Desires

Hello world! This is my first blog! YAY! I decided that since I like to write, I would take a stab at blogging and see how I like it. Welcome to my page! I truly hope that you are blessed by my thoughts, stories and posts and that my life can serve as not only a test to me, but a testimony to the PSA 20:4.

Many of you may be wondering what PSA 20:4 is.

While it does not stand for public service announcement, it is just that!

PSA 20:4 is a scripture that recently spoke to me and has been on my mind since. It says:

May He grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed.

Since I was suddenly taken from my sleep this morning at oh, approximately 3:30 AM, I decided to make the most of the time, use the restroom, talk to God and get on Facebook...not necessarily in that order!

I really enjoy writing. The irony of this is that while in high school some 20+ years ago, I was confronted by an English teacher who shall remain nameless (to protect the innocent and because she is quite amazingly STILL alive - I say this because I just KNEW she was approaching 105 when I had her!!). She told me that I was a really good writer. All I knew at that time was that I hated English, had no desire to read what SHE selected and could not wait to get to Chemistry! As the years have progressed, I have developed a fond liking for writing and an authentic desire to do so. Mrs. L would be proud! I am considering writing a book one day. Until the Lord blesses me with that million-dollar, earth shattering, never-been-done-quite-like-it-before idea OR I personally meet Oprah, - I'll blog!

So, you may be wondering why I chose to name my blog PSA 20:4. Not only did the scripture speak to me, the play on the acronym spoke to me as well. I do have "public service announcements" so to speak. Some will be about life in general. Others will brag on my Lord and how He has, does and always will have my back - even when I don't understand what or why a situation is going down the way it is. I may even decide to share a funny story or a serious matter. I feel like I am being led to literally and figuratively "go with the flow" and let the Lord use me as He will. I hope you will enjoy the ride. Let me warn you now to fasten your seatbelt - not only is the ride guaranteed to be bumpy, I work for THAT company so, we may accelerate beyond your control :-)

So what do I have to say about my first topic - desires? It's simple. You see, my favorite scripture promises that the Lord truly has my back - Jer 29:11:

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope..."

It has been in the quiet (and often very LOUD!) times of my life, particularly over the last 5 years, that I have leaned on this scripture heavily. It is so easy for me, a sistah from the East Coast with confidence and boldness (what can I say, I'm a LEO too!), to feel like I can take on anyone, anytime, anywhere...just BRING IT! This feeling of invincibility seems to become stronger and stronger with each personal and professional situation I face - kind of like Popeye and his spinach! The problem is, you can begin to feel like you need NO ONE - God included. The nice thing is, when that feeling overcomes you TOO powerfully, you can count on God to remind you who He is (be it a pebble, a brick or the whole wall!), amen? So, rather than invite that wrath, I have decided to take a NEW approach - one that acknowledges God in all my ways and puts Him first and center. Life is so much easier when you apply this logic! He will truly never leave or forsake you, even when we foolishly put our trust in man. When you pause and think about how many times man has straight dissed you and God has not...you quickly realize it's no contest, you stop fighting it and literally GO WITH GOD! I hope I don't sound to preachy or too much like the latest bumper sticker or t-shirt. My goal is simply to do just that - PUT IT SIMPLY!

Now, when we consider that God knows the plans He has for us and that He wants to give us the desires of our heart, you would think that this would enable an easy, peaceful sleep (obviously not as I glance over at the clock and it glares back 5:51 AM!) and an easy life in general for that matter. I mean, seriously, how awesome is that? That someone loves me enough to grant me the desires of my heart! When I count my blessings and not my troubles, I realize, no, I literally laugh about what ever got me all bent as the enemy was busy. I praise God that in the midst of the worst economic downturn in my adult life, I am yet healthy, employed, sane and HAPPY! I am reminded that issues and drama are temporary character building moments and the choice is mine to control THEM or let them RUIN ME.

I challenge you today, as you journey through your day and life in general to remember that the desires of your life are yours too, if you believe....so live life-with purpose, intention and remember, there is a perfect plan unfolding for your life. Just sit back and let it flow!

C. Nash