Prepare

What are you doing to prepare for the next level?

If you really have a desire to move forward start walking in faith. In your heart you may feel that things are changing or they are about to change. I want to encourage you to start preparing. For example, if you desire to purchase a home make preparations. You can start saving money for a down payment. You can do some spring cleaning so you will not  take any old or unwanted items into your new house. Set an appointment with a realtor or your banker to discuss options. Register for a first time home buyer program. Eliminate some of your debts to free up money for your new home. These are some preparation steps you can make if you are ready to purchase a home.

Start to prepare for your next level as if it is a done deal. Preparation demonstrates to God that you believe in him and his power to answer prayers. Sometimes we will not see everything but we have to believe.

I am currently preparing to travel all over the world. I plan to purchase a passport and get some new luggage.

Do I have a speaking engagement or book signing over seas?
No, not yet

I am preparing because my faith says it is on the way.

I want you prepare for your new home, new career, new business, and etc.

Post comments and share. www.christinalockett.com

Relationships

This is the season for relationships as everyone prepares for Valentine's Day. Healthy relationships can be difficult sometimes because they require work. You get out exactly what you put in. I do not believe that people want bad relationships. It makes sense that you desire someone to love you like you love them. You can have exactly what God says you can have, including healthy relationships.

I want to encourage the single people. Do not allow yourself to become depress this week. While you are waiting for that special someone enjoy your time alone. Build you up so that you can be your best self.

I am currently single. My focus is on what I do have and not on what I do not have. Yes,I want to be in a relationship.  Surely, I want to make Valentine's Day plans...but I trust God. He has perfect timing. I am confident when the man (husband) God has for me shows up Valentine will be everyday. While waiting I am preparing myself to be more loving, kind, and grateful to share my love.

Do not settle for anything because you are lonely. Be content and know that this season is temporary. When you least expect it, you will be in the right place at the right time for the beginning of a God ordained relationship.

If you are in a committed relationship do not wait until Valentine's day to show your love. Express love daily and cherish your commitment. Keep in mind that somebody, somewhere wishes they were in your shoes. Put God first and each other second. Maintain God's order for relationships and expect his favor.

Be blessed in this season. Comments are welcome and please share.

God is able

Raising Children

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Raising children is a controversial topic. I know everyone has a different opinion on what is the best method to train a child. We look a celebrities and pass judgment on how their children are acting in public. People in the grocery store and restaurants have children that make us wonder what are they teaching them at home.

I know I am guilty of thinking what are your parents teaching you?

Parents I want to inspire you today to train up your child to love God, love themselves, and others. The world needs more love and it starts at home. I know you are trying your best and sometimes it feel likes you are all alone. You are not alone. God is with you and ask him to help you raise your children to be the best that they can be. Stand on God's word and pray. 

I know I am raising my sons to have an appreciation for life but some days they do not show appreciation. I am going to keep doing my job as a parent. Keep doing your job and let God do his job. You are doing an awesome job and one day you will see the fruit of your labor.

Please comment below and show some love for parents.

www.christinalockett.com

Happy New Year

We made it another year....now what?
I am sure you made a new year resolution, wrote down new goals, or dreams for 2015 but are you taking the necessary steps to see it manifest. I want to offer a few tips to guide you in your journey. First things first.....what does God word say about it? Research scriptures that are connected to your goals. For example, I desire to get remarried. I read over and pray using 1 Corinthians 7:9, but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than burn with passion. 

I suggest networking with people who have similiar goals. If you desire to open a business this year it is imperative that you connect with successful entrepreneurs. Join meetup groups, social media groups, and request a mentor. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

Whatever you do make an effort to see it through to the end. Do not give up when things get difficult or it seems like things are moving slowly. With God on your side you can do it. It is my prayer that on January 1, 2016...you will look back at 2015  with a smile.

Happy New Year
Please leave a comment and feel free to share.

Writing

This morning before I decided to get out of bed I retrieved my purple journal off of my nightstand. I enjoy writing prayers and talking to God while writing. When I was about 12 years old I wrote a special letter to God. I did not tell anyone. It was a secret for God only. Considering I am 37 years old I think it is okay to share the secret.

I was new to middle school and I wanted to hang out with my friends. I did not put my full efforts into my classes. The lack of effort cause me to fail a few classes that were required to be promoted to 8th grade. I did not tell my mom. I was thinking, Mom will find out that I am not going to be promoted when she picks up my last report card.

It was tradition to travel to Louisiana immediately following the school term. I was ready for my annual summer vacation with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Four Corners, LA....Lockett Lane. I was determine not to let anything stop me accept I had one problem. I was not going to the 8th grade. I wrote my special letter to God.

Dear God,

I really messed up this school year. I played around at school. I need to go to 8th grade. Will you please help me go to the 8th grade. I need a miracle. If you help me I promise I will do better next year. I love you.

Thank you,
Christina

On the last day of school I went to Louisiana and pretended everything was okay. I did not tell my mom about my problem. I did not know much about walking in faith but I was faith walking. I was out of town for a few days when the telephone starting ringing. My grandmother yelled, "Chris your mother is on the phone." Oh my, my heart was palpitating.

Hello
Your dad is coming to pick you up and bring you back to Houston.
Why?
You know why, I picked up your report card and you failed some classes. It is okay because I registered you in summer school. It starts next week and you need to come home and retake those classes.
I'm sorry mama but thank you.

I hung up the phone, I was jumping and dancing. I did not know anything about summer school. I was happy because God made a way for me. Years later I am still writing to God. Writing allows you to express your thoughts with God. I never thought in a million years that I would one day create a journal to assist others with writing to God. I pray the tips and ideas I share as to what to write will bless others. Its gift giving time. I suggest giving a gift that is life changing.

Please share your comments below and repost.
http://www.amazon.com/My-Story-Healing-Journal-Starts/dp/1505568684/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419015026&sr=1-1&keywords=my+story+healing+journal

Next Chapter

I recently took a huge step of faith in my career. Have you ever made a decision that caused you to lose your breath? It is very scary to move into a new chapter in life. Many of us will stay on the same page forever when we know God is calling us to move into the next chapter. I want to inspire you to turn the page. Move on and do not let anyone or anything hold you back.

I realize we are taught to have a plan B but some times you will not have a plan B and it is okay. Faith without works is dead according to the scriptures. Rebuke fear and embrace faith. I do not believe that it is God's will for us to go to work stressed out. It you feel extremely overwhelmed then perhaps you are ready for the next chapter.

Pray and ask God for directions. He will order your footsteps and push you into your purpose and divine destiny. Trust him and never doubt. Keep in mind that God knows the ending from the beginning. I invite you to post comments and share.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Still I Rise

I am thinking about Maya Angelou's poem and my favorite line Still I rise. My life was almost gone yet again on last Sunday. I had a terrible cough and cold. I started feeling sick last Friday after work. I stayed in bed drinking hot tea and sipping soup. My brother came over to my house. He did a few chores and so did my mom. My family is such a blessing but I did not want to bother them yet again. I needed a few personal items and some cough drops. I decided I would pull my self together. I prayed for enough energy to go to the local store. I retrieved my items for the store. On my way back home it started to rain. The road was wet and little slippery. I really have no idea what happen but somehow I lost control. I was on the road driving fine. Next, my car was sliding down a ditch until it crashed into large drainage pipe. The pipe was encased with concrete.

The impact was so loud that people came out of their apartment complex to see what was going on. The airbags deployed pounding me in the middle of my chest. My left knee hit the steering wheel and blew up like a balloon. The car was making a loud hissing sound. A blanket of fear came over me. I was afraid that the car was about to blow up. I have to get out of this car.

I pried the door open but it was not enough space to get out. I was about to panic. A stranger stop to offer me assistance. Sir, I can't get out...please get me out. The stranger reached his hand out to me and with his strong arm he pulled me out. Praise the lord I am safe.

Just that quick my life could have been over...BUT GOD! Live each day to the fullest. Walk in your purpose. Still I rise!!!