Declaring independence from “foolishmess!”

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

As usual, you have the option of listening to our podcast, reading the notes or BOTH. In any case, we pray the post blesses you. If so, please thumbs up or leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

I wanted to share an “interesting” experience or maybe test that echoes the importance of prayer, and exercising wisdom so your are free from “foolishmess”.

Years ago, I was at a conference at a hotel where a handsome guy from across the aisle and I made eye contact and smiled. You know, just a friendly “hi”.  After the conference let out, as I went to run an errand, I ran into “Eye Contact!”  After some initial conversation, he very politely asked what I was doing later, where I was going to eat (all okay) and THEN he asked “could he “holla at me” after my errand (insert face of horror here). While I do not recall my exact response, it was time to exit the conversation.  As I departed, I told the Lord if this man was going to be frippery, he needed to just go away so I didn’t have to deal with him again. Ugh.

As I made my way back from my errand and through the lobby,  I heard “yo”, but I kept it moving. I heard “YO!” again. Then I heard “YO!” loud and close behind me. My curiosity said, “who is that hollering like that?!” I turned and it was Eye Contact!! Now remember, BCU Fam, I’m quite grown; I haven’t seriously been called “yo” probably since I was in high school and did not like it then. Oh, but it gets better, y’all.

So, now that he has my attention by default, he asks me to call him. And not on his cell, but in the room he was staying in, as he is looking for piece a paper to write down this valuable information On top of that, he was now speaking in hushed tones! Hello? Seriously? Ya’ll can draw your own conclusions on what Eye Contact was thinking. I’m thinking, is this happening right now? What kind of monkeyshine is this? Are men still acting like this who are over age 35? Seriously?!

While I was disgusted by Dude trying to run a game on me, I thank God for helping me to think and recognize the trick of the enemy. What happens is, the enemy likes to send a decoy to derail you when you’ve been waiting and trusting God for your blessing. Let’s review the “highlight reel” in this guy’s game, so you can declare your independence from foolishmess.
1)  The approach:

Any gentleman who really wants to approach a lady will NOT address her by “yo”. And a real lady won’t answer to that, either. That street talk is not àpropos for a virtuous woman whose price is far above rubies (Proverbs 31:10).

2) The pursuit

When a man wants to get to know you, he will ask you for YOUR number and pursue you, rather than him telling you to pursue him. That’s against the natural order of things! Yes, it’s 2017 and while clothes and slang has changed, men do NOT value anything handed to them! By nature men are hunters and like a challenge–they like to work for what they get! Genesis 29:20 says Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, but it seemed like a few days because of the love he had for her. He did not ask Rachel to do the work while he chilled! He happily worked to get her. Sure, the customs have changed in terms of obtaining a wife, the principle still applies–he should happily do the work in pursuing you.

3) The Conversation

I know this is obvious, but is worth a revisit. No gentleman should act like he’s worried about seeing you in public. I have heard, “oh he’s shy” and “sometimes you have to help them along”. I don’t discount shyness or advocate women giving men a hard time “just cuz”. There is NO excuse for ANY MAN to be looking over his shoulder and whispering while talking to you. That’s code for married, engaged, attached, or scouting out his next prey.

What can happen to those of us who have been waiting, when we are approached by someone (rather than the one) we can respond in emotion versus wisdom–especially when we’ve been waiting awhile. Emotion says, at least we met in a store, not a club. Emotion says, at least he works part-time. Emotion says, at least he attends church occasionally.  Emotions says, he has potential.  And anytime we have to justify some of these areas which should already be shored up, we are walking in emotion versus wisdom. James 1:5 says God gives wisdom liberally for the asking. Why make foolish, emotional decisions unnecessarily? Better to not get into a situation than get caught out and live with the consequences.

With God’s help, do NOT be the low-lying fruit that any man can come by and pluck off the vine. The sweetest fruit is at the top of the tree and requires some work by the person who wants it—it’s okay for the gentleman to pursue you. If he really wants to get to know you, he will put the work in.  Know your worth and trust that good and perfect gifts come from God (James 1:17). If the “gift” doesn’t line up to what’s good, it’s NOT from God—-reject it, keep waiting and renewing your strength like Isaiah 40:31 reminds us! God has not forgotten you, BCU Fam! Your blessing is enroute according to His will and perfect wise timing.

So what encounters have you had with the opposite sex (women sometimes get out of order as well), that took you by complete surprise? Let’s talk about it in the comments section!

In the meantime, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, Twitter Instagram, and  YouTube! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes!

Thank you SO much for stopping by. God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

 

 

Granola, lessons & God?

Hey there BCU Family!

We’ve paused our Nehemiah study to bring you a #RandomYetIntentional moment sponsored by God. So…we’re doing something a little different this week. I actually recorded the moment on video and it is up on the BCU YouTube channel, so if you’d prefer, you can watch it here>> Granola lesson video.<<

If you’re listening on the podcast, not to worry, the audio file from that video is below (click on the avatar), and you’ll be able to get the message just the same! Scripture references are below as well, so you’ll be able to link back to God’s Word as you apply the lesson accordingly.


Diligence–Hebrews 11:6

Daily Bread– Luke 11:3

Thanksgiving in all things–Colossians 3:17

Chastening–Hebrews 12:6

Being “busy”–Luke 10:38-42

Seeking God’s face continually 1 Chronicles 16:11

Hiding the Word–Psalm 119:11

Seeking God early–Psalm 63:1

Being equipped for the day–Ephesians 6:10-18

Walking in the Spirit–Galatians 5:16

You know, BCU Family, it’s AMAZING how God takes something as “small” and temporal as granola to teach us a HUGE and ETERNAL lesson! With His help, let’s be intentional, diligent and purposeful in spending prime time with God. Amen? Amen!

As a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and now YouTube! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes!

Thank you SO much for stopping by. God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

 

Love,

BCU

Singles Chalkboard: *SIGH* What do I do while I wait?!

Hi there BCU Family!

#TeamBCU is praying in the name of Jesus for all survivors, family and friends who were/will/may be effected by Hurricane Matthew. BCU Family, please pray and as you are led by God, DO what you can to assist those in need. Thanks and God bless you!

sisa-conference
This conference was the place to be, BCU Family! Please find these ladies on the SISA site and follow them STAT! 🙂

We’re back and continuing our lesson on the Singles Chalkboard! To catch you up, the Lord blessed me with the fantastic opportunity to be a speaker at the 2016 She is Set Apart Singles (SISA) Conference last month, and I thought I’d share the audio [it cut out on occasion, but not too badly] with you.

A common question from singles is “what do I do while I wait?” I used to ask questions like that and the answer I got was “just wait” or “pray”. [This is where the blank stare comes in]. While that is accurate, there is a little more to it than that. I’m glad the Lord blessed me to know better than that–and I’ll share it with you.

What you will hear are the remaining 2.5 of the 5 areas where we singles should do an inventory check on ourselves through the Word of God. This is NOT a “fix-and get-married-quick” list, rather, as we look at these areas through the eyes of God, we start to see where we can become more like Him and move to doing just that. In the process, if it is His will to send us that mate, we’ll be more discerning, choose wisely, and even better equipped to handle the responsibility of a relationship that God is entrusting you do give your best in.

 

We covered 2.5 of these areas in the last podcast:

Spiritual (I Corinthians 5:17, Acts 2:38).

Financial (2 Corinthians 9:7–and not JUST money)

*Emotional (Matthew 20:11)

And we’ll cover these areas this podcast:

Emotional (Matthew 20:11)–*We’ll finish this up

Physical (I Corinthians 6:20)

Mental (Matthew 12:34)

It’s a good idea to have your notebooks handy to jot down the Scriptures, so you can study them and take note of what God tells you. Also, if you’d like more detail in a .PDF format, please send an email to Blen@BlenCouragesU.com or pop me a note in the comments. Click on the icon to listen!

Thank you so much for stopping by! If this was a blessing to you, please comment below and share it with someone–you’ll never know how the Lord may use you to encourage someone else! And if you have not done so, please like BlenCouragesU on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Instagram!  And PLEASE subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and iTunes. You’ve already done that? Then tell someone you love AND your enemy–I’m trusting they will soon become your friend! 🙂

Until we are together again, may God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you and until we are together again— #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

 

BCU

Room A203 is open! Couponing 101 with special guest Tesha Brown-King!

Hey there BCU fam!

Typically, our podcasts are centered around topic-specific teaching based on the Word of God.  This week, we’re switching things up a bit this week with some financial encouragement! “Why is that?” you ask?  Let’s talk about why:

  1. Here at BlenCouragesU, we’re about ALL about making sure we walk in the Spirit according to the Word of God. We’re also about encouraging you HOLISTICALLY–meaning on other areas of you life as well.
  2. When we talk finances, we talk stewardship and that IS a part of the Word of God. We are called to be good stewards or managers over ALL things that God has given us (jobs, family, talents, gifts, etc.) In reality, ALL that we have is God’s–we just manage it–and at some point, we will need to give an account of our work. You can read all about it in Matthew chapter 25:14-30 in the parable of the talents. I’m thinking we need to be like the servants who brought back a favorable report versus the last one whose lack of action ended him being cast into outer darkness.
  3. Plus who doesn’t like to save a little money? And who knows, maybe the money you save can go pay down debt, a special project at church, charity,  towards a vacation fund, savings account–you have several possibilities! That said, let’s introduce our guest.
FB_IMG_1469542507103
Tesha and part of her crew!

Woman of God, sweet southern belle, mom of six and wife of one, Tesha Brown King and I have been Facebook friends for YEARS and my niece and I were blessed to get a chance to meet her and two of her AMAZING children in person recently (hey guys! xoxoxo). We got on the subject of couponing and it fascinated me! So I thought you all would benefit–I know I did!!!  Click on the icon to hear the goodness, check below for info,  let us know what questions/comments you have, and stay tuned for part 2 of our interview!

Thanks for stopping by, God bless you and #StayOnTheWall

 

Love,

 

BCU

 

 

Need coupons? Check out:

Coupons.com

Extreme-coupon-clipping.com

Got a question for Tesha? Find her  here or send her an email! TeeKing66@gmail.com.

 

Singles Chalkboard: Interview with Singles School founder Se’Fana Samples!

wHey BCU Family!

Where are my singles?! We have a special treat in store for you! If you are married or in a committed relationship according to the Word of God, please stay with us–I’ll tell you why.

  1. I am sure you know someone who is single–your older children, nieces, nephews, grands, neighbor, co-worker, or someone at church. By listening to the podcast, you’ll be able to understand the single and be able to relate to them better/differently.
  2. As THE LORD leads and guides, you will be able to minister to the singles in a meaningful way.
  3. And most of all, you can hold up all singles in prayer that the Lord will bless and strengthen our hearts and minds in this season. Amen? Amen!
Se'Fana
Singles School founder, Se’Fana Samples

Allright, singles–so the Lord allowed my social media path to cross with the wonderful Se’Fana Samples from Singles School (on Periscope at 9pm EST/8pm CST). In watching the Lord use her teach and expound on the Word of God for the single, we struck up a conversation and that led to part 1 of the interview and teaching you’ll be hearing once you  click on the BCU icon.

I encourage you to get your notebook and writing utensil so you can take down the important points to meditate/ pray on. And please stay tuned for part 2 of the interview!

 

Thank you for tuning in and until the next time we’re together, #StayOnTheWall!

 

Love,

BCU

 

 

Please follow “Singles School” on Periscope, (if you use this Periscope hyperlink, you’ll need to type in Singles School),  FacebookTwitter and Instagram. You can also follow Se’Fana’s blog at halosandcrowns. blogspot.com