Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Are You Only Sorry You Got Caught?

"I'm sorry" is extremely hard for some of us to say but it can be even harder for some of us to display. And how does one show that they are sorry anyway? Who decides whether there is a right or wrong way to do this? I don't think there's a right or wrong way personally but if someone has to tell you than perhaps you're not truly sorry, maybe you're only sorry for getting caught. I think that a person who is truly remorseful is willing to do whatever it takes(within reason)to show the person that they've hurt or offended just how sorry they are. I say within reason because I've heard people makes some ridiculous request, someone told me their offender should be willing to take a lie detector test and jump through hoops to prove their sincerity, I do not condone this madness. Someone like this will never be satisfied-ever! They will always have that question mark in the back of their minds. Let's talk about the person who is sorry for what they've done, this person is first and foremost willing to right any wrongs if it's possible for them to do. They're willing to come clean about the lies that they've told, they don't plan on lying anymore because they realize the damage that they've caused and they want to be trusted again. A person who is still lying and refuses to admit what they've done plans on lying again and again. Then you have someone who's sorry but to prideful to say it, so they lose the people dearest to them because of their pride. Bottom line we're all wired differently so you have to accept which ever apology that works for you, however if there's still little thoughts gnawing at you once you've accepted an apology don't discard it! It's an alarm-your own personal built in alarm system that's telling you some thing's not quite right, don't ignore it or you'll be sorry.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

What's Going On?!!!

Lately I find myself at a lost for words, seems to me that just about everything that I pray for the opposite happens! Wow... this can be extremely disheartening, the worse part is no one really has the answer for why these things happen. I know eventually things are made clear but in the meanwhile it can be a very unpleasant process. I've learned that during this type of experience we have to be most careful when we talk to others about what we're going through, I used to think that talking to unbelievers was the last thing you'd want to do, but I've had a change of heart. If we only talked to those who believe what we believe we wouldn't be able to see just where we are in our walk with Christ.

Recently something I'd been praying wouldn't happen happened! This prayer was according to the word of God, it wasn't a selfish prayer as I said it was according to God's will. However the will of someone else was involved, by the way this is the second time this exact thing has happened. So by this time I'm thinking why bother to pray at all? I spoke with somebody I trust about this but I wasn't satisfied, in fact I'm still struggling with this! Bottom line, while I'm waiting for an answer from the Lord I still have to find the strength to go on. I still have to pray and trust God in spite of my disappointments and this is the hardest thing I've ever had to do because my faith as well as my confidence in prayer has been shaken. That thing that I prayed for can not be reversed, it's already happened; it would be like trying to unring a bell! So it's not like I'm being impatient or I gave up, the thing that I was believing God for just didn't happen. I know there are people out there who feels or have felt this way, so I would love for you to share your experience with us if you've had a positive outcome for something like this.
I look forward to hearing from you!

God Bless You,
Selah

Friday, September 18, 2009

Finding My Way

There are so many of us who consider ourselves to be "full grown adults" who're truly lost! We don't have a clue about what we're supposed to do with our lives, we're ashamed to admit it but we know this to be true. And guess what? It's totally okay...as long as we ARE trying to find our place/purpose in this world. Have you ever heard the term late bloomer? Now I'm not talking about people who aren't trying to do absolutely anything, by anything I mean you're not even talking about it and you really don't like thinking much about it either. I understand that it can be very overwhelming, feeling stuck, unable to go forward even in the confounds of your mind. How do we get out of this place? We must first start with prayer; we can talk to our heavenly Father, just as we would our most trusted confidant... yes it's going to take more than prayer but this is the best start. No one understands us the way He does, it is He who has created us, He's placed every gift and talent as well as our passion for them within us. Who better to talk to about you than the one who created you? He knows exactly all the what's, when's, where's, who's', why's and how's there are to know when it comes to His children. God is never surprised about anything, He's not sitting around playing it by ear! He's decided long ago who we would be (Ecclesiastes 6:10.) Although some of us find our purpose in life earlier or later than others this doesn't mean we're off schedule, don't forget who made the schedule! When we allow the doubt in our minds and the opinions of others to speak louder to us than our maker we're headed for a long drawn out journey full of disappointments and frustration. Think about it this way...God has made a specific plan for each of our lives, He's placed something inside everyone to offer this world and at the set time He will release us to do what He has planned for us. If you're feeling useless ask yourself why? Are you feeling this way because of the schedule society has set? Do you think you know your purpose and you're just not sure about how to walk in it? Or are you just ready to go and just start doing something? Again ask yourself that question, I don't think God will give us this feeling of urgency without showing us where to go and how to get there. He wants the absolute best for us so He's not going to have us go into anything without some sort of direction. He is a God of decency and order, He will always show us what path to take and when to take it. When we're seeking Him and we don't have clarity we should be still, and wait for direction. Every time there has been a transition in my life I find there has always been this subtle preparation that I wasn't aware of at the time. I would began to have this strong feeling of dissatisfaction, things that didn't usually bother me started to, I would feel unfulfilled and to be honest kind of miserable. Now that I look back feeling this way is what would cause me to pray fervently and frequently. It was God using these things to make me uncomfortable to get my attention so that I would turn to Him and pray more. Prayer involves more than talking to God it requires some listening as well. You ever notice how different your prayers are when your in a comfortable state of being opposed to uncomfortable? He wants to lead us to our destiny that He's planned for us but sometimes we lose sight of that and somehow began to think that we're on our own. Thank God that's not the case! He's promised to never leave or forsake us, so if you've been asking; "GOD WHERE ARE YOU?" Remember we may not always feel like we know where He is but He always knows just where we are and where He's taking us next.

God Bless You

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Who's Leading You?

When you ask yourself this question what is the first thought that comes to mind? Now ask yourself again and this time think about it a little longer...are you doing what you want to do? Are you where you want to be in life? Are you with the one you want to be with? Are you pretty much satisfied with your life overall? Or have you been too afraid to even attempt to follow your dreams? If not than what's the hold up? Have you tried things but nothing seems to be working out for out for you? Have you gotten discouraged? Do you feel like giving up? Let me ask you this...what's the difference between one who fails and one who succeeds? If you ask me the only difference is the one succeeds never gives up. I understand how one could want to throw in the towel-believe me I do! I believe there's one very important thing we almost always overlook and that's timing-GOD'S TIMING. That's why it crucial that we always communicate with The Father... He knows all things. Sometimes we lose focus because we're listening to everyone but Him, one person is saying "go for it!" and then there's the other one saying "wait!" This is the time to seek God and if you don't get an answer than don't do anything. God doesn't want to see us fail so He won't leave you hanging if you seek Him first. We tend to try everything but God first and when He's not "Johnny on the spot" we're feeling abandoned. We have to get
into the habit of seeking his counsel first and being willing to wait for His direction and timing. It's easier said than done, but how much unnecessary time do we waste doing things on our own? Instead of blindly wandering around guessing why not go to the one who has planned our entire lives and has ALL of our answers? Psalm 139:16

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Silent Frustration

Are you tired of EVERYTHING AND EVERYBODY? Do you often say yes to the request of others even though you want to scream "NO-LEAVE ME ALONE"? Are you always listening to people's problems but you have no one who'll listen to you with the same level of empathy and compassion that you do? Are you always considered to be "The Strong One" Do you feel like if you don't do it than nothing gets done? Do you smile/laugh only because you're expected to? Are you unhappy with your job/career and don't know how to begin to change it? Is your tolerance for selfish inconsiderate people getting lower by the day? Do you find yourself wanting to be by yourself, often-very often? I'm sure I've only scratched the surface!
So...what do you do about all of this? You have to be willing to change what you're not able to accept and learn to accept what you're not able to change. It's alright to say no, we don't always have to say yes! We can't be too concerned about people getting angry or hurt if we tell them no because it's totally up to us whether we are wiling or not to do anything! I look at it this way - do I really want somebody in my circle who can't handle the word no? I refuse to allow anyone to have me walking on egg shells in fear that they may reject me or have a change of heart as far as our friendship/relationship goes. I'm all for lending a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on but when I notice I'm hearing the same things over and over again it's time for me to put some distance between us. I believe that negative energy can be transferred, don't misunderstand me-we all need to vent and more than once. However when someone keeps complaining about the same thing but they aren't doing anything to change it, it starts to take it's toll on the listener. I understand some things are beyond our control and we're rendered helpless at times but as for the things we can change we just have to do what we have to do and not worry about others feelings or opinions. We have to stop trying to do everything ourselves, and being "That Person" for our family and friends. We need to kindly remind them that we don't possess any super powers and make it crystal clear to them that we face life's issues too without divulging too much of our personal information(this can easily turn into a pity party.) When we appear to have it all together people assume just that, so it's easy for us to become "the go to person" when they're feeling down. We must learn to say no, take better care of ourselves and place ourselves higher on our list of priorities.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Should I Or Should I Not?

Were you taught not to accept money/gifts from men whom you're romantically involved with? Were you taught not to give yourself to them as well? I can recall hearing "Don't take anything from no man or they'll get possessive over you!" Very rarely did I hear "Don't give a man your body because that's precious, it's the most valuable thing you will ever own and not just anybody should have that privilege. Could this be one of the reasons that women give so much when it comes to relationships and receives so little? Think about it...if all you heard was don't accept gifts from him and you didn't hear don't give him your heart or your body what do you expect to happen? There are so many women who was raised this way and now it's so ingrained in us that we don't realize we're getting the short end of the stick. I don't have anything against the "Independent Woman," however I do have a problem with the men who aren't giving up anything yet they getting it all! When I hear these women talk they're so proud as they should be, they've worked hard to get where they are and they did it on there own. On the other hand they have these leeches that they get involved with and they don't realize that they're the ones bringing everything to the table. The scales never seems to be balanced. You have the hard working man who has a good heart and is more than willing to treat a woman right but what do the women say about him? "He's too nice!" Why because he shows how much he cares? Is he too nice because he calls you often and you don't have to chase him down? I don't know what it is that draws us to that arrogant, smooth talking schemer but that's the one we prefer, well most of us anyway. Okay I got a little side tracked! Back to the matter at hand, I don't see anything wrong with accepting gifts/money from someone you're dating especially if you're giving them what they want(not to say I condone this.)I know it's much easier said than done! But I try to encourage women to abstain from sex until marriage because once you've given a man that part of you your emotions are heightened and you become so vulnerable. It's a gamble, there's no guaranty if he'll be around long term or not only time will tell. That's why we shouldn't be so quick to share our bodies in every relationship, yes I know you could wait and things still not work out but this shortens your list of lovers. And if you wouldn't accept gifts/money my goodness! They really got over! Now don't get me wrong-we can't put a price on our bodies but if I am going to give myself to him in this way I'd rather walk away with something instead of nothing! Nevertheless there's always the RESTART button, it's up to us whether we'll push it or not.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Are You Together or Not?

I'm not perfect and I certainly don't pretend to have all the answers but this type topic is what I see and hear about regularly. Today I want to address the relationships where the people involved consider themselves together-but not together. What I mean is they do all the things that couples do and I do mean ALL, but they won't commit to an exclusive relationship. Ladies please stop letting men do this to you.(If you're the one who doesn't want to commit this isn't for you.) This puts us in a BAD position, let's say the two of you had a romantic evening Wednesday, he bought you flowers, took you to your favorite restaurant and even got you a just because gift. You woke up in each others arms kissed each other good bye (you're living together in some cases) but you're not a couple, and still ,he introduces you as his friend. So it's Friday and you're ready for round two but he's hanging out with the fellas, so you go out with a girlfriend and who do you run into?...What should we call him? Your friend? Because remember you aren't together, ladies I'm really not trying to be hurtful I desperately want this kind of thing to stop! What can you do other than make a fool of yourself at this point? You've agreed that you're only friends? How can you confront him if you've agreed to this madness? This is where the rubber meets the road! If you're still interested in him there has to be some boundaries set, he has to be willing to make a commitment or you have to let him GO. If he still won't commit but is trying to hold onto you(like they often do) it's up to you to find the strength to walk away and stay away unless he has a change of heart. Yeah it is easier said than done, but it is definitely possible just tell a true friend what's going on,she'll help you-thats if she has her head on straight when it comes to this kind of thing. Don't take any of his calls, and if you have children together no conversing that doesn't pertain to them. I'm not saying for you to be mean at all-just firm, and please stop pouring out your heart and soul, it doesn't matter to him; at least not right now anyway. He can't see past himself if he's able to do things like this to you. He's well aware of the chances of him getting caught but he's all about feeding his ego. The saddest part of all of this is he knows he has a pretty good chance of getting away with it. If he's been able to string you along without a commitment for a long period of time and he's recieving all the benefits of marriage or of a committed realtionship, basically he's out of control! You've got a long road ahead of you if you're willing to put in the work. Somebody told me that the one who cares least about the relationship controls it and I agree. The person who cares least can take it or leave it, they're quick to call it quits when they don't get their way, and don't think they're bluffing. Then there's the other person who cares the most, they're all in, wiling to do whatever it takes to stay together because it really matters to them. If you're in a relationship and it's you who cares the most let me share something else that I heard, never make anyone a priority in your life if you're only an option in theirs.

Best of luck to you,
Selah

Do You Support Your Man or DO YOU SUPPORT YOUR MAN?

I know that this is a controversial topic, let me start by saying this blog is in no way meant to attack anyone in fact it's only purpose is to give you somethings to think about ladies. I'm sincere about my quest to help women become fully aware of our value, It's very important for us all to know just how much we're worth. It doesn't matter who we are in this season of our lives or what temporary state we may find ourselves in; we can always push RESTART! Will it always be easy-NO, but will it always be worth it YES!

This blog is dedicated to my sisters who've moved men into their homes and are not receiving any financial help,(remember this is coming from a heart of love not judgment.)Even if you are able to handle your finances on your own, ask yourself...why is he here? What's causing me to put up with this? What can I do about this? More than likely one of your answers-the #1 answer would be because you don't want to be alone, and that's understandable but not acceptable. When we're in this kind of predicament little do we know we're already alone! AS women we need a dinner date that we don't always have to pay for ourselves, or a just because trinket here and there that hasn't been charged to our account. If you're with a man that's comfortable with this set up he's not considered to be a REAL MAN. A real man by nature wants to protect and provide for his family, there's no valid excuse for us to be in a relationship with a grown man who does not want to support himself. Is this really what you want? Is this what you deserve? Of course not! I don't care what you look like or what you may think you look like(by the way we're our worse critics)there's a man somewhere out there just for you willing to treat you like he wants you and loves you for you are not what you can do for him! But if you don't believe this you will never meet him. The longer you have this replica of a man taking up valuable space and time you're not able to get the real thing. I understand that his presence helps you to not feel so alone, you have SOME BODY to come home to even if he's not what you truly desire but is that fair to you? Why settle for this? You know deep in your heart that you're the one who provides food and shelter for him and that's basically why he's with you.(If this isn't the case for you than it shouldn't bother you.) He's even said this to you during a heated argument but you've talked yourself out of believing it. How much longer will you allow yourself to be in this situation, notice I said "will you allow" because you're the only one who can do something to change it. I know the fear of dealing with this once and for all can overwhelm you but we've got to at least attempt to confront the situation. Ask yourself, what's the worse thing that can happen if you did were to end things with him? If you're paying all the bills anyway, really-what's the worse thing that can happen? Okay here they come...all the lies we listen to-who else will accept my weight, my kids, my this my that? You know all the the thoughts that flood our minds when we're trying to make a positive change, they're there just to keep us where we don't belong. If we would be just honest with ourselves it would make a world of difference. I hear people say women must not love themselves when they're in these type of relationships but I beg to differ; I know that they love themselves to some degree there's just some kind of malfunction somewhere. Let me suggest that you get out of the relationship mentally first, start imagining how it could be if he wasn't living with you and you had the opportunity to meet someone who was willing to pay all the bills or even half. Didn't that make you feel better just thinking about it? Even if you are able to provide for yourself financially, you should not want this type of man that I've been speaking of, men like this will never be men if women like this keeps enabling them. DNA is a powerful thing and these type of men are reproducing their kind everyday, we need to save them from themselves! Look around-I'm not saying all, but the men who are like this who have grown sons do you see a pattern? Sometimes the apple really doesn't fall far from the tree. Would you want your son growing up and becoming one of these so called men? Well that's exactly what could happen, how are our sons supposed to know how to treat a woman if this is the example that they're getting? There's all kinds help available, and when we want it bad enough we will find it, the choice is ours.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Who Says?

Who says you have to work some place you don't want to? Who says you have to drive a car you don't want to drive or live somewhere you don't want to live? Who says you have to smile when you don't feel like it? Who says you have to be married by__or have kids by__? Who says you should have a degree by__? Who says you shouldn't speak your mind? Who says your too old/young? Who says you shouldn't take your ex back? Who says it's too hard/late? Who's saying these things? These are some of the questions that will cause us to miss out on living to our fullest potential and enjoying our lives. Personally I believe our lives were already planned long ago(Ecclesiastes 6:10 and Psalms 139:16). Some of us spend so much of our lives trying to meet other peoples expectations that we lose track of what it is that truly matters most to us. Just because so and so did it this particular way certainly doesn't mean everyone who comes behind him/her has to do the same. You know the old saying;"different strokes for different folks." There you have it, God didn't use a cookie cutter when He made us, nor was He short on ideas and plans for our lives. I've decided to stop waiting around, and at least try to change the things that I'm able to and NOT WORRY about those things I have no control over. I'm definitely not going to let the nay-sayers stop me from doing what I want to do! If you notice the positive people who have stepped out and are doing what they want will encourage you and the "do nothings" will try to discourage you, talk bad about you and try to keep you from doing what they don't have the guts to do-move pass fears and the opinions of others. Who says? It doesn't matter! First pray about it, make a plan, do your research(count the cost)and get busy! Things may not always work out just as we've planned but if we refuse to give up we will succeed.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Who Says You Can't Handle It?

I'm sure we've all been tempted or have felt as though we couldn't handle a certain situation at some point in our lives. We've tried all we know, we talked to everyone we know including ourselves but this thing is still looking us in the face. Somehow we've managed to convince ourselves that either God's not listening or He's missing in action. This thing seems to be so irreparable, you can't image how things will ever be okay again. I'd like for you to think back to the last time you've felt this way and your problem was solved. See-you lived to tell about it! Sometimes-no most of the time things aren't as bad as they seem, once we take the emotion out of it we able to think more clearly. When we're all worked up everything is magnified, our perception is cloudy and our minds won't stop racing long enough to get an accurate account of what's really happening to us. We're praying but our prayers are frantic and based out of fear, not trust as they should be. Once we've reached this point we're irrational, and it's not easy to regain our footing. But thank God for His grace! It's only the power of His grace that brings us around again. I can recall feeling like this and God has showed up every time in one way or another, I think it's at these times in our lives that He's working in us most. It's when the most valuable lessons are learned. I've come to know that we're able to handle so much more than we think we can. So the next time you're facing something that overwhelms you, stop and remember the last opportunity that you got to find out that you could handle more than you thought you could.

What About ME?

With all the technology available to us today I'm amazed at how many people who are still wandering around lost. We have the men who don't know how to treat women and the women who don't know how they should be treated by men. Parent's who continue to have children but aren't really clear as to how they should raise them. There are the bosses who don't know how to treat their employees and vice versa. I can go on and on but you know exactly what I'm talking about here! We have so much dysfunction! So what can we do? What do we do? Lets start by working on ourselves, simply stop pointing the finger at others and check ourselves. I know that if we ALL would examine ourselves as thoroughly as we examine one another this world would be a much better place to be in. Now there are some things we aren't going to be able to avoid noticing, I'm not suggesting we come down with a bad case of tunnel vision but I am suggesting that we treat people with respect and keep our inability to be perfect in mind! If someone does something that doesn't sit well with you, pull them to the side the way you would want to be. Don't make a spectacle of them, it will only cause them to be defensive even if you're right-especially if you're right! We have so many double standards, do you know anyone who treats people exactly the way that they don't like to be treated? It's almost funny! I think we're all guilty of this at some time or another. You know that person who will cut in line but gets angry when somebody jumps in front of them? Or the person who asks a lot of questions but hates it when they're asked a lot of questions? The person who keeps everybody waiting but hates to be kept waiting? This is a big one, the person who's quick to criticize but gets upset when somebody makes a small suggestion to them? I'm making a conscious effort to show the same consideration for others that I want shown to me. We'll be surprised at how often we whip out our magnifying glass for everyone else and our blind fold for ourselves.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Removing The Blinders

I've recently discovered so much in regards to religion. Until recently I've been listening to people in leadership more than I've been reading the word of God. Since I've been reading the bible and seeking God for myself I'm finding that things aren't at all the way I thought they were. I accepted Jesus as my savior during the faith movement-when the sermons were about naming and claiming those things you wanted from God. I don't recall anyone preaching in depth about obstacles, delays or anything like that, it was always about believing, speaking the word to your situation or having the faith to get what you want. As a result the way that I've received this type of preaching has left me a bit out of touch the with reality. Lately I've been examining the lives of believers(people who've accepted Jesus as their savior) and unbelievers(those who haven't) and I find there's not much of a difference outwardly. Both groups go to school, work, get married, build families, they both experience sickness or other hardships and so on; however the group of believers that I know including myself tend to wait on God to do everything because we were taught to seek Him and wait in all that we do. Then I look at the unbelievers they don't think all this is necessary, they just go for it and manage to live the same if not more fulfilling lives. I find myself at a crossroad, does it take all the the believers do to get where we want to be or not? I've seen unbelievers come through storms and they didn't even consider going to church. I can't say anything as far as if they prayed or had someone pray for them or not but I can tell you they didn't going around slinging oil and rebuking devils! I'm not questioning God about what He does or doesn't do, that's not an option for me. I am questioning if it takes all that we've been taught. I'm not saying anything against preachers in fact I think they could have been sincere, that they may believed themselves what they were teaching; but to me-some thing's missing. Okay let's say you have your believer who wants to get married, then you have your unbeliever who wants to get married also, of course the believer has been taught to pray about it and wait for God to bring her a husband but the unbeliever just starts looking, when I say looking she's now (inconspicuously I hope!)going places where it's possible to meet someone. Who do you think will get married first? Or lets say you have your believer who's looking for a job, remember the believer has been taught to pray and wait on God to show you where to go. However the unbeliever just starts pounding the pavement, who do you think will get a job first? Some people take things literally, I really think more caution should be taken when in a position of great influence. If you find yourself extremely confused, ask God- not man for clarity and be sure to wait to sense His guidance, not only will he show you what to do and He'll send the right people to help you as well.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Who Is He To You?

Are you having what some would call a wilderness experience? It seems as though nothing particularly good is happening for you right now. The things that ARE happening you really could do without, but still you're hoping, praying and it's taking everything in you not to give up. You get a glimmer of hope but then that's taken away. It seems you're all alone, you're confused and it feels like you're never going to emerge from this dark, dry place. Somehow you manage to hold on to what little hope you have believing that things will get better. Family and friends try to encourage you and it helps until you absorb the next blow, that unwanted news or something else goes terribly wrong. Some may try church or some other religious settings for the first time and some will be returning to them. There are those who will go in an entirely different direction because at this point it's all about finding relief. Unfortunately some people turn to drugs, alcohol, perverted sex and things of that nature; anything that will allow an escape or help to numb the pain. Eventually we will have to find the reason for whatever this is that's causing all this discontentment and get to the root of it. How are we supposed to conquer what we don't confront? We constantly wonder what's going on? Where did we go wrong? When will this ever end? Will it ever end? Some of us ask God what does He want from us? We're perplexed because it usually comes out of nowhere or so it seems. Looking back, I find that when my life is about to shift this happens to me, when I feel like I should be doing more with my life I start going through these changes. I hold God responsible for this, because I believe it's Him stretching my faith, taking me to another level and allowing me to get to know Him better/in other ways. How will we know Him personally as our healer if we never experience sickness? How will we know him as our deliverer if we don't get stuck in those hard places and it's Him and only Him who brings us out? I don't want to know about God or know of Him I need to know Him personally, like you know your parents, a favorite relative or a best friend. When we pray to know Him in this way knowledge of who He is doesn't just drop into our hearts and minds. It's in the tough times, when He shows up and rescues us when we get to know Him as our deliverer. When we experience His peace as we come through a storm, we can call Him the Prince Of Peace. When He heals our bodies we recognize Him as our healer. When He supplies our needs we then look to Him as our provider. When he restores our finances, marriages or whatever we're unable to repossess then we look to Him as the all sufficient God. These are the times when we find out for ourselves just who He is to us, we see Him as never before. He becomes "THE GREAT I AM" to us, the only one who's able to bring us through absolutely anything!

Have You Given Up On Your Marriage?

If you are one who's thinking about giving up on your marriage my prayer is that you will think again. We took a vowel before God to take this man for better or for worse, that may not mean much to us at times but it means a lot to God.(Eph.5:22-33) I'm aware of many the challenges that marriage presents, but I ask you to weigh the good and the bad. If your good outweighs the bad I'd like to suggest that you hang in there. If you're husband is trying yet still falling short perhaps he's lost, rarely will a man admit this; so more than likely he will shut down and it appears as though he doesn't care. Let me pause for a moment- I'm not talking about marriages where the man isn't supporting his wife/family, he's is abusive or being unfaithful! I'm reaching out to the ones who are experiencing some turbulence in other areas. If people we're to be more transparent I think a lot of marriages would survive. Many of us go into our marriages painting this perfect picture of how we're expecting it to be, or we look on at other marriages who appear to have it all together; no wonder we're ready to let go when things get uncomfortable. Look at all the older couples who've been together for thirty, forty, and fifty years plus, you think they haven't wanted to end things at one time or another? I'm sure some of them certainly have given it some thought. I wish more of the couples (with healthy marriages)who've managed to stay together would reach out to the ones who are having trouble and encourage them. It's so sad how we will do anything to save face, I'm not saying just go around discussing your personal business to everybody but if your aware of a situation and you've been down the same road you see them headed for it would be nice to at least offer some advise. My husband and I have definitely had our of hurdles to overcome and I'm sure there will be more, but divorce just isn't an option. And ladies don't you dare worry about what people will say! There's always going to be someone with something to say, just how important is their opinion to you? It shouldn't be more valuable than God's. We ALL have issues in life, they all may not be the same but EVERY BODY'S has some! If you take the time to pray, allow God to speak to your heart and put in some work I believe we see things differently. When we're looking from a place of frustration and resentment it impairs our vision limiting our ability to see the entire view. When we take away the emotions we become rational then we're able to have sound judgment. There will be times in every marriage when it's great, not so great and then you may find yourself somewhere in between-we have to keep this in mind so that we won't be so quick to give up. We're only going to get out of it what we put into it and there has to be two willing participants. We shouldn't stop dating and making ourselves appealing to one another because it will get stale and boring. I said all of this to say-we must to be truly committed to our marriage, being honest with each other, willing to compromise, being supportive, and most of all forgiving each other. Without God's grace I don't think we're able to do these and all the other things that it takes to stay together.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

No Forgiveness - No Freedom

When we allow this venom to invade our souls we become imprisoned denying ourselves of the very freedom that Christ died for us to have. I don't think many of us are aware of the damage that bitterness can cause in and around us but if we take the time to look closer we will see it's affects. For years like many of you I've struggled with forgiveness, I would want to forgive but that's something that just doesn't come easy for me. I'm amazed by people who are able to easily forgive a hurt or an offense, some people don't have to work at it at all. Unfortunately I'm not one of you, truth is...I need some time! Nevertheless I'd like to share what I have learned about the process that's helped me tremendously. I've learned though prayer and reading that everyone doesn't naturally have the ability to easily forgive but with prayer and effort we are able to bury the hatchet. Unforgiveness is an extremely powerful spirit, the bible says if we don't forgive others God won't forgive us, that shows you how powerful this spirit can be. I don't think that anyone who believes in God doesn't want to be forgiven by Him. I'm so glad that He understands us and has so much mercy! To harbor bitterness means we have to have had some kind of affection or level of trust for our offenders at some point and this is where the problem lies. We don't allow others to have faults, the deeper our love and trust for someone is the worse the impact will be if they let us down. For those of you who say the person didn't mean that much to you let's be honest, how many of us are affected in this way by a stranger or an acquaintance? As I said this isn't easy for me but I'm determined to get victory in this area of my life. I must say I've come a long way, my logic was the more you forgive-the more you will have to forgive. I'm a firm believer in "nipping it in the bud!" It's in our nature to push everything and everybody to the limit, we're all guilty of this in some way or another. I figured if I just cut people off I wouldn't have to worry about it happening again, so I would write them off the first time I felt they'd crossed me. Think about it, what positive things comes out of holding a grudge? Not one! You're sin's won't be forgiven by God, holding on to the memory of the hurt only makes the wound deeper which makes it take longer to heal and when we live this way we unintentionally give our offender control over us, that's ironic because that's the main thing we're trying keep. This all stems from fear, the fear of being hurt, disappointed, betrayed, rejected, made a fool of and all the other poisonous thoughts that we entertain. We come to the conclusion that if we don't forgive that will eliminate or lessen the chances of these sort of things happening to us. Unfortunately it's impossible to escape these things, as long as we have to deal with imperfect people in an imperfect world we all will continue to offend and be offended, so how can we do the right thing even when somebody else chooses not to? Make the choice to forgive, sometimes it comes easy and other times it's a long process but as long as you choose to forgive in your heart God will work out the rest.

He Won't Marry Me!

If you've been in a relationship and you're ready to get married but he's made it very clear that he doesn't want to get married chances are very slim that you will. If you've already been living as if you're married that's makes them even slimmer. Most men thinks if it's already working while you're living together why is it necessary to get a piece of paper? The men I've talked to don't think it makes a difference. I don't mean to sound judgmental, I'm the last one to pass judgment on anyone because my husband and I were together a long time before we said "I do." However, our feelings were mutual, neither of us ever ruled out marriage we just had the "one day it will happen" mindset. At one point we'd even gotten engaged but never took it any further. Then sure enough the process began, one Sunday I went to church and the sermon was about fornication(having sex without marriage.)I still remember that sermon like it was yesterday, I was sinking lower and lower every time I heard the words; "STOP FORNICATING!" yelled from the pulpit. I felt so guilty! That message had a great impact on me, all of a sudden I was no longer satisfied with just living together anymore, I felt I needed to be married and quickly! For those of you who are wondering just where it says that in the bible read 1Corinthians's chapter 7 verses 2&3. As I was saying just living together wasn't comfortable for me anymore, on the other hand there was still another part of this equation to be considered-my fiance who hadn't had a spiritual encounter at all! That didn't bother me though because my mind was made up! I told him that I couldn't do it anymore, I told him that I wasn't going to keep living with him without being married, my conscious couldn't take it anymore. By this time we had a four year old whom we could have passed this life style onto, it was like a light came on and I could see clearly. I had already resolved in my mind that somebody was leaving if we weren't going get married so I had peace about calling it quits, and I wasn't afraid to lose him at all. I loved him very much but I didn't want to hold on to someone who didn't think enough of me to marry me. God had really awakened something in me, I remember being fearless(I sure wish I could have that attitude for every situation!) Within about a week my fiance called me from work and told me to start planning our wedding. This may not be the most romantic story, but my point is I didn't settle for just living together as boyfriend and girlfriend. I could have allowed the fears I spoke of earlier to overwhelm me but with the help of my God I found the strength I needed to speak out and stand my ground. It hasn't always been a walk in the park, we've had our ups and downs...you know all the stuff married people say! I won't say what usually comes next because there are some things I would change, but I will say that it is worth it. Yes having a strong marriage and a happy family is worth every bit of the work you have to put into it. My husband and I will be celebrating our 16Th wedding anniversary soon Praise God!

What Do I Now?

I've made some wrong turns in regards to relationships, some that I've been fortunate enough to correct and some that I can't do absolutely anything about...so what do I do now? I accept my part, forgive myself as well as others and keep moving forward learning from my past mistakes. We have to let go and stop looking back, won't be able to reach for what's ahead and hold onto things of the past at the same time, it's just not possible. When we try to do this life becomes stagnate and when we're in this position we're no good to anyone especially ourselves. When we've been in an unhappy relationship for a long time a part of us wants to believe things are going to be okay but the other part knows it's not. It can be extremely difficult getting out of it, you literally feel stuck as if you're encased in cement; you don't want to stay but you don't want to go either. There's the fear of being alone, if there are children involved, the fear of being a single parent, the fear of never finding someone else and the ultimate fear for a lot of us growing old and dying alone. Fear can be a very powerful thing when you let it. So what do I do now? We have to confront this fear! Just saying that can be frightening for some people! I believe that most of the time wondering is worse than knowing, it's funny how we try to prepare ourselves for the worse case scenario-as if that's going to change anything. We create this movie in our minds based on how we perceive things to be and by the time we're finished making this horror film we don't can't even think straight let alone make a move! We subject ourselves to all of this mental and emotional torment convinced that we're just trying to prepare ourselves for our findings; that somehow if we knew more about what's going on than we can handle things a little better...NOT! No matter how much we try to brace ourselves there's still going to be some level pain. We can't keep avoiding the inevitable if we have suspicions, at some point and time we will need to face the truth. If you're not going to do anything once you've discovered the truth than please don't even bother looking for it! Doing this only makes matters worse for you. Okay let's just put it all out there! You suspect your man is involved with someone else, you confront him but he denies it; there's nothing you can do at this point but put your suspicions in your mental file cabinet until you have proof. Later you find proof- solid proof, so you confront him again, hold it right here-Ask yourself, do I really want the truth? If you get a confession this means you're going to have to do something about this but if he denies it; oh well than this means I don't have to deal with the heart ache. Either way it's not going to be pleasant. You can choose to confront him find out the truth and leave the relationship or put the blinders on hoping that if you pretend nothings wrong then it will all go away. Subconsciously we choose the latter, we could know he's lying but we don't want to face the pain of unfaithfulness, the broken trust, all the deceit and God forbid being without a man! Ladies we've got to stop this! That's how we end up settling for crumbs and men wind up having their cake and eating it too! We must set boundaries and stick to them, a man knows when your willing to settle; he knows when he's going to keep getting over and how does he know this? He can sense the fear of losing him, we reinforce this every time we let him get away with being unfaithful, yeah we may scream, curse and cry or give the silent treat for a while but he knows eventually...she'll come around because she doesn't want to be by herself. How insulting!(but true)Is it not? So now what? I'm so glad you asked! First you have to get strength that can only come from God, contrary to what we may believe we can't do anything without His help. With His help we are able to stop seeing what we wish we had, and start seeing what we really have; we can stop making excuses and lying to ourselves. His truth opens our spiritual eyes to every other truth , I believe when we have His insight we're no longer vulnerable when it comes to wrong relationships. My prayer is that every woman is able to see herself the way that our heavenly Father sees us,(1Corinthians 6:19-20) once this happens we will no longer need to be told "Don't Settle For Crumbs."

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Why Do I...

It's amazing how we get caught up in trends, exactly who decides what's gonna be the in thing anyway? I mean who puts it out there first? I'd like to meet these charismatic individuals! Now that's what you call power! To have an impact on millions of people, to be able to get them shamelessly copy your style. There are even people out here buying merchandise that they don't like or feel comfortable in, some can't even afford it! I have witnessed this madness I was shopping with a friend and she picked up this funny looking shirt commenting on how cute it was, I asked if she was serious and she replied "But it's a Donna Karan!" So is that what made it cute? I know that everyone has there own taste, I'm fine with that but I have a problem with someone only buying an expensive item just because it's expensive! I've experienced the same thing with cars, somebody loves a car until they discover it doesn't have the "right" emblem. Come on now! You loved the car prior to seeing it's emblem, nothing has changed except the emblem - so why the sudden change of heart? That's so sad, It really is because what's it says to the world is that this person does not know who they are. By the way...do you know who you are? Do you need other people's approval before you decide if you like or are okay with something?(Please be honest with yourself...if no one else.)If this is the case for you may I suggest you read Approval Addition by Joyce Meyer? I'll admit I've had my moments with the designer phase and fallen into that place of needing to be validated by my social standing at times and I'm very happy to say that I've gotten up! It didn't last long, thanks to my ability to be brutally honest with myself. The money just wasn't matching the merchandise! What since does it make to go into debt buying what you can not afford to fatten the pockets of someone who's already financially set? It means more to me for my family to have financial security than to be able impress other people. The designers or the society we so desperately want to be validated by couldn't care less, once you're out of sight you're out of mind. We must know who we are, that's why I love the Obamas! They know who they are, which allows them to be comfortable in their skin. This is a good place to be whether you're wealthy or not, the world is so different when you know who you are because you no longer feel the need to be who you think others want you to be. I'm trying to keep my children from having this mindset, I show them that we are not... what we live in or what we drive, or what we wear that's not what makes us who we are! I try to help them realize that it's what on the inside that matters most because if we were to be stripped of all the material things we will still be who we truly are. So my number one priority is to encourage my family, friends and anyone else that I blessed to be able to come in contact with to work on the inner first. When you're healthy on the inside (mind body and spirit) it will radiate, people will take notice and this my friend is the type of attention that money can not buy.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Wha'ts It Gonna Be?

Loneliness means to be alone, isolated or looking for company. Feeling this way could cause one to make a whole lot of bad choices! When feeling extremely lonely we could very easily find ourselves dating someone we wouldn't have usually given a second glance. Our list of physical requirements that we've created for the ideal man gets shorter and shorter and the bar that we've set according to our idea of a successful man gradually gets lower and lower. We even start hanging out with platonic friends we wouldn't have chosen prior to experiencing loneliness. In some cases the one that we want to be with isn't ready for a serious relationship but doesn't have the decency to tell us, so he tries to have his cake and eat it too. However we're so caught up in him we don't even realize it, which only makes matters worse! Now we have that physical someone set in our sights, we're imagining what it would be like to live with him, and if we were to be really honest... subconsciously we're planning to spend the rest of our lives together. Why do we do this to ourselves ladies? We allow ourselves to go too far within the confines of our minds let alone reality! When we began to all these emotions we need to STOP!!! Ask yourself first - not him, how does he feel about me? Do we share in these sentiments? Is he someplace imagining what life would be like with me? Ladies it's crucial that we are 100% honest with ourselves. We must be willing step back, examine and confront the truth...as painful as it may be. Ask yourself...am I doing all or most of the calling/communicating? Is he always the one getting off the phone first? Am I the one who's always initiating our spending time together? Try waiting for him to ask you to go out sometimes, and please don't buy the I don't know what you want me to do line. Men know what to do when they want to do it! If they're interested in someone they will call, they will come and they will do! We have to stop accepting any and everything they tell us. Bottom line you can't be afraid to lose someone, when you are, you're at their mercy. I heard someone say the person who cares the least controls the relationship, this makes sense to me because if you're dealing with someone who could take or leave you they will do just that,"TAKE OR LEAVE YOU!" Because it really doesn't matter to him, I'm sorry to say but if this is the case for you acknowledge it, pull the blinders off and SEE WHAT IS THERE and not WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE. You have to be okay with being single for a while, we can no longer put our lives on hold while waiting for anything! Tomorrow is not promised, we have to keep living and make it a priority to enjoy ourselves as often as we can. I always hear women say they met their mate when they wasn't even thinking about a relationship. The women I talked to said they just stopped worrying about having somebody and started enjoying their lives. You will not be able to do this on your own, you will need God to give you wisdom, discernment, to strengthen you. It would help to have some supportive non-judgmental friends in your corner. Once you take this step you're well on your way to getting who and what it is that you truly desire.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

I would like for you to join me in this little exercise I'm doing, every time you're tempted to be negative switch gears. If you're about to have a negative thought think of something positive - if you want to complain give thanks - if you're tempted to say something bad say something nice and if you find yourself frowning start smiling. I don't think we're aware of just how negative we can be. I'm going to do this for twenty four hours, I'm hoping you will join me and even share it with others. Before we start let's take a few minutes to release.
DON'T YOU HATE IT WHEN...
you're trying to get off the phone and the other party keeps talking?( they don't even pause so that you can tell them you have to go.)
some one's lying but you can't say anything because you will reveal your source?
you've been thinking about eating something all day, but someone got to it before you could?
you're in a hurry driving behind somebody who's going real slow and looking around?
people talk to close to your face, they spit while they're talking or has bad breath?
someone tells the same story and keeps going after you've reminded them that they've told you already?
people sneeze, burp, cough or pass gas and there's no place for you to get away?(this usually happens on the plane-I hate it!)
your friend buys everything you buy?
people agree just keep everyone happy?
people don't speak up for themselves but want you to speak up for them?
somebody can see what's wrong with every one except them?
some body's watching you and you don't know it?( like when you're yawning or eating fast)
somebody keeps slapping you five?
ugly people call other people ugly?
people talk about spending their income tax check a hundred different ways?
people make sure you know what they paid for something?
people ask you for a bite? what's a bite gonna do for them?
some one's in charge and they need for everybody to know it?
people take credit for something they didn't do?
people say"I don't care but you know they do?
people brag about what other people have?(still can't figure that out!)
people give you wrong directions?
you go out and your friends are ready to go home but your not?
you take orders before going to the store and the people who didn't get anything ask for some of your food?

Okay-okay the list is never ending! For twenty four hours we are not to respond to these or any other types of anger provoking situations in a negative way.

what Do You See When You Look In The Mirror?

When we look in the mirror the initial perception of the reflection is what we actually see, but the longer we look we began to see what we want and what we wished that everyone else could see. Actually it's quite easy to confuse the two...I'm sure you've seen the double sided mirrors, there's the side with the normal reflection of you then there's the other side with the magnified reflection. Now that could really bring a girl down on one of those "I'm not feeling so cute days!" You see all kinds of stuff that you didn't even know was there. However I think that side is the best side because I want to be aware of my imperfections, a girl can only apply but so much make up and lashes before having to face the truth. At some point we must take off the mask and confront the barefaced truth(no pun intended.)I'm gonna to let you in on a little secret, some people see the stuff we try to hide anyway. Ironically all that covering up draws more attention to what we're trying to hide in the first place! I mean a longer shirt-especially if it's not loose doesn't hide the pot belly and big booty. Perfume will not mask funk it makes it worse! I'm not being mean...I remember when my teeth were crooked I would cover my mouth every time I laughed but it only brought more attention to my teeth, the very thing I was trying to hide. I said all this to say see the real you and began to love and accept everything about her even the things you don't like. It's no use going around feeling sad or otherwise about things you can't change and if it's it's something you are able to change than thank God and get to working on it! Have you noticed most people treat you like you treat yourself? We live in a very superficial society, seems to me most people don't take the time to get to know someone before they decide how they will or will not interact with them based on their appearance. Now that's not right! But it's the way it is, don't get me wrong! If you're okay with who, how and what you are keep it moving, but if not learn to embrace every part of you. Maximize your strengths and build on your weaknesses, remember most people will treat you like you treat you.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Holding on....

When you are holding on to Jesus you are never to let go! Now I'll be the first one to tell someone not to chase someone or to let go if things aren't working, but when it comes to King Jesus we are to hold on until we take our last breath! First of all out of everyone we can trust we can trust Jesus, He wants what's best for us. When God does allow us to be uncomfortable and we experience pain of some sort, physical or otherwise there's a purpose for it. When we hold on and don't walk away prematurely we learn, again ( that's the purpose of pain it is to teach us. If we we're as obedient as we should be in the first place it wouldn't take all that it does to make us stop and give God our undivided attention (which He knows how to get when He's ready!). Unfortunately human nature is not always so cooperative, therefore we have to have circumstances that stops us dead in our tracks (illness, lack, break ups etc.) come upon us so that we can slow down and reevaluate our priorities. God doesn't want us to settle for crumbs! He wants us to have abundant life but he knows just how much to give us and how soon we should have it. So if you're in a place of wanting to let go you must remember that your heavenly Father knows what we need, He knows our limits, He knows all things. For those who've already thrown in the towel pick it up again! Don't be so concerned with what you did wrong (He already knew what you would do anyway) God unlike people, looks on our hearts and He judges us by our intentions not only our actions. Apologize to those whom you've hurt/offended/disappointed and forgive if you were on the receiving end. Whatever the case maybe there's nothing too hard for God! I love that God knows us through and through, even better than we know know ourselves! He understands our propensity to simply put -MESS UP. The best part about it is He is able
to fix anything...when we let Him. So please don't let go, even when we're feeling our worst we must hang on and He will bring us through. He's faithful that way.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Friendship

Every one's definition of friendship is different, some view friendship as a relationship with a person who likes you, and you like them as well. They're somebody fun to hang out with and that someone you can always call on when you need hand. Others think of friendship as someone I've known along while but really don't spend a great deal of time together we hang out, have a blast and we can always pick up where we left off. Then there are others like myself, the deep folk! To me friendship is a bond that people share that's never broken. It's allowing room for one an other's faults, it's being honest no matter what-being comfortable enough with each other to say things that no one else cares enough to say or just don't have the guts to tell you. It's having the freedom to tell each other when we're hurt or offended by something that may or may not have been said or done. It's not being afraid that if we speak our minds we're gonna get the boot. To me...friendship being truthful, loyal, willing to sacrifice, to compromise, to forgive and love unconditionally. I remember hearing the "old folks" say, "You're lucky if your able to find one friend in your lifetime." I agree and I thank God for those He has blessed me with. The ones that I can call FRIEND.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Be True To Yourself

I've been talking to friends who've had their hearts broken over the years but recently I've been getting a little frustrated because the women I'm talking to have been down this road before. I don't mean to be harsh but I think women love too hard too soon. Now I don't want to come off like I'm exempt from having my heart broken because I have. My point is once you've experienced this kind of pain it seems like you wouldn't be so quick to put yourself in the position where it could happen again. Yes there is a way to avoid getting a broken heart...you have to think like a man! Men get there hearts broken as well ,but not nearly as much as women do. I believe men set boundaries, whether they say it or not and they hold to them. I think as soon as they decide to get serious they have already trained the women to not overstep these boundaries. Think about it...it seems to me that women always turn the relationship over to the men. You could ask a woman how serious their relationship is and she'll respond "I don't know-he hasn't said anything." Why does he have to be the first decide the direction in which the relationship is going? Especially if you're wanting to go to the next level anyway. Women have got to be more aggressive as far as letting men know what we want, I know that men sense the fear when we want to talk about commitment but are too afraid that he'll back off. I remember having this conversation with my husband , we were together a long time before we married and I was okay with it. However when I was ready to get married, I was willing to leave if he didn't marry me. This is where I think the problem lies, if you're not prepared to walk away then don't even bring up marriage to him, especially if you already know he's not crazy about the idea. Again they will sense your fear, which means they are in control and when they're in control things are going to be however they want them to be. So we're trying to avoid the huge pain of a break up that comes all at once and instead we take the long drawn out route, hoping one day he'll change his mind. Remember this.... anything you chase will run.

Monday, July 13, 2009

People can only do to you that which you allow them to do-so next time someone does something to you that you don't like ask yourself ....why am I allowing this? Than quickly speak out !
To all the fortunate women who do have a "Good Man"...........don't be no fool! You better treat him right girl or someone else will. Let him know he's appreciated, they need to be praised for all they do. The more you praise him the better he will be, so don't sweat the small stuff! Cut him some slack when he's lacking in some areas, if the good out weighs the bad- hold on to your love lol!