Time to play in the dirt again!!!

For some time I have become very interested in gardening. Could be because of the time I have now that I'm on a sabbatical from production or because of the growth process that satisfies me to watch. Maybe it's both! I believe that God has a purpose for setting us aside to be worked on, pruned and replanted. No matter the results in our eyes I'm certain that if we stay rooted in Gods word and abide in His love that He will plant us again in an area that He will recieve great glory (satisfaction) . In the meantime, play in the dirt. Enjoy the time away, the people that will pour into your life, look closely at birds (those that God sends away) and blooms (the relationships that grow deeper) . Appreciate him for His work. God is there and the best gardener!! 

Don't call it a comeback...

Can we just pretend like my last post was not in 2011? No? Ok, call it a come back then lol. I have missed you! I am back and so glad to be talking with you again! As you can see I decorated a bit. The look of this page has changed and will be going through more changes but the content will remain the same; Jesus Christ, family, love & marriage, friendships and advice. To add, you can also look forward to event invitations, freebie deals, product reviews, coupon savings, and book discussions. 

To start, let's talk about friendships. As the hit 90's girl group TLC said "What about your friends?" Do you have real friends? I'm not talking about your Social Media followers. I'm talking about the people in your life that you can cry into their arms if you need to, the kind that will hold you accountable, the ones that your family see as adopted family because you are so close. More importantly a friend that will pray with you and for you at anytime. These are the people you can call spontaneously over for a movie night and you won't have to wash the dishes or vacuum before the arrive; that's real friendship right there! 

 For years I have had real friendships with the same group of women; Candice, Jennifer, Araneetae, and Lisa.  I feel blessed every time I think of each of them. If you know me, you know my friends only because I talk about them all the time in the most positive light. Why? because they shine bright in my life. I don't have to talk about them negatively to make myself feel or look more important. Neither does a good friend indirectly or directly try to measure themselves to those close to them to prove that they are on a higher thinking or motivated level. 

Recently, some attention has been paid in the media to a concept called Shine Theory. Essentially, it’s built off of the idea that when I, as a woman, perceive that another woman is more successful, attractive, put together, wealthy, or whatever my measuring stick is that I am likely to resent her, rather than want to befriend her. Shine Theory says that, instead, it’s to my benefit to befriend that very woman because, we shine when the people around us shine. We are who we associate with. In my circle, I want people who are smarter and more successful than I am to connect me to opportunities and challenge me to try new things. I want to be inspired by my friends to be a better human, all around. My girlfriends do that for me and I love them for it.

What about you? Do you have friends that make you shine? Let’s talk in the comments!

True friendship is when you know that differences won't stop you from loving each other. It embraces one another. It loves no matter what, just as the Bible instructs. 

"If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (1 Corinthians 13:3-7 NLT)

L.A. 

The Women God Blessed Me With:

Thank you so much L.A. Bonds! from Engaged and Happy

Greetings readers, I wanted to check in with you to let you know that all is still well and that the productions that I mentioned last year were are in the making will be performed this year. I am so excited and grateful at the same time. Always remember to reach for the sky and be determined to reach all of your goals no matter what the circumstances are. God believes in you and with Him you CAN and WILL do all things because He strengthens you.

I also wanted to share a special letter with you that I recieved from a women that asked for advice a year ago. Neither of us could find the original question that she submitted but you can get a feel for what she needed advice on in this thank you /testimony letter. Remember, We overcomer by the blood of Jesus Christ and the words of our testimony. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

"Dear L.A,

I remember a while ago I asked you what you thought about the situation I had with my boyfriend getting another girl pregnant and you asked me to let you know how it went.

Well, we are still together. The other girl had her babies (ended up being twins! smh) and I finally feel like I can trust him again. He has been nothing but forthcoming about information on anything I ask him about. He always tells me when he has contact with her and I truly feel that he is sorry for what he did.

I just wanted to thank you because even if you didn't know it, you provided me with support. He's been in Afghanistan and its been hard but honestly when he first told me about this girl and I decided to stay with him I felt stupid for a long time. Everytime I thought about it I would think about how stupid I was for forgiving him. Then I would go back and read the message you sent and you said "love does not keep a record of wrongs" it helped me to realize if I say I really love him, I have to forgive. So thank you so so much! Your words have saved my relationship more than a couple of times. We are very happy and marriage is the next step for us, we're even taking a vacation with my family in Sept. to Disney!

Thanks again and I hope all is well in your house!"

Signed,
Engaged and Happy

Smart -n-Single Still

Dear L.A. , this is the deal. This guy is really nice, he is from Panama. He drives a really nice car, a Benz. I asked him what he does for a living, and he says he works for himself. I said doing what, and he was not straight forward. He said he does all kinds of things, contracting or something. Didn't seem like it was a complete truth. I asked him again yesterday on our date, and he did it again, the beating around the bush. I don't want to continue to ask him and dig but I need some help. I really like this guy. What do you think I should do?.

Signed,
Smart n Single Still

Mrs. Single Still I have been contemplating on your situation lately and have came to a solutions for your consideration:

However you start any relationship will be the pattern of the relationship. If you start off lying you will continue to lie, If you start off cheating you will continue to cheat, If you start off romancing you will have to continue to romance. And so on. Why? Because consistency in actions speaks louder than any words. And most importantly consistency is what can make or break a relationship. If you have been up front with this guy about your means of employment and things related, he should feel comfortable enough to share his as well. NOW let me also say this, my first rule in any FIRST dating situation is to not disclose to much information (like exact locations of where you work, your address, etc.) about yourself to avoid nut cases and stalkers but since this not your first date, we cool. One thing I do want to share with you before I retreat back to your situation is the "First date must knows”. The most important one is number one; First dates should be solely about getting to know each other (like what you do, your goals, your religious beliefs, etc.). Which means you will go on a date that is preferably in the day time in an environment that is nice (park, cafe, etc.) but also comfortable enough for you two to have a conversation (not a concert, your house, movies, etc.). That way, you and him can decide if a relationship is worth pursuing when the date is over and it also eliminates some sexual temptation. PLUS it’s just always good to be upfront. No one like to waste their time. No one!

Now going back to what we were talking about, I believe you have to analyze if this is the type of relationship or friendship you need in your life. You know, if we as women took inventory of every relationship we involve ourselves in, I believe we would see a pattern of some sort in which could also be the answer to why we are attracted to certain people and except certain things from them. The Bible says blatantly "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?". You must be on the same page (at least in honesty)in order to go forward. Therefore you must consider this; you don't want to be unequally yoked with anyone that you desire a relationship with. Do you?

Girl, I am confident that whatever decision you make regarding this man is reflection of your feeling towards yourself and what you expect in a man. I pray that the Lord guides you in his wisdom and truth. And I hope to hear from you soon to learn the outcome. Continue to be blessed so that you may be a blessing to others.

With love,
L.A. Bonds

27 years and still talking- A TESTIMONY

Have you ever just sat back and thought about what you have been through? I have before but today was quite different. I really, really thought about my life this far. Let me share a quick testimony with you. In 2005 I packed one box of clothing and one bag of shoes to stay with my grandparents in Mississippi for a couple of weeks. During that time, I really had a chance to reflect on my life and what I had made of myself that far: I was in a relationship with an older gentleman that I had lived with, that occasionally would hit me or choke me. I had dropped out of college because of my behavior and grades. I was doing things that you could only imagine for money, I was a liar, a mistress, a manipulator and to top it all off I was straying further and further away from who I desired to be. It had gotten so bad that I didn't even want to look at myself in the mirror. I was absolutley disgusted with myself and who I had become.

To this day I do not recall the day that I wanted to change, but I do remember having that talk with my parents over the phone letting them know that I will no longer be returning to Michigan to stay. I was going to live in Mississippi and by faith, change. I do admit, I didnt know exacltly what that meant, but I did know that it was going to happen. I rededicated my life to Christ one Sunday and distingtivly remember my Pastor/Spiritual Father saying "Stay Focus and you will go far". Those words stuck with me and they still do. Needless to say, I expected everything to go peachy thereafter because I was focused. THAT was not the case. For years I had a breast issue that I denied could be real, and I was forced by my Aunt to face it. I did. And was shocked that the matter was even more serious then I thought. The doctors went back and forth about the 4 cys in my right breast being cancerous or benign. I had X-rays, Biopys, Mamorgrams and everything else and they would sometimes be certain in their diagnoses. This of course scarred me, Even though I was saved, I knew I had not lived a life that was pleasing to Christ for so long so I assumed this was my pay back. I endured 5 monthes of depression and suicide attempts. No one ever knew how I truely felt about myself ,except those who were truely close to me. The day before my last breast exam I went to church just to let God know that I was sorry for everything and to change things for me. In that service my Pastor asked me "What if the doctor says that the cys are gone?" Honestly in my mind, I was thinking, that could not be possible. I knew Gods wrath was real and that he "Changed Not" . But he asked me again and added "what would I do?" Instantly I began to Thank Him for turning my health around and for allowing me to live. In advance tryingto activate my faith. Right after my pastor said "God hears you". And with those words I knew that something was going to be different. And they were. When I went in to the doctors office the next day for my final appt before my surgery, The doctors thought they were getting pranked. The cys that they were so indecisive about had disappeared. I believe that room went from 2 people in it to 12 within 5 minutes. They couldnt belive that I now only had 2 cys that were undoubltly benign. I was joyful of course and my grandmother who was in the doctors room with me....lets just say she can praise dance pretty well to be in her 80's.

I wanted to share this testimony with you because I want you to know that God hears you too. God has been so good to me, he blessed me with a loving husband, a beautiful son, my own company and has annointed my hands to write plays that have impacted the kingdom. He spared my life tremebdously from death, aids, and only he knows what else. He heard me then, just like he has heard you over the years. He see's what you are going through even when you dont feel he doesn't. He is even soverign enough to love you in your mess. Trust me, I know. No matter who you are, realize that God can change you if you let him. I am a witness and a living testimony. Even as a believer you will go through trial ( I have even slept in my car and on peoples couches some nights) BUT TRUST ME WHEN I SAY, HE WILL MAKE YOUR TRIAL WORTH IT! I have a beautiful home and 2 cars. He has made me glad and I refuse to not share the goodness of God and all he has done for me any longer. Talk to Him, because He hears you.

Still talking,
L.A. Bonds

P.S. : Before you ask God for anything, Thank Him for everthing.

PRETZEL POWER!

The Lord blessed me with this message the other night as I though I was going to make some QUICK (LOL) fresh soft prezels for a snack.

When God created us He knew what He was doing. He gave us all different personalities, talents, skills and gifts. Though we are all different, one thing remains the same;We are ALL His children. The ingredients of my pretzals reminded me of that. After I mixed some of the ingrediants together (the dry yeast, salt,sugar,flour and water)this mixture became a dough. Then the dough formed into a ball. We are the same way. When we give our heart to the Lord it is definitly easy to do, but it is not an easy process. We have to continually be folded and stirred into who God has called us to be. And even then after you have relized who you are in Him (as a ball of dough), The Lord is proud of you BUT you still are not done. The Lord then takes you to the another level him called kneading.

As I plopped the ball of dough on my floured table my recipe directions said I needed to KNEAD THE DOUGH so that it can become SOFTER! Now this step totally amazed me, because I thought the dough was soft enough. As do we at times as Christians. We feel that we have it together, that we are fully filled, that we can stand the test of time, that we have arrived! But the Lord says NO, I now need to test your strength and you patience. So I began to knead and knead and knead for close to 30 minutes. As I was doing this I noticed something spectacular, the dough started to do someting that it didn't when I first began to knead it. Once i pressed my knuckles in and took them out, The dough smoothed itself back out. Thats right, I knew I had kneaded it but you could no longer see my knuckles. When the Lord begans the kneading process in our lifes we are hard (you can see our pain, you can see our failures, we become embaressed) but the more He kneads us the softer we become to Him. And just like that dough, you will no longer see his knuckles but you will know His strength. You will be able to tell people you are trusting tin the Lord when oppostion comes you way because you know how it feels to not trust him. Let me also mention that at by this time I had been making these pretzals for over an hour. In Christ it is the same way. What may seem like forever to us, is not long to Him, Because He knows who He wants you to be. So just like God, I did not stop my creation, this dough had purpose (to feed me, lol)

Okay so by this time you would think that I could go on to form the shape of pretzals with the dough, right? Nope.

The directions then state to wrap the dough in plastic wrap and sit it in a warm area so that the dough can rise. What? Excuse me? Are you telling me that I am not even close to finish? That is correct! When you are brought to the Lord,formed and kneaded then that is when you are truely tested by the enemy. Will you rise or will you sink? Can you stand the test of time? is what the Lord wants to know. Do you need to revisit the kneading table? (I almost started shouting right there, lol) . You must understand something. The pressure of your past, temptation, finacial situations, and so much more WILL COME AT THIS TIME! Will you still rise. The Bible says "They that wait upon th Lord will have renewed strength"ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH TO PUSH THROUGH THE WRAP (the enemy) THAT HAS BEEN SUFFOCATING YOU?! My dough did and I was so proud that it did, because I definitly was to tired to knead it again (Just like God may be of some of us).

Okay, 2hours now and still no snack. So I unwrap the victorious dough and I can now form it into what I want it to look like. So I start and they are looking great. But wait a miniute, the directions say put the measurement of baking soda in a bowl and add water and stir it.HOLD UP! I thought I was done. I was ready to pop these babies in the oven. Reality check! We may have passed the test but this walk with Christ should never be tooken lightly. At any given moment a curve ball can be thrown in. Just like Job after his friends stopped with their questioning, HIS WIFE STARTED! Or like David, even though he killed Goliath then Saul wanted to act a fool. Do not ever think your walk is finished and that you are the ULTIMATE CHRISTIAN. You aren't...period. "Hath not the potter power over the clay"Romans 9:21a. With my pretzal dough in total pretzal form I had to dip them in the baking soda solution before placing them on the cookie tray. So I did and get this, the directions said to cook them for only 5 minutes.NOW THAT WAS HILARIOUS TO ME! After all of that work, they only had to be in the heat for 5 minutes and they were done. lol

So for you New believers-realize that becoming Saved is simple but there is a process after.

...................Old believers - Do you need to revisit the kneading table? Are you exuding strength when temptation comes? Allow your heart to be even more tender to His touch.

...................Non-believers-While you are judging us because of our transformation REMEMBER this process only makes us stronger. SO You will not suffocate us any longer, Ha!

Still rising,

L.A. Bonds

"We are the clay, and thou are Potter; and we are all the work of thy hands" Isaiah 64:8a

Hey Ladies, Its been a long time right? Yes, I know. I have been away in my "writers corner" finshing 2 of the best plays I have ever written (if I say so myself...wink), as well as speaking at womens conferences and retreats. . Anywho, LA Bonds is back! And I want to hear from you. What are some topics that we should discuss for November? I have a couple already,but I am very interested in your thoughts. You may post them or message them.