EMOTIONAL HEALING (4-27-2014)

ADMIT THE STRUGGLE 
Tiredness requires healing. It wasn't easy to admit, but God showed me I needed it through (Isaiah 57:14-15). 

The rhythm of life can easily make one tired, and strength to focus can fade. In those moments of difficulty, ask God to heal you. Things I found myself asking for:
*peace of mind
*how to use time, money, efforts
*how to deal with people & work
*how to manage my emotions
**which ones are valid & how to deal with them

REMEMBER HIS PROMISE
Some time after this prayer, God lead me to read (Isaiah 57:14-15) and also (Psalm 69:30-33).

God reminded me He is with me, and will revive my spirit or soul (mind, will, emotions) (Isaiah 57:15-16).

God didn't stop there. He also went on to say that He would give me new words, along with peace, which will bring healing to my spirit (Isaiah 57:18-19) (Psalm 69:30-33) (Colossians 2:7). 

REFOCUS
It seemed that the more I focused on these scriptures, the more I became mindful to be expressive of thanks. God saw and sees all of my needs and will not turn away. But I had to come to an understanding, that by focusing on God, and pleasing Him with my words, I in turn reap the benefits because my focus is not so much on what isn't, but is now on who God is and how He can intervene. 

(Psalm 69:32/ESV when the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.)

I have to continuously let myself be revived by:
*not stressing
*not focusing on the wrong
*being balanced and living with order
*using the knowledge God gave me to maintain health, and manage money
*repeating thanksgiving and actually believing what I'm saying
*stir up hope, even if no ones there to encourage me

"LET THE WORD TAKE ROOT IN YOUR HEART"
God told me that on the morning of 5/7/14. Healing starts with a seed. A seed of hope, to keep pressing on when you don't have a reason to. Hope to grow into faith with action. Meditate on the follow scriptures, believing His words will take root and heal your heart. 

(Hebrew 12:15/NLT Look after each other,so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.)

(James 1:21/NLT So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.)

(Colossians 2:7/NLT Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.)
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Image links:
http://www1.usw.salvationarmy.org/images/usw.www_usw_wm/readingthebible.png
http://cdn2.blisstree.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/blisstree-tired-640x426.jpg
http://www.healthista.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/tired-lady.jpg

Why is my FICO credit score falling?

By Janna Herron • Bankrate.com

Dear Credit Card Adviser,
For the past five years, my FICO credit score has been above 825. This month, I checked my credit score again, as I do annually, and it dropped to the 755 range. Nothing has changed, except that I applied for and received six new credit cards in less than three months. They all are cash-back rewards cards. What happened?
-- Pat

Dear Pat,
Your FICO credit score fell because you opened those six credit cards in a short time. Every time you open an account, you're allowing creditors to pull your credit report, and you're lowering the average age of your credit accounts.

Both of those actions will sink your score.

Here's how it works: When you apply for a new credit card, a lender will pull your credit report and score. This is called a "hard" credit inquiry, and it'll hurt your score. (It doesn't hurt your score, by the way, when you pull your own credit report. It also doesn't hurt when an employer pulls your credit report or when a lender pulls your credit report for marketing purposes. Those are called "soft" inquiries.)
If you have several hard credit inquiries in a short amount of time, the damage to your credit score increases dramatically, says Anthony Sprauve, spokesman for myFICO.com, the consumer education division of FICO.

"Our data shows that someone opening multiple credit accounts in a short period of time is at a higher risk for default," he says.

It's unclear how much a hard inquiry -- or several of them -- will hurt your credit score. It depends on the cardholder, Sprauve says. Typically, the higher your credit score, the harder it gets hit by any credit transgression, he says. Consumers with low credit scores will find that a hard inquiry doesn't hurt their already low credit score by the same amount.

The damage from these hard inquiries will lessen over time as long as you manage the new credit responsibly. That means paying your bills on time and keeping the balances below 20 percent of the total available credit, Sprauve says.

New credit accounts also hurt your FICO credit score by lowering the average length of your overall credit history. The average age of all your accounts, the age of individual accounts and the length of time since you used certain accounts all contribute 15 percent to your FICO credit score. As the accounts age, and if you manage them responsibly, those new accounts will eventually boost your credit score.

So be careful with those credit card offers. While it's attractive to sign up for rewards credit cards, especially since many of them offer cash bonuses for new cardholders, do so with prudence and only when you need new credit.

"In addition to paying bills on time and keeping revolving credit balances low," Sprauve says, "the third most important thing a person can do to improve their credit is only open new accounts when necessary."

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Ask the adviser

To ask a question of the Credit Card Adviser, go to the "Ask the Experts" page and select "Credit Cards." Read more columns by the Credit Card Adviser. Follow Janna Herron on Twitter.

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Posted: Jan. 30, 2013

Location of article:
http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit/fico-credit-score-falling.aspx

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5 TIPS: Getting The Most From Your Credit Card

http://federalreserve.gov/consumerinfo/fivetips_creditcard.htm#

Pay on time.

Paying your credit card account on time helps you avoid late fees as well aspenalty interest rates applied to your account, and helps you maintain a good credit record. A good credit record leads to a higher credit score, which helps you qualify for lower interest rates. Know the date your payment is due. If your bill is due at an inconvenient time of the month--for example, if it's due on the 10th and you get paid on the 15th--contact your credit card company to see if they will change your billing cycle to fit your cash flow.

Watch the PSA

Stay below your credit limit.

If you go over your credit limit on your card, your card issuer could charge a fee and increase your interest rate to a higher penalty rate. To avoid this, keep a record of your spending or check your balance online. Also, be aware that some merchants (for example, hotel and car rental companies) put a "hold" on your credit card based on their estimate of the amount you will charge. This can reduce your available credit until the final charge is processed. See Credit and Debit Card Blocking.

Avoid unnecessary fees.

Credit card companies not only charge late payment and over-the-limit fees, but also fees for cash advances, transferring balances, and having a payment returned. Some companies charge a fee when you pay your bill by phone. Pay attention to the transactions that trigger these fees. If you need a cash advance, withdraw enough so that you don't have to take a second cash advance--and incur a second fee--later in the month. Read your credit card agreement to learn more about the fees that your credit card company charges.

Pay more than the minimum payment.

If you can't pay your balance in full each month, try to pay as much of the total as you can. Over time, you'll pay less in interest charges--money that you will be able to spend on other things, and you'll pay off your balance sooner. See the Federal Reserve's Credit Card Repayment Calculator to determine possible repayment timelines.

Watch for changes in the terms of your account.

Credit card companies can change the terms and conditions of your account. They will send you advance notices about changes in fees, interest rates, billing, and other features. By reading these "change in terms" notices, you can decide whether you want to change the way you use the card. For example, if cash advance fees increase, you may decide to use a different card for cash advances. If you have a card with a variable rate or if you have an introductory rate that is ending, be aware that credit card companies are not required to send you a notice about raising your interest rate. Interest rates are listed on your monthly bill. Read your bill carefully and take note of any changes.

5 TIPS: Improving Your Credit Score

http://federalreserve.gov/consumerinfo/fivetips_creditscore.htm#

 

Get copies of your credit report--then make sure information is correct.

Go to www.annualcreditreport.com . This is the only authorized online source for a free credit report. Under federal law, you can get a free report from each of the three national credit reporting companies every twelve months.

You can also call 877-322-8228 or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

Pay your bills on time.

One of the most important things you can do to improve your credit score is pay your bills by the due date. You can set up automatic payments from your bank account to help you pay on time, but be sure you have enough money in your account to avoid overdraft fees.

Understand how your credit score is determined.

Your credit score is usually based on the answers to these questions:

• Do you pay your bills on time? The answer to this question is very important. If you have paid bills late, have had an account referred to a collection agency, or have ever declared bankruptcy, this history will show up in your credit report.
• What is your outstanding debt? Many scoring models compare the amount of debt you have and your credit limits. If the amount you owe is close to your credit limit, it is likely to have a negative effect on your score.
• How long is your credit history? A short credit history may have a negative effect on your score, but a short history can be offset by other factors, such as timely payments and low balances.
• Have you applied for new credit recently? If you have applied for too many new accounts recently, that may negatively affect your score. However, if you request a copy of your own credit report, or if creditors are monitoring your account or looking at credit reports to make prescreened credit offers, these inquiries about your credit history are not counted as applications for credit.
• How many and what types of credit accounts do you have? Many credit-scoring models consider the number and type of credit accounts you have. A mix of installment loans and credit cards may improve your score. However, too many finance company accounts or credit cards might hurt your score.

To learn more about credit scoring, see the Federal Trade Commission's website, Facts for Consumers.

Learn the legal steps to take to improve your credit report.

The Federal Trade Commission's “Building a Better Credit Report” has information on correcting errors in your report, tips on dealing with debt and avoiding scams--and more.

Beware of credit-repair scams.

Sometimes doing it yourself is the best way to repair your credit. The Federal Trade Commission's "Credit Repair: How to Help Yourself" explains how you can improve your creditworthiness and lists legitimate resources for low-cost or no-cost help.

Why Black Men Arent Getting Married Dr. Jamal Bryant Empowerment Temple

Desires of Your Heart (Psalm 37:4) (1/15/2013)

Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Throughout this week, unknowingly up until this point, I've learned what Psalm 37:4 really means.

Thinking about my experiences and the lives of others, there are times when I have my own desires and wants. And there are other times when new desires are sparked by the things I go through, or by a word from the Holy Spirit (directly or through someone else).

The tail end of the scripture (and he will give you the desires of your heart.) does not mean that God will give me everything I think I want and need. Instead, He will place His desires for me in my heart and mind...that I may pursue them and obtain His promises for me...by acting in faith, trusting what He said CAN and WILL manifest...and that I'll actually have joy doing so!

Image: http://debslessonslearned.blogspot.com/2012/09/why-i-hate-running-and-what-im-running.html

Be A Snake! (4/18/2008 ORIGINAL)

Have you ever seen a snake go back to its old skin? I know this question is unusual, but roll with it…

I have yet to see that happen, given it’s a natural thing for a snake to remove its old exterior in order to reveal the new. This is also true for anyone trying to become better in this life.

For y'all educated folks, I searched the internet to learn more. Wikipedia stated that a snake removes its entire outer skin at once. And this is done several times a year.

As it relates to me, I'm getting older and I have to handle things like a REAL woman should (i.e. responsibly, wisely, etc). Old, ungodly, un-progressive thinking and behavior should be done away once and for all! This does not mean I will change all of my ways overnight. We know this happens through the renewal of the mind by God’s word (Romans 12:2). It does, however, express the necessity to make a resolve to change AND perform actions that align with that resolve (James 2:14). In fact, the resolve(s) have to be re-established several times throughout my lifetime.

Without a resolve, one is half new…and what’s the sense in being half-way new? Wearing a laid, brand new outfit is bogus if a person’s drawers and undergarments are dirty. If he/she proclaims newness, it must be demonstrated by an entire renewal…not just a visible change or fulfilling minimal requirements.

Additionally, "before the new skin is shed, the snake's vision is blurred. After the dead, decapitated skin is removed, the snake's vision is clearer." I don't know about you, but I intend on removing any old thing that is preventing me from perceiving all things right and according to God’s word. Even if means I have do be disciplined and let go of things I really want.

"[The] primary purpose of shedding is for the snake's growth; it also removes external parasites." Need I say more? In order for anyone to obtain something, or put on something new, that old stuff has to come off...whether it's dysfunctional relationships, negativity, pride, fear, shyness, etc, lay aside those weights and press towards YOUR high calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). 

There’s a position in life I’m destined to occupy, and I want to get there punctually. Snakes don't have to consult their associates to find out if the time is right for a personal change. Like NIKE® they "JUST DO IT"!. 

To all my readers, I challenge you take off that "parasite" that’s doing nothing but hitching a free ride. Be the type of person who is unrelentingly determined to become better. Because, trust me, I'm going get mines. The question is: are you willing to shed the old to get the new? Be a snake! (Matthew 10:16).

2nd Corinthians 5:17 (KJV; emphasis mines)

There for if any man be in Christ, he IS A NEW CREATURE:

OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY;

BEHOLD, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW.

Everyday you make the decision... (6/7/2011 ORIGINAL)

"Everyday you make the decision, whether or not to renew your mind"

Romans 12:2

New Living Translation

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

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I recently graduated from college, and I’m in some weird-feeling-in-between stage; between the successes and lessons learned of the past, and the unknown future ahead.




The devil tempts me regularly to believe that things concerning my health, finances, material provisions, relationships, and further schooling will be faulty, but alternatively, I have to renew my mind and remember what God said!


His word says…


John 10:10 Jesus Speaking (NLT)
The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.



John 10:28 Jesus Speaking (NLT)
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me…



Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.



Romans 8:28 (NLT)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.



1 John 2:27 (NLT)
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true--it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.



I may not be able to control what comes my way, but I can choose to believe God’s word over what the devil says and what my circumstances are.



Hebrews 11:1
(KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

(NLT) Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.