In the Meantime, Go on Living…

Have you ever wanted something so bad that it constantly dominated your thoughts and almost stopped you in your tracks? Like it just put your life on hold and you refused to move on until you got it because if you move from this place, you might miss it when it comes?  I know I have and this morning as those thoughts plagued my mind, another thought super ceded and said, “in the meantime, go on living.”  I have my thoughts of how the course of my life should flow from jobs to promotions to friendships, but then the job changes and the friendship grows cold.  Hhmmmm – that wasn’t exactly how I planned it all out.  Then I was reminded that I’ve never really been in control and His word spoke to me:

Jeremiah 29:11-14(MSG)

This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” God’s Decree.

Matthew 6:30-33(MSG)

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

When you and I recall to mind that our primary objective is to serve God; to seek first His kingdom and to spread His gospel, then the others will fall in line.  I don’t have to put life on hold while I wait for that “thing” to come.  In the meantime, go on living.  Go on living in the things of God.  Stop fretting over what was, what is or what is to come.  Enjoy the days that the good Lord has allowed us all to witness.  

In the meantime, go on living…

The Art of Gratefulness...

I believe that when the same topic of conversation surfaces more than once on the same day that I need to stop and pay strict attention.  As I drove to and from work today, I was engaged in conversations that made me feel the need to repent for being ungrateful.  It would seem that the more we have, the more ungrateful we are.  

A close friend traveled to a place where there lived some very impoverished people and it made me reflect on how much stuff we collect: bigger houses, more expensive cars, good jobs and surrounded by people who love us, but yet we still are not happy!  To top things off, I had a conversation with a co-worker who was in tears because she was allowing stress and unhappiness to cause physical illnesses to manifest in her body.  Instead of being grateful for the life that she has now been afforded, she continues to reflect and dwell on the the prior sad situations of her life.  I told her that someone else was depending on her to get over those situations, so that she could help them get through and to be grateful for where she is now.   The situation was bad, but it didn't take her out and that's enough to thank God for.  

I had to just stop and proclaim to myself how good God truly is.  Based on how I grew up, I never would have imagined that I would have accomplished what I have today nor have the luxury to live as I do.  Yet, God is good and I can stand as a testimony of God's grace.  Today I choose gratefulness!  There is something every single day to be grateful for - if you so choose!

My friends, let us not become distracted by what is going on around us and drawn into the nonsense of this life. Let us remain focused on what is truly important and love the lives we've been afforded to live.  

"Do everything without complaining..."(‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ NLT)

"You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred." 

(‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭1-2‬ NLT)

REMEMBER - Someone else is happy with far less than what you have.

- Unknown

Talk about your blessings more than you talk about your problems.

Is It Me?

"Everywhere I go, there I am..."
- Unknown

I heard this saying once from a co-worker and within the past few weeks, it has been ringing in my ears.   I am pretty sure that I have written on this before, but feel the need to circle back.  I've encountered many people on my life's journey due to the professional position that I hold and I've made many observations.  One of which is that people do exactly what they want to do.  It is as simple as that.  We all have the right to make choices in life and one of those choices is our demeanor; our attitude; our behavior. And in having an intimate relationship with Christ, we as believers are held to a higher standard when it comes to the choices we make.  

As a result of this intimate relationship with Christ, I have an advantage over many others who have no hope.  For I know that I have a Savior who can and will deliver me from anything negative that I might encounter, but it is my choice to accept that deliverance and go happily on my way.  Or I can choose to remain in a state of discontentment as if I have no hope.  

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again— my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you— even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar. I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. But each day the LORD pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭42:5-8‬ ‭NLT

“I think myself happy....”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered...”

‭‭Joel‬ ‭2:32 ‭KJV‬‬

As indicated in the scriptures, I have a choice in my demeanor; I have to take action and that action is to call upon the name of the Lord, to meditate on His word and His goodness and He will avail Himself to me.  As a result, I do not have to stay the same.  

Everywhere I go, there I am... Change starts with you!  It starts with you wanting to be different, to think differently, to act differently.  You have all the help you need and that help is in Christ Jesus.  So stop dwelling on the past misfortunes of life and willingly receive God's deliverance for your life, because you just might be the only thing holding you hostage.  Therefore, since we know that people do what they want to do - change will come when you change.    

Modern Day Idolatry

Writing about this topic has been on my mind for a few weeks now and I thought it important enough to share.  When we think of the word idolatry, oftentimes our minds go back to the Bible days when the people built altars and made images of precious metals to worship in lieu of God.  

Idolatry - extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone; worship of idols

Exodus 20:3 - Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.

However, idolatry is anything that we place before God in worship or extreme reverence.  Therefore, take a moment and think about your own life and what you are making more valuable than God.  Is it work, is it making money, is it material things or a relationship?  There should be nothing that means more to you than a life devoted to worshipping the Lord our Savior.  I’ve had to take inventory of my own life to ensure that I reprioritize things.  Yes, I need a job so that I can make money to support my family, but the time I devote to working or pursuing my own interests should not consume so much of my time that I’m too tired to give to God first.

Exodus 34:14 - For thou shalt worship no other god; for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

If we put things in life in the proper perspective, we can have what we desire, because God will give it to us.  Society does not dictate what a priority in our lives is, so we need to go back to what truly matters and that’s seeking the Lord and allowing Him to direct our paths so that we don’t become attached to the things of this world.

Luke 12:31 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Thought For The Day,,,

"I do not have to accept everything that comes my way.  I have the right to refuse your foolishness!"

-SoSerene

Know Who You Are...

"Don't let someone determine your value and worth, when they didn't create you!"

- SoSerene

Psalms 139:14...

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

Jeremiah 1:5...

“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.  Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”

To my sisters struggling with their esteem and self worth - you were not a mistake and your life matters! God has a specific purpose for your life.  Know who you are and who made you! Don't allow the opinions of others about you, ring louder in your ears than the truth of the God who created you.  

Unleash Your Potential...

This past weekend we concluded our women's bible study on the Kingdom Woman by Chrystal Evans Hurst.  The last section was about the Potential of the Kingdom Woman.  As I prepared to review this lesson with my study group, many thoughts came to mind.  If I may start backwards, I left my group with a question to ponder and to pray about and that was, "what area of our lives have we not allowed God full control;  where are we still displaying a lack of faith?"

When I think of our potential in God, I don't believe that you have to be on a platform in front of hundreds of people to make an impact.  There are people in your home, in your community, on your job, etc that are in need of encouragement.  Think of it this way, it's like paying it forward.  Think of the people who have spoken words of faith and encouragement to you and think about the impact that had on you.  Now - someone is waiting on you to do the same for them.  We cannot always be on the receiving end of a word!

Roman 2:11... For there is no respect of persons with God.

Hebrews 13:8... Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.  

When you reflect on these two passages of scripture, we see that God can use us, just like he can use anyone else.   Don't exclude yourself from being an active witness for Christ.  

"No matter where you are, don't despise what you can do right now.   A kingdom woman is not a perfect woman. She's willing to say yes."

- Chrystal Evans Hurst

Finally, surround yourself with people who will help support the work of God in your life.  Not people who are comfortable seeing you settle for less.  Remember how Elisabeth confirmed what the angel of the Lord spoke to Mary.  We all need to be reminded from time to time that what God has done for one, He will do for another.  We must stop making excuses and stop feeling sorry for ourselves and get up and be about our Father's business. 

Unleash your God-Given potential!

Thought For The Day...

"You will never fully trust God when someone else is your back up plan."

-SoSerene

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5-6‬ NLT)

Thought For The Day...

"Don't get mad and blame God when you begin to face the consequences of your actions."

-SoSerene

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…

Today I learned of a family that I’ve known for the past 7 years, who have lost two loved ones in the span of about 6 months.  My heart aches for them because I understand all too well that form of pain.  The thought came to my mind is that we must learn to not sweat the small stuff.  I think that too many times we get weighted down with situations and circumstances of little merit.  Yes – we have our respective struggles and strains, but sometimes it helps to put things into perspective.

Matthew 6:34 (NLT)… So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Proverbs 27:1 (NLT)… Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.

James 4:14 (NLT)… How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.

We must learn to be grateful for the day at hand and for the time that God has given to each of us.  We may not have all the things that we desire, but we have LIFE! 

Psalms 118:24 (NLT)… This is the day the Lord  has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Your Decision to Make...

"Be comfortable with the decisions you make when they come from a good place."
- SoSerene


Let's just face the facts - everyone will not always agree with every decision you make - that's just life. You will eventually have to come to grips with it and  be comfortable with not sacrificing your happiness for others. Yes, there are times when we put ourselves on the back burner for others, but at what point do you stop and say, "I matter."  We all have an assignment and purpose in this life and in order to accomplish it successfully, some people may not be able to take the journey with you.  As hurtful as that may be, it's the truth. 

Join Me...

“You are by far the most positive and happy person I have ever met!!” This was from an e-mail that I received the other day at work and I replied, “That is the best compliment that I’ve received all day.”

I’m in a new environment in my workplace and more often than not, I hear people telling me how positive I am.  I’ve stressed over and over and over again that Happiness is a Choice!  It’s not something that is forced upon us.  

I have the same feelings that everyone else feels, I have some of the same thoughts that others have; I have my good and bad days, ups and downs.  However, I choose not to stay there.  I force myself to THINK UP; I force myself to FEEL UP; I force myself to CHEER UP! 

You and I may not be able to control the thoughts that come to our minds, but we can CHOOSE whether we dwell on them.  I don’t like how it feels when I’m sad; I don’t like how I feel when I’m mad; I don’t like how I feel when I’m depressed and distraught, so I don’t allow myself to remain in that state. 

Participate!  Join me in this awesome feeling.  The choice is really yours!  When I find myself getting down, I take a walk and pray or meditate on a scripture.  Look for the good in every situation.  Assume the best until proven otherwise. I refuse to be a person walking around expecting the worst in the situation. 

I thank God for giving me the ability to choose between death and life. I choose life by choosing to be happy because I’m letting go of the stress, strain and anxiety which can lead to an early death, brought on by sickness and disease.  Happiness is a choice and I invite you to join me!

“The demands of everyday life can be wearing for a person. We need a shot in the arm--an injection of JOY! Joy that refuses to stay quarantined. Joy that runs rampant through the daily-ness of existence. Like engaging smiles and hearty laughter, joy is contagious. We catch it from one another.”

-Unknown

Any Excuse...

Any excuse is a good excuse when you don’t want to do better.

I don’t have enough money; I don’t have enough education; I don’t have enough time; I’m too fat; I’m too skinny; I’m too dark; I’m too light; I’m not gifted, etc.  The list goes on and on and I’m sure you can add more reasons to the list that you’ve heard.  I read a quote by Anno Sensei that said, “Everyone on this planet is given the same 24 hours in the day. The question is: what do you choose to do with yours?”

We all can make excuses for why we aren’t taking action, but no one wants to hear them.  The thing is this, sometimes you’ve got to look beyond the now to see the future and make the necessary steps to get there.   That might mean making sacrifices, it could mean working a job that you are too fond of until the one you want comes open.  That can be argued many ways…  Yes, the Lord will give you the desires of your heart, but the Bible also says that faith without works is dead and that a man who doesn’t work, doesn’t eat.  Enough with the excuses – get up and take control of your situation.  I honestly believe that if you get busy and show God that you mean business, that He will open the right doors.  Crying, whining and complaining about the situation does not make God move any faster.

Now please exercise wisdom when it comes to this.  Rick Warren said, “You don’t have time for everything. No one does. You have to make time for what really counts. It’s not a matter of time; it’s a matter of priorities and values.”  My husband and I went into a business the other day and everyone that worked there were of the same culture and nationality.  This spurred conversation as to how there are some ethnic groups that have no problems coming together to achieve success and to help each other make it in life.  These ethnic groups have been oppressed, criticized and rejected like many others; however, they understand the power or togetherness and not making excuses.

The next time you open your mouth to make an excuse for why something is the way it is, challenge yourself to not say it and force yourself to say something positive instead.  Change your perspective of the situation and instead of playing the victim, be the victor!  Stop looking at your life through the same lenses and put on some new shades.  Stop making life harder than it has to be.

No excuses – just results!

Fulfillment or Resentment ...

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and I could say, "I used everything that you gave me."

- Erma Bombeck

Are you living a life full of fulfillment or a life full of resentment?  Before you answer that question, STOP and really think about it.

Life isn't perfect and we all have growing pains, but through all of that, you can still live a life of fulfillment.  Life alone brings many challenges without us willingly adding drama and frustration to it. Whether those impositions be internal or external is for you to decide, but please deal with them before you end up with a life full of resentment.

I asked once before why we find it so convenient to allow others to make us uncomfortable. What in us says, "don't confront it - just accept it?"  The other day as I drove to work, I turned on the radio to find a Pastor saying that many times in the church we hide behind sanctification and holiness, versus confronting issues and finding effective methods of dealing with them.

Every time we sweep an issue under the rug, resentment is growing.  On the other hand when we refuse to accept anything other than the life God intended for us to have, we find a life full of fulfillment.  "God I want to use everything that you gave me!!!"  Don't you too?  Don't you wanna have more days when you find yourself smiling for no particular reason than you do frowning because the sky is falling?

Don't become stagnant, don't ever stop learning and growing.  Be that free spirit that refuses to live with false limitations. Get off the fence, make some decisions that are your own and commit to them. If you fall down, well then get up and try it again.  

"Don't change who you are because someone else doesn't know who they are..."

- SoSerene

Don't So Readily Accept Defeat....

Defeat -  to win a victory over (someone or something) in a war, contest, game, etc.; to cause (someone or something) to fail; to frustrate

Readily -  quickly and easily; in a way that shows you are willing to do something; without hesitation or complaint

Deborah was a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth. She was judge over Israel at that time. She held court under Deborah’s Palm between Ramah and Bethel in the hills of Ephraim. The People of Israel went to her in matters of justice.
She sent for Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “It has become clear that GOD, the God of Israel, commands you: Go to Mount Tabor and prepare for battle. Take ten companies of soldiers from Naphtali and Zebulun. I’ll take care of getting Sisera, the leader of Jabin’s army, to the Kishon River with all his chariots and troops. And I’ll make sure you win the battle.”
Barak said, “If you go with me, I’ll go. But if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” She said, “Of course I’ll go with you. But understand that with an attitude like that, there’ll be no glory in it for you. GOD will use a woman’s hand to take care of Sisera.” Deborah got ready and went with Barak to Kedesh. Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali together at Kedesh. Ten companies of men followed him. And Deborah was with him. Deborah said to Barak, “Charge! This very day GOD has given you victory over Sisera. Isn’t GOD marching before you?”  (‭Judges‬ ‭4‬:‭4-10, 14‬ MSG)

From this snippet, you see that Deborah didn't back down, when given the opportunity.  Sometimes achieving victory in your life will come when you refuse to readily accept defeat.  Stand firm in the power of our risen Savior and "Charge!"  In this story, you see that Barak didn't have much confidence that he could go at it alone; he showed reluctance, and there will be many times in life where it's just you and Jesus.  You won't have anyone there to lay hands on you or to speak a word over you or like Deborah did for Barak - to inspire you - it'll be just you and your faith.  Will you take charge and forge on?!

Don't so readily accept frustrations in life.  Combat these things with the word and the power of prayer. Take action in your situation. Take on the attitude that if God be for me, then who can be against me!  Like Deborah said to Barak, "isn't GOD marching before you?"  

Ladies, have we forgotten who we serve?  Stop taking a backseat and accepting whatever life throws your way.  

Deborah was known as being wise and courageous.  She didn't get that reputation from giving in and giving up.  God has not given us a Spirit of fear.  Sometimes we don't take action out of fear, but do you believe God would lead you wrong?

There's Been A Delay...

If you're anything like me, you've sat back quite often and wondered why so many things have taken so long to manifest.  Then today as I took my time to get a few things done around the house a song came on called "I'm Gonna Be Ready" by Yolanda Adams.   I've listened to this song many times over, but today it struck a different chord in me.  

One verse says: 

Sight beyond what I see you know what's best for me
Prepare my mind,  prepare my heart 
For whatever comes, I'm gonna be ready
Strength to pass any test, I feel like I'm so blessed 
With you in control, I can't go wrong 
Cause I know I'm gonna be ready

Therefore, could the delay be due to me not being ready?!  

Personally, I'm sure there have been many delays in my life and I've flat out missed some things that were to come my way because I was not ready.  I was not in place.  I was doing it on my own because God was taking too long.  I was too busy crying about my situation.  I didn't know how to silence all the noise around me, so I didn't hear His voice; it just blended in.  

Accountability!!!  

Be ready so that there are no more delays and so that you can get ALL that God has in store for you.  

Fresh Eyes....

Start today going forward by looking at your life with fresh eyes. I recently took on a new position at work, which came with a new team and new operations.   Being that I wasn't familiar with it, I was able to see many things that could potentially be performed differently - because I was coming in with fresh eyes.   I recognized some staff members who may possibly be underutilized, while others held positions that they may not be well suited for.  A part of my responsibility is to analyze the flow; to identity waste and implement process improvements. 

It got me to thinking about how we live life, day in and day out with the same viewpoint.  However, today look at your life with fresh eyes.  Where is there waste?  Where is there the potential to do some things differently?  How might you gain efficiencies and have a better outcome if you just tweaked a few things?

I've been through process improvements before in the workplace in order to gain efficiencies, and they are not always fun.  They challenge you; they stretch you; they force you outside of your comfort zone; they expose you; they put other eyes on you; they can make you down right uncomfortable. BUT - they made us better!!!  I've had to adjust a few processes in my personal life AND it has made me better!!!

Today, look at your life through fresh eyes.  Is it time for some process improvements?

"Even if it's not broken, it can still be improved!!!"

Thought For The Day...

"You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change." 

- Unknown 

You're Too Heavy...

"Give yourself permission to serve God with joy and with gladness. You're getting too heavy. Sometimes we obsess over everything, we gripe and complain about everything.  Everything is a problem; everything is a crisis.  Just chill! We let the devil put any foot in the door to rob us of what God has for us."

- Pastor Jonathan Miller

I think sometimes we create issues for ourselves by not knowing when to drop people, situations and things that weigh us down.  The other night when I heard this statement, it resounded with me.  We are a key factor in our own enjoyment in life!  Why do we find it too easy to inconvenience ourselves for others who don't necessarily have our best interest at heart? Why is it so hard for us to move on?  Why do we insist on turning a mole hill into a mountain?  Why do we look for things to go wrong?  As stated above, this is a ploy of the enemy and many times we fall right into his trap.

Lighten up and experience the fullness of God's joy.  Be yourself and do you as long as you remain in God's will.  

Hey 2015!!!

2015 is all about NO EXCUSES, JUST RESULTS!!!!

PUT GOD FIRST IN EVERYTHING!

The choice is yours - make decisions, no matter how hard, for the betterment of your life!

Whine & complain less - PRAISE  more!

Resist the urge to be negative!

When you find the tone of your conversations turning negative and non-productive ....change the topic!

Make sure your circle of friends are those who want a deeper relationship with God, who are pushing themselves to the next level and who are willing to invest time into meaningful relationships!

Talk less and listen more!

Be a person with Integrity!

Be kind; everyone deserves respect!

“But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18-19‬ NLT)