Spiritual Motivation and Insight

[CrimsonTide4]

Burden Give Us Wings

[CrimsonTide4]

THE BIG SQUEEZE

There are 5 sponges laying on your kitchen counter top. Each member of your family has been cleaning up different areas of your home, but all the sponges look the same. You are curious as to what was cleaned in your home, but you can't tell by looking...they all look the same...so what do you do?

You squeeze each sponge to see what comes out. As you squeeze the first sponge, you see that cola comes out, and so you decide that someone cleaned
the kitchen with that one.

Upon squeezing the second sponge, you find tub and tile cleaner - that one was used to clean the bathroom.

Next, in the third sponge, you find motor oil - hubby was cleaning the garage!

In the fourth sponge, baby powder puffs out when it is squeezed - yep, the baby's nursery was done with that one!

And finally, in the last one, is floor wax - that was the one you used on the hall floor!

As you lay the last one down, you look again at their similarity - and they all look the same until they're squeezed. Christians are the same way. As life squeezes us, different things come out - anger from one, a need for revenge from another, tears from one, remorse from yet another - also greed, untruth, lust - and finally, from one saint, pours forth the love of Christ.

Just like the sponge, we can only squeeze out what is put in - stay in the Word daily, and be in continuous prayer, so that when life puts the squeeze on you (and it WILL), Jesus, and Jesus ALONE will shine forth from you!
--author unknown to me


"How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed and keeping watch [on himself] according to Your word [conforming his life to it]. With my whole heart have I sought You, inquiring for and of You and yearning for You; Oh, let me not wander or step aside [either in ignorance or willfully] from Your commandments. Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You. ... I will meditate on Your precepts and have respect to Your ways [the paths of life marked out by Your law]. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live; and I will observe Your word [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]." Psalm 119:9-17 AMP

[Honeykiss1974]

New Shoes

By Tomeco N. Woods
CBN Staff Writer

My daughter’s feet seem to grow like grass in the spring. Every few months I know it is time to go shoe shopping because she will begin to complain, "These shoes hurt my toes." This cycle will continue until she has reached the size and height that God has determined her to be.

Like my daughter’s feet, believers continue to grow until we have become the men and women of God that He has predestined us to be. We must steadily grow toward the goal of perfection. "But wait," you say, "No one is perfect except Christ." The perfection of which I speak, however, is not a state of sinlessness, but rather spiritual maturity. It is God’s will for us to be perfect: mature and complete in Him.

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).

Have you ever heard people say, "Pastor really stepped on my toes today," meaning the Word that went forth addressed their individual lives and convicted them of some error? When our toes begin hurting even in our favorite shoes (those areas in our lives we thought we had spiritually mastered), it is God’s way of informing us that we have grown. Sometimes, though, we get so comfortable where we are that we refuse to move forward.

- "We have been members of the same church since childhood, why should we change now that we are middle-aged?"

- "I have been with the company for 17 years. I am three years from retirement. The Lord can not be telling me to leave now."

- "I faithfully give my ten percent tithe. What does God mean I should start giving fifteen percent instead?"

Whether because of fear or doubt, which are the same thing, we remain in our comfort zones because it is familiar territory. We like having the safety net of a "guaranteed" paycheck from our employers rather than the risk of opening our own businesses. We must open our spiritual eyes and begin to look at things the way God does.

The economy is evidence alone that there is no such thing as "guaranteed" employment any longer. The only financial guarantee is that if you are a child of God, He will supply all your need (Philippians 4:19). If God has promised you a business of your own, He must have also promised to send the customers as well. If the customers do not come right away, He must have promised to sustain you in the meantime. If God is sending you to a new ministry or to a new fellowship within your current ministry, it is because your purpose in the old one is complete. God’s goal for you in that ministry has been met, and it is time to move forward. We always want God to manifest Himself in greater ways in our lives, but we never want to do greater things for Him. You can not continually give $5.00 offerings and expect to receive million dollar blessings.

Your current position in ministry or on the job was fine for a season, but it is sinful to remain there once that season has passed. It is sinful because remaining anywhere after God has told you to move is rebellion.

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Samuel 15:23).

We need to recognize the seasons in our lives and move and act accordingly. Often, we hold up our own blessings because we have failed to let go and move forward. When Joseph was sold into slavery and sent to Egypt, it was necessary so that he would be in place to bless God’s people. Years passed, Joseph was elevated and the famine drove Israel into Egypt, but when the famine came and went Israel did not. The memory of Joseph faded in the minds of the Egyptians, but not as rapidly as did his influence. A new pharaoh arose who was threatened by the presence of Israel. Hence came the oppression and bondage. God used pharaoh to make Israel so uncomfortable in Egypt they had no choice but to leave (Exodus 3).

In 2 Kings 7 (verses 3-8) we read the account of a group of lepers who dwelled outside of the gates of the besieged city. They were not allowed to enter the city because of their condition. They could not go beyond the immediate vicinity of the city because the Syrian army surrounded it. Tired of being in limbo, they finally decided to make a move. If they stayed where they were, they would die of starvation. If they broke the law and entered the city, they could possibly die of starvation. But if they went to the Syrian camp, there was a chance they would be fed. Even if the Syrians killed them, the lepers reasoned their fate would be no less than if they stayed put.

"If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die" (2 Kings 7:4). In later verses we find that when the lepers stepped out in faith and went to the enemy’s camp, God had a blessing waiting for them that they did not even have room to receive. God made the footsteps of four leprous men sound like an Egyptian army and caused the Syrians to flee in fear leaving behind all they owned.

What do you have to lose by stepping out in faith? The better question is what do you have to gain? If your spiritual feet are cramping relentlessly, perhaps it is God’s way of telling you it is time for a new pair of shoes. Do not be afraid to heed God’s call and step out into unfamiliar territory. God will honor your obedience and the blessing that will come is far beyond anything you could imagine in your wildest dreams. Stop trying to figure out what God is doing, where He is taking you and why. Do not try to dull the pain by adding corn pads and insoles. Alleviate the pain in your feet and go shoe shopping. The pain is God’s way of telling you it is time for new shoes.

[CrimsonTide4]

Today I need to be still and let God love me.

God’s love is my strength.

God’s love is my protection.

God’s love is my light in the midst of any darkness.

God’s love is the fulfillment of every hunger, every thirst.

God’s love is my source and supply.

God’s love, ever present, is the only thing I need, want or seek today.

For in the presence of God’s love, all is well in my life and in my soul.

Today, I need to be still and let God love me.

As I speak these words, as I think these words,

They take on the presence of the Holy Spirit

To become the circumstances of this day in my life.

Let it be so!

And So It Is!

[MSKKG]

Such wonderful stories and sayings! Here's one that came to me from a friend:

Piece of Cake

Sometimes, we wonder "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is an explanation:

A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong. She's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her, and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her mother is baking a cake. She asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely, Mom. I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her mother offers. "Yuck!" says her daughter. "How about a couple of raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!" "Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!" To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good!"

We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.

If you like, send this on to the people you really care about. I did. Hope your day is a "piece of cake!"


Read this line very slowly and let it sink in:

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

[CrimsonTide4]

I was touched by this story...
I pray that you will be equally touched enough to share even further.
Be reminded that Angels come and go in so many forms; You may not always know when you are in their presence. Treat others the way you wish to be treated.
For your further edification, read: Proverbs 18:24 - A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
You are friends, whether by blood or not.


Shoes

My alarm went off

It was Sunday again.

I was sleepy and tired,

My one day to sleep in.

But the guilt I would feel

The rest of the day

Would have been too much,

So I'd go and I'd pray.

I showered and shaved,

I adjusted my tie,

I got there and sat

In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer

As I closed my eyes,

I saw the shoe of the man next to me

Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side,

I thought, "Why must our soles touch?"

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine,

But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: "Our Father"

I thought, "This man with the shoes

has no pride.

They're dusty, worn, and scratched

Even worse, there are holes on the side!"

"Thank You for blessings," the

prayer went on.

The shoe man said a quiet "Amen."

I tried to focus on the prayer,

But my thoughts were on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best

When walking through that door?

"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought,

Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended

And the songs of praise began.

The shoe man was certainly loud,

Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters,

His hands were raised high,

The Lord could surely hear

The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering

And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached

Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out,

What the shoe man put in,

Then I heard a soft "clink"!

as when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me

To tears, and that's no lie

It was the same for the shoe man,

For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service,

As is the custom here,

We must greet new visitors

And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow

And wanted to meet shoe man

So after the closing prayer,

I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark,

And his hair was truly a mess

But I thanked him for coming,

For being our guest.

He said, "My names' Charlie,

I'm glad to meet you, my friend."

There were tears in his eyes

But he had a large, wide grin

"Let me explain," he said

Wiping tears from his eyes.

"I've been coming here for months,

And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"

"I know that my appearance

"Is not like all the rest,

"But I really do try

"To always look my best."

"I always clean and polish my shoes

"Before my very long walk

"But by the time I get here,

"They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."

My heart filled with pain and

I swallowed to hide my tears

As he continued to apologize

For daring to sit so near.

He said, "When I get here,

"I know I must look a sight.

"But I thought if I could touch you,

"Then maybe our souls might unite."

I was silent for a moment

Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison.

I spoke from my heart, not my head

"Oh, you've touched me," I said,

"and taught me, in part,

"That the best of any man

"Is what is found in his heart."

The rest, I thought,

This shoe man will never know. . .

Like just how thankful I really am

That his dirty old shoe touched my soul...

You might be best friends one year,

pretty good friends the next year,

don't talk that often the next year,

don't want to talk at all the year after that.

So, I just wanted to say,

even if I never talk to you again in my life,

you are special to me and

you have made a difference in my life.

I respect you, and truly cherish you.

Send this to all your friends,

no matter how often you talk,

or how close you are,

and send it to the person who sent it to you.

Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them,

and tell new friends you never will.

Remember, everyone needs a friend,

someday you might feel like you have no

friends at all.

. . .with God, all things are possible!!!. . .

[Honeykiss1974]

It Is Better To Be Alone Than In The Wrong Company
By John Mason


Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. Proverbs says, "A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate - for the good and the bad.

Think about it; almost all of our sorrows spring out of the relationships with the wrong people. Instead, "Keep out of the suction caused by those who drift backwards" (E.K.Piper). The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others it increases your mediocrity. A true Bulgarian proverb confirms, "If you
find yourself taking two steps forward and one step backwards, invariably it's because you have mixed associations in your life."

If a loafer isn't a nuisance to you, it's a sign that you are somewhat of a loafer yourself. I have discovered that an important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. A true friend is one who is there to care. They remain your friends even if you don't deserve to have a friend. They will see you through when
others think you're through.

If you were to list your greatest benefits, resources or strengths, you would find that money is one of the least important ones while some of your greatest resources are the people you know. A true friend sees beyond you to what you can be. Invest in good relationships. The way to make a true friend is to be one. Your wealth is where your friends are. Consider
what Francesco Guicciardini said: "Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make the right ones."

As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb, will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.

Consider this: never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the
wrong person.

Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.

Source: Know Your Limits - Then Ignore Them by John Mason.

[CrimsonTide4]

LIFE EXPERIENCES ARE MERELY LESSONS


A good woman knows God. She knows that with God the world is her playground, but without God she will just be played with.

A good woman is proud of herself. She respects herself and others. She is aware of who she is. She neither seeks definition from the person she is with, nor does she expect them to read her mind. She is quite capable of articulating her needs.

A good woman is hopeful. She is strong enough to make all her dreams come true. She knows love therefore she gives love. She recognizes that her love has great value and must be reciprocated. If her love is taken for granted, it soon disappears.

A good woman has a dash of inspiration and a dabble of endurance. She knows that she will, at times, have to inspire others to reach the potential God gave them.

A good woman knows her past, understands her present and moves toward the future.

A good woman does not live in fear of the future because of her past. Instead, she understands that her life experiences are merelylessons, meant to bring her closer to self-knowledge and unconditional self love.


~Author Unknown

[CrimsonTide4]

Thought for today: "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

I love a good movie. Action, romance, suspense - every new twist keeps me glued to the screen. I cheer when the characters are successful and cry when things get tough. As the plot unfolds, I marvel at the creativity of the screenwriters.

But sometimes the events of my own life seem to play out like a bad movie. When a new romance doesn't turn out as hoped, or I don't get the job I desire, I have to stop and remember I'm only seeing the movie one small scene at a time. God, on the other hand, has seen the film in it's entirety. He wrote the script! Perhaps that romance didn't work because soon God will have someone else for me. Or maybe a better job offer is only a few months away. We can't know the future, but we know that God does. God has a distinct plan for our lives and knows what is best for us in all situations.

When scenes from my life don't fit the desired storyline, it's good to know that there is a divine screenwriter who already has the plot planned perfectly.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for having a plan for our lives. Help us to trust you more. Amen

Belinda S. Ayers - Virginia Beach, Virginia

[Honeykiss1974]

CBN.com -- There is a lot of talk about faith. Do we really understand it? Let's think about the story of the Jericho walls. The people marched around, blew the trumpets, and raised a great shout. (Joshua 6:1-20) What happened then? The walls came down. Was it because there was an earthquake? No, it was their faith in believing what the Lord said to do. They put action with their faith and were obedient. At the right moment, they SHOUTED.

Faith does not wait for the walls to fall down. Faith shouts them down.

When we least feel like proclaiming a shout of praise and victory about our trials and circumstances, that is the time to do it. We must say what God has said and speak to that wall or mountain in our lives and watch it crumble. SPEAKING and SHOUTING are the actions we need to do. It is our response to what we believe in our hearts to be true. It is the key to seeing the walls fall.

God told Joshua that he had given him the city and how long it would take to possess it. Do we give up too soon when we are waiting on a situation to change? We need to remember to keep on believing. When God reveals the time for your victory, you can shout. His timing is perfect.

We march to the orders of the Lord. We blow the trumpet once we hear the sound of urgency for a situation. The Lord speaks to our spirits and gives us faith. Then we will know our victory is right around the bend. Let us hold fast to the profession of our faith and not lose hope.


Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

The Amplified version says it best.


NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

Also in James 2:17, it reads:


In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Joshua's wall was a literal, physical wall, but it can be any wall. Our walls can be the need for a healing, a financial breakthrough, relationships restored, etc. We must exercise our faith by seeing beyond the walls. The Wall that looks so incredibly difficult will come down with the SHOUT (action on our part) of faith. We can know that our victory will be on the other side.

In my own life recently, I had an opportunity to put this into action. My new great granddaughter became ill with a cold and a fever. I felt that I should go and pray for her even though I was sick myself. Within hours after arriving home, her fever had come down and was normal by morning. This is where faith couldn't wait. Like shouting the walls down, I acted on what God's Word tells us to do. Even though I didn't have an abundance of faith at that moment, I knew I needed to believe and leave the end result in God's hands.

So if in your life you find a wall that needs to come down, begin to SPEAK and SHOUT, because FAITH WON'T WAIT.

[CrimsonTide4]

Lord,

Sometimes when I look

At my life

It seems like a homespun

Patch-work quilt…

Quaint, but not quite “together”!

There are bits and pieces of

Cloths and colors,

Scraps of material.

The days of my life.



When you began to put together

The days of my life

You must have known

Where each piece would go…

You’ve told me that I am

Fearfully and wonderfully

Made…

And I believe you, Lord,

I do!

I may not be velvet tapestry,

But even crazy quilts

Have purpose,

To give warmth and

Cozy comfort and

Color to a room!



Whatever I am, Lord,

You made me…

Lovingly,

Carefully,

Reverently,

And exactly right!



Author Joy M. Davis

Psalm 139:13-16

[CrimsonTide4]

When a relationship or job ends, look at it as being
pushed out so you can be pushed up.

It may not feel good right now knowing you've got to start all over again. It may seem unfair and frightening. Just begin to realize there is a reason and season for everything. Great things
new things can happen if you can just hold on to your faith,
positive attitude and self-determination to rise again.
Sometimes a kick in the butt pushes us forward. Don't
stay stuck in your misery and focus on your circumstances.
Get up! Move forward and focus on your choices. Even if it
doesn't seem as if you have some choices, you can chose
your attitude. Will you be pissed off, pitiful, depressed,
indifferent or hopeful? The next move is on you!"
by Jewel Diamond Taylor, The Inner-tainer


e-mail - Jewel@DoNotGiveUp.net. Get motivated
when you visit www.DoNotGiveUp.net

[CrimsonTide4]

Thursday's Thought For Today
"Only by doing the work on ourselves that is required to heal mental, emotional, and psychological wounds can we ever hope to be whole in our spirits."


Friday's Thought for Today
"I know that when we learn to love and honor ourselves, there is nothing that we cannot do, say or have unless we make the choice not to. I also know that when we have this kind of love in our hearts, the truth, as shocking as it may be, will in the end save us a lot of grief. I also know that when we learn to live from a consciousness of truth, responsibility, integrity, and unconditional love, the things we once wanted will no longer be satisfying."

[CrimsonTide4]

MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT By Gail Rodgers

Shelly spent a lot of time and energy thinking about herself and her needs. The needs of others were often an intrusion and a frustration. She felt that she just needed to find herself right now.

It's true that there are times in life when we need to catch our breath and regroup after change has come our way. But God cautions us not to stay there.

In these busy days we live in we often feel tempted to back away from people and keep as much of our lives to ourselves as possible. Sometimes a deep loneliness in our spirit develops as we try to cocoon ourselves.

God invites you to deposit your life into His hands or His account. He wants to use your life to touch others and bring you fulfillment in the process.

He says, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 10:39).

God created you as a package that is uniquely you. He put gifts, ideas and passions into you that He wants to bring back to the surface to be used by Him to touch others. This is where you will find your greatest fulfillment...in letting the God who created you work through your uniqueness to touch others.

Be careful not to spend your days just in "finding yourself". Deposit your life into God's account for Him to spend in ways that will amaze you and bless you as He uses you to do just what He created you to do.

~ Father God, sometimes I feel wearied by people and all their needs and demands. Thank You that You have created me uniquely. Thank You that when I put myself in Your hands You will use my uniqueness to touch some other life... and I will be blessed. Today I deposit my life in Your account believing, that as I spend my life for Your sake, I will actually find myself. Thank You for Your amazing grace that can use me as I am today because You will flow through me. Fill me now with Your Holy Spirit so I may walk today in Your plans for me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

[CrimsonTide4]

Thought for Today:

ENOUGH!


A time comes in your life when you finally get it ... When in the midst of all your fears and insanity you stop dead in your tracks, and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH!

Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears, and through a mantle of wet lashes you begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening.

You realize that it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change, or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that he is not Prince Charming and you are not Cinderella, and that in the real world there aren't always fairytale endings (or beginnings for that matter), and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you; and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.

You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will not always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are... and that's OK. (They are entitled to their own views and opinions.) And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself; and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.

You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say, and that not everyone will always be there for you; and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own, and to take care of yourself; and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.

You stop judging and pointing fingers... and you begin to accept people as they are, and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties; and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all the crap you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, and how much you should weigh; what you should wear and where you should shop, and what you should drive; how and where you should live, and what you should do for a living; who you should sleep with, who you should marry, and what you should expect of a marriage, the importance of having and raising children, or what you owe your parents.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for.

You learn the difference between wanting and needing, and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with; and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing; and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era, but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world ... and that you can't teach a pig to sing.

You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility, and the importance of setting boundaries, and learning to say NO.

You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry, and that martyrs get burned at the stake.

Then you learn about love. Romantic love and familial love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving, and when to walk away.

You learn not to project your needs or your feelings onto a relationship.

You learn that you will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of the man on your arm or the child that bears your name. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be.

You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes.

You learn that just as people grow and change, so it is with love...and you learn that you don't have the right to demand love on your terms... just to make you happy.

And, you learn that alone does not mean lonely. And you look in the mirror and come to terms with the fact that you will never be a size 5 or a perfect 10, and you stop trying to compete with the image inside your head and agonizing over how you "stack up."

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK ... and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things that you want ... and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands.

You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect; and you won't settle for less.

And, you allow only the hands of a lover who cherishes you to glorify you with his touch ... and in the process you internalize the meaning of self-respect.

And you learn that your body really is your temple, and you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and taking more time to exercise.

You learn that fatigue diminishes the spirit and can create doubt and fear. So you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels the soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.

You learn that for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve ... and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for, and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen.

More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn that the only thing you must truly fear is the great robber baron of all time-FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it, and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live on your terms.

And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve; and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions, you learn not to personalize things.

You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening.

And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego.

You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you, and poison the universe that surrounds you.

You learn to admit when you are wrong and to building bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about-a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself; and you to make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever, settle for less than your heart's desire.

And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind.

And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in your heart and with God by your side you take a stand; you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best as you can. --author unknown to me


"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up in the morning, you are still with me!" Psalm 139:13-18