Labels

100th post (1) 2011 (20) 2012 (32) 2013 (8) abortion (1) about me (23) acceptance (1) accessories (4) accomplishments (3) advice (12) afraid (2) all new (1) amazing (1) anger (2) annointed (1) appearance (3) assumptions (1) belief (4) birthday (7) blah (8) blessings (12) blogs (1) body (4) body butter (3) bored (2) busy (2) celebrities (2) challenge (4) changes (5) Christian (1) christmas (1) church folks (2) collections (5) community (2) complacent (3) conditioner (1) confessions (3) confidence (2) confrontation (2) confused (1) content (3) contest (1) correction (3) correction. life (1) courage (2) credit cards (1) debt (1) debt free (1) decisions (32) declaration (2) desire more naturals (4) determination (2) discernment (2) doctorate degree (1) dream (2) dreams (7) early morning chat (7) emotions (7) emotions. life (1) empowerment (6) encouragement (43) endurance (2) excited (3) exercise (2) facebook (5) faith (16) family (2) favor (1) favorite things (1) fear (6) feature (1) feelings (11) finances (1) first lady (1) food (1) fraud (1) free (2) friday night (1) friends (3) frustration (2) funny (7) future (29) giveaway (3) goals (9) God (41) grateful (23) gratitude journal (10) GUEST BLOGGER (5) guidance (11) hair (11) hair challenge (5) happy (1) hate (3) hater (3) haul (1) healing (2) healthy living (1) help (11) holy spirit (2) hopeful (2) hot oil treatment (3) human (3) husband (9) I'm back (1) increase (1) information (2) inspiration (16) its all good (1) jealousy (1) Jesus (1) judgement (1) justice (1) keep going (1) ladies (12) late hour chat (7) leadership (1) lessons (5) letter (1) libra (1) life (117) living for God (1) love (18) love language (1) love nina (5) love nina natural body butters (2) marriage (1) me (9) mediocrity (1) men (1) mess (1) messages (2) miscellaneous (2) money (1) motivation (18) music (2) my boo (5) my worth (1) n (1) nails (13) name (1) natural (5) natural hair (2) nervous (1) new (4) new season (3) new year (2) nina (55) obedience (8) obsession (2) october 3 (2) onegreatwoman (3) operation (1) patience (3) peace (2) people (6) perseverance (3) poem (2) pour (1) power call (3) praise (5) prayer (8) prayer requests (1) president (1) press (2) products (1) proud (1) purchase (1) purpose (5) push (1) quietness (1) random (1) read (1) real talk (6) receive (1) reflections (4) relationships (11) repent (2) revelation (10) sale (1) school (4) self (6) silence (1) sin (2) single (11) skin (1) smile (6) spotlight posts (1) spring (1) stepping out on faith (5) stress free (4) stuck (1) submit to God's will (13) success (3) support (5) tags (1) talents (2) tests (1) thank you (3) thankful (7) thanksgiving 2011 (1) the she in me (8) think (1) thoughts (52) transformation (3) transparent (4) troubles (1) trust (6) tutorial (3) twitter (2) ugly (1) updates (5) Valentine's day (1) video (1) violence (2) vote yes on 26 (1) w.o.w (2) wait on the Lord (8) wedding (2) weekend (2) weird (4) wisdom (31) work (1) worry (2) worship (1) youtube (2)

Friday, September 30, 2011

Return of the..... ~*LIBRA*~!

After a very short break away from all social networks, I am proud & excited to say that I'm back! Every now and again, you just need to get away from everything, including people and their feelings/perceptions of you. Anywho, I'm getting better about tweeting, lol, and while on twitter, I came across some interesting facts about LIBRAS! Yes, I am a proud LIBRA- born October 3 (woooohoooo)! So I just wanted to share a few tidbits (facts) about us that are definitely TRUE (on my behalf anyways) & how I feel about it! I'll be celebrating my birthday this weekend, though it isn't until Monday, so I'm super stoked & can't wait to see what's in store! By the way, follow me on twitter @onegreatwoman!

LIBRAS:

  • Don't want to feel as if you are doing something only to please them,so find something that your Libra loves and that you don't hate (So true. I want you to do it from your HEART & not just because it "may" make me happy)
  • Peace and harmony are essential to your sense of well-being; avoid those who might be overly-emotional or much too sympathetic. (I absolutely love PEACE & for everyone to live together in HARMONY)
  • Do not want to be troubled with having to make your decisions for you,as they have too much difficulty in trying to make their own. (Lol! Yessssssssss. This is right on! Though I love to help others, independence is key for me)
  • As a friend ,truly listen and give great advice. Librans are usually the most fashionable out of the bunch. (Lol! And I consider myself to be a great listener and advice giver. As far as the fashionable part, I agree. I have a very weird, yet cute style though I don't show it all of the time. I can piece a fab outfit together for others though....my inner stylist speaks sometimes, lol!)
  • As a ,You know how to maneuver people, not in a malicious way, but nonetheless in a fashion allowing you to achieve your purposes. (Very true. I try to get my bang for the buck in every situation, all the while making sure that others receive better as well)
  • Most Likely to Be Diplomatic.(RIGHT ON! I am very sensitive to others' feelings)
  • Should never undermine their own integrity and hold out until their dreams do come true - not simply take whatever is offered. (Very interesting....I agree. I am better and deserve better than that! Woot, woooot!)
  • Cannot tolerate aggressive or tense situations. At times they prefer to remain silent rather than argue. (Ohhhh...I couldn't have said it better myself! Kill em' with silence....yessss!)
  • Tend to dislike: Being rushed (Ha! Can't stand it. Pleeee-za give me time to get myself together & think thoroughly, lmbo!)
  • Tend to dislike: Conflict (So true! I just want everyone to dish out their problems, get along, and move on!)
  • Tend to dislike: Irrational or highly emotional people (I agree!)
  • As a ,You believe passionately in fairness, which can cause you unhappiness, because life and people aren't always fair. (Wowsers! If I could have everyone skipping through a field of daisies holding hands I would....but it will never be like that. I'm learning to accept things for what they are and not get my feelings involved)
  • As a ,Although you can be sexually inspired,in the end for you the sharing of ideas is as important to you as the sharing of bodies. (Whoa...hoa...hoa....lol! Very, very, very true)
  • As a ,Your idea of love isn't really an intimate, steamy tête-à- tête or a chaotic explosion of uncontrolled passions. (RIGHT! It means more to me than that....)
  • The most memorable quality about a woman is her grace; in every movement she makes, every word she utters, she is poetry in motion. (**MY FAV**....and that's ME!)

Source: @zodiacfacts (twitter)


ARE YOU MY FELLOW LIBRA???? 
IF SO, HAPPY BELATED & EARLY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! WE ROCK, LOL!



***********

(By the way, I was the giveaway winner over at one of my favorite blogs, 
CHRONICLES OF A FUTURE WIFE! 
Check out the details HERE and be sure to show your support to both of them!)


Thanks for reading :-)

Thursday, September 22, 2011

God is here...God is speaking...God wants it all

And because he's speaking, I must be obedient, I must listen, and I must be submissive to his will. God is HERE with me, right now, and he's there with you as well. I'll be taking some time to hear from God & to seek his face on things concerning my life. I want to walk in total obedience to him & do only what he tells me to do. I will be back shortly and I pray that God reveals your purpose for your life. I also pray strength, restoration, clarity, love, peace, and prosperity on you. He needs you. SPEAK LORD.....



May God bless each and every one of you! I thank God for you & know he has a divine purpose for your life! He loves you and so do I. He wants it ALL today, right now. Be submissive and allow God to speak to you! Let go and let God take full control....


Thanks for reading :-)
(NO WEAPON....)

Monday, September 19, 2011

I tried but I couldn't!....PRAISE is my WEAPON of CHOICE!

PRAISE GOD!
Even on the days I want to be the saddest, angriest, meanest, most frustrated and annoyed (among other things)...I can't. Though the "feelings" may spark for a few moments, the spirit of God that dwells on the inside of me ain't havin' it! Like today for instance, I wish it would have rained and been dark and gloomy inside and outside all friggin' day. I didn't really "feel" like seeing the brightness of the sunshine, hearing the birds happily chirping, and feeling the beauty of the weather against my skin. I "wanted" to be a bit down today, with hopes just to stay in the bed, eat, turn my phone off, watch t.v., and pull the cover over my head. I know it may sound strange and you may be thinking, "how could she and why would she actually WANT to be down"? And the answer is simple....I had no motivation to do anything. Yes, even I become unmotivated some days to do absolutely nothing. Sometimes I feel as if I'm not even being productive in life though my accomplishments and the help that I give to others visibly and verbally tells me so. But even with those "feelings" in mind, they never are prolonged because God is MORE THAN WHAT I'M FACED WITH!

PRAISE GOD!
I tried to be down and sad, but I couldn't. If you would have caught me a few years ago, days like this would have extended at least for a week if not longer. Even on yesterday as I woke up for church, I woke up HEAVY, unmotivated, and sluggish. It wasn't because I didn't know who God was and what he has done for me, it was just because I "chose" to be that way. Yes, we can choose how our days will go & how the outcomes will be. You could be having a flat foot out bad day, but how you approach the situation may literally mean the difference between life and death. After I got to church and worship started, I immediately began to cry because God was so much MORE than the simple feelings that I felt. I had to remind myself that there is NOTHING too hard for him. Even as for today, I shed a few tears & thought a few thoughts, but when I opened my mouth to say THANK YOU LORD, I began to feel better. I had to remind myself that trusting God, thanking him and depending on him was the ONLY way out of my situation. You see, the enemy doesn't like it when we praise God.....but I BLESS HIS HOLY NAME! I may not feel totally good & may not even know the whats, hows, wheres, whos, or whys of my situation, but I know God to be ABLE! So though I wanted to crawl up in a dark corner, I couldn't because the God in me wouldn't allow it. So instead of just having a no good, very horrible and depressing day, I decided to fight back with my PRAISE! God is soooooo good, and even when I want to leave him, he whispers in my ear and says NO. This is how I know that he lives inside of me!

PRAISE GOD! LOL!
I encourage you, you, and you to choose PRAISE & PRAYER over any and everything. I'm not where I exactly need and should be, but I thank God that I'm far from where I used to be! We don't have time to sit around defeated and feeling unworthy. We are MORE than conquerors and are destined to fulfill a great purpose. Open your mouth & give God praise just for being who he is! We have to push past the hurt, sadness, frustration, disappointments, aggravation, etc. If you want to come out of darkness, PRAISE YOUR WAY OUT! Want a blessing?- OPEN YOUR MOUTH! He is worthy & I dare not give up on God because I know that he will never give up on me! He hung up for our hang ups.....(Oooo weee, I feel God....lol!) Hallelujah! FIGHT BACK WITH PRAISE!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Nails.........

So, I haven't been paying much attention to my hands and nails as I should lately. My fascination with finger nail polish & cute designs (read more HERE and then HERE) lessened and my attention was directed more towards ministry & helping other people. At the end of all of that, I didn't feel like doing anything for myself, let alone taking the time to polish my nails and toes AND spare the time to let them dry completely. So, prayerfully I will get back to paying more attention to ME and doing the small things such as painting my nails, giving myself a facial, and a body scrub on a regular basis to make ME feel good and look better! Did you know that God DOES want us to take time out for ourselves & sensibly get our outward appearance together (I'm a work in progress....pray for me y'all, lol)? Anywho, check out my latest nail dos :-)

Fresh pedi! This pedi/polish lasted almost an entire month before the polish began to chip! I got them done in Arkansas in August.
Fresh mani! I absolutely LOVE this color, but my polish began to chip after like 3 days :-(
Blurry pic, but I had to get both, lol!
My polish, mixed with my mom's and sister's. Think you can tell what color belongs to who???
My current nail polish, no designs this time. I adore this smoky, charcoal grey polish from Avon. I've had it on almost an entire week with little to no chipping.
The name of the polish is Gunmetal Bronze Canon


Thanks for reading :-)

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Don't put me on a pedestal! I'm NOT above falling!

Because of God, I've been blessed to be apart of & do great things basically all of my life. From the best band in the land in high school, to the award-winning gospel choir in college, to being under the leadership of awesome pastors, to completing my Masters degree & enrolling in a PhD program before 30, I've been fortunate enough to experience it all. Even as to my statuses, advice, guidance, and more via facebook, email, text, or even face-to-face, its God who works through me to share those awesome, life changing, thought provoking, healing words. I am very grateful when people show their appreciation, like and/or comment on a fb status, send me private messages stating how much they appreciate my words, and even physically/verbally acknowledge my accomplishments. It is all good, but I give it ALL back to God FIRST! You see, I've never been the type of person to want the praise and recognition from others because that's not my character for one, and for two, its not about me...its about God! That's why I try to correct people when they say- "You did a good job"...or "You're on it with that status", etc. because it was not me, BUT GOD! All glory and praise belongs to him!

So I encourage my readers, supporters, and even haters to NOT put me or anyone else on a pedastal! Please don't get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong with showing your appreciation, gratefulness, or even being in agreement with others, but don't look at them as a "god" because there is only ONE GOD! Of course I'm going to say thank you and whatnot to show my sincerest acceptance of what one tried to display, but I will not take credit for God's doing! I am NOT above or short of falling, and when you put people on this high pedestal and they fall, then they'll be looked upon as the worst person ever. I am not perfect and never have and never will profess to be because I too mess up DAILY! Its an everyday struggle for me to remain true to who God is and who I am, so I have to ask for forgiveness daily and seek God on everything I say and do, though I sometimes don't. So I said all of that to say this, I'm just like YOU (as stated in a previous post found HERE). Yes, I will continue to BOLDLY profess to know, love, and live for God....but know that just because I do that doesn't mean I'll be perfect forever or even think of myself as such. There's nothing wrong with thinking highly of someone, but never ever put them on this pedestal because they are only human as well :-) Give props where they are due, but don't make "people" & pleasing them you're primary concern. For we are NOTHING without God! Its all HIM....therefore, its all GOOD!
I'm no better than the next! I fall short too. The key is asking God to forgive you, and you have to forgive yourself as well! I don't live where I fall, I dust myself off & keep on kickin'. Therefore, because God works through me I am made whole again, and again, and again! Hallelujah!


Thanks for reading :-)

Monday, September 12, 2011

GUEST BLOGGER: Roshonda Anderson (Liars....Where Can You Find Them? EVERYWHERE!)

LIARS....WHERE CAN YOU FIND THEM? EVERYWHERE!

"It never cease to amaze me that people figure if they avoid confrontation and/or constructive criticism the problem will go away. Or, if they avoid a drama filled event or issue which they spearheaded, they could just close their eyes and it will be erased. No people, it doesn’t work that way in LIFE, or should I say, LIFE doesn’t work that way. Either way, the FACT remains that confrontation avoidance is not likely in life, but the way you approach it, receive it, and the tone you place upon it will determine the outcome of it. Clear an issue up, stand behind your words if you say it, and move on with life as an Adult professional, individual, parent, husband, wife, and/or man or woman in Christ. One thing I know and learned from growing up is that it takes multiple lies, to cover up the first one, so why even start it. In this case, I’m just sharing that what you ask for that shall you also reap, so be careful of the words you choose to release, especially if they reveal you to others as being a habitual liar. If that is not of your character, then please do not present yourself as having such a spirit over you. Untruthfulness well get you know were."

Proverbs 18:21-The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. (NLT, 2007)

Be Blessed,
RLA

Early morning chat....

"I'll sit on the sideline, as long as he's sitting with me".....is what I'm singing right now. The song is called Sitting With Me, by one of my favorite female gospel artist groups, MaryMary. Besides loving on this song right now, I'm just THANKFUL. I have soooo much peace about everything. I'm sitting in my bed just reflecting....reflecting on those that were once apart of my life but currently are not, those that I thought would be awesome for me as friends & even a husband but I have no dealings with now, how "church folks" can appear to be so uncaring (or actually are even though we are supposed to love one another, smh), how I am now content & relieved to have accomplished some things on my to-do list, how much fun I had with my family today, how much God really loves me, how appreciative I am for life......and the reflections go on and on. Even if this peace I am experiencing is just for a moment, I thank God for it. Sometimes I over analyze things, think too darn much, become upset & overwhelmed at the smallest of things, & even sometimes take things too personally. But God has really been working on me in those areas. Things that would upset me don't anymore because I'm making a conscious decision to "care not to care" (think about it). It doesn't mean that I'm a mean person, uncaring, uninterested, etc.....it only means that I'm loving others with "me" in mind! Since I've started doing that, I've become so at peace when it comes to people & their "opinions & actions". I can't sweat the small stuff (or even the big stuff), I can't worry about how people feel about me, I must do what I can while I can, if I don't want to do something...then saying NO is actually okay.....etc.----are all things that I'm thinking of as well. Anywho, I just wanted to chime in to say HI! I'm about to find something to eat (yes, at this hour #dontjudgeme...lol) and go to bed! God, thank you once again & I just ask that you keep your hands on me & the person/people that read this post. AMEN :-)

If you haven't listened to this song, then what are you waiting on??? 
Check out the lyrics & let them marinate....

Thursday, September 8, 2011

THANK YOU/PRAYER REQUESTS

I would just like to use this post to say THANK YOU to those that continue to support this blog and the vision that God has placed within me for it. I am so grateful to him for the opportunity to at least start it and stick with it. I appreciate your support, comments, prayers, and encouragement to keep writing. I take what I post seriously, and as you can see so far, I love to share tidbits of me with you! I'm not perfect and never have professed to be, but I thank you for allowing me to be me. So once again, THANK YOU...THANK YOU...THANK YOU, and I pray that God uses me through my posts to touch the heart and souls of thousands to want to know him better and become saved today. If you would like to become saved right now, please click on the corresponding tab above. God is waiting on YOU!

With that being said, I just want to pray for YOU right now. I know that God is able to do exceedingly and abundantly ABOVE all we could ever ask or think. Sometimes we don't even have the strength to pray for ourselves, so please sincerely allow me to do it for you. If you have any specific prayer requests, please email me at sheninabrown@yahoo.com, find me on facebook, twitter (@onegreatwoman), or leave an anonymous comment. I love you & thank you once again :-)

DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER,

I ASK THAT YOU COME INTO MY BROTHER/SISTER'S LIFE RIGHT NOW. FOR I KNOW THAT THERE IS HEALING FOR THEIR SOUL AND THE SITUATIONS THEY ARE FACED WITH. I PRAISE YOU RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I KNOW YOU WILL COME THROUGH AND DELIVER. HELP US TO BE MINDFUL OF OUR ACTIONS, THE THINGS WE SAY, AND HOW WE THINK. HELP US TO ONLY DO AND SAY THOSE THINGS THAT YOU ARE PLEASED WITH. FORGIVE US FOR CONTINUING TO DO THINGS OUR WAY INSTEAD OF YOUR WAY. FORGIVE US FOR NOT LOVING AS WE SHOULD, SPEAKING LIKE WE SHOULD, AND WITNESSING AS YOU'VE REQUIRED. CHANGE OUR ATTITUDES TO BE ONE MODELED AFTER YOURS. 

I SPEAK LIFE INTO EVERY DEAD SITUATION RIGHT NOW IN THE NAME OF JESUS AND PRAY HEALING OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS, HURT, PAIN, SICKNESS, DISEASE, HURTFUL WORDS, FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, GRIEF, GUILTINESS, AND FORGIVENESS. HELP US TO SINCERELY SEEK YOUR FACE DURING THE GOOD AND BAD TIMES AND TO TURN AWAY FROM OUR WICKED WAYS. SHOW US THE ERROR OF OUR WAYS AND HELP US TO SINCERELY LOVE OURSELVES THE WAY YOU DO. WE NEED YOU TO COME INTO OUR SCHOOLS, OUR JOB, CHURCHES, HOMES, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, OUR LIVES. MOLD US INTO WHO YOU NEED US TO BE AND PLEASE DEAR FATHER KEEP YOUR HANDS OF PROTECTION ON US. RESTORE THE JOY, STRENGTH, HAPPINESS, LOVE, COMFORT, PEACE, AND THE DESIRE WE ONCE HAD TO CHASE AFTER YOU. 
WE NEED YOU RIGHT NOW AND WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE ABLE AND WILLING. USE US FOR YOUR GLORY AND PLEASE REMOVE EVERYTHING THAT IS NOT OF YOU OUT OF US. SPEAK TO US, SPEAK THROUGH US, AND HELP US TO LIVE A LIFE THAT IS PLEASING TO YOU. WE GIVE YOU ALL PRAISE AND GLORY BECAUSE AIN'T NOBODY MAD BUT THE DEVIL! WE ASK THESE THINGS AND MORE IN JESUS' NAME.....AMEN.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Worst TWEETER ever! Lol!

Ok...Ok, I admit, I'm not the BEST tweeter, lol! But I'm trying to get better at it not only for myself & the blog, but for upcoming business ventures & just to spread a bit more positivity, encouragement, & most importantly, the GOOD NEWS about my boy JC (Jesus Christ) as well! Anywho, follow your girl on twitter & leave a comment with your twitter name if you desire......

@onegreatwoman
(thanks & I'll be sure to follow you back! I must get the hang of it, smh, lol!)



Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Speak over YOURSELF!

Do not wait for anyone to encourage you, for if you do this you'll probably wait forever! I know that some people aren't as strong in their faith as I am, but what I've learned to do over the last few years, especially at this time in my life, is to SPEAK OVER & ENCOURAGE MYSELF before anyone else does it. You see, "man/woman" will visibly SEE you struggling, sad, depressed, angry, bitter, etc. and will not do a thing, not even send a prayer up for you because they a.) don't care.....b.) don't feel as if they are actually in a position to do so, or c.) don't want to see you happy & smiling, better yet...they don't want you to be encouraged! Shocked? Please don't be because we are living in times where your very own blood brother or sister will stab you in the back and leave you out for the dogs to devour. It may sound a bit harsh, but I must be honest with you.

Yes, even in the place where everyone should be able to come for support, empowerment, and encouragement....the "CHURCH", you'll find that many people there don't have your best interest at heart and don't sincerely love and appreciate you for you! Now please don't get me wrong, attending a place of worship (b*k*a- church) is awesome, but even those that attend will sometimes hurt you the most, and that my dears is called "church hurt" (more on this later). But do not let that stop you from attending because gathering with other believers brings about such a powerful and uplifting experience. Everybody in the church isn't hurtful, and I apologize if you've been hurt by "church folks"....but don't allow that to keep you from God (more on this later as well).

I know all too well how it feels to actually wait on someone to come to your rescue with encouraging words, only to not have it happen. I just found myself all alone in my bed, crying out for someone to help me. And then one day (praise God for the "one days"), I had to SPEAK OVER MYSELF & literally tell myself (talking out loud) that I AM a conqueror, that I AM destined for greatness, that WEEPING MAY ENDURE FOR A NIGHT, BUT JOY COMES IN THE MORNING (Psalm 30:5), and that everything is already alright because I AM a child of the MOST HIGH! I had to say it and reassure myself that God was in fact near. All he was waiting on was for me to actually say it (speak it), believe it, and put it into practice!

Real talk, some people actually want to see you down. They don't want you to prosper and be great. Do you know that you are AWESOME? FANTASTIC? CREATIVE? LOVELY? HANDSOME? SUCCESSFUL? FABULOUS? SPECIAL? WORTHY?...and have a PURPOSE?....if you do, then good job! Use what you know to be true about yourself to help others. If you don't, then tell yourself RIGHT NOW that you ARE those things & more! Regardless of what others have said, done, and how they think about you right now, all that matters is how God feels about you & how you feel about yourself. He loves you unconditionally- that means he doesn't keep record of your wrongdoings and shortcomings, for he is able to look past all of that and drop the charges on your behalf. Unlike man, who hovers what you've done over your head forever. For if God has forgiven you & you've already taken your faults up with him, then you have nothing to prove to anyone (that's another post as well).

So today, I challenge and encourage you to SPEAK OVER YOURSELF! Tell yourself that you are WORTHY of being with someone who loves you just as you are, tell yourself that you WILL MAKE IT regardless of how things look right now, tell yourself that you ARE STRONG & BEAUTIFUL/HANDSOME....and more! If that may be too hard, write it down in a journal, and just read those positive affirmations about yourself everyday! I too am getting more into the habit of speaking life into myself as well, so we can do this together. Don't wait on anyone to butter your biscuits for you, lol, do it for yourself & then EAT! I bless God today & pray that he gives you the courage to speak over yourself both now and forever more! The enemy has no authority over you because you are a Child of God...and with that, your name is VICTORY! Hallelujah.......

NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER! AND IT IS SO! AMEN :-)
(See, that's what IIIIIIIIII speak over myself, and you should do the same. When you do it, BELIEVE IT!)

**If you ever need a boost of encouragement, please do not hesitate to email me at sheninabrown@yahoo.com. All information is kept confidential**
I know God to be TRUE! Believe & accept him into your heart & life today! He is awesome; the best thing that has EVER happened to me! Encourage someone else to encourage someone else today (do you get it?) Lol! I love each of you :-)


Thanks for reading :-)

Sunday, September 4, 2011

GUEST BLOGGER: Keith Jefferson (Go Hunt Self-Ambition)


GO HUNT. SELF- AMBITION
You hungry? ... You eat.

You thirsty? ... You drink.
You hot? ... You find shade.
You cold? ... You find heat.
You should pursue your dream as you would with any other thing.
You don't wait for no one to feed you or cover you from heat.
So don't wait for someone to bring you success or an opportunity.
Go Hunt! Find Food! Crave your success!
Why wait?? Go Eat

 Check out Keith's website,blog, & more HERE


*I was also featured on his blog. Check that out HERE

Friday, September 2, 2011

Oh H*E*C*K No....I've been FRAUDed

Well, I never thought it would happen to me....but yes, your girl was a victim of FRAUD! I was just doing a typical/random checking of my bank account online last night and saw where a pending transaction of $445.00 was made via Western Union (WU). My eyes immediately BUCKED like a deer...lol. The first thing I knew to do was call my bank, but unfortunately they were gone for the day. I wanted to become super upset, but the spirit of God would not let me. The only thing I could hear was...."It will be taken care of, its okay" in my mind. So I gathered my thoughts & did just that. I had to wait until this morning to call and try to get this matter resolved.

I called the bank first and they put a freeze on my card in order to issue me a new one. The lady also told me that whoever did it previously tried to make two other transactions on the same day but they didn't go through; one for $619 and the other for $613, but the $445 went through though it hadn't officially posted to my account just yet. I was like, "WHAT THE WHAT" & immediately began thinking about all of the possible contenders. Then I was told to call WU & go from there. So I then called WU and spoke with a really nice guy who couldn't pronounce my first name...haha. He was very respectful and clear, and assured me that this matter could indeed be taken care of. He couldn't give me alot of details in order to protect the thief (just in case I knew them and personally wanted to go HAM, lol), but he did tell me that it was made with my debit card information. From there, I had to file a police report, call WU back, & they handled it.

Long story short, BE VERY CAREFUL OF WHERE AND HOW YOU SWIPE YOUR DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS! I was told someone had to have physically had my credit card info, including expiration date and the security number on the back in order to make THIS particular unauthorized transaction. Though I had my card in my possession, I couldn't help but think of the purchases I made online over the last few days (I'm an avid online shopper, lol) & the countless number of times I allowed the waiter/ress to take my card to the back with them. It could have come from someone writing my card info down, a transaction made at the gas pump, or even hackers (through computer viruses, bugs, etc) on the internet. Be mindful of the websites you purchase from & who is around you when you swipe your card. One of my classmates taught me that if there isn't an "s" behind the http:// in the web address bar at the top of your screen, then it is NOT a secured website (it should look like this- https://), so be very careful when making purchases. Also, another tip I learned a while back is to put a slash through your $0 amount on your ticket/receipt (if you decide not to tip via your credit/debit card) like this Ø  or like this  0. That way, no one can write their OWN tip amount in the blank if you didn't do so. Make sure you check your account regularly for any suspicious transactions as well.

Because I don't know where, how, or even why....I just count it all joy. I'm actually glad it happened because I'm now more aware of how and where I swipe my cards! I knew mobile banking was a feature you could obtain, but since I didn't think too much into it then, I NOW have it at which I just set up today. If you don't have it, please get it especially if you swipe your card alot and periodically write checks like me. I know it is going to be so convenient to know when I've swiped, when I'm in the negative, in overdraft (prayerfully NOT, lol), when a check clears, when money is deposited, etc. all within a text message.

One thing the enemy will try to do is get you off course, especially if God is elevating you. BUT, he will flee if you resist him (James 4:7), so that's exactly what I did. I chose to remain calm & believe GOD to do the impossible. You see, what the devil meant for BAD, God will cause it to work for my GOOD! The man from WU told me that I was the most pleasant person he'd ever talked to in a situation like this, lol, and that made me feel much better.  I told him there was no reason to get all angry and upset. I simply TRUSTED God, and he is so awesome to the point where he'll bless me with 10 x's as much that was taken from me, even though I don't deserve it! Hallelujah! But I encourage you to be more mindful of your identity, especially when making transactions in person or via the web! Hope this helps someone :-)

**and God placed a word about spiritual FRAUD in my "spur-et, lol" at which I pray to share as he leads me, so stay tuned for that** :-)

Sometimes ya' just gotta....LOL!

THANKS FOR READING!!!