Hidden Treasures

This scripture popped in my head today in the early morning hours:

“I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places,
so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” Isaiah 45:3 NIV

In the biblical context, God is speaking to a pagan king. He promises to give King Cyrus “hidden treasures” because he allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

I pondered upon the meaning of the text. God will bless those who bless his people. Who are God’s people? Those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Then I asked, who can I bless?

Someone needs what you can provide; be it your time, money, attention, or service. Those who need it the most may not ask for your help. You need to seek out opportunities to assist. Prayerfully ask God to reveal who needs you. You do not have to be perfect to be a vessel for God’s glory. Look at King Cyrus. You only need to be willing.

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Mathew 7:11 KJV

Christmas 2021 is over and done. You could not control the gifts you received. Trust me, I know. I got a tin box filled with 3 stuffed Minion characters for the Secret Santa exchange. The good news is that you can control the gifts you give. God is the best gift giver. Like, who can top eternal life? Even in this present world, you can receive “hidden treasures”. Not that you give to receive, but a promise is a promise.

Ask yourself today, “Who can I bless?”

What are your thoughts on today’s topic?

I Have but One Rule of Friendship.

You MUST be Team Felicia.

I am going through life just like you facing challenges that are personal, familial, and professional. I do so with grace, faith and a little blog. Friends and my readers make the journey a bit more bearable.

I have had several incidents with people who claim to be friends who continually speak negative things over my life. Get thee behind me!

I was talking to a 'friend' and explained how I believe God for the husband of my dreams. I want to have that level of faith. This person got highly-offended that I would dare to ask God for what I want and not just accept any old man because, 'Maybe that is God's will for you.'

Again, get thee behind me!

The Word of God says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. " Psalm 37:3-5

No caveats. So, why are you mad? Are you upset because I do not agree with you or are you upset that you fell for the enemy's deception and excepted good enough when God has promised His children 'Good Things'?

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" Matthew 7:11

Please do not start me to preaching on here.

Having this level of faith is not easy. It has been birthed through trials and tribulations. Through reading, accepting and believing God's Word. I will not – cannot – let anyone shake my faith.

My faith has gotten me to Dallas. It is by faith that I am writing this post. That I have written my book. That I still have dreams of acting on stage.

"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:5

My friends, who I have known the longest, would have offered words of encouragement. They would have even quoted scriptures I may have forgotten. I am told by them that I am smart and beautiful and deserve the best. So, why are you mad?

My friendships are not one-sided. The reciprocity being I am pro-my friends. I would never try to embarrass you when a 3rd or 4th party is in our presence. If anything, I will talk you up not talk you down.

God has been dealing with me in the area of boundaries. It is time that I start enforcing them. If you are not Team Felicia, please keep it moving.

 

 

Paying Your Tithes Is A Blessing

When I pay my tithes, I remember when I was unemployed. Times got tough. Now I am employed and consider it such an honor to have the ability to pay tithes. 

I also understand being faithful to God and feeling like there is just no way that you can pay tithes when you are barely scraping by. I have been there, too. 

God knows and understands all but let me encourage you to pay tithes. 

It is not about the church. It is not about the preacher. It is not about how you feel. 

It is about the sacrifice. God honors the sacrifice. If you do not believe me, ask Abraham.

I had to get some work done on my car. Something said do not pay your tithes you need to fix your car. How are you going to get to work with no car? Blah, blah, blah. Worries snowballing into more worries. 

Well, long story less long. My repairs are covered by the warranty minus my deductible of $50. This is so much less than what I paid in tithes. 

Did you catch it!

God blessed me in a way I did not expect. In turn I blessed someone else. Blessings snowballing into more blessings!

You cannot pay God for a blessing. I believe that I am blessed no matter what. However, there is a special anointing on the sacrifice. When the sacrifice is dear (see Abraham and Isaac), God will provide a "ram in the bush."

Be blessed readers!

Counting My Blessings

Have you ever looked at someone and thought their life must be so perfect or at least better than mine?

I thank God for MY LIFE and everyone and thing in it.

Tamia

I was watching the Soult Train Awards on yesterday and Tamia performed. She sang beautifully. She looked flawless. Married to Grant Hill with two children – her life seemed a fairytale. I was so shocked to learn that she is battling multiple sclerosis.

Though there is no "good" time to receive an MS diagnosis, Tamia's diagnosis came during an especially trying time for her and her husband. Grant had recently returned from the hospital where Tamia had rushed him when he developed a staph infection after surgery on his ankle left him with convulsions and a 104 degree temperature. Tamia started experiencing numbness in her hands and feet and unexplained severe fatigue. It was then Grant's turn to take her to the hospital. Three doctors, a misdiagnosis of a pulled muscle, and several MRIs later, Tamia was finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Soon after, while out of the country celebrating their anniversary, Tamia had her first frightening attack. "Literally, I could not lift a pen. I could not get out of bed. I had to fill out customs forms to come back and my husband had to fill them out because I could not write," she told Jet. SOURCE

The same with Toni Braxton – beautiful, talented, and battling debilitating illnesses, heart disease and lupus. I read that Tamia's MS is in remission. Thank God for that.

You just never know what another person is struggling with. I am very conscious of how good God is. These women are alive and still counting their blessings. I am going to continue to count mine.

My mom, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, life, health, strength, a good mind, passion, gifts, hopes, salvation, determination and the list goes on and on. How dare I be depressed?

Things I Am Thankful For

Although my blessings are truly innumerable, I have compiled a short list of things I am grateful to God for.

I am thankful for faith in Christ. It has changed my life!

I am thankful for mi familia!!!!

I am thankful for life, health and strength!!!! (COGIC 4 LIFE!!) LOL

I am thankful for my job!!!!!

I am thankful for friends.

I am thankful for the gift of writing, singing, and being creative.

I am thankful for  . . .ALL OF YOU READING THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!