EXTOL MAG + ISSUE 2

extolon Board

PLAN PRAY PURSUE 2022

Issue 2 | January 2022

FIVE TOOLS

i s i V

EDITION VISION BOARD ELEMENTS INSIDE

to Effectively Manage Remote Teams

WHAT HAPPENS AT The Rest Stop?

HOW TO JOURNAL Conversations with God

THE PROBLEM FIXER Insights on how to coach toward selfsolving.

We're going hiighyer in 2022.

SOAR

God is there. Yesterday, today and forevermore.

extol Editor-in-chief Ebonie M. Mukasa

Creative Director Staff Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Contributing Writer Advertiser Advertiser Advertiser Advertiser Advertiser Advertiser Advertiser Advertiser Advertiser

Webnie Creative Solutions Ebonie M. Mukasa DeLonda Adams Tami VanHoy Tonya Harrison Sophonie Joseph Laurore Bikers-N-Babes, Inc. Bright Raven Virtual Event Management Cignal Partners, Inc. Girl Rest!

Nathalie's Training Laurore Coaching Synergy Services Network The Beauty Initative Webnie Creative Solutions

EDITORIAL OFFICE +1-305-587-9882 | hello@experiencechurchintl.org EXTOL is published by Adoration Gatherings The Women's Ministry of Experience Church International www.planpraypursue.org

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 1

VISON BOARD EDITION And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.

Habakkuk 2:2 EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 2

EDITOR'S NOTE Here we are, at the cusp of a new year. We hosted the PLANPRAYPURSUE gathering virtually for the first time in January of 2021. It was an adventure and it challenged us to ADVANCE in 2021. Many of you did just that. Getting your life in order post-COVID is no small feat. If you did, a heartfelt congratulations to you. If you are still recovering and rebuilding, we pray that you find encouragement to finish this temporary journey strong and full of faith.

This year our theme is SOAR! Most of us desire to go higher, whether that be earning more income, getting your house in order, success in our relationships, job promotions, growing your ministry, gaining customers or clients. Most, if not all of us want more! I'm here to tell you that God wants more for your life too. There are some heights we can't get to on our own. These heights can only be obtained from a push or lift. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in. He's right there to help us catch wind and SOAR high in all that God has called us to do. I want to invite you to trust God all the more this year. There's even more beauty beyond the clouds!

EBONIE M. MUKASA Editor-in-Chief

We are excited to share that our LOVE + PROJECT this year is The Beauty Initiative. 10% of the proceeds from this year's conference will be donated to this amazing organization providing menstrual and hygiene products to women.

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 3

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 4

CHANGE AGENT

Interview

Ashley Eubanks, Founder The Beauty Initiative, Inc.

Who is Ashley L Eubanks Johnson? Ashley L Eubanks Johnson is a servant. I am a proud follower of Jesus Christ, a wife, daughter, sister, friend and most importantly a vessel.

What prompted you to start The Beauty Initiative? I started The Beauty Initiative to share my love for beauty. After finishing my esthetician certification, I learned of a need for beauty professionals to assist at a local shelter and I jumped at the opportunity. While exiting the highway I noticed a woman panhandling and when she turned around, I noticed her pants were stained with blood. Immediately I began to question myself on what women who are homeless do when their menstrual cycle happens. After much research I learned that period poverty was a serious, yet taboo issue in our community. For my 30th birthday, at one of the lowest points of my life I gathered my friends and family to pack menstrual necessities for what is now known as, Help Her, period.

What is the greatest area of misinformation you face in your efforts to offer people dignity through hygiene accessibility? The greatest area of misinformation in my area of service is that hygiene insecurity is not an issue. Many assume (including myself at one point) that hygiene is freely given at shelters and to those in need. But it isn't. Hygiene products can be costly, so normally it is not given as often as food and second-hand clothing. Yet, it is a true need that is lacking in our brothers and sisters facing financial hardship. Educating others that just as much as we need hygiene products, those who are forced to live on the street, students in schools, and those who just need a helping hand being clean is just as important.

What has been your greatest roadblock you've faced? How did you overcome it? My greatest roadblock in the five years of the organization is believing that everyone's motives are like mine. I have learned the hard way that everyone will not support or work as hard as I will. But I remind myself often that this was my calling and my task from God, not theirs. Support doesn't always look the same.

What has been your greatest victory? My greatest victory is hard to pinpoint. I believe stepping out on faith after God revealed the calling over my life was a victory. Trusting him to lead me in my quest to serve others was a victory. One of my constant reminders that I am victorious is that I haven't given up or abandoned the call to serve with The Beauty Initiative. Serving others is not for the faint of heart, it takes commitment, a sacrifice of time, giving of your personal funds, and of yourself.

What advice would you give someone wanting to provide a solution to a need/issue facing their community? Serve with all of you, especially your heart. It is my hope not to just donate hygiene but to make others aware of hygiene insecurity and how it affects those in need. But to be a servant you have to serve with all of you!

@thebeautyinitiative EXTOL

www.thebeautyinitiative.org WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 5

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 6

Inspired by the common.

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 7

5 TOOLS TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE REMOTE TEAMS

By Tonya Harrison Managing remote teams is not new but due to recent events, many businesses have been forced to explore the work from home model in an effort to remain productive and keep business going. This can be a bit scary and challenging when you’re accustomed to managing your team in an office environment.

One of the main concerns of leaders is the ability to keep the team focused and productive. Start by setting the expectation early on so everyone is on the same page. Aside from having a whole lot of trust and patience, you’ll want to leverage technology to keep your team on task and your mind at ease.

B e l o w a r e m y f a v o r i t e t o o l s f o r m a n a g i n g s m a l l r e m o t e t e a m s.

1. Zoom During this time you’ll want to keep the lines flowing. It’s better to over-communicate than communicate. Zoom allows you to have those huddles, one on one check-ins or you can use conduct online training for larger groups.

EXTOL

of communication to underquick morning the webinar version to

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 8

5 TOOLS TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE REMOTE TEAMS

By Tonya Harrison

2. Asana New work from home employees may find it a bit challenging at first to stay on track and can be easily distracted. Asana allows managers to help teams stay focused on goals by assigning tasks with deadlines. Employees can provide updates to assure that deadlines are being met and share the status of projects and tasks being performed.

3. G-Suite There’s nothing worse than needing to access a document that someone has stored within their home directory. While G-Suite contains a full range of tools from Gmail to google docs that are awesome for business, I enjoy the ability to share folders and documents within the team or with specific individuals. A shared link can also be uploaded within Asana and attached to a project or task for easy access.

4. Rescue Time Working from home can be distracting at times, with social media right at your fingertips, time can easily slip away. Rescue Time productivity reports allow you to see where your team is spending most of their time. Team members can also set distraction blockers to assure they remain focused, set a work schedule, and account for time spent in meetings or offline.

5. Slack Slack messaging allows for quick communication with your team. They can download the app on their phone or use the desktop version. You can broadcast messages to a group or have quick one on one chats. Alerts may be turned off for a period of time to minimize interruptions. This is a great way to have real-time communication without conversations being lost in email. With the advancements in technology, it is easier to manage remote teams. Having the right tools will make the transition from office to home easier than ever. The five tools listed above are a great place to start.

Achieve more in your small business by using metrics that matter. Sign up here to obtain your free guide and be on your way to higher productivity and profits.

Tonya Harrison is the founder and CEO of Cignal Partners, an Operations and Marketing Automation consulting agency that helps small minority-owned businesses accelerate their growth and become more productive and profitable by integrating technology, innovation techniques, and high performing teams.

WWW.CIGNALPARTNERS.COM

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 9

@cignalpartners

@cignalpartners

Dear Self,

Dear Self,

Knowing when to say "No' is a part of the strategy.

You won't always be motivated, but you must stay committed.

@cignalpartners

@cignalpartners

@cignalpartners

DeLonda Speaks!

DeLonda Adams Founder of The Resting Place and Leader of Girl Rest!

Leading Women to Rest…

This rest thing is not easy, but somebody has to do it! Hi! I am DeLonda Adams, and I lead women in finding rest for their souls through Jesus. Rest is something that Jesus commands us to come to Him for. This is not some random nap, spa day, or Netflix binge. This is literally coming to Him and getting what our souls are craving for… REST. But that means we can’t keep going on these hamster wheels. We must slow down and stop. I want you to think about taking a road trip and what a rest stop would look like to you. What you read below will describe to you a spiritual rest stop; one that you have been longing for. Enjoy!

What Happens at the Rest Stop?

The Lord asked me one day. He said, “DeLonda, what do the women do at a Rest Stop?” I stopped what I was doing because I knew the Lord was not asking me something He needed to know. He wanted me to pay attention to share.

I had many things that were rolling through my head. Later that evening I finally settled down and started writing. I was so excited after I was done and now, I can share. My hope and prayer that after reading you will be committed to REST and that means you must STOP and sit down somewhere with the Lord…more often.

HERE IS WHAT USUALLY HAPPENS AT A REST STOP: RELEASE Simply put, you go to the bathroom girl. However, thinking about this spiritually when we come to Jesus for rest, we release the cares of this world, our fears, our pride, our will, and our way. The Father wants us to shake off the yokes of the world and put on His yoke (because it’s easier).

REST Yeap! Every family road trip one of our rest stops is typically at a hotel and we eat and sleep so that we can be refreshed and ready for the next part of the journey. You don’t keep pushing past boundaries thinking you are going to win some trophy. Honey, God gives His beloved rest! Psalm 127:2 says, It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.

EAT Here we go again. Yes, we have to eat. Mark 6:31 says, And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. Jesus was literally talking about food. This is the whole truth because we can go and go and keep on going and not only will we miss eating but we don’t make time to eat on His Word either. You need a nap and a snack like Elijah. Don’t hate! – 1 Kings 19:5 says, Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.”

STRETCH When we get to a rest stop, we often need to stretch our limbs because everything is tight, and we need to loosen up again and run-in place to get back behind that wheel. Man, oh man when I think of a rest stop with God, He is definitely stretching us for where we are headed. He stretches us in ways we are not excited about. But if we are going to run this race and get to our destination, we better get to the Rest Stop and get to stretching! God is in CONTROL and when He stretches you, know that He is also strengthening you for the road ahead. He knows what you will encounter.

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 11

DeLonda Speaks!

DeLonda Adams Founder of The Resting Place and Leader of Girl Rest!

Leading Women to Rest…

TURN OVER THE WHEEL Somebody say AMEN! When you get to the rest stop sometimes you got to turn over that wheel to another person because you need to sit the next 4, 8, 10 hours out. When I think of this spiritually, I think of 2 Corinthians 12:9 that says, And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. We need Christ resting upon us at all times, acknowledging that we are weak, and we can’t do it all and we need His strength to be made perfect in our lives. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Be committed to go to your Rest Stop daily! Blessings and Girl Rest!

ABOUT DELONDA It is my heart’s desire to see everyone experience God's rest in every area of their lives. It is pure joy I get when someone comprehends the beauty and blessing of rest that paves the road for God's grace, power, and freedom. This is the assignment that the Father gave me sitting in the carpool line for pick-up at my children’s school and I have grown so much since then. You will learn more of my story when you subscribe for my content and updates. My process and journey are not over, and I don’t proclaim to be an expert. But what I will say is that I love my Jesus like crazy. My heart is for anyone who has an ear to hear to experience God's REST. WWW.THERESTINGPLACE.CO

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 12

Coming Soon!

U N C O M P R O M I S E D TWENTY SEVEN HOURS IN ISTANBUL www.samuelmukasasr.com

HOW TO JOURNAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD

By Tami VanHoy

Engaging with God as if He were writing His words for the first time in a letter addressed to you personally is one of the most powerful ways to connect with Him. Unfortunately, too many people either discount the power of this or default to ‘I can’t’.

I have found there are 3 ways to take reading scripture into a living, breathing, life giving conversation with God with real time, here and now impact. Start with 1, the one that comes most naturally. Then see if you are led to try others as you grow in relationship with God through conversation journaling.

Journaling the conversations can be done in three ways.

Each one is defined below, followed by an example using this featured verse: Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. ~ James 4:8 AMP 1. Write it as a proclamation from you to God: Ask God to reveal to you a truth in a specific scripture that you need to hold onto, lean into, or stand upon.

Then claim His truth as your truth with a proclamation to Him. Rewrite the scripture in a personal way using words like I, I will, I do, I am, I have, etc.

Use words of gratitude, claiming His truth in your life.

Example using James 4:8: Here I am Lord, sitting at the table ready to hear Your word for me. I come to You fully aware of the price paid that gives me a seat at this table. I know that without it my sin would keep me from drawing close to You. Thank You Lord for meeting me here today. Feed my soul.

2. Write it as an exhortation from God to you: Ask God to speak a specific scripture over you in a real and personal way.

Rewrite the scripture, replacing pronouns with your name, just as He would if He were writing these words to you in a letter, or even better, speaking them directly to you in that very moment.

Rewrite the scripture using your name to declare the specific truths from His Word that He wants you to hear and claim in that moment.

Start a sentence with your name as one would do if they were wanting to get someone’s attention and speak directly to them.

Insert your name for emphasis where you feel God is asking you to pay specific attention to a word or a message from the scripture.

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 14

HOW TO JOURNAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD

By Tami VanHoy Example using James 4:8: [Your name], I love to sit with you. I am blessed by your humble awareness of the price paid so that we can come together at this table for two. [Your name], I have so much to tell you. Let’s talk.

3. Write it as a conversation: ·Have a back-and-forth conversation. This is often a combination of proclamation and exhortation. ·It may include questions: From you to God – and then you write His answer based on the truths of the scripture.

From God to you – and then you write your answer with transparency and truth.

This may be a new practice for you, so here is some additional instruction to help guide you: Empty your thoughts and clear your mind so you can focus on God’s words.

Write your thoughts, then listen for and write the words that flow into your mind.

Don’t overthink the words, just write them.

When the words stop flowing, stop writing.

Don’t try to answer for God. Just write what comes into your mind.

If the words are negative, chances are you are not hearing from God. Scratch those words out, take a deep breath, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you, and try again. Practice in this discipline will make it easier over time.

Write your next question to God. This isn’t about putting on a good show or writing something to impress others. It’s about getting real and letting God talk you through the things He desires for you. Let God ask you some probing questions and then let Him reveal what He wants to refine in you with that new awareness.

Example using James 4:8: Me: Lord, how can I, a sinner, even think about coming to sit at Your table?

God: [Your name], I created you to enjoy My presence and shine with My glory. Your soul longs to sit with Me and I with you. For this reason, I sent my Son to be the sacrifice required to cover your repented sin. [Your name], - come sit with Me and let’s talk about what’s on your mind or troubling your heart.

Me: Here I am Lord. Feed my soul.

God: [Your name], it’s good to have you here with Me at this table for two. Let’s talk.

When you’ve finished journaling any of these conversation styles, read it out loud.

This is often the most powerful time of the conversation as you hear your name and His promises spoken out loud.

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 15

HOW TO JOURNAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD

By Tami VanHoy As you sit at the table for two and enjoy the conversation, take time to meditate on the words, and dine with ease and intentionality! Don’t feel rushed. At times you may feel called to use all three conversation styles. Let God show you how to begin the conversational journaling – revealing the style to start with. The next day, see where the conversation leads...and so on. For me, the conversation flow is often like this: It starts with a back-and-forth conversation while I wrestle with a truth He has for me.

The next day, the conversation often moves into exhortation as God speaks His truths over me with healing love and power.

Then, on the third day (or however long it takes), I’m moved into proclamation as I begin to replace doubt or pain with belief or healing.

Again, this is just an example – your conversation journeys will be personal and real. Just be still and let the conversations flow.

Need some help? This is an excerpt from Tami’s recently released book: Conversations at a Table for Two: Feeding a Hungry Soul. You’ll find a library of free resources and her book at tamivanhoy.com.

We are all created with 1 purpose – to glorify our creator (to shine for Him) – and each of us is called to do that in unique and wonderful ways. When we let God show us how He uniquely gifted us to serve Him, our heart is on fire and we shine! Our world may still be chaotic and a little crazy, but the fire in our heart's shines through our eyes and fuels us to move into more of what life holds for us. Shining with His glory. It’s when we stop seeking to shine for Him and seek validation, acceptance, and glory from the world (the people in our world, our social media, etc) that the fire moves from our heart to our hair. www.tamivanhoy.com

Here I am Lord, sitting at the table ready to hear Your word for me. I come to You fully aware of the price paid that gives me a seat at this table. I know that without it my sin would keep me from drawing close to You. Thank You Lord for meeting me here today. Feed my soul. ~ Tami VanHoy

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 16

He knows my name.

He enjoys my company.

THE PROBLEM FIXER

By Ebonie M. Mukasa This one's hard for me. I'm who you call "the quicker fixer upper" the Bounty brand's tagline applies to me.

What I've learned about this mindset is that it's both good and bad. Good, because God has blessed me with the ability to problem-solve. It comes so naturally, and I share it liberally. I don't mean without an invitation or urgent need, but if someone needs help, I don't tend to hold back. On the other hand, it can be a hindrance, for me and for those I love.

I have seen how my effectiveness has at times made those around me ineffective. THAT revelation my friends has only come through prayer. Family and friends can become crippled, insecure, fearful, indecisive, and ultimately completely dependent on you for even the simplest things.

At first, you may think it is you being your most effective, walking in your purposeful self; but you will soon realize you have robbed yourself of support, reliability, and confidence in the people you love.

Worse, you will be consumed with worry and fear as you gaze upon your failing loved ones.

Children who falter in the simplest life skills, friends who are only around when you are at your strongest, they are nowhere to be found when you are in need, family who zaps every ounce of resources and energy you have and others who take you for granted. All because you solved EVERY problem, helped them overt every consequence, challenged or rejected every criticism or notice of immaturity. In essence, you've created an environment where there was no need for them to grow, develop and mature. You've created a "NO HEAVY LIFTING" zone and it's evident not only to you, but those you love. They see themselves for who they are too. They are unequipped to deal with life, face and overcome challenges, withstand, and endure hardships, run, fall, and get back up. Yes, they will see themselves in the mirror of life and will blame you for their inadequacies.

How do we remedy this dilemma? We not only want to help, but we should help. The question is, how do we help in such a way that enables them to become problem solvers too?

Take note of your mortality. You won't be here forever. What skills and knowledge do your loved ones need to survive when you are gone. Approach every challenge as a learning opportunity rather than just a problem to be eliminated.

Shift from hands-on to hands-off. Your presence may still be necessary and your knowledge, insights, and advice essential, but try coaching through the problem rather than taking it on personally to solve.

Have an end in mind for those you love. How does a confident, skilled, equipped "them" look? As you coach them, keep this end goal in mind. It will help you and them be purposed as they set to the task of solving their own problems.

Celebrate and express your love for them along the way. There's nothing better than hearing "good job" or "well done". It does wonders for their confidence and yours. It's tough facing challenges. It's a blessing to have someone to face those challenges with.

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 18

THE PROBLEM FIXER

By Ebonie M. Mukasa For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore, lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” ~ Hebrews 12:11-13 Ebonie is a catalytic agent whose unique gift is invigorating individuals, moving them from where they are to a place of faith, hope and love-in-action.

Her life experiences in both the marketplace and ministry offers a fresh perspective for women seeking to say “Yes” to God’s plan and purposes for their lives.

WWW.LINKTR.EE/EBONIEMUKASA

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ~ James 1:5 EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 19

Faith

A CROSSROAD STORY OF FAITH

Story

By Sophonie Joseph Laurore I was literally at a crossroad. I didn’t know where to go. Do I go left or do I the direction to my right? It had now been almost two years that my husband and I we were living apart in different states. To say that our faith had been tested would be an understatement. It was all a beautiful story, almost a fairy tale. My fairy tale. My kind of happily ever after. You say you want to be together for better for worse.

For richer for poor… but then reality sets in when the stumbling blocks suddenly reveal themselves.

Ronald, my other half, had to move to another state. Massachusetts to be exact; there were so many great opportunities there. A great start without me. Of course, we agreed he could move to give it a try. But I never thought, nor did I assume that it would actually work. In the back of my mind I was saying, “go ahead boo, you’ll be back in no time!” Because for me to move? Move to another state? Me….

At this age. South Florida is my comfort zone, all I’ve ever known. I mean people in Massachusetts would tell me, “What do you mean? You’re moving here? I actually want to go to South Florida… and they would proceed to ask “Are you sure? Are you sure?”

Although I never personally wanted to leave South Florida, I had to come to the realization that the clock was ticking and that sooner or later we would have to make a very hard decision. I had to be honest, I had to keep it real. Who was I fooling? Not only did I have to dig deeply in my own thoughts, but I also had to start get rid of the mindset of being stuck in my comfort zone. Staying in what I knew or what I was comfortable with was not in any way bringing us any satisfaction. Not even at the expense of having a good job and making good money. And so, when I started getting convicted of this, I needed more prayer, more revelation and more of God.

EXTOL

In the midst of seeking God, you would think that the doors would gladly open wide for me to step in and make this a feasible transition. I mean moving to another state at this age with my level of responsibility was a big deal. Yes. It’s never too late. But come on… let’s be honest. Who wants to move like that…?

And deal with the interruptions. Certainly not me. I couldn’t continue to live in those feelings.

I had to put on the mind of Christ. Not only did I have to put it on, but I definitely had to keep it on. Putting on the mind of Christ would solve all my problems, that’s what I kept telling myself and honestly, I had to. There was no logic, no common sense, not even when it came to money. By then, there were three things I was really tired of. I was tired of buying pregnancy tests, job applications and airfares. I mean if I could count how many times, I had to fly out to go to an interview that wouldn’t even consider me for a position. I’ll say it again… the doors kept closing in.

And so, with prayer, revelation, and clarity we made one of the hardest decisions we would ever have to make. We decided that Massachusetts was it. So, we took the leap of faith. I left my family, my church, my job, my friends… It was a big sacrifice. A sacrifice that was all worth it. It’s important to be where God wants you to be. It’s crucial to be in his plan.

We can’t just settle into comfort and say this is it and such is life. No. The Christian lifestyle doesn’t work that way. It takes courage, trust, sacrifice and obedience to walk into purpose.

This I realized because after moving here without a job, two months later I got a job offer to teach at a charter school. About two years after I started that job, we were expecting our first miracle child. This is just to mention two of the biggest life experiences I have navigated.

It was a great challenge but the crossroad in front of me led to these wonderful mindblowing blessings that are now showcasing God’s miraculous intervention whenever I share my story.

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 20

Faith

A CROSSROAD STORY OF FAITH

Story

By Sophonie Joseph Laurore We have this saying in Haiti, it is not a proverb… but it’s hilarious. It simply challenges us as Christians to tie God’s feet. I mean… how do you tie God’s feet? You do what He asks you to do and hold him accountable at his words. It almost sounds like something rude and daring to do but the message is simply that sometimes you can take certain steps and leave God no other option but to do what He says He would do in His words. That’s it. Tie his feet. What would happen if I tied your feet? Would you be able to move? Absolutely not. You would have to do exactly what I need you to do…. Well… let’s not put on that attitude when it comes to God. But I think there’s still a valuable lesson in this saying. We can simply obey God and get out of his way. Let Him do the things that He’s gonna do, He is the ONE big God. I don’t know why I am sharing this story with you today. Why this? I thought I was just going to submit something from my writing folder, but God said this was it. The conference themed verse is so attuned with what I experienced "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith." 2 Thessalonians 1:11. What God does through me and for me, is not even for me. It’s for his kingdom and his glory. God answers prayer when faith is activated.

What is your stumbling block today? What is your mountain? What crossroad are you staring at? Is it sickness, finances, family trauma, division, career, infertility, or discouragement? Or is it low self-esteem, jealousy, regret, unrest, worry, gossip, or failure? I know the list can go on and on… but the point is, whatever the crossroad, God will

carry you through. Are you listening to him?

Are you speaking to Him? Are you walking with Him? Or are you just doing your thing?

You don’t ever want to do your own thing. You ought to trust God instead. Let Him guide you, let Him see you through. Let us all trust Him and walk with him. Let us surrender everything to him, and when we get to the crossroads He would already be in control and all we need to do is follow is lead. Let’s surrender the crossroads to the Lord in prayer and for real. Will you trust Him?

"I had to put on the mind of Christ. Not only did I have to put it on, but I definitely had to keep it on."

Sophonie coaches, mentors, and influences women to reach their best potential through soul searching and personal development. She inspires others to be their best selves at all times, no matter the place or the circumstance.

LauroreCoaching.com

EXTOL

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 21

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3:5-6

EXTOL

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG | 22

2022 GRAPHIC ELEMENTS VISION BOARD KIT PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG

VISION BOARD ELEMENTS

Hello 2022

PRAY PRAY PRAY

hiighyer 2022

PLAN PLAN PLAN

I'M HERE 2022

PURSUE PURSUE PURSUE

VISION BOARD ELEMENTS

SOAR 2022

PLAN PLAN PLAN

SOAR

PRAY PRAY PRAY

GOD IS HERE

PURSUE PURSUE PURSUE

Hiighyer

VISION BOARD ELEMENTS

UP PURPOSE

laughter

out of this world

Plan sister friendship

i will SOAR restoration

hiighyer

I will

Patience

FINANCIAL FREEDOM forgiveness

RISE

VISION BOARD ELEMENTS

2021 DIVINE COMMISSION

hiighyer

FOR BY YOU I CAN RUN AGAINST A TROOP, AND

BY MY GOD I CAN LEAP OVER A WALL. PSALM 18:29

" With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith." ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:11

mission minded

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:11

PLAN PRAY PURSUE 2022

mindset

PLAN PRAY PURSUE 2022

2022 KEY VERSE

ADORATION GATHERINGS PRESENTS

SAVE-THE-DATE JANUARY 6-7, 2023 “You are the light of the world.

A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ~ Matthew 5:14

WWW.PLANPRAYPURSUE.ORG

Thank you for gathering with us!

WITH ADORATION GATHERINGS

@AGatherings

hello@experiencechurchintl.org

Adoration Gatherings