DON'T LET YOUR PAST STEAL YOUR FUTURE

We all have issues from our past that can haunt us if we let them. The past can be like a prison that can keep us locked up. Living in the past can cloud your present and ruin your future. We have to ask God to heal us from our past so that we can be free from living in bondage. We have to keep the past in the past where it belongs. If not for ourselves, then for those who are counting on us to fulfill our destiny so that we can help fulfill their destiny. Put your past in God's hands. Your future depends on it.

A HOUSE DIVIDED...

The Bible says that a house divided cannot stand. Whatever you stand for in life needs to be backed up with action. I talked about that concept on my radio show today. We can't be these fair-weather people when it comes to major decisions. The Bible says that a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. Don't just talk the talk, but walk the walk as well. I am definitely one for putting actions to my words. I wanted to go to college, so I took the steps necessary to make that happen. I wanted to be in SAG, so I took the steps necessary to make that happen. On and on and on. The good old saying is true: if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything. There is too much double-mindedness going on. Stand for something, and mean it.

THE SELF-MADE MAN: A FALLACY

We constantly hear about someone being referred to as a "self-made" whatever. You know where I'm going with this, right? There is NO SUCH THING as being self-made. I don't know about you, but I don't recall "making myself"; sorry, but the details are quite faint. Sometimes, we can get caught up in this "do-it-yourself" spirit because of pride. The Bible talks about how the apostle Paul had a "thorn in the flesh". It is not specific about what that was, but the point is clearly made. God used that to show Paul that, without Him, he could do nothing. There is nothing to be made without God's help. I wouldn't want to be a part of anything that didn't involve God. Something to think about.

THE SIT DOWN MINISTRY: OFFICALLY UNKNOWN, BUT POPULAR

Is there a sit-down ministry at your church? There must be because I see a lot of people come to church and do just that. They're not involved in any special auxiliary or ministry. They just come to church on Sunday morning only; for some people, those Sunday mornings are just Easter and Christmas. As the saying goes, it seems as though 20% of the people in a church are doing 80% of the work. That should not be so.

God doesn't call anyone to sit and do nothing. If you call yourself a member of any church, your presence should be felt. The case should not be your going to a church for years and not one person knows your name. Something is wrong with that picture. This reminds me of the parable of the talents. The servant who hid his ONE talent was branded as a wicked servant. God does not want us to hide in church. We all have gifts and talents to add to the body of Christ. So get busy. Take care and God bless.

THANKSGIVING TRIBUTE TO DR. ROSE RIOS

This is the poem that I just read on the air moments ago on my radio show. This was in honor of Dr. Rose Rios, founder of Cover the Homeless ministry. The link to her ministry website is in my blog list to check out for information. Much love to you, Dr. Rose. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Take care and God bless.

WHAT’S LYING UNDER MY ST. JOHN SUIT

Children listen up as I tell my story
Because all you see now is nothing but the glory

As I wave my hanky and sit on the front row
That’s not telling you the way you ought to go

Because I know where you’ve been, that’s no lie
I had my own seasons where I had to cry

I been through hard times, thick and thin
But with God’s help, I saw them through to the end

You see me in my St. John suit, looking ever so good
But do you know that I was once from the hood

No, you wouldn’t know that because all that you see
Is my Mercedes Benz and not me

What I want to tell you is to please not fret
Because God is not even through with you yet

I know that you been through a lot of heartache and pain
But it is all worth what you will gain

I started out life in the deep dark south
Barely surviving, living hand to mouth

My father always dreamed of a better life
Without all of the trouble and strife

He worked for Boss Man with all his might
Picking cotton every morning, noon and night

When I was a child, education was not cheap
I had to go out into the fields and earn my keep

We didn’t have a say in our way of life
The hurt was deep because it cut like a knife

One day, my father’s dream finally came true
We moved to California and felt like we were born anew

It was a different experience unlike no other
For once, we were not shunned because of color

Despite certain challenges with my education
My parents made me feel like I could face the nation

Then it happened, one fateful afternoon
I became a woman way too soon

The end result was that a life was lost
But that was not even half of the cost

Then he came, the love of my life
I knew that one day, I would become his wife

When we were together, it seemed endless at will
It was as if time just stood still

But then it happened, without any warning at all
Life as I knew it came to a halt

My precious other half lost his life
Leaving behind a unborn baby and a young wife

From then on, life went downhill
Everything that came my way was like a bitter pill

Men in my life that did all they could
To not treat me like the queen that they should

Out of desperation and of fear
I took a job that was beneath everything that was dear

Shaking what God gave me in front of countless men
I was sinking deeper into the lion’s den

The Lord saw that I was down to the wire
He pulled me from the murky mire

I finished my education; it was a brand new day
God moved the obstacles that was blocking my way

I had to lay my parents down for their final rest
They instilled in me nothing but the best

I started my own business because of a willingness to try
It was all thanks to a sweet potato pie

But then came the time for the business to end
For God had my true calling at hand

He reminded me of the lesson that my parents taught
To take care of others and not leave them for naught

I wanted to understand what the homeless went through
I decided the only way was to become one too

With that, I founded a homeless organization
So that I could do my part to save the nation

You see my children, I been where you are
So don’t think my hand only reaches so far

There’s a lot going on under this St. John suit that’s more than a hat and purse to boot

DOES GOD CARE?

I used to think that God didn’t care about health until:
Beloved, I wish above all else that thou mayest prosper and be in health,…
(3 John 2)

I used to think that God didn’t care about finances until:
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these
things should be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

I used to think that God didn’t care about thoughts until:
The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are
deceit. (Proverbs 12:5)

I used to think that God didn’t care about words until:
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his
lips shall have destruction. (Proverbs 13:3)

I used to think that God didn’t care about life outside the church door until:
…,Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark
16:15)

God cares so much about us. How much do we care about Him?

TRUST IN THE LORD

What does it mean to trust God? The Bible says that we should trust in the Lord so that our opinions don't cause us to sway. He know us better than we know ourselves. He wants nothing but the best for us. He cares about every aspect of our lives, from the mundane to the most important. We can go to Him for everything that we need. Talk to God today--he will be so glad that you did.

THE ART OF CONTENTMENT

What does it mean to be content? Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee". We are to be satisfied with whatever the Lord blesses us with. That can be hard living in this present world. There is the mindset of "having the next best thing". There is the mindset of "keeping up with the Joneses". There is the mindset of "getting all that you can". These mindsets are not in line with God's Word. We need to keep focused on God and His plan for our lives. We cannot outplan God; His plan can't be anything but the best. So stay true to God's pathway. He will never lead you astray.

THE HOMEMADE SPA

No time for the gym? Can't afford to go to Glen Ivy or Burke Williams? Then I have the perfect solution. Months ago, I was reading an article about a well known home item that was considered "a homemade spa". Some of you ignore it, some of you don't have one, or some of you use it as a storage bin. What is it, you ask? You may have heard of it. It's something called, oh yes, a BATHTUB.

That's right. Your bathtub can be your homemade spa if you let it be. Stop riping and running, and take some time to pamper yourself. I took the time earlier today for a much needed pampering session; it was absolutely FREE. If anything, of course, you have to buy some of your favorite bath and body products. At the Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa, they have their infamous mineral baths. One of the ingredients in the mineral baths is sodium sulfate. Guess what that is?

Give up? It's Epsom salt. Yes, Grandmama had the answer all along. I first started using Epsom salt 2 years ago. I use the Dr. Teal's brand; it's in crystal form instead of horse pellets, and it comes in different fragrances. So buy some and start you own homemade spa. Trust me, you won't regret it.

FIRST WEEK OF RADIO SHOW IN THE CAN!!!!

I got through the first week of my Thoughts for Vision radio show. YYYYEEEESSSS!!!! I went from being extremely nervous on Monday to being calm and collected today. I want to thank everybody that tuned in this week. God bless you all! Keep listening to the show and reading the blog. I hope that it blesses your life. Take care.

CATCHING THE WAVE

I was watching the COGIC Holy Convocation online last night. T.D. Jakes was the speaker. At one point in his message, he was talking about a walk on the beach with his son. His son was encouraging him to jump in the waves. He wasn't feeling it at first, but then it caught on for him like wildfire. He was saying that's how God works--he sends waves for us to jump in and go for the ride. I can imagine a surfer who starts off lying flat on top of the surfboard, paddling and waiting. Then, when the wave comes, the surfer stands up on the top of the surfboard and rides it out.

That's how it's been for these last 3 weeks. I started this blog on October 20th, and I started setting up for the radio show on October 27th. Everything has been going so smooth that it almost seems unreal. Before 3 weeks ago, I wasn't thinking about a blog or radio show. I just wasn't. This was definitely God all over it--I cannot even try to take credit for this. So catch a wave everyone! They come way too often to pass up.

NO WORKS, NO FAITH

We all like to think that we have great faith. But what really determines that? James 2:26 says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also". Faith is determined by your actions. I can have a taste for an hamburger all day long. But if I don't go to the store and buy the buns, meat, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. then I guess I'm going hungry, right? Same concept to any dreams, goals, or visions that God has placed in our hearts. We have to take ACTION, people. Our dreams will die without it. I do not want to go to heaven and have God tell me, "I had all these plans for you, but you wouldn't make a move". How terrible would that be? I'm not trying to get into heaven on a curve. When I go up there, all I want to hear from God is, "Well done".

HAPPINESS OR JOY--WHICH IS BETTER?

A person is happy when he/she gets an ice cream cone.
A person experiences joy when, after the cone is accidentally dropped, says, "Oh well! At least my figure is safe".

A person is happy when he/she has a job.
A person experiences joy when, standing in the unemployment line, he/she feels on top of the world.

A person is happy when he/she has great health.
A person experiences joy when they have no limbs and can still say, "Life is good".

A person is happy when he/she gets married.
A person experiences joy when, after a divorce, he/she can say, "But God".

Happiness is conditional, joy is unconditional!

Which do you prefer?

TUNE IN TOMORROW!!!!!!!!

I did it!!!!!! I got through my very first show. THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!! Tune in tomorrow's show: BUSY SHOULD BE A 4-LETTER WORD. If you missed it, you can listen to today's archived show from either the radio or blog page. Same bat time...lol. Take care and God bless.

RADIO SHOW REMINDER!!!!!!!!

DON'T FORGET TO TUNE IN TO THE T F V RADIO SHOW TODAY. YOU CAN GO TO EITHER MY RADIO PAGE OR MY BLOG PAGE TO LISTEN. PLEASE DON'T BE THROWN OFF BY THE TIME LISTED ON THE RADIO PAGE. THE TIME IS LISTED IN A DIFFERENT TIME ZONE. CALIFORNIA LISTENERS, PLEASE STILL TUNE IN AT 11AM. KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS TODAY. TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS.
www.thoughtsforvision.blogspot.com
www.blogtalkradio.com/thoughtsforvision

TRADE THE MICROWAVE FOR A SLOW COOKER

In this fast-paced world, we want everything RIGHT NOW. We want our dream job, mate, house, car, etc. without any real input on our part. Some of us expect this microwave life--it's supposed to happen 2 days ago and not a minute later. But life is more like a slow cooker--ingredients are put into the pot to come together and cook for a lengthy time. There's no rush--it will get done when it is done. Nothing happens overnight. If you have a dream in your heart, it takes time for that dream to come to past. Just be ready when that happens. Will you trade your microwave for a slow cooker? God hopes so. Take care and God bless.

I'M IN A PROGRESSION

I keep hearing people say in church that we're not in a recession. That's good to say but I have one question, "What are we in, then?" I asked God that question one day because I needed to know for myself, and He lead me to the dictionary. The word "progression" means "to advance; to improve; to move forward". So that's what I'm in. Anyone want to join me? Take care and God bless.

...AND HE WILL GIVE ME THE DESIRES OF MY HEART. REALLY?

So many people take Psalms 37:4 out of context. Does it really mean that He will give you the desires of YOUR heart? Let's break it down, shall we? The full verse: "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart". The first part of this verse is never considered. We're supposed to become familiar with the things of God. The obvious way that we do that is by reading His Word. As we read the Word, we learn God's ways and then make the adjustments needed in our lives. As our lives line up with the Word, our prayers will start to change. We will ask God to give us what He wants for us to have instead of telling Him to do it this way and that way. So take the time today to find out what God wants for you. You may be amazed!!!! Take care and God bless.

WHY ARE YOU STILL SINGLE, ONE MO' 'GAIN?

Some definitions of the word "single" that you may not know:
1. Pure
2. Honest; sincere
3. Not combined with others; separate
4. The reeled filaments of silk, twisted without doubling to give them firmness

Some thesaurus words for "single":
DISTINCT, ESSENTIAL, MARKED, PECULIAR, SOLID, SPECIAL, TRUE TO FORM, UNIQUE, WHOLE

Ashamed of being single now? Take care and God bless.

FEMINISM VS. GOD-ISM

FEMINISM: MARRIAGE AND MOTHERHOOD IS OPPRESSION.
GOD-ISM: EVERY WISE WOMAN BUILDETH HER HOUSE: BUT THE FOOLISH PLUCKETH IT DOWN WITH HER HANDS (PROVERBS 14:1).

FEMINISM: MEN ARE THE ENEMY.
GOD-ISM: SO GOD CREATED MAN IN HIS OWN IMAGE,…(GENESIS 1:27).

FEMINISM: NAGGING IS OUR GOD-GIVEN RIGHT.
GOD-ISM: PLEASANT WORDS ARE AS A HONEYCOMB, SWEET TO THE SOUL, AND HEALTH TO THE BONES (PROVERBS 16:24).

FEMINISM: “IT’S NOT A BABY; IT’S JUST TISSUE”.
GOD-ISM: BEFORE I FORMED THEE IN THE BELLY I KNEW THEE;…(JEREMIAH 1:5).

WHERE HAS 40 YEARS OF FEMINISM GOTTEN US? I MADE UP MY MIND. NOW YOU BE THE JUDGE.

"BUSY" SHOULD BE A 4-LETTER WORD

I'm at the point to where I can't stand hearing the word "busy". Why you ask? Because I feel that most people abuse the use of the word. Most people, when asked how they are doing, they say that they are "busy" as if they just won the Nobel Peace Prize. Well, I have a question to ask of all of you "busy" people: "BUSY" WITH WHAT, EXACTLY?

Now, don't try to negate the question. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about, Willis. Are you busy with things that really matter, or are you busy with JUNK? Some of you have to admit that the majority of the stuff that you're "busy" with shouldn't mean a hill of beans to you. Some of you need to do a spring cleaning when it comes to your busyness. Not all busyness is good, not at all. Most "busy" people end up in sanitariums, hospitals and morgues. Something to think about, isn't it?

So the next time that you're asked how you're doing, just tell the truth and say, "I can use a "busy" break. How about you?" Take care.

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE!!!!!!!!

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! I will be hosting my own radio show on Blog Talk Radio also called Thoughts For Vision. I scheduled it to start on November 8th at 11AM (PST); if anything changes, I will let you know. Keep me in your prayers as I embark on this new journey. You can check out the details of the show by going to www.blogtalkradio.com/thoughtsforvision. Take care and God bless.

ARE YOU SPIRITUALLY ANOREXIC OR BULIMIC?

Are you brave enough to ask yourself this question? Do you find yourself coming to church and leaving deathly starved or bloated? Everyone has to answer this question for themselves. At different times in my life, I have been both. First, I used to be one of those people who sat way in the back at church and be craving for a morsel of food. So I started reading and digesting the Word of God. But then I started to feel like I was stuffing myself with the Word, and not getting enough of it out. That is a HORRIBLE feeling. I couldn't take the nausea any more. I had to get before the Lord, and ask Him to give me the spiritual Tums that I needed for my release. I can't tell you how much better I feel. What about you? Do you need a spiritual Tums or a spiritual Big Mac? You decide. Take care and God bless.

CRUISE OF A LIFETIME

Today marks the 1-year anniversary of my very first cruise. It's hard to believe that it's been that long already. I had the time of my life. I went to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico. The cruise ship was great, the sites were wonderful, and the food was excellent. The only thing that was not so hot was that the waters were choppy a couple of days. The worst day was Thursday. It would hit me while I was in the shower (clear reminder of what was going on outside). I so stayed in my room until that passed. But that's how life is sometimes. On the midst of a great journey, there will be troubled waters ahead. But continue the journey anyway; you will not regret it. Check out the rest of the videos at www.youtube.com/user/richsisstah (yes, the spelling at the end is correct). If you haven't yet, I pray that one day you will have your cruise of a lifetime. Take care and God bless.

WHY THOUGHTS FOR VISION?

I want to share for just a minute on why I titled my blog "Thoughts for Vision". The title is inspired by 2 verses in the Bible. The first is Jeremiah 29:11 (For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord,...). The other is Proverbs 29:18 (Where there is no vision, the people perish:...). Let's think about that for a moment. God is the one who places dreams and goals in our hearts. But we have to catch hold of them and carry them to fruition. God plants the seed, and we have to water it. It is NOT God's job to BOTH plant and water. God is constantly talking to us in so many ways, trying to lead and guide us. But do we always listen and do what He says? I think you know the answer to that. So we have to work on having a tuned ear to God. Sometimes we act as though we need a Trinity hearing aid. All I have to say is get one and make sure that it has a lifetime warranty. Take care.

WHO IS SPEAKING INTO YOUR LIFE?

Think about the people in your life (family, friends, co-workers, etc.). Are they positive or negative people? Do they encourage or discourage you? Are they upbeat or always down in the mouth? When you're done speaking with them, do you feel lifted up or depressed?

Always remember that you can choose the people who you want to spend time with. Be around those that speak life, not death. Don't let others talk you out of your dreams just because they didn't fulfill their dreams. The people in your inner circle are the ones who can make or break you.

KEEP WORKING ON YOUR PLAN A

I listen to Steve Harvey's radio program. If you're not familiar with the show, he starts his show with a 12-minute inspirational message. He has shared this point numerous times, and I want to reiterate. I'm paraphrasing, but it's on the lines on having a plan B means that you're not serious about your plan A. Looking back on my life, I see where I have unknowingly implemented this train of thought.

I knew before leaving high school that I wanted to be an actress. So when I went to college, I immediately designated my major as Theatre Arts. As I went halfway through school, there were times where I thought to myself to add a minor or maybe even another major. But I didn't because I just simply wasn't interested in anything else. So I graduated from college in 1993 with my B.A.

After college, I went and got my REAL JOB so that I could eat, right? I hated every moment of it because it wasn't my passion. In 1999, I said to myself, "You have one chance at this thing called life. There are no do-overs. What are you going to do with it?" So my decision was made, and I never looked back. I remember one night when I went to the L.A. chapter of SAG for a meeting. There was a man who recognized me and said, "I remember when you told me that you were going to get into SAG. Now, I see you here at this meeting. Congratulations." That's the power of working your plan A.

So don't get off track with a plan B. I don't know about you, but I don't have the time to work two plans. But keep in mind that your plan A may rework itself in other ways. That's why I started this blog. Different times throughout my life I have written skits, poems, and the like to try to be an inspiration to people. Acting is one form of expression; writing is another. So don't give up on your plan A. It will be well worth the journey.

WHY ARE YOU STILL SINGLE?

S--Soaring like an eagle through the obstacles of life
I--Igniting the Holy Ghost fire in my soul
N--Not my will, but God's will standing through the test of time
G--Gearing towards excellence in my life
L--Love of the Trinity working in me
E--Engraved in my heart the sacrifice that Christ made for me

I hope this helps those of you out there struggling with being single. This especially goes out to all of my beautiful black sistahs. It seems as though we, in particular, are getting bombarded with this. It's as if we're in need of being analyzed like some lab rats. I wrote this 4 years ago; little did I know that I wrote it for such a time as this.

SO WHO ARE YOU, REALLY?

There's a verse in the Bible that says that what a man thinks in his heart, so is he. So I pose this question: what kind of person do you want to be? Do you want to be a selfish, prideful, bitter, unforgiving,...(add any other word that you can think of)person? Or do you want to be the total opposite? Here's the best news: the choice is yours. There isn't a person, situation, circumstance, etc. that can make that decision for you. Only you can. So have the courage to look yourself in the face and ask yourself, "Who are you, really?"