Real men go to church right? I mean, if a woman was looking for a man’s man, her best bet for one-stop-shopping is the church. WRONG! I must admit my own guilt from back in the day when it came to this false perception. Honestly, window shopping in church is the wrong way to approach finding Mr. Right, but I do know a few success stories. One element of truth underscoring each love affair is the fact that the couples I know, weren’t looking for love on the third pew. I have single girlfriends that have either given-up on finding a mate or are just tired of making excuses for the one they’re with. So what could I, a married woman of almost 11 years, possibly know about window shopping in church. NOTHING. I never looked for romance between the preachers hooping and hollaring but I did believe a church going man was better than one that did not go to church and I was so WRONG about that too. I have learned that men are men. Some are good and some not so good, as with women. It does not matter your faith, background or religion; a person is simply a person and you have to weed out the bad.  Although I am against anyone looking for love in the church, I understand the mindset behind it. I firmly believe you must fall in love with JESUS and trust HIM to work out your companionship situation. Now, I didn’t say you couldn’t look. I have appreciated a nice pair of shoes in the window a time or two, but remember, the money in your pocket belongs to the Lord. He will purchase what’s best for you and you will never have to return it.

So ladies, stop looking. He that finds a wife finds a good thing. And for the men, don’t give up on the ladies. Your Ruth is out there gleaning in the fields waiting for you to take notice.

May God Open the Windows of Heaven upon you,

Blessings…… http://wwwShayBills.com

We all know the story about the man at the gate called Beautiful and how Peter and John assisted him after others stepped over him–and they said unto the man, “Silver and Gold have I none, but such as I have, I give unto thee.” The familiar text holds a masterful amount of lessons often overlooked by the simplicity of Peter and John’s gesture of kindness. Initially, we read it and realize the superficial lesson of showing forth the love of Jesus Christ to those in need or we learn the importance of giving people JESUS and not ourselves. But, their is so much more. Peter and John were also examples of one’s own ability to get up….AND WALK. When we weather storms in our life and continue to walk by faith, the faith of our brothers and sisters increases. Additionally, we show a dying world that this same faith is available for them. That ability starts with your vision for yourself. The only place a man can be defeated is in his own mind. “Whatsoever a man thinketh, be it unto him.” At the gate, the man learned to beg in front of a building that was only beautiful in appearance. His condition was worsened not by abuse, neglect or ridicule; but solely by his belief in his own demise. God does not and will not accept such a mindset from His people. What makes the temple of God beautiful is not its outward countenance. Who is on the inside of you, as displayed by Peter and John, is the only true beauty on earth. Don’t be like the man begging for years for someone to come along and help you with temporary rations of gold and silver. You are a KINGS KID and your Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Get Up from your present state of lack, frustration, confusion, intimidation, hurt and or pain….and WALK; for this race is not given to the strong nor the swift but unto YOU—if you endure to the end. If you can’t walk right now, crawl. If you can’t crawl, roll. Whatever it takes to keep moving forward, do it and because  of your faith God will strengthen you.

Blessings………. http://www.ShayBills.com

I get it! It’s rough out there! A few of my friends have been singing “the economy is bad” song for awhile now and I want to share with you what I have been sharing with them which is, “the Joneses are struggling too.” These are hard times for everyone but it is not the end of the world. More than ever, now is the time to practice money basics and look for enjoyment in things that are not costly. So what are some key principles we can all live by during these times:

1. write down your goals

2. live substantialybelow your means

3. sacrifice now so you can have financial peace later

4. start a side business or increase hours at a second job

5. give to worthy causes (those who give wisely gain abundantly)

6. teach these principles to your children and get them involved as well (train them up now)

Now the you should NOT do the following:

1. do not have a car payment (if it’s paid off do not get a new or used one)

2. do not use credit cards (use debit as much as possible)

3. do not lease a car

4. do not lend money to friends or relatives (it hurts the relationship)

5. do not co-sign for anything for anyone–ever!

When looking for enjoyment an inexpensive way, Terry and I go to the $2-4 movies before 4:00pm. I am a cheap date but when I’m with him, it doesn’t matter if it costs .50 cents or thousands. If you have smaller kids, unfortunately I don’t, you should try a couple of hours at Burger King or Mickie  D’s so the kids can play in the playroom and run off some energy. Don’t forget the simple outtings like a walk in the park, bowling, visiting relatives you haven’t seen in awhile or looking at family photos together. With teenagers, Ariole is 17, I spend quality time with her by talking about her future goals, college, possible career choices and every now and then try to get her to gossip with me about her business. Either way, it’s a great opportunity to spend time with your teenager while simultaneously assist them in setting future goals I could go on and on but the point here is to get you to realize that the Joneses are struggling too. You are not alone. So right now the best thing for you to do is the same thing I told my friends to do, pray and trust that if God brought you to it, He will see you through it!

I love you,

Blessings,…..http://www.ShayBills.com

2010 brings a whole new perspective for many Americans especially those who have lost their jobs, homes and sense of hope. Maybe you are not among them, if not, you should be grateful. But the truth of the matter is, we are all effected by the plight of our brothers and sisters, even those in Haiti. (pray without ceasing)

I want to tell those of you that have more days than money left at the end of the month to just GO FOR IT!!! While the opportunity presents itself, step out of the boat and experience the world through faith.  A dear friend of mine was layed off from work early last year and instead of placing her faith in another 9-to-5, she started her own business and it is thriving. But if you must get a 9-to-5, make sure you have a plan. Do not complain about the economy, do not cry about the price of food (which is getting out of hand) but simply be faithful in knowing God will supply all of your needs (not wants) according to His riches in glory. Get out there and MAKE IT HAPPEN. What you think, you attract. So think positively, think more than enough and B.I.G. (believe in God) These are the times that try your faith, so be steadfast in the promises of the One whom will NEVER leave you nor forsake you.

Just Go For It….and tell your friends to do the same!

Blessings http://www.ShayBills.com

What a wonderful time of year to spread holiday cheer. The atmosphere is ripe with smiles and joyful salutations. People are in and out, around and about selecting the perfect gift for loved ones. Tis’ the season to be thankful and appreciative. But this Christmas I want to ask you to do me a favor. I would like for you to take the time to re-gift Jesus for someone that may be down and out during this time of year. Maybe it’s a friend who lost a job or got demoted–maybe it’s a single mother with two or three kids having a hard time making ends meet—maybe it’s a family member down in health, maybe it’s you, for one reason or another, needing to be reminded that Christmas is not about the gifts under the tree. A couple of years ago our family made the decision to nolonger buy gifts for each other at Christmas. I thought it would be hard but we actually should have done it years ago. It is the greatest reminder of the birth of Christ and how much we could never repay Him for all He has done and continues to do calendar year after calendar year for us. So just in case you don’t get what you want wrapped in a bow underneath the Christmas tree, remember a family out their just desiring the basic of necessities and realize how blessed beyond measure you truly are. I pray “tis’ is the season” for you to give JESUS to someone as a favor to a friend. Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving, despite how unworthy we all are. I love you and I’m praying you and yours have a giving holiday season and thank you for the favor—-many blessings in return on your head!!!

Blessings…. http://www.shaybills.com  

Today I was faced with the reality once again of how short life is and how with each passing moment time keeps ticking. I wondered in my short 35 years of life, if I’ve had a positive influence on the lives of others, especially those in my family. I pondered the distance between the Shay of years ago and the Shay of today and if I could even measure the change for the better. And once all the thoughts had passed and all of the scenarios has been played, I resolved to thinking that nomatter how I feel I’ve fallen short or missed the mark, I can’t give up! I was reminded of all the forerunners that fell down and got back up, as you and I must do from day to day and week to week. Today, I shook off thoughts of inadequacy and imperfection so I could see what God wanted me to see after all of the thinking—-and He said unto me, “I gave up the ghost on Calvary so that MY people need not give up on life.” So this post is for my brothers and sisters that feel they can’t see the sunshine for the rain, the rainbow for the clouds or the answer for all of the questions. DON’T GIVE UP! The answer hung His head so that you can hold yours high. The answer never said a mumbling word so that you can call on the name of Jesus. And thankfully, the answer hung high, stretched wide. bled and died for both you and I so that we cannot only look up but stand up on the Word of God. Even at our best we’re as filthy rags, but thank God for the BEST being the BEST at all and in all things for His children.

Blessings tonight…… www.shaybills.com  

Years ago when I was just doing lip-service in Christiandom, I used to hear the elders of the church say it’s separation time. I didn’t really comprehend, I just thought it was an old saying, but now, I understand. A minister and I were talking about the state of the body of believers and I commented on how we are in a place where people will not hear “sound doctrine.” As we conversed about why that was so, we reflected on the Bible and how the great faith walkers warned of such a time and revelation hit us both! Where are the great faith walkers of our time, the uncompromising angels of our generation? Where are the watchmen on the wall? It seems lip-service abounds and everyone is looking for a good time instead of transformation. It’s easier to make an excuse than it is to be a hearer and doer of the Word of God.

I don’t know what this separation time entails, nor do I know how long it will last. I do know that it’s not a falling away from the church, because God doesn’t separate Himself from Himself—it’s more like a falling away from the faith. As we prepared to depart, we prayed and I asked for continued grace and mercy for God’s people, including myself. We have responsibilities in our faith walk and we have no one to blame but ourselves when we fall short. Take a look at your own walk today. Have a little talk with Jesus. And together the two of you, can make it all right! Let’s pray for each other…..for I believe, when WE know better, WE do better!

Blessings….. www.shaybills.com

You and I must be mindful to take care of number one so that we can be around to help take care of others. Women have a hard time with this little area called balance, especially when the work is in the name of Christ. I am not trying to belittle any work in the name of the Lord, but let’s be honest, sometimes we’re just busy like Martha. Mary knew what was most important. Mary knew that sitting at the feet of Jesus’  would benefit her so that she could later be of benefit to others. Many Christians don’t let the church doors open without them being the first one there and yet they have no manna for strangers. Some are apart of every auxillary yet have no time for their own family. And then their are those “chosen of God to carry the gospel,” but have no time to laugh and enjoy the giver of life.

Take the time today to relax and enjoy being alive. Take the time each day to listen at the feet of Jesus for instruction for your daily life. Sometimes His will is to be still and at other times it’s for us to be busy like the ants. For me, myself and I, I’m going to enjoy each day even if it means not washing the dishes until tomorrow, I’m going to laugh out loud even if some feel I’m out of order, I’m going to spend time with my family and friends even when the church has a program sometimes, and I’m going to encourage others as God instructs even when some feel it’s not the time and listen when He tells me to be quiet even when I have a million questions. Only then will I be able to experience abundance as He promised and only then can I showforth Christ in my daily activities. Being real and true to you is what God wants, not a man made robot trying to be who he/she is not.

Blessings… www.shaybills.com

I can count my friends on one hand. That may be hard for some to believe coming from someone with over 1,700 facebook friends, over 500 newsletter subscribers and business relationships that are too many to count, but it’s true. I believe that most reading this post will be able to relate. We are to wear this world as a loose garment, not be of this world though we be in it and abstain from conforming. The closer your relationship with Christ the fewer your earthly relationships and the more you seek and thirst after righteousness, the more you turn away from and push aside foolishness. Naturally I am a loner and I am trying to do better and “hang” as a few of my friends suggest every now and then, but I am still most comfortable with my family or home alone reading or writing.

I witnessed something this weekend that sparks my writing tonight on dangerous friends. The enemy desires to sift some of us as wheat and if he can, he’ll use our friends to do it. Once God has chosen you as His own, the war is on! Be mindful to evaluate the spirit of those you surround yourself with because not everyone can be a Paul & Silas, Peter & John or a Ruth & Naomi. If you are constantly pouring out and nothing is ever imparted, that’s the first sign you’re in a dangerous friendship (relationship). Remember, their is balance in Christ as well as liberty! Know those that walk beside you, even if you recognize a Judas spirit, because even Judas had purpose in the Master’s plan. It still amazes me when saints say, “S/he was suppose to be my friend,” when the Bible clearly states, put your trust in no man and try evey spirit by the Spirit. The disciples walked with Jesus for awhile before he called them “friend” and even longer before He trusted they would stand on His word. Jesus even said to Peter, “you know not what spirit you are of, get thee behind me.” God calls some dangerous not because they may physically harm you, but because the stress, heartache, troubles and foolish issues some friendships distract us with hurt us spiritually. The “dry bones” weren’t physically dead, just spiritually and Christians must be careful and make sure the “frienemy” isn’t sucking us spiritually dry.

Seek to befriend Christ first, then and only then will you be able to have peace that passes all understanding in your coming and your going. No man can be a friend like Christ and their is NOTHING dangerous about His love for you His friend!

Blessings… www.shaybills.com

Regularly I hear saints talk about spending time with God and being before the throne of grace in prayer. I listen to preacher-friends, minister-friends and fellow evangelists express how they commune with God and experience His presence all around them. Though our time in our secret closets may be different, the result I have heard so often is the same, that God is SURE to answer. BUT, does God always answer? Are we all so good that He must answer or is He so righteous that when He doesn’t we wait? How faithful are we to tarry in the mist of silence? Who among us is honest enough to say, “I’ve approached the throne of grace only to find a quiet God?” I’m reminded of how Job prayed to an all knowing God without receiving an answer out of his torment and yet waivered not in His faith.  Because I have experienced God’s silence before, I now know these are the times when He is testing my faith. So when I hear saints talk about how much time they spend with God but never how much time God spends with them, I wonder if the secret closet is a secret to God as well. The good book says the fervent prayers of the righteous avail much, it doesn’t say your prayers are immediately answered. The same book instructs us to pray without ceasing and makes a point in letting us all know, “the Father knows what we stand in need of” better than we ourselves. Let us not forget that prayer is a two-way street. Prayer involves a relationship with the one you’re praying to and a belief that He is able (even if He doesn’t) to answer.

Our secret closet is not for the sake of keeping track of how much we pray but soley as scripture teaches, “he who prays in secret, the Lord is just to reward openly for all to see.” Afterall, He called it your “secret closet,” for a reason. So keep praying until your change comes and be mindful to keep what’s between you and God, between you and God. In the meantime, go ahead and shout because He has already said, “He will not withhold any good thing from His children.” The answer may not come when you want it,….. (you know the rest)

Blessings www.shaybills.com