Idiotic Cartoon Behavior

Last weekend’s hair appointment garnered much more than a fly hair cut! I was left with an ever-souring taste in my mouth regarding the foolishness that is currently on television. It seems as though youth-targeted shows are of the most grotesque in content.

To make a long story short, my hairdresser had on the show American Dad. Now, I’ve seen previews of this show, but never witnessed a full episode; until now. I was appalled! This cartoon promoted drug usage, open fornication, and profane language. The use of innuendos was absent as the foul mouth characters openly discussed the “okay” factor of teenagers having premarital sex and the “joys” of smoking crack! What?! I felt like I was either in the Twilight Zone, or on the hidden camera show Punk’d! This vulgarity could not be unfolding before my eyes on DAYTIME television!

And I kept thinking, THIS IS A CARTOON!!!!

What type of tomfoolery are the writers of these shows subscribing to?!


At that instant, the complete and utterly Satan-induced perversion of this world’s system slapped me in the face. This realization quickened my spirit to put an end to such nonsense! Children should not be subject to foolishness that idiotic adults market under the guise of “harmless” animation. And I for one, will not stand for the early leadings of our children to hell! The young mind is highly impressionable, and how dare Satan target our future!

I’m on a head-hunting mission to tear down the kingdom of darkness! And first order of business is putting such LAME attempts at “entertainment” out of business for good! It’s not okay! As adults, if you choose to go to hell after being presented with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, That’s Yo’ Business! But, I will not let the innocent, who have yet to develop the mechanics of understanding right and wrong, be led to damnation all in the name of entertainment! Devil, I THINK NOT!

I’m Officially Pissed Off!

“The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force!” Matthew 11:12

Nikki D

Celebrating Real Life

While listening to music, I realize that it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the technicalities of life. We become so concerned with the little inconsistencies that we miss out on just living. This is a great travesty because a joyous, happy, and full life is precisely what Christ promised us in John 10:10. Go out and live folks! Pursue and accomplish those burning passions that God has placed within you. By doing the small things that we enjoy—flying a kite, playing the guitar, teaching dance—we un-box God in our lives.


God is in absolutely everything, regardless of twisted ideology and speculation. He created everything for our enjoyment and ALL THINGS belong to Him. “The earth is the Lord’s, the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). Nothing belongs to Satan or is earmarked as his “property” or “industry”—he’s powerless, unless granted your power. He took what God created and skewed our perception of it, which led to perversion through carnal lusts.

Reclaim your independence from perversion through salvation in Christ Jesus. Then allow Him to re-teach you what the “off-limits” are in life. You’ll probably be surprised by what Christ recommends for good-living. Religiosity is suffocating the life out of God’s purposed creativity! It’s time to break free for good. Enjoy life people. This is what Christ desires above all things because He gave up His life, so that we would have a full one. Don’t let Him down. Accept Christ’s salvation, follow the Holy Spirit, and pursue every internal passion without impeding inhibitions.

Celebrate Life Today!

Adios Mis Amores!

Nikki D

“I Can’t Be Bothered”: Rejecting Agitation, Frustration, and Other Peace Robbers

Allow me to set the scenario. Ladies will best understand this one.

Just imagine with me for a minute. You have just gotten out the shower and are drying your hair from a fresh wash. You feel refreshed; your hair is happy because it’s no longer dirty. You take your time to prep your hair to sit under the dryer—you already know how fly it’s going to look when you’re done! As soon as you set up your hood dryer, position yourself under it, and turn it on, the breaker in your house trips and all the power goes out. You’ve got somewhere to be and you thought that your apartment complex had previously rectified the faulty breaker situation. What do you do? How do you feel? What is your response to this fiasco?

True story. I went through a month full of these eventful occurrences with my power, and the first week I was overwhelmed with agitation. It wasn’t fair that my apartment was the only one affected by this problem. Maintenance knew about it, the power company was made aware, but still this issue plagued me. This month of “fluke” power outages tested me beyond my limit of peace until I realized something mid-month. This was something that I had no control over. I had reported the issue to every proper authority in the field. I, myself, am not an electrician so I couldn’t remedy the problem. So, what did I do? I wrapped up my hair, grabbed my laptop, and marched to the front office!

However, what I did next surprised me. When I got there I wanted to “go off” for the zillionth time; but for what? Instead, I simply asked if I could use the office power source to finish a project that needed to be completed. I chose that day to not be bothered by issues that were out of my control. I trusted that God saw, He heard my prayers regarding the problem, and that I had done everything in my power to bring about solution to the issue. I decided that day that frustration would not steal my joy because it was not supplied by it.

When we come to the realization that Christ came that we should have life, and life more abundantly (John 10:10), that all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28), and that Christ’s peace was left with us to utilize and enjoy (John 14:27), it’s easier to let stuff go. I have come to the conclusion that nothing—and I mean nothing or no one—will steal the peace that I have worked 26 years to receive and accept. I let things go with quickness if they even bring the “implication” of agitation. God does not desire us to be stressed, annoyed, disturbed, or angry so I reject those emotions. When they arise I speak aloud my new favorite phrase, “I can’t be bothered” and keeps it moving!

There’s so much more to life than being aggravated with things we can’t change. Pray about it, believe that you have what you say, do your part, and then LET IT GO! What will happen, will happen. In the meantime go enjoy the abundant life that God has promised us. Adopt my saying and love, laugh, and LIVE!

Peace be with you!

Nikki D

Watch The Throne: The Battle For Words

I am a firm believer in calling a cat a cat, and a spade a spade, if you catch my drift. So when I see a devil adorned in bling he’s nothing more than a sparkly devil to me. Today, I write in utter disgust at the audacity of the enemy, and the power of seduction that he has blinded many with, in the arena of words. As I read the commentary about the new Jay-Z and Kanye West album, Watch The Throne, I am immediately queasy. Not, by those who give the commentary or the artists themselves, but at the blatant darkness that is being passed off as the next “in” form of light. People—especially saints—must be mindful of what we allow to flow through our eye and ear gates. The Bible beckons us to "guard our heart", as well as these other entrances (see Proverbs 4:20-27 ). Taking heed to this proclamation is direly important because once garbage enters your heart, it will leave your mouth. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Moreover, if life isn’t flowing from your internal well—24-7-365—then death is the only other alternative.

Our words are a hot commodity today. Satan doesn’t want your stuff, he wants your words. Why, because he knows that you will have what you say (see Mark 11:23-24 & Job 22:28). And misery loves company; therefore, he wants to establish death in your life so that it will eventually lead to eternal damnation. Hey, don’t take my word for it; check the scriptures for yourself because it’s all there. It’s time to say what you mean and mean what you say, because this battle of words is a life or death situation. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” (Proverb 18:21)!

Understand that on Judgment Day God won’t accept what you meant in the place of what you said. We will all give an account of every careless word (see Matthew 12:36). Do you really want to get in front of the Creator fumbling and at a lost for the right words? God accepts no excuses. Holiness is His standard; so either do away with unholy things and play for His team, or be prepared to do battle with Him. But, do understand that the Messiah holds an undefeated title. Going toe to toe with Him is death. Period.

Mark my words: choose your words wisely!

Nikki D

What About Your Friends?

“A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” Job 6:14 NIV

In my reading the above verse of scripture jumped out to me with alarming intensity. Now many are familiar with the story of Job, and the terrible afflictions that he suffered during his testing. In the midst of these trials, however, he tenaciously modeled his faithfulness by never turning against the God who gave him life. Hence, Job’s example is a testament of true Christian endurance. However, his tribulations also revealed the need and importance of community.

In times of darkness and turmoil, in addition to faith in God, we need friends—true friends. Job made this longing starkly apparent when he revealed the importance of true fellowship with genuine confidants. The Message translation boldly states Job’s viewpoint: “When desperate people give up on God Almighty, their friends, at least, should stick with them”. Wow! This passage shows that we ALL—regardless of how together we are—need people we can discuss the ugly things with; those whom we remove our “church masks” around. As true friends, we are to be the representation of Christ to those in despair when they have all but given up on Christ.

Sometimes the task of serving an invisible God is daunting when persecution kicks into overdrive. It’s impossible to bear such burden individually, which is why from the beginning of time God said “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). He knew we would eventually need companionship to get through the tough times that we face in this perverse world. So, then the question remains, are you the type of friend willing to go into the trenches with your brother and sister during times of need? Are you the one helping friends in harsh conditions in spite of your own gnawing needs?

God looks at this sacrificial friendship and honors it. For, it is at these times that we most resemble His Son, Jesus Christ. So, the next time that you complain about your lack of genuine, real, self-less friends, check your mailbox and make sure that you resemble the type of friend that you desire. We must first BE whom we desire to attract! Remember opposites do not attract!

Friends—how many of us have them?

Nikki D

Spiritual Weight Loss: Day 5

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

God has truly been good to me for as long as I can remember, and this week has not been any less filled with His goodness. As you all follow me on this weight loss journey, I feel it necessary to document the importance of spiritual weight loss as well. As I fight the “battle of the bulge” through proper eating and regimented exercise practices, I am certain not to forget the Harness that holds all these initiatives together. For, this reason instead of today’s morning physical exercise, I attended church for some spiritual exercise. It’s important to understand that all the physical stamina in the world will not—and I repeat WILL NOT—breed success. If will power were enough then there would be a no need for a Savior.

It is only in God that I have strength to daily pursue the great task at hand. He beckons me to cast my cares on Him, which makes the journey that much lighter and palpable. Without God as my anchor I would have already given up and been satisfied with defeat. But, God’s Holy Spirit is what keeps me motivated when I’m emotionally and physically drained. Tapping into His eternal power source is what keeps me afloat in every undertaking that He requires of me—and losing weight is no different.

Therefore, I must stress the importance of proper spiritual nutrition and exercise as I take action in the physical. Because understand that your physical appearance, demeanor, outlook, etc. is a direct reflection of what’s going on with you spiritually. Hence, it was only a “supernatural” progression that I wanted my outside to mirror the baggage-free-weight-loss and freedom that is taking place on my inside.

Build yourself up daily with God’s word, and your outside will begin to resemble your spiritual strength and freedom.

Nikki D

Laughing In The Face of Death: Day 4

I was up and at ‘em early today after yesterday’s fiasco. I decided to take a different route, and initiate battle with the hill I’ve named The Beast. This monster-of-a-hill is straight incline; it’s like walking up a vertical wall. Two words—NO JOKE! I felt myself cringe as I approached the point of where the incline began. But, the sounds of Mother Nature in heat—that is why crickets rub their legs together right?—egged me on to move forward. So with a blaring yellow sign reading Dangerous Intersection on my right and the picturesque mile-long cemetery on my left, I laughed in death’s face and preceded on.

And I was off! Hiking and fighting for the very life that obesity has tried to snuff out. But, with God and consistency ALL I DO IS WIN (check Romans 8:28)! And when I saw my target mark at the top of the hill, I focused on it ignoring the burning in my calves and the shortened rhythm of my breathing. I was pressing towards that mark and there was nothing that was going to stop me! And before long the Tennessee Football Helmet Mailbox—my target—got bigger as I got closer. Soon it was right in arms reach and I knew I had achieved victory!!! Yea!! Another day, another 2 points for team Self-Disciplined Nicole!

So to everyone following my journey, understand that even with slip-ups and setbacks, make your next opportunity COUNT! Don’t wallow in past failure. Make the next day successful. Be relentless in your pursuit of the great destiny which God has promised for your life. Pursue every goal with the tenacity of Paul when he said, “One thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:13-14)!

LEGOOO!

Nikki D

What The Heck Is That Smell?!: Day Three

The alarm clock rings at 8:40 A.M.

“Okay God I’ll go walking by 9:30.”

The alarm sounds of at 9:30, and I roll back over in my bed.

By 10 o’clock, when I finally rise it’s not because of my own will. No, I detect this putrid smell coming through my air conditioning vents. “What the heck is that smell”, my face says without words. So, I get up and check the rooms for trash that was possibly left in bags—nothing. I head down stairs and the smell got more intense. I check the dishwasher that was half-full from the dirty dishes I didn’t run yesterday; it’s not that either. No trash, no dishes…so “what the heck is that smell!” This time I yell.

After, eating a light breakfast of tuna salad and crackers, I go on a one woman survival mission to sterilize my house from top to bottom. And anyone who knows me understands that this means that I was slinging BLEACH on everything. It ain’t clean unless I smell bleach! But to no avail, I still smelled the foul odor. I prayed, “Lord please don’t let me come across some dead animal in here, I mean this is Jawww-Ja (Georgia), it could be anything.” And then my nose begin to keenly pick up the origination of the scent; it was in my refrigerator. I found the culprit—a rancid ear of corn that I forgot about from last month! OMG! I got that thing outside so fast you would have thought I was a track runner!

But, from this muy interesante experience I got a revelation. God paralleled how my not being self-disciplined was just as foul to my spirit, soul, and body as that liquefied piece of corn. I was already breaking my routine of exercise, and He was showing my how lack of consistency could harbor smelly results. So, although I ignored the alarm clock and didn’t go walking, believe me God made me get my exercise today. Cleaning a house from top to bottom is physical work—much harder than going walking! So, I’ll choose walking for 100 Alex tomorrow because boy-looka-here I need a nap.

Adios good people! Remember that self-disciplined consistency is key!

Nikki D

Same Walk…A Different Animal: Day Two

Today’s morning walk was no less eventful than yesterday’s; however, it was a change of animal. What am I talking about, you ask? Oh, just how Mother Nature, herself, has felt the need to greet me as I go on this journey—and I’m not certain how I’m receiving her hospitality! Yesterday, as I trekked up the hill a little chiuaua— not leashed or attended by his owner—freely ran around outside. All I could say in my mind was, “Lord if this dog runs up to me he is going to be a fury football. Barrooooooooooo (him flying through the air lol)!” But, thankfully he apparently got the memo from King Jesus and realized that I wasn’t necessarily the type of person that he would want to come sniff and explore.

So with yesterday’s animal adventure forgotten, I peeled myself out of bed this morning and made my way up this hill. And as I walked by a bush—the one I always walk by—this bird decides to fly out of it. OMG! I nearly jumped out of my skin because he was so close to me. The element of surprise was never my favorite. Hence, I’ll just expect from now on that some beautiful animal will make it his duty to greet/root me on along this journey. (SN: By the way I don’t hate animals, so PETA advocates please don’t send me any hate mail…IJS).

With the critter events behind me, I’m proud to say I conquered the hill again today! Yea!! And when I returned home the victories kept coming. I learned to detect when my body is full; thus when to stop eating. Eating past my intake limit was one of my biggest issues. But, there’s no magic science to it; God merely whispered to my heart to pay attention to my body. And when I listened, I realized I was full even though I had not finished my two fluffy blueberry pancakes that I had prepared. Wow! This was a breakthrough for me because if something was on my plate I intended to finish it. This time, however, I wrapped it up for later.

Wow, this has to be what the self-controlled eater experiences daily. Another small, yet monumental, victory for me! Yea!

Nikki D

Don’t forget to check out Car Drama! @ Fat Chick Poetics.

Fushia Leggings & Ashy Legs: Day One

With ashy legs and flat canvas sneakers—think Keds—I find myself hiking up this hill-of-a-road called Hendrix Dr. Why, because today I have re-initiated the fight of my life. I’ve threatened obesity a couple of times with empty emotional words, but this time I bought heavy artillery. I have once and for all proclaimed that I AM NOT going to be fat anymore! I want my outside to accurately reflect what beautiful experiences and changes that are taking place internally. So, like a monarch emerging from her cocoon—by the way I apologize for the cheesy butterfly cliché’, but I couldn’t think of any other way to explain it—I burst out of this confined space of safety, and journey into a world unknown. Land of the healthy eaters, avid exercisers, and get this, GREEN smoothie drinkers. Yuck! God we’ll have to work on that one…


But seriously, this morning I did it. Got my fuchsia-rocking legs up that hill and I feel great! It was a struggle because every ounce of my being attempted to keep me from taking flight this morning. “It’s hot”, “I got up late”, “Just do an exercise video and stay in”. Everything wanted me to stay in, but I had to get out! Thank God that Spirit-power can always override will-power when allowed to take full reign. So here I am post workout and everything is on the up and up so I decided to share.

Nothing about this journey is easy because this is not a first in this department for me. But, this time I already see myself succeeding which has precedence in my weight battle. This time I know that the angels are rooting for me, AND the people who I will soon share my ministry with. So, huffing and puffing, and with face glistening, I hiked up that hill reciting the words to my new spoken word piece that I will deliver at the end of this month. But, when the incline increased the words stopped, but oh well—as the terrain leveled out I picked up where I left off.

This journey should be interesting. We shall see where this road leads, but right now it’s making a beeline for the kitchen. I made a good choice though… Crispix and a fruit cup! Let’s go team we can get this belly to “be thou removed” once and for all LOL!

Deuces Peeps!

Nikki D

Oh and I forgot to mention that as I pen this journal I have also started a new blog called Fat Chick Poetics where I document my journey through poetry. Click Here to check it out!

Check Your Foot Work!

During a conversation with one of my sisters, we discussed the necessity of paradigm shifts in the lives of believers. However, with the heavy saturation of “position yourself for a blessing” sermons, the significance of this lesson has been watered down. Every Christian understands that “the steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23). But, what many fail to realize is that the feet in question require personal effort if they are to walk into God’s best. Let me break this down further because too many are waiting on God, when God is waiting on their walk!

The feet (will) of Adam and Eve were always directed under the abundant flow of God’s blessing. In the Garden of Eden, rightful positioning automatically occurred for them because they delighted in the things of God. However, disobedient footwork led them under curses purposed for those who shunned the will of God. Hence, the same is true today. Saints superficially position themselves “on the market” for God without full surrender. They put their souls (will, emotions, mind) on display as floor models, with no intention for full purchase. Accordingly, their lives resembles the pair of shoes tried on (and modeled), but never packaged (and ready) for purchase. These people cry out to God for help, but refuse to sell at His “reasonable” price of full submission when advised.

With that, discard the walk of “fallen mankind’s feet” today! Stop trying to do things half God’s way and half your way. Do you honestly think that God’s blessing will follow such a lifestyle? There is a standard required to live under the blessing of God, and this is salvation AND complete surrender. Your feet have to march to the beat of His drum, and any deliberate misstep will render curses. So, stop sprawling out across the altar every Sunday when God is waiting for you to put your feet in check!

Stop blaming God for jacked up feet! Schedule an emergency appointment with the Great Podiatrist who will check your feet and show you how to keep them there!

Nikki D

Finders Keepers

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you REST. (Matthew 11:28).

I thank God daily (literally all day!) because of this new journey of self-exploration that He has initiated in my life. I’m growing more into myself (the Nicole I was created to be), and my desires, priorities, and understanding are growing by leaps and bounds! As mentioned, in my last entry I am reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, and this experience has been nothing less than amazing. I find myself wanting to hurry to the next chapter, but I’m learning greater self-control because we are asked to read only one chapter a day. And this recommendation has really had an effect on my life. I’m learning to savor the things of God and not be in such a rush to “get through (yet) another lesson”.

God is teaching me that slowing things down does not always equal a hindrance that needs to be bound up. I think that as bold Christians, we get used to always being on the defensive side of spiritual warfare. We’re always READY to rebuke, bind, cast out, and send the enemy packing! And this is great, but I’ve learned something quite valuable on this journey. If we daily prepare ourselves with God’s word through reading, meditation, and savoring, we create an atmosphere which discourages the enemy from even looking in our direction! He glances at us in this prepared state, shrugs his shoulders, and moves on to someone who is not as certain of their position in God’s heart. Why? Because we have entered into the rest of God, and Satan understands that regardless of how much of a great sandstorm he whirls around us, we’ll only snuggle closer to our Heavenly Father and laugh at his childish antics! He figures “what’s the use if there is no reaction?”

People, I have found my golden ticket in the Wonka Bar, but where I’m granted access into is far better than some trippy candy factory! I have found God’s rest, and here the minute things happening on earth don’t phase me, and neither does Nicole (the worrying nag I must refer to in the third person) blow a strong enough wind to move even a wisp of my carefree hair. I love it here in God’s rest and will be staying here indefinitely until I meet King Jesus face to face (“in case yo momma asked”---> inside joke). But, the great part is you can join me. There is plenty room and you don’t even have to eat a million candy bars to get an admission ticket.

Finders Keepers!

Nikki D

Serving "Good Works" Idols

As I embark on day four of my forty day “Purpose Driven Life” journey, I am startled at the importance placed on properly prioritizing things in my life. Chapter 4 of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren is entitled Made to Last Forever. And as a devout Christian, this notion of eternity is internalized in my thinking. It is the ultimate goal of my existence on earth to do the works of the Father so that I will one day hear “well done my good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:14-30). However, in my journaling session after reading this chapter I realized that there are honorable and less honorable priorities. And my list looked something like this:

Honorable                                                           Less Honorable

Spreading the Gospel                                          gossiping

Loving                                                                 hoarding

Giving                                                                 establishing “good works” gods

Serving

Getting over myself

Now the last entry in the Less Honorable category was prompted by “straight Holy Ghost” (as my sister would say) because after I wrote it, all I could write next was WOW! I repeated the phrase over and over in my mind, and realized that I would create tally systems for “good works” I’ve done, and then present them to God, and wait patiently for my “just reward”. Now, this is deep! See what happens for most Christians is that we equate our “reasonable service” to God as our faith+works=results equation. Then we enter into prayer repeatedly identifying to God all the “good works” that we have done for Him. However, what God answers is that this is your “reasonable service” (see Romans 12:1) to Me since I didn’t wipe you off the face of the earth (a second time), but instead sent my sinless Son to die. Wow!

This revelation is truly an eye opener (even as I type) because I realize just how arrogant and deceptive the human flesh really is. It, unknowingly to our soul (mind, emotions, and will), can (and will) create idols of seemingly “good” intention and then present them at the feet of a holy Heavenly Father! Wow, the audacity of the flesh! Hence, flesh must be daily put under the subjection of God’s Word. However, if we only occasionally read the Bible we will only occasionally experience the reflective qualities of “look at what you’re doing, saying, and believing” that Truth provides.

The flesh is sneaky, and, if allowed to, it will feed on the subtle deceptions of the enemy freely. But thank God for the spirit who knows all things because of connection to the Holy Spirit! This was an eye opener for me good people, which led straight to the throne room in repentance to the Father. I suggest you follow suit if you qualify. Then, we can seek guidance on how to properly worship God with our lives.

Be not deceived. God is soon to come and the enemy is trying everything to get YOU to spend eternity with him in hell. Keep your mirror (the Word) turned on yourself daily as to see what God sees, so that with His help all blemishes, spots, and wrinkles are removed and wiped clean!

Blessings,

Nikki D

Week One ("Real Talk" Blog Contest): It’s All In The Title

 

Titles, Titles, and More Titles was one of the most popular Real Talk With Nikki D blog entries. In this post, the deception of donning titles with inappropriate heart motivations was discussed. However, there are times when titles are used for good. Hence, this is the nature of Real Talk with Nikki D’s Week One Contest.

 

A title says everything in the world of blogging. It’s what builds interest; which in turn, heightens readership traffic flow. Therefore, as one could imagine coming up with catchy titles is no easy task. Don’t believe us? Well, we’re giving you the opportunity to create your own “Real Talk” title.

 

Submit your best “Real Talk” title and a short description of what your “Real Talk” blog entry would be about. Remember, your title has to be catchy to get noticed! The winner of this contest will have a full blog entry, utilizing the proposed title, written by “Real Talk” queen herself, Nikki D, and also one of four prize packages that include “Real Talk” merchandise!

 

Be creative, Be Real, and “Leave Truth in the Atmosphere”!

• Multiple entries for this contest are allowed.
• Post your responses as a comment on the website http://realtalkwithnikki.blogspot.com under Week One, or under this description on the Real Talk With Nikki D Facebook Fan Page.