Hello Blessed One's,

That thing that you are asking and pleading with God for is on its way. God is just making sure that you are fully able to handle it and appreciate it. Rest assured that His plans for us exceed our dreams.  Our God is able and just to deliver us. Will you trust Him? Or will you give in? The choice is yours.... Know that when He answers we will know. So while you wait, trust and pray and allow Him to have His way in your life today.

As you approach your week, expect greatness. Don't worry about tomorrow, just live for today and allow God to have His way!

Romans 8: 38-39

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Because He loves us so much, He desires for us to enjoy life fully; rest assured knowing that He is perfecting that thing for you.

Have a blessed week; stay blessed and stay covered by prayer.

Yours Truly,

Meleny

Here is the blog I have been promising, long overdue; may it bless and encourage you!

The time is N.O.W. - New Opportunities Waiting

That dream job, the financial breakthrough, your clean bill of health, your pain, your mental freedom, your emotional healing, your spiritual growth, your relationship restored with family and loved ones and whatever you desire is waiting for YOU! The time is N.O.W. – there are New Opportunities Waiting- but how bad do you want them?

The world is waiting on you to ACT. Stop talking about it and live it. The truth is… each day you are given is a chance to impact a life. Every day that you are alive means that there is more for you to do. There is something for you to accomplish and it all begins with YOU. Don’t settle for mediocrity and for just existing. It is time for you to start living. Every time that clock strikes you have just wasted more of your own time. Act now and live proud. Step out on faith knowing that He (God) will make a way.

The key to your success and breakthrough has been in your possession. Do you realize how valuable you are? Do you realize how special you are? Do you realize how powerful you are? If you have not, I’m here to tell you that you are priceless. No one can do you, like you do. Whatever you do, whatever you say, remember that today is your day. Every hour, every minute, every second, opportunity knocks, what will you say? Will this be the day that you take control of your life? Will this be the day that you say goodbye fear and hello faith? Will this be the day that you say goodbye doubt and hello deliverance? Will this be the day that you say YES to yourself?

The choice is yours; choose wisely there are others depending on you. One thing you have to realize is that the ministry is not just in the churches. Change your thinking and allow Him to use you where you are to reach those who need to be found. If you have been struggling with your life’s purpose and you know that there is more that you would like to do repeat this prayer and know we will be praying for you.

Dear Lord,

I thank you for the life you have given me; I thank you for the gifts you have planted within. Change my thinking, my speaking and my living. Clean me up and make me new. Father, help me to believe and understand that I am to reflect the image of You. Help me to accept my faults and move past the guilt and shame. Help me to eliminate the naysayers in my life and surround myself with positive people. Help me to say Yes to myself and YES to your way.

In everything I do and say help me to remember that you are always there. Comfort me when I feel all alone and give me the strength to carry-on. Grant me the courage to seize every opportunity that will come my way. Strengthen me as I go through the trials and keep my focus on You. I know the road ahead will not be easy but I’m ready to discover the real Me. I will not waist another minute! Lord as I strive to let you be my guide, help me not to give up or give in. Help me move forward in faith into my NOW! Thank you Lord for clarity and confirmation that you will provide.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen, Amen and Amen.

As always blessed people, you ARE blessed so be a blessing to someone else!

Meleny "DaBlessedOne" Thomas

It is amazing what a little faith can do... As you go through this week, exercise your faith. Be more deliberate with your faith. What is that thing or person that seems to be giving you a lot of difficulty? Begin speaking to that thing and situation. God has given YOU the authority to claim and reclaim your prosperity. Faith is acting diligently not knowing the results or outcome. This week, have a little for faith and watch God give you favor in that situation!

As always, remember, you are blessed, so be a blessing to someone else.

Meleny "DaBlessedOne" Thomas

Good Night Blessed People,

Do you realize that tomorrow marks 16 days of the F.A.S.T(Frequently Abolishing Self and Trusting Him)? How has it been going for you? Were you able to keep to your fast? Did it seem as if that thing you are fasting from seemed more desirable? If it did, that is how the enemy works. Every time you begin to pick up your bible or pray, a lot of distractions may come your way.  You may suddenly become so tired and fall asleep or be interrupted by a phone call of a friend in need. The enemy knows that there is power in the WORD and he wants to keep you powerless. Continue to fight the good fight and grow more and more in Him and you will glow! People will notice something about you, that you may not even see yourself. Moreover, as promised we are here to provide further instructions for the upcoming weeks.

During this time of reflection, I was given some insight on identifying the type of person we are and the type of people we surround ourself with. I have concluded that we all fit into one or more of the three categories: those that HELP you, those that HALT (stop, bring to a close) you,and those that HARM you. Where exactly do you fit in? These next two weeks L.O.V.E. International Network challenges you to first truly examine yourself and your behaviors and patterns; next, examine the relationships that you have-these include but are not limited to, friendships and companionships.

Here are few questions for you to consider during your thorough evaluation:

1.       What are my goals in life? (if you have no goals for yourself this is a MAJOR problem- begin by setting small goals. ) For example, a small goal would say “today I will park my car further away from the store in an effort to get a little more exercise.”

a.       When setting goals you need to consider the following: Is it S.M.A.R.T?

           i.     S- specific (or clear)

           ii.     M- measurable (or meaningful)

          iii.     A- attainable (or action-oriented)

          iv.     R- relevant (or rewarding

           v.     T- time bound (or trackable)

2.      What are my dreams?

a.      Think about your ultimate career choices,places you would like to travel etc.

3.      What am I most passionate about?

a.       If you could do anything in the world (career wise) what would it be and why? Figure out the things you are most passionate about.

4.      What drives me to succeed?

a.       What are the things that make you want to do better and be better? (ie. Children,spouse, significant other, etc.) whatever or whoever  that driving force may beuse that person/thing and be the best you that you can be!

5.      What negative behavior patterns or habits do I have?

a.       If you say that you do not have any, you are mistaken. No one is perfect. Seek to identify the things/habits that may be detrimental to your physical, emotional and mental health.

6.      Do I value myself?

a.       Recognize your worth and realize that you deserve the very best in life. Stop settling for mediocrity and live the life of your dreams.

Once you have answered these questions about yourself then you need to examine how your personal relationships measure up in accordance to your responses. If people are not adding to your life, you need to rid yourself of them or change their “status” in your life. They should no longer be a friend but an acquaintance- someone who is not really a part of your inner circle. In life, letting go is very difficult but it is a necessity if we want to move on and be better people. Free yourself from negativity; do not allow goal less individuals to occupy space and time in your life.  I saw this awesome quote that was perfect for this blog…“A SHIP is designed to take you places so if your companionSHIP, friendSHIP, partnerSHIP or relationSHIP isn't taking you anywhere, then you need to let that SHIP go!!!!”  Stop holding on to stagnant “ships,” you will not pay money to go on a cruise to nowhere, right? Realize that you are far too valuable to not value your time. Do not continue to waste time on meaningless “Ships”. ALL ABOARD…..Self discovery has set sail! Enjoy the ride, discover the champion inside! Let us know how it works for you!

 As always remember, Be a blessing because you ARE blessed! I love you for reading!

 Yours truly,

 Meleny “DaBlessedOne” Thomas

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Lent; what is that you ask? Lent is a period of fasting, beginning from Ash Wednesday to Easter; which lasts a total period of 40 days. You may often hear people say “I’m giving up _____ for lent.” However, I have a few questions to ask. What positive thing have you put in place of what you have given up? Are you just “fasting” to be a part of the “clique”or are you really seeking a change?

L.O.V.E International Network would like to encourage you to seriously consider that thing you are giving up for 40 days.  Be realistic with your choices; excluding a certain type of poultry or meat or fast food from your diet, is a type of realistic choice. The point is, do not set yourself up for failure; We want you to succeed! During this period of fasting you MUST get lost in self reflection, prayer and the Word (Holy Bible). I challenge you to journal for those 40 days to see what God is saying to you. Or write down your prayers. This documentation serves as a reminder to what God has said or what you have promised or desired.

God speaks in various ways and He often uses people to get through to us. Are you ready to get lost in Him? Are you ready for your break through and self discovery? Well the time is now! Join this challenge with us. Be bold, be courageous, be YOU; the REAL YOU God intends of you!!!

The first week, do not ask any questions, just seek God where He may be found; that is through prayer and the Word. Pray for yourself,your decisions, your family, friends and your enemies too. Pray for people around the world struggling to make it through. Submit yourself in prayer and fast from that thing you so desire. Proverbs 14:12- There is a way that “seems”right to man, but its end is death." This week seek God, not your own instinct.Trust him and He will be that direction in this wayward path of life. Do not seek for self glorification, that will last but for a moment! Know that L.O.V.E International Network will be praying with you.

The second week, ask God “what do you desire of me?” God is speaking to a lot of you, but you have chosen to ignore the call. Friends, do not have the "Jonah experience", do what it is God is telling you to do. When you feel that nudge in the right direction, know that is of God. God is seeking individuals to make investments in the kingdom: best part about it is, these stock rates never decline! Are you willing to invest today? These investments we speak of are not always monetary; it is of your time, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a kind deed, and so on. Treat others well while you can;but don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does- Matthew 6:3. No need to publicize your good deeds, your reward is heaven bound!

Come back again in two weeks for further instructions. We pray that as you begin this fast you earnestly seek Him in all your deeds.Remember the 3 S’s for 2013: Seek God (through prayer, fasting and reading the word), See His purpose for your life (through seeking God, you will receive direction for where you need to go) and SECURE His promises (claim the promises God has declared over your life). We encourage each of you to hold on to the 3 S’s forthe New Year and during this lent season.  

L.O.V.E International Network defines F.A.S.T as –Faithfully Abolishing SELF and Trusting Him (God)- Will you fast today?

Decrease self to allow His increase in your life.

His humble servant,

Meleny “DaBlessedOne” Thomas

Welcome to our blog, this blog is my early birthday gift to you! Hope you enjoy reading. If you do, be sure to share it with someone else!

As Valentines approaches you often hear phrases like, “Who will be my valentine this year?” Valentine ’s Day is a holiday to celebrate love and relationships; however, the key word is DAY. If you wait ONLY for this day to show and tell those that you love them and you care, then that is not true LOVE.  Love should not have a designated day for you to say it, show it and display it. The term “I love You” is used too frivolously now a days.  Love is a verb, which is an action word; therefore, it should not just be heard, but seen in all your actions and deeds.

To those of you who are single, I encourage you not to seek for a valentine for that day, but to be your own valentine and love you all through the year. I read an awesome quote in Essence Magazine today it said, “Treat relationships like you do a grocery store; do not go grocery shopping when you’re hungry, you are likely to pick up ANYTHING!” Stop "picking up" the second best when you deserve the VERY best!  Wait, His (God's) timing is PERFECT!

It is time that you learn to be content with yourself and stop chasing people for fear of being "alone." Stop putting yourself on clearance;don’t devalue you, when you do, others will too! Don’t seek a “one-time” love but develop a lifetime love. Love you for who you are flaws and all! We are not perfect, but it is our imperfections that make us unique.  The truth is you will never be the prettiest/ most handsome, the smartest, the coolest, the most popular, but you should always be YOU! Don’t comprise your beliefs/morals for something that is temporary. You see, I believe in perfect love.  I believe that there is someone for everyone. Furthermore, I believe that a lot of you have“settled” for that one who offers the conditional love. This conditional love places restrictions on the way you love and how you love. It says things like:

I will only love you unless you always agree with me.

I won’t love you if you talk to this person that I don’t like.

From the examples, you can attest that we may have experienced this type of love at some point in our life. The conditional love excludes compromise. In relationships (marriage, dating, and even friendships) compromise is a key component. Without compromise of BOTH parties that “love” will be conditional.   Examples of this unconditional love can be found from the one above. He loves you more than life itself, which is why He gave up His life that we may now have breath!  Take a moment to thank Him today for blessing you and loving you that way!

Repeat after me…

“I am not defined by anybody; I am who God created me to be. I will learn to love me for who I am and not seek to change so that I can ‘fit in.’ From this day forth I will hold my head high and walk with pride, because I am a child of the most high! Valentine ’s Day will be everyday as I vow today to begin loving me the perfect way. Unconditionally”

Remember what I always say: "You are blessed so be a blessing to someone else today."

I love you for reading,

Meleny "DaBlessedOne" Thomas