Born & Raised - #1

Like Esther, I was born for such a time as this...

Or, more specifically - I was raised for such a time as this.  I am a child of God and He is my Father.  He has raised me, guided me, protected me, sheltered me, nurtured me and shaped me - all during a time when I did not know he knew me - and I did not know Him.

He named me "Delaileona."  But I could not step into the revelation of that name because I did not understand the full significance of it... until just recently.  But I must have been named Delaileona by the heart of God since the beginning of my days...

Two worlds were pursuing me since the beginning, but it seems I could not see the light... the kingdom of darkness was too bright, but Light was there, always vying for my heart.

*****
Recently, my Father showed me a copy of my original baptismal certificate from the Methodist church.  It was really a baby dedication from my infancy, but the wording has clearly dedicated me to the service and teaching of the Lord and His Word.

His hand was upon me from the start, but darkness tried to pull it apart.
*****

I think I must have been 8 or so, maybe younger, when a neighbor lady asked me, "Are you a Christian?"

I told her "I was baptized Methodist."  She was unhappy with my response, twisting up her face at me, and I was perturbed.  How dare she question my baptism?  I knew for a fact I was baptized as a Methodist!"

Clearly I had no understanding of what she was asking.
*****

Recently, I was asked by a Lutheran Pastor if I was baptized.  I told him of seeing my baptismal certificate not long ago, and it's wording binding me into the work of God.  

And I told him of my baptism once receiving my Salvation and being baptized unto Jesus' death and brought up as a representation of the newness of the life of Christ within me.  

And, I told him about the very significant and spiritual experience of my 3rd baptism that I only did to support my son, but that ended up being a powerful and overwhelming confirmation of the anointing of God confirming my entrance into my ministry calling.

The pastor twisted His face much like that old neighbor lady and commenced to scrutinize, analyze and re-teach me on his doctrine regarding my baptism.

How dare he question my baptism! Some things never change!

... or do they?  They most certainly do!


4Love & Life -
~Pastor D

CONDEMNATION

Romans 8:1: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Really? Well, there shouldn't be. At least not amongst ourselves. If there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, why then do so many believers suffer such condemnation - especialy and mostly from other believers?

It's like when my mom would tell me to let my son do something I had already told him he couldn't. When I complained to her that she'd never had let me when I was his age and how could she go against my word - she told me that her father had done it to her and she didn't like it either.

As for the church, this situation is definitely not at all like dealing with a 4 year old and a grandmother handing out candy. No, in the church we're talking about what seems to be a public flogging - not for sin, but perhaps for disobedience or a misunderstanding, rumors, cliques or a bad message from a new minister. And in this public execution the convicted is given no trial, no defence and no opportunity for explanation. And not only that, the accused must take it without flinching, expression or complaint, I might add!

It's as if our church leaders and elders have suffered such condemnation themselves that they feel it is their duty and obligation to pass the buck.

Well, the buck stops here!

As a manager at AT&T (and a good one, I might add), I didn't much care for the trickle down theory. So long as my team was doing their job (and doing it it well, I might add), then whatever mess upper-management wanted me to harrass my team with, stayed right with me and they never heard it. Some management techniques are just unnessary in order to get the best out of your team.

Wouldn't it be nice if it were mandatory for Pastors and church leaders to attend the same management courses I did?

I think perhaps they hold on to Titus 1:13: "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;" as a justification for being harsh. But this scripture in Titus, let's not forget, is talking about the "many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake."

And so, if you go this route, be sure of it's usage, I might add - because, what goes around comes around... or in more biblical terms, you reap what you sow.

Or maybe the leaders are kind-of partial to a scripture in 1 Timothy chapter 5 as their justification. Verse 20 says: "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." I get the rebuke before all part - but still, this scripture is talking about sin, people! And the bible is clear about what sin is. And, last I checked not being decent and in order is not listed as a sin.

Now, don't get me wrong I am not in anyway advocating disobedience amongst the church leadership. The bible does say to do things decently and in order and so that is what we must do. And there are requirements of leadership that are expressed in God's word that must be adhered to. Leadership must provide a specific example and must be accurate in their teachings and most not fall prey to spirits of gossip, lying or deception. Duh, sounds obvious to me.

But what seems not to be so obvious within the church, is how best to deal with such common needs of correction (that exist within and outside of the church, I might add).

But gee, I seem to remember a scripture about going to an individual first and if they don't listen and repent, then go before the church, then take it to the leaders. Hhmm...

Listen, all lessons are for the greater good - without a doubt. But some lessons are to learn what to do and others are to learn what NOT to do. All I can say is I know what I will NEVER do.

Never have, never will. The buck stops here - for me, there is and will not be any condemnation (at least not publicly) for them that are in Christ Jesus - and under my leadership, I might add.

Power, love & peace, People!
~Min. Dez

Living Visions

If you were to peruse the many lengthy posts, past the even lengthier permanent post and were able to some how piece together a chronology of truth, you might begin in April of 2008.

For two days I attended a Loral Langemeier business conference in Dallas, TX. NO ONE wanted to hear about my business choices: neither the business directory nor the "public speaking". They were steering me towards Graphic Design or some such thing.

Then upon meeting Loral I blurted out that I was going to be the Loral Langemeier of Christian Education. Good Lord! And my angst was more over saying such a dumb thing to Ms. Langemeier rather than where the heck did that come from?

But on the plane ride home I had my first ever vision and indeed did see myself speaking to masses of women. Women? Check out my non-profit and you'll see I've been primarily focused on teens! Where the heck did that come from?

So yes, I started that directory anyway and began researching the "public speaking" because I was going to do both, daggone it! And the directory led me to the Bishop who agreed immediately to be my mentor in "public speaking".

But still the vision persisted - and it grew! The details became clearer and crazier in my mind - but certainly clearer. And I kept them under wraps convinced I was nuts.

Then a prophet read my nutty thoughts and told them all back to me. Then the Bishop confirmed all those nutty thoughts and told them all back to me. Where the heck did all of that come from?

And so yes, I did my first speaking engagement at the Bishop's church - what a rush! I knew the Spirit of God had anointed me that night but still it was as if I was still saying, where the heck did that come from?

And I spoke again, and did a little something else, and I began teaching at the Bible College and I began pursuing a licence in ministry... hold up... yes, I did say minister's license. Now where the heck did THAT come from?

Somewhere along the way I had to admit that this was not just a career path and a really cool job - finally. Somewhere along the line I had answered and acknowledge just exactly where this was all coming from: God Himself.

I had been called. I had finally recognized the sound I had heard for so many, many years. Finally, every experience, every pain, every joy and every heart ache made sense - this was why: so that that I may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith I have been comforted of God. (2 Cor 1:4)

And I have had to transform myself through the renewing of my thoughts: I would like to be a minister; I am called to be a minister; I am working on becoming a minister; I am a minister elect; I AM A MINISTER of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

And now I must admit I am still being transformed by the renewing of my thinking: The Vision.
Yeah, that one - way back in April.

It's time ya'll... it's 'bout time to begin. It's time to be about my Father's business. Just as prophecies are meant to be told, visions are meant to be lived...

Just Shy; Not Shy!

Can you believe it!?

It is just shy of 6 months since my last post.

And boy, oh boy! So much has happened, so much has changed, so much is going on!

First let me say, what you are about to read is the manifestation of God at work! It is the realization of answered prayer and it is the premonition of FANTASTIC things to come!

So, I finished T.D. Jake's "Reposition Yourself" and it was the impetus for everything that has happened since then. It is also the reason you can disregard everything else written in my post 6 months ago!

1) On Nov. 17 the DCS, Inc. auxiliary company Jubilation! Weddings & Events did a 30/50 birthday party for a miserable client and her niece who both got drunk, got mean, got violent and passed out. Consequently the client did not pay the balance of her bill - $1000 - for 3 months, until I excused her of her debt and prayed for the unhappiness in her and her family's lives. Subsequently I have laid to rest that business venture. Not because of the client but because working during the prime hours I want to spend with my son is not the direction I want to move in.

2) During December my interim business with "Baby Signs, Inc." held a class of 3 adorable infants. One (who paid by check) dropped out inexplicably and the Destination Christian Services, Inc. merchant account would not accept payments from the other two who did complete* the class. Consequently I lost money on this class because of the rent I was paying for the facility and all the money spent on marketing (education) efforts. (*) One of my 2 students missed a class and car trouble, missing equipment and scheduling would not allow us to get a make up class rescheduled. Subsequently I have laid this business venture to rest. Not because of the clients, but because teaching infants to sign is definitely not the career I want to be known for at the end of my life.

3) Finally, the inherited 4-plex I was suffering with for almost 2 years, was sold! Praise God, hallelujah! We were able to refinance and afford our new house and set aside money for our retirement, J-man's college fund and make some investments as well. Consequently this also meant no more rent money coming in each month. And with no lucrative businesses desperation set in.

4) Just prior to finishing "Reposition Yourself" (after all of these circumstances had transpired) a girlfriend gave me Loral Langemeier's The Millionaire Maker's Guide to Building a Cash Machine for Life. Now this was what I had been repositioning myself for!

5) Long story short I devoured that book; devoured her 6 CD series "Expression of Your Power; devoured her first book "The Millionaire Maker"; attended her 2-day seminar in Dallas Texas and devoured 2 more of her CD series!

6) Since then I have changed! No more fear! Oh, trust me, it is GONE! I have a new mind-set, a new belief system, new goals, and a new plan for reaching those goals. I also have one less best friend; one new business partner, a husband who doesn't recognize nor understand his wife any longer; a toddler who is challenging the new me and is now in a new preschool, and a new professional mentor from The Family International Church in Pasadena, CA.

7) I also have new business ventures and activities. I have a new monthly column in The Family International Church newsletter - even though I do not attend the church! I have a new local business directory for minority & women owned businesses. I have a new speaking career in the works and I have a host of new literature I am currently finishing up and will be publishing between now and December of 2008 so I can launch a book tour and women's summit in 2009!

8) I have new websites coming - stay tuned. Right now you can check out www.hip2give.ning.com and soon there will be www.hipgiver.com and www.books4yourdestiny.com as well as the site for my inspirational speaking and women's summits: www.getliferightnow.com. Get ready world... big things are coming.

9) I have no limit thinking and a new joy in my life and a message that will renew and transform the hearts and minds of women everywhere. Believers shall not be deceived so long as I can help it! I have a message; I have hope and I have a vision. "Man devises his plan, but God directs his steps" Proverbs 16:3

10) Get ready world... big things are coming and I am no longer shy to say it!

Destiny's Journey

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

Many blessings,
~Dez

Destiny's Journey

Some journeys are well traveled roads. Common, familiar and easy. We cruise along the path oblivious to the process as we habitually turn each corner, climb each hill and break each slope. Only to arrive, blink and wonder how we managed without incident or memory of the trip.

This journey - my journey - is not like that. This journey is one of reluctance, hesitance, unsurity, insecurity and yes, a moderate amount of fear.

As I open the window for you to view my progress, you will undoubtedly come to your own conclusion based upon the progress of your own journey - and your observations will be varied.

Some might say that I am making slow but steady progress toward a clear destination. Others may say that I am floundering and wandering aimlessly down a muddy road with too many directions to choose from.

I say my journey has just begun, although it started more than 10 years ago. I say I still have such a long, long way to go, although I am teetering on the precipice of completion. I say the journey has made me weary, leery and weak, although I trudge on with a strength and endurance that is beyond me. I say the path is muddy, with many obstacles, directions and difficulties still yet to come. However, my destination is clear - crazy, unimaginable, overwhelming and clear.

When this path first appeared it was like a hazy, dirt road on a foggy day. I peered at it without knowing what it was or where it was going - then tried to ignore it as inconsequential. When the path persisted I joked as to where it might lead, then still tried to dismiss it as a path not meant for me.

It was years before the view of the path cleared and I was able to see the destination more clearly. It was absurd to think that the reality of where this path could end up would be in a place far more outlandish than even my most absurd imaginings! OK, maybe - just maybe this path ended up in a very good place - but a place still not meant for me. Definitely not me.

Why not me? Who else but me, since I was the only one to see? Please, Dear God, not me! Yes, me. This path was meant for me.

And so I watched it, argued with it, denied it and tried to imagine a life without pursuing it.

Four - no five, has it already been five? Five years ago I accepted it. I stuck out a big toe like testing the cold water of a pool - then yanked my foot back like I so often would. I wrote about it, dreamed about it, and tried it on for size in the privacy of my dressing room of life. And by the way, I still watched it, argued with it, denied it and tried to imagine a life without pursuing it.

Three - sorry, I forgot - Four years ago I made up my mind. I packed my bags, said good bye to the sanity and sanctuary of friends and family who always had thought they understood me, and I took my first hesitant and frightened step.

In these last four years I have walked, sometimes trotted, but never quite run toward a goal I think is crazy. I have stopped, I have even sat down and I have wistfully looked back to a time when I did not know and could not see what was meant for me.

But I will not stop. I packed my bags (all my baggage), and made up my mind. Armed with nothing but 2 scriptures and a great deal of hope, I continue to trudge on driven by the surity that if - just if - I happen to arrive at this awesome, fearsome destination, it will be extraordinary, phenomenal and inconceivably wonderful. This destination...

A destination, a journey to a place that is called destiny. My destiny. Destiny's purpose in life. My God given purpose.

Sometimes while we travel, we see another driver, glance in that direction and never take note or give them another thought. Perhaps that is how you will see me.

Sometimes we see another traveler and something catches our eye. We may watch a moment, muse a moment or even briefly wonder... Then they continue on their own separate way and thoughts of them fade as quickly as they do. Perhaps that will be how you see me.

Other times we get caught in traffic, bunched up with drivers because of fate. And whether we cruise along peacefully or struggle with road rage, we share a community of progress, each with our own destination. Perhaps that will be how you experience me.

And on rare occasion on our own individual roads of life, we travel a path where we encounter another driver - seemingly traveling to the same basic place. At times they follow us and then we follow them. We may take note of who they are and what they drive - possibly even read a licence plate. We'll share a moment or even a long while - silently and separately together, with maybe a glance, a smile or a brief a wave of acknowledgement. Perhaps that will be how you experience me.

I cannot say how long this path will be for me, so whether you glance and move on - never to take notice; or whether you wonder a moment at who I am and where I'm going; or whether you follow a while, smile and wave or better yet, if you decide to stay for the journey, I invite you to come along for the ride.