Remember This???

LOOK AT 'EM NOW!

Recently, I presented Serena with Y.B.R's first annual Spirit of Perseverance
Award. For those who are not aware of what the Spirit of Perseverance award:


... presented to those who knew they looked a hot mess, and attempted to "fix it." This included morphing into something that only a cat would drag in, only a mother could love, or a blind person could justify. Because of their strong independent nature, our Spirit of Perseverance Award recipients refused the help of a stylist, and blew THOUSANDS of dollars buying several (unflattering) hairstyles, accessories, outfits, shoes, lotion w/out lanolin or shea butter. Not one to give up easily these recipients knew they were almost to their promised land and therefore continued to persevere, adapt, do it and stick-to-it, until heaven shined upon them and they were FINALLY were able to go out in public and not be talked about in tabloids, blogs, friends, family, co-stars, sponsors, fellow-athletes, children, Simon Cowell, etc. This award is given when consistency exists. Because everyone can have a "good day."

The "powers that be" at Y.B.R. (me) have decided to present this award on a need to basis and not yearly.
Having said that..I believe Serena was sooo honored by the award bestowed upon her, that she jumped on her sidekick and told Venus.
Venus, not one to be outdone by babysis, stepped up her game-and it is on point.
Well..I received an "anonymous" text from someone who advised me to keep my eye on Venus.
Intrigued, I did just that.
****
Utilizing my checklist-
Hair:check
Ensemble:check
Lotioned appendages: check
Make up: check
Smile: check
Kind Words (esp when not in the mood to be kind): check check
Underwear not visible: check
Paparazzi feet not ran over: check
Not making a fool of self, or community (drunk, high, feuds): negative
reproachful videos (released sex tapes): negative
Length of Observation: 21 days
****
At the conclusion of my observation of Venus, it was apparent this chile was just as deserving of the Spirit of Perseverance Award.


***
So, with no further ado, for the first time in Y.B.R's 2-month history
The Spirit of Perseverance Award is being given to two people simultaneously-and their sisters!!


CONGRATULATIONS, VENUS &SERENA-YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, BABIES!!

Somebody tell Golden Brooks, i'm still hopeful that she'll be a recipient soon and very soon!

File this Under: The Watchdog List

BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP ONLINE: New website for Christians who have 'dropped out of church.'
(October 3, 2007)

(story source: eurweb.com; image: waterand spirit.org)

Water & Spirit Ministries recently launched http://www.waterandspirit.org/ to offer Bible study and fellowship services to Christians who have dropped out of church, but desire a relationship with God.
The site features Bible-study resources, a prayer room,

a media center, and discussion room to create community and facilitate exploration.
"We are committed to serving the growing number of Christian believers who feel alienated from organized religion," said ministry founder, Robert Overton. "We offer a religion-free learning environment to aid the spiritual growth of our users."
National religious trends show an increase in adult Bible reading since 1995, but this is accompanied by an increase in the number of Americans who have abandoned their affiliation with organized religion. Given current trends, most adult Americans will abandon organized religion within a few years.
Water & Spirit does not view this as entirely negative. Robert added, "Although we are challenged to develop new approaches to fellowship and communal relationship, the growing rejection of religion may signify a welcomed desire for personal spiritual growth."
Religion is defined as the human effort to mediate God's spiritual truth to man. Water & Spirit Ministries holds that spiritual truth is known only by revelation, not mediation; and the revelation of the understanding of this truth is by the Spirit. An effective ministry is one that supports the spiritual growth of those whom it serves.
"We're here to facilitate and support the explorations of God's word and the testimony of Christ," explained Robert. "An open environment, free of doctrinal requirements, that allows one to study the Bible, exchange thoughts and interpretations, and freely contemplate and meditate promotes the spiritual development that learns to rely on revelations from the Spirit, rather than opinions of man."
There are no teachers at waterandspirit.org, just fellow students of the word. Visit http://www.waterandspirit.org/.
******************

Well-I'm not sure about this site, seeing as it's new and all. I am curious, however. I am one of those Christians who has "dropped out of church." I love Christ with all of my heart, but I do not trust "prophets, apostles etc" I've seen them lie too many times. I've been abused, seen others abused in the church.

People are very quick to say "the bible says we shouldn't forsake the assembly of our brethren." Sure does say that. However, church IS NOT THE ONLY PLACE ONE CAN GATHER WITH BRETHREN. Also...it doesn't necessitate a building full of people to constitute gathering with brethren. My children are saved, sanctified. My coworkers are christian. My friends and associates are Christian, my classmate at school is Christian. I couldn't forsake gathering with brethren if I wanted to! Be that as it may, I'm done (you can stick a fork in me to verify), with church drama, i'm done with sermons always focusing on money. We can talk about Jesus dying on the cross, but please believe the conversation will SNAKE ITS WAY to the topic of money. I do not have to give $50 for a blessing.

A brother (during conference no less) said sow a seed of $100 and watch your life be forever changed. It sure will, I'll be -$100. How about I bless those who are less fortunate instead of giving to those who are in abundance?? Isn't that what God tells us to do in the Bible?? :

Luke 3:11. And [John the Baptist] would answer and say to them, "Let the man with two tunics share with him who has none, and let him who has food do likewise (hmm, I didn't notice John saying anything about leadership lying and manipulating to get money from the brethren...I wonder why??)."
Mt. 5:42. Give to him who asks of you (can you imagine pulpit-pimps distorting that?) and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you."

I do not hate church (edifice) just the crap that comes with it. Pride, arrogance, materialism..you know...the kind of stuff you see today. I'll take a look at http://www.waterandspirit.org/ and let everyone know. Where are we supposed to go when the hospital (church) is the one misdiagnosing you, ignoring you, breaking your spirit, lying, manipulating etc? another church? and what do I do if I experience the same thing at the next church?

You betta recognize--you BETTER be "wise as serpents, and gentle as doves" (Matt. 10:16_
Ivent

God's Daily Word

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

(2 Timothy 1:7) Amplified Bible

You betta recognize this scripture is talking to, and about YOU and your situation! I believe, and I receive!

Ivent

Spiritual Breakfast of Champions...

Today is an awesome day! The Scripture for the day is:

Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves.
Matthew 7:15 (Amplified Bible)

source: christ notes

***********

I will be posting more on the topic of false prophets later. Remember, the fruit of the Spirit for that is the focal point of this month is...Self-Control. All of the fruits are important, however some (ex. love, faith) are discussed more than others.

The only who can make you do what you don't want to do it is YOU.

Have a blessed day at work, school, home -whatever or wherever you'll be remember- Christ loves you! Ttyl

You betta recognize!

Ivent

Only Because I'm Trying to Please YOU Lord!!

To set the tone of your busy day, marinate and apply the bible verse that has LITERALLY saved the lives (and they're none the wiser) of hateful bosses, annoying co-workers, disrespectful customers, rude drivers, loud neighbors, church members, and unnappreciative children. Because if we don't continue to pray FOR OURSELVES...well, let's remember that we're new creatures in Christ Jesus, amen?

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. "
Psalm 51:10 (amplified bible)

source: Christ Notes

The fruit of the Spirit we're focusing on for the remainder of this month is: Self-Control

******Gal. 5:22,23- "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (NKJV)*****

Just some spiritual food to start the day off right!

Fam, You betta recognize-He is STILL the King on the throne!!

Ivent