Inspiration...Life, Love & God

At daybreak I stir as I waken to the uneasiness of my dream.
In my vision the feeling of danger comes upon me as I lay in the dim light, something springs toward me.
Overcome by fright I turn away to avoid being hit in the face. Paralyzed in fear I wrap my head in my hands to protect myself from what is unknown.
Suddenly, I realize a snake coiled at the nape of my neck, ready to strike.
My first thought, "I have to find a way out!" - to avoid being bitten...
How will I get out of this?
The sound of hissing ringing in my ears.
I remember thinking to myself, if I panic its fangs most surely will peirce my skin. What if it's venom is poison?

I hear the sounds of the shower, the water running & the hairdryer...Den is getting ready for work.
I dozed back into my slumber...
Suddenly I find I'm no longer at the mercy of the viper. Where could it have gone?
I am standing alone in the darkness, squinting to see who is near, blinded, not knowing what surrounds me.
Again and again the snake is at my back but all I hear is hissing as I struggle in the darkness to break free from the threat of being bitten...all the while never in panic, my only thought is to protect myself.

Finally I wake to the sound of my alarm clock.
The dream at the forefront of my thoughts as I lay there in bed wondering what message I was to get from this.
Before I leave my pillow I thank God for another day and all that I will encounter.
I replay my dream...

~ "Could it be a message from above?"

For now I need COFFEE, as I stumble to the kitchen. Cup of coffee, meditation books and Bible in hand. I begin to read of disception and dishonesty, of doing the right thing.
A light bulb goes off in my head. I think I am on to something here. As I explore all the possible warnings the apparition could mean.

I establish, it is not "just a dream"...

What is a snake? One definition is "a deceitful or treacherous person".
The image of it threatening to strike, as if someone is ready to attack explains my protective position.
Can't help but notice that it never bites me or comes at me... it only delivered anxiety that it would.
Recalling it's closeness and a conviction of discomfort...
I am learning to have confidence in others, this isn't always easy.
We all want honesty, it breeds trust and nurtures hope.
I've learned the hard way what happens when we trust those we shouldn't.
My practice has been to be the one who goes out of her way to avoid conflict to the extreme...
I wonder if God is only telling me NOW is the time to stand up for myself; do not allow others to intimidate me.

It's possible the meaning is very simple...

Do what is right always, for the right reasons, with a pure heart, no evil intentions, serve and trust fully in God, He will always protect...
Is He telling me there is no need to worry over all the current "issues" I am facing?
I think it means all the above and I certainly believe He is here and is my defender, my protection, my guide and my light...
ALWAYS, no matter who is attacking or threatening my space or dismantling my trust.

Mark 4:22 ~ For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.

STRESS- The importance attached to a thing. Synonyms: significance, meaning, emphasis, consequence; weight, value, worth. The physical pressure, pull, or other force exerted on one thing by another; strain. a load, force, or system of forces producing a strain. the internal resistance or reaction of an elastic body to the external forces applied to it. A specific response by the body to a stimulus, as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism. Physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension: Worry over a certain issue and our health put us under a great stress. Synonyms: anxiety, burden, pressure, oppression; effort, exertion, struggle, strain. a situation, occurrence, or factor causing mental anguish.

We all experience STRESS.
Life is BUSY! We live in a universe that never seems to stop or even slow down. Most of us have one or all...Husbands or Wives, Family, Kids, School, Sports, Pets, Jobs, Commutes to and from, we are constantly on the GO...it is never ending and at times becomes overwhelming.
One must find a healthy way to remove the everyday struggles of life which is often accompanied by uncertainty. If we allow it to linger and weigh us down we are setting ourselves up for more problems.
In those times I have to let it roll off, regroup. Acceptance for what it is even if I am at "fault" somehow.
Let's say I spend money I shouldn't have...
Should I let it ruin the rest of my day or week?
NO I have to get back on track and PLAN my spending better to remain on track.
These days many of us are have no "promise" of having our jobs tomorrow...financial security seems to be a thing of the past.
Should I allow it to consume me with worry?
NO! I have to have a back up plan and if I am truly worried of losing a job must begin to search for another.
As we grow older we will most likely have some scares with our health...
Should I get depressed when I hear something "alarming"?
NO!! I have to stay positive and find a solution, seek for the cure!
I was one who worried constantly...it's not a fun way to live. I've found it much more pleasing and healthy to route all the negative energy OUTof my inner self. It doesn't mean to ignore all those things, it means to find a positive approach. Meditation and prayer keep my spirit mindful and aware in a healthy manner. I do my best not to sweat the small stuff. In times of stress explore the options, vent if necessary,let it roll off and move forward.
Oh, and BELIEVE WITH ALL YOUR HEART things will be OK. ;)

Holding the promises of God's will in my heart is a wonderful thing.
I've experienced a transformation, what a blessing it is.
Circumstances that make me uneasy today are comforted with His Word.
Focusing all my energies on one thing - Forgetting the past and looking to what lies ahead.
God holds it all.
The ultimate goal is living right today...No, I'm no where close to doing this flawlessly.

When boundaries are crossed by others, causing distress and frustration, I seek God and follow His lead.
With this practice I am able to rest easy knowing in my heart I gave it my best; with honesty, gratitude, and grace.
No longer accepting disrespect nor willing to allow others to walk all over me.
Retaliation arises as I voice my concerns.
Isn't standing up for myself a God given right?
I choose to perform with dignity nonetheless, turning the other cheek is not an easy task.
Owning no desire of feeling superior, no need to ask for approval nor wanting to cast judgement on someone else's behavior.
Sincerely aspiring only to be heard, to be respected.
Do unto others; we are taught as children, this is the "Golden Rule"...apparently not everyone agrees.
I too have my share of faults. I aim on focusing to improve them daily.
Today I simply choose peace, I crave harmony.

As Jimi Hendrix once said, "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace."

ROMANS 12
A Living Sacrifice
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is true worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not think you are superior.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[e]

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Yesterday...WOW!
It was a stressful one overjoyed to be looking at it in past tense I must say.
You know when your life feels so chaotic you could explode? Total erruption as the day began.
By the time I walked into work I wondered why I had even bothered to get out of bed.
It was just one of those lovely Monday mornings!
I am almost certain I had forgotten to thank God for the new day and opportunity that lie ahead, as I usually do before I leave my pillow.
DARN the bad luck! One morning spun out of my routine and WHAMMMO!

After a couple of attempts at refocusing my efforts, repeating my daily prayers in my head yet not REALLY focusing on them...of coarse a failed attempt.
So I tended to the handful of small fires that were burning as soon as I walked into my office. The only way to get the day rolling in a positive directions was to be completely rid of all negative lingering over my head.
I began again and again and yet again...finally free by 10ish I was able to see my day ending better than it began...

Although my spirit a bit deflated, the decision to face the day striving to stay positive simply...WORKED.

I envision life differently today. What would of put me out of commission for days a year ago, I lack room for now. Today I may get flustered, frustrated, perhaps even down right angry but I work through it...whether I feel up to the task or not.
Determined to never allow something or someone to ruin my day. Today my chaos lasts only minutes, a couple of hours at most; not days or weeks...my world no longer falls part.
Responsibilies are embraced and by the end of the day I recognize God's message and a lesson is learned.

I know what is important. I know what not to waste time bouncing around in my head. I know what to let go of and move beyond.

Generally all the issues we feel are shattering our world are usually nothing more than fear of reliving our past failures...

Ending our day with the reality of what is truly important...God, Family, Forgiveness, Acceptance & Kindness to those we love.

As a child I dreamed of what life would be like when I grew up. No one could have prepared me for the long and winding road my life would become. I imagined the fairytale, as many little girls do. I suppose Disney got the best of me and I watched Cinderella one too many times. I continued to hold onto the dream of one day meeting my prince charming adding a twist of realism to the mix by letting go of "riding off into the sunset or being swept off my feet".

The fairytale envisioned and the life which materialized are contradictory at best.

Affliction and turmoil began at a young age. I hung around older kids and began drinking and doing drugs at a young age...the ultimate recipe for disaster. I continued down the path leading no where. I was the girl who always seemed to get involved with the guy I shouldn't, the "bad boy". I met a guy who came from a great family and married for all the wrong reasons. All ground gained in my twenties became history by my mid-thirties. Spending 11 years in a marriage which ended as we both spiraled out of control. Doomed by the affects of alcohol by both parties envolved. God blessed us with 2 beautiful girls. Ultimately making every misfortune along the way worth living.

Today I am grateful for the troubles suffered throughout my life.

God, sobriety, time and reflection heal all wounds. The best part of going through all the hardships is that I've come to terms with them and what a gift; writing in a way I never imagined being capable of...I have a plentiful supply of material to write about; not the gritty details per say but the lessons and feelings that go with a troubled life, of abusive relationships, of my alcoholism, and my life after finding God and recovery.

My fiance (aka Prince Charming) gave praise to my writing early in sobriety, telling me; "You need to DO something with this". Of coarse, I didn't take his advice to heart and brushed it off as him encouraging and supporting my new journey. It was only when a co-worker whom I don't know responded to a motivational email my boss had asked me to start sending out after applauding my perseverance and positive attitude and influence. The inner voice nudging me into believing what Dennis said about my writing months ago. A complete stranger told me about Squidoo and encouraged me to start my blog. As I began writing this blog I immediately received positive feedback from strangers. The deciding factor; it was time to share with family and friends. Hearing the words from my Mom "I always knew you had a special gift"...was music to my ears!

I spent years running and hiding from everything I felt or thought of myself. I consider myself one of the lucky. I find it paradoxical where God has led me in such a short time. He was delivering the signs but I wasn't recognizing them as I lacked in self-confidence. Now understanding His message is plain...Help others. God has blessed me with the ability to write.
It comes naturally, it's therapeutic. Sharing my thoughts and feelings with others; to help another is what life is all about.
Learning who I am through this experience and liking her more and more with every passing day...accepting where I've been and knowing where I am going.

Sunday at Faith Church St. Louis we had a guest pastor, Bill Cornelius from Bay Area Fellowship in Texas. What a great message he delivered. God was speaking to me...telling me where I needed to go...
Discover your vision from God. Know that it comes with a burden for people. God has a calling for each of us. What is your heart leading you to? Where is God guiding you? What breaks your heart?
God saves us with His grace! WE have to do all the other work to get to the place He is calling us. When we realize His calling for our lives; God adds His SUPER to our NATURAL. Ask God to get involved and He will lead you to places you never dreamed. Claim the promises of God's word.

Nehemiah's Prayer
1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah:
In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

3 They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."

4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5 Then I said:

"LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my ancestral family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

8 "Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.'

10 "They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man."

I was cupbearer to the king.

"In times of great stress or adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive." ~ Lee Iacocca
Life can be stressful!! Here are some tips to help get you through times of stress...
Take time for YOURSELF, quiet time away from the stream of this worlds ever flowing information highway.
Reconnect with stillness, it is an important component of health. Breath deep & relax turn off the internal chatter.
Pursue your passion, physical activity is important - it stimulates the mood, curbs food cravings & lowers blood pressure.
Practice relaxation techniques, THEY REALLY DO WORK! Do some research and find one that works for you.
Treat yourself to a massage, manicure, or pedicure - Stress takes a toll on your body, so something to rejuvenate yourself.
CRY if you need to! Get it out of your system.
And last but not least - ALWAYS REMEMBER TO LAUGH!!!!! Rent a classic comedy movie or favorite comedian.
Life is too short not to SMILE and treat others with kindness and love no matter what may be going on within you and your world. I hope everyone is having a good week. Find a positive way to deal with things stressing you out and MAKE it a great day!!!!!

"You are the masterpiece of your own life; you are the Michelangelo of your experience. The David that you are sculpting is you. And you do it with your thoughts." - Dr. Joe Vitale

It was Easter Sunday. My ears in tune to the power of the music playing.

I watched a man walk past us as we sat in church, acting the role of Jesus, covered in fake blood, beaten by his handlers, he carried the cross on his back to the stage. Tears steadily stream down my face...unable to keep up with wiping them away. For a brief moment in time what I experienced seems real...it was an outstanding effort by all who performed. Puzzled with my reaction.

I was not the only one feeling the intensity of it all. Dennis and the kids look at me with a glance of "are you ok?". I smiled with a nod of reassurance. After the closing of His tomb, My daughter leans in to me as the musicians begins to play the late Whitney Houston's rendition of I Will Always Love You, asking "Mom, are they trying to make us cry?". (I couldn't help but giggle.) It was overwhelmingly powerful and the lady sang it with the spirit of Whitney herself!

We all left church amazed..Amazing GRACE! Later when we spoke of church, I said "I don't know what came over me, I had no control of the emotion that took over"...still a bit baffled by my loss of control.

I've played this moment in time over in my thoughts more than once since. I believe it to be God telling me (Informing us all);
No matter what transpires in our lives, we are all going to come out winners. Continue to try to be the best we can be and do what is right...Everything is going to work out for the greater purpose. What seems to be a loss or no win situation is not usually the case.
We must move forward, we must keep on! Believe with all your heart...Believe in YOURSELF!

Don't "worry" about the circumstances which "appear" to be the never ending battle in our lives - God has shown us what He endured for us; the ultimate sacrifice, on His only Son's fateful day. Continue to believe in Him always; I know in my heart , He won't let us down.

God works in mysterious ways...this day was an example of another one of His mysteries.

A random act of kindness is a selfless act performed by a person or people wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual person or people. The phrase may have been coined by Anne Herbert, who claims to have written "Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty" on a place mat at a Sausalito restaurant in 1982 or 1983.Either spontaneous or planned, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities.
It's the selfless acts like these which also helps you...when you do for other, you are also doing something good for yourself.
Be kind not just today, but everyday! Peace

You can learn a lot about a person by watching their expressions and movements.
Whether they are happy or sad, dark or light, troubled or content.
A couple years back, when my world was dark, as I was leaving a store one sunny afternoon feeling I had the weight of the world on my shoulders - a complete stranger passing me, stopped, turned to me and said "Smile, your life cannot be THAT bad! I bet you are much prettier when you smile- allow everyone to see it!". I smiled, told him thank you and went on my way. I was baffled by the experience...I didn't recognize my troubles were that transparent. As I reflect back on that day I realize this...God's light was on me that day. The stranger, His messenger telling me to let my inner light shine and that my worry was to no avail...totally useless and wasted.
Today & everyday, no matter if it is a good day or "bad" one...I aim to SHINE.
In real life not everyday is rainbows and butterflies. However, if we remain thankful for my blessings & look for & find the good in everything I experience, I will find a butterfly or a rainbow in there somewhere!
So many people have it far worse than I could EVER imagine...Happy Thursday!!!

To journey without being changed
is to be a nomad.
To change without journeying
is to be a chameleon.
To journey and to be transformed by the journey
is to be a pilgrim.
~ Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening (great daily inspiration/personal growth)

Our entire universe is made up of consciousness, we never really experience the universe directly. We just experience our consciousness of the universe-our perception of it our only universe is perception. To judge any of it is a stick in one's own spokes, while appreciating all of it, is possibly the most productive activity available. Appreciation, in general, is a powerful, transcendent perspective to hold. The "bad" days define the "good" days. Though I may not necessarily enjoy "bad" days, I can appreciate their defining contrast-their shadows containing Who I'm Not, helping to further illuminate Who I Am. It's impossible to judge oneself with any sort of accuracy-let alone someone else. So, rather than judge, simply allow others to contribute to your experience.
Define your own personal "rockstar" for the moment, whether it's an eight-foot span of oil-stained concrete, the arms of a lover, the laugh of a child, or just one deep breath. Celebrate the fact that you unique! You are the product of 23 chromosomes from your father and 23 from your mother. YOU cannot be duplicated! Aristotle suggested that each human being is bred with a unique set of potentials that yearn to be fulfilled. Don't settle for "average" or "getting by". You can be extraordinary if you decide to be!
So how do you get to the point where you truly love your life? Here are some ideas that have helped me:
1. Make a Joy List and post it somewhere where you can see it.
2. Create mantras for yourself. Create a phrase and repeat it as often as needed to replace another mantra that no longer serves you, such as "My life sucks" "I am fat" "I am broke," etc. "I LOVE MY LIFE!" "I AM BEAUTIFUL" "I AM ROLLING IN DA MONEY"
3. Laugh when you fall. It is my rule, apply it to real life as often as you can. Develop a sense of humor. Especially about yourself. I laugh at myself ALL THE TIME!
4. Be kind & HAPPY for others when great things happen for THEM! Throw envy and negativity out the window!
5. Be grateful for what you have right now AND for what is on its way. Say "thank you" in advance.
6. Forgive yourself for not being perfect. No such thing. The word "perfect" should be extinct since it does not exist?
7. Reward yourself.
8. Find things to be in awe of...there are so many things to be in awe of!!
9. Sing out loud, even if badly and it embarrasses your kids.
10. Write a poem or your thoughts. It's great therapy!
11. Dance...I even dance down the hallways at my kids school JUST to embarrass them -:)
12. If you don't have anything nice to say, you know the deal...KEEP IT TO YOURSELF PLEASE!
13. Tell someone that you love them. Yes, right now.
14. Take more pictures.
A few simple ideas, so that you can really own saying "I love my life!" There is enough for everyone!

Freedom means you are unobstructed in living your life as you choose.
Anything less is a form of slavery. ~ Wayne Dyer

Hope everyone is having a great and Happy Thursday!!

"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." ~ Mark Twain

Aspire to be better tomorrow than you are today. Life is short and one never knows when it will end. GET UP AND LIVE!

Attitude is EVERYTHING!!! Choose a good one!
Epiphany ~ A sudden, intuitive perception of or insight - A literary work or section of a work presenting, usually symbolically, such a moment of revelation and insight...
When we are aware of the signs being given to us we encounter wonderful spiritual rewards (epiphanies)- Pay attention all the time, God wants us to reach out to Him always, not only when affliction arises; Have faith and believe in yourself, never disregard a "gut feeling" - what we feel is true for us is also the right path for us. Trust, and Receive the BLESSINGS God puts in your life! We begin LIVING when we open our eyes and our soul to God. When we face crises or disruptions in life, we can start looking for the epiphanies-for the answers and the gifts in our situations!
Believe in your revelations. Believe in yourself. Take action. And watch the universe conspire to support you.

I think it is safe to say we've all formed an opinion of someone or a situation and later realized what we "thought" had little if any truth to it. We need not assume. We all know where it leads us. These days I aim to be the person who is always looking for the good in everything%u2026I don't know everything, I accept that and I want to help if I can, not make matters worse if I "think" I have all the answers, I try to always remember I may not KNOW all the information. Wouldn't the world be a more peaceful place if everyone lived this way? I think so, there can never be too much LOVE in the world.

If you have time to judge people, you have time to love them. ~ Mother Teresa

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The butterfly said to the sun, "They can't stop talking about my transformation. I can only do it once in my lifetime. If only they knew, they can do it at any time and in countless ways." ~ Dodinsky