"For I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance."  Philippians 1:19

Have you ever found yourself in a disappointing or transitional moment in life? How about dealing with grief, relationships, or feeling overlooked for a job promotion? Maybe you've experienced feelings of inadequacy or loneliness. This week, I found myself asking some of these questions as I tried to gather the strength to overcome frustration and sadness. I've been praying to God for certain things, but they haven't happened on my timeline. Therefore, I've found myself waiting for the promise.

I had to take a step back to assess my situation. I had to evaluate my behavior and actions. Am I responding from a place of victory or from a place of defeat? Am I walking in spiritual authority? I had a revelation - I was operating in my own strength. It's time to rest in the strength of God!

In Philippians 1:9, Paul talks about the inexhaustible power and stream - the enormous contribution of the Spirit that Jesus Christ wants to give you and me. This means that when we feel like we've given our best effort and we have no more energy left, and it looks like our resources are drained, Jesus Christ becomes our personal benefactor. He has an inexhaustible source of power to give us.

As women, we wear many hats and juggle several roles. We are the backbone and support of our families and communities. We're wives, mothers, leaders, managers of the family income, businesswomen, in leadership positions on our jobs, hard-working, therapists at times, psychologists, prayer warriors, girlfriends, sisters, aunties, and everyone is pulling on us. It's easy to get physically and mentally exhausted, and we can quickly burn out.  However, this is not the place God intended for us to be in.

It's time to rest in the strength of God.  You don't have to take on the role of superwoman when you serve a super God!  He has more strength and power to give us than we could ever use. When our natural human will is too tired to keep going, and we've exhausted all our resources, let Jesus reinforce you with the new supply of the Spirit!

Create more opportunities for self-care. Be kinder to yourself and allow yourself the same grace you give to others. Open your heart to the Holy Spirit today and let Him fill you with a supply of power so vast that you can never use it all.  Rest in the strength of God!

Writing has always been a means of therapy for me. Growing up in a small secluded area in the deep south, there wasn't many things I could get into. My parents religiously went to church for what seemed to be all day. If the church doors were opened (and they usually had a key) we were there. During the weekdays we went to school, came home and went to church. On the weekends, it was just church. I didn't go to many parties or hangout spots and I didn’t have many friends. So communication was a struggle for me; I kept everything bottled up inside. But I was in the church choir and I LOVED to sing. I jumped at every opportunity to sing. So I found myself singing and writing often. It was the only way I could remain sane from the things I faced on a daily basis. Writing and singing became my best friends. It was the only outlet I had. To this day, it is the thing that I would do three o’clock in the morning without pay. It is my passion... 

As I reflect back on my childhood, I am reminded of the story of David. David grew up in his father's pasture tending to his father's sheep. That's all he did. Feed the sheep, take care of the sheep, protect the sheep. It's amazing, those same lessons he learned in his father's pasture help prepare him for his position later in life as king. David became one of the most prominent and memorable rulers of all time. He wrote almost half of the book of Psalms, a collection of poems, prayers, hymns etc. comprised together with music. This book along with the Song of Solomon does a wonderful job of capturing every emotion of humanity in its book. 

One of the assignments I believe God has called me to fulfill on earth is inspiring others to walk in their God- given purpose. What better to do that than to sing the scriptures.  That's why the Psalm and the Songs of Solomon is about...singing the scripture and hearing the story behind every song that is written.

I was out jogging at the park last weekend when I heard a gentle voice say to me, "Dream Again." You've dreamed...you've dreamed big. You've even took the steps to begin your process to "dreaming."  But something happened. Something got in the way- life happened. But now it's time to dream again. 

Sometimes in life things happen unexpectedly.   There are all kinds of challenges we face: 

an unexpected death 
the loss of a relationship 
financial difficulty; bills starts to pile up 
receiving a bad report from the doctor 

We get distracted along the way and as a result, we loose confidence.  And now the zeal and passion that we once possessed concerning our dreams are now met with disappointment- not because it didn't happen but because we became vulnerable with the possibility that it could happen. 

But God says it's time to dream again.  Why? Because if we don't dream again and start walking in the things of God, we run the risk of aborting the destiny and the plans God has for our lives.  John 10:10 says, "the devil comes but to steal, kill, and destroy." Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  In these verses, we see the plan of the enemy and the plans of the Lord- both concerning our life.  But its up to us (the believer) to decide what plan we are going to carry out- God's plans or the enemy. 

The fact of the matter is that life happens; we are going to encounter and be met with all kinds of challenges/situations.  There are some things we will have to endure.  But in enduring, we have to remember to go through the trial and hold to the promises of God.  Go through the challenges and hold on to what God says. 

God says, 

-You are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14) 

- You are the head, not the tail (Deut. 28:13) 

-You're above and not beneath (Deut. 28:13) 

- You are the lender, not a borrower (Deut. 28:13) 

- You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37) 

- You can do all things through Christ which gives you strength (Phil 4:13) 

- You are the apple of His eye (Zech. 2:8) 

- You are God's masterpiece (Eph. 2:10) 

Go through whatever you are going through but hold to what God said.  Dream again.  It's not too late.  Think about what you use to dream about, write it down, walk in faith, and believe. 

Dream Again!

Hey Family, 

I recently read this post on social media that said: 

"Singers, Let rejection teach you who your people are. Let it guide you toward your niche. Everybody isn’t a hater just cuz they don’t vibe with you. Some singers are pursuing a bgv or gospel path but have a voice better suited for musical theater.  Some of you should be singing lead in a bluegrass corporate band, doing Motown tours on cruise ships, or heck, singing opera but you find yourself trying to fit in with what you think are the ‘cool kids’ and you’re 

1. Getting clowned 

2. Not making any money 

To this I say: 

FIND YOUR PEOPLE" 

This spoke to my soul! Too often we avoid moments of rejection thinking it may confirm our feelings of inadequacy.  To that I say- let the rejection navigate you to your people.  To everything there's a season and to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  There’s a whole world out there that would love to receive/hear the gift you have. Sometimes your character and craft needs to be developed in order to embrace the path God has for you.  Step out of your comfort zone; get out of the box! 

I thank God for my rejections- though not easy, it’s necessary and life changing! Be intentional with your interactions with people. Don’t waste ANYTHING! Embrace the rejection…it’s going to open many doors for you in the future! 

-Kimberly

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Instead of creating endless goals and resolutions, I encourage you to think of one word that will be your driving force for the year. No goals. No wish lists. Just one word.. One Word may Change Your Life and inspire you.

That’s right! One Word creates clarity, power, passion and life-change. The simple power of One Word can impact all six dimensions of your life – mental, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, and financial. Simply put, One Word sticks. There is a word meant for you and when you find it, live it, and share it, your life will become more rewarding and exciting than ever. 

My word is free- free from my own thoughts and inhibitions. Free from the “imposter syndrome”. Free from guilt, envy, strife. Unapologetically living in my truth in all facets of life!  

I encourage you find your word for this year.  Please share it...I would love to it!

Hey guys!  So I wanted to share a few behind the scenes clips and videos of The Official Clap for Me Video Shoot from July 25th.   The shoot was located in Forsyth Park in Savannah, Ga.  91 degrees felt like 1000 degrees and at the beginning of the shoot it started thundering and raining.  The shoot lasted all day from noon to midnight and that entire time we were shooting.  We enjoyed every bit of the experience! 

That day was exhilarating and full of emotions to say the least- an experience I won’t forget! I was pushed mentally, spiritually, artistically beyond my capacity. I was fortunate enough to reconnect with a high school friend, Lee Coleman of KaeCole Media.  Lee is a Director, Editor and Cinematographer from Atlanta, Ga.  He worked for BET, Warner Brothers, CBS, Tyler Perry, etc. and has been in the media industry for over 20 years so I was excited that he was able to shoot it. His expertise was a great asset in creating the story line and shooting for Clap for Me.  I was also fortunate to have Audrey Aaron of Royal Ink, Inc. and Raynard Washington there assisting Lee every step of the way. 

The first half of the shoot was shot with the Savannah Show Stoppers.  Lamont Hunter and team did an EXCELLENT creating a line dance that was simple and compliments the song.  We spent two weeks before the shoot perfecting the dance.  His help, his humility, his support helped get me through the process an his team served as cheerleaders for me throughout the shoot.  Their energy made the shoot fun. 

I was also able to have community partners M.A.L.E. Dreamers, Willie Gray Harris of True Motives Podcast, and Idell Biles of Paracletos Business Network were supportive and a part of the video shoot as well. 

The process in general was very challenging.  The original date for the shoot was in March and it was supposed to take place in Atlanta, Ga.  However when the pandemic hit and the state shut down, it seemed as if we would never shoot the video.  And with the social distancing ordinance, I thought it would be difficult to get people to participate and even find a location to shoot the video.  When I saw the window of opportunity, I ceased the moment.  I was so happy that I did.  I learned to trust the process and never give up on our dreams.  With God all things are possible. 

Here are some behind the scene photos of the making of Clap for Me Music Video and check out a teaser here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHPdNNo_kH4

I recently taught a bible study for our church entitled, "Faith: Speaking the Language of Heaven".  I felt God was impressing upon my heart to encourage the body of believers about speaking in faith in this season.  There's so much going on in our world now and it's so important that we don't get distracted by what our natural eyes see but to speak life over situations that may look bleak in this moment. In this season, it's important that we speak what heaven is saying and that we align our words and our thoughts to what the Word of God says.  Here are some points that I think can encourage you if you are in a season of despondency.

In 2018 it’s been reported there are over 7 billion people in the world.  Out of 7 billion people, there are roughly 6,500 languages that are spoken in the world today.  In order for people to communicate effectively, there has to be a common language spoken within cultures.

So in this season, we have to speak a common language with heaven- it's the language of faith.

Hebrews 11:1; 6 Explains what is faith.

2 Corinthians 4:13 talks about the language of faith.

God is a God of faith, and He communicates by the language of faith. He has ordained principles of faith for every child of His to operate by. There are moments in life where our emotions bring us to anger, tears, sometimes joy; however, God is not moved by emotions. Our emotions will not move the hand of God in our lives. God responds to faith. Through faith you receive His precious promises into your life. There is only one way a child of God lives and that is by faith. For without faith you cannot please God. 

So in order to get through this season we gotta speak the language of heaven; it’s the language of faith- we have to live by faith  

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘But the righteous man shall live by faith’ (Romans 1:17). 

When we are speaking faith we can’t focus on what it looks like (expound on the time/season); it’s not focusing on our feelings but focusing on our needs 

So how do we speak the language of faith?  We start by searching the scriptures to find out what God has said about us; what He has spoken over lives and what He has done to affirm His love for us.

We have to begin looking at what we see with our spiritual eyes not our natural eyes- Romans 4:16-17 

There are levels of faith.  As we begin to walk in faith and draw closer to God, we will begin to go from faith to faith; glory to glory Romans 1:17.

In this season, be mindful of what we speak.  Let's intentionally guard our hearts and regardless of what we see, speak in faith what we desire to see and watch God respond to His Word!

Check out this small clip: https://www.facebook.com/504484235/videos/10158867786934236/

Be encouraged today...Over the past couple of days I've spoken to several people who are going through different things from finances, ministry-related problems, to relationship problems; looking at their situation/resources and based upon what's in their hands becoming discouraged about it. I, too have been struggling to some degree. But yesterday in prayer God reminded me that my resources don't override Him as being the Source. In Matthew 14:13-21, after a long day of ministry and performing miracles, Jesus' disciples were ready to send the multitudes away because in their hands, they saw ONLY two fish and five loaves of bread. But after Jesus instructed them to put it in His hands, He blessed it, broke it, and distributed it and the Bible says that the multitudes ate and were satisfied AND they had leftovers! Be encouraged in knowing that if you are a disciple of Christ and you are occupying the Kingdom until He returns that though your resources in your hands are minimum, when you put it in God's hands He will make it a miracle! And not only will you eat, not only will you be satisfied, but you will have abundance (leftovers)! Declare that! Don't allow your situation be it ministry related, finances, health, or relational, etc. to tell you otherwise. Trust God with your situation/resources. Put it in His hands knowing that He is the Source. Jesus will turn your minimal into a miracle!

This week....I felt like walking out. I felt numb, overwhelmed, inadequate, and in over my head. I cried myself to sleep and woke up worried. Every classroom teacher experiences a year or even years like this. And every good teacher over stresses about whether they are effective...It comes with the territory. I prayed and asked God for the insight to reach my kids and some encouragement. He provided. 

Today, I ran into one of my former parents whose child was transferred to another class at the beginning of the school year. The parent was very reserved, so I never really said much to her; we were cordial and our conversation was limited. So when her child transferred to the other class, even though I was heartbroken, I didn't think much of it. I remember the student being unusually distraught- overcome with emotion. But again, I didn't think anything of it. 

Well when I saw the parent today, I just made the comment of how proud I am of the student and how I miss her in my classroom. The parent in concurrence, tells me that at the end of the school last year, she applied and her child was accepted into one of the magnet schools or private schools (I couldn't remember which one) in the district, but her child wanted to wait to see if I was going to be her teacher for this upcoming school year. So when she found out I was her child's teacher, seeing the excitement of her child, she declined the spot.  The morning she found out her child was being transferred to another class, she received another opportunity for her child to be apart of this school and declined the offer for the second time. That afternoon when the child came home from school, she learned the news of the transfer.

What parent would decline an offer for his/her child to be in a specialty school? A parent who knows that teachers are the ones who have the ability to provide his/her child with quality education, one who is firm yet loving, and one who teaches accountability and responsibility in addition to academics. Though it was challenging in the beginning, the student is thriving in fourth and doing well. She hugs me every chance she gets and it was the encouragement that I needed.

I take my job seriously. Sometimes too seriously. But it's encouraging to know it's not in vain. Your character/reputation always precede you. Proverbs 12 talks about the benefits of being a hard worker in comparison to a lazy person. A hard worker will always find a way to lead and get what he wants.  If you work hard, you will get a fortune.  It's important to never quit and always show yourself some compassion; self love. 

Sometimes we can be our own worst critic. Every "i" wont be dotted, every "t" will not be crossed. But no matter what don't quit.  In the words of Cheryl Perkins, when you want to throw your hands up and quit, throw your feet up instead and let God carry you.  He sees what you need.  Do your part. You make a difference and can make an impact in someone's life.

The Love Again Initiative was created to bring an awareness to mental health and the importance of self care/self love. With educating and providing resources to the community, we can shed light on mental illnesses and break the stigma on mental health that affects so many lives and families. Through this initiative, I want to coordinate programs/events that is geared towards mental health, provide individuals/families with incentives for making their mental health a priority, make the Love Again Vlog series more effective and reach a larger audience, and inspire others in song, "Clap for Me", a song about self love. Any donation to this initiative is greatly appreciated

I'm very passionate about mental health because I know all too well how it affects individuals and families. I simply want to dispell some of the stigmas behind mental illnesses and create a healthy dialogue about the importance of mental health from a holistic approach. You can help me by simply donating to the cause or booking Kimberly Gunn Music for your next upcoming event. Click on the link. Any donation to this initiative is greatly appreciated.

The Love Again Initiative: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2003732286393863/