Fear, Lack, Faith, Trust

Grace and Peace Loved Ones!

There are some words that most people would not use to describe me, painfully shy and fearful.  These two words have dictated my existence so strongly that on occasion I have not been able to function.  How can that possibly be?  I travel hundreds of miles singing for the Lord for a handful or a few hundred. And me, shy?  I have learned to make myself talk to people I don’t know.  Why?  Because I know that I am called to do a greater work, to introduce the Lord to those who don’t know Him and to encourage those who feel lost and broken.

From the moment I was born, singing has been my life’s dream.  I cut my teeth on the arts, acting, dancing, music and writing and I have longed to use these artistic gifts for the glory of God since I became a Christian in my mid-twenties.  But even before I became a Christian, I was so fearful to pursue my dreams that I missed opportunities, never took chances and stayed silent when I should have spoken out.  Before I was even called to sing for the Lord, the devil worked to destroy my confidence so that by the time I came to know the Lord I still was fearful to pursue my artistic dreams for His glory.

But not anymore! I’ve spent the last year doing all types of things that I would never do because it made me fearful.  I recently auditioned to sing the National Anthem for the Jacksonville Suns, I was so scared, I made myself sick, but by the power of the Lord I did it anyway.  Last year I entered a showcase sponsored by the Christian Women in Media, I didn’t win the grand prize, but I did make the top ten!  And this year, I have decided I won’t hold back, anything and everything that I’ve dreamed of doing, that the Lord gives me the go ahead to do, I am going to do.  Fear will have no place, because God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.

So many times we let fear, or lack, or age or doubt keep us from the victory that the Lord has in store.  I’ve had to develop the tools to break past these limitations and truly trust in the Almighty God who believes in me more then I believe in myself.  Come on over to the blog on May 20^th, June 1^st, June 16^th and July 1^st and check out my series on the 4 Things That Keep You From Achieving Your God Given Dream.  There is much work to do, let’s not let our selves get in the way of God’s perfect will for our lives!

Don’t forget to visit the blog at www.naimajohnston.blogspot.com to follow a special series on 4 Things That Keep Your From Achieving Your God Given Dreams!

How You Can Support Us!
As you know we are in ministry fulltime and we are always seeking ways to grow the ministry, meet the needs of others and be of service to the world.  Each month we are going to offer a special product for a special price for our newsletter readers!  This month, we are offering my book, Confessions of a Big Girl for only $12.00 including shipping!  If you'd like an autographed copy, send $12.00 viawww.paypal.com to naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com!  Or give the office a call at 937-367-4303 and we can take your order over the phone!

We Need Your Shoes!
We are collecting shoes for the Haitians that live in abject poverty on the sugar cane plantations in the Dominican Republic.  Want to donate a pair of shoes? Email me at naima@ministryofnaima.com for instructions on how you can donate.

How Can I Serve You?
Planning a women’s ministry event?  Interested in a house concert or special music for your church event?  Need a guest worship leader?  Please contact me, I’m now taking requests for bookings for July through December 2015 and I would love to be of service to you.  Send me an email atnaima@ministryofnaima.com for more info or to discuss details.

Many Blessings!  Now go out and achieve your calling! 

Naima

3 Power Keys

I can be my own worst enemy.  Clinging onto past mistakes, missed opportunities, fear and doubt.  It’s almost as if I forget the God I serve has all power in heaven and earth in His hands. What would it mean to truly grasp the promises of the Lord in 2015, to forget about the past, overcome the fear and move past the pain?  That’s my heart’s desire.  I believe I’ve stopped myself, been my own worst enemy way to long.  I’ve been praying for clarity and asking for wisdom and these three things have come up in my searching for total freedom in God.  I like to call them my power keys!

Power Key One

Leave the past in the past.  We’re always focusing on worrying about tomorrow, but in truth isn’t our worry about tomorrow often based on what happened yesterday?  Let’s all sing a great Disney tune and simply, “Let It Go!”  If you fallen short, God forgives, if you are harboring guilt, you can’t change the past, if you’ve been hurt, more then likely the other party has already moved on.  If it didn’t happen quite the way you thought it would, trust that God has a bigger and better plan, after all, His ways are high above our own.

Power Key Two

Worship before work.  At this moment I have 8 things on my “To Do List” and that’s not counting all the things I have to do on a daily basis that are not on the list.  Important things like, the laundry, quality time with my husband, playing with the puppies, working on my booking schedule, writing, practice, ministry events… you get the drift.  It is easy for me to get overwhelmed and lost under a mound of paperwork, songs that need to be practiced or dinner that needs to be cooked.  And sadly I must admit that I have allowed the pressure to build that I skimp on the most important priority – my time with the Lord.  I justify it with – He’s always there or He understands or I’ll chat with Him as I lay down for bed.  Then I find myself weak, weary, and worn down.

I know from past experience that the Lord can accomplish more in ten minutes then I can accomplish in an entire day.  So I’ve adopted the attitude of putting Him first and what doesn’t get done, just doesn’t get done.  He knows what needs to get done and by when and He is so faithful to always make a way.  I choose this year to worship before I work!

Power Key Three

Victory is right around the corner, if only you believe.  We know faith without works is dead.  You have the faith, you’ve covered it all in prayer, now simply go for it and trust that the power, resources and support you need will be supplied by an all mighty God who has your best interest in heart.  Victory is the ability to overcome opposition – it is the small steps taken consistently that build up to produce breakthrough!  Be consistent, be a person of action, and cover it all with prayer, praise and worship.

What Power Keys or Faith Nuggets are you holding on to for 2015?  I’d love for you to share!  drop me a note either via email or leave me a comment on my blog page or my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ministryofnaima

Planning a women’s ministry event?  Interested in a house concert or special music for your church event?  Need a guest worship leader?  Please contact me, I’m now taking requests for bookings for 2015 and I would love to be of service to you.  Send me an email at naima@ministryofnaima.com. 

A Prayer for the Singles

A Prayer tor the Singles

February, the month of flowers, proposals and lots of chocolate, which as a big girl is soooo not a good thing!  As a single woman I remember running the gamut on emotions during this time of year.  There were the, I’m so depressed moments and the, I hate men moments.  Which were often followed by the, I don’t care if I’m alone moments, the I’m so jealous I can turn green moments and the moment that signifies you’ve made your peace with Christ,  I’m just gonna hang out with my girls cause I’m alone and I’m going to have a good time, even if I feel a little sad sometimes. 

Coming to terms with being single is easier said then done for some of us.  I don’t know if I ever came to terms with the crushing loneliness that sometimes invaded my space.  I never fully made peace with my singleness and I know that it is often preached in many singles groups – make peace and then “The One!” will show up.  But it didn’t happen like that for me.  

Instead I simply surrendered with a prayer that went – “I don’t want to be single, You know I don’t want to be single, and You desire truth from the inward part so I’m telling You that I don’t like the thought of being single all my life.  But I know You know what’s best for me, and I trust that You will do right by me. So if being single is what’s best for me, I trust You to carry me through.”

I meet Jon not long after that and we were married in less then nine months.  What was I doing when I met my husband?  I was singing – doing what I was called to do.  After 18 years of waiting I get to celebrate, but for many a dark Valentine’s Day Jesus sustained my heart.  I pray He do the same for you if you’ve been waiting for a few years or many years, if you are a widow and desire a mate, a divorcee or a new Christian.   Be about your Father’s business and let His plan unfold.

Check out my stories of singleness and being newly married in, Lessons From The Back Seat 

And in the meantime, I'm praying for and with you! If you desire a mate and have been waiting and would me to add you to my prayer list, leave me a comment or shoot me an email!

The Numbers of Love

The year of no goals… wow, it’s been a difficult one so far.  I guess I never realized how many goals I actually set.  For example, in one of the online mentoring groups that I am a part of, at the start of each week they ask us to share what our goals are.  Mine usually revolve around the number of bookings I’d like to secure.  How unaccomplished I feel when at the end of the week it’s time for our report back and I have nothing to report. 

Furthermore, how aimless I feel stating at the start of each week, “Well Lord, where would you have me go?” and often feeling like the question is just hanging in the air.  Not to say that bookings have not been coming in or that I am not seeking new connections, networks and new opportunities. I am!  But it’s been hammered in my head so many times that the without a goal I’m unfocused and lacking ambition.  And when it comes to sharing the saving love of Christ, the hope of things unseen, the comfort for the broken… I am not out there just drifting in the wind!

Even with hosting the 1^st Creative Christian Women’s Online Conference this past week.  I had in my mind the number of registrants I wanted to obtain.  This specific number signified to me success, financial success, among other things.  I wrote the number down and placed on my prayer alter and then remembered, I wasn’t setting goals.  My prayer, had to change from, “Lord send 50 people to attend the conference.” to “Lord send the people ordained for this event.”

 Needless to say, we didn’t make my goal, but we sure made the Lord’s goal.  And what was the lesson in all of this?  Things I already knew but often struggle with.  Numbers don’t define success, obedience to the Lord’s word does.  It doesn’t matter how many people show up, you do the same for one as you would for a thousand.  You give your best no matter what the outcome is going to be.

Because the God we serve loves us so much, that He would have someone spend hours planning a conference that might only change the life of one person.  And in the end, with that kind of love pursuing us, isn’t it better to follow His definition of success instead of wasting time setting up our own goals?

How do you define success? I'd love for you to leave your comments!

The Year of No Goals

2014… what a year of trials, valleys and rocky places, I am so thankful that I made it over with my faith and my strength in tact.  And it seems that I am not the only one who had a year that left them just a bit battered and bruised. But let’s not rehash it, let’s shake it off and move forward with our faces lifted towards the sky, standing on the promises of the Lord.

The New Year is a time to set your resolutions, personal, ministry and business goals, mapped out an in depth action plan.  Every year I toil over my personal goals, spend hours making a map, figuring out the plan, and every year I come up feeling like I fell short. I pass through the same places and feel like I’m making no difference.

But not this year… this year is the year of no goals.  I actually started talking to Jon about this several months ago sharing how depressed I felt when I hadn’t actually arrived where I thought I should arrive. 

The Bible tells us in Habakkuk 2: Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run."For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.…

Well, I’ve written my vision for 2015 – To use music and education to lift up the name of Jesus so that all men may be drawn unto Him.  I’m not setting any goals, I’m not making any elaborate plans, I am simply going to wake up each morning and ask the Lord, what would you have me do today? 

Now I’m not suggesting everyone take this approach, I think goal setting is good. Goals give focus and direction.  When accomplished they bring great motivation and personal satisfaction.  So do set your goals.  But for me, after years of not seeming to meet my personal goals, I’ve come to realize that either something is wrong with the goals I’m setting, my approach is incorrect, or my goals are simply that – my goals, not the goals that the Lord has designed for me. 

There are still projects and plans in place, don’t get me wrong.  I plan to get back to the basics, spend more time singing and leading worship as the Lord opens doors.  The new CD is coming out and I want to share that with the world.  And the new book is done to, Lessons From The Back Seat or How I Learned to Become a Wife.  But I’ve not set any goals in regards to how many books I want to sell or where I’d like to sing this year.  I’m just going to knock on doors and go through them as the Lord opens them, I going to spend more time praying and seeking Him then promoting things and I’m only going to work on projects that He nudges me to work on.  A different way to approach building a ministry for sure, but I think that if I keep the vision central in my sight – To lift Him Up, I’ll achieve greater things then what I can put down on paper.

I’m off on the adventure of a lifetime, and there will be plenty of updates, so come share in the mayhem and let’s lift up the Name of Jesus.  No goals on paper, just a desire to follow where He leads and bless those He puts me in front of.

Would Love Your Feedback!

What do you think of me not setting goals this year?  I’d love your prayers and feedback, drop me a note either via email or leave me a comment on my blog page or my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ministryofnaima  I’d love to hear from you and I’d love your prayers!

New Book! 

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of my new book – Lessons FromThe Back Seat (Or How I Learned To Be A Wife) from Amazon!

How Can I Serve You?

Planning a women’s ministry event?  Interested in a house concert or special music for your church event?  Need a guest worship leader?  Please contact me, I’m now taking requests for bookings for 2015 and I would love to be of service to you.  Send me an email at naima@ministryofnaima.com. 

Running In Circles

Every once in a while I come across a book that changes my entire mindset. There is of course the Bible – our living, breathing, guidebook to life. My favorite by Bruce Wilkerson’s, The Dream Giver, which inspired me to move out of the land of familiar, push past being ordinary and live the Big Dream that the Giver of Dreams gave me. Walking on Water by Madeline E’Lengle is another favorite, it inspired me to look for God in every place, in every moment, and in every person, and to capture these glimpses of glory in the songs I write. 

Currently, I’m reading, The Circle Maker by Pastor Mark Batterson.  Batterson has challenged me to draw circles around my prayers like the first century Jewish Sage, Honi.  During a devastating drought in Israel, Honi, drew a circle in the sand, stepped inside and made his intentions known, he would not leave the circle until the Lord answered his bold request for rain.  Now that must have taken some faith, to determine that you were not going to give up until you heard from God!  And as Honi prayed, the rain began to fall.

I don’t think you can get that kind of response from the Lord without being truly intimate with Him. I mean it hadn’t rained in over a year when Honi started to beseech the Father. He had to be praying before he stepped into the circle.

We need diligent prayer like that in our lives. You have to pray long and pray hard and never give up as Batterson tells us in his book.  Drawing a circle is about trusting that the God of the Universe will answer your prayers and your responsibility is to keep praying, keep believing, keep seeking, keep thanking, keep praising until the manifestation of the prayer stands before you.  .

I am now daily drawing prayer circles around my marriage, this ministry, my family, prayer requests others have given me, this nation, the world, Israel, salvation, healings, big dreams that are being birthed in my heart to serve the Lord and His people.  With Godly intention and faith filled purpose I am running in circles because I am determined to hear well done good and faithful servant! No more limp prayers that go over the same ground… nope, I want to stand in the circle and see the rain!

Kicking It Will Get You Kicked and Other News from the Homefront!

The Calling, January 2014 The Official Newsletter of Broken Box Ministries and the Ministry of Naima

Did You Know!?
Happy New Year! I pray that you had a wonderful Christmas. I am looking forward to 2014, I believe that there are great things in store for the people of the Lord. Would you pray for us, that the Lord would use us to evangelize, encourage, uplift and educate all those we come into contact with this year? It is our desire to impact the world with the truth of who Christ is and see many people inspired to a worshipful relationship with Christ. We love you all and we are thankful for your continued support in 2014. There are lots of exciting things going on and we want to encourage and meet your needs! Hang out at www.facebook.com/ministryofnaima and www.twitter.com/NaimaJohnston.

Dr. Nay’s Random Life Lesson for January
Have you ever heard or used the term kicking it? It means to be hanging out, messing around, having a good time, just chilling. We all need to kick it once in a while, rest is good for the soul and spending quality time with loves ones always is a blessing. But sometimes when we know we’ve been called to do a great work for the Lord we find ourselves kicking it to much and not working on the things that we have always dreamed of achieving. So if you want to achieve your God given dreams in 2014 and not be kicked off your assignment remember, “Too much kicking it, will get you kicked!”

Report of the Ministry
This year we are on a mission build this ministry and employ new programs and projects that meet the needs of the people we are called to encourage and uplift. Through much prayer and wise council we have revamped our ministry tagline and mission statement. We are also recording new music, having a new logo designed, launching our T-shirt line and putting together a new website! Please let us know what you think about our new mission statement and tagline – do you feel it accurately describes who I am and what Jon and I do with Broken Box Ministries? Our new tagline is: The Ministry of Naima, Worshipping God, Encouraging People. Our new mission statement: Inspiring the world to a lifestyle of worship through music and ministry.

Did You Miss?
I know Christmas has passed, but if you missed the last Worship Note or the Broken Box Ministries end of the year please take a peek!

Are you in the Year in Review Christmas Video!? http://youtu.be/7xHL4zFG3Ds  

Check out the Worship Note, Christmas Everyday for a worship reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. http://youtu.be/e1GjpVzy5iU

Don’t Forget!
Are you a Creative Christian Woman? Are you seeking support, fellowship, educational opportunities and spiritual growth? Then join the Creative Christian Women’s Network with both online and in person meetings and educational seminars! For more information email me at naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com for more information!

We are now booking for 2014! George or Kim would be happy to book a date! Call 901-409-5505 or email them at info@vincentcreativegroup.com if I can be of service.
Praying blessings on you all! Now go out and achieve… Your Calling!

© January 2014, The Calling is a publication of 7thirtyseven Logos, a division of BBM, All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication can be republished without express permission from the publisher.

The Deeper Project!

Last year I found myself in a place where I was so desperate to discover God’s perfect will for my life that I determined that the only way to find it was to get so close to Him that we were face to face. It seemed to me that if I could get that close to the Lord I could actually get past all my fears, frustrations and issues and live in the center of His will.  And if I could live in the center of His will, I could accomplish anything and everything He had created me to do.  I wanted to get past the surface and get as deep into the Lord as I could. And in the midst of that moment I started to sing the song that became, Deeper (Center of Your Will) the title track of my new EP releasing winter 2014.

As a songwriter I express myself best through lyrics and music.  In the melody, meter and rhyme I craft the things I want to say but often don’t, share the secret desires of my heart and present it to the world in hopes that they will understand.  I want to sing to the world in hopes that they will see that in the middle of all the messiness of life, there is a God who can heal, restore, give hope, love and keep them.  I want them to meet the beautiful Savior who died on a cross so we could have a true relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ.

Jon and I decided to start recording this project two years ago, as artists and ministers we don’t often have extra money, and although sometimes it’s difficult, we would not trade the life we live for anything.  We found things came to a standstill as we transitioned back to Nashville and had to find a new producer.  But the scripture that tells us that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8 Verse 28) is so true.  In what first seemed like a delay, I wrote new songs that were much more suited to the current place I was in – a place where I was learning joy, to overcome fear, to see the Lord work his marvelous wonders in my life.

I now have a collection of songs I humbly ask for your assistance in recording.  Although we’d love to do a full length album at this time, we are starting with an EP of 5 or 6 songs that both Jon and I truly believe will encourage all who hear them. We’ve tried to come up with some fun gifts to give back to you for believing in us so much that you would donate to this new project and any donation of any amount you make is more then appreciated.

We face some possible challenges, anytime you set off on a journey; you can do nothing but your best to get to where you are trying to go.  And I promise to do my best.  There may be delays in the recording process and other administrative hold ups and life moments we may need to pause for.  But we go forward trusting the Lord and relying on Him to get this new project into your hands.

I’m working with a dynamic producer, Evan Sieling who has seen past my insecurities and musically pulled out the best in me.  Between Evan and the constant encouragement from Jon, I am facing my fears head on, singing with a new found freedom and from a perspective that truly understands who I am and whose I am.  Before I sang because I was compelled to, now I sing for joy!

Our plan is use the money raised to record 5 to 6 songs, duplicate the project, shoot a video and do some basic promotions.  If we exceed our goal we will record more music then we originally planned.  I always have more songs then I have resources to record.

Thank you for taking the time to consider donating to the Deeper EP.  Words can’t express my excitement about sharing these new songs with the world.  I hope that you will partner with Jesus, Jon and I so that we can encourage the world to go deeper and explore the riches of our matchless God.  And together we will live fearlessly, singing for joy, in the center of His will.www.gofundme.com/Naima

What I Learned Waiting For Boaz, Part II

Lesson 3:

Don’t Pass a Counterfeit Bill

I’ve heard 99% of the time the counterfeit comes before the real thing.  Do not get caught up with a brother (or sister) you know is not the one for you.  Unless you’re Haggai, (if you don’t know the story read it) run quickly from those who don’t met the standards that the Lord ordains for your life.  I wasted precious time running after, praying for, mourning and desiring several men who were not ordained for me. 

If they are married to someone else, they are not the one.  If your statement of faith does not agree they are not the one. If you think you can change them, they are not the one. If they told you that you are not the one for them, believe them.  People who use counterfeit money can get in a lot of trouble. When I think of what would have happened and where I would be if I had married several other men I thought was the one I would have wound up in prison for passing bad bills.

Lesson 4: What’s Up With Your List?

Women often share with me their lists of what they are looking for in a mate.  They go over details telling me that Mr. Right has to have all of these attributes. Many of them are still waiting.  I had a list once, it included the obvious: saved, on fire, in ministry and supportive of the call on my life.  Real things that should never be compromised.  Then there was the superficial: great cook, frat boy so we could do ”Greek” stuff together, similarly educated, love to read, dress nice, be a musician/producer! And Lord don’t let him have no thug life past. And red hair, yes you read that right, red hair!

I came to understand that it was fine to have preferences, but what if those preferences were keeping me from meeting my Boaz?  So I threw the list out and prayed, Lord send me what I need, not what I think I want.  Because if you send me what I need it will be a million times better then what I think I want!  My hubby showed up not in the package I was expecting, he’s got a testimony, a serious past (but that’s his story to tell) he does cook, but he sure ain’t no red head.  But the Lord sent me the man I needed and the man I needed is the only man I’ll ever want. 

Lessons I Learned While Waiting on Boaz

Lessons I Learned While Waiting on Boaz…

I was single for a long, long, long time!  And I learned many lessons while waiting for Mr. Right to appear.  I often get to minister and share with single women waiting on their husbands.  So I thought I would share with you the Life Lessons I learned while waiting to be found by my husband.

Lesson One - Tell Jesus the Truth

I often heard when I was content being single my husband would show up – just appear out of thin air.  I spent years trying to be content and feeling extremely guilty that even after much prayer, reading every singles book out there and fasting, I couldn’t find this elusive contentment.  So I decided that I would just tell Jesus this truth.  I knew that the Lord knew what was best for me and I came to understand that if I never got married then somehow that was what was best for me, even if I didn’t like it and I sure wasn’t content. 

Finally I surrendered and shared that with the Lord.  “Father”, I said, “You know I don’t want to be single, I don’t like it, I’ve been single a long time, but if I truly trust you, I know you will do what’s best for me.  And if that’s being single, then You will sustain, comfort and walk with me. True Story, I met Jon within the next year.

Lesson Two: Be About Your Father’s Business

Don’t wait to do the things that you desire to do for the Lord because you are single.  Pursue your passion, live your purpose, walk in the calling the Lord has placed on your life.  Spend your time doing two things, being about the business the Lord has called you to and becoming the best wife (or husband) you can be.  Be focused in the Lord, get your finances together, learn to communicate, clarify your needs, fast and pray – become that Proverbs 31 woman or that wise man of integrity like Boaz.   Jon and I met because I was I was doing the Lord’s work.  He booked me for a concert after finding me online while he was researching artists he wanted to book for a church event.  If I had never stepped out on faith and left my GOOD paying job at Wright State University to obey the call of God to sing His praises, I’d still be in Ohio, single…

Random Life Lessons On Marriage - Lesson One

Tomorrow Jon Bush and I celebrate 3 years of marriage! I can hardly believe it. In honor of our 3 years I have compiled a list of 4 life lessons I've learned about marriage. I'll be sharing them over the next four days.

Lesson One: You can’t change anyone. Don’t ever marry someone thinking you can. And don’t spend too much time asking the Lord to change them into what you think or want them to be. (I thank the Lord I knew that coming in!) Ask the Lord to change you instead, so you can be the wife or husband you’ve been called to be. Praying together daily as a couple makes all the difference in the world. Making Christ the head of your marriage is the most important thing you can do.

Matthew 19:4-6
"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' ? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

Confessions of a Big Girl

Excerpts from Confessions of a Big Girl by
Dr. Naima Johnston Bush

From The Introduction…
But the direction came, write the story of my life, and I think who would want to hear about it? There is a blessing in obedience, by recounting it, maybe I can dislodge it and close the moving picture show in my head. So I’ll tell the story of food addiction, of a loving and struggling family, of mixed up men and musical masterpieces. Yet, I have been accused of playing house in my mind, so maybe pouring out this tale of woe, of triumph, of the dismantling of a life and the reconstruction of a saint, will speak for me. Perhaps if I share with others the truth of who I am then they will understand why I have played house in my mind. Perhaps they will say I never played at all.

From, The Truth of Ralph…
Women like me are defined as “testers”, we get involved with men and give them all these silly little secret tests instead of communicating with them our needs and wants. You know what I mean – we assume. Shouldn’t he know how much I want to be with him? We scream to ourselves, despite the fact that he could never really know our heart since we never shared it or showed it. Women like me are matchmakers. We meet our Mr. Everything and what do we do? Assess that he could never be interested in our imperfections and proceed to hook him up with our best single girlfriend, since she’d be perfect for him. Then stand back devastated since our heart’s desire is now hanging with our best home girl. And my favorite, women like me are defined as husband preparers. Sure, work all your little kinks out on me, let me tell you all about how a woman should be treated, listen to your emotional mess and pray with you and for you, then smile at your wedding. I try not to be bitter, but this guy, like several other men I cared deeply about married someone else and had the nerve to send me an invitation to the wedding.

From, An Ode To Government Cheese…
The lobby was teeming with people, line out the door; some were from the local community hoping that they could get down with the free cheese program. Oh… but that was the purpose of the rent book. In order to claim your government supply of surplus goods from the farmers of Ohio, you had to actually prove that you lived in the projects! And if you couldn’t prove it, you were dismissed and sent on your way cheeseless. We were high class, living in the projects; we didn’t live in the tenements across the street. We were privileged to obtain this gift from the government, it contributed to healthy kids, we would have good nutrition, perhaps it made us less of a Medicare risk. Cheese was good for you the government asserted, never mind that it was fattening, caused earaches and mucus build up, as well as constipation.

Weird Harold and Other Boys…
Angry and resentful I ate and determined that no one would take from me again so I started to give it away for free. Never realizing that God had a plan for me, that these violations were not my fault, that I was worth more then my sexuality, I packed on the pounds hoping no one would notice me, that no one would want me. But the cage I imprisoned myself in never kept them at bay, there was always someone willing to take what I was offering. What a strange way to live, not wanting to give of myself, but feeling compelled to do so. My life has been fraught with many failed attempts at losing weight. From the time my parents dragged me at age nine to Harlem Hospital to lose thirty pounds, to biannual bouts with Weight Watchers, diet pills dispensed by a morbidly obese male doctor, to even sleeping in plastic bags to sweat the pounds away.

The Story of Everything…
Our relationship died after that. And that day the song was birthed that would direct the course of my ministry. As I wept before the Lord, not understanding anything that had happened over the last year, not understanding why I was alone again, I knew that I had missed it. Did I hear from the Lord? Did Peter know he was supposed to be my Mr. Wonderful? I don’t know. But I know this, as I lay across my bed sobbing and stuffy nosed after another man I loved walked out of my life the Lord spoke to me clearly and asked, “Who is your everything? Is it this man who has let you down and failed to love you? Or is it I, the one who will give you everything and love you no matter what?”

I had made a mistake, one that could have cost me the ministry and the call on my life. God never confirmed if I heard right or wrong in regards to my relationship with Peter. He only confirmed in me that He loved me no matter what and that I had made a man my idol. Lifted him up higher then God and that I even allowed someone to become a priest in the temple of my idol, listening only to their words and not the words of the Father. The song was easy to write, it flowed out of me as a song of penitence and praise, a personal reminder that God was everything I wanted, needed and dreamed of. But even knowing this did not mean I was content with the fact – I still struggle with this today. I had to run to God and give up my dreams, I had to come to Him and pray to be changed and then have the courage to apply those changes to my life.

Order Your Copy Today At:
www.createspace.com/3549920 or at www.amazon.com

Discredit My Faith - Not

I'm finding that folks love to try and discredit my faith. No matter what you pull put of your own bag of doubt you can't discredit my life or my experience. It's not always been what folks would define as "good" or "fair" but based on what I know, God has ALWAYS BEEN FAITHFUL, in the midst of tragedy & when I had to live out the consequences of my wrong choices, Jesus is FAITHFUL in my life. That's a fact that can't be debated.

So thanks for pulling out all the stops to let me know that what I believe is wrong... all you do is reaffirm what I know to be true, Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father. Thank you because you cause me to think more deeply, read more of my Bible, pray even harder. And these things bring me even closer to the creator of the universe.

I won't debate you, I won't engage you... I'll simply love you, I won't judge you, and I will pray for you. I'll treat you with the respect you deserve as a child of God, even if you don't admit who your Father is. You have the right to make that choice, and as you have the right to share what you share, you push me to share even more the truth of a God who loved the world so much, He died for it.

Thanks for the encouragement!

2011 The Year of Unfinished Business

So, here I am determined to achieve a multitude of goals in 2011, got my action plan all thought out, developed a list of projects to take on and was ready to take it to the Lord in prayer. But then I felt a pause in my spirit. And a list, a long list of a multitude of projects, unfinished business, unsorted financial records and sticky tabs of half written songs came to mind.

When I began to actually think about all the unfinished projects I had, all of the things I had started and not finished I felt like the Lord was saying, “Don’t dream another dream, launch a new program, develop a new idea until you’ve proven faithful over these small things.”

Faithful… doing what you say you are going to do, when you say you are going to do it. A simple but true definition. And how could God know that He could trust me, that I could move on to bigger things in ministry if I had not been faithful over the small things that He had given me to do? That’s a major life lesson: In order to move forward to bigger things you must be faithful over little things – right from the Word of God.

I came to understand that I had not been faithful not only to the Lord but to those I’d been assigned to reach through the ministry He had given me. I preach all the time that your dreams are not for you, but rather they are the manifestation of the love of God coming through you to encourage, edify, empower, educate and yes, even entertain His people. And all my uncompleted projects represented some ministry that the Lord had given me that I had not given to His people. Yikes, now who wants to stand before the Lord and answer for that? Not me!

And let’s not even talk about missed opportunity! Unfinished projects resulted in bookings that never happened, interviews that never got conducted, books that had not been finished… I could go on and on.

So I made a list and I’m tackling my unfinished business, it’s a daunting task but one that must be done. And not only do I have to finish the projects, I realize that I have to put a system in place so I overcome my habit of generating unfinished business.

For example, I came into 2011 with over 300 emails in my inbox that needed some kind of attention – over 300!!! Now that’s just wacko. And so I gave myself a week to answer, handle or deal with ever single message. I refused to deal with any other project or situation until I dealt with all that old email. I spent seven days preparing press packets to go out that had been requested, submitting music to radio stations I had inquired of, answering artist questions, writing thank you notes, condolences cards and renewing memberships and canceling e-zine subscriptions. And then I made a decision, I would respond to each email the moment I read it, if I wasn’t able to respond I wouldn’t even read it. So far, it’s worked! My inbox has less then 20 emails in it!

I’ve now moved on to finishing my book, Confessions of a Big Girl and this past week I did not allow myself to write anything else – no songs, poems or work on other books until it was done. Check two on my unfinished business, my proof is actually ready to be reviewed before final publishing!

So 2011 – the year of finishing unfinished business, keep reading because this should be exciting! Why? Because I know enough about the Lord to know He won’t stop with my professional life. It’s just a matter of time before we’re digging into my personal stuff – my own intimate unfinished business. And when He starts digging that stuff up, my life always turns into a whirlwind of wacky lessons like Open Pants and Pumping Gas…. What the heck is that you might ask? Check the video and have a laugh!



Stayed tuned for the ongoing adventures of Dr. Nay!

Blessings!

4th Annual Spirit of Deborah Conference

It's That Time Again! 4th Annual Spirit of Deborah Conference! Shoot me an email at naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com to register!

Time for the Broken Box Ministries End of the Year Sale!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

It’s that time again – time for the Broken Box Ministries Annual End of The Year Sale!

Check out the products and if you’d like to order, simply go to: www.paypal.com, list in the notes section the product you are requesting and then make your payment to naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com using the PayPal website. If you’d like to use snail mail – feel free to mail the payment to BBM 48 S. Second Street, Fairborn, OH 45324

Please make all checks and money orders payable to Broken Box Ministries. MP3 and E-Books will be delivered within 12 hours of receipt of payment. Hardcopy items will be mailed out within 24 hours of order and payment receipt.

Music MP3

Everything Album MP3 - $10.00
This Place Album MP3 - $10.00
Everything CD - $14.00
This Place CD - $16.00

Audios

The Dream Development MP3 Series - $25.00
The Dream Development CD Series - $40.00
Includes: How To Achieve Your God Given Dreams, The 12 Steps To Achieve Your God Given Dreams, What’s In Your Pots!?, and How to Achieve Your God Given Dreams in 30 Minutes a Day.

Individual Class MP3 - $7 (Indicate which class you would like):

How To Achieve Your God Given Dreams
The 12 Steps To Achieve Your God Given Dreams
What’s In Your Pots!?
How To Achieve Your God Given Dreams In 30 Minutes A Day


Books

The Dream Development Manual E-Book - $10.00
The Dream Development Manual Hardback - $22.00
Called To Sing, 13 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting In Music Ministry E- Book - $5.00
Dr. Nay’s Random Recovery Life Lessons E-Book - $5.00


Classes

Sing It Girl/Guy Christian Artist Development MP3 Series - $30.00
- Six 90 Minute Audios
- Artist Development Work Book
- 2 Bonus Audios on Marketing and Artist Development
- 2 Live 45 Minute Artist Consultations via SKYPE or Phone


Personal Development

One Hour Dream Development Consultations via SKYPE or Phone - $25.00

Email naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com for more info!

The Climb

The Climb….

I have a dirty confession to make; I own the soundtrack from the Hannah Montana Movie. I know it might sound strange, but I stumbled upon the soundtrack by accident because I went to see the movie on purpose. In my last year of singleness, during the time I lived in Nashville, I came to a point where I was simply ok with being single. I was determined to live my life, have the most fun doing it and reach as many people for Christ as I possibly could.

So every Tuesday night I took myself to the movies. I never had to justify what I wanted to see, I never had to debate the movie choice, and I never had to share the popcorn. And although I wouldn’t trade my husband and permanent movie date for anything, I will always treasure those times alone in the movies. It taught me how to be with me and to be ok with being alone so I could be a better wife and share of myself freely.

But back to Miley and Hannah, besides being a cute little movie, the soundtrack to Hannah Montana is brilliantly written. With artists such as Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift and the writers behind the bubble gum pop songs that Miley Cyrus sings, the song, The Climb is a real gem.

Tonight while organizing my I Tunes library I found the tune hidden as an unidentified track in my messy musical listings. And I listened to it… several times, thinking again what a powerful song.

At this moment in time where I am adjusting to being married, taking time to refocus and redirect my ministry, still battling vocal issues and finding myself back in Ohio helping rebuild a church, I struggle with what I’m suppose to be doing and how I’m suppose to be getting there. Sometimes I feel so frazzled, pulled in a million directions, called to a million projects trying to figure out what God’s will is for my life.

And then I remember this scripture:

16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus 1 Thessalonians 5 16-18

So instead of being frazzled I choose to enjoy the journey. Pause as I climb the mountain and take in the view. I choose today to give thanks when it’s more then difficult, joyful when it is challenging and prayerful to the point that I hear God’s voice so clearly that I know which steps to take as I climb upward like doe on mountain paths and high places.

Today I am determined to enjoy the climb and sing while I pull myself upward…

There’s always gonna be another mountain,
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna me another battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose
Ani’t about how fast I get there
Ani’t about what’s waiting on the other side…
It’s the climb!

Enjoy the climb, it’s a blessing from God!

And don’t forget…

Check out www.reverbnation.com/Naima for tour updates!

Follow me on Twitter – www.twitter.com/NaimaJohnston

Now Booking for 2011 – email naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com for more info!

Get Your Copy of Called To Sing, 12 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting In Music Ministry – www.createspace.com/3374444

Meet Boucho, The Wee Wee Monster's New Step Brother - LOL

Moving, Marriage and Ministry!

The Calling – October 2010 Edition


Naima News!

Please forgive me for not sharing a personal blog over the last few months. When 2010 began I had no idea that I would meet the man of my dreams, fall in love and have a wedding with over 100 people in attendance! All within the space of 9 months!

A whirlwind romance for sure, ordained by God of course! It’s such a miraculous story that I’m working on a new book to document the wonder of a man who finds a wife according to the scripture. I was just busy working for the kingdom and bam, there he was with his intentions! As a matter of fact I had gotten to that place where I wanted to get married but was content with the thought that it might not be God's will for me... after all have you ever seen the stats on getting married for African American women over the age of 35!? I had a greater chance of dying in a plane crash or being killed by terrorists according to some researchers! BUT GOD!!!!

Jon and I were married on Sunday, September 5, 2010 at St. Luke AME Church in Nashville, TN after a ton of premarital counseling and a very short engagement! We honeymooned in Orlando and took a cruise to the Bahamas and I must admit that my entire life and ministry were on pause as I took the unexpected road that the Lord laid before me. Marriage is truly a good thing, Jon is a minister and a gospel concert promoter and is utterly in love with me! As I am with him. I must share that he truly is a God given dream come true. We are now working together in ministry to advance the kingdom of the Lord, bring in the harvest and share the love of Christ with the world. We are truly excited about all the Lord is doing in our lives.

On another note we have recently moved to Fairborn, Ohio from Nashville, TN. Midwestern USA is a bit different for Jon, but as many of you know this area is like home to me, since I had lived in Fairborn for many years. We have joined the staff at New Life Outreach Ministries and we’re helping a dear friend of mine, Pastor Lisa Lewis build this ministry from the ground up. It’s always exciting to help someone launch their vision, as you know second only to singing God’s praises that is my greatest passion. I expect to learn lots of life lessons over the next year and look forward to sharing them with you as you also move forward to achieve your God given dreams!

If you’d like, take a look at our wedding video invitation by following the link below (You may have to cut and paste the links to get them to work):

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=b554a71c7fa2ba54ac1def&skin_id=701&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url


And if you’d like to see the official wedding pictures, follow this link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=LouMarPhotography&target=ALBUM&id=5518767825515275153&author=Gv1sRgCOel4sn60dxtgE&invite=CKq7odcO&feat=email


As always, thanking each of you for your prayers and support. If I can be of service don’t hesitate to contact me. Hope to talk with you soon or see you at an upcoming event, until then go out and achieve… your calling!


When The Walls Have Fallen!

So we’re at the end of 2010 and it’s time to examine our achievements, reevaluate our goals and get focused to finish the year strong! If you’re seeking fresh motivation, need a new perspective or found that nothing worked out the way you thought it would you need to attend my next tele-seminar.

This is a class that promises to help you move out of your slump, past the things you did not accomplish and get you moving forward with some concrete goals achieved for 2010. To register for the newest class, When The Walls Have Fallen simply shoot me an email at: naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com! The class will take place on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 8pm EST and is absolutely FREE!!!!

Make sure you register and if you have any questions feel free to shoot them to me prior to the event so that I can address them on the call!

Upcoming Events

All new Go With What You Got Seminar scheduled for Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 10am! If your in the Columbus, Cincinnati or Dayton areas, join us to learn how to take what God has given you and use it take your ministry, music or business to the next level! This is a free event but registration is encouraged! The Go With What You Got Seminar will take place at New Life Outreach Ministries, 48 South Second Street, Fairborn, Ohio 45324. A love offering will be taken to support the work of the ministry.

I’m leading worship October 3rd, 10th, 24th and 31st at New Life Outreach Ministries. Join us for Sunday service at 10:17am if you’re in the Miami Valley and seeking a church home!

Don’t forget to register for the next Tele-seminar – When The Walls Have Fallen on Tuesday, October 26th at 8pm EST. Email me to register and receive the call in information, you can listen live via the web or on the phone!

That’s it for now! Until next time go out and achieve… your calling!