wild ride--saga 1

I am going to try and pour myself out and this little journey that I am on and continue to be somewhat vague as to not intrude on the privacy of others.  Where have I been?  What's going on?
1) I still do not have a kitchen from a January kitchen fire.  Jay was getting ready to cook hot wings and left the dad gum oil on the stove and came outside...thus a house fire.  We have FINALLY put a down payment on cabinets and are on the way to getting our kitchen put back together.  I am excited about it and can't wait for the final product!!  lesson learned: you must be a wonderful and efficient project organizer to be a contractor.
2) I have recently dropped my position as women's ministry leader at Innerchange.  I am very sad about it.  it is my passion and joy to have an audience to teach the most important thing in my life and that is my absolute passion for Christ.  He is my first and most important love of my life!  I hope and pray that the Lord will open larger doors or any door for me to continue my journey in teaching His Word.  Lesson learned: to be a parent, boss, or leader, you must be there and be available to do it well.  
3) I am traveling more for Rusk.  I have the privilege to teach another passion of mine which is hair cutting and coloring.  There have been some parts I enjoy more than others but I look forward to the years ahead with this innovative and edgy company.  I have been to New Orleans (my second home) and Tampa and KY  just to name a few places.  It's been nice to get on the road again, it had been a while and I really enjoy traveling. lesson learned: don't trust people you don't know and everyone doesn't love you or want to give you a chance when they first meet you but always honor God and do your best
4) I am trying to be at home more.  I feel like the Lord is prompting me to get home and take care of my family.  I must take back over our food/diet and make sure that my home is clean and organized.  I want to get my rooms put together the way I have it in my head.  I want to teach my children new house skills every year and this year I want to sew some with Nyah and teach Nautas to wash dishes and teach Hammy to do laundry (he has already washed his bear by himself and he loves to do it!).  lesson learned (ing): that God will not allow me to let my family down by gently reminding me to step back up to the plate there! (looking forward to what He has in mind)
5) I will have been married for 7 yrs this June.  It has been a heck of a ride and currently we are in a hard place.  There are many pressures on a family of five and especially the adults.  My plan when we got married was to build things; a family, businesses, ministry, home, life and adventure.  Well, I feel like as we build there is a destroyer coming behind and sabotaging (deliberately or not) all things amazing and I am calling the bluff. lesson learned: people will treat you the way that you let them, in your mercy and compassion set your boundaries firmly.
6) I am working on my business plan for my salon #1 and should have it completed by this summer.  I have a ton of plans and am excited about what will unfold in the coming months for my salon.  I am in the process of getting a book published and want to begin on book #2 as well as send in some other things that I have written to my agent. lesson learned: patience, diligence, hard work pays off and when God is at the helm, it's an amazing ride!!


So here is a small update at what my life is like and I am looking forward to the days ahead to continue this wild ride that is Stephanie's life....

Why is Birmingham so stuck in the past?

I am so very disappointed at how cheap and stuck this town is!!  It really makes me want to move.  I was having a conversation with a client today and we were talking about how Nashville and Atlanta have blown us away with growth.  Even Chattanooga has built it's own fun little niche that brings people in and they have totally revamped their downtown. Atlanta used to be like our big sister...now she's like our Great Grandmother!!  I don't like Atlanta really, have no desire to live there, but it is appealing when I am stuck in a '60's time warp of  racial tension I wasn't even born for...get over it already?!!  '80's time warp of bad hair and out of style clothes and a young generation who are in their 30's still trying to live in their teens and not doing anything fascinating or cool. 

Where are the cool dives?  Where are the good little restaurants that are open on Sundays...or that aren't so expensive that I would need a loan to take my family there?  Why can places like Panera Bread stay open but little mom and pop stores struggle?  AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!  I look so forward to the moments in New Orleans so that I can enjoy good food that is not a chain.
My vision is to create a salon like this town has not met...but I wonder if it could even handle it. I'm excited about the journey and can't wait to share moving forward with all those who want to journey with me!!!  Come on future!!

Prophecy

Prophecy to me was something that the great faithful men did back in the old days.  I was very disconnected from it's power with my Baptist background.  I thought that it was only for the people in the old Testament, because really, other than Revelations, there is not any other example in the New Testament of prophecy, because the New Testament is the fulfilling of Old Testament prophecy.  However, it does talk about people prophesying and how important it is to prophecy.  But I am thankful to say, that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He does not change like shifting shadows and He still works everyday in huge ways!!
When I realized that I had prophetic wisdom was when my husband first told me that I was a prophetess.  HAHA!! ME??  I laughed quite loudly (probably a little like Sarah did when she was told she would have a baby in her old age.;)  Over the years, however, I have found out that J was right....and now I crave it!!  I need it!  I need that communication from the Lord and I need the constant encouragement.  Part of my journey this year is to go deeper with prophecy.  For the most part, so far, it's only been information for my family and for personal situations in my life.  A few examples for those who may not know is that I was told that my new name would be Jordan, which is J's last name.  I knew I would have a son and was to name him Hammuel before I even knew that I was pregnant.  I knew that J wouldn't graduate at the Foundry, and it was because I got pregnant with Hammuel and he had been told that it was time to come home and take care of his family before he knew that I was pregnant  I know that I will own this salon and I believe that we will have a daughter and we are to name her Rebeka Calvary.  So these last 2 are current prophecies that I am still waiting to be carried out in our lives.  I want the Lord to begin to open my gift wide!! I want to have prophetic wisdom to share with others and change their lives.  My prayer, and if you will pray with me, is that He will blow this gift wide open for me!!  

Ac 2:17 -

`AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, `THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; 

 

It makes me want to scream I get so excited!! Looking forward to this journey!

One lesson I have learned about prophecy is that the prophet only knows in part and things don't ever happen in our time when you are following the Lord because He has a greater plan in mind!!

If you would like more info or details, you may message me on facebook or leave a comment!

Whirlwind and Dissappointments

I haven't poured out my brain and my thoughts lately.  One reason: It's amazing how fast time flies when you are busy!! 2: It's amazing to me how little time I actually have to think when I am working and taking care of my family!  I, some days, won't have a thought that would fill up one sentence here, at least one that another would want to read.   3: I forget about this little handy pouring put of myself...even though I enjoy the reading and feedback, sometimes it's not as private as I would like to go deep.

But here's where I am today.  I am disappointed.  I don't like liars and back stabbers first of all.  I, also, don't like it when people play nice to your face when really they intend on giving you a proverbial birdy finger!  I am one that gives honesty, even when it hurts, and I ask for honesty, even when it hurts.  I don't like it when people are all out for themselves and when it comes to business...it doesn't always pay off does it?  But the redeemer here is always the Almighty God and my promises from Him!!

I also wonder where Christians have gotten so off?  What?? The Word of God is too hard??? The Word of God is boring??? The Word of God is ________???? You fill in the blank.  Because if you can really ask or say any of these questions, then I would say don't waste your time calling yourself a Christian and let's call a lost soul a lost soul!!  Now, don't misunderstand...I know that God can handle doubt and I know that God can handle questions, but what appalls Him must be that people that claim to be His don't want to talk with HIm or get to know Him.  I have actually heard Christians apologize for reading the Word...even at church!!! WHAT??? I don't care what you have to say...tell me what He has to say! 
I want to go deeper and I will never have enough, in Jesus' name, til I am sitting with Him talking in person!!

and the ultimate disappointment??  I'm out of deposit slips!! haha...that's really sarcasm and joking. But I am out of them and it will make tax tackling tomorrow a little more procrastinated....

May I fall on my face in Awe!!

"For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.  Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.  How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was santified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?  For we know Him who said, "VENGEANCE IS MINE. I WILL REPAY." And again, "THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE."  It is a terrifying thing to fall int the hands of the Living God"
Hebrews 10:26-31

Reminder of Treasures

I had my first experience with a house fire this weekend.  I have been a little traumatized by the experience.  I walked into my kitchen after a friend came running out of the house and said my kitchen was on fire, to see my cabinets being  gobbled up by flames.  The flames licked at my hard work and threatened the very life source of my family.  The kitchen to me is a symbol of everything family; we eat there, talk there, converge there, and even my spanking spoons reside there.   I was stunned and almost didn't know what step to take next.  I had been holding my cell phone in my hand the whole time, but to actually use it to call 911 seemed much to logical.  However, in a moment of sanity, I did that very thing and then grabbed my purse and my hairbag (which contains this computer I'm typing on). 
Fortunately we were all outside when the blaze started, so the kids and puppies were completely safe.  I didn't even realize until later that not too much of material items matter to me and for that I am thankful.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I am thankful that a few cabinets that I intended on ripping out one day anyway are the only things that really got destroyed, but I realized that I could let go of the other stuff.  I might mourn it, like I do Nautas' baby teeth and a few other items that were stolen from me, but I didn't think of grabbing anything else!  I wanted to grab some pictures, but I wasn't going to risk my life and go downstairs to get them.  I didn't grab any clothes, shoes, books...nothing.
The scripture of Matt 6:19-20 came to mind.  I love how the Holy Spirit will bring scripture to me in all circumstances and this was really comforting for me.  "Do not store u for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up your treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."  I have always felt like this house was a gift from God, but in this instant I can see how easily things on this earth can be taken away.  My prayer is that I will always remember to focus on the eternal things and not get wrapped up in things or distracted by things that can be destroyed in no time.

I guess I'll have to post pics of my renewed kitchen!

Struggling

How is it that I can be so excited and so beaten down at the same time?  I am a very progressive person.  I do not think anyone should be in the same place in life for more than 5 yrs...and 5 yrs is even stretching it for me.  I think that change is a beautiful and necessary thing to propel us forward. The other option is a rut...and no one likes getting stuck in a rut...have you seen the wenches needed to remove an item from a rut? Pretty hardcore!  Anyway, I have not been stuck in the same place for years, yet the areas where I find myself stuck, I find to be quite miserable and depressing..  Am I just expecting to much...that all areas of my life can grow...or am I truly being let down by those areas? 
I learned in Alanon that I cannot change those around me.  I cannot force someone to change or do what I want them to do...but how does that look when change is an absolute necessary event or the situation is going to explode into an ugly hot mess??  I guess my bigger question is why can I not feel God intervening when He is so personal with me?  I want to change the things that I don't like about me, but I find a wall that I run into called self protection mechanism.  I protect against the inevitable...and that is...that I cannot change those around me.  I find it very violating to have enemies in my inner camp that I cannot change or protect myself without venomous evil ensuing.  GOD HELP ME!!
With so much growth and excitement on the horizon, I plea for a changing dawn, a new day for my days.  A new twist in an old tale.  I like that some things are constant, but change in a constant is refreshing!!  So, I will continue to pursue change as my intimate friend, and will have to embrace that with change comes tears of joy, pleasure, devastation and sadness.
Onward Christian soldier! 

Obsession with Falling in Love

So, I was praying the other night when this light bulb went off.  I now get why American Christians in particular need to be told over and over again that God loves us....because we are in love with God falling in love with us over and over again.  It's the same narcissistic mentality of extra marital affairs.  "I don't feel God close to me"/"I don't feel like I even know my husband anymore."  "I don't know if God can forgive me"/"I don't know if my husband even likes me."  The list can go on and on and on and on.  We think because we have sinned or become the wayward child that somehow God has lost His love for us, when really it's we want Him to woo us back to Him again and again.  We want Him to come begging us to be good and behave and lure us into His love again.  We NEED it!  He doesn't need to do it.  If God doesn't seem close at a particular time, we will sell ourselves into the closest slavery we can find because we know that He will rescue us and that we need Him to to remind us how much He loves us.
NEWS FLASH!  JESUS IS YOUR LOVE STORY!!  THERE IS NO MORE OR OTHER PURE FORM OF LOVE!  GOD DOES NOT LOVE YOU MORE OR LESS...SO QUIT NEEDING HIM TO LOVE YOU AGAIN...OR MORE...OR WHATEVER YOUR INSECURITIES HAVE FOOLED YOU INTO.

Just rest in it and move forward!  There is a whole kingdom to be built that you are missing out on if you need God to love you again.  There is soooo much more depth that He wants to go with you, but you have to get out of needing roses and chocolate from God.  There is soooo much more to His mystery that He wants to reveal to you if you will quit needing Him to remind you that He's not going to leave you and that He loves you...He promises He does.  He made a covenant with us through the blood of His perfect unblemished son, that unfortunately so often times our marriages are so screwed up that we don't even know what that means.  But God is a faithful father and Jesus is a honorable husband to us his bride, the church.  There is sooooo much more if you will allow your relationship to mature with God and get real and nitty gritty.  Invite Him into your ugliest places so that He can reveal light into it and begin to change it...BUT HE LOVES YOU!  He loved you first, that's why He created us!
Try falling in love with Jesus, cause He already loves you.  It's a feeling like none other that will inspire you like no other and all this will pass away and you will still have YOUR LOVE FOR JESUS!

Pit Bulls

I love pit bulls!! I love pit bulls!!  I think these are the most under rated over criticized dogs on the planet.  I get so frustrated about the misinformation that has allowed such an amazing dog breed come under such attack.  I know that there are dangerous ones.  I know that there are dangerous humans too, but we don't outlaw them from living among us across the board (if we are lucky they will go to prison).  Not the same you say....you are absolutely right.  1) a human can reason, dogs typically run on instinct  2) humans have more defense mechanisms, dogs can bite scratch and run  3) humans understand the value of life,dogs understand the value of their life.  So you are right, it's not the same.  It is ashame that pit bulls have been bullied by people to the point where lovers of the breed are not even allowed to enjoy them.
By nature pit bulls are not aggressive.  They are very strong and don't take any crap maybe, but not necessarily aggressive.  If you have ever had the privilege to own one, you know that they are extremely loyal and  intelligent.
When we first got our pit, people were like,"I'm not coming over there."  Whatever!!  Talk about judging a book by it's cover.  I just think that each case should be dealt with individually and not lump them all as a whole.  My dog sits at my feet everywhere I go in my home.  She snores and farts just like my husband and I totally adore her!
If you love pits, support Bama Bully Rescue.  They are the only rescue in Alabama for this amazing breed.  Remember, don't judge a dog by it's stature, but by it's nature!

Snowflakes

I am always so excited about snow.  Winter wonderlands are the only visual image that I hold that never lets me down with it's beauty.  I love how snow blankets it's surroundings in white.  I love how it transforms it's environment.  There is no denying snow and there is no combating it's ability to cover anything it falls upon.  It kind of reminds me of Jesus' love and how it's undeniable when you see it and it is always stunningly beautiful and totally transforming.
I love snowflakes because they are completely individual.  I have a book that has microscopic pictures of snowflakes.  It's amazing how some are purple, some blue, some long, some pointy, some soft, some clear, some small, some big.  Different, each one it's own little expression of God's creativity and customization.  Each one special and as a whole stunning.  This also reminds me of God's personalization with us.  If He would make each snowflake, as fleeting as they are, individual and an expression of His creativity; how much more personal He is with us, who carry His very image.

Sex

So I was having a conversation with 2 of my friends tonight about sex.  We got graphic and we got raw, but you know what else we got.  Inspired!  I think that too many people talk about promiscuous sex and how wonderful it is, when really, it's not great and it carries a bunch of ugliness with it that you don't have in a marital relationship.  There is a movie coming out in Jan called "No Strings Attached."  This is my point exactly.  What trash.  There are always strings attached when it comes to sex.  It's in our genetic code...because....we were created to have sex.  Yes..that's right..GOD MADE SEX as much as He made everything else.  He made sex for us to enjoy and crave.  God knew exactly what He was doing when He made a woman.  If you use what is created by God out of the context for which God created it, that is when it becomes sin and all strings attached.
So I want more married women to talk about sex!  I want more married women to encourage other married women to have sex.  The only way to counter culture is to be as loud and in your face as culture (or lack there of) is.  I wonder if I could have a marital sex small group, or support group if you will.  LOL
So married peeps...GET OUT THERE AND HAVE SOME SEX WITH YOUR LOVER!

Fasting and Recipes

I am currently doing a 40 day fast.  I am participating in a cooperate fast with my church.  My fast includes a liquid only diet and no TV.  I had come to use TV as a brain waster and so it was time to say good-bye for a little while.  My need to fast is to come closer to God by with holding.  As I become weaker, He becomes stronger.  So I am hungry for Him and need Him alone.  Every fast I have ever done has opened major awesome things in the spirit realm, so I am excited to see what this one brings.
My plan is to share the recipes that I am using for my fast so that others might be inspired to fast as well.  My liquid fast includes any thing that does not require teeth to chew (and believe me....teeth were created to chew!!)  
My first recipe was http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Slow-Cooker-Mussaman-Curry/Detail.aspx  This is a yummy soup.  The first night I ate it, I just mashed the potatoes in the soup and ate it.  Jay pureed the left over ingredients; chicken and potatoes and broth, and then I took it for lunch today.
It's quite yummy!
I have also eaten potato soup and yogurt and peanut butter as a snack.  Jay has made me a smoothie each day with fruits as well.  I intend on adding flax seed and yogurt to my smoothies.
I'll let you know the next recipe I try.
If you would like to join me in this fast, we can do it together and prepare recipes together.

A moment today

I was driving in my car today to pick up Nautas and Nyah from Nautas' dad's house.  As soon as I hit the interstate, worship at 1 came on WDJC.  for the next 25 minutes I weeped and shouted out and got excited!!  There is something amazing about the battle cry against Satan from God's saints!
One of the preachers that had an excerpt in the music was saying how he plans on taking back the prosperity message from materialism to God's richness.  I was pretty much screaming listening to this.  I had a client that heard a message about how American's say that we are blessed because we have big houses and nice cars...and soooo much food that my husband can pack a to go box from the table full of strangers next to us in a restaurant that is about to be thrown away (that was not in the message ;)).  Those are not blessings...at least not Biblical blessings.  In the New Testament, the blessings are all spiritual blessings.  The gifts are spiritual gifts.  Not an over abundance of stuff and materialism, but true riches that are stored up in heaven where moth and fire do not destroy.  We are selling our true blessings and gifts for counterfeit!  Fake, false, phony, pseudo crap is what we know for blessings.  I want to be rich..rich...rich in God's eyes!  I want to be overflowing in what He sees as blessings, and I think in that abundance of His blessings, we often times see some fruit here on earth, but do not measure it as wealth, but use it for His glory and honor!
The very last thing he said was that when he is through taking back prosperity as materialism he will take back grace as a license to sin.  Well, can i just tell you if I could've reached through the radio and kissed this guy...I would have!  If I have anything to do with it, he won't have a chance cause I am already on the band wagon!!  I am absolutely against grace and mercy as being our cop-out for being a bunch of selfish slackers!!  If you don't kneel to the name of Jesus Christ and the Almighty God now....just wait, cause you will kneel.  To think that His own children, people who say they follow Him and are saved under His Son's blood, but don't think twice about spitting in His face with sin...just wait, cause you will be sorry.  Grace is not a license to sin but a beautiful pure picture of Love.  If you hover in grace laden messages and some imagery of a teddy bear god...woe to you on the day you meet Him for real!
I enjoyed my moment today, and I look forward to the days of worship and feasting with Christ.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am sure we have all heard of the little poems we get sent in emails about the dash of our life.  The born date - the death date and what that dash represents.  Well, can I tell you that I think I want like at least 4 or 5 !!!!! exclamation points in the place of my dash....cause a - isn't going to get it!

I want to live my life to the fullest through Jesus! I want my life to be looked at, examined and talked about for generations to come.  I want people reading my writings 400 yrs from now.  I want to do radical things.  I have always had people look at me like I'm crazy and many criticize and not believe in my thoughts, beliefs, or feelings.  None the less, my exclamation points won't reflect anyone but me!  They won't say anything about anyone in my life, but me.  When I stand in front of the Almighty God and Father I will account for me!

With Jesus all things are possible to me!  I am a dreamer that sees no limit on potential and possibilities and fun to be had.  I know I will face trials and hurtles.  I know for a fact that Satan will attempt to stop me, hold me down, discourage me, and come against me....but I am a daughter of the Almighty God and Satan is nothing.  Satan is defeated because my Jesus, whom I am a fellow heir to the throne of God with, came and died on this earth so that I can have 4 or 5 !!!!! exclamation points in my life!  And I intend to earn everyone of them living it up!!

I don't want to be the same tomorrow as I am today.  I don't want my life to stand still and watch this amazing world pass me by.  I'm looking for Biblical proportions in my life and I know that God is not done being God and then He has plenty left for me and all to do....He's just waiting for those who want some exclamation points !!!....cause I won't be dead.  My story isn't over when I leave here...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My 100's List for the New Year!

Personal
1) fast 40 days
2) lose 35 lbs
3) hoop more
4) exercise regularly
5) learn some more spanish
6) get a massage and see the chiropractor at least 3 times this year
7) study the Bible harder
8) read through unread books of the Bible
9) meet neighbors
10) watch TV less
11) save more
12) go to Hammy's soccer games
13) work hard, but remember family comes first
14) work with homeless women again
15) make new friends a priority
16) visit the school more
17) drink more water
18) get more sleep
19) don't be aggressive when I'm angry
20) don't let co-dependency rule
21) seek wisdom on my prophetic gift
22) find a Bible study
23) don't let time pass me by
24) don't be arrogant
25) LOVE MORE

Family
1)spend more fun time
2) be kind to my husband
3) have dates with my kids
4) establish family night
5) fall back in love with my husband
6) have a date night with my man
7) get Hammy in soccer
8) get Nyah back into dance
9) go roller skating with Nyah
10) forgive my hubs
11) make a budget
12) teach J about our $$
13) eat lunch with my kids at school
14) make sure my kids are taken care of school and don't fall through cracks
15) laugh with my husband more
16) play outside with my kids
17) give the kids chores
18) teach each child a new house skill
19) make a grocery budget
20) have better eating habits
21) keep fruits around for snacking
22) make sure Nautas does his vision therapy
23) stop wasteful spending
24) play some games
25) get up earlier

Professional
1) study for Rusk
2)Work 3 hair shows
3) promote my book
4) work on my second book
5) illustrate my "Real Love" book
6) organize client give aways
7) get new business cards
8) work on website monthly
9) keep business facebook page fresh
10) build new business
11) get business plan together
12) get prototype of station
13) get passport
14) make a budget
15) get a good work phone
16) give AT&T some kind constructive criticism
17) clean my cabinet at work
18) sell some Naked make-up
19) do a photo shoot 4 times this year
20) keep filming "Cut 2 the Chase"
21) keep my business debt free
22) advertise somewhere
23) get online retail store
24) enjoy traveling
25) build some business relationships

Home
1) organize playroom
2) fix up downstairs
3) remove carpet
4) stain floors
5) get pecan picker
6) start a supper group
7) have a family photo made
8) obtain pictures from the last 7 years
9) put pictures in frames
10) hang picture frames
11) clean my fireplace
12) paint my mantle
13) decorate my bathroom
14) find homes for all the puppies
15) fix bridge in the back yard
16) replace carpet stairs
17) or at least have them professionally cleaned
18) organize my work room
19) paint nyah's book shelves
20)learn how to take care of pecan trees
21) plant a garden
22) take care of chickens
23) train the dogs more
24) dig up some ugly bushes
25) put in a turtle pond

This list should absolutely keep me busy this year!! But hopefully I will grow and my family and business will be en