Hello Everyone,
Normally I would post this in the Motivating or Insightful Quotes thread but this one is so powerful I wanted to insure that everyone saw it because something is telling me that someone out in GC land needs to see this TODAY. One of my former students sent this to me and it blessed me in ways that I cannot tell you.

My Purpose Is In My Journey
by Blackpearl


Today I am on my way to my Purpose
There I will discover the capacity in which I am to serve
But I must be mindful of every detail of my journey
Because clues are hidden along the way

I must take note of all my slips and falls
My bruised knees, cuts and scrapes
The lessons I learned and the traps I escaped

I must be wary of the wolves in sheep's clothing
Not to judge people by my perceptions of self
Be patient, be kind - not to think myself wise
That is when we are most blind

I have to realize that discovery is in the journey itself
Not the destination I seek
I must let go of anger and rage
These hold me captive and hinder my walk
As if in a cage

I have to get over what others have done
And what I have done to others
Learn to forgive them and me
So I can really be free

Most of all, I have to learn to love myself
Like how I was made and who I am
Embrace she who looks back at me
For she is my only companion
Forget discouraging words and leave them behind
Loose the grip they've had on my heart and my mind

I have a long way to go on this trip that I'm on
I have to place more value on remaining humble
Not worry so much about being fearless and strong

For it is when we are at our weakest times
That He is able to use us to further His glory
By renewing our minds,
He uses our bodies as His vessels,
To accomplish whatever He might will
Yet, He protects us from harm,
And the darts of the enemy will miss us

I must remember that when things go wrong
That I will thank God just the same
I won't throw a tantrum like a child
And I won't look for someone to blame
But I will continue to praise His name
For all the sunshine and each drop of rain

It is after the storm that we can truly enjoy the beauty of life
How can we relish the day, if there were never night?
How could we truly appreciate God's gifts
If we had not known tribulation to compare it with?


How could we recognize our soul mate, and lover for life
If our hearts had never been broken?
How could we know what real love feels like
If we had not cried over its lost some nights?

How could we identify with Christ's struggle of the flesh
If we weren't responsible to bear a cross ourselves?

These are the questions I have to ask myself
Or I will forget what purpose I serve
To glorify Him that lives in me
To find the purpose He spoke into me
When He brought me from eternity
Into this time on Earth Amen.

Strive to keep your sanity and joy today.
Don't allow any thing or anyone to push your emotional buttons.

Your state of mind is like an elevator.
It can go up or down.
When you allow others to push the "down" button, you will feel anger, stress,tempted, tired, torn, doubt, worry and pain.

Don't give your power away.
Push the "UP" button by choicing the right thoughts,words and actions.

As the British say, "Don't suffer fools gladly."

Keep away from angry, short-tempered men, lest you learn to be like them and endanger your soul. Prov 22:24

Stay in the Light, www.JewelDiamondTaylor.comandwww.JewelDiamondTaylo r.net

If you do nothing, nothing happens.
Once you are disciplined to focus on your direction and deadlines, you can make your dream a reality.

Being successful does always depend on how smart or talented you are. It's about your tenacity, consistency, associations, determination, passion, professionalism, faith and creativity. Get busy! If you do nothing, nothing happens.

P.S. I'm speaking in Atlanta the weekend of August 25, 2001. I am reaching
out to those of you receiving my Mo' Betta Motivational messages who reside
in Atlanta to email me ASAP. Why? I'm seeking those willing to spread the
word in their churches, workplace, salons, bookstores and with friends that
the "Diamond" is coming to Atlanta. Would you be willing to distribute some
flyers? (job bulletin boards and church announcements) If your answer is
yes, email me and a flyer will be mailed or downloaded to you. All
volunteers will receive a special gift from me at my appearance at the Shrine
of the Black Madonna Cultural Book Store Saturday, August 25, 5:00 PM. Thank
you in advance for your support. www.JewelDiamondTaylor.comandwww.JewelDiamondTaylo r.net
Stay in the Light,
The Self-Esteem Dr. Jewel Diamond Taylor, Motivational Speaker
Author of the books:
Success Gems
Sisterfriends
You Are Too Blessed to Be Stressed
Action Speaks Louder Than Fear

click here to learn about my book on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...43013/reviews/

ref=pm_dp_ln_b_6/104-5079665-4254339

Jewel Diamond Taylor is scheduled as a guest speaker:
August 18
Rev. Myles Munroe, Bahamas Faith Ministires, Nassau Bahamas

August 25
African American Women on Tour Conference, Atlanta
and
Shrine of the Black Madonna Book Cultural Center, Atlanta

Aug 28-31
Blacks in Government (BIG) Conference, Los Angeles

Daily Devotion
 

I have a friend who writes daily devotions. I felt the urge to share today's with you. May it be a blessing for someone and bring peace into your lives.

Have a blessed day!

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you . . ." (John 14:27).
There are times in our lives when our peace is based simply on our own ignorance. But when we are awakened to the realities of life, true inner peace is impossible unless it is received from Jesus. When our Lord speaks peace, He creates peace, because the words that He speaks are always "spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). Have I ever received what Jesus speaks? ". . . My peace I give to you . . ." -- a peace that comes from looking into His face and fully understanding and receiving His quiet contentment.

Are you severely troubled right now? Are you afraid and confused by the waves and the turbulence God sovereignly allows to enter your life? Have you left no stone of your faith unturned, yet still not found any well of peace, joy, or comfort? Does your life seem completely barren to you? Then look up and receive the quiet contentment of the Lord Jesus. Reflecting His peace is proof that you are right with God, because you are exhibiting the freedom to
turn your mind to Him. If you are not right with God, you can never turn your mind anywhere but on yourself. Allowing anything to hide the face of Jesus Christ from you either causes you to become troubled or gives you a false sense of security.

With regard to the problem that is pressing in on you right now, are you "looking unto Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2) and receiving peace from Him? If so, He will be a gracious blessing of peace exhibited in and through you. But if you only try to worry your way out of the problem, you destroy His effectiveness in you, and you deserve whatever you get. We become troubled because we have not been taking Him into account. When a person confers with Jesus Christ, the confusion stops, because there is no confusion in Him. Lay everything out before Him, and when you are faced with difficulty, bereavement, and sorrow, listen to Him say, "Let not your heart be troubled . . ." (John 14:27).

To The Top....

Maybe someone could use this, I found it very uplifting!

Funny... I was going to pull this to the top yesterday. We always seem to be on the same page. :cool:

TTT
 

Reading the post over on Alpha Corner made me think of this list that I received a while back. I dont' know if this is the best place for it, I didn't want to start a new topic though...

15 Things Every Woman Should Have/Know


15 THINGS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE:

One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you've come.

Enough money within your control to move out and rent a place on your own, even if you never want or need to.

Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.

A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying.

A youth you're content to move beyond.

A past juicy enough that you're looking forward to retelling it in your old age.

The realization that you are actually going to have an old age and some money set aside to help fund it.

A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.

One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.

A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.

Eight matching plates, wineglasses with stems and a recipe for a meal that will make your guests feel honored.

A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.

A feeling of control over your destiny.

A skin care regime, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don't get better after 30.

A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

15 THINGS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW:

How to fall in love without losing yourself.

How you feel about having kids.

How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.

When to try harder and when to walk away.

How to kiss a man in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn't like to happen next.

How to have a good time at a party you'd never choose to attend.

How to ask for what you want in a way that makes it most likely you'll get it.

That you can't change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.

That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over.

What you would and wouldn't do for love or more.

How to live alone, even if you don't like it.

Who you can trust, who you can't, and why you shouldn't take it personally.

Where to go - be it your best friend's kitchen table or a charming inn hidden in the woods-when your soul needs soothing.

What you can and can't accomplish in a day, a month, and a year.

Why they say life begins at 30.

The Holy Alphabet
 

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
X alting God most high
Y es, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Z ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

ttt
 

These are great!!

Maybe someone else needs to "hear" this today, other than me. :)