Today I attended my first funeral at a pauper’s cemetery. Before the family arrived I had a chance to observe the burial of an indigent. There was no one there to say goodbye. The cemetery workers placed the box (pine or cardboard) into the grave and an official person came to do the committal. It appeared to take less than 2 minutes. All I could think of was this unknown person deserved better. Who mourned for him? He was somebody. When I got home I talked to a few people in ministry who have compassion for this because what I saw was a compassion-less act.

I have decided to do further research and write on this. I hope and pray that this can change because whether we know the name of the person being buried they deserve better. There must be a change in this because no one deserves to be dumped in the ground like that. I want to make a difference and I truly believe that God is leading me on this path.

Who was this person? How old was this person?  Was the person male or female? How did this person die?

So many questions that I may never get answered  but I know a change must take place because they deserve better!  How can I contribute to the change process?  Write about it!

There was an article I recently updated entitled “Leaving the Familiar” (Sept 2009).  I am once again leaving my familiar and definitely going into unfamiliar territory.

I know that God has placed me on this path of discovery to make a difference because He knows They Deserve Better!

]]> http://coffeesassy.com/2009/09/03/they-deserve-better/feed/ 1 http://coffeesassy.com/2009/09/01/leaving-the-unfamiliar-updated-sept-2009/ http://coffeesassy.com/2009/09/01/leaving-the-unfamiliar-updated-sept-2009/#comments Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:45:59 +0000 Angela Renee Bell http://coffeesassy.com/?p=518 Remember everyday is a new beginning!

The following article was written 13 years ago. Little did I know that God was preparing me for some awesome changes in my personal life! I have listed a couple of my “familiars”. If God has told you to make a change in your life please be obedient and change. He will show you what to do! I allowed people to talk me out of making a change I knew God wanted me to make and for 7 months God did not give me rest. When I finally said “yes” I slept like a baby. Please know when it comes to vision God is not playing. He called you to accomplish those things He has set aside for you.

You are unique to God’s plan. He gave you a special gift to use for His kingdom.
*****************
July 1996

There comes a time in everyone’s life when change must take place.  A time where you must leave the familiar.  Random House Dictionary defines familiar as something commonly known or seen.  Webster calls it ordinary.

If you take a look around, you may find yourself falling into the ordinary syndrome.  This is where you are afraid to take the challenge.  Each day of our lives we are challenged to go beyond the familiar and as the Star Trek people say “Go where no one has gone before”.  Some people take the challenge and other people stay where they are.

Everyone has thoughts about leaving the familiar but you begin to question these  thoughts.    God has a way of bringing us out of the familiar to complete His purpose.  In the past few issues we have been discussing vision.  How can a vision be pursued if nothing changes with you?

Vision requires newness of life.  It requires freshness.  Vision will cause a shaking up of your familiarity.  Leaving the familiar may be as simple as changing jobs or careers.  It may mean buying a new home for the first time or leaving home.  Whatever it is to you, it is time to do it.

Corporate America would prefer that you assimilate with them or in other words become one with them and think and do as they think and do.  According to this nation within a nation your future belongs to them.  Your family belongs to them.  Your life belongs to them.  Their familiar becomes yours.  You no longer have a desire to pursue your vision and you fall into a trap of contentment and complacency.  In the past few months I have seen people forsake their friends and family because Corporate America has taken away any thoughts of individuality  and purpose.

You may be in pursuit of your vision while employed fulltime but you must be cautious.  You can reach a level of familiarity even in the pursuit.  The tricks used by Corporate America  are subtle.  While working in this corporation of deceit be on the alert and stay focus on what you are doing.  Be careful with whom you share your vision and don’t let your words become too familiar.  Don’t continue to talk about it around people who cannot see beyond  Corporate America.  These people do not have vision and they will always see you as they see themselves in Corporate America?  Words of advice:  Do not share your vision with anyone who does not have a vision of his or her own.

Familiarity will keep you from reaching past the ordinary and soaring beyond the skies.

Leaving the familiar will cause you to blaze the trail for others to follow.

Anyone can stay ordinary but God has not called you to stay ordinary.  He has called you for a purpose.  He has called you to leave that which is familiar and to enter the unfamiliar.  He has placed a Spirit of Excellence within you and has challenged you to go forth.

The familiar may feel comfortable but remember at one point in your life the familiar you are in now was unfamiliar.

What was familiar to me was a marriage of 35 years that ended with the death of my husband.

What was familiar to me was remaining in Corporate America for 37 and retiring. That decision was hard but I knew God was leading me.  I had perfect peace.

Spread your wings and soar!

COPYRIGHT — This issue of Nikao News Online is copyrighted September 2009. However, permission is granted to freely redistribute these materials.

As I sit in my office contemplating what I should write for the year 2007, I think back on the year 2006.  I am reminded of the great journey I have been on.  My journey began almost 3 years ago when my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer.  At that time I felt my world crushing down on me but I knew God had a plan.

The Message Bible states in Jeremiah 29:11 below:

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

As 2006 came to an end I never questioned the plans of God.  No, I am not some super saint who does not feel pain or fear of the unknown but God has placed me in His secret place.  He has surrounded me with family and friends who love me and pray for me. 

I began to experience a hunger for God like I have never known before.  I did not want to just know about God but I wanted to know Him.  I found out when you are faced with any crisis you will either get closer or get further from God. This crisis has brought me closer.

My desire for 2007 is to know Him more.  My very being cries out to God with praise and admiration knowing that nothing will ever separate me from the love of God.  I am persuaded like Paul was in Romans 8:38, 39.

The Amplified bible states it quite plainly:

38For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers,

39Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Is it possible to have joy when each day may close a chapter in my life? YES!  I know with each ending chapter a new one begins.  You see the joy of the Lord is my strength.  Without that joy life would be meaningless and hopeless. 

Has this changed my love for God?  YES!  I love Him more knowing that He is in full control.  Proverbs 3:5-6: (AMP)

5Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

6In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Am I saying that there are not moments of tears?  NO!  Believe me I have had my share of them.

Do I fear the unknown?  YES!  I’m human.  I want to know everything.

Do I get frustrated?  YOU BET! 

So what keeps me from completely going off the deep end?  Being in the secret place of God keeps me stable.  I know I am safe in His arms.  I am secure in the fact that God is in complete control of my life.  He orchestrates each day. 

This is what God spoke to me:

As you pursue your passion in 2007 stay focused on me.  Do not look to the left or right but know that I have it all under control.  I will never leave you nor forsake you.  You may not understand everything right now but always know I am with you. Trust in me. Passionately pursue me. Love everyone. Forgive everyone.

COPYRIGHT — This issue of Nikao News Online is copyrighted January 2007. However, permission is granted to freely redistribute these materials.

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The word moment is defined as a particular time or period of success, excellence, fame, etc. and the word preparing is making ready beforehand or putting in proper condition or readiness.

In our everyday lives we are always doing something whether we realize it or not that is preparing us for what God has called us to do.  Don’t shake your head yet.  We get up, get dressed and do something.  Am I right so far? You may go out everyday to a job you don’t like but you go.  You say the bills have to get paid.    But you go!  What’s driving you to go?  Keep reading.

Our moment that we are preparing for may be just around the corner.  Why do we get up?  Why do we get dressed?  We do it because this is who we are.  We are visionaries. A visionary is defined as one who is confident of success in a project which others perceive to be idle and fanciful. (Webster’s 1898 Dictionary).  In other words some people may think we are only operating with a “partial deck”.  That’s OK.  God has placed a dream inside of us that we cannot let go of no matter how hard we try.  It drives us to keep going. 

In God’s Word:

I Peter 2:9 says in the NASB, “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”.

I Peter 2:9 says in the Amplified, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”.

I Peter 2:9-10 says in the Message, “But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted”.

During the course of the day you find every reason to quit but deep down inside you know there is something more.  There is!  God is preparing you.  Your moment is coming and God wants you to be ready.  We’ve been chosen by God.  We are peculiar (extraordinary, special and exceptional) and we have been called to make a difference.

Prophetically Speaking:

Don’t give up now!  What you think is hard, God has softened.  What you think is rough, God has made smooth.  Your moment is staring you in the face.  Don’t turn around now.  Opportunities are headed your way.  You are being prepared for the next level.  You have cried to the Lord for a change and God has heard you.  Don’t be moved by what is in front of you.  Keeping looking at what is ahead of you and not around you.  There are many distractions that have been assigned to take your eyes off of what God has told you to do but you must put your blinders back on.  Remember God never changes.  The assigned task was given to you because God knew you would complete it.  Do not let things or people deter you from fulfilling what you KNOW you have been called to do. 

****

Blinders are defined as a pair of leather flaps attached to a horse’s bridle to curtail side vision.  It keeps the horse focused on what is ahead.

COPYRIGHT — This issue of Nikao News Online is copyrighted September 2006. However, permission is granted to freely redistribute these materials.

“For a free subscription to Nikao News’s monthly publication, send an email to subscribe@nikaonews.com or visit Nikao News on the web at www.nikaonews.com .”

Planning for the future has become the topic of conversation for a lot of baby boomers.  A lot of people seem to be paralyzed with making any step because it is not part of their “5, 7 or 10 year plan”.  Now don’t get me wrong.  Planning is good.  You should always have a plan for the future.  But things can change overnight.  One diagnosis can change your whole outlook and your plan has to be modified.  A lot of people who will read this article will not understand the faith involved when God has called you to do something.  To those, all I can say is continue to seek and you will find.  Don’t let your dreams die with you.  The graveyards have a lot of unsung songs and unwritten books and poems. 

My prayer is that whatever tasks you have been uniquely given to do in this life, do not let it die with you.  Are you satisfied with what you are doing?  Are you doing what God has called you to do?  Do you even have a purpose for getting out of bed?  Are you planning for eternity?  All of the money in the bank will not help you if you die in your sins. 

My heart’s cry is for you to wake up now!  Do not let another day go by without getting it right with God.  Yes, you are here for a reason.  Yes, God loves you.  How long will you run from what God is calling you to? 

I’ve only written a small portion about what the following people did against all odds.  If the odds are not in your favor, remember what God’s word says.  Read Ephesians 3:20 (God is able!), Psalms 23 (The Lord is Your Shepherd), and Jeremiah 29:11 (God has a plan for your life).

Audrea Winbush Lott:

Against all odds, she moved back to Jacksonville, Florida because of her mother’s illness. She and her husband, Willie Lott, gave up their jobs in Atlanta without any surety of income. But God had a plan!   This move did come with a cost.  Her mother later died due to illness.  Audrea and Willie found employment but God wanted more.  After many trials which I’m sure will be written in a book later, Audrea had the opportunity to attend full time bible school.  In order to do this the family would have to go down to one income.  Against all odds, she persevered and graduated on May 5, 2006.  There is a lot more to be said about the faith of Audrea but I’m sure she will write more about it later.  Audrea is a member of Faith Christian Center in Jacksonville, Florida under the leadership of Bishop George L. Davis and Pastor April R. Davis as her pastors.

Pastor Diane Avery:

Against all odds, she suffered 2 collapsed lungs and almost died.  She also suffered with a very disturbing eye problem where she had to endure shots around her eye area. A lot of people would probably have given up and settled into a more cautious lifestyle but Pastor Diane has traveled worldwide sharing the love of God. She is able to do this because of her decision to follow the plan of God for her life.  She ministers with a dynamic force everywhere she goes.  Because of the serious illnesses she has endured, Pastor Diane can pray with compassion and a force like no other. She and her husband, Pastor Euthemnia Avery of Trinity Worship Center International, have decided to follow God at any cost.  Whether preaching to 5 or 5000, the uncompromised Word of God goes forth every Sunday.

Pastor Collette Gunby:

Against all odds, she has persevered through family violence, bankruptcy, illness and death.  I was there when Pastor Gunby worked in corporate America and told me she would be resigning from her job because of the call of ministry on her and her husband’s (the late Pastor Ronald Gunby) life.  You are broke!  How can you resign?  Your husband is paralyzed!  Do you have a plan?  Is your house paid for?  But God wanted more.  I was there when her husband, my brother, died.  The decisions Pastor Gunby made during this time I’m sure were not easy but because she chose to follow God’s plan, they have endured the test of time.  She has ministered to thousands and is Senior Pastor of Green Pastures Christian Ministries in Decatur,Georgia A lot more could be said but fortunately it has been written in her own book.

COPYRIGHT — This issue of Nikao News Online is copyrighted May 2006. However, permission is granted to freely redistribute these materials.

“For a free subscription to Nikao News’s monthly publication, send an email to subscribe@nikaonews.com or visit Nikao News on the web at www.nikaonews.com .”

I’ve told this story to several people but just in case you have not heard it I’ll tell it again.  On one of my days off I went to Starbucks just to get quiet before the Lord and to listen to what He had to say.  After I bought my coffee I went back to my car to read and get quiet before the Lord.  It sounded like a good plan.

While I was sipping on my coffee, I could see a Hummer H2 approaching.  As it came closer I became rather grumpy and began calling him a jerk (quietly) along with some other not so loving words.   What sane person would own a car that huge with the price of gas? 

Not only was he about to invade my quiet time but he had the nerve to back into the parking space.  I’m still learning how to gracefully back into any parking space. So to see how this man did it in one swoop really aggravated me.  God! I want to be alone! I was so disturbed with the fact that this monstrous vehicle was now parked next to me I almost left but amazingly when he cut his engine off  all I could hear was “I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD” in a loud deep voice coming from his truck. This man was listening to the Bible on CD.  Awesome!

As I began to repent for all of the things I was thinking, I glanced over at the man and noticed a great peace on his face.  I was looking for what he had.

It took a trip to Starbucks for God to show me that He is a BIG God.  That image of the Hummer H2 will forever linger with me.  That day has changed me dramatically.  I am not so quick to judge others.  I’m even listening to the Bible on CD in my car.

I got everything I was seeking that morning and more.  God truly let me know that if we ask, He will answer; if we seek, we shall find and if we knock, the door shall be opened to us.

The doubts I had about things in my life have been replaced with faith.  My Hummer experience has changed the way I see things.  I know that God will do whatever it takes to get through to each one of us.

Continue to stay focused on what God has called you to do. 

Trust God!

Believe God!

Proverbs 3:5-6  says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths. “(NLT)

With the rising cost of everything on our planet, God says to continue to trust Him.  Put your trust in Him.  Putting confidence in man or man’s plan will only cause you to doubt and have fear.

FEAR:  False Evidence Appearing Real

God wants you to STRETCH up and STRETCH out.

STRETCH:  Standing Tall Reaching Every Task Christ Has!

Now you ask “How can a weekly series made in Hollywood teach me about faith?”  Read on.

Throughout the episode the character “Charlie” was losing focus on his original vision because of working as a consultant with the police department using his gift of mathematics.  This was good works versus calling.  Charlie’s calling was that of a research math professor.

A distraction in the form of another person equally gifted came into town to give a conference on some of Charlie’s work.  Because of this Charlie became unsure about who he was and he lost focus on everything.

In this episode I saw pride beginning to show its ugly head.  Distractions can make you feel as if you are in competition and can cause a lot of stress.  That was the case with Charlie. His distractions caused him to become insecure about everything he knew. 

What does this have to do with anything?  Remember you are not the only one with a vision.  God uses willing vessels to accomplish His work in this world. 

You must stay focused on what God has called you to do. If writing a book is part of that call then write the book and don’t try to write a song.  Pride can keep the solution from coming your direction.  Pride can keep blessings from knocking at your door.  In Charlie’s case his distraction had the solution to the problem.  You will always have challenges in life but do not let these challenges distract you.  As Charlie did in the end, he gave credit where credit was due.  He still had a few issues but at least he was on the right track again.

As you continue with what God has called you to do remember to welcome those challenges and distractions.  They will keep us looking up and not at ourselves.  Distractions could keep us from doing what God has called us to do but I look at it as more fuel for the fire.  Challenges in life will keep you in constant communion with God.  Challenges will cause us to grow. Challenges will keep us learning.

When the vision was given to you, God already knew what was ahead.  He already knew about the Distraction and Challenge duo.  He already knew at what point they would come into our lives.  God knew but you did not.  God also knew you would be able to handle it. 

Prophetically Speaking!

Don’t try to figure it out just know God has it all under control. 

COPYRIGHT — This issue of Nikao News Online is copyrighted March 2006. However, permission is granted to freely redistribute these materials.

“For a free subscription to Nikao News’s monthly publication, send an email to subscribe@nikaonews.com or visit Nikao News on the web at www.nikaonews.com .”

Life is full of many challenges but God has graced us with the courage to face them.  In the face of the enemy He has allowed us to see his awesome power at work.

Even with a blanket thrown over our head, God is still working on our behalf. 

On a personal note the tests and trials faced in 2005 taught me the following: (Can you relate?)

• God is the all-sufficient One
• God is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
• God is my Helper.
• God is my Healer.
• God is my Provider.
• God is my Shepherd.
• God is my Counselor.
• God listens.
• God speaks.
• God Is.

You can’t block out the world because Jesus said in this world we would have tribulations but to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world.  We may not like a lot of the things we go through but lately I have been hearing that you have to go “through” to get “to”.

This battle that we are in is not about us but all about Him.  There are so many souls who have not heard the Gospel of Jesus and may die never hearing about it.  Let’s take the blanket off and gear up for 2006. 

If you are making resolutions for 2006 then make them count.  Resolve to tell as many people about Jesus.  Resolve to pray more.  Resolve to turn the focus off of yourself and onto God.  Resolve to pass out more tracts to spread the Word!  Resolve to do more for the cause of Jesus Christ.

We were never promised a rose garden but Jesus promised never to leave nor forsake us.  No matter what the year 2006 brings, know that you will never have to walk it alone.

Prophetically Speaking:

It is time to take the blinders off and go full force with what God has told you to do. 

COPYRIGHT — This issue of Nikao News Online is copyrighted January 2006. However, permission is granted to freely redistribute these materials.

“For a free subscription to Nikao News’s monthly publication, send an email to subscribe@nikaonews.com or visit Nikao News on the web at www.nikaonews.com .”

1. Results
2. Reaching
3. Gratitude
4. Fortitude
5. Solitude
6. Wonders
7. Standing Up for the Truth
8. Reconciliation
9. Revelation
10. Challenges
11. Contentment
12. Commitment
13. Understanding
14. Peace
15. Triumph
16. Purity
17. Change
18. Adventure
19. New Ventures
20. More Than Enough
21. Receiving
22. Giving
23. Communion
24. Miracles
25. Truth
26. Newness
27. Vision
28. Insight
29. Foresight
30. Destiny

The year 2006 will hold many new and different things for those who believe and trust God.

Have a great year!

Angela Renee Bell, Founder, Visionary, and CEO

Nikao News International, Inc.

Leap into 2005 with JOY!

Leap knowing that God is able!

Leap with passion into your destiny!

Leap knowing your destiny is at hand!

Don’t look back but leap forward!

 I have labeled this year as the YEAR OF DELIVERY.  God says in Isaiah 66:9 “Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring forth?  Shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb?”

The following are usually the 4 basic steps in giving birth:

Step 1:  Conception – Your dream is a seed.

Step 2: Pregnancy – Usually 9 months.  During this time you feel like the birth will never happen but this is the time you really begin to prepare.

Step 3: Labor – This is the most intense time because birth is taking place.  Your dreams are manifesting.

Step 4: Delivery – Your dream has come alive!

God will not bring you to the point of delivery and not cause delivery to take place.  Determine which step you are in. 

Are you praying for something in particular and just can’t see any progress?  Just remember God has heard your prayers.  Pray Isaiah 66:9 and know God will not bring you this far and abort the mission.  Your labor pains can be so intense but this is the time you can’t stop.  You must know that delivery will take place.

Start declaring the year 2005 as your year for delivery! 

COPYRIGHT — This issue of Nikao News Online is copyrighted January 2005. However, permission is granted to freely redistribute these materials.

“For a free subscription to Nikao News’s monthly publication, send an email to subscribe@nikaonews.com or visit Nikao News on the web at www.nikaonews.com .”