God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your
love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord
And where there's doubt, true faith in
you.
These are shortened versions of the prayers I have lifted up to the Almighty Father throughout my life. (I cannot take credit for these empowering words.)
It takes dedication to say them on a daily basis. It takes conviction to trust God’s plan rather than my own. It takes wisdom greater than my understanding to accept life as it is. It’s not about being the best me I can be. It’s about living life pleasing Him and no one else. I think that is the hardest part of all, but I accept the challenge.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Gossip Girl
Some gossip came back to me not too long ago when a good friend confided in me. She said a particular woman in our greater community recently talked about my past mistakes to her family. My friend and I couldn’t believe that after all these years this particular woman had to drudge up the hurtful past.
When the rumor mill churns salacious drama, I admit there is an eerie satisfaction when hearsay pulls people down from their glorified pedestals. But that’s so wrong, and I cannot let my sinful nature find pleasure when he-said-she-said-this-and–that.
Although this woman cannot get past the past, I know I have. I worship a God of second chances and I love who I am today because of HIS promise to me. As long as I make a conscious effort to maintain dignity and remain Christ-like in any given situation, I know I will be blessed.
I’m thankful to my husband who is always so encouraging. He taught me how to look at the situation with greater wisdom rather than let it bring me down. He challenged me to let this one slide. In the grand scheme of things, it shouldn’t affect my personal values nor can I let it stand in the way of my potential. God has blessed me abundantly, and with this wisdom I grow stronger and become better everyday.
When the rumor mill churns salacious drama, I admit there is an eerie satisfaction when hearsay pulls people down from their glorified pedestals. But that’s so wrong, and I cannot let my sinful nature find pleasure when he-said-she-said-this-and–that.
Although this woman cannot get past the past, I know I have. I worship a God of second chances and I love who I am today because of HIS promise to me. As long as I make a conscious effort to maintain dignity and remain Christ-like in any given situation, I know I will be blessed.
I’m thankful to my husband who is always so encouraging. He taught me how to look at the situation with greater wisdom rather than let it bring me down. He challenged me to let this one slide. In the grand scheme of things, it shouldn’t affect my personal values nor can I let it stand in the way of my potential. God has blessed me abundantly, and with this wisdom I grow stronger and become better everyday.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Financial Responsibility
My husband and I have been financially responsible over the past few years. We understand that the money we earn is not ours. As Christians, we believe that God blessed us with financial privileges in the form of our multiple streams of income. But above all, we believe a portion of what we earn goes back in glory to Him. We always tithe to the church. In other words, we follow a biblically fundamental financial discipline in which at least 10% of income earned every month goes directly to the church…sometimes more but definitely no less. We pay the church first before our savings, before our bills, and before ourselves.
You know what is truly amazing about this practice? When we put God’s church before any other financial obligation, we never find ourselves in financial trouble. HE always helps us make ends meet. HE always provides what we need and in most cases, HE gives us more than we ask for. I’m not preaching the prosperity gospel nor do I guarantee God will bless you if you decide to give money to His church. I’m just saying that we give what is expected of us and walk by faith. Even when our eyes can’t see what is to come, our hearts trust that He will always come through whenever we need.
You know what is truly amazing about this practice? When we put God’s church before any other financial obligation, we never find ourselves in financial trouble. HE always helps us make ends meet. HE always provides what we need and in most cases, HE gives us more than we ask for. I’m not preaching the prosperity gospel nor do I guarantee God will bless you if you decide to give money to His church. I’m just saying that we give what is expected of us and walk by faith. Even when our eyes can’t see what is to come, our hearts trust that He will always come through whenever we need.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
It's All a Test
I believe life happens in God’s time. I’m now at a point where He’s blessing me with several opportunities to once again pursue some “dream jobs.” His timing is impeccable with His blessings. Now that Isaac is a little older, God is blessing me with a chance to find myself professionally with three big-time opportunities. It’s so exciting but overwhelming at the same time.
Within the past two weeks, I’ve been asked to use my talents and interest in sales and promotions for a local TV personality and wedding planning extraordinaire. Also, a former NFL player has asked me to help share his unique sports marketing concept to potential investors. Lastly, a former colleague has personally referred me for a position that demands my marketing/sales background to counsel non-profits in their fundraising efforts. These opportunities combined are basically what I’ve been searching for these past two years since I retired myself out of the corporate world. If I were to fully commit myself to any one, I think I might find great reward and fulfillment. But here is the catch…I believe these are all a test and so far, I’m not sure I can pass.
God has blessed my husband I with this beautiful, healthy baby boy. I’m a mother now and always will be…first and foremost. I would rather NOT put any other J-O-B in front of my motherly and wifely responsibilities. Just the other day I was feeding my son. Instead of cherishing the moment as another intimate bonding experience with him, I was more concerned about the business emails I had to write. At that time, I didn’t see anything wrong with being preoccupied in that sense.
I shared that incident with my husband, and praise God that I did although it was hard for me to admit to him. But my husband got me to see that being preoccupied with anything other than my nursing child at that very moment puts other “priorities” before baby. I didn’t realize that at that moment I was not being a mom first and foremost. So now here I am blogging with insomnia about that painful realization.
For just over three years, I had the dream job working in sports and entertainment. I chose to let that job take over my life. I let that job come over my marriage and family. I managed to make that job my life. As hindsight is always 20-20, I will be first to admit what a horribly self-centered and arrogant person I was when working at that job. It wasn’t my job’s fault. It was my choice to do it all for myself and no one else. Geez, I hate admitting that.
My baby boy is over five months old, and I’m approaching the last few months of breastfeeding. God willing, my plan is to exclusively breastfeed at least another two to three months. Motherhood has been amazing with all of the challenges and triumphs I’ve experienced with this phenomenal child. But with all of these opportunities to take my professional career to the next level, He is testing me to see what matters more, success in business or success in motherhood?
In my mind and in my heart, baby comes first. But in recent situations, that doesn’t seem to be consistent. So now I’m taking the time to do a lot of soul searching and praying. God always sends me signs and I know to ask Him to lead the way. I’m being the best mom I know how to be while realizing there is always room for improvement. I always question everything yet deny the solutions that are best. I LOVE being a mom, but can I be appreciative of the privilege I have to stay at home and raise my child? It’s definitely a test to see where my priorities truly are.
Within the past two weeks, I’ve been asked to use my talents and interest in sales and promotions for a local TV personality and wedding planning extraordinaire. Also, a former NFL player has asked me to help share his unique sports marketing concept to potential investors. Lastly, a former colleague has personally referred me for a position that demands my marketing/sales background to counsel non-profits in their fundraising efforts. These opportunities combined are basically what I’ve been searching for these past two years since I retired myself out of the corporate world. If I were to fully commit myself to any one, I think I might find great reward and fulfillment. But here is the catch…I believe these are all a test and so far, I’m not sure I can pass.
God has blessed my husband I with this beautiful, healthy baby boy. I’m a mother now and always will be…first and foremost. I would rather NOT put any other J-O-B in front of my motherly and wifely responsibilities. Just the other day I was feeding my son. Instead of cherishing the moment as another intimate bonding experience with him, I was more concerned about the business emails I had to write. At that time, I didn’t see anything wrong with being preoccupied in that sense.
I shared that incident with my husband, and praise God that I did although it was hard for me to admit to him. But my husband got me to see that being preoccupied with anything other than my nursing child at that very moment puts other “priorities” before baby. I didn’t realize that at that moment I was not being a mom first and foremost. So now here I am blogging with insomnia about that painful realization.
For just over three years, I had the dream job working in sports and entertainment. I chose to let that job take over my life. I let that job come over my marriage and family. I managed to make that job my life. As hindsight is always 20-20, I will be first to admit what a horribly self-centered and arrogant person I was when working at that job. It wasn’t my job’s fault. It was my choice to do it all for myself and no one else. Geez, I hate admitting that.
My baby boy is over five months old, and I’m approaching the last few months of breastfeeding. God willing, my plan is to exclusively breastfeed at least another two to three months. Motherhood has been amazing with all of the challenges and triumphs I’ve experienced with this phenomenal child. But with all of these opportunities to take my professional career to the next level, He is testing me to see what matters more, success in business or success in motherhood?
In my mind and in my heart, baby comes first. But in recent situations, that doesn’t seem to be consistent. So now I’m taking the time to do a lot of soul searching and praying. God always sends me signs and I know to ask Him to lead the way. I’m being the best mom I know how to be while realizing there is always room for improvement. I always question everything yet deny the solutions that are best. I LOVE being a mom, but can I be appreciative of the privilege I have to stay at home and raise my child? It’s definitely a test to see where my priorities truly are.
Monday, July 4, 2011
My sphere of influence part 2
I believe that whatever personal growth I achieve will be the product of my spiritual life, my home life, and my social life. So I must continue to make wise decisions in how and with whom I spend my time with.
I’ve reached out to several women and included those that intimidate me. Just being around these women forces me out of my comfort level. They push me to improve in the areas I know I’m performing subpar. With the help of their positive influence, I hope to become a more devout Christ-follower, a more loving and submissive wife, a more nurturing mother, a more strategic businesswoman, and/or a stronger woman of influence to those around me.
I plan to host my first women’s get together in the next week or so. I’ve only begun with my outreach. I hope this list of empowering women continues to grow. I’m blessed to know so many amazing and successful women. But for now, I am testing the waters with a select few and with every intention to reach out to the masses…God willing.
I’ve reached out to several women and included those that intimidate me. Just being around these women forces me out of my comfort level. They push me to improve in the areas I know I’m performing subpar. With the help of their positive influence, I hope to become a more devout Christ-follower, a more loving and submissive wife, a more nurturing mother, a more strategic businesswoman, and/or a stronger woman of influence to those around me.
I plan to host my first women’s get together in the next week or so. I’ve only begun with my outreach. I hope this list of empowering women continues to grow. I’m blessed to know so many amazing and successful women. But for now, I am testing the waters with a select few and with every intention to reach out to the masses…God willing.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
My sphere of influence
In an effort to use my time wisely, I had this random thought to reach out to some female friends who have made an impact on me personally and professionally. I'm trying to organize scheduled meet-ups for us all to discuss our triumphs, our tragedies, our concerns, and our doubts as we work towards our personal and career goals. I look to these women as a source of inspiration and motivation. Hopefully I can be the same for someone else. Each of the women I've approached meet the following criteria:
1. They are ambitious and/or influential among their peers.
2. They push me to achieve my personal best.
3. They are all gifted with talents and abilities.
4. We have worked together in some capacity.
I once heard somewhere that a wise person talks about ideas whereas a foolish person talks about people. Keeping this in mind, I don’t care to gather in a group of women and gossip. To me it’s a useless way to spend my precious time and it’s downright mean to slander someone behind his or her back. I’ve gained some perspective on this, as I’ve been the subject of floating rumors in certain social groups.
I prefer to surround myself with people who have big dreams and are the epitome of perseverance. I’m selective in how I spend my spare time since being a wife and mom keeps me plenty busy. I believe that if I’m to succeed in anything, I’ll need inspiration, support, and understanding from people who get what I’m trying to accomplish. And hopefully I can help or inspire someone else in her climb to success. So we’ll see how the first meeting goes. Until then, I’m learning to look at life more positively and constructively and encouragement from other like-minded individuals will surely give me a boost.
1. They are ambitious and/or influential among their peers.
2. They push me to achieve my personal best.
3. They are all gifted with talents and abilities.
4. We have worked together in some capacity.
I once heard somewhere that a wise person talks about ideas whereas a foolish person talks about people. Keeping this in mind, I don’t care to gather in a group of women and gossip. To me it’s a useless way to spend my precious time and it’s downright mean to slander someone behind his or her back. I’ve gained some perspective on this, as I’ve been the subject of floating rumors in certain social groups.
I prefer to surround myself with people who have big dreams and are the epitome of perseverance. I’m selective in how I spend my spare time since being a wife and mom keeps me plenty busy. I believe that if I’m to succeed in anything, I’ll need inspiration, support, and understanding from people who get what I’m trying to accomplish. And hopefully I can help or inspire someone else in her climb to success. So we’ll see how the first meeting goes. Until then, I’m learning to look at life more positively and constructively and encouragement from other like-minded individuals will surely give me a boost.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Are you depressed?
I heard a wonderful message in a sermon delivered by Pastor Ed Young, Jr. of Fellowship Church. He spoke about an emotional condition that affects so many people. For those of you who may be experiencing bouts of depression, heed these words.
The number one cure for depression is to go out into the world, find someone in need and help them. It’s as simple as that.
I believe that in doing so, you will find long-lasting fulfillment and joy in your life. Please consider offering a helping hand to someone in need. Not only will you feel good about putting someone else first, you’re also doing your part as God expects each one of us to do. When you give back you give glory to Him.
The number one cure for depression is to go out into the world, find someone in need and help them. It’s as simple as that.
I believe that in doing so, you will find long-lasting fulfillment and joy in your life. Please consider offering a helping hand to someone in need. Not only will you feel good about putting someone else first, you’re also doing your part as God expects each one of us to do. When you give back you give glory to Him.
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