Extra

I've always been a holiday girl, but this year seems more special. As the holidays approach, I'm feeling their much anticipated arrival in an extra personal way. Their year long debut has greeted me in a fantastic manner and I'm loving it.

I'm long pass making a Christmas list and I've never really been picky about what I get. There are two things that I love about receiving gifts. The first is simply being thought of...yes, I am corny enough to cherish the sentiment and you probably should be too. I don't always get the second treasure, but it's recognizing the mental process found in the present. If you make the connection appreciate that special moment!

This year, I will of course be happy for any pleasant surprises that come my way, but I know what I want. Ironically, these precious gems cannot be purchased. I want to strengthen family bonds and move closer to God. Everything else is extra!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Buying The Perfect Gift
Christmas' Reason
Surprise!
Where Can I Get Beauty in Pain?

Kindness Of Family

Everyone is quick to talk about the kindness of strangers because it's unexpected. Let's face it, we want to tell the world when something odd happens, especially when it swings in our favor. Well, I want to discuss the opposite, which in this case is the support of a loved one.

I think it's only fitting to celebrate the countless family members that champion your cause whenever possible. Generally, they go unnoticed, but today I would like to sing their praises and give thanks. Life is so much more rich because of the people we can rely on day after day.

If you have someone that you can lean on without pause take time to tell them thank you. Love resides on a two way street, but it isn't always obvious. So give thanks and appreciation for those in your life today.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty in Pain Book Signing - VA
Expectations
Have It All

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.


*Posts you many enjoy:

Bad Situations
Change Can Be Good
Good Company
Misery
Roads Travelled

Sensitivity

Generally speaking, things happen, both good and bad that we must learn to accept. Then there are those other times when people need to show tact in their dealings with you. Those moments are usually obvious too; like when death occurs, an emergency with a child, etc..

Don't let selfish needs supersede comforting a good friend or relative in their time of need. Listen to them and do your best to be sensitive. Remember that some things are more important than others and people are far more meaningful than things. Being insensitive can destroy a relationship.

Pray for your friend and give them time if they need it. Wait patiently for whatever it was that you needed or find someone else to assist you. Eventually, things will return to normal and no harm will have been done.


*Posts you may enjoy are:

Difficult Relationships
God Is In Control
I'm Blessed

Prayer

All day, I have carried around a feeling that something was missing. I couldn’t concentrate long enough to do anything. I needed more. I didn’t realize what the “more” was until my mother mentioned prayer. 

She was speaking to me and prayer came up, as it often does. When my mother said the word prayer my spirit soared and I immediately thought, yes, I do need more prayer. Every day is a prayer filled day for me, but today I required extra.

I decided if I need more prayer today, perhaps someone else does too. So, please read this or pass it on to a friend in need and may the Lord bless and keep you.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the life you have given me. I praise your holy name. Dear Lord I ask that you hold me in your arms today especially and smother me with your love. Allow me to see myself through your eyes and remember who I really am--your child. Thank you for being with me always. Thank you for your many blessings. May your mercy grant me, as well as others peace in Jesus’ name, amen.

*Posts you may enjoy:

A Prayer For My Readers

Gifts From God

My Lord

Raising Children

When it comes to your children you always want the best for them. In fact, that is exactly why you spend countless hours trying to teach them right from wrong. You've done your best to mold this person from birth into perfection and yet, they keep demonstrating characteristics you never factored into their lives.

Your child or children have somehow managed to become their own person. They do both things that you like and can't stand. The truth is they were always an individual, but their was a time when they reflected you more than themselves.

Honestly, the best any parent can do is guide them. Tell them all the things you needed to know, but were never told. Hopefully, the really important things stay with them and right decisions are made.

There most certainly will come a time when they do something that doesn't make you happy. That too is a part of life with children. Know that you were never supposed to save them from everything in the world. Beautiful things will happen, as well as mess ups, just be there for them. Reinforce, your love for your child and move forward in a positive. Also, never stop praying for them and yourself.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Evening Thoughts
Honoring Your Children
One Mother's Letter To Her Children
Talk To Your Children

True Love

True love has the ability to appear crazy. That's because when it exist you remain during some of the worst situations. True love is independent of the actions of a loved one. That means that there is nothing the one you love can do to make you not love them.

The easiest way to get this lesson is through a family member; your child for instance. Regardless of what that child does, your love for them is unwaving. It remains no matter how much they love or hurt you or others.

That unshakable love doesn't have to mean that you agree or accept what they do. It only states that they are always loved by you. Your heart will always be with them and that fact will change. True love is unconditional.

Are you loving with conditions?

*Posts you may enjoy:

Difficult Relationships
God Is Love
My Lord

Dream Big

Have you ever envisioned a personal goal? Have you received confirmation from God to move forward? Have you been excited about sharing that dream?

Many of us have big ideas on how to improve the quality of our lives. Once we become ready to execute a plan, we often share it, only to find out those closet to us have no faith in it. This can be devastating depending on who it is telling you to stop playing games. Yes, it is bad not to be shown support, but that doesn't mean you're not supported or loved. People in your inner circle will come around, albeit slowly.

You need to understand that it's possible that your dreams are so far out of the realm of their reality that they can't picture it. God gave you clarity in the situation because it belongs to you. All things will become more clear to your family and friends as you reach your individuals goals.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Ideas Should Materialize
Victory Is Yours!
Words

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
Difficult Relationships
Friends & Followers
Honoring Your Children

Words

I have spoken to you about words many times. They are more important than most admit. We know they can be both a blessing or a curse. It's essential to watch the words we use, but how can we stay clear of other peoples curse filled verbage?

Whenever you can control it, please do. Stay away from people that only speak with a negative tongue. In a job, or with family, it's more difficult.  You may not always be able to avoid hateful words spewed in your direction, but you don't have to accept them.

Reject harmful words because they don't belong to you. Rebuke them. Then replace those words with goodness and blessings.

*Posts you may enjoy:

Anger
God Is Love
Hate
Misery
Positivity

Holy Time

This time in my life is such a blessing. Yes, I know that all time is quite holy, but these moments of late have been...more so. They are indescribably beautiful. I am blessed.

This past week, I listened to blogtalkradio.com for the first time. A woman that called in said it perfectly. Among many other things, she said, "I know God." It had an absolutely glorious sound because I thought, I know God too.

I walk the path He has designed specifically for me. This version of our relationship has been in the works for a long time.  It was always available to me, but I couldn't always hear Him. That only started when I learned to 1) trust Him completely, 2) acknowledge this is truly a holy time and 3) remain faithful.

Step into your holy time today!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Faith
Important Decisions
Revelations

Trust

This past weekend was a constant reminder to trust in the Lord. Bad things would happen or someone would let me down; leaving me feeling crushed. Every time I began to give in to being defeated, I was shown that I'm not alone.

Reality was holding me down because I failed to rise and put on my spiritual suit. I was feeding into the natural. Things and people were attempting to get me down. I didn't look to my supernatural Father.

We have to remember whose child we really are & things will be okay. Our powerful Father has placed the ability to get through all things inside us. Remain armed with His word. And know that all is truly well.

*Posts you may enjoy:

God is in Control
God's Gift
Reach for Him

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.

Loved One Gone

The memory of a loved one gone stays in our mind.  Especially as birthdays or their death date passes.  Having lost my precious sister so many years ago, I am tempted, at times, to hate a world that she no longer shares with me, but I refuse.  I will not associate ill thoughts with sweet Jennifer because it disrespects her memory.

Instead, I choose to focus on her life.  I was blessed enough to share 33 years with Jennifer.  Sure, I would have liked much more, but the time we had was absolutely beautiful.  She was a wonderful sister and my life was...is better having known her.  One of the ways I honor our relationship is by remembering all the good she added to my being, as well as others.

Jennifer will never be forgotten.  I have learned, as many have, that love doesn't end with death.  I don't say I loved her...I love her still and I'm certain she loves me too.  With that being said, Happy heavenly birthday, sister...God bless.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Evening Thoughts
God is in Control
Honoring Your Children
Reach For Him

Extended Family

Today, was great.  While it is father's day, it is also a day about family.  We like many had a barbecue in honor of dad. There was a point when I looked around at everyone and noticed our extended family.  It was beautiful. Family is wonderful, and the additions to it can also be a blessing.

Family is no longer a straight forward concept.  The face of it has changed just as much as the world.  I have been blessed enough to meet friends that are now truly part of my family. Some families are a blood bond, but others are made.


Evening Thoughts, Family and Honoring Your Children.

Break Up Don'ts

Break ups are sometimes necessary, but they do not have to become heated.  Here are the ten ways to avoid a bad break up situation.

1.  Do not break up via text, email, Facebook or Twitter
2.  Do not break up over the phone if the relationship lasted more than three weeks
3.  Do not use cliche's like it's not you it's me...
4.  Do not say you need a break when you know you need to break up
5.  Do not say it in a dear john letter
6.  Do not try and trick your mate into doing it for you
7.  Do not break up through gossip because you had to tell others first
8.  Do not say you're moving in different directions knowing the other would follow you
9.  Do not blame it on the a a a a a alcohol baby
10.Never ever do it on a holiday which includes birthdays

If you somehow manage to actually break up successfully, do not under any circumstance spend immediate time with your ex.  Do not sit with, call or act like nothing happened.


*Posts you may enjoy are Avoid Bad Situations, Carefully Measure Your Success and Social Network Crushes.

Marry the Person

Your spirits are high!  You've received the proposal of a lifetime and it's time to plan the wedding.  Don't make the same mistake others have made.  Plan for the marriage more than one glorious day.  We all love a good wedding, but the truth is that a lifetime of wedded bliss is way more important.

You need to know where you stand, as well as the ideas you and your fiancé have regarding spouses.  Many men and women possess a cookie cutter version of what it means to be a wife or husband specifically.  This image needs to be discussed because it existed long before the two of you met.  Find out if these views match and if they're realistic.  Ask your mate if you fit their mental picture of wife or husband.

This is the time to have thorough talks and question everything. Religious institutions offer pre-marital counseling, but at the very least make a list of things to discuss.  Your conversations should include everything from the children you don't have and their religion to elder parents moving in out of possible necessity.  Be creative. People feel like they are getting married with unconditional love, while most actually have very real conditions.  You need to know them before the walk down the aisle or a trip to the divorce lawyer.


*Posts you may enjoy are Relationships, Prince William & Kate Middleton's Royal Weddings 4/29/11 and Weddings & Vera Wang.

Difficult Relationships

We all have those relationships that are hard to manage. Typically, I would suggest that if you're stressed become blessed and leave it alone, but that is not always possible.  Sometimes the difficult relationship is an essential one like with a parent or sibling.  Outside of extreme circumstances, generally, that type of link should not be broken.

You probably don't know which path is the right one take.  Lets face it, if you did this wouldn't be a problem.  Start with good intentions and follow through with your heart.  Be willing to meet in the middle, as well as acknowledge that you too may have contributed to the relationship being bad.  Also, commit to not arguing with the other person.

Work on yourself, no matter what your role in this situation has been. While it does take two, remember that you can only control yourself. When you choose to regulate yourself things often flow better. It has been my experience that most people react in a positive manner when kindness is shown towards them.  Pray daily because prayer is powerful.

I hope these tips were helpful and I wish you success.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Positivity
I'm Blessed
Working Through Adversity

What's Next?

Recently, I finished a goal of mine.  I checked it off the list and took a moment to breathe.  I was momentarily relaxed.  I thought, I've been so on top off finishing my task, but now I can have time to myself.  I was about to plan a well deserved break, but couldn't.  I have been a hard working person my entire life.  Breaks, for the most part, are mentally appealing, but that's it. Honestly, I'm in a rush to get it all done successfully.  As soon as one thing stops, I'm looking forward to what's coming.

So, I asked myself what's next.  While I have some very specific goals, they are always being examined.  I want to make sure that I am in line with God.  Looking for His guidance allowed me to receive a mini staycation.  It came from the intentional pause I took to ensure alignment with the Creator.  Only God knows my next steps, but it is important that I continue to hearken to His Voice.


*Posts you may enjoy are God is in Control, Thankful and What's on Your Agenda?