Category Archives: Love

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The Seeds I’ve Sown

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Do you ever wonder why your relationship feels challenging, no matter what you do?  This feeling was a constant for me for many years.  I would attempt to engage in a meaningful relationship only to sabotage it with my own thoughts and behavior.  I was reminded of the word that reads in Galatians 6:7, “A man reaps what he sows.”

What I’ve learned in life is that whatever you do to others will certainly come back to you in one form or another!  First, let me share with you that I am not an expert in relationships by societal norms, but I can attest to how bad relationships can affect you.  It is because of my experiences that I decided to pin this book as a reality check for someone who may think that they are slicker than the next person and has the relationship “game” on lock.

Relationships are a vital part of each of our lives, and without guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can do damage to ourselves and those connected to us.  I invite you to embrace these useful keys that I have realized during my journey that will benefit you in your current or next relationship.

As a way of empowering God’s people, be on the lookout for my next book release, The Seeds I’ve Sown in June 2018.

BE EMPOWERED!

 

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Are We Unified

 

 

 

 

 

As pre-marital/marriage counselors, we often have conversations with couples about the concept of being unified. Mark 10:6-8 reads, “6 But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. 7 For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. ONE flesh!  Even though this scripture is read and discussed in counseling and read again at the wedding, many couples don’t want to embrace this facet of marriage.

Unity is defined as the state of being united or joined as a whole, which is a foundation of marriage.  We operate with separate accounts, access, and mindsets that are far away from God’ plan and it is causing major turmoil in our society.  What has society done to change our minds about marriage?  What have we as individuals done to allow this infiltration of selfishness, so much so that we ignore His plan for marriage?

God wants a husband (male) and wife (female) to grow together in Him, fulling His plan for a unified marriage.  Are you willing to have a marriage that God would be pleased with?  Let’s have UNITY in our marriages starting today!

Valerie

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What are you afraid of?

Do you have a counselor?  Whether it’s sports, career, marriage or life in general, the role of a counselor is a necessary component for success!  I spoke with a few individuals this weekend about relationships and the necessity of getting some guidance to help them succeed and the response more often than not was, “We don’t need a counselor.”.  My question today is, “What are you afraid of?”.

What I’ve experienced in the counseling field is that people are apprehensive of seeking counseling for several reasons:

  • Not willing to deal with their reality
  • Exposing hidden truths
  • Lack of coping tools
  • Co-dependency
  • No self-worth
  • Lack of understanding

Why do  you go to the doctor?  You go because something is physically not right with your body.  It is that same reason that you should seek out a trusted professional to aid you when your life is out of alignment.  I gained so much insight about myself during my studies in Temperament Counseling that I’ve become a Licensed Counselor.  The benefits is brought not just to me but my marriage, my relationship with my children and even my career path has been greatly impacted by receiving the truth concerning my inborn and how God created me to cope.

Today, I want to challenge you to seek out the help that you need for any area of your life that you may be struggling in.  Anything that you’re facing at this moment should not keep you captive from moving forward and being a success.   Stop being afraid of the unknown; find a trusted counselor, face your situation, develop a strategy for change, and EMPOWER yourself to succeed!

#E2EO

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I’m Covered

On a typical day, I watch very little television and that entertainment is limited to one of three channels because I like happy endings!  The interruption occurs, a commercial, and its talking about car insurance.  The commercial suggests that you’ve chosen the wrong insurance company because your company is only going to give you enough money to pay for 1/3 of your totaled vehicle.  How tragic! You’ve been making an investment in a plan that you trusted to cover in the time of need and it doesn’t happen.  It is that same way when investing your time in relationships that don’t provide the needed dividend in times of need.

Good news! There is a relationship that you can invest in that covers any situation you may face. If you’ve received Jesus as Lord and savior there is coverage for you! Isaiah 54:17 reads, “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD.”  To know that whatever circumstance you may face, God has you covered and the enemy will not succeed.  Many are facing some trying times right now; emotional, financial, grief, or a health concern – just know that God has you covered. Today, God wants you EMPOWERED by His Word.  Today,  He wants your faith strengthened in the midst of your trouble – knowing that He’s got you COVERED!

Pray this prayer with me:

Father, I come before you in this moment, seeking solace in the time of turmoil and fear.  God, I need you like never before to re-align me on the path that you’ve established for me.  I am asking that you forgive me for the error of my ways and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  I trust you Father and I yield my will to yours.  Today, I believe that I Am Covered.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

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Acceptance

Does is bother you when you’ve not been accepted by a certain person or group of people? Does it really matter if you don’t fit in?  I’m sure most will say, I’m cool with not being accepted by people and give you  religious response, “I’m accepted by God”.  That’s a really good answer but unfortunately – it’s not the truth for most.  😦

Acceptance is something that we all desire, whether it be a child being accepted by a parent, a new employee being accepted on the job, or simply having your circle of influence expanded by like minded champions.  Acceptance is something that we all desire!  In reading over the manuscript of our book this morning, this passage from the chapter “You Bastard” began speaking loudly again.

 ” I remember being asked as a child, “Who is your daddy?” and I couldn’t answer.  All I remember ever stating was that my mother was Barbara. People often ask who your parents are as a way to find out your lineage, or a possible relation to them, but some will ask with the intent to disqualify you or make you feel unworthy.  As a child you are unable to discern the true meaning behind the question, yet you are left to deal with the repercussions of it.  Did it really matter to people if they knew who my dad was?  Did everybody know I was a bastard and were mocking me?  Is that why I was treated differently?  These are emotions that I’m recalling as if it were yesterday.  Having been born into a relationship of two individuals who had “moments of expressed love”, yet now I’m suffering because of it.” (taken from “I Am His Child” by V. Burrell & N. Williams)

Acceptance, was the root of this torn moment that would require truth to bring forth healing.  Today, take time to look within – exposing those areas in your life where healing is needed in the area of acceptance.  Don’t overexert yourself in this process though – come to terms with the reality that you’re not going to be accepted by all. Seek out those relationships that you’ve yearned for, those individuals who would be willing to embrace you with love and understanding that’s unapologetic and pure.  Be mindful also that the first step in acceptance is attached to forgiveness.

We love and ACCEPT you! Be EMPOWERED!

 

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What Is Empowerment?

Last week, we were blessed to be guest on the radio show of Pastor Carolyn Henderson, Living Life with Pastor Carolyn on blog talk.  Some of our Covenant Partners and friends joined me for this warming conversation.  Take a listen and get a better feel for who we are! Be EMPOWERED!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/livinglifekmgc/2016/05/17/what-is-empowerment

 

 

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Love that Lasted

This month at The Empowerment Place, we have been focused on love.  We’ve talked about the love of God, the love for family and love that exists between a man and a woman.  Love sounded like this:

My love for you is everlasting.  I always knew you were the one for me; evenly matched.  If anyone tries to take our love away, I will fight to the end.  Your love is all I’ve ever wanted.

People often take chances with love, not realizing that it is a gift from above.  It seems obvious that our union was meat to be; as you said – even Stevie would be able to see.  No one can take my love away; I am yours and here to stay!  From this day forward until eternity – all i want to do is love and please you!

This is the sentiment I shared with my husband and year ago and never released, but it proves to be more true today than it did then.  Love can last through good times, hard times, trials and change – it just takes understanding of God’s intent and persistence to see it through.  My husband siad that he fell in love with me at first sight over 35 years ago – I’m so glad that the LOVE Lasted!  #lovemesomeBennyBurrell

Embrace Love and be Empowered!