A Thanksgiving Story

A Thanksgiving Story
Author: Andrea Nannette Mejia

It was the day before Thanksgiving ­ the first one my three children and I would be spending without their father, who had left several months before. Now the two older children were very sick with the flu, and the eldest had just been prescribed bed rest for a week.

It was a cool, gray day outside, and a light rain was falling. I grew wearier as I scurried around, trying to care for each child: thermometers, juice, diapers. And I was fast running out of liquids for the children. But when I checked my purse, all I found was about $2.50 ­ and this was supposed to last me until the end of the month. That's when I heard the phone ring.

It was the secretary from our former church, and she told me that they had been thinking about us and had something to give us from the congregation. I told her that I was going out to pick up some more juice and soup for the children, and I would drop by the church on my way to the market.

I arrived at the church just before lunch. The church secretary met me at the door and handed me a special gift envelope. "We think of you and the kids often," she said, "and you are in our hearts and prayers. We love you." When I opened the envelope, I found two grocery certificates inside. Each was worth $20. I was so touched and moved, I broke down and cried.

"Thank you very much," I said, as we hugged each other. "Please give our love and thanks to the church." Then I drove to a store near our home and purchased some much-needed items for the children.

At the check-out counter I had a little over $14.00 worth of groceries, and I handed the cashier one of the gift certificates. She took it, then turned her back for what seemed like a very long time. I thought something might be wrong. Finally I said, "This gift certificate is a real blessing. Our former church gave it to our family, knowing I'm a single parent trying to make ends meet."

The cashier then turned around, with tears in her loving eyes, and replied, "Honey, that's wonderful! Do you have a turkey?"

"No. It's okay because my children are sick anyway."

She then asked, "Do you have anything else for Thanksgiving dinner?"

Again I replied, "No."

After handing me the change from the certificate, she looked at my face and said, "Honey, I can't tell you exactly why right now, but I want you to go back into the store and buy a turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie or anything else you need for a Thanksgiving dinner."

I was shocked, and humbled to tears. "Are you sure?" I asked.

"Yes! Get whatever you want. And get some Gatorade for the kids."

I felt awkward as I went back to do more shopping, but I selected a fresh turkey, a few yams and potatoes, and some juices for the children. Then I wheeled the shopping cart up to the same cashier as before. As I placed my groceries on the counter, she looked at me once more with giant tears in her kind eyes and began to speak.

"Now I can tell you. This morning I prayed that I could help someone today, and you walked through my line." She reached under the counter for her purse and took out a $20 bill. She paid for my groceries and then handed me the change. Once more I was moved to tears.

The sweet cashier then said, "I am a Christian. Here is my phone number if you ever need anything." She then took my head in her hands, kissed my cheek and said, "God bless you, honey."

As I walked to my car, I was overwhelmed by this stranger's love and by the realization that God loves my family too, and shows us his love through this stranger's and my church's kind deeds.

The children were supposed to have spent Thanksgiving with their father that year, but because of the flu they were home with me, for a very special Thanksgiving Day. They were feeling better, and we all ate the goodness of the Lord's bounty ­ and our community's love. Our hearts were truly filled with thanks.


"Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone, from my family...to yours!"

God's Message to Women

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you.

Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity. From one bone I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone I shaped you. I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully.

Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life.

The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib cage supports the body. You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.

You are my perfect angel. You are my beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes - don't change them. Your lips how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form, your hands so gentle to touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep; I've held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are the most like me. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day and yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. He could only feel me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you: my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support.

You are special because you are the extension of me. Man represents my image - woman, my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God.

So man - treat woman well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile. In hurting her, you hurt me. What you do to her, you do to me. In crushing her, you only damage your own heart, the heart of your Father, and the heart of her Father.

Woman, support man. In humility, show him the power of emotion I have given you. In gentle quietness show your strength. In love, show him that you are the rib that protects his inner self.

Did you not know that WOMAN was so special in God's eyes? Now we really know! Hallelujah!!

What a long time coming...Huh!

Well, well, well...it's truly been a while since I've come up for air to post another update in the Life of Lily. I've missed you guys and only no one but God Himself, has sustained me. But nonetheless, I'm back and ready to embark on a continued journey of events, victories, and revelations that I hope will be a blessing for you as well.

What's been happening to me lately? Well, I have taken a hiatus from the literary world and have focused on my day job: teaching our youth. But during these last two months, God has opened up the gates of Heaven and poured out many blessings! First, I was awarded and given the title of Standards-Based Model Classroom Teacher! Teachers and district personnel come through for observations, workshops and seminars with me on Best Practices and Teacher Assessment and Learning. How did all of this occur? A few months at the end of the school year, I was observed by district personnel, and one day via email, it was announced that I displayed excellence in teaching, and wanted to compensate me by not only giving me this role, but also be given the opportunity to go to any conference FREE, in the continental United States! So in October I will be flying out to Washington, DC, to the Annual Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development's Conference-all expenses paid! What an honor!

God said, He would give you favor with man! I praise God that I can use my hands, and what I do with them for HIM, gives HIM the glory! But that's not all, now the District Office calls me to help with other district workshops, and expertise that I never thought possible. And I'm also up for another promotion. (Shhhh, don't tell anyone). I'm just claiming it now. But I have an interview on Sept. 28th!

Next, a few months back, as my first children's book was released, I got in touch with a charity called EMBRACE, which is a Georgia Foster Care Initiative that trains and mentors potential foster parents. Since I'm an adopted child, and my main character in the book, "An Act of Forgiveness" is a foster child, I wanted to find a way to use my book to give back to the community, and hence this charity. Well, it turned out very well, and all was benefited. A friend of mine, shortly thereafter ran across a contest called "The Pine sol Powerful Difference Contest." It's a contest honoring women who have made a Powerful Difference in their community. Well, my friend nominated me, and GUESS WHAT? I was a winner! Not the Grand Prize, but First Place, which entitled my charity to win $2000 and I to be featured in an upcoming issue of EBONY MAGAZINE (December issue).

So as you can see, I've been busy in so many ways. And I'm sorry to not have been more active with my blog. A lot of reflecting have been going into my business and writing career. All I can say is that a HUGE SALE will be taking place, bigger than the one you see on http://www.everythingthatslily.com now (presently at 40% off until end of the month). More details will come as to the reason for the sale and what to look out for! Be sure to tell all of your friends and family about it!

Know that I love you, and look for future posts to warm the heart and bless your spirit!

In God's Grace,

Where are your eyes focused?

This gave me a great sense of encouragement today. I hope it does the same for you. Where are your eyes focused? You should keep your eyes on the Prize! Enjoy and be blessed!



Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
Deshawn Snow


Action is fierce.
Action does not give up.
Action prepares you for opportunity.

One of the most common vision killers (and joy stealers) is being distracted from the action you’re supposed to take. When you take your eyes off of Jesus and what He’s placed in your heart, your strength will fail.

Romans 12:4-8 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

In other words, stay in your lane. Do what God has placed in your heart to do, and let others do what’s in theirs.

Another common dream killer is failing to tap into the anointing and power of God. Romans 8:19 says that the whole creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughter’s of the Most High God. That’s you and me. The same power that raised Christ from the grave is available to you and I today. We have to tap into that anointing and power. Not just tap into it a little bit, but let our entire lives be influenced by God’s anointing.

Don’t block your anointing by trying to do everything in your own strength. As God’s children, God’s anointing is available to us all, but it is up to us to invite Him in to help and strengthen us. Sometimes we let our own guilt and shame keep us from seeking God’s anointing. This is ridiculous. God loves us all equally, and no one is more entitled to God’s anointing more than another. The Bible says that once we ask for forgiveness, all of our sins are on the ocean floor. We can’t let guilt keep us from flourishing in God.

Be careful, though. You can have incredible vision, purpose, scriptural knowledge and more; but, if you do not forgive yourself once God has forgiven you, you will not be able to completely fulfill your vision. Avoid these other vision killers, too: thinking someone else can do it better, fear, lack of drive, insecurity and jealousy.

We get to come to the Father daily and give him all of these issues. He, in return, makes us able to overcome. The Bible is clear that our spirit man wages war against our flesh. This isn’t an abnormal thing. This is a daily thing! But the stronger we get with God, the easier it is recognize when our flesh is fighting us.

God wants to enlarge your tents, so to speak. His plans for all of us are huge, and He wants to see us enacting them. Get in agreement with Him, daily fight your flesh, and let Him use you. You’ll see your vision becoming action, and your action become the opportunity of a lifetime!

Here are just a few reminders to keep you on the path toward your destiny:

• Don’t be distracted from your God-appointed action.
• Stay in your lane. Don’t try to direct someone else’s actions – focus on your own.
• Use God’s strength. You don’t have enough of your own to create real action.
• Give all of your personal issues to God.

A motivational speaker, television personality, and philanthropist, DeShawn Snow lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband-NBA player Eric Snow and three adored sons. A socialite-turned-servant, Deshawn is studying to earn her Master of Divinity degree. For more information about Deshawn, log onto DeShawnSnowEnterprises.com or DeShawnSnow.com/Blog

How Lily Ratliff Blossomed After the Rain

I'm really excited this month! I have been blessed to be radio interviewed and featured on the cover of Faith-Filled Stilettos Magazine! Please check out my feature story and my Secret Sistah Confession on this month's issue of Faith-Filled Stilettos!

Post your comments either here or on the website!

Be Blessed!

Day 4 of the Isaiah 40:31 Blog Tour!

Soar like an Eagle!

One of the most famous scriptures in the bible today is Isaiah 40:31 which says, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (KJV) However, we as a people recite this verse, not truly realizing the extent to what our God is really saying to His people, especially in these last and evil days.

Many of us today are facing a financial crisis that this world as never seen since the Great Depression. People are losing their jobs and their homes, their life savings from 401K’s and stocks and bonds are gone by the close of the day, and sickness and disease has crept up into many a families from the stress of all that’s going on around them. However, if we are children of God and truly living within the body of Christ, we are not a part of the recession. As children of the Almighty King, we shouldn’t have to claim that Egypt mentality. Oh no, we are living in Goshen if we are lined up to the will and power of God! Amen!

God wants us to wait on Him. And not just wait in the literal sense of waiting for Him to respond, which we know he will also do, but also waiting (as the Hebrew Qavah suggests-which means to hope or look for, or have great expectation in receiving His salvation and help in the time of need). We can’t do everything on our own accord and our own will, because it will do nothing but collapse and fail. God calls those people in Isaiah 40:30-youth or vigorous young men because they run like mad men trying to work up something, but fall flat on their faces from weariness and fatigue. Selfishness is something God will not tolerate. But if we are ready to receive all that God has for us, then God will grant us power to withstand-it’s the kind of strength that will move mountains! He will restore us to our rightful positions. Hallelujah! It says in Isaiah 40:28, and I will paraphrase this: Didn’t you know? Haven’t you heard that our Almighty God, who made heaven and earth, never fails, nor gets weary or weak in well-doing? You may not understand Him, in His infinite wisdom, but he’s asking for you to do the impossible! You may complain about the length of your journey, and feel you can’t make it. If you look at God through your circumstances, He will seem small and very far away, as if you can’t get a prayer through, but if by faith you look at your circumstances through God, He will draw very near and reveal His greatness to you. When the devil tries to come against us, with the authority God has given us, we will be able to step on his head, and make him our footstool as we mount up, rise, and fly like eagles, and experience life on a higher plane, a soaring supernatural life which is always available to every believer.

This scripture also takes me to another familiar scripture that’s similar and it’s Hebrews 12:1-4. In it, the Lord tells us to set aside every weight that so easily besets us, or the cares that you might have that you want to hold onto; you know the ones about your children, or your unfaithful spouse, or the boss on your job that’s giving you a hard time. Even though those things are disrupting your thought life, we are still to run this race knowing first, that God is there and will never leave us, but also two-God has been through what we’re going through and more.

2. “Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. Just think of Him who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds. 4. You have not yet struggled and fought agonizingly against sin, nor have you yet resisted and withstood to the point of pouring out your [own] blood. (AMP)

See in verse two and three of that chapter, he goes on to explain that he endured the cross, he despised and ignored the shame and endured patiently. He didn’t lose heart; he didn’t give up; he did it all for us! Think about what God had to struggle with each and every day. That should give us hope for a glorious future in His Kingdom! But don’t think for a second that that future couldn’t start today! Oh no! God wants us, while we are in this race, to live victoriously! An abundant life, health, wealth, prosperity, wisdom, peace, and joy are ours, right now! Just speak it, declare your faith towards God, and encourage yourself in this faith walk. Keep pressing Saints of God! We must not be moved. God is in control! Amen.


To see any of the other wonderful authors from the tour, go to Written Voices, All the Buzz, and Urban Christian Fiction Today!

Be Blessed!

You Don't Want to Miss the Isaiah 40:31 Blog Tour!

Facing uncertainty in your life? Don't know if you can hold on for one more second? Is worry burdening you down?

If so, I encourage you to follow the Isaiah 40:31 Inspirational Blog Tour the week of June 15 - 19.

Five very talented and inspiring Christian fiction authors will share devotionals that are sure to inspire you and give you hope!

The tour will take place June 15-19, 2009, and will be hosted by Renee Williams of All the Buzz, Tyora Moody of Written Voices, and Rhonda McKnight of Urban Christian Fiction Today.

As you prepare to start this week, I would like to encourage you to "Rise Above it All" and “Let Nothing Turn You Around”. Listen to these songs and let the words minister to you and then join the tour each day for wonderful devotional messages.


Find more music like this on ACANETWORK


The schedule is as follows:

June 15 - MaRita Teague at All the Buzz
June 16 - Vanessa Davis Griggs at Written Voices
June 17 - Sherri Lewis at All the Buzz
June 18 - Lily L. Ratliff at Urban Christian Fiction Today
June 19 - Kimberly Cash Tate at All the Buzz

Mark your calendars now! You don't want to miss this week of motivation and encouragement!

From inside a teenager's heart...

It is with great honor that I get to share this with you today because it comes from inside a teenager's heart. One heart that happens to be within the confines of the high school in which I teach. It's good to know we have caring children this day and age that really makes your heart smile. This video that you are about to see is about one of our seniors (Raven Johnson) who has a life-threatening disease that could have taken her out years ago. But she's a fighter and also God's very own. I cried when first seeing this video, one because it happened with one of our kids, but also because it shows the testament of God's divine love for His own. He will use people for His glory to bring about change, restoration, and his greatest gift--His love. I won't tell you the details of the video, or even the circumstance regarding her illness (I'll leave that for you to see). However, I will say, please remember not only this story, but this young lady because it will indeed warm your heart. It makes me praise God even more. Our complaints of what we don't have should cease knowing that if God never did another thing, He has done enough! We have life, health, and strength, and we should give God all the glory for it!

Be blessed!




Click to Play Video

Of Loaves and Fishes

Of Loaves and Fishes
5.17.09 By Heather Goodman

We've heard the story dozens, maybe hundreds, of times. Five thousand men (not to mention the thousands of women and children) listen at the feet of Jesus. They get hungry, as humans tend to do, and Jesus decides to do something about it. He turns to his disciples and inquires as to their suggestions. Using logic and simple math, they respond with the impossibility of the situation. Jesus works a miracle, and everyone eats.

Pastors and teachers elaborate on different points, mainly around God's sufficiency and power.

All very well and good, but what about the little boy, the one who offered up his five loaves and two fish? What happened to him? Sure, he ate that meal along with everyone else, but then what?

Truth be told, that little boy would have eaten a hearty meal anyway, one of the few—perhaps one of the only—able to do so. And his five loaves and two fish might have fed him for another couple of meals. That boy had planned ahead.

So I wonder, did Jesus give him a basket or two of the leftovers? Or did the boy walk away wonder-eyed and empty-handed?

How could these gospel writers omit such an important detail?

Recently, my husband and I joined the ranks of those experiencing reduced income. We scrutinize every nickel that leaves our hands. "Could we have saved it?" we ask, and "What can we cut?" Superfluous expenses fall to our feet like branches from a pruned tree. We figure and refigure our budget on spreadsheets, trying to make the numbers match.

And in our examination, we consider our giving. We need this meal. We need it for lunch, and we need it for the next few days. How can we afford to offer up our last bit of fish and loaves?

So when I read this passage, the question nags. What happens to the boy on the other end of the miracle?

The biblical writers offer no answer to the question. What they don't say:

"And the boy left with a basket forever filled with fish and loaves."

Or, "As Jesus lifted the food from the boy's hand, he promised the boy a secure future of full fishnets and in-demand business."

Or even, "After the disciples collected the twelve baskets full, they returned five loaves and two fish to the boy who gave his lunch."

Given these lines, dropping our check into the offering plate would present no problem. But God doesn't promise a comfortable life. He doesn't promise cable or sushi or new books. Instead, he promises life, and life to the fullest. Christ said, "I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly" (John 10:10 , NET). This life abounds in the hope of the resurrection, the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the peace of Christ that transcends all understanding. We give out of this abundance. We give joy, peace, kindness, love, but we always give time, commitment, and money.

At some point in our lives, we all step into the well-worn sandals of the boy in the story. Times are hard. We barely have enough for ourselves, but Jesus asks us to give anyway. We don't know what happens economically on the other side of the giving, but our hope is not in economics. Our hope is in Christ.

Heather graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary and is a writer and speaker on The Hero's Journey, Art and Theology, and Incarnating Christ's Love. You can find her at her blog, L'Chaim.

I am Officially a World Changer!

Many wonderful things have happened to me since my arriving to Atlanta, GA back in 2007. But nothing compares to the awesome ceremony that transpired today as I walked across the stage, shook Pastor Creflo A. Dollar and Pastor Taffi L. Dollar's hand, and became an Official World Changer, --ready to make a mark in this world that will not be erased!

The first class of 2009 was a big one! All of us in our blue cap and gowns initially embarked on a ten week journey through Christian Education at its best. Our class, as Pastor Dollar calls it, is a class of "Wisdom"- we possess and strive to search feverishly for the knowledge, WISDOM, and understanding to make sure our destinies and callings from God line up with His will.

This is a day that starts the rest of our lives. We will take up our crosses and follow Jesus knowing that in the following is life, healing, deliverance, an increased anointing, and wisdom that will carry us into our eternal life with Christ!

Proverbs 4:7 --Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

God is All-Powerful!

No matter what your struggle, no what what sin you have committed, no matter is you turned and walked away from God even years ago, God is there, waiting for you to call Him Lord over your life! He loves you with an everlasting love! Even when you thought you were too far gone, and that God would never love you because of what you have done, He said He would never leave you, nor forsake you (Hebrew 13:5).

So many people are hurting in this world. Please if you see others around you that are in need or hurting from this life, be the brother or sister that may help them see Jesus! Pray for them, encourage and uplift them. Be a witness to them, and show love for God is love (I John 4:16).

Many of you may have seen this video below before, but sometimes we have to be reminded of the goodness of Jesus, especially when situations may deem itself as if Jesus may be far from us in our times of need. But He is there, and He knows about all of our concerns. As a matter of fact, He said that he would perfect that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8).

I pray this video will bless you as much as it blessed me!

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).

Promise Yourself

A Motivational Poem

Promise Yourself
By Christian D. Larson

Promise yourself….

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

Get Your Inheritance

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1: 12-14 KJV).



Too many times in our lives, we have committed wrongdoing, been subjected to shame, intimidation, and utter despair, all because we felt that we didn't deserve to be loved by God. We consistently do what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans:

For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me (Romans 7:19-20).

We constantly remind ourselves through our actions that we were born in sin, and shaped in iniquity. However, God chose us (we didn't choose Him) from the foundations of the world, to be used for His glory! Even in our mess, He still has a plan for us. It's amazing how we always want to beat ourselves up for the things we have done.

When God chose us---after we realized who God was in our lives, we came into the knowledge of Him and we finally accepted Him as Lord over our lives to receive His salvation, He immediately clothed us in righteousness. We were forgiven from all of our sins, washed by the blood of the lamb, and positioned for all of the wealth, riches, and inheritance, including His grace and mercy. The word says we are heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ! So we are positioned for our heavenly reward! Thanks be to God!

But not only that, God wants to bless you right now! However, what we say out of our mouths will be the determining factor as to what kind of blessings we will receive, if any at all. The word says in Colossians that if we continue to walk worthy of the Lord and be fruitful in all we put our hands to, while increasing our knowledge of the Lord (the word), He will give us power from on high to endure the tests and trials that we face. We are to do it joyfully, never doubting, worrying or wavering, because we are already delivered from the hands of the evil one (Satan). We have been transferred from darkness into the light! Amen! We have been redeemed! So get your inheritance! Everything that the devil has stolen from you--say STOP, NO MORE!

Satan does not have a right to your children--say STOP, NO MORE! He has no authority over your finances--say STOP, NO MORE! If you are wanting a new job, declare that it is so, and say to the devil, STOP, NO MORE! We are partakers of the divine inheritance!



Psalm 112:3: Wealth and riches [shall be] in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

Ecclesiastes 5:19: Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this [is] the gift of God.

So stop thinking negative of yourself and your situation. God loves you! You are His! He calls us His friend. Don't you know He will always take care of what's His! So, what are you declaring out of your mouth?

In His Love,

Nothing to Fear

There's nothing to fear ---
you're as good as the best,
As strong as the mightiest, too.
You can win in every battle or test;
For there's no one just like you.
There's only one you in the world today;
So nobody else, you see,
Can do your work in as fine a way:
You're the only you there'll be !

So face the world, and all life is yours
To conquer and love and live:
And you'll find the happiness that endures
In just the measure you give;
There's nothing too good for you to possess,
Nor heights where you cannot go:
Your power is more than belief or guess ---
It is something you have to know.

There is nothing to fear --- you can and you will.
For you are the invincible you.
Set your foot on the highest hill ---
There's nothing you cannot do.

-- Author Unknown

A Manual for Today's Modern Working Christian

Don't we all wish many of our job descriptions came with a manual on not only how to do our jobs, but also how to handle and communicate with many of our colleagues and co-workers, and even our bosses? Take a look at this article, written by Tom Petersen of The High Calling of Our Daily Work Devotional Site. What a wonderful and life-changing way of looking at our responsibilities as working Christians. Enjoy!


The Romans 12 Employee Handbook

How do you make your workday fruitful and serve God at the same time? Should you focus primarily on doing quality work? Should you try to strengthen relationships with coworkers? Should you only speak in scriptural parables?

Sure, the Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom, but sometimes biblical examples seem more applicable to life two thousand years ago. Yet when Paul writes the 12th chapter of his letter to the Romans, his advice on relating to Roman society contains some practical tips for today. Fifteen practical tips, in fact. Consider it a handy condensed employee handbook for modern working Christians.

1. Love must be sincere. (12:9a)

(Whom do you need to sincerely love at work? If no one comes to mind, start with the legal department.)

2. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (9b)

(Don't allow everything to fall into that nebulous moral gray area. Know your right from your wrong, and follow the right path consistently.)

3. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. (10a)

(It's tempting to only relate superficially to coworkers. After all, it's not like they're family. On the other hand, name a family member that you spend eight-plus waking hours a day with.)

4. Honor one another above yourselves. (10b)

(Seek out opportunities to give your teammates credit for their good work. It's unlikely that you did every project, presentation, and paper all by yourself. Even Jesus delegated important tasks.)

5. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (11)

(On Monday morning, "zeal" may not be your predominant attitude. But it's a lot easier to be zealous when you see work as worship.)

6. Share with God's people who are in need. (13a)

(Who among your fellow Christian coworkers needs encouragement? And be careful you aren't only "encouraging" people who are in a position to promote you. That kind of encouragement is called something else.)

7. Practice hospitality. (13b)

(Think of every day as the office Christmas party, and you're the host. How would your workday be different if you worked hard to make sure everyone was comfortable, well-fed, and having a good time?)

8. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (14)

(Find ways to bless those who criticize you, see you as competition, or just derive some strange pleasure by making others unhappy. You can take some comfort knowing that these types of jerks have been around since Roman times.)

9. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (15)

(Be so sensitive to your coworkers that you are attuned to their life events. Simply attending the birthday cake cutting in the conference room doesn't count.)

10. Live in harmony with one another. (16a)

(Pointing out the shortcomings of someone else's work may make you feel superior, but helping create an environment where you and your colleagues get along will have much longer term benefits.)

11. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. (16b)

(Don't spend your workday angling for your next promotion. Do your best work right here.)

12. Do not be conceited. (16c)

(Don't think of yourself more highly than you ought. God cares more about your heart than your employee-of-the-month plaque.)

13. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. (17a)

(Every day brings a million opportunities for offense. Instead, have an attitude of grace—even when someone drains the last drop of coffee and doesn't make another pot.)

14. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. (17b)

(While God's opinion trumps all, your coworkers expect "good" people to act a certain way. Doing right by your coworkers may be the best way to get their attention.)

15. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.(18)

(Don't pick fights. Especially not with anyone in the legal department.)


Paul amplifies his last instruction, urging us to overcome evil with good. As a result, we set ourselves apart from society and point others to Christ.

Those are great ideals. But where do you find the strength, courage, and discipline to do these on a daily basis?

Paul provides guidance here too. In the midst of all these instructions for interacting with others, he calls the Romans—and us—to follow three inward, personal activities: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (12).

Take strength from the hope we have in Christ, persevere even when it's challenging, and actively pray to keep your own zeal. In the process, you may even make some friends in the legal department.

Tom Petersen works in an office building in the Midwest, where he attends meetings, crafts action plans, and formulates management objectives. His passion is using humor to encourage people to find the balance between their work and faith. You can see more of Tom at his website, www.HisWorkInProgress.com, or his periodic blog, HisWork.blogspot.com.

Where is your confidence?

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (Hebrews 10:35 KJV)

Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. (Hebrews 10:35 AMP)


How many times have you worked diligently with your hands to help someone, maybe even stuck your neck out and covered for someone, gave generously from the little that you had, all to be ostracized and ridiculed by the very people that you thought had your back?

Or what about this--you consistently pay your tithes and offerings, give to local charities, sacrifice time out of your day to lend a listening ear, serve in various capacities--yet the goals, dream, and desires that you have so deep in your heart, still has not come to pass?

Many of your reading may be, right now, in one of these situations.

But while you may be down and out, wondering when your prayer will be answered, the devil is also telling you things that contradict God's promises for your life. See, it's when we take that second thought of doubt, that we stop or delay the harvest that is meant just for us.

I believe many of us have been on the verge of promotion on our jobs--have been given the tasks of training others that come after us, to then be sideswiped by seeing that very same person be elevated to the position we felt we were supposed to get. Why? Because we took the second thought--or we murmured and complained to our friends and co-workers about the problems of the company instead of being the one to see change take place, by being the change (setting the atmosphere for promotion to take place). Also if you are doing your job as unto the Lord, your gifts will make room for you. We as Christians should never be the ones up in a conversation of gossip and slander. We should run away from that, lest we also be seen as fools. The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge. (Proverbs 9:13 NIV) And in Proverbs 12:23 NIV, it says, "A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly."

Another thing that is important to point out is just where we should put our confidence. Our confidence should not be just enough to make the status quo in this world--obsessed on the cars, the house, the fine designer clothes and shoes, our outward appearance-what to get to be seen by people or to fit the world's or society's way of doing things. Yes, many of those things are nice, and God does want us to prosper in every area of our lives, and will give us those things when and if He sees fit to bring it to us. However, your confidence should be more on what we should be storing up in heaven--our Heavenly treasures. How do we do that, by sowing consistently into the Kingdom of God. Not just with our monies, but our time, our talents, whatever we can out our hands to work to do.

Our confidence should be built in patience for what God has for us. Remember what God has for you will be just for you. No one will be able to take it away or boast about having any part in it. God will be the one to get all the glory and you can tell everyone how you made it over! Thanks be to God!

Keep putting your hands to the plow, do more than what's expected of you, keep a smile on your face, and display longsuffering towards ones that have despitefully used you--target them and be steady in order to win them to Christ!

When we have that fearless confidence, as the word suggests, we can hold our heads up high, because we already have the victory, even though in the natural, it may look like we are falling apart. We will still be confident-never wavering from our faith that God will continue to provide and that what you sow into the Kingdom, God never forgets and he counts it all toward your ultimate reward. And shouldn't we only want to do what is pleasing to God anyway? Only what we do for Him will last! So be confident, my brothers and sisters. Stand strong and in the power of His might! We will always be victorious, in Jesus Name!

In His Love,

Life Struggles

A man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. On the day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the moth for several hours as the moth struggled to force the body through that little hole.

The moth seemed to be stuck and appeared to have stopped making progress. It seemed as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. The man, in his kindness, decided to help the moth; so he took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But its body was swollen and small, its wings wrinkled and shriveled. The man continued to watch the moth because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to and able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life crawling around with a small, swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly. The man in his kindness and haste did not understand that the struggle required for the moth to get through the tiny opening was necessary to force fluid from the body of the moth into its wings so that it would be ready for flight upon achieving its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, he deprived the moth of health.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets, and don't forget the power in the struggle.

A Special Day

Hello everyone. Today marks my 35th birthday! Wow it just seemed like yesterday that I was knee high to a grasshopper, eating mud pies in the front yard, running and playing tackle football with the boys and having an all out good time, just being a kid with my cousins from Florida. I miss those times. Even though some of it was filled with confusion and hopelessness of ever truly getting the love I wanted from some of my family members, I can honestly say I did have somewhat of a good childhood. But there are many children that do not get that chance. Many of them have to grow up and be adults long before the rightful age of 18 because of death, or parents are addicted to drugs, or other unfortunate circumstances that makes them have to make some pretty hefty decisions in order to survive.

Right at this moment, I am down with a cold, have had laryngitis for the past four days, and in bed, praying that I have a full recovery soon. Which I know my God in Heaven hears me and is working it out---I already have the victory! Amen! However, there are those who did not and could not wake up this morning to claim a new start to a new day.

God I'm thankful for another birthday. A beautiful day outside, the birds are chirping, the weather is gorgeous, and I can see all of this, even if it means from the confinement of my bedroom window. I thank you. Give everyday that you live, a day that you say thank you for living! Thank Him in the good times and the bad. Thank Him when you don't feel like it. And thank Him when everything is peachy-keen. Why? Because tomorrow is not promised. We must live for today. If He never did another thing for us, it's alright because He already gave His ultimate sacrifice, His only begotten Son-Jesus!

Do you know that there are 71 verses that constantly admonishes us to give THANKS? It's when we give thanks and praise to God that we will be blessed, healed, delivered, set free, our harvest comes, the will of God over our lives are made manifested, etc. Instead of moaning (I'll admit I tried to do that today), complaining, and being pitiful over our circumstances, we should be thankful for what we do have, what God has brought us out of, and claim the victory which is already ours! Thank you Jesus!

It says in 1 Chronicles 16:34: O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever. In Psalms 140:13, it states, "Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence." I want to dwell in His presence. The presence of God will begin to overtake you as you get deep into praise and worship of Him.

I also like this scripture--2 Thessalonians 2:13-14: But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are bound or obligated to praise and give thanks to God, because He chose us--we didn't choose Him. He chose us for salvation and we in turn should go out and share that same Gospel to others who may not be saved. That is something to praise God about! Hallelujah!

So to God, I thank you! I love you for who you are to me! You're my everything! And to all of my friends and subscribers who have chosen to read my messages and blog posts because it inspires and encourages you, I thank and love you as well! Everyone be blessed on this day! It's a special day in the Lord!

"Isn't school supposed to be a safe place?"

This is a question that was posed to a colleague of mine by her 10 year old son who has frequently been the target of constant bullying and teasing at his elementary school. I wonder if students, Jaheem Herrera of Dunaire Elementary in Dekalb County (Atlanta) and Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover of Springfield, Mass. asked that same question to their parents before they took their own lives about a week apart from each other. Both hung themselves in their home after being teased and called "gay".

Both school systems have a "Anti-bullying policy". Dekalb County Public Schools Policy are as follows: "State law prohibits bullying. State law mandates a discipline hearing after the third incident of bullying with a referral to an alternative school setting upon a finding of guilt. The DeKalb School System will not tolerate bullying and other forms of harassment and, therefore, reserves the right to punish students after the first incident and upon a finding of guilt. Such punishment may include suspension, expulsion or a referral to an alternative school. Please note: Any form of elctronic bullying (cyberbullying) using school equipment, school networks, e-mail systems or committed at school is strictly prohibited."

But how much of this policy is actually being enforced at the time it needs to be? What will it take for school systems to take a stance and put into place more drastic measures that will prevent violence and constant taunting in schools. Many people constantly want to say, "It's our first amendment right to have freedom of expression." But not at the expense of pushing someone to kill themselves. Young people, especially ones at the age of these young boys, don't know how to handle their emotions and decipher what they hear into logical reasoning. They are also at the age where they don't want to snitch and get into trouble for fear of being beat up and teased, so they shut down, and internalize their emotions to the point of depression.


We are to do whatever we can as children of God to train, protect and teach our children to be Kingdom Citizens who walk in love and not violence towards others. How do we do that? With the word of God. In Proverbs 22:6 it states that we should, "Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he gets old, he will not depart from it." Violence does nothing but begat violence. And it's time we show love to our fellow man and learn that since God is love, and we are made in the image of Him, then it is our duty to see others the way God sees them. We are unique, special, peculiar, one-of-a-kind, original....I could go on and on.

I have some tips that I have provided on my website, http://www.lilylratliff.com, that I strongly feel you should sit down and discuss with your children about. I will list them again here for reference purposes.

~~Ignore the bully and walk away. It's not being a coward; it just shows you are the better person.

~~Hold the anger. A bully loves it when you cry or get angry. Never give him/her a chance to see you lose your cool.

~~Don't get physical. Don’t stoop to the level of the bully by using force.

~~Practice confidence. Do what you can do to look and feel your best. Exercise, eat healthy meals and snacks, and be around people that lift your spirits.

~~Take charge of your life, and stand your ground. Don't be afraid to say, "No" or "Stop It!"

~~Talk about it with your parents, teachers, and true friends. Find someone you can trust and tell them what’s happening to you at school. They can help stop bullying from going any further.

~~ But more importantly, Seek God for the sake of your child. Pray over them, rebuking the devil over their situations, and trust God through it that HE will bind the strongman, and loose peace and blessings over your child's life. Repeat this declaration over your child: Great is the peace of my child (ren) for they are taught of the Lord. According to Isaiah 54:17, No weapon formed against them shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against them in judgment shall be condemned! He (She) is the righteousness of God!

With God's help, and your support and prayers, I hope to take "An Act of Forgiveness" to as many elementary schools around Atlanta and abroad to shed some light on the effects of bullying and what we must do to stop innocent little children from taking their lives before their time. Please tell others about this post, and forward and share with others.

God Bless!

http://www.lilylratliff.com

Pickup in the Rain

One night, at 11:30 PM, an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her - generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxi cab. She seemed to be in a big hurry! She wrote down his address, thanked him and drove away.

Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes but my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."

Lessons:

Offer help to anyone who needs it

Thank others for helping you.

If you help someone. Someone will help you.

If everyone does just these, the whole world will live in happiness.

The Skin You're In

I'm just going to be real with you all if you don't mind today. Many people look at Christians, especially ones that really don't know the Lord, but only have you to look at as an example, and think we always have it all together. True, we are one with Christ, yes we have everything we need in Christ-just by asking, and yes, if we are truly abiding in Christ, and He abides in us, we can ask Him anything, believing, and we shall have it.

But how many of you sometimes look in the mirror in the morning, and look at yourself, and feel that there's something about you that you wish you could change? Come on now Saints, don't be pious, because I for one, have a time or two looked at my face and wished that there was some grand cream, or acne medication out there that would be the answer to all of my facial problems.

See as a young girl, even until now, I've had an acne problem. It would come and go and on the days when I had an important photo shoot or a presentation where I would be in front of lots of people, would be the day I would get a blemish in the middle of my face. I have tried everything and to no avail, nothing worked.

But then one day I woke up, went into the bathroom, looked at myself, and it seemed God himself showed me a little more than my facial blemishes. My God, He showed me just how important I am to Him and the Kingdom of God. None of the things that matter most to us matter to Him. You know why? Because man may look at the outer appearance, but God looks at the heart (see I Samuel 16:7).

Also remember it's not about us, it's about giving God the glory in everything we say and do with our lives. When we freely accept who we are in Christ and give our lives totally over to Him, will He then equip us to do the work of the Kingdom. He wants to see what we will do with the little He gives us, to then give us much-blessings, prosperity, abundance to the full! Hallelujah!

So now when I look in the mirror, I don't see myself, as just a fleshly, physical body. I see myself as Jesus sees me.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as my chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrated you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5 AMP).

Love the Skin You're In my Brothers and Sisters! He Loves You and I Do Too!

Be encouraged with this video: "So Happy Being Me"-Angie Stone from the Donald Lawrence CD-The Law of Confession, Part 1.

Gotta Have Faith

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:26 KJV




Lately I've seen many people, during this uneven economy all of a sudden want something they can cling to that deals with the word, "FAITH". You see license plates with the word "Faith", people will buy jewelry, plaques, and clothing that has the emblem of "Faith". But do they really honor God with their... Faith?

Faith in the greek is pistos which means believing, assurance, unwavering, not moved. It's the type of faith that no matter what might be in front of you, or what it might apprear to look like in this world, you have the faith that what you have asked God for will come to pass.

However, if you don't act on the faith that you have and wait for something to fall from the sky, it won't happen. You take that first step towards the destiny God has placed within your spirit and watch God take the rest. If what you are passionate about really lines up with God's purpose for you is, you will have the favor you need from God, and favor from man (provision, wealth, business connections, etc.) to do what you couldn't do on your own accord.

In the above scripture, "works" can also be your seed. How many times have we really needed something from God, and because we don't have enough in the natural, we feel that we don't want to give up the little we have for FEAR that we won't have what we need to pay our bills, have food on the table, or clothes for our children? I've certainly been there. But it wasn't until I tapped into the ever present power of God's word, that I started to really get a revelation on some things.

First, I remember reading about when Jesus was with the multitude for three days(Read Mark 8:1-21). It says that He had such compassion for the people because they had had nothing to eat. So he took what my Pastor (Pastor Dollar always calls a two piece fish dinner :) with five loaves of bread that a young lad had in a basket. He told everyone (men, women, and children-could have been around 4,000) to sit down. He took this two piece fish dinner, gave thanks or in the Amplified version- blessed it, brake it and gave it to his disciples to set before the people. Do you know it multipled? Everyone had the chance to eat, and the bible says they were filled. When they took up the remaining meat and elements of the bread, it was enough to fill seven baskets. I'm sure it was pretty hard for that young lad to take seven baskets back home. My God! Hallelujah!

Then in I Kings 17: 10-16, it tells the story of a widow woman in Zarephath who felt that she and her son were on the verge of death with nothing left to eat but a handful of meal and a little oil. But as Elijah was passing through the city, he stopped in and TOLD the widow woman to fetch for him a little to drink. Now at that time, I can tell you she was not looking for anyone to tell her what to do with the little that she had. So she had a little attitude, but did go to fetch him what he wanted. But then in the middle of getting it, he called out to her to also bring him a morsel of bread. I can see her swaying her head around to him, maybe even her hand on her hip as she said, "As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat and die. (verse 12, KJV).

That's where we are sometimes. We feel we have to hoard the little that we have, thinking that's all we got. However, how many of us know that God wants us to have more? He said, "I have come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly" (or to the full)--emphasis mine (John 10:10).

So Elijah told her to "Fear Not." You have nothing to fear when you know you have Jesus on your side. Well, the story ultimately goes to where she obeys Elijah, makes a morsel of cake for him first, and brings it to him.

Then he makes a declaration or promise to the widow woman that from now until the Lord sends rain upon the earth, her barrel of meal would not waste, nor shall the cruse of oil fail. She, he and her house ate a many days! That's God!

What we have to do is when we pray, we BELIEVED, we RECEIVED, what we PRAYED, and it shall come to pass---never doubting, never wavering, nothing missing, nothing broken, and never lacking any good thing! It's as if when praying, you already know that as that request comes out of your mouth, you already have it. It's past-tense Faith! Thank You Jesus! I got this thang ya'll! And you need to get this too!

You gotta have faith that moves mountains!

Be blessed my brothers and sisters!

Be careful how you look at people...

This will make you rethink the way you look at people from now on. It's amazing how we associate people based on the clothes they wear, and whether or not they are driving an expensive car, or living in wealth and riches-- not knowing that the person you may be shunning really may have talents and abilities that God gave them, that could put anyone being critical to shame. Check this video out! All I can say is...You Go Girl!

New books about to be Released!

Excitement is in the air as two books are about to be released! One of the books that I actually just received in the mail is my first children's book, "An Act of Forgiveness." It's from the six part series entitled, The Last Shall Be First. They are targeted at 3rd-5th grade children.

ENDORSEMENT: In this book, Ms. Ratliff, captures the heart of forgiveness. She shows the challenge and victory that come in the act and effort to forgive others. Along with forgiveness, this book examines the differences in individuals. No two people are alike. Each of us has a unique personality, which is what makes our world so flavorful. Learning to respect our differences is important to our walk with God. This book adds to every child’s character development and should be on every child's, library's and school's bookshelf.

--Caterri S. Leaks
Willing Heart Creations
Founder & Author

Go to http://www.lilylratliff.com to order NOW!



The other book, which has been in the works for over a few months now, is entitled, Have a Little Faith: Trouble Don't Last Always. Have A Little Faith is designed for those individuals that have gone through test and trials and come out on the right side of FAITH. Have you or anyone in your family ever been healed of an illness, delivered from an addiction, or set free from sin all in the name of Jesus. If you have, then you most certainly must Have A Little Faith. It also contains stories of entrepreneurs that have stepped out on faith and gone into ministry, started a company, or wrote the book/released the CD that was in their hearts. Now they want to share their stories of triumph amongst all of the odds that were against them.
It is set to be released May 20th and can be pre-ordered now from my website, http://www.thelifeofalily.com. My story, "The Breakthrough" will be featured. These are sure to bless your spirit!

All you need is Jesus!

Lord, what a wonderful time in Jesus this past Sunday! God is doing a shifting in the body of Christ. Many people don't understand about the recession and why they are losing money, why the NASDAQ and the S & P 500 is closing everyday with millions of dollars lower than before. It's because the wealth of the wicked is being transferred into the hands of the righteous! Hallelujah! If you are a child of God, you have nothing to worry about because you are about to get an increase of wealth coming to your house! Start shouting right now!

No need to get afraid, a switch is about to take place, the last is getting ready to be first! You ought to get happy right now! Thanks be to God! We are saved, and we should know who is on your side. My pastor, Dr. Creflo A. Dollar, always asks, "Who you wit?" I know that sounds politically uncorrect, but when you think about it, he's right.

Just because you may be losing your job in a week or two--don't get upset, and let the devil stop you and make you take a second-thought about who you wit! God is getting you ready for your next assignment--he's setting you up to be blessed! Yes Lord!

All you need is Jesus! Hallelujah! I'm getting happy all over again!

This is what you need to do during what the world is declaring a financial crisis:

"And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God." (Phil. 1:28 KJV)

What God is saying here is this: when it looks like the devil has your back up against the wall, don't be frightened, stare at that old devil, and start shouting and praising God. It will paralyze the devil, and the evidence of your salvation will be in your countenance amidst all Hell breaking loose. It is a sure token that God is deep on the inside of you!! That's an assurance that no devil in Hell can promise you! God has your back and nothing around you should stir you to doubt and unbelief.

Keep your heads up my brothers and sisters. It's time to fight back-use the word of God as your weapon and resist the temptation to succumb to the world's way of thinking! Think and use the word of God over fear and doubt in your life.

Praise God!

That Something Within

That Something Within
Jackie Dove-Miller

There is something within me
That is strong enough
To keep me from toppling
Over the edge of
Sanity,
Over the ledge of
frustration
Or over the hedge of
All-out foolishness.
It leads me to prayer
When I would otherwise
Break.
There is something in my make-up
Or my bringing up
Or just the way I look up
That straightens my back
And bows my head.
It becomes the focus of my meditation.
The sentiment in my supplication,
The reason for my transformation.
That thing inside me
Has me choosing light
Though darkness covers all.
It wells up like ocean waves
Come to drown those who
Think they deserve to push me back
Hold me down or
Steal my joy.
I have a spiritual strength that
Grows deeper and speaks louder as I get to know
More about who I am.

"Where did IT come from?" Someone recently asked.
I answered, "In my developing stage, someone said out loud,
'You sure are good at _______,'"
My puny soul embraced that seed,
and it planted itself deep inside me and took root.
I tested that tiny bit of ego-strength against
The negative family messages that focused on
What I was NOT good at, making me feel small
And disconnected.
I was NOT good at being like my mother
Who was all but saintly.
I was NOT good at being
Like my sister who was beautiful and dainty.
I was NOT ballerina thin, nor prissy neat,
But I WAS good at ________
And when I looked a little further, I discovered that
I was GOOD ENOUGH.
Good enough to bear fruit
And reap a harvest.
Good enough to plant a seed
In others and watch them grow
Magnificent and free.
I was GOOD ENOUGH to relate to
The GOD inside of me.

So, this poem is for all my sister-friends
Who don't yet know that
YOU are better than what your mothers,
your teachers, the men in your life,
or even the good sisters in church have called you.
Because God has called you Blessed
And HIS is the only voice that matters.
So, here and now, I pray OUR sister-prayer,
Dear Lord,
Help me to release
the self-doubt
That lives in my heart.

Remind me daily
That I am the product of
Your hands...
And all that
you make... ALL THAT YOU MAKE
Is Perfect. Amen


Taken from Inspirationpeak.com, assessed March 30, 2009.

Do unto others...

How many times have you told a friend or two about what God has purposed in your spirit only to have that very thing stepped on by the words of ones you thought loved and cared for you? What about when others on your job laugh and talk bad about you behind your back--simply because of the jealousy and envy they have for you--because you obeyed your boss and did what your hands were perfected to do? They scandalized your name and spread evil rumors about you when you've done nothing to cause them to feel this way? You've shown nothing but love-- you share-- you even help them to get major projects done before the deadline, not wanting anything in return. It's just the love of God in you.

Now many times, when these situations happen, the first thing we want to do, is get back at them, tell them about themselves, and seek to clear our names. But God doesn't desire for us to do what he said he would do for his people, if we trust him, and know that we know that we know that he's for us. Think on these things:

"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep...Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."(Romans 12:14-15, 17-21 KJV)

We're not to repay evil for evil or seek to get revenge. Because when we attempt to do that, we are stepping out of the will of God and deciding to do things according to flesh, which never wins. But we as children of God fight not with flesh and blood, but against principalities, and rulers of darkness in this world. We war in the spirit, for we are spirit, just made flesh. We have to constantly be mindful of that by praying without ceasing, and pulling down those strongholds. We shouldn't be mad at the people, associates, friends, co-workers, or family members that despitefully use and misuse us. They are operating in the flesh, and the devil uses those people to take us off focus for his plan and purpose for our lives. Yes, it may frustrate you to the point of truly wanting to curse them out. But remember we don't want to put that kind of language out into the spirit realm, nor do we want to grieve the Holy Spirit. We need to discern those wrongful interactions that may be trying to come and steal our joy and turn away from them.

In the end, the devil will have to go somewhere else to cause havoc while we're rejoicing, because when he thought he had us, we didn't give him the time of day. He will have lost that battle. We always win when we obey God and his commands! Praise the Lord!


In His Love,

Everyone Has a Story to Tell-Part 2

Many people usually don't know where to begin when it comes to writing their own personal memoirs. Some people feel that a memoir chronicles their entire life, pinpointing the major events that influenced and shaped them the most. Some people will take a particular event and create a "story", of course non-fiction in nature, but focus on just that as the basis of their memoirs with the hopes of informing or entertaining readers, and their overall message or theme sticks out for all to take in. It's all up to you. There is and should never be a set format in which to write a personal memoir, because it is just that, "your personal Memoir.

So when thinking about where you would like to start in your quest for writing the personal memoir, maybe ask yourself a few questions.

1. What are some of my most memorable moments? They can be sad, embarrassing, loving, or fun. They can be life-changing, or just matter-of-fact. But whatever they are, they have to big enough for you to want to share with others. Stick to big stories and less on the technical details.

2. How far back in my past should I go when pulling an important event into my memoir? What is meant by this is---you never want to bring a story from your life to paper that you cannot fully "show" to your reader. It has to be so vivid from your memory that others reading it can get a visual picture of your life, as if from the outside looking in.

For example: Being rescued from a house fire. Obviously you wouldn't just tell us you were rescued by firefighters late one night. You would go more in depth by "showing" exactly how they rescued you.

"As I was dangling outside of my second story bedroom window, sashaying a white bedsheet high in the air to signal I was there, a firefighter caught a glimpse of my hanging there. He quickly pulled a ladder in the direction of my silhouette, climbed up to my window and caught me before I could no longer take in the smoke that filled my lungs."

3. Do I want to base my memoir on a certain time period, i.e.,childhood (school) years, or as an adult (relationships, divorce, how you became the President of a Fortune 500 company or a successful entrepreneur)? It's important which angle you want to take when writing so that you are not all over the place with no end in sight. Once you know what is most important for your book, stick to it.

Now once you have all of your fundamental events, situations, and life experiences that's suitable for YOUR memoir, now begin to write. It doesn't matter about grammar, and the technicalities of writing perfectly. That will come with time once it's finally done and you're ready to edit. But remember we are only on Part 2. We will talk next time about creating a speaker voice that will be true to only your work and that will set you apart from other stories that are out there. Until next time, WRITE YOUR WAY TO DESTINY!

Be sure to leave your comments about this or the Part one of "Everyone Has a Story to Tell!"

Be Blessed!

A Friend That Sticks Closer Than A Brother

Friends, don't ever take for granted this world around us--nature, the birds, the trees, and everything God made for each of us. Because regardless of what it might look like, the evils of this world, the economy, the microwavable, fast-pace of the days before us, it's nice when we have people that care enough about us and can show the unconditional love that goes with having true friends. Watch this video. It's sure to make your heart flutter with affection and praise!

Shake It Off and Step Up!

Hallelujah! This is what we need to tell ourselves each and everyday! Take a Look at This!--Lily

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US! Remember that FORGIVENESS--FAITH--PRAYER-- PRAISE and HOPE...all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves!

- Author Unknown

Winners for Book/Gift Bag Giveaway Announced

I want to thank all of you for registering for this giveaway. The promotion is over for now, but please continue to check regularly for other giveaways in the future. The winners have been chosen! Here they are:

Grand Prize Winner:

Maria S. of Providence, Rhode Island

Runners-Up:

Lina S. of Naples, Italy (Husband is in the Navy)- we honor your service!
Stephanie J. of Kansas City, Kansas

Thanks to all who participated!

Blessings!

Lily

Ch. 57 Atlanta Live Interview

I wanted all of you to be the first to view my recent TV interview on Atlanta Live Ch. 57. What a wonderful time I had on the show with Host Shelley Hendricks! Please be blessed by my testimony and be sure to share with others! God Bless!

Lily

Everyone has a Story to Tell

Ever wanted to tell your story, but just didn't know where to begin? Maybe your story is inspiring, tragic, purposeful, or full of information. Maybe you have to tell this story because if you didn't, the release and deliverance that God has for you just can't be brought to fruition. The pain and emotions from your past has weighed you down. Are you with me? I understand everyone of these situations because I, at one time, was there.

So how do you start to put pen to paper and let the words flow from you heart? I'm going to share I few tid bits in the coming weeks on how to write your personal memoir. These short techniques that I'll share have been proven to help me when I wrote my memoir, The Life of a Lily.

By the way, if you are in the Las Vegas area June 18th-19th, come out to the Black Writers Reunion Conference, www.blackwriters.org at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino. Along with some of the information that I'll share with you in the coming blog posts,(there's many more where this came from), I will also be presenting on Writing Children's Books for Today's Youth.

Ok, Let's start.

Memoir-(def.) memorandum; autobiography; an account of something noteworthy. (The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, copyright 2004).

My definition: a collection of true, personal life experiences that an author uses to tell a story, and/or inform an audience for the purpose of entertainment, inspiration, and reflection.

1. Start with the right surroundings.

It's kind of hard to get into your zone of writing without having the right atmosphere around you. The best time for writing for me is at night, when it's quiet, my child is in bed, and it's just me and God. I make sure I keep a pen and pad next to my bed at all times, and have awaken a time or two to jot things down from my dreams, from my subconscious mind (I know that's weird) but I have been known to wake up and some things from my past have resurfaced in my dreams. God brings things to you for a reason, especially if you realize that it happens more than once. Some people call it deja vu. I don't. God gives us unctions in the Holy Spirit. Take heed to them.

Now you want to make sure to have the most comfortable writing experience. How? Try to work in an area with the right lighting (desk lamp, or full-fledge natural lighting), and a desk or table that you always go to to write. Let that be your writer's workshop, so to speak. Get yourself something to drink, like coffee or tea, turn down any music or TV; as a matter of fact, turn it off. You want to make sure you are free from distractions and your creative juices can begin to flow. Make sure the chair that you are sitting in has the proper height for your posture but also to be able to sit properly with your computer or laptop. Working while sitting up in your bed will not be the best way to write, because you can become too comfortable and maybe fall asleep. I know many writers that do not feel that their homes are conducive to writing in. So they may go to a coffee shop, library, or other space where there's noise, chatter, or anything with stimulation. So really to each his/her own. Do what's most comfortable for you.

Just having the right surroundings will make you free to think and ready to write. Next time we will discuss how to research your life to find stories, and past memories for your memoir.

Blessings!

An Act of Forgiveness

Asta Publications Announces, An Act of Forgiveness, the Highly Anticipated Children’s Book from Author, Lily L. Ratliff

Asta Publications releases, "An Act of Forgiveness," written by Lily L. Ratliff in March 2009. The paperback will be available worldwide on book retailer websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble for a suggested retail price of $12.95.

Lithonia, GA, January 29, 2009 --(PR.com)-- During one of Ms Frazier’s fifth grade bible lessons on forgiveness at Noah’s Christian Academy, Caleb daydreams about being constantly bullied by the school’s gang. They began teasing him when they found out he was living in a foster home. Caleb concentrates on doing well in school and helping his favorite teacher by doing small chores for her. One day Caleb stumbles upon intruders defacing and destroying the school’s computer lab. His main tormentor, Leander is accused by the principal of being involved. However, Caleb knows the truth and has to make a decision of whether to tell the truth or get revenge. Will Caleb be able to forgive those who have abused him?

While it is at its core a story of perseverance, pain, and character building, An Act of Forgiveness is also a challenging parable about the pitfalls of moral judgment, acts of kindness, and forgiveness.

His character is tested every time he is taunted, teased, and eventually beat up by bullies of the private school he attended, but still later on forgave them.

An Act of Forgiveness is being aggressively promoted to appropriate markets with a focus on the Children’s Fiction category. With U.S. wholesale distribution through Ingram and Baker & Taylor, and all-encompassing online availability through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and elsewhere, An Act of Forgiveness meets consumer demand through both retail and library markets with a suggested retail price of $12.95.

Additionally, An Act of Forgiveness can be ordered by retailers or wholesalers for the maximum trade discount price set by the author in quantities of ten or more by visiting the author’s web site at www.thelifeofalily.com.

Lily L. Ratliff is a professional speaker, entrepreneur, and the author of the inspirational memoir, The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love, a Black Christian Book Distributor’s Top 50 Independent Publishers Bestseller. She was a finalist in the 2008 Indie Book Awards and is a Cambridge Who’s Who of Professionals, Executives, and Entrepreneurs Honorary Member. By day, she is an educator and lives with her family in the Atlanta area.

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Contact Information
Asta Publications
Lily L. Ratliff
813-850-7333
astapubl@gmail.com
www.thelifeofalily.com