Enjoying the Now
Have you ever worked toward a goal such as a desired salary range, a new position at work, a degree, a certain number of followers on social media, etc...
Once you hit that the goal, what’s next?
You obtain the desired salary, you enjoy it for a quick moment and then you want more.
You get the new job and the excitement quickly goes away after the stress of training.
There’s always a new goal, new accomplishment, or new task that strive towards after the high of reaching your initial goal fades. The sermon at church was recently about this.
My pastor mentioned it is like you are constantly chasing the high of what’s next and not enjoying the now of the moment.
There’s always going to be a new car, new position, more money, bigger house, etc... that you want, but have you taken a moment to be present in the now and trust God with the next thing.
I’m sure many of the things we are experiencing now are answered prayers, which we previously prayed.
I’m making a conscious decision to enjoy them now and I’m trusting God with what’s next. Of course, I still have goals, desires, and things I would like to accomplish, but I’m also going to rest in what I know God has already done and I’ll leave the future to him.
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?”
Jeremiah 32:27 KJV
All you have to do is ask...
So, what are we waiting for? God already knows when we need help, he’s just waiting for us to ask.“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 NASB2020
All I Need is Understanding
I believe it was the girls' group, Xscape that said, “What I need from you is understanding. How can we communicate if you don't hear what I say?”
I’ve often said any type of a great relationship takes communication; however, they also take comprehension and understanding.
Storytime: I was texting someone a couple of weeks ago and from my text message I felt like they should have grasped what I was saying. I mean have y’all ever been there? Like you said what you said and in your head, it made complete sense, but once you communicated with the other person they heard or read something completely different? Maybe it is just me. ?
I thought I communicated very effectively in my personal and professional life. I’m sure I even listed “effective communication” on a past resume or two as a skillset. ??
However, sometimes what you are saying and what someone hears or interprets are two completely different things. So, it is important to clarify, read messages in context and ask additional questions if you are unsure because assuming something will have you looking cray-cray, especially when you are wrong.
While this situation stemmed from an experience in my personal life, I’ve seen where this has often happened in other situations as well, especially when people read the Bible. They will read one thing out of context and assume without asking God to help them understand what they are reading. The Bible even tells us don’t lean to our understanding and to acknowledge God.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB2020
Sponsorship
There’s a buzz word going around in corporate America called sponsorship. My understanding of the word is a sponsor is someone who is an advocate for you when you are or aren’t in the room for a position, project, opportunity and etc...A good sponsor should be a person who is asking others - have you considered (insert name).I went to an amazing virtual conference a few weeks ago called Sharp Heels and several of the speakers spoke of sponsorship and how their sponsors helped them obtain new opportunities within their company. Often time when I hear a word I like to think of how it could be used in another context.
When I thought of the word sponsorship- I thought of Jesus Christ. I know there is God the Father, God the son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit - who all make up the Trinity. But I like to think of every one of individually and collectively to make it more relatable for me. Jesus, is our personal advocate - like how sway! He’s sponsoring us in heaven to his father. He’s advocating on our behalf to his Father pleading our case.
Picture this - Jesus is sitting on the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. He’s sees the best in us and also sees our full life from the end to the beginning and advocates for us. ❤️
“who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”Romans 8:34 NASB2020
My Helper
I recently started a new position at work. Yay me! ?? Once the excitement of the position wore off I was like - what I’m the heck am I going to be doing? ?
I’ll be working in the compliance department, but guess what? I don’t have any prior compliance experience, so I’m going to need reinforcement help outside of my trainer and mentor to calm my mind and my heart when I may feel overwhelmed with new information. So, who do you think I’m calling?
I’ll be calling on the Holy Spirit, who’s also known as our helper. I mentioned before I know God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all part of the Trinity which work cohesively together, but just like the three branches of government all work together, each branch has a separate role and responsibility. (Side note - I heard the three branches of government example on someone’s IG story and I thought that was a great way for me to explain the Trinity)
Anywho, back to the Holy Spirit, he’s our helper.
Have you asked the Holy Spirit to help you lately?
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.” John 14:26 NASB2020
Band-Aids
Story-time: I was listening to a story a couple of weeks ago about someone who has a garden and there was one patch of an area in which they didn’t plant anything for their dogs to have an area to take care of their business.
The person’s goal was to stop grass from growing in this area.
To temporarily fix this situation they poured mulch over the grass, which worked temporarily until the grass grew through the mulch. So they added more mulch until the grass grew through that also. Eventually, the person became tired of the temporary fixes and grabbed their shovel and dug up all the mulch and the grass- which finally got to the root cause of their issue. They were finally able to stop the grass from growing.
Often time, we know there’s a root cause for a situation, but we only address a symptom instead of dealing with the issue in its entirety and become frustrated when the same problem arises. Dig deep, do the work, identify and address the root cause vs. slapping a band-aid on the situation.
“For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.”Jeremiah 30:17 KJV
Abba, Father
I acknowledge God as my Heavenly Father. So, when I think about my relationship with him, I think about a father and daughter relationship. My father is deceased, but I look at the scriptures, other healthy father/daughter relationships around me, and my relationship with my father to understand the role of a father.
Picture this: You are in school and you were in trouble for something. You make it home from school and your father is already aware of what happened because he received an e-mail from the teacher about your behavior. So, once you get home you run to your father to tell him the news.
At that moment, of sharing the news with your father you may feel vulnerable and awful for your behavior. But your father is good, so he covers you.
Later on in the day, y’all have a conversation about it, he calls you higher and he reminds you that he loves you.
This is how I picture my relationship with God - though I may do wrong, God is there to be a father even in the midst of what is going on.
There’s nothing I can do or anything anyone can say to change the love my Heavenly Father has for me as his daughter. Just like a natural father may have to discipline or correct a child, God does this for us as well, but it’s only because he wants the best for us.
This is why I can call him Abba, Father.
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 NASB2020
Faith
So, I believe that a parent is more willing to help their child if they see them working for something versus seeing them do absolutely nothing.
For example, if you see a child making their bed, you are more likely to come help if you see them putting in the effort to try, even if it is wrong, versus if you see them sitting on the floor doing nothing.
I thought about this last week and it helped me process the concept of faith with works discussed in the book of James. The scripture says,
“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”
James 2:26 NASB2020
This reminded me I should be partnering with my Heavenly Father, God to show him I trust him. He wants to see me working and trying vs. sitting down saying, “Whoa is me I’m not sure what to do next.” ?
To give another example, if you are stuck on the side of the road, and you are sitting inside your car doing nothing, people are probably less likely to stop to offer you help. But, someone will be willing to help you if you are outside of your car trying to fix your vehicle or even if you pop the hood of your car.
So with all of that being said, what works are you doing to put your faith into action?
“What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?”
James 2:14 NASB2020
#TBT Throwback Travel
This week, I’m changing to Throwback Thursday to Throwback Travel.Five years ago on April 15, 2016, I took my first trip to another country.If it wasn’t for, I would not have made it on this trip, because I was ready to go back on the plane after the first 30 minutes of arrival. She was an amazing friend, kept me from booking a flight out and she assured me things would be okay.Interesting fact: I wrote my first blog after this trip. I’ll have to share it with you all soon. My blog title was: Curbside Chronicles.
My trip to the Dominican Republic was a trip to remember for sure. I call it my worst/best trip. I’m grateful it was such an interesting trip filled with both highs and lows because it expanded my love for travel and prepared me for some of the worst scenarios that I may experience with traveling. I can’t fit all this entire trip experience into one blog, but I’ll give you a few of the highlights from DR.
Trip Memorable Highlights
1. I forgot to tell my bank I was traveling out of the country and they froze my bank account.2. I was trying to unlock my bank account and incurred over $150.00 in roaming fees.3. We road motorcycles aka moto-taxes with a total of 4 people on them.4. We hung out with some locals and ended up in a questionable area.5. We came back to the hotel and learned the doors were locked, so we set on the curve and waited we found a side entrance.6. I had the best homemade chips and fresh smoothies in my life.7. We traveled to another city by bus in another country and honestly had no idea where we were going.
Whew...that was a fun trip adventure.What’s your interesting travel story?
Grace
So usually, I am on my A-game, getting so many things done, crossing stuff off my list, and being a super overachiever. But to be honest, in this season, I am not feeling the motivation at all. Y’all ever been there or is it just me? ?
I’ll start working out, but then I also eat a cookie. ? I’ll start writing a book, but I’ll start watching a television show. I can’t figure out why I’m not in an overdriven mood right now - it’s like I’m on cruise control, but I want to get stuff done. ?
How do you push forward when you have limited motivation?
I’ve learned the best thing for me to do is to chunk my time, even if it is 15-minute increments. I’ll work for 15 minutes and then do something else to try to bring my mind back to focus. In addition to chunking my time, I’ll also ask God for grace to get certain tasks completed.
I’m not sure when I learned this concept about asking God for grace, but I’m so glad I did. I probably heard this concept in a sermon, so, thank you, Pastor. ? The scripture says, he gives us a measure of grace. So if God gives me grace so freely, I may as well take advantage of it and use it. Grace is free 99 to receive, so ask God for grace to get things done!
Question of the Day: What are some things you do when you feel unmotivated to get things done?
Scripture: “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:7 NASB2020
And
“Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” Hebrews 4:16 NASB2020
That’s not even my hurt...
This blog started from a conversation with a few friends and I wanted to share it with others.
I remember when I was younger in elementary school and a friend would say to me, I’m not this person's friend, so you shouldn’t be their friend either. “
Sounds familiar? Lol.
But the reality is - that’s not even my hurt. You can be friends with someone and another person may choose to not be friends with them because of their experiences. But whatever happened between others should be for them to resolve and it shouldn’t be hurt you carry as your own.
Sometimes, you are mad at others not even realizing you may have limited information from one party. Usually, we aren’t even familiar with all the nuances of the situation and we carry other burdens like they are our own.
I’ve also seen this happen with children as well when their parents have an argument or if their parents divorced. Kids are sometimes forced to select one parent over another. It can often be an awkward situation for the child, when they can be loved by both parents.
Take a moment to think about the hurt you are carrying. Release that hurt to God and breathe again.
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”Proverbs 12:25 KJV
It’s Good Friday
But was it a Good Friday for Jesus?
Picture this - the night before our Savior was crucified he had dinner with his friends known as the last supper. Jesus being all-knowing knew the next day he would be crucified.
Many hated him and lied on him. They spit on him, beat him, and placed a painful crown on his head with thorns.
What was he even guilty of? They couldn’t find any fault with him.
In addition to all of this, there was his disciple who betrayed him (Judas) and the other disciple, Peter who denied him three times.
Can you imagine him hanging on the cross for my sins, for your sins, and the sins of everyone in this world? The Bible says darkness fell on the face of the earth from the 6th to the 9th hour.
Even while he was in agony, he was thinking of you and me.
Even while he was in pain, he witnessed to the person next to him on the cross.
Even while he hung on a cross with nails in his hands, he asked his father to have mercy on someone else.
Even while he knew he wasn’t guilty, he asked his father to forgive others because they knew not what they had done.
Jesus died for the sins of the world, but before he died he hung on the cross to be the perfect example for us.
We know he rose from the dead which is significantly important - but today don’t forget Mary’s baby, the son of David, God’s beloved son, hung on the cross for you and me.
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Luke 23:34 KJV
Catastrophizing
Y’all ever have conversations with yourself? Okay, maybe it’s just me. Let me give y’all an example. ? So, if I have to have a conversation with someone about something I’ll play the conversation in my head before it takes place. I’ve already prepared myself to receive a negative response- when the conversation hasn’t even taken place and to be honest that may not even be their response. ? My assumed negative response may even be from a prior experience that had nothing to do with that person. ?
I was listening to a podcast a few weeks ago and a couple discussed this and as I listened I was like yikes that’s been my reaction in a couple of situations. I could relate to so many of the things they mentioned and how my body and brain automatically prepare for a negative situation without even knowing all the facts. This sounds crazy even when I was writing it. Lol.
Part of getting better comes from you doing the work. The great news is that I’m aware of my behavior and I take it to God.
The Bible is clear on bringing every thought into captivity. So when I think of a negative thought, I don’t dwell on it and I replace it with scripture. Also, I’ve started allowing people to answer questions themselves without assuming the worst. And guess what y’all - it’s been such a positive experience. Woosah.
Question of the Day: What is something that you have acknowledged about yourself that you are working on?
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV
Saved by Grace
I’m taking an apologetics class at church. One of the counterarguments that we discussed was that some believe we could be saved by good works. While I don’t believe this, it was interesting to think about at the moment. I’ll share what I believe later in the blog. I started to think of how many works would it require for me to feel like I’m saved and secure.
Would I have to repeat new works daily or would my works from yesterday be enough? ?
And then I thought about how big my good works would have to be for me to be saved? Could small good works save me too? ? Or do I have to go big or stay at home? These are all rhetorical questions that don’t require an answer. Lol.
But the cool thing about reading and learning is I bring my questions to God and allow him and the word of God to define my standard.
All of that to say, I’m so glad that my good works don’t save me and that I’m saved by faith through God’s unmerited grace.
It’s nothing that I can do to earn his grace, I don’t deserve his grace, and yet he gives it to me freely. And for that I’m grateful! ??????
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8 KJV
It’s Been a Year...
Let’s flash back to the first week in March of 2020. Life was still normal for us as we had previously known it. I still remember - I was less than two weeks away from flying to Europe or so I thought until all of our lives were changed and then we adjusted and have kept readjusting every since.
It’s been over a year since the pandemic first begin and mask were introduced in the US. I thought it would be a great opportunity to share five of my biggest takeaways since Covid started.
- Put God first in every area of your life.
- I enjoy working from home. It’s been the biggest blessing in my life and allowed great flexibility.
- I’ve paid off debt and saved way more money since the pandemic began.
- Value your relationships with your friends and loved ones. Spend time with them when you can even if it’s only via zoom.
- Enjoy your life and have fun. Life is so short to be wondering what you should have started but didn’t or who you should have contacted but didn’t. Just do it!
This pandemic season allowed me to slow down, smell the roses and increase my relationship with God. The most beautiful thing is God is with us always even in the midst of a whole pandemic.
What have you learned amid the pandemic?
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ”Matthew 28:20 KJV
Waiting
Let's be honest most people don’t enjoy waiting for things. I can admit, I don’t enjoy waiting.
Waiting on food to be cooked - just run me my food!
Waiting on the results of a test - did I pass or not?
Waiting on a job decision - Am I hired?
Waiting on a house to be built- Can I move in yet?
Those are just some of the few situations in which we as a society have to wait on something or someone else to determine the next steps.
How do you deal with the waiting? Are you patient? Or impatient?
As you all know, I’m always going, to be honest in my blogs and I can admit I can be impatient sometimes. ? I want things rushed or I want to know the result immediately. Sometimes when I am reading a good book, I’ll skip to the last chapter and then read the rest of the book.
But, I’m learning to be more patient. It’s def a learned skill. The most important thing for me right now is my attitude while I’m patiently waiting. Can I have joy, while I wait? ?
Share below how you deal with being patient.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4 KJV
Baby Steps ...
This blog topic came from a conversation I had with my friends this week.
The week of February 15th was a challenging week for many in Texas with the winter storm. I know for myself - I had no motivation to work out as my main concern was trying to check on family and friends, get through a busy work week, and prepare food and have water on stand by just in case my power went out. While dealing with this, I even indulged in a few delicious cookies and to be honest - I don’t regret it. ?
However, last week, I tried to get back on a healthier path with working out, meal prepping, and drinking a gallon of water a day - but sometimes life happens or you may not feel like doing anything and that’s okay. Remember, we are still in the middle of a pandemic! ?
As always give yourself grace because baby steps count.
If you worked out one day - that’s a baby step!
If you increase your water intake - that’s a baby step.
If you prepped a healthier meal option - that’s a baby step!
Baby steps may look different for each of us on our life journey. But remember baby steps add up to progress as long as you continue moving forward!
“The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.” Job 17:9 NLT
Replanted
Storytime: I have an aloe vera plant that I call AV. AV outgrew his normal planter probably months ago ?. This weekend I replanted it into a bigger planter so AV will have more room to grow and flourish.
While I was transporting AV to its new planter, I thought about the idea of being replanted can be applied to so many areas of life. We outgrow situations sometimes in life -whether it is a new home, friendships, churches, relationships, jobs, etc... And we have to be replanted.
While uprooting yourself from something familiar is not fun it is needed to grow and flourish. Think about even in grade school you were promoted to the next grade to learn something new. Every year you had to go through the nervousness of the first day of school and making new friends and meeting new teachers. This same thing must be applied in life - although the adjustments may not be as frequent.
Whenever you outgrow something, don’t be afraid to pick up your roots and plant them somewhere deeper so you can grow into all that God has for you!
“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Psalms 1:3 NLT
You Are Goals
Remember you are someone’s goal.
Sometimes we complain about what we have and we don’t even realize someone is praying for our current lifestyle.
Someone wants to be your weight, to feel like they are on their way to meeting their weight loss goal.
Someone is wishing they made your salary when they haven’t received a raise in years.
Someone wants your car when they are riding the bus or requesting rides from family or friends.
Someone would love to have your apartment because they are trying to save more money to have a space to call their own.
I could go on and on and give so many more examples to compare and contrast, but I digress.
Is it okay to want more or have goals?
Absolutely.
The biggest point I’m trying to make is life is short, be thankful for everything you do have!
Quote to remember:
In the words of my friend:
My worst day is someone’s best Day!
“Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away.” James 4:14 NASB2020
Writer’s Block
Storytime: So usually I prep my blogs on Sunday night or they are written weeks in advance, but last night I could not write. I was tired and every time I started writing about a topic I would get a few sentences in and delete it. I hit writers' block hard for the first time in almost four years. I’m like what if I have nothing new to post? #soundscaryright But it really isn’t! ?
So one thing about me, is I never force myself to write - whether I’m writing a book or a blog. I want the flow to be natural or authentic and if it isn’t, I guess I won't have anything to say. Sounds simple right?!!!
But then, on the flip side, I’m like I said I would write every Monday, but I’m like what will happen if I don’t post?
As always, life will go on. It won’t be as bad as it seemed. I’ll miss a week and I’ll be back the following week or whenever my flow of writing return.
I’m saying all of that to say, we don’t have to be perfect, sometimes you will miss a blog post, forget to schedule content, miss an important event you wanted to attend, etc. Guess what - it’s call life!Things happen, things change, we are all human - keep breathing, be encouraged, because God will still always be with you.
Life will go on even when you hit writer's block!
“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:2 KJV