Day Three

Day One: It was Christmas Eve and I woke up out of my sleep in a cold sweat. I was startled awake because of a nightmare. I won't bore you with the details, but it was the worst kind. You know, the realistic kind that you could actually picture happening and thanks to my personal inner night theater, I saw it too. My youngest heard me scream as I awakened.

She yelled, "Are you alright?"

I responded, "Fine! Yes, nothing!" I was coming back into reality as I yelled, "Nothing's wrong! I just had a nightmare!"

"On Christmas Eve? Who does that?" She questioned.

I have to admit I found it strange too. I had been feeling nothing, but overjoyed and simply wonderful.

Day Two: It was Christmas day. I shuttered and yelled as I left this nightmare. This time my youngest didn't check on me. I guess she was over it, but I was still terrified. It was virtually the same dream, except the people were different. And yes, it was the worst kind again. This time it also left me with a sinking feeling in my stomach. It seemed so real. I thought what's going on? Where's my Bible?


Night Two: It was Christmas Night. I was preparing for bed and I placed my Bible under my pillow. I wanted it as close as possible.

Day Three: It was the day after Christmas. I woke up feeling light and peaceful. There was a lovely song playing in my head and I sprung out bed. I felt rejuvenated and ready for the world.

All I'm saying is this, the word of God even unspoken worked a miracle for me. It can for you too, although I suggest finding a verse that speaks to you and speaking it. So goodnight and sweet dreams from me...and my Bible.


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Forgive Yourself

Forgiveness is a topic we tend to mull over. Whether to forgive or not is always a hot topic that's up for discussion. While I'm a huge fan of forgiving someone that has slighted you, that's not what this post is about.

Honestly, no matter how you weigh in on the issue, forgiving other people is easy. The problem usually begins when dealing with yourself. It's rough or down right impossible when it comes to yourself and forgiveness. But I'm here to tell you, you not only deserve forgiveness, you need it to move forward properly.

Make a vow, right now, to forgive yourself for past wrongs. Sure, the little things matter, but I'm talking about the "whoppers." The wrongs that threatened your way of life. The ones that went against your beliefs or were potentially life shattering. Say this out loud in front of a mirror, I forgive myself for ..., then fill in the blanks. Look yourself in the eyes and mean what you say wholeheartedly.

We are supposed to hold ourselves to certain standards, but that shouldn't include harsh judgement. Tweak your perception. You can take the issue seriously and use it to learn without distroying your self image. The inability to forgive yourself for previous indiscretions can turn into self loathing, which of course causes further mayhem.

Pray about it. Thank God for this precious moment and start the next one anew. Everyday presents a chance to become better.


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What If...

What if you woke up tomorrow and there were no presents? You didn't receive any gifts and couldn't afford to buy anyone anything? What if that Christmas tree you treasure was destroyed? And, your favorite holiday music that put you in a jolly mood was unavailable?


I asked my niece these questions and she said, "That would upsetting, but we should still have a celebration."

I asked, "Why?"

My niece answered, "Christmas is about Jesus' birth. The other stuff is extra."


The point is simple. If you were blessed enough to wake up and have "extra" thank God. And, praise His holy name. Regardless of your particular situation show thanks for the birth of Christ. Remember He is the reason for this season.

Happy holidays and have a merry Christmas!


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Raise Up

I had been sitting up late, as I often do, with the television watching me as I wrote. An inspiration commercial came on that was playing You Raise Me Up. As Josh Groban's voice filled the air I began to feel up lifted. I've always loved that song. It has a heavenly sound. The commercial was a success because I was inspired.

Usually, when I'm up late at night the television isn't on, but tonight I'm thankful it was. Believe me when I say, I needed to hear that song. I was having one of those moments we all have. I was experiencing a "low." And, yes that was an understatement and in the next second I was being raised up. God is good that way.

We miss the mark sometime. Other times we are simply too hard on ourselves. Whatever your story know that it's okay. We're alright! Continue to find ways to pick yourself up! While God's light is too bright to stand in, always trying to move closer to it. There will be times when we stand still or fall backwards, but we cannot let that stop us...Let Him Raise us up.


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Under A Week To Go!

With less then a week left before Christmas, your schedule has probably become worse than usual. You have all of your usual things to do, plus various trips to the mall. How will you get all of this done?

Being slightly overwhelmed can be typical at this time of year. Be determined not to get stressed. Focus on the real reason for the season and remember to pray. Don't be plagued by holiday blues, instead, embrace all that is beautiful and holy about it.

Approach each task as if it were the only one. Space things out and tackle them separately. Simply do things to the best of your ability in order to optimize success. Also, do yourself a favor and remember you're alone. Utilize trusted friends and family that are willing!


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Emotional Roller Coaster

As the end of the year swiftly approaches, many of us are involuntarily held hostage on an "emotional  roller coaster." This ride would clearly be an awesome thriller if it didn't yank you back and forth through life. There are times when we throw up our hands and willing thrust ourselves onto what feels like the ride from hell. And, yes...I've been there. But I say no more!

Emotion can be a beautiful thing. It shouldn't be wasted on a ride that you probably wouldn't go on, if it were in your favorite amusement park. Let's face it, everyone doesn't like a heart racing roller coaster! So, save your feelings for something that's worth it. Be productive and don't accept negativity to come.

Tell yourself this year will be different. You may have sad moments, because you're human, but that's it; limit them to minutes. Refuse to dive into the "pool of sorrow" head first. I say avoid that pool completely, but you can't see your way out of it change your perception. Perhaps, a happy cannan ball that disrupts the bad flow, instead a dive. Seek happiness and bless others with it when you find it.


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Back To Basics

Lately, I have had some recurring themes play in my life. At first, I barely noticed. Then I thought huh. Next, I said to friend, "I keep seeing this..." Later, I questioned, "What does it mean?"

The meaning was clear. There was an issue in my life that I needed to look at closely. It would continuously resurface in varied ways only for me to find out fundamentally, it was the same. I examined what was happening and realized I needed to go back to the basics.

That's something we all need to do from time to time. We're told not to sweat the small stuff, but it's the little things that get built upon and made into something bigger. If it's positive...great, but what about when it isn't?

If you're aware of an issue you have deal with it! It doesn't matter how big or small it is because problems love to replay themselves and spread out whenever possible. Do your best to stay on top basic truths in your life and remember you are not alone.


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Why I Failed

At the end of the day, I wanted to be able to say, "Nights like tonight are what champions are made of." I was presented with a specific challenge. It was one I had seen approaching for a while. I thought good I can prepare to overcome it, but I failed.

I had both foresight and the know how, but they didn't help. There wasn't enough focus on how to prevail. The knowledge of things to come wasn't used properly. Mistakenly, acknowledgment was considered the plan when it should have been the first step before becoming armed with the word of God.

When you're lucky enough to see a problem coming be proactive about it. Solve the issue by finding a way to resolve it. Admit there is something you can do...pray.


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Truth Can Hurt

Truth Can Hurt

Accepting hard truths about reality can be bad, but avoiding them can be worse. When faced with a difficult actuality believe what's right in front of you. Neglecting the obvious, can lead to seeing only what is desired, which can be an obscure notion.

The truth is always the best way to go, especially when it is about a conflict in your own life. Allowing denial can leave you unnecessarily hurt. Even though it is correct that the truth can hurt. It doesn't have to twice. Accept it the first time and embrace what comes next. Most likely it won't be as bad it seems because things rarely happen that way. Letting go of one disappointment can free you up for great experiences to come.


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Decisions

The ups & downs of life can really throw you. Sometimes you experience things that are not too bad, but then there are also those other times. These events appear to possess the ability to turn your entire world upside down. Well, that's only true if it let it.

No matter what happens you are always at the very least in control of yourself. You may not be able to regulate what occurs, but you can control your reaction to it. In certain encounters, you can at any given moment decide to make the situation better or worse. Often, it doesn't seem like you have a decision to make, but you do.

Attempt to clear your mind when bad scenarios come your way. Focus on the important facts in the moment and act or react accordingly. It's up to you to push things in the best direction when it comes to your life.


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Great Things

When great things are happening bad things tend to pop up! Every new corner rounded has a deterrent of some kind. Sometime there are so many discouraging points of view that an inspired person can become tempted to feel lost.

That's why it is so important to stand firm in what you know. Ignore all the negative things aimed at you because they do not belong to you. When you have been abundantly blessed all you have to do is claim it, rejoice and give praise.


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A Better Place

What a difference a year can make. I remember exactly what I was doing this day last year. It's funny how a specific memory can take you back and help you realize a thing or two.

I had placed myself in a situation because I felt that was the right to do. It wasn't, I was wrong. I was trying to do the right thing, but kept missing the mark. I was close, but not quite in my holy place, yet day after day God blessed me with a new revelation.

I was miserable and couldn't even be mad about it. I inserted myself in this volatile space, but God used it for my betterment. The lessons were hard, but clear and that awful time helped to ensure goodness a year later. I can honestly say that I am better than I was and happier too. And, it is my prayer that we are in a more prosperous place this time next year!


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Desperation

Desperation can be a challenging emotion that seeps into varied areas of life. Much of society has felt the weight of desperation due to financial woes. It's never good to be in a place of hopelessness. Desperate feelings can only lead you into trouble because they are usually followed by irrational decisions.

If you recognize that you're overwhelmed by despair take a moment. Do mental exercises that will fortify your state of mind, like meditation and prayer. Learn to always operate from a place of strength so that you will only enter positive situations that will bless you.


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I'm Being Carried

Where there are a great deal of things before me I don't rush towards feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes there are quick wins, as well as situations I'd rather not venture toward. Then there are also those circumstances that look like a definite losing battle.

There are times when I want to give up, but I'm not a quitter. I have a job to do and it's not done yet. The urge to throw in the towel seems to always come right before I've done my best. Why is that? No matter the reason, I remain steady. I have vowed to do my best.I will not be deterred when things appear bleak. I'm being carried by God in Jesus' name...I have nothing to fear!


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Have It All

Can we have it all? My immediate answer is yes, but is it true? Some of us are plagued with the answer to that question because we have almost everything. Generally, the missing item is what we want most in the world.

Others don't have much of anything, which gave birth to a new midlife question. How did this happen? Many are just slowing down to realize the serious relationship they've been putting off is no longer an option. Also, good friends seem impossible to find, eggs are thinning and the dead end job they never wanted is now a career.

Are these our options? Lack something or possess nothing? I scream, No! Refuse to settle for less than your worth. Never give up on a dream, just exercise a responsible behavior while attempting to obtain it. If you're unhappy with the way things have developed, you should make a new plan. Change things! Time will not wait for you, but your hearts desire may be around the corner.


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Mind Games

The brain is astounding! I have always been perplexed about the many wonders it possesses. Did you know that your mind can have knowledge or memory  of things that your conscious does not? Well, I did. This is a lesson I learned the hard way.

Previously, at a particular time every year, some of my actions would begin to mirror a depressive state I once knew. Year after year, I didn't know what was wrong, but my physical and mental self was identifying with past events.

Once I realized what was going on, I also was finally able to put things into perspective. I thought, I have dealt with this issue! Or so I thought. This reoccurring feeling forced me to slow down. I looked at what was really going on and remembered the fullness of my past. Acknowledging the entire event gave me the ability to own the truth, pray on it and be happy with the space I'm in today.


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Stop Bullying & Become Aware

What does it mean to be bullied? Many of you know the answer to that question all to well. It is an issue that seems to never really go away. Recently, it also appears to be getting worse. 

In the past, many adults have often wondered if their child's experience with bullying was just a matter of kids being kids. Now, parents don't have the luxury of guessing whether to intervene or not. We have to find a way to stop bullying because children are killing themselves and each other.

A great resource on this topic is stopbullying.gov. It addresses a wide variety of things including Cyberbullying, LGBT Bullying and how to get hep. Look around the website and make yourself more aware by reading recognizing the warning signs. 

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Betrayal

There are people who go their entire lives without ever experiencing betrayal. If you’re one them, lucky you! Be extra nice to your friends and family. You have been truly blessed.

Unfortunately, most of us have gone through a thing or two with regards to disloyalty. Maybe you had a scandalous best friend or a cousin that stole your boyfriend. Perhaps, the betrayal you encountered was in the form of infidelity or continuous insensitivity. Regardless of its appearance, it still leaves us feeling abused, misled and hurt.

Learn to be thankful for clarity of the situation. Be careful not to take in the negativity you are being shown. Remain strong because God didn’t bring you this far to let someone disturb the peace His presence allows.

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True Priorities

There are things in life that we must all do. They tend to be placed high on our to-do lists. Some personal desires will take top billing from time-to-time as well. It has been my experience that most things need to be balanced. Many of those things are done for the best of your family, but that isn’t always obvious.

True Priorities show when something happens. When a situation occurs what do you do? Did you rise to the occasion? Or rationalize why you couldn’t be helpful? In times of despair your chosen road is apparent, especially when it involves a child. Remind the people you love that they are your true priority. Don’t assume they know.

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Temptation

Temptation is all around us. At any given moment, you can see it, hear it and even taste. Hopefully, the rich flavor is from memory instead of present activity. Remember, just because something looks pleasant doesn’t mean that it’s good. Sometimes things and people are being perfectly packaged to entice you.

What’s wrong with being lured? Nothing, I suppose, but when the facts have to be distorted in order for you to join in the situation isn’t desirable. The initial appeal wasn't enough to get you. Ask yourself, why am I being pulled in this direction? And, what am I being led away from?

The problem with being pushed into a position is you don’t always know what is waiting for you there. We often agree to one small thing and it opens the door for others. What is giving into temptation really worth? The answer is either nothing or everything. If it’s nothing, why go there? If it’s everything, you might as well throw all of your prized possessions away, but if you truly love or honor them you won't want to do that. 

Focus on the people and things you value. The more you do that, the less tempted you will be!

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