Surely shes from Nigeria or Ghana...

 

Christmas w/a profound poet, mother and educator. PRICELESS

 

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!!!!!

I love this time of year because the majority of the world is acknowledging the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
I believe that's why so many wonderful things happen around this time of year because for once the majority of the world is in agreement that something special happened with the Virgin Mary on this day.
Though we aren't certain of the exact day, we know that it indeed happened.
And, on today He sits at the right hand of the Father with all POWER!
May this Christ-Mas and the New Year bring an abundance of joy, hope and love to your life.
May you be reminded of the redemption we have in Christ our Savior and His love that NEVER FAILS.
Just as Mary gave birth to a miracle during this season so shall you. Only BELIEVE! All things are possible :)
He is LORD! He is Christ our KING!

Merry Christ-Mas!

Love you all,

Zoie Lafita Squire

My buddies at work :) Henry and Fuji at our Christmas Party

 

Banner Christmas Party December 16, 2011 @ Beef and Brandy in Downtown Chicago

My sister reminded me that our Christmas party tonight was at the restaurant my mom use to take us to as children. WOW! When I walked it, it all came back to me. What a special mommy!!!! The seeds she planted in my life are still coming up and blossoming into such wonderful, fruitful and nourishing trees. Halleujah!!!!!! God, thank you for the mother you chose to birth me!!!

Forever missing her....forever grateful to call her mommy :) Muahhhh!!!!

 

My pen paused....but only for a moment

I can't believe its been a month since I last blogged.
My life has taken so many different turns over the pass month. Lots of changes!!!!
So many emotions have come up and out of me. So many thoughts...lots of reflecting on my life as a woman...a single woman and most importantly a woman who longs to be pleasing to God.
I'll let you in on one of the changes...one of my closest friends/sister is having a baby and I cried for 3 days straight after the news. LOL
She is very dear to me and I'm so very happy for her and the hubby :) I have a niece or nephew on the way and it makes me want to live a better life :)
I tell you, God doesn't always let you know when He's about to change up somethings.
But, you can be certain that whatever He changes, will be wonderful and full of blessings:)
So, I pray that you all have been well and receiving all of the many wonderful things the end of 2011 is bringing.
All that you are enduring now is necessary to get you into 2012.
Smile because your redemption draweth nigh.
Expect some surprises and some challenging things, but know that you have within you all that you need to press through the remaining of 2011.
So, receive the spirit of endurance to make it through these last few days.
Don't leave this year without loving hard, forgiving always and living every day knowing that He who promised you is faithful.
I will speak with you all soon.

Bless you,

Ms. Zoie Lafita Squire

My heart pants....

I'm so grateful for God's love that never fails.
It time and time again prevails.
Because God is love and He is life.
All that is wrong...He can make right.
For there is no fear in Love allow it to take you on a beautiful flight.
For in God love your spirit will take delight.
And, like the Shulamite woman and beloved in the Song of Songs.
Love is kind and suffers long.
It endures all things while bearing all things.
It believes all things too...it never envies and will forever believe in you.
It keeps no record of wrong...with God's love your heart will always have a intimate song.
When your weak, God's love is strong.
So, when its failing...its not God's love because His love never fails.
No matter what it faces....God's love reinvents itself...it will forever and always prevail allowing your heart to eternally and majestically sail.
"Allow me to introduce you to LOVE!"

Zoie Lafita Squire

God knows and He cares.....

On yesterday I went for a long walk (what's new? LOL)
On this walk I found myself crying.
Not out of sadness but honestly just thinking about what a blessing it is to be breathing. As I saw the families out walking, a bride and groom taking photo's, a newly engaged couple taking pictures, I was caught up in the beauty of life.
What I saw was in spite of all of the murders and evil that we see on television, , blessings and love is still taking place because God is present.
During my walk I asked God if he would replenish my finances...I had to get my back brakes replaced on Wednesday and it took all that I had.
Needless to say, I asked Him believing and left it at that. He promised to never leave us nor forsake us. John 10:28
Last night a friend called me and said, "Zoie, I will be in your area on tomorrow. I want to treat you to a vegetarian lunch!" I said, "ok!"
Not only did this person treat me to lunch, but they gave me money (replenished my finances) and had a trunk full of groceries for me that included everything that I like down to chips and salsa.
To say that I was wiped out is an understatement.
It humbles me that God cares enough to hear me, speak to someone about my needs and they hear Him and obey. The person who blessed me on today told me what time they made the plans to come up North. It was the exact same time that I was on my walk talking with God.
God cares people.
He promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
His word is true.
Ask, believing!!!! And, you shall see it.
The amazing thing about it is this morning I watched Charles Stanley on tv and he kept saying, "No good thing will he withhold from those who walk upright. When I arrived to service today Pastor Crum kept mentioning the same scripture (Psalm 84;11). Holy Spirit was reassuring me that God had heard my cry and would respond.
Believe God people! Trust Him! Serve Him! And, above all Love Him. He is your father and a fathers takes care of their children.
He is so worthy!!!!!
P.S. And, to my special friend. May all that you gave to me be return 100 fold to you. May he overtake you with His love and continue to manifest miracles, signs and wonders in your life. LOVE YOU!


With Love,

Zoie Lafita Squire

Beholding His Beauty in Maui Hawaii

 

Be courageous....

If you never try
You'll never know
Go after your dreams
Remembering that you reap what you sow.
Allow courage to over take you...
You will find life agreeing with you....
By taking on an amazingly and lovingly glow.

"Where you are right now in your life is based on the choices you have or haven't made!"

With love,

Zoie Lafita Squire

God can speak through anyone or anything!!!!

So, I encountered a complete stranger on today that spoke something to me that only God knows.
Be open to the many different ways God speaks.
It won't always be through your pastor or a minister at your local church. It might be through a billboard, a song, a tv show (you get the point).
Open up your spirit...your heart...and your mind and watch how God will speak to the most intimate places in you.
Holy spirit knows all and He is always here waiting to lead and guide us into all truths.
He cares and He wants to speak to you about His wonderful plans and provisions for your life.
Listen up....He will surely speak to you soon.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13

Scriptures of God Speaking
Angels – Luke 1:26
Dreams – Matthew 2:12 – 13
Symbolic actions – Jeremiah 18:1 – 10
Still small voice – 1 Kings 19:12
Miraculous signs – Exodus 8:20 – 25
Prayer – Acts 22:17 – 18
Fire – 1 Kings 18:37 – 39
Writing on wall – Daniel 5:5
Visions – Genesis 15:1
Prophets – Acts 21:10 – 11
Preaching – Jonah 3:4
Burning Bush – Exodus 3:2
Donkey – Numbers 22:28
Trumpet – Exodus 19:16, 19
Fleece – Judges 6:35 – 37
Casting lots – Acts 1:23 – 26

God bless you!

Forever in love,

Zoie Lafita Squire

Fulfilling my dreams....

 

So happy being me...Zoie

 

She sacrificed like Christ to give me life...My lovely mother Evelyn...Miss you!

 

Insight from Bears Vikings Game on Sunday, October 16, 2011

I had a chance to witness Devin Hester run his 98 punt return against the Vikings on Sunday, October 16, 2011. Its nothing like seeing someone fully operate in what they were created to do. I'm sure Hester will do many other great things....but, I am certain that one thing he was created to do was to dominate in football with speed, craft and grace. Every time he prepared to receive the punt return, he turned to the crowd for encouragement. He walks in such confidence and I'm certain along with his natural ability and God given gifts...that this confidence enables him to achieve greatness. That same greatness resides in you too. What is your talent? What gift or gifts has God blessed you with? Are you walking in great confidence as it relates to that gift? If not, start today!!!!! Get your theme music playing like Hester (LOL) and get that goal in your head and don't stop until you reach it.

Forever in Love,


Zoie Lafita Squire

Poetic Expressions for Elijah Dix

Elijah, Our Soldier

You warmed our hearts with your big smile that was so bright.

You made us laugh until we cried, oh how we will miss you from our sight.

You brought great energy to Banner School..the building is not the same without you its true.

Elijah, when you applied for the Army on last week, we were all so proud of you.

We are happy that you were able to fulfill your greatest dream.

You’ve encouraged us to fulfill ours…. you are the wind beneath our wings.

So, as we go on in life we will never, ever forget you.

We will always honor your life by making good decisions…. this we promise you.

Knowing you has made a positive impact in our lives.

You always showed us strength…you have pushed us to strive.

To be the best we could be.

Elijah, we love you and will miss you infinitely.

We kiss the sky…we see you in the clouds.

Elijah, our dear friend…We honor your life…we say it out loud.

Today we salute you…we always knew there was greatness in you from the very start.

We are grateful that now you have found true rest..this brings joy and comfort to our hearts.

We love you Elijah!!!

The Banner School

Greatness awaits you...

There is something you've been telling yourself you were going to do, but you've yet to complete it.
What's preventing you from taking it on?
I just want to encourage you by saying that within you is the power to not just see the dream, but to obtain it.
Let today be the start of something new for you!!!
No more procrastination toward that thing (s)!!!
There is no time like the present :)
May courage stir up in you that pushes you to do today what you've been putting off doing.
And, may you be more encouraged on tomorrow and so on and so on and so on....
Until you are in a place where you are determined to birth everything in the earth that has been purposed for you.
Go ahead!! You can do it!
I'm pulling for you! Greatness is in you but you will never see it if you don't release it from the inside.
I look forward to hearing and seeing of the great things God has done in you and through you!

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corin 9:8

Phil 1:6"(Be) confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ,..."



With Love,

Zoie Lafita Squire

Time is but a breath...so breathe!!!!

To say its been a very emotional and challenging few days is an understatement.
I found out on Sunday morning that a student of mines had passed away.
Hurt! Heartache! Anger! Disappointment and Pain filled my being.
We had just had such a successful week on last week in that he had fulfilled one of his greatest dreams.
Applying to the US Army!!!
He not only applied but passed with flying colors. He always said, "Ms. Squire, I want to join the Army or the Marines!" He was serious people!!!
I didn't know 4 days later he would be gone.
So, what do I do now?
Sigh....
While praying God told me to take a sit and listen.
While listening He said, "Zoie, all of his life he never had hope and on last week he finally had hope when he greeted the Sgt. from the Army. He knew that his dreams could become a reality!
God reminded me that when his dream presented itself to him, my student took it.
When our dreams present themselves are we running after them?
If not, let us use my students passing to ignite a fire in us to know that we don't have tomorrow. We only have today.

Forgive now! Live now! Hug now!Take a risk now! Assist someone in fulfilling their dreams now!  Give to the needy now! Laugh now! Go back to school now! Share now!Say I'm sorry now! Pray now!!!! And, most importantly LOVE NOW!Now is all we have people. God bless you and keep you all!


Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14

Run after your dreams...they are closer then they seem!

I decided to get up early to knock my laundry out this morning so I could be outside to support the Chicago Marathon runners.
I was so inspired and encouraged to witness 45,000 people pushing physically, mentally and spiritually to accomplish an amazing goal.
Families and friends were gathered screaming, cheering and encouraging the runners as they flew by us.
Although I didn't know anyone personally running the marathon, I too join in the celebration :)
I mean...how could I not seeing these individuals pushing so hard to to achieve something that believe in?
What is that you are believing to accomplish? What are you doing to achieve that?
Seeing these runners sparked a new a fire inside of me to push even harder to obtain all that this life has to offer me.
As I close this message on today....the most inspiring vision I had on this morning was witnessing a blind man running the marathon with the help of a guide. YES! A blind man!
I was brought to tears!!!!!!! There are no excuses to not give life your all! If this blind man can run a 26.2 mile marathon, we can accomplish that which seems impossible. Though this man is physically blind....he has vision which still allows him to see what the natural eye can't! His affliction did not stop him from running the marathon.
I remember as a child I use to hear the older folks say, "Where there is a will there is a way!"
To say I am inspired is an understatement!!!
I hope you are inspired too. I hope this removes all of your excuses as to why you can't do this and why you can't do that.
With man things are impossible. With God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
Go out and make it a great day! Go after your dreams and watch them become reality! No more procrastinating! Only demonstrating!

God bless you and keep you! Let love be your motivation today and everyday!

Zoie Lafita Squire

Love is all around you

For as sure as the skies in Chicago today are blue.
Love is all around you.
Always there to blanket and cover you...its true.
Its never ending and fresh like the morning dew.
And, it has the miraculous power to renew.
So, if its newness you need then believe you shall receive
Moving in love will bring to pass those things only the spirit can conceive
Rest in love....let it put your mind at ease.
Why? Because Love is God's very character...His very essence.
Sweet to smell, powerful to behold...Love in His Presence.


Poet Zoie Lafita Squire

If you love me...then you will show love to men.

So, I wanted to share with you a time when I was first declaring that I would follow God.
I was very passionate and diligent in seeking Him to find out who I was in Him.
No more late night partying/drinking, fornicating and all of the other self destructing behavior (I'm free). I was for the first time wanting to live a life that was pleasing to God and if you had asked me, I would have said that I was in a good place with God.
Well, just when you think you have arrived, God will show you areas in your life that still need to be cleansed.
So, I am going along with my day and I remember that I need to call a relative.
I call their home and they aren't there. Their husband answers the phone and informs me that she isn't there.
I thank him and hang up the phone. A few minutes pass and God begins to show me my heart towards this person. Not good! This person and I have always had a strained relationship due to this person behavior toward my family. To make it plain...I had bitterness and unforgiveness in my heart towards this person.
God said to me, "How can you love me and hate him Zoie?" I was paralyzed.

He begin to share with me His love for me even when I was purposely sinning and turning my back to Him.
He said, "Zoie, his sins are no greater than yours!" 
He said, "Zoie, I am love and if I live in you, then you too must display love no matter how difficult this person is! If you say you are mines, you much display my character. 1 John 4:8
I stood in awe! "Yes, Lord I am yours!"
He said, "Then he will know you by your love!" John 13:35
It was almost as if I instantly had love in my heart for this person. I said, "I get it Lord!
I called the person back and said, "I just wanted to tell you that I love you!"
The person paused and said, "I love you too Zoie!"
Minutes later I received a call from my relative asking me what I said to the person because they were crying uncontrollably.
I said, "I told him that I love him!"
I realized that when I said, "I love you!" to that person it released peace and forgiveness for all that they had done to my family!" And, it released me from fear of sharing love to those who had hurt me and who would hurt me in the future. 1 John 4:18
Love being the greatest gift covered all of their sins and mines. 1 Corin 13 and 1 Peter 4:8

If Jesus can express love when he was stretched out on the cross (Luke 23:34), so should we. There is no excuse to not show love because God is love.
Extend love to someone on today. And, don't forget yourself :)

Blessings,

Zoie Lafita Squire

What is preventing you from loving?

Is it fear? Unforgiveness? Bitterness? Hurt? Pain? Trauma?
Whatever it is, I know something that will remove all of that!!!
LOVE!
Rather you are a believer or not, you cannot deny the power of love and its ability to reinvent itself and those who live by it!
Because I am a believer, I believe in and applying scripture to my life. And, I have found that no matter the heartache or the severity of some of the issues I have faced, applying love to it....liberated and restored me every time.
So, will you allow love to make you whole? Will you allow love to restore you back to the place you were always intended to be?
Try it! It won't fail you! I promise you! :)


Some of my favorite scriptures:

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good. Romans 12: 9

 But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all--love]. 1 Corinthians 12: 31

  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,^[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.   Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
 Love never fails. 1 Corin 13:3-8

Life in Love......

Listen as I share my heart....hope it blesses you and allows you to go deeper into LOVE! 


Love is the very essence of life.
Love believes all and bears all....and is full of sacrifice.
For it is only when you are loving that you are truly living life.
Love suffers long and is kind and has the power to destroy strife.
So, you make the choice...to give and receive love.
In its purest form..like that of a dove.
Love!
The greatest gift.
Always and forever your spirit it will lift.
God is love....let it clothe you...put it on like a glove.

Love is waiting.....

Poet Zoie Lafita Squire