Luke 12:53/BLOG

Strong, loving relationship between parents and children is ...

Growing up my parents always took me and my 3 siblings to Church. While my friends were outside playing, for some reason I enjoyed staying in the house. I loved to read books and magazines. But It was something about Jesus that made me want to know him better. Know him for myself. So, I started reading the Bible.

It was exciting getting to know the personality and Character of God. One day I came across the Scripture that read

Luke 12:53

“The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”

I was HORRIFIED!

I had never heard anyone of my friends talk back to their parents or even get mad at them in this way of the bible. We sure didn’t do it in my house. So, when I read it, it took me back because if those days were coming……. it wasn’t looking good for us. In my 14 year old mind, I couldn’t see how those days would come to pass. I remember God speaking to me saying, keep on living, you’ll see. Even though I believed it with all my heart, I kept saying, I love my mother and my father, who in their right minds would go against them.

I’m 52 years old, and Father God in the NAME OF JESUS. I have seen and heard it more times in my life than I care to mention. It saddens me. Don’t they know that their days on earth will be cut short? God gave us all parents or guardians for a reason, they are not to be disrespected. We are to love and cherish them. Even if we don’t agree with them all the time. I remember getting smart a time or two growing up, but the back hand smack was on my lips before I can get the last word out. ** Laughing**. There have been times when I didn’t agree with my parents even as a grown woman, but that does not warrant disrespect.

My daughter saw how I talked to and treated my parents. My daughter is 33 years and and she has never talked back to me. I RESPECT her, and she RESPECTS ME. Thank you Lord for the teachings in the Bible.

wonderblend

May 28, 2015May 28, 2015

Why You Mad?? My @tylerperry Response/BLOG

Hey Family!!!! 🙂 🙂

Tyler Perry wrote-May 27, 2015

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day, and she was explaining to me how disappointed she was in people and the things that they do and have done to her. She went on and on about how upset and heartbroken she was, and has been, about some of her family and friends. She talked about how they hurt her and how she wished they would change and be better people. She wanted them to be different than the people they were.

Halfway through this complaint-a-thon, I asked her to take a walk with me in the backyard. Now, you have to know this particular friend of mine. She hates the heat, and it was a hot day. I said, “come on” so she reluctantly came with me.

We got outside and it was steaming hot. I could see that she was uncomfortable. Nevertheless, we kept walking around my backyard. As she was still complaining about people, I asked her what she thought of my grass. Mind you, in order to appreciate the grass you had to stand in the direct sunlight. She said “Wow, I love your grass. It’s beautiful, but it’s hot right here. Let’s cool off under that oak tree over there.”

So, as she started to walk to the tree I said, “No no, let’s stay here in the grass and cool off.”

She turned to me quickly and said, “We can’t cool off on this grass.”

Right then, I said to her, “But you just said the grass was beautiful.”

“I did” she replied. Then, I asked her, “Why won’t you stay here?” She said, because she was hot and the grass couldn’t cool her off. So, we walked over to the oak tree and sat there.

She said, “Now you see? This is what I needed.”

Then I asked her this question. “The grass was beautiful. You loved it. Why didn’t you get mad with the grass because it couldn’t provide the shade you wanted?

She was confused, so I went on to explain myself. “People in this world, whether they were created a certain way or became that way through life’s circumstances, are who they are. Stop wishing they will be someone else.”

I said, “The next time you get upset with someone because they can’t do, or can’t be what you want them to be, remember the grass. Never get mad at a blade of grass because it’s not a tree. Appreciate the grass for what it is. Let it provide to you what it can, but don’t expect more. Your life will get so much easier when you start letting people be who they are and stop expecting them to give you what they don’t have or don’t know how to give. Just like that grass couldn’t provide shade because it wasn’t made to, some people are not made to give you what you’re asking for. So, stop looking for it. You will be shocked at how much peace you find when you really get this.”

And the last thing I said to her was this. “You wouldn’t be so frustrated with people who are like the grass if you had more people who are like trees in your life.”

I could really go deep into this, but I gotta go back to work. Talk to me. What do you think?

Love y’all. Talk soon

My Response:

I love Tyler Perry’s messages because they always make ME think. I wake up everyday to learn a new lesson, I may not get it sometimes, but trust me.. I FILE EVERYTHING IN THE BACK OF MY MIND, BECAUSE I KNOW ONE DAY, ONE DAY.. IM GOING TO NEED TO PULL IT OUT, EXAMINE IT, AND FINALLY GET THE LESSON.

In this lesson, it took me a long time to get how people were. I use to get mad at people for not acting the way I felt they should act, and I would be done with them. I learned that you have to meet people where they are!!! In this life you’re going to meet a lot of people, we all have different personalities. When we meet someone ((( IN PERSON))), they are exactly who they act out. That’s who they are…. and its okay… BUT CAN YOU DIG IT? I learned that I didn’t have to stay in that persons life because they didn’t act how I felt they should have. I don’t have to be their enemy, or be angry/mad with them either. There is always a lesson and reason why we come face to face with people who do things differently and act differently. Some people try to put a size 10 shoe on a 5 feet. Meaning, you can’t make people fit into what you feel they should be. Take them for face value, get the lesson you need from them, and KEEP IT MOVING. I’m so glad that I came to a place in my life where I can get along with ANYONE…. its so crazy because in my 20’s and early 30’s…. Um Um…. NOPE! LOL In my late 40’s…… listen… I come to your life for LIFE LESSONS… not to talk on the phone all day, not to gossip, but to exchange stories and life experiences that we may have that can heal us together, or even make us laugh.

For Example: My Sister Peedie… is always late for EVERYTHING. It use to BURN me up when we would all meet over to our parents house for pizza and laughs, she would plan the party for 5.. but always be there after 6. She does this for every function we have. If I say the gathering is at 4, she’ll blow my phone up asking me what time am I leaving, that way she would know how long she has to BS before leaving out her house. LOL.. I use to be MADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD at her. On fire. I use to wish that just one time, she would be on time. When God bought me to really examine this situation that bothered me so much… it BLESSED ME. He said.. your sister has been doing this for as long as you can remember. This is who she is. She won’t be on time, stop looking for her to be. This is your sister and how she does things. Get over it. Then I thought its OKAY.. ITS OKAY…. its funny now, because we make jokes and laugh about how late she’s going to be. I get it. I can’t make her to be a person on time, she’s always been this way. This is apart of her personality. ((( She’s always on time for work tho))) LOL LOL I no longer “wish” she would be on time… I Thank God that she always shows up ALIVE AND WELL

Now let me add this… I can call that SAME SISTER…. ask her for $20.00, she’ll bring me $40.00. One day I needed to borrow $20.00 she put a $100.00 BILL in my hand, we were talking so much, when she left, I realized what it was. If you call her for money SHE IS ALWAYS THERE. If you need a ride, she’s there late of course lol , if you need to talk, she’s always there. If you need a favor or anything… she’s there. She always have it and if she don’t she’ll get it for you. God had to me to see that. I learned to look FOR STRENGTHS IN OTHER AREAS of a person, instead of focusing on their weakness. She wont be on time for anything, but if you EVER EVER EVER NEED HER… SHE IS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME AND ANYBODY ELSE!!!! So, after thinking about it…. ITS OKAY… IT REALLY IS OKAY.. that she’s not a person to be on time, because she has so many other things about her that I LOVE. I LOVE MY BABY SISTER.

I AM La’Crease ((I don’t have to do anything else))

May 19, 2014

Conversations with friends, A Wedding Dance tissue needed (((((Blog)))))

Its a new week already wow!

Today I had some great conversations with 2 lovely ladies. I enjoy ministering to them. You know when life lessons come to teach you something, you have to really get into a quiet place and hear from God. God always gives us exits. Always. They both told me today that they loved me and that I am always there for them when they need to talk. They went on to say, how they appreciate me as a friend. That really felt good, because for the last few years I have really went through a life change. And it shut me down. I mean I have gotten over not living in Atlanta, its the things that happened after that, which rocked me to the core. I had SO MANY inbox messages of people wanting me to listen to them, and flat out, I said look…. I’m going through myself.. I can’t even think to help you right now.

Week after week of listening to TD Jakes LIVE on Sundays * I know I should have been in my own Church* but I know for a fact that he has helped me to know my calling. It was meant for me to be under his teachings. I am so excited. There are no hesitations on my part anymore. No more wondering, no more doubt. One thing I know I cannot do again. Is to shut down on people who need me. I can make it brief, but to never shut down like I’ve done this time. No matter what I’m going through. God has equipped me to keep it moving…. and this I know. I enjoy doing this, its what I was called to do. I finally got it. I plan to put together a Women’s Gathering and its going to be out of sight!! Life changing for many. I haven’t been this excited in years.

Later on, I received an email from someone to join her on line Ministry. I am very excited to do so, she is a very lovely lady.. I need this group very much. We’ve been FB friends for a while and not only that, but she’s written a book and when I purchased it, I WAS SO SURPRISED TO SEE MY NAME IN IT!!!! SHE DIDNT TELL ME.. HOW AWESOME IS THAT? I had asked her a question which made her really think, not knowing how it helped her. You’ll have to read it yourself…(((copy and paste)))) https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ayanaelon

Please watch this very touching Wedding Dance. Get some tissue…. you will cry.

I’m closing for now….. Be Blessed
Where works of the flesh exists, there is NO joy

April 19, 2014

Lessons in Leadership ………….. From the Desk of Cree

A.L.I.T.E

AIMSK Leadership In Training Extension

Lessons In Leadership

March 31, 2004

Read Genesis 37:1-36; 39:1-42; 47:13-26

It’s not the dream of a lifetime; it’s the dream that takes a lifetime

Many times as leaders we get really excited about the visions god has given us. We are very strong willed once we think we have a hold on what God has called us to do. But do you ever think that the vision God gives you will take a lifetime and will go past your existence on this earth? If God told us that it would take a lifetime, would we be so eager at first to accomplish that dream? I have to honestly say that I wouldn’t have been. During time in ministry, working with people, and many nights of being frustrated, a lifetime of fulfilling God’s destiny for my life became overwhelming and almost worth giving up. When you sit down and think about all the work you have to put into it and knowing that you are incompetent or unable, it is really mentally, physically, and spiritually draining. When we review great leaders of the bible, we can never look over Joseph life. Joseph story is one story that encourages me and somehow lives and proves; “It’s not the dream of a lifetime; it’s the dream that takes a lifetime”. Reading Joseph story is almost scary. Look how he was treated by his family. Look what hole he was placed in. Look at how his life went from Up to down. He was moving his way up and all of sudden he was thrown in a prison. However, even in prison, God didn’t take away his anointing. His gift was still present in his bones. He still interrupted dreams. He still heard the voice of God. He still was able to hear God in a hole. He still saw the visions of him ruling over a nation. How can you see such things in a terrible state in your life? I am a firm believer that is just the way God does things. He allows us to squeeze out the best during our most horrible circumstances. The question to us is, Will we dig deep within our soul to squeeze out the best during our worst? Most leaders fall by the waist side when they stop seeing the vision, when they stop seeing the big picture, and when they give up hope. Thank God Joseph didn’t give up hope.

In many ways, Joseph was like other great leaders. First, all leaders have a dream, a vision of a better future. In Joseph’s case, he experienced literal visions. Second, the vision and the person who has the vision are inseparable. The leader’s heart beats for the vision, eat for the vision, walk for the vision, talk for the vision, and he won’t be content until it is fulfilled. Another person cannot fulfill that leaders’ dream. We can expect others to help us get to the vision, but no one can fulfill it for us. I can help Yolanda in every way possible, but I can’t sing for her. (Lord knows I’m not gifted in that area) I can help Ylandus all day long, however, Peach is inside of her belly and she can be the only Visionary walking in Peach Ministries shoes. God send us help, however, he doesn’t replace our shoes onto someone else. Third, no leader’s vision can be kept secret. When vision is shared in the right way (note: the right way. There’s a wrong way too ladies), it can enhance a person’s leadership. But when it’s done in the wrong way, it creates problems. And that, of course, is what God Joseph in trouble. After reading this story, I can see how maybe Joseph could have gotten arrogant with his brothers.

A Vision that takes us through the Fire

Joseph had a vision long before he had the leadership ability to make it happen. He had a divine leadership destiny, but he didn’t start out as an effective leader. He held no kind of influence with his brothers or with anyone other than his father, for that matter. Now how many of us are in this situation? Before God could use him, Joseph had to be prepared, purified, and forged into the leader he had the potential to become. All great leaders need three things to prepare them:

1. Time to Mature

How many of us just jump into leadership positions without growing. No, let me say this, how many of mature leaders place people in leadership positions when their not ready? I can honestly say that I’ve done this before. This is the reason for the A.L.I.T.E program and its scriptural base of I Timothy 5:22- Never be in a hurry with appointing a leader. Leaders need time to grow. Joseph labored in obscurity (shrouded in or hidden by darkness c : not clearly seen or easily distinguished )for a season of his life before becoming qualified to lead. How many of us are broken before we begin leading? Joseph was sold into slavery at only seventeen (by research this is the age given), he finally stood before Pharaoh for the first time at the age of 30. Look at this time span, 13 years! He required thirteen years to be prepared. By the time he interpreted the monarch’s dream, he was a changed man. He was equipped. He was humble. He was a great leader.

2. Trials to Strengthen

Gold is purified only after it passes repeatedly through the fire. We all should know this by heart with all the lessons Vanessa has given us on going through the fire. Diamonds are created only under extreme pressure. And great leaders are formed only through trials. Joseph would never have reached his potential if he had stayed at home. To become a great leader, he had to become a slave and prisoner. It’s amazing of what God will send us through to purify us. Typing this statement honestly just scared the mess out of me. I realize that I have some more fires to go through, trials to endure, and extreme pressure to go under. I’ve had it good and Lord Jesus I still have awhile to go. Lord have mercy!

3. God to Bless You and Your Anointing

Without God, a leader can do nothing of real value. Jesus declared, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). God blessed Joseph as he worked in Potiphar’s house as a slave. Then he blessed him as he worked in the prison. Four times in chapter 39 ( I placed the scriptures above so you can go read this story and the word for yourselves) of Genesis the bible expresses God’s favor. For example, Genesis 39:23 states, “The Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.” If you’re on God side, you can’t lose. Every leader needs Gods favor. Whether you’re in a hole, in hell, or in prison, God will show up there and make you strong.

It takes a lifetime to fulfill a dream. So the next time you feel as if you’re stagnate or in a place where you feel you shouldn’t be ( I often have these feelings and have to pray them off of me), ask God to give you patience with your own destiny and vision. I know it is times where we want all that God has promised us, but know that we must go through a few things before getting to the vision. We want to act as Joseph did. He was a humble servant and Great leader. Allow God to prepare you as a servant first!

Know that we are all here for each other and there will be times where you might feel like you don’t have the energy to go on. Its not the dream of the lifetime; it’s the dream that takes a lifetime.

Love you all.

Appointed, Anointed, and Abiding,

Angela F. Armstrong

“You can have the title, I’ll take the Anointing”

December 5, 2013December 6, 2013

In 2013….. I Learned…….Crees Blog Entry

This year has been one I will never forget. Living alone with yourself…. will teach you a lot of things. The reason why I decided to share mines is because…. I believe that we all can take inventory of our lives… and when we do… we just may learn something.

I learned that I LOVE PRANKS. Even though I would never prank anyone. I realize that I go to youtube when I need to laugh, and when I need to smile just before going to bed. I’ve subscribed to several PRANK sites…. this is something that I realized I did. Wow. I asked myself… what is it that you get out of it? I LOVE to see people’s reaction. I love FACIAL EXPRESSIONS… they’re so funny to me.

I learned that its okay to enjoy being alone. I learned that I’m not the kind of person who calls up people and tell them my problems. I let God work things out, and that way I’m able to tell the story in TRUTH and in FULL. when I’m ready.

I learned that I have control of things that Angers me. For example, when the drive thru lady rolled her eyes so hard at me, all I could see is the white part in her eyes when I asked her for ketchup. I learned this year that I have total control of how I will react to ANY SITUATION, and that I was the one who really had the POWER. I always thought I had POWER AND CONTROL when I “told her off”…. but this year I LEARNED that the one who can laugh through it all…. is the one who has the POWER and SELF CONTROL.*pops my collar*

I learned that I don’t have to be “CONNECTED” to anyone. MEANING… if I’m cool with 2 people and they have issues with each other….. THATS THEIR PROBLEM TO WORK OUT!!!!! I’m free from DRAMA with my own SISTERS… I consider myself free from DRAMA with ANYBODY ELSE. I will not engage in ANY conversations pertaining to the other… PERIOD… AT ALL. I am my own person, I do what I want to do, I’m not connected to anyone. I do my own thang.

I learned this year… that I have always been the listener. My life has changed so much this year… sometimes I didn’t know if I was coming or going. In being the listener all the time….. I realized this year I didn’t have a listener for myself. Even though I’m good with that….. I realized and LEARNED that when I let all my talkers…..talk…. that I didn’t make them listeners. LOL But God had my back. And its all good.

I learned this year that my dad is who he is and that’s FINAL. I learned that whenever he got mad at me, that I was always afraid that he would be mad for a long time, and that’s why I always made up with him first. I went over 3 months before calling him * he had no plans to call me first* that was my first time going that long. I learned that its OKAY… that this is who HE is….. and for me to Boss Up… and accept it. I learned this year, that he can go months even years without talking to me.

I learned this year that I spent a lot of time holding people’s hand…. too long. I refuse to go any longer putting band-aids, and green rubbing alcohol on folks…. they gotta go to God.. JUST LIKE ME. I learned that I spend TOO MUCH TIME…. ( it’s okay to spend some time) on folks who don’t want to “get it”. I can’t use extra energy for that any more. I have to attend to me. I learned that I have neglected myself in so many ways. Those days are over.. and brighter days are coming.

Be Blessed

Where works of the flesh exists, there is NO joy

October 12, 2013October 12, 2013

LaCrease you’re sleep …..WAKE UP!!!!!!!!! Crees Blog Entry

So um…… last night/this morning, I was sleep. I keep my shades pulled back because I live downtown and LOVE the skyline…. which makes me able to see everything in the room because it has a little light.

Out of the blue as I’m sleeping… I see my room in the dark THINKING NOTHING OF IT…. and then I hear this voice say…. “You are awake” *at that point I knew something wasn’t right, because it made a statement* and then I KNOW it was God that said “No LaCrease you are SLEEP. So when I heard God’s voice I KNEW the devil was trying to do something, don’t know what it was. When I heard God say that… I KNEW I was sleep and was trying to wake up, I felt my eye lids batting, trying SO HARD to wake up. When I woke up I was LIKE OOOO MY GOD… Satan tried to make me think I was awake… and God said LOUD AND CLEAR … NO LACREASE YOU’RE SLEEP …..WAKE UP!!!!!!!!! His voice was SO FAMILIAR. I never experienced God and Satan go at it right there in my presence. I’m sorry, I’m still tripping on this. It was so deep. I woke up in the middle of the night and wrote it down so that I can write about it. I didn’t hesitate or anything when I started batting my eyes, I was in my right mind with my eyes closed. I woke up saying WHAT JUST HAPPENED? The conversation took place right in front of me.

Could someone be FAKE and appearing REAL in my life? There is a lesson in this… God will reveal all things to me that he feels are important.

Be Blessed

Where works of the flesh exists, there is NO joy

May 5, 2013May 5, 2013

You can’t change who people want to be. * Crees blog entry*

Today was a great day. My mommy came over with my niece for a while. We had a good time talking and laughing.

Just sitting here thinking how all my life my dad stayed mad at his kids and my mom 4 of us all the time. He taught us to make up and forgive ON THE SPOT, but he NEVER did what he taught. He’s been “mad” at me since April 10, and for the first time in MY LIFE… I’m making it my business to NOT call him first, so that I can see just how long he can go. No matter what…. I will always call him first, he’s so stubborn, I don’t see how he can LIVE LIFE LIKE THAT. As I think about this situation. I understand now why I Love to have Peace. Its because with my dad its always ciaos. I remember giving him money from my summer jobs when I was at home, just to “make up with him” and keep the peace around the house. I just wanted Peace so that I can do things without anyone/him being upset with me… especially him.

Now that I look back on my life up until 10 years ago, I always cared who was mad at me. I cared. I would call folks and make up even if I was wrong. I would knock on friends door and ask ” are you still mad at me”? Its like I couldn’t get on with my day… if someone was mad at me. I feel like crying thinking about this. I always wanted to be like others and say.. ” I don’t care if she’s/he’s mad at me and really mean it!!! But me on the other hand…I had to do something “extra” to make peace so that I can get on with my day. I’m at a place in my life, where I refuse to call him. No way. He called up everyone in the family and told them that he’s mad at me. SHM. But I know he never thought in a million years that I would not have called him by now. As bad as it sounds, I’m so happy. LOL LOL I’m really proud of myself in a ” MESSED UP KINDA WAY”. It’s something deep to see just how long he can go. It only tells me that in the past, had I not made up first, he would have never done it 😦 BUT this is how he is, very stubborn. None of his kids are that way. We make up when we’ve offended it each, we talk it out, we laugh it out, and we move on. Everyday my dad is mad at somebody in the family. This is the longest we’ve ever went, it has made me a strong person in this area…… 🙂 On this note… let me say this. Stop holding grudges… make up and let still stuff go. I learned to not care and take stuff to heart so much. People are going to be who they want to be…. and there is nothing I can do about it. My dad has been this person since I was born… I cannot change him.He LOVES to manipulate. If I even share why he’s mad at me, it would be so embarrassing . LOL * yeah its that petty* Thing is…. I didn’t do anything. No more catering to him. And I’m proud of myself.