Epiphany

Dione Bedell is a believer that everything we do should give God glory. We were created to love and live the best life possible - not for our glory, but for His. As a person who held in emotions, shyed away from self-expression, and walked around with a huge protective wall around them - the necessity to be transparent is one of the scariest things to accept. Well, here we are - here we go! E·piph·a·ny [ I píffənee ] 1. A sudden realization: a sudden intuitive leap of understanding, especially through an ordinary but striking occurrence 2. The appearance of God: the supposed manifestation of a divine being. Each day should bring about revelation. Revelation about God, about life, about love, about yourself. This blog was created to capture my personal journey - the highs, the lows and all things in between; with the hope that it will open up the minds and hearts of those that choose to read. Be blessed, be a blessing, seek God in all things, and experience your own epiphany.

[dionebedell]

[dionebedell]

It’s here! My birthday!🥳🎉 Yay! . For those that have followed me for a while, you know three things about today: (1) I’m so thankful to God for allowing me to see this day, (2) It’s my 8th time being 33, and (3) I’m celebrating all month long!!! . Thank you for every text, call, post, DM, gift, and cash app blessing 🙌🏾 I have received. I’m completely overwhelmed in the very best way! Happy Birthday to me! #birthdaygirl #july3rd #blessed #highlyfavored #feelingthelove https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ4HBuCN8Eixic7Vo8sSMcjUtuH9iSxra47Ics0/?utm_medium=tumblr

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We don’t know all of their names, but today we honor them as heroes and give thanks for their service and sacrifice. #memorialday https://www.instagram.com/p/CPigk0hhlD02ODOCh3Dv1tPTpsgIpgoAoo1Fjw0/?utm_medium=tumblr

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You know, it’s okay to have a 1:1 with yourself sometimes. Mine went something like this: Hey, Dione... The future that’s in store for you is so bright you’ll need to wear sunglasses. Just keep following your Heavenly Father no matter what! Are you ready? Let’s GO and BE GREAT! 💪🏾 Love, Dione 😉❤️ #declarations #seeit #believeit #speakit #liveit 🎤🎶 Don’t believe me, just watch! https://www.instagram.com/p/CNSqvtOjC0ifiBzwpijFLJOjMXHNg1rAjv-u8w0/?igshid=yarrb0n4y9pc

[dionebedell]

Believing...Is that enough?

I hear this all the time, “I believe in God...,” but is that enough? Just believing in God? It’s a great first step, but that cannot be where it ends...

What do I mean by that? I’m glad you asked.

See, I not only believe in God, but I decided a long time ago that I would also LIVE for God and for His glory. That doesn’t make me perfect or flawless. That doesn’t make life easier for me; it’s actually quite hard. It can be rather lonely at times. I walk in fear (reverence) of God daily, and I care about what He thinks about my life and my character all the time. I’m mindful that He is everywhere and can see everything I do; even hear what I’m thinking. I humble myself even when I may have the right to set it off. I’m convicted when I know that I had said or done something that doesn’t give Him glory. Why? Because I want my life to give Him glory. How can I do that and yet blend in with everyone else? How can I do that and people not be able to see a difference between me and the world?

I haven’t “found” a way to do that because I’m not “looking” for a way to do that. I’m okay with standing out from the crowd if it gives God glory. I’m okay with not being popular or on everyone’s invite list. In fact, if it won’t bring God glory, save yourself the trouble of inviting me. I won’t be hurt. I’m okay with looking crazy because I extended grace or forgave someone who others said shouldn’t be forgiven. Why? Because I choose to live for God. I choose to not only believe his word but apply it to my own life. That doesn’t come from just believing in God. No, your mind has to be renewed daily; sometimes hourly! You have to die to self and must stop trying to follow your own will and purpose. It’s a lost cause anyway because only His purpose and plan will prevail.

Move beyond a mere belief in God. What I hope is that you will decide to live for the glory of God, too. The purpose of this post is help you understand that if you proclaim to be a believer, then there should be clear evidence of that decision. You should be found guilty of living for Him!

[dionebedell]

I’m called to do great things not because of how great I am. It is because of the GREAT I AM that created me…the ONE I choose to follow for the rest of my life and on to eternity. And because HE is great, I can and I will be GREAT! 
#selfaffirmation #seeit #speakit #liveit

[dionebedell]

Pack for the Journey (via Vimeo)

I was honored to be the featured speaker for this workshop. Check it out!

[dionebedell]

These Things Remain...

The world is in chaos, stress levels have never been higher, trouble is all around, BUT the PEACE of GOD remains! His WORD remains! LOVE remains! FAITH and HOPE remain! JOY remains! Hallelujah! Today I found joy when I woke up this morning in my right mind and in good health. Today, I found it when I looked around and my family was well! Today, I found it when I had a good meal to eat. Today, I found it when I put on the largest hoops I own, some lipgloss, and my newest specks.

What I’m saying my dear friends is to count it all joy.

[dionebedell]

A Lesson Learned from my cousin, Kimberly Shannon Morris.

A Lesson Learned from my cousin, Kimberly Shannon Morris. 

Don’t hold it in... 

This is my cousin Kim. She’s beautiful isn’t she? And you see that glow on her face? That wasn’t just the lighting, that was always her glowing spirit that could never be contained. She left us a couple of days ago, and I cannot even begin to tell you how my heart breaks for her immediate family, the extended family, and friends. I love them all and send my prayers even as I type this. 

Kim left us, but she taught me a lesson that I wanted to share with you today – don’t hold it in. 

She and I were nearly ten years apart in age, so growing up, I did not see her that often. Our worlds were totally different. However, even in my earliest memory of her, I had nothing but love and admiration for her. Every time I saw her, she had this big and bright smile on her face, and she would call my name sounding so excited to see me. Of course a hug would follow and the exchange of the ‘I love you.’ This was every time I saw her. 

I remember one time she was looking after Wanita and I, and we were riding in her car (I think it was green). As she was driving, I remembered looking over at her and thinking “she’s amazing…she sings so well, she speaks Spanish, she’s already driving, and she is okay hanging out with us…I want to be like her.” That’s what I was thinking, but I never told her. And that was the day we stopped by her Aunt Portia’s house for something and Wanita ended up getting chased around the car by a little dog. LOL! I remember Kim laughing but quickly handling the situation and calming her (while I was laughing). I remember thinking, “my cousin is fearless.” But I never told her that either. 

I was in the 5th grade and a part of a summer Spanish language program at Lane College. Bragging moment: I can still say the American pledge of allegiance in Spanish to this day. Mmmm…I guess in case I ever need to know that off the cuff? Where I grew up, no one close to me or who looked like me was speaking Spanish like a pro. No, Kim opened that world for me. She was my example. I never told her that. 

A lesson learned…don’t hold it in. 

So, this morning I woke up in tears and with regrets that I had not taken a moment over the years to express those things to her. Yes, she knew I loved her. Yes, I knew she loved me. However, what she didn’t know was how much of an impact she had on my life. She didn’t know that though I passed her in height by age 10, I always looked up to her. She didn’t know how cool I thought it was that she looked and acted so much like my mom, her aunt. That it thrilled me to see them carrying on like no time had every passed. She didn’t know that I loved to hear her sing and recite her poetry to the background of Uncle Jimmie’s music. She didn’t know, because I didn’t tell her. I told people around her. I told my mom, I may have told Uncle Jimmie and other family around her, but I did not tell her! 

Don’t hold it in. If you love and adore someone, tell them. If someone hurt your feelings, but you want to reconcile, tell them. If you admire someone, tell them. Don’t hold it in. Don’t sit at a computer with streaming tears wishing that you had one of those moments back like me. 

This is a hard lesson, but a beautiful one…just like my beautiful first cousin, Kimberly Shannon Morris. Thank you for our moments. Thank you for this parting lesson. I love you and rest well, beautiful! Until we meet again. 

Love, 

Dione aka ‘D’

[dionebedell]

Don’t Be Afraid of the Bubble Up!

I’m back! Gosh, it has been so long since I have taken the time to write down my thoughts...my epiphanies. I have to do better, and I will do better.

Don’t be afraid of the bubble up...That’s what I heard so profoundly from the Holy Spirit on yesterday during a virtual women’s forum with my church family. Shameless Plug: I invite you to join in as my special guest every 4th Sunday at 11 am for the Be Us Women’s Forum hosted by the Vertical Church Women’s ministry. If you don’t get uplifted by the end of the meeting, you may want to check your pulse. You might be dead. ;) Let me know that you want to join us, and I’ll send you all of the details. Okay…plug over!

Let’s get back to the “bubble up.”

What is that? I want you to think about a pot of water that you would like to boil and maybe it has a couple of eggs or whatever in it. What happens? Though the heating element is on, the water just sits there dormant. It looks like perfectly normal water; everything looks calm and A-Okay. However, as the water begins to heat up, you will notice that tiny bubbles start to form at the bottom of the pot. You may even notice that the items in the pot begin to rise up. Before you know it, the bubbles that were almost nonexistent, the bubbles and whatever items you had in the pot that laid dormant at the bottom of the pot are now at the top in a full out boil. The Holy Spirit said to me, “don’t be afraid of that...it’s necessary.” What’s necessary? This moment, this season, this time.

See, it’s the time of great exposure. A time when everything must be laid before the Sovereign God – completely exposed. No one is exempt from this time of exposure. It doesn’t matter who you are, your rank, your profession, your status…no one is excluded. Everything that has been hidden must come to the light. Complete exposure. It’s the only way. It’s the only way to get into position…to get to the place God needs each of us to be. Complete exposure – of the good, the bad, and ugly. What do we really look like from the inside and the outside? What needs to be addressed? What needs to be celebrated and acknowledged? What action or what person needs forgiveness? What has convicted me? What do I need to repent about? What hurt has been buried? Am I really saved? Do I need to be saved? Am I operating in my strengths or belly-aching over my weaknesses? Is faith or fear driving my decisions? Complete exposure! It’s necessary. That’s what we are experiencing right now. Light reveals what darkness tries to hide. And if what we are trying to hide is sin, that sin must be exposed in order to be defeated!

Ephesians 5:13 (NIV) – But everything exposed by the light becomes visible--and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.

Don’t be afraid of the bubble up! Meet it head on! Is it sin? Whatever it is that is rising to the surface. Whatever lies you allowed yourself to believe. Whatever judgments you allowed yourself to make. Whatever words you spoke, actions you made that were not pleasing. Maybe you are not as far in your faith walk as you thought. Maybe God has got to help you in your unbelief. Why? Because it is time!!! It may be painful. It may be embarrassing or down right humiliating. It may cause you to have a real human moment where you must shed some tears. Don’t be afraid of the process! Do not be afraid of the bubble up! Let it rise and attack it! Address it! Cut it off! Undergo surgery so that you can get to the recovery room and make your way to the place of real healing. It’s a process!

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

God is with each and every one of us. There is nothing to fear! He loves us and only wants the best for us, and his love is unlike any other love we have ever experienced.

Another Shameless Plug: I want you to meet my family, and I invite you to join me every Sunday at 9 AM and 11 AM for the Vertical Church Online Worship Experience on Facebook Live (facebook.com/VerticalMinSA). It will seriously bless your life.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.

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Because You're great...And there's no one like you...You're true...And none compare to...You're great...And there's no one like you...You're never ending...Never ending! 

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Do you have a Dream? As we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I share a reminder with you. We must keep moving forward! #keepdreaming #keepmovingforward #legacy https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs5oYU5AT-Kxq13l_WQcMl-B5OebhgTRLSWnIg0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hs045566wya9

[dionebedell]

Did you ask God what He wants you to do with this new day He gave you? If not, it’s not too late. There is no need to fumble around and try to make your own way. #askgodforguidance #listen #beled #focusfriday https://www.instagram.com/p/BsOEVvggCQxak32uO1_sBfVPrFoGfnvNXu-Q8s0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1fu3utmm57wk1

[dionebedell]

My coffee mug and I wanted to send you a reminder about your future. #hisplanisgreater #itprevails #askhimaboutit https://www.instagram.com/p/BsLelxNgqQ4BjY5h4a7mDWdTEnK1PyTu8bGRt00/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1wxflcth53s4f

[dionebedell]

The Season is Changing!

Originally written April 13, 2018

I have a confession to make. I have a black thumb - two to be exact. If you give me fresh flowers, their fate of a quick and painful death is imminent. So, please be advised not to waste any money on me in that regard. Well, except for one plant - the lucky bamboo. 

I believe that God speaks to us in a variety of ways, and somehow, the lucky bamboo plant has become a sign of change approaching for me. Since 2003, I have had only three lucky bamboo plants. The first I kept alive for four years, the second another three years, and the current one for nearly eight years! You have to understand, the average time frame of this plant’s survival is a couple of years - some a little longer with special care. Remember my confession about the black thumb? There was no special care taking place, I assure you.

As the years passed by, I watched the once green leaves and stalks of my very first lucky bamboo turn brown. I pruned it and did my very best to revive it, but it was no use. At first, I experienced a moment of great sadness until the Holy Spirit whispered to me, “Stop and notice the climate of your surroundings.” What did I see? I saw the season changing in my life. There was a great move or shift about to take place. I had no idea what it be or what to expect, but shortly after, a great move or shift did take place. It has happened with everyone so far.

Well, sadly my lucky bamboo looks like it is about to see its end, but I rejoice in anticipation of what is to come. What I am sure of is that each season has a distinct purpose. What I am sure of is that my Father is in control of it all. So, I will walk in faith and not by sight. I will prepare and get into position. I will lay my precious bamboo to rest when it is time and be ready to get another...You know, for the next season.  #iRejoice #ExpectingAMove #GreatnessAwaits #Hallelujah

[dionebedell]

Won’t He Done It?!?

Originally written on October 17, 2017

I was talking to my mom a week or two ago, and she said a familiar and often used phrase in our family, "Won't He [God] do it?!" For those not familiar with this phrase, I typed it in the vernacular we use - it is a question and an exclamatory statement of praise simultaneously. LOL! Anyhoo, when she said it this particular time, I had to offer up another option. I said, "No, Mama...Won't He DONE it?!" As my pastor, Will Bonds, often says, “Ya’ll, I just felt the Holy Ghost!” Ya’ll, in that moment, I felt the Holy Ghost! I increased in my level of faith right then!

See, God says in Isaiah 46:10, "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'" God said in Revelation 21:6, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End..." It is recorded in John 19:30 that when Jesus [God wrapped in human flesh], as He hung on the cross, took the last bit of sour wine and said “It is finished.” If you go back and reread what I just typed, you will notice that there are no question marks. There is no open-ended statement or even a sentence fragment that follows. There is a period. There is nothing more to say. It’s done! 

Believe it or not, we are the ones that are playing catch-up. God’s plan for us is already set.  “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11. We are the ones looking to find our way. God is the way! “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” - Proverbs 19:21. We are the ones expecting God to “do” something. It’s already done! “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” - Hebrews 10:36. And yes, we are the ones that make mistakes - God never does! “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” - Romans 8:28. It is DONE!

So, saying, “Won't He do it" does not sound right to me anymore. It’s already done! To everything, I now say, “It’s done!” My healing - It’s done! My breakthrough - It’s done! My deliverance - It’s done! My future - It’s done! My past - It’s done! My present - It’s done! Won’t He done it?!?!

[dionebedell]

Don’t Forget to Count Your Change

Originally written October 9, 2017

Year 2014 vs. Year 2017

“I'm not where I want to be, BUT I am not where I used to be. Thank you, God!!!” How many testimonies have you heard begin with this opening line? Yes, this is how I want to start this note - with praise to my Father. But what prompted my praise? 

I stopped and counted my change. 

Let me be honest with you...Lately, I have been a little down because I felt stagnant in my journey. Not just in weight loss, but in my life. If you know me, then you know that I am always on the move...always taking care of something. If you know me, then you know that I want everything perfect and (even worse) secretly aspire to be a caped superhero that goes to save the world every day. LOL! So, you can see how “well-intentionally” yet unintentionally I set myself up for this feeling of being stuck, right? Pastor Ray Brown calls this S.I.N. - Self-Inflicted Nonsense. Note to Dione and to the world: No one is perfect except God, and no one has the ability to save people except _____ (Hint: It’s not me or you).

You have to know my heart...I just want to be right! I just want to be everything I was created and predestined to be! I just want to be fruitful! Well, just like God knows the intent of my heart, my adversary (the devil) is hip to it too. So, the trickery of the devil started to intensify. When I looked in the mirror, my view was all skewed. Who I thought stared back at me was the former version of myself who had not lost a pound. Who I thought stared back at me was the Dione of years ago - the one who desperately wanted to grow, mature, and change mentally, physically, and spiritually. What the enemy wanted me to see and believe about myself was a lie.

I took the photo you see above and to the right this morning. I then began to go through some old photos, and noticed something significant in each one - I looked the same and different at the same time. It was me...the person with good character and faith. It was me...the person with a smile on my face. It was me...with the funny laugh, sarcastic wit, a big heart, and a mean headlock. What was different? My countenance was different. My faith had increased. My weight had gone down. My skin was tougher. My heart was softer. My fruit had increased.  My life was different. I have changed! God has changed my life! I am not the same Dione from 10 years ago...5 years ago...a year ago...even six months ago! As Marvin Sapp says, “I’m stronger...I’m wiser...I’m better...so much better!” I counted my change!

This post is not just about weight loss - it is about a race.  It is about a race I am determined to win. No matter the obstacles, detours, delays, and everything in between, I will make it through to the finish line. My stride is slow and steady, but moving forward is the only option.

This post is not just about weight loss or a race - it is about a wrestling match. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. My mind cannot and will not concede to the darkness and all of the lies. I'm fully armed, and it's a wrestling match I plan to win. 

This post is not just about weight loss, a race, or a wrestling match - it is about the truth and lies. The truth is that God (my Father) loves me, and His Word is flawless and His promises true. The truth is that the blood of Jesus Christ reconciled me back to my Father. The truth is that I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ, and no weapon formed against me shall prosper. I refuse to believe the lie that I am a failure. I refuse to believe the lie that my life has no purpose. I refuse to believe the lie that the world can provide more happiness and fulfillment. Nope, I choose to only walk in truth...and Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. I continue to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

So, I end the same way that I began...“I'm not where I want to be, BUT HALLELUJAH, I am not where I used to be. Thank you, God!!!” 

Don’t forget to count your change.