Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Life Isn't Always Fair
Striving daily to live right, but people can tick you off sometimes and make you think thangs you KNOW GOOD AND WELL that if you act on them, only the blood of Jesus can make things right! The more you think on it, the more you will convince yourself that what THEY said to you or what THEY did to you (or to your loved ones/especially your children) was sooooo not fair. The more you will think to yourself that you are justified in.......(fill in the blank). This is when HOPEFULLY, from somewhere inside you not so far away, you will be reminded that this battle is not yours to fight and vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord. Cast all your cares on Him because He cares deeply (believe it and repeat it to yourself until you do believe it) for YOU. He allows certain things that don't feel good or make sense, to happen in our lives for many different reasons and because his thoughts and ways are not like our thoughts and ways, we won't always understand His reasons. Just know this truth, His love NEVER EVER FAILS and His timing is perfect. He loves you, supports you and wants only the very best for you. When we plot and plan to get even with those we feel have wronged us either in word (attacking their character to others on the phone, Facebook, Twitter etc.) or in action, it contradicts what God has in store and beautifully planned for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Soooooo, Yes Life Isn't Always Fair but if you let God have HIS way (let Him drive, I mean for real for real drive) the journey will be worth it!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
I Choose
Today I was thinking to myself (don't act like you're shocked..I do that quite often) how interesting it is the standards we use or qualities we sometimes look for when choosing our friends and sometimes our boo. We tend to put importance on the strangest things. Some of those things include: Skin Color (light vs dark), Hair length (long preferred and wavy/curly), Height (tall vs short), Educational background (no degree..you can't talk me), Career (doctor, lawyer, engineer...think "Daddy's Little Girls"), and even how much they are willing to sneak, lie or cheat all in the name of having a little fun.
Okay, okay, I know your eyebrows are raised and you are SYH (shaking your head) but hear me out. Sometimes we will not consider befriending or better yet putting in the energy to sustain an existing friendship because a person is EVOLVING. They get married, have kids, no longer work where we work or fall on financial hard times, stop drinking, stop getting high and the like. Perhaps they start walking a more spiritual path (and no that is not the same as becoming religious and judgemental).
What if, we (me included) thought to ourselves...hmmm today I will choose this person or that person to be a part of my day, my circle of friends, my social network or my world because their CHARACTER shines entirely to bright to be ignored? To choose those who actively understand that verbal fun and intelligent conversation(not texting) is indeed a lost art form. Choosing those who can embrace our growth (intellectual and spiritual) because they too are continually growing. Try searching with your heart's eye (prayerfully) for those who think before they speak and feel it is important to be impeccable with their word (whether dealing with adults or children). People who find joy in at least a few of life's SIMPLE pleasures and have creative non-agressive ways of handling stress, disappointments and the fun ups and downs that life is sure to bring our way.
Simply said, be careful who you allow in your castle because after all it is your little slice of heaven. Invite those in who are striving (like you and me) to be the best they can be.
Okay, okay, I know your eyebrows are raised and you are SYH (shaking your head) but hear me out. Sometimes we will not consider befriending or better yet putting in the energy to sustain an existing friendship because a person is EVOLVING. They get married, have kids, no longer work where we work or fall on financial hard times, stop drinking, stop getting high and the like. Perhaps they start walking a more spiritual path (and no that is not the same as becoming religious and judgemental).
What if, we (me included) thought to ourselves...hmmm today I will choose this person or that person to be a part of my day, my circle of friends, my social network or my world because their CHARACTER shines entirely to bright to be ignored? To choose those who actively understand that verbal fun and intelligent conversation(not texting) is indeed a lost art form. Choosing those who can embrace our growth (intellectual and spiritual) because they too are continually growing. Try searching with your heart's eye (prayerfully) for those who think before they speak and feel it is important to be impeccable with their word (whether dealing with adults or children). People who find joy in at least a few of life's SIMPLE pleasures and have creative non-agressive ways of handling stress, disappointments and the fun ups and downs that life is sure to bring our way.
Simply said, be careful who you allow in your castle because after all it is your little slice of heaven. Invite those in who are striving (like you and me) to be the best they can be.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
"LIVE", Don't Beat Around the Bush
Today was one of those days, ya know what I mean? Started out pretty good, I heard some inspiring words on the radio and felt I was ready to be productive and let my little light shine (HA). The day (oh infamous Hump Day") gave me a run for my money.
Wednesday began for me, with the Yolanda Adams morning show. The word was in a nut shell, LIVE and LIVE LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY!!! In listening to this short message from Yolonda's (not sure which is the proper way to spell her name and truthfully to tired to look it up) co-workers, I gained the following insight: If you struggle in believing that you were lovingly, fearfully and wonderfully created to live life and live it more abundantly, then try reading His word to get evidence and believing His word and in His revelations to gain confidence. Pumped up on this message I set out to drink in the day, because after all life is all around us right? It's in the color and sounds of the trees, the fragrance of summer's flowers, the hypnotic beats of your favorite songs, a preacher preachin' and a teacher teachin'.
Work was hectic, but with some mental determination and good old Mountain Dew, I survived the challenge =). I had plans, oh some wonderful plans to listen to some FREE live jazz after work BUT, those plans were quickly thwarted by a slow computer (could not log off my super special work computer..grrrrrrr) and a very very flat tire on my car. As I looked at my car, deep breaths keeping me from screaming at the top of my lungs, I tried to think, WHY OH WHY TODAY??? I had to stop for a moment though and thank God for His perfect timing. My tire went flat at work and not on I-94 while going 75 miles per hour and for placing awesome co-workers in my life who came to my rescue (you know who you are). As my car was being fixed, the winds gently blowing (one of the nicest summer evenings we have experienced here in Michigan in a while) and the conversation so nice and relaxing, all I could do is say...living la vida loca and laugh to myself. It was challenging, frustrating but very enjoyable all within a 1 1/2 hour span.
I didn't want a flat tire, nor a slow computer, or to put my co-workers out but as for me I can truly say I drank in my day fully. Today I lived life with all it's curves and I did not beat around the bush (I did the doggone thang). In doing so, I enjoyed myself and am thankful for the summer breeze on this infamous "Hump Day".
Wednesday began for me, with the Yolanda Adams morning show. The word was in a nut shell, LIVE and LIVE LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY!!! In listening to this short message from Yolonda's (not sure which is the proper way to spell her name and truthfully to tired to look it up) co-workers, I gained the following insight: If you struggle in believing that you were lovingly, fearfully and wonderfully created to live life and live it more abundantly, then try reading His word to get evidence and believing His word and in His revelations to gain confidence. Pumped up on this message I set out to drink in the day, because after all life is all around us right? It's in the color and sounds of the trees, the fragrance of summer's flowers, the hypnotic beats of your favorite songs, a preacher preachin' and a teacher teachin'.
Work was hectic, but with some mental determination and good old Mountain Dew, I survived the challenge =). I had plans, oh some wonderful plans to listen to some FREE live jazz after work BUT, those plans were quickly thwarted by a slow computer (could not log off my super special work computer..grrrrrrr) and a very very flat tire on my car. As I looked at my car, deep breaths keeping me from screaming at the top of my lungs, I tried to think, WHY OH WHY TODAY??? I had to stop for a moment though and thank God for His perfect timing. My tire went flat at work and not on I-94 while going 75 miles per hour and for placing awesome co-workers in my life who came to my rescue (you know who you are). As my car was being fixed, the winds gently blowing (one of the nicest summer evenings we have experienced here in Michigan in a while) and the conversation so nice and relaxing, all I could do is say...living la vida loca and laugh to myself. It was challenging, frustrating but very enjoyable all within a 1 1/2 hour span.
I didn't want a flat tire, nor a slow computer, or to put my co-workers out but as for me I can truly say I drank in my day fully. Today I lived life with all it's curves and I did not beat around the bush (I did the doggone thang). In doing so, I enjoyed myself and am thankful for the summer breeze on this infamous "Hump Day".
Monday, July 16, 2012
A Matter of Perspective
We deal with each other (our fellow humans) day in and day out. These personal interactions can be fun, challenging, lovely, exciting, draining, intense, unforgettable, regrettable, fulfilling and so much more. We learn from them, sometimes lessons that hurt for days and sometimes even years after the close encounter of a strange kind (LOL) has come and gone. What I have learned is that the
people we meet, have experienced a variety of struggles, troubles, hurts, joys and disappointments before you ever even entered their world. That being said, when these close encounters skip your way and challenge you please remember the ups and downs of life that have formed the particular person you have chosen to talk to, listen to, like, love etc. many times has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with you! Soooo don't think for one minute you are a trash collector or a storage unit. What I am trying to say, in a strange way, so please walk with me here. Don't allow yourself (you are fearfully and wonderfully made and deserve nothing less than the best that God has for you) to take their trash (issues) or their emotional baggage personally. You were never created to be someone else's trash dumpster or their emotional baggage storage unit. Did you follow all of that? What is in their best interest and your own is to pray (not speak badly to or about them) for them and let them work thru and sort out all this stuff with God (who also loves them probably more than they could ever imagine). After all is said and done, that is God's job and His territory (He is available for counseling 24 hours a day and it is pretty much free of charge). He is extremely good at what HE does I might add. His opinion and advice is not slanted and has only that person's best interest at heart (now that's Love).
Relationships are a natural part of life and learning to have healthy ones are partially knowledge, desire and largely a matter of perspective. Walking with and loving people right smack dab where they are is vital. Keep in mind that the old saying is true, people enter our lives sometimes for a reason, perhaps for a particular season and at times for a life time. Your perspective in dealing with them can remind you that not all people can have a front row seat in your life, sometimes you have to love them from a distance and that too is ok.
The fastest way to become the Master of your thoughts and emotions is through challenging situations. If your life is going along fairly smoothly, there are not the same opportunities that enable you to strengthen your power and become the master of your thoughts and emotions.
You see, even challenges are beautiful opportunities in disguise.
Rhonda Byrne-The Secret
people we meet, have experienced a variety of struggles, troubles, hurts, joys and disappointments before you ever even entered their world. That being said, when these close encounters skip your way and challenge you please remember the ups and downs of life that have formed the particular person you have chosen to talk to, listen to, like, love etc. many times has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with you! Soooo don't think for one minute you are a trash collector or a storage unit. What I am trying to say, in a strange way, so please walk with me here. Don't allow yourself (you are fearfully and wonderfully made and deserve nothing less than the best that God has for you) to take their trash (issues) or their emotional baggage personally. You were never created to be someone else's trash dumpster or their emotional baggage storage unit. Did you follow all of that? What is in their best interest and your own is to pray (not speak badly to or about them) for them and let them work thru and sort out all this stuff with God (who also loves them probably more than they could ever imagine). After all is said and done, that is God's job and His territory (He is available for counseling 24 hours a day and it is pretty much free of charge). He is extremely good at what HE does I might add. His opinion and advice is not slanted and has only that person's best interest at heart (now that's Love).
Relationships are a natural part of life and learning to have healthy ones are partially knowledge, desire and largely a matter of perspective. Walking with and loving people right smack dab where they are is vital. Keep in mind that the old saying is true, people enter our lives sometimes for a reason, perhaps for a particular season and at times for a life time. Your perspective in dealing with them can remind you that not all people can have a front row seat in your life, sometimes you have to love them from a distance and that too is ok.
The fastest way to become the Master of your thoughts and emotions is through challenging situations. If your life is going along fairly smoothly, there are not the same opportunities that enable you to strengthen your power and become the master of your thoughts and emotions.
You see, even challenges are beautiful opportunities in disguise.
Rhonda Byrne-The Secret
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Beyond My Window Pain
I see possibilities beyond my window pain. The winds of life are constantly blowing, with my mind grounded I allow my heart and imagination to take flight. Reminding myself daily that the ending of one thing is not always the end of the world (as we at that moment believe it to be), but quite often it is in fact a Cracked Window to life's endless possibilities.
There is no paycheck that can equal the feeling of contentment that comes from being the person you are meant to be....
Oprah Winfrey
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Thursday's Lesson
Hello there,
This is my very first blog attempt, with that being said I will dive right in.
There really is no magical shortcut to success (darnit!). Whether you are seeking corporate or personal success, you must be willing to invest a substantial amount of energy and be prepared to practice some gentle patience with yourself during this process. Prayerfully acquire knowledge in the area in which you would like to succeed, understanding that unexpected knowledge will also be bestowed upon you (if you are receptive) just by fully living one day at a time. Humble yourself. Humility grants you immeasurable luxuries, like trust from those who will be willing to faithfully follow your lead. They will establish trust in your words based on the CONSISTENCY of your actions. There in lies a powerful bridge between where you currently are and where you are destined to be. Taking the time to understand the daily struggles of those who work with and sometimes for you is of major importance on the journey to success. It is very difficult to understand another, without investing your valuable time to truly grasp the ups and downs they encounter on a more than superficial level. When others speak, strive to listen not only with your ears but with your eyes and a compassionate heart. I must add, this is much easier to do with some people than it is with others (smile).
On this journey you will meet some who inspire you due to their admirable characteristics. When you encounter those who exemplify such traits, take note and take a moment to tell them (it is a precious gift). Take time to be grateful for the opportunity to experience their shining qualities. Gratitude is a major factor on the journey to personal and corporate success.
This is my very first blog attempt, with that being said I will dive right in.
There really is no magical shortcut to success (darnit!). Whether you are seeking corporate or personal success, you must be willing to invest a substantial amount of energy and be prepared to practice some gentle patience with yourself during this process. Prayerfully acquire knowledge in the area in which you would like to succeed, understanding that unexpected knowledge will also be bestowed upon you (if you are receptive) just by fully living one day at a time. Humble yourself. Humility grants you immeasurable luxuries, like trust from those who will be willing to faithfully follow your lead. They will establish trust in your words based on the CONSISTENCY of your actions. There in lies a powerful bridge between where you currently are and where you are destined to be. Taking the time to understand the daily struggles of those who work with and sometimes for you is of major importance on the journey to success. It is very difficult to understand another, without investing your valuable time to truly grasp the ups and downs they encounter on a more than superficial level. When others speak, strive to listen not only with your ears but with your eyes and a compassionate heart. I must add, this is much easier to do with some people than it is with others (smile).
On this journey you will meet some who inspire you due to their admirable characteristics. When you encounter those who exemplify such traits, take note and take a moment to tell them (it is a precious gift). Take time to be grateful for the opportunity to experience their shining qualities. Gratitude is a major factor on the journey to personal and corporate success.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)