when he told this man that even though he was "all that" and was a great person and seemed a good guy, Cliff told his new son-in-law that as good of a steak he was, he was presented on a garbage can lid.

It's all about presentation! First impressions are lasting. I know this and I teach it to my teens. However, when it came to the presentation of Quelynn, Inc. on the World Wide Wed, my presentation has been sub par. I've always used free websites with free templates that were easy for me to maintain, and well... FREE!

Although free is good, free is not always the best approach. What free website templates does is put your great information onto a common, shared template that leaves nothing to originality. You can have the best information but it may not be well received simply because it's on a free website. Believe it or not, people check to see if your site is free or not before they decide to do business with you. Not fair, but it's the truth.

The bottom line is that if you don't invest in yourself, how can you expect other people to invest in you? So that's where I began. On Monday, May 3rd we (my web designer and I) will present a new Quelynn, Inc. website on the World Wide Web. I'm greatly anticipating this relaunch for several reasons: 1) the relaunch reintroduces Living the Virtuous Life in the intent/purpose that God gave and originally designed it to be, 2) it will reintroduce me as a speaker, life coach, Christian instructor and change agent. Also in weeks to come we'll launch the official "Living the Virtuous Life Institute for Women" of which I'm so excited and proud of!

So there you have it... my first investment and my first act of going from ordinary to extraordinary. I hope this message inspires you to go beyond yourself and even beyond your resources and make the necessary investments towards your success.

Until next time... be empowered!

xoxo,

Deaquelynn~

Transformation: My Journey from Ordinary to Extraordinary

2010-05-01T14:49:00.005-05:00

Quelynn, Inc. will officially be five years old this year in August. However, Quelynn Coaching & Consulting just turned two years old this past February; and for the past two years I've been working hard to work the vision God has given me. In the midst of working the vision, life happened to me personally as well as to my family and my focus veered away from the original vision for a while.

As I veered, I continued to coach and set things in order, however I was not giving it my full attention. So a few weeks ago in apparent frustration as to why Quelynn, Inc. seemed to be at a standstill, I asked God to reveal to me what I was doing wrong and to help me get it together.

After all, I know that I know that I know that God birth Quelynn, Inc. through me and I know He wants to use Quelynn, Inc. to "catapult women to their wealthy place" by using me as a vessel. But why was it not progressing? The sad truth came when not quite a full hour after I inquired of God, a friend called me with the solution. And although this friend referred to Quelynn, Inc. only in our conversation, I could not help but hear my inner spirit refer to me.

You see? The business was off because I was off. My mindset and ideas had changed so that I had become overwhelmed with going, going, going and going that I had not made the time to invest in Quelynn, Inc. and neither had I made the time to invest in me.

Thanks to that conversation I had with my friend that day, I understood that in order to grow I must go from ordinary to extraordinary and to begin, I had to make an investment - an investment in Quelynn, Inc. and also an investment in me!

As my friend suggested, I am planning to journal my transformation from ordinary to extraordinary via my blog. I want to do this so that you can be a witness to how applying simple steps and principles + self-investing can and will change your life.

I hope you enjoy this journey with me. It's going to be a great one! I know it for sure! I'm inspired, I'm encouraged and above all else, I'm determined!

Until my next blog... be fruitful and multiply what God has given you!

xoxo,

Deaquelynn~

Choose Life

2010-04-12T00:18:00.000-05:00

I recall being there for my sister when two major decisions were before her. The first one was when she was 15 years old and she found out she was pregnant with my niece. As we (my sister, my mom, and I) received the news, she sobbed uncontrollably. Without giving her a second to think of any options, my mother quickly said, "You're not the first girl to get pregnant and you won't be the last. You're going to have this baby..." And months later my niece Brittney was born.

Eighteen years later, when Brittney's heart stopped for the second time in ICU, I heard the doctor tell my sister that she should consider signing a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) and give up on Brittney altogether. Again, she sobbed uncontrollably. This time our mother was not around to help her and offer her words of guidance or encouragement. I sat there feeling go helpless while asking God to help me help her in any way possible.

I couldn't stand to my feet to wrap my arms around her because I too was so weak physically. I couldn't speak because my voice was paralyzed by emotional hurt. As we both sat there crying our hearts out with other family and friends, the Lord soon spoke a Scripture to my spirit...

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live," - Deuteronomy 30:19, ESV

It wasn't until after my sister had a private meeting with our pastor that I was able to share that Scripture with her that day. And by the time she read it, she had made up her mind that she would not give up on Brittney and for the second time in Brittney's life, my sister chose her life over the circumstances.

I think this testimony is a great argument against abortion. I mean, what's the difference between and unborn baby and an 18 year old child? Nothing. They are both still human beings. (I'll save that one for the soapbox.)

I did, however, want to share my sister's story with you today to encourage you to choose life no matter what situation or circumstance life brings your way (whether natural, social, spiritual, etc.). You see? There is what's called a life cycle and a death cycle and all things can fall into either category. You can either choose life by making the right decisions or you can choose death by making wrong decisions. The choice is yours!

If you feel that you don't know which direction to go, simply pray and ask God to help you. He'll do just that. He'll send His Word, He'll send a person, and He'll confirm just what you need to know before you have to make that decision. When He does, go with Him and choose life.

If you've been following Brittney's blog then you already know the outcome. Brittney is alive, well, and each day the Lord manifests new levels of healing in her body. Where the doctors said she would never smile, she's smiling. When they said she'll never talk, she's talking. When they said she'll never show emotions or walk... she's doing them and it only gets better and better and better as each day passes. My sister chose life and look at the outcome. Will YOU choose life today? You won't regret that you did.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

To follow Brittney's story, visit http://BrittneyMonyse.blogspot.com.

I Almost Gave Up, BUT GOD!

2010-04-10T21:02:00.002-05:00

Nearly two years ago when I received a hopeless report from several orthopedic specialists, I almost gave up. Here's the story...

In 2007 the Lord God spoke to me and told me that it was time for me to resign from my job and work full time in ministry. I was so apprehensive that it took me six months before I finally resigned from the job. I was afraid to quit because I did not know what was ahead of me. How would I have an income? How would I be able to do ministry and not have my own funds to put into it to make it work? What would the people who depend on me think about me quitting my job?

"But Lord, I have no husband and no one to help me financially." That was my biggest argument. Then the Lord quickly reminded me that He is my Husband (Isaiah 54). So with that, I finally acquiesced and quit my job. I was so afraid, but I had to do it afraid.

When I first quit, I took time to rest and regroup. Shortly after that, my sister had a major operation of which I assisted her in her recovery period. Yet, as she was getting better, I began to experience pain in my own body that quickly progressed and got worse. By the time I was able to go to the doctor to see about myself, I was told that it may be too late to "fix" what was wrong. So I went to two different specialists only to find out that my issue was beyond medical repair.

For weeks I struggled in my faith. One minute I trusted God completely, then the next minute I doubted Him and questioned why would He tell me to quit my job and not help me when I needed Him the most. It was an inner struggle that had me so miserable inside and out.

I would pray and cry, pray and cry, then I would pray and cry some more. "God, why me?" I often asked that question. As I questioned Him about the situation, I thought about giving up on ministry and just walking away altogether. I thought of all the times when I was in the world doing wrong and didn't have this particular health issues. I thought about years upon years, upon years that I served God... and now this? This was my reward?

I wanted to stop talking to God. And although I didn't stop talking to Him, I did stop listening. I was so disappointed in God. I felt embarrassed, ashamed and even abandoned by Him. Where was this God who made all of those promises to me? Had He left me out here all by myself? I entertained the thoughts of not ever going back to church and even not ever doing ministry again. The enemy really had my mind. I even thought of and practiced speeches to end relationships that meant so much to me at that time. Life to me didn't mean that much anymore.

BUT GOD!

As bad as it seemed, and as bad as I felt both inwardly and outwardly, God would not let me give up on Him. My spirit was connected and I know that connection came through relationship only. And as we sometimes do with friends, I "fell out" with God. But, He did not "fall out" with me. He kept me. He continued to love me. He continued to encourage me through people and through His Word. He continued to hold on to me and He did not let me go. For that I'm so grateful!

Did my situation get better? Physically... no, it did not initially. But spiritually it did! I found that connection to God once again. I literally found my way back to Him. And just when it was back to where it was before, we had another traumatic event to happen in our family. This time, my feet were planted and I stood in faith. That situation drew me even closer to God than my own personal health ordeal. (My spirit is just leaping and praising God as I type this message.)

Have you ever been where I was? Have you ever been at a place in your life to where you just wanted to give up on God, on the people around you or even give up on yourself? That is such a terrible and lonely place to be. Trust me, I know from experience. If you're there now and you need some help, please let me encourage you by telling you this... God loves you so much. He loves you now more than ever because you're at a place in your life where you need Him the most. As a parent reaches down and scoops up their baby in their arms, God is doing the same with you today. He's embracing you in His arms and loving you to life (just like He did me). Will you accept His love? Will you cry out to Him and allow Him to minister to your spirit?

Join me in this prayer, "Father, I feel so alone in this situation I'm in. I'm hurt. I'm angry, and I'm even disappointed. Help me to heal and get past these feelings of despair and discouragement so I can be free. I want to live, move and have my being in YOU now more than ever. I need you in my life like never before. Change my heart and turn my mind off the cares of this world and on to you and only you. Show me your glory today. In Jesus' name. Amen."

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

A Love Letter from My Daddy, God

2010-03-19T19:10:00.002-05:00

I have years of love letters that the Lord God writes to me (through me) often. My goal is to one day pen them in a book to encourage His daughters just as they have encouraged me over the years.

The other morning in my quiet time, my Daddy wrote another special letter to me. I felt compelled to share. It reflects where I am in Him and in my faith walk, but it also encourages and inspires me to go deeper in Him. I hope it blesses you as it is blessing me.

"...My dearest daughter. Why don't you trust me completely? Stop trying to figure our how I'm going to do it and trust Me that it is already done and will manifest itself the way I desire it to manifest. This concerns your whole life. I've already provided for you. I've already made a way. Stop looking to man... and trust Me completely. Just live your life free of worry and concern. When doubt seems to creep in, stop and say, 'I remove doubt and replace it with trust. Lord, I trust You in this - not in what I see, think, or feel.' Then do something that signifies that you trust Me - clap, praise, dance, do whatever it takes as an act of faith and trust in Me. Don't worry about what it looks like. I've got you, My child. Your deeds and your heart's desires have not gone unnoticed. Remember, I gave you those desires in the first place. And if I gave them to you; because I gave them to you - shall I not see them fully manifest in your life? Relax, enjoy life and know that I am in control. I love you, My dear one with all my heart, an everlasting love." -Love, Daddy (God)

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

The Way of the Righteous

2010-03-19T18:49:00.001-05:00

The Lord God does not desire that any should perish. However, if a man is righteous and he chooses sin, if he does not repent, he shall perish. On the flip side of that, a sinner, if he repents, he shall live. It is very important for a righteous man to always choose righteousness lest he risk dying in iniquity and has a spiritual death in eternity. Likewise, it is also important that the wicked/sinner repent so that he can love (not just on earth but in eternity).

Our job as the righteousness of God is to teach the way of righteousness in Christ Jesus. Because if God Himself desire that none should perish, neither should we. How can we teach the way? Share the gospel, share our testimonies, live the Word of God, and love one another.

Amazing fact: "If a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity... none of his righteous deeds he has done shall be remembered."

Repent and stay righteous! (Read and meditate on Ezekiel 18:21-32)

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

A Time of Refreshing

2010-03-01T23:39:00.001-06:00

Recently, the Lord has really been pouring into my spirit. He's been blessing me with new directions, new revelations and new levels of His grace and glory. It's been such a tremendous blessing and a great benefit for both me and for those I serve.

As I thought about what to blog about, what came to mind is that we should all take time from our schedules to just refresh and restore the virtue that we give out to our family, friends, businesses and/or ministries. Every day we extend ourselves and give, give, give! But how do you refresh your spirit?

I was taught that vacations are Godly and we should all take vacations to completely get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life. When we think about our Creator in the creation, the Bible tells us that on the seventh day, He rested from all of His work.

"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." - Genesis 2:2-3

As I'm being refreshed, the Lord is showing me how I need to make these times of refreshing a regular part of my life. So, I've decided that every month, I'll take a break and spend that time reading the Word, praying, reading books and doing all I can to replenish myself. After all, how else can we give unless we have first received?

During this time, the Lord has been speaking to me in volumes. His voice is becoming clearer and clearer as each day passes. Have you heard the voice of the Lord speak to you lately? If not, make time to quiet your spirit and our surroundings and simply listen. God is always speaking. The problem is, we're often too busy to hear what He's saying.

Life is too important not to hear Him and be led by the Spirit of God. Not only is life too important, but so are your family, friends, ministries, businesses and all the things and people that are connected to you. That's why it is imperative that you take time for refreshing.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

The Wedding of All Weddings

2010-03-01T12:55:00.006-06:00

On Saturday I attended the wedding of two of our outreach's board members. It was such a beautiful wedding with quite a few unique qualities I had not seen in a wedding before. The theme was, "Endless Love." I was/am so proud of the bride and groom and their family. They are such a beautiful couple and it's obvious that they truly love one another. Now, they can begin their lives together until death do them part.

When I left the wedding, God began to show me how weddings parallels with the marriage of the Bridegroom (Jesus) and the Church (Body of Christ). As He showed me this parallel, I was so in awe. It made me consider having a private wedding ceremony with me and Jesus so that I can re-dedicate my life to Him as part of the Body of Christ.

Here's what the Lord revealed to me. When a couple decided to get married there are many things involved that related to the ceremony itself. First there is...

Planning: God the Father planned out redemption through Jesus Christ.

Wedding Party: People that are willing to stand with you in your choice to love for Christ.

Exchange: Rings = a token of love. The cross is Christ's token of love for His Bride. Vows = a verbal expression of love and commitment.

"I _________ take you __________; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worst, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, from this day forward until death do us part."

Question: Can you... will you... love the Lord for better or worst, in richness or in poverty, in sickness or in health... the good, the bad and the ugly that life brings? Can you? Will you?

Witnesses: These are the people watching you love out our commitment for Christ.

I don't know about you, but this parallel makes me fall in love with Jesus all over again! What an awesome God we serve!

"For thy Maker is thine Husband; the LORD of hosts in His name; and they redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called." -Isaiah 54:5

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

I Give Permission...

2010-02-24T22:42:00.005-06:00

I was just reading a portion of one of my favorite books, Commanding Your Morning by Cindy Trimm. In the portion I read, she wrote...

"In Matthew 21:2 when Jesus was preparing for His final entry into Jerusalem, He called for a donkey to be brought to Him, but the donkey stayed tied up until Jesus called for it. Likewise, the thing you need might already be waiting for you, but you don't see it yet because you have not yet called for it. A situation or circumstance generally comes because you have called it to you - you have given it permission to exist in your life."

My question to you today is this... What have you given permission to exist in your life?

Have you given permission to sickness, disease, despair, depression, oppression, shame, guilt or condemnation? Or have you given permission to health, healing, long-life, joy, peace, prosperity, or freedom in Christ Jesus?

Remember, you have what you've given permission to exist in your life. It's just that simple. So, today I want to encourage you to sit and make two lists. In the first list, write everything you want out of your life and then [verbally] command it to leave in the name of Jesus. Next, write down each and every thing you want to exist in your life and again, [verbally] give it permission to exist in your life in the name of Jesus. I encourage you to do this exercise often to keep your mind refreshed, renewed and focused - then expect to see change!

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

To purchase your copy of Commanding Your Morning by Cindy Trimm, click here.

What Are Your Doing?

2010-02-22T22:15:00.001-06:00

Before you stopped to read this blog, what were you doing? When you're done reading it, what do you plan to do? Are you working towards your future? Or, are you just playing around doing nothing?

Your current actions make deopsits into your future. It is very important that you're mindful of your actions in the present. Your present actions determines your future. If you know what you want, then begin now doing what's necessary to make it happen.

If you want to have a better marrage, what are you doing now that will guarantee a better marriage in the future? If you want financial freedom, what are you doing now to manifest financial freedom in your life? If you want to start your own business or ministry, what action steps are you taking to bring it to fruition?

There are a lot of acton steps you an take right now to help build your future: pray, research, make calls, write your vision, open an account, read books, listen to audio messages, take a class, create a budget... etc.

What you make happen today will affect your future. Put off laziness and procrastination and put on a proactive mind-set to create a better future for you and those you love.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Experience His Peace

2010-02-20T13:09:00.001-06:00

The other night as I lay in bed thinking about an upcoming Prayer Focus I'm a part of, God began to show me people who are suffering physical pain in their bodies. He showed me that the pain and discomfort was so real and so bad, that it was affecting these people's souls [mind, will and emotions]. They think they are defeated and pain is all there is in their life. They have willed within themselves that this is the best life they'll ever have. They feel as if it'snot going to get any better.

If you're reading this and you're suffering pain and discomfort in your bodies, I want to encourage you in the words the Lord spoke to my spirit the other night. He wants me to encourage you to ask Him for peace. Peace in your body and peace in your soul. He wanted to give you His peace today.

Peace has already been made available to you. Jesus Himself said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you..." All you have to do is ask God for peace and access that peace by faith.

The Bible teaches us in Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you..." So all you need to do today is ask God for His peace. Then watch Him hold true to His promise to give you just what you ask for.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Get Your House In Order [2002 Archive]

2010-02-09T07:42:00.001-06:00

There has been an outpour in my spirit lately in regards to women empowerment. God has been showing me that His daughters must have their houses in order. They must become empowered in all areas of life, not just in the spiritual.

So many times, we think that because we have a good relationship with God, things stop there. Although it is good to have a deep personal relationship with God, there are other aspects of our lives that we must set in order with our relationship with the Father. See, when we got saved, we brought with us... broken hearts, old boyfriends and lovers, bad debt, unhealthy bodies, along with other "worldly" issues. We have not taken time to resolve these issues and now we are walking around wondering why we are not prospering.

Yeah, our relationship with God is in order, but our lives are all out of order. God cannot bless a mess. And it is time to do some serious house cleaning. We must work on empowering ourselves so God can bless us to be a blessing.

Think about this...

Would you invite someone over to your house when you know it is a mess? Even though you live in the best neighborhood in an extravagant house. Well, that is how we are living now. Our neighborhood (relationship with God) is in a great place, but our homes (our lives) are a complete mess.

Well, how do I get my house in order? You ask. We must come out of debt, let go of old hurts and relationships. We must take care of our bodies (for they are the temple of God). When we put on Christ, we became a new creation. So why are we walking in filth?

How can you claim Christ when: You have 20 credit cards that are all maxed out and you cannot pay them - You will spend money for a new outfit and your kids walk around dirty needing new clothes and shoes - You travel across the country to a spiritual conference and your house is nasty - Your have all these Christian bumper stickers on your car, but your car is not clean - You pray over a greasy hamburger and ask God to bless your health - I am sure you get the point.

Sisters, we must get our houses in order. We must align our lives up to our relationship with God. How can expect to save souls when they look at us and see the same situation they are in? They have to see something better in us in order to be saved through us.

I am sorry to go on and on like this, but my spirit is unsettled about this. With that, I just want to encourage each of you to think about the things written here. If you can relate to them, please try to get yourselves together. I am a work in progress and I am still working. It does not happen overnight. But I will say this... If you put forth an effort to do some house cleaning, God will call in the maids to help you clean up. And blessing will begin to flow like you have never seen it. People will start giving you things to bless you, your debts will be cancelled, your old relationships will not seem the same (new ones will arise), your health will prosper as well as your soul.

If there are some reading this who has overcome and "your house is clean." I encourage you to bless someone with the wisdom God has given you to overcome. Mentor someone!

God is a God of order. Therefore, we must get our houses in order.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

10 Tips for Having a Spectacular Year

2010-01-01T10:18:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the New Year! This is a time where people set yearly resolutions and goals for their lives with hopes of being better people when the year ends. However, by the time January ends, they are back to their old routine and their old ways of thinking.

The best word I received last year was from my pastor's seven year old son who said, "Slow and steady wins the race." I love it! I believe people often fail to complete their resolutions because just as soon as January 1st arrives, they hit the gate running. With good intentions they hit the gym 3-5 days a week, stick to their diet plans, manage their money better, etc. Yet, they wear themselves out by trying to stick to their resolutions that by the end of the first month they are wiped out.

Well, here are 10 this for having a spectacular year that's sure to help you become a better person and perhaps assist you in sticking to your resolutions or goals.

1. Put God first. Don't make a decision without first consulting God. Ask Him what He thinks, how He feels and if the decision you're about to make will help or hinder you from stepping into your greatness. Remember, He knows all things. He is Jehovah-Jireh, the God who sees ahead and provides.

2. Renew your mind. If you goal for the year is to better manage your money, then you need to renew your mind in the area of money management. Get books, CDs, go on websites, and learn all you can about money management. Whatever your goal or resolution may be, you must renew your mind in that particular area. Why? Because a renewed mind leads to renewed actions.

3. Put yourself first. I know this one may seem a little selfish, but bare with me please. When you find yourself in a bad situation or in a relationship that causes you to compromise who God has created you to be, then it's time for you to put yourself first. By that I mean, do whatever it takes to assure that you will have the best life free from mistreatment, misfortune and abuse. Say to that situation or that person, "I choose me!" Then go and be well.

4. Let go and let God. This cliche' is an oldie but goody. You may come across situations or even people that may try to destroy you, what you stand for, how you operate, and disrupt your purpose. You will be tempted to do or say things that may indeed cause you to forgo God's best for you. When that happens, let go - don't argue, don't curse, don't fight, don't give in to bitterness, anger or unforgiveness - just let God handle it.

5. Give of yourself. In an earlier post this week, "Let Your Light Shine," I encouraged you to share the gift of you with the world. The truth is, you are a very special, unique and treasured gift to this world. Share it. We need it. We need you. You are the solution to someone's problem in this world. So give of yourself.

6. Have fun. Relax and take time to enjoy life. What's the use of working, working, working if you can't take a break to enjoy life? As the old McDonald's commercial used to say, "You deserve a break today." So have fun! Play a game, go to a movie, go on a vacation, have a spa day, take an afternoon drive, go in the yard and play with your kids... just have fun!

7. Give thanks. Thanksgiving should not be the only time of year where you stop and give thanks for the many blessings in your life. Each day that you are alive and in your right mind is a reason to be thankful. Practice giving thanks this year to God, to family, to friends, to co-workers, to the check-out person in the store, the mechanic that works on your car... I guarantee that you'll begin to see life through a different set of eyes when you begin to practice the art of thanksgiving.

8. Be fearless. Don't be afraid to step out in faith to pursue your life's dreams, goals and aspirations. God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, love and of a sound mind. Whatever He puts on your heart to do, do it. Wherever He leads you to go, go there. Whatever He tells you to say, say it. If you feel fear coming on, ask God to remove all fear and to also give you the grace to be fearless.

9. Be accountable. This is something I teach all of my clients and the teens in my program... accountability. You must be accountable for your actions as it relates to your life's dreams, goals or even your New Year's resolutions. Find a friend, a mentor, a spiritual adviser or whoever God leads you to who will hold you accountable for your actions. Remember, accountability is centered around honesty. So be open and honest with who you choose as your partner and allow them to be open and honest with you.

10. Love and be lovable. Yep, I said "...be lovable." It's easy to tell people to love. Love is God and God is love. So, if you're a child of God love should somewhat come easy for you. The hard part comes in sometimes with the "be lovable" aspect of life. If you feel the pressure to do or say something that you know God would not be pleased with, take a step back, surrender those feelings to God and allow Him to work in and through you. (Refer back to # 4) He'll do a perfect work, you'll see.

I promise that if you adopt these ten tips and begin to put one into practice at a time, you'll have a spectacular year.

Until our next blog, Happy New Year!

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:38:00.000-06:00

Dear Virtuous Woman of God -

I want to take the time to personally welcome you to a New Year! Regardless of what you went through in previous years, and what you may have experienced in 2009, YOU MADE IT TO 2010 -- the year of explosive testimonies! Congratulations!

As I was contemplating what to write to inspire and encourage you this year, a prayer my pastor prayed during one of our services came to mind. In that prayer, he said, “Lord, we thank You that You brought us out only to bless us again.” What a declaration!

Have you ever stopped to think that the Lord brought you out of a situation for a reason? Many reasons flood my thoughts: to bring Him glory [God], to set you above your enemies, to bring the best out of you… and to bless you all over again!

To “be blessed” means to be empowered to prosper. As Children of God, we are the blessed and we are the blessing. Therefore, it’s time for the world to see the blessings of our Heavenly Father made manifest in our lives. It’s time for them to see us in healthy relationships, walking in integrity, taking on leadership positions, financially secure, owning homes and businesses, in the best physical condition - it is time for them to see and hear our explosive testimonies of God’s blessings in, on and through our lives.

As we begin this year, I want to challenge you to begin each day making this declaration… “God has brought me out so He can bless me again. I declare today that I am blessed and I am the blessing!” Then look for God’s blessings in your life and also look for ways you can be a blessing to others. I guarantee your life will change as a result of incorporating this simple declaration and action into your daily routine.

Well, woman of God, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to read this message. I want you to know that you are special to God and you are also special to me. As always, thank you for choosing Quelynn, Inc. for all of your life-coaching needs. I look forward to more interactions with you in this New Year!

Blessed to be the blessing,

Deaquelynn~

Let Your Light Shine

2009-12-30T09:50:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love writing inspirational messages. I've been doing them since November 1999 and over the years people have told me many times how much the messages God gives me to write is a blessing to them. I must give all praises to God as I only write what He prompts and inspires my heart.

When I was in high school, I wrote a play for my church. I shared with a person at school that I had written a play and immediately that person shut me and the play down by telling me that if it did not have the proper elements, it was nothing. Shortly after that, the church decided not to do my play. That really put a dent in my self-esteem as it related to my writing. So, what did I do? I stopped writing.

I once had an ex-boyfriend tell me that if I wanted to really express myself to him, I should do it in writing because I seemed to write from a special place. That was a very strange request, but in a way, God used him as training ground for what later became a ministry. It trained me to listen to and write from my heart. Of course, after that relationship ended so did the writing.

When God spoke to me years later about writing daily inspirations, I was so hesitant because I felt like what I wrote would not matter and neither would it be helpful to anyone. Those memories of my writing being rejected surfaced and I hesitated briefly, but I still obeyed God with apprehensions.

My writing ministry is now 10 years old and I've been so blessed to be a vessel used by God to help inspire so many people around the world (literally). I'm glad I was able to step outside of my fears and apprehensions to obey God. You know... sometimes you have to do things afraid, yet trusting that if God spoke it to you and called you to it, He will see you through it.

I always share my life in my writing as I want to be an example of encouragement. Today, I want to encourage you that no matter what has happened to muffle or destroy your gift, you've got to push past it. You may have been rejected, ridiculed, or even told in your face that your gift is not important or does not matter. That's a lie from satan. YOU matter. YOUR GIFT matters. God has placed something very special in you that the world needs. Let it shine! Be a blessing! Be THE blessing that God has created YOU to be!

I had no idea that over the years God would use my writing to inspire people all over the world, but He did. I had no idea that God would allow me to create a youth curriculum used in various programs around the country and even Honduras, but He has. Me... lil' ole me... the girl that loves to write... the girl that was once rejected by people... the girl who did it afraid at first... yep, ME!

One of my favorite Bible verses comes from Matthew 5:16 which says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." The truth be told, it is our responsibility as Kingdom citizens to use our gifts and talents in the earth. It's what's going to draw people to you to share your story, and it's also what's going to draw people closer to Christ. We would do God, the Kingdom of God and the people of and in this world not to share our "YOU'niqueness."

So, go ahead... let your light shine!

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Simple Honesty

2009-12-29T17:39:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, I called the venue I've selected to host our Living the Virtuous Life Women's Summit. When the gentleman called me back, we discussed the details of the event so he could assess what would be the correct fee to charge me. If it was a social event, the rental would cost more. However, if it was a business event, it would be $800 less.

He said to me, "Unless you can convince me that this is not a social event, I can't give you the discount." My answer was a very honest reply. I said, "It's a social event for my business." There was no other explanation than that. So we both agreed that the summit could fall in either category.

After we chatted a bit, he told me that he would have to get with another associate to determine what category the summit would fall in and he'd call back. I shared the website with him and we ended the call. Mind you, I was willing to pay either way.

In less that five minutes after we hung up, he called back to tell me that the corporate price would best fit my event type. He also complimented me on the website and we set a date for me to go, meet him and book the facility.

Sometimes a simple honest answer is all that's needed. When first asked, I could have tried to "convince" this gentleman that the event was/is corporate. I mean, considering that Quelynn, Inc. is a legal corporation that would have been easy. Yet, because I was not trying to get over I believe God honored my simple honesty.

I'm reminded of the Scripture in Matthew 5:37 that says, "Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond that is from the evil one." (NLT) I felt a need to share that testimony with you to perhaps encourage you. You don't have to over explain your motive or your actions to anyone to manipulate a situation. Just speak the truth, that's it.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Learn to Depend on God for Everything

2009-12-14T08:29:00.000-06:00

On Saturday my day was busier than normal. In the mist of it, I found myself asking God for everything related to the tasks I had before me... "God, please do this... Father, please hold this off for a few more minutes... Lord, help me do that..." I was all over the place with my requests. The more I asked God to help me, the more I literally saw Him doing so. No request went unresolved. We were partners! Tag-team partners making it happen one task at a time.

As I contemplated what to write about today, my situation came to mind. Because I had taken on a second task than usual on Saturday, the load I had was doubled. Not only that, but I had some physical discomfort in my body and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I needed God to help me make it. He did just that!

In the midst of planning, creating, producing, working, being a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur or just being busy, it's very important for us to incorporate the God-factor in our day. We must learn to depend on Him for everything. That means, asking Him to help you plan your day; asking Him what direction should you go to work that day; asking Him to help you be productive; asking Him to give you the physical strength and stamina to do what needs to be done; asking for witty inventions and creative ideas in your business.

God desires to be a part of every aspect of our lives. Because of Who He is, He'll never force Himself on us. All it takes is for us to open our mouths and ask Him to show, do, be say, lead, guide, reveal, help... He's waiting to be apart of it all.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

My Needs Met

2009-12-09T08:38:00.001-06:00

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:19, NIV

Do you have a legitimate need for something and just don't know how it will happen for you? Well, today's Scripture passage offers the answer you need.

Not quite two weeks ago I sat in my bed at around 2 a.m. listening to a teaching CD from a pastor I greatly admire and who once mentored me. The lesson was on "Struggling Against the Blessing" and it was so great that it prompted me to go into prayer.

With tears rolling down my face I expressed to God my biggest need at the time. I expressed my gratitude for the things He has already blessed me with and I let Him know about my need. I know He already knew I had the need, however, I believe He wanted me to remember His word in Philippians 4:19. So, in prayer I said, "Lord, I believe You when You said that You will supply [meet] all my need according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus." As if that's all He wanted to hear, I suddenly became overwhelmed with peace and shortly thereafter, I fell asleep.

That need was not met the next day, or the day after that, nor the day after that. It was almost two weeks later God put my need on someone's heart and they blessed me with a seed towards that need. Awe God! But here's the thing I want to encourage you with... when I saw that the need was not met within the hours and days after that prayer, I didn't doubt or waver in my faith. As a matter of fact, I did the opposite. I began to thank God for meeting that particular need. Every time I looked at that particular void, I said, "Thank You, Father for meeting my need of...." and I said what I needed.

Sometimes we have to wait and be patient even for God to meet our needs. We always want things to happen right away, but when we don't get them right away, I believe it is God examining our hearts, our motives and seeing if we will truly believe Him or will we do our own thing to make it happen.

Let me also mention that I did have a resource not allocated to that particular need that I could have manipulated to meet my need. I contemplated doing so. However, in the middle of that thought I stopped myself and said, "No, that's not for that. God said He will take care of my need. So I will trust Him."

Will you trust God to meet your needs? It's easy to trust Him for the things we want, because those things are not contingent upon our daily survival. Yet, trusting Him to meet your need in the face of that particular lack takes faith - faith that cannot be moved; faith that will not settle for less than what God promised; faith that says, "I trust YOU and only YOU, Lord to meet my need according to your glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Hang In There, God is With You

2009-12-02T11:18:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to take time to encourage each and every one of you and say,"Hang in there!" God is with you. He promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Our God cannot lie; and His word does not return void.

I know that some of you have been up all night crying, some have even been worried over the cares of this world. Some of you are perhaps going through struggles at work or at home. Just remember, God is with you. There may even be times when it feels as if He is nowhere to be found in your situation; but He is. It is in our toughest times, He draws Himself closet to us.

When the doctor gives you a bad report, He is with you. When your family and friends forsake you, God is with you. When you have no idea how you are going to pay your bills, our Father is with you. When you face trial after trial after trial, know that God is with you.

Many of you know this year has been a trying time for me and my family. We've been through the fire with Brittney's illness and more recently with the death of my father. It felt like we were not going to be able to make it at times, but just when we were at the end of ourselves, God made His presence known and felt and we were able to hold on and make it through.

I draw closer to Him every time I read the Word, every time I pray and every time is sit in silence and listen to Him speak to me. And His presence brings me so much joy, peace, and strength. I encourage you today to spend time with the LORD today and allow Him to manifest His presence in your life.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Focus

2009-11-30T11:49:00.001-06:00

It's so very easy to get distracted and off the path God has chosen for us. We're bombarded with email, schedules, kids, family, work, etc. Doing a lot of things at one time takes away from your main purpose/focus. Therefore, it's important that we keep an open line of communication with God.

It is through Him and the guidance of the Holy Spirit that will teach us what we need to take on or what we need to let go of. When we listen to and heed where He leads us, life will become less of a distraction and the path will become much clearer.

All it takes at times is for us to turn off the TV, shut down the computer, turn off our cell phones and say, "God, this is Your time. It's just me and You. Minister to my spirit. Show me how or where I got off the path and put me back to where I belong. My life is Yours and Yours alone. Lead, guide and direct me every step of the way." When we do this and we open ourselves up to Him to do or say what needs to be done or said, we'll see the focus results we desire.

Don't let the distractions of life get you off focus. Get back in your place.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

You Can Trust Me, Lord

2009-11-27T08:56:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I asked God some serious questions about my life. One of the main questions was, "Lord, why me? Why did I have to have this life of sickness, abuse, divorce, death...?" As I asked this question, I began to weep. My heart really needed to hear an answer right away, but I didn't. Instead, God gave me peace.

Still searching for the answer, my heart later fell on Job and all that he endured while he was on this earth. Job was a righteous man, a good man who feared the Lord. Yet, he lost everything that was dear to him. But why? Why did such a good, righteous and upright man have to lose everything? Then it hit me! Job went through it all because God trusted him to do so and still give honor to Him.

Let's see for ourselves. In Job 1:6-12, the Bible says that satan was before the Lord with the holy angels when they came to present themselves to the Lord. He asked satan where did he come from. satan replied, "From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it. (v. 7, AMP)" In essence, satan was looking for someone to try their faith and to get them to lose hope and faith in God.

Check out verse eight, "And the Lord said to satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on earth, a blameless and upright man, one who [reverently] fears God and abstains and shuns evil [because it is wrong]?" [Amplified]

Did you see that? God said that Job was a man like no other; a blameless, upright man who fears God. And that's exactly what God trusted Job to be regardless of what satan brought his way.

What does God say about you? Can He trust you to be what and who He says you are regardless of what you're going through? Regardless of what you're facing in life? Can He trust you to trust Him? Can He trust you to remain steadfast and unmovable in your faith? Can He trust you to still give Him praise, honor and glory through it all? Can He really, truly, without a shadow of a doubt trust you?

Pray this prayer with me, "Heavenly Father, thank you that in the midst of all that's going on in my life, You trust me to remain faithful and true to who You've called me to be. Today I declare and decree that You can trust me, Lord. With that, help me to remain true to what You've said about me. Let my life bring You glory through both the good and the bad that happens. Help me to lean on, trust in and confidently rely on You and only You. In Jesus' name, amen."

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

The Good and Bad of A Christian's Life

2009-11-20T08:44:00.002-06:00

When I look at the life of Job, Daniel, Joseph, Jesus, the Children of Israel and so many other people in the Bible, it seems to me that everything has to go through (or be approved by) God before it comes to fruition in our lives. This is in regards to both the good and the bad that happens.

Could this possibly be? Could it really be possible that even the bad that happens in my life is permitted by God? That's a hard pill to swallow.

So, are you telling me that the heartache, death, pain, discomfort, betrayal, and down right disrespect that I've experienced in my life was allowed by God? My answer, ABSOLUTELY!

Notice, if you will, I did not say He created the bad. That would make Him a cruel God to create bad things to happen to us. However, He does allow or permit things to happen in our lives for many reasons.

Remember the man born blind in the New Testament? The people asked Jesus, "Who sinned? This man or his parents?" Jesus' reply was, "Neither. This happened so that the works of God should be revealed in him." In other words, this was allowed to that God would be glorified (or that people would know that God is real) in his life. (John 9:1-3)

The question is not why God permits or allows us to experience bad things in life. It is, however, what are we going to do when those bad things happen? Are we going to remain strong in the Lord and allow Him to be glorified? Or, are we going to give in under the pressure and buckle under satan's power.

As Christians, we must know that we've already won the war. Truly, no weapon formed against us shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). Besides, the last words of Jesus before His death offers us a promising hope in times of hardship and battle... "It is finished" (John 19:30)

Troubles, hardship, and despair don't last always. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). We must hold on to the promise of morning joy, knowing that if we endure to the end all will be well. (That word "if" means that the promise is contingent on your endurance.)

Paul's words ring so clearly right now, "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Are you called according to His purpose? You bet you are! Why? Because you are a child of God. A join heir with Jesus Christ. A child of the Most High God. (Romans 8:16-18)

So, are you going to sit there and wallow in self-pity and cry, "Whoa, it's me"? Or are you going to get up, dust yourself off and stand firm in your faith? If you choose the latter, know that God is with you right in the trenches (Matthew 28:20). Stay close to Him. Hide yourself under the shadows of the almighty and you'll be just fine (Psalm 91).

Remember, regardless of what you're going through in life, God has promised to never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5). That included the good and the bad. So cheer up! Be of good courage! Do not be dismayed at what you're going through. It's all for a greater purpose and a perfecting of your faith in Christ Jesus. (Joshua 1:8; Deuteronomy 1:21; Isaiah 41:6)

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Recommit Your Loyalty

2009-11-18T08:12:00.001-06:00

Over the weekend, I had a conversation with my uncle about his dogs. He has two big, beautiful German Shepherds. My question to him was, "How did you get them the be so loyal to you?" I'm not sure what I was looking for in a reply, but his response was a very simple one, "I take care of them, feed them, provide for them, and spend time with them." That makes sense.

As I was thinking of what to write this morning, that conversation with my uncle came to mind again. I began to think about our loyalty to the people in our lives. Basically, we tend to be loyal to the people who has proven to be consistently trustworthy over a period of time. They are the people we can depend on no matter what.

Now, if loyalty is contingent on the person we commit our loyalty to, why do we have such a hard time being loyal to our Heavenly Father? When it comes to being trustworthy, He's the most trustworthy person there is. When it comes to the provision of our Lord God, everything pales in comparison. When comes to spending time with us, God is always there (whether we are or not) desiring to spend time with us.

I don't know about you, but these are just a few things that makes me so grateful to our Father in Heaven and recommit my loyalty to Him. Not to include how He's kept me, loved me, had mercy on me, showed me kindness, comforted me, and mostly forgave me over the years.

Today I want to encourage you to think about the goodness of God and all that He's done to proven Himself trustworthy in your life. Give Him thanks for it. Worship Him for it. Then, recommit your loyalty back to Him as an action of gratitude.

Loyalty: (n) feelings of allegiance; (n) the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action; faithfulness or devotion to a person or cause; obedience; compliance, submission, subjection; homage; fidelity; servility.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Call On the Lord

2009-11-17T08:53:00.001-06:00

So often, I am guilty of calling someone to "talk" to when I am facing problems. Not long ago, my heart was heavy about a situation I was facing and immediately, I picked up the telephone to call my prayer partner.

As the phone rang, I heard a voice say, "Put down that phone and get on your knees for yourself!" It was so real to me and then it hit me, instead of always calling someone else to pray and fight for me, I need to pray and fight for myself.

Many times, I get caught up in depending on others to pray for me that I tend to neglect to stand up and truly rely on myself to pray for changes in my own life. I have been guilty of saying, "I know things will work out because I have So-and-So praying for me." But, what about me? Where do I stand when it comes to me trusting and relying on God for myself?

Don't get me wrong, I believe that having a prayer partner is one of the greatest things that we as children of God need. In James 5:16 the bible says, "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

There are times when we need someone to stand in battle with us and believe God for things on our behalf. But, there are also times when we have to stand on our own and not be dependent on someone else to get for us what we must get for ourselves. More importantly, when we stand before God and make our requests known to Him, He will give us the peace to make it through it all.

I have made a personal commitment to stop calling on everyone else and start calling on the Lord. "I will lift up my eyes to the hills - From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord..." Ps. 121:1-2

Meditation Scriptures:

Psalm 116:1-2
Psalm 121:1-2
Psalm 142:1-2
Psalm 141:1
Psalm 140:6
Psalm 143:1
Philippians 4:6-7
Jeremiah 29:12-13

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

This message was originally written through my Words of Life Inspirational Ministry on January 31, 2003.

Setback to Be Set-Up

2009-11-16T01:00:00.001-06:00

Last week, my family and I received some news that disappointed me. The more I thought about it, the more it hurt my feelings and I thought that a certain group of people where just giving up on us. As the thoughts of disappointment and discouragement continued, the Lord quietly dropped a thought in my spirit. The thought was, "This only makes room for..." and He revealed the alternate plan. When He did, I quickly realized that the alternate plan was a better plan altogether.

Yesterday morning as I thought about that particular situation, I got so happy in my spirit. Before I knew it, I told a family member that we were setback to be set-up.

Only God could be so gracious and kind to do it that way. Hallelujah! When man gives up on us, when people let us down, when our plans don't go as we hoped, we have to be encouraged and know that those setbacks are set-up for something greater.

Regardless of how bad it seems, regardless of the disappointment or discouragement we may feel, when we know that we know that we know that God is in the midst of it setting us up for the ultimate prize, all else fails in comparison. Take a moment in your "setback" and and thank God for the "set-up" then be encouraged! Look for and expect God's best to find you. Remember, He knows the plans He has for your life... (Jeremiah 29:11).

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Choose to Trust No Matter What

2009-11-09T07:25:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking about what to blog about today. I have so many thoughts running through my head. Most of the time I write pre-meditated messages what God drops in my spirit. However, there are times like this where I just start writing or typing and whatever comes out is what comes out. I hope it blesses you still.

This past Saturday morning my father passed away. Better yet, he "transitioned" to heaven. I can say that in confidence because my father really loved the Lord and always shared the message of Christ with everyone He knew.

My heart is heavy for the loss, yet I'm so happy for him. As a Believer, I understand what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:6, "Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord." This simply means that when we are absent from the body (as Believers), then we are present with the Lord.

I'm comforted in knowing that my daddy is in the presence of the Lord today. If you've lost a loved one, I want to encourage you to rejoice and be glad that they are with the Lord. They don't have to worry about the perils of the world - no ailments, no sickness, no disease, and no hardships.

Yesterday, I posted a message on Facebook that said, "The choice is yours... you must choose how you will act or react; if you will fall apart or stand strong; if you're going to trust God or trust man; if you're going to be free or stay bound..."

The key to overcoming anything in life , whether it's sickness, disease, hardships, death, financial despair, or whatever the situation is trust God and trust His word. Cling to Him and His promises in both life and death. I guarantee that your trust in Him will get you through.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

God, Help Me to See

2009-11-05T07:11:00.001-06:00

Many years ago I began asking God to help me to see people the way He sees them. I must say, when He first opened my eyes I had no idea that I would see so much. I've seen everything from the purest of hearts to down right demonic forces in people. Sometimes I tend to give people more chances than others might give, but that's because I see God working in and through them perfecting their faith.

Last night in church I did something I've never done before in all the years I've prayed that prayer. What did I do, you may ask. I asked God to help me to see me the way He sees me. I know that God sees both the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly, but more than anything He sees who I am transitioning into as a woman, a business owner, a minister but most of all as His Child.

I have no idea what I'm about to experience because I prayed that prayer. I am guaranteed that God will grant my request. He's never failed me on that (or anything else for that matter). I'm ready for whatever He reveals because I'm ready to grow and be the best ME He's created me to be.

Today I want to encourage you to do as I have. Ask God to help YOU to see YOU the way He does. Let's take this journey together. Beyond that, be prepared for what He reveals. Pray through your new revelations. Ask for grace. Remember, His grace is sufficient for YOU (2 Corinthians 12:9). More than anything, just like God, don't give up on you! You're already who He created you to be, now it's time for full manifestation.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Wisdom for the Trials of Life [2002 Archives]

2009-11-04T09:41:00.002-06:00

Read James 1:1-12

One of life's most commonly asked questions is, "Why does God allow His children to go through difficult, trying, painful times in life?" We recognize that God is all-powerful and could prevent these trials if He chose to do so. Yet, He often does not. Therefore, there must be some purpose for them, some divine reason for not sparing us these hardships. Once we begin to understand God's purpose for these things, we will be able to stand strong through any storm of life.

First, God allows our trials in order to test our faith. This is made perfectly clear in James 1:3. "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." The word "testing" here means to be tested and found proven; that is, God is testing our faith in order to prove His strength.

Second, God allows our trials in order to test our devotion to Jesus Christ. True devotion demands that we follow Jesus faithfully, regardless of our circumstances. Will you obey Him when you do not understand why bad things are happening? Will you obey Him when things are not going your way? These things are discovered during periods of trials and testing.

Third, God allows trials in order to purify our lives. Trials have a way of putting pressure on us in the most secret parts of our being, bringing hidden sins, bad habits, and areas of neglect to surface. These things must be dealt with in order to become the mature Christians God wants us to be.

Fourth, our trials give God an opportunity to demonstrate His sustaining power for His children in tough times. This is an amazing testimony to unbelievers, who may witness you going through a horribly difficult situation while still maintaining the peace of the Holy Spirit.

Fifth, a major purpose for our trials is to produce Christ-like character within us. Our trials reveal to us that we cannot live the Christian life apart from Him. This means that the Christian life is not made up of different "good things" that we do, but is actually Jesus Christ living in and through each one of us. This requires our total surrender to His will, so that our reactions to stress, trial and suffering are actually His reactions lived out through our lives.

Finally, trials equip us for service in the kingdom of God for the sake of others. Second Corinthians 1:4 makes this point clear, "[God] comforts us in all our afflictions so that we will be able to comfort those with which we ourselves are comforted by God." Therefore, God is using our trials to make us more useful in helping others.

Excerpt from: In Touch Magazine March 2002 with Dr. Charles Stanley

This article really blessed my soul. As I read it, I thought about the trials I recently faced with going through a divorce. In hindsight, I see all that God intended for me (and others) as I went through. But more than anything, I see how God was with me from beginning to end.

As Christians, we are going to go through trials... that is given. However, we must know that God is going to be there for us no matter what. If you are facing trials today, please know that God is with you and He has a plan for your life. Just put your trust in Him and begin to praise Him; He will see you through.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Count It All Joy

2009-11-03T18:07:00.003-06:00

James 1:2-4
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

We go through trials...

II Corinthians 1:3-11
4 ...that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 9 ...that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 11...that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

As I read these verses, I am comforted to know that God allows us to fall into various trials in order that we continue to persevere through our faith. Having to face my own trials in life, I know that my faith is made strong through my endurance. I once heard someone say, "If you are going through hell, don't stop in the middle of it, keep going through." There is always wholeness and maturity at the end of every trial. I praise God in times of trial because there is always a blessing on the other side, whether it is a blessing to be of comfort to others who are in trouble (II Cor. 1:4), a blessing of total reliance and trust in God (II Cor. 1:9), or a blessing of thanksgiving by others for what we receive through or answered prayers (II Cor. 1:11). All I know is that as I go through, God has something prepared for me on the other side. It is up to me to decide if I am going to endure through faith, and totally trust in God (not myself).

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

It's Okay

2009-10-30T07:06:00.001-05:00

Today I just wanted to let you know that it's okay...

It's okay to be proud of yourself.
It's okay to pat yourself on the back.
It's okay to celebrate your accomplishments.
It's okay to let your hair down and just be yourself.
It's okay to love again.
It's okay to say no to people.
It's okay to say yes to yourself.

You're not going to die if you do what's okay. In fact, you'll experience a sense of freedom you may not have experienced in a long time.

Just know today that it's okay.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

No More Excuses

2009-10-29T12:02:00.004-05:00

The other day my 7 year old niece was doing some extra school work in an educational workbook for her grade level and the next grade level. As she and I were reviewing her previous work and looking ahead to the next few pages she declared, "That's second grade so that's too hard for me." She said this without even examining what the work entailed.

Quickly, I told her that she was well able to do second grade work and all she needed to do was "do it." We then looked at the work together and she said, "Oh, that's easy."

Like Erin, how many times do we look at tasks or even the next level in life and think, that's too hard for me and give up before we begin? We look only at the surface and think that it's too hard, we're not qualified, we're not capable, we're too old, we're too young, and on and on and on.

Well, it's time out for the excuses and time to let go and let God! You are qualified, you are capable, you are the right age, you are educated enough... you have exactly what you need to go to the next level in life. All you need to do is "do it." Let go of the excuses and make way. Step out on faith... one foot at a time... one hope at a time... one task at a time. Excuses only slow you down and keep you from getting there quicker.

Before you know it, you'll be on that next level with ease. You will be doing that possible thing that you once looked at as impossible. But you have to let go of negative thinking and embrace what is indefinite for you to experience.

Make the Most of Your Relationships

2009-10-28T13:59:00.000-05:00

If I had known that the last chicken sandwich I ate with my aunt would be the last, I would have opted for lobster or steak. If I had known that the last telephone conversation I had with my mom would be last, I would have said I love you a lot more than at the end of the call.

It's very sad to live a life of "what ifs" or "if I had knowns" but the truth is, many of us live in those regrets. Although I shared my "if I had knows" with you, I must say I have no regrets because I had the best relationships with my aunt and my mother. Whenever we were together, I did make the most of those times.

We live in a world where everything is so fast paced and people are so self-centered, it's hard to make the most of your relationships. With kids, school, church, work, etc. we get so busy in our own worlds and speaking to people in passing that we neglect to truly make time for them.

Today, I want to encourage you to make the most of your relationships. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of life, stop and show those you care for how much you love them. Call and have a real conversation, sit down and have a real meal, take time to share with one another... do something more than what you've been doing. Say I love you, say a prayer, send a card, go visit, prepare a meal, take a drive together, go on a picnic, share, laugh, cry, celebrate... whatever you do, go beyond the norm and build stronger bonds so that when all is said and done, you can live a life of no regrets.

After all, people are important to God and they should be important to you.

In His Love,

Deaquelynn~

Who Has Your Back?

2009-10-28T13:56:00.000-05:00

Today's inspiration begins with a simple question: Who has your back?

When times are hard and you're stuck in a rut, who has your back? When you're in the thick of a situation and you can't think, yet alone pray... who has your back?

When my family was going through the difficulties of my niece's illness, we had so many family, friends and church family who had our backs fasting and praying for us. I tell you, we are so grateful for them because in the midst of it, there were times we couldn't fast and pray for ourselves.

It's very important on your life's journey to be connected with people who are willing to go head to head with opposition just for you. People who will pray you through any situation.

I recall going through a bitter divorce years ago, and one of my best friends and her husband relentlessly prayed for me during that time. There were days I'd call her with nothing to say, sobbing on the phone, and she would stop whatever it was she was doing and pray for me. There were other days where she'd even call and say, "Sean and I are praying for you." Those were the days where I needed prayer but was too weak to pick up the phone and call. But God knew and He put it on their hearts to pray for me/us.

In life, there will be those moments that we're weak. However, the good news is that if we're connected to the right people, those weak moments will not be as bad. Your days of sorrow, tears, frustration, or even temptation can be lightened when the right people have your back to stand in the gap just for you.

I know that my family would not have made it without the prayers of the people in our lives. And I'm positive that I would not have made it through that bad divorce had it not been for Gwen and Sean. I'm so grateful that God sent the right people at the right time in my life... but more than anything, I'm grateful that I accepted their friendship, prayers, love and acts of kindness during the toughest times of my life.

As I'm typing this message right now, I hear the song by Hezekiah Walker playing in my mind, "I need you... you need me... we're all a part of God's body... you are important to me... I need you to survive."

If you have people in your life that's got your back, celebrate them. If you're surrounded with people who could care less what you're going through, then maybe it's time to do a friends assessment.

In God's love,

Deaquelynn~

Don't Settle

2009-10-28T13:54:00.000-05:00

Recently, I've been contemplating a business decision. For some reason, I wrestled with this decision for over a week. At the end of my mind war, I kept hearing the words God spoke to me about my company the day He spoke it to existence in my life. However, for comfort sake, I was thinking about making a decision that would be an "easy way out" (if you will).

Yesterday at church, our pastor called for special prayer. When He laid hands on me, two words came forth, "Don't settle." Before I could make it back to my seat, God spoke to my spirit and let me know that this was concerning that business decision I was warring to make.

God quickly reminded me that His word still stands, regardless of what things look like or even how they seem in lieu of lapsed time. Needless to say, I decided to go with God and let go of my own plans. With that, God gave me a glimpse of what I would have forfeited had I gone with what I wanted as opposed to what He spoke to me.

You see, there are only two things that can alter the Word of God made manifest in our lives: 1) another word from God, or 2) our decision making in spite of what He has already spoken.

Let me explain...

When God speaks a word over our lives, that word is guaranteed to come to fruition unless in the midst of our pre-manifestation, God speaks another word for that particular situation. And may I go on record in saying, the new word will include and add to the word He already spoke. Remember, His word shall not return to Him void or without fulfillment (Isaiah 55:11).

On the flip side of that, we can prevent God's word from manifesting in our lives by making self-directed decisions and excluding Him altogether. God said in His word, "I know the plans I have for you..." (Jeremiah 29:11). The thing is, we settle for less that His best despite His plans. Why? Because things aren't going the way we desire, we grow impatient, we become weary in well doing, we allow other people to influence our lives, or we think we know a better way.

If you're reading this and you're like me and have warred between two decisions, i.e. what God has spoken to you and your reality, let me encourage you... "don't settle." If you settle, you're basically telling God that He doesn't know best and that you'll take control of your own life. I know because I was almost there just yesterday. But just like God sent that word to me through my pastor, I'm positive that He is also sending the same word to you today through me.

Don't settle! Stick with what God has spoken to you regarding your life, no matter what. Go with God and you'll never lose.

In His Righteousness,

Deaquelynn~

God is With You

2009-08-21T12:07:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, this summer has been a whirlwind for my family with my niece's illness. She's been through a lot and so have we. But through it all God is with us. He's been there from the beginning and has never turned His back on us, nor forsaken us.

Sometimes it feels like we've been through hell. And from an emotional (and perhaps spiritual) standpoint, I believe we have. But even in hell God was/is with us still.

I'm reminded of what David said in Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me..."

While sitting in ICU for nine weeks, I recall telling a couple of people, "this is the valley of the shadow of death." While there we saw so many families sad, hurt, scared, lonely, confused, and even hopeless. We also saw families loose their children. We prayed for some, prayed with some, connected with others, my sister (in the midst of her own child being near death) stepped outside of herself often and encouraged other parents. Some kids went home and some went to regular rooms... when they did, we rejoiced because we knew that if God did it for them He would also do it for Brittney.

I've learned so many life lessons these past eleven weeks, and I know there are more to come. Today, I just want to encourage you in the midst of whatever storm or valley you may find yourself in today... know that God is with you. He promised to NEVER leave nor forsake you. Take Him at His Word. More than that, take time to feel His presence all around you. Sit still if you have to. He'll reveal more of Himself to you that you can believe. Just say, "Lord, help me to feel Your presence today. Show me that you are here so that I can go forth in confidence."

I love you, but God loves you even more. I'm here for you, but God is there with you.

In His presence,

Deaquelynn~

P.S. To follow Brittney's story, visit http://www.BrittneyMonyse.blogspot.com

Willing Disobedience

2009-05-28T06:32:00.001-05:00

"...why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?" -Acts 5:4

Lately the Lord has been dealing with me on willing disobedience. You know what that is, right? Well, if you don't know I'll explain it to you. Willing disobedience is when we know better and choose not to do better. It is knowing what God has spoken and commanded us to do, yet we decide to disobey and do our own thing instead.

I have to admit, I was in this place for a short period of time. In my case, the desire to do my own thing outweighed God's promise if I had obeyed Him. Something about wrong desires... they will lead you to a place where you will look around and wonder why everything is going wrong, why God's voice is so distanct, and why you are suddenly alone and scratching the surface to grasp deeper spiritual truths.

There is a saying that goes something like this, "Sin will make you stray further than you thought you would stray; sin will make you stay longer than you thought you would stay; and sin will make you pay more than you thought you would pay."

The truth of the matter is, sin begins in our hearts. It's just that simple. As I read Acts 5:1-11 this morning in my quiet/meditation time, these words leaped off the pages at me, "...why has thou conceived this thing in thine heart?"

As I meditated on this question I quickly realized that a pondered thought is a planted seed in our hearts. The more we think on a thing, the more our hearts receive and believe it (good or bad). Before we know it, our hearts produce action.

Ananias and his wife Sapphira purposed in their hearts that they would cheat in that contribution to the church. Why? The Bible says in Acts 5:3 because, "...satan filled their hearts to lie..."

What are you allowing Satan to fill your heart with? For me, I believed his lie that I would be alone and lonely for the rest of my life. I believed that no one would ever want me in my physical condition so I just settled the fact that I would remain single, and I began making poor personal decisions accordingly.

Your situation may be different, Satan may be telling other lies to you. Don't believe it! Don't settle for less than what God has said to you and about you. Purpose that you will willingly obey God no matter what. There is a great reward when you stick with God and follow His plan and purpose for your life.

In His Righteousness,

Deaquelynn~

St. Louis Trip Recap

2009-05-07T09:21:00.012-05:00

Last week I had the privilege of traveling to St. Louis for Kingdom business. I spoke at a conference for Perpetual Life Church based on my ebook, "The Meeting of Success." The trip was grand as I once lived in St. Louis and also got a chance to connect with family and friends while I was there. Here is a quick look at portions of my St. Louis experience.

The sanctuary at Perpetual Life Church was so quaint. I felt the Spirit of Peace while I was there.

Here is the cover of the program. Every night we started on time and followed the program as it was written. The Spirit of Excellence what all over the conference, for sure!

My cousin and I got a chance to eat at a new restaurant called "TRIUMPH Grill" where I enjoyed a grilled chicken Ceasar Salad that was exceptional. I later found out that Triumph makes motorcycles.

Next to the restaurant is the MOTO Museum. It's HUGE! I only took a few pics but you can visit their website at www.theMOTOmuseum.com

The hotel lobby was the "place to be" every evening it seemed as the NBA Playoffs had everyone's attention. I was enjoying the conference during that time. But as you can see, it was a nice lobby. (This pic is only a quarter section of it.)

Coupled with room accommodations, the church gave me this lovely gift basket. I couldn't wait to get into it. Lavender Vanilla smells oh so good! :)

I had copies of my ebooks printed and gave them as gifts. Some people asked me to autograph their books for them... that felt weird. :)

Well, this is just a small portion of my trip. I will share detail notes about the conference sometime today on my Facebook page. In it, I will share notes of each night at the conference and also what I spoke on.

Until next time, be blessed & be empowered!

Deaquelynn~

Be YOU'nique

2009-04-15T09:29:00.012-05:00

As I was thinking about blogging this week, I thought about an interview I saw last year with rapper Lil' Wayne. (Yep, that's right... Lil' Wayne.) In this interview he said something that made so much sense and every time I think of it, it really is a great key to success.

When asked why he was so successful, he said... (paraphrase)

Everybody is always trying to be different. My success is not in being different, but it is in being me.

Then he encouraged the audience saying...

Don't try to be different, because in being different you'll be like everybody else. Just be you. When you be you, then you'll be different.

If you don't know who Lil' Wayne is, he is an urban rapper whose rapping style is very unique and different. Personally, I'm not a fan but when my nieces and nephews listen to the radio, I always know who Lil' Wayne is because is sound is very different and unique.

So, today I want to encourage you through this message from rapper Lil' Wayne. When you consider those things that you desire to do with your business, ministry or any endeavor, don't try to be different... just be YOU! Be true to yourself, your beliefs and personal convictions. In being you, you'll find a YOU'nique quality that only YOU can give!

Be inspired!

Deaquelynn~

Your Expectation Ushers in Your Manifestation

2009-04-08T06:46:00.006-05:00

As I was sitting in the emergency room with my niece yesterday, a thought came so clearly to me...

Your expectation ushers in your manifestation.
As I pondered this thought, I heard this question...

"What are you expecting to happen in your life?"
So now I want to pose the same question to you. "What are you expecting to happen in your life?" I know that for the past few *Monday Matters emails we've dealt with writing and implementing your success goals, and this week we looked at the faith factor.

When you think about your desired success results and the promises God has made concerning your life, are you expecting those things to really happen, or are you operating in wishful thinking?

Expectation is faith in action. When you expect to get a gift in the mail, you check your mailbox. When you expect guests at your house, you prepare the guest room. When you expect to have a new baby, you make sure you have everything you need before the baby arrives.

What are you expecting to happen in your life? More than that, are you prepared when it happens?

Action Step: Make a list of the thing(s) you will need when your desired success results are fully manifested. If you don't already have what you need, go get it!

Deaquelynn~

*To join the Monday Matters weekly email list, visit the CONTACT tab & www.QuelynnInc.com to join the mailing list.

Continue to Focus for Maximum Results

2009-04-08T06:42:00.002-05:00

"You cannot do the minimum and expect maximum results." -Rev Run

Recently someone sent this quote to me in an email. As I read it, I thought about some recent distractions and procrastination I've taken on. The end result was that I had been putting in minimum effort, yet I was still expecting maximum results. How foolish of me! :)

Because I'm always thinking of you and how I can "help YOU build confidence, ignite passion, and define purpose"... I wanted to post this as a reminder to inspire you to keep focused on your vision, dreams, goals and desires. Give it your all! Don't allow distractions to sneak in and steal from you. Also, don't allow yourself to become so overwhelmed with issues of life that you put off your own desires to make others happy.

Live your life to it's fullest. Pursue your vision, dreams, goals and desires to the fullest too. Sometimes you may not see the maximum results immediately, but you will eventually. Diligently pursue success and success will diligently pursue you!

Enjoy today!

Deaquelynn~

Final Exam! It's Over! It's Finished!

2009-03-27T13:26:00.004-05:00

The trials you face in life are only tests. For every set back you overcome, consider it an exam passed. And when it seems too hard to handle, know that you are in your comprehensive final exam.

All of the life lessons you have learned by going through trials and tribulations will be compiled together for a final exam. Do not throw away (forget) your old tests. Keep them in your faith file. Study them and understand what you have been through so you can pass the final exam.

Remember: The word final means there is no more... it is over... it is finished.

Once you pass this one, you will never have to go through this same test or trial again. But more importantly, God will perfect (complete) you because you withstood it all and passed your final exam.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything. -James 1:2-4 NIV

Encouragement:
Sort through your "faith file" and study your old tests. Thank the Lord that you passed and get ready for your final exam. And when all is said and done, remember... It's over! It's finished!

Be blessed!

Deaquelynn~

From Trash to Treasure

2009-03-25T11:24:00.004-05:00

There is a saying that goes like this, "One man's trash is another man's treasure."

I've heard people say that often, especially when relationships end. As a matter of fact, I've said it before when I divorced several years ago. It's funny how we as women seem to accept that saying and subconsciously call ourselves trash.

The truth of the matter is, no one is trash. We are all special, gifted and unique treasures that God created for a specific purpose. However, the issue is, we've often been told that we are not good enough, not pretty enough, not skinny enough, etc. and these imposed imperfections have shaped how we view ourselves inwardly and outwardly.

Sometimes it really does take the "next man" to pull us out of this slump. But the truth is, it should not be that way. We should already know that we are wonderful women who bring value to any relationship we're in. A man should only confirm what we already know. :)

So how can we get over the "trash" mentality? Here are three ways you can begin to move from the "trash to treasure" mentality.

1) Drop old beliefs.

Stop believing that you are those negative things people impose on you. Begin believing that you are perfect just the way you are.

2) Change your self-talk.

Stop agreeing with and speaking those negative words. Begin telling yourself that you are good enough, you are valuable, you are beautiful, etc.

3) Drop the haters.

The truth of the matter is, people only degrade you and put you down because they are jealous or feel they can't get up to your level. So, stop hanging around people who tell you or make you feel like you are trash.

Know that you are a gifted treasure to the world! Share the gift of YOU with the world. We need the light that is within you to make this world a brighter place. Let your light so shine!

Until my next blog... SHINE!

Deaquelynn~

From Hardware to Heartware

2009-03-13T13:32:00.005-05:00

Over a month ago I began experiencing hardware issues with my laptop. The adapter was not charging to full capacity. For some reason it would begin charging and suddenly stop. I soon learned that it was the adapter itself that was the problem, so I bought a new one to replace it. Still, the laptop did not fully charge. It got so bad that I could only spend a few minutes at a time on it.

Finally, after I did all I could to fix the problem, I called the manufacturer. They did a troubleshoot with me over the phone. The troubleshoot did not work so finally the customer service representative told me that I needed to return it to the manufacturer for repairs.

When I sent the laptop back, I have to admit I had some withdrawals from it. I use my laptop for work and for social networking. So I was definitely disconnected from so much. However, God used that time to really minister to my spirit as well.

I got my laptop back from the manufacturer and they did a lot of work on it... replaced adapted, replaced motherboard, replaced loose keys, cleaned the fan, etc. Here I was thinking that it only had one problem, but there were more. Actually, I knew that one key was loose, but as long as it worked I ignored it.

Recently I had this thought... what I went through with my laptop is the same thing we sometime go through with issues of the heart. When our HEARTware is not working properly, we often try to repair the problem on our own. Thinking that if we do a few things, it will make the problems go away. Yet, no matter what we do, the issues still remains or in some cases get worst.

Only our Manufacturer, God the Creator and All Mighty, is the only one who can repair our HEARTware. All we need to do is give our hearts to Him -- you know... those issues that seems to tear you down and tries to rip you apart on the inside. When we give it to Him, He alone is able to repair the issues and make us like new... even those issues that we don't even know is there and those issues that we ignore.

I trusted the manufacturers to take care of my laptop because they are the company that produced it. If anyone would know how to repair it, I had confidence that they would. Today, will you trust and have confidence in God with your HEARTware? Who knows how to repair your heart better than the One Who created you in the first place?

Be blessed,

Deaquelynn~

The Geese

2009-03-11T09:16:00.001-05:00

There was once a man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays. His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments.

One snowy Eve, his wife was taking their children to service in the farm community in which they lived. They were to talk about Jesus' birth. She asked him to come, but he refused. "That story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That's ridiculous!"

So she and the children left, and he stayed home.

A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. He looked out, but couldn't see more than a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window.

In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed.

The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them, and they moved further away. He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread crumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on.

Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be and safe.

"Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed. "Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?"

He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human "If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud.

Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn -- and one-by-one, the other geese followed it to safety.

He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then I could save them!"

Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous!"

Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese--blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood why Christ had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished with the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer:

"Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!"

(SENT TO IN HIM MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL BY HEATHER IN SOUTH AFRICA)

It's All For a Purpose

2009-02-24T16:01:00.003-06:00

Isaiah 54:16-17, AMP

16 Behold, I have created the smith who blows on the fire of coals and who produces a weapon for its purpose; and I have created the devastator to destroy.

17 But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall show to be in the wrong. This [peace, righteousness, security, triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the Lord [those in whom the ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced]; this is the righteousness or the vindication which they obtain from Me [this is that which I impart to them as their justification], says the Lord. (Bold Emphasis Added)

As I read this passage last week in my quiet time, I had never paid attention to verse sixteen before. I'm quick to quote verse seventeen often, but when I read both verses last week, I was tremendously encouraged in my spirit. Quickly I grabbed my notepad and wrote the following question:

"What weapon has been formed again you?"

When I thought about my personal answer, so many "weapons" came to mind. (I'm rejoicing over them right now too.) Then I continued to write:

"Although the weapon that is formed will not prosper (God promised that it will not prosper in verse 17) -- the weapon was/is formed for a purpose."

Remember Romans 8:28 which says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

My writing continued:

"When opposition rises again you and you find yourself going through a tough time - it is for a purpose."

If you're a Believer, then you should know that tough times will come into your life. You are not exempt. However, you must know two key things that will help you in those tough time. 1) Those tough times are for a purpose, 2) You are anointed to make it through. Why? Because although the weapon is formed, it cannot/will not prosper. (That's called grace!)

Until my next blog, be encouraged and remember... it's all for a purpose!

Deaquelynn~

What Does It Mean to Really Love Someone?

2009-02-04T20:41:00.004-06:00

Someone I love let me down recently, and boy did it hurt! I'm not sure what was going on with them because for whatever reason, they chose to shut me out and not communicate with me. I was not sure how to handle everything. But one thing I do know... as with all of life's issues... this was a test for me.

Strange thing about it is that all month long through Quelynn, Inc. I'm focusing on relationships and a "celebration of love." God gave me that idea, and I'm assuming that my new test in this current relationship is to see where I actually stand on loving a person no matter what.

I have to admit that my feelings were hurt and it caused me to examine if this relationship was/is worth the effort of putting up with such shenanigans. The more I thought about it, the more love won in the end.

I don't love people on conditions and based on what they can or cannot do for me; or whether they share or withhold information from me. I learned a very long time ago that we cannot expect people to love us the way we love them. Why? Because we are all different and unique individuals who have different ways to express ourselves. Where some people are more open and free to love, others are reserved and withdrawn at times.

In the whole scheme of things, I thought about my relationship with the one person who I know loves me unconditionally.... God the Most High -- my Creator and Friend. When I think of the times I've lied to Him, disappointed Him, turned my back on Him and even outright disobeyed Him in His face... He loved me still. He loves me despite my imperfections and weaknesses. He loves me through them too. Because He loves me so much, and because I'm a reflection of Him in the earth... I must love everyone unconditionally as well.

True love, agape love, is what life is all about. When we master agape love, all else is of little importance. As I write this, I'm reminded of this passage from 1 John 4:7-12, NCV

Love Comes from God

7 Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God's child and knows God.8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.9 This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. 10 This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God's love for us. He sent his Son to die in our place to take away our sins.
11 Dear friends, if God loved us that much we also should love each other.12 No one has ever seen God, but if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is made perfect in us.

I want to encourage you to think about your relationships this week. Really examine them (as I'm doing right now). Then ask yourself, "Am I really operating in the love of God?"

Until my next blog, be blessed!

Deaquelynn~

Think, Believe, Speak, Act

2008-12-28T20:06:00.012-06:00

I've been wanting to blog for a while now, but I've had to really think about what I wanted to blog about. I have everything and nothing to talk about at the same time... just not sure what to make of it.

As I sit here and reflect on 2008, I must say that I've had a spectacular year! I've had my challenges and personal issues, but all in all, it was a great year.

Earlier this year, I wrote on an index card that , "THIS IS MY BEST YEAR EVER!" I also wrote, "I am guaranteed to see breakthrough in: my health, personal life, relationships, finances, ministry and business."

I must say, without a shadow of a doubt, that I have truly seen a breakthrough in each of these areas. My mindset changed, and when my mindset (thinking) changed, my words, belief, and actions also changed.

One other thing I wrote on that index cards is that "I am hooked up with the right people." I have to tell you that indeed I am hooked up with the right people. God has sent some great men and women of God in my life this year who have been a tremendous blessing to me, and I feel I have in turn been a tremendous bless to them (at least I pray that I have).

As I reflect, I realize that I sculpted my 2008 with that index card. Not only did I write it, I also believed I would see it all come to fruition, and I spoke it every day. Amazing to see the power of thought, belief, spoken word, and action.

I just want to inspire and encourage you as it relates to what you want for your life in 2009. Think now. Believe now. Speak now. Act now. You will see it all happen for you.

Next year, I'm going to experience MORE of what I experienced in 2008... more breakthrough in every area of my life, and I will connect to more people... and 2009 will be even better that 2008. It's guaranteed!

I wish/pray the same for you!

Until my next blog, think, believe, speak and act now.

Deaquelynn~

Welcome to Quelynn, Inc.

2008-12-19T08:53:00.002-06:00

The Girl Within [Every Woman]

2008-12-13T09:12:00.003-06:00

I've been wanting to blog for a while, but I did not want anything to overshadow my miracle testimony. I've been so blessed as a result of what God did and is doing in my body. My ministry, which was once put on hold, is now beginning to shine again. Amazing how illness with cause you to shut down and not do anything. WOW!

Now that my ministry is beginning again, we relaunched our support group for women called "The Girl Within." It is a group for women who has suffered at the hands of life in general: divorce, bad relationships, death, miscarriage, domestic violence & abuse, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, fatherless, sexual abuse, hurt by the church... you name it, it's for you.

Our mission is to "heal the girl within so you can become the woman without...(issues)."

We have two current communities of women involved in The Girl Within: 1) our group that gathers twice a month here in the Birmingham area, and 2) our online community of women from all over the country (www.thegirlwithin.ning.com). I'm very excited about both groups as I know God is going to heal hearts and set women free as a result of being a part of each group.

Group #1 (local community) had our very first meeting last Friday. What a blessing it was! What was planned as a two hour gathering, ended up as four hours because we all shared from our hearts on various struggles we've faced (or are currently facing) as women. We quickly learned that we are not the only ones going through, and many of the ladies had similar stories. How awesome is that, that God would send someone who has gone through the very same things to help bring you out!

As we all shared stories and shed tears, I remember sitting in awe of my Lord & Savior and thanking Him for the atmosphere. You see, exposure kills the enemy. When we hold on to our issues and hurt, we tend to let those issues fester in our hearts and grow. That is where bitterness, resentment, jealousy and even sickness take root. But as soon as we admit we have issues and problems, God can then come in and repair those damaged places and restore us into a right relationship with Him as well as those around us.

With that being said... What issues are you holding on to today? Why are you still holding on to past hurts? Will you release them so you can heal and more forward? It's all about letting go of the past and making room for the awesome future that God has for you.

I love you, and God loves you more!

Until next time, search the girl within you. Heal her so she can become the woman without... (issues). Join us on Twitter @TheGirlWithin and our online community at www.thegirlwithin.ning.com

My Miracle Story

2008-11-14T15:47:00.004-06:00

All my life I've heard stories of people who received miraculous healing. Arms extended, tumors disappear, cancer gone... so many miraculous works of God. I've been a Believe all my life and although I've always had faith and believed in God, I had no idea that one day I would take part and be personally impacted by God through a miracle.

At the beginning of this year, I went through a life-changing experience in my body. Starting in February as I provided care for my sister who had just had a major operation, I literally felt my health failing. Each day that I walked, I began feeling excruciating pain that got worse and worse over a period of time. After seeing four doctors (three specialist) and going through test after test after test, the conclusion they reached was that my pelvis bone has deteriorated so bad that it caused my hip bone to go into my pelvis area - thus causing my left leg to become shorter than my right. They also concluded that because of the damage and a pre-existing ailment, it would cause more harm than good to replace the pelvis. So, they sent me on my way on crutches (indefinitely)...

On November 5th, Pastor Tommy Combs (http://tommycombs.org) was invited to do a healing service at our church (http://rebirthchristian.org). Prior to this service I had so many anxieties as I did not know what to do or what to think would happen to me. Would God heal me? Was my faith strong enough to receive? Should I even go, or should I stay home to save myself the embarrassment altogether.

Well, I did go and this is what happened...

After teaching the Word, the healing service began and before I know it, Pastor Combs said, "There is a person in here who has one leg shorter than the other." I was on my walking cane (instead of crutches) and I headed up the isle. Before I got there, the church was in an uproar because everyone knows and see me on crutches or cane every Sunday & Wednesday. When I got there he had me to sit on the front row and he measured (by sight) the length difference and said to the church -- there is a 2 1/2 - 3" difference. He lifted my legs up (I could have never let my legs up that high prior)... as he lifted my legs, the left leg grew to the same length as the right. Hallelujah! I walked up and down the isle. The limp started going away -- although it is not completely gone... today my legs are the same length.

Although the limp is not completely gone because of the pelvis issues, I've been walking around as often as I can without the cane and I have not been on crutches since that day -- I am healed. One day at a time. God is awesome!!! There have been people fasting and praying for me that I did not know were doing it... even strangers. God just knows what to do, when to do it and how to do it. This healing was/is not just for me, but for those people who have been standing in prayer and fasting for me. Hallelujah! Phase I done! Phase II -- soon to be complete as well. Glory to God!

This blog does not do justice for what happened or how I feel. However, I needed to share what God did for me and encourage someone that if He did it for me, He will do it for you too. Just have faith and believe! God is alive. He is real and He still works miracles even today.

Deaquelynn~

Fall in Alabama, Pt. 1

2008-11-13T11:16:00.010-06:00

Here are a couple of pictures of the scenery here in Alabama. I love Alabama in the Fall because it is so beautiful here. I plan to go out this weekend and take pictures to share with you. This is part one! I took these two pics with my cell phone -- it does not do justice.

My family and I live in a suburb near Birmingham. Our neighborhood is literally on a mountain. It is so beautiful! Here is a pic of what we see when we walk out the door everyday. Trees, trees and more trees!

This is a quick picture I took of the tree in our front yard. It is full of beautiful brown and red leaves.

Wherever you are, enjoy God's beautiful creation!

Be a B.L.E.S.S.I.N.G.

2008-11-06T12:41:00.003-06:00

When I'm inspired by God, what can I say?

I am always praying for and sending blessings to people. Many times I even sign my email with the word "blessings." Today as I was on Twitter sharing with my new online friends, I was inspired to really examine what being a blessing really means. Of course, you already know that I am very keen on looking up words... so here is the definition of blessing according to Encarta's English Dictionary:

* God's help: help believed to come from God or another deity.
* Religious act: a ceremony in which an ordained person invokes or claims to bestow divine help.
* Approval: approval or good wishes.
* Something fortunate: something to be glad or relieved about.

To be a blessing means to be all of these things to people that you encounter on a daily basis. Oh how fortunate we are to be able to be a blessing to people -- remember that.

As I gave it more thought, I wrote an acrostic for B.L.E.S.S.I.N.G. that I think is the perfect example of this. Here is what it means to truly be a blessing...

Believe in God
Listen to His voice
Experience His presence
Share His love
Seek His face
Inspire His people
Never doubt
Go and be a blessing

Until I'm inspired again... be a B.L.E.S.S.I.N.G.!

Pslam 23

2008-10-28T19:41:00.002-05:00

Is this not the cutest thing you've ever seen?

Day 23 "The Process"

2008-10-26T19:47:00.003-05:00

Last week we completed the third week of the 30 Days to Confidence, Passion & Purpose Challenge (hope you can join the next cycle beginning January 1, 2009 @ http://QuelynnInc.com). On Day 23 we were challenged to seek God in the process of our miracle or expected end.

Recently, I read over my notes from a Sunday service in August where my pastor said the following:

* Can you stick it out if your miracle in not presto but is a process?
* God can change the thing through the presto, but He has to change you through the process.

Powerful, isn't it? Because I am teacher gifted and I love words, I decided to look up the word process. After all, we know that presto is the instant manifestation, right? According to Encarta's English Dictionary, the word PROCESS means:

* series of actions: a series of actions directed toward a specific aim.
* series of natural occurrences: a series of natural occurrences that produce change or development.

What are you waiting for to manifest in your life? Do you ever feel like it is taking too long to get here? Consider that perhaps God is perfecting [maturing] you through the process of your miracle. Your goal in the process should not be to sit passively and do nothing, but seek God as to what you should do in this process.

Ask God, "What are You teaching me in this process? What must I do in this process? What lessons do I need to learn while I'm in this place of process?" Then ask God to help you to seek, submit to and obey Him until He perfect those things in you that will usher in your miracle.

Until next time, be blessed!

Your Attention Please!

2008-10-24T15:13:00.004-05:00

I learned in recent years that a person can only give attention to one thing at a time. You can have a long list of things to accomplish, but you can only do it one at a time.

My suggestion:

1. Prioritize.
2. Unify.

Prioritize your list. Decide what is most important and do that first. Then, unify your list by identifying which goals will help make accomplishing other ones easier.

When you do these two things, you'll see a difference.

Until next time, prioritize and unify your goals!

Day 20 of the Challenge

2008-10-20T11:04:00.005-05:00

Today is spiritual cleansing day! A day set aside for total confession and repentance from our sins. We have been challenged to look at our lives from a totally different perspective by asking God to reveal our errors.

The Bible teaches us in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We are no exception to this rule. But here is the Good News from 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Today, sit in a quiet place before God and ask Him to show you areas in your life that you have missed the mark in. Call those things out to God, confess and be cleansed. Ask God to help you to grow and be strengthened in your walk with Him and to help you overcome these areas. Remember, your relationship with God it is a daily walk. He does not require you to be perfect, but He wants you to strive towards perfection [maturity] daily. Plus, you have to be emptied before you can be filled. I guarantee that when you complete this challenge today you will feel a huge weight released off your shoulders.

Please consider joining us in January 2009 for the next 30 Day Challenge!

Blessings!

A Walking Miracle

2008-10-20T10:22:00.003-05:00

This is my six year old niece, Erin. She literally is a walking miracle. I just love this pic of her taken last summer after a rain shower. Her favorite thing to do in the summer is play in the rain. Amazing... to be a kid again! :o)

YOU

2008-10-18T08:24:00.002-05:00

Someone sent this video to me as a comment on my MySpace page recently, and I absolutely fell in love with it. For some reason, I've gotten a new found love for spoken word pieces. I hope you enjoy this video. If I come across more, I will be sure to share it. Enjoy!

A Definition of Ministry

2008-10-10T15:29:00.005-05:00

My life is so blessed! I am finally doing what I love -- helping women and girls of all ages come into the full knowledge and purpose of who God created them to be.

In October 2007 I quit my job to accomplish full time ministry. Funny because within the first two weeks of me being there, God spoke to me and told me, "This is the last job you will ever have to work."

At the time I had no idea what, when or how God would do it. But, He did. Shortly after I quit my job, God finally gave me the plans for my business - and it has become a ministry all of it's own.

Another funny thing... I did not think the business would turn into a "ministry". But I quickly learned one valuable lesson, and that is - when you live for God and through God, all you do is ministry.

Sometimes we get so caught up in what ministry is. Many people think it is a church auxiliary, or something we do for less fortunate people be it orphans, the poor, homeless, widows, etc. Yes, that is a part of ministry, but it is ONLY a small part of ministry.

True ministry to me is SERVICE in everyday life. Serving people through the love of God. Whether the person you serve is wealthy, living on the streets, or somewhere in between. Walking in love, showing love, and being love is all that matters.

One of my favorite Bible passes comes from 1 John 4:7-8, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loves is born of God, and knows God. He who does not love, does not know God; for God is love." This is true ministry!

Jesus Himself said, "A new commandment I give unto you, tat you love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:34)

Until my next blog... love!

A Grateful Heart

2008-10-06T10:02:00.006-05:00

Today, I thought about all the things I am grateful for...

Jesus [God], sound mind, loving relationships, health, strength, peace, joy & laughter, my ministry, my business, my church & church family, my pastors, my prayer group, friendships, family (just to name a few).

Indeed, I am a blessed woman!

I want to pose a question to you today...

What are you grateful for?

Make a list and post it where you can see it everyday. Each day add something new to your list. Then take a moment to thank God for blessing your life. This develops a heart of gratitude.

Until my next blog, be grateful!

Day 3 of the Challenge

2008-10-03T16:04:00.000-05:00

Today is Day 3 of the 31 Days to Confidence, Passion & Purpose Challenge I put together for women. These last few days have been so dynamic and exciting for me and for the ladies on the challenge as well.

Now that we have entered into the final quarter of the year, let me ask you a few questions.

1. Did you complete any of the goals that you set out to accomplish in the beginning of the year?
2. Have you set new goals as a result of completing prior ones?
3. If you did not complete any of your goals, why didn't you?

Stop and take a moment to answer these questions. Don't feel bad or condemned if you have not completed anything. Simply begin today working on at least one goal whether it is an old one or a new one.

Until my next blog... go get 'em!

By Faith

2008-09-25T13:02:00.000-05:00

Can the unclean thing become clean again? Yes, it can… by faith. The “unclean” woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus by faith and was cleansed.

Mark 5, KJV

25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,

26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,

27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.

28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.

29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?

31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?

32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.

33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

How did this unclean woman become clean? By faith.

There are four components of faith  Hearing, Believing, Confessing, Action

Hearing (v. 27)

She heard Jesus was coming (faith comes by hearing). This woman would have never received her healing had she never heard about Jesus or that He was going to come “in reach” of her as He passed through. Faith begins where the will of God is known, and God’s will is God’s Word. We have to hear in order to have faith. Amen. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Believing

Although Mark 5 does not say the words “She believed in her hear” we know that this woman believed because in verse 27, immediately after hearing the Bible says she “came in the press behind” Him. In order for her to press in, she must have believed what she heard. She believed in her heart that if she could touch only the hem of His garment she would be made whole. (Revelation… the “press” is belief. So to “press your way though” actually means to “believe” your way though.)

Confessing (v. 28)

She confessed that if she could touch Him [Jesus] she would be made whole. Confession is a key component of faith that people often miss. Confession is simply releasing your faith by the words of your mouth. We must confess [speak our faith] unto salvation. Romans10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. In other words, we must release our faith through the words of our mouth until we see the manifestation.

Action

She did it! She actually touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and immediately she was cleansed and made whole. People of God, hearing is not enough! Believing is not enough! Confession is not enough! We must put action to what we stand in faith for. Without action we would never know if our faith produced any results. Where is your faith? What have you done about it?

James 2, NIV

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Notice… the woman with the issue of blood did not keep touching Jesus. Only ONE TOUCH by faith and she was cleansed. In other words, the matter was resolved immediately when she took it to Jesus! Hallelujah! Had she never acted on what she believed, she would not have been cleansed.

Don’t think that because you were once promiscuous, a liar, a cheat or anything “unclean” that God cannot cleanse you. Not only can He cleanse you, He wants to cleanse you. Why? So He can receive glory from your life. I don’t doubt in my mind that this woman with the issue of blood left Jesus’ and went and told everyone she knew what He had done for her. Thus making her the bearer of “good news”… sounds like she may have preached the gospel, huh?

God wants to use you in a mighty way! Don’t feel discouraged because you have not always lived right or done the right thing. By faith you can be cleansed and whole! Receive it today!

Do you desire healing in your body? Do you need deliverance in a certain area of your life? Are there relationships that you need to mend through forgiveness? Now matter what you are in need of, no matter how broken or “unclean” your situation may be, you can be whole by faith! Receive it today! Now is the time. Don’t wait. Seek God. Seek His Word. Believe in your heart. Confess with your mouth. And take action today! God will honor your faith today!

Be blessed in Jesus!

Something Different

2008-09-19T10:02:00.001-05:00

I have this saying that I adopted as my theme for this year. It goes, "If you want something you've never had before, then you much do something you've never done before." My pastor often says, "If you don't live like everybody else today, then you will not live like everybody else tomorrow."

Sometimes you just have to be different and not like everybody else to expand yourself and grow. Not only must you be different, you must do something different and make necessary sacrifices to see your dreams and aspirations come to fruition.

They say the definition of stupidity is doing the same things over and over again, expecting different results. You are not stupid by any means. So today, do something different. Be something different. Say something different. Think something different. Love someone differently.

If what you're doing is not working and you are not seeing the results you desire to see... CHANGE! Your destiny is in your hands.

Until my next blog... be blessed beyond measure!

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2008-09-17T09:04:00.001-05:00

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can." -John Wesley

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2008-09-11T07:21:00.000-05:00

"If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however, if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I help you become that." -Johann Goethe

The Woman With the Issue of Blood

2008-09-10T21:35:00.000-05:00

When I first saw this video, I was moved to tears. If you've ever experienced hardships of any kind, this video will give you hope. Please enjoy!

My Shield & The Lifter of My Head

2008-09-10T09:59:00.000-05:00

"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." -Psalm 3:9, AMP

Have you ever been so down in your spirits that your body language reflected what you were feeling? You slouched. You looked sad. Your head was down.

I've been there before! It seemed that what I was going through was so much bigger than me and I just couldn't handle it. But one day I came to the realization that God is bigger than any situation I would find myself in. Not only is He bigger, He also shields me from any adverse circumstances and He lifts my head so that I will not sorrow.

Be encouraged today that God is your shield and the lifter of your head. There is no need to sorrow or live in self-pity.

I love you... yet God loves you more!

xoxo.

Wait Expectantly

2008-09-08T15:31:00.000-05:00

I remember when I was a little girl, my God-grandparents would visit us from Cleveland, Ohio once or twice a year. I loved them so much and life just seems so much better having them around.

Sometimes they would just show up in their station wagon in our driveway in the middle of the night. Other times they would call and say that they were coming to visit and would be at our house at a certain time.

I would sit up late as night sometimes waiting to hear their car in the driveway, or waiting to hear the doorbell ring. I remember those times like they were yesterday. And if I close my eyes and take my mind there, I can still feel the joy I felt all those yeas ago knowing they had arrived. Why was I so excited? I was excited because I would be able to spend time with two very special people in my life. I was excited because I knew they loved my mother, sister and me. I was excited because their trip meant that we would go places and visit people and do some fun activities during their visit.

Today, I was led to read a Scripture about waiting expectantly on the Lord. It is Psalm 25:5, AMP (part b) "...for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long."

Did you know that when God shows up in your life, He brings all of those things you need and desire? Not only that but He loves you unconditionally and you can guaranteed that He will show you His love in numerous ways. Wait on Him today expecting your breakthrough, expecting your miracle, and expecting your provision.

Until next time, wait expectantly!

You Are Not on Sale!

2008-09-08T07:46:00.000-05:00

On yesterday I watched a special show on PBS with Suze Orman called "Women & Money." I tuned in late, but I was able to get some good information and take notes. Today I wanted to share one portion of my notes that reminded me of all the wonderful women I've encountered through Quelynn, Inc. You are all very special and precious gifts to the world. This message is a reminder of just how special you are.

Here are my notes:

SAVE YOURSELF!

When you save yourself, you are also saving all those that you love.

To become powerful with your money, you have to become powerful with yourself.

YOU ARE NOT ON SALE!

You, your services, your time, your energy (etc.) are not on sale.

Stop treating yourself like you are on sale.

Stop undervaluing yourself! When YOU undervalue yourself, the world undervalues you.

It is okay to say "no" in order to bring value to your time.

Ask yourself - "What am I doing to put myself on sale? What can I do to take myself off the sales rack?"

Knowledge will give you the power of what you are worth.

Suze has a book titled "Women & Money" I suggest that you get this book because she also talked about the 8 Qualities of a Wealthy Woman and other principles that I am positive with help change your life.

I pray that you all have a blessed and prosperous week!

P.S. I am putting together a 31 day challenge for the month of October called 31 Days to Confidence, Passion & Purpose. I will provide more information in the weeks to come. It is very exciting!

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2008-09-05T11:20:00.001-05:00

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens: but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened before us." -Hellen Keller

Self-Assessment

2008-09-05T11:09:00.000-05:00

After my Bible reading time the other night, I took time to make a personal assessment. I encourage you to make the same assessment that I made. It sure did open my eyes to myself and help me to see room for improvement that I need to make...

1. Is Jesus really the LORD of my life? (I suggest you look up the word "LORD" here).

2. How do I know?

3. Do I share the love of God with others?

4. Is there room for improvement in my life when it comes to sharing God's love with others?

5. When people look at my life, do I reflect the love of God?

6. Can my love walk stand to be improved? In what way(s)?

7. What area(s) in my relationship with God can I improve?

Note: Always do a self check-up from time to time. It keeps you on track!

Be empowered to prosper!