24-Hour Challenge

Each new day is an opportunity to begin again. 

If you believe that, I dare you (and myself) to start tomorrow differently.  

CHALLENGE: 

From the moment you wake up, give thanks. Do not complain, argue, nor say anything negative for 24 hours. Just before you lay down, reflect on your day. Give thanks again.

How did you feel? How did your day go? 

I will report my progress via my blog. 

I am going to give this an honest shot. I heard Bishop Rodges say that people are tired of the Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde routine. People try to take you there, then act shocked when you fly off the handle. We can make the choice not to react poorly. 

My intent is genuinely to respond kindly. At least I never plan to spit fire LOL. 

Jesus be a fence.

"Complaining continues to create the vibration of what you don't want. Today, take your focus off of what is wrong and focus on what is right and how you desire things to be. Put all your love, energy, mental power and decision making towards what you want and do not entertain thoughts that are contrary. You are more responsible for the way you feel than your environment, circumstances or relationships. Step towards love today, step towards solution."

~ Jackson Kiddard

Communication is essential to successful relationships. You decide your capacity for change. Character is a result of how you handle you relationships and endeavors.

Change is the outcome.

#TheStruggleIsReal

Peace & Love

Think About It Tuesday

"The ancestor of every action is a thought." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ever have one of those days when you cannot focus? Usually, it is very frustrating for me. Today, it just wasn't.  I wish I could say my workday was productive...

I prayed and chatted with my boys, as usual. By the time I got to my desk there was an extreme calm that came over me. I worked quietly, nodding to some worship music. My mind was racing all over the place; recalling all the visions, dreams, and blessings of late. I gave thanks and embraced the moment. I then prayed with my accountability circle. That was even more encouraging... 

Ever have that moment when you not only see God's vision for your life, but you actually see Him working? I had that moment today. 

We've all endured pain, willingly and unwillingly. 

Was there a lesson, blessing, or was it in vain? That part is up to you. 

Ponder your thought life for a moment...

Think about this:

"Women think more about what men think than men spend thinking." ~Unknown

While I think this is hilarious, it is also my truth. Ladies, you know it's true too. 

Have you said the following:

*What were you thinking?

*What are you thinking about?

*Men don't think.

*Tell me what you think.

*Are you listening to me?

*What's that face for?

*What does that mean?

*I need details.

(I laughed out loud as I wrote these questions.)

I over think things quite often. I create so many scenarios, which creates anxiety then stress then frustration. I can just hear Kenny saying, "Babe, you're way ahead of this thing, getting worked up for nothing." My response, "you think?" 

All of that to say, we must stop allowing our thoughts to get the best of us. We know what people tell us and show us, never what they're truly thinking.

"Do not worry about what may come. You're here to live, to love, and to learn every step of the way. You have the full support of your Creator and when you know this, all obstacles will fall away."

~Jackson Kiddard

Wish I Knew Wednesday

W.I.S.H.

How many things have you wished for? How many times have you said "I wish"? How many times have you been faced with a decision, wishing you knew the effects of the outcome? Shoot, how many times have you just wished you knew what to do? It has been that kind of day...

Back Story:
April 5, 2012 is etched in my brain. I remember ending my prayer with the following words: I will have a good day; no matter what, I will thank You Lord. Imagine my surprise when the cops showed up at my job, asking for me by name. My home had been broken into at about 9am. The alarm company was unable to reach me because I hadn't updated my work number and didn't answer my cell phone (no phones in meetings). It gets even better...just two days before, we had installed new batteries and reactivated the system. Needless to say, I prayed all the way home. Got there to find that nothing had been stolen, only door needed repair, and the alarm scared them off.

So much more to this story, but no time. All I could do was squat in my driveway, cry, pray, and thank God. I sang (or quoted because singing ain't my gift) In the Middle of It, by Isaac Carree. It was that moment that I remembered my morning prayer.

I wish I knew how many times 'I wish' left my lips and bounced around my brain this day...

Fast Forward:
Today, I made a discovery in the workplace. It was some damaging information. I immediately felt unnerved and uneasy, unsure of how to proceed. I played out all of the scenarios in my head, wishing I knew the outcome of each. I prayed, briefly...just a "Lord tell me what to do".

I talked about it with a professional, two friends, and finally my Pastor. He posed all of the same questions to me that posed to myself. I was no closer to a decision nor knowing what to do.  The wisdom that he imparted was to weigh the consequences and to be just.

I determined that the consequences are too great for all parties involved to share this information. I decided to put it where it belongs, in His hands. My job is to pray, wait, and watch God fight this battle. It shall be revealed in His time. Peace be still...

His point was further driven home tonight's bible study. "Whatsoever you give, you shall receive." Oddly enough, Pastor wasn't the one teaching tonight. Duly noted Jesus!

Future Reference: 

In both scenarios, my active mind gets ahead of me, feeding my fears. Instead of wishing about the outcome or knowing what to do, I will purge, pray, and pursue what God has to say on the matter. This process isn't automatic, it takes practice.  Faith trumps fear.

Work. Invest. Share. Heal.

Character. Capacity. Communication. 

#WishingYouTheBest

Accountability Circle

Accountability is the most recent theme in my life. I saw a quote on my friend's Facebook page awhile back. I had a conversation about accountability with that friend yesterday. I received an email yesterday from life coach, Lisa Nichols. The subject read: "If someone's not checking up on you, they should be!"

After reading the email, I brushed it off. I, then, started to find reasons not to have an accountability partner. I immediately named about five reasons why I didn't need a partner. Usually that means, it is something I need to do that would make me uncomfortable, so I fight it.

Lisa's email, today, gut punched me. She simply said, "get comfortable being uncomfortable." Really, God? Okay, You have my attention. What should I do? "Sit still. Believe." I cried and just gave God thanks, thinking 'I can do better'. As I drove to work, still uncertain of what else to do, I just let Him consume me; feeling safe, warm and loved like my dad was holding his little girl (how I miss that). Once at work, tear-streaked face and all, my assignment was even more clear. The prayer circle was to be resurrected including ten ladies. I invited the names that were given to me...
I batted .900, but it is a circle of ten.

I sent the following message:
Morning Ladies! Welcome to our Prayer/Accountability Circle. Thanks for linking up! I charge each one of you with holding me accountable.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23 KJV)
Lord God we seek a pure heart. We pray for a breakthrough in 2015 so we can go next level in our faith & lives! Make Your vision plain! Have a Worthy Wednesday. Peace & Love.

Reasons for an accountability circle:
1. Responsibility
+
2. Inspiration
+
3. Commitment
+
4. Growth
+
5. Encouragement

= Success

Though they don't know each other, each one knew me at different stages of  my life. I am so curious why He chose them and His plan for us. I cannot wait to see how God connects them.
He has a purpose.

(Check out Lisa Nichols web page http://www.motivatingthemasses.com/ )

Communicate. Character. Capacity.

#PrayPurgeProsper

Terrific Tuesday Thought

It's a Terrific Tuesday!

Quote: "I yearn for genuine connections and honest energy. that's what I need. That's all I really need." ~Alex Elle

One of those moments when I just look up, point, and whisper "thank Ya" because I know it was all Him. I have a beautifully, diverse group of friends

#EasyEnuff

Must Do Monday

Happy Monday Folks! 

Today marks the beginning of a new day, a new week, a new opportunity to change the way we think. 

Each year we decide to make life changes. For some reason, this is the only time we muster the energy to do so. At least that's true for me. Last year, I decided to steer clear of resolutions and I am doing the same this year. My focus is one word: COMMIT. I can commit to so many different things, which leads to infinite possibilities of change. 

What do you want to change this year?

What is stopping you from making those changes? Possible answers: Fears, comfort zone, people, no desire to do so...

"Do you want to change", is a better question. Seriously, do you want to change? Ask yourself, "do I really want to change?" Sit quietly and survey your life, surroundings, lifestyle, circumstances, job/career, confidence etc... 

Are you afraid to change? I was! Truthfully, I still am to some degree, but I truly want to change. I recognize that I have to change, improve, and grow in all areas to reach my potential and function in my God-given purpose. 

Personally, I was afraid to change. I was concerned with how it would appear to my peers. I was even more afraid of what I might lose. I was comfortable not knowing what I would gain. I thought I was living. Then I suffered some major losses in my life. Two years after I lost my mom & 7 years after my dad, I decided that change was necessary. I was unsure of what I would change and how to change it, but I knew there was more to life than "the struggle". Another year later, I gave my life to Christ. 

This particular change DID NOT happen over night. When they say "it's a process", Lord knows they ain't lying. Maaaann, it was one thee single-most uncomfortable changes in my life. A change that cost me my life...as I knew it. Or so I thought.

This change taught me FIVE valuable lessons:

1. "Small changes are doable & durable" ~Unknown

2. Change begins within the mind & heart. See things differently.

3. Change requires action.

4. People can change (when they desire to do so).

5. Jesus is R E A L.

(Not in that order).

What small change must you do today?

For me, that is exercising. I must lose weight and get healthy. I am so tired of carrying around this 180. I have been having a few health scares lately. I am not ready to meet my Maker just yet. My change is further motivated by the fact that my husband actually worked out today. I refuse to remain fluffy and let him beat me. Sounds like we need a challenge. THAT will keep me committed.

Jesus be a fence! 

Renew. Rebuild. Refresh.

Communicate. Capacity. Character. 

#MustDoMonday

#ThatMomentWhen

What is your passion? 

Passion: any powerful or compelling feeling  or emotion, as love or hate.  A strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire. ~Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1997

My passion or passions include softball (my first love), financial literacy, writing, sharing my story, and laughing. Is laughing considered a passion? *shrugs* I consider it a passion. Moving on...

It took me quite a while to figure this out. 

I am not sure I remember the exact moment that I figured it out, but that moment when I figured out that I had realized my passion felt amazing. Life has a way of throwing us curve balls. Life knocks us down. Life comes at us fast. Life goes on. Life hurts. Life heals. Life is worth (there is that word again) LIVING. 

Jefferson said, "with great risk, comes great reward." True statement. Corie says, "everything costs us something." I said that to say that every risk has an outcome, leaving a lasting impression. It all depends on how you see the reward. 

That moment when... you get what you need when you need what you get. 

It's all about how you see it.

It is understandable to experience feelings of doubt, anger, and pain, especially after a terrible loss. Our heartaches are REAL. Only time can help us come to terms with situations that have crushed our hearts, dashed our dreams, and fried our faith. We have to remember that when we pray for the rain, we must deal with the mud too.  

That moment when...we realize that we can go on.

That moment when...we realize what we can live without.

That moment when...I accept that I can't do what you can do and that's okay.

That moment when...we accept what God has for us.

Still don't know what your passion is? What would you do without receiving a paycheck?

Nothing yet??? What is the one thing you cannot imagine not doing?

Then you have found your passion. 

Communicate. Capacity. Character.

#WearYourPassionWell

Worthy Wednesday

"Faith is like film; it's developed in the dark." ~Unknown

It's Hump Day folks! Hope you had a Worthy Wednesday.

What qualifies you as worthy? 

You determine your worth, whether physical, emotional, financial, or spiritual. 

Do you believe you're worthy?

For many years, I failed to believe I was worthy. I didn't think I was worthy of being loved, promoted, appreciated, respected, or happy. I allowed society to dictate my worthiness. Society said I was too dark, needed many degrees, had to be meek, had to be thin, and needed to meet a certain status to be worthy. While I do believe there are levels to this ish, I now determine my worth. 

I am okay with my imperfections. I have few insecurities, who doesn't? I love the skin I'm in...all 5'5", 180 pounds, of chocolate goodness & emotional craziness. Yes, I have crazy moments. I lose myself in my emotions, TEMPORARILY. I have to feel and embrace what I feel. One of my close friends calls me P&P aka Panic & Pissed. I immediately panic, expecting the worst, then I'm pissed when I learn it's something simple that we can work through. Hey, I am human after all (LOL).

Know this about me, when I say I am for you - I'm all in. I have learned to give freely, so much so, that it has become a fault or weakness, but still I'm worthy of all the things I desire and reciprocation...even when mistreated and misunderstood. Know this too, because I am worthy, you will miss me when I am gone.

"I yearn for genuine connections and honest energy. That's what I need. That's all I really need." -Alex Elle

I have love and I am truly happy. I have a few kinks to work out, but no reality show nor social media site will determine my worth. I will lose weight one day (SOON). I won't get taller or lighter though...oh well. I have a degree finally and a career. A family that I couldn't imagine life without, but I need a break from every now & then. 

I  am worthy; I was all along. 

See your worth. Live on  purpose. Be your dream. 

Change the way you think about you, the world, life, God...

  

Writing this blog has been on my to do list for years and I am finally doing it. Bearing it all, being vulnerable, getting stronger, and hopefully encouraging others. A book is sure to follow...

Trust, I am going next level...because God said so. 

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" says Romans 3:23. It says nothing about making excuses. We will never be perfect, but we can be worthy in His eyesight. 

All of your struggles, tears, pain, make you worth it, 

Communicate. Character. Capacity. 

#KnowYourWorth

New Year, New _____

Happy New Year

Today, we embark on a new day and new year. We start each year with high hopes, dreams, and goals. All of this is great, but if we take the same old us into 2015, our result will be the same. 

I began 2014 with a one word resolution: COMMIT. In my mind, it is easier to focus and improve upon one word, rather than fail at a laundry list of resolutions. I'd like to think that it worked for me in 2014; my year was pretty darn good. This year my resolution is pretty much the same: COMMIT. I am going to commit to the following:

I will make more moves than announcements in 2015...

 ...but that's me though. 

5 Things to COMMIT to in 2015:

1. Pray & Give thanks daily

2. Write things down

3. Save more

4. Embrace truth

5. Live my dreams

"Small change is doable and durable."

Fill in the blank:

New year, New ______

ME: New year, New Commitment

Communicate better. Character growth. Capacity realized.

#HappyNewYear