Hope...

It has been a few months since I have written and I feel inspired to write about keeping hope alive in our lives when life truly does not make sense. One of my favorite scriptures is: "For 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 I believe in hope in better days ahead when life is challenging. Sure, challenges will come,(especially during these economic times) however, it is our reaction to these challenges that build character within ourselves. We always have a choice in how we react to someone or something happening in our lives. Sometimes laughter helps relieve tension and stress. Doesn't it feel great when you can laugh until your stomach hurts? Have you ever done that with a friend? Plus, laughing is healthy for you. :) I have faced some of my own challenges within the last few months due to the economy and I rely on hope, prayer, my faith in God and trusting there is a lesson to be learned in each situation. Nothing will waver my faith in God during challenging times. If all of us are doing the very best that we can, choosing to live honorable lives and living in integrity that is all we can do. Take life one day at a time, BE in the moment, and cherish each new day. All of our lives can change in an instant...God Bless.

Forgiveness...

I feel inspired to write about forgiveness today. I know for myself, it is not always easy to forgive others' when they do hurtful things and are unkind. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? It does not mean that, we condone the behavior done to us, but to forgive means to let go of the pain, hurt, resentment, anger (or whatever emotions you are feeling) so we do not stay 'stuck' and connected to that other person or event. It allows freedom in our lives to let go, move on and live from our "Highest Selves." All of us can connect to our Higher-Self in any moment we choose. It is a direct connection to the Divine...

I have had the pleasure and honor to meet an amazing woman in my life (She is also part of my blog list:)) and her name is Immaculee' Illibagiza. She has also written a book: "Left to Tell." She is an 1994 Rwandan Holocaust Survivor and her book is one of the most profound books I have ever read. Her faith in God and her forgiveness of the killers of her family and friends during that horrific time is nothing short of miraculous. Her book brought me to tears because of her faith, devotion to God and enduring unimaginable pain of loss. She continues to share her story and it helps put things into perspective for my own life to be willing to forgive...Choosing not to forgive is self-sabotage and detrimental to our spirit...

Life is too short to 'hold onto' anything that does not serve our highest good. God searches our hearts and He sees all. Choose to be a blessing to yourself, others' and do as Christ would have you do. "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Col 3:13.

God Bless each and everyone of you reading this blog post and may you find it in your heart to forgive...

Surrender....

Each new day is truly a gift (I know I have written that before :)) and to the best of my ability, I live in the moment and surrender to what is happening in my life. I truly believe in my heart that, as long as I am doing my best and treat others' the way that I would like to be treated, my life will unfold as it should. How many of us truly surrender? For me, it is a deep knowing that, God is in control and I could not possibly know all the answers about my life. How could I possibly know more than my Creator? Sometimes that question has made me laugh. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." There is also a chapter from Debbie Ford's book: "The Right Questions" that, always brings me inspiration in times of doubt. It is called: "Am I Choosing from My Divinity or Am I Choosing from My Humanity?" "Divine consciousness and human consciousness co-exist within each of us." It first starts with this awareness that, we have this choice. Sometimes we can be 'prisoners' to our own thoughts! I have been guilty of this many times, but with this new level of awareness, I am more in control of my thoughts than allowing my thoughts to control me. In each moment you have the power within you to shift your thinking! Something else that brings me peace of mind is watching the flow of nature...Allow yourself to connect in a deep way to nature and the natural order of life...Trust, allow and surrender to all that is...

Let us all take a moment of silence in rememberance of Natalee Holloway who disappeared May 30th, 2005 in Aruba. God Bless.

Self-Care...

I have had the honor and pleasure to meet the author of "The Art of Extreme Self-Care" by Cheryl Richardson. Some of you reading my post today may have heard of her or have listened to her speak. She is a lovely woman. Self-Care is so important and there are so many ways to pamper yourself every day. I enjoy taking time to listen to the sounds of nature, pray, meditate and journal among many other things. I believe it is important to take time to reflect without interruptions during your day. Sometimes our days can get so busy, we forget about taking time for ourselves! I also take time to exercise, eat right (the best I can...:)) and honor myself any opportunity I have. God has given us the gift of our bodies to do our best to take care of ourselves. Have you honored yourself lately? Have you given yourself the gift of a massage or done something special for yourself? I am guilty of this as well, but sometimes we can be our own worst enemies! We beat ourselves up, or put ourselves down about this or that, when I believe we should honor and respect all parts of ourselves. If you are making a choice to sabotage yourself in anyway--it is only going to make you feel worse. Instead, make a choice to say something nice to yourself, eat something healthy or do whatever makes you feel happy. It is all up to you! I know for me, there are times I really surprise myself with discipline when I want something bad enough. In Debbie Ford's book: "The Right Questions" there is a chapter called: "Will This Choice Bring Me Long-Term Fulfillment or Will It Bring Me Short-Term Gratification?" This is something to think about when you are making day to day choices. You are the only--YOU--you've got. You are special, unique and you matter! It all starts within...If you love yourself, others' will, too. Live your life to the fullest and choose Self-Care...

"Trust the process..."

For those of you reading my post today--STOP--breathe and know that, all is perfect in this moment. During my coaching training with Debbie Ford and her staff, I would constantly hear this phrase..."trust the process..." As my training went on, it made more and more sense of what that phrase meant. No matter what we are going through, it may not make sense to us in the moment, but trust that, everything we are experiencing is for our highest good. It is not the easiest thing to do, however, it does help to release your fears, let go of the 'attachment' to the outcome and trust...I believe everything happens for a reason and there are Divine lessons to learn in life. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 All of us are spiritual beings having a human experience. Each one of us are unique, children of God who are "powerful beyond measure." We have different gifts and talents to share and make a positive contribution in this world. "The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become."-Charles Dubois I encourage you to remain open-minded to ALL possibilities in life. Do your best, treat others' with kindness and "trust in the process..."

Dare to Dream...

"Choose a wish, find a dream,
Pick a wishing star;
Let your hopes and spirits soar
High and free and far.
Reach for the unreachable,
Stretch to touch the sky,
Know no dream you treasure
Is too far away or high.
Believe in the impossible,
Then work and try and do-
For only those who dare to dream
Can make a dream come true!"

I believe God puts dreams in our hearts for a reason. I know for me, when I reach out and make someones day, words cannot express the joy I feel inside. One of my greatest passions in life is making a difference for others' in whatever way I can. Starting my blog is an example of reaching out, sharing knowledge and writing from my heart. A best friend of mine encouraged me to do so and I am glad I listened. Thank-you, Jenny! :) Do you have a dream stirring inside you? Do you long to make a difference? How about to help someone in need or help others' dreams come true? I was deeply touched awhile ago by watching the movie the "Blind Side" with Sandra Bullock. Can you imagine if there were more families that made a difference for a child in this way? Or people that reach out to others in small, kind gestures can make a world of difference as well. I would encourage you to just BE...go within, be still and connect with your Divine essence...Trust God will guide you to fulfill your dreams whatever they may be. Hold onto the vision of what you would like to see happen and do your best to take action in seeing that vision manifest. I may not know all the "hows" for myself, but I do know it first starts within and connecting to God. You are the only one that knows what is best for you. Live in hope and gratitude. Follow your heart and dare to dream...

To thine own self be true...

"You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are!"-Eckhart Tolle

For those of you reading my post today, please let this quote by Eckhart Tolle resignate within your soul...Realize you matter in this world and it all starts within...I am realizing more and more how happiness is truly a choice. It takes just as much energy to be miserable as it does to be happy. Why not choose to be happy! Sure, I have my down days, but I don't stay in my "pity party" for long...:) I allow myself to feel my emotions and then move on. I try not to dwell on things that, bring me down or are negative. Happiness is an 'inside job' and I have realized that, my relationship with God and my spiritual values are what bring me lasting happiness. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2 I have been guilty of this as well, but if you continue to 'search' outside yourself for happiness in material things, you will be continually disappointed. Money, jobs, homes, vacations, etc...are all wonderful, however, my belief is to depend on these things to make you happy is what can cause misery when they do not live up to your expectations. Search within your hearts and souls for your own happiness; realize your potential in your life and focus on your God given gifts and talents. You have the power within you to be your own very best friend and again, to thine own self be true...

Happy Mother's Day to all of you beautiful women who make a difference for your children. Honor and pamper yourself today, because you are truly worth it. God Bless.