TRANSITION

2021 will be a year of great transition

We will move from one state of being to the next. 

You will see great and dynamic movement in government 

You will see great and dynamic movement in the church.

Transitions in and transitions out.

One minute we were heading in one direction the next minute we were not.

Transition the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another.

We have already moved from one state of living in 2020

We will now enter into a new state of existence in 2021

Your body will transition into total health existence

Your mind will transition into a growth mindset existence 

Your money will transition into a wealthy existence 

Your spirit will transition into all things are possible existence.

Your businesses will transition into fortune 500 existence 

Your ministry & the church will transition into 

glory realm existence! 

What will it take to transition?

It will take you changing your perspective 

A friend of mine told me there is a reason the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror.

It's because whats ahead is so much greater than what's behind you. 

We have to move from looking at how

2020 may have taken you by surprise and now see that 2021 can be taken by force. 

There is no limit to what you can see in front of you.

Change your perspective so you can transition your world into a new level of existence.

2021 is a year of great transition!

EVERYTHING HAS CHANGED!

Have you ever had something to say, but you just can't put all the words together and say it? Well, I've been experiencing this on the inside since March. I've shared portions with others, but I now have the fullness of it here. I truly know and believe it is a word for the times.

Nothing is the same.
Everything has changed, including you!
Every time you try to look back and do something familiar you experience resistance.
Resistance happens when you try to push through to another level and hit what looks like a ceiling.
But the resistance/ceiling is not always bad thing.
If you are into market structure you know when trading price can get to a point where it has to make a decision.
The price of the trade can either retreat back to its usual level or breakthrough to a new level and price point.
Once it makes the decision to go forward the resistance or ceiling is no longer against it, but it now becomes the floor or support to uphold it to the next level.
We are all at a point of decision in our lives.
We must decide whose report we will believe.
We must decide who we will receive and even be.
The resistance of these times is honestly becoming the support that will push you and me into our next level of living and being.
So stop trying to go back.
Look forward and press into the new.
Nothing is the same.
Everything has absolutely changed - Even you!

Isaiah 43:18-19 - Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?

YOU ARE THE NEW

Behold I will do a new thing now it shall spring forth shall ye not know it. Isaiah 43:19

Not sure about you, but the prospect of new things always excites me. New home, job, car, business, and even clothes just excites me. I even get excited about meeting new people. As of late it seems like we can't avoid the new. The current state of our world indicates that everything has not only changed, but that we have to do everything different and even become new. I am sure this is not easy for everyone to embrace especially if you are uncomfortable with change.

Can I tell you that even if you are uncomfortable right now, the new can still be for you. Here's why. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV

We can tap into the new because we are not looking at our current state if being. Instead we can pull from a place where God says all things are possible (Luke 1:37). Naturally our locations look unfavorable, but spiritually our positions are filled with new promises, purpose and destiny.

Let’s think about that...the things we see (covid, racial unrest, economic downturn) are temporary. But health, racial equality, financial peace are available and accessible eternally and forever! That sounds good to me! I've said this before, and I am going to say it again, God is more interested in changing our positions vs our conditions. Why, because if He can ever get us to see who we are, we would change everything about your life that does not line up with that position.

You are seated in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 2:6). All things (including you) have been made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Can I challenge you this month to step out into areas you know in your heart you should be shifted into? I'm going to challenge you to not only do something new; I want you to be the new!

I'm really excited about this! I know we are all coming out of this season of our lives stronger and better than ever! I love you. Continuing in prayer for you. Still In this together!🤍

NEW SEASON

"The atmosphere is changing now.  For the spirit of the Lord is here. The evidence is all around that the spirit of the lord is here." Song by: Elevation Worship

The lyrics to this song have been ringing in my ears for weeks now! I know naturally everything around us is changing. I also sense that spiritually things are changing too!

Did you know that nothing takes God by surprise? Jeremiah 29:11 says, before I formed thee in the belly I knew you, and ordained you a profit to the nations. God was working behind the scenes on us and for us long before we ever stepped on the scene. 

God is fully aware of our present conditions. But he made us for our future positions in Him.

So what should we do about all the changes around us? How do we respond? Let's look at Joseph. One day Joseph was a slave. The next he was in the kings palace. Then he was in prison. To finally becoming Prime Minister over the whole country! (Genesis 37-41) That's a whole lot of change to swallow in such a short period of time. However, all the while every event in his life was preparing him for his future.

Esther is another example of radical change. She was an orphan who was selected to the kings court and then became Queen.And as Queen she was called to risk her life to save her city. (Esther 1-4) 

I love what Esther's uncle Mordecai told her, and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)

You see change around us can also produce change within us. Sometimes we can become so comfortable remaining the same, that we fear the process of change. But what if like Joseph and Esther we changed our change?

Remember nothing takes God by surprise. Ask Him what the changes in your life mean in his overall plan to bring you to his expected end? 

I've asked the same question, and I'm changing and embracing something new. I'm happy to share I've launched a new podcast and youtube channel. Very excited about using audio and visual media to further inspire and encourage God's voice into the lives of those around me!

Listen, these times do not have to break you. The times can actually make you! You are called for such a time as this. It's time for you to step into a greater level of your destiny and calling in Him!

Say this out loud: I am made for this time! I am not built to break! I am built to last! This is my season of change. I embrace it. I make room for it. I change my change! In Jesus name!

I love you! I'm praying for you! We're in this together!

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. (Romans 8:28)

Continue to stay healthy, safe and stay loved!🤍

Who Are You?

Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, Who do men say that I am? Mark 8:27 NKJV

Who am I? In essence this is what Jesus was asking. The savior of the world wanted to know who he was. More importantly he wanted to know who people said he was to them.

I'm sure you're probably asking why would Jesus want to know what people thought of him. It's because Jesus' entire purpose of being was to serve others. He was not here for himself. He was strictly here for others. 

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 KJV

You see Jesus knew his purpose. He knew what he was born for. He knew what he was called to do.

What about you? What were you born for? Why are you here? What are people saying about you? Is your life a reflection of service or is it a reflection of being served.

When I made my career change into education, I knew it was an act of service. For one I have my own school of 4 children at home and two there is no amount of compensation that can equate to the time you put in to help children. So it wasn't about me. I knew it was for others. My purpose then and now 12 years later is still the same - to help young people discover their purpose too.

Have you ever thought about who is missing out on your purpose? What if there were hundreds, millions of people who need your creativity, expertise and abilities? What if there was one who needed you to be uniquely you? 

I had an amazing experience at church recently. I got baptized (pictured above)! It was so wonderful especially, because as I got out of the water I could see so many people cheering, smiling and just celebrating my experience. It made the day all the more memorable and rewarding.

So, it's true that you are who you are. But who you are to others makes you YOU! 

My prayer is that God will tell every person reading this blog who you are in Him. And that others will confirm it in the days ahead.

As always thank you for reading and sharing.💗

What's In Your Hands?

It’s graduation season! I love this time of year because of the rewards you reap for finishing strong!

Personally, at the end of each month I set a reminder in my phone to take about an hour or so to reflect on my life. During this time I will think about accomplishments, struggles, hopes and dreams.  As I reflect, an overwhelming sense of excitement comes over me; because I realize that with every passing day there is room to be and do so much more.

These personal development moments remind me of a speaker I once heard at a finance conference. At the conference, she asked the question, “what's in your hands?”  My initial response was to reflect on my finances...not the best at the time. But the speaker was referring to more than just money.

Our hands were made to produce.  It's with our hands that we labor, create, and make. Our hands connect us to everything that we can visibly see and every thing that we look forward to seeing. Our hands have the ability to take in and also to give out.

Ideas are in my hands. Vision is in my hands. Business ventures and dreams are in my hands. The problem with it still being in my hands is I was not doing anything with it.

Have you ever had a desire to start something maybe a business, but you failed to pursue it because of fear? Or maybe you already have a great gift like cooking or singing for example, but you won't produce anything, because you doubt anyone will buy your products.

What's in your hands has everything to do with what you have agreed to release into the earth. It has everything to do with your calling, and destiny. It has everything to do with you being you.

I love what Psalms 144:1 says - Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war and my fingers to fight.

Only God can tell you and affirm what's in your hands. Why? Because he is the one who made your hands. He is the only one who can show you what to do with them.

A few weeks ago my daughter convinced me to use my hands to make a cow costume (pictured above) for her 1st grade musical. I was so nervous about it, but she was positive that I could do it - and I did!  I really thank her for being a true source of inspiration and the motivator behind the creation of this blog.😊

What about you?  We're already six months into the year. Why not spend the next six releasing “what's in your hands?”  

My 1st mini book is completely edited. I am looking forward to sitting down with the publisher very soon! Meantime, thank you again for reading and sharing my blogs! Enjoy your summer!💗

1st Things 1st

I'm currently at a marriage retreat enjoying quality time with hubbs and fellowship around other believing couples. We're all away from home, kids, work and just the demands of our everyday life. Sidebar if you're married or soon to be married, invest in your success. Take retreats, attend conferences and get with people who are doing marriage well. You will only be better for it.

So while attending one session I kind of zoned out and started to think about all of my to do lists. Work follow up with students and parents. Home follow up with planning kid parties and organizing my finances to make it happen. As I pondered, I started to ask myself, “How am I going to get all this done?” And as quietly as I asked on the inside the quiet voice of the Spirit responded - First things First.

I can remember when I had my son and ole’ school moms would tell me, “Now that you have a baby you're going to have to balance him along with your husband.” Or when I had my 2nd child, the conversation was - “You're going to have to balance your family with work, church etc.” If you're like me, words like balance can be a little frightening.

Balance would look most like a scale. A scale is not properly balanced unless you put enough weight on each side to even things out.  But when you already have a ton on your plate, how do you portion and divide out how much of everything to hold or focus on at one moment?

This is why I love what the scripture says in Matthew 6:33:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. King James Version

Seek 1st. When you reduce your everyday demands,  to one thing it makes the focus a whole lot clearer. Now instead of practicing a balancing act, I am considering priorities. And even with priorities there is one major priority that sits above everything else.

A priority is like the lens of a camera. It zooms in and focuses on the image it wants to magnify and zooms out of images it wants to lose sight of.

Think about it, what do you consider to be first in your life? Or what's at the top of your everyday to do lists? Where is your focus? Now would you consider replacing your number one priority with God?

The good news is when we prioritize and focus on God like that, Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly. Matthew 6:33 The Passion Translation

I'm at a place in my life where I no longer seek balance & weights. Instead, I'm after priority & grace. This is a season where I am seeking 1st things 1st; and I hope you will too!

Remember, my book is set to be released for purchase this year! Stay tuned! Meantime, thanks again for reading and sharing my blogs!💗

IMAGINE THAT!

I’ve been writing this blog for the past month and it finally came together for me during church service yesterday. Shout out to VCMICC the best church experience and family on earth! My Pastor’s have been teaching on our imagination as being a key to unlocking our faith and manifestation. It’s been a life altering message and every week, I’ve come home asking myself new questions about what am I willing to imagine.

A few weeks ago, I also happened to tune into a faith conference online.
The guest speaker for the evening said something that really struck a cord with me. He said: “Your life will travel at the speed of thought.” -Jesse Duplantis

As soon as he said it, I immediately thought within myself… “Imagine that!”

Could you imagine your life traveling by your thoughts? Literally everything that came to mind - your life moved in that direction?

Just think about it. If you think you’re fat - your life travels in the direction of excessive eating. If you think you will get the flu - your life travels in the direction of excessive over the counter meds to treat flu like symptoms.

Or what if you think you're broke and your life travels in the direction of pocket full of holes, no ends to meet; and more month than money?

When I finally made a decision to leave the classroom and pursue school leadership, I wasn't thrown into the role overnight. As a matter of fact, it took several years - seven to be exact.

You see I had to think about all the things that needed to be done in order to get to where I was going. I thought about classes. I thought about applying for leadership opportunities. I thought about how I was going to get things done while still teaching. I even thought about how long it would take.

While it may have taken 7 years to land a position, I thought of and imagined myself as a school leader even before I taught my 1st class!

“For as he thinks within himself, so is he.” - Proverbs 23:7 TPT

I'm sure we've all grown up hearing things like “Believe in yourself.” But what if the real statement is: “Think In Yourself.”  In essence that is what Proverbs 23:7 is saying. As you think within so are you.

Wow! Are you ok with that? Are you ok with your thoughts being you? Take a moment to reflect on your most recent thoughts. Is that you? Is that where you want to travel?  

My Pastor closed service yesterday saying: “Access Granted!” I will add: Access Granted to your Imagination!

Can you “IMAGINE THAT?”

www.ethelisgrace.com
His voice – My Life – Our Ministry
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Still In Love

It’s my wedding anniversary! Whoop! Whoop! 11 years down, 4 kids later and forever to go! Look at us now!
 

Typically around anniversaries I find myself asking my spouse, “Why did you want to marry me?” Or, “When did you know I was the “one?”
 

This year though, I found myself asking a new question. I asked, “Do you still love me?” I told him, “I know you love me, but after all this time are you “still in love with me?”

Do you ever ask God if he is still in love with you? Have you stopped and considered whether your heavenly father still loves you in spite of the years, the weight gain, the bad choices and sometimes even contrary attitudes? Is God still in love with you?

Love by definition is an intense feeling of deep affection. It carries the connotation of fondness, endearment and intimacy. Love can take on a form of a noun (person, place or thing) and also a verb (action or activity). No matter what country, nationality or dialect you speak, love is universal and can be understood by all!

I John 4:8,19 reads “God is love” and “We love him, because he first loved us.”
 

You see in asking my spouse if he is still in love with me, I'm in short asking does he still love himself.

If God is love it would be pretty hard for him to deny love to anyone. No different from an athlete who does not want to be athletic. How can you deny who you are?

Like God, my husband chose to love me. He decided to have feelings of deep affection for me, which led to him taking the step to propose and marry me. God also chose to love you. He proposed Jesus to you so you could receive his love and be married to Him.

God is love. He can never deny himself. He will never deny you.

Is He “still in love?” “ABSOLUTELY!” “Are you?”

www.ethelisgrace.com

His voice – My Life – Our Ministry
@Ethelisgrace |facebook |instagram |twitter
#mom #workingmother #wife #family #leader #God

New Me - New Realm - New Reality

Are you familiar with the scripture John 10:10? Undoubtedly it is my favorite scripture in the bible. I feel like every answer to every question in life is summed up in just eleven words.

If you are contemplating over what job to choose; or how many kids to have; or where to relocate John 10:10 not only gives you perspective, but also the courage to move forward knowing that only the best is awaiting you!

“I have come to give you life and life more abundantly.”- John 10:10

The Message translation reads “More and better life than they ever dreamed.” The Amplified translation says, “I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].

Let's think about this for a minute. Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly. What do you believe that life looks like for you? What/Who does it include? What/Who does it exclude? What do you look like? Who are you in the abundant life? Or even better, who are you willing to become for that life?

You see contrary to popular belief I firmly believe that life is a sum total of a person's willingness to participate. No one has any control over how life got started for you. However, we all have control over how we respond and engage in life.

I can hear the questions you're asking in your head; but what about when things go wrong? What if things don't turn out for the best? What happens if my life doesn't look abundant? Did I choose that?

The answer to these questions and more is still the same,  “I HAVE COME TO GIVE YOU LIFE.” You see God thru Jesus came to give you a whole new life. A whole new you. A whole new realm. A whole new reality. Your response to what he has given is what is making the difference in your life.

If someone who loves you was trying to give something to you, would you reject it? Or would you receive it?

Instead of asking what you are doing wrong, have you stopped to ask Him what he has done right? Ask yourself if you are willing to lay down your life to take up and receive a life that you really dream of?

When it comes to God, it's never a question of if he is willing. He is always on board with you. The question is are you on board with him?

So close your eyes and imagine for just a moment a new life – a new you- a new realm – a new reality. Now open your eyes to John 10:10 and start seeing that life in plain view!

www.ethelisgrace.com

His voice – My Life – Our Ministry
@Ethelisgrace |facebook |twitter |instagram
#mom #workingmother #wife #family #leader #God