Single Parenting...Going from Burden to Blessing

Hello Good People,

Wow, this is my first time sitting down to blog this year! I know, I know, shame on me. I've been crazy busy with the toils of life. However, I am back and better than ever. If you have never read a blog written by myself, been in the audience of a speaking engagement I've had the pleasure of doing or even follow or friend me on any form of social media you must first know that I am a very transparent, encouraging person. I disregard my pride and I reveal myself in hopes that I might give someone their hope back, their fight back or maybe just something to read while waiting for an appointment. Either way I'm glad you're here and I don't take your visit lightly. Thank You for stopping by! Now...

Lately, it's been on my heart to speak to single parents and to encourage the single parent and hopefully to inspire them to be even better parents. I believe just as in any situation or life circumstance our perspective will either magnify a small situation or minimize a large situation. It depends COMPLETELY upon US. I believe that what we feed will grow. So, often than not the "typical" single parent is upset, because they feel like the workload is too great. They feel as though the other parent is getting off easy because they are not active/involved in that child's life. They feel as though their child/ren are missing out on what society deems right and "how it's supposed to be" and they have become bitter, their heart has been hardened toward the other parent and sometimes toward the entire opposite gender.

I have 4 points I want to write about in hopes that they will indeed change your perspective, encourage you to be the best parent you can be with or without help, put your complete faith in God on this journey and to release the negative feelings you have for the other parent.

1. Perspective: Seriously, it's everything in every situation.  You have the options to view your life, your circumstances, your next move as a glass halfway empty or halfway full. I choose the latter. But, I will not lie to you and say that was easy for me. I had to get through a lot of bitter days and nights. Especially when the kids would get sick, or I didn't have the means to give them something that they wanted or needed. I would find myself getting so angry when I would give my last for lunch money AGAIN or I would spend light bill money on a dentist or a doctor visit co-pay. I started speaking life, prosperity, peace and joy over myself over and over and over although I had none of those things and could NOT see them coming any time soon. I remember sitting in the car crying and smiling and telling God thank you when the ends didn't meet. I would look at the babies in my back seat and say "But, I have them, they're happy and healthy and because they are I am too". I recall the story of Hannah (1 Samuel) when she poured her heart out to God and was mumbling prayers at the altar and Eli was watching her.  He then approached her because he thought she was drunk and demanded that she sober up! When in fact Hannah hadn't been drinking, as she said "Not, even a drop, the only thing that I have been pouring is my heart out to God". WOW! I remember telling God if you don't change my situation at the very least change my heart. And, that is exactly what he did. I began looking at everything in a new light. I started seeing trash as treasure. I started seeing bad days as amazing testimonies. I started laughing at the memories my children were making each day, the laundry would pile up on me and I'd whisper to God I thank you for the clothing. Max would break every picture frame and scratch my tables and I would say Thank You Lord, because I remember the doctors saying they wouldn't make it. I remember the NICU days, I got to a place in my life that everything was going to be an opportunity to bless GOD! I started getting excited when bills came because I was about to see God do something miraculous in my life once again. I could have blamed my x-husband for everything. I could be bitter at the fact that the twins don't know him and that he hasn't seen them in over a year. That he doesn't send Christmas/Birthday gifts or anything else for my kids. Instead I looked at what God has given me, them! I focused in on their happiness, their wholeness, their peace and I smiled, whispered a soft thank you to the sky and kept being the best single parent that I can be. I changed my perspective which in fact changed my life! PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING.

2. FOCUS: I seriously woke up one day and said if my kids are going to be lacking one parent they will not be lacking a good Mom too. I got so focused on me and what I was doing and what I was displaying before them. I started letting them in on my prayer time, rather than keeping them out, I started cleaning a little bit more, staying up on my household duties a little better. I got back in shape, eating healthy, I watched my mouth by speaking only positive around them. I keep my hair done,  I always smile, take them to church, communicate and actively listen to them. I became a better happier me. There's nothing missing and nothing broken in their lives because for one God restores and makes all things new and secondly because we set the tone for our household, which will in fact set the tone for their lives. I want to encourage you as a Single Mother of 3 that you get so focused on being the best you possible that what the other parent is doing/done and doesn't do will not even be a thought! It's possible because I live it!!! 1 Timothy 5:8 a man that does not provide for his own is worse than an infidel (infidel=a unbeliever). You provide and let God handle the rest!! Stay Focused and Be Encouraged and confident that He who began this  good (single parenting) work in you will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). It's a good work!


3. FAITH: Reignite the faith you first had when you first believed in something or someone. Put every ounce of it into what God says about you, your future and your kids. Children are a gift from God. Anything that God gives you will require work. Your JOB, own business, marriage, home, cars, even your mind...it all has to be worked on. Kids are the same...a blessing that require a lot of work. 1 Corinthians 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. Your work is not in vain!! You have to understand that none of this is about us...EVER! It's about God. I have Faith that God has great things in store for my children. I suffer sometimes and deny myself daily so that they may have a good life. I have Faith that because I am working hard daily sowing good seeds, they will reap the harvest. My faith reminds me that ALL things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). Faith will keep you encouraged, Faith will have you doing things that people who have to "see it" will never understand. It's a blessing in itself just to have FAITH and it's free to those who really want it! It's like getting an interest check from a bank you don't even have an account with. John 20:29 Then Jesus told them, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Have Faith that God is going to strengthen you to be an exceptional parent and bless your child/ren to do great things on the Earth! I declare there will be a return on your investment, in Jesus name!

4. RELEASE FEELINGS and FORGIVE: Whew! Yep, we gotta do that! We have to let go of all the ill feelings we have toward the other person for whatever the reason. Doesn't matter! It's done, it didn't kill you, move on! I always tell a personal story because I want my readers to know I've lived it and I practice what I preach. A little while ago I asked for help to buy some shoes for the kiddos. Now, mind you I don't ask for anything. God has given me amazing family and friends that have me and my kids back so if I ask they are eager to help. They know I am a tither and that I am good with money. I can make some stuff happen...I'm pretty sure I once got blood from that turnip, Lol. Anyway, I was denied the help in getting the kiddos some shoes. I didn't fuss, cuss...NOTHING. I said Well and I found myself praying like Jesus prayed on the cross. The only thing that came to my mind and my heart was "Forgive them Father for they know, not what they do Luke 23:34. That's when you know you have released a person and you forgive them because you are asking God to do the same. I used to be so angry hollering in the phone "You left me with all these kids" Baby, look it was never him. It was all God. God knew I couldn't stay connected to that, to be who I am today. I'm so glad "He left me here with all these kids" Lol. I literally just laughed out loud when I typed that! Talk about Burden to Blessing, whew Jesus! I'm in a place of complete peace, a place that I never thought I would be in. I trust God so much because he has been completely faithful to me. I dare not hold on to hatred, bitterness, resentment or anything else that's not of God. I release and decrease so that God might increase in my life. You can not get God's best being bitter. You can not expect your situation to change harboring any ill feelings. I don't care how much you pray, go to church or speak in tongues. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (Mark 11:25) Everyday I need something forgiven! I don't know about you, but I don't know anyone worth my forgiveness/relationship with God! Don't worry about what they get to do or what they have. No one gets off, they just get by temporarily. Time and chance happens to them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11)
Release My Friend!

I've been thinking about this "Single Parenthood" label the entire time I was writing this blog. There's such a negative outlook on it. When in fact it's not negative at all. It just is what it is. We're truly like Super Hero's or Lol. I remember when I first became a single Mom immediately the enemy would attack me with negative talk about myself like "You and your children are another statistic," "No one will ever want you with 3 kids," "You can't handle this all by yourself" Guess What? He was a liar then and he's still a liar!!! I'm only single on paper!! I'm actually in a very serious relationship!!! A serious co-parenting relationship with God!! And all the other amazing individuals He has placed and will place in our lives. It still takes a village to raise a child. One monkey still does not stop a show, correct? It must go on!! I encourage you to tell God what you would tell the absentee parent. To ask of him the same that you would ask of the absentee parent. You are not alone and your children are not missing out on anything, just because the other party isn't present! God the true father of my children thinks so highly of me and my ability to raise great children. You have to give yourself a pat on the back because the person who should help you knows that you are such a wonderful, strong, smart and resilient person to raise their child/ren alone. Thank you for thinking so incredibly highly of me. And God thank you for giving me all I need to complete this exciting task before me. Whether, you are doing this by choice (because the other parent choose not too) or by force (because the other parent can not...i.e..death, incarceration..etc) please know God has and will give you all you need! 2 Thessalonians 1:2 says Our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you're to be.
Single or Married Lord we give our children over to you for your glory. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14 Have your way in the lives of the parents reading whether they are single or married God help them to be better parents over the children you have entrusted to their care. Help them to see that children are from you and they are a great blessing. Remove the stereo type, the bitterness, the anger the rage and the selfishness. Impregnate the absent parent with a desire to seek you, do your will and restore relationships with their child(ren). I speak healing and peace into both parents God. Let arguments, irreconcilable differences be set aside for the sake of the children Lord. Make the Men rise up and be what they were called to be to their children both leaders and providers and make the Women rise up and be nurturers and care givers. God release the burden of single parenting and help us to focus solely on your goodness in every situation. In Jesus NAME!

We can not endure this thing called Life alone. I am so appreciative to my amazing family and friends that have stuck by our sides. To my amazing Mom, Thank You for everything! You are a breath of fresh air anytime I need it. My sisters y'all are everything and more...watching 2 of you be single parents was the best hands on training and learning experience for me. Thanks for being great at it! My brother who speaks into my life DAILY no matter what he was going through, he makes sure we're good!
My friends...Wow...they say true friends don't exist anymore...THEY LIED...I have them! Felise (who inspired the title of this blog) would sit on the phone with me at 4am and listen to me cry and remind me since my babies were infants that they are blessings not burdens!! Thank You my friend, I love you til the end! I love you all so deep!!! And Brandi OMG you have become a blood sister to me don't worry about how that's possible, but you are!!! I love you girl like crazy!!

Bobbie S.
Cherreyl A.
Tonia G.
Tasha S.
Mika M.
Brandi H.
Alexis C.
Tiffany J.
Felise B.
Chassie J.
Chilesa R.
Canitra W.
LeVida H.
Angie B.
Michelle B.
Leonard S.
Thank you good people!!! Soooo much love!😍😙😘💞

Leading while bleeding

Hello to you all. I know it's been a while since I last blogged, due to the demands of the holidays and other commitments. I'm back now and ready to encourage, uplift or just simply supply reading material while you wait under the hair dryer lol.

I have been wanting to share a story with you that I really didn't know how to share. Sometimes it can be so hard speaking while in battle, but when I tell you that God gives you strength in the midst of battle to encourage others, so that at the same time you are being encouraged yourself. I think that God keeps a word in me for others so that I can be reminded that he's still working on and for me. I'm so glad that I serve a covenant keeping God (Deuteronomy 7:9). (insert praise break)

On September 9, 2013 I made a commitment to God to diligently chase after him, to submit my will to his, to live a healthier lifestyle and to improve as a Mother and a wife. Well, I started working with a trainer 3 days a week, going to another trainers boot camp 3 days and jogging on my own. I started eating better, reading my word working to restore my marriage and started a women's bible study in my home. You know that the enemy couldn't stand that, so he had to shake some things up. But, how many of my readers know that he can only do what God allows! SO, about 9 days after I started changing my life was my children's father birthday [my then husband] and he flew into town to celebrate with us (me and our 3 children). We went to dinner, came home gave him his gifts and watched a movie. After we had put the children to bed, I showered and he and I went to bed. He and I made love unprotected (I mean he was my husband) not knowing that THE SAME DAY he had unprotected sex with the girlfriend he left back in NY. I woke up at 5am as I do now to do the Fourth Watch Prayer to have received an email from a woman who told me in the email that she had been in a serious relationship with my husband, that they were in love and he had even traveled with her to meet her family and ask her Dad for her hand in marriage. In marriage??? What the what? He's already married with 3 kids!! He had also told her that he divorced me 2 years prior and that he hated me and when he came home to TX to visit he stayed at a hotel, rented a car and would never see me. LIES, ALL LIES! If you're human, if you have ever been married, ever been in love then you can imagine how I felt reading this email and talking to this woman on the phone about MY husband. It wasn't just her, but she had informed me of another woman she had spent 2 hours on the phone with, that my husband was in a relationship with and in love with. Per the ILY text he had sent her before bed this same night as well. OMG! I then later received a email from that woman too. Here I am now dealing with woman number 7 and 8 that have been in a relationship with my husband. A man that was once God fearing, chasing and a devoted Father. I woke him up and demanded answers and of course I received LIES about how he doesn't know this girl and how she's crazy...blah, blah, blah. Anyway, that started a fight. A fight that got me charged with assault with bodily injury. Now, I  can thank God for deliverance because a calm temper and slow to anger spirit hasn't always been my testimony. I hired an attorney and for 11 months I fought this charge while preaching the gospel, raising 3 kids and dealing with a husband that abandoned his entire family for this other woman. Not only was I battling emotionally, but spiritually I was a mess. I was speaking life into everyone around me, but inside I felt like I was dying a slow, painful death. I knew that he wanted them to find me guilty so that I could lose my children because he hated paying my child support. He provided them with pictures of bruises and written testimony against me. Made me out to be a monster!! I was broken, I felt defeated, I felt disgusting and used, I felt the lowest level of betrayal that could possibly be felt. I kept going to the DR. to get checked for STD's and AIDS. Something as simple as a cough would have me on edge for a week until I could run into the Dr office. All this I'm battling alone because the shame was too much for me to allow everyone to see. No one knew about the sleepless nights, the missed meals, the heartache that was overtaking my life. I was bleeding severely on the inside, but I was still leading God's people. My good friend explained to me recently how God calls you to lead while you bleed. How can you help the hurt if you've never been hurt? Who can better comfort a widow, than a widow? Who can reassure you that it gets better if they haven't experienced worst? When you're called to do great things you will experience leading while bleeding! And that's ok as long as you keep pressing. I declare that my latter will be greater and all the storms I've experienced will reveal a blessing that while in the midst of the storm I couldn't see.

 I thank God for the people that were there to listen to me just scream in the phone, because somehow that just made everything better. :-) More importantly I thank God for the people that held me accountable. That allowed the break downs, but didn't allow me to stay there. WHEW!

Finally, trial came and I went with a peace that only God could provide. I went knowing my purpose. See because once you figure out your purpose you have stepped into a new dominion of power. The enemy does not, I repeat he does NOT want us to figure out our God-given purpose. So, I figured out my purpose and I went in that courtroom confident that God was going to get some glory out of this. I sat and watched the man I once loved, started a family with, kissed every night good night for 13 years, betray me, lie on me, testify against me. I'm reminded of the story of Judas and how he betrayed Jesus with a kiss. I can only imagine how Jesus felt. Jesus loved his disciples dearly, yet one betrayed him with something that is supposed to be used as a sign of love, honor or respect "a kiss" And I remember thinking I am no better than Jesus why did I think I couldn't be betrayed by someone who was once the closest person to me?

 I gave my honest to God true testimony on that stand. I didn't deny the fight at all. I didn't make an excuse for my actions I simply spoke truth and trusted God. I knew this could be on my record for the rest of my life, I knew this could hinder job opportunities, I could lose my kids, I could go to jail, I could lose everything I had. I kept reminding God of my purpose that he gave me. Isaiah 43:26 says Put me in remembrance. Not that God needs a reminder, but sometimes we do (John 14:26). If I can remind God then I can remind myself that he who has begun a great work in me WILL carry it out to completion (Philippians 1:6) Amen.

I opted for a Judge trial (no jury) although my attorney suggested a jury trial. The trial started at 8:30am and lasted til 2:30pm. I was so tired of the going back and forth. As I sat on that stand chastised and ridiculed, lied on and talked down upon I kept my faith in God. Then......I WON!!! The Judge found me "NOT GUILTY" not only was I not guilty, but it was expunged from my record. Tell me my God is not awesome and greatly to be praised!!! The truth always wins in the end. And not 1 word set out by God will return to him void. I knew that God had a purpose, I knew that he was going to fight my battles, I trusted God to do exactly what he said and exactly what I asked of him. I knew that I tried with everything in me every single day to be righteous James 5:16 says the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. That I do believe, because that I have experienced time and time again! I have been at the lowest of lows spiritually, financially, emotionally and physically, YET and still GOD has and continues to deliver me! Psalms 34:19 says Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all. After all I've walked through I can honestly say that I now have God's unspeakable JOY! Through it all I have a peace like never before. I trust God with my whole heart, and I trust that he knows what's best for me and no good thing will he withhold from me (Psalm 84:11).

In reading this I hope that you find comfort in knowing that NO MATTER how bad, ugly or scary your current situation may be, God has not forgotten about you and he will fight for you. I know on the outside looking in, people lives can seem so unbothered by trials and tribulations, but trust that they too are fighting some type of battle because the enemy is busy and prowling like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). Stay prayed up and pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). Find your purpose, hold on to it tight, trust God and then trust the process. I am convinced that all my bad experiences are set ups for blessings that my mind can't even conceive. I believe that for myself and I believe that for all the people of God! 

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Love, Peace and Blessings,

Maranda L. Hall

**Happy New Year**

A chance at giving LIFE

Greetings from my heart to yours!!

SHARE THE GOSPEL, WHEN NECESSARY USE WORDS. -Francis of Assisi

This quote speaks volumes to me. It's so powerful, so complex, yet so simple. As in every blog I'm about to unveil a piece of me, my life and another 2nd chance. One thing I ensure my readers and listeners, I will always give you the unadulterated truth. I truly believe I am walking in my calling/my purpose to share the gospel, be an amazing Mom and to heal and help God's people. 

In 2010 my children's father and I decided to have a baby. Yea, we decided like it was really up to us (haha). Anyway, we planned it all out. I was in great shape so my body could bounce back, we bought nursery furniture before I even conceived, picked out names and everything. Never thinking that it was going to take 5 months to do so. I finally got pregnant somewhere around late October. I was extremely sick from the start, but just happy to finally be adding a new addition to our family. We had it all planned out. Our oldest was 6 at the time, we were 8 years into our marriage and we were just as happy and content as can be, ready for a new little bundle of joy! When I tell you Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails, is true all day long,  I mean it! Around about the 3rd week I was sick and I had started bleeding. We went to the ER where the Dr. was drunk and could only confirm what we had already told him which was I was pregnant lol. I was prescribed a prescription for nausea and told to contact my OB/GYN. Well I did so, but the problem with that was in the State of Texas you have to be 8 weeks into your pregnancy to get a prenatal visit. That was 5 weeks away! Well, the next week I was bleeding and cramping again and we decided to try another ER. My best friend joined us as we awaited the fate of the baby that was growing inside of me. As we're sitting there my friend said "what if it's twins in there?" We all laughed and my  children's father responded "Nall, it's not twins because I didn't put the twin move on her" We laugh it off and continued to wait for the DR. What they didn't know was God had already shown me 2 babies. At the time I was trying to get pregnant so was my sister. I envisioned 2 babies, a girl and a boy and I brushed it off thinking 1 was my baby and the other was hers. I was excited about she and I being preggos together. I even made up a song about it. lol Anyway, the tech who did my ultrasound that night accidentally informed us that it was 2 babies. He was shocked, I immediately went back to the dream God had given me months before. Little did I know this pregnancy was about to take me by storm. I was sick the entire 34 weeks and 24 of the weeks I was on bed rest. I was high-risk so I seen the Dr. waaaay to much. It started as twice a week to 5 days a week when I wasn't stuck in the hospital for weeks at a time. My main Dr. actually suggested aborting the babies since they were taking such a major toll on my body. We refused! I remember him saying 'Maranda, you're young, you'll get pregnant again easily, but I honestly just don't believe these babies are going to make it." He continued and said "even if they do make it, you'll have them early, they'll have facial defects, abnormalities and be delayed." He fore casted me delivering at 22 weeks. BUT GOD!!!!

 See that quote up there...SHARE THE GOSPEL, WHEN NECESSARY USE WORDS. I kept that negative, faithless Dr. to share the gospel. I never argued with what he said, I never told him what God had already shown me. All I knew was that God was going to keep me and my babies and make a liar out of the enemy. Now, don't get me wrong some days were so discouraging and so very hard, I wanted to give up. I couldn't walk, I was mean, mad and so very tired all the time. I couldn't take care of my other child, I had to depend a lot on my family. My Mom eventually quit her job so she could take care of me. WHAT A BLESSING!!! I found myself as I often times had before upset with God, but still yearning for him. I knew what God had shown me and I knew he was going to bring it to pass regardless of the news I got each and every week from the Doctors. God is the one who opened my womb after 5 months so I knew he was not going to leave me, nor forsake me and however the chips fell he was going to get the glory! I gave birth after 34 weeks of pain, steroids, pills galore and the lost of my hair to my beautiful twins Maxwell and Maeci-Jae! They had to spend a little time in the NICU, but I trusted God to provide everything they needed. It was a long road traveled and still quite a bit more ground to be covered, but the promise is still present and valid. I'm reminded each and every storm I walk through now to SHARE THE GOSPEL, WHEN NECESSARY USE WORDS. People are watching you all the time. Although, some people may be believers in God and hope in him they need to know that God is alive and still in the blessing business. I hope in these blog posting you can find hope, peace and a bit of strength to keep fighting the good fight (1 Corinthians 15:58) and know your labor is not in vain. Take God's word over mans every time. No matter how far fetched it seems, no matter how man try to twist and flip the picture God's word is TRUE! What if I had taken the advice of the DR. and aborted my babies? Yes, I would probably be able to keep my house clean longer than 2 hours, but I would have missed out on a miracle. I would have missed an opportunity for God to show himself mighty and strong.

I live to be a display of what God's love, forgiveness,  mercy and grace is. Although, sometimes I fail! I get back up, dust myself off and keep on pushing. Philippians 3:14 says I press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ!

SHARE THE GOSPEL, WHEN NECESSARY USE WORDS!!!

Love, Hope and Blessings to all of you! xoxo~Maranda L. Hall

Transition-before reaching your 2nd chance

You intended it to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20

Greetings from my heart to yours,

Let me tell ya'll...all last week I battled with what to blog about this week. I had it all planned out and then WHAM!!! Everything I typed just disappeared! I said well, Lord what's next? The Holy Spirit had been dealing with me all through the night and even in my sleep on what to discuss this week with his people. I ignored it to be honest, because I was on my own agenda, but I'm not the Boss...lol...so here goes! :-)

I received several emails, many inboxes on Facebook and text messages about last week's incident with my vehicle. Some were prayer request, some just asking if I needed anything, some people even offered me their extra car and rides to get my kiddos to and from school! Amazing! Anyway, a few of the prayer request were a lot alike. One word that stood out amongst about 7 individuals was "transition" I know alot about the transition phase. #1. It's hard and #2. We have no idea how long we will be there. It's really more of a trusting phase than anything. You really have to believe in where you are going and also what the Lord has shown/told you. It takes faith to get through transition!

I come from a big family. The oldest of our clan is my big sister Cherreyl and she is by far one of the most self driven, strongest women I know. I adore her in so many ways. All my siblings are amazing, but she's the oldest and has always played her role well. A few years back she was sick and hospitalized. It was the scariest thing ever! The Doctor's had basically told us this was it for her. I remembered praying at that hospital and saying to God "NO, this is NOT what you showed me and this is NOT what I am taking." She shall live and not die (Psalm 118:17)! And yes she lived, even better now than what she had lived prior too. I ignited a level of faith that I would one day have to ignite for my life.


So, earlier this year (once again) I found myself at the mercy of God's feet hurt, begging for favor, betrayed, mad and every other emotion that fits here. Once again I had been betrayed by a person I loved and I'm not just talking about a lie, but an ultimate betrayal. I had to prepare to walk into a court room and fight against the person I took a vow with. I had no attorney when I received a notice to appear for trial. 3 months after my attorney had resigned because I could no longer afford her representation. That was the opportunity the enemy used to sneak in and rise up against me. I went out looking for another attorney and the cheapest attorney that would take my case was asking for a $7,500 retainer. YIKES! I couldn't afford that! I didn't have 1 person I could call and ask for that kind of money. I went home that night and I hit the floor balling and screaming, crying out with my big sister on the phone. Screaming at God "How am I supposed to get this money, Lord?" What am I supposed to do?"  I have less than 30 days and I don't even have half of that money for an attorney.  My sister in her soft voice said, Randa, we'll figure it out and something will happen. For some reason that gave me peace. I started a fast, see because my Granny taught me years ago that some things we can only get through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). I needed an attorney. I kept hearing God say "Email your last attorney." I finally did. She didn't say a word to me for 2 weeks. Then, it wasn't much. I mean why should she? She had already quit, I couldn't afford to pay her. Why should she recommend anyone less expensive? And by less expensive I meant FREE! LOL I waited and waited for a plan. NOTHING came! I now have 5 days before I have to appear in court and fight for everything I have including the custody of my children. SO, I decided I'm going to the law library and I am going to defend myself. Yea, that didn't workout long because I kept falling asleep reading those big boring books. Then I contacted legal aid. I didn't qualify there because I had to prove that I only got a certain amount of money a month and I was waaaaay over. Finally, sitting in a parking lot crying, I got a call from my former attorney and she said Maranda, I've never done this before, but I want to help you. She said, I'm taking your case back and the same conditions apply. I needed $500. That same day the host of my website contacted me and told me they had over charged me by $173. The next morning the doctor's office said they owed me $250 for a referral program they were running and that same day my sister/friend called  me and said she had $75 she wanted to sow into my life. All within 24 hours! I didn't have to come up with $1! The next week we went to court and proved our case. The respondent sat on the stand and lied about everything! I knew that was OK, because God was going to vindicate me. The Judge told us he would notify us in 1 week or less with his final decision. My attorney forewarned me that we were asking for a lot. We may not get everything we asked for. She was actually pretty sure that we wouldn't get all the Alimony we asked for. Two weeks later the judge contacted us with his final decision. For these 2 weeks like many times before I was in "transition" I knew I was living according to the word, I knew I was chosen, but I also knew sometimes bad things happen to good people. Nevertheless, and I do mean NEVER THE LESS (when you serve the Almighty High Priest) I WON! EVERYTHING I ASKED FOR, I WON, plus some! It was in that transition that I remembered my greatest strength! My faith and my relationship with GOD! It was in that transition that I realized it doesn't matter what deceitful, hurtful trap the enemy sets for your life, GOD can and will turn it in your favor for the saving of many lives! (Genesis 50:20) Everything wrong done (it was so much more) to me couldn't prosper! Not because I'm so awesome or great, but because I serve/love the Lord with all my heart and with all my mind and with all my strength (Deuteronomy 6:5) no weapon shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17) and every tongue that rise up against me shall be condemned. These are the promises of the Lord and they can not return to him void (Isaiah 55:11).

 I've learned to be patient in the transition. I've learned what it means to truly be steadfast and unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord. I've learned that no matter what wicked scheme the enemy cooks up, God's will, will ALWAYS prevail. Take heart in the storm of life, Take heart in the transitions, Take heart in the bad times. God is going to raise you up so that those who spoke against you, who hated you, who mocked you would be able to see the glory. My enemy actually called me and told me "God favors you, you always get what you want." What I got is not what I wanted, but what God used to get me out of a situation that was harmful to my life and would stunt my growth in him. Did I mention that the Judge ordered that my attorney fees be taken care of by the one that was against me? #wontGoddoit If he has kept me in my many "transitions" please know that he will do the same for you. Peter said in Acts 10:34 a truth he has perceived is that God has no respect of persons. That simply means that if he did it for one, he'll do it for another. It doesn't matter how big of a sinner you once were or currently are. God wants you and he wants to bless you! The key to not only surviving the transition, but also thriving in it is to remain in the one who allowed you to go through it. I learned how to pray all over again, I learned what it meant to be still and know that he is God (Psalm 46:10). I never realized God what absolutely all I needed until he was absolutely all I had! And that my friends was a painful, but beautiful realization! Trust the process...the transition is only temporary, but the promise is forever! Amen!

 YET, another 2nd chance unveiled! Be Blessed God's people! XO

Another 2nd chance

Hello Again all my readers! Thanks once again for stopping by to read my blog. It is a great honor and privilege to write and share my thoughts, my story and hear such positive feedback from all of you! When I first started I said I would be posting a new blog every week. WELL!! Something happened to me yesterday that I feel lead to share with you all...

Yesterday, I rose at 2am and called a close friend and told her that I just wasn't feeling right and my mind was on some things that should have bothered me in the past and didn't, but it's bothering me now. She talked with me and prayed with me (thank God for those after hour praying friends by the way :)) like she always is so willing and ready to do and when our conversation was over I went back to bed till about 6am. I called my best friend and explained to her the dream I had between 2am and 6am and how I was feeling a bit discouraged. We talked about it, I shook it off, said a prayer and proceeded to get my day started. I woke my children up, but my spirit was still disturbed. I could not figure it out. Well, time goes by and I remember a bill that I needed to pay. I log into my bank account to see that my usual direct deposit isn't there. It's already 2 days late I thought to myself, plus I haven't received other payments I was expecting. I got a bit discouraged and thought to myself OK, now Lord what's up? I went on about my day and one small incident after another continued to occur. I felt a spirit of discouragement constantly tug at me. I refused to give it power. Instead, I hit the gym, pushed myself and actually dead lift my heaviest (yes, I'm proud lol). I was determined to have a great day in spite of all the mess that was going on around me.

I received a call from a client/cousin to meet her she wanted me to style her for some weekend events. I go to her house first, shop her closet then we head to the mall. Well, if you know me you know that I am a fast driver except when my kiddos are in the car. I love speed and power and everywhere I go I travel the freeway/highway. I despise stop lights and speed limits under 65mph! Well, this day something in my spirit told me do NOT get on the freeway like you usually do Maranda. I LISTENED! I rode the access rode which added about 10-13 minutes to my drive and I was already pressed for time since I had to be back in my area in 1 hour to get my daughter from school. I rode on s l o w l y having my daily convo with my sister in law, laughing and thinking nothing of all the mess I had encountered earlier that day. Then WHAM I turned into the parking garage and my tire literally rolled off my truck! Yes, you read right!!! IT CAME COMPLETELY OFF MY TRUCK! I screamed and hollered as my vehicle broke down and I heard a god-awful noise from the axle and the truck smashing and breaking ground underneath me. Scared, Confused, upset, trembling I jump out and look at my cousin who had been trailing me her mouth was literally wide open! It was like something out of a movie. It was crazy! It was terrible! My hands shaking I log into my insurance company website to get the info I need to file a claim, get a tow truck and a piece of mind. The claim they took, the tow truck, they sent, but the piece of mind they could not help me with. I cried out to God...Lord, really??? Like I really don't need this! Why now God? You know I can't handle nothing else right now...my plate is FULL! I began to focus on the situation instead of the God in the situation. So many people stopped to offer their assistance. It was nothing anyone can do. As I sat on the tire across the parking lot from my vehicle I felt the spirit of discouragement come on me again. I looked to my cousin and said I just took my deductible up yesterday, now this! She looked back at me and said so, ok the cost is only $500, is that worth more than your life? I dropped my head like a school kid and  shamefully mumbled well, no! It took over 3 hours for the tow truck to come pick up my vehicle! I was alone, hungry, hot, mad and having to call everyone I knew to pick up my kids from school. Knowing my vehicle was going to be towed I removed everything from it into my cousin's car before she headed back to work. My battery on my phone got low so I had to sit in this hot car to charge it and continue to wait. I sat there all in my feelings. Crying, but constantly whispering to myself God, I trust you!!! God, I trust you over and over and over again that rolled off my tongue, because by now the discouragement attack was working. I knew I had to keep fighting and I couldn't find anything else to say, but GOD, I TRUST YOU! I'm still sitting there waiting on the two truck I watch a man parked in the handicap spot get out of a white mini van. He held onto his truck as he walked around to the back to take out his mobile chair, I watched him struggle to put it together, to latch the base of the seat on and adjust the arm rest and breathe hard all while holding onto his van to make sure he wouldn't fall. He got into his chair rolled over to the drivers door and asked me what happened? I replied, my tire just popped off my truck! He looked in disbelief and asked me where do I live? I said just a few exits down off this highway and he immediately said Well, good thing you didn't take your usual route. I looked at him thinking "how you know?" He proceeded to talk and say good thing you wasn't on the highway and an even better thing you didn't have your children with you. Now, I'm really looking at him crazy. How does he know I have kids? Because, I know I don't look like it! lol Then he looked into my eyes and he said "Baby, YOU LIVING RIGHT and keep living right" He said, when you woke up this morning the enemy made a plan to take you out. He said that the enemy decided today would be my day. He said the enemy has been at you all day, BUT (Oh, I love a BUT because it cancels out everything said before it) the Lord raised up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19). He said you were supposed to die on that highway, your family was supposed to get a call that you didn't make it, he said your children were supposed to be motherless BUT!!!!!! Then he said the Lord said to tell you that the enemy is fighting you, BUT God is fighting for you. Romans 8:31 If God be for us, who can be against us? He reminded me of the purpose that God placed on my life. All the events of the past flashed before my eyes and I remembered how he kept me. How he raised me up. All the promises he told me. I broke out into tears. Had this of happened on the freeway traveling 85mph it could have cost me my life. It could have taken someone else life. What if it happened with my kids in the car? What would my kids do without me?

 I watched that man struggle to put his mobile chair up and to get back in his vehicle (he wouldn't accept my help) and I thought about how much he just went through to get a message to me. He could have stayed in his vehicle and said now, look God it's hot, I'm chilling I don't feel like getting out and putting this chair together just to say something to this stranger BUT!! Instead he was obedient to the voice of god. OH, how blessing will flow when you are obedient. The bible says it is better to be obedient than to sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Thank You God for obedience!!

 I thought about a story in the bible in numbers 22, that I recall my late Granny speaking of when I was a child. I never understood this story UNTIL NOW! It's the story of God opening the mouth of the donkey to get a message to Balaam (Go read the full story, it's amazing) and I thought about how awesome God is and how he loves us so much and is so dedicated to us that he sends his messengers to remind us that he's still there and he has not left nor forsaken us! I thought about Nahum 2 when the warning comes and that the enemy has advanced against you, Man the fort, watch the road, dress for battle and collect your strength. God never said that the weapon wouldn't form, but he did say that it wouldn't prosper (Isaish 54:17). God kept me! He delivered me out of the hand of the enemy like he has so many times before. I can only imagine that he was saying as he covered me, Touch NOT my anointed; and do my prophet NO HARM (1 Chronicles 16:22). I walked away from the incident untouched and unbothered and being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a great work in me will complete it (Philippians 1:6)!!! It's so easy to get discouraged when you are trying to live right. When you submit yourself to the will of god. The devil fights even harder because he sees the multitude of potential followers of Jesus that you can impact! Life is hard chasing after God, but it's worth it! I know that the purpose and the plan God has on my life is bigger than anything I can imagine and that's why the Devil can't stand me! lol I shake my head at his tricks and tactics because I know that the Lord has equipped me with all the tools necessary to defeat him! The past 3 years I've walked through hell and back. God promised me that although I walked through the fire just as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego there will be NO SMELL OF SMOKE on me. I don't look like what I've been through and that's because I praise and worship the one who brought me through!!! What a blessing to know JESUS KEEPS FIGHTING FOR ME! He has given me yet, another 2nd chance at abundant life! May God add a special blessing to the hearers, readers and especially the doers of his word! AMEN!

Have a great weekend!

Intro to Abundant Life

Hello, Hello,

and thank you all for stopping by to read my blog. I hope that you will stay tuned as I give you the background of my life and proof of God's word and the promises he gave us. I use a lot of scripture, not because I'm so holy, but because it's the only thing I know to be 100% true. OK, here goes...

As you may already know my name is Maranda L. Hall. I am a 31 year old divorced Mother of 3. I am a Stay at Home Mom (for the most part) but I am also an Empowerment Speaker, Personal Trainer, Fashion Consultant and Suicide Prevention Advocate. I dip and dabble in all sorts of things. I am originally from Little Rock, AR. I currently reside in Mckinney, TX. I've always had a passion for writing. I guess it started in High School being co-editor of the Yearbook and Editor of the Newspaper it sparked something in me I didn't then understand. Over the past 5 years I've taken much more to writing to release and to see the things I pray for come to pass. Habakkuk 2:2 Write down the vision and make it plain on tables, so that he may run who reads it. I would write down what I wanted and read it over and over, run with it until I saw the manifestation of whatever it was. Example: After I had my twins I set out to lose 20 pounds before my 10 year high school reunion that was less than 3 months away. I read the plan I made for myself over and over and over and each day I got up and put the vision in motion. I did it!!! Actually , I lost 27 pounds! I said that to say, you have to believe in what you want and you have to get up, get out and get it.


My foundational scripture for this blog is John 10:10. The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy BUT I have come that you may have LIFE and have it more abundantly!!! Everything good that you want and that the Lord has for your life, the enemy is wanting so bad to get his hands on it! Sometimes, we lose and allow him to kill, steal and destroy and that brings me to my second foundation scripture of this blog which is 2nd chances. Joel 2:25 says I will restore unto you all the years that the locust hath eaten, the canker worm and the caterpillar and the Palmer worm, So, whatever you think God has placed in you...write it down and RUN with it and whatever you think the enemy has taken..it shall be restored!!! Sometimes, we have to lose to WIN and that's OK as long as we learned in the process!

Moving Forward I want to divulge all of my personal testimony and hopefully inspire 1 person to keep pushing, to keep pressing, to keep running on to see what the end will be!

As I previously stated I'm a country girl from Arkansas where I like my cornbread thick and my tea diabetic sweet. I married young. At the tender age of 17 I fell for a boy that was the sweetest most charming guy I had ever met. I thought he was the best thing that ever happened to me and actually at that time he was. Six months after I met him we were engaged (yep, we rushed) and less than a year after that we were married. So, at 19 I had a husband, we were both full-time students and so excited to get into ministry and work for God and we did just that! It was a perfect love story for a little while. I won't get into all 11 years of that marriage because I want to focus on me and what God has done with and for me. Earlier this year I divorced that man the father of my 3 kids, my at one point best friend. It was by far the most painful decision I've ever had to make, but knew I had to do what was best for me, my mind, my children, my destiny! Although I know that God hates a divorce. I also truly believe that he doesn't want us in situations that are NOT conducive to the building up of his kingdom.

After the birth of my twin babies I suffered from severe post-partum depression. I had 3 kids at home all the time, NO HELP, no sleep, no anything, but a raging war in my mind between what the Lord had said and what the enemy wanted me to believe. The thing about the Enemy is he's slick! Sometimes slicker than anything we can imagine. So, 8 months into parenting a set of pre mature twins I temporarily lost my mind. I attempted suicide. BUT GOD! said NO! I survived and came back too 5 days later. Still depressed, bitter and angry, but with a word. God had given me a word in the midst of the mess! He gave me Psalm 23:4 though I was through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil thy rod and thy staff comfort me. He simply said Maranda, this is only a walk through. He spoke loud and clear to me "I, never planned on you staying here, I never said forward your mail, I never said build a home, I said it's a walk through" and from that moment on I decided that with the word I was gonna defeat the depression and the contemplations of suicide would stop! Oh, but no they didn't stop at all. I had a really close friend call me (she was actually my mentor) and say "Maranda, God said this isn't it, it's only the beginning, but he promises to keep you". She told me to get on the good foot because I was about to experience a new dimension of demons. I laughed, oh silly me. Proverbs 16:18 says Warning comes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a great fall. Needless, to say my situations got worst and the suicidal thoughts got even more crucial. My husband was cheating and then abandoned me and my 3 kids. Here I was alone, fat, miserable, suicidal and parenting 3 kids I couldn't handle! I spent the next year literally FIGHTING for my life. If you know anything about God, you know that he is a jealous God and he will not have any God before him. I now understand that like never before. I had made a human being my God and God had to remove that individual to get to me.

I love that I serve a by all means necessary God. No matter what God has to do to get to his chosen ones...HE WILL DO IT

He's not concerned about our comfort or our feelings!! HE'S ONLY CONCERNED WITH GETTING US WHERE WE NEED TO BE IN HIM! That's the goal I write down and run after today and everyday! Some days I fall, BUT I also get back up. Proverbs 24:16 A just man falls 7 times, but rise back up again. 

 Thank you for reading my 1st blog post and stay tuned for more behind the veil of Abundant Life and 2nd chances with Maranda!