Intentions

Today, when I completed a telephone conversation I was left thinking that was not my intention. I intended to be gracious and loving. I intended to bless and strengthen another that had blessed and strengthened me. While I wasn't made to feel negative, I did leave the discussion questioning myself. "What have I done?" I asked. I walked away from this talk wanting to reevaluate my approach.

My joy and excitement in the situation had overshadowed what I wanted to convey. The message was getting lost in translation because I assumed my position was clear. I inadvertently began to push away the one person that continuously tried to help me.

"Why did I bring this up?" You asked. Well, I mentioned this scenario because it's important. Often when we are close to someone we feel they know our heart. Sometimes that's true, but it may not be  as well. Be clear about your intentions because you know what they say about assumptions. Do your best and remain mindful!


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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.


*Posts you may enjoy:

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When Christmas Comes Early

When Christmas comes early consider yourself blessed. It simply means that the coming of the Lord was quickened in ways, just for you. Show praise in recognition of your miracle received.

You may have blatantly asked for something while in prayer. Or pitifully suggested what you knew you wouldn't get only to see it delivered. One thing is certain, God is listening. He knows exactly what you need and when its best time to arrive.

Keep talking to your Father. Express yourself in all the ways you thought you couldn't. Let Him know how you feel. You may not get all that your looking for but you will receive what you need. Remember that God's timing is always perfect.


*Posts you may enjoy:

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Life's Journey

I talk to my mother about life quite a bit. I listen to her intently not only because she's my mom, but she's wise and has much to offer on the topic. She always says, "This is a journey we're taking. You know that right?"

I do know that. I am very aware that I am, as the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary puts it, traveling from one place to another. In fact, these last few years have been the most profound trip I've experienced to date.

Much of this life of mine is uncertain, but I don't need to know everything. God will lead me where I need to be. He knows the path for my life's journey.  

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A Letter To Our Father

If you feel this way, please do not give in to the negativity. I urge you to hold on and get suitable help when needed.

Dear God,

I heard that some people write letters when they have reached a breaking point. These letters can be cathartic ramblings or a good-bye. So, here's mine.

Today was awful. It may have been one of the worst days of life. I felt like I was drowning and like there is no point to all that I am going through. I can't breath sometime because I'm so sad...it's hard to go on...  I feel, there is nothing left for me to do, yet I praise your holy name.

I will continue to praise you. I will seek all the goodness that you have for me. I will not give up because I know that I am important you and your children. I am your child. Things will get better and I will get help, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Choosing to say hello,

Your Ever Faithful Child

Helpful Links: Mayo Clinic and nimh.nih.gov
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Talk To Your Children

It's very important to talk to your children. You can mix the conversation up a bit, but make sure you mention the really important things. Believe it or not they are listening.

Often, when talking to a child, it appears if they are not paying attention. That body language is not only offensive to adults, but discouraging. Don't be deterred! There are times when children seem like they are blocking out your voice, but the truth is it's getting to them whether they like it or not. Miracles do happen, and as the parent, sometime the miracle is you.

In fact, give them some time. Your varied messages will sink in and become a part of them. Eventually, your child will prove to you that they were listening. You'll quite possibly be shocked and amazed, but all will be right in your world.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Communication
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What’s Your Demon?

Are you a fiend for something? What’s your demon? Is it drugs? Sex? Or even shopping? Or maybe it’s something else for you. These things or demons prey on basic human weakness. They tend to unleash a mischievous spirit among our lives and a willingness to be bad for it. Once that awful behavior is set free, it wreaks havoc that manifest in countless negative ways.

Some will lose friends, loved ones and jobs. Others will take on vast financial burdens because of the habits they must keep. And, others will suffer the fate of a slow and agonizing death, due to a compromised body and health issues. The ramifications can not only be crippling, they can stagnate all things positive. 

Your demons must be checked! They attempt to remove you from God through servitude because you can only serve one master at a time. Ask yourself who or what are you serving.

A sermon I listened to once said that the devil can only get to you in three ways. 1) Through your body’s senses 2) Temptation and 3) Pride, which means it all comes down to discipline.

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Discipline

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Confusion

Ever attempt to do too many things? I'm sure you have. Now-a-days, we're all used to multitasking at high levels. Most things are handled with no problem, yet, there is another small percentage of vital decisions that may leave you feeling confused.

When you are filled with confusion stop what you're doing. Take a moment to clear your head so that  you can proceed in a better manner. This small timeout will ensure that you do what's right for you, instead of rushing into a bad decision.

If you are unable to clarify things in a somewhat timely order, pray. Confusion does not belong to you. Ask God for clarity and wisdom, as well as help in doing what's best. Then, you can move forward successfully.


*Posts you may enjoy:
Carefully Measure Your Success
Persuasion & Permission
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Persuasion & Permission

The art of persuasion can change minds. Many of us believe that we cannot be led, but that isn't necessarily true. That assumption comes from the belief that the person that wants to guide is either on your side or less trained by observation or circumstance.

The best way to elude negative persuasion is to first be aware of your own position. There truly is strength in knowledge. Smother yourself in it because standing your ground may save your life one day. Knowing that is important because there is always someone who has experienced more than you. Some people are excellent at deception. It's sad, but some people do not use their brilliance for good.

There is nothing wrong with changing your mind, but make sure that is what's occurring. There are days when deceit is obvious; that's a blessing. There may also come a time when it is not and the only thing you have to rely on is how you feel. So pay attention to your God-given intuition. Remember, that persuasion is a mere hop, skip and a jump away from permission. Make sure you are only permitting goodness and love into your life.


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Hate

Human Resources

Many of us have causes we need to further, but  lack the resources to make it happen. We believe that money is the bottom line, but isn't always. People are a value resource that everyone has access to, but most do not attempt to approach. Some friends, family and even the occasional, yet appropriate, stranger can be helpful. In fact, human resources can be the most important part of a successful cause.

If you find the right people to help, their intellectual property alone is priceless. Their collective brain power can make up for a bad financial situation. It can also find a cure for lack of money.

Do yourself a favor and ask for help when needed. Remember, we were meant to go through things together.

Looks Can Be Deceiving

We have all heard this saying, looks can be deceiving.  We even know it to true, yet, as adults we gravitate towards the "beautiful." Some people do function on that what you see is what you get policy, but many do not.  We have to learn to get to know each other before committing to a pretty face.  Remember, we teach our children not to go to someone just because they seem nice.

I'm not saying avoid the lookers at all cost.  I'm simply stating open up to other possibilities.  Let your heart do the listening for you. The one that makes your heart sing might not fit the predetermined Halle/Denzel requirement.

True love can be remarkable and is worth so much more than fleeting beauty. Don't look for the person that looks best with you. Look for the one that makes you smile without trying because happiness is underrated.


*Posts you may enjoy are Distractions, Don't Fake It, God is in Control and Listening to your Spirit.

Mental Space

You've heard experts say your living space is important.  Well, they're right.  Take it a step further, consider that your space is more intimate than you realize. Oh, about the size of your brain.

Mental space is more pertinent to life than any other physical location you may be inside.  That's why many people will take those much needed mental health vacations.  They should actually be a requirement because before you step out of any bed you are mentally aware.

Learn to exercise your brain.  Take a moment to focus your thoughts. Examine your mental requirements so your brain can stay fit.  Set a side five minutes a day to be still.  Pick up a book or write down your thoughts.  Quiet your world and listen for God.

If you are mentally right everything else goes better.  Mental stability equals a better life.  It also represents freedom.  It's like reading a book, except you're the author.  Regardless of where your body is your mind can soar.


*Posts you may enjoy are Important Decisions, Priorities and Slow Down.

Surprise!

I'm not a firm believer in coincidence. In my life, there are no accidents, just things I didn't know were supposed to happen. Regardless, there have been a pleasant surprise or two. A true surprise is a gift that you never knew you wanted. It somehow has the most perfect fit and is yours unmistakably. You would never buy it for yourself, but once you receive it you cannot picture yourself without it.

We all have things that complete our existence. They let us know that we were not really living life to its fullest. These presents make us more of who we are and enhance our lives. We often reject this type of thing before it is allowed to fully enter our realm, but when it does it's amazing. There are moments when resistance is truly futile.

When there is a reoccurring happenstance in your life, examine it. Face it straight on and keep an open mind. It might keep coming around the bend because it was meant for you and your happiness. Open up your heart to receiving goodness. Remember, God knows what you need before you do.


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Listening to your Spirit

I believe that there are things about your life that your spirit already knows.  You may consider them good or bad, but regardless, it may be information you can use.  It can assist with the perfect alignment of your destiny.

Listening to your spirit isn't necessarily the easiest thing to do.  The past is gone, you're in the here and now and if things weren't hard enough there is a spiritual future to obtain.  There are probably many ways to tap into this God given force, however, I thus far can only recall two.

1. Those little feelings of inspiration you get nudging you one way or the other.  They often do not make common sense in the moment. We frequently use logic to negative them.

2. Reviewing things that were on your mind or strangely in play throughout your day.  You can oftentimes look back on your day and identify hints of the right course to take.

Whenever I didn't listen to my inner feelings I would late find myself in an undesirable situation.  God gave us these instincts for a reason. Learn to pick up on positive signs that bless your life and use them.


*Posts you may enjoy are Choices, Important Decisions and Revelations.

Revelations

This weekend has been an emotional one. I have been about my business, as usual, but something has been different. I'm noticing things more and experiencing them in a more relevant way. I feel more alive. I know God is with me.

While I have not been looking for lessons, I am receiving them. They are life lessons that are also perfectly in tune with my work. Taking them in has been amazing to say the least. God is so good and His love is shining.

As you are going through your day, night, conversations, etc... Take note of as much as you can because it's all important. Love every moment and know that you are forever learning a better way of being. Know exactly what you mean when you say something and stand firm in it. Remain inline with who you are and your true purpose always.

God is watching us. He has faith and will guide us, if we let Him.


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Slow Down

Today I set out to do many things and one-by-one my attempts fell apart.  I was unable to complete much of what I wanted to accomplish.  Time appeared to be moving faster than I could.  I had several personal deadlines to meet, but could not.  I found it impossible to will myself into action.  Typically, that isn't me.

Every time I couldn't make things happen I would pause.  I thought, what's going on?  I have always been a believer in signs.  I thought, what is the God trying to tell me?  The answer was obvious.  I needed to slow down.  Today, in particular, I had taken on too much. So, I sat with God in mind.  I was still and breathed for several minutes. Afterwards, I was able to focus better on what should be done.  I also realized that I could delegate if necessary.  I had plenty of help available.  Why not use it?

We as people often do not access our resources.  We were not meant to do it all or live this life alone.  It's vital to examine the multitude of opportunities that exists.  It is important to be a blessing, but it's also alright to receive them.


*Posts you may enjoy are I'm Blessed, Let Nothing Stand in Your Way and Listening.

Buying the Perfect Gift

Buying the perfect gift is easier than you might think. You may be surprised to know that it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with money. You already have what you need to accomplish this task. Once you learn this simple technique you will be able to apply it to anyone...if you're willing.

Picking the right gift consist of three simple things. Those things are time, conversation and attention to detail while listening. That's it! They are all you need.

1.  Time - Time is a factor because you need it to talk. Whether you accomplish it via a sit-down dinner or on the telephone is relevant. Do whatever best fits your life and the relationship.

2.  Conversation - Talking is necessary because this is where all the great gifts are hiding. Most people tell you what they like. They may not be thinking about presents when they do it, but it's still true. Think about it. A person that spends time around you usually knows at least the basic things you like.

For instance, lets say you have a coffee group at work. Everyone goes to the same place while you dash screaming, "I'm going to Starbucks!" Your daily behavior and words have told the coffee crew that you prefer Starbucks. This simple association tells them a Starbucks gift-card might be for you.

3.  Paying attention - This is where getting the perfect gift can be found. When you pay attention to what someone says they reveal things they like. Listen carefully to the type of stories they tell.  Often there is a fantastic suggestion in it. If the gift you hear is too expensive, find a way to simplify it by making it a picture or book, etc. Be creative.

The point is when you care enough to give a gift, it might as well be the right one. Have a couple of conversations with that person and listen to what they are telling you. In case you were wondering, I stumbled onto this technique while talking to my dad. He was told me about a show he loved as a child.


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Listening
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Listening

I'm borrowing this one from my Facebook fan page notes, but I love it.  So here it goes.

Listening

As I stay up way to late, almost every night, writing, thinking and planning; I hear it. Good is on my side and the angels are whispering, as my mother would say. I'm listening. The universe fills me with...things that need to be done and I listen. I hear wonderful messages then fit them into a story.

Open up your mind and spirit & listen. Maybe stay up late a night or two. Listen to what's being said to you. Figure out what to do with it & make plans.

Are you listening?
Alice Benton
Author of Black Love Black Love: A Book of Poetry & Love
ISBN: 978-0-595-44750-3

*Posts you may enjoy are Evening Thoughts, Gods in Control and Ideas Should Materialize.

Are You Listening?

More listening needs to done.  When you're in a conversation you can only make it better if you listen.  The same thing goes for relationships.  The only way to improve upon them is to hear the other person and attempt to take it inside.  Sometimes we're so busy talking that we forget about others.  Are you guilty of this?  I know I have been on occasion.