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life

SAMUEL SIFTERS

Short because of transition, heavy because of worth….

Don’t get so hung up on the outside that you anoint the wrong stuff.

Remember the little story of Samuel’s trip to the house of Jesse? It’s not because you look good, smell good, have great statue… When GOD chooses, He evaluates the heart. It’s time for some open heart surgery. CLEAN IT UP!

I may be “unfinished”, but GOD still counts me worthy. Be careful whose lens you view “folk” through. In all if Jesse’s sons… The chosen was DAVID. Who’s lineage wasn’t blue blood… Who was still a boy at the time… The anointing precedes appointed time… We are first CHOSEN….

Did I loose you?

Simply put… See people inside out!

…like Pastor Johnson said at the end of “The Draft”… Everyone who is anointed will be attacked… The wheat is always sifted…

More to come!

Ivy Out

Categories
life

SDSUTN: “Sit Down, Shut Up, & Take Notes” – Tyron McDaniel

ImageIt’s interesting that when I stop and talk to God about all that’s going on… then shut up… He begins to show me that He’s kept me all along. 

The past two weeks were difficult. Not unbearable, but difficult. I repeatedly ask Daddy to give me strength and help me complete this assignment so I can move on. I know there is a chance that He might need me to stay, but that hasn’t been revealed to me yet. In the midst of this, I was elevated in several areas. I worked very hard this weekend, but I was doing something that I loved. I have a service business… MUA… service is my life. It not only brought extra funds, but it allowed me to be instrumental in two ladies’ joyous occasions. You can’t know how that makes me feel. It’s amazing. To see that you’ve contributed to a blessing for someone. While leaving the last wedding reception for the evening, and running into people who remembered me before I remembered them, I got notification that a friend of mine had finally published her first magazine. The work that God gave her was now up for public display. Even more special, she’d asked me months ago to be a feature in the magazine. So my first magazine feature was a part of her premier project. Talk about blessings! EVEN MORE SPECIAL THAN THAT: I got to give honor to God and three key mentors in my life. 

I am full of joy right now. Not because everything is great on all areas (though we speak this year lack will be a figment of my imagination not my present reality), but because God is blessing me in-spite of what it looks like. (or feels like)

If you TRUST Him. . . If you BELIEVE in Him. . .If you SUBMIT to Him… You’ll have a testimony too!

Ivy Out

Categories
life

Hi, My name is Ann-DON-knee-ah.

bestdecisionever

Yesterday came to a sweet end at my ministers-in-training class at church. I discussed something with a leader I respect, and figured out that I wasn’t alone in my “feeling”. Now, while I am learning not to put so much stock in feelings, I know they have purpose. Someone called me “Minister” at church, and because I know this person, my retort was: “my name is Andonnia”. I wasn’t attempting to be insolent, or rebellious, but I serve because it’s who I am. I am also not licensed or ordained, yet, and when that comes…I’m still Andonnia.

When I was in elementary school: I led groups and projects.

When I was in middle school: I attended a leadership academy(program) for three years, lead at my section in choir, led groups and projects, worked as an office worker, one of the lead organizational fundraisers, winner of Miss. FTA, and was president of an organization by 8th grade.

When I was in high school: I led a section in choir, worked in offices, led groups and projects,  went to leadership workshops, won oratory competitions, won a pageant, worked for the chamber of commerce, worked as a youth ambassador to a refinery, got published in a few anthologies, was the highest officer in my drill team, started and choreographed a praise dance team at church, led youth at my church, sang at funerals for family, participated in at least five organizations at school.

When I was in college: I was in as many as 9 organizations at one time, I founded a service organization that is still in operation, Was president of two organizations, vice president of a counsel, I was the student representative to a presidential event a couple of times, I planned campus wide diversity programs, worked for my sorority, sang in the oldest collegiate gospel choir in Texas, wrote my first manuscript, and mentored at least 10 people.

When I got out of college: I asked my Ast. Pastor (while in Florida), why I couldn’t find a shadow. I was tired of leading. I didn’t want the titles or accolades, the responsibility or criticism, I only wanted to help people. I realized that my life will be one dedicated to God’s people, but for once I’d like to know what it’s like to lead from the back. Guess what. I’ll never know that because LEADING doesn’t happen from the back.

I have to suck up some things as it relates to that attitude. This inward feeling projected outward. I won’t shy away from opportunities that allow me to serve God’s people because it goes lockstep with my purpose. BUT, I will always and forever JUST BE ANDONNIA. You can add what you want to the titles and name changes ;), but I am an imperfect young lady growing up to be a champion God chaser. He knows ALL my faults and still sees me worthy to make Him smile.

Humbled,

Ivy Out