PURPOSEFUL LIVING

Exhale

2012-02-25T08:57:00.001-08:00

It's been a interesting past couple months and not in a good way :( I started this blog in November as a means of keeping me encouraged and focused on being positive by expecting the best.

Since that time, my health has been questionable to say the least. I've had two car accidents (I'm fine, physically, Lol) Bizarre incidents at work..... Could it be the universe way of testing my endurance or the devil trying to discourage me or both?

Who knows but I'm still on my journey to peace, tranquility, faith, spiritual growth and prosperity so I win :)

Tonight, here's to me having a date night with "ME" to celebrate life..A glass of moscato, (it's one glass) steamed crab legs and a girlie flick:)

I'm learning that you have to celebrate the victories and defeats knowing that in the end you will always be victorious with God on your side

Be blessed & stay encouraged

(add me to your prayer list, Lol)

Mid Week Pick Me Up.....

2012-02-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

Kirk Franklin: Before I Die

I love this song, you can't feel anything but "good" when you hear this song. Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics and not just the beat, Lol..

God is so amazing....

Be Blessed!

Staying Focused

2012-02-01T18:45:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've written anything, been in a little "slump" but no fear I'm still here; Thank God :)

Here's a little inspiration for anyone else that may be in need of a motivational PUSH.....

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. ~Henry Ford

Be Blessed.....

MOTIVATION

2012-01-17T17:18:00.000-08:00

OK, January is almost gone. My goals were/are to live better, do better......Today, I was reflecting on what I've accomplished thus far with regards to my goals. I determined that I have made a little strive and have done better in a few aspects of my life, but I emphasize "little" :) Every month, I'm going to give myself a personal review in hopes of that keeping me on track.

So, if your Goals-Resolutions were to exercise more, work on self development, read the bible more, be a better friend, spouse, mother, co-worker (employee) or better person in general, here's to Motivation...

"Nothing is impossible, the word itself says "I'm possible"!"

Audrey Hepburn

Be Blessed!

2012-01-16T18:45:00.000-08:00

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know recognize and acknowledge him, and he will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Advancing in Faith by Pastor Charles Stanley

2012-01-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

I heard a great sermon by Charles Stanley today, called "Advancing in Faith".

Building faith brings a "Test" Below are things that pastor Stanley stated that you should do in order to grow your faith.

Meditate on the word of God (The bible is fuel for our faith)
Apply principles of God's word
Observe the ways of God (God uses suffering to strengthen our faith)
Observe God's work in other people's life
Obey God and leave all the consequences to him (Do what he says and believe that god will work it out for your good)
Answered Prayers (Pray with expectations & confidence-you can do anything that God has called you to do)
Worship
Confess faith failures (God will not cut you off because you fail-God is a forgiving God)

I'll be referring back to this OFTEN... God wants us to trust him

You can obtain more information on this sermon at www.intouch.org/faith

Be Blessed

"Practice What You Preach"

2012-01-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

My blog entry is a little long today, but please bear with me :)

Sighing>>>I keep learning the same valuable lesson Over and Over again... You know the saying " you will be given the same repeated test until you pass it..

Here's my story.... I was upset for weeks and just plain Negative about something that I had to do that I just did not want to do; honestly, it was mainly because I was fearful of failure.

Over the past couple weeks, I had created all kinds of doubts, possible problematic scenarios in my mind based upon what I've observed-seen as it relates to the situation.

God says, "We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight"

2 Corinthians 5:7

What I expected to be a horrible situation was actually a blessing in disguise. I'm now asking myself, how can I continue to pray for godliness but continue to have little faith.

I always tell my sons, be positive, look on the bright side etc...

Valuable lesson learned; "Practice what you preach"

Will I fail this test again? possibly but I know my faith has Grown.

Mark 11:22-24

New International Version (NIV)

²² “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. ²³ “Truly^[a] I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. ²⁴ Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Be Blessed!

2012-01-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

Thought this was worth sharing:

There are three kinds of people in the world, the wills, the won'ts and the can'ts. The first accomplish everything; the second oppose everything; the third fail in everything.

Eclectic Magazine

Be Blessed!

A GOOD SELF IMAGE

2012-01-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

The below sermon by Joyce Meyer speaks about the importance of a Good Self Image. I really like this snippet because the message incorporates teaching on self love, endurance and patience.
Enjoy!

Be Blessed!

UNIQUENESS

2012-01-03T03:45:00.000-08:00

I've never been a social butterfly and/or been the person that everyone just loved and gravitated toward but at one time in my life i wished I were..

Not anymore! I love my corniness and loner persona; I'm a introvert, which is considered "Boring" to most and that's OK :)

I now embrace my uniqueness, it's what makes me, "ME". We all have something about us that others love and admire; we've probably been told but dismissed it because we didn't believe it ourselves.

Accept & Love your uniqueness and everyone that's important to you will too.

Be Blessed!

A Walk in the Park-Serenity

2012-01-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

Nice Pictures I took today while taking a stroll in the park.. I'm so proud of myself Lol...

Out with the Old & In with the New (Mindset)

2012-01-01T23:44:00.000-08:00

Last year a good friend of mine, gave me "The Everyday Life"Bible-Joyce Meyer Amplified Version and I just love it. I needed some motivation so here's what I read and thought I'd share.

Joyce Meyer- Life Point

God always energizes us to do what he leads us to do. It is only when we go beyond his will to follow our own wills (or other people's desires) that we are likely to get exhausted.

II Corinthians 2:14- God always leads us in triumph, his will is not for us to live defeated, weak lives, he wants us to be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). His will for us is strength, not weakness; victory, not defeat.

Enjoy.....

Be Blessed......

New Year's Goal(s) not Resolutions

2011-12-30T22:57:00.000-08:00

I know you're wondering what's the difference between a resolution and a goal?

Goal: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

Resolution: a formal expression of opinion or intention made



Every New Year's, I come up with Resolutions.  My intentions were well intended but it just never quite worked out. I've had a ton of them, attend church more, lose that 15-20 lbs & a couple inches, get involved in the community-volunteer, join a organization, etc....

So for 2012 I'm not making a New Year's resolution instead my GOAL is to live a better life and be a better person Period... that'sall#.....

For all of you that are making Resolutions, I'm cheering for you :)

(Just my opinion-thoughts :)

Be Blessed.....

PURPOSEFUL LIVING: Oprah Quotes on Living Your Best Life

2011-12-28T07:03:00.000-08:00

PURPOSEFUL LIVING: Oprah Quotes on Living Your Best Life

Oprah Quotes on Living Your Best Life

2011-12-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

With a New Year approaching, I thought I'd list a few of Oprah's Quotes on living your best life.

If you want your life to be more rewarding, you have to change the way you think

Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.

And last but not least, I think this one is SO appropriate.......

"Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right"

So...here's to "US" Living a Better Life in 2012 :)

Be Blessed!

JOYOUS CHRISTMAS

2011-12-22T07:22:00.000-08:00

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

"Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests.
""Luke 2:9-12; 13-14

2011-12-19T19:51:00.000-08:00

Card created by BlueMountain Cards

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-18T12:39:00.000-08:00

I wasn't planning to write a blog today but I was inspired to write this message after I received a call from my youngest son around 1:00 AM (My first thought was, My God-What's wrong?) I know what your thinking, why think the worst, right...

Anyway, he started off by saying that he knew he was waking me up but he needed to tell me something and no I'm not drunk, just please listen.

He went on to tell me that he really appreciates me and that I did a awesome job at being his mom :) He also mentioned a memory from when he was around 8 or 9 years old which i will not go into but he told me that he appreciated my strength especially during the difficult times and how he and his brother were always taken care of etc.. He also mentioned his gratitude for his dad.

It's so easy to lose touch with what's important in life and especially during Christmas time. When I was young I didn't receive much "materialize" for Christmas but I've grown to realize that I received gifts much greater than any object. I received the joy and blessing of celebrating the Season with two people that will always be dear to my heart although they are now only here in Spirit; my Mom and Grandma. I didn't get it back then but Thank God for wisdom as you age.

Christmas hasn't been the same for a long time but it was enjoyable when my Men were kids and I was able to live Christmas through them. I tried to give them everything I never had but at the end of the day, the best things you can give are free.

Next Sunday (Christmas) when you are surrounded by your loved ones and opening your gifts or enjoying a meal together, try to really be in that "moment" and enjoy & truly appreciate those with you.

I received a special gift around 1:00 AM this morning.....

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Be Blessed...

FANTASTIC FRIDAY

2011-12-15T18:07:00.000-08:00

TGIF, it's the end of another workweek; here's a refreshing quote to get your Fantastic Friday off to a great start..........

Three small rules for living a happy life

Start each day with a grateful heart

Focus on the positive aspects of every person you encounter

End each day with a grateful heart......

Lucy MacDonald

Happy Friday & Have a Great Weekend!

Be Blessed.....

2011-12-13T16:49:00.000-08:00

It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not. ~Author Unknown

I love this song, its just what the doctor ordered for me, may it also be a blessing to someone else :) Enjoy!

Kirk Franklin: HELLO FEAR

Be Blessed & Stay Encouraged!

MARVELOUS MONDAY- FOOD FOR THOUGHT

2011-12-12T03:55:00.000-08:00

“Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” - Michael Jordan

HAVE A GREAT MONDAY & WEEK.....

OVERCOMING FEAR

2011-12-10T06:42:00.001-08:00

The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one.
Elbert Hubbard

JOYCE MEYER-LIVING WITHOUT FEAR

BE BLESSED........

FANTASTIC FRIDAY-FOOD FOR THOUGHT

2011-12-08T17:28:00.001-08:00

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”

Frederick Keonig quotes

Have a Fantastic Friday & Happy Holidays!

ENCOURAGEMENT

2011-12-03T20:46:00.001-08:00

A Few weeks ago, I was at a nail salon and while receiving my service i had earphones on listening to guided meditation. The nail tech asked, "what are you listening to"? I replied, "guided meditation" she then looked at me strangely and smiled. I asked her if she meditates and she jokingly replied "only when I sleep". Initially I felt embarrassed and wished I hadn't told her but after thinking about it i reminded myself that it's been occasions when someone has shared with me something they were involved with or participating in that I had no interest in or understood the purpose, so why would this be any different.

I'm certain that we all have considered not completing things in our life due to feeling discouraged by people in our life that do not understand the purpose of what you're trying to achieve.

SO, if you have aspirations to do something that you believe in, do not allow fear or discouragement from others to keep you from what you are trying to accomplish.. At the end of the day, you only have "one" life and only you can LIVE "your" life.

Stay Encouraged & Encourage Others!

FAITH

2011-11-29T17:54:00.001-08:00

Faith... I'm one of those people that mostly looks at the glass as half empty instead of half full. I don't admit this with pride but with sadness that's partly why I'm on this journey.

Here's to our glass being half "FULL"

JOYCE MEYER SERMON: DON'T EVER GIVE UP DURING HARD TIMES

Be Blessed..........

SELF EMPOWERMENT

2011-11-28T18:55:00.000-08:00

I Love this Quote by Marianne Williamson:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

ATTITUDES

2011-11-27T08:20:00.001-08:00

I know you've heard the saying, "You" choose your attitude.... I don't know about you but I have difficulty with being pleasant to others that aren't being pleasant to me.

I suppose that is what being in the FLESH and not of the SPIRIT is, I so want to LIVE in the SPIRIT all the time, I have good intentions but the the moment when a not so good situation comes about, i go directly into "reaction mode" which causes me to lose the ability to focus clearly and later if not immediately have regrets.

This spiritual living thing is challenging but the rewards are FabuLous :)

Joyce Meyer Sermon:

Choose Boldness Instead of Fear (one of my favorites)

BE BLESSED.....

EMOTIONS

2011-11-26T18:18:00.001-08:00

God's Word vs. Your Feelings

by Joyce Meyer

Every day, we are faced with a decision: Will we respond to life's circumstances according to God's Word or will we react emotionally? The initial temptation is to react emotionally, but in every circumstance, it's truly your decision.

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GRATEFULNESS

2011-11-24T06:23:00.001-08:00

1 Chronicles 16:34
O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!
1 Chronicles 16:33-35 (in Context) 1 Chronicles 16 via biblegateway.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING..

I'm so GRATEFUL for so many things; I'm grateful for this day that GOD has made and that he LOVES me, COMFORTS me, PROVIDES for me and PROTECTS me.

I'm thankful for ALL my FAMILY & FRIENDS , near & far. I'm especially thankful for my sons, husband, auntie D for always being available for mental support and encouragement.

I have some of the Greatest Friends, Tracey, Val, Pam, Linda, Casandra and Nanue just to name a few, thanks for always being there to listen, offer advice and give encouragement you've helped me get through some rough times.

I tell my love ones (Family & Friends) that I love them "often" but I have to make a conscious effort to tell them how Thankful I am for them more often........

Wayne Dyer- Inspirational -motivational speaker

2011-11-23T13:57:00.001-08:00

BELIEF

2011-11-22T18:16:00.001-08:00

Psalm 59:1
Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me.

Ok, I know most of us say and believe that God or whomever your (higher being) is has your back, so why do we, at least "I" waste valuable energy trying to figure out why someone doesn't have my best interest at heart or good intentions for me. I find myself too often trying to reason and figure out why do they dislike me, what's wrong with me etc...

I say all that to say this, if I or you truly believe that God has our back why do we waste precious time pondering over something so irrelevant because no one on this EARTH has the authority to determine your self worth or value.

God's got my back!

Self Awareness

2011-11-21T18:48:00.001-08:00

(This was my introduction to meditation)

http://just-a-minute.org/

Why just-a-minute?

It has been estimated that we each create over 50,000 thoughts every day. That’s busy! And it’s tiring – particularly when thoughts are negative and stressful. There are two main things we need to do to reclaim inner peace and well-being; change the quantity and quality of our thoughts. The question is, how?
just-a-minute allow us to reconnect with our true positive self and learn to think the thoughts we would like to think. With focus and regular practice we re-build our ‘mental muscles’ and become the master of our mind once again.
just-a-minute can help us...

as a natural antidote to stress
for easy decision making
restore our innate creative capacity
emerge confidence and faith in the self
regain a deep state of inner peace and well-being
renew our perspective
deepen inner stability
cultivate friendliness
tap into an unlimited power flow
nurture feelings of security and safety
strengthen the will power to overcome old habits
empower our ‘soul reality’

Think better Feel better Live better

“A new destiny starts with one

2011-11-20T14:20:00.001-08:00

Here's some resources that I'm utilizing in my pursuit of happiness that may be beneficial to you as well:

Super Soul Sunday

Oprah Winfrey presents programs that nourish your mind, body and spirit and offer new, fresh and thoughtful insights into living your best life. Exploring themes and topics including spirituality, the afterlife, alternative health, happiness and personal fulfillment, conscious living and more, these programs present an... array of perspectives on what it means to be alive in today’s world. In a special three-hour block, “Super Soul Sunday” is designed to help viewers awaken to their best selves and discover a deeper connection to the world around them. Programs featured in “Super Soul Sunday” include Oprah’s Soul Series, a series of in-depth, one-on-one conversations between Oprah and some of the most recognized spiritual thinkers of our time; feature-length documentaries; short-form content from Soul Pancake; and more! See More

PURPOSE

2011-11-20T07:46:00.001-08:00

What's my purpose?

Simple question not so easy "answer", at least not for me. I'm on a journey, honestly I've been on a journey for Years, :) It's obvious that I'm not doing something right but I'm hopeful that I'll find my Real purpose in life.

Over the years I've tried yoga on and off, and let me tell you it's not easy getting your body to cooperate with performing yoga poses, especially when you're muscles and joints are tight due to limited mobility (lack of exercise) age and non-flexibility but its a challenge that I'm attempting to master Again, Lol..

Meditation is something else that I've done on and off and I actually really do enjoy it, I just have to commit to setting a time to do it, who doesn't have 5 or 10 minutes a day for themselves, right?

I'm one of those seekers of peace, and from what I've read it seems that yoga and meditation is a great way of staying centered and finding that inner-peace so here's to me sticking with it

I'm watching Oprah's " Super Soul Sunday" right now, its so inspiring to see that people are figuring out what their purpose is and have found enjoyment, happiness, peace etc....

I want that!!!!!!!!