You, just better

Hello All,
This last week of December, my heart and mind are heavy. Lately, I have found myself not being able to sleep well, or concentrate. I feel rushed and over-extended, and a little worried about what is to come. There are things that cannot control, and those are the things that tend to get to me towards the end of the year. I start to think about all that I didn't accomplish, and why I didn't. It's the devil being busy!

As children of God, we are SUPPOSE to know that He is in control. We are trust Him for all of our needs, to solve our problems, and have faith that He knows what is best for us. The big picture is out of our grasp sometimes, and it's hard to SEE. However, God knows the purpose and plan for us and He sees it all.

Just because we are Christians, doesn't mean that we will never have pain and that we will not have to go through life-lessons. It doesn't mean that we can skip through life without taking responsibility for our actions.

As 2011 is almost here, your life has been here! There is no time like the present, to let go of the past and breathe deeply taking in what is to come. Trust God, no matter what it looks like. Have faith that all your dreams and desires will come to fruition. Look to the hills for strength. Pray until something happens!

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Create and Change

Hello All,
Are YOU the change that you want to see? When things and people around you are not what you need, do you expect that thing or person to change? Oftentimes, WE are what needs to change in order to create the difference in our lives. It is due time for CHANGE in your life, and it starts with you TODAY.

Why do we wait until Mondays, or the New Year, or until the circumstances are perfect, or until someone is in or out of our lives before we even think about walking in our purpose. God already has the right people, the right circumstances, and the situations in place all to guide you within the purpose that he has set for you.

You don't have to wait for 2011 to come before you decide to LIVE! Do it now and become more of yourself!

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

No Weapon Formed

Hello All,
Remember, no weapon formed against you is going to prosper. This doesn't mean that you will not have any opposition in your life, but it cannot ultimately hurt you. Your future is intact with God. He already knows the beginning and the end. You will go through things, but will not go under. God takes us through trials to make us strong. Keep praying and believing! Keep praise in your mouth! If you remain faithful, God promises to bring you out with VICTORY.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Hello All,
What are you wearing today? To protect our minds, we are to put on the “helmet of salvation.” Are your thoughts protected? The Fire Bible: Global Study Edition note for verse 13 says, “Being renewed in our minds (Rom. 12:2) and confident in our relationship with God will protect us in battle.” You can do this by focusing on God’s good things (see Phil. 4:8) and not on the corrupting influences of the world around you.

The next piece of God’s armor is the “sword of the Spirit,” or God’s Word. It’s imperative that we hide God’s Word in our hearts (see Ps. 119:11), for it’s not only a shield of faith but also a weapon for thwarting the enemy when he comes to put doubts in our hearts.

Finally, Paul tells us to “pray in the Spirit” on all occasions. Turning again to the Fire Bible: Global Study Edition, we read, “Prayer is not to be viewed as just another spiritual weapon but as part of the actual conflict itself,” and “Failure to pray diligently with all kinds of prayer in all situations is to surrender to the enemy.”

We must be like warriors who prepare and train for the battle they know they will face. This month, make your battle plan, ready your armor and draw close to God. In Him we are strong.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

You Gotta Have Your Own Thing

Hello,
Improvement requires change. So, it's not enough to say you are going to do something. What matters is that you follow that up with action. Stop worrying about what other people have, or how they look, or what they are able to accomplish. Just DO YOU and God will bless you. God wants YOU to love yourself enough to want to be the best YOU possible. He wants you to seek Him to find out what your gifts are and use them to the fullest of your capability. Love the person you see in the mirror and be joyous that you don't look like anybody else! You have your own uniqueness that makes you special.

God is so proud of you, because He created you! He knows that you are predestined for greatness, and that it is all inside you ready to come out.
Are you willing to do your own thing? Can you love yourself enough? Of course you can!

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Get It Together

Hello All,
Mondays have always been known for the BLAHS! Getting back to work, school, and the normal routine of things. Makes you take a deep breath and roll your eyes in the back of your head! Instead, let's think of Monday as a fresh start, new beginning, and another chance. People start diets on Mondays, vow to give up smoking on Mondays, and set goals for the week. We get motivated and excited because it is the hope of CHANGE and a turn around. What do you need to get your Monday motivated? Mark change within your spirit today and get your life going! It's really up to you if you want the Monday blahs, or a Monday full of possiblity and hope.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

What??

Hello All,
Why are some women choosing to use Facebook, Twitter, and the played out Myspace to show their half-naked, and sometimes naked selves to the world. The crack of your behind, really? Boobs about to explode in your hands, really? Your goodies for everyone to see - it just pains me as a woman to see another woman using her body to add friends on Facebook!! Saying that are a "model" just makes it worse. Attention you will get, but respect you will never find.

Realize that you are better! You can be sexy without showing the crack of your behind and spreading your legs on top of a table. You are God's precious gift and His plans are more for you than grinding on a guitar between your legs. No harm, just a seed to plant. I mean it...no harm.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Receive Exactly What You Ask For

Randolph Wilkerson said, "If you go to God with a thimble, you can only bring back a thimbleful."

My Nana use to sew and had numerous thimbles. Some were plastic and very light-weight, while others were metal and quite heavy. Then, they were different sizes depending on the project that she was working on.
Imagine if you spent six months living in a basement with rats. Everyday you pray for a safe place to sleep. Your prayers are finally answered. A friend offers you their living room sofa. After two weeks of living out of wal-mart bags, you start praying again. "Please, all I want is a room with a bed!" Three months later your daily prayer was heard. You find a six-by-nine foot room with enough space for your body, a bed, and four milk carts to hold your clothes. Why didn't you just ask for a three bedroom house with a basement, backyard and garage?
Because like most of us, the tendency is to limit God. For some reason, we get stuck in our immediate need and we think God is stuck there too. We believe that the one who created the earth, sun, stars, mountains, rivers, oceans and trees has nothing left to give. How long will it take us to realize we have an unlimited account with the universal bank? Our prayers make the withdrawals. Our faith is the deposit. Ask for what you want today!

Be Blesed,
Archuleta

Okay, Great.....

Hello All,
It's the feeling you have when your car won't start and you're already late. It's finding out that your boyfriend's "best friend" is a woman. It's scoring the dream job, then having to share your corner office. It's being told "it's not you, it's me", and no matter how hard you work out...you'll never have Beyonce's bootylicious brickhouse. Okay, Great....

Life has a hilarious way of sneaking up on you. It also has a way of helping you out. We get through life day by day, or sometimes hour by hour! For me, prayer and much needed humor helps me to visualize what's really important, and I eventually get there. The humor also helps me to
escape to another place and have my own personal redemption. (sweet)

Life gets to you sometimes, but don't let it get the best of you. Take each day at a time. Remember, God molded every precious inch of you from head to toe - there is no one like you. No one can do what YOU do, and no one can take your place. You are so excellent, and you have gifts that God has given you to share with the world for His Glory. You are better than the "best friend" reality, and who needs Beyonce's cellulite? Not me! Bask in the glory of what DOES belong to you, and praise God for it. Oh yes Lord, thank you for pen and paper!!

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

VICTORY

Hello All,
Remember, no weapon formed against you is going to prosper. That doesn't mean that there will not be opposition in your life, but they cannot ultimately hurt you. Your future is intact with God. You will not go under, you will go through. Keep praying, keep believing!! Keep fighting the good fight of faith. If you do that, God promises to bring you out with the victory.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Looking Straight Ahead

Hello All,
What are you looking at today? Not in the natural, but in the spiritual. What is in the forefront of your mind and heart? Are you constantly dwelling on your problems, or things that have happened in your past? In the natural, you will move in the direction that your eyes are looking. In the spiritual, it works the same way. Whatever you focus your mind and heart on, you will move towards. That’s why the bible tells us to look straight ahead. If you are constantly dwelling on your problems, or things in your past, wondering “what if” then you will stay right where you are. But if you choose to forgive and release the past then you can focus on what is ahead of you and you’ll begin to move forward. God doesn’t want you to live in the past. He wants you to meditate on His goodness and believe His promises so that you can keep growing. God is a creative God and He has designed a wonderful future for you. Look straight ahead so you can see it and move forward into the live of victory God has promised!

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Sexy...no matter what

Hello All,
As women, we know that the body image issue is a huge deal, and is often talked about no matter where we go. Regardless of the product being sold, the models used are all tall, and gorgeous. However, more recently, many have been advocating for models that “look more like the average user of the product being marketed,” or, at least, be a little larger than the current 6-foot-less-than-100 pound-15 year old look. I recently found a post over at another blog, where Vitra, who runs an online lingerie shop for smaller women, was asking whether she should use “standard” models (who probably wear a C cup bra) or her own A cup models.

Vitra, who runs the Itsy Bitsy Bra Bar, sells smaller sized lingerie targeting women with small frames. However, many of the images she uses are general pictures used by other companies. As a matter of fact, all of the models are on the larger side compared to her customers. She has now decided to test out smaller models by using her 5’0″ 90-something lb, A-cup friend. After all, companies which sell bras to larger-sized women generally use models who are bigger.

Itsy Bitsy Bra Bar’s decision to try out models who are closer to the customer’s size is a good thing – it’s a welcome change to see someone who isn’t buxom and busty as a spokesmodel for lingerie. But will the public agree with that? So far, most people who’ve replied to her post have been positive (though some have suggested that she use a professional photographer). However, that’s only people who frequent a very niche blog. The general public may not think so. Many people feel that we have been trained to see certain looks as being “attractive,” and a very petite model with A-cup breasts just doesn’t fit the description. These naysayers feel that people won’t buy products which use models that don’t fit the “ideal.” Even “plus sized” models are generally tall, proportionate women who just happen to be around size 12. In fact, they proportionately resemble a 5’4″ or 5’5″ woman who is about a size 6 or 8. Petite models only exist in the very few petite-only lines.

What do you think? Would you purchase clothing if the model didn’t “look” like a model? Is it a turn-off if the model looks more like the customer?

Hello All,

Everybody goes through disappointments and things that don't seem to make sense. It's easy to get discouraged and think, "Why did this happen to me?" "Why did my loved one not make it?" "Why did this person treat me wrong?" "Why did I get laid off?" We have to understand that even though life is not always fair, God is fair. He promises that He will work all things together for our good. I believe the key word is "together." In other words, don't just isolate one part of your life and say, "Well, this is not good." "It's not good that I got laid off." "It's not good that my child got sick." "It's not good that my relationship didn't work out." Yes, that's true, but that's just one part of your life. God can see the big picture. That disappointment is not the end. Your life doesn't stop because of one setback. That is simply one piece of your puzzle. There is another piece coming to connect it all because God promises to work all things together for your good.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Don't Miss Your Appointment with Favor

Hello All,

God has already prepared paths for you to take in your future! When God laid out the plan for your life, He lined up the right people, and the right circumstances. In your future, He’s already released favor, supernatural opportunities, and divine connections. The breaks you need in life have already been preordained to come across your path. If you will stay in faith and go out each day and be a person of excellence, you’ll never be late for your appointment with favor! It will be just as if you stumbled into God’s blessings! When you really understand this principal, you’ll begin to get excited about every single day! You'll be excited as you think about what blessing is coming next! It could be today. It could be tomorrow. It could be next week. Keep expecting. Keep believing. Stay focused on the fact that God has already released into your future everything you need to fulfill your destiny. Start declaring seasons of increase over your life. Declare that the favor is on you and opportunities are coming. As you do, you’ll move forward into the favor and blessing God has ordered for you.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Passwords to Life

Hello All,
These days, you need a password for everything! It is hard to keep up which is which, so thank goodness for the RESET button! When it comes to our fullness in Christ, what we need to remember is FAITH AND OBEDIENCE. If we want to receive all the favor and blessings God has for us, those two passwords are what we need to get access. FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, but not seen. OBEDIENCE is doing what God tells us to do and how to do it. By honoring God's requests, we show Him that we trust Him and give Him permission to take residence in our lives. Full access is a two way street! Will you give the Lord a try today? Will you give Him permission to come in? The Lord is waiting to bless you!

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Flossing

Hello All,

There has probably been a time in your life, sitting in the dentist chair, when you told the dentist that you flossed daily, but you really didn't. Who did you think you were fooling? It's obvious to the dentist that you haven't been flossing!

Just as the hygienist can tell what we've been doing or not doing with our dental care, people can look at our lives and can tell whether or not we're happy or depressed, joyful or bitter. No matter how cool we think we are, how well we think were hiding behind our plastic smiles, our well-dressed selves, the truth of the matter is your anger, your bitterness, your depression, your frustration—you can't hide it!

We can run, but we can't hide from the TRUTH. Instead of lying about our feelings, let the truth of who you are surface. What are you afraid of?

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Enjoy the Moment

Hello All,
Okay, so what about all the "coulda, woulda, shoulda" times? Sometimes we spend a lot of quality time wondering about how situations would have happened, or what could have taken place. I want to tell you today....ENJOY THE MOMENT! Live in the moment and embrace the good that is happening right now...right here....today. Worrying about how the situation is going to play out only stops you from living a fulfilled life TODAY. Worrying about what happened before only keeps you stagnated and living in the past.

Reach up! Smile and let LIFE in TODAY!

Dare to GO!

Hello All,
Do you have any regrets over things you could have done? Do you look back and say, "If I would have at least given it a shot..." Is it fear of failure or fear of of success? I never want to look back and wonder what if. When opportunities come our way, it is time to take it to the Lord in prayer. He is the source and will always be the One to know what is best for us. Our faith and trust in Him will provide us with the answer - a divine decision and inner peace.

Dare to GO! Dare to PUSH! Dare to REACH towards your goals, dreams, and God-given purpose for your life. God doesn't want us to go through life barely making and doing just enough to manage. He wants us to be blessed exceedingly and abundantly above anything we can ask or think. He desires the best for us!

Don't be afraid to try - you just may find who you really are!

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Test of Faith

Hello All,
God can grant a blessing, and then throw you a curve ball....just to test your faith!! He wants to see if you are immediately going to crumble and worry, or if you will continue to praise Him and trust Him!! Oh Lord!! This is what happened to me today, and I know that I am not the only one!!!

Okay Lord. I get it. I told you that I trust you, and that is where I will stay. The situation looks bleak, and I am not sure what is going on....but I will continue to trust you and pass this test.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Good Things Happen When You Trust God

Hello All,
Good things start to happen when you trust God. The purpose and plan for our lives is not up to us – God has the path set, and its our job to listen, be available, and be obedient to what He wants us to do. When we begin to think we know what is best…..all HELL breaks loose!!!! You can probably look back over your life, and see where you have messed up!! You thought you knew what was best (relationship, career, etc..) and decided that you were going to convince God that He should see things your way. Ultimately, God had the last word and action!!

Oftentimes, it hurts. We hear God telling us to do this, don't do that, let this person go, add this person on.... We don't understand and want to know what the end is going to be now!! Learning how to trust God in the face of adversity and pain can lead to tremendous blessings.

Stepping out on FAITH can be difficult because we cannot see anything, and we are putting our TRUST in someone we cannot touch. But hold fast to HIS WORD! Let God know you trust Him by being obedient to what He is telling you to do. You may not understand it - who, what, when, where and why....but TRUST God that He will work it out according to His purpose and plan for your life. There is a greater good far beyond anything that we can ask or think. Pray through your pain and sorrow....because joy comes tomorrow. In time, hurt will turn into healing.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Change is good....even if it hurts

Hello All,
My Grandpa did not like change! He never wavered from his normal routine...never! In his mind, things need to remain the same so that everyone knows what to expect and have something to count on. No surprises. If it's not broke, why fix it!
Grandpa had a point, but at the same time change is about growth. The more we accept change, we are stepping out on faith and allowing ourselves to elevate to the next level.

Lately, it seems that my whole life is one big change! Every aspect of my life is calling for change, and the ball is in my court whether or not I go for it. God has been focusing on my weaknesses, and those things that I am dragging my feet on. He is trying to take me higher, but I have to be willing. Thank you Lord because I am ready, willing, and able!

Change is good, but sometimes that requires us to make tough choices. Tough...because it's what we want to do, but it's not necessarily what God wants us to do. Certain people have to be let go from your life, and certain things have to cease. Forgiveness has to take place, and obedience has to come forth.

Embrace change and make it work for you. Create an atmosphere of Hope and Faith so that God can come into your heart and lead you into the purpose you were meant for.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

A Glimpse to the Future

Hello All,
God knows what is best for us! He really does! The problem is that we get in His way....thinking we know how to deal with our situations on our own. Sometimes we are just not there, but want to be. We want to trust God and give Him our all....but we have a hard time getting to 100%. You know what He does? He starts to give you little glimpses of how it would be if you completely let go. He sends certain people your way, allows certain situations to happen, and blessings to come down. It gets your attention! You start to realize, "Wow, it's like that God!"

He wants you to trust Him and have faith in Him. He also wants you to know that you can do all things through Him. Your life is not suppose to be full of doubt, worry, anxiety, and false promises.

Don't just get a glimpse of what God has in store for you. Don't be afraid to listen to what God is saying to you, be obedient, and walk into the fullness of His love and glory.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta

Ready for Change?

Hello All,
I have been on this kick lately....for change. Every aspect of my life. And I have been so dedicated and determined to pluck out all the weeds to prepare for a flourishing garden. I want to be free and open - available to be used by God. So excited! No more procrastinating, no more giving in, or saying it's "whatever". I'm going for it, going for ME!!
What about you?

New Beginnings

Hello All,
Things aren't always what they seem! Just when you think things couldn't get any worse, God always seems to step in and fix the entire situation. When you look back over your life, you can recall many situations such as this. God has been taking care of you, keeping you, and providing you with everything that you need. He may not come when you want Him, but He's always right on time! God has a purpose and a plan for you, so everything that happens and everyone that comes into your life is for a definitive reason - it's according to His plan. HIS plan! Your job is to humble yourself, be available, and obedient. God speaks to us in various ways, and it is our responsibility to be open and receive it so that we may grow.

Don't ever accept things for what they are, or settle for anything less that what God has promised. God is able to do all things above and beyond anything that we can ask or think. He has the ability to change our situations in an instant, so continue to pray and develop your personal relationship with Him. It is His pleasure to give us the desires of our heart and bring us into a life of abundance and peace.

It's never too late to begin again! Let 2010 be your year of new beginnings. Trust Him and begin to experience the Lord like you never have before - with fullness and joy!

Be Blessed,
Archuleta