Have you been full of excuses? Stressed? Exhausted? Well, me too. I haven’t written a blog in the past few months for the above reasons. Then, I take a second to realize what if God treated me how I treat

him. I sure don’t want the answer.

In so many ways, I have been convicted on the lack of time I have given God lately. I have given my time and energy to my worries and insecurities. I will share those.

I have been worried about work. I want to always give my best to my newest job. I pride myself on being fair, professional, etc. However, numerous hours, difficult personalities, decisions riding on my shoulders, I am constantly stressed with little rest. In this situation, I have to die to myself to realize that God brought me here and gave me this one opportunity amongst the hundreds I applied to. God will not leave me; this season is only to make me stronger. I need to realize its not about me, I need to continue to be an example of God’s kingdom and strive to put my best foot forward daily.

I have been feeling insecure about my weight. In the world of Instagram models and celebrities with “Jessica Rabbit” bodies, I see that I’m not there, yet. In fact at one point this year, I was teetering in the other direction. Eating healthy takes good decisions that when stressed you can’t always make. I have to die to my flesh and realize God brought me into the world in a healthy body that is my temple to maintain healthy. I cannot allow worries to keep me from the promise of a long, happy, healthy life.

I want a relationship with a man; I desire to be someone’s helpmeet. I’ve been single many years now. I sometimes question am I not good enough? What is the wait for? So, with my free will and loneliness, I walk into situations that aren’t God sent. I run into players, cheaters, men who are the exact opposite of the man of God I want. Then, I realize, I’m not ready. I have not become full in my relationship with God alone. Our relationship with God should be so unwavering that no matter when God that mate our eyes are always focused on him.

I listened to a sermon from Heather Lindsey on YouTube called “Overcoming Negative Thinking." It reminded me that all of the above stressors are just in my head from the things I listen to and read. Whether it is friends, blogs, TV shows, videos, all I have allowed to penetrate my way of thinking. I have to have control of those thoughts and realize God made me just the way I am, God provided the job I have, the food I eat, the heart I have for others, the desire for love and submission, etc. Guarding my life and heart from this not of God is my daily struggle.

If you feel any of the above, we are in the same boat. I want to remind each of you that God will love us even at times we don’t love ourselves. Tonight, I attended a youth event at Potters House of Denver. A young gentleman spoke on the topic of “Stop Running”. This put the fire under me to spend more time with God and share my journey and insecurities with others but mainly how God is so consistent. God’s love and grace for us will never end even in our sin. Does he want us to do better? 

Of course, but you are never far from his presence. Just like you make time for work, your favorite TV show, the club, your relationship, a vacation, etc. Set aside time for God alone. He will bless you and bring so much peace to your life. Die to yourself and choose God.

I leave you with a scripture and a song to meditate on…

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” ~John 10:27-28 

Tasha Cobb's: Grace

About the Author: Xavier Johnson is a graduate of North Carolina A&T SU (AGGIE PRIDE!!!) She is a new resident of Colorado, working as an engineer but can't forget that she is a Georgia girl at heart. Xavier is a firm believer in Jesus Christ. She is  really working on truly being a follower. There is a difference. Daily, she looks to die to her flesh and pick up God's mindset for her life. Xavier is also starting a new blog called, "Devoted Diva," in which she is promoting being BOLD for Christ. All of the entries there and those submitted to Memoirs will be a reflection of her journey towards a stronger walk with Christ. She truly hopes that someone is touched, changed and welcomes God in their hearts to stay after reading any of her personal revelations. Love Always, God Bless!

Would you spend the whole day without eating? We all know how it feels when we miss breakfast. Even if its a glass of water or juice in the morning before you head out the door. Breakfast is such an

important part of the day because it is what fuels you to start your day. Breakfast keeps you focused and energized. Reading the word of God is a lot like breakfast.

Jesus said "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4.   

Without seeking God first daily in his word, will leave you famished.  You will spend the day spiritually thirsty/hungry, and when you are weak you fall into traps.  The word of God is imperative to seeking Gods face and knowing his heart.  

Reflection: Examine your life and see where you can improve on putting God first in every area of your life.  

Prayer: Father God we come to you humbly.  We will never measure up.  But thanks be you through your son Jesus we have a new life, a new chance.  Forgive us for putting you last LORD.  We ask you now to put zeal and desire in our hearts for you LORD.  Let us continually thirst for you.  In Jesus name we pray, amen.  

About the Author: Andreana Barfield, loves the LORD.  She is married and has a 2-year-old

daughter.  Andreana is also a first generation Haitian American.  Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she currently works as an activities coordinator in a Social Adult Day Center.  Andreana enjoys reading, writing and seeing where the LORD takes her next.

Obviously in a technology driven world, we're bound to see selfies on every social media timeline or a display of "followers" that most of you are trying to impress. It seems as though we're living in a time of self-absorbness and makes me think of the scripture 2 Timothy 3:2 2. Not only will people become lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy as scriptures states but also lovers of themselves.

You're probably thinking, Danielle please! You're seriously thinking too deep! But seriously, it seems as though as a society that reaches for their phones or selfie sticks more than we reach for our bibles to change our internal selves.

Ladies you're snapping away for the perfect selfie, but not willing to keep turning the pages of your bible after you don't understand scripture. With scripture, you're not asking for wisdom, so you give up but a selfie deserves more of your time. Where's the eternal reward in that?

                                                                     ABSOLUTELY NONE

I'm not here to spoil your fun because yes I have a few selfies of my own. But what I am here to do is discuss how your spiritual selfie can look a million times better than your physical selfie if you focus and zoom in a little tighter.

To begin taking a look at your spiritual selfie. Ask yourself, what does your mind think about each day. Evil or good thoughs? Mark 7:71 tells us "For it is from within, out of a person's heart, that evil thoughts come-sexual immorality, theft, murder."

The next analysis of your spiritual selfies is your time. How are you spending your time? Is it spent doing things that are worthless? Are you spending enough time with God each day to better your relationship with him. Remember a flower without water withers. The Lord wants our relationship with him to thrive. So in essence, less time attached to your phone and more quiet time meditating on his word.

Lastly, your words. What are speaking to yourself and others? Are you speaking life or death? Ladies does gossip continually flow from your tongue about others behind your back. Or those of you that may be married, are your lips always filled with rage?  Our words or to bear GOOD fruit NOT rotten fruit.

I'm not sure about you but the idea of creating a spiritual selfie God is pleased with surrounds Psalm 51:10 as the scripture tells us "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Be encouraged!~Danielle

From time to time, you may

read me referencing to my late father and that's because, even though my time with him was limited, I learned important things that every little girl should learn from her father.

Another memory of him, is in 6th grade as he drove me to school, we saw a girl a little older than me all alone on a bench to herself with her head down reading. The other crowds of kids were far from her. To some it may seem like she didn't have any friends but to others like my father, it may have meant sometimes its good to stay to yourself instead of being surrounded by a big circle of friends whom may mean you harm. I remember him saying, "See, ain't nothing wrong with being by yourself sometimes. Its good to be different. Its good to be set apart."

Those words bring me to this post. Being set apart. But are you missing out if you do? Are you missing out on the latest gossip or drama? Are you missing out on weekend plans in clubs or bars? I will confidently answer questions with absolutely not.

If you're a young lady in Christ reading this, I want you to know there is nothing wrong with being different. Being different to some may mean you're weird. But remember your worth in Christ. Remember you're striving for a crown of life and that crown is far more precious than anything on this earth. Yes, anything! Careers, relationships, friendships, material possessions. Remember this world will pass away. These things are only temporary. Earthly titles and achievements don't matter. There won't be a celebration in heaven for those, but instead a meeting around the throne to meet the King. Also, if you're a young lady that's not in the body of Christ I encourage you to seek others walking the narrow path. Be encouraged that being a Christian doesn't mean you're missing out.  Be encouraged that our souls are not a game and be reminded of where your soul may be if Christ returns and you're in the middle of sin.

Ladies I encourage you to be an example to other young women. You may be the only bible someone reads which may have a great impact on their lives. You have the ability to lead another young woman to Christ by your words and actions. So be content in your decisions to be set apart and about your heavenly father's business on a Friday or Saturday night versus being in someone's club, asking for that next drink or feigning for that next ounce of drugs. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to be conformed to this world. Its simply not worth it. Its not worth the pain or tears the world offers and its certainly not worth eternal separation from our Lord and Savior.