If you ever wonder why you're at a certain place in your life or why you were created in the first place, other than to glorify God with your very existence, I think I have an answer...you were born for whatever you're doing right now!Right now, I'm having a difficult time with my career path and trying to figure out the timeline in which God wants me to follow, I'm learning patience and sacrifice and I'm trying to be an inspiration to others by being as open and honest as possible so people know they're not alone. So, if you're wondering why things are going absolutely spectacular or you feel like you're on a downward spiral in your life...YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS!!!
Your life, your existence, your raison d'etre is for this very moment! The struggles, the heartaches, the feeling your life is a sucking black hole, your joys, inspirations, light bulb moments, your fears and aspirations, the good, the bad and the indifferent all serve a purpose in your life. You were born for these moments, you were born to tell your story.
I graduated from ACU (pretty awesome place is I can say so myself), but today in chapel they or we (I watched online) had the honor of being blessed by Blake Mycoskie, Chief Shoe Giver and founder of TOMS shoes, and a very smart, savvy businessman. While I was listening to him speak and being inspired I was thinking that everything that went on in his life, being on The Amazing Race, starting his own online driver's ed program, becoming exhausted and going to Argentina, being in the cafe' at the right time, all these things were meant to happen so he could start a company that would change not only his life, or the people who received shoes, but every detail small or large was meant to happen so he could change the world! He didn't and couldn't do it alone and I'm sure he'd tell you that, but he was born for what he is doing right now!
OK, so many of us won't impact the entire world with the events that are happening in our lives, but scale it down a little; your story, your life may inspire one person, or spark an idea or simply out a smile on someone's, but your story may change their world. When I start thinking that my life is a little less than ordinary and there's nothing special about who I am, I think of my Creator and I force myself to remember that no accidents were made when I was created, I am not a mishap. Everything that I am doing and going through now, I was born to do!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Not Forgotten
Have you ever felt like through the hustle and craziness of life, you've somehow faded into the background, like you're screaming to the top of your lung in a room full of people but no one hears you?
Sometimes I feel as if no one can see me or has time for me, but then I remember that God has not forgotten me; even if my friends or family don't have time, He always has time and sees me. I am not forgotten.
I was talking to a good friend yesterday and seemed a bit discouraged about her job, and I as told her, I had to remember myself that when you see your friends and people around you getting the things they want and receiving favor from God, we mustn't feel bad or angry, but remember that it's not your season.
When you feel like you're getting passed over or you're stuck in a rut, believe and remember that God has not forgotten about you, although you are one in billions, He knows your name and is willing and ready to be there for you just be patient.
Sometimes I feel as if no one can see me or has time for me, but then I remember that God has not forgotten me; even if my friends or family don't have time, He always has time and sees me. I am not forgotten.
I was talking to a good friend yesterday and seemed a bit discouraged about her job, and I as told her, I had to remember myself that when you see your friends and people around you getting the things they want and receiving favor from God, we mustn't feel bad or angry, but remember that it's not your season.
When you feel like you're getting passed over or you're stuck in a rut, believe and remember that God has not forgotten about you, although you are one in billions, He knows your name and is willing and ready to be there for you just be patient.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Giants
i haven't workout out in a few days, i guess i'd gotten myself into a funk about things in life that don't really matter. I think I'm getting to a point where i'm realizing that if i'm worried about it, i'm not praying about it. it was my day off so i got out of "chill mode" and worked out for 2 hours and i feel great. i decided that working out is something i enjoy doing because i don't really have to think or worry or be concerned with anything. who would have thought that someone like me would enjoy working out!?
so, i was out walking/jogging and there's a small incline on the path that i walk, nothing really to be concerned about but i always run the decline, because its easy. well, today i decided that i would try to conquer this incline (my giant) and WOW, i didn't make all the way up before i stopped running. i thought i was dying!!i was at the point where my mouth was open, my side was hurting and i thought i would pass out in the middle of the street!
there are giants in everyone's life, even if you think it may be insignificant to others, it could be a big thing for you to overcome. i always tell people if its a problem for you, then its a problem no matter how big or small other people may think. i giants on a daily basis; looking at myself in the mirror trying to see what my family sees and what people see in me, accepting that i am in the place in my life for a reason, cleaning my room, eating right, etc. these are giants for me.
Donald Lawrence has a song called "Giants" and i love it because it speaks to every situation in anyone's life. The like to the lyrics are below, but it simply says that giants do die, the bigger they are the harder they fall. be encouraged by those words, i am. whatever your giant is /are know that if and when you pray they'll fall; whether its pushing yourself to do homework, if you're looking for a new job, trying to fix a broken relationship, getting used to a new lifestyle or finding the will to get out of bed in the morning, know that your giants will fall and it will get easier daily until you've conquered your giants. What giant will you try to conquer in the coming days/weeks?
Giants, by Donald Lawrence
http://www.lyriczz.com/lyrics/donald-lawrence/36581-giants/
so, i was out walking/jogging and there's a small incline on the path that i walk, nothing really to be concerned about but i always run the decline, because its easy. well, today i decided that i would try to conquer this incline (my giant) and WOW, i didn't make all the way up before i stopped running. i thought i was dying!!i was at the point where my mouth was open, my side was hurting and i thought i would pass out in the middle of the street!
there are giants in everyone's life, even if you think it may be insignificant to others, it could be a big thing for you to overcome. i always tell people if its a problem for you, then its a problem no matter how big or small other people may think. i giants on a daily basis; looking at myself in the mirror trying to see what my family sees and what people see in me, accepting that i am in the place in my life for a reason, cleaning my room, eating right, etc. these are giants for me.
Donald Lawrence has a song called "Giants" and i love it because it speaks to every situation in anyone's life. The like to the lyrics are below, but it simply says that giants do die, the bigger they are the harder they fall. be encouraged by those words, i am. whatever your giant is /are know that if and when you pray they'll fall; whether its pushing yourself to do homework, if you're looking for a new job, trying to fix a broken relationship, getting used to a new lifestyle or finding the will to get out of bed in the morning, know that your giants will fall and it will get easier daily until you've conquered your giants. What giant will you try to conquer in the coming days/weeks?
Giants, by Donald Lawrence
http://www.lyriczz.com/lyrics/donald-lawrence/36581-giants/
Friday, September 3, 2010
Start With God
Yesterday was not the best day at all, neither was last night. The only thing I enjoyed was my workout and my time with God; I guess that's the only thing that really matters, in hindsight, anything that we enjoy in our life is a blessing. Last night was rough, I didn't sleep well and my dreams were scary and outrageous so I couldn't wait for morning. I've been having nightmares for the past couple of months, so I talked to my dad about it and he asked me, "do you ask God to come into your dreams?". I tried it last night and no, my nightmares didn't end, but when I woke up, I turned over and grabbed my Bible. I started with God.
" Start with God-the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb there noses at such wisdom and learning." (Proverbs 1:7, The Message)I think once we learn how to start our day, whether things go your way or not, we will have peace at the end of the day. I'm not saying that everyday we have to wake up and read our Bible for hours at a time, but the least we can do is give thanks for another morning and recognize it was Christ that woke us up, not our alarm clock, the buzzing of our cell phone, the dogs barking or the cries of our baby.
Our lives are so busy with work, school, family and so many other things that can easily move our focus from what matters most-God. Starting with God on a daily basis will always have its benefits. I was able to run a little bit longer, workout a little harder, not by my own strength, but by the strength of our Lord. Start with God today in everything you do.
" Start with God-the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb there noses at such wisdom and learning." (Proverbs 1:7, The Message)I think once we learn how to start our day, whether things go your way or not, we will have peace at the end of the day. I'm not saying that everyday we have to wake up and read our Bible for hours at a time, but the least we can do is give thanks for another morning and recognize it was Christ that woke us up, not our alarm clock, the buzzing of our cell phone, the dogs barking or the cries of our baby.
Our lives are so busy with work, school, family and so many other things that can easily move our focus from what matters most-God. Starting with God on a daily basis will always have its benefits. I was able to run a little bit longer, workout a little harder, not by my own strength, but by the strength of our Lord. Start with God today in everything you do.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Commit Thy Way
So, I guess you can say I have commitment issues. It's always been difficult for me to stay with something without getting bored. I've tried quite a few things in my 24 years; I've played the piano, cello, I was a cosmetologist, a college student...I could keep going, but let's say the only thing I've ever finished was college.There are tons of things that I like to do, but I quickly level out and get bored. Like I said, commitment issues! After talking to my dad, I realized my commitment problems and I prayed about it, and this is what I was told in a roundabout way, "commit thy way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:5).
So, I woke up late this morning to rain and dark clouds. For those who know me or not, please understand that rain is not my thing. I don't really like it unless I'm sitting on the couch with a book or watching a movie, wrapped in a blanket with nowhere to go.I didn't want to do or go anywhere this morning. I work in retail so I work at night and I usually get home around 10 or 11pm every night and I'm up for while after that so getting up in the morning is a huge sacrifice, plus a lot of prayer is a huge help!So, this morning I did an ab workouk, yoga and went walking/jogging in the rain! If you're from a big city you know how it smells when it rains; not great. It smelled like hot, wet garbage, and it was raining so the concrete is slick, not the most ideal running conditions! Yes, my hair got wet...commitment!
Creating the life that I want for myself and the life you want for you and/or your family takes commitment. I know those first few days you feel like nothing can stop you, but believe me, become tired enough and if nothing else you can stop yourself. Don't be your own worst enemy, be committed to the change you want to make. I'm working on my commitment issues everyday through prayer and the drive to reach my goal. Are you committed?
So, I woke up late this morning to rain and dark clouds. For those who know me or not, please understand that rain is not my thing. I don't really like it unless I'm sitting on the couch with a book or watching a movie, wrapped in a blanket with nowhere to go.I didn't want to do or go anywhere this morning. I work in retail so I work at night and I usually get home around 10 or 11pm every night and I'm up for while after that so getting up in the morning is a huge sacrifice, plus a lot of prayer is a huge help!So, this morning I did an ab workouk, yoga and went walking/jogging in the rain! If you're from a big city you know how it smells when it rains; not great. It smelled like hot, wet garbage, and it was raining so the concrete is slick, not the most ideal running conditions! Yes, my hair got wet...commitment!
Creating the life that I want for myself and the life you want for you and/or your family takes commitment. I know those first few days you feel like nothing can stop you, but believe me, become tired enough and if nothing else you can stop yourself. Don't be your own worst enemy, be committed to the change you want to make. I'm working on my commitment issues everyday through prayer and the drive to reach my goal. Are you committed?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
No Sacrifice, No Victory
"No Sacrifice, No Victory" is a quote that is written on the mirror in my room so I have to look at it everyday. Believe me, there is so much truth in those four little words. OK, you caught me, I got it from one of my favorite movies, Transformers, but the principle is biblical. I was watching the movie one day and I heard "Sam" tell "Optimus", "no sacrifice, no victory" and that stayed with me the entire day. That night I began to ask God why my life was the way it was? I'm 24 and I'm no where near where I want to be in life and I didn't understand why, and those four words were brought back to my remembrance in the middle of my prayer so I asked God to teach me sacrifice. My sister has been talking to me about sacrifice for the longest and I didn't get it, but after that night I declared to God and myself that I would began to sacrifice.
They always say be careful what you wish for because you just might get it, and its true. There were all these things I was asking and seeking God for, on my behalf and for others, and with those things comes sacrifice. I told the Lord I needed more money, well I haven't been granted to opportunity for a better paying job, so I had to start sacrificing some things i wanted, but didn't need. I want to loose weight, well, I had to sacrifice fast food, junk and time so I can get up earlier and workout. I wanted to start reading more, so I had to sacrifice some time that I was out or watching TV and pick up a book. I know some of these thing may sound trivial, but they mean a lot to me.
God made the ultimate sacrifice in allowing His son to be born on this Earth, live a perfect life, but die a cruel death so that we may have the ultimate victory, life with Him.
This about what you want, it could be anything and ask yourself this question: What do I need to sacrifice (maybe not totally give up), but lessen in order to get what I want out of life, school, your job, relationships, etc?
They always say be careful what you wish for because you just might get it, and its true. There were all these things I was asking and seeking God for, on my behalf and for others, and with those things comes sacrifice. I told the Lord I needed more money, well I haven't been granted to opportunity for a better paying job, so I had to start sacrificing some things i wanted, but didn't need. I want to loose weight, well, I had to sacrifice fast food, junk and time so I can get up earlier and workout. I wanted to start reading more, so I had to sacrifice some time that I was out or watching TV and pick up a book. I know some of these thing may sound trivial, but they mean a lot to me.
God made the ultimate sacrifice in allowing His son to be born on this Earth, live a perfect life, but die a cruel death so that we may have the ultimate victory, life with Him.
This about what you want, it could be anything and ask yourself this question: What do I need to sacrifice (maybe not totally give up), but lessen in order to get what I want out of life, school, your job, relationships, etc?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Something Triumphant and Victorious This Way Comes
Lord,
I need to loose weight. I want to be a better person, not for anyone else but for me. I want to be able to look in the mirror and not be disgusted by what I see. I don’t want to do this because every guy I’ve ever liked has told me they wanted someone that was skinny, athletic of fit. I don’t want to loose weight because of what I see on television or because of what people tell me I should be. I want to do it so I can be a better person, so I can like what I see and not be afraid to look in the mirror. I want to do this for you, God.
I want to feel my self-esteem, not the esteem that others have for me. I want to be confident in your Word and your promises. I know I’m not alone in this. I don’t want to try and loose weight in order to gain approval; I don’t want to feel like I can’t go out and fun because of the way I look. Not everyone will understand. My family doesn’t get it, my friends don’t believe it, but I know I’m not the only person that feels this way. There are thousands if not millions of girls who feel the way the way I do. Let this not only be a goal to reach, but a journey to take. I know this won’t be a journey for me to take alone for I know that it is you alone who gives me strength, determination and motivation to do what my heart is fixed on.
I want to look in the mirror and see what you see, a beautiful God-made image that is one-of-a-kind. I want to teach future generations, like my nieces, they are beautiful and being healthy is not just about being skinny but about taking care of the temple that you have given us rule over while we are here on Earth. They need to know they can be happy and eat what they will without giving their bodies over to diseases that can be so easily prevented. This journey is not just for me, but for others as well. I want your joy and peace to exude through me and the only way others and see you through me is if I am happy with the person I am and am becoming.
This isn’t all about weight loss, but it is the foundation. I want to be able to receive a compliment and trust that it isn’t a lie. When people look at on the street or in my car, I want to believe that they see God in me which makes me a beautiful person and not a spectacle for their entertainment. You have given me the desire to start this journey, give me strength, desire, motivation and endurance to continue and take others with me. I know that weight loss alone won’t make me happy, it’s the transformation from the inside out that will allow for your joy and contentment to flow freely through me.
I don’t need a workout partner because I have the best partner and the ultimate trainer to guide me and cheer me on. Lord, I know you are there for me when people don’t understand. Keep me reminded that this is not strictly for them nor for me, but for us all.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
To everyone that reads this:
I’ve seen people loose weight, not for themselves but for other people and they are miserable. I don’t want to be that person; I don’t want you to be that person. There are programs everywhere to help people with weight loss, but I know where my help comes from. Everyone has a program, but they can’t help me, the ordinary 13-25 year old female that lives with her parents, works a not so great paying job and is looking for her place in the world.
There are projects and programs to build things, clean up areas, add curriculum, renew this refresh that, but what about refreshing the hearts and renewing the minds that have been tormented and broken from words and images that quietly seep into the minds girls and boys, young and old that whispers to them that they’re not good enough, that they have something to prove, not to themselves but to others that unknowingly and knowingly instigate the preposterous accusations that they have to fit into a mold that impossible to fit into. How can you make a square peg fit into a round hole? You don’t! If there are no square holes, make one.
In my case, I am told that I am beautiful everyday, so you can’t blame TV or society. There is no blame to be passed here, but what about those who are not told that they are beautiful, who have to hear it from the television? You may not want or need to loose weight, you may not think you’re smart enough, you’re too short, ugly, skinny or you may just feel ordinary and you let yourself fade into the background praying no one sees you. Make the world see and accept you for who you are!
This is a journey. Read this and feel outraged, angry, sadness, sympathy, but please feel something. Apathy has plagued us for too long. It’s a silent disease that is killing the hearts of God’s children and we don’t even recognize it. Don’t cry for me or for those who wish to join me on the journey of healing and transformation from whatever it is that has weighed them down, cheer us on! This is a journey to help us loose weight, gain weight, build confidence, learn to dance, whatever it is, join me. Let this be a journey of expectancy, growth, setbacks, fear, hope, triumph and ultimately long lasting victory!
I need to loose weight. I want to be a better person, not for anyone else but for me. I want to be able to look in the mirror and not be disgusted by what I see. I don’t want to do this because every guy I’ve ever liked has told me they wanted someone that was skinny, athletic of fit. I don’t want to loose weight because of what I see on television or because of what people tell me I should be. I want to do it so I can be a better person, so I can like what I see and not be afraid to look in the mirror. I want to do this for you, God.
I want to feel my self-esteem, not the esteem that others have for me. I want to be confident in your Word and your promises. I know I’m not alone in this. I don’t want to try and loose weight in order to gain approval; I don’t want to feel like I can’t go out and fun because of the way I look. Not everyone will understand. My family doesn’t get it, my friends don’t believe it, but I know I’m not the only person that feels this way. There are thousands if not millions of girls who feel the way the way I do. Let this not only be a goal to reach, but a journey to take. I know this won’t be a journey for me to take alone for I know that it is you alone who gives me strength, determination and motivation to do what my heart is fixed on.
I want to look in the mirror and see what you see, a beautiful God-made image that is one-of-a-kind. I want to teach future generations, like my nieces, they are beautiful and being healthy is not just about being skinny but about taking care of the temple that you have given us rule over while we are here on Earth. They need to know they can be happy and eat what they will without giving their bodies over to diseases that can be so easily prevented. This journey is not just for me, but for others as well. I want your joy and peace to exude through me and the only way others and see you through me is if I am happy with the person I am and am becoming.
This isn’t all about weight loss, but it is the foundation. I want to be able to receive a compliment and trust that it isn’t a lie. When people look at on the street or in my car, I want to believe that they see God in me which makes me a beautiful person and not a spectacle for their entertainment. You have given me the desire to start this journey, give me strength, desire, motivation and endurance to continue and take others with me. I know that weight loss alone won’t make me happy, it’s the transformation from the inside out that will allow for your joy and contentment to flow freely through me.
I don’t need a workout partner because I have the best partner and the ultimate trainer to guide me and cheer me on. Lord, I know you are there for me when people don’t understand. Keep me reminded that this is not strictly for them nor for me, but for us all.
In Jesus name,
Amen.
To everyone that reads this:
I’ve seen people loose weight, not for themselves but for other people and they are miserable. I don’t want to be that person; I don’t want you to be that person. There are programs everywhere to help people with weight loss, but I know where my help comes from. Everyone has a program, but they can’t help me, the ordinary 13-25 year old female that lives with her parents, works a not so great paying job and is looking for her place in the world.
There are projects and programs to build things, clean up areas, add curriculum, renew this refresh that, but what about refreshing the hearts and renewing the minds that have been tormented and broken from words and images that quietly seep into the minds girls and boys, young and old that whispers to them that they’re not good enough, that they have something to prove, not to themselves but to others that unknowingly and knowingly instigate the preposterous accusations that they have to fit into a mold that impossible to fit into. How can you make a square peg fit into a round hole? You don’t! If there are no square holes, make one.
In my case, I am told that I am beautiful everyday, so you can’t blame TV or society. There is no blame to be passed here, but what about those who are not told that they are beautiful, who have to hear it from the television? You may not want or need to loose weight, you may not think you’re smart enough, you’re too short, ugly, skinny or you may just feel ordinary and you let yourself fade into the background praying no one sees you. Make the world see and accept you for who you are!
This is a journey. Read this and feel outraged, angry, sadness, sympathy, but please feel something. Apathy has plagued us for too long. It’s a silent disease that is killing the hearts of God’s children and we don’t even recognize it. Don’t cry for me or for those who wish to join me on the journey of healing and transformation from whatever it is that has weighed them down, cheer us on! This is a journey to help us loose weight, gain weight, build confidence, learn to dance, whatever it is, join me. Let this be a journey of expectancy, growth, setbacks, fear, hope, triumph and ultimately long lasting victory!
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