She’s bold and outspoken; Fierce and confident, yet as gentle as a rose petal and sensitive to the needs of others. Whether you say so or not, she’s keen on picking up exactly what’s going on with her children and she deals accordingly. She knows just what to say and when. It just may be a stern rebuke or loving encouragement. I can’t say that I ever remember a time when I needed my mom and she was not there. Her words play in my head and many of them have become the codes by which I live. Thankfully, many of those words are God’s. They are His promises. She told me things like “hold fast to what God has spoken, for He is not a man that He should lie.”

She leads by example through gracious, and deliberate demonstration of what a woman of God should be. A virtuous woman. She fears the Lord and shall be praised. We rise up and call her blessed!

I tell her every year, if only I could be half the woman she is, I’d do alright!
:-)

I am an adult now, still trusting the guidance given by you, mom.

I’m a wife now, emulating the traits of the virtuous woman you are, mom.

I’m (officially) a mother now, longing to be the nurturer that you were for me!

Thank You for loving me! Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

As a matter of fact, Here’s to all of the beautiful women who have poured into our lives. We love you and appreciate you more than you’ll ever know!!!

Happy Mother’s Day!!!!
Happy Mother’s Day!!!!
Happy Mother’s Day!!!!

 1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

What is religious? One definition of it is: Extremely scrupulous and conscientious.

The Scribes and Pharisees were extremely religious as it pertained to an outward show or appearance of Godliness. They thought that righteousness was attained through “acts” of ceremonialism. Washing hands, washing feet, praying at certain times of the day, following the the Law of Moses that provided no remission of sin, etc.

In this passage, my eyes were opened to see how Religion is the Enemy of Revival.

Here is a woman, accused of adultery;

Number 1.) She was a woman. Women had almost NO regard in society at that time. As a matter of fact, cattle was regarded higher than women.

Number 2.) She was an adulteress! She was sleeping with someone else’s husband! A sin punishable by death. (Mind you, you hear nothing of the man with whom she was caught in adultery)

Number 3.) She was caught in the ACT!!

Can you imagine the shame that came along with this? A second class citizen of little worth in society living in sin and caught in the act of adultery by supposedly pious, socially & religiously accepted model citizens – in front of everyone! She probably felt so condemned and worthless that she expected no less than to be stoned. And although she wasn’t a professed believer, note that a religious spirit will always bring accusation and buck against a move of God. (The enemy is the accuser of the brothers. )

As the account is recorded, the writer claims that as they tempted Jesus, looking for accusation against Him, Jesus stooped down and began writing in the sand with His finger as though He didn’t hear them. When the religious spirit comes to attack, you have rest assured knowing because you know that God is with you. You cannot afford to get rattled and shaken because you’re being attacked. Jesus remained calm; He knew who He was and whose He was. Recognize that you must be stand firm, even when that religious spirit is persistent; as it was in this text. ( they continued asking Him.) I can see them now “oh this is the way we’ve done this for ages!” “this is what we’re used to!” “this is God’s way!” “Accodring to Moses’ Law..” etc. You see, a religious spirit goes hand in hand with “Self Righteousness.” Religious people have a “Form of Godliness” – they “look holy” and they do all the ritualistic things that merely have an APPEARANCE of righteousness and holiness. But they deny the power thereof and God says from such, turn away. <2 Tim. 3:5> In actuality, their hearts were cold and their insides were full of dead man’s bones.

You see, a religious, self righteous spirit makes those that are outside of the ark or safety feel as though there is NO way they could ever be clean. There’s no way they could ever be righteous! They could never be holy or accepted by God. That’s a lie from the pit of hell! That is RELIGION! We want REVIVAL!!

Oh but when Jesus addressed them “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone at her.” This frustrated their efforts! This confused their intellect and made no sense of their “religious traditions” and in that moment, this woman was provided access to REVIVAL! Jesus said where are your accusers?? Where are those that have the “form of Godliness.”

The Bible says “Those that heard the word were CONVICTED by their consciences.” The word of the Lord is QUICK, powerful, sharper than a sword with TWO EDGES! It will divide “SOUL and SPIRIT,” JOINT AND MARROW! RELIGION FROM REVIVAL! It judges the intents of our hearts. (And our hearts are deceitful above all; the Bible says WHO can know it?!? )

After Christ addressed the Religious Spirit, guess who was left standing there? Him and the accused. We’ll call the accused “Revival” because what stood between her and Jesus was “Religion.”

She needed CHANGE in her life. She needed REVIVAL. She needed LIFE back in her dead situation.

I desire a move of GOD! Not RELIGION! REVIVAL BRINGS LIFE BACK. A move of God convicts your heart and conscience and brings about CHANGE not CONDEMNATION! The bible says “he that doesn’t believe is condemned already!” But His word also says to “judge nothing before it’s time.” <1 Cor. 4:5> You don’t know WHAT God may do in an individual’s life when true revival takes place! The same one that you thought would never be saved might encounter JESUS and take up their cross and outrun YOU and your religious self!!!

Religion is the enemy of Revival!  As long as we allow “religion” or a “religious spirit” to dominate our churches and lives, we’ll never see a true move of God. Signs and wonders, God’s word said will follow them that believe! (Mark 16:17> If you believe that “old time religion” will produce a move of God, keep waiting!!! Let me know when you see it!

God’s word says in Matthew 15 and Mark 7 that the traditions of men make His word ineffective!

Do you want see a move of God? Do you want to experience revival? Ask God to blow on your agenda! Invite Him to rain on your program. Welcome Him to breathe on your plans! Submit to His way and allow Him to move by His Spirit. The power of the Holy Ghost is what changes us. A wind of the HOLY SPIRIT blowing is what will change and convict hearts! When the followers of Christ were in the upper room in Acts 2 they were in one mind and one accord! They were waiting for that POWER! They had expectation! They didn’t know exactly what to expect, because they had no point of reference, therefore having to truly exercise their faith. They couldn’t base it on anything besides A WORD FROM THE LORD instructing them to wait until they’d be endued with power. He said He was going to send a comforter – the Holy Ghost! Right now, Revival is your word! The word of God says behold I am doing a NEW thing!! Do you not perceive it??? Can you see it?!? Open your eyes, people! What He is doing now is NEW! He said sing unto the Lord a NEW song!! Allow God to do something Different! Insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results! He’s moving in a MIGHTY WAY and in order to be a part of what He is doing, we must not allow RELIGION to be an ENEMY of the REVIVAL we’re believing God for in our lives.

Just warning you now that this very well might be as random as a striped door knob.

2009 for me, Ayiesha Woods had to have been the toughest year for me, y’all. In so many areas of my life. I mean, we talk about transparency and how our lives are supposed to be epistles read of all men, but at the same time, we try to control the perceptions that others have of us by withholding information and sharing that which will keep us in “the good light” according to the perceptions of others. But God’s word is so true because just it says in 1 John, if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.

Anyway, as I was saying… 2009 was a tough year. My last full length project came out in September of 2008 (Love Like This) and we released a Christmas project (Christmas Like This) during the holiday season of  2009. Let me tell you, I lived off of my savings in 2009! I bought a house in 2008, a beautiful home that God totally blessed me with and you know what? Even in that, I’ve had to exercise my faith because when I tell you that there were months in 2009 that I didn’t know HOW my mortgage was going to be paid, I mean the word of God truly became alive to me. Scriptures like “The just shall LIVE by faith” really caused me to walk out another level in my faith as it pertained to trusting God.

Relationally, I made some mistakes and had to learn to allow the Holy Spirit to completely empty me of old baggage and weights that were dragging me down. He tells us in His word to lay aside EVERY weight and sin that so easily besets us, and run this race with patience. I thought I was making good choices when contrarily, I was deceived. Just like in James God’s word says that we are drawn away by our own lusts and enticed; and lust when it it conceived brings forth sin and sin when it is finished brings forth death. I had my own ideas and notions about what and how things should be and my idea of God’s will vs my plans; His purpose vs my agenda, etc. But I thank God for praying people in our lives because when we’re at some of darkest times in life, there’s someone interceding for us.

You know, I used to tell people all of the time that whether my relationship with Christ is thriving or failing, it is almost ALWAYS reflected in the relationships I have with others. That’s why it’s important to maintain the relationship with have with Him and cultivate it. It’s important to stay in His word because when you have nothing else to stand on or believe, you have His word. And in it are COUNTLESS promises! And He said that all of His promises are yes and amen. Thank you Jesus for being a promise keeper.

In addition, there were words spoken prophetically to me that simply reminded me that in spite of what I was going through or experiencing, God was (is) in complete control and His plan and purpose for my life remained. So to hear words spoken (many times VERY SPECIFIC to my situations) was exactly what I needed to keep holding on.

Moving on; 2010 has been a most interesting year. I believe that God is restoring some things at this time and in this season. I believe that it is time for many of us to step out and begin walking on the water. Tread new territory. Do what you haven’t done before! Walk by faith and NOT by sight. Only be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you WHEREVER you Go. He has given us everything we need pertaining to life and Godliness and it’s a matter of us DOING IT. Not walking in fear, intimidation, reluctance, timidity, doubt, procrastination or selfishness, but walking in FAITH, victory, hope, love, peace, joy, boldness, fervency in spirit, tenacity and vigilance. If God be for us… WHO can be against us?!? There are territories to be chartered. Land to be taken. Positions to filled. Lives to be changed to the Glory of God THROUGH YOU. Don’t get me to preachin’! :-)

And as for the “so called” saints; Can we simply speak the truth in love? The truth hurts sometimes, yes. But even in the word God tells us that some we’ve got to SNATCH out of the fire so they can be saved. Enough of the mealy-mouth Christianity. Can someone please be bold enough to speak the truth in love? If telling me the truth is going to hurt my feelings right now, but save my soul, Can you please just hurt my feelings? I’ll get over it.

I already know that I’m going to be attacked after this blog is posted because the Devil doesn’t like me. But you know what? He can go to hell early. :-)

Can I just ask for you all to continue to lift me up in prayer? I mean, really. God’s word says in James that the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth MUCH. So if He puts me on your heart or mind or in your spirit, pray as you’re led. I’d appreciate it. There have been times that God has brought several of you to mind during my time of prayer and I just pray as the Holy Spirit leads. He knows what each of you has need of even before you ask. His word says so. And that goes for all of us so yeah… pray for ya sista! Ya sista is praying for you!

Sooooo… real quick, the highlight of my life is that I’ll be a married woman in 2010! :-) (woo hoo!! say t with me! woo hoo!!!) I can give you a brief synopsis of my man and our relationship for those of you that care to know. lol

We met back in the spring of 2001 at a gospel music workshop in Orlando, FL where I used to live. Back then, I was waiting on a pie in the sky and recording my lil’ demos on a karaoke machine and layering my BGVs using two tape decks! lol Long story short, Joseph contacted me after the workshop and asked what I was doing with my music and I complacently told him in a nutshell “waiting on God.” When in fact, God was waiting on ME. So, we met and I played some of my songs for him and he took me and introduced me to an engineer (at the time – now super producer) and in an afternoon, I recorded a song called “Open to You.” Well, my family was at a BBQ and after my session, I joined them and played my FIRST STUDIO RECORDING for the whole lot. Immediately,  they took up an offering for me right at the house! (family friends) lol It was awesome! And I went the following weekend with Joseph BACK TO THE STUDIO to record another song. Well, a few weeks later, I moved to Dallas, TX and Joseph and I kept in touch. We were friends from then on and I recorded my independent record “What You Do To Me” with his help and guidance. (This is supposed to be long-story-short, right?!?!?)

7 years later and a number of lessons learned through other relationships, Joseph remained the amazing, beautiful, consistent friend and confidant to me and finally, after all that time, after SEVEN YEARS Y’ALL… he finally kissed me. lol :-)

Needless to say, on July 2, 2010 – my 31st Birthday, my best friend and confidant of 9 years asked me to marry him and I said yes. He waited for me for a long time and He definitely had to endure a great deal of disappointment and hurt from me, but I thank God for teaching us HIS unfailing, unconditional love. So biggupps to my sweetie. I love you so much and I’m excited about where God is taking us and how He is going to use our lives as a testament of His great love for us all.

Okay… stepping back from the mushy stuff for a minute.. lol

Can I just tell you that new music is coming soon? I know you’re anxious, but the Bible says not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds through Christ Jesus. AMEN! Pray for us for the open doors and favor needed to get these things done.

Alright, I think I’ve brought you up to speed friends. Maintain your expectations! Keep them HIGH because God is going to do some MIGHTY things through you, in you and all around you!!! Watch and see!!

Thanks for indulging! lol

I Love Y’all!

Humbly,

~Ayiesha

Ayiesha Woods

I have friends who’s personalities cover the four main personality types (that is according to man). Nevertheless, their genetic makeup and or all contributing factors has created them into the most interesting bunch of people you’ll ever meet! Either that, or I’m just the EXTRA one! lol *extra is: you know…extra!

We possess such an interesting collage of divergence and emotion that we sometimes can be overwhelmed by our own ideals. Some of us think too much. Some of us don’t think enough! Some of us would rather be alone while some of us love the company of others. But did it ever occur to you that God created you for a purpose? And He did not make a mistake when it came down to your personality and what makes you, YOU.

You know, I always told myself that if I ever met someone who was a lot like me that it would probably drive me crazy..but I hardly ever think about if I drive other people crazy! lol

Anyway, I’m not always right, but I certainly know what is and that’s God’s Word. It has an explanation for everything under the sun so what else does it say about our personalities? Well, anyone know who Adam was? Adam was the only Human being in the garden of Eden until God created Eve. Now, God gave Adam dominion over the animals and all that He created. And He gave Eve to him as a suitable help mate. The story goes on to say how they ended up being disobedient . They ate some fruit from a tree that God distinctly told them to leave alone. Long Story Short..they got kicked out because they sinned. And that’s where the “Adamic Sin Nature” comes in. Something the human race automatically inherits. And I guess they call it the “Adamic” nature because Adam was the head of Eve. In stead of saying the “EVIC” nature! (since she ate of the fruit first!) ha ha Nonetheless, the Bible says that we were born in sin and shaped in iniquity. That being because we
inherited that nature from Adam.

Now, what does one thing have to do with another? That sin nature which is present at birth in all human beings, most times has it’s veins running straight through to our personalities. And if we aren’t careful, we’ll allow it to control our very actions. Remember, we’re still beautifully and wonderfully created, but as long as we’re living for ourselves, that sin nature will rapidly spread throughout our personalities effecting our every day lives.

Have you ever been around a person that almost seems to have no personality at all? Or someone who was just SO overbearing that you couldn’t stand to be around them? Or how about the ones who’s attitude spell out “I HAVE ARRIVED! WORSHIP ME!”  And you’re like “who do they think they are?” Every day we come in contact with multiple personalities. Sometimes one person has more than one! HA (o.k, that was funny) But apart from the personalities that we encounter, what kind of personality do YOU have? What do people have to deal with when they come in contact with YOU? How evident is that sin nature in YOUR personality? How well is God’s love personified your daily lives? If we say that we belong to Him, then more like Him we should be.

The bottom line is, everyone has personality. Even those who do not know God. What I’ve personally discovered, though is that your personality can only productively flourish when you KNOW God and maintain a relationship with Him. Otherwise,  it inevitably deteriorates and becomes unbalanced and less like God. We have to learn to realize that God wants to use us; right on down through our personalities. When we surrender ourselves to Him in such a way, He begins to work on our character.  Causing us to be molded into His image! Shaped and formed to ultimately bring Him great Glory. I imagine it brings Him joy and pleasure as well; As it would any parent. Seeing His little children doing the things He would do and say!  I want my Daddy’s personality.

Ayiesha Woods

Dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly (or foolishness) outweighs wisdom and honor. The heart of the wise inclines to the right but the heart of the fool is to the left.

This speaks volumes to me. Why? Because I know that my life is to be a sweet smelling offering to my saviour. A welcoming aroma; that of a living sacrifice. Holy and acceptable unto God who is my reasonable service. My spiritual act of worship. My obligation. Consider the analogy: Perfume with dead flies in it. Not worth wearing. Not attractive. Not appealing. As a matter of fact, although it’s still perfume, it’s worth nothing because no one in their right mind will want to use it. In the same respect, you can possess wisdom and honor..yet  it is worth nothing when foolishness outweighs it! And a LITTLE FOOLISHNESS, at that! It only takes a LITTLE FOOLISHNESS to discredit wisdom and honor.

Consider this, If you apply credit, you ADD TO; If you discredit, you ‘TAKE AWAY FROM.’ A little foolishness and folly causes one who is honored and wise to be discredited.

So what is foolishness to you? Take a little time today, if you will to to consider your ways. Think about what you allow and entertain in your life. I think that we ALL can do a better.

Help me Jesus, today to walk in wisdom and honor. I refuse to allow a little foolishness to cause me to be discredited. Let my life be an acceptable offering to you, in Jesus’ Name.

Ayiesha Woods

Now first of all, what is a relationship? A relationship is a responsive connection of some sort between things living or dead.. And I didn’t look it up, so you might want to go and check with Webster to confirm.

Moving on..at some point or another, you’ve had a relationship. Irregardless of the conditions. Whether with your parents, siblings, neighbors, teachers, friends, lovers, whatever.  You’ve encountered them. All kinds. From great relationships to painful ones. From distant relationships to close relationships. Casual relationships to those more complicated. The list goes on and on. I’m quite sure you’ve had a relationship or two which fits one or more of the above mentioned. I know I have. Furthermore, these relationships tend to effect us and the way we live our lives. For example, our relationships with our parents in most cases effect the way that we raise our children. You follow?

Okay, now in order for these relationships to have some place of importance in our lives, there has to be some solidification. But at what point do they gain that importance? How do we differentiate between a casual relationship and an intimate one? (before we go further:
intimate1 |
adjective
1 closely acquainted; familiar, close : intimate friends | they are on intimate terms.
• involving very close connection : their intimate involvement with their community.

and I checked with Webster that time! lol)

Relationships gain a level of importance in our lives when we put focus on them by investing in them. Investing your time, your energy, your emotions, your affection, etc. (PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A MUTUAL CONCEPT! IF THIS IS NOT MUTUAL, YOU MAY BE A STALKER!) lol

Anyway, take for instance a married couple. Before they are married, they are friends (at least I hope!) They begin to learn about one another by doing what? Spending quality time together. She talks, he listens. He talks, she listens. The are investing in one another. The more they spend time together, the closer they become. The closer they become, the harder it is to stay single and not sin! lol No, but really, the closer they become, the greater the desire for them to become one. So they join in Holy Matrimony and get married. And so they begin on the journey of life together as ONE.

This should be interesting to you. We as the church are presented to Jesus as His bride! We are the bride of Christ! Even if you’re a guy! lol No funny stuff here. It’s so beautiful, though because when you think of it, we’re talking about the God of all creation. The King of all Kings. The Lord of all Lords wants to establish an intimate relationship with you. Wanting you to invest yourself in Him. Can you conceive it? The same God who placed the stars in the sky and the sun which rises and sets every day wants you to know Him in a deeper dimension. More than saying a little prayer here or there at church every week. Or singing a few worship songs and calling it a day. I’m talking about being in love. Like you’ve never known.

Just think about how it is (if you’ve ever been in love, naturally). You look forward to spending that quality time with that special someone.  You go out of your way just to please them. Nothing else matters when you’re together. When they say they love you, you’re seeing stars or getting weak in the knees! Come on! Try being in the awe inspiring presence of God. Weak in the knees? You’ll end up on your knees in true reverence and worship. Being in His presence is like nothing else.

Did you know that  in the Bible when it spoke of a man “knowing a woman” it meant that he was intimate with her? If you can attain true intimacy with the Father, you’ll realize that intimacy in it’s purest form is a matter of the heart.  Once you experience true intimacy with the Father, you’ll desire it and settle for nothing less. No I’m not crazy. Just in love.

Cultivating this divine relationship takes sacrifice. It takes pressing your way in like the woman in the Bible who had a blood condition for many years; she was so desperate. She said if I can just touch his clothes, I’ll be restored!

So many of us are desperate for love, for affection, for companionship, for fulfillment and we are seeking the wrong avenues to get what can only be attained through Christ Jesus.  We haven’t comprehended the fact that Jesus wants a relationship with us! An intimate relationship. He’s wanting to speak to us. He’s wanting to wrap His arms around us and show new and exciting things by His Holy Spirit. You see, the more we put into this relationship, the more we get out of it. Something I cannot say is true of many of the relationships we find ourselves in.

As in any developing relationship, things eventually begin to be revealed about ourselves. Things that we sometimes do not like to confront. Areas of hurt, insecurity, fear, doubt, etc. Of course, in a natural relationship, we attempt to maintain the best we know how. Usually by trying to suppress and or conceal such things. The opposite is with Jesus. He reveals these things to us so that He can remove them, if we’ll allow Him. And He brings us to maturity in our relationship with Him. In turn, effecting the relationships we have with others. One thing I’ve come to recognize is this: If my relationship with God is thriving or failing, it is reflected in every single thing that I do. It is also reflected in every other relationship that I have. My Pastors, my Parents, my siblings, my coworkers, whomever! And believe me, you can always tell when someone has a relationship with God. And you can also tell when someone doesn’t.

I remember being out of the country and sharing with some young people the dangers of complacency and stagnancy in our walk with God. That place of being lukewarm. The very thing Jesus was speaking of when addressing the church of Laodicea in Revelations 3. For us, and our generation, it’s where things are just “okay” between us and God. What’s worse is when we do nothing about it. The daunting state in which the novelty has worn off for us. The excitement has died down.  When get comfortable. We get lazy. When don’t spend the quality time necessary to maintain good communication. We forgot about how it was when we first fell in love. And then OTHER THINGS begin to fill that GOD SPACE.

The concern with “THINGS”  and how to acquire more in this life becomes our filler.  We’d  rather surf the net than seek Hs face.  We’d rather talk on the phone than talk to Him.  God help us.

We’ve got to come back to our first love. We’ve got to be on fire about Him, again. We’ve got to share this wonderful experience and get back on track! He’s right there. He never left!

ARE YOU HOT? OR NOT?
———————————————————————— Ayiesha Woods

jesusrocktour.com

(Praise and Worship/ Special Music)

Courtyard Marriot of Allen

210 East Stacy Road

Allen, TX 75002

Phone: 214-383-1151

(Special Music)

Courtyard Marriot of Allen

210 East Stacy Road

Allen, TX 75002

Phone: 214-383-1151