From the Abundance

The devil has one dollar but God has all the dollars!!  An original song made up by two of my friend's children so simply tells us the truth about our God.  Sometimes the enemy likes to fool us with the illusion that he has so much to offer... twinkling lights, fame fortune, glamor, money, power.. or whatever appeals to you.  In reality, he has the equivalent of a measly dollar.  Why settle for a dollar when God, our daddy, owns the cattle on a thousand hills?  Don't get me wrong, money is nice, but it's not all about that anyway.  Matthew 6:34 tells us to take no thought for tomorrow, for tomorrow shall take thought of the things for itself.  In other words, don't worry about tomorrow, it'll worry about itself. So what's so Important about these cattle and hills anyway?  Sometimes people get so caught up in chasing the stuff that they forget the true importance of why they're doing what they're doing in the first place. If I've dedicated my gifts

I recently finished reading the book The Help, and seeing the movie of course.  They're both GREAT!  I took a lot away from the book and the movie but the thing that has stuck with me the most is when Abileen said nobody had ever asked what it felt like to be her.  As I left the movie I couldn't help but think about that simple phrase and I too realized... Nobody's ever asked what it feels like to be me.  People see me everyday and think they know me or assume they do because we've walked through years of life together, but of all of the people I've ever met, known my whole life, or just spoken to in passing.... not one person has ever asked what it feels like to be me.  I've been asked a lot of questions but never how does it feel to be Chaconna Downs?  Well sometimes it feels great to be me... some days I feel like I'm on top of the world, at my best, doing great things, excited, giving my best and experiencing life in that moment... when at other time

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 Monday night I went to bed with a heavy heart and a a million thoughts racing through my head.  I couldn't even seem to find the words to pray to express what I was feeling in the moment.  Sometimes the burden for others can take your breath away, tangle your words and put your mouth on a temporary mute.  I am thankful that when I don't know what to pray, or even have an idea where to begin, the Chief Intercessor steps in on my behalf.  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 Sometimes we get so overwhelmed or hit from so many sides that it's hard to find a starting place but thank God that we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;

Tell me, what do you give when you've given your all And it seems like you can't make it through? Well you just stand when there's nothing left to do You just stand, watch the Lord see you through Yes, after you done all you can, you just stand..... Sometimes, when God puts you on assignment and you've done all that you can... you just have to stand.  Over the past few years God has truly had me on some assignments I'd never imagine myself being on.  One in particular came with an urge to pray, a declaration, no explanation, and crazy crazy instructions.  Guess what, still walking it out.. and still don't have an explanation per say.  I do have a greater understanding of the purpose for the assignment and why it's necessary.  Several times during the course of the assignment I told myself and God, "I didn't sign up for all this" and I was ever so quickly reminded that when I gave God my Yes, that meant Yes to everything, not just the

Image created by  Akiane    John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Over the past few weeks my family has lost several loved ones.  One in particular really made me stop and do a serious inventory of my life, those dear to me and the state of our affairs.  It's always hard to process death, unanswered questions, unspoken words, things you wish you should have said or done, the plans left unfulfilled and the pain that shreds your heart.  We are not promised tomorrow, or even the next moment... Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14 Often times we take for g

This phrase is often used when little kids have coughing spells but it's a phrase I use with my friends when we laugh so hard we choke.  I was reading a bedtime story with my little cousin and the book had some of the miracles of Jesus in it.  The last story was the story of the paralyzed man (Mark 2:1-12).  And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and re

If you live in Kentucky, and even if you don't, you know the first Saturday in May is reserved for the most lucrative event for milliners everywhere, Derby!  The array of colorful hats and sun dresses, silver cups filled with mint juleps, and the red carpet fanfare of celebrity sightings in the Bluegrass is a tradition that began over 130 years ago.  Derby means something different for everybody, to some it's about the race, the tradition, the parties, BBQ, family gatherings, and others the gambling.  Although I've never been to the race, I watch it every year as I spend time at my Grandmother's house or with the rest of my family and there's 3 words the gamblers are always waiting to hear... Win, Place, and Show. Well I don't gamble but I have my own personal Win, Place, Show.. WIN- win souls to Christ; he who wins souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30);  win over your enemy, submit yourself to God, resist the devil and he shall flee (James 4:7), all I can do is wi

 Standing in the already, with a vision of the Not Yet! As I read the signature line in my friend's text I thought of so many different things.. the promises of God, the plans of God, the creation story, and a million other things.    Many times God will grant us glimpses into the Not Yet, while we're standing in the Already.  I'm already a student, but I see myself walking across the stage in my cap, gown and hood.  I'm Already making strides to improve my finances, so I can see myself managing the finances of my own business.  I'm Already studying the Word of God and taking it upon myself, yet I can see myself ministering to others.  I'm Already a wife, so I can see myself walking down the aisle.  I'm already healed, and I see myself sharing the gift of healing God placed in my hands.Over the years God has given me tangible and visual glimpses but the glimpses can come in many forms, through the Word and His promises, through dreams, visions, prayer, ins

I came across this video today when I was watching videos on YouTube today and thought it was awesome.  Not just because I'm a Mali fan, but because of the time and care he put forth to ministering in excellence and giving it how God gave it to him.  I loved that he took the time to personalize it and make sure that everyone else involved got the vision, was on one accord and giving it to the people how God let him hear it.  But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort?  for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. 1 Chronicles 29:14 God has given each of us something special,and what we choose to do with it is up to us.  We can be like one of the servants who were given the talents (Matthew 25:14-29), use them wisely and gain more or bury them in the ground and let them go to waste.  How can we continue to expect God to breathe on us if we're not taking the things of God seriously??  God didn't b

When I got to school today I got back the paper for my personal theological model.  The paper had to be 15-20 pages in length and have several research sources, an outline, and give a good explanation of my model, current models, strengths and weaknesses, and how I plan to integrate the model with social work.  Well, the night before the paper was due, I had to start from scratch and redo the whole thing.  I was so sleepy, my brain was fried and my thoughts were all over the place.  I woke up at the keyboard at one point, looked at the screen and saw random groupings of letters that were probably words in my sleepy mind lol  I worked on the paper until 2 am that morning, slept for a few hours and got back at it at 6 a.m.  I finished the paper about 15-20 minutes before the class started (6:15 p.m.) and went to turn it in.  My friend saw me and said you look ROUGH! I said I feel rough and it's been a rough night and day... I was just glad to be handing it in. I felt like giving up

I'm 31, a full time student, single with no prospects, have no kids, live with my mother, student loans coming outta every pocket, a minimum wage job where I only work 6 hours a week and about $3 in my checking account.  I can honestly say that I have everything I need.  I definitely don't have everything I want, but I know it's coming!  When I tell you that despite what may be depressing to some, is the blessing I call my life. I used to get really depressed about where I was in life, what I thought I should have accomplished by now, what I should be doing, who I didn't have, what I couldn't do and where I couldn't go.  People would always ask my mother why she didn't have any grandbabies, or me when I was getting married, or "don't you want kids?" Until one day God flipped a little switch and the light bulb came one.  He let me know that I was right were I needed to be and right where He wanted me. Sometimes when you give and give and

I apologize for my absence the past week.. it's been a crazy week. Lost a few family members, a friend, mom went to the hospital, got some new babies to love on and celebrated a birthday! I'm exhausted!! I think I've had a total of maybe 8 hours of sleep over 2 days, but God is still great and greatly to be praised!! I was home sick when I got a frantic call from my mom on Friday afternoon.  She had gotten a call from her doctor saying that she needed to admit herself to the hospital and they were going to do surgery and install a pacemaker.  Her heart was only beating at about 30%.  I told her not to cry and to take a deep breath and just come on home. While she was driving home I prayed and sent out text messages to my fellow intercessors, prayer warriors, friends, and family of believers asking them to pray for her.  I began to just declare her healing and that she wouldn't need the surgery or the pacemaker. I didn't feel in my spirit that she was going to nee

  A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 Today I had the pleasure of attending a beautiful wedding.  The groom and I have known each other for almost our entire lives.  I met him in kindergarten and that was over 25 years ago.  Through all the years he's never failed to be a friend.  Any time I  see him he greets me the same way, with a big cheesy grin, a big hug and a "hey sis, how you doin?".  No matter where we were, who we were with, and what was going on.  He's always had the same sweet spirit, the same warmth, the same big heart, and the same love for his friends and family. As I greeted the newly married couple today, I would be meeting his wife for the first time.  What a surprise it was to me when she already knew my name.  Just goes to show that no matter the space, time, or life in between... a friend loves at all times.  In the few moments I spoke with Mrs. Cobb I couldn't help but notice how bea

Today has been an absolutely amazing day.  Miracles, signs, and wonders... I tell you, God has truly blown my mind in a brand new way.  I attend Asbury University where I am currently working on my Masters of Social Work.  I am blessed to be earning my degree at a Christian university, so our classes usually start off with prayer or devotions.  After receiving several praise reports in my second class today I was that much more excited to get to PHAT Tuesday.  PHAT Tuesday is an acronym for Prayer/Praise, Healing and Teaching, and our night for bible study.  I got there early to pray before service with a great spirit of expectancy.  Needless to say God showed up in that place.  The anointing and presence of God rested on us tonight and I thank God for favor and the blessing of His presence. Everything we needed showed up in the atmosphere, healing, deliverance, praise, worship, a word, love, forgiveness, freedom, breakthrough... it was there. Words don't even do it justice.  Now

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. Luke 5:1-7 Often times we love to look at the beautiful

A friend shared this video with me a few weeks ago and in the midst of my own waiting it encouraged me more than I would have imagined.  There aren't many words to describe how awesome and truly anointed Janette...Ikz is and how timely her words are.  As a single woman, or man for that matter, waiting can be one of the hardest things we ever have to do.  As you can tell from my previous post, I'm still waiting... Amen! lol  The word in her poem gives all the reasons we need for waiting and why we should truly wait with joy.  Joy in knowing that while we are in our process, the one from whose rib we came, is being prepared as well.  Genesis 2:21-24  So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said,  “This is now bone of my bones,And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called

Earlier today I thought I would blog about a revelation I got during class, but even as I began to think about and study that word out, my thoughts changed.  The revelation I received was on a passage of scripture concerning Adam and Eve and as I thought about it, I couldn't help think about some of the people I've loved and lost, in one form or another.  One especially, K'Anthone Kelley. During my freshman year of college I had the pleasure of meeting and falling in love with an amazing man.  Not many people know the whole story of what happened, but many know that he died.   Days after breaking up with the first person I truly loved, I met Prince Charming, by accident.  K'Anthone and I met through a mutual friend who was dating his brother.  We had this crazy connection almost instantly.  After the second conversation we ever had, I knew I wanted to marry him.  No questions, no doubts, no hesitations... I just knew.  I felt it, and the funny thing is; a few weeks be

Romans 8:25-27  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Many times we find ourselves lost and wondering what we're waiting for, what we're here for, what we're called for, and even what we're supposed to be doing.  For years I was in a place where I had absolutely no clue what my purpose was, why God had saved me, and what I was supposed to be doing with what He'd given me.  All I knew was I had a set of talents and things I was pretty good at that didn't seem to match or go together.  I loved people, was pretty good at teaching Sunday school (but I didn't really know the word well e

A morning tweet from  iiDOTluvDOTuDOT   I asked to have that moment 4 life God said he'd give me a million of better moments As I read this tweet so many moments flashed through my mind.  Some I would love to have forever, some I could go without, and even a few I wish I never had.  Either way, when I add up all my moments I've lived a pretty amazing life.  To some I may not have done much and my life may be pretty boring, but guess what... some people aren't blessed to be here for 31 years, some aren't blessed with healthy years, some aren't blessed to make it out of the womb alive.  I have so many moments to be thankful for.. Regardless of what anybody else says, my moments are treasures. At times we can get pretty down on ourselves about the path our life has taken, decisions we've made, where we coulda, shoulda, woulda been, and what we should have by now.  I encourage you to cherish your moments.  Society has a way of putting us on this invisible