My Name

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Arielle – AH R – EE – EH L is the pronunciation

Ariel

the lion of God.

One of the chief men sent by Ezra to procure Levites for the sanctuary ( Ezra 8:16 ).

A symbolic name for Jerusalem ( Isaiah 29:1 Isaiah 29:2 Isaiah 29:7 ) as “victorious under God,” and in Ezekiel 43:15 Ezekiel 43:16 , for the altar (marg., Heb. ‘ariel) of burnt offerings, the secret of Israel’s lion-like strength.

( https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/ariel/ )

Arielle

Lion of God – Lioness

(http://m.ohbabynames.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ohbabynames.com%2Fmeaning%2Fname%2Farielle%2F747&utm_referrer=#2739 )

My favorite meaning to think on is “victorious under God” and “lioness”. If I had to describe my personality and myself I would say these two definitions of my name are most fitting.

Victorious Under God

I’m a great duo for the name that I was given. God makes no mistakes.

So leading up to my birth my mother was adamant that she was having a boy. She had the proper test done to tell her the sex of her baby and after having been told she was having a GIRL she still insisted that I was a boy.

As she tells it, she didn’t have a name for me when she went to the hospital. Thinking back on it now, I laugh because I say to myself, “My mom didn’t have a name for me, but God did!” My aunt ended up naming me Ariel and my mother added a special touch by changing the spelling to Arielle.

Growing up in school I always got called out by my teachers for my mouth. Even to this day my family and close friends always say “Are you sure you don’t want to be a lawyer? I think you’ve gone into the wrong profession”. School rules have changed because of me along with other things. I remember being in the 4th grade and remember my teacher calling me a “powerful speaker”. That compliment still didn’t stop her from telling my mom that I was getting up before the class explaining the work to the students out of turn. Since then I have learned to practice self-control and know how to stay quiet when needed but also how to speak when needed as well. My mom recently shared with me that I was actually talking in full sentences at Eli’s age (18 months). At that age I could have a full conversation with someone. This is definitely a little weird to think about but the truth. Lol!

I believe that no matter the power I possessed before coming to God, nothing can compare to the power I am given under God. For years I walked in “power” but was defeated. It’s not until I was brought to the awareness of God that I fully understood where true power comes from. I know now that I am and will always be mighty under God. My victory comes from being united with Him and is due to me being under his Lordship and covering. If I should ever forget this I pray to be reminded and corrected by God in a hurry. I pray that I’ll always be found in surrender to His will!

Lioness

Nothing I ever do can be compared to what God has already done in my life. He has changed me and made me better. I believe that this better is not for me. Not for me to be better and just outshine whomever I am around. The better is for Him, for God to use and for Him to display as He chooses. My desire is to be sold out and set apart for God. Doing things His way and marching to the beat of His drum.

I have mentioned a few of my personality traits above. These traits aren’t for everybody but they are for God. I know that He uses my mouth and my personality in different ways. I know that He uses them to bless others. I also know that He’ll even allow them to get on someone else’s nerves and that this too, is okay. If I get on another persons nerve I honestly believe that this frustration is put there to refine that person and to refine me. Refine them in a way that they address within themselves the root of the issue as to why I may bug them. I believe that our issues with others and certain situations are often times deep-rooted issues within or personal problems we have that may or may not have ever been resolved or dealt with. Have you ever heard of the saying “hurt people hurt people” or when you were growing up and someone picked on you and your parents would say “that person is mean to you because someone was mean to them or because they are unhappy”? The Bible puts it another way, it says in Proverbs 4:23 ASV Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life. Which also means that it is the source of life’s consequences. Our heart controls our life and everything we do flows from it.

Refine me in a way that I can now analyze myself. I can use this situation to be sure that I am falling in line with whom I should be and if there is work that needs to be done in me, through that situation.

Romans 12:3 NLT

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.

If there is nothing that I need to work on regarding that situation I should be comfortable with being the person I am, as well as be comfortable with being the person that gets on that particular persons nerves.

Philippians 2:13 NLT

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Refine by definition means to remove impurities or unwanted elements from (a substance), typically as part of an industrial process. Or improve (something) by making small changes, in particular make (an idea, theory, or method) more subtle and accurate. I was not created to be refined for someone else’s preference or to be made more suitable for their personal views of who they want me to be. Why? You ask, because I was created for God’s purpose and for God’s use not anyone else’s. If I try to change every time someone has an issue with me I’ll never become or be the person God intended me to be. I’ll be the person that each person is comfortable with being around because I change to make them happy. This is not my aim, nor is it my goal. I don’t believe that it should be yours either.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

The Bible teaches us to learn what pleases the Lord (Ephesians 5:10 ESV). It also tells us “So then, my friends, because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer.” (Romans 12:1 ESV)

You see, it is my belief that God designed us a specific way for a reason. Some of the things in us, someone else may look at and hate but God may look at it and love it. Some of our characteristics and qualities or the way we are is apart of our unique makeup as image bearers, and, at times we try to change it because others may not like it.

Genesis 1:26 NLT

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

I wanted to encourage someone with this blog that you, with all your unique traits and the special kinks and quirks are a divine image bearer. You were made in God’s image and His likeness. He made no mistakes when He designed you. There was nothing missing when you were created. There may be things that need to be perfected and worked on in you but there is nothing missing.

God calls us to be born again. To be born again is to die to our sin (old us) and to now live for Jesus (new us). I mentioned this in a previous blog and want to revisit it a little. When we are born again our Spirit (the core of our being) is immediately changed into the Image of God, we then go through a process of sanctification, which I believe takes a lifetime (like legit, for your entire life, you will be changing and growing into the individual GOD has called you to be).

Philippians 2:12 NIV

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

Philippians 2:12 CEV

My dear friends, you always obeyed when I was with you. Now that I am away, you should obey even more. So work with fear and trembling to discover what it really means to be saved.

The reason for this change is that we were born into the wrong way of thinking, born into the wrong way of living, born with the wrong desires and through the process of sanctification God changes us (our souls and minds) to line up with His Spirit which is now our spirit that already is the image of God. We work out our salvation daily by living and walking in line with God’s Word. If you believe that you are doing this, I believe you should know that you cannot please everybody but there is a way to please God.

I recently spoke to someone that told me that they love the Lord. The thing that stood out to me about our conversation is that this person said “I know I may not look like it”.

They were talking about their physical appearance. The thought of this broke my heart. I never want anyone to think that there is a specific look to someone that loves the Lord, because that isn’t true. There is no look to loving God. There are ways we show our love for God, but there is no specific look to loving God. In fact, I believe that we were all created to look like we love God because God designed us to love Him.

Here is a scripture that has helped me tremendously in my walk with God and with people:

1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

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Cool Finds – The Wyckoff House Museum

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The Wyckoff House Museum is definitely one of my go to places when Eli and I don’t have specific plans on a weekend. They always have something going on and this place is such a hidden gem!!!

The Wyckoff House Museum is one of, if not the oldest house in New York City. It’s surrounding 1.5 acres is among some of the last remaining undeveloped farmland in Brooklyn. The Wyckoff House Museum holds tours of the house, which is very informative and provides details about the land and home that are great to know, especially if you are a die hard Brooklynite, like myself. Here’s a fun fact I learned during one of my many tours of the house:

In the time the Wyckoff House was built, corn was used as insulation.

Yes, I wrote that correctly, real corn was used as insolation to keep those living in the home warm. Below is a photo I took of one of the oldest corncobs in Brooklyn: (Just for laughs!)

Besides finding out information like this. The Wyckoff House Museum has classes that educate people on so much more. This makes their site ideal for outdoor field trips for schools and classes. Here is a list of the classes they offer:

Please note that not all programs and activities are offered year-round or for all age groups.

Base Programs

  • Colonial Life
  • Farming and Science
  • African American Lives
  • Voyage to a New World
  • Biodiversity in the City

Hands-On Activities

  • Butter Churning
  • Herbal Sachet Making
  • Quill Pen Writing
  • Colonial Games and Toys
  • Seed Planting
  • Wool Felting

The Colonial Life program is a great experience and the games and toys are fun to explore (even as an adult, check out the link to my video below).

 I’ve tried the Finger Knitting class during one Family Day Event with my God Sister. I also enjoyed the Summer Solstice Sun Prints class during a summer month this year. I did this activity with Eli when he recently turned one. Another great thing about this museum is that they have events, activities and classes for children of all ages! This is another reason why I vouch for the Wyckoff House Museum the way I do.

Here are some photos below :

I mentioned Family Day, which is one of the many events that the Wyckoff House Museum host and are also some of the events that I love most!  All Family Day Events are completely FREE, just thought that I’d put that out there first. The event runs from 11:00am – 3:00pm, they are usually themed events and consist of a scavenger hunt, art project, Colonial-era toys and games and a workshop that typically starts at 1:00pm. Family Day’s are fun for all ages, children and adults.

I am signed up for the Wyckoff House Museum mailing list. Which enables me to receive emails and email reminders on all the upcoming events that take place in the museum itself as well as its surrounding 1.5 acres of farmland. Click the link below to sign up to receive these emails today:

http://offmuseum.org/mailing-list/

Not only are the Family Days events that I get reminders about, but I also get reminders about so many other amazing events inside the Wyckoff House Museum. During the warmer months they have Family Days with themes like Fantastic Flowers and Farm Stands. They also have events like Garden Story Hour’s, Themed Festivals and Movie Nights. One of this year’s Movie Night screened The Avengers movie. How cool is that?!  Picture you and your cute little family or a group of your friends lounged out on the farmland just enjoying a warm summer Movie Night outdoors, not too far from home. The next workshop I mention just sounds like so much fun! Jams & Canning Workshops are also offered at the Wyckoff House Museum. This is sooo cool! I’m telling you this place is such a hidden gem for unique activities and so much more, all year round!  Most of the events are completely free and the most I’ve ever seen something priced through my email notifications and reminders has been $5.00.

The Wyckoff House Museum also houses a shop, which I love. During one visit I picked up a Ball Point Feather Quill Pen for a great price. They sell Colonial Games, Farmhouse Tea and promotional items likes caps, canvas pouches, shirts and more. Below is a link that can bring you to the shop:

https://wyckoffmuseum.org/store/

I felt the need to bring awareness to somewhere I think is such a great place to visit in Brooklyn because of all that they offer. The Wyckoff House Museum is also cost effective for large families and inviting to all ages. This is definitely one of my top places to visit during the warmer months for Eli to visit and let loose on the 1.5 acre of undeveloped farmland in Brooklyn… yes I wrote right B R O O K L Y N !

I hope you find this blog of one of my cool finds helpful and feel free to let me know how things went on your visit! 

We Have A Part To Play

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Psalm 139:8 NKJV

If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.



David, a person who is described in the bible as a man after Gods own heart sang these words.

1 Samuel 13:14

But now your kingdom must end, for the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart. The LORD has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.”

The man that the LORD sought out in this scripture was David. David was a great man of God but also a man of many mistakes.

I believe that the words He sang are true for us all. One of the characteristics of God is that He is omnipresent. God is present everywhere, at the same time. This is why David’s statement is true, if we make our bed in hell God will be there and if we make our bed in heaven there He will be also.

God the Father is everywhere but not moved or affected by everything. He is moved in His heart when we do the wrong things but is not moved in His stance (as God). Genesis 6:6 NKJV The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. God is still present everywhere, all the time. He can be silent in our lives because of our actions but still be everywhere that we are. Genesis 16:16 NLT Abram was eighty-six years old when Ishmael was born. Genesis 17:1 NLT When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.

Abram and his wife did something that God was not happy about and as a result of this Abram spent 13 years without words from God. God was silent in Abram’s life for 13 years, not for one moment did God leave Abram’s life but He was no longer active in Abram’s life (instructing Abram, and giving Abram wisdom and guidance).


I hope this is shaping in your mind the image I would like it to shape. The fact that God could be somewhere and still not be active in that place. God is everywhere but is not involved in the things that go on everywhere. Ex. The crime that goes on in the world etc. God is not involved in the crime that takes place on this earth but is present while it is taking place.

Psalm 139:8 NKJV

If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.


Another characteristic of God is that He is omnipotent. He has unlimited power and He is able to do anything.

There was a man name Elijah in the Bible that did what the following scripture is saying he did and God allowed fire to flash down on the earth. There is no limit to Gods power or what He is capable of.

1 Kings 18:33-38

 He piled wood on the altar, cut the bull into pieces, and laid the pieces on the wood. Then he said, “Fill four large jars with water, and pour the water over the offering and the wood.” After they had done this, he said, “Do the same thing again!” And when they were finished, he said, “Now do it a third time!” So they did as he said, and the water ran around the altar and even filled the trench. At the usual time for offering the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet walked up to the altar and prayed, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, prove today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant. Prove that I have done all this at your command. O Lord, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God and that you have brought them back to yourself.” Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! 

Even in His omnipotence, God is a gentleman and will not force anything on us. The fruit of the spirit, which is the qualities of God, is gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). So, God has all the power and is able to do everything but still won’t force you to do anything. God won’t force you to choose Him. He wants you to choose Him. God won’t force you to surrender your life to Him but He wants you to surrender your life to Him.

If we got up every morning and did not touch our bed or sheets to make our beds it would not get made. If we want our beds made in the morning we have to make them ourselves. We have to fix the sheets, fluff the pillows, place the comforter on the bed and add whatever extra details to make the bed to our liking. The same thing goes for our life, our relationship with God, and how active He is in our lives. God is not a genie, His participation in our lives depends on the part we play in communication with Him, our obedience to His commands and the intimacy we have with Him. God is always present and always powerful but that doesn’t mean that He has to be active in our lives. By our action and our words we allow God to move or reject His movement in our lives. We play a major role in all that God wants to do and has planned for our lives. If we live a life that is in response to and in connection with God, He is able to do way more than if we live a life separated from Him. God is there always but we limit His involvement in our lives when we are apart from Him.

Psalm 139:8 NKJV

If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

James 4:8 NLT

Come close to God, and God will come close to you…

            `

Here each verse of Psalm 139 is separated into 3 sections:

This is to make clearer to you the part that God plays in our lives and the parts that we play in our lives.

GOD’S PART – OMNIPRESENT

3 You see me when I travel
    and when I rest at home.

5 You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.

7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
    I can never get away from your presence!

10 even there your hand will guide me,
    and your strength will support me.

12     but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
    Darkness and light are the same to you.

15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

16 You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
    before a single day had passed.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

GOD’S PART – OMNIPOTENT

1 O Lord, you have examined my heart
    and know everything about me.

2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

3 …You know everything I do.

4 You know what I am going to say
    even before I say it, Lord.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too great for me to understand!

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

16 You saw me before I was born.
    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
    before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
    They cannot be numbered!

19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked!
    Get out of my life, you murderers!

24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

DAVID’S PART (OUR PART & OTHER PEOPLES PART)

8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
    if I go down to the grave, you are there.

9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
    if I dwell by the farthest oceans,

11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
    and the light around me to become night—

18 I can’t even count them;
    they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
    you are still with me!

20 They blaspheme you;
    your enemies misuse your name.

21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you?
    Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you?

22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred,
    for your enemies are my enemies.

We have the power to choose what we do. The more we choose God’s way the closer He gets to us and the more He can do in our lives. God’s plans for you are great and He wants them to happen, but in order for this to happen we have to work together with Him and do our part.

You have a part to play, lets play it!

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Five Ways To Have Fun Indoors During Winter Months

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  1. Crafts & Activities

Hi 👋 so this past weekend Eli and I decorated pumpkins during our weekend indoors. It was a blast! The pumpkins literally cost $1.00 each at our local Stop & Shop, which I picked up the Friday of along with a few household products for cleaning this same weekend. Because I’m a crafter I had paint and paint brushes in the house which made this craft that much easier. My go to places to find ideas for crafts is Google and Pinterest! A simple search of “Easy to do craft projects” or “Indoor Activities for Toddlers” would suffice. What ever craft you choose should be one that you know your little one will enjoy.

Another recommendation of mine for activities would definitely be a KiwiCo subscription. It’s a monthly subscription box of a themed activity to do with your little one. My favorite thing about it is that your child learns through these activities and that you can expound on them by using the tips given to you in the issue. I really do enjoy our monthly KiwiCo crates! They are so easy to use and Eli enjoys the time we spend together doing them.

Here’s a link to receive 50% off your first crate! 

https://www.kiwico.com/Refer?i=ArielleA2

They really are a lifesaver and takes the work out of planning indoor fun with your little ones!

2. Indoor Activity Gym

Ever heard of Gymboree?! It’s an indoor activity gym. Not only is this an amazing time and space for your little ones to explore but they also learn while doing so. It isn’t free but is definitely worth the cost of having something to do with your child that is indoors and fun. Don’t want to shell out the bucks to join a place like Gymboree. Many communities have indoor activity places for children as well as community centers. Local public schools like some Juniors High Schools have beacon and Saturday programs offering dance classes, step, basketball and much more. For another indoor activity option call a school in your community that has an indoor pool to see if they offer time or days for those in the community to join in on the water fun during the winter months.

Live in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens Area? Here’s a few options for you to check out:

Pumpkin Patch Play And Plaster Craft

http://www.pumpkinpatchplayandpaint.com/

Local Pool Details

Erasmus High School
https://brooklynswim.com/about-us/brooklyn-swim-center.html

Sensory Street

http://www.sensoryst.com/index.html

Attached is their October Schedule:

3. Free Indoor Events

There are a number of free indoor events that take place on the weekends for children. Theses activities are oftentimes all day activities where you can pack a lunch for your child and spend the day indoors

Target First Saturday’s @ Brooklyn Museum – Offers Art Classes for Kids (FREE)

BRIC – Family House Party – which are completely free! I have attached the link below for more details:

https://www.bricartsmedia.org/search/node/BRIC%20FAMILY%20HOUSE%20PARTY

Wyckoff Houses – I’ll be posting a Blog soon with more information about this place. It’s such a hidden gem! Here’s the link to their details and you can sign up to receive emails for upcoming events and activities!

https://wyckoffmuseum.org

4. Plan Ahead

It really doesn’t take much effort to plan ahead for the weekend or for days indoors. Sometimes I am able to plan our weekend in 10min, the key is to plan ahead! You don’t have to take hours to plan but you should take some time to plan. Take the time to plan something meaningful and of quality for your weekends home with your little one. Everything won’t always go as planned but if you put forth the effort to plan something, chances are things will run smoother and flow better than if you didn’t plan anything. Studies show that planning equals prevention which ultimately leads to less stress. So the you tomorrow will thank the you today if you plan ahead! 🙂

5. Play Dates

Really want to stay at home on a weekend? Plan a Play Date. Using the references shared in tip number one plan a day indoors and invite your little ones favorite little person over for the afternoon. Plan the day according to the things they like. Ask the other mom to bring snacks and you can provide the lunch and activities. Nothing’s better than turning your home into a fun zone for some hours over the weekend allowing the kids to just be free to have a good time in each others presence. 

I hope these tips and suggestions are helpful for you! Enjoy! 😉

My Prayer & My Reason For Praying It

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First of all, don’t judge me for my prayer. I literally prayed this to God and I also find myself whispering it to Him every once in a while.


This is a transparent blog:


If I could describe my relationship with God in one word it would be HILARIOUS. I love my God. I love everything about Him and I love the relationship that we share.


This is besides the point but I’m getting to it shortly.


I also know myself…very well. I know my weaknesses and I know my strengths. I can list them for you and I can tell you in a heart beat what they are. I said this prayer to God because I know myself. There are certain things I won’t do unless I have no other option, especially things that make me feel uncomfortable.


(Hence the my version of the NEVERTHELESS, NOT MY WILL, BUT YOURS BE DONE – Luke 22:42 prayer)


By now I can honestly say that I have gotten used to feeling uncomfortable and have learned to move forward in spite of discomfort. The reason for my contentment even in discomfort is because I have gone through enough with God right by my side, every step of the way to know that He’s got me and that I really can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). God has been with me every step of the way, training me to respond appropriately to things, places, people and situations (and correcting me when I don’t).


If I could share some things I’ve been through and come out of (which I will more on the blog) or things that I’m currently going through it would be hard for some to get my contentment.


I know that every trial I face God allows. Why? Because I am (my life is) in His hands. I know that every trial I face God will use to “kick me” into the direction of my purpose. Many of the things I face I know God allows it because of this prayer I prayed. He will keep allowing test and trials to come my way so that I can fulfill the purpose He has for me. Some of the trials I face, I know are a direct link to me being “kicked” as I would like to put it, into the direction God wants me to go. I know me and God knows me. I know that He allows these things, because if it were under any other circumstance I would not go (or do the things He is asking of me) Why you ask? Because on my own I am just not about that life! If God doesn’t force me, 50% of the time, maybe most of the time. Lol


What I mean by force is. My love, fear of, knowledge of, understanding of and for God makes and compels me to do what I should do.


I have put myself in a position where if I don’t do what God is asking of me I would feel unfulfilled, and I love it. I have signed up to do His will and I don’t mind what comes with it. That’s where I am and that is where I hope to be all the days of my life.


I’m just being honest! God has to apply pressure to my life in order to get me to do certain things or in order to get me to grow in certain areas.

Jesus said these words to His followers:

Matthew 7:14 NLT

But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

Matthew 20:22 NLT

But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”


I am a work in progress, but I also know where I am and can articulate this to God.

There was a man in the Bible named Jonah. God needed him to do something and he, in my own words said “God, I am not about that life” and did not do what God was asking of him. Jonah was found in the belly of a great fish, which was where he repented and where he got back on track to do the thing God asked him to do from the beginning. He did what God wanted him to do and as a result of his obedience an entire city came to God and was saved. Amazing, isn’t it?!

Reference: The Book of Jonah


Jesus speaks to a mother of His disciples and says these words.

Matthew 20:20-23 NLT

Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor.“What is your request?” he asked.She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”But Jesus answered by saying to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink?”“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. My Father has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”

Those disciples, again in my own words “became about that life” and honored God with their life on this earth and drank from His bitter cup. One was put to death for his faith and the other was exiled.


I became “about that life” and I’m continuing to become “about that life” through His constant training that takes place on the inside for me.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should…

Be honest with yourself, be honest with God. That’s is the only way to be.

I CAN NOT afford not to get to know a God like this! I encourage you to get to know Him too!


Psalm 51:17 NLT

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.


I am being this open about parts of my relationship with God because I want you to know the reality of having one with God.
It’s the most rewarding yet most testing thing you could ever do in life. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.


Mark 8:36 NLT

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?

How To Maximize Your Time Spent With God

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This time spent is oftentimes done in a quiet place and called “quiet time” by many. No matter what time of the day or night you choose to spend time with God, the time spent is important. I’ve heard people say before “I know God, I pray everyday” or “I’ve read the whole Bible, I know what it says”. When I think about these statements I say to myself “I wish it was that easy!” Think about someone you spend a lot of time with… The time you spend with them helps you to know them better, understand them better, speak to them the way they expect you to speak to them and so much more. Spending time with someone causes us to oftentimes act like them, think like them and in some instances we can even begin to look like them. It’s amazing what spending time with someone can do. I believe the same thing goes for spending time with God. When we incorporate the following things into our time spent with God I believe that the time we spend becomes more meaningful. It becomes more powerful and the following things enable us to maximize our time with God when we incorporate them in this time. I hope the following list helps you the way it has helped me, and continues to help me. I hope that you read this and come to a better understanding of what you can include in your time spent with God in order to get the most out of it.

My Spending Time with God Package:

Repentance –

Simply put, means to turn away from sin and to go in the direction of what is right. We all sin daily, whether we know it or not. Sometimes we do it knowingly and other times we don’t. It is in the time I spend with God where he shows me I’ve messed up in something I did or explains to me that what I did or said was not like Him. I believe repentance, asking God to forgive us for our sins should be included in the time we spend with God each day. We have to ask God to forgive us for the things we’ve done that were not pleasing to Him in our day-to-day actions, thoughts and words. I believe that this is a vital part of spending time with God.

Matthew 6:12 NLT

and forgive us our sins

1 John 1:9 ESV


If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Acts 17:30 ESV

The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,

Praise & Worship –

God is a God who inhabits our praise (Psalm 22:3). We were designed to worship Him. We were created just to give Him all the Glory. God loves to know that He is our God (Exodus 20:3-5). Enjoying worship takes some time because in the process we forget about us and begin to focus on the greatness of our God. Praise means to show respect, gratitude or admiration to God. Worship means to show honor or reverence for. God is the Creator of all things. Before Him nothing existed. All things were created by, in and through him. He holds the universe in His hand. Earth is His footstool and Heaven is his throne. He is the Great I Am. He is all that we need Him to be. He changes not. He is the inventor of all things invented the creator of all things created and He is worthy of all the Praise. In my opinion Praise and Worship opens up my mind to the vastness of God, how big He is, How great He is, How wonderful! How powerful.

Acts 17:24-28 ESV

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man,nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place,that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

Psalm 22:26 NIV

The poor will eat and be satisfied;
    those who seek the Lord will praise him—
    may your hearts live forever!

Prayer –

Matthew 6:9-13 NLT

 Pray like this:

Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.

Jesus instructed us on the way we should pray with this prayer by saying “pray like this”. Prayer is an essential part of the time we spend with God. It is our communication with God. We pray to Him and he answers. It’s the way we let God know what is on our heart. The Lords prayer is a guideline to me of what my prayer should look like. Jesus said in John 14:14 NLT “Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” I believe that God wants to answer our prayers. I also believe that our prayers should line up with God’s will. I desire for my heart to always be content with what God wants for my life. We can pray for things and believe for them but we should also trust that God knows what is best for us and will grant us what we are believing for at the right times in life. Prayer keeps us connected to the Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16). Not only should we pray from our hearts but we should also pray Gods Word. When we pray we must believe that God is faithful and that His Word is able to accomplish everything it was sent forth to do.

Isaiah 55:11 NLT

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

God’s word has to produce fruit. When we pray the word of God it has to accomplish what God wants it to. Prayer is where we are active in the time we spend with God. I love being able to communicate with God through prayer.

Word –

Psalm 119:115

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.

To me these words take on so much meaning. How can our feet know where we are going in the dark if we don’t have light? How can we go down the right path without being lead down that path? God’s Word is a guide to our life. It gives us instruction and guidance on how to act, speak, respond and live. When spending time with God it is important to learn the Word of God. It is our responsibility to know what Gods Word says and it is also our responsibility to remember it.

Psalm 119:11

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

The word of God not only helps us maneuver throughout life but it also helps us to understand God more. Who He is, His nature, the attributes of God and what is would look like if He was human (the life of Jesus Christ – The Gospel – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)

Reflection-

I like to write down the things I believe God has deposited into my heart after my time in prayer as well as take notes of what I am learning from reading God’s Word. I like to know how I can apply it in my life by actually writing it down on paper and reviewing these notes from time to time. Its beautiful to know that if you listen close enough God will direct you as well as speak to your heart in the process.

Jeremiah 29:13-14 NLT

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

Habakkuk 2:2 NLT

Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.

Deuteronomy 11:18-20 NLT

So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,

Application –

The Bible instructs us to be doers of the word and not only hearers of the word (James 1:22-25). It’s not okay to know the Word of God and not do what it instructs us to do. We have to apply the Word of God in our life in order to see the results we are expecting from our time spent with God and if we want our prayers to be answered. God is not a genie, most of what He does in our life is a direct result of the way we are living (in response to His Word and the instructions He gives us).

I wanted to provide you with a list that I have and continue to apply to my time spent with God. Sometimes only one or a few of these things on my list take place but I am always conscious of what each point adds to my time spent with God. Maximize your time with Him! Try incorporating what I’ve mentioned above. I hope this blog helps your quiet time with God.

Disclaimer

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This is my disclaimer. Nothing I write except for the Bible verses I quote are “straight facts” or “facts only”. Only the living Word can be that. My blogs are not a substitute for the Word of God. They are my stance and experience of the Word of God in my life.


Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.


2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.


Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.


James 1:22 (NIV)

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.


Psalm 119 :9 (NIV)

How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
    By living according to your word.

I have testimonies that no matter how embarrassing, I am not ashamed to share it. I’ve had experiences that have helped me to grow in a relationship with God and in understanding of His Word.

The purpose of the Truly Arielle A blog is me Arielle A being completely transparent and truthful about topics, such as my relationship with God, experiences along the way and the beauty of the Word coming to life in my own life and in the lives of those around me.

I hope you are blessed by what you read and understand that I am just like any other person, and that a relationship with God is very much attainable and looks slightly different for each individual. Knowing God isn’t rocket science and doesn’t take you flipping through hoops to get to. It takes continuous steps towards Him and only Him.

Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Hatch Baby Rest

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https://www.target.com/p/hatch-baby-rest-sound-machine-night-light-38-time-to-rise/-/A-52433603

Hey everyone! This is my first ‘My Favorite Things’ Blog and I am super excited to tell you about this product.

So as an expecting mom I put the Hatch Baby Rest (Night Light, Sound Machine & Time-to-Rise Machine) on my registry and didn’t think much of it. I wanted it because I thought it was really neat and that I would use it. If you were ever a first time mom people tell you all the time that you won’t use all the things you so desperately want to get for your brand new baby! They are right regarding some things but this statement is completely false when it comes to the Hatch (what I like to call it) Baby Rest. It is the best thing since sliced bread, it really is.

I love it so much that I even remember the day I got it. It was the day of my baby shower! A few friends came over after because they didn’t make it to the shower and toting in one of their hands was a gift card and the H A T C H Baby Rest! I was sooo hype to have actually gotten it.

We started using the Hatch Baby Rest once Eli was born. He is a very light sleeper and he’s been this way from birth. Once we brought Eli home I started to notice just how loud the street we live on actually is. Either I had never noticed it before or the sound just didn’t really bother me (born and raised New Yorker probs!).  I’m assuming that it was just something we got used to, but this all changed once Eli came home. Every horn honk or loud truck or bus passing by woke him up. I was told about how soothing falling asleep to the sound of rain is by one of my aunts and hadn’t tried it with him yet. One night we turned on the hatch machine, which was on Eli’s dresser from the time he was born and got to the rain sound, we were ecstatic. Another thing about it that made me really happy was that the blue night-light’s brightness could be adjusted. What sold Keith was that the Hatch could be controlled from his phone.

Honestly, what I love most about the Hatch is that it has grown with Eli. From birth where we would set his rain sound and night light from the living room while he slept in the bedroom to now when he taps the top of it to change the colors and sounds just for fun before bed each night. To him wanting a night-light when he gets a little older, to him needing an alarm clock as a teen. This Hatch is the TRUTH and I am sooo glad I put it on my registry and decided to actually use it. It has definitely been a blessing to us as well as a complete game changer.

Check out more details about it by clicking the link below!

https://www.target.com/p/hatch-baby-rest-sound-machine-night-light-38-time-to-rise/-/A-52433603

I hope you enjoyed my first ‘My Favorite Things’ Blog as I enjoyed sharing with you all that I like about the Hatch Baby Rest.

10 Ways To Incorporate God This School Year

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Photo Credit: <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background”>Background psd created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a&gt;

Hey Everyone!

So recently I began thinking about all of the hustle and bustle that goes into Back To School! Down to the planning and prepping for it, to the actual first day of school, to the pick up and drop off plans, to the memorization of phone numbers and addresses if ever (God forbid) a little one gets lost, to so much more! While putting myself in the place of a parent that has multiple children to do this for I decided to put together this list of simple ways you can incorporate God in this school year as well. My hope is that you’ll look at this list and say, “Thank you Arielle for putting this list of ideas together for me. One less thing for me to do!” And if that is a thought in at least one parents mind I’ll be pleased. Knowing that I could help in this way matters to me. So, here it is:

10 Ways to Incorporate God This School Year

  1. Wake up with enough time to prepare yourself and your child or children

I know you are probably thinking  “Really?! Is this a real way to incorporate God this school year?” And I honestly believe it is. I have tested and tried this in my own home. Whenever I prepare the day the night before and sacrifice some extra sleep in the morning to get up earlier the ‘Getting Ready’ process for the entire house runs smoother. I am able to show more love to Eli while getting him ready, I am able to sing and joke around because I’m not rushing to do the next thing because I am running late. The morning is smoother and because of this everyone leaves the home with the right attitude, all having had our breakfast and personal devotion to God

2. Have a Family Morning Prayer

Make this prayer your own. Have your children speak on something they are thankful for that morning. Let each person pray a few words over the family for the day. Speak a specific scripture over the family. Sing your favorite worship song together before praying. This can happen right before leaving the house, in the car, on the way to school or as soon as the entire family is up. Make this time of prayer your own. Make it special for each family member involved.

3. Weekly or Monthly Confessions

I recite a specific scripture and confession over Eli’s life each week. It reminds me to speak only good things over his life. It reminds me of who God says he is and also reminds me of our families rightful place in the Kingdom of God. I see a difference in Eli when I am constantly speaking greatness over his life as well as a difference in myself. Confessions hold you accountable to the word of God; it holds our thoughts accountable, and also our actions. I post these scriptures and confessions throughout the house and at the end of each week pray a special prayer over Eli and the home regarding the scripture. Now I don’t want you to have the image in your head of a super peaceful week where nothing goes wrong and things are just perfect because I do these things, because this is not at all my reality. Sometimes I whiz by the confessions like they aren’t even there and there are other days when life is so hectic and my eyes glance at the scriptures posted and I remember that there is still hope. It works for me. If you decide to try this I hope it helps you just like it has helped me!

4. Daily Devotionals

I am a firm believer of Daily Devotionals. In the beginning of my Christian walk I lived off of them, they were what kept me afloat. I still love them and from time to time use them, now more as a daily pick me up. They are set up like a short excerpt from the author of the book that includes scriptures to support the points they are making. Eli has his own kids version called Veggie Tales Growing with God 365 Daily Devos for Boys and I have a ton of them, like one called One – Minute Inspirations for Women by Elizabeth George and Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. I have some that are specific to certain topics like wisdom or love and they are always helpful to turn to on really tough days or again as a pick me up or gentle reminder of my faith.

5. Mornings of Thankfulness

Have your children list five things each morning that they are thankful for. This can also happen before leaving the house or throughout their morning routine or even on the way to school. This cultivates a heart of gratitude and I believe it to be a helpful tool for mornings of grumpiness or for children that find it hard to get it moving in the mornings.

6. Keep A Journal

Encourage your children to keep journals, something like a letter to God each day. Younger children can draw pictures to God. This is just a way that they can express themselves to God in ways that are familiar to them. I’m sure it would be fun to experience the act of a child writing a letter to God. Or as a parent, when we notice some of the emotions they have we can redirect them to communicating these emotions to God through their daily journal entry or drawing. There is no telling what will come from these journal entries and drawings, or how your child will choose to incorporate God in their daily lives in the future after doing this. I believe that the ways children can grow in their relationship with God are endless. We can explore these ways by trying new things and not being afraid of our children’s expression towards God.

7. Take Charge of Your Family Schedule

Don’t feel bad about creating a family schedule and sticking to it. Schedules and routines are a big part of our day and it is important to know the schedule set in place for our families. The Bible teaches us not to conform to the pattern of this world. Our patterns and schedules need to be different. They need to be presented to God, they need to have God in them and we need time to renew our mind with the word of God each day. Take control of your families’ schedule, the time you spend with each other and all that you do each day. It is important that we have balance and that we do things Gods way and not give in to the pressure of this world to structure our lives around it.

Romans 12:2, Proverbs 3:5-6

8. Bible – Family Game Nights

There are so many fun Family Bible Games that exist. Here is a list of links to games that your family will be sure to love:

You can do a search for yourself to find games that would best fit your family. The options are unlimited!

9. Post Bible Verses Around the House for the Family to Memorize

  • You can include cash prizes or gifts and toy prizes at the end of the week as an incentive for memorizing the Bible Verse.
  • Use Sticky Notes, Chalk & Message Boards to post the scriptures throughout the house.
  • Encourage and help your children to find out what the bible says about situations they face at school ex. Bullying, Anger, Failing Test, Passing Test, What to do when they see someone in need? How to show Gods love to people at school? Etc.

10.  Cover Your Kids In Prayer

You don’t have to be an expert at praying in order to cover your children in prayer. You, more than likely want the best for your children and want the best for them this school year. Pray the things you want for them over their lives. Reject and denounce the things you don’t want or accept for their lives. Go to God about them daily, place them in His hands, give them to Him every chance you get. Entrust Him with their lives and protection. He loves and cares for them more than you ever will! Before they were formed in their mother’s womb He knew them. He has a special plan for their life; include Him in the way you raise them.

Jeremiah 1:5, Jeremiah 31:3 

Below are some books I gave away at the beginning of the school year. I have a few more books to give away. Email me at trulyariellea@gmail.com if you are interested:

Why is a Spiritual Inheritance so important?

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  • The day Eli was dedicated at Church City USA

When you think about the inheritance you want to leave for your children what are some of the things you think about? What are some of the words that come to mind?

I’ll start by listing a few of mine:

  • Security
  • Stability
  • A Foundation
  • A place to start from that was better than where I started
  • And for me the most important would be the example of a godly woman and the fruit that a life in connection with God produces.


I think about my trials and struggles and those are things that I don’t want my kids to inherit. The life I live today and everyday determines the kind of life my children will have and the kind of life my children’s children will have. Some people don’t think like this but this is the reality of everyone’s life. If I am selfish and live for myself, make the wrong decisions and live irresponsibly my children will reap the consequences of this behavior. If I lack morals, character and standards and act on that, those actions will be the seeds that I sow for my generations to come.

If I choose to live a lazy life and not work hard for the things I want in life…guess what? My kids won’t have the best place to start from when they get older.

It is my belief that continuing the legacy of success is easier to do when you come from a successful family and continuing this success will seem like the norm to someone that comes from success. It is harder to believe for success if you’ve never seen it displayed in a family member or a parent/guardian etc. Success will be something you long for but the steps to obtain it will be less defined because you’ve never seen success obtained up close before.

If a person has seen success and has been trained to manage success they have a better chance of actually walking in success because it is something that is normal for them.  I believe that the same concept applies to having a successful relationship with God. It is easier to live out a life of intimacy with God in my own life when I have an example of what that looks like.

I believe that it is my job to display clear examples to my children of what a life lived before God looks like first and foremost, what success looks like up close and how to handle the life that was given to them, through my example. I consider it a high calling to be paving the way for my future generations and I would like nothing more than for them to serve God with their whole lives and live for Him all the days of their lives.

As I explained in the previous blog, it is important to know God, to know Him intimately and know what He designed you to do.

The bible puts it this way:

Galatians 6:7-8  (MSG)

Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God! —harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.

The following words stood out to me:

IN RESPONSE TO GOD …WOW!!!

Planting in response to God is the only way to plant. There is no other way.

Think about it. God is the creator of all things and all people (Genesis 1, Psalm 145:9 NLT …He showers compassion on all his creation.). As the designer of all things and all people He knows how they should operate. It is my belief that no individual could EVER operate in the full capacity of his or her own God given purpose apart from God. So if an individual is building their life without a connection to God how could they be sure of what to build? They’ll be planting and building according to their own desires. The Bible teaches us in Psalm 127:1 that “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” This makes me think about the type inheritance we plan to leave for our children.

I like the note that is written in my Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation (regarding Galatians 6:7-8), it says:

It would certainly be a surprise if you planted corn and pumpkins came up. It’s a natural law to harvest what we plant. It’s true in other areas, too. If you gossip about your friends, you will lose their friendship. Every action has results. If you plant to please your own desires, you’ll harvest a crop of sorrow and evil. If you plant to please God, you’ll harvest joy and everlasting life. What kind of seeds are you planting?


A spiritual inheritance is so important because it comes before everything we’ll ever need or receive in life. The blessings God distributes are tied to obedience. Not just any obedience, but obedience to Gods Word and the principles of it.

In the Bible people have received blessings in the wrong way but not without consequences (Genesis 27:1-29). It is my belief that a Spiritual Inheritance stands as the greatest form of character, which then enables your child to handle any other inheritance they may receive in life.

Whether you leave your children land, money, businesses or nothing that adds to their lives physically, a spiritual inheritance is the greatest gift we could ever leave for our children, in order for them to handle life here on earth.

I look at the life of Jesus who is Gods son (He and The Father are one, John 10:30-38). Jesus is also known as Immanuel, which means God with us (Matthew 1:23). He actually walked on this earth like you and I, so He knows what its like to live in a body like us, have the desires we have, feel the feelings we feel but he also knows what its like to live out His complete God given purpose on this earth. Jesus is God, so as God he became the one and only perfect example of what it would look like if God himself were a human. I mentioned Jesus because of this one important fact, that out of all the things He could of left for us (all people) when He was returning to The Father (in Heaven), He left us only one thing. I say only not out of this one thing being insignificant but to stress the fact that it was just ONE thing. That one thing wasn’t anything we could touch or feel. It wasn’t a car, a ginormous bank account or a mansion (even though all of those things would be nice), He sent/left us the Holy Spirit to maneuver as God intended us to throughout this life.

John 16:7

But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t the advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.

Acts 1:4

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before.

This is proof enough for me that when leaving this earth I have to leave my children with something greater than what is of this earth. I have to leave them with a belief in God, practices of this belief, an example and relational outline, as well as help my children establish a clear connection with the Creator in order for them to succeed (according to Gods standard) in this life.