Temptation is very hard to resist. It’s hard to do the right thing and just say no; and much easier to submit to carnal desires. It’s even harder letting go even though you know deep down that you have to.
Temptation is very tempting and so filling with temporary pleasures that you don’t know how to say no (at the moment). It catches you in the "now" and just drags you down making everything seem like what they’re really not. You get so caught up in the moment and forget about everything else that matters.
Resisting .... even though it’s hard is way better than doing it. Being able to stand up to what’s right, not falling down, and knowing that you came up on top is a better feeling than the one you would have had in the end of the other choice.
To those of us that struggle with resisting temptation because we have let it drag us down for quite sometime now..... know that you are more than a conqueror, you are victorious in God and you are well able to stand up to temptation and say NO.
No matter how hard it is you, know that you can overcome it and winning for the first time is the best feeling ever. The more you win, the easier it is to starve the fleshly desires of temptation.
You are your own person and you control your own decisions; therefore choose wisely.
Happy Tuesday!
4/30/13
4/28/13
Judgement
Never pass judgment on others; as you really never know what each person has been through.
It is important to remember that we are all diverse and have different lifestyles and reasons for making the choices we make. With that said, be patient with each other; and keep your strong opinions to yourself.
Sometimes, the other person may be giving you a sign that they are unhappy or upset about something. Their actions could be giving you clues.....Ask them why they are choosing to behave or act the way they are. This may help you understand their actions and behavior.
If this person is your friend, then remember why they are your friend, and don't let one incident or action ruin that!
It is important to remember that we are all diverse and have different lifestyles and reasons for making the choices we make. With that said, be patient with each other; and keep your strong opinions to yourself.
Sometimes, the other person may be giving you a sign that they are unhappy or upset about something. Their actions could be giving you clues.....Ask them why they are choosing to behave or act the way they are. This may help you understand their actions and behavior.
If this person is your friend, then remember why they are your friend, and don't let one incident or action ruin that!
4/26/13
Resting in God's will
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps - Proverbs 16:9
We are all faced with numerous things daily and its by the grace of God that we aren't insane. As long as we leave our hope and trust in God, He will always give us rest. This is my prayer for us:
Sovereign Father, thank you for your promise that brings me immeasurable peace, humility, and joy. Thank you for determining and directing every one of our steps. You're working all things together for our good, your glory and after the counsel of your will. You open doors no man can shut and you shut doors no man open. You oh God are the Lord of all things... including me.
Father, you're with us when we work hard to make good plans, in keeping with our understanding of the Scriptures. We commit our minds, wills and emotions into your good counsel. Help us to live with more of this confidence that Jesus is our Good Shepherd, our very present Lord, the reigning King, and our great Comforter. Because of Jesus, I'm confident your will is being done... on earth as it is in heaven. I rest in you lord!
Amen!
We are all faced with numerous things daily and its by the grace of God that we aren't insane. As long as we leave our hope and trust in God, He will always give us rest. This is my prayer for us:
Sovereign Father, thank you for your promise that brings me immeasurable peace, humility, and joy. Thank you for determining and directing every one of our steps. You're working all things together for our good, your glory and after the counsel of your will. You open doors no man can shut and you shut doors no man open. You oh God are the Lord of all things... including me.
Father, you're with us when we work hard to make good plans, in keeping with our understanding of the Scriptures. We commit our minds, wills and emotions into your good counsel. Help us to live with more of this confidence that Jesus is our Good Shepherd, our very present Lord, the reigning King, and our great Comforter. Because of Jesus, I'm confident your will is being done... on earth as it is in heaven. I rest in you lord!
Amen!
4/25/13
Friends
Friendship is like a bank account. You can't continue to draw on it without making deposits - Unknown
Keeping a friendship alive takes two. The only way to maintain a friendship is to be reciprocative, a good listener, know when to give advice and when to hold back, have each others back, spend time, pray for each other, be loyal etc...
And as you grow away, not apart but away from each other, you must never forget who was there for you when no one else was. Really really good friends are not easy to come by.
God sends people in our lives for a purpose; we need to appreciate them more and show it often.
Keeping a friendship alive takes two. The only way to maintain a friendship is to be reciprocative, a good listener, know when to give advice and when to hold back, have each others back, spend time, pray for each other, be loyal etc...
And as you grow away, not apart but away from each other, you must never forget who was there for you when no one else was. Really really good friends are not easy to come by.
God sends people in our lives for a purpose; we need to appreciate them more and show it often.
4/24/13
Perfection
No one is perfect... that's why pencils have erasers - unknown
Yes there are things that we have set out to do that didn't turn out quite as we hoped it would. But what do we do after that??? You learn from the experience, realize you made a mistake, give yourself some credit for trying, try not to approach it the same way at your next attempt, accept the grace to start over and then begin again.
Life is full of these types of moments....how we bounce back is a test of our character and a reflection of how much we are willing to accept failure.
Happy Wednesday!
Yes there are things that we have set out to do that didn't turn out quite as we hoped it would. But what do we do after that??? You learn from the experience, realize you made a mistake, give yourself some credit for trying, try not to approach it the same way at your next attempt, accept the grace to start over and then begin again.
Life is full of these types of moments....how we bounce back is a test of our character and a reflection of how much we are willing to accept failure.
Happy Wednesday!
4/23/13
Truth telling
A lie has speed, but truth has endurance.
— Edgar J. Mohn
A lie told spreads far and long; and although the truth told can also do the same, truth holds more ground with stronger and deeper foundations.
If you add anything to the truth, you end up subtracting from it. Let your words be reliable, and not wishy-washy.
Remember, what you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth. Don't be the teller of something you know nothing about. Doing this doesn't make you likable (though you may think so); but what it does is give you momentary recognition....but once the truth surfaces, your credibility is ruined.
It's just not worth it: you are much more than that!
— Edgar J. Mohn
A lie told spreads far and long; and although the truth told can also do the same, truth holds more ground with stronger and deeper foundations.
If you add anything to the truth, you end up subtracting from it. Let your words be reliable, and not wishy-washy.
Remember, what you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth. Don't be the teller of something you know nothing about. Doing this doesn't make you likable (though you may think so); but what it does is give you momentary recognition....but once the truth surfaces, your credibility is ruined.
It's just not worth it: you are much more than that!
4/22/13
Time
Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of life…. - unknown
A lot of "now" memories get lost because we really don't know how to stay in the moment.
Just because we are already in a very busy world; the more we need to be mentally, emotionally, physically and verbally in the moment with our friends, families, etc...
All moments do pass on but these particular memories can't afford to be lost. You'll need them later in life so you don't have to suffer through life's guilt and regret.
A lot of "now" memories get lost because we really don't know how to stay in the moment.
Just because we are already in a very busy world; the more we need to be mentally, emotionally, physically and verbally in the moment with our friends, families, etc...
All moments do pass on but these particular memories can't afford to be lost. You'll need them later in life so you don't have to suffer through life's guilt and regret.
4/20/13
Swing your mood....
Need a mood change? Try one or more of these: Laughing hysterically, Shopping, Hugs, Giving presents, Sleeping in, Weekends, Jumping on a trampoline, Eating freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, Bubble baths, Turning up your stereo as loud as it will go...
You have to do what you need to do.. Don't stay down for long ;). Life MUST go on....with or without you!
Happy Saturday!
You have to do what you need to do.. Don't stay down for long ;). Life MUST go on....with or without you!
Happy Saturday!
4/19/13
Life
On the first day God created the dog. God said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. I will give you a life span of twenty years." The dog said, "That's too long to be barking. Give me ten years and I'll give you back the other ten."
So God agreed.
On the second day God created the monkey. God said, "Entertain people, do monkey tricks and make them laugh. I'll give you a twenty-year life span." The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years? I don't think so. Dog gave you back ten, so that's what I'll do too, okay?"
And God agreed.
On the third day God created the cow. "You must go to the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves, and give milk to support the farmer. I will give you a life span of sixty years."
The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. Let me have twenty and I'll give back the other forty."
And God agreed again.
On the fourth day God created man. God said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. I'll give you twenty years."
Man said, "What? Only twenty years? Tell you what, I'll take my twenty, and the forty the cow gave back, and the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back, that makes eighty, okay?"
Okay," said God, "You've got a deal."
So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play, and enjoy ourselves; the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family; the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren; and the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
Life has now been explained to you.
- Unknown
Happy Friday folks!
So God agreed.
On the second day God created the monkey. God said, "Entertain people, do monkey tricks and make them laugh. I'll give you a twenty-year life span." The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years? I don't think so. Dog gave you back ten, so that's what I'll do too, okay?"
And God agreed.
On the third day God created the cow. "You must go to the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves, and give milk to support the farmer. I will give you a life span of sixty years."
The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. Let me have twenty and I'll give back the other forty."
And God agreed again.
On the fourth day God created man. God said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. I'll give you twenty years."
Man said, "What? Only twenty years? Tell you what, I'll take my twenty, and the forty the cow gave back, and the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back, that makes eighty, okay?"
Okay," said God, "You've got a deal."
So that is why the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play, and enjoy ourselves; the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family; the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren; and the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
Life has now been explained to you.
- Unknown
Happy Friday folks!
4/18/13
Laughing
A good laugh heals a lot of hurts. — b L’Engle
Laughter is a very therapeutic exercise that has been proven to move you from a place of hurt, sadness and loneliness, into a place where you are free of the weight and full of joy.
It's ok to hurt, but know when to start laughing again. It's good for the heart and soul. The longer you stay hurt, your chances of growth are slim. The sooner you get healed and move forward, your chances of freedom and blessing are endless.
Hang on, better days are ahead :)
Laughter is a very therapeutic exercise that has been proven to move you from a place of hurt, sadness and loneliness, into a place where you are free of the weight and full of joy.
It's ok to hurt, but know when to start laughing again. It's good for the heart and soul. The longer you stay hurt, your chances of growth are slim. The sooner you get healed and move forward, your chances of freedom and blessing are endless.
Hang on, better days are ahead :)
4/16/13
Strength
Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.” - Unknown
It definitely comes from within and can also be a mental struggle to pull yourself together through a foggy moment. But know that in the midst of the battle, you are not alone and God is in control.
Stay calm and be strong!
It definitely comes from within and can also be a mental struggle to pull yourself together through a foggy moment. But know that in the midst of the battle, you are not alone and God is in control.
Stay calm and be strong!
4/15/13
Relationships
Love is not about finding the right person, but creating a right relationship. It's not about how much love you have in the beginning but how much love you build till the end - by Jumar
While I partially disagree with a part of this quote, I do appreciate the last statement ;).
In every relationship (and not just the romantic ones), you will be faced with challenges and hiccups. How you handle each one (separately) is what describes the core of your commitment to the other person and the nature of your union.
What do you take from every moment? What is the lesson learned from each "fight"?
If you are able to move beyond the present stuff, them you are well on your way in creating great stories, great memories and testimonials that you will both share about in years to come.
Happy Monday!
While I partially disagree with a part of this quote, I do appreciate the last statement ;).
In every relationship (and not just the romantic ones), you will be faced with challenges and hiccups. How you handle each one (separately) is what describes the core of your commitment to the other person and the nature of your union.
What do you take from every moment? What is the lesson learned from each "fight"?
If you are able to move beyond the present stuff, them you are well on your way in creating great stories, great memories and testimonials that you will both share about in years to come.
Happy Monday!
4/14/13
Being real
How important it is, for you to be honest and real. For you can only be real with someone else, if you have in fact practiced the exercise - unidentified.
I had a very very good hangout time with one of my big sisters yesterday. We talked, laughed, ate, were open, shared old and new experiences, lessons we learned during and after each one, exchanged ideas, and processed emotions around different topics.
It is healthy to take a step in building on a new or older relationship by just letting yourself enjoy the moment.
I had a very very good hangout time with one of my big sisters yesterday. We talked, laughed, ate, were open, shared old and new experiences, lessons we learned during and after each one, exchanged ideas, and processed emotions around different topics.
It is healthy to take a step in building on a new or older relationship by just letting yourself enjoy the moment.
4/13/13
Appreciate
There has never been another you. With no effort on your part you were born to be something very special and set apart. What you are going to do in appreciation of that gift is a decision only you can make ~ Dan Zadra
There is something inside of you that isn't replicated elsewhere. No one else will ever be you, talk like you, think like you or ever be you. There might be something you do that may come close to someone else but hmmmm not really.
How you carry you is fully your responsibility and a very vital part in the equation. God created you fearfully and wonderfully - therefore hold yourself, your standards, your values, your respect in that same token.
Do you proud ;)
There is something inside of you that isn't replicated elsewhere. No one else will ever be you, talk like you, think like you or ever be you. There might be something you do that may come close to someone else but hmmmm not really.
How you carry you is fully your responsibility and a very vital part in the equation. God created you fearfully and wonderfully - therefore hold yourself, your standards, your values, your respect in that same token.
Do you proud ;)
4/12/13
Bless
Do not stand on a high pedestal and take 5 cents in your hand and say, "here, my poor man", but be grateful that the poor man is there. So by making a gift to him you are able to help yourself. It is not the reciever that is blessed, but it is the giver. Be thankful that you are allowed to exercise your power of benevolence and mercy in the world - Swami Vivekananda
As you open your hands to bless another fellow, you create more room in yours to receive. Surely, the receiver is much appreciative but the condition of your heart is the real test here.
As you open your hands to bless another fellow, you create more room in yours to receive. Surely, the receiver is much appreciative but the condition of your heart is the real test here.
4/11/13
Beauty
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depts.
These people have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen ~ Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Beauty comes as much from the mind, heart, and soul as from the eye. Beauty is how you feel on the inside and how it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical. You can be the most beautiful person on the outside but if your heart isn't clean or pure, it'll ooze out eventually.
Work from within and your beauty will rise up!
These people have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen ~ Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Beauty comes as much from the mind, heart, and soul as from the eye. Beauty is how you feel on the inside and how it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical. You can be the most beautiful person on the outside but if your heart isn't clean or pure, it'll ooze out eventually.
Work from within and your beauty will rise up!
4/10/13
Change
Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door. - Coco Chanel
There are certain things in our lives that are not where they ought or need to be. If you have identified anything to be in an odd place; and needs changing/fixing/adjusting, there is nothing wrong with attempting to help move along the process.
In the same token, after a couple of different ways to help make the change, you can tell if it'll be a productive effort or if you are wasting precious time.
If its a person you are working on, he/she will need to be on the same page or it won't work. If it isn't a person and just a situation; it needs proper wisdom, accompanied with sound knowledge to carry out the change.
What's your situation?
There are certain things in our lives that are not where they ought or need to be. If you have identified anything to be in an odd place; and needs changing/fixing/adjusting, there is nothing wrong with attempting to help move along the process.
In the same token, after a couple of different ways to help make the change, you can tell if it'll be a productive effort or if you are wasting precious time.
If its a person you are working on, he/she will need to be on the same page or it won't work. If it isn't a person and just a situation; it needs proper wisdom, accompanied with sound knowledge to carry out the change.
What's your situation?
4/9/13
Desire
Desire: the starting point of all achievement - NAPOLEON HILL
For every thing you accomplish, it started with the ability to "want" to. If the desire doesn't exist, the drive and motivation won't carry you through to the end.
For every thing you accomplish, it started with the ability to "want" to. If the desire doesn't exist, the drive and motivation won't carry you through to the end.
4/8/13
Gratitude
The way we perceive life most of the time, is wrong. Probably the biggest thing we all search for in life is happiness.
Most people who search for happiness think that money and fame will make their life perfect. As good as that sounds most of the time, that statement is not true at all. You have to be thankful for everything you know and do own.
Just when you want something better than you already have (Example: a new iPhone, iPad) remind yourself that someone in the world has never even had the privilege of using anything close to such technology.
There is somebody always better than you and always somebody less fortunate than you. Until you find the middle ground and accept what you have, you will not reach happiness.
So next time you doubt yourself think of this, and start appreciating what's already yours. Count your blessings and that is your source of happiness.
Happy Monday!
Most people who search for happiness think that money and fame will make their life perfect. As good as that sounds most of the time, that statement is not true at all. You have to be thankful for everything you know and do own.
Just when you want something better than you already have (Example: a new iPhone, iPad) remind yourself that someone in the world has never even had the privilege of using anything close to such technology.
There is somebody always better than you and always somebody less fortunate than you. Until you find the middle ground and accept what you have, you will not reach happiness.
So next time you doubt yourself think of this, and start appreciating what's already yours. Count your blessings and that is your source of happiness.
Happy Monday!
4/7/13
Resetting priorities
It doesn’t matter where you are, you are nowhere compared to where you can go-Bob Proctor
Guilt is such a terrible and poisonous bug, in that it eats you up so bad and fills you with regret. You start to look at where you are and dwell on "what am I doing here?", "why haven't I accomplished anything?", etc...
While these questions could be accurate, depending on your situation; do not spend a whole lot of time trying to figure out why but focus your energy on "how fast can I get out of here?".
Your dreams will only go as far as your heart and motivation will allow it to live. Do everything you can to get yourself to where you not only ought to be but where you need to be.
Your future is way brighter :)
Guilt is such a terrible and poisonous bug, in that it eats you up so bad and fills you with regret. You start to look at where you are and dwell on "what am I doing here?", "why haven't I accomplished anything?", etc...
While these questions could be accurate, depending on your situation; do not spend a whole lot of time trying to figure out why but focus your energy on "how fast can I get out of here?".
Your dreams will only go as far as your heart and motivation will allow it to live. Do everything you can to get yourself to where you not only ought to be but where you need to be.
Your future is way brighter :)
4/6/13
Changes
They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself - Andy Warhol
Time by itself doesn't make anything better. You have to put some work in.
It's a scary thing at times to think differently, or to even think on you but it very well could be the best decision you have ever made.
Remember, no one else but you is responsible for you. And only you know the way things are now, and the changes you would like to make or see happen.
It may and will be hard, but with much prayer, wisdom from counsel and knowledge from God; where you are today doesn't have to be the final script.
Amen?
Time by itself doesn't make anything better. You have to put some work in.
It's a scary thing at times to think differently, or to even think on you but it very well could be the best decision you have ever made.
Remember, no one else but you is responsible for you. And only you know the way things are now, and the changes you would like to make or see happen.
It may and will be hard, but with much prayer, wisdom from counsel and knowledge from God; where you are today doesn't have to be the final script.
Amen?
4/5/13
Patience
Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success - Brian Adams
4/4/13
Help
Never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes, those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts - Unknown
It's really the little things that count. Extending a little help here and there can be tremendous for someone in need.
Never think you don't have enough to give. Whatsoever you can give does go a long way.
Be a Good Samaritan
It's really the little things that count. Extending a little help here and there can be tremendous for someone in need.
Never think you don't have enough to give. Whatsoever you can give does go a long way.
Be a Good Samaritan
4/3/13
Liked or loved?
I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not - Kurt Cobain
Everyone won't always be on your side BUT the idea of living isn't to be liked, it's to get your opinion out there.
The more you choose the likable decision and stand on the most-liked side of the fence, the more and more you disappear in the crowd.
Don't change who you are for popularity sake. Quit becoming someone else to fit the status-quo.
You are unique and inside of you lies unique thoughts, decisions, ideas, plans, creativity, motives, feelings, etc...
If you never or hardly exercise these sides of your personality, then you are gradually completely going to waste....and the world will never get to meet you.
You are here to make a difference, not to be liked. Stand your ground, and you'll gain respect for always being in your own skin.
Everyone won't always be on your side BUT the idea of living isn't to be liked, it's to get your opinion out there.
The more you choose the likable decision and stand on the most-liked side of the fence, the more and more you disappear in the crowd.
Don't change who you are for popularity sake. Quit becoming someone else to fit the status-quo.
You are unique and inside of you lies unique thoughts, decisions, ideas, plans, creativity, motives, feelings, etc...
If you never or hardly exercise these sides of your personality, then you are gradually completely going to waste....and the world will never get to meet you.
You are here to make a difference, not to be liked. Stand your ground, and you'll gain respect for always being in your own skin.
4/2/13
Values
Values are like fingerprints. Nobody's are the same, but you leave 'em all over everything you do - Elvis Presley
Everything you do is a snapshot of what's really brewing inside your heart. It represents all you stand for, what your present convictions are, what your inner drive is and what motivates you.
It is important that what you say and/or do aligns with your standards, as once your actions are manifested, you aren't able to take it back.
Be cautious on what actually does come out....because it will be a picture of what you truly feel and it'll be speak on your behalf wherever you go!
In that respect, keep your standards high and your values deep...
Everything you do is a snapshot of what's really brewing inside your heart. It represents all you stand for, what your present convictions are, what your inner drive is and what motivates you.
It is important that what you say and/or do aligns with your standards, as once your actions are manifested, you aren't able to take it back.
Be cautious on what actually does come out....because it will be a picture of what you truly feel and it'll be speak on your behalf wherever you go!
In that respect, keep your standards high and your values deep...
4/1/13
Perspective
Some people grumble because roses have thorns; I am thankful that the thorns have roses - Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr
It's all about how we see things. You could choose to be depressed about your situation or you could be thankful that it isn't worse.
Our perspectives on life is connected to our outlook in general. How we see the people around us, the jobs we don't get, the places we can't visit, the cash we don't have, and the things we can't get; is a reflection on our inner thoughts and conclusions that we have mentally settled in.
A good lesson is to learn from every bad situation, take the good from it and then keep practicing.
It's all about how we see things. You could choose to be depressed about your situation or you could be thankful that it isn't worse.
Our perspectives on life is connected to our outlook in general. How we see the people around us, the jobs we don't get, the places we can't visit, the cash we don't have, and the things we can't get; is a reflection on our inner thoughts and conclusions that we have mentally settled in.
A good lesson is to learn from every bad situation, take the good from it and then keep practicing.
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