Raising Him Alone...

Good day Mars,

Below is a link to a very resourceful website that supports single mothers, it's based out of Newark and Baltimore. There are helpful links to assist in selecting after school programs, parenting a angry male child, keeping boys busy, also appropriate punishment & discipline, the list is extensive. Please read and/or pass on to other single mothers, as well as, single fathers. There's also great information for Grandparents raising sons. Remember, it really does take a village...

http://www.raisinghimalone.com/strategies.htm


You are not alone,
Jerri of Mars

Jibrii the Journalist

Hey Mars,

     I'm a proud mother of a wonderful son which you all know to be, Jibrii. He is pursuing a career in entertainment via acting, broadcasting, and modeling. As a hobby, you can find him traveling the states seeking out Cosplay Conventions. For the novice, a Cosplayer is a person who designs costumes and models specific characters. Jibrii's characters are primarily of black descent and/or Marvel Comics, such as Bruce Leeroy, Deadpool, Taskmaster and the latest Moon Knight.



Jibrii as Moon Knight

     I have the pleasure of assisting with making costumes for these characters. It is costly, between purchasing the types of materials, designing, detailing, late night sewing (Jibrii's does this well) also traveling with hotel accommodations. Nevertheless, he gets to travel to various major cities. His latest travels has journeyed him to Washington, DC. He also appeared on Cake Boss in February as Deadpool, for a private NYC, rooftop, Marvel Comic 50th birthday celebration with the inventors.
     Through hard work and dedication, Jibrii has also embarked upon writing reviews for video games with a company called Nerd Caliber out of Boston. This has and is establishing him as a freelance Journalist. Watch his first interview video from Washington DC. As mentioned earlier, next month he will be working strictly in this capacity of freelance Journalist at his very first PAX Video Game Convention in Boston.

      We're so proud of him and we ask your prayers for traveling mercies, future paid assignments and that God be glorified. The Holy Spirit told me to call Jibrii, Prince, some years ago, said he will prevail for God and man. I believe God, because this was a child who had a speech impediment as he entered preschool. Never give up on God because He won't give up on You! He's able...

You are not alone,
Jerri of Mars

Ears to Hear...Update

OMGosh Mars,

     Nobody told me the link didn't work, from the last blog or you just did not care to click on, but I am doing what thus saith the Lord to give you this lesson. You are aware that over half of Jesus confessing and believing Christians, are not reading the bible daily. We can all attest that in the beginning, reading the word can be hard, but just listening to the pastors version, on Sunday, is never enough. We must "study" the word to show our own selves approved, rightly divide it, so we won't be ashamed. All this means is that you won't be caught out there repeating and living by false teachings and preachings. Reading the word of God will heighten your discernment aka having the ability to tell good from evil. Even the devil can shine like an angel of light being said that everyone who stands in the pulpit aren't always of God. They know the word and can exegete it: a critical explication or interpretating of Scripture. But the truth is not in them; Jesus will say, "I don't know you..."
    The enemy is subtle! Please, get into the word of God, hold fast to it and apply it to your life. Live by it! So prayerfully, you will be obedient and at least look this powerful study over. Get started today! I love you.

 http://www.earstohear.net/Kingdom/know.html
   

     Next, these two links are about children and how their brain develops. So, maybe just maybe, you are more interested in the proper growth of your children's brain and why they act out. This man is not just a doctor but a christian. I'm praying Mars...no more lack of knowledge = no more suffering.

http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/lib/Networks/sublib/TBN/ec/NpcGZqOTr5ktY4lTG9qeJ5zM3zFrE-3A

http://www.itbn.org/index/detail/lib/Networks/sublib/TBN/ec/M4ZGhqOTpgqUedVvlUBnaj-Rcus0TLAy


You are not alone,
Jerri of Mars

Ears to Hear...

Dear Mars,
 
     I write today to take you back...back to a time when you first met the Lord Jesus Christ. No, not when you first joined the church, the choir or any other ministry. But when you were inadequate, feeling out of place, perhaps unsure if you want to even walk down that church aisle to give you life to the Lord. Now go a step further, when you first decided to seriously consider what to wear to church. Ponder on how you felt when you thought about picking up the bible; 'what is it talking about you said, it doesn't make sense.'
     You were as a new born baby, unable to drink milk without choking. You needed so much help, having to learn all over again. In this dispensation of time, most of us have come very far and wholeheartedly decided, we are not going back. Regardless, of how awkward our journey has been, we are now comfortable and safe in His arms. The man we grew to fall in love with, Jesus!
     But how far have we come? So far, that we feel a sense of arrival or even better, complacent. I will be the first to admit, that yes, I still have areas that need His undivided attention. I've been on this journey since 1981 and I have done of it all, so it appears. But there still that deep intuition that calls from the deep, saying, 'no Jerri, you need to go further...keep moving on. And in doing so, don't forget your first love.' Like the church of Ephesus, who was very pleasing to the Lord, but was unaccountable to one thing, they forgot their first love.
     What was it? We could never forget Jesus, after all we wake up each day to Him in prayer and meditation. We read His word, give encouraging words, fast, humble ourselves, avoid our former ways, all so that He may be glorified. I found to believe that our first love wants us to never forget, how it all started and how we felt...fear and trembling...working out our salvation. We've gotten or can get so courageous and lofty because we come so far on the journey and we "think" or "feel" we "know Him".
     Enough said, in your spare time because you have soooo much to do. Get back to the basics, as if your not the Pastor, president of an auxiliary, your not even a proclaimed prophet or deacon. You are just YOU! Jesus' beloved. Still unsure, unpopular, awkward...because like walking down that church aisle, you want to feel that uncharted ground under your feet. Because you don't know it all and perhaps did some things wrong, but still how loved are you by the Lord. Never get too comfortable because you don't know Him still. He tells us in Isaiah 55:8..."my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...
     He who has an ear to hear....click on this link and just read www.eartohear.net/kingdom/know.html
I found this site to be a very word worthy lesson, to bring us back to the basics of our first love. We can never study enough, so just read it. Don't dissect it, with pen and paper because you already know it. It's all word. Take your time, read it over a period of days, don't rush. Let this study be a refresher, let the Holy Spirit revive you. Watch how rejuvenated you'll feel, where all your hopes and fears will once again, be gone, just from reading His word and knowing Him even more. Paul said, "I pray, so that will know Him more..."

You are not alone,
Jerri of Mars

Getting your (house) in order, the money is there...

Happy Snow day Mars,

     I don't know about you but I only like fresh falling snow, so I took a walk at 7:30am to make my own tracks. As I was walking, sun wasn't bright as yet, a pigeon was sitting in the snow. As I walked pass him or her, it stayed on one side, but soon as I got two steps ahead, two of them tried to attack my head. I screamed while trying to run through the 12 inches snow. All I can attest to, is that running in the snow is a very good cardio workout.
     In my continuance, I'd like to share some other new endeavors for this year. The real estate market took a bad nose dive over these pass years while taking most "new" home owners with them. Well, now that the advocates have stood firmly on "who" was really at fault, we've found that  roosters still come home to crow. Yes, the large corporate bankers! have to give back monies to the unfortunate lost home owners. Click and read the following link:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/halahtouryalai/2011/04/13/banks-settle-will-pay-back-homeowners-for-faulty-foreclosures/

     This is good news, if you haven't given up, but if you know somebody who has, share this with them. Talking about the wages of the wicked...It was prophesied, that this is the year of reaping, but only if you've sowed. So! lets continue if not began too, sow!
     I'm tired of paying high rent and while filing for bankruptcy several years ago, two things happen, my  percentage rate lowered on my loans and my credit score reached a standard. And while I'm still not clocking major dollars, I am eligible for other perks. I give God the glory, because He has made it possible for me, through good discipline, to make sure all my bills are paid especially my student loan, on time.
     So, if you have been working on getting your house in order, financially, as we were encouraged some time ago. Then go to these sites for further assistance on home ownership assistance:

http://housingactioncouncil.org/ 

 http://www.chigrants.org/   

http://homes.westchestergov.com/homeseeker-opportunities

     Hope this is helpful. I already signed up for interviews/workshops on receiving financial assistance for down payment, closing costs and/or renovations if needed. Please, please pass this on to any of our Hispanic brothahs and sistahs because the monies are definitely there for them. If you have some Hispanic blood please claim it and don't hesitate to avail that information, again the monies are there. Keep us updated...as we keep you in prayer.

You are not alone,
Jerri of Mars
            

We celebrate You! Janet and Ray Rice, New Ro's finest

Good day Mars,
 
     Well, I don't know what most of you indulged yourselves in on Sunday, but the rest of us right here in New Rochelle, were knee deep in Super Bowl Sunday XVLII , hotwings and all. You know why? Because that's what we do to assist in celebrating our own. Yes, New Rochelle's finest, Ray Rice! Baltimore Ravens (Rayvens, get it?) 55th draft pick. This young man has been running all of his life; and not to just catch footballs. Nah, he's been in flight from the womb.
     Not knowing that his father would be fatally taken from him and his mother at such a tender age of one. All he desired was, "a walk in the park", with his dear father. But God had a bigger plan for Ray Rice. Let the record be known, that this young man comes from a praying family. So, in our hearts, Super Bowl XVLII, was God's way of saying good job Ray for staying on the path that I have prepared for you.
     His mother Janet Rice, New Rochelle born and raised, from back in the day and lifelong friend, is a real sistah. She represents Mars to the fullest (watch the video). Raising two others sons, besides Ray and a little girl, with the same fervent, tenacity, and love. She's one of us! I can proudly say that most of the sistahs who grew up in our era, have exceptional children. No drugs, jails, nor drop-outs, etc...the list goes on. Some will say, its in the water but Janet and the rest of us say, "to God be the glory!"
     Although, there were many of us who were 49er fans, as well as other teams, but you had to feel what the Lord was stirring up. Some like myself aren't Ravens fans were Ray Rice fans! Now the devil tried the whole power issue; lights out thing, but he still was defeated. I know Pastor Niscey was praying and bleeding the blood of Jesus (that's Ray's aunt). We felt it! I ran into some bitter folk, at least that's what I called them. They were talking about not jumping on bandwagons and they could care less, until its there child, right? However, you always gonna have haters, workers of iniquity like black outs but God has the last word. And if you don't know, you better ask somebody!!
    This is what Mars is all about, supporting our own. Be it our accomplishments, or our children's, we give credit where its due. And Janet and Ray deserves our love, adoration, participation, prayers and support. This one's for you JR!

 You are not alone,
Jerri of Mars

When Love calls...you better answer

Good day Mars,

     I pray what we have declared to start new or do differently this year is still sought out in fervent determination. That being with God as our captain while were yet learning how to be mere shipmates. This brings me to my recent endeavor, a book entitled, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth.
     This all started with me having a bump in the road last weekend. Somebody, pardon the expression, "pissed my off" and I came home and cried to the Lord. This was all building up towards my feelings of insignificance and irrelevant. My walk with Christ through prayer, studying, and meditation is going well, but I'm still dealing with the issues of "church as usual".
     We need to start calling church by a name that is more prevalent, and that is, "The body"! Notice how I casually left out " of Christ"? Because the body is sick but Christ is not. Yea, yea I know were all processing and progressing, but some of us been at this way far too long and everybody can just say, "Amen"!
     However, that's for another time of preaching. So as always, when I cry out to my heavenly Father, He never seems to let me down. He answers! I needed a word, a reviving, a touch and just a little more attention from Jesus. So, when I got to church on Sunday, while I usually leave directly after service, I stayed; I decided some time ago that I was going to the Leadership class and baby, what a time, what a time.
     You need to click on the link below to look over and be certain to purchase this new book, atleast new to me. This book is just what God has answered/ordered just for me! He heard my cry...What did the Lord tell the church of Ephesus? While He was very pleased with them, He declared they forgot their "first love"; Revelations 2:4-5.  Well, this book will take you back to just that, your first love, The Master of Love aka Jehovah. So, put it on your list of books to read. I pray your reading more Mars, especially the bible.
     Okay, get back to doing whatever you was doing. I thank you for taking out time to hear what lil ole me have to say, until next time...

You are not alone,
Jerri of MARS

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product_slideshow?sku=28399&actual_sku=28399

Praying for our America and Israel

Good day Mars,

America bless God! I decided to dedicate this month to videos...you could never watch this more than once and have your heart not be pricked.
Watch and read until Jesus disappears...


http://www.greatdanepro.com/Pray%20For%20America/index.htm

Be A Gamer All The Time (an article for him)

Good day Mars,

     Once again, I had to have a hard discussion with my ONO (one and only), my son, my prince, my lovable and fantastic man of God, whew! What can I say, he's the best part of me and his dad. So, I'm talking to him, some hard suggestions, advice, likes and dislikes and he listened for the most part.
    We spoke on this topic in the past, but when raising boys to men, after a while we, as mothers, can sound a lot like the teacher on Charlie Brown: wa wa womp wom...
but when God has His stamp of approval He will send a "man" to reiterate that same dissertation. Now our son is listening. This happened twice in the last week. I was talking to my son about telling the truth because a liar will never be successful in life. They will be found out! So, we go to church and our Pastor was preaching on this same topic. I think, my son, got it! After all, the same topic came from a man. To God be the glory. 
     Now, if anybody knows my son, they will attest that he's a gamer. No, thank God, he doesn't play as much as he use to but he can "go in" from time to time. You know all male species have their "Dungeons or Man caves". So, I'm expressing my thoughts to him about his passions, setting realistic and obtainable goals, etc...Long story short, a while after, I come across this article on our computer about a company that is considering my son to become a Freelance Gamer. He will get many perks along with exposure and its a very good career start. He will get paid ya'll! Talking about pursuing his passions. My point is this, he's an active participant of this company, that had an article on exactly what I was expressing, but in "man's term". This was nobody but God again.
    So, Mars when you feel communicating to your son is and will become harder and harder, look to the hills from which comes your help, it comes from God...Support his passions and celebrate his efforts, their men and we know they "need" validation, yes especially for the little things. Leave no stone unturned, he's yours and ain't nobody gonna put up with his short-comings like dear ole mom. Put it plainly, God has and will always look beyond all of our faults and provide our needs. As long as we put our trust in Him, who is able to keep us from falling, AND present us "faultless" before His throne...Hallelujah! 
     If you know of or have a son that seems to play games a little too much, show him this article. It's from a reputable game site, where not just men but gamers speak the same language because you, momma, just might not be heard or listened too. It's a Man to man thang!

Be A Gamer All The Time

You are not alone....
Jerri of Mars

What are you thinking?....Eph. 3:20

Good day Mars,

Just a little something, something to challenge you and your thoughts for this coming year...This word blessed my socks off. If you saw this already then watch it again or pass it on to another mother and sistah.
Wow, back in 2007, Prophet John Gray, asked me this very question. He told me to even ask God, "what am I thinking?" Because God can do more than what I am thinking and especially more than I am asking.
However, we've asked God for enough, let's now ask God to do something with our thinking, so He can manifest our thoughts into actual ministry! Time has run out on potential ministries, lying dormant in our thoughts. In other words ask, "God what can I do for the kingdom with the very thoughts you give me?"
Have a blessed, bountiful, joyous and safe New Year Eve!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uonsjxOfQ4A


Jerri of Mars

The Effective and Fervent...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Mars!!!!!

My prayer as we close this year, is that the Lord will bless all the saints of God, His called, elect, ambassadors, as His list goes on. As we seek His face, we will continue or start once again to prepare to do exactly what He has called and mandated us to do without apprehensions. Forgive us Father once again, we acknowledge our sins because they are always before us. We seek you abundance of tender mercies and loving kindness. We will give Jesus a "yes" because if the truth be told, we've been just nodding our heads while still just giving Him a lot of lip service. We bind the spirit of form and fashion while denying the power...Lord, we will stand up for justice: mend broken relationships for ourselves as well as for others. Become peacemakers. Be innovators, to give the poor something of monetary value, whether we sign up for a charity or give more in our benevolent offering or time, but that we give more to others and less to ourselves. Reading our word will be on our top five things to do. We must start and lead our own ministries instead of hiding behind other. We thank you for calling us to be the head. We're all laborers and have work to do and our harvest is ripe, right where we live. Lord speak softly because your not one to yell, if you need us to go elsewhere. Our Lord will and is speaking but we must pray that we're not so busy or too loud to hear His voice, perhaps were in the wilderness, so harden not our hearts. Let's pray that we don't run after every wind and doctrine. Help us Lord not to regress, get stressed, and we bind depression. Also bind the spirit of Homicide and Suicide which seem to become joined at the hip. We plead the blood of Jesus! 
We have to learn through frequent prayer and fasting, to call these spirits by their names. As we test the spirit by the spirit. Discernment. Let's call out, when we pray not just names, but the spirits of infirmity, lust, adultery, greed, busybodies, complainers, murmurers, lack and slack, witchcraft, fornication, rebellion, pride, worldliness, and again homicide and suicide. We know these spirits come in legions. The word says, one (prayer) can chase away a thousand and two can chase away ten thousand. So, as we pray let's go after and cast down legions and not just stray demons by praying for one individual person. We all fall short of God's glory but the ministry of reconciliation is what we are all mandated to uphold. So let us remember to bind these spirits, demand and decree, profess and proclaim them in the atmosphere. Over ourselves, family, friends and even our foes. The backslider and every thought and imagination, in Jesus Name! 
Through the precious blood of Jesus, we can loose those things that God has ordained and empowered us, to bring us successfully to that expected end...in Jesus Name, Amen!

The prayers of the righteous...
Jerri of Mars

Go Jerri, its ya birthday!

Happy Holidays Mars,

     Well I just celebrated another birthday and like the last five years my friends came out and we went to the movies. Then to my home and ate food, had great conversation, ministered to the least of them, played a thought provoking game and laughed until our sides hurt. This is the stuff I live for. Life has too many parts so we must make good decisions and roll with the best of them.
     I decided this year to bake my own cakes, yes plural, cakes; there was a strawberry shortcake, a chocolate ganache, pumpkin pie (from my students) and a lemon crunch that I didn't get a chance to put out. I had to make the lemon glaze, got tired and was missing the fun in the other room, so I stopped playing Betty Crocker.
     We took pictures. Unfortunately, the pics have not yet been emailed to me. Well one was but I couldn't find it saved to this computer. Maybe next time. Ok I going to bed, it has been a long day...

Jerri of Mars

All little ones go to heaven...

Good day Mars,

     I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest heartfelt sorrow and compassion for the lives that were so abruptly taken from us. I work in Americas school system and I also have a 6 year old niece, so I cry sometimes because at any moment this could me or her.
But I am assured that all children before they reach the age of accountability(about 7 or 12) and according to scriptures in the bible, that God doesn't let the "little ones" go astray. Littel ones are taught by Jesus in Matthew 18, meaning actual little children and born again believers. Unfortunately it is the adults in the lives of our little ones who must take on that responsibility of raising them towards right and away from wrong.
     The bible does clearly state in Matthew 18:1-5, "At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”² He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. ³ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. And Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Read all of Matthew 18, it's good!
     Some will argue otherwise but I truly believe not through my emotions  or wishful thinking but through this particular scripture and others that (the children who died brutely on Friday in Connecticut) are in heaven. But here's the catch, some will argue all are sinful from birth while this is true according the word of God. There is original sin (Adam and Eve) and actual sin (us when we start to commit and are held responsible by God). Moreover, for the parents of these children  who desire to see their child again, who are in with the Lord, they must be born again by way of the Blood of Jesus Christ.
     Lastly, Jesus took an actul child and clearly told the disciples that unless they "convert" because they were in the age of accountability, and become like that child who have not yet been accountable, they will Never, enter into heaven. So parents raise your children up in the way of the Lord Jesus, if you claim to be His believer, if not, and desire to be with your very young child who are in heaven, then you must do exactly what He instructed the disciples to do as well.

Be encouraged God is not concerning His promises...
Jerri of Mars

Tied to a Healthy Soul...

Good day dear Mars,
 
     Sorry I didn't get back in the two days I desired but here we are again. My prayers are that you have read the last blog and found perhaps a conviction because you either fell in the category of Ahab or Jezebel. In any case, were not blameless and the Lord is just seeking after someone that will be honest with themselves, so ...The Lord can be justified when He speaks and be clear when He judges...(Psalms 51:4b)
     As for Boaz, I heard a preacher say, "first get rid of the Bozo!" :) Nevertheless, the topic of Soul ties is still evident. We need to be very clear in our position when standing in the power of the Holy Spirit while in opposition to the enemy. We must acknowledge our vulnerabilities and who we lend and borrow from, regarding issues of the heart. In other words, seek & give Godly counsel. Somebody that will remain objective and tell the truth, so we can start to live a free life; no chains allowed. God has authority over our lives.
     Ahab had many vulnerabilities, he was also double minded. One day he worshiped the true and living God, then the next idol gods. Remember, what the word says about being "double minded". We shouldn't tell others our private business without seeking God first. He says, "Seek me early..." Often times, God is the last we speak too, fooling ourselves that He never knew, picture that! Let's be clear, "private business", is nothing far from and could include issues with our finances, but there certainly not always relationships.
     We should know by now what the word says about any and everything issue involving our lives. Somebody coined the letters: B.i.b.l.e to be the acronyms of Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, well that is true. Try God at His word and you will find yourself falling victim to Jesus instead of Jezebel. Every victim needs a Savior!
     I'm not perfect, in fact I write directly from my issues in life. You know I am really getting better at studying to be quiet. Look if I said everything that I thought, I'd be in serious trouble with The Father. I used to hang out with the best of them: Jezebel and Ahab. Also known to play the role of both but to God be the glory, I am now fully acknowledging all my sins because they are always before me. I'm not invisible! Thank God for the blood of Jesus.
     How is this done, you might wonder...well, I read a lot more and not just the bible. I do however, read books with spiritual messages. Sometimes when I read the word, I've spent days not just on a scripture but stuck on just a verse? The word can catch me out there and I be like, "Lord what does that mean? and why does it seem to scream at me?" You know I google everything too. I often say, after seeking Godly counsel, "who can I call God?" Because sometimes I want to talk to one of my sistahs or brothahs, alright?
     The word of God lets us know that we are allowed to have healthy Soul ties, just look at David and Jonathan. They were extremely close, so close that Jonathan never held back telling David when he was wrong or what the Lord said. He never used David's weaknesses to stronghold him either. He acknowledged his strengths and weaknesses. Jonathan always had David's best interest, even hid him from his father. That's what healthy Soul ties do, they protect us, help us right the wrongs in our life, cover us in prayer. Can I get real, some will lay down their life for you but that may be too much like ... ah Jesus, because that's what He did...
     Let Jesus be your Soul tie, your confidant, the one you seek first. He will lead you to that Boaz, but you have to first get rid of that Bozo. He will become your blessed Assurance to replace that Ahab in you. Lastly, He will give you a besty like Jonathan and cast that Jezebel right out of your life! Jesus our Lord has many great exchanges for us, like Sackcloth for garments of praise, blesses for curses, strength for weakness, the list goes on...these are the very necessities to tie your soul too. Bible study, Luke 27:10;"do this and you will live!"

Have healthy Soul ties,
Jerri of Mars

Soul tides...Ahabs, Jezebels and/or Boaz'

Good day Mars,
     I must first apologize for my untimeliness from my last post until now. We were suppose to go to the next level regarding relations vs relationships. Now it's 3 weeks later. Secondly, I apologize that my last blog had a typo, the word Soul tides is correctly Soul ties. Perhaps you didn't even notice but I felt guilty. Lastly, the previous blogs title, that too was backwards, whew! I can be a mess at times, but here we are again. This time I will get it right!
     When discussing relationships that are healthy, we must be aligned with God's holy word. You can google some scriptures in your spare time, as you study to show thyself approved. We should be moving towards becoming spiritually mature in all manners of discussions, behaviors, reproving, etc...In other words, sex outside of marriage is not of God. If were honest with ourselves, in which we all are striving for, then we also can attest this to be true, right? My christian sistahs...
     Remember the last relationship you had that involved sex, and what the outcome was. Especially, if you're no longer together, not even having "relations". You might be married now to another man, or he might have married another woman. However, that was the past and this is now.
     So, here we are single and eagerly awaiting our Boaz'. But often times while being a maid in waiting, lies a Ahab and/or Jezebel. This is where Soul ties can go either good or bad, healthy or unhealthy.
     A Soul tie is a relationship between two people, becoming one in the spiritual realm. Simply put, this can happen predominantly through sex which is unhealthy. Often times, through close relationships where vulnerabilities like hurt, harm and danger are prevalent. Also, with vows, commitments and agreements to illegitimate authorities.
     This is why God ordained marriage between man and woman because sex is the most deepest and highest level of intimacy. So close that lives are either formed or destroyed. This is why some can't get over another when the relationship ends because they've allowed that person to become an intricate part of their being. It's not the sex, good looks,  or material possessions but this level of intimacy outside of marriage, is rebellion. Remember, rebellion is as witchcraft! We should not have no other gods before God, nor images neither bow down to them...For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God... Again, read and study in your spare time (Exodus 20, I Samuel 15:23 and Galatians 3-5)
     Such close relationships when people confide in each other. They get real intimate about past and present hurts, secrets, etc... We can attest that this kind of relationship can get messy because trust factors are placed on souls who often time can do nothing to help but to just listen. God wants us to put out trust in Him. He is the ultimate secret keeper and has total authority to do not only what is right for us but what is absolutely best! So, when you tell another about your private affairs, please don't get so upset when they let you down because they will. And stop given people information to use against you, control you or hold you captive to fear.
     This is that Ahab in you, seeking unauthorized validation, that opens the door to Jezebel. Let's get something correct, Jezebel is not really a woman, she was the name of a biblical character, but her personality, Jezebel, is a spirit! A Jezebel can be in the form of a man or woman, but is a real evil spirit. Jezebel is also not just a sexual spirit but a controlling spirit who possess illegitimate authority. This spirit must always be right, in control, often mesmerizing, alluring and appears trustworthy. Jezebels live on their own terms. If you feel like you always have to be in other peoples business; telling them what to do, always inquiring and get a fixation when people "need" you, then you have a Jezebel spirit. Nevertheless, you may be attached or attracted to one. Stop making people the object of your affection and vice-versa.
     Lastly, you see how a vow such as marriage nuptials will bring soul ties as one. These same vows taken with gangs and such are just the same. So, strong that members will do almost anything to please each other in order to feel apart or become one. This is a lot, so we will pick up in two days, OK?
     In the meantime, pray, read and if need be repent to God.

You're not alone,
Jerri of Mars

Relationships disquised as relations

Hey Mars,

     We are all grown women right? Well into our forties, some late thirties, but we should have learned by now what constitutes and how to apply the components of a true relationship. If you've lived through some relationships be it with friends, family and/or especially a man, then you should be able to relate to this weeks blog.
     One thing we can agree on, if we'll allow a bit of transparency, is that in our best relationships we had everything from soup to nuts. He was attentive, passionate, resourceful and full of bright ideas. You met each others family, spent all holidays together (there was never a question) and we exchanged gifts too. He better had made absolutely sure to get that gift, that you knew he knew what it was, right?! Funny, we seemed to know all about each other but when we disagreed you would have thought it was the end of the world. I remember, losing all of my appetite behind that thing call love and when it goes wrong. Wow, but one thing was for sure, he was yours and you were his.
     Nowadays, and if your not married but I've heard some marital horror stories, true relationships are a thing of the past. Now, if you've lived a little on the wild side, you had a "relation" or two that was quite nontraditional. All his attention, passion and resources were used for the soul purpose of releasing his inhibitions. Perhaps, that was your role ladies, you were using him for all of the above, especially his resources aka money. Don't try to act like you never tried to get a man to pay your way, for everything especially for the very expensive items, that in the backs of our mind, he ought to pay, right! This would all apply if he had a good job and wasn't cheap. But this all came at a price, because if your not already having "relations" with him (remember Granny Klumps) then everything he does is contingent upon again somebodies inhibitions being released.
     Mars, lets be honest, because there are some men out here who love to lavish women and he has hidden agendas, such as possession. You belong to him, why because you are wearing his ring, spent his money, had relations, perhaps his child or children, all in the name of love. Meanwhile, you are dealing with other demons like anger, yelling and name calling.
     This is not in the true sense of having a relationship, the latter can and has gotten real messy. So let's pick up on the next level of topic next time...we will discuss Soul tides (healthy and unhealthy) which could lead to places beyond our imagination. Let's practice true relationships, you might have to go back into your past and be honest with you. Though this process might hurt now, this too shall past. Remember, weeping may endure for a night but JOY comes in the morning...

Until then...
Jerri of Mars

When Prayers Are Answered...

Four more years Mars,

     Yeeaaa! I'm woke now ladies. I was sleeping because as everyone else felt, this election was stressful. My co-worker and I agreed that we would just wait until the final results were in and opted out to watching the count.
     So my son, who has been watching the polls all evening, came into my room smiling said, "He won!" Being partially asleep, I couldn't even respond because before going to sleep, I said, "they ain't going to let this man win again." I realize now that was a coping mechanism, to possibly prepare me for loss.
     When I finally woke up and saw the results for myself, I had to thank God and repent. Because regardless of what I think or believe, at the end of the day, its God who has the last word and knows the ultimate outcome.

Thank Sis Kathy for this awesome pic

     So congratulations to our re-elect, President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden!!! I have a portion of the "live" thank you speech, because perhaps some of you were asleep. He didn't come on until 1:45am...

 

     Like President Obama, we Americans have work to do. Let's vow to be more proactive, look "forward" to helping others rather than ourselves. I will say it until somebody actually testifies to this, be a doer of the word not just a hearer;That's bible! Find something or some organization that helps your community and shows compassion to "the least of them" and get involved. If your church is not, then be the catapult to starting a new or revive that old ministry again. In the end, what matters most, is when we do for others we also do unto God, always keeping our minds on things eternal. This is a great outlet to win souls while getting closer through fellowship. Enough lip service, put your hands and bodies in motion.

 

In the end we win,

Jerri of Mars

Good day Mars,

     I thank God that we New Yorkers have survived the wrath that Sandy tried to smack us down with. However, there are some who weren't so blessed. So we continue to pray for those two little boys who were struck down by a falling tree and others who have also lost the lives of their dear loved ones...
     Below is a sentiment from one of our precious mothers who always supports Mars. Her name is Lillian, she's younger than me but she's my step mom :) but more importantly, a friend, down to earth sistah and very special mother.

From Lillian...

     I would like to say what the loss of my son has done to me. This Friday it will b 10 years since my oldest son was shot to death. This is the place that I would like to express my grief. Some days it feels like only yesterday my son was taken from me. We mothers have to take the time to always tell our children how much we love them and how much they mean to us. We must let them know that every life is important. We must also understand that taken a life affects the family=the friends=and the community. I lost my son for the man he had become and the man he could have been. No one has the right to take a life. Remember we single mother raising sons do all that we can to raise our sons with peace=grace=respect and most of all LOVE!
     Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to express my grief!

Thanks for sharing,
Jerri of Mars

Presenting Watoto; Beautiful Choir

Hey Mars,
     It's been a while since I've written. The truth be told, I am at a lost for words these days. There's so much going on. Between my own issues and of others who've confided in me, I've been kind of overwhelmed with everything.

• I could talk about how to assist your son to obtain gainful employment because his unemployment is running out next week.
•     Oh, did I mention that I am in a new position at work, which I find myself, in a culinary class by morning and running around to three other classes by afternoon. Let me not leave out, that I've never mind...gotta go!

     I just received a call from one of my sisters in Christ, to come out and hear a group of young African youth sing, at her church.

 

 

                                      www.watoto.com
     Ok an hour or so later, I'm back. Had an awesome experience. Went to Family Christian Center, a church down the street, and there before me on stage was about 20 children and adults from Uganda, Africa, singing and dancing their hearts out for Jesus. Words cannot express, please view the promotional video then click their link for more info on how you can become a sponsor. 
     All I can say is that this orphanage, Watoto, has been around for some time and are taking what the enemy meant for evil while God's turning things out for good...Children who have been abandoned due to Aids, HIV, death of parents or murdered, war and just pure injustice, but they love God.
     Remember, if you are not supporting or serving the poor in some shape, form or fashion, then your labor for God is in vain and your hands will not be blessed to bless others. Deuteronomy 14-29, James 1-27 & I Corinthians 15-58

Doing for the least of them...
Jerri of Mars  

Saving the Bubba's of the World

Good day Mars,

     You know I'm not proud of being a "boob-head or couch potato" but I was watching a documentation called, "Save My Son". The show airs on Wednesday nights, channel 78 (TVONE) at 9 pm.
     This documentation is about a man, sorry forgot his name, but he has a doctorate in education. He runs an all boys academy in Hartford, Connecticut. He goes from city to city at many mothers' request to help save their son, from a life of crime.
     I just would like to say that, we as single mothers raising sons, need all the assistance God can offer. If you find yourself desperately in need of help with your son, please first pray, then be led by God in whatever He instructs you to do. So that when He sends help, because He will, take full advantage and be open to take suggestions and let men be men.
     This young man, named "Bubba", was 14 yrs old. His parents had divorced and he was left to be raised by his mother, in a house with a bunch of women. These were his words. And yes, he was the youngest and only boy of six girls.
     This man, oh now I remember, Dr. Perry is his name, came to Newark, NJ to literally save this boy. Simply put, he came to the house asked a series of questions and found out the boy had no hope of ever being happy nor leaving a life worthwhile. Bubba told Dr. Perry that he dreamed of being a Professional Boxer. So, they took him to a gym. He was trained by a man, who lost his son to a life of crime and this man taught this boy how to box. The smile on Bubba's face was enlightening as well as beautiful.

     Secondly, Dr. Perry took him to get a hair cut. At the barber shop, Bubba got an ear full of what "men" had to say as they also offered him an opportunity to work at the shop while earning money. They also offered rides to and from the gym. Lastly, Dr. Perry took the family to church and expressed how proud he was of Bubba's change in attitude towards his life, mother and family. The preacher also testified about how the Lord brought him through a life that was destined to doom. As the story ended, Bubba was also introduced to God the Father; fought his first boxing fight along with his new life of battles to come so he can now be productive in society.

     We must all fight the good fight of faith but not without God! Try to watch the show, you just might find some valuable lessons to pass on to the next mother who's son might need saving...


Never forget Jesus Saves...
Jerri of Mars