Kelli. in real life

Are You a Praying Woman?

In January of this year many people celebrated the start a new season.

My husband and I were very excited, but exhausted as well. We had only known I was pregnant for about 3 weeks but were already feeling the effects of my being tired and emotionally on edge, he and some friends had moved 80% of our belongings from one place to another on Christmas Eve, and we had just returned from a youth convention in Ohio, followed by an out of town engagement on New Years Eve. 

We were drained; mentally, physically, and spiritually.

One day during prayer I was overcome with emotions. I was crying out to the Lord about how I felt like my husband was so consumed with responsibility that he had forgotten about the importance of our relationship. I told the Lord I was hurt and feeling "uncovered" and "Unprotected" as a wife. I knew the Lord would understand and send his gentle but firm correction down on my husband. :)

As I finished and wiped my tears, waiting for the Lord to respond , He spoke this to my spirit. 

"What have you done for him?"

The Lord began to show me how he had created me as a woman to nurture, encourage, romance, and express love and compassion. He showed me the areas in which I was lacking. He didnt blame me, He didnt point the finger at me. But he reminded me that I had lost the love and devotion to a simple principle. 

PRAYER. 

Sure I prayed. In fact, if a person called me with a request I would (and still do ) snot and cry and call  upon the name of the Lord until I felt a release in my spirit that I had touched the heart of God. But on my husband's behalf I was too caught up in the things I felt he "owed" me to realize that the answer was simple. PRAY. COVER. SPEAK. BELIEVE.

In the beginning of our marriage I used to lay hands on my husband and speak into him. I used to cover him with the word of God on a daily basis. I realized I had lost that initiative.

Since that day in January, I've been taking time out of almost every day to COVER my husband in scripture and prayer. Some days are more difficult than others : ) and some days I just plain dont feel like it. But God, because he is faithful has manifested the benefits of prayer in my marriage in just a short time since that day in January. 

There are many seasons to a marriage, and at times we get so caught up in what God is using us to do, or calling us to do that we forget our first ministry is at home. Although our children are a beautiful blessing , our spouses are our fist priority. They are the one whom we have joined in covenant. 

Just a simple reminder to pray for your spouse. Just think, if you're not praying for them, there's no guarantee that anyone is. 

The GOSPEL

I have a confession to make. 

I was "this close" to giving up on gospel music. 

I've gotten tired of the "feel good" no scripturally based music, entertainment focused music that has come from the gospel music industry in the last few years. Being that Ive been a background vocalist for 3 major gospel artists, it broke my heart to be disheartened by much of the music I heard from various artists. 

Nothing wrong with expressing one's music ability and versatility.

But the world around us is dying, and we as believers are called to preach, sing, and witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Its more than a melody.

More than a catchy phrase. 

Its the TRUTH that can transform lives. 

This morning, my faith was restored. 

 I met Donald Lawrence when I was a teenager. I was singing with a group led by a singer named, "Keith Dobbins". I was amazed at the raw talent of Donald's singers. I knew all the songs, had the albums, and even thought Donald was cute. ( lol) In other words I've always enjoyed his music for various reasons. But this morning, the music God gave Him RENEWED me in such a way that only music full of Gods word and anointing can. Songs like, "The Blessing is On You", "The Word of the Lord", and "There is a King in You"...filled to the brim with the LIVING word of God. How powerful when we decree the word of the Lord OUT LOUD. Gospel may not be your genre of choice, but do yourself a favor and look into this project. 

Just read a few words from the song the Blessing is on You

"The Lord has made a covenant with you

He has promised that He would bless you

You are in the earth but you live above the curse

You are kingdom you have rights

Blessings come with no struggle or fight

So when recession comes you won't be effected

When sickness comes you'll have good health

The dollar may fail, your wealth will increase

War all around, you'll be at peace"

Dear believer,

Dear friend who knows there is a God but needs to hear His voice.....

Get this cd and be encouraged.....

I dare you to believe

The blessing is on YOU

Draw Me Lord & I'll Come Running After You

My evening has taken an unexpected turn.
After being on a holiday with my sister for a week and returning just yesterday, I spent most of the day (after church) lounging around the house with my husband and my toddler son. Tonight I intended on catching up on some reading, taking a hot bath, and watching a movie with my husband.
My plans were interrupted about an hour by a call from a friend.
A close and dear friend.
A friend that has never turned His back on me even when I haven't been true to our relationship.
Never lied to me.
Never failed.
Consistent.
All knowing.
Forgiving.
and extremely loving.

My Savior.
My Father.
My Lover.
My Friend.
My Jesus.
My GOD.

While on vacation my sister and I listened to a variety of music. We're both singers, songwriters, and worshippers; so music is a common thread between us. I'd heard her sing a beautiful song once before, but had never inquired about the artist who sang it. While driving one day she played the song. We listened. We listened again. We felt the presence of God, and listened again.
Tonight I intended on downloading/purchasing the song to gift to 2 of my dear friends for their personal prayer time. But as I listened, I felt the Lord calling me into His presence.

For over an hour now I have been trying to take these songs off of repeat, but my spirit is full as I meditate on the character and essence of who God is.

Who am I that He would desire to have fellowship, conversation, and intimacy with me?

I love my husband deeply. I love him for the man he is and is becoming. I love his gifts and talents. I love his handsome face, soft kisses and gentle touch. I love his smile. I love the way he loves our son. I love him as my friend and my love. While away from him I missed him so much I could almost smell his cologne at night when I laid my head down to sleep and I longed to be in his arms.

But friend, as precious as the bond I share with my husband, there is no comparison to the bond and covenant shared with my Savior. To begin to describe it is almost foolish, for as a worshipper I could never run out of words to describe who God is to me.

I think David summed it up best when he said, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is the fulness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

I had questions tonight; questions about my future, my purpose, my abilities, and even my standing with God. For an hour I have sat right here at this computer, worshipping in silence, tears streaming down my face, while God has LITERALLY deposited direction, joy, peace, and sweet peace into my spirit".

And although I was sitting right here in my living room while my husband watched football, I felt as if I were sitting by a private lake, rocking in a chair, candles all around, while my Savior; my Jesus gave me roses, reminded me of his promises, forgave me of my wrong, gave me instruction, and just sat with me as if there were no place He would rather be.

My cup is full and overflowing.

Dear friends;
I encourage you; if you're dry and thirsty
if you're lost and wandering,
or if you're a believer simply looking for more of God....

He promised "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you" (James 5:8a)

I imagine I'll sleep sweetly tonight...
hearing this psalm of worship sung by Myron Williams

"Draw me.....Draw me Lord....and I'll come running after you
Draw me....Draw me Lord...and I'll come running after you

.................

I don't mind waiting....I don't mind waiting.....I don't mind waiting on you Lord
I don't mind waiting.....I don't mind waiting.......I don't mind waiting on you Lord"