Get and Do more of what you Really Really Want!

It's the most wonderful time of the year, loved ones are near, homes all aglow with festive lights, holiday decor and music are everywhere and the hearts of others are filled with giving and good cheer. You would think with all this warm and fuzzy stuff abounding, crime and sadness would be at an all time low, right?  But even with all that we see, hear and do this time of year, many of us are still not at peace and where there is no peace you will (too often) find people more prone to chaos and carrying pieces (if you get my meaning).

Perhaps, just maybe if in the midst of this magical season, we could get a glimpse of what we are (at our core) really yearning for we could then truly work for and grasp peace.  Most (perhaps not all) of us really really want a few basic things: Joy, to be heard, to be understood, to be really loved for who WE ARE, recognition for our talents, to matter, to be relevant, to be proud of the people that we are on a daily basis and have those who matter to us be proud of us and our accomplishments and to have GOOD CREDIT (lol lol had to throw that in).  We also want to be at peace with our thoughts and our choices, therein lies true bliss like joy.  That being said, we often strive to have and do stuff that fills in the gaps of these things, we spend money without much thought on a variety of people and things, we put on airs, we do all sorts of things that we THINK will make us feel and be Successful.  There is nothing wrong with trying daily to improve on you and be a better you than you were yesterday but life was meant to be more and when we slow down and ask ourselves (and listen to the answer) what am I really really yearning for and in response to your soul's answer begin to Get and Do more of what we really really yearn for we will find ourselves right in the middle of a much more enriched, truly successful and God pleasing life.  

Happy and Joyous Holidays to You all....therefore go forth, each and every one of you, Get and Do more of what you Really Really Want!

"Giggles In the Valley"

Today was a typical Monday with one exception, I received a text regarding a loved one being transported to Hospice and the confirmation that if we (the family) could make it to the hospital, to please do so.

As I drove to my destination, I went over memories of him throughout my life.  He was always getting smart and talking mad trash (as my mother would always say) to my mother and about my name.   They were fun thoughts and memories that were preparing me to be supportive of his wife and children (so I thought).  I asked for directions at the front desk and proceeded to follow the instructions given and I arrived on his floor (without getting lost).  What I expected to find, the mood, the atmosphere, the spirit in the room was not there!!! 

What greeted me was a family, his wife, my aunts and other family
members trying the best they could to make him as comfortable as possible and cracking jokes (WHAT JOKES in HOSPICE???).  I know that is what you're thinking, yes jokes in hospice.  His wife and daughter were having a very funny back and forth banter with this man who lived his life THAT WAY!  It was a loving conversation between the man and his family, that I am sure his spirit (without the pain) found joy in.  As I silently prayed and laughed out loud (more than a few times), it occurred to me what must be the best things I can think of for anyone walking in the valley of the shadow.  

To be comforted, be at peace, surrounded by those who have been by your side thru the good and the bad and to have giggles and more Giggles in the Valley is to me the essence of a life fully lived. 

Heed The Warning and Just Answer The Call!!

Growing up, my beloved great grandmother (Sis. U.D. Shugart Bryant) kept her grandchildren as close to God and in church as much as she possibly could.  We went to Sunday School, morning service, evening service, prayer meetings, bible study, vacation bible school (faithfully EVERY SUMMER) and probably many other services that my special memory can not remember.  Being around what we call "Church Folk" or as my mother would say, "The Good Christians",  we heard and picked up many cliche statements.  Often we repeated these little sayings, having no clue of their meaning or even knowing if we really believed the words that were coming out of our mouths..LOL.  One of these statements was brought oh so gently to my mind tonight, so gently that although I would simply LOVE to be SLEEPING, here I sit typing until my lil' heart is content (can you hear the sarcasm?).  Many say" "Anyone can praise God but you must intimately know and dare I say love Him to Worship Him".  I have heard it, questioned it and kept it moving many times.  However, tonight as I listened intently to the words of a song (attempting to rehearse) that not so long ago I thought was for "Older Saints" it occurred to me that this statement was and still is so deeply true.  The song was "When The Saints Go To Worship" by Donald Lawrence.  Ok this may be your jam and that's ok, but you should know I am a little special (so don't judge me), ahhh moving on. 

The words came alive to me tonight and in just moments I was transported from an average mundane "I have to moment" to a small space where it was truly just my Heavenly Father and me, vibing (It was lovely).  What is really funny, or maybe not so much is that over the years God has impressed upon me to do many things and out of nervousness, fear and Lack of FAITH (yes yes yes I admit it...L.O.F) I was disobedient and did not move when He said sweet heart move this way or sing when He presented opportunites for me to sing or EVEN write when He generously gave me such eloquent words to write.  God does not change!!  If He wanted you to do it then, I would be willing to bet you some yummy Cold Stone Creamery Cheese Cake icecream that He STILL Wants YOU to Dust Yourself Off And DO IT NOW!!!  Something we need to know and remember about God is that to Him, our obedience is far better than our sacrifice (Thanks Bro. Howell you really brought this point home for me).  God knows that many things that will make our homes, childhoods, neighborhoods, work environments, relationships, finances, health and world better, can only be achieved when we step outside of our comfort zones, have real faith in Him (really believing that nothing is impossible to God and with God) and are obedient to His Divine promptings and instructions....  When the same message is coming to you loud and clear from what seems like EVERY direction, do yourself and those who need what has been placed in you a favor, Heed the Warning and Just Answer the Call!!!!