Too Blessed to Be Stressed

I’m overwhelmed. Stressed out to say the least. Between school, work, family, side jobs, and extracurricular activities, I am 100% spread thin. Finding time to do anything that I enjoy is becoming harder and I am fighting to see the payoff in the end. Through it all I have constant encouragement and support, but sometimes it can be hard to not look up to God and say “Please! Can I just have a quick moment to breathe?” But then He reminds me, “Rochelle, remember my child, these are the very things that you once prayed for.”

How can I not feel ashamed for asking God for a break? He is completely and totally right. At some point, whether it was a week ago, a few months ago, or a year ago, I was praying to Him about one of the many things that I have going on. Always making sure that I let Him know that I am completely fine with His will, whatever it may be. And then I get it! The very thing that I prayed for and when the going gets tough, I ask for a break. How could I be so ungrateful? And then He reminds me:

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)

When God gives us the desires of our hearts, know that He never meant that once we got them that hardships wouldn't come with them. If they didn't we wouldn't need Him anymore. He wants to make sure that no matter what comes our way that we will remain fully dependent on Him. He wants us to know that when we go through struggles and difficult times that He is right there waiting and yearning to nurture us and to uplift and strengthen us. The more we trust in God during difficult times, the more we prosper and become stronger examples of what He is capable of.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jeremiah 17: 7-8 ESV)

When we put our trust in God He will make sure that we never fail. He will see us through every situation, every hardship, and every bit of our journey. He is not the kind of God who will bless you and then leave you. He will see you through each phase of your blessing, both the good and the difficult, and He will make sure that you are prosperous enough to bear fruit even in a drought.

Don’t worry or get caught up in all of life’s ups and downs. Be still, be steadfast in faith, and surrender your trust to God and watch what He will do. You’re too blessed to be stressed.

About the Author :

Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food.

Connect with her on :

Togetherness

Throughout life we are required to connect and work with other people for multiple reasons; family events, school assignments, jobs, organizations, you name it. It requires clear communication, consideration of others feelings, and most of all, respect. However, connecting with others can be a difficult task at times. Sometimes, things aren't clearly communicated and sometimes we just get on each other’s nerves! I have been experiencing this lately with some of my professional endeavors. I deal with a plethora of people depending on what I am working on and it is not always easy, but what I have learned to do is to ask God to show me how to deal with the situation. How does He want and need me to respond to certain situations that arise? Will I always get it right? Of course not, but I must make it a point to learn from my mistakes and apply it to the next situation.

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT)

We must make it our duty to prevail when trouble arises in our relationships with one another. Whether those relationships are professional, personal, or romantic we have to encourage one another and remember the purpose at hand. When we are easily distracted by our feelings of frustration, irritability, and/or anger all we are allowing to happen is for us to get off track and lose sight of what God’s plan is. We are each other’s motivation and encouragement. We are all we have and need to build everlasting bonds with each other. We must remember that God has placed us in each other’s lives (make sure you confirm it by praying on it) and that we must reassure one another that we will overcome.

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17 NLT)

Once we realize that everything that is happening around us has a larger purpose, we will become motivated to fall in line. We have to learn to work with each other and not against each other. When we sharpen each other with the things that God has already placed in us: wisdom, love, strength, humility, etc. we help to make His will come together. It will not always be easy, as we all have different cultures, upbringings, personalities, and even religions, but if we keep the end goal in mind and sharpen one another along the way connecting with one another will happen effortlessly.

So when we feel as though there is no point to certain relationships or that we may not be able to hang in there, know that if God brought the relationship before you, no matter the obstacle, we can prevail if we live in love and encourage one another.

Your values have the power to change lives.






Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously.



[photo: wickenden, Creative Commons]

Portion Control

Exactly How Much is Too Much?

I think a lot. More than I probably should. I say this because I am pretty sure that one thought leads to another, and then another, and before I know it I am either worried, anxious, overwhelmed, confused, sad, stressed, or tired. Get the picture? This has led me to developing a serious habit of creating lists. It’s the one way that I can clear up some of the space in my head. Most of them are “to-do” lists, but the best is my prayer list. This list is the best for me because it allows God to do what I can’t do. When I create a to-do list, it allows me to deal with things on the surface. If I complete the task, it gets checked off. If not, it stays there until I complete it. My prayer list does not operate in the same way. It’s very much internal and deals with things that I wouldn't even begin to know how to tackle.

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.” (Psalm 9:10 NLT)

As Christians, we have to find ways that work best for us when it comes to seeking God. Mine happens to be lists. I use them to write down the things that I know that only He can handle and things that I need His approval on. Once written, I pray about them. Find what works for you and make sure that it’s something that continuously draws you closer to Him. Trust God and know your portion. As humans, we try to do everything on our own and we don’t leave enough room for God to do His part. We have to understand that it is both necessary and okay for us to surrender.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33 NLT)

When we make it our priority to seek God in everything that we do and to consult with Him about our purpose, He will provide us with everything that we need. He not only gives us answers, but when we seek Him, live in harmony, and push ourselves toward His will over our lives, He goes above and beyond when it comes to making provisions. God will always supply your needs in abundance. It’s just who He is. Include Him on purpose. Know that this assignment called life cannot be done without Him and that when we are busy thinking of all that we have to do, remember to give God what belongs to Him.

One of the most important things we can do in life is to let God be who He is and to serve within our means. Don’t overstep your boundaries. Allow Him to take care of what seems like an overflowing list of tasks and watch Him perform miracles!




Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously.



[photo: Luis Hernandez, Creative Commons]

Tick Tock Goes The Clock

I have always had the issue of procrastination. I tend to wait until the last minute to do things and have often used the age-old excuse of “working better under pressure” to continue with my bad habit. The truth is that working better under pressure is a lie and actually an unhealthy way to live. Who wants to rush to get things done? Even if they still turn out well, the point in doing them early is that you receive the gift of enjoying the process.

What I am learning through this evaluation of myself is how important time management is. I have known this for some time and when truly necessary, I prioritize well and make the best of my time. Unfortunately, this isn't the case all of the time.

God yearns for us to be better stewards over our time. When He places us here on earth, it is to fulfill our purpose within His will, but it all must be done within a certain time frame. We do not know when our time is up, so it is extremely important that we make the most of each and every moment that we are blessed with.

“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” (Psalm 39:4-5 NLT)

If procrastination, laziness, and/or fear are strongholds that you are dealing with, take them before God. Place them at the feet of Christ and ask that you be set free in His name. We have to focus on the assignment that has been placed in front of us, but we must also keep our eye on the clock. Time is truly of the essence and if we are not cognizant, we may miss our chance to fulfill our destiny.

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT)

Take back your time and use it to glorify God in all that you do. Don’t allow excuses and lies to take place in your life. Pray off the strongholds and honor the Lord with time management. The greatest way to show someone that you appreciate them is to honor their time. It is the most precious thing that we have because it cannot be replaced.

Live the life that He has called you to live, but don’t forget that with each tick on the clock, we have less time to get it done.

Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and is currently enrolled in The New School for an M.S. in Media Management.

[Photo : Dalton Runberg Creative Commons]

Signs

When God sends you a sign ... are you listening?

I am a busy bee by nature. I always feel as if I have to be involved in something, whether its work related, school related, or doing something in my community, I am always moving. There was a short period of time when I returned back to my hometown and was unemployed. During this time, I was bored out of my mind. Instead of looking at this as a sign from God to rest and recoup in preparation for my next assignment, I looked at it as a season of unfruitfulness. Once I was hired, I came home from work and yearned for more to do. I eventually filled my schedule up with many activities and found myself overwhelmed and exhausted. I needed rest, I needed to breathe, and I needed to not have anyone ask me for anything else. I needed His peace.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28-30 ESV)

As servants of Christ, we have a tendency to believe that we have to always be in “serve” mode. There is nothing wrong with that, but we must also remember to serve ourselves. What good are we to others, if we aren't taking care of ourselves first? God loves a cheerful giver, but we must also remember to receive. We need to seek Him and receive His peace in return for our burdens. We can’t run ourselves ragged trying to be the perfect Christians, when that in itself is an unobtainable goal. We will never be perfect, there will always be more work to do, and our work alone will never be enough. It is a team effort. Christ is on our team and He wants to be given His portion as well.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV)

Making sure that we are well rested is a huge part in honoring our bodies, which ultimately honors God. If we aren't in our best physical shape, then how do we expect to be in our best spiritual state? God wants us to be both of service to others and to ourselves. In doing this, we are glorifying Him in the best way. Taking care of us first places us in a better position to take care of others. If we choose to be stubborn and proceed into the next season without resting, God will make sure we rest one way or another. Be obedient and rest when He tells you to. It only helps us to fulfill His will and our purpose for life.

Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and is currently enrolled in The New School for an M.S. in Media Management.

Quality Time: Unplugged

It’s rare that I travel anywhere without my phone and I do mean anywhere lol. This makes for a completely different person than the one from 2002 and earlier. I was more attentive, more patient, and more disciplined. The world that we live in today with all of its innovative technology has handicapped some, and I unfortunately am one of them. The moment I hear a ping, feel a vibration, or see my phone light up I jump through rings of fire to get to it hoping not to “miss” anything. It is sad and I need to detox.

I have heard of many people “unplugging” themselves for a day, or two, or however long they need to in order to regain their peace of mind. It is very necessary and something that I plan to do. As much as we think that we “need” to know what’s going on, who went where, or what new deals this week has to offer, none of it is more important than our relationship and quality time with God.

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)

How many of us make time to do this daily? I know that I can definitely do a better job with my quality time with God. We speak every day, all day, but there is always room for improvement. We have to remember that the most important notification that will be sent to us has already been sent. His name is Jesus and He died for our sins. He was the sacrifice that God offered to notify us of His unconditional love for us. A gracious gift that is incomparable. It is our job to make sure that we don’t take that gift for granted and that we show our appreciation daily. Shouldn't we yearn to grow closer to the God that loved us so much that He gave His only begotten son? I know I do. But yearning isn't enough. We have to do it. Turn the phones off, unplug from the computers, tablets, and mp3 players and throw ourselves at His feet. Worship Him, love on Him, and praise Him. He is worthy!

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3: 16-17)

God wants us to get closer to Him. He has given us His word as a way to prepare us for this life and the afterlife. Everything that we read in it will equip us to not only handle life and fulfill our purpose, but to do it all in a Christ-like manner. He loves us unconditionally and deserves our undivided attention, whether our distraction may be technology, work, family, etc. He gave us 24 hours a day, use them wisely and start and end them by giving honor and praise to the One who brought you into it. An hour is only 4% of our day, we can at least give Him that uninterrupted. We have to be willing to make whatever sacrifices are needed so that we can spend time with God, remembering what He sacrificed to spend eternity with us.

Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and is currently enrolled in The New School for an M.S. in Media Management.

Thrift Society

I absolutely love thrifting! I mean what woman doesn't love to bargain shop? It has become something that my mom and I do together and we have become really good thrifters if you ask me. When I go in, I go in on a mission. I know what things I want to find and I search diligently until I find what I am looking for. Although some people aren't big on thrifting (I used to be the same), I have come to understand that there is a method to the madness and some of my best finds receive the most admirers. Some days are better than most. Some days when I walk in, I may not have any expectations, but come out with things that I couldn't be happier about. Those days get me excited and ready for my next haul! While thrifting yesterday, I kept hearing God explain to me how this favorite pastime of mine is very similar to the bible and life.

Some of the most famous and eye-opening stories in the Bible were told about people who were rejected by society through their actions. Those who were murderers, tax collectors, thieves, adulterers, and so on. These people were no longer considered worthy, tossed to the side, and in the process, lost hope. Typically when we sin, we carry the stigma that society has placed on us everywhere we go. We carry the hurt, shame, humiliation, guilt, and frustration right into the next phase of our lives. We deem ourselves as unworthy and useless.

“No one will ever forgive me.”“I’m not good enough.”“Who would ever love someone like me?”

This is where God and I have something in common… He loves thrifting too! Those people who thought that they were unworthy and couldn’t be used for a higher purpose were the same people that God sought after to help complete His will for earth.

“God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”-Anonymous

God will shop around in search of you! He will seek after you, fight for you, and love on you like no other. In a world full of chaos, disappointment, and darkness, He will shop around looking for His chosen ones and will help them realize and fulfill their purpose. He was even gracious enough to send us a Savior to make sure that no one was left behind.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10 ESV)

So if you ever feel like you’ve been tossed to the side and lack value, remember that what man refuses to appreciate, God will and He will use you to dress up what was once considered “ordinary.”

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 139: 13-15 ESV)

Know that you are worthy and know that God wants you. Your presence brings a certain style to the earth that only you can. :-)

Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and is currently enrolled in The New School for an M.S. in Media Management.

This Little Light of Mine

A friend just called. Her former boss has been called home to be with our Lord and Savior. She’s hurt and I, naturally, hurt for my friend. This wasn't unexpected, but a quick process nonetheless. Her boss, was a phenomenal woman, who shined her light bright for both those who did and did not know her to see. Fortunately, her good heart never went unnoticed.

This situation made me really think about the impact that we leave when it’s our time to depart from here. What do our lives say about us? Who have we been a blessing to? Does someone know of Christ because of our existence?

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 ESV)

The way that we live our lives speaks volumes to our values and beliefs. The same way a child represents their parents, is the same way that we represent God. Most of the things that we participate in, ranging from conversation to entertainment, don’t represent our Father in the best light possible. What are we doing to show others that Christ is real, His presence is all around us, and He is coming back? If our actions, words, thoughts, and daily decisions don’t cause others to stop and think about the goodness of the Lord, then there is still a ton of work to be done.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 ESV)

Let’s all remember that as much as God wants us to enjoy the life that we have been gifted, we have a greater responsibility that has been given to us. We must die as Christ did on the cross and allow Him to live through us. Show others what having Him in your life can do and share His love, mercy, and understanding. Be a light in this dark world. Lead the people that you come in contact with closer to God and further away from the world. Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that good people still exist in such a cold world, but it’s those who share themselves unselfishly and live a life of service and love that leave the biggest impact. Strive to be one of them. Strive to be Christ-like and shine your light bright!

“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.” ~Mother Teresa 

 Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and is currently enrolled in The New School for an M.S. in Media Management.

 

In The Heat Of The Night

As I walked into my house from a long day of work, I was greeted by the last thing that I expected, an immediate rush of heat. However, this wasn't just any kind of heat. It was the muggy, stuffy, can't hardly breathe kind of heat. 

When I asked my mother why it was so hot, she explained that the air conditioning system was broken and the company who fixes it, wouldn't be able to repair it until the next day. Great. When it gets hot in my house, it gets HOT. Recently, it seems as though we have dealt with a broken AC unit almost every summer. Typically, I would complain and worry about the amount of time that I had to be uncomfortable, but I've learned that doesn't make my situation any better. So, I had to prepare myself both mentally and physically for what was about to take place that night. Light clothing, lights off, cool drinks, fans, and limited back and forth movement all help to make it a bearable night. Gratefully, it was.

God sometimes puts us in uncomfortable situations so that we can get closer to Him. He may place us in similar situations that we've experienced before as a test to see what we've learned since our last. Every lesson that was learned from the previous test can now be used as a tool for the new one. We just have to remember to trust Him in everything that we go through and to stay focused on His promises. When placed in yet another uncomfortable circumstance, what do you do? Do you worry and complain constantly? Do you try to fix it yourself? Or do you trust God to make provisions?

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God ’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track." (Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG)

God will provide a way for us each and every time if we allow Him to. 

He will lead us in the right direction and place His hands over our situation. We will be able to endure the pressures of extreme conditions because we know that our Father is the master behind it all. We have to remember to seek His face and pray on our situation. The peace that He gifts us, will be unlike anything we have ever experienced and will be unshakable because we are firmly planted in Him. 

"Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." (Philippians 4:6, 7 MSG)

Wonderful things are in store for us when we trust God and let Him stay in control. Don't worry about your situation. Instead pray about it and let Him do what only He can do. When we do that, we are blessed with a peace beyond measure and pretty soon, the situation is no longer. 

Until then, stay cool and stay in Him :-). 

Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and is currently enrolled in The New School for an M.S. in Media Management.

The Road Less Traveled

Traveling has become one of my favorite pastimes. There is nothing more exciting than going to new places, meeting new people, and embracing a new culture. Whether our travels are national or international, the impact left on the heart tends to be an unforgettable one. Recently however, I have decided to travel throughout my own area more. I have a tendency to think that in order to explore and seek new adventures that I have to leave my hometown. I could have never been more wrong. As I focus more on what new experiences I can have within my hometown, I am noticing that there are a plethora of adventures to be had right under my nose. I live in a place full of great people, great fun, and the best of them all … great food.

Often times in life, we have a tendency to unintentionally ignore many great things that God has placed right in front of us. We think that going elsewhere means that we are guaranteed a great experience, happiness, or whatever else it is that we are in search of. This is a detrimental mindset and could lead to us missing out on many of the blessings that God has in store for us.

“You're blessed when you stay on course,    walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You're blessed when you follow his directions,
    doing your best to find him.
That’s right—you don’t go off on your own;    you walk straight along the road he set.” (Psalm 119: 1-3 MSG) 

God has us exactly where we are on purpose. Explore the endless opportunities that this state has to offer. When we do this, we master our present and unknowingly are being prepared for the future. Everything that is planted in front of us are tools that God has perfectly hand-picked to help us grow in both in Him and life. Don't overlook them! They will help us a great deal along our journey and sometimes paying attention to them can result in a life-changing encounter.

”Your teacher will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right: “This is the right road. Walk down this road.” (Isaiah 30:21 MSG)

Traveling is a great opportunity to explore all of God’s work, but don't overlook the current place that He has you in. Explore all of your opportunities there first and it could lead you right into the place that you desire to be!

At the end of the day, wherever you go, make sure you take God with you. 

Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and is currently enrolled in The New School for an M.S. in Media Management.

Make Me Over

Makeup. It's what most women live for. Just a little lip gloss here, a touch of foundation there, and a dab of everything else that we have neatly packed into our cosmetic bags. Over the years, I have learned so much about makeup, along with little "tricks" that help to achieve the desired look. One can hide so many flaws with the help of a perfectly arranged palette, a crafted brush, and an artistic eye. I have literally witnessed full-blown transformations in less than an hour. Makeovers have the power to give one a new found self-esteem, attitude, and personality. I guess you can say that they create a "new you." 

We have become accustomed to "quick fixes" and transformations in today's society. However, Christ doesn't work this way. We can't simply add a dab of righteousness here, a splash of faith there, and finish off with smidgen of purity. When we want to "look good" for Christ, which really means when we want to look like Christ, we have to prepare ourselves for a full-blown makeover that requires patience, trust, and faith. These things cannot be found at the bottom of our cosmetic bags. We have to seek His face and ask Him with sincerity to change our hearts and to make them over to resemble His. 

" Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10 NLT)

It's no secret that the key to great makeup is a great foundation, meaning your skin. So why do we think our hearts are any different? In order to have a clean heart, one must have a good foundation, meaning Christ. We don't have to hide or cover anything up for Him. He loves us just the way we are! He knows our every imperfection and they couldn't make us any less perfect to Him, but when we give Him the opportunity to make us over, He does it in a way that only He could. We have to remember to not become so reliant on things that make us "look" the part and actually focus on living it. 

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26 NIV)

God is the only one who can make us over from the inside out, literally. When He makes you over, you have a natural glow about yourself. Your "beauty" will naturally attract people because it's really Christ's light shining through you that draws the crowd. When people want to get to know Him, they will naturally come to you. That's the whole point of our existence anyway. To continuously push each other and non-believers to Christ. He is the only way!

So this doesn't mean you have to feel guilty about wearing makeup by a long shot. It's just a reminder that when you pick up your tools and get ready to create a masterpiece, know that God has already created one and He is the best artist there is. Seek Him!

Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and is currently enrolled in The New School for an M.S. in Media Management.

My Personal Spiritual Trainer

I hate exercising. There is no other way to say it and no, I won't sugarcoat it. It hurts! I am forced to move at a constant pace and use muscles that I forgot I even had. Not to mention the aftermath. The soreness and discomfort only makes me think “how can such a terrible feeling lead me to my healthiest state?” I am cleaning up my spirit and have come to the conclusion that in order to be a well-rounded Christian everything needs to be cleaned up, including this out-of-shape vessel of mine.

This made me think about what God is doing in my spiritual life as well. When we make the decision to accept Christ with all of our hearts, we don’t consider the vigorous work that is required to take us from being “couch potato Christians” to proactive go-getters in Christ; constantly pursuing Him because without Him we feel sluggish. My journey has been an up and down one no doubt. I have done a pretty good job of staying close enough to God by praying regularly, but far enough so that His plans don't interfere with mine. Terrible, I know, but how many of us do that? How many of us get up and pursue Christ the way that we want to pursue Him?

When we do this we only exercise a portion of our spiritual bodies. We may walk at a slow pace, not wanting to sweat and truly feel the brunt of our work, but imagine how we would feel and look if we let our personal and spiritual trainer (Christ) sculpt, tone, and strengthen us into a new person?!

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”  Romans 12:1 ESV

Christ is calling for us! He wants us to look and feel the best we have ever felt. It doesn't have to be as hard as we make it. Everyone starts off walking, but don't become stagnant and more importantly, don’t look at the sprinters and become discouraged. He is walking right beside us, ordering our every step. His love for us runs so deep and He knows what we are capable of doing, but He knows how much more we can get done if we allow Him to work through us!

Whether we are reading our daily devotionals, reading our bibles, praying, fasting, ministering, or evangelizing know that Christ is training us to be the best that we can be in Him! We may experience seasonal pain or even a pulled muscle or two, but know that He is right there willing and waiting for us to call on Him for help. Once we get into the habit of utilizing Him in every aspect of our walk, we will experience an unimaginable strength.

“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 ESV

  

Get up, get moving, and don't forget take Him with you!

Rochelle Burnley is a queen of all trades. She loves the Lord and desires to spread His love and light to everyone that she is blessed to touch. A producer by profession, she intends to use her gift of storytelling to spread the good news and to represent Christ. A proud Baltimore native, Rochelle leaves trails of purple along her life's journey. She is a chocolate connoisseur; as well as a lover of good movies, music, books, and food. She takes the phrase "shop until you drop" seriously. She holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University and is currently enrolled in The New School for an M.S. in Media Management.