Before I knew you, my eyes were bigger than my stomach,
Constantly looking at the world’s splendor to fill me up,
To form my identity, to provide me comfort.
I was so wrapped up in people who struggled with their identity trying to tell me who I was,
wrapped up in filling my body with foreign substances that were killing my soul as well my temple,
that were not only drugs.
I was poisoning my body.
Then, I did not realize that I was developing an anorexic habit,
depriving my body of the needed nutrients to enrich my soul,
pushing myself away from the ONLY One that is meant to fill this void,
the ONLY One that can quench my hunger and my thirst.
My heart needed to be conformed and my mind renewed to realize that the only One who knew me before I knew myself,
the One who predestined me for greatness,
the One who has never left my side,
God
is the only One that can sustain me and keep my body as well as my soul healthy.
Only through HIM, can I be fully satisfied.
~Dove Sister Janelle Guy~
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Come and See
Hello everyone!!! It is the beginning of another month, another new beginning for us...I always make it a point to reassess my life and such at beginnings, like the beginning of a new week or month. This month, the theme is RELATIONSHIPS. So I am looking at all the different kinds of relationships in my life and whether they are healthy, ect. Look out for special entries on relationships this month. And I PROMISE that there will be an entry everyday. If you would like to submit an entry, remember to email nulife.blog@gmail.com. Also look out for games with prizes this month. It is also our Founder's Week! Be on the lookout for these events:
Monday
Prayer Request Table 10am-5pm Lower Level Blackburn
Bible Study 7pm Blackburn Room 148/150
Tuesday
Beginning of "The Least of These" Warm Clothing Drive (ongoing) various dorms (lightly worn clothes only)
IMPACT Bible Sudy 7:30pm Locke Hall
Wednesday
Noonday 12noon Chapel Sanctuary
"Hanging With the Brothers" Fraternity Interest Meeting 7:29pm Locke Hall Room 257
Thursday
Sorority Formal Interest Meeting 7:29pm Location TBA (business formal required)
Word Up Bible Study 7:30pm Locke Hall
Friday
Donuts and Devotions 7am Truth Hall Lounge
Noonday 12noon Chapel Sanctuary
Prayer Walk 12:29pm meet at the flagpole
Prayer at the Flagpole 1pm
Saturday
Christian Sisters United 4pm Blackburn Room 148/150
Now, time for some Word...
My church is starting this 'challenge', of sorts, called Twenty-One. The goal is to read the New Testament book of the Bible, John, in 21 days. We start today and end on the 21st of November. It's pretty cool; I'm excited. I want to get in my Word more and I want to connect in my church, so I figure this is another way for me to do both. Tonight I read the 1st chapter of John. It was pretty good (lol)...I just wanted to touch a bit on the part that stood out to me. It's something that has been on my heart since last semester, really. When Jesus' disciples were first coming to follow Him, they went and told their family and/or their friends that they had found something amazing. And when they asked more about it, the first thing they had to say was "COME AND SEE." That stood out to me because I think sometimes Christians forget that sometimes we need to say just that to people. COME AND SEE.
At Noonday last week, Carlos talked about getting uncomfortable with not inviting people, uncomfortable with coming to Noonday or to whatever (Bible study, church, etc.) alone. I'm even going to look at it another way and say for those that maybe do not know God as well as they would like to, ask someone. Tell someone that you would like to come and see. You would like to see what this Jesus dude is all about. I promise your life won't be the same...He desires to come and grow closer to you. With Him you can and will be so much more powerful than ever before. My point, though, was just to remind people, to bring someone with you to church, Bible Study, Noonday, prayer at the flagpole, whatever it is. I'm talking to me too! Take prayer requests for people, for strangers and follow up with them about it. I think Carlos also said that we aren't being fishers anymore...we are to be fishers of men. So go and fish! Bring people...live a life that so glorifies Christ that when people ask why you are the way you are, you can't say anything but "COME AND SEE!" We are here to win souls for the kingdom...we must labor for Christ, but we must do so effectively. Ask God how you can serve Him, in what capacity, and He will tell you, lead you down the path He would have you go. Because everything we are doing in this life, is all for Him. For His glory.
Romans 14:7-8 (New Living Translation)
7 For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. 8 If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
~Dove Sister Adeola Oyelabi~
Monday
Prayer Request Table 10am-5pm Lower Level Blackburn
Bible Study 7pm Blackburn Room 148/150
Tuesday
Beginning of "The Least of These" Warm Clothing Drive (ongoing) various dorms (lightly worn clothes only)
IMPACT Bible Sudy 7:30pm Locke Hall
Wednesday
Noonday 12noon Chapel Sanctuary
"Hanging With the Brothers" Fraternity Interest Meeting 7:29pm Locke Hall Room 257
Thursday
Sorority Formal Interest Meeting 7:29pm Location TBA (business formal required)
Word Up Bible Study 7:30pm Locke Hall
Friday
Donuts and Devotions 7am Truth Hall Lounge
Noonday 12noon Chapel Sanctuary
Prayer Walk 12:29pm meet at the flagpole
Prayer at the Flagpole 1pm
Saturday
Christian Sisters United 4pm Blackburn Room 148/150
Now, time for some Word...
My church is starting this 'challenge', of sorts, called Twenty-One. The goal is to read the New Testament book of the Bible, John, in 21 days. We start today and end on the 21st of November. It's pretty cool; I'm excited. I want to get in my Word more and I want to connect in my church, so I figure this is another way for me to do both. Tonight I read the 1st chapter of John. It was pretty good (lol)...I just wanted to touch a bit on the part that stood out to me. It's something that has been on my heart since last semester, really. When Jesus' disciples were first coming to follow Him, they went and told their family and/or their friends that they had found something amazing. And when they asked more about it, the first thing they had to say was "COME AND SEE." That stood out to me because I think sometimes Christians forget that sometimes we need to say just that to people. COME AND SEE.
At Noonday last week, Carlos talked about getting uncomfortable with not inviting people, uncomfortable with coming to Noonday or to whatever (Bible study, church, etc.) alone. I'm even going to look at it another way and say for those that maybe do not know God as well as they would like to, ask someone. Tell someone that you would like to come and see. You would like to see what this Jesus dude is all about. I promise your life won't be the same...He desires to come and grow closer to you. With Him you can and will be so much more powerful than ever before. My point, though, was just to remind people, to bring someone with you to church, Bible Study, Noonday, prayer at the flagpole, whatever it is. I'm talking to me too! Take prayer requests for people, for strangers and follow up with them about it. I think Carlos also said that we aren't being fishers anymore...we are to be fishers of men. So go and fish! Bring people...live a life that so glorifies Christ that when people ask why you are the way you are, you can't say anything but "COME AND SEE!" We are here to win souls for the kingdom...we must labor for Christ, but we must do so effectively. Ask God how you can serve Him, in what capacity, and He will tell you, lead you down the path He would have you go. Because everything we are doing in this life, is all for Him. For His glory.
Romans 14:7-8 (New Living Translation)
7 For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. 8 If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
~Dove Sister Adeola Oyelabi~
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
STRIFE will keep you carnal
CFaith Devotional
Strife Will Keep You Carnal
By Gloria Copeland
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (1 Cor. 3:3)
It's bad enough that strife opens the door of our lives to confusion and every evil work (James 3:14-16). That alone should make us resist it with all our might. But that's not all the Bible has to say about it.
In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul gave us even more information about the damaging effects of strife. He wrote: "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" (1 Cor. 3:1-3)
Carnal Christians are miserable people. They're born again and they know enough about God not to enjoy sin, but they aren't committed enough to stay out of sin.
If you don't want to find yourself trapped in that condition (and I know you don't) then stay out of strife, because strife will keep you carnal! It will inhibit your ability to digest the meat of the Word, and without that meat you won't be able to grow into a strong, victorious Christian. If you fuss and bicker with others, your spiritual growth will be stunted. You'll remain in a perpetual state of spiritual infancy and the devil will run over you regularly!
So grow up. Don't stay a baby. Get out of strife and into the Word. Soon you'll be the overcomer the Word says you are!
Speak the Word: I walk in love and grow up in every way and in all things. (Eph. 4:15)
For Further Study: 2 Timothy 2:24-26; 1 John 5:4-5
Daily Scripture Reading: Ruth 1-3; Romans 12-13
Strife Will Keep You Carnal
By Gloria Copeland
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (1 Cor. 3:3)
It's bad enough that strife opens the door of our lives to confusion and every evil work (James 3:14-16). That alone should make us resist it with all our might. But that's not all the Bible has to say about it.
In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul gave us even more information about the damaging effects of strife. He wrote: "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" (1 Cor. 3:1-3)
Carnal Christians are miserable people. They're born again and they know enough about God not to enjoy sin, but they aren't committed enough to stay out of sin.
If you don't want to find yourself trapped in that condition (and I know you don't) then stay out of strife, because strife will keep you carnal! It will inhibit your ability to digest the meat of the Word, and without that meat you won't be able to grow into a strong, victorious Christian. If you fuss and bicker with others, your spiritual growth will be stunted. You'll remain in a perpetual state of spiritual infancy and the devil will run over you regularly!
So grow up. Don't stay a baby. Get out of strife and into the Word. Soon you'll be the overcomer the Word says you are!
Speak the Word: I walk in love and grow up in every way and in all things. (Eph. 4:15)
For Further Study: 2 Timothy 2:24-26; 1 John 5:4-5
Daily Scripture Reading: Ruth 1-3; Romans 12-13
Source: Pursuit of His Presence by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
I'm More Than You Say I Am
Last week's Bible study was about how certain people in your life are supposed to build your self-esteem up, but sometimes there's a disconnect. That's why you have to go back to the SOURCE (God) to know exactly who you are. Bible study this week reinforces that by talking about the tongue and how other's words about us affect how we view ourselves.
First I had two volunteers come up and draw a self-portrait of themselves on the board, just for fun. Above one was written positive, above the other negative. Then we pulled out our Bibles:
James 3:2-9 (New Living Translation)
2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.
We discussed this scripture, and the tongue in general. Isn't it funny how your parents are only two people in your life, but what they say have such a great effect on you? This small thing shapes the way we view ourselves and even our actions. And it cannot be tamed, stopped, hindered...that is why we must change our own mindset and let God tell us who we are and let Him control our own tongues. It is just not possible any other way.
So we did an activity to see how much negative comments affect us. On two separate index cards, we put the negative and positive things we remembered people saying about us. When we were done, we put the total number of things on the back and taped it to the chalkboard under their respective headings (negative and positive). For many, I'd even say most, of us, the negative outweighed the positive. And that is because when you get burned, you remember it. We shared our personal experiences, and as people were sharing, I realized something. There are two reactions to negative comments: 1) accept it and claim that thing they say you are or 2) try your hardest to not be that thing. The second option could be good or bad; you could take it to the extreme. For example, my story was that my father used to call me nothing. So therefore, I strived not only to be somebody, but to be the absolute best, no, perfect. And I would call myself nothing if it wasn't up to my standards, no matter how great it was in actuality.
To offset thinking about all these negative things, we did another activity. Yay! There was a mirror in the corner of the room with envelopes taped on it. On the outside of the envelopes were phrases such as "You are needed," "You are beautiful," "You are valuable,""You are strong." Inside the envelopes were essentially letters from God, scriptures reinforcing that God really did say this about you, who are made in His own image. Everyone had to get up and get an envelope but not keep it for themselves. They had to give it to someone else in the room, letting them know that they themselves believed that the other person was that adjective, ect. Then, after each individual opened theirs, they were to pray and meditate on it. When they believed it, they had to go up to the mirror and say it, and if they weren't ready today, then they had to place it on their mirror and keep it there until they could say it to themselves.
We closed out by having small group prayer, and then taking all the negative comments off the board and tearing them up before ending with a collective prayer.
Songs to listen to:
You Know Me by George Huff
Stronger by Prayz1 feat. Angela Wright
Beautiful by OD & ProfetD
Do Right by Prayz1
~Dove Sister DeAnna~
First I had two volunteers come up and draw a self-portrait of themselves on the board, just for fun. Above one was written positive, above the other negative. Then we pulled out our Bibles:
James 3:2-9 (New Living Translation)
2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 3 We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. 4 And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 5 In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.
We discussed this scripture, and the tongue in general. Isn't it funny how your parents are only two people in your life, but what they say have such a great effect on you? This small thing shapes the way we view ourselves and even our actions. And it cannot be tamed, stopped, hindered...that is why we must change our own mindset and let God tell us who we are and let Him control our own tongues. It is just not possible any other way.
So we did an activity to see how much negative comments affect us. On two separate index cards, we put the negative and positive things we remembered people saying about us. When we were done, we put the total number of things on the back and taped it to the chalkboard under their respective headings (negative and positive). For many, I'd even say most, of us, the negative outweighed the positive. And that is because when you get burned, you remember it. We shared our personal experiences, and as people were sharing, I realized something. There are two reactions to negative comments: 1) accept it and claim that thing they say you are or 2) try your hardest to not be that thing. The second option could be good or bad; you could take it to the extreme. For example, my story was that my father used to call me nothing. So therefore, I strived not only to be somebody, but to be the absolute best, no, perfect. And I would call myself nothing if it wasn't up to my standards, no matter how great it was in actuality.
To offset thinking about all these negative things, we did another activity. Yay! There was a mirror in the corner of the room with envelopes taped on it. On the outside of the envelopes were phrases such as "You are needed," "You are beautiful," "You are valuable,""You are strong." Inside the envelopes were essentially letters from God, scriptures reinforcing that God really did say this about you, who are made in His own image. Everyone had to get up and get an envelope but not keep it for themselves. They had to give it to someone else in the room, letting them know that they themselves believed that the other person was that adjective, ect. Then, after each individual opened theirs, they were to pray and meditate on it. When they believed it, they had to go up to the mirror and say it, and if they weren't ready today, then they had to place it on their mirror and keep it there until they could say it to themselves.
We closed out by having small group prayer, and then taking all the negative comments off the board and tearing them up before ending with a collective prayer.
Songs to listen to:
You Know Me by George Huff
Stronger by Prayz1 feat. Angela Wright
Beautiful by OD & ProfetD
Do Right by Prayz1
~Dove Sister DeAnna~
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