Thursday, March 24, 2011

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

Monday, January 10, 2011

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.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

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






Sunday, October 17, 2010

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.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Smart Women, Silly Choices: If a man wants you.

IF A MAN WANTS YOU
If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.
If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.
Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior.
Allow your intuition (or the Holy spirit) to save you from heartache.
Stop trying to change yourselves for a relationship that's not meant to be.
Slower is better.
Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.
If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve
then heck no, you can't "be friends." A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend.
Don't settle. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is.
Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You'll be mad at yourself
a year later for staying when things are not better.
The only person you can control in a relationship is you.
Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women.
He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant,
Why would he treat you any differently?
Always have your own set of friends separate from his.
Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you.
If something bothers you, speak up.
Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later.
You cannot change a man's behavior. Change comes from within.
Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are...even if he has
more education or in a better job. Do not make him into a quasi-god.
He is a man, nothing more nothing less.
Never let a man define who you are.
Never borrow someone else's man.
Oh Lord!? If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.
A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.
All men are NOT dogs.
You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is a two-way street.
You need time to heal between relationships...there is nothing cute about
baggage... deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship
You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...a relationship consists
of two WHOLE individuals...look for someone complimentary...not supplementary.
Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr.. Right.
Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always know where you are, and you're
always readily available to him- he takes it for granted.
Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need.
Keep him in your radar but get to know others.

BY THE WAY, THIS WAS WRITTEN BY A MAN, SO TAKE A HINT.............

Monday, July 12, 2010

Which dater are you?

Let's Talk,

God wants the best for us in every area of our lives. This includes friendships and even relationships with boyfriends or girlfriends. The objective or this blog is to assist you in determining what type of dater you are or going to be.

There are two different types of daters;recreational and relational. The Recreational daters, date for fun, friendship and personality development. You may be a recreational dater if you have a new person to date almost every week. Relational daters also date for fun, friendship and personality development, but they also date purposely for selection of a long term mate. You may be a relational dater if you prefer going out on a date with the same one or two people.

REMEMBER: Neither one should EVER date for popularity or security, that's an absolute NO NO!

It is very important to recognize which dater you are so that you can know how to set the standards for An actual dating relationship.The number one mistakes I have witnessed (and have done) were alternating the two. Whenever you do this, you not only confuses you but you confuse the person you are dating. If you are a recreational dater but posing as a relational dater, you will get bored easily and maybe feel that the relationship is moving to fast, and bail. If you are a relational dater but posing as a recreational dater, you will ultimately try to make the relationship more than what it is and you MORE THAN LIKELY will give more of yourself to secure the relationship which will prob' make the other person bail. These methods all together are not fair or right. Clarity and communication is the fuel that keeps any relationship. Always be clear!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being upfront with a person and telling them what type of dater you are. By doing this you not only give the person the things they can expect from you but you can also share with them the things that you want to expect from them. Leaving them with the option to journey that relationship with you or not. It is absolutely better to date the same type of dater(especially if you are a believer in Christ,they should be too)

In closing, Each dating relationship can eventually lead to a healthy marriage.Don't forget that God wants you to have fun while dating so make sure you do! Most likely you want to get married some day but don't pressure yourself with a timeline. Have fun and enjoy the dating life. You'll get to know many great people and be able to identify the qualities you want (and don't want) in your future husband or wife.

Challenge

Today examine yourself to determine which dater you are so that you may be clear when you date.

Let's Pray!

God we thank you for your new graces and mercies everyday. Thank you for giving us the privilege to come to you with all of our cares and worries and cast them on you. This week I ask that you assist your people in making wise decisions regarding their dating relationships. Help them to recognize the people in their life that they are unequally yoked with. Let their list of desires in a mate be according to your will. Help them to Realize, that they have a great advantage because they are seeking Your soul mate while working with Your Holy Spirit within them as a match maker. Lord, we appreciate you for all that you do and have done. We also thank yon in advance for favoring these request. Amen