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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
"What If My Gift Doesn't Make Room For Me?"
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?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

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.
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
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
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
Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Chapman took home 3 DOVE Awards and
shared the victory with his family.
Brandon Heath
“Give Me Your Eyes”; Brandon Heath
Blind Boys of Alabama
Martha Munizzi

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

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
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:
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:
Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year:
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year:
Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year:
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:
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:
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,
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,
Long Form Music Video of the Year: "Alive and Transported," tobyMac,
Congratulations To All DOVE Award Winners!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Nancy Alcorn of Mercy Ministries -Exclusive Interview

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.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).
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Contact DIVINE
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Balancing Act
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?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Movies!!!
Share the latest movie you've seen, the rating, and whether it was worth the money...
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Seasons Change
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.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Shout It Out!
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
Monday, February 2, 2009
How Are Those Resolutions Coming Along?
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?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
STELLAR AWARDS
Gospel music’s brightest stars arrived in Music City on Saturday, January 17, 2009 for the 24th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The Grand Ole Opry house in Nashville, TN overflowed with talent with powerful performances by Kirk Franklin, Dionne Warwick, Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s. Hosts were Dorinda Clark-Cole, Sinbad and Donnie McClurkin.
Song of the Year - Marvin Sapp /Matthew Brownie "Never Would Have Made It"
Male Vocalist of the Year -Marvin Sapp
Female Vocalist of the Year - Dorinda Clark-Cole; Take It Back
Group Duo of the Year - Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise
New Artist of the Year - Jessica Greene; 4 The World; Habakkuk Music
CD of the Year - Marvin Sapp; Thirsty
Choir of the Year - Ricky Dillard & New G; The 7th Episode: Live in Toronto
Producer of the Year - Aaron Lindsey; Thirsty
Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year - Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose;Right Now Praise
Traditional Group/Duo of the Year - The Canton Spirituals; Driven
Contemporary Male of the Year - Byron Cage; Live at the Apollo: The Proclamation
Traditional Male of the Year -Marvin Sapp
Contemporary Female of the Year -CeCe Winans; Thy Kingdom Come
Traditional Female of the Year -Beverly Crawford; Live From Los Angeles
Contemporary CD of the Year - Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise
Traditional CD of the Year -Marvin Sapp; Thirsty
Urban/ Inspirational Single / Performance of the Year- Kirk Franklin;"Declaration:
Music Video of the Year - Marvin Sapp: “Never Would Have Made It”
Contemporary Choir of the Year - Ricky Dillard & New G; The 7th Episode: Live in Toronto Traditional Choir of the Year - Bishop Paul Morton & The Full Gospel Baptist Church Choir; Embracing the Next Dimension
Instrumental CD of the Year -Angélla Christie; The Breath of Life
Special Event CD of the Year - The Clark Sisters; The Best of the Clark Sisters Encore
Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year - Da’ T.R.U.T.H; Open Book
Children’s Performance of the Year - Kaira Miller; In God’s Time/It Ain’t Over
Quartet of the Year - Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s; So Much To Be Thankful For
Recorded Music Package of the Year -Michelle Lukianovich (art direction/design); Keith Major (photography); Thirsty (Marvin Sapp); Verity/Zomba Label Group
Praise and Worship CD of the Year - Shekinah Glory Ministry; Jesus
Congratulations to all of this year’s Stellar Award Winners!
BACKSTAGE AT THE STELLARS





























