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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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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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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Improving Your Craft

So, you finally found something you're passionate about. It's more than you imagined and makes you happy. You're not only doing it for yourself, you've put it out into the world. Things are better then you expected.

Now what? Advancement of your craft is the answer. When you love something you want to enhance it. If it is part of a business and not just a hobby, honing your skill is crucial to survival.

The more you improve the better your passion is received. Your following will strengthen too. You'll also gain more appreciation for what you love. Think about improving your craft today!

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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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Determination

You probably know by now that I have been focused on starting the new year right. Well, in order to do that I decided to use the time left in this year as best I could. I wanted to clarify things I want completed before 2012 began, so I sat down and wrote a list. List aren't necessary, but I have always been the pen and paper or fingers to the keyboard/screen type of girl. I use them as a focal optimization point (FOP). It works for me because I have many things on my plate and do not wish to leave certain things undone.

My FOP consists of twenty-five things. Many of which have further detailed specifications to be completed. Most will not be an easy check off, nevertheless, it's what needs to be done from my point of view. As I reviewed my FOP and realized that there was little more than a month left in this year, I quietly panicked.

My youngest walked in the room and looked at my list. Her eyes immediately bulged and she said, "Whoa."

I asked, "Is it too much?"

 She looked at it again and replied, "Not if you're determined."

I picked my FOP back up and reviewed it again with my daughter's statement in mind. I am determined, after all, I created this list for a very good reason--positive forward advancement. It will be a little challenging, but I'm going to do what needs to be done. I'm not only finishing 2011 the right way, I'm taking to next year knowing I can do all things with Christ.

I invite you to make your own FOP for positive movement. It may be longer or shorter, but that doesn't matter because it simply has to be right for your life. Once you create it, be determined to see it to the end!


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Passing The Party

This past weekend was a special one. It was long, but I got things done. My only scheduled event was the Beauty in Pain, book signing in Norfolk, VA, but I had much more to do. My literary calendar was full and I could feel the late nights catching up to me.

I wanted to extend my stay and parlay the overall good feeling into a mini vacation. There were some fabulous moments, but I had a deadline to keep. Seemingly against my own will, I sat at up with my laptop and virtually completed my next novel, Autumn's Five Seasons.

I may not have gotten a chance to run around or shop, but I was happy with the choice I made. I felt accomplished, especially after finishing the novel tonight in its entirety. It's fantastic! You're going to love it! Sometime we have to pass on a little bit of fun and simply handle our business. The party will come back around!


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The Little Things

It's the little things in life that count. They may seem small when you come across them, but often they are part of what is most important. So learn to sweat the small stuff. Simple treasures brighten up lives.

Some of the best things in life come in the smallest of packages. For you, it may be a ring, a baby or even a smile. Apparently size does matter!


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Don't Question It

Today was a day filled with many pleasant surprises. I heard people saying they had even surprised themselves. There was mention of the moons alignment and special positioning of the planets too. I couldn't believe some of things that I was hearing to explain joy. I thought is all of this talk about happiness? 

Rare, but wonderful moments kept popping up as if they were in season and I loved it. Make it a habit to question bad for the purpose of making them better. Don't question the good things. Enjoy them! You don't need an excuse for better times and they shouldn't be unique occurrences. Take it upon yourself to create excellent memories because you deserve it!


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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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Lol

Lol! We've all typed or texted it at some point by now and that's great if the sentiment behind it is true. Laughing out loud can be like a big dose of medicine assisting in healing. It's as essential to life as breathing.

One of life's best pick-me-ups is a healthy shot of laughter. Many things are funny, but they don't all make you laugh. Some things give you seconds of joy or push forward a smile, but that's not the same.

When you notice something that actually makes you crack up take note of it. It doesn't matter if it's a person or a show. Incorporate whatever it is into your life because you deserve the immediate burst of euphoria that follows.


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Friendship Revisited

Have you been reexamining your life lately? While there are a vast amount of things to revisit as you mature, unfortunately friendships are to be included among them. People don’t like to admit it, but as we get older your standard friendships don’t always continue to fit in your life. You may have had running partners for mischief in the past, but now you need rock stars for charity. Or, maybe not, but the point is that people change and not always in the same direction.

Yes, it can feel bad when separating from a companion, but it can be better for you both in the long run. Don’t accept misery in the name of friendship. Friends are supposed to make each other happy in one way or another; enrich each others lives. Chances are that if someone no longer floats your boat, you’re probably not keeping them adrift either. The specifics are different in each person’s story, but the truth remains the same.


Dare to find and keep friends that you can be your present self with, instead of being pigeon holed into old dealings. Your true self is special and should be celebrated not only by the company you keep. With that said, if you’re blessed enough to have wonderful friends that have stood the test of time, that’s fantastic. Honor them by treasuring the relationship daily.


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Halloween Safety

Halloween is quickly approaching and we must always consider safety. So I have put together a few dos and don'ts to enforce. Hopefully, this will make life a little more simple for you.

Dos

1. Do take your child(ren) trick or treating - It's one of the few times they get to dress up and play outwardly.
2. Do trick or treat in a group - There is safety in numbers.
3. Do pick out age appropriate costumes - Your teen doesn't have to walk around looking like a baby, but they shouldn't look on display due to lack of clothing either.
4. Do hand out candy - Let's face it, we need more people with good intentions participating. 
5. Do dress up yourself - Adults deserve happiness too.
6. Do check all candy collected before children eat anything - Throw away all open candy, as well as anything that gives you cause to pause with or without a reason.
7. Do ration the left over candy - Consider filling a candy jar with an acceptable amount for the day. Then refill accordingly.

Don'ts

1. Don't pick out costumes that you'll be cold wearing - This is especially important for young children. 
2. Don't buy costumes that obstruct vision  - We want to avoid accidents from happening. Also, if you'll be in a highly populated area with a young child skip your own headdress. It should be obvious who mom and dad are, and I don't mean the matching costumes that someone else might have bought too.
3. Don't trick or treat at a stranger house - Take your child(ren) to malls or other trusted sources.
4. Don't dress inappropriately - Be a role model.
5. Don't feel guilty about throwing out some suspicious looking candy - You have to because it is for the safety of you and your child(ren).
6. Don't allow your child(ren) eat all of their candy in one or two sittings - Protect their health always.

Please read Halloween Health and Safety Tips provided by the CDC. Also, Halloween Is Here also provides safety tips as well. No matter what, have fun and be safe! 

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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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Trust God

Practice exercising your faith more often. You might believe, but when it comes down to moving in perfect sync with a vision it's probably more imperfect. That's okay because we're human, but it also means there is room for improvement. Pray and let the Lord teach you how to live inside of a heavenly dream.

If you have been trusted with a mission it is alright to get assistance, but make sure it is help your receiving. Do not rely on others that cannot envision what needs to be done. It's possible that only you can see the fullness of the situation. Trust God and let Him lead you.


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Expect the Unexpected

As you all know, life is filled many twist and turns. They tend to show there disruptive presence at the moments you’re least ready to receive them. It’s because of that reason you should decide to expect the unexpected.

This concept is really simple to get behind if you’re interested. It means be prepared to adjust when necessary. It sort of has a Who Moved My Cheese feel. You can live as fabulously as usual, but as things alter the intended path don’t let it floor you. Be ready to quickly adapt so you can still achieve success.

The unexpected may have the potential to slow you up, but it might also be a good thing. So be willing to use your Plan B and know the unexpected doesn’t have to be all bad.

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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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A Positive Way of Life

Recently, I was reminded of what the title to my novel, Beauty in Pain, really means. Thankfully, I can say it wasn't the kind of heart wrenching, self-annihilating situation I have previously known, but any kind of hurt is still painful.

I was faced with a situation that caused me a great deal of heartache. As I experienced this unexpected circumstance I realized things weren't as bad as they felt momentarily. When I took a moment to step away from the problem I noticed things were not that bad. Truthfully, I have to acknowledge I received information I had been wanting, although it arrived in an undesirable package.

As negative things rear their ugly heads in your life, look for the beauty that can be found in or around the situation. Focus on being well and attempt to step back from what's happening. Really examine what is taking place, regardless of how it might look at first glance. Choosing to actively seek the beauty in your pain is a positive way of life.


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Settle For Love?

When it comes to love, people often ask themselves questions. Am I open to it? Am I ready and willing to give and receive love? These queries are sometimes difficult to answer. Another question should be added that is seldom considered. What aren't I open to when it comes to a relationship?

Settling is something that people are typically prepared to do, but they shouldn’t. Remember that there is a big difference between settling and compromising. There are times when each of us is introduced to someone with undesirable traits that we find unacceptable. We know upfront that the possibility of this relationship working is…well, impossible. Yet, the mental picture of being left alone allows us to overlook impending disaster.

Being alone is not the worst thing in life, but snuggling up to the wrong person could be. Take your time to find the one that makes your spirit soar. You want the real deal when it comes to love because you’re worth it!

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