Category Archives: Visionary Planning

Messages about vision and planning

Seeing Past Your Blindspot

Posted on by yolandaberry
Reply

IMG_2235

“Brethen, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Phil 3:13

When you look through a rear view mirror, you cannot see a specific area when you are backing up a vehicle. If you assume or estimate the distance without really knowing if anyone or anything is behind the blind spot, it can lead to imminent danger if you are not cautious.

Many times in life, you may face a blind spot. The blind spot is a very uncomfortable place. You feel stuck. You don’t know which direction to go. You don’t have clear vision. You may not even understand how and why you got yourself in such a predicament, situation or circumstance. It’s a lonely place. It’s a temporary place. It’s an unpredictable place.

In the blind spot, people’s approval or opinions does not matter. It’s a place of solitude. You do not care about seeking advice or listening to a circle of friends, but you are in desperate need to hear from God alone.

The blind spot was designed to remove you from your comfort zone. It was created to stretch your faith. It is a place and moment in time where God gets your attention by calling you to a new place either spiritually or physically. It’s a place that you’re yet to discover. It’s also a place where you can’t force things to happen on your own terms, in your own way and on your own timeline. You must trust God in knowing that He is working behind the scenes.

Although it’s beautiful to hold onto joyous memories, it can slow you down or hold you back if you continue to hold onto the past or feel that life will never be the same. Due to unfortunate circumstances such as a death of a loved one, an illness, a sudden disability, or even surviving a natural disaster, it’s possible that life will never be the same, but God has much more promises and dreams to fulfill in your life. He has much more people for you to meet. He has many more opportunities to receive. Many more mistakes to learn from and many places for you to visit and explore. He has much more love for you to share. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.” Jer 29:11

You can’t continue to go in reverse and keep dwelling on past mistakes, bad experiences or memories. You must forge ahead with assurance and confidence knowing that you have much more to experience, learn and understand. You can’t move forward if you continue to look backwards. You have to give the Lord the driver’s wheel and trust that He will lead you in the right direction.

“Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Heb 11:1

Rest in His Presence

Posted on by yolandaberry
Reply

“My voice will you hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up.” Psalm 5:3

The best part of my day is waking up early in the morning after I’m fully rested. The stillness and solitude is the essence of peace. I capture the moment in prayer and reflection.

Some people wake up to self-created chaos and noise. Others have so many obligations and tight, demanding schedules which make it impossible to even imagine starting the day in stillness. Many people are paralyzed and gripped with fear watching the realities unfolding daily on the world news as well as in their daily lives.

With responsibilities of a family, others are left with high demands for caring for others which leaves rarely enough time for themselves. Stressful situations or circumstances can be heavy on our  minds. Physical illness can also strip any sense of peace of mind and cause additional worries that can leave one feeling helpless, fearful, discouraged and insecure about their future. “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1:7

With so many burdens plaguing the average person on a daily basis, we really need to evaluate and carve out time in our crammed schedules and overwhelming circumstances to mediate, pray and focus on silence. No children, cell phones, laptops, tablets, TV’s, radios or iPods allowed. Just time to be. Even if it’s only for 15-30 minutes a day. Eventually, once you start to notice how important it is to have a “time-out”, you will carve out special time for yourself and dedicate a specific amount of time per day or per week to unwind. “Evening, and morning and at noon, will I pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice. He has delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.” Psalm 55:17-18

There’s just something extra special about quality time in the mornings. It’s the freshness of a new day with new ideas and new goals with an opportunity to make things better than the day before. “Seek me early and you will find me.”

Allow yourself time to dream again. No thinking or worrying involved. The time to do absolutely nothing without feeling guilty, rushed or anxious. Your body, mind and spirit will appreciate it. You will feel re-energized and rejuvenated. In addition, you will jump start your mornings on a whole new level. You are well worth the investment.

“Stand in awe, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.” Psalm 4:4

A Call To Action

Posted on by yolandaberry
Reply

 

10582934186_ddf50a3507_z

It has been five years since the nightmare on Wall Street, the downturn in the housing market, economic homicide, stock market suicide and job market genocide. We have experienced a constant series of rollercoaster events to last a lifetime: Natural disasters, global, social and political turmoil.  Now, we’re facing another panic attack in Congress over extreme budget cuts in our nation. Have you had enough?

A Heart of Prayer

When life seems to be spiraling out of control, it is only through prayer that makes a difference. Man is not in control as much as the world system believes. We serve an unlimited, omniscient, all-knowing God. “God who works all things out for our highest good”. Romans 8:28

Perhaps, God is calling us to acknowledge Him. Desire Him. Understand Him. Love Him. We simply can’t keep living less than His expectations and intentions that He created us to be. Phil 2:13

A Heart of Repentance

We can’t continue to sleep walk through life while others walk dead. “Awake thou that sleeps and arise from the dead and Christ will give you light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise redeeming the time because the days are evil. Therefore, be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Esph 5:14-17 We need a touch from God: A spiritual awakening. A revival. Only the power of God can change the direction the world is going. Repentance must be at the heart of every man.  “Every knee shall bow and confess that He is Lord.”Phil 2:10-11

A Heart of Service

We are in a new season. The year is still young. Let’s add caring to our resolution list for mankind in 2013. We need a call to action. We must also serve our neighborhoods, our communities , our world. We have all been hit with some type of devastation in our lives: A death of a loved one, an illness, a tragic accident, foreclosure, divorce, abusive relationships, addictions, job loss, bankruptcy and other horrific things. We can’t escape life, but we can heal our wounds. It takes each of us. When we give back to others, we enrich our own lives and uplift others. We cannot afford to wait for someone else to make a difference. There is power in one, but there is also power in the masses. “Many are called, but few are chosen.”

The corruption, greed, and hatred is a manifestation of the enemy magnified on the earth whose mission is to kill, steal and destroy. The Lord’s intention is to give us life more abundantly. John 10:10

A Heart to Build Future Generations

There may not be much we can personally do about the decisions made in Washington, but you can decide what you can do to make a difference in your community. Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” When Christ lives within us, “We can do all things in Christ which strengthens us.”Phil 4:13

We can begin to rebuild a new future for the next generation which starts with one prayer at a time and one brick at a time.