Read an Excerpt

"ESSENTIAL ENCOURAGEMENT"

"POETRY WITH A PURPOSE"

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By VANESSA CLARK

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2012 VANESSA CLARK
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4772-6351-8

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Chapter One

    CHURCH DRAMA


    A SET UP


    I must be very careful of what I do, what I say and who I'm
    around
    Because if it's not of God out I will be found
    I must keep my feet on solid ground

    Don't fall for or do what I know is not right
    Because He can make what's done in the dark come to the light

    Make sure I am living holy and pure
    Trust and depend on Jesus and His words and promises
    He will help me to endure

    I know that the anointing breaks the yoke
    All worldly habits must be broke

    If I should slip and fall
    On Jesus I must call

    Repent, ask for forgiveness, don't return to that sin and don't
    beat myself up about it
    Remember to be in service for the Lord I must be fit

    Everybody does not have my best interest at heart
    Some are looking for me to fall right from the start

    My character and integrity are at stake
    Watch out for the snakes

    A Set Up


    FALSE ACCUSATIONS

    When people make false accusations against you
    Lean, depend, trust in God and He will guide you through

    When you know within your heart you did nothing wrong
    In God you can firmly stand, confident and awesomely strong

    When they get in your face in front of others
    Trying to embarrass and sabotage you
    Be humble endure as a good solider
    Because God will come to your rescue

    Let them attack
    Don't talk back
    It's their own insecurities
    That has them wanting to argue
    Pray for them because they have some serious issues

    False accusations don't let them get you blue
    In God's time, He will vindicate you

    False Accusations


    I MADE IT

    I lost and gained weight, but I made it
    My hair fell out, but I made it
    They lied on my, but I made it
    They talked about me, but I made it
    They persecuted me, but I made it
    They scandalized my name, but I made it
    They criticized me, but I made it
    They laughed at me, but I made it
    They made me the scapegoat, but I made it
    They abandoned me, but I made it
    I almost lost my mind, but I made it
    God moved me out of the way
    Put courage, strength and endurance in the forefront
    He had me stand and I pressed my way through
    And I made it
    Through it all, I made it
    Didn't think I could, nobody thought I would
    God showed me how and what to do and He saw me through
    Through Him, I am a survivor
    I Made It

THEY THOUGHT

They thought that the attempted set up, subtle scandal of my name, character, integrity and ministries God has placed in me would set me back, shake me, subdue me and keep me stuck.

But God allowed me to stand strong in His strength and the power of His might and through prayer, praise and worship.... I was able to side step it all.

God used the attempted set up as a stepping stone (the devil meant it for a stumbling block) to propel me into my divinely mandated season for all He has for me.

I encouraged myself.... whatever satan or demonic forces means for my demise, rest and trust in God that in His timing for me, He will turn it around in my favor

They Thought

Chapter Two

    FREEDOM


    BECAUSE HE GOT UP

    Because He got up, I can go on
    Because He got up, I can face life's storms

    Because He got up, I can get through my tomorrows
    Because He got up, I can face my sorrows

    Because He got up, I have strength to make it through
    Because He got up, He will accomplish all that He said He would
    do

    Because He got up, I have all authority and power
    Because He got up, on me, blessings and favor He will shower

    Because He got up, I have the victory
    Because He got up, the light I now can see

    Because He got up, I don't have to fear
    Because He got up, He's always near

    Because He got up, there is a purpose and plan
    Because He got up, I can firmly stand

    He was crucified and died on the cross for my sins
    He rose with all power on the third day so that I can win

    He got up, so I could go on

    Because He Got Up


    DON'T LOOK BACK

    Looking back will have me off track
    I must realize that it is satan's attack
    To have me off balance and slack

    It's a fact
    I will crack
    If I look back

    God has rescued and redeemed me from my back
    And He has given me instructions on how to stay on track

    Looking back could cause me to swing and sway
    The devil loves for me to be this way

    Only look back to reflect
    Your future is forward it you must protect

    In God, I will have no lack
    I will trust Him with and in everything and not look back

    Don't Look Back


    FREEDOM

    When you are free.... stay free

    Never ever go back to what God has freed and delivered you from

    Remember seven more demons on top of the ones that were already
    there

    Don't go back, no matter how bad you want to, how band you
    think that have to or how bad you think you should

    Freedom is a mighty good and precious gift from God that should
    never be taken for granted

    God's words will set me free

    My faith in God will keep me free

    Freedom


    YES I RAN

    Yes I ran, for my life, my health, my strength, my joy, my peace
    of mind, my spiritual growth and development

    Yes I ran, straight back into my Heavenly Father's arms who
    comforted me

    Yes I ran, because finally I realized that a particular season in
    my life was over

    If I had not run for my life when I did, that very last time in the
    midst of that storm, there was no doubt, I was not going to make
    it out

    God had forewarned me that if I went back, or looked back, I
    would perish; I ignored His warning and almost lost my life ...
    mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually

    This was my Heavenly Father's last warning to me on that issue,
    but thank God His mercy, compassion and love towards me was
    unfailing

    So, yes I ran as fast as I could, back to Him, my Heavenly Father,
    grateful and thankful that once again, He came to my rescue

    Yes I Ran

Chapter Three

    GURL POWER


    A HEALED HEART

    I had a broken heart
    Jesus knew it would be broken from the start
    From that man, I just refused to part

    I loved him with all I had
    Eventually realizing that relationship was going to be bad

    It was really sad
    How I allowed myself
    By that man, to be had

    I had a broken heart but eventually the hurt and pain did depart
    Jesus gave me a brand new start

    It took me a long time to give it to Jesus and let it go
    I did not have the strength to do it on my own

    I asked Jesus to move him out my way
    With this man I knew I could not stay

    It was so much strife
    But Jesus rearranged my life

    This was something I came out with a shout
    Thank you Jesus for bringing me out

    Jesus knew my heart would be broke from the start
    He also knew in the end, He was going to give me a healed heart

    A Healed Heart


    A MARRIED MAN

    Don't get hooked up with a married man
    That is not for you, God's purpose or His plan

    Keep the faith and to God's unchanging hands, hold on tight
    Everything must be done decent and in order in His sight

    That married man will never leave his wife for you
    No matter what you do, let me be clear he is just using you

    When you see him wearing his wedding ring
    Doesn't that sting

    A married man, get out of the place that space
    If you don't you are heading for excruciating pain and disgrace

    If you are in a relationship now with a married man
    Get out run for your life I hope you understand

    If you are just coming out of a relationship with a married man
    Give God the glory and be glad you ran

    Be glad you got out while it was yet still day
    God allowed you to get out before you would have to pay

    Don't get hooked up with a married man
    My sister on all of God's promises stand

    Just rest in the Lord gurl stand strong
    He will give you the desires of your heart it won't be long

    A Married Man


    G.O.D.S D.I.V.A.™ ...
    DISTINCTIVELY DIVINE

    G.O.D.S. D.I.V.A.™ Distinctively Divine
    For her God has all things aligned
    Royal and regal she is a queen
    Who only serves The King of Kings

    G.O.D.S. D.I.V.A.™ Distinctively Divine
    A woman who is fearfully and wonderfully made
    With crown jewels she is arrayed

    G.O.D.S. D.I.V.A.™ Distinctively Divine
    Brightly her light does surely shine
    Exuding elegance, wisdom and grace
    She seriously seeks her Savior's face

    G.O.D.S. D.I.V.A.™ Distinctively Divine
    She moves forward not dwelling on her past
    In Jesus name, He now allows her to roll first class

    Embracing her savvy style and unique self
    She is totally top shelf

    G.O.D.S. D.I.V.A.™ Distinctively Divine
    Is most definitely a one of a kind, original design

    Humble, Holy, sanctified and set apart
    From God's heart to yours, His words she will impart
    With her spiritual swagger, her swing and her sway
    A Proverbs 31 Woman, she does portray

    Prayerful, purposed, passionate, powerful, influential, resilient
    and poised
    To the enemy, make no mistake, with her gurls gathered, she
    knows how to posse up and bring the anointed (prayer, praise,
    worship) noise
    Which will destroy any plans or plots
    That satan has shot

    G.O.D.S. D.I.V.A.™ Distinctively Divine.... most blessed, highly
    favored, a jewel, a kept woman-kept by Jesus, a chosen vessel, a
    woman warrior, a lady leaving a legacy, a savvy sister rocking
    the God in her

    She walks in all that God says she is

    Godly, Obedient, Dedicated, a Servant who is Delivered, Inspired,
    Victorious, Anointed

    G.O.D.S. D.I.V.A.™.... Distinctively Divine


    I AM A KEPT WOMAN

    He kept me through trials, tribulations, heartbreak and pain ... I
    am a kept woman

    He kept me through guilt and shame.... I am a kept woman
    He kept me through tears, doubts, domestic violence abuse and
    fears.... I am a kept woman

    He kept me through the lean times and the in between times ... I
    am a kept woman

    He kept me through loneliness and abandonment.... I am a kept
    woman

    He kept me through low self-esteem and embarrassment.... I am
    a kept woman

    He kept me through raging storms, bad decisions and wrong
    relationship.... I am a kept woman

    He kept me through crack addition, homelessness and
    unemployment.... I am a kept woman

    He kept me through scandal, grief and sorrow.... I am a kept
    woman

    He kept me through feelings of why me and what did I do to
    deserve this.... I am a kept woman

    He kept me through anger, bitterness, resentment, rebellion and
    persecution.... I am a kept woman

    He kept me through mess, mayhem, madness and from losing
    my mind.... I am a kept woman

    He kept me from confusion and confrontation.... I am a kept
    woman

    I have been kept by his grace, favor, mercy and love, through
    mountain highs and valley low's, through good times and bad
    times, through dangers seen and unseen, in season and out of
    season

    When I did not even know it, He was keeping me

    And now I have been revived, restored, repositioned, healed,
    delivered and set free.... He has given me a fresh anointing and
    revelations

    No other person or thing can or ever will be able to keep me like
    Jesus has and does

    He is the ultimate keeper, the lover of my soul, I am His and He
    is mine
    I have been and will always be.... a kept woman

    I am A Kept Woman


    I DID NOT WANT TO WAIT

    My last relationship was a tough one
    God allowed it He turned up the fire because He knew I would have
    to run

    I did not want to wait
    For my God sent mate

    I relocated and rearranged my life for a man
    However, God had another plan

    I did not want to wait
    For my God sent mate

    If you don't wait and pick your own mate
    You can be sure he will not be first rate

    God is on time and never late
    Keep life balanced and doing His work

    Be patient and wait
    For your God sent mate

    The point I'm trying to make
    Is joyfully wait
    For your God sent mate

    I Did Not Want To Wait


    I'M DOING A GREAT WORK
    AND I CAN'T COME DOWN

    I'm doing a great work and I can't come down
    The devil knows it, because he is constantly lurking around

    The enemy tries to get my focus off track
    Demonic forces try to slide in with major attacks

    But Glory to God, who gives me discernment and spiritual
    insight
    To see what's happening and to keep my Christian walk upright

    I'm doing a great work and I can't come down
    I'm doing it with a whole heart and joy
    Not a frown

    I'm doing a great work and I can't come down
    In the end in Jesus name I pray, I will receive my crown

    I'm Doing A Great Work And I Can't Come Down


    LET ME ENCOURAGE YOU

    Words that are fresh like the morning dew
    Let me encourage you

    Your dreams, visions, goals and purposes you must pursue
    Let me encourage you

    If you are feeling blue
    Wanting another point of view
    Let me encourage you

    Needing someone to speak life
    In the midst of all the strife
    In need of a breakthrough
    Let me encourage you

    Possibly don't have a clue
    Searching for something new
    Let me encourage you

    Need to make a move but not sure how to
    Let me encourage you

    I will motivate, inspire, coach, empower and support you
    Something in your life that maybe long past due

    Let Me Encourage you

    Essential encouragement is life to the soul
    Encouraging you is my role

    Let Me Encourage you


    MOTHER'S

    M-most blessed, marvelous, merciful
    O-obedient, overseer, observant
    T-tireless, teacher, tenacity
    H-holy, humble, highly favored
    E-elegant, ever loving, efficient
    R-righteous, radiant, responsible
    S-supportive, sincere, spirit-filled

    A woman after God's own heart
    From her Heavenly Father she won't depart

    A divine diva, a Proverbs 31 woman, God's leading Lady wise
    and strong
    With God on her side she won't go wrong

    For her children nothing beats her love and care
    Her family knows as long has she has breath
    Mother will always be there

    If married she stands by her husband side by side
    Single or widowed she allows the Lord to be her guide

    A woman with insight and a listening ear
    For her family mother is always near

    She balances all she has to do
    All the while praying her family through

    A woman who always in her heart keep a song
    Praising her Savior all the day long

    A woman filled with God's faith, courage, strength and power
    Blessings on her He always showers

    There is nothing like a Mother's love
    A love that comes from up above

    Mother's


    MY GOOD GURLFRIENDS

    My good gurlfriends
    On them I can always depend

    Though some are here and some live in other parts of the country
    No matter what, good bad or in between they are always here for
    me

    A listening hear they always lend
    With me they never pretend

    My good gurlfriends, I am here for them as well
    We encourage each other to propel

    For me they are a God send
    Our friendships will last to the end

    My Good Gurlfriends


    SISTAH HOLD ON

    Sistah hold on
    The light of day will come
    You are a not a victim
    Jesus paid your ransom

    Sistah hold on
    Press your way through
    God is doing a new thing just for you

    Sistah hold on
    Hold to God's unchanging hand
    And have the strength to just stand

    Sistah hold on
    You are the Daughter of a King
    God is preparing you for blessings unseen

    Sistah hold on
    Keep the faith and faint not
    You are coming outta this with a "Give God the Glory", SHOUT

    Sistah Hold On


    THOSE LEOPARD PRINT SHOES
    AND THAT BLACK DRESS

    I was trying to pass the test
    I was determined to wait for God's best

    I did not anymore want to settle for less
    But it still was a little stress

    However, for the wrong reasons
    I did put on those slammin' leopard print shoes and that little
    black dress
    I must confess, a man I was really trying to impress

    My feelings and emotions were running wild
    But still keeping in mind, what am I really doing, I'm God's
    Leading Lady, a Proverbs 31 Woman, G.O.D.S. D.I.V.A.TM His
    child

    His words tell me willful sins I know I should not commit
    I was in a struggle not to fall in satan's pit

    Trying to impress
    For a moment not standing firm and steadfast on God's words
    That I am highly favored and blessed
    I thank God that He had me refocus on righteousness

    Single sistah's, hold and on wait for God's best
    Pass the test, don't settle for less, do not stress
    Do not regress, you have made much progress

    It's okay to wear those slammin' leopard print shoes and that little
    black dress
    As long as you are exemplifying righteousness

    Those Leopard Print Shoes And That Black Dress


    WOMEN ON THE FRONTLINE
    IN MINISTRY

    Women on the front line in ministry....

    Living saved, sanctified, set apart, pure and holy
    In the likeness of our Heavenly Daddy

    Serving God and His people compassionately
    Making history and leaving a legacy

    Seeking our savior daily
    Positioning ourselves for our purposes and destinies

    We go into spiritual warfare to annihilate the enemy
    Knowing God is able to move on our behalf, swiftly

    Rightly dividing God's word wisely
    Thanking Him for His favor and mercy

    Women on the front line in ministry
    Jazzy, savvy, queenly and Godly

    Women On The Front Line In Ministry


    WOMEN WORKING TOGETHER
    FOR KINGDOM BUILDING

    We pastor, minister, sing, pray and teach
    All with the goal of lost souls to reach
    Women working together for kingdom building

    We are first ladies, ushers and deaconess
    We are chosen, highly favored and blessed
    Women working together for kingdom building

    We are administrators, laywomen and on the motherboard
    In the name of Jesus.... all on one accord
    We are evangelist, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ
    Letting the world know that for our sins Jesus paid the price
    Women working together for kingdom building

    We are musicians, security, missionaries and we work on every
    committee
    We are servants, in every capacity
    When there is a need we don't hesitate
    We rise to the occasion and lead
    Woman working together for kingdom building

    It's our passion and desire
    The Holy Spirit keeps us on fire

    Women Working Together For Kingdom Building

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from "ESSENTIAL ENCOURAGEMENT" by VANESSA CLARK Copyright © 2012 by VANESSA CLARK. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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