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Monday, 26 January 2009
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CLEARING THE CLUTTER
Know when I feel the freest? When my space is clean, quiet, and uncluttered. To me, it's the equivalent of relaxing under the warm sun on a beach.
I don't like clutter.
It agitates me and makes it difficult to focus and relax. I'm at peace when everything is neat and in its place. By no means am I obsessive compulsive when it comes to organizing, though I do know some people that could very well fall into that category; I simply recognize the positive difference it makes when my space is clear.
So, I throw things away that I no longer have use for. That way, unnecessary junk doesn't just pile up and end up in the way. I can only concentrate when there is some semblance of order.
In much the same way, we are more fruitful in our own lives when we keep the clutter out of our relationships and day-to-day tasks. Sometimes, we're moving in so many different directions that we don't realize how cluttered our world has become. We allow people and things to infringe upon our time, so much so, that we end up out of balance, moving from one extreme to the next.
But there comes a time when we have to take a step back and clear the clutter.
Turn the TV off. Turn the ringer off. Turn the cell phone off. Turn the computer off. It's OK. As a matter of fact, it's necessary for your sanity and spiritual health. You can't be "all things to all people" and expect to have enough left over for you.
You see, God has purpose for your life, but it's the enemy's plan to thwart it by keeping you distracted and off course. There's no better way to divert your attention from what really matters than to keep you perpetually on the run, on call, and on duty.
But listen, just because someone or something calls on you doesn't mean you have to answer. And just because the request is made, doesn't mean you have to say yes.
Sometimes, the word no is all it takes to deliver you from stress. Can I get an amen right there?
God wants to take you higher, but that means you're going to have to go about clearing out some of that clutter in your life. I know it's not a pleasant job, but you've got to do it. Otherwise, like a closet full junk that goes unattended, your life will be too full of mess to be of any use to God.
There will be no room left for Him.
It's time to clear your space and clean your house. Reclaim your time. Balance your life. Still yourself, so God can speak to you and take you to new levels of peace and productivity!
Saturday, 01 November 2008
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CONTENT BUT NOT COMPLACENT
There's a fundamental difference between being content and being complacent. Contentment is a state of being where you accept the reality of your situation, without complaint or resentment. When you're content you work on the things you can change and accept the things you can't, all while refusing to be disheartened.
You don't let circumstances steal your joy.
When you're complacent, on the other hand, you somehow adopt a "good enough" or "that'll do" mentality. You become satisfied with mediocrity, possessing no real aspirations to do and be more.
Contentment is healthy, but complacency...well, that's dangerous.
We must ask God to help us strike a balance, so we can say like Paul, "For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:11b-13 ).
That doesn't mean we should lower our expectations and anticipate hardship. No, no, not at all. But it does mean that, we must learn to accept where we are, even if it's in the valley, with full assurance that trouble won't last always.
Again, we have to strike a balance.
We must work toward our goals while not becoming impatient and frustrated with the journey. We have to remain thankful for where we are today, though we have a deep-seated desire to move beyond where we are today. We must praise God for the territory we currently have covered, while believing and expecting Him to enlarge our territory.
We have to be content during this season, while anticipating an even better season to come. Don't spend all Winter longing for the Spring, or all Spring wishing it were Summer, or all Summer frustrated that it's not Autumn.
No.
Appreciate the season you're in while eagerly anticipating the change of seasons that will inevitably come in time.
Listen, God has so much more for you than what you now see. So don't become complacent with where you are. At the same time, don't lament where you are either. Don't get impatient and restless. Enjoy the journey.
Don't become consumed with temporal things. God will provide for every need. As Paul told Timothy, "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we will carry nothing out" (1 Timothy 6:6).
That's why we have to remember to do as Jesus instructed: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).
Wake up every morning with a heart full of thanksgiving. Smile and say, "This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
And as you rejoice and celebrate your today, you'll wake up to an even brighter tomorrow.
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
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To Get You to Move........
Ever worn a pair of shoes that were too tight? Pretty painful right? Can you also remember the relief you felt once you got your feet out of those shoes? Felt like heaven didn't it? Because once your feet began throbbing from the discomfort of being squeezed, it no longer mattered how cute those shoes were, or how well you thought they complemented your outfit. You just wanted out!
Similarly, there are some seasons when God allows us to be squeezed so we'll move from where we are to the place He wants us to be. He knows that the shoes we're currently occupying are too small and He wants to give us more room. But first, we've got to get tired of those same old shoes, before we'll trade them in for a new pair.
You see, our human nature is such that, we'll remain in the same condition as long as it doesn't get too uncomfortable. But once it gets too tight, we'll finally (though sometimes reluctantly) make a change.
Listen, I don't know what you're facing today, but God just may be working on you in order to get you to move... and not necessarily a physical move either. There are seasons when we just need to move forward in our thinking, you know? Move past something that has an emotional hold on us, or simply grow beyond an immature phase. In order for this to take place, however, we often need to be nudged, pushed, and challenged.
Sure, it would be wonderful if we made changes without any heartache.
Can happen.
But more often than not, pain is our greatest motivation to change.
That's why trials are so effective. They hurt. But they work for our good. "It is good for me that I have been afflicted..." (Psalm 119:71a KJV). Tests and trials refine our character and transform our thinking.
So don't lose heart while you're in the valley. That's where you do most of your growing anyway.
Remind yourself that when God allows a storm to blow in your life, that forceful wind is intended to move you forward, not backward. He, unlike anyone else, knows just how to get us where He wants us to be, doesn't He?
Of course, His way doesn't typically look anything remotely close to what you or I may have had in mind as a stimulus for change. Yet, God's methods are always effective, whether we like them or not.
It is through our suffering that we begin to mature and develop into the vessels of honor God desires for us to be. So then, if you're going through today, be encouraged. Know that this season of hardship and turmoil is positioning you for progress. Simply remain steadfast and full of faith, knowing that God is the anchor of your soul in the midst of every test.
MAY THE LORD BLESS & KEEP YOU ALWAYS!!
Sunday, 21 September 2008
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TWO LIVES
MOST OF US HAVE TWO LIVES. THE ONE WE LIVE AND THE UNLIVED LIFE WITHIN US. I WONDER HOW MANY OF US ARE MISSING OPPORUNITIES OR BLESSINGS BECAUSE WE ALLOW OUR WOUNDS TO GET IN THE WAY. ARE YOU ALLOWING YOU WOUNDS AND PAST HURTS TO GET IN THE WAY?
WE ARE AFRAID TO LOVE & TRUST, TO ALLOW OURSELVES TO BECOME VULNERABLE TO SOMEONE ELSE BECAUSE WE ARE TOO AFRAID TO BE HURT AGAIN. ARE YOU AFRAID OF BEING HURT AGAIN? WHAT ARE YOU HOLDING ON TOO?
WHEN WE ALLOW PAIN OF THE PAST TO PREVENT US FROM BEING ALL GOD WANTS US TO BE, WE ARE CHEATING GOD AND WE ARE CHEATING OURSELVES. TODAY, STOP AND REFUSE TO CONTINUE CHEATING YOURSELF.
WE WALK AROUND WEARING OUR WOUNDS ON OUR SLEEVES LIKE A BADGE OF SHAME. LAY IT DOWN! WHAT WE MAY NOT REALIZE IS THAT OUR WOUNDS ARE NOT ONLY IN OUR WAY, BUT THEY MAY ALSO BE IN THE WAY OF OTHERS AROUND US.
.
I HAVE SEEN FIRST- HAND HOW PAST WOUNDS CAN CRIPPLE OUR FUTURES. I HAVE LEARNED THAT LOVE IS NOT THE ONLY THING THAT CAN WOUND US; FEAR, REJECTION, DISAPPOINTMENTS, AND SOMETIMES, JUST LIFE IN GENERAL CAN INFLICT PAINFUL WOUNDS. LIFE'S REALITY IS THIS, AS WE JOURNEY THROUGH THIS LIFE, WE WILL GET HURT. IT'S EVITABLE THAT WE ARE DESTINED TO BE HURT IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. THIS WORLD IS NOT DESIGNED FOR OUR PERSONAL COMFORTS.
GUESS WHAT? WE ARE GOING TO RUN INTO BRICK WALLS, BE FORCED TO TAKE A PATH THAT MAY BE FULL OF POTHOLES, OR FORCED TO JOURNEY INTO PLACES THAT ARE BEYOND OUR COMFORT ZONES. THINGS WE SOMETIMES STRIVE FOR MAY NOT EVER BE WITHIN OUR REACH. LAY IT DOWN, LAY IT DOWN.
HOWEVER, UNTIL WE LEARN TO ALLOW WOUNDS TO HEAL, WE WILL FOREVER BE HELD HOSTAGE BY OUR PAST. TODAY, I SAY FREE YOURSELVES AND FOCUS ON THE FUTURE AND START HEALING TODAY! IT IS TIME THAT WE STOP SWIMMING IN A SEA OF SORROW AND SELF PITY. GET UP AND WALK ASHORE NOW INTO THIS HEALING PARADISE.
YOU CANNOT AND SHALL NOT FAIL AT BEING YOU. YOUR MISSION IS YOURS TO LIVE AND TRUE SUCCESS AWAITS YOU. LAY IT DOWN, LAY IT DOWN! START BY BECOMING THE BEST VERSION OF YOU!
Friday, 01 August 2008
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SISTERS IN THE LORD
There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstance, not a what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it. She has to look at herself in all her glory and imperfection. Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look. A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger.
Think of all the great women in the Bible: Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood and Esther, to name a few. Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her she was one of his closest followers. Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men in the land.
Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold each other up. Before you wonder "What's up with her?" ask youself, "What's up with me?" That woman could be my mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, friend or neighbor, ect. That woman could be me!
Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other, as Ruth and Naomi did.
MAY THE PEACE & LOVE OF CHRIST BE WITH YOU ALWAYS!!
DivaMom
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- Name: DivaMom
- Gender: Female
- Member Since: 7/23/2008
About Me
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I'm a happily married christian stay-at-home-mom of 2 wonderful children, and I love serving the Lord. My family means the world to me and always comes first!
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Happy Springtime Everyone!
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Everyone have a Happy & Blessed 2009! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
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