Category: Life Challenges

ME:
I struggle with change, my hair, losing weight, loving me, loving others, allowing others to love me, forgiving, moving forward, driving on the expressway, trusting, controlling my emotions, having it my way, apologizing, drowning in sorrows, denying myself …

I am a mess.  What is to become of me?

Because of the shortcomings in my life, at times I lose hope and lack faith.  I begin to second guess my abilities, my ideas, my decisions, my direction, my confidence.

I am not bold enough, I have no vision, I am unsure of and sometimes am troubled about what lies ahead for my future.  My purpose fades and seems dim.

I look on others’ successes and accomplishments and wonder what happened to my dreams.  Yes, I had dreams that have long been forgotten and lost in a colorful past–too many “if I could’ve … would’ves … should’ves”.

STILL SMALL VOICE:
Shhhh …. Stop … listen.  Did you hear that?

ME:
Hear what?

STILL SMALL VOICE:
… the answers you seek:

Think less about you and having it your way.  Meditate on things that are “true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, full of virtue and that are praiseworthy.”

Follow My Will and My Way in every situation:  when things are difficult for you to handle; and when all is well, lean and depend upon Me only.  This will teach you discipline.  When times are tough, you will know exactly what to do:  run to Me.

Fear NOT– Doubt NO longer.

Because you are NOT in control, doesn’t mean Someone else isn’t ……

Trust Me.  “I am here.”

Who told you life is “Hocus Pocus Poof”?

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

A picture speaks a thousand words …

I have a concern with the overuse of cell phones during untimely events or in unsuitable places.  How should I handle my frustration?  Is it a “me” or a “them” problem?  As I write this blog, I find it to be very therapeutic.  HINT:  notice my title, lol.

This is what I do when someone next to me is texting and surfing the ‘net’ at an inappropriate place or time:  I glance at their phones several times while they’re doing it and I KNOW they feel my glance, lol. This is my way of saying:  “stop it … come on now!!!!!”

Society and their electronic devices have become virtually inseparable. Cell phones are nice conveniences in a fast-paced world and a great device for getting help quickly in all types of situations, but they SHOULD NOT become a constant distraction for those individuals around them.

You know who you are!  Has this become an addiction for you?  When you are constantly texting, looking at Facebook or surfing the Internet in general, do you find it difficult to stop for any length of time?

Users have become efficient in texting or being online while driving, carrying on conversations (usually it’s a one-sided conversation—where the person who is not using their device does most of, if not all of the talking, lol), eating, taking notes in class, etc., seemingly without the excessive use of technology affecting their performance.

Even though your performance seems unaffected, the misuse of your cell phone can be viewed as disrespectful, though unintentional.

In the scriptures, Jesus asked the disciples (I’m paraphrasing):  “ … can you pray just an hour with me?”  Guess what?   They could not!!!!

I pose this question to you:  Can you be without your cell for an hour?  Well, can you?

I suggest the following “no, no” times for when you SHOULD NOT use the cell:  church services (unless you are using a bible app), family gatherings, visiting the elderly and the sick, and any other occasion where your undivided attention is required, requested and/or needed.

It has gotten so bad at my workplace we are not allowed to use our cell phones in the work area.  If we have a need to use our phone, we must get up and exit the area.

Although I briefly mentioned in my blog texting while driving, I may speak more in-depth regarding this particular subject on another blog.  However, I would like to briefly state that the statistics regarding the danger of driving while texting are alarmingly high. A quick suggestion:  place your cell in the glove compartment and LOCK IT.  Take it out after you have reached your destination.  This may help you avoid all temptation to reach over and pull it out while you’re driving.

The next time you pull out your cell, please consider your “neighbor” and DON’T MAKE THEM WANT TO YELL!!

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

I’ll pour on my anointing oil for Your power and Your scent.

I’ll wear my prayer shawl to be covered and near.

I’ll burn my candles to place me in Your atmosphere.

I’ll turn on my worship music to bring me closer.

Whatever it takes to be near You Lord.

 

I want to strip and peel away all that is not You.

Who is the real me Lord?  Please show me.

Who am I pleasing?

For I want to please You.

Who am I Serving?

For I want to only serve You.

 

No more seeking titles.

No more striving for sheepskins (degrees).

No more trying to create relationships.

No more running or avoiding those related.

No more robbing Peter to pay Paul.

No more being afraid or confused.

 

I only want to be who I am in You.

Letting all be drawn to me,

Because of You,

So ready, so ready to be free.

Let me be found to be a True Servant for Thee.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

What is loneliness? How many descriptions of loneliness can you name? Can you recall ever feeling lonely?

Let me be clear, I’m not talking about being in solitude or merely being by yourself. Often times we are comfortable alone.  Sometimes time spent apart from others is a welcoming opportunity. In fact, embrace those opportunities as God allows them to slow you down to reflect and gather your scattered energies.

I visit with those who are in nursing homes and hospitals.  Some of them feel others don’t really care about them. What about the hordes of men and women behind prison bars, who are persuaded everyone else has long since forgotten they exist and life is moving on like a great train pulling out of a station, but leaving them behind?

No one seems to notice.

In the lonely hours of the night, you wrestle with God and with your feelings of desperation, aloneness, and rejection. Perhaps, a friend or family member deserted you.  Your child or love one has turned against you or they don’t seem to care. Or ironically, you feel equally lonely on a busy street or crowded hallway.

It’s a bitter thing to be lonely, really lonely. Some of us know it all too well. All of us have felt the chill of loneliness haven’t we, whether we admit it openly or not?

When a person is lonely they want to withdraw, sleep, or perhaps escape by drinking or taking drugs to alleviate the pain. But none of these actions or reactions work.

There are depths of loneliness in you which only God can reach. You have struggles you deal with in which no other human can help you. It is during these times if you will listen you will hear Jesus say, “Let not your heart be troubled.. lo, I am with you all the days.”

Have you ever said, “I feel like everyone has deserted me?”  The next time you say that please read theses scriptures:

Psalms 27:10 Even if my Father and Mother abandon me: the Lord will hold me close.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous being not afraid of them, the Lord your God will go ahead of you He will neither fail you nor forsake you.

He will not force Himself upon you. You can shut the door of your loneliness against Him. You can put Him off as you sometimes do by saying, “I don’t need You.  I can make it alone.”

The cure for loneliness is a commitment in Him.  It’s when you cherish His word and His will that you will experience His nearness.

The question is do YOU really want Him with YOU?

Are YOU willing to open the gates to this Lord of all life and let Him make YOU A loving, caring AND happy person?

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any medical advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

While attending a ladies brunch, I was so blessed by the moderator’s transparency and willingness to share her “true” self. As I listened to her tell her story, the pressure in my shoulders and back began to lift, and my eyes shifted its view.  I saw her in a different, more loving light.

Suddenly it hit me!!! Her words of doubt, hurt, frustration, burden, suicide, disgust, and exhaustion were all too familiar to ME!!! As she continued speaking for the next few minutes, I closed my eyes as she faded in the background.  I no longer saw or heard her, but I was tuned in to my own inner fears.  A voice screamed: “Help!! Help!! Anybody, somebody please HELP ME!!!”

To the world, I look sane, healthy and fine, but there were times I was hurt by others or I was disappointed with bad decisions I made.  Somewhere along the way, I realized anyone on any given day wears a mask.  Sometimes it is worn so often until we forget who we really are.

I confess I wear masks too–attempting to hide or disappear–not realizing my disappearances somehow blocks truth from entering in. I have worn masks for so long until I am not always aware when I put them on.

Because I have a wonderful husband & family, physically healthy, a peaceful home, a nice job, good friends and thoughtful neighbors, why would I wear masks?

My siblings and I were raised to speak only when spoken to, children should be seen and not heard, don’t trust anyone, anything that goes on at home stayed at home, and don’t let others get too close.  So as an adult, I learned the hard way that having a spouse, family, home, and career were not enough.  I needed something more, Someone…

One day I found Him.  Hopefully, you will too.  He will show you who you really want to be, should be….

Just keep living …

I left the brunch desperate for more precious encounters like this. I pleaded with God for His direction. Then a thought occurred to me: Are there other women who feel the way I do? Having the truth, but allowing the cares of the world to swallow them up?  My mom taught us the best way to get out of a rut was to go and find someone else in trouble and help them.  Soon your troubles would become minimal.

Well, I decided to do just that!! I purposed in my heart from that day forward to maximize every opportunity to extend myself to others without a mask, inhibitions or fear.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s still plenty of room for me to continue to grow, but I was born for His greatness and I’m going to act like I believe it!!!

How can I accomplish such great a task?

I will stop looking at me and focus on strengthening, encouraging, comforting, and inspiring my sisters so they can see THEIR greatness as well.

A long time ago I walked away from shame and sin so I could be FREE to be me IN MY SKIN.

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.