Stephanie and Faith's Healthy 2010 Goals

All Fast food restaurants omitted:
including not the obvious:
Chic-fil-a
Boston Market
Quiznoes
Subway
Zaxby's
All Pizza places
Chinese take-out
*With Exceptions: If you MUST eat fast food resteraunts then order according to
http://eatthis.menshealth.com/home


Faiths Work-Out plan
Work-out 3 times a week on my own
options to :
run, bike or take a class
together with weights & abs

Stephanie's Work-Out plan
Work-out 3 times a week on my own
options:
running
as well as core & moderate weights


At the end of the month Reward:
If we follow the conditions above faithfully
then we will reward ourselves with ONE MEAL
of our choice. Either an appetizer and a meal or a meal and dessert.

Faith's 2010 Goals:
*Raise Awareness about Chocolate Slave by starting a Campaign in Uf
*Become a mentor either through Big Brothers Big Sisters or Tutor at East Side
* Keeping the Sabbath and read Christian Books during my Sabbath
*Praying With My sisters on the Phone weekly
*Staying connected with my friends down south by bi-weekly talks instead using txting as my communication to them
*Get a Summer Job
*Following a proposed budget (learn how to make your own budget on Excel here: http://www.vertex42.com/ExcelArticles/how-to-budget.html)
*Tithing even before I get a summer Job...hence strengthening my Faith in God with my funds
*Learn How to play Worship Songs on the Piano during the summer
*Start Christian Open Mics with the J Movement
*Read ahead
*study for the MCAT & GRE

Stephanie's 2010 Goals:
*Starting and maintaining a Sabbath
*Following a proposed budget
*Read at least 10 novels/books
*Increase time/study of God's word!!!
*Support (financial & time) a local ministry/outreach

*Learn how to knit =]
*Begin weekly studies for the GRE with Faith

There have been numerous events in my life that I have felt utterly helpless. Usually these are the events that I cry out and lean on someones shoulder and also pray out to God. Yet, this past event was different. I wasn't going to write a post on this, yet I felt the Holy spirit telling me to write this for someone else who is going through something similar.

:sigh:
So, I have put God first this semester. Totally surrendered my life to Christ. As a university of Florida student that for me means I have decided to Major in Jesus and Minor in school. I have not neglected my studies but I have stopped stressing! Well that is the biggest thing I learned this semester- to trust God. There has been many times this semester that I have cried. I have put God first and studied yet I failed my first exams for all my classes! Like I really studied and put God first. I love church, not just because of the fellowship. Yet, I find the most joy and comfort being in His presence. Also, Pastor Mike is seriously anointed by God. I love him, and his messages always hit hard. They are not a feel good messages!

So, yeah the second exam was a little better but not what I wanted. Like I was so distress that on my birthday I went to Lake Alice to do my quiet time and just cried out to my God because my grades weren't good. I was crying because I wasn't seeing results. Yet, I was not wearing my name proudly! Faith- is walking without sight! Because I couldnt see where God was taking me scared me completely! In my eyes all I saw was failure!I was trying to have Faith, but this was my sophomore year. Could God please give me a break and bring me success in school from the beginning? Like seriously, I have struggled in school since my first semester. University of Florida is no Joke! Especially their pre-health track, its a complete weed out courses! After only doing a little better in my exams after days of studying I literally just stopped. Stopped studying and just asked God why? How? When? Huh? I was fed up. I honestly didn't really pick up a book for 2 weeks but just spent time in God's presence asking him why? Why God, like what do you want from me? I just felt helpless. I didn't know what to do.

So at Alice and just started crying. The phrase in my head "Faith you dont trust him" just kept repeating in my head as the tears fell. Jason from church approaches me(and this is my first time meeting him). He ask me "why are you crying? Is it because of school?" I was like man this is a divine appointment! He tells me about being selfless and trusting that God is going to take control. After, I went and sat by the lake and started listening to my ipod podcast and it was definetly God. I listen to about 3 20 min worship podcast in a row and they all were about how God is in control even when we can not see it. Even in our hard times. Psalms 34 was read and as I listening the Holy Spirit yelled "Faith! Like are you serious! Why are you crying, like you believe the Bible is infallible right?!?

Psalms 34 :17 " The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenheartedand saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. ²¹ Evil will slay the wicked; 7 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.

Right now Faith your crying because you don't believe God's words!" And that's when I received the revelation that God is going to take care of me. He has done in the past! I am not going to forget all that he has delivered me from in the past and think he doesn't care about me now! I honestly left Lake Alice comforted.

~ Sometimes to hear from God we really need to cry out to him~

The rest of my semester I continue to seek God and just felt his comfort because I now trusted him and was not walking by sight but by Faith! I studied but honestly just was like God provide for me because I know I can not do this but only through your strength.

Now results: As I saw my results he delivered me from one of my classess yet in Biology I recieved a D. When I saw my grade I started crying, not because I thought my future was over. But because my parents. My GPA has dropped and I just thought they would be furious! I cried but then I was like man they fear God. If they only knew how many hours I studied and how much I have grown in God they would be okay. I read several Psalms of how much God is in control and is ordering our steps and received this peace that surpassed all my understanding. My faith and trust was strengthen once again as I faced my parents.

When I met with my parents I told them of my growth in God and how he is really taking care of me even if they could not see it. I told them they might not be happy with my grade but just know that God is going to take everything. I honestly thought that everything would be okay. But I was completely wrong. My parents did go crazy. they tried to put things in their own hands yet it is not for man to direct his owns steps. Jeremiah 10:23. They canceled my trip to Kansas city for IHOP conference and have told me that this last week home will be my time to study biology.

Now I do not want to rag on my parents. However, this news of not going to my trip was told to me Christmas Morning. I was completely devastated. I was crying like someone had died for about an hour. I wasn't crying because I could not go to Kansas city. But because my parents do not completely trust God with MY LIFE. "God helps those who help themselves" is what my dad told me. Yet, I return to him asking is that in the Bible? He responds saying no, and I said I know that but it does say in Psalms 37: 23-24: " The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.

My parents honestly was not trying to hear what I was saying, yet God's words continued to come to me saying Faith my word is true. I have great plans for your future. One little D is not going to stop you from where I need you.

I cried because I felt helpless with my parents and could not believe that I am still going through the same awful scenes that I tried to forget with my parents as they control my life. I cried but for the first time I did not depend on anyone to comfort me. I actually did not want anyone to comfort me. I wanted to be alone with God as I cried out. As my eyes poured out tears and my mouth mourned I felt the love God. Like he loves me, and this life is only temporary but His children get to live in heaven for eternity. I was in so much pain, but I read his psalms and because of my love for God I submitted to my parents.

Because I know God is Sovereign. I know that some how God will provide for me. Right now it has been two days since it has happens and all I can say is that for first time in my life I can say: that I no longer look for anything in this world to satisfy me or comfort me. Not my family, friends, or a career. My love for God is sooooooo much stronger and to me that's enough. Like I still want to just live for Christ, no longer for the desires of this world.

^{John 12:25} The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Matthew 10: 37-38 Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; ³⁸and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

This world truly has nothing for me, and I just want to bring his Kingdom into this world. I just want my family and friends to really experience God's love. Because His love is ENOUGH!

Three of the greatest thing I have received out of this semester is learning how to truly pray and cry out to God. Secondly, learning what my name means and how it works along trusting God. Thirdly knowing what type of physician I want to become. I want to become a third world physician that specializes in disease that plagues third world countries.

So, this has been another challenging semester, God has not given me everything that I wanted yet I know God is Sovereign. He does not say no because he feels like it. He does not close a door just for the heck of it! He has a purpose, plan, and something better then what I can see towards my future and my parents reaction. This is the essence of Faith! Believing what I can not see but instead Trusting that God is Sovereign and that He has ordered my steps!

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^b have been called according to his purpose/

Here are two amazing songs that lyrics literally say what most Christians feel when they are in distress with the thier life and trusting God





~Faith

The world’s view of dating has lightened much. I can see from looking at older generations, such as my parents! Being Haitian and with strict parents, my parents hardly experienced dating … or as we seem to make the word seem today. Yet God has definitely blessed their marriage for the past 26 years! So why does dating seem to be held as a crucial part in having a healthy relationship now a days? As redeemed children of God, led to walk in light, we’re called to give up the norms/standards of this world.

Colossians 3:1-2 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

But were so young!!! Shouldn’t we at least enjoy dating??? My mom’s answer to me was always … NO! But so many of these thoughts have been contemplated in my head:

It’s just harmless dating, I’m not looking to be in a serious relationship, just to have that companionship.

I’ve realized dating is hardly ever harmless. Establishing someone as “more than just a friend,” is always going to do something to your heart, attaching yourself to that person, and making it even harder to break from that person, when your so called “done!” [which I often was!] Look into this relationship’s future and what do you see? If it’s not a committed relationship that points to marriage in the future, what is your goal in it now? If your longing for companionship find it in Jesus. A relationship with Him Is guaranteed to never ever get old!

You learn lessons about relationships while dating!

You may! At the same time you deal with many issues that come with giving your heart to someone. God is not going to put us in a situation, that is impossible to tackle with Him. This includes relationships. Matter of fact he prunes us in our single years, with our relationships with our brothers, to show us what a pure relationship really looks like.

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

What if this is the guy God really wants for me?

First (note to myself) The Lord longs for us to wholeheartedly go after him! So why would He want us to be unevenly yoked, causing us to stumble in our relationship with Him? If this is the guy God has set apart for you, then why not wait on Him and see! God is not in a rush, why are you? As my sister in Christ told me, God is just not going to let this guy slip from your life, because YOU missed an opportunity. God is sovereign, we need to be on His timing not our own!

2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

Yoke(n) -something that couples or binds together; a bond or tie.

I’ve been single for sooo long (or forever in my case)!

Ahh single years, loved or loathed, but always on the extreme ends! Ladies of God, it’s time to claim our single years joyfully, as time to grow with God. He does things in our lives now, that cannot be done in the future while we are in a relationship!

1 Corinthians 7: 32-34 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.

...

So I am NOT anti-dating! I’m just anti-the world’s standards for dating =]. I used to be confused, embarrassed, even mad, that I was never in relationships. Everyone around me had boyfriends from before our teens!! What was wrong with me? I had guys like me, and I liked them, but it never led anywhere! Many years later ... I see that this has actually been a blessing from God. He’s kept me from heartaches and worries, and I’m so thankful for that. Now I’m on the mission to find out what God truly calls for In a pure relationship with godly men, seeing them as my brothers, and maximizing my single years to build my relationship with the Lord. Being married to Jesus!! So that’s just my take on dating, but don’t take mine read God’s word and ask for His wisdom.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

...

Video found by Faith =]: Average Girl-Barlow Girl

-Stephanie

Testimony: evidence or proof of something

Today Stephanie & I shared our full testimony with each other, which I must say was an extreme battle between us listening to the Devil to keep it to ourselves due to shame or not to be ashamed of what God has delivered us from. Our testimonies is evidence and proof that God is Real and Sovereign! Because we have both been redeemed from : Lying, Drunkenness, Stealing, Cheating, Pornography, Masturbation, Oral Sex, Filthy Mouth, Seductiveness, Pride, Guilt, Shame, Fear and Depression. The fact that I can even write this is by God's grace!

Both of us have allowed the Devils voice to speak loud in thoughts so much that we were too ashamed to admit any of this. Yet, we now believe Romans 12:1-2 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Yes! The peace to be able to be real with each other about our testimonies and see how Beautiful and powerful God has worked in each of our life's!

Accountability: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions

Now that we have cleaned our closets and have revealed to each other our past ugliness- we now take up the job to keep each other ACCOUNTABLE making sure each other does not fall or help each other with whatever we struggle with. One way we keep each other accountable is by downloading X3watch (at www.xxxchurch.com) which is a program that flags any questionable websites either of us visits, and sends a recorded list to your chosen accountability partner. I know personally the devil works over time for me when I am alone at home or idol down south in my parent's place, so I am grateful that God has given me someone to keep my accountable. Love you Steph!

~Faith

We are His adopted children. Quit seeking affection and belonging in other places. Jesus died on the cross years ago to take the scars we feel being made today. We are not alone. We are not subjected to the spirit of fear. He has declared freedom over our lives. To love and to be loved, only through His abounding, wonderful, mighty love that he graciously gives.

2 Timothy 1:7

-Stephanie

For the freedom to go home and sleep
instead of going home at any hour with the need to add checking my facebook as my daily routine of getting ready for bed even if it is 4 am!
For the freedom of more time
instead of trying to have self control over my time on facebook saying I would spend 15 min yet 15 mins would lead to 30 to 45 min till I know it I have been on facebook for like 2 hours!
For the freedom to stop worrying about what others thought of me
instead of constantly checking on facebook and seeing how many notifications I had recieved in the last hour or two. To see who was looking at my pictures, who comments on my pictures or liked my status.
For the freedom of pride
instead of always feeling elated and prideful when someone did leave me a comment or liked my picture, or put me with them as their profile picture...literally when anyone would put me in a good light
For the freedom of shedding this "I can be a good girl on the outside...but then be my little bad girl on the inside" when I would message multiple guys on the inside. Never getting to close, but always being the master of the game that they thought they playing on me. Yet, knowing that the joke was always on them. Or was it?
For the freedom of stalking
instead of stalking peoples life and goals before I even met them! Tracking people down, seeing who went where and did what with whom. Getting upset when I see a girl comment on my ex's page and what not
For the freedom of insecurity
instead of roaming to facebook aimlessly and seeing how everyone's life appread to be fun and amazing and happy. Or seeing my friends going out with each other wondering why I was not invited. Or why is she on your profile picture and not I? Why my ex is with her and not me?
For the freedom of transparency
instead of putting on this beautiful persona that my life is sooooooo good. And now it is even better that I have found Jesus. Yet, never able to reveal the ugliness of my life. The break ups , the heart breaks, and all the sins that I struggled because I feared of what people thought of me. Or didn't want people to stop thinking of me Faith Umoh as a good light. I was afraid that I could no longer control what people thought of me after I was transparent.

Why did I take a break from Facebook....
simply to truly find my identity in Christ and not my Facebook

~Faith

Promises and Faith.
Two words I don't usually put together. Not holding steadfast to the words of others, I'm usually quick to doubt, unless you are my parents, bestfriend, or maybe a teacher! People's words don't hold nearly as much value as in earlier times (ie. Biblical). Seems fitting since the bible is a book of promises, God's promises, to His children. But what are promises without faith in them? Nothing but empty holes, quick sand that we can not stand firm upon. So why do we treat God's very promises to us, as lovely lullabies or fairy tales, to listen to, but not live by? Sometimes seeming relevant and applicable but not absolute.

The truth is ALL of His living word is infallible, and what else is greater to trust than the very words of God! Apply God's promises into your life and I have no doubt it will soon shine with His rays of faithfulness. I was reading Jeremiah 31 and was once again in awe of our Father's faithfulness.

³¹ "The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah." ... ³⁴ No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,'because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD."For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

Even after Israel's unfaithfulness God still set out to make Himself known in their hearts. Jesus came to seal God's second covenant, offering Himself as a sacrifice so that we may know the Father's heart, and hold steadfast to His promises.

Hebrews 9
¹²He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. ¹³The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. ¹⁴How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! ¹⁵For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

!!!! There is no greater feeling then trusting the Lord, and knowing what He has promised us, and in times when you "should" doubt, to only be amazed and see what He has planned for you. I pray we will be people who will have faith in God's everlasting promises.
-Steph