Tremayne Moore's Blog, page 7
October 26, 2015
The War On This "Identity Crisis"
You know, I was getting ready for work this morning, and right before I ate breakfast, this was dropped in my spirit.
Why don't we in the body of Christ sow into the lives of others (via an encouraging word, a word from the Lord, intercession, standing in the gap, etc.)? As I look at my life and many around me, I’m finding that there are so many who are self-sabotaging their futures because of past mistakes (or childhood abuse). I’ll be honest, when I was young and even now that I’m old, I find myself wanting to punish myself when I do something wrong whether it be in thought, word and deed. And this happens knowing that God loves me and will forgive me when I repent. Now watch this, many think that when they sin (and I’ve done this at times too), that God is mad at them and he hates them. That couldn’t be further from the truth. He hates sin, not YOU! All of this self-inflicting, self-pain, self-punishment is all part of the devil's plan, to divide us from people, but to also divide us from ourselves.
You know, Mark 3:24-26 says the following: If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he cannot stand, but has an end. Did you get that? If the enemy is divided, he cannot stand and he has an end. When the enemy ensnares people with the sole intent to divide them from themselves, that's what brings about an "IDENTITY CRISIS." I don't know about you, but I'm tired of seeing my brothers and my sisters being picked off by the devil! That spirit can no longer hang over my brother’s heads & my sister’s heads.
So, how do we declare war on those with an Identity Crisis? As I am someone who speaks on mental illness, I want to be very careful with this. In most cases, many illnesses were brought on a person not by choice (especially when they have experienced trauma in their lives). In these cases (and this is the focal point of this particular blogpost), this all came from a demonic spirit. This is the war I’m referring to. But wait, this war is not against flesh and blood (it’s a spiritual war when it’s all said and done). But back to my question: how do we declare war on those with an Identity Crisis? First, we need to have a faith so grounded in Christ, notice I said Christ and not in people. As we live day to day, we see the world getting worse and worse (increase of wars, love of many growing cold – if you want to read the source of this, check out Matthew 24:1-14). As a result, people in the world are being picked off by the devil, but we in the body of Christ need to be extremely careful, that we don’t get picked off by the devil. Although the devil seeks those he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), but let me say this: 1 John 5:4 declares that this is the victory that has overcome the world—even our faith.
Second, it's time for some serious intercession within the Body of Christ for each other in a spirit of love and not to show how spiritual you are. We all need to experience the healing power of Christ especially in this hour, for Jesus is the Ultimate Healer. Believe me, a healing is needed for the minds, bodies, souls and spirits of many. We can sing Hezekiah Walker's I Need You To Survive, but how seriously do we take it? As for me personally, I’m determined (for His glory and not my own) to stand in the gap as an open and yielded vessel for those in the body of Christ who are hurting and struggling with an Identity Crisis.
Blessings,
The Mayne Man
Author Spotlight (Fiona Barnes)
I know it's been a while since I've done a blogpost (as well as an author spotlight). This author I actually met on Twitter and we became acquainted as we tweet on PTSD and child sexual abuse respectfully. She has quite a story and I still have to read her book about how she copes with living with a husband with PTSD. With that, I introduce to you today Fiona Barnes.
I'm a single mother of two delightful, insightful children, both of whom are battling PTSD. Not in the sense that they have it themselves (although it's likely), in the way of soldiers: with respect and ambition.
Their father, a firefighter, was diagnosed in 1999. Watching him fight two bouts in their lifetimes alone, they worry and struggle. They wake up with questions. Hopefully, they go to bed with answers.
My job is to alleviate their fears, speak to their concerns, keep them safe, and treat their worthiness. I'm the anti-PTSD. :) and ;)
Paul (their dad) left our home in 2013. Recently, he's distanced himself even more from our family (the disease will do that). Our son is a musician. He plays just about everything (but he's magic with a guitar-listen at YouTube.com/ABFateless). He also teaches and engineers. Our daughter is a student. They're both lovers; they deem themselves here to help the world, much like our friend Tremayne, who asked me to write a simple bio.
Far be it from me to be a really good listener, here he goes. I'm a writer; I've published three books so far. I have one more ready to go. I've got two more under contract with my brain. I write books that help people understand PTSD. I'm interested in wellness versus illness however, as well as support. I really, truly enjoy and admire watching others succeed. So far I've watched my son publish one book and one CD. (He threatened me his music wouldn't see the light of day if my words stayed in our living room. So perhaps 'watched' isn't an incredibly correct word.) Paul has written and seen amazing success with his first title. And a handful of friends have reached for their dreams on my watch.
I lead a writing class for young ladies at the beach-that is to say, we enjoy scrawling exercises and prompts. We work on inspiration. We giggle a lot. It's endearingly fun and my roster has blown up in the one year I've been at it. In 2016, I'll release an online version. (Stay tuned to BeachChristmasLife.com if you're interested.)
So who am I? An unapologetic mother, first and foremost. I'm a former marriage addict, currently between husbands. I'm a voracious reader who loves words, and anyone who inspires them. I'm a star-gazing free spirit, dreamily chasing a filmy version of my own future reality. And I'm a grateful chick.
Who does that add up to? I'll let you know as soon as I figure it out. In the meantime, tell me your dreams-I'm grateful already in anticipation of your inspiration.
I'm a single mother of two delightful, insightful children, both of whom are battling PTSD. Not in the sense that they have it themselves (although it's likely), in the way of soldiers: with respect and ambition.
Their father, a firefighter, was diagnosed in 1999. Watching him fight two bouts in their lifetimes alone, they worry and struggle. They wake up with questions. Hopefully, they go to bed with answers.
My job is to alleviate their fears, speak to their concerns, keep them safe, and treat their worthiness. I'm the anti-PTSD. :) and ;)
Paul (their dad) left our home in 2013. Recently, he's distanced himself even more from our family (the disease will do that). Our son is a musician. He plays just about everything (but he's magic with a guitar-listen at YouTube.com/ABFateless). He also teaches and engineers. Our daughter is a student. They're both lovers; they deem themselves here to help the world, much like our friend Tremayne, who asked me to write a simple bio.
Far be it from me to be a really good listener, here he goes. I'm a writer; I've published three books so far. I have one more ready to go. I've got two more under contract with my brain. I write books that help people understand PTSD. I'm interested in wellness versus illness however, as well as support. I really, truly enjoy and admire watching others succeed. So far I've watched my son publish one book and one CD. (He threatened me his music wouldn't see the light of day if my words stayed in our living room. So perhaps 'watched' isn't an incredibly correct word.) Paul has written and seen amazing success with his first title. And a handful of friends have reached for their dreams on my watch.
I lead a writing class for young ladies at the beach-that is to say, we enjoy scrawling exercises and prompts. We work on inspiration. We giggle a lot. It's endearingly fun and my roster has blown up in the one year I've been at it. In 2016, I'll release an online version. (Stay tuned to BeachChristmasLife.com if you're interested.)
So who am I? An unapologetic mother, first and foremost. I'm a former marriage addict, currently between husbands. I'm a voracious reader who loves words, and anyone who inspires them. I'm a star-gazing free spirit, dreamily chasing a filmy version of my own future reality. And I'm a grateful chick.
Who does that add up to? I'll let you know as soon as I figure it out. In the meantime, tell me your dreams-I'm grateful already in anticipation of your inspiration.
August 11, 2015
How Fear And Pride Hurt Others
You know, I was listening to a sermon over the weekend talking about Faith To Finish and I want to focus this blogpost on one of the points made (by the way, it was a great sermon overall). I turned the point that the pastor made into a series of questions and I want you all to think about my questions and the following example:
Why do we disobey God when He tells us to do something and we do something contrary? Here’s my example: someone comes to me for healing and I pray and ask God to give me a Word to speak to that someone. He gives me the Word, but I disregard the Word and go through the “healing” Scriptures, and lay hands on them and then go on my merry way (when in reality, it’s just to get them out of my face so I can go on with MY business). Now how does that look? Would you say a bit selfish? I also need to say this, there’s nothing wrong with praying a Scripture over someone and laying hands on someone who needs healing. But if I call myself a minister of the Gospel, I’m to be seeking God for a Word (or allow God to speak through me). So my final set of questions are as follows: Why do we disregard a Word that God gives us for either our lives or for someone else’s life? And as we disregard what God is trying to say to us, we parrot Scriptures that we know or deliver a word from our flesh (that’s really designed to manipulate the situation or the someone that really needs a Word from the Lord)?
I asked my co-worker this morning that very question and gave her the example I’m giving to you all, and she said this to me: “One of the reasons why we don’t do what God tells us to do is because of ‘fear and pride.’ It’s no different than the story of Jonah. God wanted Jonah to deliver a Word to Ninevah, and he went to Tarshish instead.” I said to her, “oh, you’re preaching good here.”
But that co-worker made me think after she brought up Jonah. It’s one thing to be fearful and prideful, but it’s a tragedy when we hurt others with our fear and our pride. That’s not good.
Let me use a situation that could’ve had a tragic ending. If you’ve read some of my other blogposts, you might have read this – but I want to use this and dissect it as to how fear and pride in people can actually have a tragic effect on a life that’s hurting and actually needing a healing from the pain inside (and more importantly, needing a healing that only God can give).
Back in 2012, I remember a woman posted on social media stating that she was going to take her own life. Now, I’m not condemning anyone who commented underneath her post, but it sure left the question if anyone consulted the Lord when they posted what they did. The majority of the comments were saying the following things, “get over it,” “rebuke the devil,” and some were even calling her a devil (it may not have been that specifically, but I know they called her anything but a child of God). I allowed God’s Spirit to speak to my heart and spirit because it was broken when I read that at 5:30am in the morning. God gave me specific instructions to approach this situation. He said to inbox her these words, “if you happen to get this message, give me a call and here’s my number.” About 4 hours later, she called me and all I said was this: “you have my undivided attention, talk to me.” She shared what was on her heart and all I did was listen to her heart. Just a simple ear to a hurting soul can help prevent suicide.
So, you could say this blogpost is really a #MayneMan admonishment to us believers. We have got to be so into Christ that we don’t allow fear and pride to cloud our lives and inadvertently destroy the lives of others.
Now that I’ve said all of that, let’s discuss this.
Blessings.
The Mayne Man
Why do we disobey God when He tells us to do something and we do something contrary? Here’s my example: someone comes to me for healing and I pray and ask God to give me a Word to speak to that someone. He gives me the Word, but I disregard the Word and go through the “healing” Scriptures, and lay hands on them and then go on my merry way (when in reality, it’s just to get them out of my face so I can go on with MY business). Now how does that look? Would you say a bit selfish? I also need to say this, there’s nothing wrong with praying a Scripture over someone and laying hands on someone who needs healing. But if I call myself a minister of the Gospel, I’m to be seeking God for a Word (or allow God to speak through me). So my final set of questions are as follows: Why do we disregard a Word that God gives us for either our lives or for someone else’s life? And as we disregard what God is trying to say to us, we parrot Scriptures that we know or deliver a word from our flesh (that’s really designed to manipulate the situation or the someone that really needs a Word from the Lord)?
I asked my co-worker this morning that very question and gave her the example I’m giving to you all, and she said this to me: “One of the reasons why we don’t do what God tells us to do is because of ‘fear and pride.’ It’s no different than the story of Jonah. God wanted Jonah to deliver a Word to Ninevah, and he went to Tarshish instead.” I said to her, “oh, you’re preaching good here.”
But that co-worker made me think after she brought up Jonah. It’s one thing to be fearful and prideful, but it’s a tragedy when we hurt others with our fear and our pride. That’s not good.
Let me use a situation that could’ve had a tragic ending. If you’ve read some of my other blogposts, you might have read this – but I want to use this and dissect it as to how fear and pride in people can actually have a tragic effect on a life that’s hurting and actually needing a healing from the pain inside (and more importantly, needing a healing that only God can give).
Back in 2012, I remember a woman posted on social media stating that she was going to take her own life. Now, I’m not condemning anyone who commented underneath her post, but it sure left the question if anyone consulted the Lord when they posted what they did. The majority of the comments were saying the following things, “get over it,” “rebuke the devil,” and some were even calling her a devil (it may not have been that specifically, but I know they called her anything but a child of God). I allowed God’s Spirit to speak to my heart and spirit because it was broken when I read that at 5:30am in the morning. God gave me specific instructions to approach this situation. He said to inbox her these words, “if you happen to get this message, give me a call and here’s my number.” About 4 hours later, she called me and all I said was this: “you have my undivided attention, talk to me.” She shared what was on her heart and all I did was listen to her heart. Just a simple ear to a hurting soul can help prevent suicide.
So, you could say this blogpost is really a #MayneMan admonishment to us believers. We have got to be so into Christ that we don’t allow fear and pride to cloud our lives and inadvertently destroy the lives of others.
Now that I’ve said all of that, let’s discuss this.
Blessings.
The Mayne Man
July 20, 2015
Author Spotlight (Brooke Lynn)
Being an author has many rewards. One of the rewards that I love and will always treasure is meeting different people. I met this author on Twitter. She was posting about the love of the Lord and how she overcame childhood trauma. So, this week, I want to turn the spotlight on fellow author & fellow survivor, Brooke Lynn.
"Raised by Strangers" is "Uplifting & Powerful".......Brooke Lynn was only five years old, when she was kidnapped and forced to live a life burdened with cruel and bizarre physical and emotional abuse. Her will to survive, inspired by an invisible hope, helped her fight demons and stay alive as she endured haunting experiences. Check out her true life story, "Raised by Strangers" & learn how God turns tragedy into triumph. You will find a renewed hope, discover your purpose and learn there is freedom in forgiveness!
Author Bio:
Brooke Lynn is a writer and a speaker who passionately lives — reaching others with God’s word and love. She is a survivor of abuse, sharing her past pain and recovery to encourage others with hope. Brooke resides in the Washington D.C. area, has been married for nineteen years, has two children and three dogs.
“Raised by Strangers” is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com in paperback or digital format.
Please visit my website at: www.BrookeLynnBooks.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrookeLynnAuthor1Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrookeLynnBooksPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/BrookLynnWriter/
"Raised by Strangers" is "Uplifting & Powerful".......Brooke Lynn was only five years old, when she was kidnapped and forced to live a life burdened with cruel and bizarre physical and emotional abuse. Her will to survive, inspired by an invisible hope, helped her fight demons and stay alive as she endured haunting experiences. Check out her true life story, "Raised by Strangers" & learn how God turns tragedy into triumph. You will find a renewed hope, discover your purpose and learn there is freedom in forgiveness!
Author Bio:
Brooke Lynn is a writer and a speaker who passionately lives — reaching others with God’s word and love. She is a survivor of abuse, sharing her past pain and recovery to encourage others with hope. Brooke resides in the Washington D.C. area, has been married for nineteen years, has two children and three dogs.
“Raised by Strangers” is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com in paperback or digital format.
Please visit my website at: www.BrookeLynnBooks.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrookeLynnAuthor1Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrookeLynnBooksPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/BrookLynnWriter/
July 11, 2015
Our Declaration as Sexual Abuse Survivors
This was something that I shared on my personal FB page two years ago today (and only selected certain people to read it). I truthfully forgot that I had written this, but after having read it now, I believe that this needs to go global. With that, I’ll let you read this declaration and then I’ll share some closing comments.
(July 11, 2013)Good evening everyone. If you see this post, that means you were selected to see this. Not everybody on FB will see this because of the gravity of this. I want you to be at peace when you read this. This was on my spirit all afternoon and I want to share something with you. I title this: "Our Declaration as Sexual Abuse Survivors." Here it goes.
Yes, we are adult survivors of Child Sexual Abuse. But you know, we're still alive. We are alive with a purpose and we have been commissioned to change the world with our voices/testimonies. We have survived the tests, the heartaches, the pain, the rejection, the neglect, the abandonment, the times when we wanted to give up on life. I don't know about you, but we have met for this purpose, to unite and save others from the miry clay of being "stuck." With that said, we who have made it out and are now on the healing side, have no right to point a finger at those who aren't where we are. Consider we used to be at that stuck period (and for some of us, we're getting closer). We as survivors need to come together, and stop declaring whose abuse and pain is worse than someone else's. All that matters is that we survived the pain and the tests, and now that test is a TESTimony. And believe me when I say this: someone who has a voice needs to hear OUR voice.
Think about it, we went through our pain (not because God didn't care about us or was punishing is) because we would be the ones that can make a serious impact within our realm of influence and the world. Can you understand the weight of that? There are many people who think they are experts of abuse who haven’t endured what we did, but as survivors, we can speak with authority and with boldness, unafraid to let others share the journey with us. Not so they can feel sorry for us, but to let them know that we have the ultimate victory. Considering many of our abusers (to include those who have neglected us and abandoned) didn't care if we died, the fact remains that we're still alive and there's a plan for our lives.
Now someone reading this might be wondering, when will I be compensated for the pain that I went through? My brother, my sister, your compensation will come as a result of you sharing your story of how you survived. Trust me, many of us never dreamed of where we would be right now. Many of us have bachelor degrees, masters and even doctorates. Some of us are writers, singers, poets, in short, we’re very creative. Can somebody get excited about this? As we share our lives with others, many people will understand they have a hope and can overcome whatever they may face. Don't fret when others don't understand or care about what you went through. Our lives are to touch those who need it. In a dying world who doesn't care about those who have suffered like we did, we have to be that voice crying in the wilderness (with love, compassion, and mercy). I can declare to you that your life (and what you've been through) is attached to somebody else. Somebody needs you and your story; don't ever doubt that!
I believe we can declare this as abuse survivors: We will go to those who have suffered, get down in the dirt with them (not to stay with them down there), pick them up and watch them blossom. We will never hurt each other as survivors with our words, for we need each other to survive. We have been ordained to this mission field because we can change the world!
(In Closing) As I shared in a lesson I taught on Tuesday (Mental Illness and the Church’s Response), use discernment as to how much of your story you should share. If you want to hear this lesson, here’s the link:http://fccdl.in/BicWmubK1
If you want to know more of what I do (and yes, this is a plug), on the right hand column of my blog you’ll find some videos (one is a song where I sing the second verse & bridge – dedicated to sexual abuse survivors; and the other video is an interview where I share my story). I have a novel about child sexual abuse, mental illness and suicide (you can read an excerpt right here):http://maynetre.com/mm/books/deaf-dumb-blind-stupid-michael-andersons-fight-for-life/
And by all means, if you’re a survivor and this is your declaration, retweet this, share this, and spread the word! Let’s make an impact on the world.
Blessings.
The Mayne Man
May 28, 2015
What Leaders Can Learn From Abram
I was reading during my quiet time and part of my reading required me to read Genesis 12 & 13. As I started reading, this was dropped in my spirit. I’ll give you the first 4 verses of Chapter 12 and then share what was dropped in my spirit:
Genesis 12:1-4 says this:Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,From your familyAnd from your father’s house,To a land that I will show you.I will make you a great nation;I will bless youAnd make your name great;And you shall be a blessing.I will bless those who bless you,And I will curse him who curses you;And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
Now many times we talk about prosperity, and all that when we read those verses. Let's look at this from a leadership perspective. Abram was called out of his comfort zone (or we could say comfortable place), leaders when they want to be effective, will step out of their comfortable place. Abram had faith in God to obey; leaders step out into the world of the unknown. But a leader that's grounded in Christ can leave a legacy like Abram.
Let’s look deeper into those verses: God said to Abram that He will make him a great nation, bless him and make his name great. Sometimes when God wants to bless you, He has to get you away from your comfortable place like He did with Abram. Abram had nothing to lose but everything to gain when He stepped out and left his country. Leaders when they’re going for something big, they have nothing to lose going in. I’m sure Abram counted the cost before leaving. They say that leaders aren’t born, and every leader that has left a legacy counted the cost. So I ask every child of God, do you want to be used to the fullest? Count the cost and be open to His Spirit and what He’s trying to say to you. Don’t be alarmed if He pulls you from your surroundings. He has so much for you. I’m willing to believe that every leader can testify to that.
Let’s look down in Chapter 13 (I promise you that I won’t be long). Let’s start at verse 10 when Lot and Abram split up. I want you all to see this.
Verses 10-13:And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.
I want to stop here for a minute. As you are walking with the Lord, don’t think that everything that looks good is what is supposed to be in your life. Pray, get alone with God, fast, before making a hasty decision. Leaders carefully count the cost and discern before making decisions that could have an impact that’s either good or bad. Lot lifted his eyes and saw that the land was well watered. And he went for it. Now Abram gave Lot the first choice. That is what you call serving – giving other people a voice. That’s what good leaders do. But I also want to bring out here is the power of choice. We live and die based on choices we make.
Now watch what God does after Lot leaves Abram (starting at verse 14):
And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.”
A godly leader always gets alone to let God speak to Him because he knows that God is a leader’s provision. It doesn’t get better than that. In fact, faithfulness to God always brings promotion. Think about it, Abram left his country, and always trusted God as his provider and God elevated Abram – which you’ll find as you read on in Genesis.
But what I wanted to show was that in order to discover that God is not a man that He should lie, that He watches over His Word to perform it; He will fulfill every promise to us, we have to take that step of faith to Him and allow Him to direct our paths and be obedient to Him no matter the cost. That’s how you can be a leader after God’s heart and get this: in the Bible, when Abraham, Isaac & Jacob passed away, you’ll find that people always made reference to the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac or the God of Jacob. They’ll remember you and want to serve the God that you serve.
Blessings.
The Mayne Man
Genesis 12:1-4 says this:Now the Lord had said to Abram:
“Get out of your country,From your familyAnd from your father’s house,To a land that I will show you.I will make you a great nation;I will bless youAnd make your name great;And you shall be a blessing.I will bless those who bless you,And I will curse him who curses you;And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
Now many times we talk about prosperity, and all that when we read those verses. Let's look at this from a leadership perspective. Abram was called out of his comfort zone (or we could say comfortable place), leaders when they want to be effective, will step out of their comfortable place. Abram had faith in God to obey; leaders step out into the world of the unknown. But a leader that's grounded in Christ can leave a legacy like Abram.
Let’s look deeper into those verses: God said to Abram that He will make him a great nation, bless him and make his name great. Sometimes when God wants to bless you, He has to get you away from your comfortable place like He did with Abram. Abram had nothing to lose but everything to gain when He stepped out and left his country. Leaders when they’re going for something big, they have nothing to lose going in. I’m sure Abram counted the cost before leaving. They say that leaders aren’t born, and every leader that has left a legacy counted the cost. So I ask every child of God, do you want to be used to the fullest? Count the cost and be open to His Spirit and what He’s trying to say to you. Don’t be alarmed if He pulls you from your surroundings. He has so much for you. I’m willing to believe that every leader can testify to that.
Let’s look down in Chapter 13 (I promise you that I won’t be long). Let’s start at verse 10 when Lot and Abram split up. I want you all to see this.
Verses 10-13:And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other. Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.
I want to stop here for a minute. As you are walking with the Lord, don’t think that everything that looks good is what is supposed to be in your life. Pray, get alone with God, fast, before making a hasty decision. Leaders carefully count the cost and discern before making decisions that could have an impact that’s either good or bad. Lot lifted his eyes and saw that the land was well watered. And he went for it. Now Abram gave Lot the first choice. That is what you call serving – giving other people a voice. That’s what good leaders do. But I also want to bring out here is the power of choice. We live and die based on choices we make.
Now watch what God does after Lot leaves Abram (starting at verse 14):
And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.”
A godly leader always gets alone to let God speak to Him because he knows that God is a leader’s provision. It doesn’t get better than that. In fact, faithfulness to God always brings promotion. Think about it, Abram left his country, and always trusted God as his provider and God elevated Abram – which you’ll find as you read on in Genesis.
But what I wanted to show was that in order to discover that God is not a man that He should lie, that He watches over His Word to perform it; He will fulfill every promise to us, we have to take that step of faith to Him and allow Him to direct our paths and be obedient to Him no matter the cost. That’s how you can be a leader after God’s heart and get this: in the Bible, when Abraham, Isaac & Jacob passed away, you’ll find that people always made reference to the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac or the God of Jacob. They’ll remember you and want to serve the God that you serve.
Blessings.
The Mayne Man
April 28, 2015
Finding A Wife Is Not Like Shoe Shopping!
Good morning everyone. I asked a fellow author to share what's on her heart and she has message to the Brothers (and I would add the Sisters too). With that, I turn it over to Apostle Melissa "Mimi" Ewell.
Hello Brothers! This one is for you...
Yes, Proverbs 18:22 says, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord."
However... Finding a wife is not like shoe shopping! You shouldn't be trying on women, one after another, like you're trying on shoes until you find a pair with the best fit!
It's truly counterproductive to run through all the single women in your church or at your job, trying to figure out which one is Mrs. Right! Not only is it hard on the women to see you jump from one to the other, like they're being tossed in the reject pile, you could very easily gain the reputation of a womanizer or that "desperate" guy. Trust me... Desperation is not a good look on women or men!
To avoid all that drama, it's best to seek God and ask Him to deliver your wife to you ! This is one way the word "Find" is defined in the Hebrew. It also means to obtain, to acquire, to receive .
When you consider the love story of men in the Bible, that's the way it happened for Adam, Isaac and Boaz. Instead of searching for a wife, they were all presented with their wives, when their wives were delivered to them!
In Genesis 2, we see that Adam went to sleep and when God woke him up, Adam was thrilled "find" Eve standing there before him in all her glory! He immediately claimed her as flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone, the woman who would be his wife for life!
In Genesis 24, Abraham sent his servant Eleazar to find Isaac a wife. Not knowing who exactly to look for, Eleazar prayed and God directed Rebekah straight to him. Which means, Isaac didn't even get to see his bride until Eleazar delivered her to him.
In Ruth 3, Ruth initially showed up to glean in a field that belonged to Boaz, a distant relative of her mother-in-law, Naomi. Then later, at Naomi's directions, Ruth positioned herself at Boaz's feet so he didn't have to go anywhere to "find" her! Again, she was delivered to him.
With these stories in mind, it may be time to reconsider your "wife-finding" strategy and get acquainted with God's plan to bring love into your life. He knows you best and He's the best one to bring the woman you need to be your wife, best friend and life-long lover!
If you want God's best, then you have to do things God's way. And that includes letting God do the picking, the finding and the delivering when it comes to favoring you with a wife!
Makes Sense???
Hello Brothers! This one is for you...
Yes, Proverbs 18:22 says, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord."
However... Finding a wife is not like shoe shopping! You shouldn't be trying on women, one after another, like you're trying on shoes until you find a pair with the best fit!
It's truly counterproductive to run through all the single women in your church or at your job, trying to figure out which one is Mrs. Right! Not only is it hard on the women to see you jump from one to the other, like they're being tossed in the reject pile, you could very easily gain the reputation of a womanizer or that "desperate" guy. Trust me... Desperation is not a good look on women or men!
To avoid all that drama, it's best to seek God and ask Him to deliver your wife to you ! This is one way the word "Find" is defined in the Hebrew. It also means to obtain, to acquire, to receive .
When you consider the love story of men in the Bible, that's the way it happened for Adam, Isaac and Boaz. Instead of searching for a wife, they were all presented with their wives, when their wives were delivered to them!
In Genesis 2, we see that Adam went to sleep and when God woke him up, Adam was thrilled "find" Eve standing there before him in all her glory! He immediately claimed her as flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone, the woman who would be his wife for life!
In Genesis 24, Abraham sent his servant Eleazar to find Isaac a wife. Not knowing who exactly to look for, Eleazar prayed and God directed Rebekah straight to him. Which means, Isaac didn't even get to see his bride until Eleazar delivered her to him.
In Ruth 3, Ruth initially showed up to glean in a field that belonged to Boaz, a distant relative of her mother-in-law, Naomi. Then later, at Naomi's directions, Ruth positioned herself at Boaz's feet so he didn't have to go anywhere to "find" her! Again, she was delivered to him.
With these stories in mind, it may be time to reconsider your "wife-finding" strategy and get acquainted with God's plan to bring love into your life. He knows you best and He's the best one to bring the woman you need to be your wife, best friend and life-long lover!
If you want God's best, then you have to do things God's way. And that includes letting God do the picking, the finding and the delivering when it comes to favoring you with a wife!
Makes Sense???
April 20, 2015
Caregiver Life (Autism Awareness)
In the spirit of Autism Awareness month, I wanted to feature an author who can speak on this very topic. She's a single mother and caregiver of two sons (her youngest suffering from Cerebral Palsy). Her adult brother has severe Autism and Epilepsy. More could be said, so I'll let this author take over. Everybody, show your love to Monique Duell.
My life is anything but ordinary! I am a stay at home, single mom...for now. I have 3 extraordinary children that God has given me stewardship over. I have a funny, smart 17 yr old with ADHD who loves video games, a 14 yr old son with Cerebral Palsy who loves God, singing and macaroni & cheese, and I am caring for my 37 yr old brother who has Autism/Severe Retardation & Epilepsy, who lives in a 24-hr full-time care facility, is mostly non-verbal and doesn't even know what day it is. He makes noises, rocks back and forth and shakes his hands. Welcome to my world! They are all a joy and a handful at the same time. For about four years or so, in addition to raising them, I also had custody of my little sister who was suffering from an autoimmune disease and Ulcerative Colitis. My mother passed away in March of 2006, 2 months after her 52nd birthday, and I refused to allow my siblings to go into the system. No one else in my family came forth to take them in, which is sad because our families are big. It was never a second thought for me. So, here I was, from 2006, until 2011, with a house full of different needs, emotional issues and physical handicaps with NO support or financial assistance from their fathers. No calls, no visits, nothing! My youngest son and my brother requires 24 hour care. My son who has CP is in a wheelchair, can't walk, dress, bathe, brush his teeth or go to the bathroom. Everything I do for myself, I have to do for him-every single day! My brother, however, can do all of that, but like my son, he can't express specific emotions, like pain, sickness or if someone is hurting them, etc. They can express when they're hungry, tired, or scared. Couple that with my brother having seizures, and you have a whole new situation. He has no idea what is happening to him. I’ve been asked, what life is like as a caregiver?
Well, it’s busy, tedious, rewarding, confusing to some, requires faith, patience, a prayer life and a relationship with Jesus Christ! There’s no way that any human could withstand what I have endured in their own strength. You’d be dead, crazy or hospitalized. Since my brother and sister are out of the house, life has calmed down significantly. Before then, I spent at least 4 days a wk at a doctor’s office or a specialist’s office, and that was just for my sister! She was on 15 medications, plus injections and infusions. My son had heel cord surgery to lengthen his tendons due to spasticity. He was casted from hip to feet for 3 mths. We had a special bed and chair delivered to our home for him. After they removed the cast, he had intensive therapy because he had no muscles. It was very painful for him and for me as his mother to watch him go through that. We take too much for granted! I had to baby proof my home for my brother because he would do whatever his mind told him to do. Any little object could attract his curiosity and he’d take it and do God knows what with it. He was very creative. He took my radio apart and put it back together! My brother would just go around the house, searching for something to get into. One day, he took a pencil sharpener that was in my arts and crafts case, and shaved half of his beard with it! He doesn’t like hair on his face or head, and I guess I took too long getting his hair and beard cut. My oldest son was acting out because he was jealous. My time was taken, and he felt left out, and rightfully so. I was just ONE person, trying to hold our family together. I had to find a balance. I learned how to take time with each of them to do things that they enjoyed. There was never a dull moment in our house. Meal time was a chore too. While three of them (my oldest son, brother and sister) could eat whatever I cooked, my youngest needed foods that he could manipulate with his mouth. He doesn’t chew like you or I. He kinda works his mouth until he softens his food, then swallows. He, and my brother eats too fast. I used to have to sit with them and verbally tell them to slow down. Now, I got the look! Then, there were the different attitudes and behaviors I deal with. Having two of them not being able to express normally, I have to watch carefully their body language and what they don’t say. I have to do that with my oldest son. He’s at that age where talking to mommy is awkward. As long as they are fed and entertained, they are good. My brother is so quiet, you wouldn’t even know he’s in the house. He even walks quietly. My youngest son makes lots of noise, all the time. He suffers from echolalia, which means he will repeat a word, phrase, or song over and over again until he gets tired. My son also jumps when certain commercials or jungles come on the radio or TV. I still have let to understand why. The doctors tried to explain it to me, but I can’t explain it to you. Family TV time is difficult because not only do I have to watch what came across the TV, but his echolalia makes it impossible to enjoy our favorite shows. I have to record what I like and watch it when he goes to bed. Bedtime is a challenge too! My brother I used to going to bed at 7 on the dot, and gets real cranky if he doesn’t. My youngest son goes to bed and literally starts screaming and yelling noises, songs, words, etc. til he tires himself out. Now that he is 14, he has discovered his male part, so every night, he attempts to break in his diaper to play with his male part. Sometimes he succeeds because he is soaked in the am. This means that I have to do laundry more than I would normally. I have to stay awake until he falls asleep to make sure that he doesn’t have a bowel movement because he can gotten into his diaper on more than one occasion and, well, you know the rest. I woke up one day mortified! He had feces on the wall, in the bed, on his face, on his head, he had it everywhere. This is the embarrassing part that no one wants to talk about, but if my story helps someone else, to God be the glory. I called his doctor because I was afraid he’d harmed himself by consuming it. I was scared, crying and feared CPS would come in and take him. I have sense then developed a way to secure his clothing to prevent that. He has to wear clothing with drawstrings. He can only manipulate his left hand fully, so this works in our favor. His right hand had surgery to extend it from being bent, by transferring a tendon to it. He still keeps his fist closed until he reaches for something. Every now and then, he has temper tantrums when he can’t have his way or I take too long getting him something. He will either ball up his fist or open handedly slap himself in the face repeatedly while crying or screaming a word or a
phrase. When he or my brother was overstimulated, I would turn on worship music, watch sermons on TBN or the Word Network and pray. It calms them right down and I continue to do this in my home. I’ve taught them how to pray and flow in the Spirit by doing that. We have morning devotions before my sons go to school and when my brother visits, we do it before he leaves. I can only tell you that God kept me and is still keeping me despite the fact that my brother and sister have moved out. I still have two healthy, busy teenagers who keep me on my toes. As I mentioned earlier, financially, my sibling’s father never paid any child support despite me going to court several times. My sister’s father did bring her clothes and money a few times. It was her grandfather who financially helped me get her settled when she came to live with me straight from the hospital after she was released for a life-threatening clot that almost cost my sister her leg. She had nothing but the clothes on her back! My son’s father pays child support erratically. He will work for six mths to a yr, then be unemployed for a yr. Thankfully, my sibling’s receive death benefits from my mom. They are well cared for. My son are well cared for too! I have a support system who makes sure that they don’t want for anything. God is an amazing God! He will provide and help you if you trust Him. I am not a one woman show. There is always an appointment to go to, a service that needs to be rendered for one of them, a meeting or an IEP that needs to be attended and always something to pray for! My life has a whirlwind of ups, downs, struggles and triumphs. I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. I have gained a wealth of knowledge that I now share with others. I have grown as a woman and as a mother. I am closer to God than I’ve ever been and He is rewarding me handsomely for my faithfulness.
These days, things have definitely shifted. I have become an Author. I have two books, currently on Amazon, Google Play, and Ibooks. They are called, “How Do I Handle a Special Needs Child?” and “Handicapped Mom: Lessons I Learned from Cerebral Palsy.” My first book is an inspirational how-to book that deals with overcoming the negative emotions we face as parents, caregivers, and guardians, such as guilt and depression. My latest book is my testimony about some of what you just read, plus more! I promise you that your mouth will drop, tears will fall and your hands will go up! I will never be ordinary. God has made me extraordinary!
Amen!
Monique's books are available on Amazon/Kindle, Google Play Store & Ibooks. Follow her on social media:Twitter: @moniqueduellFB:facebook.com/imjusmo
Blessings:
The Mayne Man
My life is anything but ordinary! I am a stay at home, single mom...for now. I have 3 extraordinary children that God has given me stewardship over. I have a funny, smart 17 yr old with ADHD who loves video games, a 14 yr old son with Cerebral Palsy who loves God, singing and macaroni & cheese, and I am caring for my 37 yr old brother who has Autism/Severe Retardation & Epilepsy, who lives in a 24-hr full-time care facility, is mostly non-verbal and doesn't even know what day it is. He makes noises, rocks back and forth and shakes his hands. Welcome to my world! They are all a joy and a handful at the same time. For about four years or so, in addition to raising them, I also had custody of my little sister who was suffering from an autoimmune disease and Ulcerative Colitis. My mother passed away in March of 2006, 2 months after her 52nd birthday, and I refused to allow my siblings to go into the system. No one else in my family came forth to take them in, which is sad because our families are big. It was never a second thought for me. So, here I was, from 2006, until 2011, with a house full of different needs, emotional issues and physical handicaps with NO support or financial assistance from their fathers. No calls, no visits, nothing! My youngest son and my brother requires 24 hour care. My son who has CP is in a wheelchair, can't walk, dress, bathe, brush his teeth or go to the bathroom. Everything I do for myself, I have to do for him-every single day! My brother, however, can do all of that, but like my son, he can't express specific emotions, like pain, sickness or if someone is hurting them, etc. They can express when they're hungry, tired, or scared. Couple that with my brother having seizures, and you have a whole new situation. He has no idea what is happening to him. I’ve been asked, what life is like as a caregiver?
Well, it’s busy, tedious, rewarding, confusing to some, requires faith, patience, a prayer life and a relationship with Jesus Christ! There’s no way that any human could withstand what I have endured in their own strength. You’d be dead, crazy or hospitalized. Since my brother and sister are out of the house, life has calmed down significantly. Before then, I spent at least 4 days a wk at a doctor’s office or a specialist’s office, and that was just for my sister! She was on 15 medications, plus injections and infusions. My son had heel cord surgery to lengthen his tendons due to spasticity. He was casted from hip to feet for 3 mths. We had a special bed and chair delivered to our home for him. After they removed the cast, he had intensive therapy because he had no muscles. It was very painful for him and for me as his mother to watch him go through that. We take too much for granted! I had to baby proof my home for my brother because he would do whatever his mind told him to do. Any little object could attract his curiosity and he’d take it and do God knows what with it. He was very creative. He took my radio apart and put it back together! My brother would just go around the house, searching for something to get into. One day, he took a pencil sharpener that was in my arts and crafts case, and shaved half of his beard with it! He doesn’t like hair on his face or head, and I guess I took too long getting his hair and beard cut. My oldest son was acting out because he was jealous. My time was taken, and he felt left out, and rightfully so. I was just ONE person, trying to hold our family together. I had to find a balance. I learned how to take time with each of them to do things that they enjoyed. There was never a dull moment in our house. Meal time was a chore too. While three of them (my oldest son, brother and sister) could eat whatever I cooked, my youngest needed foods that he could manipulate with his mouth. He doesn’t chew like you or I. He kinda works his mouth until he softens his food, then swallows. He, and my brother eats too fast. I used to have to sit with them and verbally tell them to slow down. Now, I got the look! Then, there were the different attitudes and behaviors I deal with. Having two of them not being able to express normally, I have to watch carefully their body language and what they don’t say. I have to do that with my oldest son. He’s at that age where talking to mommy is awkward. As long as they are fed and entertained, they are good. My brother is so quiet, you wouldn’t even know he’s in the house. He even walks quietly. My youngest son makes lots of noise, all the time. He suffers from echolalia, which means he will repeat a word, phrase, or song over and over again until he gets tired. My son also jumps when certain commercials or jungles come on the radio or TV. I still have let to understand why. The doctors tried to explain it to me, but I can’t explain it to you. Family TV time is difficult because not only do I have to watch what came across the TV, but his echolalia makes it impossible to enjoy our favorite shows. I have to record what I like and watch it when he goes to bed. Bedtime is a challenge too! My brother I used to going to bed at 7 on the dot, and gets real cranky if he doesn’t. My youngest son goes to bed and literally starts screaming and yelling noises, songs, words, etc. til he tires himself out. Now that he is 14, he has discovered his male part, so every night, he attempts to break in his diaper to play with his male part. Sometimes he succeeds because he is soaked in the am. This means that I have to do laundry more than I would normally. I have to stay awake until he falls asleep to make sure that he doesn’t have a bowel movement because he can gotten into his diaper on more than one occasion and, well, you know the rest. I woke up one day mortified! He had feces on the wall, in the bed, on his face, on his head, he had it everywhere. This is the embarrassing part that no one wants to talk about, but if my story helps someone else, to God be the glory. I called his doctor because I was afraid he’d harmed himself by consuming it. I was scared, crying and feared CPS would come in and take him. I have sense then developed a way to secure his clothing to prevent that. He has to wear clothing with drawstrings. He can only manipulate his left hand fully, so this works in our favor. His right hand had surgery to extend it from being bent, by transferring a tendon to it. He still keeps his fist closed until he reaches for something. Every now and then, he has temper tantrums when he can’t have his way or I take too long getting him something. He will either ball up his fist or open handedly slap himself in the face repeatedly while crying or screaming a word or a
phrase. When he or my brother was overstimulated, I would turn on worship music, watch sermons on TBN or the Word Network and pray. It calms them right down and I continue to do this in my home. I’ve taught them how to pray and flow in the Spirit by doing that. We have morning devotions before my sons go to school and when my brother visits, we do it before he leaves. I can only tell you that God kept me and is still keeping me despite the fact that my brother and sister have moved out. I still have two healthy, busy teenagers who keep me on my toes. As I mentioned earlier, financially, my sibling’s father never paid any child support despite me going to court several times. My sister’s father did bring her clothes and money a few times. It was her grandfather who financially helped me get her settled when she came to live with me straight from the hospital after she was released for a life-threatening clot that almost cost my sister her leg. She had nothing but the clothes on her back! My son’s father pays child support erratically. He will work for six mths to a yr, then be unemployed for a yr. Thankfully, my sibling’s receive death benefits from my mom. They are well cared for. My son are well cared for too! I have a support system who makes sure that they don’t want for anything. God is an amazing God! He will provide and help you if you trust Him. I am not a one woman show. There is always an appointment to go to, a service that needs to be rendered for one of them, a meeting or an IEP that needs to be attended and always something to pray for! My life has a whirlwind of ups, downs, struggles and triumphs. I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. I have gained a wealth of knowledge that I now share with others. I have grown as a woman and as a mother. I am closer to God than I’ve ever been and He is rewarding me handsomely for my faithfulness.
These days, things have definitely shifted. I have become an Author. I have two books, currently on Amazon, Google Play, and Ibooks. They are called, “How Do I Handle a Special Needs Child?” and “Handicapped Mom: Lessons I Learned from Cerebral Palsy.” My first book is an inspirational how-to book that deals with overcoming the negative emotions we face as parents, caregivers, and guardians, such as guilt and depression. My latest book is my testimony about some of what you just read, plus more! I promise you that your mouth will drop, tears will fall and your hands will go up! I will never be ordinary. God has made me extraordinary!
Amen!
Monique's books are available on Amazon/Kindle, Google Play Store & Ibooks. Follow her on social media:Twitter: @moniqueduellFB:facebook.com/imjusmo
Blessings:
The Mayne Man
April 17, 2015
Bitter Like Naomi?
This was on my spirit yesterday morning. So many times when we read Ruth, we're focusing on chapter 1 and verse 16; or on Ruth finding Boaz. Rarely do we talk about Naomi, and that's who we're going to talk about today. I believe this is going to set someone free who experienced a loss and is bitter as a result, but as Jessica Reedy said, you must believe it gets better.
In the first chapter of Ruth, we find that Naomi lost her husband to death. A few verses down, she lost her sons. See, when you're grieving, there's a strong tendency to push people away. That's what Naomi was trying to with her daughter-in-laws. Now, those who have grieved before (or are currently grieving) can testify to what Naomi was doing. I want to encourage those who are grieving (or who need to grieve) to grieve. Granted, I know the loss of my father will come in stages; but anyway, Jesus said blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.
Part of me wants to jump ahead to say something, but I'll refrain for now. When Naomi was pushing her daughter-in-laws away, Ruth was adamant in staying with Naomi. See, Naomi felt that this was the Lord's doing and that she was being punished. When Ruth & Naomi reached Bethlehem, Naomi wanted to be called Mara - which means bitter. Now I will say what I want to say. I know there are a lot of people who might be grieving (or covering their pain with a smile) either the dead or the living. What am I talking about?
You're grieving the loss of a spouseYou're grieving the breakup of a friendship, relationship, marriageYou're grieving the loss of a childYou're grieving the death of a dreamYou're grieving a financial setback, bad investment dealYou're grieving your childhood abuse, the pain you feel you allowed yourself to endure (via domestic abuse)
And for some of you reading, you feel like Naomi and/or walking around with Mara as your nickname (and not realizing it). Believe me, I've walked around with Mara as my nickname so you're not alone. But it's time to get better - in His time. God doesn't want you bitter at the world because of what the enemy has done in your life. The past should not scar your future especially to the point you penalize the future due to your past. God has so much in store for you - the best is yet to come!
Of course, I can't end this blogpost here. There's one more thing that needs to be said: in Ruth 2:20, Naomi declared this to Ruth; "May he (Boaz) be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!" What she's starting to understand is that God never forsakes those He's called. He's called you right where you are. You may feel bitter right now, but you can feel better once you allow the grieving process to run its course.
Blessings:
The Mayne Man
In the first chapter of Ruth, we find that Naomi lost her husband to death. A few verses down, she lost her sons. See, when you're grieving, there's a strong tendency to push people away. That's what Naomi was trying to with her daughter-in-laws. Now, those who have grieved before (or are currently grieving) can testify to what Naomi was doing. I want to encourage those who are grieving (or who need to grieve) to grieve. Granted, I know the loss of my father will come in stages; but anyway, Jesus said blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.
Part of me wants to jump ahead to say something, but I'll refrain for now. When Naomi was pushing her daughter-in-laws away, Ruth was adamant in staying with Naomi. See, Naomi felt that this was the Lord's doing and that she was being punished. When Ruth & Naomi reached Bethlehem, Naomi wanted to be called Mara - which means bitter. Now I will say what I want to say. I know there are a lot of people who might be grieving (or covering their pain with a smile) either the dead or the living. What am I talking about?
You're grieving the loss of a spouseYou're grieving the breakup of a friendship, relationship, marriageYou're grieving the loss of a childYou're grieving the death of a dreamYou're grieving a financial setback, bad investment dealYou're grieving your childhood abuse, the pain you feel you allowed yourself to endure (via domestic abuse)
And for some of you reading, you feel like Naomi and/or walking around with Mara as your nickname (and not realizing it). Believe me, I've walked around with Mara as my nickname so you're not alone. But it's time to get better - in His time. God doesn't want you bitter at the world because of what the enemy has done in your life. The past should not scar your future especially to the point you penalize the future due to your past. God has so much in store for you - the best is yet to come!
Of course, I can't end this blogpost here. There's one more thing that needs to be said: in Ruth 2:20, Naomi declared this to Ruth; "May he (Boaz) be blessed by the LORD, whose kindness has not forsaken the living or the dead!" What she's starting to understand is that God never forsakes those He's called. He's called you right where you are. You may feel bitter right now, but you can feel better once you allow the grieving process to run its course.
Blessings:
The Mayne Man
April 13, 2015
Dangers of Being a Sole Proprietor
I dedicate this blogpost to those who are authors with a publishing company, but are operating as a sole proprietor.
Now how many of you like a simple life? I'll be honest, I do too. But this is one area that you can not neglect. Let's talk about what a sole proprietor is:
This is where you own a business and you can start it right where you are. You don't have to file any article with your respective state. The only thing you have to file is a DBA (doing business as) with the state. The cost should be less than $50 depending the state. On your taxes, you can just file just file a Schedule C and call it a day. Sounds simple, right? It is.
Now, let's talk about the dangers. If you are sued in your business, you have no protection of your business. Whoever is suing you can come after your business assets AND your personal assets. If the business is bankrupt, so are YOU.
People with a business as a sole proprietor will more & likely stand a greater risk of being audited by the IRS. If you don't have any income for 5 years or if you have losses, it will be treated as a hobby and not a business. If you set up your business as an LLC (a hybrid version of a sole proprietor, where creditors can not come after your personal assets) that's a way around that trap.
Just a little food for thought.
The Mayne Man
Now how many of you like a simple life? I'll be honest, I do too. But this is one area that you can not neglect. Let's talk about what a sole proprietor is:
This is where you own a business and you can start it right where you are. You don't have to file any article with your respective state. The only thing you have to file is a DBA (doing business as) with the state. The cost should be less than $50 depending the state. On your taxes, you can just file just file a Schedule C and call it a day. Sounds simple, right? It is.
Now, let's talk about the dangers. If you are sued in your business, you have no protection of your business. Whoever is suing you can come after your business assets AND your personal assets. If the business is bankrupt, so are YOU.
People with a business as a sole proprietor will more & likely stand a greater risk of being audited by the IRS. If you don't have any income for 5 years or if you have losses, it will be treated as a hobby and not a business. If you set up your business as an LLC (a hybrid version of a sole proprietor, where creditors can not come after your personal assets) that's a way around that trap.
Just a little food for thought.
The Mayne Man
