Spiritual Motivation and Insight

[99melodies]

"Always be a first rate version of yourself, instead a second rate version of someone else"
-Judy Garland

"Love is given but trust is earned." - unknown


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As always...the inevitable, the divine, the epitome of womanhood!

[DST Diva Oo-oop!!]

WAS IT ME?

I made a decision back in the past, to join a fraternity or sorority at last. The decision, I made was from my heart, time has passed, I'm not doing my part. What happened between now and then? Was, I committed or just wanting to fit in?

Oh!!!! My organization is the best, LOOK, I still wear the letters on my chest. What have I done to help it grow? Pay dues, community service, meeting, mentoring.............NO. I am just a member who's on the inactive roll, has my organization moved forward, "Hell, I don't know."

What has happen to the fire in me? Don't pay my dues, but wear the letters you see. My house, office and car has it all, cups glasses, boards, banners, key changes and more. I have grown and time has changed, I have a bond with those on my line. (only)

Those are true brothers and sister you see. Where I am now, they don't understand me, don't have time for! ! those games. Furthermore, what can "They" do for me? I have a family, job and business you see. Yes, I made a promise on that day, would hold high the aims, never to stray.

Your organization is dying, yes because of you. Will you be too busy for the funeral too? There will come a time when your children will say..... Mom/Dad what happened to the organization you once belong to? What will you tell them as tears swell in your eyes? Will it be the truth or some small lie? Just tell them it died............. "Because I was too busy to be involved."

written by: Zimbalist F. Chalk Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Fall 1986 Theta Chi Northwestern State University

Authors note:
The torch of your organization is burning slow. Do your part. If you cannot attend every event, become active then empower those who can and will. ($$$$) Yes, it's all about the dollars. Try not putting gas in your car and! ! driving it. What happens to a dream deferred? Reflect on what you had to endure to wear those letters. Better yet, think about what your founder's endured. Think about those young/old lives you as a member made a difference. You are the leaders of yesterday, today and tomorrow. You are the oil that keeps your organization torch burning. You are: ALPHA, AKA, KAPPA, DELTA, OMEGA, SIGMA, ZETA, RHO. You are your dream.

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This is deep, but true. Hopefully it inspires those who are active members of their organizations to remain active. For those who aren't active, I hope this encourages you to get active, participate in, or support a local chapter of your organization.......


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With Sisterly Love,
#32 Well Suited
Spring 2001 - Operation 1913: 41 Rescued
Iota Theta Chapter
operation1913@home.com


[This message has been edited by DST Diva Oo-oop!! (edited June 09, 2001).]

[CrimsonTide4]

Life is a theater - Invite your audience carefully. Not everyone is healthy enough to have a front row seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, or at least minimize, your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships/friendships. Just for a moment....Observe the relationships around you. Pay CLOSE attention. Which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage
and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really
understand, know or appreciate you? The more you seek quality, respect, growth,
peace of mind, love and truth around you, the easier it will become for you
to decide who gets to sit in the FRONT ROW and who should be moved to the balcony of your life.

YOU CANNOT CHANGE THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU...BUT YOU CAN CERTAINLY CHANGE THE
PEOPLE YOU ARE AROUND.

[CrimsonTide4]

At the prodding of my friends, I am writing this story. My name is
Mildred Hondorf. I am a former elementary school music teacher from Des
Moines, Iowa. I've always supplemented my income by teaching piano
lessons--something I've done for over 30 years. Over the years I found
that children have many levels of musical ability. I've never had the
pleasure of having a protege though I have taught some talented students.
However I've also had my share of what I call "musically challenged" pupils.
One such student was Robby.

Robby was 11 years old when his mother (a single mom) dropped him
off for his first piano lesson. I prefer that students (especially boys!)
begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that
it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano. So I took
him as a student. Well, Robby began with his piano lessons and from the
beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor. As much as Robby tried, he
lacked the sense of tone and basic rhythm needed to excel. But he
dutifully reviewed his scales and some elementary pieces that I require all
my students to learn. Over the months he tried and tried while I listened
and cringed and tried to encourage him. At the end of each weekly
lesson he'd always say, "My mom's going to hear me play some day." But it
seemed hopeless.

He just did not have any inborn ability. I only knew his mother
from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick
him up. She always waved and smiled but never stopped in. Then one day
Robby stopped coming to our lessons. I thought about calling him but
assumed, because of his lack of ability, that he had decided to pursue
something else. I also was glad that he stopped coming. He was a bad
advertisement for my teaching!

Several weeks later I mailed to the student's homes a flyer on the
upcoming recital. To my surprise Robby (who received a flyer) asked me if
he could be in the recital. I told him that the recital was for current
pupils and because he had dropped out he really did not qualify. He said
that his mom had been sick and unable to take him to piano lessons but he
was still practicing. "Miss Hondorf...I've just got to play!" he insisted.
I don't know what led me to allow him to play in the recital. Maybe it was
his persistence or maybe it was something inside of me saying that it would
be alright.

The night for the recital came. The high school gymnasium was
packed with parents, friends and relatives. I put Robby up last in the
program before I was to come up and thank all the students and play a
finishing piece. I thought that any damage he would do would come at the
end of the program and I could always salvage his poor performance through
my "curtain closer."

Well the recital went off without a hitch. The students had been
practicing and it showed. Then Robby came up on stage. His clothes were
wrinkled and his hair looked like he' run an egg-beater through it. "Why
didn't he dress up like the other students?" I thought. "Why didn't his
mother at least make him comb his hair for this special night?" Robby
pulled out the piano bench and he began. I was surprised when he announced
that he had chosen Mozart's Concerto #21 in C Major. I was not prepared
for what I heard next.

His fingers were light on the keys, they even danced nimbly on the
ivories. He went from pianissimo to fortissimo...from allegro to virtuoso.
His suspended chords that Mozart demands were magnificent! Never had I
heard Mozart played so well by people his age After six and a half minutes
he ended in a grand crescendo and everyone was on their feet in wild
applause.

Overcome and in tears I ran up on stage and put my arms around Robby
in joy. "I've never heard you play like that Robby! How'd you do it?"
Through the microphone Robby explained: "Well Miss Hondorf...remember I
told you my mom was sick? Well actually she had cancer and passed away
this morning.

And well....she was born deaf so tonight was the first time she
ever heard me play. I wanted to make it special." There wasn't a dry eye
in the house that evening. As the people from Social Services led Robby
from the stage to be placed into foster care, I noticed that even their
eyes were red and puffy and I thought to myself how much richer my life had
been for taking Robby as my pupil. No, I've never had a protege but that
night I became protege...of Robby's. He was the teacher and I was the
pupil. For it is he that taught me the meaning of perseverance and love and
believing in yourself and maybe even taking a chance in someone and you
don't know why.

This is especially meaningful to me since after serving in Desert
Storm Robby was killed in the senseless bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah
Federal Building in Oklahoma City in April of 1995, where he was
reportedly....playing the piano.

[Tanzanite]

I don't know how to make a smilie that cries but that last story about Robby has tears falling from my eyes

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29 Jewels of N.V. # 1
Delta Delta Chapter

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by Tanzanite:
I don't know how to make a smilie that cries but that last story about Robby has tears falling from my eyes

Here you go soror,

[Tanzanite]

Thank You CrimsonTide4

[CrimsonTide4]

PANCAKES
Six year old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents
pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter,
opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on
the floor. He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten. Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on (he didn't know how the stove worked!). Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking
the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky. And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All
he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was
sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking.But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process. That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend or we can't stand our job or our health goes sour. Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him. But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying like Brandon to "make pancakes," for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried.

[CrimsonTide4]

SPIRITUAL WOMAN

Worldly women wonder where my secret lies,
I'm not flashy, conceited, or caught up in my size.
But when I tell them it's the Jesus in me,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say it's in the strength of God's arms,
The feel of His love,
He orders my every step,
Honey, I am covered in the blood.
I am a Woman, spiritually,
A sanctified Woman, that's me!

I walk into church, just as cool as I please,
I may grab a fan and raise my hand
Or worship falling down on my knees.
The Spirit comes up out of me to make my soul fly free.
I say it's the fire in my bones,
It's the wind in my dance on my Holy Ghost feet.
I am a Woman, Spiritually.
A Holy Ghost-filled Woman, that's me!

Men themselves have wondered what they see in me,
Oh they try so much,
But they cannot touch my inner chastity.
When I try to tell them,
Those lustful eyes still can't see,
I say no, I am not looking back,
I am not fooled by your smile.
I'm waiting on God: worldly men cramp my style!
I am a Woman, Spiritually
A living Sacrificial Woman, that's me.

Now you understand just why my head is not bowed,
Why I shout and jump about, or praise and sing out loud!
When you see my light shining, it ought to make you proud!
I say it is the faith I have in Jesus
Through all my ups and downs,
Each experience, a testimony
Leading straight to my crown.
"Cause I am a Woman, Spiritually.
A Sold-out for Jesus Woman,
Yeah, that's me!

Tip/Advice

1. Love, Love, Love Yourself.
There’s only one of you, so love you to death!

2. Stop Playing the Victim.
Martyrdom is totally unnecessary for today’s Black woman. Your first allegiance is to yourself. Without a strong sense of self, there is no way that you can tackle the ups and downs of a relationship or the rigors of motherhood (if you so choose).

3. Stop Settling for Less.
A piece of a man is definitely not better than a whole healthy man. Your desperation is showing.

4. Stop Trying to Be a Savior.
If a man doesn’t have his head together and is on the skids, it is not up to you to try to save him. You are neither his mother nor his therapist. Let him go and move on. Men like this will bring you down if you aren’t careful.

5. Learn to Exhale Between Relationships.
In other words...no transitional lovers. Someone always end up being hurt and it could be you...again, or that poor man. Neither one of you deserves to be hurt or used. Give yourself some down time.

6. Learn the Difference Between Being Alone and Lonely.
Being alone is by choice and loneliness is only temporary. Get out and enjoy yourself. Wallowing in loneliness can often make women desperate for attention and lead then into unhealthy relationships.

7. Don’t Allow Any Man to Validate You.
Allowing any man to define who you are as a woman leaves you open to being controlled and eventually abused. Why give a man that type of power over you? Now, do you really want to be the kind of woman who thinks that her life if not complete unless she has a man in it...any man? Where is your self-respect?

Inspiration For The Day: Instructions For A Happy Life

"Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

Don't believe all you hear.

When you say, "I love you", mean it.

When you say, "I'm sorry", look the person in the eye.

Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

Believe in love at first sight.

Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

Smile when picking up the phone, the caller will hear it in your voice.

Treat other's the way you want to be treated!"

Quote of the Day

Man does not live by words alone, despite the fact that sometimes he has to eat them.
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"Your Quick Inspiration For The Day: Belive In Yourself

There may be days when you get up in the morning and things aren't
the way you had hoped they would be.

That's when you have to tell yourself that things will get better.
There are times when people disappoint you and let you down.

But those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your
own judgments and opinions, to keep your life focused on believing
in yourself.

There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life,
and it is up to you to accept them.

Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction for you.
It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you
will find a stronger sense of who you are.

So when the days come that are filled with frustration and unexpected
responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want
your life to be.

Because the challenges and changes will only help you to find the
goals that you know are meant to come true for you.

Keep Believing in Yourself"
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A Quality Relationship

A quality relationship is not made up of partners who try to rescue each
other
or become emotionally entangled in codependency. Only when both partners are
striving to be full and complete within themselves can love and happiness
bloom.

Ask yourself: Are you complete within yourself? Is your partner complete
within
him- or herself?



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Sisterhood, Scholarship, & Service
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
"Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom"

[luvsong1913]

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.?

Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.

"There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather -
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER"

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S.H.A.D.E.
10-Lambda-SP00
Memphis Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Lady of DSTinction

[luvsong1913]

"Prayer's Can't Be Answered Unless They are Prayed"

Life without purpose is barren indeed
There can't be a harvest unless you plant seed
There can't be attainment unless there's a goal
And man's but a robot unless there's a soul.
If we send no ships out, no ships will come in,
And unless there's a contest, nobody can win.
For games can't be won unless they are played,
And prayers can't be answered unless they are prayed.
So whatever is wrong with your life today
You'll find a solution if you kneel down and pray.
Not just for pleasure, enjoyment and health,
Not just for honors and prestige and wealth.
But pray for a purpose to make life worth living
And pray for the joy of unselfish giving.
For great is your gladness and rich your reward,
When you make your life's purpose the choice of the Lord.

(Poem by: Anonymous)

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S.H.A.D.E.
10-Lambda-SP00
Memphis Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Lady of DSTinction

[CrimsonTide4]

CrimsonTide4
Senior Member posted April 28, 2001 07:23 PM
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Something to make all of us think:
Thought for Today:

WHAT WILL FLOW OUT?


The preacher placed two identical jars on the table next to the pulpit. He quoted I Sam. 16:7, "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks
at the heart."

"These jars came from the same factory, were made of the same materials, and can hold the same amount. But they are different," he
explained.

Then he upset one and it oozed out honey. He turned over the other, and vinegar spilled out.

"When a jar is upset, whatever is in it comes out. Until the jars were upset, they looked alike. The difference was within, and could not be seen. When they were upset, their contents were revealed.

"Until we are upset we put on a good front. But when we are upset, we reveal our innermost thoughts and attitudes, for "out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45).

"What if someone tipped you over today? What would flow out? Would you reveal the "honey" of grace and patience, or the "vinegar" of anger and sarcasm?"

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a
multitude of sins" (I Pet. 4:8). Have a terrific day knowing that the
one who upsets you may be just looking for some honey. --unknown to me


"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. … Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience." Colossians 3:8, 12 NIV

[CrimsonTide4]

CrimsonTide4
Senior Member posted April 30, 2001 10:31 AM
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I have been sitting on these sermon notes for over 3 weeks. These are notes from a revival that my minister preached in Cleveland. My mom took the notes and they have been such a blessing to me that I wanted to share with you.
Healing your Hidden Wounds 1 Peter 4:1-11

Sermon notes - Pastor Keith Troy
April 11, 2001

Opening Comments:
1. Wounds are our mask
2. Hidden wounds are hidden memories
3. Not the external wounds (broken bones, surgery scars, gunshot wounds, etc.)
4. But the internal wounds of life (abandonment, insecurity, feelings that you don’t matter, etc.)
5. Masked by beautiful faces but messed up lives.
6. Wounds by family hurt the most

Four Keys to Healing the Wounds
1. Forgive the Offender
a. It takes longer to get over emotional wounds than physical wounds
b. You must forgive the offender if you want to be healed.
c. Forgiveness is never deserved
d. Three reasons to forgive
i. God has already forgiven you
ii.You’re going to need forgiveness in the future
iii. You’re never going to stop hurting until you forgive
e. Resentment always hurts you more than the other person
f. You’re only hurting yourself with your anger
g. Forgive the offender so you can stop hurting

2. Focus on God
a. Get your attention off of you and get it on God
b. Focus on God’s will, that requires a mental shift
c. It’s ok to mourn your pain but don’t moan - moaning means you’ll never get over the hurt
d. Focus on the Healer, He can bring a positive out of a bad thing
e. God sees everything and judges righteously (1Peter2:23)
f. Psalm 56:8 God keeps a record of your tears
g. Your tears matter to God and he will remember the people who hurt you and he will settle the score
h. Give that thing to God and he’ll give you hope, joy and peace (Rom. 15:13)
i. Let go of the pain so you can have hope, joy and peace

3. Face your Future
a. Courage is moving ahead in spite of your fear (Job 11:13-16)
b. Don’t keep reliving the past
c. Focus on the future and the past hurts diminish and you forget
d. The key to forgetting is to re-focus on the future
e. The Lord saves you from all your troubles (Psalm 34:17)
f. How do you spell relief? Drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. don’t work and they don’t last. These things become addicting and they never solve the problem.
g. You keep bringing the same person home they just have a different name
h. Satan never tempts you with stuff you don’t like

4. Find a Supportive Person
a. You never fully recover by yourself
b. God didn’t intend for you to solve your problems alone
c. You were never meant to be a “Lone Ranger”
d. You went thru your mess to help someone else with the same problem
e. God never waste a hurt
f. He let you survive while others have died with the same problem
g. Hidden wounds heal when you get support from others
h. Offer hospitality – which is loving concern
i. Care about others
j. Love is the antidote to fear and all the things that eat you up on the inside
k. Get together with other folks and encourage one another (Heb. 10:25)
l. 58 times in the new testament is the term “one another”