Crazy

It's crazy how things turn out much differently then you thought they would. People you thought was down with you ain't no more, leaving you feeling twisted and conflicted inside. What do we really have in common these days, a good starting point question when you are trying to determine if you should keep said friend around. How do you benefit me and where I'm at and most definately where I'm going? Its not all about the take with me, but these days I give out so much, its hard to accept when others want to give to me, you feel me? You been there?

Sunday's word was timely on loneliness. Boy do I ever feel that one. People are so inconsiderate these days of my time, my feelings and my struggles; guess they have their own to worry about. But even in the midst of putting my hustle down I can't help but consider others and the struggles they may be going through, and can't help but ask how I can help. Why? Cuz at the end of the day its more about them then me, and if God calls me home this night I want to know I did everything that day I could to help someone else.

Besides, did I mention it brings me joy to help others! I enjoy making a difference; try it...its infectious!

No Matter

No matter how much you want someone to be something it isn't time for them to be, you have to let them be where they are.

Let Go!

It's important to know when it's time to let go of something you want. Sometimes, it is about timing and sometimes it about not being the best thing for you. Unfortunately, when you are in the middle of the situation it seems difficult and near impossible to let go, but it's a necessary thing to do in order to advance forward! Don't let something hold you back or keep you stagnant. Your destiny is awaiting and the more time you waste on trying to hold on, you are actually delaying the best that is supposed to come! Don't delay any further! Let Go!

Reform

Reform is coming, actually it is already here. Time of re-examination of the way we do things, the way we have done things and the way we are going to do things in the future, like now future. It is time to change bad habits and bad people and get rid of both that are in your life. It is time to erase old phone numbers and be friendless for a while until new ones emerge that can help to encourage you to do your very best. Time to stop squandering away money that could be used on fulfilling your life purpose, to buy "things" that "make us feel better about ourselves" but in the end really don't and end up collection dust or just sitting there. Time to reform our minds to think progressively and inventive on how to use our gift(s) and talent(s) to the fullest for the sake of others and most definitely time to stop being so damn selfish and not consider our neighbor and fellow man. If you have not been sure about the time and season we are in, I believe that it's a wake up call for many of you leading lives that are unfulfilled, unwanted and unhealthy! Time out for wasting time, and having the life sucked out of us and time to step into a renewed mind that reforms the way we go about doing all things. Wake up! And reform your mind!

It is or it ain't

Double minded people have got to go. Either you believe or you don't, either you can or you won't. Let's stop the pretending that you have the ability to do much greater than you are doing, or achieve all that you can if you just believe...because the reality is your faith is tearing you down into the pits of despair because you really don't believe! If you did believe then you wouldn't stress, you wouldn't worry or you wouldn't be frustrated when things aren't coming together the way you thought they would. Now don't mistake what I am saying, I am human too, but minimize your input of the cares of the world that you choose to take on and keep strutting, moving and racing toward the ultimate thing...your purpose and your destiny. Money or no money, friends or no friends it doesn't matter because when it comes down to it, you are either hot or cold when it comes to doing what God says do...ain't no in between!

Proper Rest

If you know me then you know I don't sit still much at all, and if I do, I must be really sick. These past few months have forced me into sitting still much longer than I am accustomed to and at first it was very uncomfortable, but the more I am still the more proper I see it to be. It is fitting that the Bible says there is rest for our weary souls; but in a world that is constantly going and pushing to strive harder, do better and move faster, it seems foreign to conceptualize slowing down in it's true form.

I recently had a case of poison oak and by no means was I prepared for what it would do to my body, but I am utterly thankful for what it has done for me in the wholeness of the word. Although I am still putting neosporin on my scars so they won't stay, my body, mind and soul are at proper rest. I was forced into sleeping longer than I normally would, because of the heavy medications I was on, and forced to do nothing at times because of the grogginess from the heavy medications.

I recently read a study on proper sleep and rest time leading to weight loss...and I am a witness to that, because I can see where my body has shaped and toned without high aerobic activity over the past two weeks. I have completely benefited in the time I was "loosing time" by getting proper rest.

Some people say time is money, I disagree, Time is more important than money because it allows you to invest in things that matter, yourself and your relationships. In a world where we never get enough time to invest in ourselves, this should be your declarative time to do so. To set some things aside so that you can get your proper rest. Why? Because you can't function properly on less than a half of a tank, which is what most people are function on. It causes stress, anxiety, worry, fear and clouds good decision making and judgment, affects your ability to perform and makes you feel miserable and possible cranky! As much as you don't have time to make for yourself, you can't afford not to take time for yourself. Invest in you because life is short, and will keep going long after you are gone. Invest in yourself because you are worthy to have peace in your life..... Get your proper rest!

What do they say?

Take the time to read the signs. Do you know what to do in the times we are in or are you worried, scared and captivated by fear and are blocking out the ability to hear what is really being said.

We have gotten so far away from the trueness of life and the essence of who we are that this is a time to reconnect with the source that helps you get in touch with the things that are most important in life. For me, love, family, friendship, helping others in that particular order, are the most important things. Society has so progressed forward that we beat up, step on and disrespect our fellow man to make it or keep what "we have earned" in life; be it a job, relationship, money, or things.

Recently I was let go from my job and although most people would panic and think the worst, I have been using the time to get closer to my source, GOD. This process has been so great for me because it has been a time for simplification of my life and my outlook on things. Growing up never thinking we were poor, and not knowing how to budget, being on my own has been a stretch for me because I am no longer afforded the opportunity to splurge over budget knowing that a paycheck will be coming in. Even though I have unemployment, the crunch is on financially leaving me waiting for my next benefits paid.

I am learning the basics of budgeting in a society that had gotten so far with improving upon improvements and taking both our economy and our environment further in to demise. We got so advanced that a rag and comet wasn't good enough, we needed to have the ready disposable wipes pre-filled with product to clean our houses; harming the environment and depleting our bank accounts. It has been an eye opener for me on simplifying my life and truly understanding what it means to count my pennies, budget and save.

So, as I am simplifying, I am also taking it back old school style, where I no longer have the need to splurge on things that aren't absolutely necessary; within reason an occasional treat. I can better identify needs and wants. And most importantly, I don't have to rely on outside sources to tell me what to do next, I know because of my ability to listen to what's really being said.

I HATE

I hate when I ask for something in an urgent manner and people don't respond with the same sense of urgency. I guess if it was their stuff they'd want someone to respond urgently because it's important to them...well it is equally important to me if it is important to them. Some people think I am uptight but I think it's operating in excellence, don't over commit and if you do and can't fulfill obligations, give a courtesy call instead of dodging the person's calls. That is completely inexcusable for an adult! I mean really, it's not hard to admit you have bitten off more than you can chew, or that you really don't want to be apart. To me your actions speak much LOUDER than your words because at the end of the day, talk is cheap...either put up or shut up! Plain and simple. Reminds me of the book my friend is writing, not sure if she has the title yet, we came up with some that are quite abrasive, but the jest of the book is, PUT UP OR SHUT UP!

Seriously, talking to me is nominal.

I hate that I give out more than I receive. That it seems so much more complicated for other people to reciprocate the good deeds they receive. Where did we forget about the principle of sowing and reaping? Don't they know that if they are crappy to me, then somewhere somehow, someone will be crappy to them too?

I hate waiting, but over the years have developed more patience...unless it's an urgent matter that is. Those being farther and fewer in between I sit back and allow people to hang themselves by talking too much, not following through or just being shifty friends.

Did I mention that I hate people who talk too much?

I hate making mistakes, but as much as I hate making them, I enjoy the learning process that comes out of the ordeal. In my older age, I try to learn as much as possible and observe more than I speak on. It really makes a difference to the person I am and who I am developing to be.

I hate people who think they know you based on past situations or circumstances. I hate when they can't progress forward in the relationship from a healthy place instead of dragging you back to the "remember when" especially if those weren't your highlight years! That they continue to try to shadow your much promising future with the horror of your past and shady decisions THEN!

I hate having to do things all by myself because other people are too selfish to help. Goes back to when you are in need you want someone to help, but can't extend the favor initially...not that I go about doing things to cash in, but what goes around comes around.

I hate when people try to over complicate things. Life is really not that difficult.

Break of Light

We have all heard of the light being at the end of a tunnel, but what does it really mean? For me, I have been in the tunnel for quite sometime, being processed, refined, learning, growing, listening and much more as I have been waiting for God to thwart me forward into the things He has shown me to do. Waiting, like for anyone, is not one of my favorite things; especially when your heart burns to help others and get started on the things that will make a difference in a life, a community and the world. I have high hopes and am the most ambitious person I know. I don't take No lying down but have found ways to maneuver around it to find my way to a Yes. I know what I know, but completely relinquish my knowledge of knowing anything. And when it's all said and done, the break of day, the dawn, the light that comes to the end of a dry spell, an incubation period a time of refreshing, retooling and recognition of how to do what you know to do is the most wonderful feeling. It is quite exhilarating knowing that just on the other side of the beaming sun that comes from the other side, there is a whole new something waiting to be explored, tilled, cultivated!

Where waiting and going through this tunnel has been extremely difficult and unlike anything I have ever encountered. The breaking of this new light lifts me up with promises and hope. I encourage you to not abort the process God wants you to go through, because when you feel the break of light, it makes the battle worth while!

Navigation

I have officially been unemployed from a 9-5 job for two months and while completely liberating, I am thwarted into the realistic world of entrepreneurship 24/7. Now I eat, breathe and sleep my nonprofit and for profit business, constantly thinking of what the next steps are, how to better market myself and what is really the most important thing right now. I have so many wonderful ideas that I know are God inspired, but I also know that I have to rely on Him to reveal when it's time to do what. True navigation through a time in which although seems familiar, is nothing like I have ever encountered. Navigation in deep waters is something that takes more than just a gut feeling, it takes know how and candor, the ability to know when to ask for help, knowing when to go with or against the waves, knowing that sometimes our compass may not be on target and we can't rely on our earthly tools.

My nonprofit is off to the races...it amazes me that God has blessed us with so much, and we haven't even received our letter of determination that entitles us to solicit other organizations for donations and sponsorships. God can certainly stretch and keep us, Selah.

So, I am thankful for not being the captain of my ship for no longer being in the driver's seat and for navigating through the roughest seas I have ever encountered.