Hello??? God Created You to Do GREAT Things!

Nothing is too great for God!

Especially, not your vision or big dream.

It is He that placed the desire in your heart in the first place...

Pardon the Mess... Restoration in Progress

If you hadn't lost it ALL, just about anyone could give you a lil bit here and there.

If it wasn't so MAJOR, maybe a friend or family member could help you make it through.

If you hadn't been so BROKE, don't you think someone could loan you the rest of the cash?

If your heart wasn't TORN into PIECES, your friends could take you out and cheer you up

Goodbye Letter

Yes, I hear you!!!
Your voice echoes echoes echoes in my mind
as the words soarrrr off the lines
dysfunck-ing my atmosphere
inhaling stenched excuses
each syllable
singes my nostrils
burns my eyes
I cry
inside
to smother the wildfire
blazing through my heart

The flame once set upon the torch
that kept the passion burning
is at its wick’s end
One more deep breath
may be its demise
Another breath…
Ahhhh


Candace Baldwin © 2009-2013. All rights reserved

Candidate for Mr. Right

Lord knows patience is at practice while waiting for God to send us single women a husband. Yet, so often, women of God are out looking for any ole’ Mr. Good Guy, instead of allowing Mr. Right to find us.

Recently, I found myself pouting when I met another guy who isn’t Mr. Right. A candidate for Mr. Right is no longer just who I like, but I’ve come to the understanding of three things: 1) Although there are many fish in the sea, there is only one Mr. Right for me; 2) God knows just who he is; and 3) he will find me.

As we grow in Christ, our choices change. We begin to desire the things of God and less worldly things; we begin seeking His will rather than our own. When I was in the world, if the brotha’ was decent looking, had a job, didn’t have a woman, and was nice (I was a sucker for “nice” guys) then he was a prime candidate for being my man. Now, the criteria is different. First of all, I don’t want just a man, I want a husband. Secondly, he must be a man of God. This goes beyond the former “plus” for the brother saying he was a Christian. Truly being equally yoked includes the level of spiritual maturity as well. For me, Mr. Right must know God, not just know of him. Coming from a long line of strong, domineering women, submission has always been a challenge. I strive in this area, but since I must, I will feel eased by submitting to a man that himself is submitting to Christ. Thus, he must have a personal relationship with Jesus. Otherwise, we may be in conflict, because I won’t trust the decisions he makes for the household. Better yet, give me a man after God’s own heart and on fire for the Lord. Yeah!

What is interesting to me, even with the criteria changing, some of the things that I was attracted to still linger. By nature, women are nurturers. Topped off with a heart to encourage others, I realize that I’m attracted to people who need guidance. I am able to see potential in everyone simply because I know that God has a purpose for them and the power to change lives. This is fine for ministry, but my mind must be renewed in this sense for a husband. A woman of God once told me how rather than desiring a man to help obtain, I must desire a man to help maintain. Hearing that was one of those “Wow” moments for me. This wisdom stems from looking at Adam and Eve in the garden. Adam already had the garden. God gave him Eve as a help mate to assist in maintaining what Adam already had. So, Mr. Right should already have some fruit (both spiritual and natural).


Finally, there is the issue that we experience looking at our own eligibility. Growing in age, with children of my own and increased inches around the waistline, seems that I may not be a prime selection myself in the physical sense. But a man of God seeks a godly woman above all things. Here, we can draw on the faith of Ruth,whose mother-in-law Naomi was too old to bare a son for her to wed after Ruth’s husband died. Surely, Ruth desired to have a husband, yet she continued on in her mission to care for Naomi. In the process, God blessed her with Boaz. So, as we continue in the will and work of God, we position ourselves to meet up with Mr. Right. This includes areas in our personal lives. Likewise, I believe God is working on that soon-to-be-blessed-because-he-will-have-found-a-good-thing-in-us man of God too. Even if you’re a loner like me, only going to church and grocery shopping is often the highlight of my week, God knows exactly where you’re at. If we depend on Him, Mr. Right will find us there… right in the center of God's will.

Are You Ready to Go with God's Flow?

Your Vision is coming to pass, or perhaps it’s a Breakthrough or the Blessing you have been endlessly praying for… has finally arrived. Are you ready?

How devastating it must have been as Moses stood on Mount Nebo overlooking the beautiful, rich land of Canaan. How awful he must have felt, knowing that he had led the Children of Israel out of bondage and dealt with that complaining generation for 40 years, only to die on the very mountain he stood upon; never to enter, never to experience the joys of the vision God placed in his heart.

Is it actually possible to miss out on God? Are we, as mere humans, capable of not fulfilling what the Sovereign God desires for our lives? We know that God’s will is that all men be saved. But, are they? Not so. So then, what can cause us to miss the blessings that God has for us? The same thing that caused Moses to not enter the Promise Land… disobedience.

I remember attending a sermon where the preacher asked how many people had been following God for a year or more. Almost everyone raised their hands. Then he asked about 5 years and 10. There were at least 100. But then he asked how many were living the abundant life God said we should live. Sadly, only 3 were walking in abundance. He then pointed out that the doers of the Word are the ones who experience abundance.

Being a doer of the Word is being obedient to both what the Word says and what the Holy Spirit leads us to do. Many of us are forever praying. Yet, do we fail to “listen” to God’s response, which is almost always a set of instructions? If we do listen, what priority do we place on doing those things? When I was growing up, if Mama told us to do something, we better do it right then and there. She didn’t have to explain anything. We knew better.

Likewise, what sense of urgency do you place on what God says to do? I’m not just talking about the big things. Sometimes, we can overlook the seemingly minor tasks, like meditating on a Scripture or calling someone you “don’t feel like” talking to. Unknowing that the Scripture we read would give us the answer we’ve been seeking. Calling that person might open some doors to place us at the precise location where our blessing resides. God has an appointed place and time for everything, and it’s not all about us as individuals. So, if we don’t show up for whatever reason, the show must go on… with or without us.

Have you ever made a wrong turn and when you finally reached your destination, it was too late to proceed? Maybe the door was shut, like the five foolish virgins. Or, perhaps someone got the last spot or bought the last one. Urgh! I’ve been there before. If only I had left a little earlier. If only I had paid more attention to directions.

Only the Father knows when Jesus will return. Likewise, God may reveal His will to us, but seldom do we know when our time is coming. People of God, listen for the Holy Spirit and respond promptly. Don’t wait until it’s convenient or when you feel like doing it. I am definitely guilty of putting too much thought into things and taking forever to make decisions. Forever is wayyyy too long. When God says “Go” you’ve got to move with His flow! Your vision will surely come to pass. His Word doesn’t return to Him void. Will you be in position when the time arises? Will you be ready to go with the flow?

Detours, Ditches and Distractions

As we run the race to live a life pleasing to God, to accomplish his will in our lives, know that the enemy too is running. He’s running to and fro seeking whom he can devour. I don’t like to give him a lot of attention, but as soldiers in God’s army, we must know that any good strategy incorporates knowing your enemy. Let us not be ignorant of his devices (strategies). Using deception, he presents detours, ditches and distractions to divert us from the race.

God checked me today! “What are you doing?” Right in the middle of praise and worship, He asked me why was I giving in to a situation that wasn’t consistent with what He had told me. Why have I been allowing myself to get… distracted? The Spirit said you have been in this race for far too long to stop or switch up just short of your blessing. Though it tarry, His promise will surely come to pass. Don’t stop, shift or settle! It’s only a diversion.

That key word sent up red flags. Immediately, I recognized this as one of the enemy’s schemes. He uses people and situations to deceive us. He tries to divert us with detours, ditches and distractions, hoping we’ll get off track, knowing we bring glory to God when His promises are fulfilled in our lives. Deception is trickery; fraud. It is making things “appear” differently. It is FEAR (False Evidence Appearing Real) if we fall prey to it. But the devil is a lie! We walk by faith and not by sight. Let the enemy’s plots be exposed as we continue in the race!

Detours: A different route. Perhaps, we don’t see how God is going to fulfill the promise. So, the enemy presents a detour, that is “seemingly” the only possible route. However, by faith, we know there is no roadblock ahead. Have you ever thought that if I just turn here, if I just do it “this” way, I can make it happen? Are you tempted to “assist” God like Sarah? She thought she would help God out in by giving Hagai to Abraham. Lord knows, He doesn’t need our help in determining the way. He just wants us to follow His way. The detour is only a diversion.

Ditches: Illusions of a pitfall. Do you think you lack some “thing” that leaves a hole in God’s plan for your life? It may “appear” that if we keep moving forward without it, we will fall. We may fail. People tell us that it’s impossible for us to achieve our goals. We know with God that all things are possible. He equips us with everything we need. We are not lacking anything, not even within ourselves. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:12-13) The ditch is only an illusion… when you see it… JUMP!

Distractions: Wandering off course. Maybe this is my personal issue, but by far one of the most frequently used diversion against me. I can be running the race, got a good stride going, then… BOOM! Out of no where something “appears” attractive. Hmmm... Maybe this is God? It looks good, sounds good, but my spirit tells me otherwise. Know that the enemy knows our weaknesses, as well as our desires, even the things we pray for out loud to God. He can present decoys, that “appear” to be the real thing, but surely after time, you will know it. The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. (Prov. 10:22) It seems like distractions are running rampant about me lately, so Hallelujah! My blessing must be near!

Surely, the enemy can present to us detours, ditches and distractions. However, it is only through our own doing that they will become a hindrance. If we respond in fear, with lust or other selfish desires, we fall prey to the diversion and get off track. By faith and obedience, we stay on course. Be encouraged my sisters and brothers… Praise God! For He is able to keep us from falling!

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. ~Jude 1:24-25

Teardrops (poem)

Cries…
scarlet eyes
a million teardrops
to my demise
thunder terrors
diminished dreams
can’t see the sky
I’m paralyzed

Bricks..
steep and thick
not a single teardrop
could puncture it
hardened heartache
frozen fossils
angered stiff
my heart is sick

Flow…
letting go
a dozen teardrops
melting snow
forgiveness flowers
springtime smiles
the final show
now, I can grow

Cleansed…
season’s end
no more teardrops
embrace the wind
perfect peace
feeling free
we can be friends
I love again!

Candace Burts © 2009. All rights reserved
Read Teardrops Inspiration: Letting Go

Time for Some Intended Results

What if Jesus would have just attempted to make it to Calvary? What if he would have sinned and disqualified himself from becoming the ultimate sacrifice for us? Then, even if he went through with the crucifixion and completed the task, the goal itself would have not been achieved. Our hope forfeited. With all of mankind’s souls at stake, His mission was accomplished, however. Praise God!

I enjoyed a powerful Word and awesome time with my sisters at the Saturday Morning Sisterhood luncheon, where Prophetess Norma’s message was “It’s Not About You, and Stop Holding Up My Breakthrough!” Afterward, the Lord put on my heart that we need to start getting some results, men and women of God. To experience the MANIFESTATION of things we have been praying for, to not only COMPLETE the tasks God has set before us, but to ACCOMPLISH the intended goal. Someone else’s breakthrough may be connected to us doing something… successfully.

For far too long, I think many Christians, have just been going through the motions. Praying, but not consciously EXPECTING or even BELIEVING that the prayer would be answered. Maybe hoping, but not expecting.

Instead of accomplishing goals and seeing the intended results, perhaps the mindset has been to simply complete a task so we can say that we did it. Have you ever prayed for someone, just so you can tell them you prayed, not even considering whether or not the prayer would be answered?

I thought of this while talking to my daughter, who was upset when I mentioned that she had not cleaned the bathroom. She defensively responded that she had indeed cleaned up. Yet with the sink still looking dirty, how could that be? She hadn’t actually “cleaned” the sink, because if she did, it would not be dirty. In actuality, her goal was to say that she had finished her chore. Sure, she had obviously wiped the sink off some, but the expected result of a clean sink was not achieved. Thus, she completed a task, but didn’t accomplish the goal.

Isaiah 55:11 says

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”(emphasis mine)

We should be expecting this from God and from ourselves.

Whatever the task is before us, let’s get it done. But don’t stop there. Let’s fulfill the mission. If there’s something hindering you from accomplishing your goals, then get rid of it. Truly, the final outcome is in God’s hands, but let’s make sure we’re not doing anything to hold up the progress. Disobedience, fear, doubt, insincerity and selfishness are big culprits. Sometimes, we sit around “waiting” on God’s timing, when he’s waiting on us to do our part.

If God called you to do something, he will equip you with everything you need. The enemy is just a bluff; he has no power. Resist him, and he’s got to flee. If God is with you, who can be against you? The only thing that can stop you from getting your intended results… is you.

We Overcome the World, Right?

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:11-12)

After living a peaceful life for some time, I found myself in a state of disarray. I had been overworking and defocusing on what I inerantly thought was a good cause. Filled with anxiety, my body responded with stress, aches and pain. I was tripping out. My behavior wasn’t the same, I was physically ill and felt like I was in a tail spin, spiraling out of control.

After a period of brokenness, I repented for my actions which could not be undone, of course. However, the lack of peace seemed to linger. It took a friend from highschool to mention that I was under attack. Sure, I had taken a short course on spiritual warfare, but hadn’t spent much time dwelling on it. After all, we overcome the world! Right? Ultimately, we are responsible for our actions, but Paul precautions us in 2 Cor. 2:11 “ lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” In other words, we should be aware of his schemes and tactics.

After the talk with my friend, I pulled my old Disciples Victory workbook off the shelf and decided to read up on spiritual warfare. It’s one thing to be struggling with one’s flesh, but keep in mind that there are external forces at work to try to make you stumble too. I found this section in the book at it blew my mind:

Satan’s methods are designed to defeat God and humanity by limiting the gospel. He seeks to keep you from giving a verbal testimony and a testimony through example. You will not be able to spread God’s Word by your word or by your actions if you give in to Satan, and that is exactly how he tries to silence you. (MasterLife 3, The Disciple’s Victory. Avery T. Willis and Kay Moore)

After reading that, I wept more, because that is exactly what he tried to do. Silence me, and hinder the message I was sharing with a fellow Christian from taking root. Suddenly, everything I had been sorrowful about myself had even less meaning, as I realized the impact it may have had on the person I had been reaching out to. When we act in ways unbecoming as Christians, our words are diluted, if not ignored or even considered hypocritical. We may understand principles of repentance and grace, but everyone else may not. Although our hearts and intentions may be right, our credibility can be shot.

So, how do we withstand the wiles of the enemy? Like any good soldier, know and beware of your enemy. Scripture refers to Satan as the tempter, the evil one, the god of this age, the deceiver, the destroyer, to name the least. In addition to these titles which explain his tactics, he preys on our weaknesses and tries to divide and conquer; to isolate us from each other, because we are stronger in unity as we encourage one another. The list of his trickery goes on and on, but I’ll stop here for now.

I might also note that awareness of spiritual warfare is not focusing on it. Some times Christians get to rebuking the devil so much during prayer, I wonder if they’re praying to God or him. Paul tells us later in Ephesians 6:11-18 to be prepared by putting on the full armor of God. In short, the Word, faith, salvation, peace, truth and righteousness. Stay prayed up for yourself and others and be watchful. I had a friend that told me to sleep in my armor. Never take it off. LOL!

Truly, it’s not a laughing matter though. Spiritual warfare is real. There are greater forces attacking God’s peoples’ minds and lives everyday all day, but we prevail. I may have failed the test initially, but thank God for His mercy. He gives make-up exams. Next time, I’ll be suited up in my armor.

People of God, we fall down, but we get up. We may lose a few battles, but the fight is fixed. The war is won. We overcome the world, right? Right!

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. ~1 John 4:4

Does it Have Anything to Do with God?

When I started rapping as a teenager, my message was about how I was a 'DEF' Lady Emcee and you didn't want to battle with me. Mind you, this is back in the old school hip-hop days when female rappers were few. Of those to admire, I liked 'Sparky D' most and being that Roxanne Shante was her rival, amongst other reasons, I was hardly a fan. Even back then, I respected creativity, and detested the lollipop lyrics from childhood jingles that J.J. Fad was bringing with Supersonic. So, rapping was my passion, and I used to write all throughout the day, carrying my pen and pad everywhere I went.

Initially, my mother didn't say too much about my new-found hobby. Somehow or another though, Mama found one of my notebooks. Oops! Of course, she found the one that had my nasty raps. At 15 years old, what did I know about being "too hot and spicy" and that he needed "a child who was extra mild?" After that, she started paying more attention to my rapping activities and actually attended one of the concerts where I was an opening act. Me and the "We Three" crew had to rephrase some of our rhymes to appear decent and in order. Regardless, she never fully approved of me rapping after that and I used to sneak to perform and defend my title as Kandee Kisses, the "best female rapper" in Fresno.

At one point, I was asked to do a demo for a record label that was new at the time, and is still in full-force today with top-of-the-chart hits. "Unh uh! You can't do it. It doesn't have anything to do with God." Was she serious? This was a chance of a lifetime. I was even asked to just write the lyrics for some girls that Too Short was working with, and Mama still said "Nope! Can't do it!"

For years, I mean decades, I held a pinned up resentment toward my mother for not letting me pursue my dreams. Sure, I believed in God, but this was about fame and fortune... having BIG gold chains, flashy gear and fancy cars, not just an everyday opportunity. At some low points in my life, I wondered what it would have been like if I had become a famous rapper. Yet, as I began to understand the calling on my life, I see how it may have affected me for the worse. It was at the climax of those low points that I sought the very God that I ignored in my quest for stardom, as if He wasn't paying attention. The same God that brought me through all the hurdles of street life with activities that fortune would have funded and probably killed me.

Today, I'm grateful Mama didn't let me do it. (sorry it took so long to get here Mom) Today, I understand the value and responsibility of having gifts and talents. I understand that my gifts were entrusted to me to carry a message that's far greater than how not to be a sucker-MC, and I'm still alive and able to share it.

So, what's your message and what impact does it have on people? Is it anti-God, promoting violence and/or destructive, disrespectful behavior? Is it a message of hope and empowerment or despair and self-righteousness? If your message is about advancing the well-being of others in a way that brings enlightenment to love (agape), then it has to do with God, because God IS love. It may not even appear to be directly about God to have something to do with Him. The Bible, itself, has books that don't contain the word "God." The Book of Esther, for example... do your homework. Sure, some speak or write using biblical scriptures and Christianese terms, but others relate to people using their own lingo. Some paint nature or beautiful abstract pictures with deep meaning, some sing encouraging melodies, some produce beats to blast with empowering hip hop lyrics. All are called to walk alongside and be an example. You might have been working for God all along and haven't even known it. You know, He can and will use anyone for His purpose. So... does your message have anything to do with God?

God Sends His Love through His People

Brought to you by Joyful 'toon

The Source (poem)

I trusted my career
jobs to provide meat for my household to eat
Thinking it was my employers that were causing me to thrive
but when it came down to it…
when it came down to their business trying to survive
when they needed to downsize
it was to my demise.

Or so they thought.
But no! I praise God!
Despite the economy
Hard as it is out there
my family eats well
my cupboards’ never been bare
Rent’s never been late
nothing’s been shut off
insurance never lapsed
cause my fate…
is not based on how the world’s financial system operates

The Kingdom of God is not in recession!
It’s running full-force
It’s not what’s my source of income
but WHO is my source
Lord, YOU are my source!
I trust You
YOU are the one…
I trust…
for my income

Candace Burts © 2009. All rights reserved

Strapped (poem)

Strapped with my sword
with more fire power
than AK-40 anything
sharper than Ginsu, dao or jian
to slice and dice
disillusioned thoughts
li-ver than any crew

It's tha REAL deal
folks should wanna kill for my piece
turning slick trips and tricks
inside out
confounding the wise
peepin false messages going out

Don't be deceived
All that sounds good isn't good
Don't leave home without it

Teardrops Inspiration: Letting Go

Sometimes, we have to let go of people, situations, a bad investment, bad habits, even our dreams if they’re not in alignment with our purpose. It’s not easy and it’s definitely a process that I’ve went through hundreds of times. However, it’s something we must learn to do in order to move forward in our lives. Also, in regards to people, it’s required that we forgive… so God can forgive us.

I wrote Teardrops when I realized I had let go of a dream. It’s a good dream, and I believe God-sent, but the timing just isn’t right. I knew I had let go, because I am able to do things for the people involved without any ill feelings or emotions. I am free to love and support with hopes for the best.

Teardrops captures the seasons and emotions we experience in the process of letting go. Realistically, there are some other phases, and we may bounce back and forth before obtaining a sense of freedom. The first two seasons (stanzas) are severe Sadness and Anger which are common, but unhealthy. I used to hate the emotional part, crying and carrying on, feeling gloomy with no motivation. Plus, I felt like a wimp. If and when you go through these stages, make them short-lived. Don’t get stuck in them. The final two stages are Healing and Freedom, finally… letting go! You can tell when you’ve let go when the person or thing doesn’t consume your mind and you can be happy for them.

Is there something or someone hindering your purpose? Perhaps, it's time to... let go. Face your fears and let God fill the empty space. If it's meant for you to have, it will come back to you... in His time.

In an effort to shorten the length of my posts, I’ve only posted a condensed version of this inspiration. The full writing goes into depth about the seasons, includes my personal testimonies, addresses letting go of relationships and answers questions like "Why you do I have to let go?", “Why is letting go so hard to do?” and “How do I let go?” If you’d like the full version, please befriend me on Google (lower right), FaceBook or Twitter and send me a message. I will add you to my mailing list and send it to you.

In the meantime, enjoy Teardrops!

Stood Up (poem)

KABOOMIN cabinet doors
Zoomin from room to room
Slidin across the floor
Tearin up the house
where's the other Jimmy Choo?
Guess these boots gon' have to do
cause he'll be here in a few
Let me slow my self down
get a grip…
and go check out my doo!

Soliloquizin lines
the clever words I’ll say tonight
gigglin n’ cheesin in the mirror
freckles ain't too pretty
but the makeup’s tight!
Dang, the bulb blew out
now there ain’t gon' be much light
It’s cool, I’ll lay it out like this
he’ll like this candlelight
Play some soft jazzmatic sounds
to set the m-o-o-d just right
Relax
breathe
just be…
I got a date tonight

15 minutes late…
     hmmm... this is kinda’ rude
20 minutes late…
     now, I’m gettin' an attitude
30 minutes…
     call… voicemail on the first ring
   Hey… just checkin’ to see where you’re at
   there’s somethin’ I want you to bring
45 minutes…
     kick off the boots, cause they’re w-a-y too tight
     pouting 'bout all I did to look cute
     blow out the candlelight

Vexed and perplexed, tryin to conceal
the rejection I really feel
Break out the Häagen Daz and DVD
as if it’s no big deal
I nod off
humbly
carefree…
Or so I seemed to be


BUT... God Knows and Sees EVERYTHING

[God]
Gazing upon my sweet child
submersed in tranquil sleep
She’s the apple of my eye
My darling beloved sheep
Hey, I’ll cheer her up
I know just what she will like
A morning bluebird serenade
a gentle breeze and bright sun light
Should I wake her now?
No, I think I’ll let her get some rest
Oh, I’m so excited
I crave her sweet incense
Oh, I was so delighted
from the past few mornings that we spent
All I want is to show her love
Her heart I want to mend
on Me can she depend
Me... and Me alone


Ok, just one gentle touch
a stroke upon her cheek
Awww, look at my baby girl yawn
she’s just about to speak
Flickering eyes adjust to the sun
I love their early morning glow
Though she hates her freckles
I created them just so
Always thinking she’s ugly
but she's gorgeous, made perfectly
That part she likes least about herself
I love… for she’s unique
Look! She’s dropping to her knees
Good morning daughter, I love you!
Oh… she’s just looking under the bed
for her other high heel shoe

15 minutes…
     bathroom prep to sweeten up her breath
20 minutes later
     a shower to make sure she’s clean and fresh
30 minutes
     See, that’s why I blew out the light
     The prayer book beside the pack of bulbs
     a little dusty, but in plain sight
45 minutes
     The Today show? Ask me! I know just how it’ll go
     What? she's putting her on coat
     Kaboom! She's out the door

I knew her commitment to “quiet time”
was a little too good to be true
This morning, I just wanted to tell her I love her…
and where to find... her favorite shoe

Candace Burts © 2009. All rights reserved

Inspiration from Quiet Quality Time

Quiet Quality Time

Quiet Time… that time when all presence around you is still. When silence is only accompanied by the soft chirping of morning birds, or a gentle hum of the warm heat flowing through the vents. That special time with you… and God.

I’ve never spent any quality quiet time with God that I didn’t enjoy. I always feel refreshed, renewed and more insightful about life. When I begin my day with Him, I’ve found that I’m more calm and serene throughout the day too. On the flip side, I’ve had some “dry seasons” in the past where I was so preoccupied with pursuing goals or taking care of people that I only gave God bits and pieces of left-over in-between time. I was one irritable, impatient and frustrated sista; going ziggidy-boom on auto-pilot all over the place and still not accomplishing anything. Sure, it was quiet in the car for those 3 minutes I would pray, but my attention wasn’t devoted to Him. The time we spent was lacking… quality.


Since God desires to have a relationship with us, He wants to communicate with us daily. Not just some surface chit-chat here and there that you call prayer. He wants quality time, when we show our love for each other and He gives us direction for our daily lives. There’s a difference between knowing of God, knowing about God and actually knowing Him. It’s not about how much scripture you can quote, but how much you trust Him. God has feelings too.

I wrote the poem Stood Up one night as I imagined how God feels when we don't spend time with Him. Yet, we can get all fixed up and anxious for a date, a business meeting or performance. We even spend hours writing. Have you ever made an empty promise to pray everyday or read a scripture, but only lasted for a short time? My hand is raised, because I sure have in the past. Often, we get so caught up in our affairs, that we’re off and running… leaving God behind… stood up.

Your daily mediation doesn't have to be a long time. I usually spend about 1-1/2 hours per day. I read my Bible, pray, maybe sing; then I quiet my mind and listen. You can start out slow with just 10 minutes a day and gradually increase. Consistency is most important.

The main thing is that you don’t stand up God. He wouldn't leave you hanging. Show Him some love and spend a portion of each day in quiet quality time. Then come back and share the difference it’s made in your life. I’m absolutely sure, it’s for the better.

If you haven't read the poem yet, check out Stood Up.

Love, My Dove (poem)

Loving good
it's good to pray
hating evil
evil haters prey
...on my dove
The Lord is my Shepherd
I feel no evil
filled with no evil
real to no evil
I love good
good comes from above
...on my dove
Love

by Candace and Slay
Candace Burts © 2009. All rights reserved

Deeper Restoration

I wrote the poem Mine Eyes Upon the Lord at the end of a season in my life what I termed as "Deeper Restoration." My partying and hanging days were behind me. I was a devoted Christian by this time and had become responsible with finances and managing my household. I had been recognized for many accomplishments, yet there was some deeper work to be done... within.

I discovered this after I met my Boaz. The brotha' was wise, witty, fine and on fire for the Lord! It was all good at first, but when I fell in love, insecurities from my past resurfaced. Caught off guard, I was astonished at how I felt about myself. Suddenly, I realized... I was aging. I didn't feel like that cute, young honey anymore. I'd gained a little weight, noticing a few not-so-cute dimples in places other than the one on my face. As a minster, I no longer dressed provocatively to emphasize the sexy parts of my body I had once been so proud to show off. No, it was the real deal, just me. How was I to appeal to this godly man in my life without strutting my stuff?

To my amazement, good ole' Christian Candace began behaving like many women dealing with low self-esteem who are in relationships... I started tripping. Comparing myself to other women, comparing my man to former boyfriends, getting an attitude and jealous for no reason. I was making assumptions on how he felt, thinking he was using or betraying me. Oh, it was crazy! I thought, "Where in the world is this coming from?" I knew I had to get it together... real quick!


At first, I tried to heal myself. A distorted self-image and deep insecurities had robbed my joy and hindered my purpose for far too long. After reading tons of books and spending a lot of unnecessary money on physical restoration, I still found myself reacting to my past… making hasty decisions, dishonoring my man and destroying our future. More so, I felt like I had failed and displeased God, who had blessed me with this incredible man in the first place. Finally, I separated from him to spend a season with God... a season of "Deeper Restoration." It lasted for a few months, but was the greatest thing I could have ever done for our relationship.

If you're in a similar state, take some time out for personal healing. Although exercise, good eating habits and taking care of your body is a good thing, only God can truly restore you to realize your true worth. God showed me that through His Word would I be delivered, because there one can find their identity, purpose and value. It is in the Bible that you'll be reminded that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, a royal priestess, daughter of the Most High. You may have heard and even quoted some of these scriptures I studied during the season of "Deeper Restoration," but take a few weeks to meditate on them:

• Read and re-read the scriptures daily
  
• memorize and repeat verses to yourself throughout the day
  
• pray for God to give you understanding
  
• look up cross-references
  
• post scriptures on your wall or as notes in your cell phone
  
• study words from original Hebrew or Greek language
  
• share with other women about what God is revealing to you
  
• listen to sermons on the topics
  
• journal your thoughts along the way
  

After spending much time focusing on self-love, prayer, and meditation, the result was a few simple words that changed my life forever. Keep my eyes on Jesus. Outside influences and deceptive thoughts can distort your reality. Just keep your eyes on Him. So, when you get discouraged… think about Jesus. If you get crazy thoughts about someone who loves you trying to betray you… think about the Lord. If you're feeling unattractive... what does God have to say about you, His most prized possession? When you want to beat yourself up for falling short… seek his mercy. It's yours, because you are His righteousness through Christ. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing, including loved ones, children, the people at work, at church… not even your man. If you just keep your eyes on Him, He will heal, protect and lead you into your destiny.

Here are just a few Deeper Restoration scriptures to get you started, but you will be blessed as more are revealed to you personally during your season:
Genesis 2:18-24; Psalm 139:14; Proverbs 5:19, 31:10-31; Isaiah 61:3; Zechariah 2:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5; 1 Peter 2:9

Read Mine Eyes Upon the Lord

10 Minutes and a Burger (poem)

Photograph by SamPac

Poor man, hungry for something to eat
Beggar man, no where to sleep
needs two hands of offering
one for his soul
one for his body

If his body passes on and lays to rest
no more heart to believe
no lips left to confess
and all you did was say "Be blessed"

What good does it do to just say you'll pray
when you are the answer that God sent his way
a few dollars or a burger is a small price to pay
to spare a man's life for another day

10 minutes of your time
may help a blind man see
as with anyone blind, he needs someone to lead
just a few minutes to share your testimony
May spare a man's soul for eternity
Candace Burts © 2009 - 2014. All rights reserved

"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink..."
~Matthew 25:34-35

MEDITATION: Read Matthew 25:31-40

Touched by God

Who knows what this man is going through?
but he is... passing through it
taking a minute in a dark hour to pray and reflect
tightly clenched fists and vein-strained hands
he is confronting something
his bowed head is not a symbol of defeat, but
humility and reverence
an understanding that some things in life are
beyond our power

~SLAY

Copyright 2008© Patrick Slay


Slay is a multi-talented artist and poet, an awesome man of God and my best friend. Though also gifted in painting and sculpting, most of his works are in pencil, with an urban and spiritual influence. He was the first to inspire me to listen to what art is saying. Hear the voice of the artist, and experience their joys, crys, screams, laughter and power. I'll be adding a series of posts to display his artwork in the future.