Get back up

“In life you are going to make mistakes, you're going to fall down, but it's the getting up that counts. 

Just like in baseball: you'll get a few hits, but most likely, you'll strike out more than you'll get on base. But don't quit. Find your focus, relax, take a deep breath and give it a good swing" 

- Dave Pelzer - A Man Called Dave 

Letting go

It's sometimes easier to hang on to things because it could be that that very something is tied to our identity; or that thing makes us happy and we can't see ourselves any other way;  or we like to be and have control, so letting go would be a weaker response.

Whether its building a project and you aren't done, letting go isn't a sign of defeat; but may help you to sit back and reevaluate. If in a relationship, and things aren't working out as planned, letting go could be a really good remedy for you, if you are willing. 

There is no reason to entertain or marinate in a bad negative situation.

Being able to know when to walk away, is a value on you that is priceless! 

Do right by you .... 

Thanks for this discussion yesterday ladies! 

Right timing

Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. Relationships must be chosen wisely. It's better to be alone than to be in bad company. There's no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you're ready, not when you're lonely.  Unknown quotes

70 up,

Good man

“Wherever you find a great man, you will find a great mother or a great wife standing behind / beside him -- or so they used to say. It would be interesting to know how many great women have had great fathers and husbands behind them.” 

― Dorothy L. Sayers

For some of us, a great father wasn't quite what we had behind or beside us; but graciously by the hand of God, we have been blessed with great husbands. 

What your earthly father didn't do, your Heavenly Father did. And what you desired in a good man, your husband has....and for my single sisters, your future husband will. 

The future looks better :) 

Determine

One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat - Napoleon Hill

Determination is one of the keys to success. Often times, people know exactly what they need to do in order to achieve the life that they want but still aren’t able to make it happen. 

One big reason is that they give up too early. No one ever said reaching your dreams is going to be easy. In fact, it’s hard and that’s why most people fail to live the life that they want. 

Things happen; time changes things, challenges come along and people move on; but you have to set it in your heart that in times of defeat, the very determination you started with will help inspire you to get back up and push forward. 

Loneliness

Even the rich are hungry for love, for being cared for, for being wanted, for having someone to call their own.  Mother Teresa

It doesn't matter how much money or things you have or how popular you become, or how much you are in demand; if you aren't happy with your life and have a safe place to call home, you will always find your safe being lonely.

Check your priorities.... 

Relationships

How do we approach new friendships, and new relationships? 

Yesterday at "the discussion", we talked about how some people can either be a hindrance or a blessing. Let me explain. :)

For me, I find that most of the time, I am seen as a jovial, friendly, and extremely social person, which I am. But as you get to know me, I can be very serious and intentional in every idea, every conversation, every interaction. And intend to hold folks accountable to things they say and/or do (all in love, of course). Now, if the other person isn't comfortable or confident with my approach, it could really be a hindrance if they put up a wall and shut down. 

It does get challenging for me because I want to be myself and also be a friend.

What about you?

Selfless

Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something. They're trying to find someone who's going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take - Anthony Robbins

Relationships is not as a bank that you run to when you need to make a quick withdrawal. Or the stashed away credit card that you pull out when needed for an emergency transaction. 

Relationships are built on how much of your love you are constantly willing to give, for the satisfaction of the other person you are involved with. If the other person is equally doing the same thing or more;  then you are well taken care of. 

But if it is one-sided....then, that's a troubling road you are traveling on. Re-evaluate....

How you see it

Some people are always complaining because roses have thorns. I am thankful that thorns have roses.

Alphonse Karr

It's all about perspective ! 

Help

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.

Tenzin Gyatso

I

If you aren't willing to help someone out of ther situation, then don't talk about how bad it is for them. If you are not praying for them, quit talking about them.

If you cannot pay someone that is going through a tough time a visit or give them a call, then don't  engage in the gossip of discussing them all in the name of pointing out right from wrong.

Bottom line: it isn't helping, it's hurting them.

Pray instead! 

Crossroads

Crossroads are where your will meets God's and you struggle with the decision of self or the God-way. 

The more we talked yesterday at "the discussion", it seemed like a lot of us are in this exact same place; and we are all fully aware of the difference in the two wills. 

The challenge is after much prayer, "do we choose our will and hope that God blesses us along the way?" Or "do we wait on God's direction and take that path instead?" Or "are they one and the same?"

The good news is that we serve a God who has given us free will; and with this free will, we are and do make decisions solely based on our feelings, prayers, perspectives and gut. Is God there? Absolutely! And what's even more exciting is that God loves us so much that He doesn't leave or forsake us; so, of we chose the wrong path, He is still with us to guide us back to the promise. 

Make decisions with peace, prayer and trust in God. Best way to live ;)

Life goes on

• “In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.” - Robert Frost

Things happen. People grow apart. You change. Love happens. Babies are born. People come and go. Regrets creep in. Guilt, sure. Victory comes along. Breakthrough is real. And so on, and so on. 

What never changes is that life happens...and you learn to roll with it in joy and happiness. 

Give it your very best ...

Friends in need

"A friend is one who walks in when others walk out" 

-Walter Winchell

It doesn't matter how often you get a phone call, text, visit or email; but what does matter is when. 

For some of us, having a lot of people around us gives us some sense of security; some of us prefer a few and some don't necessarily need anyone around for validation......and then some or most of us fall into one of these categories for others.

Unfortunately, some friendship relationships are based on need; while some stand firm on trust and love. It takes experience in a friendship relationship to know which type you are in. 

Are you or do you have the "part of the crowd" friend(s)? Or the "I can always trust you" friend? because when it's all said and done, the popularity gets thrown out the window. Bottom line, when you need a friend, you are really and truly in need of a good one. 

Challenges

“Don’t confuse your path with your destination, just because it’s stormy now, doesn’t mean you aren’t headed for sunshine.”

The trying period is the in-between stage. The moment between your promise and the answer. What do you do? How do you reason? Where do you place your faith? When do you identify and embrace the big picture? 

I heard a preacher say "your problems have an expiration date". Meaning, they don't last forever and there is a promise on the other side. 

Once you understand this process, your expectations wouldn't be so cloudy; your future wouldn't be so blurry and your present moments certainly won't feel so challenging. 

Criticism

“Some people are brought into your life to be mirrors, to show you behaviors and habits that need to change.” -Mandy Hale

It takes being reflective and open to be able to receive these constructive criticisms when they do come.

It's good to be checked often; that way we don't feel so right all the time :)

Happy Friday good people! 

Hand, Clay & Wheel

In our discussion yesterday, we found that often times, there is a place where we get to when we know that God is doing something in our lives but we really don't know what it is. We feel the pull, the pruning, the challenge, the disappointment, the uneasiness, the fear, the pain.....but we don't know what it all leads to.

Imagine yourself in the potters hand and His hands on you - molding and shaping you into something. It isn't quite visible yet what that something is but it's in the works. Only the potter knows what He is doing.  

However, as the clay on the wheel, our job is to surrender to the potters will; trust in the motion of the wheel, believe that what we will turn out to be is nothing but good and rest in the knowing that God is the greatest Creator and has never failed in His works, and has our best interest at heart. Always know that He will never leave us nor forsake us -and that ladies, is the great promise! 

The sooner we get this, the better we get in challenging times and the stronger we become overall. 

Free

“Don’t use the past as an excuse to miss out on your future.” -Alan Cohen

It is in the past, it's over with, it's where it needs to be, it is yesterdays problem.....and tiday, you are free, alive, victorious, focused, smart, delivered, unique and beautiful.

Don't drag those negative and depressing days along. It's too heavy and bothersome! 

Walk in total freedom.

Something else

“Sometimes there are things in life that aren’t meant to stay. Sometimes change may not be what we want. Sometimes change is what we need.”

It takes maturity and peace of mind to know when something just isn't working out any longer; and having the strength to walk away - no matter what.

Never settle for the now, and take the emotional, verbal, physical or mental abuse all in the name of having something - whether it's a job, a relationship or a place to stay. 

What's best for you is your sanity and growth and if your current situation isn't moving you towards that, then it might be time to prayerfully excuse yourself and your bright and promising future away from the temporary oppression.

Just a thought....

Right or wrong

I present myself to you in a form suitable to the relationship I wish to achieve with you - Luigi 

Everyone does this in a relationship. We only give to the relationship what we want to get out of it. This isn't necessarily a negative thing. It can really be positive if we give truly of what we can and feel the other person deserves and needs. But if we only pour in what we want, then we will only get back what that brings. 

Every relationship/agreement/commitment will automatically be withdrawn from wherever we deposited the time, effort, attention, patience, grace, loyalty, faithfulness, compassion, love, money, and so on or the lack thereof.

Determine within yourself if you are in the right or wrong relationship. It'll do you good to know now. 

For the better

Almost all of our sorrows spring out of our relations with other people - Arthur Schopenhauer

This statement is very true! The way we act, think, react, respond, feel, practice ...all comes from somewhere that has/had to do with how or what someone else has done to us. Whether we want to admit this or not, it's right! 

Maybe you are one of those super strong personalities that believes "there is nothing about someone else that can change how I feel" or "my attitude isn't based on what someone else said to me" or "I don't need them to make me feel any certain way". 

The truth of the matter is that yes, you don't sway back and forth based on someone else's mood BUT the way you are today is correlated to a direct or indirect action to you from another person. 

And even if you are on the other side of the spectrum, you are also affected by this because you may well know that your make-up in this season is a result of some action or emotion from someone else.

Whatever the case may be, figure out within yourself the best way to overcome it (if it is not for the better already).

It's possible :) 

The Discussion

Hello ladies,

Righteous Woman has a new ministry called "The Discussion".

It's a conference call for all women who want to be real, open, share, learn, pray, listen, relate to each other and much more. 

You are officially invited to call in and be a part! 

Invite others and lets change the world together ...one woman at a time! :)

Conf call#: 712-432-1500

Access code: 1026847#

When: Every Wednesday

Time: 7:30-8am (PST)

It takes attention

A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them - Liberty Hyde Bailey

And so it is with everything that we want to grow progressively. Relationships, friendships, etc. If we want things to change for the better, or to be different, then the remedy is time, attention, effort and extra TLC. 

Plan

Choice of attention - to pay attention to this and ignore that - is to the inner life what choice of action is to the outer. In both cases, a man is responsible for his choice and must accept the consequences, whatever they may be.

Be careful what thoughts you entertain. Be it positive or negative, it'll definitely lead you somewhere. 

The plan is to prepare yourself for where it takes you. No surprises 

This moment ...

Give yourself up to this moment. Dare to see it. Now look down at your feet; slip out of those invisible tethers. Then ask: Where would you take yourself right this moment if you walked toward your most heartfelt dream? What would your life look like? What would your body look and feel like? What level of energy would you have? What might be your favorite activity? What would your daily life include? Imagine happiness -- the sweet glow of inner contentment, the way it tastes and smells and feels - Chris Downie

Happy Monday folks!!! 

Crossroad

“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Those who look outside, dream. Those who looks inside, awaken.“

Carl Gustav Jung 

There will come moments when you are at some major crossroads of your life and will be faced with making strong decisions that can either better you or slow you down a few more years.

Crossroads are life-changing moments that require prayer, wisdom, lots of thought, cautious conversations, silent listening moments, mental stability and a sense of peace. Without these, one can make emotional decisions that can't be reversed. 

If ever found here, it's better to apply the steps above before voicing a decision; because the worst thing to do is make the wrong move out loud! 

Big impact

“I never look at the masses as my responsibility; I look at the individual. I can only love one person at a time - just one, one, one. So you begin. I began - I picked up one person. Maybe if I didn't pick up that one person, I wouldn't have picked up forty-two thousand....The same thing goes for you, the same thing in your family, the same thing in your church, your community. Just begin - one, one, one.“

- Mother Teresa

It's the little things we do for the "little" people around us that make them big people one day with big hearts that you once planted a small seed in.

Pay attention to those little life changing moments; don't despise them. For they make all the difference in the world. 

Service

Do all the good you can, and make as little fuss about it as possible - Charles Dickens

Doing something good for someone else is all about you bring selfless and giving service. It's not to criticize the situation while expressing how much of a better job you would have done; or to self-evaluate the process, looking for obvious mistakes. 

Giving someone your time takes patience, no complaining, and sacrifice; because the ultimate goal is for you to step out of your comfort zone and do something good for them. It certainly may or will not be the way you do things but as you serve them, you'll find their happiness surface. 

Perfection

You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it - Maya Angelou 

Just because you failed in one or a few things, doesn't qualify you as a failure. 

Perfection doesn't exist; it's just not of this world. However, the striving to be perfect is doable but also leaves room for little mistakes and hiccups here and there. 

Learn from those imperfect moments, as they make you stronger next time. Listen to your inner strength for it'll keep you fueled for your life's lessons. 

True

Start with what is right rather than what is acceptable - Peter F. Drucker

Don't conform to the way it looks or the appearance of what it should be or what's mostly popular right now....

All that can be very temporary and not a good representation of who you are or called to be. 

Be true to you, do what's right, keep your foundation solid and let God take you places.

Happy Friday! 

Strength

All Strength Comes From God

It is so refreshing to know that we can rest in the strength and comfort that God will provide when facing troubles of many kinds. Let Him have the glory and show himself strong. 

2Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” 

God wants to show Himself strong on your behalf. Surrender to Him today and let the peace that He gives you take over. We cannot fully serve God without fully surrendering to his Strength.

Strength must start and end with God. It is the power and strength that comes from God that carries us on. As Christians we need to surrender to the strength that God provides and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. 

Be encouraged in that it is not your strength that is needed but the strength that God willingly supplies.

Your time

It takes a noble man to plant a seed for a tree that will some day give shade to people he may never meet - D. Elton Trueblood

You may not always see the harvest of seeds you've sown, but nevertheless, sow it anyhow. 

You will never know how your efforts today may bless someone else tomorrow, so put 100% into all you do.

You may have that friend that you have been trying to help get out of a situation for a while, but nothing is happening (at least not to you). Do not give up, keep pouring in. Change may not happen now, but when it comes, they'll thank you for it - whether you are there to witness it or not.

Your time, money, efforts, prayers, thoughts, phone calls, texts, emails, visits, attention, and presence are and will never be in vain....

Possibilities

With love and patience, nothing is impossible - Dr. Daisaku Ikeda

We all have that one thing that we absolutely love to do but it doesn't always happen right away for some of us. The in-between stage is the most difficult season.

What you do in the meantime is crucial. Do you complain? Persevere? Get coaching? Give up? Resent? Hang on? Train yourself? Enhance your skills? Get depressed? Despise your season? Educate yourself? Be patient? ....

Best thing to do is wrap positive and victorious thoughts around your dream and goals; do what you need to do to get to where you need to be; and then wait! 

That great big door that only God can open and no man can shut is on its way! 

Believe it.... 

Our deepest fear

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.“

- Nelson Mandela 

Maturity

A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life - Muhammad Ali

I had a conversation with one of my sisters yesterday about how interesting it is when some people who you've known for a while still operate in the same mentality as they did 10,15 years ago.

Its kind of sad...

If you run into a friend that you haven't seen in a long time, it'll be nice for the relationship to build into something today, but you really cannot do that if one or both of you are still childish at heart. Meaning, no one wants to hang out with a 40-something year old who you used to go to high school with, if their personality still thinks they are in high school today. At some point, life should have matured you up some. Right??

Part of it too is a choice. How much time do you want to invest in such friendships/relationships? Yes, you could have a few moments of reminiscing on how great it was back then, but when the conversation shifts to the world today, you'll have a huge disconnect. 

Choice is yours ... 

Dream

You've got to have a dream, if you want to have a dream come true - unknown So simple yet profound!!! Dreams are to be had and to be lived out.... But just having a dream and doing nothing about it , literally keeps it in its dream state. OR, hoping that things will change for you when you haven't even dreamed of another place. In other words, you need a reference point, a target, a plan so that execution isn't so far fetched! 

Perspective

Problems can become opportunities when the right people come together - Robert Redford

When you come to a place where you can no longer think about the issue, you don't know how to get out of it, you are basically stuck in the process; it's at that time that you need to back off for a minute, try something different to get your mind of it and then think of a strategy to attack what's before you.

Bottom line is that you need a resolve but  you probably cannot do it on your own; since you have obviously tried over and over again.

You'll find that if you strategically think of ways to dissolve the issue, ideas and people will start coming to mind. 

Sometimes, you need someone else to take a good look at it and give you their perspective. And that, could be the key to your resolution.

You

Be careful of your actions. You never know when you are creating a memory - Ricki Lee Jones

It's the impression that you leave behind that will keep the memory of you alive in people's mind.

You physically come and go but your emotional expression sticks around for a while. 

Once you make a connection, you can no longer use the excuse of "they can't judge me because they don't know me". 

You may not be responsible for what people think of you and how they see you but ONCE you have had an interaction, you have a part to play in their perception of you.

Choose to act wisely. 

Alone

Some walks, you have to take alone - Suzanne Collins

There comes a time when you are on the path by yourself; and then you realize that not only are you lonely, you are also alone. 

But know that not all "alone" time is bad for you! It is often there to guide our character and to direct our journey.

Friends and family are not our road map, God is. And the only way you can get a full picture of the navigation process is to trust the driver and step out of the way. 

Can you? Or should you?

We should cultivate the ability to say no to activities for which we have no time, no talent, and which we have no interest or real concern. If we learn to say no to many things, then we will be able to say yes to the things that matter most - Roy Blauss

It takes us knowing who we are, what we are capable of, what our weaknesses are, what our strengths are, where our passion lies ....etc, to be able to say no to things that matter or don't matter.

If we don't have the grace for something, then we shouldn't commit to being a part of it all in the name of pleasing someone, or looking good in front of a group or appearing busy. 

We will find that if we place our passions and abilities where it will truly count, we will be happier in our life's journey. 

Until

How long should you wait??? Until - unknown 

Talk about patience! "

"Until" is the most trying waiting period ever!! And this where your patience is tried over and over, and you learn to do nothing but listen.

It's a great place to be because you learn to wait, you learn to adjust, you appreciate what's before you, you are content and you are hopeful of the future.

Don't despise your until moments....they are there for a reason ;)

Have a beautiful day! 

Gentle

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle - Plato

There is something about understanding that you are not alone (so, come out of your bubble), there are others that exist in this world (and they need mercy), and everything doesn't have to work your way (this is where you extend grace).

We have to be sensitive that everyone we talk to, run into, or meet has something that they are dealing with. Therefore, your approach is very important. 

Yes, be intentional about what you need, but be gentle in your approach. 

Love thy neighbor .....

I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious - Albert Einstein

I call it borderline nosy! ;)

Yes! We all have people in our lives that just can't do without being "in the know" or a part of what's happening or just plain old nosy about everything! 

What do you do with people who fit into the criteria? You love them anyhow.... Yes you do because this is just how they are wired and change isn't coming soon! 

As a matter of fact, it's a battle you cannot win because not only are they created this way; they also love love love the way they are and use it to their good advantage. Nevertheless, you love them

anyhow. Yes, love them anyhow ;)

You and them

I am because you are - African Proverb

It takes maturity to know how and when to appreciate your friends, colleagues and family.

You are who you are because of the road you have traveled, the people that walked alongside you and the experiences you took from it.

And yet another....

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. 

- John Ruskin

As normal as natural seasons change, so do our spiritual seasons. Each season comes with a test, the opportunity to take the test, the chance to learn and the open door to win. It is our job (in our 

mature state) to take these tests carefully and excel with victory.

Note, you are NOT alone and everyone goes through these. What you do in the midst of it is what counts. How you handle it is what really matters. 

The key is knowing that each challenge is another path to growth. It won't kill you, you won't die this time around, it's not over, and everyone isn't out enjoying life while you suffer. 

If you stop, relax and see what's really happening; you will realize that you have been here before (in another time, test and season) and since you got through the last one, you certainly will come out of this one better too! 

It's all about perspective! 

Our loved ones

Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep.  ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

We should always say "I love you" to our loved ones even if we think they already know. 

Go ahead and give one more, yes one more hug and kiss.

Surprise someone with a sweet text at a random time today.

Make that phone call to that family member and make their day better.

When someone confides in you, be attentive and present; they need you at that moment. 

Remember, we all need each other...so don't hesitate to give a little extra. It can't hurt.

Friends

To have a good friend is one of the highest delights of life; to be a good friend is one of the noblest and most difficult undertakings - Anon Anyone can have a friend; but not all can be a good friend.  Friendship takes time and growth. It's about spending time, understanding what they mean without saying anything, knowing when to speak or love or listen or give a hug, having intuition on checking on them at the perfect time, praying for them etc.... Yes, friendship takes all that and more! And since its a two-way street, you need it too sometimes. Happy Monday!

You taking care of you

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. Live in the faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you!

Christian D. Larson 

Well said!! 

Difference

In life you can never be too kind or too fair; everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load. When you go through your day expressing kindness and courtesy to all you meet, you leave behind a feeling of warmth and good cheer, and you help alleviate the burdens everyone is struggling with - Brian Tracy 

It is a good thing to exercise care, empathy, compassion, love, gentleness, grace and equality wherever we go. We just never know who is in desperate need of it to survive.

Don't be selfish with these.... It can make all the difference in the world to somebody. 

Yesterday

Your journey has molded you for the greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don't think that you've lost time. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time - Asha Tyson 

Absolutely!!!! It's time to start living fully...with no regrets or guilt, just living well.

What happened then, what happened yesterday really did happen, yes. However, it's over and done with and the greatest part is that what's left is you! 

With that in mind, you've got the rest of your life to make those experiences count. You learned from them, you are better today, and you are much stronger now. Walk in that truth! 

Thanks

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say 'thank you? - William Arthur Ward

Very simply stated....

Be thankful more often than normal ;)

Happiness

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has - Epictetus

It shouldn't take us losing something to appreciate what's already there. We tend to spend a lot of time in the "I wish I had" moment and totally forget the "I'm glad I have" reality.

Riches and wealth come from within - and that's pure happiness; not what youhave  or what we can see. 

Let's start practicing that so our children (now and in the future) will learn the difference.

Happy Tuesday! 

Today

The moment when you first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful of the twenty-four hours. No matter how weary or dreary you may feel, you possess the certainty that, during the day that lies before you, absolutely anything may happen. And the fact that it practically always doesn't, isn't the point. The possibility is always there - Monica Baldwin 

It's in our hands.....the power to control the path the day takes. No matter how much work we have going, or how many meetings to attend, or all the phone calls to make, or all the running around that the day brings....we are still in control of what happens with our emotions and actions. 

As we rise (in that beginning hours of the day), we have determine in our heart to stay full of joy, in perfect peace, on a positive path and at rest. 

As we practice this daily, we will find that what's on the outside doesn't shake us much; but the determination to win is the captain of our day. 

Happy Monday good people! 

Peace

When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t - Thomas Edison

While this is a perfect statement for some situations, it doesn't work for all. This can be a dead end for a lot of us. For some reason, we feel that if things aren't working out the way we want them to...we need to keep trying to force it to work. 

It takes wisdom and understanding to know when one more try is just what is needed and also to know when to walk away. 

Whatever the situation is, guide your decision by the peace you feel inside. If overall, you are at peace but a couple of areas need special attention; then another try is worth it. On the other hand, if it doesn't feel right, and you don't feel comfort; then it's time to move on.

Gossip

What you don't see with your eyes, don't witness with your mouth - Proverb

It's as simple as its said. Don't be a victim of gossip, he-said, she-said.....if you didn't see it happen, don't talk about it like you did. 

Gossip is a terrible act to be involved in because it really diminishes your character and places you in a not-trustworthy category. 

The best way to avoid it is to inform the teller of the "story" - that what you don't know is good and you will like to keep it that way. The more you say this, the less tempting it is for those "story tellers" to bother you with "what's happening now". 

You are responsible for what's been fed to you. If it isn't edifying, then please by all means - keep it moving and if they don't, then you walk away!! 

Commitment

There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either in or out. There's no such thing as a life in-between. - Pat Riley

It's like the bible says "a double minded person is unstable in all his ways". You cannot have one foot in and one foot out. Choose this day whom you will serve and them serve it to the fullest. 

You can apply this to every area in your life. You cannot be fully committed to two or more relationships, or two or more churches, or more than one employment decision.

It's not a fair choice to both worlds. At some point, one of the worlds will demand more of your attention and you'll be forced to think hard about landing in one of them - and being fully there 100%. 

Question is: are you ready to be faithful to one? 

Think on it....

Approach

When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching - Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton 

We all have our days. Some days are great and full of victory; some days are low and full of impossible chances. It takes the right people around you to know how to approach you in these very different seasons.

On some days, you may need a little bit of encouragement, or a little bit of need, or a truckload of blessings. And on some other days, you may need a good old fashioned intervention, or a bit of "I told you so", or some tough love. 

The key is knowing the difference and not beating someone up with the wrong approach if they are already down.

Tests

Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know  - Pema Chodron

Each test we face is another opportunity to grow and another chance for our faith to be strengthened. 

The longer it takes us to get it, the more permanent the test will seem. 

What is that particular test in your life that just keeps lingering AND what have you or are you learning from the process? 

Consistency

Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught - J. C. Watts 

I have heard a great leader say "whatever you do privately, you can do publicly", "if the lights were turned on on your private life, will you be happy with what the world saw?"

Bottom line is this - your character is a combination of what you do in front of others, your morals, your thoughts, beliefs, your private life, your work ethics, your life lessons learned and your faith.

These and other attributes make you the person you are today and because of this, it is necessary to put the time into building your actions to fully represent what your mind, will and emotions are silently expressing. 

It's time to bring both worlds together and make them match. There shouldn't be much of a difference when you are publicly or privately introduced.

True

If I only had three words of advice, they would be, Tell the Truth. If got three more words, I'd add, all the time - Randy Pausch

Knowing the truth gives you freedom but speaking the truth supports your good character.

It's important to always tell the truth because this is the only way your words hold weight and substance. If you cannot be trusted, you'll always be avoided. 

Lets work on this ...