Tag Archives: Love

Jun 17 2012

A Conversation With My Father…

It’s been a little over three years since my father passed away but often times I find myself daydreaming about a much needed conversation. He was my best friend, protector, inspiration but most of all my Father. I still feel like I have so much to talk to him about and questions to ask. If I had one last chance to talk to him, it would probably go something like this:

Hi Daddy,

I should have known you knew exactly what you were talking about all these years. Thank you for all the advice, even when I still decided to do things my way. But oh did I learn and you never stopped loving me or judged me. There are still quite a few things left for me to learn, I just wish you were here to teach me.

Dad, how were you able to turn every moment possible into a learning experience? Putting together 2000+ pieces of a puzzle together, I learned patience and how to pay attention to detail. Let’s not forget how I learned my colors. While combing my hair you would let me pick out the barrettes and we would say the color of each together.

One more question, how did you remain so focused and dedicated? You never downplayed the responsibility you had been given and never spoke an ill word. You focused on the task and not the circumstances in which they were created. One last question, when life seems to be at a standstill how do you I keep going?

Well enough with all the questions. You’re in a place where there is no worry, just rejoicing. No sickness, heartache and pain, though you have taken your rest, your living was not in vain. Love you daddy!

Happy Father’s Day!

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May 9 2012

Sticks and Stones…

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”  Oh to be naive as a child and believe this.  I can remember saying this and hearing this as a child while playing on the playground and dealing with a disagreement.  But now as an adult, I realize the words that are spoken to us hurt just as well and leave scars in hidden places.  There are usually words that proceed a violent blow, a slap, push or shove.  Once the physical damage has been done, words are then used again to convince the abused that they deserved it.

I say this often, words have the power to heal, build up, encourage and inspire.  They also have the power to tear down, hurt and discourage.  Make sure that you are using your words wisely.

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love.”

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Feb 28 2012

Rewrite Your Story with L.O.V.E.

February’s theme has been about LOVE and today’s Author Interview talks all about it.  Shivawn Mitchell is an Author, Business Owner and Life and Vision Coach.  Her book Rewrite Your Story is available today!

What is L.O.V.E.?
L.O.V.E. stands for living out visions eternally. We started L.O.V.E. with the sole intent to empower women to live the life they are designed and desire to live. I believe so many times we feed ourselves junk and accept junk from other people that we start to believe it more than the positive that is really within us. It is our desire to shine light and help the person believe they can become who they are suppose to. We equip women to have a great relationship with themselves, focus on what they are suppose to be doing in life and then impact the world around them. So many times people go through life instead of growing through life. It is our intent to guide you toward your destiny. We offer life (relationship) coaching as well as the L.O.V.E. academy. We desire to create change agents for the world!When did you develop a passion for writing?

I’ve always had a passion for writing. My mother gave me my first journal as a child and since then it has become my therapy. I couldn’t imagine a day that I didn’t write. If I miss writing in my journal at night now I end up writing pages the next day!Who or what motivated you to write, “Rewrite Your Story”?

My motivation came from myself and always being a sounding board for friends and family. I experienced some hurt and disappointment in my life and I saw myself repeating the same lessons over and over again. Once I decided to stop lying to myself and get over my pity party. I realized it was so many people who were going through the same things I went through. I wanted to be that fresh voice of reason that just didn’t sugar coat my mistake in order to help someone else.Did you find it difficult to write about your story?

Well I tried writing a book a few years back and it just wasn’t from a good place. I was still hurt and hadn’t really dealt with everything and truly forgiven myself and others. But the second time around it was so much easier because it was objective and just the plain truth. Regardless of how I looked to others.What is one of the valuable lessons you learned, that you often share with others?

Stop lying to yourself. People walk around with so many lies and it stops them from growing as a person. No one will ever be perfect so instead of running from your issues deal with them head on so you can live a good life.What did you have to go through to learn it?

I think every mistake I made initially at first I wanted to point the blame at someone else instead of looking at Shivawn to see what role I played in the situation. I realized I was doing myself more harm than good!How do you balance your writing along with being a Life Coach?

Well my degree is in counseling so I’ve had to learn about balance for my total life the hard way. I always want to help people and often put myself on the back burner. But I quickly realized that if I was burned out I couldn’t help others. So I pay attention to when I need to take a break and don’t allow people to make me feel pressure to perform.What is one of the common misconceptions you find that people make surrounding their past, mistakes, flaws, etc.?

Most people believe that they can’t overcome there past they keep looking back. Instead of using your past as a lesson to push you forward. People also tend to compare themselves to others. Not taking in mind what the other person had to overcome too in order to get to where they are.What piece of advice would you give someone who is looking to make a new start?

Always take the time to sit down everyday to see what worked and didn’t. You can never change until you realize what your strength and weakness are. Then develop a plan. You can’t get results with no action. Also as you work your plan you have to remain consistent and don’t think change happens over night. Keep at it and celebrate when you grow and don’t stay stuck on a pity party when you stumble. Stuff happens!!What can we expect from you in the future?

I plan or writing more books and also publishing books for other authors through my publishing company. I also want to work on creating short films, traveling and a lot more public speaking.
In addition I start my Love Me book tour in March!
Any last words?
Don’t just have a vision but live it loud!
Rewrite Your Story is available on 2-28-11 at www.we-r-love and now on kindle at Amazon.
Connect with Shivawn Mitchell on Twitter
Feb 12 2012

And I Will Always Love You…

Whitney Houston - Concert in Central Park ...

Whitney Houston - Concert in Central Park / Good Morning America 2009 (Photo credit: asterix611)

*Grabs my duster* It has been a while since I posted.  Well actually only a week, but it feels like an eternity.  The past couple of weeks my words have been colors and pictures, really making it hard to write.  But today, I have to find a way because there is so much on my heart. 

Yesterday, after hearing the news of Whitney Houston passing, my heart was so heavy.  I grew up listening to her music as a little girl, watching her movies as a teenager and learned of her struggles as an adult.  But what bothered me more and the first thoughts that crossed my mind were that she was a mother, daughter, friend and so much more to a lot of people.  Working in my field, these are the types of phone calls that greet you on a Monday morning to start off your week or close out your week on a Friday right before you plan to start your weekend.  There is a Whitney Houston that does not wake up every single day and hour. 

It could have been me.  Sometimes the cares of this Ole world can become hard to bare.  I am thankful that when I couldn’t carry the load, didn’t know where to turn or who to depend on, the Lord continued to extend his hand.  “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3 KJV  He never gave up on me, never rub all the wrong I had done in my face but instead HE washed it all whiter than snow. 

We must learn how to love, become love and be love.  For some, we are the only point of contact for them to experience the love of God.  Another life has been lost, let this not be a life lost in vain.  We watched an icon struggle publically and the are some many others struggling behind closed doors all alone.  If no one else has told you, I LOVE YOU.  I don’t care what you are going through, what your past may look like but I will always love you.  “And above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].” 1 Peter 4:8 AMP

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to LOVE.” RATL

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Feb 2 2012

Love With A Punch

English: Boxing Gloves Deutsch: Boxhandschuhe

Image via Wikipedia

I often post about how it is important to surround yourself with people who are going to love you unconditionally, hold you accountable and speak life into you when you can’t speak life into yourself.  I am so thankful for those that God has placed in my life, who are so willing to share their faith and do it freely.  I received an email this morning from on of my Sorors that made my spirit leap.  And with her permission, I am sharing it with you.

The email reads:

Hey everyone,

I’m writing you today to share something that is in my spirit. I was writing an email to a friend just encouraging her on her journey of faith and I realized that there are certain promises God gave me (us) in his Word, and I often rest upon these  in prayer- and apply them to my life… but I find they come up mostly when I’m feeling defeated, overwhelmed and exhausted…

When I’m frustrated, ready to give up, throw in the towel or go cry in the shower- it is then that these warfare scriptures resonate within me. These are etched on my heart and when battling the enemy – proclaiming God’s words and not my own, really bring me peace. First, the faith- your belief that these words are powerful- is what activates the retreat of the enemy and the release of Peace… I find comfort in knowing that when I speak these things out loud- change happens. I believe it- even when the change isn’t immediate.

Lets’ set a foundation-

Before you can punch the enemy dead in his face without fear of retaliation – you must bind up the spirit of fear… and know that God hears and will answer- even if it isn’t the answer you desire- he WILL answer.

2 Timothy 1:7- For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

How does one bind fear… who gives us that right?

Matthew 16:19 -And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

God hears you and your prayer prevails in accordance to his Will.

Isaiah 65:24- And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

James 5:16- Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (Some versions say the “Fervent prayer” & that word can be described as- having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.; ardent:)

1 Thessoloians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. (Never stop praying!)

So basically, God answers before you open your mouth, but pray, and pray often. 

What makes you righteous? The acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for your life.

1 Corinthians 6:20- For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

God purchased you as His own with the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ! The words you speak (praying or otherwise) have power- so know that your words have weight…

Proverbs 18:21- Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and he that loves it will eat from its fruit.

Now that we’ve established that you - yes you -have the right (through Jesus Christ) to loose and bind up, loose, speak and walk in the authority of the Most High and battle on His behalf and for His kingdom.

The Punch
Your belief, your words, your authority and your knowledge of God’s Word & promises are what make you a force to be reckoned with!

So here are the promises to rest on when the world is shaking around you and nothing seems to be stable…

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Isaiah 54:17- “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. I also like the New Living Translation- But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken!

Luke 10:19- Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Romans 8:28- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Matthew 18:19- “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.

So HERE IT is ya’ll….

  1. God has given you power over the enemy- he cannot hurt you!
  2. NO WEAPON (or tongue) formed against you will prosper!!!!… what are you fearful of? 
  3. God has a plan for you and it is GOOD, it is not to harm you or destroy you.
  4. Everything in your life (good, bad, and ugly) work together to completely and totally equal GOOD in your life- it is all to make YOU better, stronger, and in the end, since you cannot take credit for it- it GLORIFIES your CREATOR. God gets all the glory!
  5. Find someone who will stand in agreement with you just to seal that deal and make it a little bit sweeter. Find someone who really believes and will pray with you, cry with you, stand with you, and then PRAISE with you! :-)

KICK THAT DEVIL’S BUTT- YOU WIN! God is so good… I love you all and hope this lifts you as it did me… God is a wonderful God who has a plan for our lives, and who wants to prosper us according to His will and riches…. he’s given us bulletproof armor to go on our journey and promised our needs to be met, and our desires to be fulfilled… what else can we ask for?

Sara

www.brazenwordz.com

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love.” RATL

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Feb 1 2012

Love Is In The Air…

With February being the month of “Love”, I thought it would be perfect to start the month off with an interview with Shon Hyneman.  If you follow him on twitter, you know him as @1DrLove.  He is a Husband, Father, Minister, Author, Radio Show Host and a source of valuable information for those desiring a relationship or those in need of working out their relationship.  He currently has three titles that are available and is working on his fourth.  Find out more about this author below.

From your first title, “If you apply these principles…God is more practical than we think”, what is one principle that impacted or changed your perception the most? It has to be the importance of time management. As I got older I realize that time waits on no one. We can always pick up a check, but once time has passed we can never get it back.

How did you develop such a passion for relationships and marriage? Being birthed of adultery and knowing the hurt of a missing parent. I wouldn’t want any child to witness that kind of hurt, so if my wife and I can help others…When I became Christian, my pastor was passionate about marriage & relationships and I became a sponge and soaked up everything on what the bible had to say about marriage and relationships.

You often share some of your testimony, how would you describe your relationships prior to giving your life to God? Slick. Everything I did had a motive behind it. I only tried to impress others for something in return. People labeled me as a “good guy” because I was able to put a façade in front of others. I knew what I was doing and my motives were all wrong.

How did Never Again Ministries begin and how did you decide on such a powerful name? Never Again Ministries began after I wrote my first book in 2008. God had given me so much material we had to put out in the atmosphere! It began when I was out of work, and I had nothing but time on my hands so my wife and I stepped out in faith and all our needs was met regardless of a limited income.

The name came from us giving spiritual guidance to married couples and when people were fed up and was ready for change they would say “never again” when people are at their breaking point and are ready for change that’s where we come in as a ministry.

Was the ever a moment that you wanted to give up or felt like it was too much?  Yes! Sometimes people put demands on you and want more and more. Sometimes it seems like your best isn’t good enough and that’s when I start to get weary at times.

Who have been some of your constant motivators and encouragers? My wife has always been my biggest encourager. Dr. Myles Munroe, Dr. Mike Murdock and Dr. R.A. Vernon are my motivators.

Describe the support and encouragement that your wife gives? Sometimes life will throw you a curveball and just to know that my wife is consistent with her graceful words of encouragement and eagerness to help me speaks volumes. She does a great job of keeping me accountable also.

Is there a topic that you both have different views on? Not that I can think of. We are two peas in a pod (Laughs)

What can we expect from Never Again Ministries in the future? More speaking engagements, books and special guests on the Doctor of Love Show in 2012.

What is one thing that you would say to a couple that was experiencing some turmoil? That turmoil is not a bad thing, it help you grow. It is only a season and it will come to past. We have to learn how to have a stick and stay mentality during those tough seasons in our life.

What advice would you give to the single men and women? Be the best YOU God has created you to be. In order to have a successful relationship, be the right person as opposed to being needy. Work on you as opposed to looking for someone to “complete” you. You should be complete when we meet.

Any last words? No. Thank you for the opportunity!

Thank you so much for taking out the time.   I encourage all of my readers, if you are struggling with love or even considering giving up, seek out some counsel.  If you have been through a rough and rocky relationship in the past, make the vow today, “Never Again“.

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Jan 23 2012

My Hands Are Free

Alex Smith, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers

Image via Wikipedia

In football, in order for the receiver to catch the pass from the quarterback, his hands must be free. He can’t be holding on to anything or be distracted by an opponent that may be standing in the way.  As long as his hands are free and the pass is thrown with precision, he stands to receive.   Sure I know more goes into it than that, but he is putting himself in position to receive.

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4: 31-32.  Sometimes our hands become full and we miss our opportunity to receive.  We get distracted by the small things.  We let our pride stand in the way of us letting some things go and with a clinched fist we miss some of  the blessing we are standing to receive. There is no better quarterback than the Lord and his blessings are precise.

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love.” RATL

Jan 14 2012

Do This As Often As You Must…

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19

I have found myself at a new place of brokenness.  And this Scripture has been recited over and over again in my head.  The impact is a stronger desire to serve.  The problem, is that I keep trying to put the pieces together. But the same Son that was broken, that suffered and died for the sins of the world lives within.  Is it not a wonder that I too would be broken, that I too would suffer so that I may serve others?  For its in our suffering that we strengthen our faith, grow deeper in our relationship with God and learn what it means to demonstrate genuine compassion for others. 

 Just as Jesus broke bread amongst his disciples, he breaks us down so that we may spread the message of love to others.

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love.” RATL

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Jan 7 2012

Blah, Blah, Blah

Words

Image by sirwiseowl via Flickr

If the tears I released this week could be exchanged for words, I could have written a few books and started a new blog.  The tears don’t ease the pain but they let me know that my pain is real.  Understanding the grieving process, I have always found to be difficult.  In my family, you always hear, “You have to be strong”.  I have always wondered, who do I have to be strong for and why can’t demonstrate the pain that I am feeling?

I have literally started three blogs today and this will probably be the only one that I can get the words to come together on.  Is this the state of a grieving heart or the presence of writer’s block.  I think it is the latter.  I’ve searched the stages of grief and the first stage is denial and isolation.  My words and writing are my first and purest forms of communication.   I am holding on to my words so tight because releasing them will force me to accept my reality.  So as I release my words, I am trusting and believing that I am taking the first step to healing. 

“Our earthly loss is always a heavenly gain
Although our hearts hurt and mourn in humanly pain
The fact still remains the same
That Heaven Has Gained more Love
To sprinkle down from above” – Antonio Talbert

“Building relationships of accountability and trust with all roads leading to love.” RATL

Jan 2 2012

A Simple Act of Love…

Cinnamon rolls.

Image via Wikipedia

Christmas break is coming to an end.  So for me that means three out of five children will be heading back to the classroom.  While out at the grocery store stocking up on their favorite snacks, I decided to grab some cinnamon rolls.  Not the already made, the Pilsbury cinnamon rolls that you bake in the oven and then put the icing on when you pull them out.  Yummy, right.  Well my son comes and ask, “mom can you make those cinammon rolls for us”.  I said sure.  On his way back to the livingroom, he says, “I love you”. 

It is in fact the little things that count the most.  Do something nice for someone, make an unexpected phone call, just remember to show love.

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