He's Not Dead

Just finished the book Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challengeand boy oh boy! If you're looking for something to truly provoke your thoughts and stretch your faith, I HIGHLY recommend this book. I didn't read it in 40 days (I plan to read it again and do a consecutive 40 days) but I'm glad I took my time because it allowed me to dive in and truly put into action the different lessons. I could go on for days about all the notes I took and the things I highlighted but when it comes to prayer, there's a quote in the book that truly shook my mental. It provoked me to realize the true power God has & even more so, the power He's given us.

The author, Mark Batterson, talks about what we envision when we think of God. He went on to give some examples and a familiar one he used was the mental picture of Jesus hanging on the cross. He acknowledged the significance of that vision but it's what he said afterwards that really hit me.

He said,"You aren't praying to a God who is hanging on a cross; Jesus is seated on the throne and the earth is His footstool."

I read that sentence and tried to skim past it but I had to go back and re-read it a few times. We often treat our circumstances as if Jesus never made it off the cross. We act as though our problems can be heard but not changed. Jesus isn't still hanging hoping to convince us that He is capable of doing the impossible. His resurrection is not a question we're waiting for an answer to. He is very much alive. He is died and rose and is seated on the throne interceding on our behalf for everything we experience here on earth. So the next time you pray, think twice about who you're praying to and the power He holds. Consider what He's capable of in comparison to the petition you're bringing to Him. Remember that He is already in control, He's not still suffering! He has conquered death and our sins have been forgiven. Everything we want/need/desire is already in place, we just have to get in alignment with His will in order to receive it! Pray knowing you're already victorious!

A few encouraging lyrics from He's Not Dead by New Hope:

We never thought it could happen

Thought it was impossible

Put ur faith in something small

You can do the impossible

He defeated death

Fulfilled the prophesy

He never died

But alive for eternity

Increase your Faith! Decrease your worry! Pray hard! Live free!

-Estonia

Un-Ordinary

I'm on a learning spree guys! You know how they say "you learn something new everyday?" Welp, that's been my life for the past 3 weeks lol but I can't say I've been eager to learn. Why would I tell you this? Well it's because I want you to know, I'm not perfect. See even though I share these blogs of inspiration, encouragement & sometimes conviction, most of the time they're really for me!!! (I had a moment) But moving on...

God has been dealing with me on so many things. Sometimes I'm like "how is it time for a new lesson when I'm still practicing the previous one?" But truthfully, my ability to move on without dwelling, is progress in itself. Which in reality means, I'm learning and evolving at the same time. Cool. There are so many wonderful things I want to share but it'd be unfair to download it all at once when God didn't do that to me. So what I will do is highlight some key points and allow you to reflect on them over the next 2 weeks until we meet again.

1. I started reading a new book, Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson. It's amazing! When the introduction to a book speaks to you, KEEP READING, it only gets better! Hopefully I can retrace my steps and journal so that I can blog about it as I progress. Purchase the book if you can. Everyone can and should read it!

2. "No" doesn't always last forever. I recently had to hear some No's from God and they did not make me happy. I didn't want to accept them but I did. Eventually they became easier to deal with and once I realized He wanted me to re-focus on Him, He released the Yes. The longer we fight with No, the more we prolong Yes!

3. Mark 8:34 (read it and you'll understand a little more) You must DENY yourself.. Disassociate yourself with who you were before you were saved. You know how they say, "cut back in moderation" or "gradually let things go"?  Unfortunately you can't be saved in moderation! You can't gradually disassociate yourself with who you used to be or else you will find yourself frequenting the old ways, places and habits of that old self more and more until it consumes you again.. It's okay to remember but don't reminisce. Even the "good past" can be dangerous.

4. Pray. It seems simple but we need to be reminded. And when you pray, ask to be prepared for what's coming. Most of us resort back to who we were because we are afraid of what we can become (in a good way) We fear the power we truly possess. If you ask for elevation, be ready for the whole package. If it's your destiny, quit running, you can handle whatever He gives you as long as He is always in control.

You kinda got the sides without the main entree, whoops. But those are key points in my leading journey that have helped me along the way.

Side note: In addition to this blog, if you are experiencing any areas that you want advice, accountability, prayer, encouragement, etc please message on Facebook or email me directly (Estonia.mosby@gmail.com). I hope my blogs have been a blessing to you and I want to extend myself further. God has placed so much inside of me and I want to share it with everyone! I love you all and look forward to hearing from you. If you email, please include your name.

Also feel free to leave comments below.

- Estonia Mosby

Independence and Freedom

Independence and Freedom 🇺🇸

I know I'm a day late! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend, whether you celebrated or not. =)

There's been so much uproar about Independence Day or 4th of July, this year. I saw many post about people declaring their decision not to celebrate because it wasn't a day of true freedom or independence. I didn't agree or disagree but I'm always appreciative of time well spent with my loved ones. Regardless of what the true holiday represents, I do feel that this year I was able to celebrate my own independence!

This weekend was monumental for me as I celebrated 1 year of mommy hood and 1 year of my sons life. Might not seem huge to you but when you consider all the growth and change that takes place in the first year of a child's life...whew! Words aren't enough!

Within that year I discovered my true personal independence and freedom. I had to learn to do things alone. Learn that a lot of my time won't be spent with groups of people but rather just my son & I. I learned to pray for and by myself. Hold myself accountable. Rely on my own judgement for the life of another human. Separate the wants/needs of others from my own. I outgrew friends. Became more focused on my true purpose. Pursued different aspects of my destiny ON MY OWN. And truly learned the idea of "supporting myself". I started my own business. I started this blog. I started a live podcast, all on my own. (And please know, when I say "on my own" that is not excluding the help from the Lord. He made ALL of this possible) While my year's journey to independence certainly included obstacles, I'd be foolish to overlook the victories!

My biggest victory thus far is FREEDOM! Freedom from what? MYSELF! The beauty of this victory is that it's ongoing. I don't just win once and wipe my hands clean. Every time I overcome my flesh, every time I submit myself to God, every time I chose His will over my own, I'm claiming new victory and freedom! You may not understand how giving everything over to God can be freeing but I urge you to seek Him to find out. The weight I used to carry trying to manage life on my own is GONE. I am free from worry. I am free from heartache. I am free from my finances. I am free from my mind. I am free from toxic people. I am FREE!! To worship, to live, to dance, to explore, to accomplish goals. Mostly, I'm free to be ME!

This holiday wasn't about the fireworks or parades... It wasn't about the cookouts and good music... Or the laughs and late night fun... It was about my revolution of INDEPENDENCE and FREEDOM. I was reminded by my pastor on Sunday that, Freedom must always be fought for! He also told me not to let anyone hold my freedom hostage, not even myself! But the key was: KEEP FIGHTING. You've heard the slogan, "anything worth having is worth fighting for"... Well my family, my independence, my purpose, my freedom, my eternity and the lives of the lost are ALL worth fighting for!

I am thankful for the 4th of July! Because each year I get another chance to sign my own declaration: I declare...

- I survive another year of parenting
- I made it to a new level in my fight
- I am reminded, I AM INDEPENDENT!
- I am reminded, I AM FREE!

And I'll add on to this declaration every time. Now here's your chance... Are you ready to sign? 📝

Estonia Mosby

Small Victories

You ever find yourself getting down and out over major failures? You know, the feeling you get when you just can't seem to get it right? As if everything you've tried was for not...? Yeah me too. Until I found myself joking about the phrase "small victories". At the time I came up with it, it was a running joke and in some cases, the exact opposite of small victories. But as I began to harp on that phrase I realized that what I was joking about, was just the encouragement I needed.

I mean often times, we get so caught up in the idea that we have to go from 0 to 100 on the scale of greatness but is that reality? More often than not, you have to put in work! By putting in work, you will likely find that there will be stumbling blocks along the way...but...there will also be many small victories too.

To be transparent... I expected to be further along in life than I am. I didn't expect to "drop out" of college... But my small victory is that I went to college. I didn't expect to have held as many jobs as I have... Small victory, at least I've been employed. I didn't expect to be a parent prior to marriage.. Small victory, I received the greatest blessing that changed me for the better.

By now you can catch my drift. Just because you were faced with a situation that didn't seem as likely or successful as the bigger picture, try scaling it down and noticing the details. It's the small things in life that create the big moments!

Imagine your small victories as puzzle pieces... Without each intricate piece, the puzzle would never be complete, thus never allowing you to see the big picture! So the next time you find yourself getting down and out over the "little things" remember that those little things play a huge role in your big picture! From now on, celebrate those small victories, eventually you'll be celebrating your success and have a masterpiece of a life to reflect on too!

Careful Consistency Compels Conquering

This Friday will be a month since I began my new business venture with It Works! A health and wellness company. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect but I told God to make it clear if this was for me. Needless to say, He did that immediately! Within less than 24hrs, the pray I prayed was answered. That got me EXCITED!!! I had no clue what the company was all about but knowing I was saying yes to God and not necessarily the company was enough for me to go forth! 

Ever since my "yes" I have seen the benefits unfold. People who I never thought I'd share this with showed interest & I now have 2 of my teammates in the business with me. (I plan to take the Freedom Movement to conference to minister at the Friday night worship service) But honestly, things beyond my expectations were beginning to happen. 

I often find myself reflecting on the small victories in life, particularly with It Works! as of late. I always get so excited when I realize that these victories came from simply being obedient. In my obedience, I remained consistent and as a result, I am evolving and growing like never before. It's fuel to remain obedient. Often times we "mistake" our way out of blessings because we refuse to stay consistent. (Meaning we continue to make mistakes causing us to miss out on our blessings) If we can just be consistent in WHATEVER God instructs us to do then the mistakes will become less, and the blessings will become more. The more intent you are to heeding to instruction the less likely you are to slip up. Then, in that moment, God dropped a saying in my spirit that led to this blog, Careful Consistency Compels Conquering!!

Let me break it down, (I'm almost done talking, I promise) 

CAREFUL - Be careful in all that you do this and be sure to listen very closely to what God is saying! Be intentional and precise.

CONSISTENCY - Whatever God has given you to do, BE CONSISTENT! We can't complain about lack of results if we aren't being consistent in our walk/purpose/lives!

COMPELS - If we can get past the first two steps, God will bring about the results you desire. He will reveal the things you've been waiting to see. Anticipate ; RESULTS ARE IN as long as your in accordance with Gods plan.

CONQUERING - This term is self-explanatory but the key here is overcoming. Listening, actively doing & anticipating the results we want will bring about victory! We are conquerors, especially when being obedient. 

Like I said, I love seeing the benefits of obedience. If you feel like you haven't been rewarded or seeing the benefits of doing what God has instructed you to do, I challenge you to reflect on these 4 things and figure out where you're losing your way. Careful Consistency Compels Conquering but they each go hand in hand. I'm excited to see your benefits!!!

Isolation = Elevation

Lately, I've been finding myself more and more distant from everyone. For some of us, that's normal. We have those periods in life where we just need to pull back and regroup...but this wasn't one of those times. This time, people started pulling back from me. Problems began to arise and completely separate me from some of the closest people to me.

I didn't understand...  

What was I doing that was so bad that people didn't want to be my friend? The more I looked for answers the less I found them until I finally realized I didn't really care. The relationships that I would have once fought for just weren't worth it anymore. But still something in my heart felt sad... I was becoming isolated by force for doing nothing wrong.

 What kind of sense did that make?? To me, NONE! But eventually, I got past the initial hurt and began to find myself. I branched out, tried new things and allowed myself to journey through the isolation carefree... Needless to say, I was liberated in my isolation.

Strange? I know..but it's true.

I was beginning to get elevated within my own self and I didn't have to worry about anyone or anything. That felt GREAT! Standing out was OKAY! I was always told that I wasn't meant to "fit in" anyway.. I was finding the true meaning of inner elevation and seeing how I could grow as a person within myself. Elevation isn't always physical or even visible. It's not always a promotion from one position to the next. But rather an upgrade from mediocre to extraordinary; peasant to royalty! We get so easily caught up in other people, good/bad that we lose sight of OUR purpose. But when you figure out your purpose and begin to LIVE IT, your life will CHANGE! Ever since I changed my focus from "why doesn't anyone like me?" to "How can I fulfill my purpose?" I seriously saw immediate change!

Stop worrying about all the casualties around you and focus on the battle... Truth is, the battle isn't with anyone else, it's between the EXISTING you and the LIVING you! Stop just existing, start living!!! Live out your purpose and the village that was meant for you will begin to rise up. 

Stay encouraged! Isolation isn't always negative... Just think of it as Gods way of dropping hints that something HUGE is about to happen to YOU! 

-Estonia Mosby