Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Real Talk from the Bible

Philippians 4: 6-7

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Mediate on his goodness and his word :)

Sunday, August 7, 2011

A Snippet from Sunday's Sermon :)

Church was awesome today, even though I was dealing with the "sleep man". I know those days of getting pinched by my momma are gone, so I make sure to stay awake. If you're seeking Jesus Christ like me then I pray that this passage will speak to you. I probably can't do the sermon justice but I will post the scripture and hit some personal highlights :)

P.S. When the sermon comes online I will post the link to it :)

Luke 1:5-24, 57 -64

Highlights for me:

Luke 1:6-7
In this our pastor hit on how they were blameless and doing everything right yet they still had to deal with Elizabeth being barren.

This really stuck out to me because sometimes we wonder "Why am I going through something when I am doing everything right". In their situation something that was seen as terrible to "The World" God used to show his glory and blessed them with a child.

In my life right now I am learning about God's character. He is a good God and he loves us. Elizabeth and Zacharias may have though that God didn't hear their prayers but he did.

In my life I struggle with understanding people's character. The running joke for me has to deal with that fact that even if I know you're a good person I still don't doubt that you would steal from me. (Seriously I can't find my perfume and I'm holding back from pointing fingers) That is me not taking into account people's character and their intentions. God's intentions are for good and if you start reading the stories of the bible you will realize God redeemed people in ever situation. If he wasn't good then why would he give his only son to be sacrificed for our sins.

Luke 1:18
Zacharias doubts God even when he sends an angel down to tell him what he will do.
Everyone doubts sometimes but in the end what God says is always true.

Zacharias was caught up in what he saw in his life (we're old) and believed that God couldn't change his "reality". I love this because it shows how God can do what is seemingly impossible to us. He is GOD!! He obviously knows the bigger picture and can change your situation, so trust him :)

Luke 1:24
Elizabeth conceived and hid.

This spoke to me and how when you conceive ideas, dreams, etc. you sometimes need to have your time with it alone because those first months are crucial. You wouldn't want to "miscarry" because of what someone else said to you. It's not meant for everyone to hear about just yet. You may have to sit with it and develop it and nurture it first.

Luke 1: 63-64
As soon as Zacharias stated what God had told him he was able to speak again.

When Zacharias followed what God said he was set free! Boom! Drop the mic. All he had to do was believe and follow what God told him to do.

This verse to me connects to another verse:
Matthew 10: 28 - 30

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

DEFINITION: Yoke: A crossbar with two U-shaped pieces that encircle the necks of a pair of oxen or other draft animals working together.

*Pair up with Jesus*

I don't know about you but I am tired of fighting him. I may not understand everything or feel confident all the time because of how things look around me but I know he's good and I love him. It's a constant battle because I am dealing with some things but we all are :)

This verse below helps me to remember that I'm not alone and everyone has their issues:

1 John 8-10:
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and his word is not in us.

I hopefully you can relate to this also :)

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Real Talk from the Bible

Proverbs 18:16

16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

So keep believing in your dreams ladies!


Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Quick & Easy Low Calorie Pizza Recipe


Personally, I am constantly looking for low calorie recipes that I can make in a jiffy. When it comes to cooking I do alright in the kitchen but I know my limits. Last week, I decided I wanted to make a basic pizza!

Ingredients:
100% Whole Wheat Flour Tortilla - 120 calories (About 8in)
Homemade Style Pizza Sauce - 30 calories
Pineapples - 70 calories
Cilantro - Basically 0 calories
Reduced Fat Cheese - 80 calories

Total Calories: 300

Donna's Options:
Chili Garlic Sauce - 0 calories (Mix in your Pizza Sauce if you would like a spicy sauce)
Avocado - 120 calories (1/2 cup)
Veggies

Basically I start with the tortilla & build up. Put the Pizza Sauce on the Tortilla, then sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top. Next, add your pineapple pieces, avocado, veggies & cheese. See simple :)

Put the pizza in the over for at least 10 minutes at 350. If you want it to be crispier then you can leave it in longer.

P.S. If you have any recipes please share in the comments or email it to me! I will post it :)




Monday, August 1, 2011

Churches in LA! Find yourself a home :)

Now I have visited several churches...I'm talking at least 15 in LA. See I'm picky about everything, even what church I go to (which you should be). It has been an experience: Pastors forgetting to announce what verse they were reading from, Churches with 10 members trying to get me to join, and empty feel good messages. Sooo here are the 3 that have for me personally been an awesome experience:

Reality LA: 1309 N. Wilton Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90028

The churches make-up is majority white which if you're not use to can be an experience in itself. With that said Tim Chaddick's messages are extremely knowledgeable and have spoken to my own life.

Check them out: http://realityla.com/

Ever Increasing Faith Ministries: 7901 S. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90044

This was the first church in LA that I felt really was teaching the Word. Pastor Price Jr. & Apostle Price are amazing and their family is such a inspiration! I personally didn't agree with some of the things in the message because it conflicted with what I was taught in my Texas church home but I still learned so much from them. (trust I wouldn't mention them if I didn't like them).

Check them out: http://www.faithdome.org/

NOW MY AWESOME CHURCH HOME!!!

H.O.P.E. 's House Christian Ministries: 10654 Balboa Blvd., Granada Hills, CA 91344 -6385

From the very first day I was hooked and haven't visited another church since. Husband & wife team, Pastors Charles and Andrea Humphrey just 'keep it real'. They are there to develop you as a Christian and teach you the Word which means no sugar coating. I need to stop playing and become a member already... Y'all don't understand I'm shy and the day I was going to join my roommate joined and I didn't want to co-sign...smh

Check them out: www.hopeshouse.com

If you ever need a ride, I got you!! Black girl mafia...yeah, I said it.

Feel free to post your own church recommendations :)

Real Talk from the Bible

Proverbs 3: 5- 6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And he shall direct your paths.


Beautiful Black Girl #1

Name: Donna

Age: 24 going on 21

Hometown: Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas

Why are you in LA?: Went to USC and then decided to stay in order to pursue a career in the entertainment business :)

Music: It changes so much but right now I'm going through a Lauryn Hill faze. Yo, she's the truth.

What do you miss most about Texas?: My Family :)

What is the best thing about LA?: My friends & pursuing my dreams with them in "The Jungle" of LA

What is the worst thing about LA?: All these people! Move I can't breath! Get off me!

Biggest Misconception about Black Girls: We're all the same

Who else to highlight first but myself. I think I'm addicted to the smiley face :)