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I don’t really know what to share this morning. There are many things/topics/themes that could be shared. GOD continues to reveal HIMSELF and I am so grateful for HIS LOVE and FAITHFULNESS.  Yet, this morning as I sit here typing, I am intently listening and waiting on HIS GUIDANCE for today’s post.  As I was typing this I received a HOLY GHOST intervention.  HE reminded me that when IT APPEARS that GOD is NOT speaking that I SHOULD NOT and MUST NOT be AFRAID. In other words, BE QUIET AND SIT STILL.

I have been in this place many times before where there were a lot and nothing to say at the same time.  QUIETNESS AND STILLNESS use to unsettle me.  IT appeared eerie at best. I use to fight the QUIET AND STILLNESS. I would call just about everyone on my contact list. I just HAD to catch up with people I hadn’t talk to in years.  When they were not available, I would watch television and listen to the radio (YES RADIO, PRIOR TO THE SMARTPHONE).  ANYTHING SO THAT I WOULDN’T HAVE TO BE QUIET AND SIT STILL.

I NOW know better and yet, more times than I want to admit, I still try to avoid the QUIETNESS AND STILLNESS of GOD.  Some of it is fear, but not the fear of being condemned and the fear of damnation.  IT IS the fear of KNOWING what HE REQUIRES and what HE EXPECTS and FALLING SHORT.

BUT GOD…WHO IS ALWAYS FAITHFUL AND MERCIFUL (WORSHIP HERE)

IT WAS REVEALED TO ME THAT THE QUIETNESS AND STILLNESS OF GOD IS NOT A PLACE OF CONDEMNATION.  THE QUIETNESS AND STILLNESS OF GOD IS NOT A PLACE OF DAMNATION.  IT IS THE PLACE THAT I AM  SHONUFF (INDEED, IF YOU PREFER) LOVED AND PROTECTED.  THIS IS WHERE GOD REQUIRED ME TO PUT IT ALL ON THE LINE, TELL IT LIKE IT IS, NOT TO  HOLD “NOTHING” BACK, BARBEQUE OR MILDEW (THROWBACK). IN THE QUIETNESS AND STILLNESS, GOD OVERWHELMED ME (AND CONTINUES TO DO SO) WITH THE DEPTH OF HIS LOVE FOR ME

“…What IS man that THOU ARE SO MINDFUL OF him

Could AN AWESOME GOD find  COMMON GROUND WITHIN

just to know that YOU DELIGHT to be WITH me…” (Psalmist Fred Hammond, Psalm 8:4-8)

BEING QUIET AND SITTING STILL IS THE ONLY REASON THAT I AM.  BEING QUIET AND SITTING STILL HAS ALLOWED GOD TO TEACH, SHOW AND GUIDE ME ON HOW TO LOVE AND HONOR HIM.  THE QUIETNESS AND STILLNESS OF GOD IS WHERE WE ARE THE MOST INTIMATE.  HE IS LOVING ON me  AND I AM LOVING ON HIM.   I  AM SO SAFE IN HIS LOVE THAT I NOW REVEAL ALL: DESIRES, FEARS, THOUGHTS, DOUBTS.  IT IS WHERE HE REVEALS, CORRECTS, STRENGTHENS AND GUIDES.

I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT GOD HAS TAUGHT ME HOW TO BE QUIET AND SIT STILL and for this, I boldly declare that…..

…Nothing will separate ME from the LOVE of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS…..”

 

Tangey V.

INREALTIME

 

 

Many times than not, I have allowed “THE SITUATION” that I was in WIN.  I made room for “THE SITUATION”.  “THE SITUATION”  was EVER PRESENT as it guided and controlled my every move and thought.  “THE SITUATION” controlled and scripted my responses.  “THE SITUATION” determined my actions and reactions: my temperament,  my social interaction and many times lack thereof, my finances and my health.  “THE SITUATION” frighten me, paralyzed me, immobilized me and disarmed me. “THE SITUATION” had a stronghold. As a result, I began to look like what I was going through.

I did not look like myself because of “THE SITUATION”.  I did not and could not recognize myself as I looked in the mirror. My “JOYGLOW” (“…the world didn’t give it…”) was depleted.  It shouldn’t have been because it is a neverending supply and there is an abundance of JOYGLOW.  “THE SITUATION” AND JOYGLOW DID NOT BLEND WELL.  I FORGOT THAT I WAS TO APPLY JOYGLOW TO “THE SITUATION” TO LESSEN ITS IMPACT AND EVENTUALLY ERADICATE “THE SITUATION”

IT’S JUST LIKE IN LIFE,  WE ALLOW WHAT WE HAVE GONE THROUGH, GOING THROUGH AND WILL GO THROUGH CONTROL US. WE ARE OFTEN SURPRISED THAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH “THE SITUATION” AND “THE SITUATION” CONTINUES TO APPEAR AT THE MOST INOPPORTUNE TIME. HANDLING AND DEALING WITH “THE SITUATION” MANY TIMES IS NOT WITHOUT PAIN, SACRIFICE, TEARS AND INCONVENIENCE.

“THE SITUATION” IS JUST AN ATTACK FROM THE ENEMY.  YES, I SAID (TYPED) JUST.  GOD HAS TAUGHT, TOLD AND WARNED US OF THE ATTACK, I MEAN “THE SITUATION”. “…WALKING TO AND FRO SEEKING WHOM he MAY DEVOUR…”, “…KILL, STEAL AND DESTROY…”, “…SHEEP AMONG WOLVES…BE WISE AS THE SERPENT AND HUMBLE AS A DOVE…”

JESUS PROMISED US THAT WE WILL OVERCOME “THE SITUATION”, THAT WE HAVE AUTHORITY OVER “THE SITUATION”. SO LET US BLESS THE NAME OF THE LORD FOR “THE SITUATION” BECAUSE IT IS WHERE GOD WILL BE GLORIFIED. LET US CALL ON THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HE WILL APPLY JOYGLOW TO “THE SITUATION” TO LESSEN ITS IMPACT AND EVENTUALLY ERADICATE.

THIS IS WHY I CAN BOLDLY DECLARE THAT…..

“…Nothing will separate ME from the LOVE of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS…..”

 

Tangey V.

INREALTIME

 

 

Whew!!!! This has been some week.  I have returned to work after a restful and extremely productive summer.  I actually completed many things from my “I got to get my life together to-do list”.   It is “THE LIST” that I created after my first or second year teaching.  It is also “THE LIST” that I didn’t get to because I was teaching summer school and trying to rest.  It is “THE LIST” I couldn’t get to because I was mentally exhausted and “THE LIST” required some thinking and tinkering.  It is also “THE LIST” that I couldn’t get to because I was on vacation. No, I was not always out of town.  There is STAYCATION.  I stayed at home and in the house and did not attempt to find “THE LIST” so you know I did not WORK “THE LIST”. I WAS EXHAUSTED.

“THE LIST” was no longer a productive tool that would allow me to maximize time and resources so that I could enjoy my life.  Regardless of my intentions to and my attempts at completing “THE LIST”, I couldn’t do it physically and mentally.  I COULDN’T DO IT!!!!  THE LIST” had become the SOURCE of my anxieties: not sleeping or resting, irritability, crying, lamenting, complaining, and cussing.  Yes, at others, but mainly myself.

“THE LIST”, my creation, was not serving its purpose.  I had given “THE LIST” authority over my life and “THE LIST” caused me to question the worthiness of my life.  Not working or completing “THE LIST” has caused me on many occasions to question not only my abilities but my worthiness for any and all things.  Something must be wrong with me if I can’t do these simple things on “THE LIST….file important papers, take clothes to cleaners,  fold clothes, no put clothes on the hanger AND HANG IN THE CLOSET, replace the light bulb and shower curtains and rod, take meat out of the freezer, dust, COOK, take  the pile of whatever (books, clothes, trinkets) to the Salvation Army because the yard sale IS NOT HAPPENING.

BLESS THE LORD!!!! This summer was different, I actually worked “THE LIST”.  “…THE LIST without works….” I BEGAN TO REALIZE THAT “THE LIST”, MY CREATION, was actually A PRECURSOR TO THE PROMISES OF GOD.  THE THINGS ON “THE LIST” HAD TO BE DONE IN ORDER TO CLEAR THE CLUTTER THAT WAS IN MY LIFE.  THE CLUTTER HAD TO BE CLEARED SO THAT I COULD HEAR GOD AS HE MOVED ME INTO THE PROMISES HE HAS FOR MY LIFE SO THAT HE CAN GET ALL OF HIS GLORY.

YES, I WAS AND IS TIRED (I DID TYPE IS), BUT I REALIZED THAT IT WAS GOD WHO HAD GIVEN ME NOT ONLY THE SECOND AND THIRD WIND, BUT HE WAS, HAS, IS AND WILL CARRY ME WHEN I CAN’T.

Just the other night, I WAS SO TIRED THAT I was about to cry, about to cry because I WAS SO TIRED…THE HOLY SPIRIT REMINDED ME THAT I WAS HARVEST AND REAPING TIRED, NOT SOWING TIRED (WILL EXPAND IN A LATER BLOG).  I THEN BEGAN TO BLESS THE NAME OF THE LORD AND THANK HIM FOR BEING TIRED.  I KNOW THAT SOUNDS CRAZY.  THE HOLY SPIRIT BROUGHT TO MY REMEMBRANCE THAT I WAS REAPING WHAT MY DESIRE TO HONOR GOD IN ALL THINGS, MY TEARS, MY PAIN, AND MY LOSSES HAD SOWN.  THAT I WAS NOT ONLY WALKING IN  BUT I AM PRESENTLY IN GOD’S PROMISES FOR MY LIFE.

GOD IS SO FAITHFUL AND IT IS WHY I CAN BOLDLY DECLARE THAT

“…Nothing will separate ME for the Love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS….”

Hello my peoples (yes, I meant to put “s” on people).  It is an inside joke from a long time ago and as you can see (read in your case), I still think it is hilarious. As I type this, I am still celebrating with my family (in the spirit because my flesh is tide, like washing powder). We, the Skinners and the Kings along with our extended family (many of you call them friends) soaked in Epsom salt, rubbed with green alcohol and slept sound with little to no pain because of the muscle relaxants as proof of the celebration.

I am so glad that GOD has never stopped amazing and overwhelming me.  HE is teaching me HOW to see HIM in ALL things.  Something as simple and common as a trunk party reminded me of the GOODNESS of JESUS CHRIST.  A trunk party given for my great nephew, Montelle Skinner, Jr. He will be attending Tusculum University this fall.  He will become a nurse and hopefully a nurse practitioner.

I know many may be wondering, “A trunk party? GOODNESS of JESUS CHRIST?  How? What? Huh? Well, I began to think about how my nephew Montelle, Sr. and my sister Sharon came to the house the weekend before and assisted with the logistics as we cleaned carpet and washed base boards and walls.

I think of how Demetrick Jr. , with his work schedule, sacrificed his comfort by not setting up his game in the living room so that it would not cause me to do any extra work.

I think of how my pastor and her husband, Reverend Regina Harris of Greater Faith Christian Ministries and Gabriel Harris (go get some of that baked chicken, fish, kool-aid, greens) allowed me to use tables and chairs from the church to accommodate my family.

I think of how my Uncle Fred, at the last minute, transported the tables and chairs to my house. I think of how my extended family (many of you call them friends) called and offered assistance prior to the trunk party and when they arrived brought gifts and continued to offer assistance.

I think of how NO ONE FELT like a stranger and how the conversation flowed and how people interacted with each other.  Children were playing, teenagers were connecting, the young adults were mingling, the always improving PG Group (Parenting and Guardian) were laughing, eating (of course), drinking and dancing ( Maze, Anthony Hamilton,  Stanky leg, the Wobble, Triggerman).  There was not a sense of discord or dissension.

IT WAS GOOD AND THERE AIN’T NOTHING GOODER THAN GOD!!!!!! YES, I MEANT WHAT I TYPED IN THE PREVIOUS SENTENCE, THERE AINT’ NOTHING GOODER THAN GOD!!!!!!!

One of my PROMISES from GOD is that people would be and feel welcomed in my home for not only have I allowed the LORD to come and SUP with me (Revelation 3:20), I have given HIM charge over my life.  In other words, the GOOD is GOD.  What or who I am is NOTHING!!! What I have is NOTHING!!!!! ALL THAT I AM IS ONLY BECAUSE OF GOD!!!!!

If you thought WHAT  I supposedly did for you, gave to you, showed to you or said to you WAS GOOD.  YOU NEED TO TRY GOD.  HIS GOODNESS IS EVERLASTING.  HE DOES NOT WAIVER AND HE IS FAITHFUL.  HE HAS ALREADY GIVEN US HIS BEST, JESUS CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.

AND FOR THAT I BOLDLY DECLARE

“…Nothing will separate ME from the Love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS….”

Tangey V.

INREALTIME

 

 

 

AGAIN  “…a child will lead them…” As I was enjoying my snow days, I had the immense pleasure to spend time with the Animated Devin “Champ” Adair, Jr. and the Illustratious Millicent Adair who is many times wise beyond her 5 years.

As I was speaking to Millicent’s mom on Friday morning (January 12), I heard Millicent excitedly exclaim, “I prayed to GOD for snow and it snowed.  She then began to talk about how her prayer for SNOW was not just for her. In her discussion with the other kindergarten’s at her school, she realized that they all wanted to snow and that she prayed for SNOW for them too. I thought, how sweet.

Later that evening, Millicent came to my house for her personal “T” Time ( T=Tangey V, get it). She stayed overnight. We watched Word Party and Sing (4 times which will be a different post for another time).  We had snacks, I cleaned the kitchen and we prepared for bed. We “slept in”.  To her families horror, Millicent sleeps until 6-7 on the weekends, not the customary 8-9:30 that many dream of every Saturday and Sunday.

Millicent did wake up around 6:15, I was already up. I wake up early on the weekends as well and most of the time, I am out of the bed, doing some light housework, taking a drive pass the YMCA ( I am doing better), at the grocery store (too dangerous now) and working on lesson plans, grading papers or reading work-related email in order to complete some “additional tasks as assigned”.

I was faltering in all of my early Saturday morning rituals and tasks.  I could not complete, let alone start on any of those with the exception of the grocery store.  I did nothing, nothing because the “additional tasks as assigned” along with grading papers and creating lesson plans had become overwhelming as well as cleaning house and other chores and activities.

I thought that I was ready after the Christmas break to get back into the swing of things.  I rested over the holiday.  I did nothing work-related and very little as far as housework.   Yet, when I returned to work, I did not feel rested at all.  I began to say I need another break.  I needed more time to get “it” right.  The Christmas break was not enough.  I was tired from “holidaying” (gatherings, all that food, sappy movies).

As we are laying in bed, Millicent and I, she wanted to know when I was “getting up”. I informed her that I was “up”.  There was a slight discord.  She stated that I was awake, but not “up”(You’re STILL in the bed).  I informed Millicent that I know that I should already be out of the bed, cooking breakfast and cleaning house, but right now, I can’t do it.  She stated that I should pray and ask GOD to help me and GOD WILL DO IT!!!

How does SHE KNOW that GOD WILL DO IT?!!!!  She is ONLY a kindergarten.  I then remembered that I heard Millicent so excitedly testify that she had prayed for snow and GOD DID IT!!!! HE ANSWERED HER PRAYER.  SHE was ONLY GIVEN HER TESTIMONY in REMEMBERING THAT IT IS THE SNOW THAT WE KNOW ENJOY.

I THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT SHE HAD SAID AND IT WAS EXTREMELY PROFOUND FOR ME AS I LAY AWAKE IN BED “EYES CLOSED AND HEAD UNDER THE COVER”.  GOD WILL DO IT!!!!

GOD WILL DO IT!!!!! GOD WILL DO IT!!!  Hearing that made me open my eyes, remove the covers and GET UP and OUT OF THE BED.  IT WAS A REMINDER THAT NO MATTER HOW OVERWHELMING THINGS ARE OR HAVE BECOME, GOD HAS EQUIPPED ME TO STRIVE AND THRIVE.  MILLICENT’S TESTIMONY, I PRAYED TO GOD FOR SNOW and IT DID…GOD WILL DO IT!!!!!  HE GAVE HER MORE THAN WHAT SHE IMAGINED OR ASKED FOR.  SHE WANTED A SNOW DAY, HE GAVE HER FIVE SNOW DAYS.

I TOO, LIKE MILLICENT ADAIR KNOW AND DECLARE GOD WILL DO IT!!!!! AND FOR THAT I BOLDLY DECLARE

“…Nothing will separate ME from the Love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS….”

Tangey V.

INREALTIME

 

 

 

 

 

As I was contemplating and asking for guidance in sharing this post, I started of thinking and was going to type: I am always grateful (for the blessings of GOD).  But before I could type or complete the thought, the HOLY SPIRIT reminded me that that is NOT the case: BEING GRATEFUL and being GRATEFUL at ALL TIMES.  THANK THE LORD for HOLY GHOST INTERVENTION.

I, too, like many compared myself and what I had (or lacked) with others.  Whatever I had could have NO SHOULD HAVE been bigger or smaller, brighter or duller,  longer and taller or shorter depending on that particular situation.  I could not, no did not live my life to the fullest because I was always focused on what others were or were not doing, had or didn’t and most definitely shouldn’t have.  I was fretting not only the evildoers (Psalm 37) but everyone.  Why was I not being blessed?  Why was I not LIVING?

Unfortunately, as with many, I had to experience hardships to appreciate the GOODNESS of the LORD.  I NOW understand that it was not for punishment.   If you want to KNOW the TRUTH, MY version of the TRUTH, GOD was punishing me and I DID NOT KNOW WHY.  I BESEECHED HIM IN PRAYER, I CRIED OUT TO HIM LIKE LENNY WILLIAMS…OH…OH…OH.

I HAD TO FILE CHAPTER 13 (SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS PAY SCHEDULE CAUSED AN EXTREME HARDSHIP), I LOST FRIENDS AND THE INTENSITY OF SOME FRIENDSHIPS, TWO OF MY FAVORITE UNCLES PASSED,  I CHANGED JOBS, MY CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY WERE QUESTIONED, I WAS EXCESSED FOR UNPROFESSIONALISM ((I WAS LIED ON AND THEY BELIEVED THE LIE), I HAD TO GO BACK AND WORK IN A PLACE THAT DEEMED ME UNPROFESSIONAL AND INEFFECTIVE. I CRIED BEFORE I LEFT THE HOUSE, I CRIED IN THE PARKING LOT AND EXPERIENCED ANXIETY SUNDAY-THURSDAY NIGHT, CRYING.  I GAINED WEIGHT AND MY COUNTENANCE CHANGED.

I HAD TO BE ABOVE REPROACH. I HAD TO SUBMIT TO AUTHORITY.  I HAD TO COME EARLY AND STAY LATE SO THAT NOTHING EXTRA COULD BE CHARGED AND HELD AGAINST ME.   I HAD TO DO THE CHRIST THING WHEN I WAS BEING WRONGED. I HAD TO HONOR GOD.

I WANTED TO RESPOND IN KIND. I WANTED to EXPOSE AND PROVE THE WRONG.  YET, I HAD TO HONOR GOD EVEN WHEN IT FELT LIKE HE WAS NOT LISTENING TO ME AND DID NOT CARE ABOUT ME.  I HAD TO, HAD TO HONOR GOD.

Again, I have experienced hardships before, but the abovementioned events were LIFE changing.  Unfortunately and FORTUNATELY, IT TOOK ALL OF THE AFOREMENTIONED EVENTS TO MOVE ME INTO A PLACE OF GRATEFULNESS.  I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT The abovementioned events happened SIMULTANEOUSLY!!!!!!  

As I cried out about WHAT was happening, the HOLY SPIRIT showed me WHAT was REALLY happening.  HE made me realize how BLESSED I really am.  I could not see it to appreciate it because I did not TRUST GOD.  I did not TRUST that GOD LOVED me and DESIRED me.  I did not and could not SEE GOD’s CONSTANT, CONSISTENT AND CONTINUOUS FAVOR in my life.  I HAD GOD, FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO SUPPORTED ME AND PRAYED FOR AND WITH ME.  THE PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS PREVALENT MUCH.

I was TOO BUSY AND FOCUSED ON WHAT  I SUPPOSEDLY LACKED, WHICH WAS NOTHING.  MOST OF THE THINGS I “LACKED” I HAD NO REAL DESIRE FOR THEM.  I WAS IN THE “ME TOO”  AND “WHY THEM AND NOT ME” MODE.  THE ABOVEMENTIONED EVENTS HAVE PRESENTED ME FAUTLESS BEFORE GOD’S PRESENCE.  THOSE EVENTS ARE A REMINDER OF HIS FAITHFULNESS

I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I DON’T COMPLAIN AS MUCH. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I AM MORE APT TO WAIT FOR GOD’S GUIDANCE AND AM ACTUALLY WORKING ON WAITING FOR HIS RESPONSE. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I DON’T LINGER ON “WHO SHOT JOHN DOWN AND WHY” AS MUCH AND AS LONG AS I USE TO.  I AM TRULY LEARNING HOW TO GIVE THANKS AND BE GRATEFUL FOR AND IN ALL THINGS.  I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT AS I CONTINUE TO LEARN HOW LOVE GOD THE WAY HE DESIRES TO BE LOVE I CAN HONESTLY AND BOLDY DECLARE THAT …….

“…Nothing will separate ME for the Love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS….”

Tangey V.

INREALTIME

For several weeks, not two or three, let’s just say since April/May 2017, I have not been able to “connect” with GOD.  It’s as if I am saying (praying) the same prayers and the conversation (prayers) are not as intense as they use to be.  We would talk for hours and days on end: early morning, midday, before bed, at the midnight hour, 2-3 am unofficial early wake up time. It was INTENSE-the conversation (prayers, praise and worship).  We both, GOD and I wanted more!!! HE DESIRED me, HE  WANTED me and PROVED HIS FAITHFULNESS towards me.

Oh, the things WE shared and tears WE shed concerning the growing pains, the regrets, the mistakes and errors, the victories, the celebrations, the joys and the peace.  I desired to be with HIM even more.  HE LOVED ME through it all.  I NOW know what LOVE IS.  I wanted to know HIS WAYS.  I wanted to please GOD.  I wanted HIM to teach and show me HOW to LOVE HIM how HE wanted to be loved.  HE did and I took HIM and HIS LOVE for granted. AGAIN!!!

WE talked, but it just seem like, HE was not paying attention and listening to me.  Our conversation appeared to be short and rushed.  I often said to HIM, I tell you about that later. WE will talk later.  My love YOUs were not as frequent or as intense.  I said it in passing-on my way out the door, before I met and talked with my others, while taking care of some “important” business.  HE had become one of the “things” that I multi-tasked.

See, I was trying to get all of these things handled or situated (old school way and word) so that I can REALLY be with HIM.  HE should know or should have known that I truly love HIM.  I was doing those things to make myself better for HIM. Those things would prove that I loved and was true to HIM.  At least, that’s what I told HIM.

HE responded by saying NOTHING!!!! HE said absolutely NOTHING.  NOTHING!!!!!!  NOT A THING!!!! NOTHING!!!!!

NOTHING concerned me.  I was not used to be in any relationship in which NOTHING was said about any, every and something.   The Silence was deafening and killing me at the same time.  HE said NOTHING!!!!  NOTHING!!!! NOTHING!!!!!

NOTHING? GOD. YOU ARE SAYING NOTHING?  WHY AREN’T  YOU TALKING?  I BEGAN TO QUESTION OUR RELATIONSHIP AND HIS LOVE FOR ME (trick of the enemy). SURELY, WITH EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE SHARED, THE THINGS YOU HAVE GIVEN ME AND SAID TO ME BEFORE THIS TIME, SURELY, SURELY, YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY.

HE STILL SAID NOTHING!!!! GOD SAYING NOTHING WAS SAYING EVERYTHING.  I BEGAN TO REFLECT ON OUR (GOD AND I) TIMES TOGETHER BEFORE I STARTED WORKING ON ME FOR US (GOD AND I). THIS IS WHEN HE REMINDED ME THAT HE HAS ALREADY TOLD AND SHOWN ME HOW TO LOVE HIM AND PLEASE HIM.  I JUST NEEDED TO DO IT.

HE wants and desires my time and undivided attention.  HE wants to know that I am grateful for all that HE has done and IS doing and WILL DO.  HE wants me to acknowledge HIM in ALL of my ways.  HE wants and desires for me to be faithful to please HIM.

He empathically reminded me that……

…Nothing will separate ME from the LOVE of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS…..”

 

Tangey V.

INREALTIME

 

 

 

It’s been a long time since I have posted. NO EXCUSES or REASONS (We have excuses when we have NOT accepted responsibility for our actions or non-actions. We have reasons when we want to JUSTIFY our actions or non-actions). Some  reasons are valid and WELL………  So in the spirit of the aforetyped (NEW WORD). I don’t have either. I have no excuses nor any reasons for not posting.  SO I say…..

I got up every Sunday morning to do so and had time…I just didn’t. I was downstairs with my computer and a back up computer….I just didn’t.  There was some Sundays were I COULDN’T SIT down and post and I didn’t.  EVENTHOUGH, I knew that I it was a MUST for me to post (not that I love to be on the BOOK and in your FACE), INREALTIME.  I COULDN’T AND DIDN’T.  I WOULD ASK GOD TO FORGIVE ME AND HE WOULD.  I THEN PROMISED GOD THAT I WOULD DEFINITELY POST THE NEXT SUNDAY. I DIDN’T BECAUSE I COULDN’T.  I JUST COULDN’T POST.  AFTER REPENTING AND FORGIVENESS, GRACE AND MERCY. I COULD NOT AND DID NOT POST…FOR MONTHS.

INREALTIME was birthed out of MY pain (life and growing pains). I was experiencing depression, anxiety, loss, and loneliness.  I was experiencing some extreme financial woes(not unique, but IT WAS MY depression…MY anxiety….MY losses….MY loneliness….MY financial woes).  As I was HURTING I was “…to never let them see you sweat….”  WHAT?  I AM HURTING AND VERY UNSURE ABOUT WHAT TO DO AND I MUST PRETEND THAT I AM NOT HURTING.  WHAT?  I BEGAN TALK…SERIOUSLY TALK WITH THE LORD.  I RECORDED OUR TALKS (NO GOD CAN’T BE HEARD IN THE RECORDING… THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE MEDIATOR).

INREALTIME, the blog, is the continuous talk, conversation, prayer, lamentation, gnashing of teeth, beseeching of the THRONE of GRACE, consecration, altar call, praise, WORSHIP that I have with the LORD. So what’s different from the previous Sundays when I COULD not post.  I was “INFORMED” that INREALTIME IS THE VISION THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME.  IT IS HIS (GOD’S) FIRST PROMISE FOR MY  LIFE THAT I WROTE DOWN (SEE THE BOOK OF JOSHUA).  IT IS THE GATEWAY TO ALL OF HIS PROMISES FOR MY LIFE.  INREALTIME would not and can not go away.  INREALTIME IS MY PURPOSE AND MY CALLING.

GOD KNOWS ME.  HE KNOWS THAT I SEETH WITH ANGER WHEN PEOPLE QUOTE SCRIPTURE WHEN I AM HURTING.   HE KNOWS THAT IT WILL MAKE ME RESISTANT TO HIS WILL.    IT IS DUE TO MY EXPERIENCES WITH THE QUOTERS OF THE WORD…. I AM TRYING TO “….CAST MY CARES….” AND THE QUOTERS HAVE SOUND BITES….EXTREMELY IRRITATING AND CAUSES RESISTANCE.    SO IF I AM IRRITATED AND I AM WORKING AND WILLING TO BE IN HIS WILL….WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE HURTING AND QUESTIONING?….WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE LOST AND QUESTIONING?….WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO HAVE NOT ACCEPTED AND ARE SEEKING?

INREALTIME…”…AS LIFE HAPPENS SPEAK THE WORD TO ENCOURAGE AND MOST IMPORTANTLY GET CLOSER TO GOD, JESUS, MY LORD.  THE SOUL’S PURPOSE IS TO STAY CONNECTED AND CONTINUE TO LIVE IN THE WAY OF THE LORD REGARDLESS. INREALTIME IS REMOVING THE BARRIERS, THAT MANY, MOST DEFINITELY MYSELF, HAVE WHEN IT COMES TO WORSHIP AND GETTING CLOSER (TO GOD).  MY GIFT ENCOURAGEMENT IS MAKING ROOM. MY GIFT INREALTIME FOR REAL LIFE PROVING THAT YOU (GOD) ARE ALL WE NEED AND WANT.  INREALTIME IS BLESSING YOUR NAME (GOD).  IT IS HONORING YOU. IT’S FOR YOU (GOD) ALWAYS. IT REMINDS ME OF US AND HOW I AM TO BE IN YOU. IT HAS NO BORDERS OR BOUNDARIES.  IT IS POSTED WEEKLY, IT IS AUTHENTIC, IT’S NOT A CHORE,  AND SOME TO MUSIC…ALL GLORY TO JESUS, CHRIST MY LORD AND SAVIOR THE ONLY GOD!!!!!!!

I AM to share what GOD IS sharing with ME….  INREALTIME IS GOD’S way of making ME humble and teaching me humility.  INREALTIME IS GOD’S way of encouraging ME….INREALTIME IS GOD’S way of drawing ME closer.  INREALTIME IS the way that GOD uses to expose the enemy to ME….and the enemy must flee from ME!!!

INREALTIME REMINDS ME…..

…Nothing will separate ME from the LOVE of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS…..”

Tangey V.

INREALTIME

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am sighing as I type this post. Last week was an extremely full and busy week. I was, like most, pulled in several directions while trying to MAINTAIN. It is not as easy as it use to be (Can I get a witness?). Last week rendered me “exhausted” and I did NOTHING on yesterday ( Saturday, March 4, 2017) with the exception of the grocery store and hanging out with “THE CHAMP” at the park for at least an hour.   I did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING-I was on my couch and BARELY watched Netflix (the thrill is leaving), I didn’t put anything in its rightful place (wordy way to say I did not clean up). I was overjoyed when a previous engagement was cancelled. I wanted to stay in my sweat pants and t-shirt, no socks and house shoes. I didn’t do much snacking or eating for that matter. COULD NOT move from my position on the couch-“Girl don’t move from couch, Girl don’t snack/eat).     I became content on just being still and DOING NOTHING. I was struggling with doing NOTHING-I had to clean house; I had to get my food and clothes ready for next week; I had papers, test and projects that needed to be graded; I had to return items to stores; I HAD TO………; I HAD TO……….(FILL IN THE BLANKS).

“…NOTHING FROM NOTHING leaves NOTHING, you got to have SOMETHING IF YOU WANT TO BE WITH ME…” lyrics from a very popular song.  I did nothing so, I accomplished NOTHING (no clean house, no graded papers, etc…..). Should have done something-throw away papers, fold towels, something, but nothing.

BLESSED the LORD-It is now, as I type this, that I realize NOTHING is EVERYTHING. I AM HONESTLY STATING THAT I AM NOTHING. I AM NOT THE NICE, FRIENDLY, GIVING, KIND, LOVING, GENUINE , GOOD, GENEROUS, HUMBLE,PATIENT, AUTHENTIC PERSON THAT YOU THINK I AM. I AM NOT THOSE THINGS. I AM NOTHING. I HAVE NO THING THAT IS OF VALUE. BUT GOD. WITH GOD AND IN GOD I AM EVERYTHING HE SAYS I AM. NOTHING MAKES me humble and teaches me humility. NOTHING CONSTANTLY AND CONSISTENTLY REMINDS ME THAT

…….HE LOVES me in SPITE of ME and that it is the reason that I can say with confidence and boldness……

…Nothing will separate ME from the LOVE of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS…..”

 

Tangey V.

INREALTIME

With the LORD’S Blessing, I will be a YEAR BETTER on Tuesday, February 28. Yes, I AM graying, been there, still THERE and will STAY THERE, except for the 1B Rinse that covers it TEMPORARY (I got from my Momma). Yes, I HAVE joined, but still REFUSE to stand in solidarity with the BIFOCAL Nation (still struggling with VANITY issues as I make my way to Dollar Tree to buy reading glasses).

I AM no longer trying to KICK IT. I AM NO LONGER TRYING TO BE on FLEEK. I AM NO LONGER TRYING TO GET ‘TURNT, I AM NO LONGER TRYING TO GET LIT. I DON’T CARE TO BE ‘BOUT IT, ‘BOUT IT or LEAN BACK (OLD SCHOOL HIP-HOP References).

PLEASE NOTE: IF your gathering starts around 8:30 pm. I will be there ON TIME (that means 8:30, not AROUND 8:30ish, say 9:00 pm) BECAUSE I WILL BE LEAVING AROUND 10:00-10:15 pm. The Gathering SPELL is undone @11:00 pm. At 11:00 pm, the hair (the SALON FAIRIES CREATED AN EXQUISITE MASTERPIECE THAT SURELY TURNED HEAD) is in rollers (not curlers, ROLLERS and tied down), my trendy OUTFIT TURNS INTO A NIGHT GOWN (pajamas in the winter), MY Shoes become my comfortable, NEEDED and SHOULDA bought a NEW PAIR months ago house shoes. My car becomes a bed AND I AM SOUND ASLEEP. ASLEEP!!!!!!

Sorry for the TANGEYNT (NEW WORD- I spelled it correctly-Tangey went on a tangent, hence TANGEYNT).

February 28 is day for the culminating (yes, educators, I said or typed, in this case, culminating) celebrations and activities. For every day in CHRIST, we get better. Every day, there are new GRACES and MERCIES. Every day, GOD PROVES HIMSELF TO HIS PEOPLE (HE SHOULDN’T HAVE TO FOR HE HAS PROVED HIS FAITHFULNESS).

It took time to get to the place where I saw the BLESSINGS and MIRACLES of GOD daily and continuously. I was too caught up in BEING whatever, whenever to whomever. As the old saying goes, I went WAY TOO FAR and Stayed WAY TOO LONG. I WAS, AS I SAID BEFORE, TOO BUSY DOING NOTHING.

It was during my quad-life crisis (age 25-32), when I began to assess and stress over my life and lack thereof. I was not married; I did not have 2.5 kids. I did not have a college education. I WAS STILL AT HOME WITH MY MOMMA. I changed jobs; I moved out of my momma’s house, I enrolled in college. I began doing MY thang. Living, so I thought, the LIFE. I was KICKING IT, I was ON FLEEK, I was TURNT, I was GETTING LIT, and I WAS ‘BOUT IT, ‘BOUT IT as I was LEANING BACK AND I ACCUMULATED MUCH DEBT (TRYING TO IMPRESS PEOPLE-SHOULD HAVE USED IT TO TRAVEL THE WORLD)

During this time, I blamed my momma (textbook) for everything that I thought was wrong in my life and with my life. Her choices were the reason I was not yet married; her choices were the reason I did not have kids; her choices were reason I did not have a college education. I didn’t go home much and I lived less than 3 miles away.  I was too busy LIVING, so I thought, LIFE. This was the time when I took time for granted.   I had to catch up. I didn’t have time and didn’t make time for family. I was too busy, again trying to be whatever, whenever to whomever.

BLESS the LORD-As I went through the motions of being whatever, whenever to whomever-HE was CALLING ME. HE WAS SHOWING ME THAT FAMILY WAS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. HE SHOWED ME THERE WAS NOT A NEED THAT MY FAMILY DID NOT TRY TO HELP ME WITH. THEY WITHHELD NOTHING FROM ME.

IN HINDSIGHT, I LACKED NOTHING. THERE WAS NOTHING FOR ME TO REALLY DESIRE. I HAD EVERYTHING THAT MATTER-GOD, HIS LOVE FOR ME, (CHASTISEMENT AND ALL), MY FAMILY, AND MY FRIENDS. I stopped waiting on February 28 to celebrate my birthday. If I wanted Catfish Cabin, I went to Catfish Cabin. If I wanted Red Lobster, I went to Red Lobster. If I wanted to celebrate and fellowship with family and friends, I called them up and we got together. If I wanted a new dress, new purse and several pairs of new shoes, I purchased them.

It was during this time, I tried to apologize to my momma for being absent (I was less than 3 miles away) from the family. She would not let me utter a word. She just hugged me and told me that everything was fine. She never brought up my absence. THIS IS WHERE GOD opened my eyes to HIS BRAND NEW MERCIES.  MOMMA WAS DOING  FOR ME WHAT GOD HAD DONE FOR HER AND WHAT HE DOES FOR ALL OF US-HE DOES NOT BRING UP OUR PAST, OUR FAULTS, HE DOES NOT ALLOW US TO LIVE IN CHAINS AND IN SHAME. IT WAS LOST IN THE SEA OF FORGETFULNESS. WHAT A WONDERFUL, LOVING, MERCIFUL GOD.

On February 28^, 1970, The LORD blessed me with Walter Lee Skinner and the love of my life, my muse, Dorothy Mae Skinner, my beloved momma. Prior to her passing and after I returned home, we would spend my birthday together. I would take a personal day, go swimming (one of my prayer closets and thank GOD for my family) and then spend the day with my momma. Whatever she wanted to do on my birthday, IT was fine by me. I gave her gifts on my birthday.   I was blessed with her and wanted to celebrate my blessing, my momma.

Now that she is present with the LORD, I STILL CELEBRATE my birthday, my blessings: Walter and Dorothy Skinner. I started with having weekend celebrations (not my idea, but an excellent one nevertheless), then I moved to having a birthday calendar with various activities. It was to celebrate life with those who desired to celebrate with me. I didn’t want gifts (I will take them) and I wanted to celebrate and share the LORD, “…Silver and Gold have I NONE; but such as I have give I thee; ….In the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth rise up and walk…” in HIS JOY, in HIS POWER, in HIS DELIVERANCE, in HIS HEALING, in HIS PEACE and in HIS LOVE.

IN OTHER WORDS “…PARTY OVER HERE…AND THANK GOD, HE LOVES me in SPITE of ME and that it is the reason that I can say with confidence and boldness……

…Nothing will separate ME from the LOVE of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS…..”

 

Tangey V.

INREALTIME