Fall Fashion Trend Tip: Scarves

Now, this is a trend that everyone should enjoy. Scarves add the extra little completion to any outfit both day and evening. It could even take the place of a statement necklace or some gigantic earrings.                                                                                                                                  
The great thing about scarves is that they refuse to discriminate against age, weight or skin tone, so have fun and explore the world of scarves. You can find them almost anywhere. Here are a few that I love from Old Navy, Target, The Loft and JCrew but again, you can look in any store and find a beautiful scarf.                                                                                               -Tamika Duley                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

  
 HOW TO WEAR IT

On Earth

Have you ever been at a place in your salvation where you began to question God and the 

Kingdom?  Have you ever wanted to just quit this whole salvation thing?  If you answer 

was yes to either of those questions, then you are not alone.  I’m sure that many believers 

have sat in the seat of doubt at one time or another.  Lately, I’ve been pondering what it is 

that makes us go from mountain top belief one day into the valley of sheer doubt the next.  

If you are asking that question, too, then I have one of the reasons for you. 

While in church a few Sundays ago, I was praying the Lord’s Prayer along with everyone 

else.  I asked myself, “How many times have I recited this prayer?”  I am sure that if I 

tried calculating it, the number would be too numerous to count.  Anyway, when we got 

to the part that says, “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” I 

realized at that moment that most people are still waiting for their lives to be on earth as it 

is in heaven.  And the problem with some Christians is that their life is not as God says it 

is in heaven.  And the reason why is doubt enters in their hearts when they get tired of 

waiting for the manifestation of their miracle.  I believe that the doubt which we 

sometimes go through is the very thing that is holding up the blessing that we’re so 

desperate for.  After waiting for so long, you get to the point of weariness in your waiting 

and you begin to think that it will never happen to you.  Imagine what your life would be 

life if Satan never tricked you into doubting God.  If you can’t see it, let me describe it to 

you. 

Life without doubt would look something like this.  First of all, you’d never worry or 

even think about money because after all, your Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills, 

and you live in a mansion on a street made of gold.  And don’t forget that David said he’s 

never seen the righteous forsaken nor God’s seed begging.”  Also, you wouldn’t be ill for 

long because there are no sick folk in heaven, so there are no sick folk on earth. And you 

would always be at peace and full of joy because you would be worshipping God both 

day and night with the angels. 

First Lady LaShawn Thompson

Searching for a Real Love

While patronizing one of our local shops the other day, I heard a song that inspired me to leave, get into my vehicle, and jot down the title for this note.  The song was, you guessed it, “Real Love,” sung by one of today’s well-known female artists.  I’m telling you, a person can become inspired by almost anything when he/she is filled with the Holy Spirit.

I believe that the people of today are searching for real love- not just the love between a man and a woman- but a love that is Godly and a love that is genuine and true.  Most people are looking for a love that comes without painful conditions.  Anyone who is looking for this kind of love can get it only from the Father.  He is the only one who can give you what your soul is longing for.  And guess what?  God desires something from you as well.  He desires that you learn to love the way Christ does.  The idea of loving like the Lord sounds pretty easy at first, doesn’t it?  And it can be.  It can be easy, only if you realize the truth of it.

The truth of loving the way God wants us to, is that you must follow the way the Word says to do it and not the way you are used to doing it because as humans we have a way of loving others conditionally.  Just think about it; one of the first think you learn, as a new believer, is that we love Christ because “He first loved us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  You see, He showed His love first, and then we decided to reciprocate by living for Him.  What if the Lord did not actually die for us?  What if he did not perform all the signs and wonders that the Bible speaks of?  I ask you, would you still love and serve Him?  I know that my answers would be yes, yes, and yes.  Christ would not have to actually die for me to prove his love.  His love was well proven in what He did while He was alive.   He didn’t have to die, but I am glad that He did.  So in my effort to be more like Him, the least that I can do is love the right way.  If you don’t know what the right way is, I’ll tell you.

The right way is with patience and kindness.  The right way is without envy, but with thankfulness in your heart, not boasting and without pride; but with humility, considering yourself; without rudeness or selfishness, but with a giving heart; without anger or keeping track of wrongs; and last, without delighting in evil, but rejoicing when truth is evident.

Now, when you think of it like that, it’s no easy task because you must be operating in all of it in order to love the way He desires.  No, it’s not easy but “doable.”

Who’s the Boss?

One of the things that I love about my children’s getting older is the change in the way that they think and speak.  I love to stand and listen to the conversations that they have with one another.  Sometimes I listen, and I realize that my children have gotten more and more mature with each passing year.  There have been some conversations that I’ve heard which have truly amazed me.  It amazes me that children so young can be so perceptive of the world around them.  Just a few days ago, I overheard a conversation that two of my boys were having about God.  Wait until you hear this!

A.J. was singing a song about the Lord, which he obviously was making up on the spot.  He sang, “You are so awesome; You’re the boss J.” Then Robert, being the detailed little person that he is said, “God is not the Boss.” And then A.J. said, “God is the Boss.”  And so being the contenders that they are, Robert and A.J. went toe to toe about whether or not God is the boss until finally, Robert said, “God is not the boss because sometimes people don’t do what He says.”  Wow, out of the mouth of babes!

When I heard him say that, I said to myself: “Then, who’s the boss?”  And this is what I heard in my Spirit: “That is a good question.”

Sometimes I look at the lives of people who say that they love God and live for Him, and I wonder how that is possible when their lives speaks something different.  You see, when a person really gives his/her life to Him, then it is evident in his/her daily walk.  That person dies to his/her self, and his/her wants.  He/She chooses daily to make the most of every opportunity to live for God.  That kind of person really is a child of God.

Saints, if you are going to reach your destiny, then you must realize that you have been “crucified with Christ; nevertheless, you live.”  You must be determined to live a life worthy of His name.

Be blessed, healed, delivered, and set free!

First Lady LaShawn 

Listen Closely

And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.

Deuteronomy 10:19

Years ago, after I had my first child, the Lord spoke to me through Pastor David Ireland and said, “As you hold your children, I will speak to you and give you answers and direction.”  I took that to mean that whether I was interacting with my children through some form of bonding or just watching their lives develop, He would speak to me.  God has done just that.  Although He does speak to me at other times, it seems that in this season of my life, He usually gets my attention through my children.

I remember a special time when Pastor Andy and I took our children on a family vacation, a periodic vacation, away from the cares of the world, is something that I strongly suggest.  Everyone needs a time of rest away from the cares of the world.  The bible says in Psalm 127:2 that “He grants sleep or rest to those He loves.”  If the Word says it, I believe that it should be done.  Anyway, back to my point.  While on vacation, I was observing my son Robert.  He is one of my children who tends to be the most reserved in public, but of course, I know him to be different at home.  But lately, I’ve noticed that he is not only watching people, but that he is drawn to them.  On vacation, I saw him not only playing with children he had never met, but he was also talking to the parents of the children much more than usual.  One day, he was talking to a complete stranger who had no children with her.  Being a responsible parent, I told Robert that he should never talk to strangers.  Just as I said it, I heard that Lord say, “This is the way my people should be – free to love and embrace others.”  That seems to be a truth most saints have yet to walk in, even with each other.  It certainly is a challenge to do what the Word says in Matthew 18:3 and become like a little child.  But we must do it!

Pastor Andy has stated that he’s praying and believing that in the next 6-12 months, the common heathen will be drawn to our church, seeking a place of refuge and safety.  We all know that the harvest is ripe.  If God truly has called us to this church, then we must get ready for the harvest that is coming our way.  We cannot afford to shrink from our God-given responsibility to nurture those souls.  Family, we have a lot of loving to do.  But don’t worry.  God will give us grace for the race because we are here for such a time as this!

Love and Peace,

Your First Lady

TOTAL HONESTY

One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is Psalm 51:6.  In this Psalm, King David, after 

sinning greatly, is before God asking for forgiveness and mercy.  He says in verse 6, 

“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts.”  David received a revelation that the Lord 

requires honesty from the people who serve Him in order to bless Him.  King David was 

able to be honest about what he had done and where his heart was.  Now, that I admire. 

It seems to me that finding honesty has become like finding a rare jewel.  Total honesty is 

like a refreshing rain, and I am amazed at the lack of total honesty that I find in the 

church community.  One of the challenges of counseling is that people often find it 

difficult to be completely honest and tell the whole story.  When you get only a portion of 

the story, then you can give only a partial solution.  It is like serving God with a portion 

of yourself.  God requires all of you so that He can bless all of you.  There are times 

when a Word of knowledge comes, and it can help the situation but the real healing is in 

the honesty. 

Perhaps it would be easier to be truthful the way God desires if we knew the blessing in 

it.  1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and 

purify us from all unrighteousness.”  The power of this passage is in the confession.  His 

righteousness is made complete as you courageously tell the truth. 

The thing about truth is that it bears strong fruit that remains when all else fails.  I have a 

deep desire to be a person of honesty.  And although at times it may be difficult, I am still 

determined to press forward toward the mark of truth.  My prayer is that we will all reach 

a place of humility and maturity, where we are people who walk in the council of God’s 

wisdom and the truth of the Word.  I believe that those kinds of people are World 

Overcomers.  I know it is hard to lay yourself bare, but you must remember that you are 

an Overcomer and that you can do all things through Christ who gives you the strength.  

So be encouraged, and don’t shrink back; be determined to be honest. 

First Lady LaShawn

He Knows

Have you ever been at a place in your life where although you had people around, it felt 

as if no one was there and you were all alone in the world?  You were going through 

something that you couldn’t quite put your finger on, but you knew that things were not 

right.  In this strange place, things feel out of sorts, and suddenly, there is confusion 

where there was once perfect clarity.  You may even allow yourself to share these 

feelings with a friend or loved one, and he/she doesn’t quite understand where you are 

coming from.  Or even worse, he/she starts to analyze how you’re feeling and your state 

of mind when actually maybe you just need someone to listen and not judge.  In those 

times, you can’t see the fruitfulness of God in your life or feel His presence around you.  

We have all gone through that dry place at one time or another, so don’t feel as if you are 

alone. 

If you are human as I am, although you know what God is God and He is well able, you 

still wonder what’s really going on during those rough and dry times.  We all want to feel 

that our lives are great and that we are consistently moving forward.  So we wonder why 

salvation doesn’t seem as blessed and exciting as it was before.  You ask God, “Is the 

enemy trying to attack me?”  And “What can I do to get back to the way things used to 

be?”  The answer to the latter is that God knows! 

Beloved, it may not be the enemy attacking you or anything necessarily that anyone has 

done, but it could be God Himself.  Although our Father would never throw His children 

into despair and confusion, He will allow for there to be times of drought and uneasiness 

so that He can get your attention. Now, the reason is God’s; and it is for your good.  

Remember that the Word says that we should rejoice in the Lord always.  Of course, this 

is only possible when you trust God in everything. 

As I said before, you’re not alone because we have all gone through that place of 

discomfort.  In fact, some of you may be going through it now.  I pray that it comforts 

your soul to know that the Almighty God sees and knows everything that you are facing.  

Just hold onto the Word in this season of your life.  And whatever you do, don’t miss the 

blessings of maturity and strength that come out of the trials, because even while you are 

in them, He has promised never to leave you nor forsake you. 

So, go through, and come out as pure gold! 

Your First Lady

Sight for the Blind

Jesus said in Mark 14:7 that “the poor you will have with you always.”  There was a time 

in my life when I thought that scripture referred only to financial poverty.  Well, the 

longer that I am saved and serve God and His people, I know that scripture refers to a 

whole lot more than money.  That could mean any area of your life in which you just 

don’t get it. 

I believe that there are things that some of us go through that are not the fault of the 

enemy but clearly a result of our bad decisions.  Now there are those who make a bad 

decision and learn from it.  But then, there are those of us who keep going back making 

the same mistakes over and over until the damage is irreversible.  These kinds of people 

need sight. 

As a pastor’s wife, I spend a lot of time counseling, and nothing makes me sadder than a 

person who just can’t see the truth.  My wonderful husband said something a long time 

ago, and it has stuck with me ever since I heard it.  He said, “The truth rings.”  What he 

meant by that is, you can always tell whether something or someone is true; it will bear 

witness with your Spirit.  You can’t hide from what is really true! 

My prayer for the members of our church is that you begin to see what God sees.  Our 

Father knows the past and sees the future.  So when you see what He sees, you won’t be 

blinded by the enemy.  Nor will you continue to make mistakes contrary to what you 

know is true.  The Lord wants us to walk in faith and victory.  He holds in his hands sight 

for the blind.  You must begin to ask God to open your spiritual eyes so that you can see 

what He sees.  This, my brothers and sisters will give you victory beyond your 

imagination. 

Your First Lady 

Not Yet Known

Dear friends, 
Now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.

(1 John 3:1-2)

For now we see through as glass, darkly, but then face to face shall we see: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

(1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV)

What awesome scriptures these are!  They are the scriptures that you hold onto when things around you appear to remain the same.  No matter what things look like today, this is the kind of Word that helps you to hold on till you see your promise fulfilled.

I’ve been reminded of those scriptures lately because of something that I am praying for God to change.  I need God to kick this thing up a notch!  And, it’s not as though nothing is happening in this circumstance.  It’s just kind of slow moving – or so it seems to be that way to me.  But no matter what, I continue to hold on daily for the results that I wish to see because, if nothing else, I know that my God will do what He has promised.  How do I know this?  I know this because He has done it in my past.  If you look back from where you came, I am sure you could say the same.

That’s why it is never a good idea to speak ill of what will happen before it actually does.  Although it can be difficult to do, you must learn to believe that God’s Word is always true.  It is true of what happens in your life, and it is true of you as an individual.  You are who He says you are, not who the world says that you are.  You can accomplish anything that He has told you to do.  You can be what He has told you to be.  Why?  This statement is true because of what His living Word says.

So don’t be dismayed if your finances don’t look too good right now; it’s just a glass darkly.  Don’t be dismayed when your marriage is in a rough spot right now; it’s just a glass darkly.  Don’t be dismayed when your child is not acting as he/she should; it’s just a glass darkly.  Beloved, don’t be dismayed at what you see.  Just remember that until you see what God sees, you are only looking into your future through the cloudiness of your situation.  You must believe that your future is so bright that you’ll have to wear shades.  For is not yet known to this world what you shall be.  As Pastor Andy would say, wait till they get a load of you!

First Lady LaShawn

Admonishment for Mothers

Live every day with your children as if your heavenly Father was watching.  
Because He is.

Keep your weapons of prayer and intercession sharpened. 
So, that when you go to battle for your child, all of heaven stands at attention.

While they are in your care, don’t allow the world’s obsession with premature growth and labels of failure to dominate, dictate or destroy your child’s God given purpose.  
It is your job to fight for your children until they can fight for themselves.

Be careful how you live, not as unwise but as wise.  So that your child may follow in your footsteps and find success and victory by imitating you.

Remember to instruct their ignorance, because these are things you haven’t taught them yet.  Discipline their rebellion while they’re young and impressionable so that the world doesn’t have to do it for you later.

With Love

First Lady LaShawn Thompson




To download and print a copy of this Admonishment please click the link below
http://www.wocconline.org/mediafiles/mothers-admonishment.pdf

FOR SINGLE WOMEN: What to Know Before You Meet Him (Part 2 of 3)

Tools For Your Belt  

FOR SINGLE WOMEN: What to Know Before You Meet Him (Part 2 of 3) 

TOPIC: Today's Man 

1. Most of them “ain’t got game”  We have stripped them of the chase.  Women have become the pursuers’, therefore 
leaving men to “be found”.  This is not Gods plan.  

  

2. They may not have game but they do like a chase  Try not to play too hard to get, but don’t come off as desperate either.  

  

3. They’ve been trained to be PC by us Most Men will agree with  

what we want while suppressing what they desire and say it’s  

okay because in their minds that’s the “right” thing to do.  Due to  

men’s past abuse of their role in our lives they have succumbed  

to our fight for liberation and equality.  They are very  

apprehensive about voicing what they really what in a woman.   

  

4. Most men want traditional things  
    a.  Kids (a son)‐ like God (Gen 1) men want to see themselves reproduced 
            in the earth.  

     b. To be able to take care of their woman   

     c.  A wife who’s willing to cook and to be taken care of  

Next and last installment of Tools for Your Belt: First Date Tips

FOR SINGLE WOMEN (Part 1 of 3)

Tools For Your Belt  

FOR SINGLE WOMEN: What to Know Before You Meet Him (Part 1 of 3) 

1. Be found serving

Take the example of Ruth, who was found by Boaz on the threshing floor.  She was working to serve another.  

  

2. Make your list but check it twice 

Consult your heavenly and earthly father about your list.  Be sure that your list for a mate is  realistic.  

  

3. Care about your appearance inside and out 

When you leave your house have the mind‐set that you never know who you’re going to see.  Somewhere outside your door, you may meet your husband that day. On the other hand, while looks are important, they’re not everything.  You must balance good looks with great inner qualities. There’s got to me more to you.  Men, will date the finest woman, but unless she’s a quality woman inside, most likely they won’t take her home to meet mama.  

  

4. Become financially and educationally balanced 

Know what you really should do for a career before marriage, therefore you're not changing gears in midst of your marriage. Take this time to get your finances in order.  Learn to live by a budget, and pay bills on time.  

  

5. Learn to make a house/apartment a home - Get domesticated.  

   1.  Keep it neat and make it warm and inviting.  

  2. Learn the joys of cooking – cooking is a ministry  

       a. It brings the family together‐ opens communication in families.  

      b. It keeps the family healthier‐ (the average restaurant has 60% more calories in their                                 meals).  That percentage is higher for fast foods.   

     c. It saves money‐ Americans are now spending about 40% of their food budget on      outside meals 

We hope this information has been helpful to you. Stay tuned for part 2!