YES, I SAID IT!

 Friday, December 16, 2022 11:06:31 AM I posted the following on Facebook: “President Trump needs to step aside and help choose the next President of the United States of America.  #MyOpinion Pace your mad!” I anticipate numerous unfriendings and quite a few angry comments.

One of the problems I see today is leader who will not step down, in business, in politics and in the church. As a Christian, Jesus is my example an He should be there example if they are Christian; Donald Trump considers himself to be a Christian. Jesus began training men to take His place on earth. 

JOHN 14:12 (KJV) 

12  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 

Many leaders today have many subordinates but they do not treat them as the one who will take up their “mantle” and run with it. The President has a Vice President but the Vice President has chores that the President does not have to do or chooses not to do.  Pastors have Assistant Pastors but the assistant preaches when the Pastor is not available, rarely will you see the Assistant Pastor Preaching when the Pastor is in the church.  

2 KINGS 2:11-14 (KJV) 

11  And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 

12  And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. 

13  He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; 

14  And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. 

Elisha walked with Elijah, he learned from him other prophets who knew of  Elijah’s reputation did not. When Elijah was taken up into heaven Elisha was ready to serve, he took the “mantle” and was able to part the water just as his mentor had.  No one knows how long they have on this earth nor the day that Jesus will return. 

In the three years of his ministry Jesus served and taught the people and also the twelve. To the twelve he elaborated. The leaders of today are not the Son of God.

President Trump had four years as President and did a great job, he was not allowed to serve a second term. No matter what your opinion as to the election results we have been experiencing the consequences of them for almost two years now. We cannot undo what has been done. I have said repeatedly on social media and believe it firmly : this is a Spiritual Battle. 

Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

What we are seeing today is the manifestation of evil. We do not need a businessman to fight evil we need someone who is strong in his faith and able to stand on his convictions. The businessman set the example and pointed the nation in the right direction. I must insert my disappointment, though not surprised, at the announcement made by the “businessman” recently regarding the selling of NFT collection cards identifying himself as a superhero. (An NFT is a non-fungible token, your collectible item is in cyberspace.)  President Donald J Trump was a good president and yet there were qualities he lacked because he was and is a businessman and not a man who is lead by his faith, or so it seems.

I knew when I voted for him the first time that he was not a saint and I voted for him again in 2020, if Donald J Trump is the Republican nominee for 2024 I will vote for him again. But, I believe he is not the right person to be President of the United States of America based on where we are today. He, Trump, would do better in supporting- not name calling- one of the many qualifying individuals who could be President. You cannot fight evil with name calling. You cannot negotiate with evil. Ronald Reagan was a great leader because he worked with people who did not agree with him. 

The reason why Governor DeSantis has been so successful, and people are looking for him to run for President, is because he works with people not against them if they are doing what is right. Do I support DeSantis for President? I do not have any one person that I am enthusiastic about right now. Rod Desantis does not tolerate evil, he presses forward despite evil; he tells evil “no”. He did not bully people to make sure that Florida did not shut down during COVID he worked with the legislature to make sure the elderly were taken care of while others went to work. DeSantis, worked and is working with the Florida legislative bodies to make sure parents have authority over their children and not teachers. 

America does not need a super hero business man rock star which is what President  Trump is apparently presenting himself as. We do not need someone who believes he is the only one that can save America- he is not and he cannot. It is my opinion Donald J. Trump should have, these past 2 years, been mentoring others (remember Jesus had 12) to lead this nation. He should have campaigned with H. Walker, mentored him as he mentored others on the apprentice.  If he lives to be 100 he should be spending the rest of his days loving his wife, raising his son and helping others become great leaders in this country. 

Finally, as Christians we should not be looking to Donald J Trump to save America. God said He would heal the land if we came to him. The same God that caused the ass to talk  (Numbers 22:28) can make these evil individuals speak blessing instead of curses (Numbers 23:20).  Jesus said the stones will speak God’s truth if man does not (Luke 19:40). To many Christians have put their faith in man and not God and so we are reaping what has been sown.

                                             Written by Marsha L Floyd

IS MAKE UP NECESSARY?

 

MY VERY SHORT HAIR

          

I have been shampooing my hair with rice water for a few years now and I love it. Contrary to many YouTube videos not everyone will have ankle length hair but it will, my opinion, help maintain the health of your hair IF. 

My hair has never been shoulder length though my two older sisters did. Growing up my mother tried various treatments including putting mayonnaise in my hair- no one told her she was supposed to rinse it out before she sent me to school! My hair had some lenght so I could plait it and then comb it out but as soon as it came in contact with humidity my hair shrunk tighter than a geri-curl. (A geric-curl is a type of hair treatment that would give women and men of color really tight curls. People who chose this hair style had considerable hair growth BUT I believe it is because they had to take care of their hair or it would fall out!) Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s (1960!!!) It was embarrassing to have very short hair and be a girl- bald was not beautiful. I was often the brunt of jokes, referred to as baldy. As pretty as I was back then I grew up feeling ugly.

My first husband’s mother tried to help me with my hair. She was the one attempted to  geri-curl my hair, the process made my hair softer with a lot less natural curl but it was not the soft bouncy GREASY look people sought after. After that I put relaxers in my hair and attempted a few curls but it was a struggle that I often failed at. And then he, my first husband introduced me to his ‘friend’ the hairstylist and I was able to look feminine for the first time in my life. And then we divorced.

I have no idea what I was doing with my hair between 1991 and 2018ish, I think I was back and forth between, braids, weaves, relaxers natural and wigs. The struggle as to what to do with the stuff on my head was real! It was around 2019 that I came across a video regarding the Yao women, Red Yao tribe, of China; these women had extraordinarily long black hair. These women washed their hair in rice water and rinsed it in the local river. Their hair length often reached their ankles. It was a simple process and I was interested in natural treatments. 

It was around 2019, definitely in 2020 that I began washing my hair in rice water. On an introductory level I did as the person who released the YouTube video stated the women did in preparing the rice water, my results were not destructive. My hair was softer and easier to manage. I toyed with interchanging shampoo with the rice water only shampoo / rinses and discovered I actually preferred the rice water rinses. I refer to the process as a rinse because it is not a typical shampoo, with lather and such.  

Last year, around December of 2021, I did something without thinking- I washed all of my clothes and headwraps in a laundry detergent that I know my skin would react adversely too. For the past 5 years anything that touches my skin has been homemade, including my laundry detergent, I used to use Tide but stopped. My laundry detergent, soap, deodorant and even hair moisturizer was homemade using natural products and I had of course added to the product line mu own shampoo. My alternative  to Tide was a product that was more appropriate to sensitive skin- Arm & Hammer but on this day the only thing available was Tide so I used it.  It took a few days of my wearing headwraps that had been washed in time for me to figure out that my scalp was itching not because it was dry but because I was having an allergic reaction. And then!  I just so happened to be looking in the mirror and notice all the bald spots; Oh my!!!  All of my headwraps had to be rewashed and I just tolerated the minor discomfort with my clothes, this was easy since they are all loose fitting.

I added a few natural ingredients to my hair conditioner, I don’t use hair grease, and continued with the rice water shampoo. Do I think that the rice water shampoo alone will make a persons hair grow? NO! In addition to using natural products I also made adjustments to my eating, I increased my activity (exercised) and decreased my stress (divorced husband #2 - not laughing out loud) AND I also prayed. 

James 1:5 (KJV) 

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 

Yes, I prayed about my balding hair and my receding hairline. The hairline is genetic, during the process of my hair growing back I visited my great aunt, age 92, my hairline is just like hers’. My hairline is also like my mother’s and both my sisters, I don’t like it but I have accepted it. 

There are a lot of videos out there about the Yao women and many individuals will tell you how wonderful the formula is and add their own little twist. Black women will swear that it is making their hair grow very long. Yes, there are people who will tell you it is not worth the effort, and for some this will be true. I am recommending one video with this article from on YouTube: ORIGINAL RICE WATER RECIPE DIRECTLY FROM THE YAO WOMEN IN CHINA ll The secret of real life RAPUNZEL'S, note the individual is selling products. Common sense has to prevail in order for you to not get caught up in the possibilities.

My hair is short and healthy. I would suggest to anyone the key to hair growth is a healthy lifestyle. Rice water shampoo alone is not going to make your hair grow, the foods you eat provides nutrients to your body including your hair. Exercise is important, not putting crap in your body and on your body is also important. Perms, relaxers, gels, hair sprays, hair colorants and such affect the health of your hair- it weakens the follicles (my opinion). Your emotional well being influences how your body responds to the foods you eat and even if you eat at all (my opinion). And your genetics not only determines your skin tone but your hair length (my opinion). 

Now I am concluding this article because I need to wash the rice water out of my hair. Today I actually washed my hair with a deep conditioning shampoo, knowing that it would strip my hair of all of the healthy oils on it and then I applied the rice water shampoo which I normally keep in for about 30 minutes but today I kept on for an hour. My plan is to rinse out the rice water with bottled water, I normally use tap water, and let it air dry. I will then moisturize my hair and scalp with my homemade conditioner and then put my little girl plaits in. 

I will wash my hair maybe once a month no more than twice a month for the winter. In the summer time I try not to plait my hair but twist it since it is gentler on my hair (my opinion) and since I wash it weekly it is easier to take out. It’s like women who have braids in their hair, it does not get a good washing until those braids come out. Anyway, this is what I have been doing around November even before I started washing with rice water; back in the day I would wear wigs during the holiday season so it made since to plait my hair. 

Year to date the longest hair length on my head (top front and my “mullet”) is 4 1/4 inches and the shortest, which is another genetic malfunction plagued by both male and females thanks to daddy, in the back of my head is 2 1/4 inches. For many women that means weave, wig or cut it all off not me.

                                                                        written by Marsha L Floyd

Psalm 139:14-18 (KJV) 

14  I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 

15  My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 

16  Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. 

17  How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! 

18  If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with t

*All rights reserved

BLACK COTTON PICKER

 It was not fun but I do want to do it again- pick cotton. It started when I was watching someone on YouTube spin cotton it brought back a childhood memory. 

Of the many field trips I went on, in the Washington Metropolitan area where I grew up, was a trip to a historical sight where there was a woman spinning cotton using a spinning wheel. We were able to get a sample of the bur (the cotton ball part of the plant). I don’t know what happened to that plant but as I watched the woman talking about cotton. I wanted to learn more about it, some of my ancestors picked cotton, a few are still alive. I watched a few more videos on spinning cotton and ordered a drop spindle and some cotton that I could spin, I also ordered some seeds. I am still struggling to learn how to spin cotton but I have successfully completed to cotton growing seasons. The last season I had six plants that produced more than enough cotton for me to not spin (LOL!). 

I remember thinking that I had harvested all of the cotton only to discover that there was more. The fact that I had unused cotton from what I had purchased and the previous years harvest had me shaking my own head! (SMH!) I remember as I harvested the cotton in the hot South Florida sun how not fun it was. I picked by hand, no clippers, no machines. I was thankful I had not planted more and appreciative of what my ancestors must have done even post slavery.

I did a YouTube video of me picking cotton. Someone made a derogatory remark about me picking cotton as if I was still on the plantation. My response was simple: Once upon a time we had not choice and we made no money from the activity. Today I can take the cotton that I grew and harvested, process it and make money from it. 

I want to grow more cotton because the flower is as beautiful as the bur. The cotton plant flowers and then the flower dies and a boll develops, when the boll opens up there is this big puffy ball or bur. Within the bur are the seeds for more cotton, I have lots of seeds. I don’t want to make money off of the cotton that I produce but if I could learn to spin it and make stuff out of it, it would be fun and perhaps a practical skill. There are individuals who make money off of their spun cotton or other threads such as wool. 

How unfortunate it is that so many Black people, “African-Americans” think that learning a skill such as picking cotton is beneath them. These African-Americans do not understand the difference between have to and want to. These individuals are consumers and not producers, they love what money can buy but object to capitalism. I like capitalism but I am not in love with money.

Someone had to grow the cotton! Someone grew it, process it and made something of it to sell. There are those who buy materials and make stuff and then they sell it and make money. These individuals buy more stuff and make more money but the activity of making money requires time and energy. That woman who thought I was foolish for growing and picking cotton has no problem with purchase cotton items that have someone’s name, other than hers, on the product. This same woman, or her type, would buy these products from this woman and not comment on how she obtained the material. 

 The problem is not that the cotton was picked but that a Black person picked cotton post slavery. Slaves picked cotton by force, post slavery cotton was picked on farms under the often unprincipled business association of a sharecropper. Today people of color can own their own farms and sell its’ produce at a price that is to their advantage. 

Growing and picking cotton was a learning experience for me. It was difficult work, it was not that hard because I had only a few plants. People love the money more than the lessons. Scripture teaches loving money is the root, basis, foundation, of evil; nothing good comes from loving money.  I don’t chase after money, all of my basic needs (food, clothing, shelter) are met I seek after wisdom knowledge and understanding. I seek after: “righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” I don’t think negatively about those who choose not to buy into the marketing plans of advertising agencies. I appreciate people who grow their own no matter what color they are.

                                   written by Marsha L Floyd

1 TIMOTHY 6:7-11 

7  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 

8  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

9  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 

10  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

11  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  

NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH DAY 1

 WRITERS WRITE

I lied! I said I would not do another NaNoWriMo again, it is to easy for me to write fifty thousand words in thirty days. I did not decide until 3 AM Monday morning (October 31) that I would participate, today is Tuesday. As I set up my National Novel Writing Month page I needed to determine what I would write about, give my project a title; “30 Days” that was it.

Writers always have something to write. Even when experiencing ‘writers block’. Don’t believe me? Check out Facebook. My problem is writing what people want to read. There re all kinds of recommended rules and guidelines we are to follow. Example: What genre are you using? What is your (my) writing style?  We are supposed to stick to a particular genre so that we can develop a following- aka: group of people who will buy our books. I don’t have a genre! 

I have lots of opinions, thoughts and ideas about quite a few things and I write about all of them. I write angry, happy, overly dramatic, serious, whatever.And to make matters worst: since I started writing my last name has changed twice and will be changing again! Maybe that is why I am not on the best sellers list! LOL! (Are we supposed to be using acronyms? Hmmm, another rule broken. Oh well!)  I have actually written and published one fictional peace: The Truth About Vashtai by Marsha Randolph; I will not be using that last name again. I had 6 ebooks, non-fiction, on Smashwords but I unpublished them: Moving Forward by Fatih, Broken and Not Ashamed, Before You Pray For Me, You’re Not Ready, and Questions From the Book of Luke all by Marsha Randolph changed to Marsha L Floyd. The sixth ebook was actually a free download a Prayer Guide. I pulled the ebooks down because I want to rebrand them, yes I will keep the  name Marsha L Floyd (I think it is safer that way). Each published item has a different topic but there is a subtle theme: faith.

For me all roads lead to what I believe and in sharing my opinions I can weave God’s word into the conversation. Moving Forward By Faith, talks about overcoming obstacles by faith.  Broken and Not Ashamed, I wrote about finances and giving and what I really thought about tithing.  Before You Pray For Me,  I wrote about what people believe and how their faith or lack thereof, influences their prayer life. You’re Not Ready, is an overview of emergency preparedness using Scripture to validate it. Obviously Questions From the Book of Luke is about the book of Luke and Prayer Guide is a list of topics to pray about. The Truth About Vashtai was the first wife, before Esther, a woman in the Bible. There is a method to my madness but not everyone wants their authors to change topics. 

People want mystery writers to write mysteries and theolgians to write about the Bible. I suspect that writers use social media to releas the thoughts within; a mystery writer can talk politics on Faebook, a theologian can talk about gardening on Twitter. I think writers get blocked when they want to move to a different topic but their audience is insisting that they stick to the GENRE they like.  (Yes, I was yelling!)

Knowing all of this I decided to do what I have been doing for over ten years now and just write what I am thinking that day. But first I must present my own guidelines and warnings. 

WARNING: I AM A CHRISTIAN If you are offended by the mention of Jesus, the Trinity and the ideas of heaven and hell, don’t read what I write.

GUIDELINE FOR ME: My goal is to post daily on my blog, I have 2 (3 actually) at some point I may close one but I have not decided which one. I will make the final decision. January 1, 2023. 

It is possible for me to write about 2 topics in a day thus there will be 2 post in that day- maybe. 

My genre is Faith Based words that will help that one person. 

GUIDELINE FOR THE READER: Comments are appreciated, shares are really appreciated. (If you write something offensive I will just delete it.)

Unless otherwise stated: All Scriptures quoted are from the King James Bible. 

This is National Novel Writers Month aka NaNoWriMo the ultimat goal is to write something publishable. I have yet to publish anything that I have written since I began participating in 2011. I also participated in 2013, 2015, 2016, and  2021, only one year 2016 I did not reach my goal. Last year I finished before Thanksgiving, this year it is not the number of words I will be writing but the days. 

I was talking to another writer today and she was considering participating but declined. The problem is not that she could not write fifty thousand words in thirty days but the commitment of writing every day. Don’t think of this as a competition but a personal challenge, like a marathon running the important thing is that you finish even if everyone else has gone home. My friend is not going to try this year, she has to many things to do and she is one of those by the book writers- a published author of historical non-fiction. 

The truth is in order to achieve the goal a writer must write at least 1,666 words a day plus 1 word extra for 20 days. My goal is 2,000 words a day which will give me a target date of completion of November 25, 26 if I don’t write on Thanksgiving. 

I begin where I began, many, many years ago I read a Bible verse that stuck to my heart and mind and became the one verse I go to when I am troubled- Matthew 6:33. This verse reminds me of what is important, what other people think is important is not. 

MATTHEW 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

DRESSING THE PART

 I have a lot of opinions and I am struggling to share them. My words are coming fast in my mind but when I try to release them on paper or on video I don’t think I am making much sense. I am struggling to share with my sisters-in-Christ what the words states regarding how we are to present ourselves. 

Romans 12:1-2 (KJV) 

1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

The problem is, at least my problem, social media is a faith wreck. So many Christians with so many interpretations of the Word. I have chosen to go back to basics, many people think traditions are bad. 

I have chosen to be a “living sacrifice” and not conform myself to the styles of this world. I dress modestly on purpose and I include headcovering as a sign of my being under authority. This is not popular among most women, and there are men who think it makes me ugly. I believe I present myself in a manner that is acceptable to and according to the will of God. 

I was listening to a video on Facebook today, GODLY DRESSING, the speaker made the argument for your clothing being your uniform. A lab coat indicates you are in the medical profession. Police officers, and military personal have specific uniforms. Restaurants have a dress code not only for the staff but in some instances the customers too; if nothing else- shoes and shirt must be worn.  The speaker frankly stated: there are those who dress like a prostitute and not a Christian, I agree. 

Over the years my writing and my vlogging have evolved and become more ministerial and less social. I am compelled to share with my sisters in Christ what the word states about how we present ourselves. As I say in my videos I don’t have a church title nor am I affiliated with a particular church, this is part of why I struggle. Yet, I have spent decades studying the word, seeking His face, fasting praying and even asking people who have credentials questions. 

What I have resolved is to step away, again, and come back with a more formal approach to what I do; going to another level is what many call it. That does not mean I will not post, I am intentionally not requiring myself to write or post anything. Currently I have at least 14 blogs that need editing and posting- they may or may not be posted. I just posted about 6 videos on my YouTube channel and they are scheduled for release this month and perhaps in October. I am motivated by Titus 2.

Titus 2:3-5 (KJV) 

3  The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 

4  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 

5  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 

I am an aged woman (62). Over the years many young women have crossed my path, many young Black women. If I don’t reach at least one who will? I can no longer share my opinions I must begin sharing Gods word. I have already started dressing the part. 

Thursday, September 15, 2022 9:28:43 AM

        - written by Marsha L Floyd

The above are the written words of Marsha L Floyd all rights reserved.

Scripture quoted is from the King James Version Bible unless otherwise noted.

IN GOD'S PRESENCE

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.      PSALM 16:11 

The only place I really feel like myself is in His presence. He knows I am not perfect yet I approach Him perfectly. I tell people: “I am God’s special needs child”; we are all special needs children. What I need from Him is different than what you need thus my needs are “special”. As such, a special needs individual, I can go to Him confident that He will hear me.

It is different when I am in the presence of others, they call it fellowship. People have opinions about everything: what I should eat to lose weight; what I should wear to look good, what I should say to make people like me, what I should do with my life, and so forth and so on. I have a problem when people agree with me! If I am correct it is not my wisdom but the God in me who releases wisdom through me.

MATTHEW 6:25, 34 

25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 

34  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 

Since I moved to where I am now I have been comfortable, God is with me always and people visit rarely. But, I can’t stay here. 

EXODUS 13:21-22

21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:

22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

HEBREWS 13:5-6 

5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 

6  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 

It is a decision we all must make, to remain in God’s presence; now more than ever, we must present ourselves as children of the Most High. That means we must live in this world as if we were in heaven. We must do those things that please Him and not them. I do not want to be like the world, I can’t be like the world because I am a child of God, a special child.

1 PETER 2:9-10 

9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 

10  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 

Yes, I am a special child, peculiar, royal, chosen, called to remain in His light. He is my path, in His presence I have fullness and pleasure. 

This is the difference. Many people have made the confession of faith yet have not gone the rest of the way and allowed Jesus to take over their life, to be Lord of their lives. It’s like putting your bathing suit on just to sit on the edge of the swimming pool with your feet in but not go all in. There are those who go to the beach and walk in the water until the level gets waist high but no further. If Jesus is Lord of your life then you will go all in, you will get your head wet, you will swim trusting the Breath of Life to sustain you and maintain you. 

PHHILIPPIANS 4:19 

19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

We each have our own needs, unique according to our position and purpose, that is what makes us special, peculiar. Each of us should live in His presence and His presence alone.  

PSALM 16:11 THE VOICE 

Instead, You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life.  As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment. 

                                                          Monday, September 12, 2022 1:07:53 PM

                                                                                                      - written by Marsha L Floyd

The above are the written words of Marsha L Floyd all rights reserved.

Scripture quoted is from the King James Version Bible unless otherwise noted.

CASTING MY CARES

 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:   Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.   Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:   Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.             1 PETER 5:6-9  

There is a song that goes like this: “I went to the enemies camp and took back what he stole from me!” I loved that song but now I realize how un-biblical it is. If I believe 1 Peter 5:7, and I do, then I need to give Him my problems and He will take care of it. A better song goes like this: 

“(Now let us) have a little talk with Jesus,

(Let us) tell him all about our troubles;

(He will) hear our faintest cry,

(And He will) answer by and by;

(Now when you) feel a little pray'r wheel turning,

(Then you'll) know a little fire is burning;

(You will) find a little talk with Jesus makes it right.”

He hears me, He hears us, when all we do is cry, our Lord and Saviour hears, Therefore there is no need for me to go to Satan’s house, Satan will have to return it to me! In fact, Scripture teaches it is better to be in God’s house

PSALM 84:10 

  For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. 

        JAMES 4:7
        Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

There is another song that explains my personal resolve: I have decided to follow Jesus.

Of course I will continue to be subject to demonic attacks but as long as I am with Him no weapon formed against me will succeed. 

You must choose. You must decide who you are going to follow. The reason we need the armor of God is because Satan sends his demons to discourage the children of God, everyone else is already in his camp. I can tell you this, the closer you are to Him the less impact those attacks will have on you, often times you will not even realize you are under attack until someone points it out to you. Will you decide to really follow Jesus? 

                                               Tuesday, September 13, 2022 9:07:46 AM

                                                                                                         - written by Marsha L Floyd

The above are the written words of Marsha L Floyd all rights reserved.

Scripture quoted is from the King James Version Bible unless otherwise noted.

(CHRISTIANS) THINKING LIKE THE WORLD

ROMANS 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye
may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Lately, I have been out of sorts spiritually, I want to pray, I need to pray but the words don’t come to mind. Praying in my heavenly language is my only outlet yet even that is lacking because I don’t have understanding. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.(Proverbs 4:7)” I knew what was wrong but I didn’t understand how we as Believers in God’s word could have gotten so far away from the truth.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:18-22
But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

The people in the pulpit got further away from the truth of God’s word. Instead of messages of “hell, fire and brimstone” we began receiving messages that said we should do the best we can because “all have sinned”. This no one is perfect message was well received; as more churches promoting this idea increased membership so did the competition for bodies in the pews. 

The message, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;(Romans 3:23)”,  allowed imperfect people to “come as you are” to church and they did. But, without messages of hell and consequences of sin, transgressions there was no repentance.  As a child I heard of Pastors who were adulterers, this was in the 60’s, thus it must have been happening before then. 

1 CORINTHIANS 6:9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

Sexual sins were ignored, homosexuality was ignored. In the 90’s I worked in the hospital as an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), that is where I met a man who explained to me why homosexuality was a sin. This practicing homosexual had various lovers, all were church leaders (and according to him were well known). He was in the hospital awaiting surgery, he did not want to go to sleep so he explained to me verse by verse, from Genesis to Revelation, what Scripture said about same sex relationships. I learned two things that night: homosexuality was an abomination to God and even married male church leaders practice this sin, secretly. 

But, it is not just fornication, adultery and homosexuality that has been ignored by those who should be teaching and preaching against it. I met the founder of Heartbeat Miami when I served as the Team Leader of the Congregational Care program at the church I WAS a part of around 2010. I was shocked when she told me of a Pastor’s wife who was seeking an abortion. The founder of the pro-life organization wanted to speak to the young girls of the church I was a part of because, statistically speaking, many of the teenagers that attended the church would seek and probably have an abortion; unfortunately she was not permitted to speak. (Sad note, the gentleman that I met who wanted to speak to the ADULT men’s group regarding safe sex and test them (discreetly)for HIV was not permitted to speak either.)  Once upon a time the church was silent regarding abortion today there are some churches that support it and same sex unions.

It is important that we each work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) because this is the only way to be sure what is coming from the pulpit is what is truth. For the most part the church leaders are not yea-ing or nay-ing anything thus they are not teaching the promises of God but the will of man. (see 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 above).

The process has taken decades but it did not happen overnight, people who call themselves Christian are behaving worldly because the pulpit has come in agreement with the world. With every generation that little bit of leaven has infected more people. Unless we turn, repent, things will not get better. 

ROMANS 12:1-2 THE VOICE
Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about God’s mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship. 2 Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete

.                         

Thursday, August 18, 2022 7:41:20 AM
                                  - written by Marsha L Floyd

The above are the written words of Marsha L Floyd all rights reserved.
Scripture quoted is from the King James Version Bible unless otherwise noted.

                                     

WHERE IS YOUR FAITH

 I was angry but not surprised when I heard the news regarding the government invading a President’s private residence.  I understand that it is a spiritual battle that this nation is going through thus we must expect evil spirits to do illegal things. 

There are those who are celebrating, waiting for Donald J Trump to be handcuffed and taken to prison. If this should happen, an arrest, these spirits will be so happy because they will believe that they have won. Satan always overplays his hands- never forget that!

The question is: Where is your faith? Can people see it? Are you voicing your opinion as to how unjust the behavior of the political party that is in office is? Have you been on the side of godly life, godly marriage and the adherence to the Constitution of the United States of America or are you focused on just getting your paycheck? Have you been silent all these months? Do people who do not support the Republican party know that you are a Christian? 

ACTS 19:15

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

This is a spiritual battle, what is happening in this nation. Do the spirits recognize you? Do the heavenly angels know that you are a child of God? 

PSALM 91:11

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Can the angels find you? Will they be able to see your faith? 

MATTHEW 9:29

Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

According to your faith, that is what will determine how you endure the upcoming days, weeks, months, years. 

Written by Marsha L Floyd

                                    Tuesday, August 9, 2022 8:52:39 AM

FOUR WORDS: THOU SHALT NOT _ _ _ _!

 Tuesday, June 28, 2022 9:37:59 AM

A baby is a baby in and outside of the womb.

JOB 31:18

For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;)

PSALM 22:9-10

But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.

I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.

PSALM 71:6

By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.

PSALM 139:13

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

ISAIAH 43:1, 7 

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

ISAIAH 43:7

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Scripture has much to say about a child before he or she (male or female only) enters this world. Dear Christian: your arguments against life are with God not man.

A child is not an accident to God even if the child was produced by rape. Perhaps if the person who was raped was not treated like she had leprosy she would be able to cope with the baby in her womb. The Comforter would be with her- or do you believe God can’t handle an abused person?

Whose life is more valuable? The mother’s or the child's? What if you knew that the child she was carrying had the cure for cancer? You don’t know the potential a person who is aborting a child has because you are not Alpha and Omega. You are not creator.

You do not know thus you should not be determining who lives and who dies. Outside of the womb each party has a choice, if a person attacks you with a weapon you have the right to defend yourself- the Bible validates this. Inside the womb a baby does not attack you; an unborn child is not trying to kill you.

Destroying a life before he or she has an opportunity to defend him/herself is killing. 

EXODUS 20:13      -Thou shalt not kill.

This is one of the easiest commandments to remember Just 4 words.  Yet women don’t seem to remember it. Christian women don’t seem to remember it. Or, is it because they believe there is an exception to the commandment? 

QUESTION: Do you stop being a bunch of cells and tissues after you are born? 

Does the embryo (a bunch of cells), progress to a fetus and remains in that state and become a real person after he or she leaves the womb? Are the cells in your body that make up your lungs now not the same as the cells that became your lungs while you were in your mother’s womb? Your body is made up of a bunch of cells,how those cells developed in the womb was designed by God. 

Once upon a time, they taught how creation in elementary schools. How? We watched an egg become a chicken. Back then we knew inside that shell (the womb) was a chicken. 

JEREMIAH 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 

It is written: Thou shalt not kill. 

God said: I knew you (every baby) before you were formed in your mother’s womb. No baby is a surprised to Him. 

Dear Christian, if you support abortion, your argument is with God and not me or any other pro-life (anti-abortion) individual. And you will have an opportunity to plead your case before Him. 

Read your Bible- El Shaddai does not compromise!

                                                                         Written by Marsha L Floyd

All Scripture is quoted from the King James Bible, unless otherwise stated. 

My words are copyright protected.

YOUR HEART IS SLANTED

 FIRST I HAVE TO THANK ALL OF MY FBFs who prayed yesterday; it helped me to focus. Something was happening to a family member that disturbed my soul, I became angry. I needed prayer and they prayed. This morning I awakened and saw things in the spirit realm having responded as best I could in the natural last night.

Here is what I see: 

YHWH is revealing the hearts of people who call themselves Christian.  People we know, family members, co-workers and other associates are showing us their true character. It is disturbing for some and confirming to others, to know the truth about someone we wanted to believe in and trust. Even those who want to deny that this individual is hypocritical are being taught a lesson- they too are hypocritical. 

JAMES 1:7-10 KING JAMES VERSION

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

Many “Christians” have been saying one thing and doing another. These individuals are very sincere in their speech yet when the speech has to be matched with action they fall short. A hypocrite, as defined by my writing program Scrivener, is a: “Noun -a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives;”.  Today we are seeing many political, celebrity, and wealthy individuals, as well as educators, media personalities and yes church leaders who are hypocritical. And we are also seeing individuals within our own circle of associations who are also hypocritical.   I would state that a hypocrite and a “double minded” person are one and the same.

In the book of James we see that a double minded, hypocritical, individual is unstable in all his (or her) ways. As I look at the individuals who YHWH has removed from my life I see how inconsistent, unstable, their lives are. Yet, I am still caught off guard by the responses “Christians” have when it comes to helping out others. 

JAMES 1:7-10 THE VOICE
Those adrift on their own wisdom shouldn’t assume the Lord will rescue them or bring them anything. The splinter of divided loyalty shatters your compass and leaves you dizzy and confused.

If you are a brother of humble means, celebrate the fact that God has raised you up.  If you are rich and seemingly invincible, savor the humble reality that you are a mere mortal who will vanish like a flower that withers in the field.

There is a certain self-righteousness found in hypocrites and humility found in people who find themselves at the bottom. The VOICE Bible paraphrases James 1:9-10 in a way that makes it clear: God is not impressed with your stuff, He blesses us to be a blessing to others. :If you are rich and seemingly invincible, savor the humble reality that you are a mere mortal who will vanish like a flower that withers in the field.” Now, I believe our standard of “rich” is not the biblical standard thus many people who consider themselves middle class fall in the biblical category of being ‘rich’. (In many countries the American poor would be considered rich.) Far to many “Christians” look at their lives and see what they have earned not what YHWH has blessed them with; hash-tag self-righteousness.

When I offered my home to a family of five, it was not because I had the space or really wanted 4 young children in my home but because I had the  ability to accommodate a family of five, even if it would create discomfort to me. BUT GOD. Yesterday, I became angry, not violently angry but spiritually angry because the situation should not have gone this far- I know where money is readily available for this family. 

I reached out to may FBFs and they prayed for me and the situation. I offered my home to the family, which is all I had because I did not have the money and went to sleep. NOTE: I am not bragging I am explaining. 

GENESIS 12:2 KING JAMES VERSION

And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

I am truly blessed by God my Father thus I am expected, required, to be a blessing. I am not double minded on this issue; when I made the offer I knew it would be a challenge to house 6 people in a house that barely accommodates one. HOWEVER, I awakened with the understanding it was not about me or the family involved but the people associated with this family. God showed them their heart. 

We are in the beginnings of difficult time and the Bridegroom is gathering his saints. Today is the day to examine your heart and your actions and determine if you are following Him or them. I believe God is working on this family and will provide shelter for them on their side of town yet His grace is allowing others to do the right thing now. Father God knows what we are willing to do, He knows our heart, and He provides a ram in the bush for those who are willing to obey Him. Self-righteous, self- justifying, self-blessing people will experience the consequences of their actions in the days to come. 

MATTHEW 25:41-46  KING JAMES VERSION

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

What happens when the person you did not take in was not a stranger?????? 

                                           Written by Marsha L Floyd 

EPHESIANS 3:20 KING JAMES VERSION

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

NOTE: Sometimes I write and do not edit, this is one of those times. It was more important for me to release the word than it was to make sure it got past the grammar police. 

AND if you think I am talking about you, do not respond and no one will know! 

 

THE SOCIAL EXPERIMENT

 Thursday, May 5, 2022 8:09:43 AM

I wouldn’t say I failed at staying off of Social Media for 40 days BUT I did not stay off of Social Media for 40 days. March 29th I committed myself to not being on Facebook and Instagram as well as not being on the phone with friends and family as much for 40 days; today is Day 37.

In the past, almost 40 days, I have developed an awareness of how I can use these platforms to promote my writings, my videos and God’s word and not share foolish opinions.  I discovered: Most of my post were shared content form various YouTubers and other Facebookers and booketts as well as words the Lord had placed on my heart to release. I often caught myself wanting to share an opinion that was irrelevant, I did not.  Over the course of these 37 days I began taking into consideration how my post can effect a stranger who happens to be a FBF (Facebook friend), this gave me considerable pause. 

Now, the reason I had decided to “fast” this form of socialization was to have time to do the things I needed to do. The truth is, the nature of my business-taxes- stopped me from socializing as much. Not being on the various platforms should have freed up time to allow me to write- this was not the case. Work was the culprit not Facebook.   

Not talking to friends and family did have a direct impact on what I accomplished. I could spend over an hour talking to my sister or my daughters. Friends call me periodically and I give them time to vent, we talk and then they go about their day and I often stop doing what I was doing and do something different. Phone calls were and still are the reason I do not accomplish many of the activities I plan to do. 

Now tax season is over and I have caught up on the sewing jobs I had pending. I have given myself permission to resume Social Media. I am aware of how long I am on the phone talking to loved ones and friends and am learning how to end the conversation before it moves forward to another one. Just in time!

I have so much to write about, the manuscripts are being written in my head, in fact a few are ready to be typed. I am getting excited about my YouTube channel. Yep! It is time to get busy.

It is always about balance. Nothing should be more important to you than your purpose. - Written by Marsha L Floyd  

BUT I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

 Tuesday, April 12, 2022 11:07:44 AM

40 DAYS OF NOT BEING SOCIAL DAY 15

“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.” Jeremiah 20:9

It is not my opinion but God’s opinion that lead me to share something on Facebook, when the Spirit of God puts something on my heart I am “compelled” to release it. Then there were times, these past 15 days in which I called to check up on individuals, I am after all: a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister and a friend. 

It is not that people “need” me, I know I am not that important. Many people need to hear a friendly voice, a word of encouragement and occasional biblical correction.

It is like fire shut up in my bones, fire that must be released or I will burn. 

“God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” Romans 3:4

Am I a liar? Yes. I will continue to not be social but I do need to share truths socially. Today I shared information regarding preparedness. There will be shortages in the land and I shared my book: YOU’RE NOT READY, and a few YouTube links.   Written by Marsha L Floyd

FINDING THE TIME

 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 11:33:09 AM

40 DAYS OF NOT BEING SOCIAL - DAY 2

Do you see what time it is? I work from home and I must punch in at 6pm, that is in 7 and a half hours, less than because I really punch in 10-15 minutes before I am supposed to be available to the clients. 

In order for me to be fresh and alert on the job I take a nap during the day. In order for me to be health and get off my “rusty dusty” I go for a walk. These two activities, I have yet to do and they take about an hour and a half to two hours to complete. 

I am evaluating how I utilize my time. I have a private tax practice, I sew and at this time I have a client who has given me garments to restore and I have to clean because I cook. In addition, people call me even though I am not calling them- so far this morning I have had 3 incoming calls, zero outgoing and a text message. I need to plan my garden and go to the fabric store to purchase fabric for a project that needs to be done by June. I also need to plan my canning and preserving goals for the year (something I am still learning). But, it is tax season so all of these things are “when I find time” activities. 

The truth is my tax work takes up less than 8 hours of my day. Social media interrupts my day thus I do not complete the tasks of the hour. I should have time but I don’t have the time because of the distractions. 

Today I completed 2 blog post because I was not on Facebook and I did not have any social calls. I can’t wait to see what I else I can do!   - Marsha

40 DAYS OF NOT BEING SOCIAL

 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 10:54:59 AM

Yesterday I decided to get off social media for a while, because time seems to be getting away from me. I have not been writing as much as I should; although I am posting videos on time I have almost missed deadlines a few times; I am not sewing at all; but, what is most disconcerting, I am not reading Scripture as I would like; add to this list I am on the phone for hours talking to family. Therefore, I decided to cut off most of my “social” activities. 

I have removed Facebook and Instagram off of my phone and I have instructed myself not to call family or friends unless absolutely necessary. 

Yesterday, DAY 1, I called a friend. OOPs! Now, I justified the call (after I remembered my declaration) by asking her about her taxes. In the past, I would swing by my friends house and pick up her paper work because I am her Tax Preparer, I have moved so that option is no longer available. The 30 minute conversation had more to do with catching up on what has happened since the last time we spoke than it did taxes. 

My daughter called me, this is allowed- people calling me. And after the conversation on how to prepare meatballs there were no further personal calls. 

I am not going to say I survived DAY 1 because, I didn’t. I made a call when I could have text a reminder. But, I did not go on Facebook or Instagram. 

Today will be the first full day of being off of Facebook and Instagram and not making personal calls. I am not going through withdrawls but I have been tempted to share YouTube videos on Facebook, something I usually do. 

The point of this exercise is to not share my opinion so freely. The words I use on Facebook and on phone calls can be drafted to create a blog post or be incorporated in one of those unfinished manuscripts I have. Furthermore, I need to shut-up every now and then and think about what I am saying.  

I have been so busy doing that I haven’t had time to consider what I will be doing. I have been so busy doing that I have not had time to ‘check my answers’, think about what I have said. 

I don’t know if I am going to share my 40 day journey with you on a daily basis but I will be writing and I will be posting thus you will see what fasting social media can do. I expect by May 7, 2022, if I adhere to the 40 days I will have: gotten my writing back on track, my YouTube channel back on its’ regular posting routine without the last minute posting, my sewing project (a quilt)at least started, the alterations done, my garden started, and most of all be in the New Testament in my Bible reading. On average I spend about 2 hours a day being social- I can do a lot in 2 hours.    

written by Marsha L Floyd