Ode to Maury Povitch

Have you read, Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs? 

These poems have been written as I traveled the country sharing my educational programs, Spiritual Songs, The History of the Negro Spiritual and Dancing with the Devil, The African American Holocaust. They are reflections of my encounters at places such as Carnton Plantation, the burial grounds of the largest group of Confederate soldiers on private property. The Freedom Center which sits on the banks of the Ohio River, an educational testament to the past and present history of slavery. They were delivered to me through the news. The modern day terrors which transcended race but exemplified hate and from seeing cotton growing in the field for the first time at the age of forty one. I have chosen to sing the songs of my ancestors so that all may know the truth – the truth of an evil that still rolls like thunder across our nation today. And I like to think of these poems as songs as well, songs bound to the page to carry on long after my voice has been silenced and entered into the ages.

Ode to Maury Povitch

Beautiful baby

Paraded unaware

Before a live television audience

That giggles and hoots

At your mamma’s dilemma

Or they cluck their tongues

And shake their heads

In disapproval

Scripted or not

Foolish choices

Are displayed

As they read the results

And men liberated

From responsibility

Go running from the stage

Calling mamma out of her name

Fist pumping

Arms held aloft

In victory

Beautiful Baby

You continue to smile

Mamma’s baby

Daddy’s maybe

As the woman who

Clutches her hope

Sees it ripped away

With Maury’s famous words

“You Are Not The Father!”

Occasionally your momma

Gets to dance in elation

As the point is proven

Her integrity is restored

When there is a DNA match

Women of every shade

Exploited at the 10AM viewing hour

Why are you even here at all

Questioning the parentage

Of this beautiful blessing from God

Beautiful baby

Someone needs to tell your Mamma

That she is more

Then what’s between her thighs

And the celebrity

Will last for more then

A ten minute segment

In her baby’s eyes

Still the dirty laundry

Is aired for all to see

Soiled and stained

Too many one night stands

Trysts with friends, brothers, cousins,

Sons and fathers

Affairs with men

Who just don’t care

And call your mamma

Outside her God given name

Yet you keep smiling

Clapping your hands

Toward the camera

That covers you

Backstage in a green room

  

Unaware of the maelstrom

Surrounding the conception

Of your life

Unaware that Mamma

Is asking Maury for help

Cause everyone is unsure

Of who your daddy is…

(C) 2014 Dr. Naima Johnston Bush
From The Book: Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual http://www.amazon.com/Psalms-Hymns-Spiritual-Songs-Inspired/dp/1449901042/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1441658895&sr=8-6&keywords=naima+johnston+bush&pebp=1441658900386&perid=0M11XXJHSEBB72MED4SW Songs. Pick up your copy today!

Tell The Devil Nuts!

Here’s a tidbit that most people don’t know about me.  I love watching war movies, as a matter of fact one of my favorite movies of all time is, When We Were Soldiers, I can watch that movie over and over again.  Recently, I got a chance to watch, Band of Brother’s Series on HBO, a WWII docudrama that focuses on the experiences of the paratroopers who landed behind enemy lines during the invasion of Normandy.  My favorite part comes near the end when the 101^st division is surrounded by the Germans at the town of Bastogne in Belgium. Dealing with a brutal winter, a lack of supplies and an overall weariness, the division Commander is issued a demand to honorably surrender by his enemy.  General McAuliffe who was in charge at that time responded to the German commander one word, “NUTS!”

Despite the opposition, the appearance of defeat, the lack of resources, General McAuliffe told his greatest enemy in no uncertain terms, “You sir, are crazy, I will not stand down.”  Shortly after McAuliffe wrote that one word in faith, the 101^st was resupplied and joined by a fresh division and were instrumental in bringing to end one of the most horrid and brutal events in world history.  It was almost as if his very defiance changed the atmosphere and shifted the war in the favor of right.

What I’m learning is that as Christians we need to take the same approach.  We need to look the devil in the eye, and let him know that the Creator of Heaven and Earth is on our side and we will not back down.  We need to remember that no matter what it looks like or feels like, God has a greater plan that He is working out on our behalf.  Fresh supplies and reinforcements are on the way!  By faith we have to take a step towards victory declaring that we know by faith it is right around the corner!

When things go wrong, I’m going to start to yell, “NUTS!”  It is going to be my war cry that I will not be defeated, but rather that I trust the perfect plan of God.  If you are struggling, sick, can’t seem to find your way, if you are in need, if you’ve been fighting and you are tired, yell, “NUTS!” Then start to praise the Lord!  Use the word to declare that the very thought of you being on the losing side is crazy because the Lord of all is sending fresh supplies, angelic and human reinforcements to hold you up.  We will not surrender, even when it is the darkest night!  God has declared the time of victory is now, NUTS to anyone or anything standing in your way!

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 September through December 2015 and I would love to be of service to you.  Send me an email at naima@ministryofnaima.com

I Dreamed a Dream

I Dreamed A Dream

As I quickly approach my 44^th birthday, I sometimes think it may be time to pack it up, leave the road and settle down doing something others describe as useful.  Many people would say I am to old to be ripping up the roads, singing across the nations, dragging my husband and 2 doggies along for the ride.  But the truth of the matter is, we can’t think of anything else we’d rather do.  It seems as if the Lord has given us a special grace to do the work we’re doing.  It’s never too late.  It isn’t over until the Lord says so.

One of the things I hear from people is that they think it’s too late for them to achieve their God given dream.  But I believe that as long as there is breath in your body there is time to achieve some part of the dream God has placed in your heart for the advancement of the Kingdom.  It may be modified, it may not grow to be exactly what you thought it would be, but if you still have strength, you still have time.

I always think of Abraham and the promise that the Lord gave him and Sarah, the promise became Abraham’s dream and although he saw only some of it come to pass, he didn’t see it all come into fruition. But he did what God called him to do after getting hemmed up in Egypt, messing around with his nephew Lot and having a child with the handmaid.   Delays, these were delays, but they did not take the Lord by surprise!  God still brought forth His promise to Abraham, his dream of being a father.  In essence Abraham set the foundation for a dream that would belong to the entire world.  A dream that would turn into a blessing for the whole world.

So the past does not matter, the time to start is today.  What if the dream in your heart, is simply this, the foundation of a bigger dream that will meet the needs of millions of others? 

Get Moving!  Don’t wait another minute, the Bible tells us… If you wait for perfect conditions you will never get anything done. (Ecclesiastes 11 Verse 4) NLB

Ask yourself, what does your dream entail that you feel is limited by time?  For example, what if you felt you were suppose to be a champion figure skater, you love ice skating, but now in your 40’s you’re too old to pursue that dream.  But you know the Lord has placed that passion in your heart.  After much prayer, you could found a ministry that reaches out to figure skaters, or arranges free lessons to children who can’t afford lessons while also training them in the truths of the Word of God.  Or maybe you could become a coach’s assistant and win a future world champion to the Lord, who will then share the gospel with millions through their athletic efforts.  Time does not diminish the promise of God!  Answer the following questions:

List the limitations you feel you’re facing because you feel it’s too late.

Spend some serious time in prayer asking the Lord to reveal to you how your original dream should look now.  Journal those answers, then make a commitment to do one thing everyday to achieve the dream.

I’d love to hear your thoughts about fear, your dreams, God’s provision and overcoming the thought that it is to late!  Leave me a comment here on the blog or at www.facebook.com/ministryofnaima

God Will Provide!

The summer is upon us and I know many of us are thankful that the snow and cold are gone and new life is blooming.  As we move quickly towards the end of the year, I don’t want another moment to pass without you being prepared to achieve your God Given Dream.  Last month we talked about facing our fears, this month we’ll address the issue of lack.  We must remember there is no lack in God, He has it all in hand and He has made provision for you.

Have you ever felt that you could not achieve your God given dreams because you didn’t have what you needed to make it all come together?  You feel you can’t go forward because you don’t have the proper resources to do what you know you’ve been called to do.  But God is great and there is no lack in Him!  There is always a way to get started even if you don’t have a million bucks in your hand.  If God called you to do it, then you have what you need in your hand – Read Judges Chapter 6 and use Gideon as role model, I do!

There is one simple fact that cannot be denied when you are facing a lack of resources to move forward in your God given dream.  You know someone, somewhere who has what you need or you know someone who knows someone who has what you need.  All you have to do is pray and then ask.  I’ve gotten more stuff that I’ve needed in the last few months from folks simply by asking!  Staff volunteers, recording equipment, financial donations, assistance in booking just to name a few, just from asking.  The Word tells us to ask and we shall receive, so get to asking.  And remember the universal law of reaping and sowing, if someone asks you, be sure to give it if you got it! Get yourself some paper and answer the following questions:

What are your biggest needs to get started?

Who can you ask for assistance to get moving?  List those folks:

Select a concrete date on when you’ll ask them for what you need:

Remember!

-          Always remember, the first person to ask is the Lord, He has everything you need!

-          Don’t be afraid to ask them for suggestions if they don’t have what you need

-          Take what they are willing to give, God can do much with a little

-          Apply the 2 Step Approach, “Pray and Then Ask!”

How have you been working to overcome your fear?  After you ask for something you need, please share the praise reports as well!  I’d love to hear more about it.  Please leave me comment on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ministryofnaima or here on the blog!

To learn more get the training manual, Go With What You Got!To Learn More Purchase The Book - Go With What You Got!

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!

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!

I Told You So!

I'm working on a new book about all the lessons I learned as single waiting for my Boaz and as a married woman trying to be a Godly Wife... Here's an excerpt.  Feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

I Told You So!

One of the best pieces of marriage advice I got was this, “If you know your husband is wrong and you’ve tried everything you can to sway him to your way of thinking and he doesn’t yield, shut up! Then pray and stand back and duck.”  I remember laughing like a loon when the advisor shared that you had to duck because the Lord was going to smack your hubby with the truth of the situation!  And then he would see that you were right and he was, well, just a little mislead.

Since I’ve been married it’s true, there have been times where I knew I was right and Jon just wouldn’t budge, so I had to stand back, pray and let the Lord swing.  The truth of the matter is that this principle also works in reverse, there have been several times when it has been revealed that I was in the wrong and Jon was the one in the right.  Wives everywhere take heed – sometimes you just gotta listen to your husband.  But even in all the who’s right and who’s wrong scenarios that play out between a husband a wife there is another important lesson that I’ve learned.  I told you so should never be a comeback to revelation of wrongness.

There have been times I wanted to say, I told you so, not just to my husband but to others I know and love.  I think sometimes we use that phrase as a hammer to reinforce just how brilliant we think we are, I mean, after all, we were the ones who were right.  And since we were right we must be some superior being so linked up with Christ that we can discern His will for everybody else and we just have to make it known.

I told you so becomes a dirty little phrase when we use it against the ones we love the most when they’ve fallen down and can’t seem to get up.  Seriously, how dumb are we, do we really think they don’t know that we were right!?  They are sitting there mulling over the mess they made and we just have to self righteously declare we knew better all the time.  How loving is that?

Which brings me back to that great piece of advice. When we stand back and ask God to be God in someone’s life, to direct them in the right way not our way, we do need to pay attention to the outcome, we may in fact need to duck.  My husband and I are linked together in the most intimate relationship on earth as defined by the Bible, when he or I make a bad decision it rocks us both – we are one flesh. 

We are Team Bush – a 3 Chord Strand of Jon, Jesus and Me – not easily broken.  Our consequences good or bad are shared.  If a decision is made that causes the team to take a loss, strike out, or suffer, it’s not a time to be trite and flippant.  Rather, this is a time when we realize that I told you so should only be applied when Jesus steps in, fixes the mistakes, shields us from the pain, or covers up the mess.  When Jesus steps in the only I told you so used should be… I told you so, Jesus handled it and I told you so, I’ll always love you, we are team. Don’t shoot your wounded partner and a strong marriage you will make.  

Go Climb A Tree

I can’t see much right now.  It’s one of those times in my life where it seems like I can’t see what the Lord is doing and my only choices are to trust and to worship.  And it can be a challenge to trust and to worship when you feel isolated and shrouded in darkness.  We are always taught to press through these times, forget about what’s going on and focus on the Lord and what He has done in the past.  We pull out those platitudes that while true are quoted to placate us in times of trouble.  The ones like, “God is never late, He’s always on time!” or “He did it before, He will do it again!”  Like I said, true, but not always what you want to hear when you’re so crowded by troubles and issues that you can’t even see a glimpse of the hope that you know can and will deliver you.

At times like these, you gotta just climb a tree.  I loved to climb trees when I was younger although I didn’t climb to many growing up in the Bronx.  And I never went very high when I did because I was always afraid of heights.  But when I did get a chance, I would clamber up as far as I dared to get a different perspective of the world below.  So that’s what I’m going to do now, climb a tree.

In Luke 19, Verse 1-10 Zacchaeus the tax collector climbed a tree because he was too short to see Jesus through the crowd.  Zacchaeus was so determined to see the Lord that he even ran ahead of the crowd and climbed the tree.  And Jesus saw him in the tree, called him down by name and came to his home blessing him with salvation. Zacchaeus’s entire life was changed because he climbed the tree. He changed his outlook on life and changed his actual behavior because he met Jesus when he climbed a tree.

Well, I can’t literally climb a tree and wait for Jesus to pass by.  But what I can do is go higher and change my perspective about what is going on. I can believe that Jesus will see me when he passes by.  Going higher simply means that no matter how I feel, I should worship more, I should trust more, I should read my word more, I should serve Him even more.  I have to change my perspective and trust that at the end of this trial I will be changed.  I am going to hang out up high so I can see Jesus when He passes by and most importantly because I’m hanging in a tree up ahead I believe He will look up, call my name and my life will be changed forever.

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."

40 Ways To Market, Promote and Develop Your God Given Dream!

40 Ways To Market, Promote and Develop Your God Given Dream!


Grace and Peace Loved Ones!

I am excited about a new class I have to offer those who are determined to achieve their God Given Dream! As we gear up for 2012, this is a perfect time to review your accomplishments, set your goals for next year and develop a strategic plan that will honor the Lord, bless the Kingdom and meet the needs of those you have been assigned to reach!

Sometimes we struggle with finding creative ways to share our gifts with the world. This new class will give you creative ideas that you may not have thought about and will assist you in moving your ministry forward!

Here’s a taste of what the class will offer:

Number 10 – Offer free giveaways to college radio stations. Do an online search for the stations or contact the Student Activities Office for information about contacting the station manager – you can give away products, CDs, or even services. The DJs will mention your name/company name on air and it will be free promotion for you for very little cost.

Number 37 – Host a yearly business or ministry dinner. Give updates on the work you do, recognize supporters and investors build a support team when you invite the community to a dinner that highlights your dream. Invite the mayor, the local newspapers, other nonprofit organizations; anyone you feel can assist you in moving your dream forward.

There are more then 40 of these types of tips designed to solidify your foundation, improve your networking abilities, increase your exposure and maximize your marketing budgets!

In an effort to continue to support Broken Box Ministries and allow us to continue to provide quality programs, this class is available for a limited time for your love gift of any amount!

If you’d like access to 40 Ways To Market, Promote and Develop Your God Given Dream, simply send a love offering by December 1, 2012 via pay pal (www.paypal.com) to naimasbrokenbox@yahoo.com or via snail mail to: Broken Box Ministries, 410 Clover Street , Fairborn , OH 45324 . The class will be sent to you via MP3 on December 2, 2012. Or if you so choose CD (please include a $2 shipping fee for CDs).

Don’t miss this informative and practical class that will assist you in taking your dream to the next level! This information is adaptable for music ministries, Christian businesses, nonprofit organization or other ministries seeking to grow and develop.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Thank you in advance for your support and thank you for allowing us to be a part of supporting you as you achieve… Your Calling!

Blessings!


Naima

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

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