The 15th,16,&17th Days

Yeah, well three is better than one! You can't blame a girl for trying though. I've been pulled away in different ways but I must digress from my excuses for not posting on time.
Fri 6.15.07
I worked! Sent out an issue of the newsletter for the college students. I was also trying to get my list of things to do for the party on Friday, for business, for myself, and such. So you gotta come thru!

Sat 6.16.07
I wasn't going to go 'cause parking was $5 but I called up my aunt and caught a ride to a wedding of a young couple at my church. It's the second wedding I've been to that I wasn't in so it felt good to sit back and watch the show. It was very nice. Had you feeling all warm and mushy. lol! My aunt had to bounce before the reception and I was sad 'cause I was hungry, then I went to my mom's house and she didn't cook for me. No pressure, I mosied on back to my house and fixed some cheese and eggs (my little staple) worked, and hung out on Peters all night.
Sun 6.17.07
Got up early for early morning service (Happy Father's Day to all the ones doing it right, doing it big!) And I slept, and slept, and slept. I bounced over to Step's to help her with her wedding invitations and went back to church--Brandon preached a sermon! Did a great job! Shouts to Pastor Brandon! I tried to take a picture but the batteries in my camera decided that they didn't want to work for me any more and quit. I got something for them. I'm getting some rechargeables as soon as I recharge my funds!

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Chapter 15 of Judges Samson visits his wife after a period of time but her father wouldn't allow Samson to go into her room and told him that he had given her to Samson's best man because her father thought Samson hated her. So Samson used foxes to destroy the Philistines' shocks and standing grain, and vineyards and olive groves. When the Philistines were told that Samson did it, and the reason he did it, they went up and burned his wife and her father to death. The Philistines were looking for Samson so the Israelites (they didn't want Samson to start no trouble with them) tied him up for the Philistines. When the Philistines came toward him, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily, and the ropes on his arm became like charred flax and the bonds broke loose from his hands. He took a fresh jawbone of a donkey and killed a thousand men with it. Ha! Forget Densel, King Kong ain't got nothing on Samson!
Samson was on a roll but things start to get a little shaky. Chapter 16 begins with Samson going to Gaza, seeing a harlot, and went in to her. Then some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek, Delilah. The rulers of the Philistines went to her and asked her to entice him--find out where his strength lies and how they could overpower him and they would give her 1100 pieces of silver. She pressured Samson to tell her his secret to his strength and he lied to her three times. Then she was like how could you love me but not confide in me? (She really manipulated "love") So he told her his secret and she called a man to shave off his hair and his strength left him (his strength was not magical power in his hair but it was in the empowering of the Spirit, which he had lost through disobedience) Samson awoke and tried to get free but he didn't know that the Lord had left him and the Philistines took him and put out his eyes, bound him and put him in prison. His hair began to grow back after it had been shaven. The Philistines gathered to relish in their "god's accomplishment" of delivering Samson to them and had Samson to perform for them. Well, Samson prayed to God to strengthen him just once more and Samson killed more people at his death than he did all his life.
Chapter 17: Now Chapter 17 is interesting. It talks about personal idolatry, Micah's idols. Micah set up a a little worship center in his house (somewhere other than a tabernacle) and invited a Levite in and gave him 10 shekels of silver a year, clothes, and food to be his priest. Hmmmm???

Days 12,13,14

I know, I know. I'm behind. But its a good behind. It's cause I got my mojo back! I've been on a little creative kick lately and it feels good to let out my built up creative energy. I'm not an artist but I drew some handbag designs that turned out pretty good. I'm no graphic artist but I designed and created the flyer for the party I'm throwing and it's pretty hot. And I've been introduced to people who can get my finances on track and I'm no Bill Gates but I'm on my way. Ha! So that was the extent of my past few days. Working, inspiration, and such. I woke up at like 3:30 AM Tuesday morning, turned on my computer and was working on designs. Just the hours I use to keep in college. Maybe its the Flavor-Aid (I also discovered that "Grape" or "Purple" is the best Flavor-Aid flavor). I feel enlightened. No pictures, I'll post the flyer later and feel free to give me your input but just know that I'm sensitive about my crafts. But, I do need to catch up what's going on in Judges. I TiVo'd it and it should be right where I left it :)
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Okay, Chapter 12 of Judges is uber-short dealing with the Ephraimites complaining to Jephthah that he didn't call them when he defeated the people of Ammon (they said the same thing to Gideon--shouldn't that tell them something?) but Jephthah took over them too and judged Israel for 6 years and was followed by 3 other judges. Now Chapter 13 gets to familiar territory. The children of Israel did what was evil in the Lord's sight and they were delivered to the Philistines for forty years but they didn't even cry out-for they had become content with living under foreign domination. It begins that story of Samson. Samson was born to a barren woman who had no children. An angel of the Lord came to her and told her that she would have a son and that no razor shall come upon his head and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Israelites. When the woman bore Samson, the child grew and the Lord blessed him. And the Spirit of the Lord began to move upon him. So then, Chapter 14 outlines the sinful marriage of Samson. He saw a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines and told his parents that she pleased him and to go and get her for him (which was the custom). They were like--is there no woman of your own people that you have to go get a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines? So they went with him to talk with her. On the way, a lion came roaring against Samson and he tore the lion with his hands and didn't tell his parents about it. When they went back to get the girl, they passed by the lion and Samson saw the carcass of the lion with a swarm of bees and honey in it. Samson took some of the honey, ate it and gave some to his parents to eat. Samson threw a feast with the girls people. They brought 30 companions a Samson composed a riddle for them to answer at the end of the 7 day feast. They didn't know the answer and they told Samson's wife to entice Samson to explain the riddle so that they wouldn't have to give Samson garments and clothing. So Samson's wife asked and wept on him for seven days and so he explained the riddle because she pressed him so much. Then the sons of her people answered the riddle correctly and he gave them what he told them he would and he was angry and he went back to his father's house and his wife was given to his companion, who had been his best man.
Now Samson was a strong man, but women were his cryptonite! I wonder how his story would have turned out if he would have married a woman of his people from the beginning instead of getting involved with these other randomness. What did I learn? The people you choose to associate with have a bearing on your future so choose wisely! Amen!

****The 11th Day****

Today was work and more work. That was the extent of my day. I also got a chance to work on the flyer for my birthday party--and it looked ok for a non-graphic designer. I cooked some Fettucini Alfredo with Salmon. It was umm, umm, good! I know it's blurry, and my other pics were dark, but it just can't be me--it must be the camera. I gots to get a new one :)

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Chapter 11 of Judges: So Jephthah, the Giledite was a "mighty man of valor, but he was the son of a harlot". Gilead was his father. and Gilead's wife's sons grew up and drove Jephthah out of the house. Jephthah went to the lad of Tob and hooked up with worthless men and raided with them. The people of Ammon made war with Israel and the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from Tob and asked him to be their commander. He was like--didn't you hate me and expel me from my father's house, and now you come to me when you are in distress. They were like yes. Jephthah went with them because they promised to make him their head if the Lord delivered the people of Ammon to him. Jephthah found out that the reason Ammon wanted to fight was becuase Israel took away their land when they came up out of Egypt. Jephthah asked several kings could he pass through their land but they wouldn't let him. And Sihon fought against Israel and the Lord delivered Sihon to Israel and they took possession of their land. Jephthah sent word to the king of the people of Ammon but he did not heed his words. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah and he passed through different lands and advanced toward the people of Ammon. Then Jephthah made a vow: "If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord's and I will offer it up as a burnt offering" (but he didn't have to make this vow b/c the Spirit of the Lord had already empowered him and victory was already his--he spoke rashly) And the Lord delivered the people of Ammon into his hands. And when Jephthah came to his house, his daughter came out to meet him, she was his only child, and he tore his clothes but she and he both knew he wouldn't go back on his word. She asked that she could be left alone for two months with her friends in the mountains for she was a virgin and would die with no husband or child which was considered a great tragedy in ancient times. She came back a virgin and her father carried out his vow.(She took it well, I would have been very mad with my father) And the daughters of Israel went four days each year to commemorate his daughter.

Sunday... or something like that...

Today was chill day. Church was cool. Ms.Latreca made a cameo appearance and so did Brandon. Preacherman spoke on the Door of Opportunity (I Cor 16:5-16) He said if you serve with out opposition, you are serving in the wrong place. If you can't find an opportunity, create one. The don't present themselves in ideal circumstances. Great attitudes precede great opportunities and who you are determines what you see. Right on time.
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Judges Chapter 10. It starts out naming a couple of Israel's judges. Then, you know the drill. Israel started serving the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and a lot of other 'gods' of other people and forsook the Lord. And the Lord was hot! He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and the people of Ammon. And Israel was serverly distressed. So they cried out to the Lord but the Lord reminded them that He delivered them from the Egyptians, Amorties, people of Ammon, the Philistines, the Sidonians, Amalekites, and the Maonites. And he told them that He would not deliver them anymore and for them to cry out to the gods that they have chosen and let them deliver you. The children of Israel said that "we have sinned!" and prayed for deliverance, put away the foreign gods and served the Lord. His soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel.
No matter how much they "play the harlot" and sin against the Lord, He still takes them back. I'm glad He does, 'cause if not, I know I would be in a world of trouble!

Sa-Sa-Saturday, Day Number 9

I was crunk because today was the day that I had a full day-date...with my nephew, Jalohn. Just hang out around Atlanta, just he and me. But when my brother dropped him off, he was sleep :(. He stayed sleep for quite a while and I caught up with a little work. Once he woke up, I fed him, changed him, and we were rolling. We went to Step's house were she had a big cookout with her family and friend and her fiance's family. Jalohn got hold to some bubbles and he was content. I had a good time (hot but good).



Then we had to mosey on to my mom's cause I was "hosting" her housewarming party. A lot of people came through and showed my mom love. Congrats on your spot mom--it's fabulous. Here are a few pics, including before and afters of Jalohn and of course, my study of Judges.



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Alright, so in the midst of Israel acting up again, Judges 9 begins with Abimelech, one of Gideon's many sons, convincing his uncles (his mother's brothers, his mother was one of Gideon's concubines) and family to reign over the family. Their heart was geared toward him and they gave him seventy shekels of silver from the temple of Baal-Berith and Abimelech "hired worhtless and reckless men; and they followed him." He went to his father's house and killed his brothers, 70 sons of Gideon (Jerubbaal) but the youngest, Jotham, was left because he hid. When Jotham was told that Abimelech was now king, he cried out saying that basically, since they allowed Abimelech to become king, they and Abimelech would end up destroying each other.
After Abimelech regined over them (the men of Shechem, the Israelites around Shechem) for 3 years, God sent a "spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem and the men dealt treacherously with him. This was the consequence of them killing Gideon's sons. The chapter goes on with a lot of back and forth and backstabbing between territories but Jotham's curse eventually came to pass--the men of Shechem died and so did Abimelech.

TGIF! (Day 8)

I got my air back on! Yep, my air conditioner was Out! And with Atlanta's heat and the openess of my place, I was one very hot sister. I was able to manage with multiple showers a day a small fan that I lifted from mom's. But today my air conditioning peeps came through and put me out of my heat filled misery. Shouts to Julius & Rick for hooking me up! Oh, and today, my friend Erica called me to let me know that she got into Medical School! Dr.Erica is in. So her daughter, Genesis, is will be the proud product of two young black doctors! Amen! Beautiful--Congrats girl!
I got my yoga in every day this week and I noticed that I can touch my toes with no problem. I don't remember the last time I could do that but I'm super flexible now--so watch out!
Needless to say, I stayed at home most of the day, worked from home, and enjoyed the air. I planned on going to a basketball game with the youth at my church but it was cancelled at the last minute so me and my friend Ashley went to the Castleberry Hills Art Stroll. It was cool. Slice was jumping as usual, and the newly added "Noir" was also pretty packed. Monica Tookes'gallery was closed for the night and I was disappointed because in my opinion, it has the best art in Castleberry. www.castleberryhill.org
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Okay so Chapter 8 of Judges starts out with with the men of Ephraim mad at Gideon 'cause he didn't call them. lol! They wanted to go fight the Midianites too! But he handled them well, calming their nerves and their anger went away. Gideon's 300 men were exhausted but still in pursuit but the leaders of Succoth and Penuel wouldn't give them any bread, they were probably scared of the Midianites. Gideon told them that he would come back for them once he captured Zebah and Zalmunna,the two kings of Midian. Gideon attacked the army of people of the east and took the two kings. He caught a young man of Succoth and questioned him about where his leaders were. Then he went to the men of Succoth and tore their flesh with thorns and briers and he went to the tower of Penuel and killed the men of the city. Then he told Zebah and Zalmunna if they had not killed his brother, they would have lived. Then he told his son to kill them but he was afraid because he was young so Gideon killed them and took the crescent ornaments that were on their camels' necks. The men of Israel wanted Gideon to rule over them but Gideon turned them down telling them that the Lord shall rule over them. Once Gideon died, the children of Israel played the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-Berith their god. And they didn't show kindness to the house of Gideon (Jerubbaal) even though he had done ggood for them.

Day 7. Today was a Great Day! (Everyday is!)

Ha! I had a good time today. I had a 1pm meeting which was cancelled, which was cool 'cause I got another call from an old friend and we talked for over an hour which brightened my day. Then looked at a nice deal of a house on the southside, then bounced to a client's house in Palmetto where I passed by a gas station selling gas for $2.93! Please believe I made a u-turn in the street and filled up. Then I made my way downtown for the traffic/parking mess of Screen on the Green in Piedmont Park. My friend, PJ, was celebrating his birthday so a braved through about an hour's worth of driving, looking for somewhere to park, walking to the park, and finding the party. Screen on the Green is when they set up a huge screen in Piedmont Park and everyone and they momma, and drunk uncle can come sit in the park and watch a free movie. They were showing Car Wash. This was my first time going and I couldn't believe how many people were there! It good "people-watching". And "Baton Bob" was in full effect marching in his make-up, short Tu-Tu, earrings, and baton receiving a standing ovation. Only in Atlanta. I took a picture to capture the moment. PJ and friends and a great spread--chicken, chips, juice, spinach dip, crab dip, Scrabble, cards, all the good stuff. I had a great time. The pictures include cameos of PJ (aka Diddy), the infamous Nicole Garner and her boo (I think he is camera shy), lol, Ms. Kim "international" Coop and just a whole bunch of good people.

To top my day off, I was in a bind. My business partner and I wanted to enter into a handbag designer contest. We have ideas but drawing isn't one of our best talents so we called a couple of people to draw out our designs so we could enter the contest. Something happened at the last minute and they couldn't get the sketches to us and we didn't know until the day of the deadline. Well, of course, you know how God works. I called up a church friend and casually asked if he could whip up a couple of drawings for us so that we could submit something. I knew he was mad busy working on his job and stuff for the National College Conference. He confirmed his busy schedule but asked me to send him the ideas and if he can fit it in he would. I sent it to him and actually forgot about it assuming that he wouldn't be able to do it. But then I got text asking me to check my email, and behold the drawings were there! I got them in time to submit them before midnight! So be on the look-out for our designs online--I'll need you to vote on them so that we can win! Thanks a bunch to Lance who hooked up a Sister at the last minute!
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Okay, so Judges, Chapter 6 introduced Mr.Gideon toward the end he had gathered a whole bunch of people to fight with him. In Chapter 7, the Lord told him that he had too many people for God to deliver because Israel would claim glory for itself. So He told Gideon to say, "Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him turn and depart at once from Mount Gilead." And 22,000 people left leaving 10,000 people. God was like, that's still too many. So God told Gideon to bring them down to the water and whoever laps water like a dog needs to stay and whoever gets down on his knees to drink gots to go. (Seemingly, the upright position of lapping showed correct military alertness) This test left Gideon with 300 men! Gideon was still a little afraid to fight (understandably with 300 men but with God anything is possible!) so he took his servant, Purah, down to the camp with him. (If we obey God, even if we are afraid, v.10, God gives us further assurance and encouragement v.11). The Midianites and Amalekites were lying in the valley "as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude." (That's a lot!) So when Gideon got down there, he heard a man telling another about his dream that was interpreted as God delivering Midian into the sword of Gideon. When Gideon heard this, he worshiped and went back to his camp. He divided and instructed his men. The Midianite camp was so startled that they started killing each other! The people who were left fled to Beth Acacia and the men of Israel gathered and pursued the Midianites. Then Gideon sent messengers throughout the mountains of Ephraim to seize the watering places (the fords). They captured two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb and brought their heads to Gideon.
Wow. This is like a movie. 300 men. Very encouraging.

...:::Day Six:::...

Hey!
Yeah, fell asleep last night. Nose getting stuffy, throat scratchy but I'm going pray that it will pass by and everything will be normal when I wake up tomorrow, and drink some tea. Well, after my yoga, I spent most of the morning touching basis with clients when I got a call from an old friend and we talked for about an hour, catching up with each other's lives. Great to hear that her and her *young* family are doing swell! Keep the calls coming people! Love it! I went to look at houses with a client and started talking about life and goals, entrepreneurship, you know all the good stuff. I was inspired yet again. Afterward, I bounced to Barnes & Noble and I started looking through magazines and reading books. One quote I came across caught my eye. I can't remember the name of the book but it said, "Infinite patience produces immediate results." I thought that was a little profound, it went on to explain that infinite patience implies an absolute certainty that what you'd like to manifest will indeed show up, in perfect order, and exactly on time. The immediate result you receive from this inner knowing is a sense of peace. Every time I read it, it calms my spirit if I'm anxious about something/anything. It reminded me of a few of my favorite scriptures: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7 (Worry about nothing, Pray about Everything). And, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" -Ephesians 3:20
Shortly after that, I walked out of Barnes & Noble with more peace than I had when I walked in. I stopped by my mom's. She think she is cool with her little self!
I also stopped by and took pictures of a my client's house that I put on the market--if you know of someone who was a nice nearly new brick townhome in East Point, to rent or purchase, let me know!
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Okay, so Judges, chapter 6 is interesting. You know how it starts by now--the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord so the Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian for 7 years. The Midianites and Amalekites would constantly come up against them, so the children of Israel cried out to the Lord and He sent a prophet to them telling them all that God had done for them, not to fear the gods of the Amorites, and told them that they have not obeyed Him.
An Angel of the Lord came to Gideon and told him that the Lord is with him. Gideon was like well, if you are with us, why has all this happened to us? God told him to go with his strength and save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Gideon was asking God how could he save Israel when his clan is the weakest and he is the least in his fathers house. But the Lord assurred Gideon that He would be with him. Gideon was like okay, but show me a sign that it is You that is speaking. The Angel of the Lord showed out and Gideon was fearful. The Lord told Gideon not to fear and he built an altar to the Lord.
That same night the Lord told him to take his father's bull and tear down the altar of Baal that his father had and the wooden image beside it. When Gideon did that, people were looking for him but his father, Joash, was like if Baal is a 'god', let him take care of himself. Then all the Midianites and Amalekites gathered together. But, the spirit of God came upon Gideon and he blew his horn and the Abiezrites gathered behind him and he sent messengers out and people from different areas came up to meet him. The Gideon asked God again for two more signs that He will save Israel by his hand and He said and God passed both test for signs that Gideon asked for.
Gideon was not playing--he wanted to be for sure, for sure that God was with him and that God was not just filling his head up. God wasn't mad at him for that because God knew that Gideon intended to obey Him. But those who test Him to reinforce their doubt earn His anger (Psalms 95:8-11)

All the Way Live...Day 5

Yeah, well yesterday, I failed to mention that planned to test drive the car I want but I'm probably going to have to do that Friday or Sunday. When I drove my mom's car back to her on Sunday and realized how much it had the "shakes" I got a little determined to replace it for her. Clearly, this is going to take some planning and a lot of work (if you send me a client, you will get a $500 referral fee when they close on their home!) My plan is to save up some money, sell her car, turn over the car I drive to her and buy me another car with cash. Why cash? I don't want a car note. I've been listening to Dave Ramsey and I'm really working on becoming debt free asap with the exception of my real estate--even to work on paying that off early. I plan on paying off and letting go of the credit cards (they are the devil!) and paying cash for everything. If I can't afford it with cash--oh well! Small sacrifice on the road to my "financial position to retire at 30 and my business is doing so good and I'm having so much fun" goal. But the way I'm planning, I plan on being able to afford "it" whatever "it" may be soon. (Sorry all applications for friends have been taken and all positions filled so if you don't know me by now--holla!) I know paying cash for a car may help me to become more realistic about my next car, but I'm hoping to come across some joe smo with a really nice luxury car in superb shape and little mileage that he just has to get off his hands before his wife finds out that he bought yet another toy. (If you know of this guy, feel free to give him my card so that we can talk business). I also know that if I continue on this cash kick each car will get better and better so *no worries*
I got a lead on someone interested in renting out one of my properties so I know I'll have a buyer (or renter but hoping for buyer) soon. If you know of someone who is looking for affordable Marietta 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, lake, swim, tennis, quite community living, let me know!
Since moving to my spot, I've discovered something new--"Sav-A-Lot"! I got a 12-packet of Flavor Aid for 80 cents! You can't beat that! Okay, Flavor Aid is not Kool-Aid by no means...it's a tad bit chalky, bland, thin, but hey, it gets the job done, so kudos to Sav-A-Lot for bringing the hottest in all edible things cheap.

On to my daily reading...
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Chapter 5 of Judges is the Song of Deborah, talking about the accounts of Chapter 4. Deborah could have very well taken credit, as she played an active role in defeat of Jabin, king of Canaan and his army headed by Sisera but she sang songs giving God the glory and credit. Verses 4-5 talks about how there was a miraculously timed storm and flood that aided in the Canaanite defeat. Verse 23 speaks of a cursed Meroz community in Northern Palestine because they didn't come to the help of the Lord's people when He needed them. And Jael was blessed for her actions against Sisera (v. 24). The children of Israel had peace for 40 years.

Day 4--Sleepyhead!

Okay. I'm not sure what it was but last night, I was sooo sleepy . I usually turn in around 1 or 2 or later but I was out by 11pm. I think it was the many meals I had yesterday. I cooked pancakes and eggs for breakfast, stopped home after my afternoon meeting and had the last of my chicken fettuccine for lunch, then went to the office, a surprise birthday dinner, and made sloppy joes for dinner (I had two and they were sooo good!). So maybe I was very content with my productive filled day. Let me back up for a second. Yes I did go to a birthday dinner and yes I did eat sloppy joe afterward. Is she that greedy? You may ask. Well, I am a hungry child but I didn't eat at the dinner. Was I trying to be cute? Umm, no. I don't have to try to be cute :). I arrived early and left right after everyone sat down. Why? Just another page my "temporarily insufficent funds" book! Right now, I am on a super strict budget and random semi-expensive meals did not make the list. Just to make sure my credit card wouldn't be enticed by the lovely looking desserts, I left my wallet in the car. I made a cameo appearance took pics and bounced. Pics a little blurry but I'm working on stepping my camera game up.


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Judges Chapter 4 is very interesting and quite eventful. It starts again with the children of Israel doing what was evil in God's sight and they were sold to Jakin, a king of Canaan, where they stayed for 20 years (I noticed how their oppression years get longer and longer each time they disobey) and of course they cried to the Lord for help. Deborah, a prophetess, wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at the time. She sent for Barak (I found this interestingly ironic though the presidental candidate spell his "Barack" but still ironic) and told him what God had commanded him, take an army to go against Sisera (commander of King Jabin's army) and the Lord will deliver him into his hands. Then Mr.Barak told Deborah that he wouldn't go unless she went. (Huh?? He threw me off with this one...I guess Barak wanted some company or something but Deborah cut all thoughts short!) Deborah was like alright, I'll go but because of this, the Lord will hand Sisera over to the hands of a woman! (Girl Power! I guess Barak didn't have much faith, even though Deborah, a prophet told him that the Lord had already gone ahead of him. Not going unless she go--huh???) Well, Barak with after Sisera and all his chariots and God routed Sisera and his army right into the hands of Barak and Barak and his people killed all of Sisera's army. Meanwhile, Sisera fled on foot and ran to the tent of Jael, Heber the Kenite because there was peace between Heber and King Jabin. He asked her for water and she gave him milk. Then Sisera asked her to tell anyone who stopped by and asked if there is anyone here "No". Ha! Wrong Answer! Jael took a tent peg and hammer, went softly to him and drove the peg through his temple into the ground and he died. These women were no joke! Understanding that in those brutal times, the delicate and indecisive didn't survive, these people were nothing to play with. I'm glad I'm living over here in the new covenant! All that blood and gore and dust and dirt had to be terrible on their shoes! What's a girl to do??

Convicting Sunday *_Day 3_*

All I can say is wow. Just when you think you don't know where to turn, or what to do, God speaks. Opens doors. Does what He does best--just be Him!
So this morning I get myself together and head to church for early service. I'm singing and all, staying focused on worship when the preacher gets up and introduces the title of his sermon--Running on Empty. Umm, umm, um. Boy I tell you. God sure does know what you need when you need it. The topic was taken from II Kings 4:1-9. In the passage (I'm paraphrasing), there is a widow who cries out to Elisha saying that his servant who revered the Lord, her husband is dead, and the creditor is coming to take her two sons as slaves to clear the debt that they owe. Elisha is all cool and asks her what she has in her house. She says nothing but a little oil. He tells her to go and ask the neighbors for empty jars (not just a few), then go inside, shut the door, and pour oil inside all the jars and put each jar aside after they are filled. She did what he said and kept pouring until all the jars she had were filled and that's when the oil stopped flowing. Then Elisha told her to go and sell the oil and pay the debts and for her and her sons to live on what was left. I thought that was a powerful passage demonstrating a miracle of God. The preacher went on to note that you must understand that all you have, God allowed it and he can take it so that you will rely fully on Him. Without Jesus, you are no one! Sometimes we get so confident and prideful and we feel like we don't need Him (we don't actually say that but we show it in our actions) and He has to sit us down to remind us who He is. As long as you stay empty, God can fill you. Emptiness can be a gift from God--don't be afraid to be empty. When you are empty, there is no one you can turn to but God. It is when you are empty when He can use you. He has the power to deliver you out of any situation! Umph. I getting excited just thinking about his grace and mercy. I'm glad I heard that, I really needed that cause I know right now I'm running on empty but I have full confidence that God will fill me again as he has done for me plenty times before.
After church, I got to my mom's just in time to see my nephew before he left her house. I love him so much! He cried when he had to go home cause he wanted to stay and I was sad to see him go but I had to get some work done before evening service (yep, I gots to go back--it's the least I could do!) He was looking mean in this pic, probably 'cause it was hot out there so we gave him a popsicle so he was better after that. Note: my head is really not that big, it's just the angle of the camera and the comparison of mine to a 2 year old's. No really.
I got a chance to listen to some of the Dave Ramsey Show (great advice, check him out www.DaveRamsey.com), touch basis with a couple of clients, twist my hair, watch "Secrets of a Millionaire Mind", take a nap, and eat two meals. I must say, today was a good day. And I got my daily dose of Judges in...
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Okay, so in Judges 3, God leaves nations as a test of the children of Israel to once again see if they would obey Him. Of course, they didn't learn and they were sold to a king who they served for 8 years. They cried out to God and God delivered them through Othniel (husband of Achash mentioned in Chapter 1) and they had rest for 40 years. Then they reverted back to old ways of disobedience and had to serve Eglon, King of Moab for 18 years. They cried out and God delivered them through Ehud. The bible notes that Ehud was left handed (v.15). Being left-handed meant that he could hide a dagger on the opposite of his garment and use it expectantly. Which he did. He was real slick with his attack. He brought a tribute from Israel to King Eglon (why would you accept a tribute from people who you defeated and took their city??) and when Ehud dismissed everyone from the room, he stabbed Eglon with his dagger and left before his servants came in to check on him. After this, Israel had rest for 80 years. Then God delivered them again through Shamagar.
Question: What have we learned?? Stop disobeying God so you won't have to keep going through these same tests. Will they learn? Have we learned?

Oh, when I watched "Secrets of a Millionaire Mind" on PBS, I decided I would take on one of their suggestions on my 21 days-- No Complaining! I'm not going to complain. I'm going to need some help so if you hear me complaining I give you permission to call me out on it!

Chill Day 2

Okay. Today was an extra chill day. Why? because my mom decided she wanted to switch cars with me. Of course I know you thinking whats wrong with that. Well, the car she drives has the shakes. This is the same car that carried me through my last year of high school and some of college. This is the same car that has stopped on me more than twice and has had me push it or get pushed with me in it or get towed away numerous times. I was not taking my chances so I chilled all day--but I got a lot of work done which was great.
I went to my complex's HOA meeting and formally met my melting pot of neighbors. Of course, it didn't end without a little drama, two neighbors arguing and one walking out so they kept the meeting interesting and me awake. Looking at the diversity of all of us reminded me of a season of "Real World", except this is the real world.
I contacted clients, cooked Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and strawberry muffins, washed my hair, (see pic <-- Keanna au naturale :) read judges, learned more about how FICO scores are calculated (through a PODCAST; www.mywealthmatters.com). I got a call from a college friend in Alabama (shouts to Mr & Mrs Grimes--young black Christian love yeah!) Clemete called to see how I was doing which was so funny because I just emailed Rohonda, his wife, yesterday. He said they haven't even checked the email. I thought that was interestingly ironic. It's always good to hear from good old friends.
I didn't make it to the girls night out because of the shakes, lol, but I'm sure there will be more. (Thanks for the invite B!)
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Oh, I got a little more insight on Israel's constant failures in Judges 2. God was so not pleased with the children of Israel. They blanatly disobeyed Him by worshiping other gods even though it was God who brought them out of the land of Egypt. But God still had mercy on them by raising up judges who delivered them out of the hand of their enemies yet they didn't even listen to the judges--they "played the harlot". He was angry with them because they forsook Him, yet he was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed them so He delivered them and they went right back to doing the same thing. Umph. That's crazy. I wonder how does God feel about the things we do today. The things (gods) that we indirectly or directly "worship" (other people--celebrities, loved ones, jobs, money, success, etc). Does He get angry with us today as He did with the children of Israel?
Well, something to ponder.
I'm about to listen to another business PODCAST and work on more ideas for the Lifestyles of Rush! (Go Rush!)

Day 1

Ummm, Day 1 and I already slipped...I didn't get a chance to do my yoga due to an early meeting with some clients. We were looking at houses all over Cobb--I went to Dallas, Acworth, Smyrna, and Mableton. They saw a house they liked and hopefully they will put a contract on it. The good thing about Cobb County is that their gas is usually always cheaper than in the city of Atlanta--I found gas for $2.97! Praise God!
I did get to send out the newsletter for the National College Conference, you can sign up to receive them every other Friday or view past issues of the newsletter at www.NationalCollegeConference.com.
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Have you ever read Judges? (This isn't rhetorical people :) Well, I started my study of it today with Chapter 1--it was discussing the failure of Judah. Israel was really tripping but that's how we do all the time, just in different ways. But what I thought was interesting was how Aschash, Caleb's daughter just asked her father to give her "springs of water" (which was desirable in the arid South) and he gave her the upper and lower springs--not to mention the land that he already gave to her when he gave her over to marry Othniel. Bossy! But I'm trying to get to the bottom of Israel's failed conquests.
I bounced to the bible study in Lithonia, although I hesitated because I wanted to save my beloved $2.97 gas but I went anyway and I'm glad I did--we talked about Love. It was cool. Maybe because love is cool. Good food. Good people. All love. I was good. And the house was very inspirational--it was gated with a waterfall in the front and a movie theater inside. Interesting. I think God is on to something here!
Until 2morrow.

Join Me for Keanna's 21 Days of Summer. Let Me Explain...

Okay so lately, I’ve been feeling down, kinda in a slump. And then I started to worry about my slump—where did it come from, what was causing it, etc, but that didn’t make it any better, it just added to my “downess”. There have been no drastic changes in my life, I’ve been a little mundane comparatively speaking, so I was baffled. I just felt a little overwhelmed…
Then I was watching Run’s House the other day, the episode where his family throws him a party and he goes through his “mid-life crisis’, and I had an “aha” moment. It was then that I realized that I was going through a “quarter-life crisis”. My 25th birthday is coming up on June 21st and I guess I’m a little anxious and excited about it at the same time. I have been dwelling on my life, my spirituality, responsibilities, opportunities, aspirations, goals, career, business, investments, bills, bills, and more bills and the like. And I guess I felt like all of this was closing in on me when I had my breakthrough.

But, through my self-diagnosed epiphany I’ve also come up with a prescription that I’m truly excited about. It’s called Keanna’s 21 Days of Summer!
Let me explain:
My birthday, as I stated is on the 21st of June, which also happens to be the 1st day of summer, hence the “21 Days of Summer”. Each day leading to my birthday, beginning on June 1st , I will make sure that I make a significant stride in my personal goals and aspirations, either directly or indirectly. These daily doses will focus on what is important to me in life—family, friends, spirituality, relationships, business, fun, and relaxing. I have a calendar filled with my daily to-do list that will incorporate these aspects into my life my taking charge and being proactive and aggressive in activating my faith. Almost like a step-by-step program for me. I will document my 21 days and beyond and you are welcome to come along! I’m going to try to take and upload pictures as well as my daily progress. If you see something I have planned and you want to meet me, call me and we can make it happen. (I’m sharing this so that I’ll feel obligated to stick with my plan so I’m calling on my friends for support and reminders!)

Though I will involve myself with different variables each day, I will have some constants…
- I’m going to read/study the book of Judges. Why? It was 21 chapters and I will read a chapter per day; Judges is a book illustrating “what not to do” Judges tells of how Israel was constantly rebellious and how everyone did what was right in their own eyes, not in the eyes of God. It is about the people’s appeal to God in times of crisis in their failures and how God restores the land to peace and rest. It sounds pretty heavy so I may have to take a dose of Psalms after each reading.
- I will continue my exercise/yoga in the morning to keep me tight.
- Church (Sunday morning, evening, and Wednesday nights) Gots to keep it tight!

- Real Estate (keeping clients happy!)

- Lifestyles of Rush (we have great things brewing for the company so look out!)

Everything else, I’m going to plan out, organize, implement and see what God has in store.

Stay Tuned!