I’m giving up

Poetry Corner

I’m giving up

by: Nicole L. Ellis

I’m giving up!

Yes, I am.

Don’t try to persuade me to stay.

I’m giving up.

I quit!

I’ve been here too long.

I’m over it! I’m done!

I am giving up on cautious ministry.

Where I tip toe around saints in an effort not to ruffle feathers.

All at the expense of those who I’m called to minister to.

I quit!

I quit explaining why I’m CALLED to people who wouldn’t understand the call even if God tried to break it down for them Himself.

I’m over it!

I’m over pretending I’m comfortable with mediocrity in the body of Christ.

I’ve been a resident of complacency city for too long.

Fear has corrupted the mind and body.

Contaminating my will to run the race God has instructed me to run.

People have been assigned to me yet I have allowed them to become casualties of unfulfilled purpose I quit and I’m not going back to the place where I place man’s opinion higher than God’s dominion.

Throwing caution to the wind

I will serve more

I will dedicate my life to my call

I will become who God created me to be

Actively pursuing my destiny.

(C) 2016

 

 

Have a blessed day!

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

Passion to Push

Poetry Corner

Passion to Push

by: Nicole L. Ellis

Have you ever wanted something so bad you could almost taste it?

Although the meal you desired was not present in the natural

Your mind interacted with your senses and you could almost embrace it

The sweet aroma somehow met your nostrils

The delectable dish danced on your taste buds

And you would do almost anything to devour the meal that only met your mind

That drive, that insatiable appetite to possess what only began as a thought is Passion

Do you have passion to push

Push past the excuses and lies

Passion to push past the discouragement and defeat

Are you willing to pay the cost to be the boss

Or forfeit your dream and experience a loss

A loss of hope, happiness and a future

 Or are you willing to dig deep and bandage your wounds with a suture

Do you have passion to push

Push past the embarrassment of temporary defeat

Passion to push past the desire to compete

Will you abort the vision and bury it underground

Or will you clip its wings so it can no longer be bound

Everyone dreams, but only a few push from imaginary thought to manifestation

The road to success is a journey and not merely a destination

The possibilities are endless for meaningful success

However, you have to decide that you won’t settle for less

Be willing to see the dream before it becomes reality

Work hard so your goals don’t become a fatality

Embrace the fact that the process never ends

Possess the passion to push and you are destined to win!

 

“The dream is free, but the journey isn’t.”

~John Maxwell

 

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

Consider making a contribution to a life changing project. Click link to donate: http://www.gofundme.com/b0n5sc

Did you know?

Poetry Corner

Good morning! Happy Monday to you all! I pray you had a blessed weekend.

This weekend I was spending some quiet time with the Lord when He provided this freestyle. I was simply typing a few lines for a Facebook status and then God released a little more.

1 Peter 2:9New King James Version (NKJV)

⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Did you know

by: Nicole L. Ellis

Did you know you are royalty?

If so, when will you begin acting like the Kings and queens you were created to be?

When will you start raising your boys to be princes and your girls to be princesses God designed them to become?

When will you eradicate the self-hate that the world has perpetuated and masked it by calling it “identity”?

You are more than the false reality of an insecure man.

You weren’t created to destroy your brother or sister by not lending a helping hand.

Using social media as a weapon to kill and destroy.

Did you even notice you’re being used as a decoy.

The enemy wants to distract you from what he’s really trying to do.

His plan isn’t just to hurt others rather it’s to obliterate YOU! 
You see, if you don’t know who you are or WHOSE you are you will continue to be the slave to the  world’s self-destructive behavior.

You’ll continue speaking death over your mind doing the devil a favor.

Stop calling yourself things contrary to the Word of God and then get mad when someone calls you out of your name, now that’s odd.

Did you know you are royalty?

If so, when will you begin acting like the Kings and queens you were created to be?

When will you start raising your boys to be princes and your girls to be princesses God designed them to become?

How long will you allow a broke down system to make you feel dumb?

Feeding your spirit images that defame you. Listening to music that degrades you. Supporting causes that undermines the call on your life.

Why blame the devil when you’re the one inflicting strife?

To know you are royalty but to behave like a common thief is beneath you.

You have robbed your joy, stolen your dignity, pawned yourself worth all because you’d rather listen to man than to put a book in you hand.

Not just any book but the B.I.B.L.E- it’s in there you’ll find who you were destined to be.

When will you begin acting like the Kings and queens you were created to be?

When will you start raising your boys to be princes and your girls to be princesses?

Your family is waiting…The nation is waiting….
 

Do you know who are you? I mean do you really know who you are? Does your life communicate the actions of someone who is from a royal lineage? Take time to examine your life and see who people see when they look at you. People are waiting for you to recognize who you are in Christ. Don’t delay do a self-check today!

Have a blessed day!

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

Consider making a contribution to a life changing project. Click link to donate: http://www.gofundme.com/b0n5sc

Happy Black History Month

Happy Black History Month

Black History Facts:

In 1831, Nat Turner, an enslaved African-American preacher, leads the most significant slave uprising in American history.

In 1849, Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery and becomes one of the most effective and celebrated leaders of the Underground Railroad.

In 1863, President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring “that all persons held as slaves” within the Confederate states “are, and henceforward shall be free.”

 

More than your skin

by: Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis

You are more than the mahogany colored skinned that graces the world with beauty

You are more than the dark chocolate silhouette that traces the night sky

More than a hue on the black spectrum

You are more than your skin

Engineering runs through your veins

You are scientists, inventors, mathematicians and teachers

Singers, artist, dancers, preachers

You hold world records and honors higher than most

Accolades so high that even your skin begins to boast

Shouting “I AM MORE THAN MY SKIN”

From slavery, to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to President Barack Obama you were destined to win

You were the “first” at many premier designs

You reached for discoveries that still boggle the minds

The minds of many who limited you by color and race

You even became a person who traveled in space

Your reign in the government, Congress, and Senate

Knows no boundaries and holds no limits

You are more than the coffee color that shines on your face

You’ve been washed in precious blood and saved His grace

Never put limits on whether or not you can win

You are a beautiful person who is more than their SKIN!

Happy Black History Month to you all!

God bless.

Have a blessed day!

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

Consider making a contribution to a life changing project. Click link to donate: http://www.gofundme.com/b0n5sc

Wear Purple-Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Facts:

• Nearly 2.2 million people called local and national domestic violence hotlines in 2004.
• More than 1.35 million people accessed domestic violence victim services in 2005.
• Over $5.8 billion each year is spent on health-related costs of domestic violence.
• 74% of Americans personally know someone who is or has been abused.

http://www.clicktoempower.org/domestic-violence-facts

Wear purple today, get a ribbon, put on a blouse or dress shirt, put on a t-shirt, wear a headband, or even “PURPLE LIPSTICK”. Paint the town PURPLE today and help raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

This is a topic we shouldn’t run from, but we should all learn more about it and how we can help.

Here is a National Domestic Violence Hotline: http://www.thehotline.org/ or call 1-800-799-SAFE

Don’t ignore the warning signs, don’t judge or criticize those who are in an abusive situation and more importantly don’t remain silent! Someone needs your help!

 

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

Consider making a contribution to a life changing project. Click link to donate: http://www.gofundme.com/b0n5sc

Beyond the surface

Poetry Corner

Domestic Violence Facts:

1.  85% of domestic violence victims are women.
2. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
3. 1/2 of all homeless women and children in the U.S. are fleeing from domestic violence.

 

Beyond the surface

by: Nicole L. Ellis, MBA

I look in mirror and I never see

Visible marks staring back at me

He claims he doesn’t hurt me

And the truth is I don’t even see the scars

But the hurt I am experiencing makes me feel like I’ve been beaten with a metal bar

They hear how he degrades me and how I cry myself to sleep

Yet they tell me how great he is and the love for him I should keep

I stand in a sea of witnesses feeling hopeless and drowning in shame

When I stand in public I pray that someone sees me frowning and calls out my name

Call me and help me that is all I ask

I don’t know how much longer my will to live will last

Beyond the surface are bruises that penetrate to the bone

My heart has experienced excruciating pain and I feel all alone

The absence of physical abuse doesn’t mean I’m not hurting

Power and control of my emotions is what moves around lurking

Seeking to destroy my self-esteem and pride

Emotional abuse causes damage

Unfortunately you can’t see what’s on the inside

 

~Emotional abuse- is any kind of abuse that is emotional rather than physical in nature. It can include anything from verbal abuse and constant criticism to more subtle tactics, such as intimidation, manipulation, and refusal to ever be pleased.

Most women experience emotional abuse than physical abuse. Don’t diminish someone’s experience just because you don’t see physical scars. Men, women and children can experience abuse and never report it because society has convinced them that it’s not abuse unless you were hit. Educate yourself so you can help someone else or even yourself.

God bless!

 

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

Consider making a contribution to a life changing project. Click link to donate: http://www.gofundme.com/b0n5sc

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic Violence Facts:

• 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime.
• Women experience more than 4 million physical assaults and rapes because of their partners, and men are victims of nearly 3 million physical assaults.
• Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes.
• Domestic violence is most likely to occur between 6 pm and 6 am.
• More than 60% of domestic violence incidents happen at home.

Source: http://www.safehorizon.org/page/domestic-violence-statistics–facts-52.html

 

Hug

by: Nicole L. Ellis

He hit me

He yelled

He cursed

He accused

He abused

He misused

He lied

He controlled

He did everything to break me

He stripped me of my pride

He pummeled my self-esteem

He walked on my heart

He discouraged my soul

But my child embraced me one evening

A hug that reignited the light within

Something shifted and I was determined to never let this happen again

I was ready to be set free

All because a child embraced me.

 

Advice: Don’t look at domestic violence victims in judgment or criticism. The cycle of abuse is real and you never know what emotional, mental, physical or spiritual hold the abuser may have on the abused. Don’t turn your nose up at a victim (male or female, young or old). Don’t seek to understand, seek to break the SILENCE!!! If you hear something or see something, please report it. Don’t shake your head and walk away. Don’t tweet it or post it on Facebook in disgust. Educate yourself and help someone. You can save someone’s life!

 

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

Consider making a contribution to a life changing project. Click link to donate: http://www.gofundme.com/b0n5sc

Title without a testimony

Poetry Corner

Good afternoon. I pray your week is going well.

John 12:26New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁶ If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

Mark 10:42-45New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴² But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. ⁴³ Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. ⁴⁴ And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Title without a testimony

by: Nicole L. Ellis

There has been a growing epidemic

One that Christians should not mimic

However it’s consuming people at an alarming rate

Leaving the souls of many to lie in wake

Walking around as if they are living, but they are really bound

Spiritually lost and trying to become found

There is a spiritual cancer that has seaped into the church

It has attached itself to leaders who no longer are giving birth

Consumed with a title they forgot their own name

Instead of helping the lost they are inflicting so much pain

They have a title but no testimony

Their walk consist of religious ceremonies

Forgetting the mission to serve God’s people

Lost souls come for direction and guidance, but leave out feeble

Titles have tainted because they have been created by man

People are so addicted to receiving one they forget to lend a helping hand

The church is being conditioned to embrace rank and position

While the enemy uses the leaders to hold people in submission

Submission to harboring bitterness, jealousy and hurt

Unbelievers would rather remain in sin instead of convert

There is a growing epidemic

One that Christians should not mimic

Even the Son of Man came to serve

So it’s not to late to turn the curve

Don’t allow the title to infiltrate your mind

Fight to carry people to Christ instead of leaving them behind

Pretend the title doesn’t even exist

Allow the desire to help others rise up and persist

Don’t allow a title to drive you insane

Proclaim Jesus Christ and know that He reigns

He determines your true identity

Loose that title and be set free

Share your story in order to minister to the hearts of man

Serve others and prepare them for when Christ comes again

Having a title without a testimony is not the way to be

Live your life and declare and decree

I am a servant and I will proclaim liberty

I will live as a godly example they way God intended me to be

 

~I pray you take time to evaluate the way you act in all of your roles in church, at home, in the community, etc. Although you may have many titles given to you by man, the only title that matters is SERVANT! When you die and Jesus looks in the Book of Life, you should want to hear Him say “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Jesus is not impressed with your titles, He is more concerned with your heart and how you serve others. We are no greater than Christ and when He was on this earth He served. Live a life that is filled with examples of how you help others get to know who He is instead of dispising who you are. Forget about your titles and be sure to live as a living testimony. Share your story. Someone needs it!

Have a blessed day and wonderful weekend!

 

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

Consider making a contribution to a life changing project. Click link to donate: http://www.gofundme.com/b0n5sc

Poetry Corner: Get out and Shine

Poetry Corner

Good morning! Happy Tuesday to you all!

Matthew 5:16 New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Get out and shine

By: Nicole L. Ellis

Why do you surround yourself with dark clouds of witnesses

And drown yourself with dreary colors of distress

Why do you crawl along the floor of defeat

And wrestle with disillusion

You don’t understand why you don’t fit in or belong

Light can’t reside with darkness is my only conclusion

You were created to shine bright and lead the way

Give a clear path to those who have gone astray

Get out of that box of isolation the enemy has created for you

It’s a trick to prevent you from doing what you are called to do

Shine bright and let people see who lives within

Allow people to hunger and no longer live in sin

Let your light shine so men will see

The only way to live is for Christ and watch the enemy flee

Gird yourself up with the armor of God

Dare to be different and don’t fret from being considered odd

Jesus didn’t try to fit in and neither should you

The world is dying

They need to know more about why it is that you do what you do

Get out and shine

It’s your time to lead the way

Get up and proclaim the Lord

Don’t wait until tomorrow do it TODAY

Demonstrate it with your life

Bring others along with you

Let your light shine it’s what you were destined to do!

Make a decision to be the light of the earth. People are dying spiritually every day and they are hungry for hope. Choose to step out and be different. Choose to be the light in a dark world. Let your light shine so that people can run to God and give Him glory. Have a blessed day!

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.

Consider making a contribution to a life changing project. Click link to donate: http://www.gofundme.com/b0n5sc

Poetry Corner – I am determined

Sunshine’s Reflections

Good morning! It seems like forever, but I’m back. I pray that all is well. I pray that you have continued with your daily devotion. It is so important to develop and maintain a personal relationship with Christ. Your walk with Christ should never become contingent on people. I’m glad to be back!

Poetry Corner

 I am determined

by: Nicole Ellis

Life has a way of throwing curve balls

Emotional distress tries to tear me down

The enemy sends his army in attempts to discourage

They plant traps in an effort to knock me on the ground

But I am determined

Haters spew filth and complaints

Negative people try to contaminate my thinking

The enemy tries to use some of the closet people

As part of his plan to keep me sinking

But I am determined

I am royalty

My Father is King

He sits high in heaven

And promised me everything

Whatever I ask in His name I shall receive

I will use the promises of God to combat those who try to deceive

I am determined to remain humble yet to stand tall

I will live a life that is pleasing to God

They will not make me falter

I will conquer all of the odds

I am determined to become who God wants me to be

You don’t have to believe me

Wait and see what God manifest through me

Because I am DETERMINED!

 

God has called you to become someone great and on your journey to greatness you should expect opposition and resistance. Don’t allow the tricks of the enemy or the things people say or do to deter you from being who God has called you to be. The only approval you need is from God. Make up your mind and say, “I AM DETERMINED TO BE WHO GOD HAS CALLED ME TO BE AND I WILL WALK IN MY DESTINY!”

Have a blessed day!

 

 

Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA

Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.