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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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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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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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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Push

This weekend, I have been pushing myself. There was a great deal that I needed to accomplish and I did, thank you, Jesus. I tested my limits. I was tempted to drop a thing or two, but couldn't. What responsibility should be ditched? None, of course. When I'm committed to a cause I have to see it to the end.

I juggled as many things possible. Unfortunately, there was no time to play. I had deadlines to meet and obligations to fulfill. Thankfully, God gave me the strength I needed to prevail. I constantly prayed and simply kept moving on faith.

I know the price for not handling my business, all too well. I know what and who suffers when I'm not doing what I came to do. So, I push forward and hope that you will too. It isn't always easy to do what's right, but it is necessary.

There will be time to relax and celebrate. And when it's finally time to play, I'm doing it big! But for now, I'm prioritizing and it helps that I'm never alone. God is with me and thank you for being here too.


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No Disappointments

Today, I attempted to handle many things. As I checked one item off my list, I quickly moved to the next. Then it changed. There were several things that I just couldn't get done. It wasn't my fault, but I still missed the mark.

I could see disappointment lingering in the air. I began to feed into the disappointed feeling that kept coming for me. Generally, I don't give in to it.

If I give something my all and it evades me, it wasn't mine. That doesn't mean give up. It simply means that today was not the day. I'll try again tomorrow because it might be.

There are no disappointments...it's all beauty!

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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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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!


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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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Giving Thanks Daily

I had an unusual day. I love it when I experience a day or a holiday in this case that is lovely, but nothing like what I expected. This was the case for my Thanksgiving. I had a plan and even a back up plan, but I was still caught by surprise.

My day turned out to be exactly what I needed. I was happy and so was my family. There was never a dull moment, yet there were definite times of peace. There was plenty of joy to go around, which is just the way I like it.

Everyday should be occupied with giving thanks. Gratitude for God and each other are a special necessity that isn't shown enough during the year. May we all incorporate more praise into our daily lives.


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Thanks

Today, I found it fitting to sort of list why I am thankful. Let me say, I'm not going to record it all because there is too much. I'm keeping it general. Truth be told, there are countless things that deserve thanks in my life. It's not because I'm blessed any more than most. It's because I choose to recognize that...it's all beauty.

I'm thankful for my entire family. I am thankful for my friends, my readers and my supporters. I'm thankful for every new day I am blessed enough to wake up into. I'm thankful for love and the ability to give and receive it. I'm thankful for my life...this life with all of its abundance and absence of such. I'm thankful for God and being able to praise Him in all situations. Last, but not least, I am thankful for you specifically.

God bless you and enjoy your day!


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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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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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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.


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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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Changing Seasons

There are people that simply amaze you. They enter your life and immediately you're inspired. They make everything seem brighter. You don't want to let them go, yet, for whatever the reason, holding on to them is impossible.

We have to learn that everyone isn't meant to stay forever. Some aren't even around for an entire month. There are doors that we were meant to go through alone. Attempting to hold on to fleeting people and things is a way to not move forward.

Don't allow your blessings to go unclaimed. Do what you know you should. Many of us do what we want instead of what's right and then wonder why we're unhappy and can't get ahead. Remember, letting go is just another way to move forward.


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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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