Fly Guy Spotlight: Eric Roberson

Well, let me tell you that I am true lover of soul music. I can't get enough of it. I can look back through my life and literally make a sound track for every moment. Right now, I cannot stop listening to "Dealing" by Eric Roberson and Lalah Hathaway. This song truly personifies what I am dealing with in this very moment. I will post the lyrics below as well as the video.

Here's a little background about Eric Roberson. He is currently nominated for a Grammy, tonight actually. He's from Rahway, NJ and is sometimes referred to simply as Erro. Attended Howard University, performed in a number of musicals and plays, landed a songwriting deal through the EMI label, and collaborated with Jill Scott, Vivian Green, Dwele, Will Downing, Musiq Soulchild, and DJ Jazzy Jefff.

I think what I truly love about Eric's music is the rawness. He captures true emotion in the way he writes and its reflected in his instrumentation. I am immediately transported to the place and time of the song. I love it. Its like a musical journey. Now, while his songs are spiritually arousing, he has some very sensual numbers as well. Especially in the song "Head to Toe". Man, this boy is trying to get all of us knocked up through iTunes. lol.

His albums are: The Esoteric Movement, The Vault, Vol 1, The Vault, Vol 1.5, The Appetizer, Left, and the most current, Music Fan First. <------- A must have! lol

Not really much else to say about Mr. Roberson except to go out and support him. He's a genuine artist and has impeccable writing skills. Oh, and he will be performing here in Atlanta on Feb. 13-14, for Joyce Littel's Valentine's event. It's going to be great! Lets see if I can come up with a lil' date for this one. lol

Enjoy :O)

"Dealing" with Lalah Hathaway

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Where do we go from here
What do I do with these feelings
Longing to have you near
Knowing...we shouldnt be dealing
Verse:
Why must the bad thing always feel so good
Why cant I just stay away
Though are situation was understood
Still does not mean its ok
{Chrous}
Where do we go from here
What do I do with these feelings
Longing to have you near
Knowing...we shouldnt be dealing
Verse:
Why cant these memories just be erased
Why must I yern for your kiss
The first moment we're not face to face
Reminds me how much your missed
{Chrous}
(where do we go)Where do we go from here
What do I do with these feelings
Longing to have you near
Knowing...we shouldnt be dealing
Brige;
When the morning comes
(When its time for us to go our separate ways )
When this night is done
(I'll be wanting to hold on to u)
Though the sun
wish we could push it all away
cause then I know
that we can show
what we have from the day
{Chrous}
Where do we go from here
What do I do with these feelings
Longing to have you near
Knowing...we shouldnt be dealing

"Head to Toe"

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Our now is not our forever

One thing that life has shown us is that where we are right now will not be where we are in the very next moment.

Just this past week I was flying all over town as I usually do and for some reason, I had my windows down and I heard the weirdest noise. Being one that pays attention to every detail, I got out of my car and found the culprit. Low and behold, I had a HUGE nail in my tire. I said, "Lord, please get me home safely." So, I proceeded down I-20, at least 25-30 miles from my house at about 70 mph. As I was approaching my exit, I heard this loud "CLACK" and my car started slowing down. Apparently the nail decided to come out of the tire, leaving me with a steadily deflating tire. I was literally 10 miles from my house. But guess what? I was 4 miles from a tire shop. So I begin praying like the folks from the Bible. Real hard and real loud. I refused to let panic settle in. I put on my flashers and pushed all the way to the shop. When I arrived, the mechanic said, "I don't know how long you've been riding, but you might as well get ready to buy a new tire." Honey, I told that man, "You must not know the God I serve and how capable he is."

That day, he became a believer. Not only did I make it safely, my $200 tire cost $15 to patch and 10 minutes to fix. He said that it was no wonder my car didn't spin out of control or get in an accident. He was literally at a lost for words. So was I. Well, I was at a lost at words to speak to him, but I immediately began to throw up words of praise. God did it again! He saved me and I didn't even realize what I was being saved from. I just knew that I wasn't going to accept defeat and be on the side of road for hours. I pushed my own belief to believe that I would make it and I did! (Oh, did I mention, the name of the shop was Mitchell Tire? My last name... yeah. God is just that kind of God.. lol)

You see, because I already saw my self out of that situation, God delivered me to victory. I kept saying, "Lord, I need you, stay with me." And that he did. During that very moment, it didn't seem like I was going to get any reprieve, so I knew all I had was God. Even when every odd is stacked against me, I hope against hope. I trust and know that God is a God of RIGHT now. His timing is impeccable and His grace is everlasting.

The old Mel would have thrown in the towel and given up hope, but for some reason, I just cant bring myself to do it anymore. When I feel like I am up against the wall, I use it as my launching pad to move on to something else. In this season, I have seen God show up when I was at my very last bit of hope and money in the bank.

I think above all, I have learned to not dwell in my moments of difficulties and disappointments, I just cannot let the enemy get away that easy. Of course, my human (flesh) side wants to shout out a few expletives and get flustered, but nothing is accomplished once my hissy fit is over. Perhaps the most effective way is to begin to thank God for what He's done and what He's about to do. Watch your perspective change and watch God move in a mightily way. I certainly saw that when my tire was fixed.

There is nothing God can't do. There is no place that He cant pull you from. There is not a life that He cannot provide. Just trust and believe that your right now is not your forever.

Pushing beyond my right now....

~Mel

Days like this....

Well, today was a rather eventful day. I actually spent the day with my dad. With waiting on my new projects to start up and working on others simultaneously, I have truly taken more time to spend precious moments with family. I anticipate being married next year this time, so I am soaking it alllllll up... lol.

I will wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5

So anyway, as musically inclined as I am, I knew it had to come from somewhere. Today I saw it in action with my dad. Who is an ordained Pastor/ Prophet. When he accepted his calling into the ministry, he was a senior at FAMU and a Kappa. Which is saying A LOT for those days. Long story short, when my dad started the church, it was just me (1yr old), my mom, and one of his friends he grew up with. With that being the case, he needed a piano player. So, one night he was in prayer about one, and the next morning, God gave him the ability to play after NEVER playing. The rest was history. So fast forward to today, we were in the studio and God began to bring back songs he had written almost 30 years ago. You could literally feel the presence of God in the room. It was incredible.




After his 2 hour studio session, the Spirit was so ripe and encompassing. It was such a euphoric feeling in the air. My dad began to play a song he wrote in 1980 called, "God has not forgotten", a slow tempo worship song. The producer's eyes began to tear up and my dad began to prophesy to him. I then got on the mic and began to make up lyrics. It was so beautiful. (I will post it one of these days). As we were leaving, my dad spoke into the young man's life as I held my head down in prayer. I placed my hand in my back pocket and found $32 in cash. Now, $5 would of been great, $10 a blessing, but $32, something was TRULY going on. Those jeans had been washed and tucked away for weeks. I was going to take my dad to lunch and guess what, the seed I was going to sow was placed in my hand. God is so awesome.




When you have the desire to bless God's people, God will place seed in your hand. No matter the circumstance, God uses people on earth to bless people .The important thing that I keep learning is the more that I stress over what money I have in the bank, the less I seem to have. The moment I began to make a valiant effort to bless others and sow seeds, God began to immediately open doors for me. As He did today. Before we left, my dad told me to sow $5 into the producers life. I know you are like $5, girl for what? But what the number 5 means is "grace". My dad said it signified that we recognized the anointing that was in that room and that we were sealing a covenant amongst brethren that God will continue to grant us grace on our journey. It was simply incredible.



We left lunch and headed by to our side of town and something told me to run by Big Lots. Not that I need some whimsical figure to command me to do that, that is my 2nd home. lol. But anyway, all the Big Lot stores in the area have recently received books from local book retailers, so they have great books for $3 and $5. So as I was rifling though the bargain rubble, I came across this book with a gorgeous green dress with "weddings" across the front. I thought nothing of it and just grabbed it. When I go to the car, I opened the first page and there I found this scripture written on the 1st page, "And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."- Galatians 6:9. *pause*







Now if God wasn't speaking to me specifically, I don't know WHAT! I began to rifle through the pages and Diann Valentine ( the incredibly creative, fabulous, wedding planner to Kelis & Nas, Lela Richon & Anthony Fiquoa and others), she began to tell her story of how she dealt with the broken relationship with her daughter's father, how she left home on faith to be an event planner & the company folded, to how she fell in love with love and found her calling. She said the most valuable lesson she learned in becoming who she is now was to WAIT. Lord have mercy, WAIT! She said, if she had of moved a moment too soon or too late she would have missed her calling, her purpose, where she was supposed to be.

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.- Psalm 40: 1

That truly hit me to the core. It seems as though when we hit roadblocks in life, our first instinct is to run, turn around, and never look back. God has shown me that a roadblock is merely delay and not denial. That when He is the one that has closed or opened a door, He will do it again. The same God that delivered me before, we be right back on his job to deliver me again. So that very same roadblock will be a stepping stone to help elevate me to a place where I was supposed to be anyway. God is always showing out... lol


Although I don't know the whole story and I don't see the final picture right now, I saw today another piece of this puzzle I call my life. I mean, I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried. From 2 weeks ago leaving a place where I didn't want to be, to being denied from a place where I thought I was to be, to being in a place that I don't exactly know of how I arrived, to now being in a place where God is showing me glimpses of where I am to be. The bigger picture is coming closer and closer into view.


I know that WAIT is a message for me. And indeed a message for you. One of the greatest virtues that any of us can possess is that of patience. We each have to learn how to wait to see what the end result is going to be. If we all had a rewind button to relive situations in life, sure we would change some things and wished we could've waited a little longer, but we cant. All we can do is trust and know that the God we serve is a mighty and just God and that he hears our very heart's desires.

With the Lord, a day is like a 1000 years, and a 1000 years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise.- 2 Peter 3:8-9

Even as I write this, I can feel God in my very presence. I can hear Him whispering, "I have not forgotten you my child". And that gives me the power to keep waiting. He already knows what I need.


Patiently waiting and anticipating...


~Mel

L♥VE... definition please?

Ok, this is an area that we can all say we've experienced, searched for, been hurt and/or confused by, been deep in, or still trying to define. Personally, I have experienced a love that I still get chills from. It was liberating, intoxicating, and euphoric. It was one of the best times in my life. Key word, " WAS".. lol.. I let "we" become "me", and it was no longer. That was a few years ago....

One of the most profound things about God is that He is a jealous god. It is in His commandments, "thou shalt not have any other gods before me". In 1 John 5:2 we find "for this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." He was very clear. But within that "gods", there can be soooooo many things placed in that category. It could be a job, a man, a relationship, your children, your hobby, your craft, your passion, etc. There is nothing that is supposed to come between you and God. I learned this the hard way and have come to know God in ways that I've never known. This Agape love is one that cannot be replaced or substituted by any other kind of love.

Biblically, the word "agape" is defined in Mark 12:30-31:"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this [is] the first commandment. And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. "

As I searched through the net, Love is defined as "a strong positive emotion of regard and affection, be enamored, have a great liking for." Those are some strong words. All for another person? Imagine if we loved ourselves just that much. If we took the time to pursue that intimate relationship with God that He wants us to, we really would be on track. I guess it always takes one of life's hiccups or setbacks to realize it, but all along, the love we desired could be found within.

One of my favorite scriptures is 1 Corinthians 13:4, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." That mere definition brings tears to my eyes. All of that can be found in love? Wow. That should be in all love. Love for your family. Your significant other. Your children. Your neighbor. Your friends.

Operating in love is one of the most powerful abilities that any human been can have. It is simply amazing. I was always so confused as to why my "love" fell apart or why we weren't walking together in that golden sunset that they show in fairy tales. lol. I went back and re-read the definition of love from the word, and it was clear. I lost focus. I wasn't operating in the love that we were commanded to do. I was jealous, boastful, self-seeking, angry, kept a record, all of that. All of the WRONG stuff. It was awful. My love changed because I changed my love. And God had to take me from that place.

I am essentially writing this as a form of purging and one of healing. Recently I was in a situation where I was the woman witnessing another woman fight for a love that was already hers. As women, we tend to want to get more "answers" and dig for more clues. The truth of the matter is, if that relationship is yours and of God, there is nothing or no one that can come against it. It is merely a matter of operating in the right love and trusting God. We all have to be held accountable for our actions and what we do.

The night before last, I was watching the Hope for Haiti Now telethon and one story really, really stuck out to me. *tears* There was this husband crying out in the street for his wife that was stuck in their house. He began to listen for her faint cries and begin to try to dig her out himself. He rallied some of the other survivors to get her out. For 6 days, he was searching for her in this rubble. By the 6th day, he had a full rescue crew assembled to help him pull her out. Low and behold, they sayw her hand and it was still moving. They told him to move back. He said, "No, that's my wife, and will wait for her." -pause-

Did you read that, "...I will wait for her." Those words sent chills down my spine and pierced my soul. That's the kind of love that God has for us. He will wait for us to get it together and love us just the same every single time. And as a bonus, God has a mate for us, on earth, that will love us with that same fervor. Don't settle for that mediocre love, settle for that, "..I will wait for you love."

Loving each and every day, in every way possible,

~Mel

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Stop looking at the clock....

I was doing some "cleaning" the other day and I came across my watch collection. Growing up my dad used to tell me how important a good looking watch was and how people are always paying attention to what you accessorize with. Well, from the point on, I started collecting watches left and right. I think I have about 40-50 now. But guess what, I almost NEVER wear a watch. Weird huh? As I was looking at my watches in my jewelry box I heard God saying, "your life doesn't operate on your time, it operates on mine." ....pause.....

How incredible is that? The way God can immediately speak to you in any situation, about anything. Even about watches ... lol.. I was blown away. But what God's word say is true. There is a TIME for everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (New International Version)
A Time for Everything
1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

In my life as an event planner and organizer, I have always tried to abide by a schedule, a time frame, a clock, but no matter how hard I stayed on people, things NEVER were exactly according to "my" schedule. I used to kick, scream, and fuss until one day I just concluded that, no matter what I did, everything was going to happen the way it should. As long as I was on point with my part, I couldn't control other people, the weather, or simply factors out of my control.

The same goes with God. Being single (again), I definitely see it in relationships. No matter how fabulous I think I am, how great of a cook, how wonderful of a spirit I have, how well I treat him, or even how bright my smile may be. A man is going to findeth his good thing. He has to find me and recognize all the gifts that God has placed in me for him. I have to disregard wanting to be somebody's somebody and work in God's timing. Truth to the matter is, I have to truly master my relationship with Him before I become someone's co-partner in life.

"It's all in His timing". My mom always says that. I'm always like, "yeah, yeah, yeah. I know Mom, but wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeen." She just laughs and says, "watch God move. Just be still and get ready." Time and time again, it is proven to be true. There is proof in the pudding. So many things in our life accrue more value when time elapses. Whether it is wine, rare collective pieces, precious jewels, mutual investments, etc. Things get better with time.

I guess there is something to this whole waiting game. lol. Value and worth are only 2 of the many benefits you receive when operating in God's timing. We haven't mentioned the favor, the doors opened, and the flow of things. What takes us a lifetime to do, God can do in an instant. We need not fret over where we are right now in life, or where we think we should be. Being frustrated and upset is not going to catapult us to that exact moment in time. All we can do is be good stewards of the word and keep believing Him to be true.

As I look at the time now, I laugh. I know that God operates on a total different measure of time, days, and lifetimes. I stand confident in what He promised and when He will give it to me...

No clock watching here....

~Mel

You can count on me.....

Now, I write this entry today with a full heart. When I started this blog, I simply had no expectations for success, failure, a following, or friends, I was just seeking an outlet and some healing in a sense. When I tell you God had an entirely different plan, as He usually does. I wanted to talk about friends and those God has placed in your life.

"A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there
is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

Anyone who knows me (I know I always say that..so..lol), knows that I am definitely not the "friend" person. When I say that, I mean that I am not always talking about my 50 best friends or always feel the need to have a lot of people around. But lately, I have found myself with a lot of new people in my life that I simply love, cherish, adore, appreciate, all of that. Through all these social networks and the net as a whole, God has began to connect me with people that need me and that I need.

Like, this blog for example. I have had the opportunity to share my life's stories, struggles, and triumphs and garnered some pseudo relationships with "followers". Never in my life would I image speaking into the lives of others, being a blessing, and God using me to cause healing. But that's the thing with God. He uses us as vessels even when we feel like we are purely running on empty. At our worst, God can pull the best out of us. The very thing that we think we are struggling with alone, God can use to get the glory. Never be afraid to be transparent or to share your story. Someone's deliverance is resting in the palm of your hands.

I am not your average party girl at all, but it seems that all the entertainment folk in Atlanta have been drawn to me for some reason. So hey, I go with the flow. My life in October went from tweeting (follow me @herflyness) spiritual quotes and talking about how the youth needs us, to starting a foundation, speaking for celebrity retreats, walking red carpets, and hanging with the "it" folk. All because I chose to be who God wanted me to be and never compromising me. I have found myself speaking into the lives of people who one would think had all the answers.

“Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out,
but to see who cares enough to break them down.”

God began to show me that if I don't carry the word on my lips and in my actions, then some may never know him. I think about this past week with one of my client's EP release. I mean, it was literally 2 events everyday for 8 days straight. I only went to events that were deemed of importance to me and my purpose for working with him. The nights I didn't not attend a person got robbed in the parking lot and one of the car loads got in an accident. You see, God will cover you on all fronts of your life. Just because you're not in church, doesn't mean your not ministering or walking with Him. I talked to my client later in the week he said, "You know what Mel, you're good people. It's something different about you." I broke out in a cheesy, "It's the God in Me" rendition. But I meant it. God is just so awesome. He really is.

I used to be mad about being the better friend to people, but I'm over that. When it all boils down to it, I can never be better to people than God has been to me. That's the truth. When my flesh man rears its head, of course I get a little irritated, but I get over it because I know that someone will be blessed and never forget me.

I think about the circle of friends that I've managed to maintain over the years and it brings tears to my eyes (as usual) and warms my heart. To have people that love you like in the scriptures is awesome! To have people who have your back no matter what. To love you unconditionally. To share some of your secrets you want to bury, but have to tell "somebody". Somebody you can believe God with and plan for the future. I mean, you can't buy that in stores.

"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes
in your future, and accepts you just the way you are."

Even to my seasonal friends. My new friends. My friends in passing. I praise Him for them all. I think about the people who I have pushed into their destiny, inspired, protected, believed God for, and into their purpose. Man, it's incredible to look back at how God has used me. I am so humbled and honored. If God can allow me to do that for others, imagine what He is working out for me RIGHT now ?

“Truly great friends are hard to find,
difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.”

Well, before I get my computer soaking wet, I just want to shout out to all my friends: new, old, best, close, cordial, my followers a.k.a. Blog Buddies, mutual etc. It's wonderful being blessed. But it's nothing quite like being a blessing.....

Blessed with the best.....friends...

~Mel

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Once, Twice, Three Times our Savior....

Often times we are faced with some of the most trying times in our lives where it seems as though things are hopeless. We pray. We cry. We plead with God. Then guess what? Breakthrough happens. We then proceed with our regularly scheduled programs. But then guess what, the cycle starts again and find ourselves back in that very same place.

I can truly attest to this. I've been living life carefree, praying as usual, reading my bible occasionally, then I am faced with a issue that only He can deal with. I immediately amp up my praise, my prayer, and my word time. Then that breakthrough comes, and I am back living that life. As the cycle makes it way back around, I find myself back standing in the need of prayer. But because I have gotten accustomed to the enemy's ploys and knowing God's strength, I have been able to sustain just about every battle.

I am discussing this battle because as believers, we cannot forget the times where we have been humbled and ended up in a place where all we had was Him. God wants us in a raw state of praise, worship, and word reading, so that when the trials come, we can immediately sustain them. Its just like the soldiers in the midst of war. They are not given guns and flown to the battlefield when they sign up. Instead, they are trained thoroughly, on how to use their weapons extensively, and have studied the ploys of the enemy. The training for battle begins long before you make it to the battle.

God wants us so saturated in the word and in His presence that we can bounce back from attack and get back to working and walking in purpose. We need not dwell in the places of our pain and misunderstanding, but instead go back to the places of victory . If God did it for you before, surely He can and will do it again.

Remember the same God that brought you from that valley experience before, will be the same one to rise you up again. Trust Him to do it.

Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

2 Corinthians 4:18 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 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight--

Just work your faith.....

~Mel

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Don't Worry, Get Busy .....

Ok, many of you all know (or don't) that the non-profit world is my "thing". I love working with youth, helping the helpless, writing grants, putting on fab community events, you name it. Well recently, we applied for this mega grant that were were pretty much a "shoe in" for. Well, we didn't get it. For like 6.3534535 seconds, my world stood completely stood still. I just KNEW this would be my next big thing. It was the salary I wanted, the flexibility I needed, and something I knew would be guaranteed. You know in life, things aren't always guaranteed.

So, as my reality began to set in and my brain began to scramble, I was simply speechless. I mean, this was what I was supposed to be doing. How could something so guaranteed be such a fleeting thought? Just that quick. As I tried to scream and cry, God simply would not allow me to do so. I kept hearing his words, do not fret, do not fret. My flesh was like, "God are you serious? How could I not fret? " Again He was saying, do not fret, do not fret. I sat completely sat still and let his words of comfort take hold of me.

In all my 27 years, I have not been more dependent on God and His will for my life, than I am RIGHT now. I've never been more bare before Him, seeking true guidance and understanding. As believers, we have to spiritually always be in this place. It shouldn't always take a moment of humbleness, or a despair to fall on our face to show true gratitude for His many mercies.

As soon as I got the news from my boss about the grant, I asked her how she was feeling, she said, "Encouraged". I'm like, huh? She said she had faith in knowing that God would not make her ashamed because too many people are watching .She told me that when you are steadfast in the Lord's work, you are not to worry yourself with the details of the "how" but get busy with the "what" that He has asked of you. -pause-

That's when the little balloon popped up in my head that said, "MESSAGE". That was it. God doesn't want us to get so caught up in the victory that we thought we didn't win, but instead, gear up for the greater victory He is preparing us to win. You see, when we begin to get upset with life's outcomes, it's like like we're doubting God's ability to pull us through. God can turn ANYTHING around. Whether it's a doctor's report, a job situation, a financial hold, an addiction, a custody battle, and even a disaster like the one in Haiti. God can do it all.

Yes, in our human state, it is easy for us to look at our right now and think it's our forever, but that is simply not the case. In an instant, God can turn something around so quickly, we won't even know how it happened. But if we throw in the towel, we may never get to witness that manifestation.

So, after the dust of my despair begin to dissipate, I got right back to work. I began to look for more grants, apply for more positions, build more partnerships, develop more programs, and move forward. I was not going to let the enemy sneak in to say anything contrary to what God promised. We have to get busy, not worried.

I'm telling you, the best thing to do when you're filled with angst and anxiety is to fill your mouth with praises and your mind with new visions. Show God what you're truly made of!

I leave you with this incredible commentary off Psalm 37:7-20. As many times as I read the bible, it never ceases to amaze me at how on time the word is.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
Psalm 37:7-20 Let us be satisfied that God will make all to work for good to us. Let us not discompose ourselves at what we see in this world. A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations. For, in all respects, the little which is allotted to the righteous, is more comfortable and more profitable than the ill-gotten and abused riches of ungodly men. It comes from a hand of special love. God provides plentifully and well, not only for his working servants, but for his waiting servants. They have that which is better than wealth, peace of mind, peace with God, and then peace in God; that peace which the world cannot give, and which the world cannot have. God knows the believer's days. Not one day's work shall go unrewarded. Their time on earth is reckoned by days, which will soon be numbered; but heavenly happiness shall be for ever. This will be a real support to believers in evil times. Those that rest on the Rock of ages, have no reason to envy the wicked the support of their broken reeds.

Prayerfully and peacefully,

~Mel

EX-Factor: Don't Fall for Counterfeits

Let me tell you, the dating scene in Atlanta is a trip. They can say what they want, but I swear I meet a "decent" man every day. I'm not overly impressed though. These men are impeccable on paper, but I just feel that "umph" when we finally meet up or talk on the phone.

While companionship is great, the ultimate goal is partnership.

I've come to notice as I get older, my lists of "must-haves" for men is getting shorter and shorter. I am no longer concerned with the menial things that in my younger days were top priority. As God prepares me to be the woman I am to be, I am noticing a change in my wants and my needs. God is beginning to change my sight all together. Last year, I met and "fell" for 2 guys that I really had no business even entertaining. Well, maybe on the surface. As I look in retrospect, neither of them were truly who God told me I was to be with, but I still allowed them to have me. (Not like that..lol) Now, I remember asking one of them about fasting and praying and he was like, "Man, I've never in my life done that. Why would I stop eating meat just to pray, that's dumb." You would've thought I'd run to the hills and never call him again. But no, I stayed right there boo'd up like he was the "one". When I tell you not only did God shut that down, but I have never spoken to him again.


The word counterfeit means," to forge: make a copy of with the intent to deceive." Now, doesn't that sound like a distraction? Something to get you off course or to mess you up? These counterfeits in our lives may seem like the real deal for a minute, but then they show their true colors and you have to find a way to pick up the pieces and move on.

Sometimes, God will allow us to encounter counterfeits, but he gives us the discretion to walk away. Being the God that he is, he allows us to endure the process and then politely steps in before we get too hurt. It's kind of how a mother allows a baby to fall once or twice as they learn to walk. Just enough to a little hurt to remember the pain, but not hurt to the point where we can't stand back up to walk again.

Going back to the EX's, I can't even believe I settled and allowed myself to be with these guys. Now, don't get me wrong. They were wonderful men on paper, had great jobs, great personalities, loved their mamas, college educated, made decent money, but their relationships with God did not match or supersede my own. They were so close to the real thing. Like those counterfeit designer purses. One step up from a knock-off, but still not the real thing. The kind where you can back $400 for, because it looks JUST like the real thing, instead of saving up $2000 for the real deal.

I know what it is. It like I'm hearing this imaginary clock ticking where I feel this is my "time" and I "have" to be settled at this point. But you can't rush anything to happen until is absolutely time for it. God just won't let me settle.

I'm not going to make just anybody my somebody.

God is so amazing. He's allowed me to make it to the point where I can now see that none of them compare to the man He has set aside for me. I get so full as I write this because I know my "him" is somewhere thinking about when he's going to meet me. Every time I give audience to a counterfeit, I take away from the valuable "good thing" that my future husband is to have. Don't get me wrong, it is hard to sit idle and wait on who God has intended for me, but I know it is for a purpose and it wont be long. I will have fun with my friends on the phone and pass time with, but I know the intended purpose for it all.

So sisters, as you patiently wait for your "Boaz" (if you don't know who that is, please study the story of Ruth and get blessed!), understand that you have a checklist that you need to be working on. Read Proverbs 31 and become the woman that God intends you to be. As you get closer to who that woman is, you will become closer to God and he will hand deliver you in the path of that "one".

Patiently waiting and fervently cleaning house....

~Mel

Still Standing: Lights, Camera, Action!

(That's me with the Spike haircut in the tie-died tights..lol)

Ok, I've been ghost, I know I know. Forgive me. God has been sooooooooooo busy in my life. Let me get right to it. So, last Tuesday, I ( along with 20 other wonderful young ladies from FAMU) was featured on BET's hit reality show, Monica:Still Standing. Now, this whole opportunity materialized back in November, merely through a text. When I tell you God can move in a mere instant, you just need to be ready. So, long story short, I helped orchestrate an intimate round table discussion with young ladies to be on Monica's show. It all came to life on January 12, 2010 at 10pm. Oh, did I mention that the producer personally called me and told me that I got MAJOR camera time and that she was so proud to have chosen me to work with? Did I also mention that I contacted FAMU's communication office to spread the word and they sent out a nationwide message for all students, alumni, boosters, and supporters to watch? Yeah, God did it big for us!

Now this opportunity showed me that :

When you have a purpose, you must act in it.

This show was taped on my 5-year line anniversary, during FAMU's homecoming, and during one of favorite linesister's wedding in Albany. At the point of this text, I was in the midst of preparing for all 3 of these events. Something on the inside of me kept saying that I wasn't going to be partaking in any of those events. I kept saying, I don't think I am going to make that drive to Albany, or our luncheon, or the game, and guess what? I didn't .

Many times, God has already told us what we are to do and He adequately prepares us for it. When He is about to use us for an intended purpose, He begins to line certain things up and begins to rid us of others.

I need not worry about the HOW, just focus on the who (ME)

Now, when I got word that this show needed to be orchestrated, I immediately begin to question my ability to do it all. I paused, asked God for guidance, and the rest was history.

It's funny how we get so caught up in HOW God is going to do something that we miss the WHO. God wants us to totally surrender to His will. No matter what we are faced with, He has our back, even when it seems impossibly hopeless.

I just don't know who is truly watching

Now, BET is a pretty well watched network, well all know that, but the response I got from being on the show was truly overwhelming. I mean, I was getting calls from folks that I didn't even know had my number. It was incredible. What blessed me the most was the message from one of my girls from school. She said her whole family was saying how beautiful I was and how they could see God's glory on my life. I literally began to weep.

You see, no matter how you feel or no matter your journey, if people can look at you and see God, then none of that is of importance. Our story and struggle is not just for us to endure and to keep. We must share with others, to bring them closer to God. Its amazing how God can use you or what you've been through to minister to others and pull their purpose out. You are the missing link and you don't even know it.

Everyone wants to be friends with a "star"

Now, I don't know what it is about folks that think that because you've been on TV or work with celebrities that makes them think you're a "star", but they do. Its kind of funny. As I told you a few posts back, I'm in a major transition in my life and I've had to leave a lot of people and things back in 2009. Well, honey, they all seem to have found me and started texting/calling me again.

It's funny how people don't want to be a friend of one who is struggling, but want to be a part of the success. Listen, as you go through life, don't be that way. Don't be with someone strictly in their "UP" times and in the "DOWN" times, simply disappear. True bonds and friendships are developed and strengthened during adversities.

No matter what they think, know that God has you set aside

Lastly *go get your tissue*, in my 27 years, I could never understand why I had to go through what I've gone through, or why God allowed things to happen to me, why I've been where I've been, seen what I've seen, dealt with certain type of relationships, lost/gained certain friends, not been able to sleep, cried myself to sleep on some nights, been denied things I know I deserved, had to make decisions based upon principles I know no one else abides by, why things never seem to go according to my plan, etc.

You see, when God sets you aside for an intended purpose, there is NOTHING you can do about it. You can't run, hide, or get away from what God wants you to do. God has placed something in you that is to bless nations. You are the missing link to so many others. You are the way someone is going to get out of bondage. You are the reason why someone will choose not to commit suicide. You are the reason someone will walk out of abortion clinic. You are the reason why someone will give their marriage another try. You are the reason why someone will dust themselves off and try it again. You will be the reason why a person will begin writing that book or blog. You are the reason a person will go back to their passion. You are the reason why a person will learn to forgive that person that has hurt them beyond repair. You are the reason that person will go back to school. You are the reason why that person became who they were supposed to be. You. Yes, that you that was hurt, mistreated, misunderstood, abandoned, forgotten, left out in the cold. That you that lost their way, the you that second guessed them self, the you that used to hurt others, the you that never knew how to love. Yes, that you.

You have to understand that your story is just not for you to read and to keep moving, but it is for God to get the glory. God wants you to endure the cards he has dealt you so you can encourage someone else to endure theirs.

In life, who we are is all a reflection of who God wants us to bless. When you are hurting in one particular area in your life. Don't sulk, and wallow in self pity. Instead, begin to minister to those who are struggling just the same. Watch God not only work your situation out, but bless a multitude of others in the process.

Smiling at the camera, because I know God's in action....

~Mel

http://

Do you see what I see?

Well, I had a great weekend. Spent time with friends, hung up with the fam as usual, and I had a lot of time to reflect. While out and about, doing my usual, I didn't really feel like getting all dolled up. Sometimes I get tired of being the "fly girl" everyone wants to see. So, I decided to throw on my UGGS and some jeans and ran out. So I was in Target (of course) and this guy is staring at me relentlessly. Im like, "dude, is there a problem? Is there something on my face? What is it?" I mean, real attitude. He just laughed. So you know I was getting good and heated. He was like, "you're so cute. Don't you know that?" Well, that demolished my bad attitude. I couldn't help but be nice and say thank you. lol. I found my way to a mirror and I looked at my hair scattered on top of my head and my thrown together outfit and I was thinking, "You've got to be kidding me." Just as clear as day I heard God say, "Do you see what I see?"

I looked around, I looked up, I looked all around. Surely that is not what I heard. But it was. It was in that very moment that God begin to minister to me (as He always seems to) while I was shopping. So often we get caught up in what the mirror is showing us, that we don't think about what is on the other side of the mirror. The image that God made us in. In His own image.

Sometimes we go through life trying to live up to this "image" that we think we are supposed to be or what people want and we somehow lose direction. The crazy thing is, often times people think more highly of us than we do. I know I am guilty of it. I get calls/text/emails/messages from people saying, "What's up big time", "Hey baller", "What's up Ms.Fashionista", or "I know you got it going on in Atlanta. I my mind, I'm like, "honey, if you could walk a mile in my shoes, you have no idea".

When I look at all the things people have said and what they thought of me (the good stuff), it wasn't to offend or to upset me, it was like God was reminding me of what I projected. Who I am. OR who I am to be. Having people think you're a world changer or trendsetter isn't a bad thing. Sure the pressure can be a little much, but sometimes you have to push yourself to be bigger because it is going to inspire someone else to be who they need to be.

When you, internally, don't feel like much or when your self esteem is at an all time low, go to a mirror and try to find the God in you. Stop looking at the blemishes or the things you wish you could change. Look at what God can work with. Try to find what God sees.

Whenever I think about how I view myself, I think about my mom when I was little. I remember looking back at pics and seeing my big apple head with barely a ribbon top on my head and the biggest dress, with frills and lace. I asked my mom why she would doll me up like that. She said, "When you were little, you barely had any hair, but you were all mine. I used to tell you how beautiful you were everyday, even as a little girl. I spoke over you and told you you were going to grow up to be a gorgeous woman of God." That still brings tears to my eyes. She saw who I was to be before I even made the steps to become it.

That's how God views us. In His image. In His perfection. His creatures. No matter what we've done, where we've been, what we've seen, or what we've said. He sees the ultimate glory in us, even when we don't. If you think the past is what's holding you back, remember:

Isaiah 43:18- "Forget the former things, do not dwell in
the past" (yes, that's actually a scripture).

I challenge you today to answer God back when He asks you, "Do you see what I see?. Not only do you need to answer with a resounding "YES", you need to begin to live like the person that you know God has destined you to be.

Seeing just what He sees or at least trying to,

~Mel

http://

"We Are All We Got"

Being the eldest of 3 girls has certainly had it's ups and downs over my 27 years, but I've embraced it. For almost 6 years, I was an only child, so I always liked to roll solo. Until my little sisters came. Everything I did, they did. Everything I said, they said. I swear I could do no wrong. I was like their own little super hero. lol. I was all they really had. Now, as an adult, my mom and I are like true BFFs. We suit up in our jogging suits and take Targets by storm, we touch and agree on the family's next breakthrough, and we confide in one another what we believe God has in store for us. I am all she has.

Many times, God allows us to be that "somebody" for people because He knows you can be trusted with their most inner thoughts and secrets. God brings people in your life for you to pour the goodness of Him into. If you think about it, some people in our life may never experience true friendship, love, kindness, and even the glory of God if it were not for us.

I always get mad when I get in a relationship and I'm giving 1000% out of the gate. Everyone is like, "Girl, I don't think he's that into you." Of course, I get super upset and start screaming to the heavens, "Really God, another user and abuser? I'm sick of this." And then I get back to regularly scheduled program. lol. So 2010, rolls around and we all send out the "I love you text, so glad you're in my life, happy new year, blah blah" text and I send it to a few of my homie/lover/friends. Honey, let me tell you, if I could read those texts back to you, you'd be in love. Thank God I am clothed in my right mind. I just stared at my phone and reread the messages at least 100 times a piece. I was like, "No this negro did NOT just say that he ___________". Long story short, he "low-key" professed his love and adoration, but he now realizes that I was a woman of God that he simply wasn't ready for. Talk about a "DUH" moment! lol.

As I proceeded to throw my Blackberry into oblivion, I heard the voice of the Lord say clear as day, "It wasn't about you, it was about me". Again, I'm looking up to heaven trying to figure out what God was working out. God revealed to me that many times He allows us to be better to other people, so one day, someone can be better to us. And it may not even be that person we were good to. It's like a cycle. With what God has placed in us, it is NOT for us. It is for us to share with so many others. Whether its our testimonies, our gifts, our stories, our triumphs, our trials, and even our smile, God wants us to be a little piece of Him in the human form.

I could never understand why I was the better friend or girlfriend and never received reciprocated treatment. It wasn't until I began to make different friends along the way. Many people went above and beyond for me and I couldn't even understand why. In my head I'm saying, "we aren't even friends for real, why is she buying me a gift. I didn't buy her a THING". But God told me to look back at my track record, at all the people I blessed, He said this is the GOOD payback. I began to embrace people being nice to me and knew it was God merely keeping the cycle going.

Until recently, I had totally been neglecting my blog, finding reasons why I was too busy and why I didn't feel like doing it. I promise you, God will not let you sleep until you're obedient. So, anyway, I declared as of January 1st, that I would make a conscious effort to chronicle the new dimension in my life. Let me tell you, God will send a witness, a ram in a bush, and an email/text to let you know that your obedience has not gone unnoticed. In just 10 days, I have received more correspondence from people saying I have blessed them, then I probably ever had. I was truly humbled by God's glory through me.

The moment I began to walk in my true gifting and in true obedience, God began to move mightily in the lives of others. You just don't know the effects of your obedience. Not only does your disobedience hold up your breakthrough, but it may be holding up a series of others'. The moment I made a decision to be a blessing to the masses, the enemy got real upset. I mean, I was being attacked daily. But I refused to curse God and I refused to stop writing.

That's what we have to do. Make a conscious effort to be a blessing to at least one person every single day. It will feed your purpose, prolong your life, and truly make it a better place. The moment we walk in our obedience and gifting, we will unleash God's glory not only on our lives, but in the lives of so many others.

So today my brother and my sister, I bless you. I command the blessings of Abraham upon you. I am blessed because I am blessing you. Now do the same for someone else. At the end of the day, "we are all we got"!

In the most sincere agape love,

~Mel

Be that somebody that someone can lean on and watch God strengthen you in ways you've never seen

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Time To Make Room For Manifestation....

One of my favorite things to do is to shop, everyone knows that. So, I'm always in the stores, looking, searching, trying to figure out what my next conquest is going to be. Of course everything is always on sale. With that being the case, I always buy 2 or 3 of everything, so when I get home I'm like, "Where is all of this going to go?". Before I can even bring my lovely new things home, I have to move some things around, get rid of some things and even give up things that meant something to me at some point.

Now, this is where is gets deep. In our lives, we are constantly asking for things from God with nowhere to put them. We go through life, piling up all the things we have been afforded and we begin to "hoard" them in a sense. In order to receive anything new, we must be willing to give up what we have that no longer have optimal usage. This is in regards to something as minuscule as an old t-shirt to toxic relationships.

We need to rearrange some things internally, in order for God to truly fulfill us.

That means, we have to re-prioritize, change some of our ideals, and even adapt totally new ways of thinking. What we think we know or what we are comfortable with might of been fine for when we were a freshman in college or when we just turned 21, but know its time for an upgrade mentally. We may have to change how things are being done.

God wants to give us all of our heart's desires. Truly He does. But, because we have not been obedient in getting rid of the former, to receive the greater, He cannot move. It's like waiting for your luggage at the airport. You rush off the plane, to make it to the conveyor belt, only to realize there is a back up in the baggage area. The flight before you is taking up the entire belt. The new bags cannot be received until the old ones have been taken away. So you have to wait. You ever wonder why some prayers seem to go unanswered and you seem to be stagnant in one area? Maybe God commanded you to purge that area and you have simply been dragging your feet.

You have to make a conscious decision to prepare for your harvest. You ever wonder why they say "Spring Cleaning"? That is the time where most people clean out their closest, re-energize their new year's resolution and try to get things back on track. The Spring time brings the most rain, which nourishes your harvest. And the Summer immediately follows, which brings the sun. So when your harvest times arrives, you've had more than enough time to prepare for what God has in store.

Many of us are still experiencing the Winters of our lives, or so we think. Winter is thought to be the most cold, brutal, and trying season. This is the season where your faith is truly tested. What God is showing you that is once you've been through your trial (Winter), begin a purging process (Spring), prepare for the cultivation of your harvest (Summer) and begin to rejoice in your victory (Autumn/Fall).

God is so incredible that He allows us to choose what we want to get rid of and focus on. But sometimes, we move a little too slow and He has to do it for us. If you just be patient and see the bigger picture, you will see that He has had your best interest in mind the entire time.

I don't know who is going through a major decision regarding a relationship, a job, or a major situation, but I charge you today to place it on the alter and leave it there. Have enough courage to know that God has you in the palm of his hand. If God takes that job, relationship, or situation from you, don't fret, know that He has an upgrade waiting in the wings. You have to let go of those former things, so you can begin your kingdom living. It might be that one more thing that's holding up your breakthrough. When you have the courage to let God do His thing, you will be amazed at his glory.

God is a god of restoration. Whatever it is that you have lost along the way or have gotten rid of, He sees your obedience and your sacrifice. You may not see it now, but if you just keep pressing your way and believing God for your manifestation, it will soon come.

Philippians 3:12-15

Pressing on Toward the Goal

12Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Be still and know that as clean out your closet, God is already shipping out your breakthrough!

Making room for my next level!

~Mel

Just Let Go and Let God do what He needs to do.

http://

There is simply no greater love like the one God has for you & me. Here is a sweet worship song by Fred Hammond "No Greater". Begin to worship God for what He is taking out of you, so He can fill you will all His glory.

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It's Our Time: "Year of the Comeback"

Well, like the 95,000 fans in Pasadena, California and a few million Americans at home, I was glued to the BCS championship game with Texas and Alabama tonight. While I am definitely your quintessential "fly girl" I love me some football. Started when my dad used to drag me to University to Miami football scrimmages and practices. I feel in love. Oh, I liked the game too. lol. But nonetheless, football has quietly been my "thing".

As I was watching the game I was consumed with so many emotions. I was inspired. I was invigorated. I was totally pulled in. Whether you were for one team or another, you were so drawn it, it felt like you were apart of one of the teams. From the very minute of the game, it was on! The Texas quarterback went down within the first 2minutes. Texas just knew they wouldn't score a point for the rest of the night. Well, at least the fans did. They put in the "true" freshman and of course he had some mishaps, but he was able to hold his ground. And on Alabama's side, they started the game off like they forgot they were ranked the number one team in the nation. Some how along the lines they forgot how good they were. Mark Ingram, Heisman winner, was the star player of the night ( I will tell you a little more about him later). The game was a true tug of war all night. I was rooting for Alabama, but I sure thought about jumping ship to go over to Texas for 2.45465 seconds. But then I was back rolling tide right after. Lol.

The amazing points of this game were as follows:

- Seasoned senior QB for Texas goes down and the fate of the team was left in the hands of a measly freshman. Now, while he certainly buckled under pressure, he exhibited why he was chosen. He managed some amazing passes.

-When the season QB was interviewed at the end of the game he was asked did he feel bad for being out of the game and how he was feeling about it. Through tears and a lost for words he said, "I was made for this game, I've played it all my life. I wanted to be there for my team, they fought until the end. I can't feel my arm, but I know I will be ok. My life is in God's hands". *pause* (God got the glory again on national TV, I'm overwhelmed!)

Parallel: Like in life, we are often amongst people who are "seasoned", hand picked for the job, and just "perfect, and then there is us. Everyone wants to count us out the moment we drop a pass, mess up, and get off track. The moment we experience victory or a spiritual "touchdown" of the sort, we are back on top. What we have to realize is that no matter what the score looks like, or who came before you in your position, no one will ever be you and you will never be them. Perfect your role with your own flair, passion, and dedication. Sure you might fall, get up. Sure you might mess us, hurry up and get it together. Sure you might be lost, pray for direction. At the end of the game (life), the scoreboard on earth won't matter. God saw your every effort, accomplishment, and triumph. He was right there all along. So stop beating up on yourself because you don't think you're good enough, seasoned enough, or that "one". You are "you", who God uniquely designed for this season.

When the seasoned QB said his life was in God hands, I couldn't help but to praise. Even in one of his greatest losses he saw God's grace on his life. He saw his goodness. He knew God was still standing with him. We have to see the same thing. Through our greatest tragedies & trials, our greatest heartaches and pains. We have to stand still and know that God has it all under control. At some point, it will all come together.

- Mark Ingram- Heisman Winner. Now, let me tell you about this Fly Guy here. He was born in raised in Flint, Michigan which is ROUGH! He excelled in High School, his parents raised him well, remembered Coach Saban, sent him down to Alabama and the rest was history. Now, he was up against some heavy hitters in the running for the Heisman Trophy, but came out the victor. His speech is thought to be one on the most memorable speeches on all 75 Heisman Trophies. What made the night so particularly touching was that his father Mark Sr,former NFL player, was in jail in NY awaiting arraignment for money laundering and a few other charges. With his mother and his cheering squad, he was able to make his speech, accept his award, and press toward to the BCS Championship to rush for over 100 yards.

Parallel: Like Mark Ingram, we are faced with many obstacles in our personal lives that are sure to discourage us, consume us, and detour us from making it. But like Mark, we must "rush" pass those things and see the goal at the end of the field. No matter what the commentators in our lives have to say, they don't matter. We have to find the voice of the Lord and turn that up. We cannot allow our pasts and pain to stagnate our growth, but instead, we must use them as fuel to press forward. One time during the game, when Mark was given the ball, the announcer said, "look how his head is up, it's like he doesn't even see the lineman coming from him. He's looking straight ahead." I literally got chills. That's EXACTLY what God wants us to do. Look up. Look straight ahead. Don't look at the enemies that are headed for us. They simply do not matter because your purpose and destiny are JUST that great.

Other points:
Now, Alabama didn't get to this point on a "fluke". They played the incomparable Florida Gators for the SEC Championship and provided a great upset. They shook up a team that was a shoe in the the national championship. The pressed their way all the way today's game, a place where they hadn't been since 1992. We need to take that same direction. No matter who or what we are faced with, despite odds, we need to keep our eyes on winning. Even when "statistically" it doesn't make sense.

Not to mention that Nick Saban was down in Miami coaching the Dolphins and had a hard time winning games, and definitely not making it to the Super Bowl level. Goes to show you that when God places you were you are supposed to be, where your gifting is, you are going to win. But its all about timing, focus, and placement. Know that it all about HIS plan for you!

When the Gatorade was poured, the hands were shaken, the confetti had flown, and the championship t-shirts were passed out, Ingram got the mic and said, "This is the year of the Underdog! The Year of the Comeback". I fell out! lol

God wants us to know that no matter what we are facing. No matter what odds are against us. Not matter what the scoreboard looks like. No matter what the other team may be capable of. At the end the day, God will get all the glory, honor and the praise. He is the author and finisher of our faith. We need to know that all things are continuously working, even things we cannot see. God can rise us up in our darkest hour. No matter what our pasts look like. No matter what our track records have been. No matter what they say about us.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

**Adding a new one... a time to WIN and LOSE....***

This is your season. Your day. Your moment. Your time! Know that just because it doesn't look like it , doesn't mean it wont happen. Even when you're in the fourth quarter of your life with 3 minutes left on the clock, you can still score 2 touchdowns and get 2 interceptions. God is just that kind of God. He likes to be able to show out on our behalves.

Say it with me:

This. Is. The . Year. Of. The. Comeback.

Now say it alone and own it:

This. Is. The . Year. Of. The. Comeback.

Isaiah 40:31 says, "but those who hope in
the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they
will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be
faint."

It's been written. It's been said. Its been activated... now go get it!

Coming back like never before,

~Mel