Endeavor to LOVE

Let us endeavor to love today. Love is a state of being which makes you capable of overcoming whatever is thrown your way. If you look toward the end of Romans chapter 8, you find Paul talking about all the things that shall never separate us from the love of Christ. Not tribulation or distress or peril neither things present nor things to come... none of those things can overcome Christ's love.

You don't really have to be a Christian to understand that. All you have to do is want it. Do you want that kind of love? Do you want to give that kind of love? Then today, I encourage you to take a fresh look at 1 Corinthians 13. The first time you read it, read it with the understanding of God's love toward you and you alone. Then read it again with the understanding of God's love toward others. Then finally read it again with the understanding of the love you can have for others with Christ in you.

Love is much more powerful than hate because hate has its limits but love is boundless.

It's Our Anniversary

Today is our anniversary. Woohoo! It marks our third year of marriage. I couldn't be happier because we've fought all hell and high water to make it to this ceremonially important day, though truth is, every day is work a celebration to us.

Thank you to all of you who have wished us a happy anniversary. I pray your day is as good as mine is going to be.

For you, dear husband, I am at awe at the fact that you've been able to stick with me this long. If people only knew, they'd give you like the Nobel Peace Prize or something. I love you!  

Go On and Trust HIM

There are some things in life that seem so far out of reach that we are afraid to go for them, to pray for them, believe for them, work toward them. We've given up the fight but cannot get rid of the desire. That is how my struggle has been to have more children.

From the time I was little until now, I've always wanted many children, but due to a series of unfortunate events, I went through a long season of infertility, mostly at my own hands. And only those who crave a baby more than oxygen can feel my pain on this, but I stopped feeling like a woman after a long while of trying and spending all my money on doctors that couldn't help and medications that didn't quite do the trick. And in all that, I knew my answer was God but I was afraid to believe, afraid to even truly ask, afraid of hearing God say no but knowing that wouldn't happen. I was stuck right in the middle of doubt and faith. I knew enough to know it was possible with God. But I was afraid that God, in His sovereignty, would deny me the one thing I desired more than life itself, which was a daughter.

Whatever it is you are stuck on right now, can't purge the desire but afraid to try God, whatever it might be, go on and trust Him for it because the worst He can say is no and then you can get it out of your system forever. Best case scenario- God says yes and we know that whatever WHATEVER He says must come to pass because He is not a man that He should lie nor the son of man that he have need of repentance. In other words, He won't change His mind on you. Go on and trust Him.

Consumed By His Glory

It is the wee hours of the morning and my mind is full of the glory of God, His power, His majesty, His beauty, His wisdom.

Last night, as my husband and I held one another, it seemed as if the presence of God saturated us and took us to another place. Of course, I'll get into the marriage related details on our Truth and Intimacy blog. Still, it bears a mention here that we don't know the exact times and seasons of God. It can seem like our life is on auto pilot and we are mere passengers one moment, and then the next may feel as if God has sent a whirlwind your way to sweep you off your feet and onto higher ground. 

In fact, our God is the whirlwind. And no matter how long you've been in your rut, the Word of the Lord to you today is that God's ear is not too heavy that it cannot hear nor His arms shortened that it cannot save. Call upon Him and keep calling until He answers. Keep calling until you are saturated by His presence which consumes your care. Keep calling until the concerns you have now dissipate. Keep on calling, even if you have to call Him on your face, on your back or while being crushed by your circumstances. He WILL answer.

I'm Growing in Recognition

I would have never thought that this little lady from Warren, Arkansas would ever grow up from projects to fans and friends all over the world. I never would have imagined having a bestselling book or two. That goes to show you that you never know how much better your life can be when you live for God. I give Him the glory.

I'm asking my readers to connect with me. I love hearing from you and I love your feedback which is causing me to grow. Below are some links to the sites I'm most active on.

I'm also asking you all to help me spread the word about my books. Sometimes, we don't have what we want because we won't ask for it. Not I. I would love if you guys would link back to my website and this blog, ask your friends to follow me here and subscribe to my feed, join my fan page over on Facebook and keep up with my updates on Twitter. That would be greatly appreciated. If you don't have any of my books yet, you can get them on Amazon, and leave a review there or email it to me at lacresha@lacreshahayes.com or lacresha.hayes@gmail.com so that I can credit you and brag on you wonderful people even more. I love you all and thank you, thank you, thank you for supporting me in my career.

Blogs:
Truth and Intimacy- The Classified Files
Always the Bride
The Rape of Innocence
Write It! Publish It! Market It!

What Beauty IS

Beauty is more about your actions and attitude than your skin, hair, nails and facial features. Learn to be beautiful on the inside first and foremost. Let your attitude be one of grace and wisdom, as ladies; of honor and dignity and responsibility as men. That's true beauty.

Be Diligent in This Life

Life can seem unfair and that can taint your hope if you walk around expecting certain things to happen for you, be done for you, work in your favor. Life doesn't give many hand outs and we shouldn't be so weak or lazy that we expect them. Instead, we have to make our own way by knowing and believing the Word of God, and doing what God expects of us while using our skills and talents to make a better life for ourselves and our families. He desires for us all to have an abundant life but not without some effort on our part.

Be diligent unto the end! God bless you all.

Face Down Opposition

Facing down opposition doesn't mean that a person is unafraid, though it is wonderful to be without fear.

Opposition will come into the lives of every single human. That's just a part of living. It starts from the moment of conception on. Think about it. Sperm has to travel upstream, against gravity to get to the egg. Then, the egg has to crack so to speak in order to implant itself. When a baby is being born, he/she is squeezed through a really small opening in comparison to the size of the baby. But that squeezing removes excess fluids from the child. Doctors don't just take the little one out. They pull, tug, vigorously rub them down, even spank them if they don't cry automatically, which crying is necessary to clear their passageway. They immediately practically blind them with ointment in their eyes. You'd think, poor little people. They go through so much. And so it continues until the day of death. But opposition is as necessary as oxygen.

The next time you are going through something, think about what it is driving you away from, into, through or how it is building your character. Your job is to face it down. Don't run when things are tough. Stand on the solid ground which is Jesus and pray your way through it, praising your way through the toughest times of it.

Praise for the Spouse

Sometimes, we can try to play it coy. And sometimes we take it for granted that our spouse knows already. And other times, we simply stop looking. Well not I, says this little southern belle.

The other day, I rolled over and watched as my husband got dressed for work. I did it again this morning. And I thought, you know, that man is really a stud! He's totally hot. He is muscular. He has dimples. He has beautiful eyes. He has the perfect nose. He has a wide, inviting chest, etc. I broke my husband down into sections again, you know like we used to when we first met our spouses.

I thought about the women who see him on a daily basis. Their eyes are not stained with familiarity and I'm sure that given a chance they'd love to tell him just how "all that" he is. And just like when it comes to praising God I won't let a rock cry out in my place, when it comes to pumping up my handsome hubby, I certainly won't let another woman beat me doing. He's mine after all!

Let's Play a Game, Have Some FUN!

Let's have a little fun. Each commenter finish these sentences. Simply put the number and your answer and be creative. LOL!

1. There is nothing more relaxing than curling up with a...

2. Every morning when I open my eyes, the first thing I see is...

3. Chocolate is so smooth, creamy and decadent. It reminds me of...

4. When I look up at the stars late at night, it makes me want to...

5. People tell me that my smile reminds them of...

Be Slow to Anger

My son and my husband think I am rather quick tempered. I never want to agree with them about it, but I'm having to face facts. I am much quicker to anger than I should be, though I've come a seriously long way. Now, when I get angry, my left arm goes numb almost immediately and my chest feels as if someone put a 50 lb weight in the center of it. I reckon God is trying to tell me something.

A friend on Facebook posted something the other day that said anger resides in the bosom of fools. It was directly from the Bible. But then she said something to the effect of a wise person realizes that anger is a wasted emotion. I think about all the time I've wasted in my life being angry with someone who was off having fun and enjoying life, not at all thinking about me. I think about the energy I've wasted ranting and raving. I think about the mental anguish I've endured because I wanted to react and say things completely ungodly and provoking, but I also wanted to protect the feelings of others.

I've decided that, as the Bible instructs, I will be slow to anger because the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God. AMEN!

The Extent of My Religion

One of my books, RAW REDEMPTION, is a fictional account of a young woman who is still bitter from her past but to have a prosperous future, has to go back and confront it. Her story works out in the end and she actually finds herself yearning to know God, not through listening to some long drawn out message at a church, but while fighting for the health of her babies.

I never thought I'd ever write this on any public forum, but I'm sick to death of organized religion and Christianity being viewed simply as a religion. Chrisitianity is just the title or name applied to those who have decided to follow Christ. Being a follower and a believer is not a religion. It is ALL relationship and commitment. Even deeper than marriage and more important than any other commitment we'll ever make upon this Earth is our commitment and relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

I am so happy to be free from the brainwashing that is often called religion. That leaves me free to walk out the Bible and work out my relationship. The Bible tells us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. And so with fear of missing/lossing my relationship with God and while trembling with excitement and anticipation to see Him, I have decided to keep it simple. If the Bible says it, I believe it and it is so. That's the extent of my religion.

It Can't Be Easy

You know, women have everything. We have magazines, e-zines, newsletters, groups, support meetings and more. We have the freedom to cry and be weak without it damaging our "image". But what does a man have, in truth?

It can't be easy to be a man and come to points in your life when you want to quit, don't know which way to go, and have no one you can be weak with. It can't be easy to want to cry out of the anguish of your heart, but feel like there is no one around who will understand your temporary meltdown. It can't be easy to be the person everyone expects to have the answer but you not know the answer nor where to get it from. It just can't be easy to be a man.

Men are taught that tears are for girls and sissies. Men are taught that confusion is something that happen to women during that time of the month. They aren't taught how to cry, how to be confused, how to be weak, how to be lost, how to be needy, but if they live any length of time, they will find themselves in need.

This weekend, spend time with the men in your life. Let them know that you are there for them, that they can trust you with their weaknesses. Show them that we know how hard it is to be a man and to need someone. Let your man, son or male friends be themselves with you this weekend and do not use it against them.

Negative Talk Fast, Join Me

You'll never hear better excuses than from people who gossip when confronted about their busybody ways. When I read the book of James in the Bible, and then look at the lives of gossipers and their victims, I find just one more reason to believe that the Bible is ALWAYS right.

We are a society that pride ourselves in freedom of speech, which is wonderful unless it interrupts the lives of others maliciously. I'm asking all my friends to do this with me: throughout the entire month of May, I am vowing not to discuss the lives of others in any negative way, not to spread on unproven information and rather than speak a negative thing to anyone around me, I'll say something positive or nothing at all.

Best Things, Worst Places

Blessings are many times wrapped up in unexpected and even unattractive packages. When you look at the Bible's description of Lucifer, it was all beauty. And all his beauty has been one of humanity's biggest downfalls. When you look at the Bible's description of Christ, it actually said there was no beauty to him, nothing so attractive on the outside that we might desire him. But he was the best thing that ever happened to mankind. Why is that?

The best things in life are not for the foolish of heart. A fool doesn't know what to do when he does find something good. And so, God hides himself and all his wisdom and all his knowledge and all his most abundant blessings in the fires of life so that for us to have them means our hearts have to be seeking them. We have to become more like him to see them, even more like him to obtain them. And this, friends, is a wonderful thing.

One thing I taught my son and he has honestly adhered to even sometimes against my own desire is not to judge books by their cover. I told him that beauty is what the most foolish, ignorant men pursue. Those a bit wiser pursue wits and charm. But the wisest men look beyond the things that are temporary to find a wife who is a woman of values, a woman who has staying power with God and with her eventual husband. Beauty doesn't pay bills, doesn't matter when you have to trust God for your very life. Beauty won't be the thing that keeps you secure when fears creep up on you, when you need a friend.

I've found more comfort and wisdom during my times of tears than any other time. I've seen more of God in my brokenness than at any other time. Some of the best friends I ever had were completely rough around the edges. They didn't tell me what I wanted to hear but truth. It was times when I had to go places I didn't want to go with people I didn't like but during that time was when I was blessed most abundantly.

Friends, DO NOT TRY TO CONTROL GOD! You'll only end up frustrating yourself. Instead, learn Him and go with His program. Find those hidden gold nuggets and diamond chunks in the midst of piles of coal. That's His way and it works best.

Anxiety and Hopelessness- Such an Ugly Pair

There once was this man named Ed
He never wanted to get out of bed
He'd had so much sorrow
He didn't want to see tomorrow
In fact, he often wished he was dead

Sounds sad, right? And it is sad. It's the sad reality of the lives of many. That hopelessness that defeats the joy of today that creeps in sometimes unaware. People listen to motivational speakers, try to think themselves happy, pop numerous depression pills and all of that just to manage getting nowhere but further in debt and even sadder.

More people suffer anxiety about tomorrow, one that may never actually come for them, than anything else. We spend too much time planning, adjusting, readjusting and even dreading something we've not even approached yet. And the sad reality is that it's that attitude that robs us of our ability to enjoy the day. Jesus gave us the best advice. He said take no thought for tomorrow because tomorrow will basically take care of itself. In other words, let the troubles and joys of today suffice you for today. Worrying about what may come tomorrow doesn't change what will come or how prepared you actually are for it if it does come.

As a control freak myself, it is extremely difficult for me to live in today sometimes because it makes me feel nearly irresponsible at times. But since I've been ill a lot over the past year, I've realized that I only have this moment I'm in. I have to constantly remind myself of this fact so that I don't get so far ahead of myself that I miss what opportunities, joys, and blessings are staring me right in my face. I suffer less anxiety when I release control of tomorrow to the only one who actually controls it anyway- GOD.

Fakeness- Yes, I Was Guilty

You know, I've preached about this thing I call the ugly duckling syndrome. I use it to help women who fall for the lies of men who can sense their great desire to be wanted or loved or made to feel beautiful. I know this trick because I myself have both used it and fallen for it.

There's another syndrome that affects people, and very few will admit to it. It's that fakeness that creeps up when you lose faith that you'll ever actually become what you desire to be. And so, all that is left is to pretend because you want others to be impressed with you. You want others to acknowledge your worth. You want them to see something in you so that you yourself may see it.

What I like about reading is that you don't have to lie to yourself, so I'm asking each of you to be honest with you will I be honest about me. My grandmother raised me on welfare and I despised it. I hated living in the projects, wearing clothes from Fred's, Family Dollar, Dollar General and Walmart. I despised never having cable television, no name brand shoes, no real jewelry, nothing that it seemed every other child had. And while I didn't lack any necessary thing, I was taunted so much in school that I began to despise my own life. It didn't help that I was enduring molestation, had been raped repeatedly, that my grandmother was an alcoholic, that domestic violence was a huge part of my life, that my mom was on drugs, that my father was missing in action and that I had very few friends. I basically learned to hate my life very young. And so I began dating older guys so that I could have some semblance of a normal life when it came to things. And then I dated them because I had an extra life of my own to take care of, my son. And before long, I was trapped in a lifestyle I despised which only made me despise myself more.

So eventually, I grew up. I moved away from all the people who knew me. I got around others who didn't know me but saw potential in me and spent time building me up. I learned to do amazing things in record time. And I started to believe in myself again, but by then, I had such a long past that it seemed impossible to get away from it. I had been in trouble with the law a million and one times. I had to answer for that. And that put me back in a place to face people who didn't believe in me, who expected me to prove something to them and I lost hope again. But I wasn't willing to go back to living how I lived before so I started faking. I pretended to have it together, to be confident, to have the answers, to be an icon. I pretended that I was okay with my life and that I knew it would get better when secretly I was wishing and waiting for the day that it would end. And I mastered faking - it came rather easy. I pretended so long and so well that sometimes that was the only peace I had in my life. I could almost convince myself sometimes that I was normal and that things were getting better for me.

The problem with faking is that GOD has called us all to truth and HE will only let you by with that for so long. Eventually, my pretend world had to come crashing down all around me. I had to deal with the hard life I'd been given. I had to take it for what it was. I had to deal with the pain of all that I'd missed growing up, not that it was fair, but things are what they are. And there is no power to be had from the past until you can own it, be honest about it, face it down, feelings and all. I cried more tears than I could ever tell anyone about over how unjust I thought God had been to me. I had to admit that a part of me resented God before I could even really love Him. That might have been too deep for some of you, but this is the truth of me. I had to feel and let myself grieve and let myself be what I really was, which was bitter and damaged, before I could truly be healed from all of it.

There are times now when I throw on a mask before I know it because it is so much easier to cover up. Then I have to stop, back-pedal, and remember that truth is the way, no matter how much it hurts. Don't ever forget that. If there are people in your life who cannot handle the truth of who you are, then that is proof they shouldn't be there, or that they need to see truth in action so that they can be healed. Always tell the truth. Show truth. Be truth!

That Sin Called Adultery- Yes, I Was Guilty

Not very long ago, my husband and I were separated because he went to jail and during that time, I became involved with another man. Yes, I know you don't want to hear this from me, but the truth is empowering. And when we yield to sin, we give ourselves over to deception and misery. The guy that entered my life treated me like a queen and I cannot complain that he didn't attempt to do everything in his power to please me. But once you've known God, doing things you know displeases Him make it impossible for you to be happy.

I look at our society and all the sexual adventurousness that goes on and I wonder if people would be so quick to hop in the sack with others if they knew the truth of what they are doing to themselves. I was with a man for seven months. He was not my husband, but we lived together like husband and wife. We, for all intents and purposes, had a family life going. It was everything I'd always wanted but never had. He was 100% responsible, always listened, very caring, almost always considerate, but he was NOT mine. God was NOT pleased and sin, when it is finished, yields death.

Now, this man whose life was so together before I took a holy thing and put it in an unholy situation is now suffering for my sin. I'm suffering for my sin. My husband, my son, my mom and my ministry is suffering for my sin. Now, I have to wage a battle daily to keep my whole heart and mind with MY husband where they belong while guilt rips my heart apart because of another man who yet loves me. I had to break someone's heart, which in turn broke my own and for a moment, made me hate myself. And all of this in the eyes of my son and husband who were equally heartbroken. Because I was torn into pieces and couldn't be a wife to but one man, I had to sit at home alone and cry my eyes out, seeking God's forgiveness and mercy. I kept wondering when I'd enjoy being with myself again because when you don't like you, there's nowhere else to run. That depression and stress soon showed up in my body and I've nearly died a couple of times because of them.

In the last place I wanted to be further judged and ridiculed, I was. My name was worth less than dirt. I was called all sorts of hypocrites, even judged to be a witch. I had shamed my family, myself and most of all, I'd failed GOD in a major way. In essence, I'd put Him back on that cross and crucified him all over again. I couldn't believe myself. But now finally, I'm rebuilding from it all. But what good does it do for me to rebuild silently and watch others make the same mistakes I've made. We who have fallen have the strength in us to not only get back up, but to stop others from taking our paths. Not all will listen, but if one turns away from their sin, isn't it worth the shame or inconvenience of people knowing that you yourself is just a person who depends heavily daily upon the mercies of God?

I Open Me

As a preacher, I have to repent. I somehow got off track and stopped doing what God truly called me to do. He didn't call me to be a microphone holder. He called me to address true issues most people avoid. And while most would say I'm doing what HE said, I know that I've avoided a lot of things HE wants me to deal with.

There are a million and one believers who go home so empty everyday. They wonder is there anything more to Christianity than attending a service, giving an offering and pretending with each other a few days a week. They are struggling to pay their bills, keep their children in line, keep their marriages together, and all the time they are wondering if God is pleased. Some even wonder if HE is really there. They are so numb by this life and when they seek the help of preachers, all they hear is a bunch of rhetoric.

I've been there. As a preacher, I am there right now. In truth, I get on Facebook and Twitter and try to encourage everyone when at home I wrestle with doubt, fear and weariness. I try to encourage the battle-worn when I myself am battle worn. And because I've slipped, fallen, wallowed recently, I don't even go into various areas because I can't truly do it without fully exposing myself. But when GOD called me, HE told me that I'd live out loud. And so, I apologize to those of you who look to me for answers when lately, I myself have been wondering about an answer. I apologize for those who call me your hero when the past year I have been trying to hide myself away in fear and this is everything that I teach others not to do.

Things are going to change here at P3. Truth is the way and we'll find it together. I'm opening my life up again and allowing God to do what He does best. Father I repent and receive your forgiveness!

TANGLED Hit Amazon Kindle This Morning

I'm so delighted to report that my second work of romantic fiction and seventh title, TANGLED, hit Amazon's Kindle store this morning and is now on sale for only $3.99. I encourage you all to go and order your copy now. I can't wait for your feedback, especially since this story is so close to my heart. Simply click the link above and you'll be taken to the page.

For those who don't have a Kindle yet, be patient because by the end of the weekend, you'll be able to order a PDF version right here on my blog and other sites. Again, I'm so happy and this is such a blessing to me behind my recent illness. Stay tuned in for other new LACRESHA HAYES titles.

New Ebook, TANGLED, Hits Amazon Kindle

I know you all have patiently waited for this book. I've talked it up and talked it up and finally, the Amazon Kindle version will be available tomorrow. The book, TANGLED: LOVE CAN BE FOUND IN STRANGE PLACES, is going to be selling for only $3.99 and so I look forward to your comments, feedback and reviews.

MY REAL TESTIMONY

Allow me the space to say this. I have never before felt so helpless as when I couldn't remember anything, could barely see, couldn't walk or speak well, was seeing and hearing things that were not there and couldn't control my own head from bobbing around. I came two steps from being admitted into a mental hospital. I've been to some very low places, but GOD rescues me everytime.

Right now as I type, my head is bobbing back and forth and with all the strength in me, I'm trying to control it, trying to make my eyes clear up, trying to force myself to respond to things normally but I cannot do it by will power alone.

So, I'm yielding to GOD and knowing full well that there is a reason even for this. I was so low while I was in the hospital this time that I began to ask God who I'd wronged so much that my whole life has been spent suffering through one thing and then another. I found myself repenting for everything I could remember doing and stuff I might have done inadvertently. But after all those tears, I realized something. We can't judge anyone's obedience to God by their suffering. In fact, many times suffering in the eyesight of God is a treasure. I have spent so much of my time wailing over my fate in life: no father, mother mostly gone, mother on drugs, grandmother an alcoholic and illiterate, perversion in my family so that I was always an outcast, dating old men when I wasn't even a teenager yet so that I could pay bills, having two sons before I finished junior high, one of them dying, being battered before I was grown up, etc, etc. I spent so much time hating my life and hating all the pain I'd endured that I didn't realize the person it was making me into.

And so now with one more struggle to overcome, I lift my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. ALL my help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. I don't know anyone else like me and I'm glad, glad, glad that God chose me to make into this tough little piece of carpentry that cannot be undone by a few hardships. No, no, no! I've been down through that place called "there" and I'm still hanging on to GOD. Not perfectly by any means, but I'm hanging. I know HIM and HE knows me and we are an item that nothing on this side or the other side of creation can ever divide. If I never get my sight back, my gait back, control of my body back, if I never see millions and never have more children, AMEN and SO BE IT because HE is enough for me!

PROPHETIC PENS BOOK TOUR KICKS OFF HERE!!!!

It's a party, yall. Yes, today marks the beginning of the Prophetic Pens Book Tour 2010. Starting today, yours truly will be on online tour with three other fantastic authors:

~ CARLA Y.  NIX of Passion4Life fame and author of Walking in Your Purpose
~ SABRIENA WILLIAMS, author of Wait on the Lord, I Say Wait
~ TIA WILSON, author of My Life, My Feelings, and My Victory

We are coming to blogs and BTR radio shows near you. For more information or to host one or all authors on your blog and website, please join our Facebook group by following the link. There'll be giveaways and much excitement! You don't want to miss it!