7 Questions For...

J.J. HAIRSTON

New Album In Stores

September 1, 2009
RESTING ON HIS PROMISE

YOUTHFUL PRAISE featuring J.J. HAIRSTON

Click Music To Listen Now/Click Video For Exclusive Footage

DIVINE: (1) How have you grown since your last album?
JJ: I think I've grown spiritually, and I realize my purpose in the gospel music industry. I didn't really know what my focus or purpose was before, but I have a good handle on it now.

DIVINE: (2) How has Youthful Praise grown?
JJ: Well we've matured a lot. We're not kids anymore, and I believe we're in this for the right reason. Not for fame or anything like that, but to minister.

DIVINE: (3) What's your favorite song on this new album?
JJ: That would be "Close to You". It's a very intimate and personal worship song. I sing that song all the time. (I mean by myself).

DIVINE: (4) What can fans expect from your new album?
JJ: A lot of upbeat praise, of course intimate worship, some good old fashion church choir music, and a lot of the sound that the people who have the first YP record would recognize.

DIVINE: (5) What other projects do you have up your sleeves?
JJ: Well we're writing for a few other projects, but right now my focus is on promoting this new record.

DIVINE: (6) What was the inspiration for the song "Resting On His Promise"?
JJ: Well I wanted to encourage God's people in this crazy economic time. There are some people who may have lost jobs, or who are worried about losing a job or just worried about what their financial future is going to be. I just wanted to encourage them to rest on the promises of God.

DIVINE: (7)"Resting On His Promise" has lyrics that say, "I'm covered", why is it so important for believers to remember this and non-believers to understand this?
JJ: Well the main focus of the song is about being financially covered, but it also can be translated to being covered from anything! Sickness, financial difficulty, stress; we're covered or should I say shielded from all of it. Will we ever get sick, maybe, but our outcome is not the same as those who are non believers; their trust is man, but ours is in the Lord. It's important that non-believers see and recognize that because it may win them to Christ. We all have been failed by man, but God can not fail!

DIVINE: Thanks so much for your time and many blessings on all your future endeavors!
JJ: Thank you so much for you support!

###

Back To School-Celebrating Our Teachers

This week and last week teachers all across the world prepared to go back into the classrooms for the upcoming school year. Teachers are by far some of the most important people on the planet. Teachers plant seeds in students that in life are watered and nurtured to develop our future leaders.

LET'S SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS
If you know a teacher or ever had a teacher, be sure to lift up a prayer for safety, sanity and success in the 2009-2010 school year. In addition, develop a good relationship with your child's teacher (or any relative or neighbor's teacher). Why? Teachers need an immense amount of support not just in the beginning of the year but throughout the year.

Here's a few things that you can do for a SPECIAL TEACHER:

• Pray for him/her the entire school year
• Remember birthdays, holidays, appreciation days, etc. & surprise him/her with a gift
• Purchase supplies for students in the classroom (find out what is needed)
• Buy him/her breakfast or lunch
• Give a gift certificate/gift card to a teacher supply store (supplies do run out)
• Be a classroom volunteer
• Serve as a proctor during State Testing
• Go on a field trip and help chaperone
• Speak to class about your profession, etc.
• Read a book/books to class
• Help decorate bulletin boards, organize class library, etc.
• Speak encouraging, positive words
• Celebrate their efforts and hard work

The sky is the limit to supporting our teachers. Be sure to find out exactly how you can get involved because most school system's require background checks and/or may have other visitation policies, etc. Nevertheless, find ways to let the teachers in your life know that they are Very Important People and treat them as such!

Verses & Quotes For Teachers To Meditate On:

• "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers." 1 Thess. 1:2
• "Train up a child in the way he should go." Proverbs 22:6
• "Seek the Lord and His strength, seek his face continually." 1 Chronicles 16:11
• "They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel."
  ~ Carol Buchner
• "Your role as a leader is even more important than you might imagine. You have the power to help people become winners." ~Ken Blanchard
• "It is not what is poured into a student that counts but what is planted." ~Linda Conway
  
  HAVE A GREAT YEAR TEACHERS!!!

YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!!

"What If My Gift Doesn't Make Room For Me?"

Everyone has a unique gift and talent and yes YOU possess something that is valuable to the world. Sometimes we feel the complete opposite of what the scripture says about our gifts: "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men" (Proverbs 18:16). When life happens and we are not operating in our gift because we busy ourselves with careers, family, friends, leisure activities, or other things that can distract us, we feel that our gift ISN'T making room for us. However, it is wise for us to understand that God does not make us do anything that we don't want to do. We have to make our own choices. Luke 14:25-27 explains that "anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple." In other words if you choose to hold on tightly to earthly relationships and choose to place other things in front of God then you are outside of his will from the start. If you are out of God's will then more than likely you aren't operating in your gift(s). So stop asking, "God, if you want this for me and my life why isn't it happening?" or "What if my gift ISN'T making room for me?" These are tricks of Satan to cause you to be angry with God for your own errors.

No matter what it's never too late to get back on track. If you've been questioning God, take heed to the old Michael Jackson song with lyrics that said, "take a look at yourself and make the change". Start with the man/woman in the mirror. Make sure you are in God's will and if not take the necessary steps to get back where you know you belong. Find the balance between things that can become a distraction to you and your relationship with God. Focus on what your purpose is in life and the natural gift that you have inside of you that is intended to impact nations. With all those things in order you will be completely satisfied from operating in your gift and ultimately fulfilling the Great Commission of drawing others to Christ. That's what it's all about.

What is your gift?

Michael Jackson: A Music Legend & Iconic Figure







Michael Joseph Jackson
(August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009)



None of us will ever know what Michael was thinking about during his last days on earth or what he was really going through. We do know that he impacted millions of lives during his 50 years. Isn't that what really matters is that we live life for others and not ourselves? Aren't we suppose to use our God-given talents to bless others? I think so and as long as I can remember Michael Jackson made me smile and I danced all the way through my teens, twenties and part of my thirties listening to his beautiful music. Now I cry over the fact that someone whose music I listened to most of my life has passed away.

I prefer to remember Michael Joseph Jackson for his contributions and nothing else.

Here are some of the gems that he left us to remember him by:

• Started singing with The Jackson 5 at the tender age of 5
• Brilliantly played The Scarecrow in 'The Wiz' (1978) alongside Diana Ross, Nipsey Russell, Lena Horne & other great actors and actresses & under the direction of Quincy Jones
• The (1979) 'Off The Wall' album had four #1 singles a U.S. record breaker
• Won his first American Music Award & Billboard Award from 'Off the Wall' album
• His Thriller (1982) album is the biggest selling album of all time
• Featured in the Grammy Award winning song 'We Are the World' and help to write some of its lyrics
• In 1987 he was named Artist of the Decade
• His Bad (1987) album sold over 32 million copies
• Dangerous (1991) album featured the hit songs 'Black or White', 'Remember the Time' & 'Heal the World'
• The album 'History-Past,Present and Future' (1995)hit number one in several countries worldwide and included songs 'They Don't Really Care About Us' and 'Earth Song'
• 'Scream' a duet with his sister Janet, won a Grammy Award for ‘Best Short-Form Music Video’ and an MTV Award for Best Choreography
• Still going strong, 'Invincible; (2001) sold over 8 million copies included MY all time favorite 'You Rock My World'
• His 'Number Ones' (2003) album proved that he was & will be the greatest entertainer ever
• Has sold 170 million albums worldwide

MJ Trademarks (From IMDb)

The Moonwalk.
Single sequined white glove.
He always wears white socks with black shoes.
High-pitched voice.

The following is an alphabetical list of known charities that Michael Jackson has individualy supported publically throughout his career. (From WikiAnswers)

AIDS Project L.A.
American Cancer Society
Angel Food
Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
BMI Foundation, Inc.
Brotherhood Crusade
Brothman Burn Center
Camp Ronald McDonald
Childhelp U.S.A.
Children's Institute International
Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
Dakar Foundation
Dreamstreet Kids
Dreams Come True Charity
Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Love Match
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Minority Aids Project
Motown Museum
NAACP
National Rainbow Coalition
Rotary Club of Australia
Society of Singers
Starlight Foundation
The Carter Center's Atlanta Project
The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
Transafrica
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope
Volunteers of America
Watts Summer Festival
Wish Granting
YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw

The lists could go on and on (and in fact they do) about Michael Jackson's many contributions. His life wasn't blameless but he did his best to serve others. No one can argue that Michael Jackson had a heart of pure gold. I pray for the much needed strength of his family and that his children grow up knowing that their father was a great man who left a remarkable mark on the entire world.

"It all went by so fast, didn't it? I wish I could do it all over again, I really do." -MJJ

Rest in Peace Michael Jackson

Full Time or Short-Term Missionary Work

If you have a heart for people and for serving, missions work might be a great opportunity for you. Personally, I did not hear about Global Missions trips until I was in college. The churches that I attended as a youth focused on local missionary work like visits to local prisons and nursing homes, doing neighborhood walks and having community events. All those activities planted seeds in my heart that were watered throughout my life and motivated me to go beyond the local missionary work. With patience and hard work I was fortunate enough to go on my first overseas Missions Trip on May 27-June 5 to Africa. It was the most incredible experience and opened my eyes to the fact that God truly is everywhere and that my testimony could be helpful to someone on the other side of the world.

If you have you ever thought about going into full time missionary work or going on a short-term missions trip don't wait any longer. At least do the research and get the ball rolling.

Check out my two friends, Greg and Kristen Evans, who are awesome full time missionaries. Read about their lives, view photos and find out how you can get involved. Visit www.gregandkristinevans.com

If your heart is burning to help people both locally and abroad, pray about it, speak to your pastor about it and when the time is right...Go For It...Go Global!

Mission Trip To Africa

Several things have impacted my life throughout the years but my recent mission trip to Africa is definitely in the top 3! I spent 10 days in Africa. We flew from Memphis to Atlanta stopped in Dakar and then on to Johannesburg. We spent time in Swaziland and in Durban. It was a busy 10 days but one that will change my outlook on life forever.

In addition, I completely know God on another level after flying 17 hours in the air to and from Africa. I realized that only God could keep an airplane in the air that long. I'm so thankful that God kept me and the other missionaries during our journey. I will in the days to come share some of our experiences. I'll begin with the visits to the CarePoints.

CAREPOINTS

To visit the CarePoints and love on the children that were there was an amazing experience. I encountered children who had next to nothing but smiled big as ever, sang songs, and praised Jesus (Siyabonga Jesu). I learned a valuable lesson about gratefulness and simplicity.

Here are a few pictures of the children at the various CarePoints:

Whether we were playing Duck, Duck Goose or singing to the top of our lungs, it was such a joy to spend time with children that are truly destined for greatness. I was so excited to be a part of inspiring the children that I met. I hugged them, sang to & with them, played with them and took some time to hold those that just wanted to be held. The children of Swaziland blessed me as much as I may have blessed them. Remember, that God has given us an opportunity to impact lives from our local neighborhoods to the CarePoints in Africa. I am so grateful for my opportunity to do so and look forward to more and more mission trips. I encourage you to get involved with missions as well.

Feel free to ask me any questions about my 10 day experience and I will be posting even more pictures soon.

MANY THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED MY TRIP TO AFRICA! GOD BLESS YOU & KNOW THAT YOU HAVE SOWN A GREAT SEED INTO THE LIVES OF OTHERS:)

Interviews: Megan Mottley

Photos: Megan Mottley, Gospel Music Association, Your Music Zone

The DOVE Awards is coveted as the biggest night in Christian/Gospel Music. The night started with live performances from Mary Mary and Kierra "KiKi" Sheard. The rest of the show was filled with even more inspiring performances, surprise guest presenters, and tributes to artists that have paved the way for others in the music industry. Enjoy the pictures and interviews from this year's DOVE Awards and if you're looking for some exciting new music to add to your Ipod, check out the entire list of winners.

DOVE Awards Biggest Winner

Artist of The Year, Songwriter of the Year

Steven Curtis Chapman with his wife and boys.
Chapman took home 3 DOVE Awards and
shared the victory with his family.

Chapman tragically lost his 5-year-old daughter, Maria, last year in an automobile accident and winning the DOVE Awards was evidently a bittersweet experience for Chapman and his entire family.

"I understand the songs even more now. This experience has made me take scriptures and songs and anchor my heart to them. I have learned that God's strength is perfect in our weakness."

Natalie Grant

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

"Other than performing I am very involved with the Home Foundation, a non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to the eradication of human trafficking both domestically and abroad."

Brandon Heath

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Give Me Your Eyes”; Brandon Heath

POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG
"Give Me Your Eyes”; What If We; Brandon Heath

Blind Boys of Alabama

TRADITIONAL GOSPEL RECORDED SONG

TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM

"We always strive to bring hope and encouragement through our music...and this album was especially dedicated to the people in New Orleans, LA."

KJ-52

RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG

“Do Yo Thang”

"Christian Rap & Hip Hop music are at the

best level of acceptance than ever before in the music industry."

Martha Munizzi

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM

Change the World

"When we worship God He changes us and

we can in turn change the world.

Praise and worship draws people to

God and color does not matter."

LaRue Howard

"I was so excited to work with Martha Munizzi

on 'How Great Is Our God'."

Jars of Clay

"I think people should serve in any way that you can.

The choices that we make here make a difference. We

should invest in other humans and in other people's

stories. We have to sometimes endure the pain in order

to embrace the gain."

Founders of the Blood:Water Mission, the non-profit organization launched in 2001, Jars of Clay has funded more than 650 water projects, along with hygiene and sanitation training, in 11 African countries. Source: CMSpin

MaryMary
Opened the DOVE Awards with their high-energy song "Get Up"

By the end of the night, MaryMary won a Dove Award

for Urban Recorded Song of the Year,

“Get Up,” from their #1 Gospel Album, The Sound.

"We have some exciting new things happening in the future...

a Bath & Body Line and a new Book!"

Mary Mary backstage flattered when I told them that I'm glad that they wrote a song like "Dirt" on of their new album. They even began to sing the tune and explained that "We all need a little bit, need a little bit, need a little bit of dirt to grow, we all need a little rain to wash our souls..."

Tenth Avenue North


NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Group 1 Crew



RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Ordinary Dreamers

Casting Crowns

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Sinbad & His Daughter Paige from Press Play

ENTIRE LIST OF 2009 DOVE AWARD WINNERS

Artist of the Year: Steven Curtis Chapman

New Artist of the Year: Tenth Avenue North

Song of the Year: "Give Me Your Eyes" Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram

Male Vocalist of the Year: Brandon Heath

Female Vocalist of the Year: Natalie Grant

Group of the Year: Casting Crowns

Producer of the Year: Bernie Herms

Rock Recorded Song of the Year: "Lost" by Red

Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year:

"Washed By The Water" by NeedToBreathe

Urban Recorded Song of the Year: "Get Up" by MaryMary

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year: "Do Yo Thang" by KJ-52

Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year:

"Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year:

"A New Hallelujah" by Michael W. Smith

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year:

"Reason Enough" by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year:

"They're Holding Up The Ladder" by Jeff & Sheri Easter

Country Recorded Song of the Year: "I Wish" by Point of Grace

Rap / Hip Hop Album of the Year: Ordinary Dreamers, Group 1 Crew

Rock Album of the Year: Satisfied, DecembeRadio

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year: Never Going Back to OK, The Afters

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year: Revelation, Third Day

Inspirational Album of the Year: Great God Who Saves, Laura Story

Southern Gospel Album of the Year: Lovin’ Life; Ernie Gaither Vocal Band; Bill Gaither, Guy Penrod, Marshall Hall, Wes Hampton; Gaither Music Group

Bluegrass Album of the Year: We Are Family, Jeff & Sheri Easter

Country Album of the Year: Around the Bend, Randy Travis

Urban Album of the Year: The Fight of My Life, Kirk Franklin

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year:

Down in New Orleans, The Blind Boys of Alabama

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year: Change the World, Martha Munizzi

Instrumental Album of the Year: Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Various

Children's Music Album of the Year:

Absolute Modern Worship for Kids 4, Various

Spanish Language Album of the Year: Seventh Day Slumber, Rescatame

Special Event Album of the Year: Passion: God of This City, Various

Christmas Album of the Year: Peace on Earth, Casting Crowns

Praise & Worship Album of the Year: A New Hallelujah, Michael W. Smith

Musical of the Year: God Bless the USA by Sue C. Smith, Brentwood/Benson

Youth/Children's Musical of the Year: An Island Christmas by Wayne Haun, Shelby Haun, Joel Lindsey, Lillenas Publishing

Choral Collection of the Year: I'll Say Yes by Carol Cymbala,

Brooklyn Tabernacle Music

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year: Revelation (Third Day) by Tim Parker, Becka Blackburn, David McLister, R.W. Sims, Essential Records

Short Form Music Video of the Year: Slow Fade, Casting Crowns,

Erwin Brothers Motion Pictures

Long Form Music Video of the Year: "Alive and Transported," tobyMac,

Eric Welch, Tameron Hedge

Congratulations To All DOVE Award Winners!

Nancy Alcorn of Mercy Ministries -Exclusive Interview

In the recent issue of DIVINE Magazine, Nancy Alcorn founder of Mercy Ministries was featured to shed light on her 26-year old ministry to reach and rescue young ladies. To read the article in its entirety, complete the sign up form above to receive the digital version of DIVINE emailed right to your inbox.

Nancy Alcorn, Mercy Ministries Founder

During our interview, Nancy shared her personal thoughts on various topics that you can only read here in our blog:

DIVINE: Who/What is your inspiration in general?

NANCY: I am inspired and extremely motivated by the knowledge that the name of Jesus is above every name, that there is nothing too hard for God, and that He can restore any and every broken life. The knowledge that there is nothing too hard for God is what keeps me going.
DIVINE: How have you grown over the past few years since your ministry has started?

NANCY: There is a scripture in Proverbs that says we gain wisdom through God’s Word and through life experiences. I have definitely grown over the years as I have stayed in God’s Word and allowed my mind to be renewed to think like He thinks and my faith to be built so that I can see the unseen and behold what’s coming with the eye of faith. Through life’s experiences, I can honestly say that the older I get and the longer I live, the more I realize the faithfulness of God regardless of the situation.

DIVINE: How did you handle the times in your life when you wanted to give up?

NANCY: I can honestly say that I have never wanted to give up, but there have definitely been times where my feelings have tried to get me to give up. However, I always go back to the scripture that says His strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When I am weak, it is an opportunity for His strength in me to be perfected. This is a time when I remember scriptures like we are more than conquerors in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:37), and I go back to the writings of the Apostle Paul and what he went through, and I also look at what Jesus went through. I’m very competitive by nature, and we are told to run the race to win
(1 Corinthians 9:24). Even though at times I may feel like I want to give up, the honest truth is giving up has never been an option for me because I know that God says whom He’s called, He will equip, and where He guides, He will provide, and that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So, if He brought me through last year and even the last 25 years since Mercy first started, He’s still the same and that means He will bring me through whatever I’m facing today.

DIVINE: What scripture/passage is your favorite or is the most profound for young adults?

NANCY: My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your path.” I would encourage young adults to know that God is interested in your life, and that He wants to direct your path. If you will take the time to seek Him and to ask Him on a daily basis what He would have you do and then allow Him to order your steps and direct your path, your life will be much different and much better than you could ever imagine.

DIVINE: What advice do you have for people that are just beginning a ministry? What could you share with them about pressing through hard times?

NANCY: The advice that I would give is that whatever you are stepping out to do, make sure that you know that you know that you know that you’re called to whatever it is that you are starting. You have to settle in your heart that you know that God has called you because if that’s not settled in your heart, then you won’t have the faith you need to see and overcome in the difficult times.

The beginning of 2009 is the beginning of 26 years at Mercy Ministries for me, and I’m still standing because I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I am called and that God is faithful. He spoke to me in the beginning that if I would do three things that every need would always be met. So because He spoke that to me 26 years ago, I always go back to it. Those three things are:
1) to take the girls in free of charge because we want them to know that we are not trying to make money off their problems,

2) to tithe 10% of everything that comes in to other ministries,

3) and to not accept any state or federal funding or any money with strings attached that would limit our freedom to share the Gospel. Because I know that God said if you’ll do these three things, I’ll meet every need, I always have faith because I know I’m doing what God has told me to do – even after all these years. There have been times during times of lack that the enemy will try to tempt us not to tithe or to decrease our giving to other ministries, but I refuse to do it because I know that our needs are met through our giving and not through our asking.

2009 Projects In Store For Mercy Ministries:

· Opening of first West Coast home in Sacramento, California
· Raising funds to build homes on land in Charlotte, North Carolina and Destin, Florida
· Traveling and speaking in churches and conferences around the world,
· Increasing Internet presence to Myspace and Facebook along with our current sites: http://www.mercyministries.com/

http://www.nancyalcorn.com/

http://www.nancyalcorn.blogspot.com/
· Making more tools available to young women who are unable to come to the Mercy
Ministries program (Internet resources, our Mercy For book series, and more).

DIVINE MAGAZINE

IS NOW AVAILABLE IN DIGITAL!!!

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ANNIVERSARY ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE

"Celebrating Two Years:

Exercise Faith,

Expect Greatness,

Experience Breakthrough"

When Mercy Triumphs: An Inside Look At

Nancy Alcorn's Mercy Ministries

A Healthy Change You Can Believe In

Upcoming Conventions for 2009

Drinkable Delights

& Much, Much More!!

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Neely Brothers Macho Meals For Men

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Balancing Act

No matter where you are in life, no matter what level of education or level of prestige the answer to how to balance life is a question that everyone ponders at some point or another.

Our lives consist of most of the following entities:

Church Life
Education
Family
Friends
Career
Relationships
Leisure
Travel
Finances
Business

The order that we place the abovementioned entities depend on where we are in life. No particular order is right or wrong it's just a matter of balance. Too much of anything is not good while not enough of something else can be problematic as well. So how do you solve the too much/not enough situation: BALANCE.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Proverbs 11:1 reminds us that "The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight." Proverbs 16:11 also states that "Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making."

If we don't learn how to find balance, God will certainly teach us! If we don't spend enough time with our spouse an extramarital affair may creep into a marriage. If we neglect our children, a serious peer pressure situation may turn into a major issue. If we forfeit the opportunity to spend time in God's house we may miss a word from God that could help us cope. If we're too lazy to pursue education, it could keep us from a pay increase and necessary knowledge. If we don't learn to take some time to travel and get away, bitterness and a spirit of weariness may set in. The list can go on and on but the ULTIMATE point is that we must embrace the benefits of BALANCE.

How do balance things in your life?

Movies!!!

Has anyone seen any good movies lately?

Share the latest movie you've seen, the rating, and whether it was worth the money...

Seasons Change

This weekend's sudden weather change made me think about how fast seasons can change in our lives. One minute it was raining in Memphis and the next minute it was snowing and snowing and snowing until 8 inches accumulated. Soon the sun came out and after a few hours most of the snow had melted away. Now weather reports predict that by Wednesday it will be up to 70 degrees. Wow! I'm reminded of an old Kirk Franklin song "There must be a God Somewhere".

There isn't anyone but a mighty God who can be in control of the unpredictable weather that was demonstrated in Memphis this weekend. Just the same, God is in control when we experience a sudden change of seasons in our lives. One minute you have a job, the next minute you're laid off. One minute you're the picture of health, the next minute the doctors have given you a few months to live. One day you have a bank full of money, the next day the money's all gone to cover debt, medical bills, and other emergencies, etc. One day you're carrying a child and the next day you discover you've miscarried. One minute you are believing for a breakthrough and the next minute you are experiencing your breakthrough. One day all the faith that you've exercised for healing for months has finally come to pass and you've been healed. In one moment the job you were praying for, the house you were fasting for, the debt you have strived to be released from has been settled and given to you in the blink of an eye.

Seasons change. One thing that is constant is change. One day it may be raining, the next day the sun is shining and the next day brings snow. Just be prepared. Be at peace. Trust God and know that He is in control. Be confident that He has equipped you with the tools (spiritual, physical, mental, emotional) that you need to endure the effects of each season.

Shout It Out!

The other day I hit my toe on a piece of furniture and it was a painful moment. I grabbed my foot, put pressure on my toe and rocked back and forth to relieve the pain. Surprisingly, it wasn't until I let out a big, long "Ow" that I experienced relief. I thought to myself, "Hmm!" Just the act of crying out loud brought more relief than everything else that I had tried.

This situation made me think about life. When we go through painful situations in life, we need to cry out to God. Doing so may bring much more relief that complaining to friends, worrying, making poor choices, etc. We need to talk things over with God and sometimes "Shout It Out" of our systems in order to bring that breakthrough experience.

Remember this the next time you encounter a painful moment in your life. Cry out to God about your needs, your frustrations and your concerns. It may prove to be the anecdote that you never thought you possessed.

Shouting is in fact a biblical practice that had real purpose. In Joshua 6, shouting was exactly what the people were instructed to do in order to bring down the walls of Jericho. "Joshua commanded the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!" (Joshua 6:16) Once the people marched around the city seven times and SHOUTED aloud, the walls collapsed. There's power in shouting. "When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city." (Joshua 6:20). Read the entire book of Joshua to get a complete understanding of the story.

In essence, Shout, Shout, Shout--through the pain (because it will come), when you need a breakthrough (a wall like Jericho to fall) and especially when you experience life's joys.

Be Blessed

How Are Those Resolutions Coming Along?

For those of you who started the new year off with resolutions, how is it going? We're two months into the new year and since it's a new month now is a great time to review.

My resolution isn't that hard to maintain since I tried to set a low bar so I wouldn't fail at it. As a result, yes I can say that I am doing a great job so far!

What's was your New Year's Resolution or goals for the new year and how's it going?