Homeless in Hanford, A True Reality Check

I just watched this 17 minute clip titled Homeless in Hanford that brought me to my knees. Why? Because it is 17 minutes of reality, not reality TV, but a short glimpse of what is happening right now all around us, yet so many seem to look right through it. It is a reality check which most people will never understand unless they have been there. And the reality is that ANY taste of homelessness is a reality I feel that no human, especially no child, should have to ever endure. Yet in these times many are having to do just that. Every one's  reason or story behind homelessness is different. And yet while some are not as hard, or as detrimental, any taste of being homeless can be enough to make you give up. Homelessness is a life test that far to many are having to bare, yet many do not have the strength to pass.

Maybe the young man that made this video will become part of the change for future generations that all will be able to benefit from. For you see, he too was once homeless. However in his young 17 years of life, he has now learned a lesson that can change him for the better. A lesson that can make him appreciate the simple things of life, and use what he is blessed with to be a blessing to others.

The key for you to keep in mind after watching Homeless in Hanford is that the homeless are everywhere, not just on the street or under the bridges. But for those who have to brave the elements every day with literally NO PLACE TO GO have my very heart and soul filled with love and respect for continuing to have the strength to wake up each morning.

The homeless are not just mental cases or alcoholics, or just bums who choose not to work and avoid responsibility. They are not "those dirty people" who chose to live like this. They are on buses and in cabs trying to get to appointments, they are on Facebook and Twitter trying to share their story and bring awareness, and they are at your neighbor's home, sofa-surfing for the night to have a roof and place to sleep. They are in your church every week praising the same God you do, they are in the car around the corner from your home trying to stay warm during the hard freeze that is coming in the night, or they could be standing right behind your in the grocery store.

I applaud you, Matt Macedo, for putting a face and bringing the light to Homeless in Hanford. May you continue to use your talent and skills to be a voice in the din of denial, and show the reality that we need to see.

Turning to Instead of Against Each Other by Gloira Lowe

We live in difficult times. Stories of corruption, violence and down right evilness surround us. Trying to make sense of this state it sometimes seems easier to close it all out, becoming numb to our pain and the pain of others. Often we pretend things will somehow get better tomorrow. Many of us come to this holiday season with fear. What do we say to our children and our friends, when there is no money for the ‘things’ they have come to expect from us? What do we do when we cannot buy our way out of pain?

Many of us have been chasing the American Dream, trying to consume our way to our image of the ‘middle-class American’. We have come to believe we are what we can buy. Everywhere we look, corporations encourage us to value things over people. So over the last fifty years the average American family has spent more hours working, chasing an ever-decreasing paycheck to buy things. We use these things to replace the time we no longer spend with families and friends.

The holiday season, sacred to all faiths, has become nothing more than a hyped-up consumer season and a wretched time of the year for those with no money. As more people are thrown off state support for the barest of necessities, as foreclosures increase and unemployment checks decrease, people are turning against one another.

This season we have an opportunity to rethink our values and what it means to be a human being. Can we begin to look past the superficial ways we judge one another by what we wear, what kind of car we drive, or what church we go to? Can we learn to see each other in our hearts and not just with our eyes?

As a community we have a long history of transcending pain, of turning fear to hope and hope to action. We have learned to reach out to each other in service. We have known that a fragmented heart manifests a fragmented world. We have always made a way out of no way. This holiday season is an opportunity for all of us to dedicate ourselves to building authentic relationships with our families, our friends and our communities.

We may not have money for toys and trinkets but we can wrap our arms around our children and show them how to love. We may not be able to spend money, but we can spend time.

We can set aside time and talk to one other about our hopes and dreams. We can take time to reconnect across generations, sharing stories of family and friends that pass on the values and skills that have enabled us to endure for centuries.

We can ask ourselves what do we need to do to create peace in our homes, in our families and in neighborhoods? How do we decide what we need, not just what we want? How do we live more simply, to consume less and love more?

We are facing an economic and spiritual crisis that threatens our survival and our deepest humanity. But it also an opportunity. It is an opportunity to create a more just way of living. In earlier, more dangerous times we created families, villages, places of worship and respect for one another. We have that creativity within us still.

Let us all celebrate this holiday season through the eyes of a Beloved Community, turning away from wanting things to valuing people. We can turn to one another and ask what kind of community we can create together.

Published on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by CommonDreams.org 

by Gloria Lowe

A Poem for Thought

Hello!
I was online reading some short stories and poems and came across this one and thought I would share. A couarge poem it says. Well, we can all use a bit of encouragement, no matter what our circumstances are. And if it comes in the form of a story, poem. phone call, or whatever, I will gladly welcome all I can get!

Enjoy!

Sometimes life is hard...

Sometimes

© Kristin

Sometimes we see things that aren’t meant to be seen.
Sometimes things aren’t always as they seem.
Sometimes we need someone to call our own,
Especially when we’re alone.
Sometimes people just can’t understand,
Why things get out of hand.
Sometimes life just isn’t fair,
Especially when people just don’t care.
And sometimes it's hard to say,
Why things have to be this way.
Sometimes it’s all you can do to get by,
Especially when dreams continue to die.
Sometimes it’s nice to sit in the rain.
Even to just relieve the pain.
And when we’ve had a really bad day,
Sometimes we just need to get away.
We never know what’s wrong with out pain.
Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same.

And sometimes when people get hurt,
Even the strongest ones may need comfort.

Source: Sometimes Life Is Hard, Courage Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/sometimes-life-is-hard#ixzz1bx5fHDQv
Family Friend Poems

Hidden Homelessness

The "hidden" homeless are everywhere. I know because I am one of them. However, I take every day as a step of faith, and deal with the circumstances for that day. I used my talents, skills, and abilities to help others and keep my self focused on re-building my life for myself, my family, and my children. However, many give up and turn to other things that pull them further away from rebuilding their life. I choose to be a testimony of inspiration to others. And while I am still walking this journey, I look for inspiration to keep me focused. It's a hard walk, but hey, like they say, I guess some one has to do it! But there are many, many others doing it too....
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/aug/30/homelessness-middle-class-crisis-study
LLadynWaitn

Just a Thank You for the Journey

Thank you God for the answer to my little prayer! I see You working over the last few days, although I don't understand this journey, I do see that the more I trust You, You will open doors that I never could have own my own.
You know my battle most intimately, every detail, every step that can make or break me. Especially the last few weeks, you know Lord how hard it has been.
But I am giving it all to You. The tears, the worries, the stress, the joys - For there is no way I could make this journey on my own.
I am finding more and more that every step over the last 6 years is for a reason. All of it the good, the bad, the painful, the unexpected... I see that I am being shaped and changed ..for a reason ...for a purpose.
Everyday is a battle, a struggle, and really another chance to give in to the vultures. However, I am made of so much more than I have ever given myself credit for.
I am thankful for the small steps. For it is in the journey of the small steps, that we find our biggest surprise. Being thankful for the small steps, is a learning process. And once you can learn to do this, it makes way for the bigger blessing to come your way.
I am grateful for this experience, and although I know the battle is not over, I can begin to have appreciation for the walk.
For I am still a LladynWaitn...

Worship!!

A New Day

This will be a quick post. Still lots of drama, chaos, and uncertainity, but I am finding myself enjoying any amount of positivity and peace that comes my way, no matter how small it is or how quickly it vanishes.

No matter how bad things get for me, I always know that someone else has it worse. I am blessed in my mess and continue to mentor that thought to myself as much as possible.

I am finding that helping others really is a key to helping myself. When you get so wrapped up in your own misery, you begin to feel that you can not be a help or support for anyone. However, this is so far from the truth. When you reach out to help others, even when you feel you are at your lowest, darkest point of your life, it will not take long before you begin to feel your sense of worth again. And this all happens while you are you are helping someone else who may really need that additional boost for themself.

Anyway, no major miracles here yet. Only small ones that I appreciate every day. It is the small ones that keep you going.

Yours Truly,

A LladynWaitn

Just Sayin...

As I listed in my description of what this blog is supposed to be about, I set this up for my own expression as healthy way to let of steam, and evaluate my story. You know, the whole "where you came from" to "where you are now" thing. I don't keep up with it nearly as much as I would like, but there have been some pretty extensive circumstances that have hindered that. Anyway, when I can, I write, and get out what I feel has been trapped for way to long.

I happen across social media and the whole blogging trend on extreme accident and pretty much out of extreme desperation. I instantly fell in love with the social media craze and started teaching myself tricks of the trade, researching and reading everything I could, and trying my hand at it in real time. Happy to say my testing and "just do it" attitude has really taught me quite alot! That is pretty much where this blog came from. It was a testing ground for me. No matter what happens, I will probably never take this site down. It's like the first dollar bill that a store owner proudly hangs up on his wall. It is like the green ribbon, honorable mention, you get when you run the relay race but did't win. I am still proud of my honorable mentions.  

Oh, I know you that you can "make money" and "monetize" and "cash in on the social media highway" but that is not what this blog is for. This is for me. Simply Put. So with that being said...

• I am still a Lady in Waiting. Still here, chomping down, bit by bit, day by day, doing whatever it takes for me to stay here...Just Sayin'.

• I love my children and know that no matter what is said to them or about me, we have a bond that no one can destroy.. Just Sayin'.

• I love my hometown New Orleans and being part of this city again has brought life back to my soul...Just Sayin'.

• I am filled with ideas, wonder, and imagination. My heart screams entrepreneur success yet my eyes see nothing but road blocks..Just Sayin'.

• Nothing is settled. The drama is not over. I am still not walking down the yellow brick road to success or much less to security...Just Sayin'.

• I have no idea what tomorrow will bring.. Just Sayin'.

• The happiness I feel when I have those four faces smiling at me can not be put into any human vocabulary..Just Sayin'.

• The hurt and pain that surrounds me everyday breaks my heart into smaller fragments each day..Just Sayin'.

• Each day I see the small accomplishments I have made, although others see nothing but failure...Just Sayin'.

• I would have never, ever chosen this path of complete hell on earth for myself or my family. But for some inexplicable reason, God did...Just Sayin'.

• I may cry, break down, say that "I am done", but I know in my heart of hearts that I will never give up. I was not built that way...Just Sayin'.

Don't Quit

I found this on a prayer card this morning. Seems to be another message from the All Mighty himself speaking to me in the midst of and fear of the unknown.
I constantly ask Him, when is this going to be over? And my crying and complaining and questioning causes me to miss what He wants me to learn.
So through divine intervention yet again, a simple gesture from my Great Aunt Pearl revealed an on time message beyond my human understanding. So I am sharing it with you. My loved and desire ~ 1) Jesus 2) Family 3) Social Media ~ how great to combine all 3 with this one message.

~~~~Don't Quit~~~~~

When things go wrong as
they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging
seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the
debts are high
And you want to smile,
But instead you sigh.
When care us pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, But don't you quit.
Life is queer with it twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won,
had she stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far.
So stick to the fight when you're
hardest hit -
It's when things seems worst
- that you must not quit.

Thank You Direct TV

I am completely speechless. I am on my last bit of strength Lord, and I am asking You to please help me get through the many hurdles in my life. I know You have a greater plan for me. I know that every door closed will bring another door opening, with more abundance than I can imagine. I know that although my account shows NEGATIVE, my account with You will always be POSITIVE. I will not let go of the promises You made to me Lord, and by trusting You and Your word, I know that I am on my way to bigger and better things. I know my family will be covered and protected in Your grace. I know that no matter what this world does to me, You will protect me and guide me. I say these words out loud to you Lord as I type this prayer. Yes, I am venting, but Lord, I ask for forgiveness to overcome my heart and bitterness to be removed.

Yes, thank you Direct TV for teaching me and important lesson. You can take all that I have, but you will NEVER take my faith or my beliefs away. You have showed me that this world is nothing compared to the promises in God's word. You have showed me that I can overcome anything that is thrown at me. Yes, thank you Direct TV for keeping my faith in Christ alone exactly where it needs to be. Thank you for teaching me that with what little I do have, I need to bless others with.

       Malachi 3:10 

      ¹⁰Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

Dear Direct TV – Corporate Citizenship –

I am a single parent of 4 children, and was a loyal customer of Direct TV for the past several years. I was evicted from my home and had to be out by January 9^th, 6:00. I called your company to cancel service a few days before and explain this situation, and then was advised of what needed to be done to return equipment and what could be done to take care of the final bill. I never imagined that your company, as big and mighty as your are would make sure that homeless parent with children to feed would stoop so low.

I never authorized auto-drafts to my debit card / checking account and paid online each month. Yet after the account was closed, your company drafted my account for the $200.00 balance I owed, leaving me $-135.00, with several NSF charges. I was not even give a chance to make payment arrangements or even split the draft into 2 payments. You just took the money. I have no money to feed my children, I am homeless, staying from friend to friend because I was evicted. And that $200.00 you drafted without my permission has broken me completely. Please tell me how I am suppose to survive without that money?

I was with AT&T for over 15 years and laid off in 2009, and with the economy as it has been for the last year, I have been scrapping by with odd jobs to survive, not being able to find full time work. In all my years with AT&T in collections, customer service, management, and sales, and as big as the “Ma-Bell” entities are, we to my knowledge NEVER drafted an account as you have done to me. Charge off and collections yes but to just take the money without even trying to collect or payment arrangements.. leaves me speechless.

I have 3 yr old twins, and 2 teenage children that I am responsible for. Daycare alone for the twins is approx. $800-1000 per month. I can not get assistance for childcare since you have to be working to get assistance, yet I can not find work if I have no one to watch my children. It leaves an endless, sickening feeling in my stomach to know that I have no idea how I will survive.  I have been in food banks getting food for my family…something I never thought I would have to do. Last year, 2010 was the worst year of my life between lay offs, court battles, losing my car, finding out my mother has cancer, and of course ending the year and starting the new one with being evicted.

So you see the $200.00 you took from my account was everything I have. My twins will turn 4 on 2/7/2011 and they will have nothing for their birthday. Thank you Direct TV for doing that for me. For making sure my balance was paid in full without even so much as a attempt to collect the money first.

I know that I am NOTHING in your eyes with your “50 million & strong” customer base, however I will be sure that my story is told to everyone I know. How can you just take money from someone? Is that what keeps your customer base strong? Will you use my $200.00 to go to a charity or other noteworthy cause to support your “citizenship”? If so, please let me know what charity that money will be going to so I can maybe sign up with them for support and help since I too need to feed my family.

Thank you Direct TV for making sure that when I do get back on my feet, and by God’s mighty hand I will, I never be a Direct TV customer again. There are too many other options out there in the digital age with the never ending growth of the internet, as I am sure you are aware of. So I hope that you can treat your remaining customer base with better options than you have given me.

Citizenship? According to Dictonary.com the definition of citizenship is as follows:

cit·i·zen·ship-–noun 1. the state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen. 2. the character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen: an award for good citizenship.

Is this how you want your character to be recognized in the community?  

Sincerely,

Tracie Ysaguire

Ok, so I know that officially Thanksgiving Day ended about an hour ago. But I just felt compelled to write this latest blog before I close my eyes for the night. I have had my heart re-awakened and my faith regenerated since my last post. And it is not because of some miracle cure, or some one-stop-shop solution. Each of the problems, heartache, and worries I had in my life two days ago are still there. And I have not had any real solutions to most of the imperative issues affecting me right now, however I have had a a few small miracles trickled in to my life over the last two days and I can finally see that someone IS there and working behind the scenes.

I was able to spend the day with my family and enjoy a fantastic meal with the treasure of genuine love and caring around each of us. That may not seem like a big deal to some, but for me and my family, it is a huge milestone. And when I think about those who are truly all alone with no one to support them, I realize that I am so blessed. I no that no matter where I end up, I will be loved. And loved by so many.

I have so many reasons to be thankful this year. Many of these things I know see I have taken for granted. I guess we all fall into that bad habit from time to time. Perhaps that is why so many people I know are facing some huge wake up calls as they say. Every one in my immediate circle and even those that are not, are dealing with major life changing issues. So it is hard not to wonder why there is so much pain and misery around me. But I take a deep breath, and know that the answer to my last post, Is There Anyone There?, has been answered.

I AM THANKFUL!

I am thankful for...
Jonathon, Samantha, Mikayla & Mia
My friends and family that love me so
tragedy being avoided and keeping my son in one piece
spending another holiday with mom
laughing and joking another day with dad
the gifts and talents that God has given me
the proof that a broken family CAN be healed
the old memories with dear friends and the chance to make new ones with them again
the love of music that I have and how it speaks to my very soul
the trials and setbacks that have made me the person I am
the trials and setbacks that will continue to develop me into the person God wants me to be
the renewed faith in my heart and trust in my soul that tells me I know God will take care of me...no matter what.

What are you thankful for this holiday season? I am sure if you really think about it, you can find at least one thing to keep you thankful. The next step is to find a way to turn that thankfulness into a blessing for someone else.

Until my next post, I will still be in waiting. As the blog says I am a...

LLadyNWaitn

Is anyone there?

I find myself asking this question lately, way to much. I can not even begin to describe the circumstances surrounding my life and how they continue to spiral out of control. Everything in my grasp is slipping away, and I can not understand why I am on this path.

So I find myself yelling out loud, " Hello? Is anyone there?" I am all alone and struggling for answers! Well, that is at least how I feel sometimes anyway. But I came across this poem a few weeks ago, wrote it down and then forgot about it. Partly because my mind is a mix of oatmeal and lumpy potatoes right now, but probably because it just did not make any sense to me at the time. For I was filled with doubt. And even that mustard seed of faith had left my being...until I read it again today.

I am posting this poem with the hope of it reaching someone else the way it has reached into my soul. I know that giving up and letting go could be very easy right now. Probably to easy for many to understand. And yet I know that as I sit here now, NONE my questions are answered. NONE my worries have gone away. NONE of the problems have been miraculously solved. And I I don't know where I will end up or how things will turn out over the next few weeks. I don't know if things will get any better or if they will get any worse. But I do know that I have to read, ...No not read...but BREATHE this poem into my every step, every action. 

I Am There

by James Dillet Freeman   

Do you need Me?

I am there.

You cannot see Me, yet I am the light you see by.

You cannot hear Me, yet I speak through your voice.

You cannot feel me, yet I am the power at work in your hands.

I am at work, though you do not understand My ways.

I am at work, though you do not understand My works.

I am not strange visions. I am not mysteries.

Only in absolute stillness, beyond self, can you know Me.

as I AM, and then but as a feeling and a faith.

Yet I am here. Yet I hear. Yet I answer.

When you need Me, I am there.

Even if you deny Me, I am there.

Even when you feel most alone, I am there.

Even in your fears, I am there.

Even in your pain, I am there.

I am there when you pray and when you do not pray. 

I am in you, and you are in Me. 

Only in your mind can you feel separate from Me, for 

only in your mind are the mists of "yours" and "mine".

Yet only with your mind can you know Me and experience Me. 

Empty your heart of empty fears. 

When you get yourself out of the way, I am there. 

You can of yourself do nothing, but I can do all.

And I AM in all.

Though you may not see the good, good is there, for

I am there. I am there because I have to be, because I AM. 

Only in Me does the world have meaning; only out of Me does the world take form; only

because of ME does the world go forward. 

I am the law on which the movement of stars 

and growth of living cells are founded. 

I am the love that is the law's fulfilling. I am assurance. 

I am peace. I am oneness. I am the law that you can live by. 

I am the love that you can cling to. I am your assurance. 

I am your peace. I am ONE with you. I am.

Though you fail to find Me, I do not fail you. 

Though your faith in Me is unsure, My faith in you never

wavers, because I know you, because I love you.

Beloved, I am there.

This poem received a lot of attention in 1971 when it was taken to the moon by astronaut James B. Irwin on Apollo 15. Irwin's mother gave it to him before the flight and he actually left a copy of the poem on the moon. The author, James Dillet Freeman, is poet laureate of the Unity School of Christianity at Unity Village. He wrote the poem in 1947.

Simple Words, Simple Truth

Looking for a quick inspiration? Soooo much turmoil, I don't even know where to start. All the thoughts, worries, saddness, pain, and emotions are locked inside my head. I can't even cry them out, speak them out, or write them out...which is my absolute favorite thing to do. Not to mention the cathartic benefits that I get from my writing.

So I found this poem and thought to myself, well maybe if I can't write it, I will post some one else's work who could. And maybe by posting their work, and a little commentary of my own, I can find my peace again to get back to my passion and love of writing. I found these words so simple and true, so I thought I would take a chance and share it with you.

Faith Will Come
by Carlo Caretto

You say you have no faith?
Love - and faith will come.

You say you are sad?
Love - and joy will come.

You say you are alone?
Love - and you will break out of your solitude.

You say you are in hell?
Love - and you will find yourself in heaven.

Carlo Carretto, 1910-1988, was an Italian Philosopher and Christian youth leader.

Fleur De Lis Necklace

We all have a heart and sometimes we wear those hearts on our sleeves. Or sometimes they are so full and over-flowing that it just feels like it could literally explode. We may even keep our hearts hidden, the true desires of the heart that is, and be afraid to let that show through us for fear of ridicule. But the biggest thing when it comes to our hearts, is how we handle it when they get broken or hurt and the pain that is welling inside your heart seems it will never go away. And you wonder how you could ever move on from this unbearable suffering and continue on with your everyday life. Somehow, though we find a way, to keep pushing through and even though the pain is still there, and may always be there, we know the only choice we have is to keep moving forward.

So how does the word 'mystic' fit into this? Well, Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines the word mystic as:

• Beyond human comprehension
• Filling one with wonder or awe
• Having magical power

That definition spoke volumes to me. And as for God's word on it, well, the heart is our guiding light, for as in Psalms 44:21 it says "...would not God have discovered it, since He knows the secrets of our heart?" 

Stay Away from the Hemlock!

OK, I am a history buff! And I read this article today and so much comes to mind. Cleopatra, another lady from history's list of Ladies In Waiting...waiting for their moment to shine, waiting for the "one" true love, waiting for their life to finally mean something!

Do you believe the snake bite is what did her in? This article claims it was not the common story of the snake bite but rather it was a mixture of hemlock and opium that did it. And she drank it..willingly. (Hemlock? Socrates anyone?) So this poison thing, drinking it willingly, made me think of how much we do WILLINGLY to poison ourselves. And this goes for all Ladies In Waiting, as well as the Gents out there too!

The Millionaire Mindset...Not What You Think!

I read this article today and I really found it to be a total life lesson! The name of the article Cultivating the Millionaire Mindset Using the Law of Attraction was a re-post on one of the several newsletters I subscribe too. As I read it, I realized that some of the principles discussed in this article can benefit total well being for anyone who is willing to follow them.

Did you know that millionaires:

1. Live below their means? 
2. Live a frugal lifestyle? 
3. LOVE their work? 

Wow! I know that most of us have

The Messages You Send Yourself - In Touch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley 2010

The Messages You Send Yourself - In Touch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley 2010

I can't say enough about the message this week from Dr. Charles Stanley of In Touch Ministries. In keeping with my own project of self-esteem building for children, I go through this week's sermon on "The Messages You Send Yourself" and truly ponder what things I have led myself to believe about my own abilities and accomplishments.

I find it hard to take a compliment, and as soon as the words have left the mouth of the person giving me one, my mind immediately starts to cut it down. Why do we do that to ourselves? Instead of being humbled and thankful, we tear down any credible testimony to the accomplishments we have completed. We act as if we don't deserve them. Because in our minds, we did not do enough complete it. To get it right. To stop it from happening. To make it better than it is.

But guess what? That can all stop with the messages that we send to OURSELVES. We must learn how to send messages to ourselves that reflect beauty, joy, humbleness, pride (but not haughty), and success. Then, those messages will be easier to send to others. The funny thing is that most of us do not take compliments to heart. Yet, secretly, we all long for them and want someone to pat us on the back and say "job well done." And that goes for all of us in our homes from our family, our friends, our children, as well as in our professional lives. Since we know that we long for those compliments, we also need to keep finding ways to compliment and encourage others. Even those that WE think (judge) may not deserve it. Kind words will go a long way. C'mon, we learned that in elementary school, didn't we. Why as adults do we suddenly forget that?

We need to bask in the glory of our Lord who does not judge us for "what we did not do". He will judge us for the love we gave and the success we made in loving others. We need to learn to accept the kind words that are given to us and continue to give those words to others. For each of us is "wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14) and we need to remember that everyday.

The Self-E-Steam Series

 I hope this post find you well and on your way to living a live of peace and joy. I have had so many things put on my heart in the last few weeks and they all seem to be coming alive literally at the same time. But then again I guess that God knows what I can handle and what I can not. I am learning to trust that more and more everyday.

So with the many writing projects and developments I have underway, I am working on a children’s series of developing self esteem. But as I began to write it I realized that many adults are battling this same issue right now as I type this blog. Most were not taught as children how to develop their own self esteem, and be proud of their accomplishments. How can we then expect those same adults to be able to teach and guide their children who may now battle with self esteem issues? We can’t.

Self esteem impressions take root at an early age. If that child is not encouraged or given the support needed to make them feel they are capable of making good sensible choices, then that barrier to promote a well balanced view of their accomplishments exists until they become adults as well. And most of us keep living that cycle of “what I did wrong” or “I am such a failure” for years after we have truly established ourselves as capable, responsible adults.

A Heart Filled Commitment

I just watched the movie Fireproof for the 4th time. And it was like watching for the first time all over again. I cried and cried over the message that movie brings to light. It’s about so much more than saving a marriage. It’s about seeking the right things in your life in order to make the changes that you need to make to not only save your marriage, but save yourself from living a bitter, haphazard life filled with unappreciation and condemnation.

My A-HA! Moment

I am up so late because I can't sleep. In the middle of all my drama and trials, God has granted so much for me to be thankful for, and part of that was finding some truly encouraging men and women of God. They have been put in my life "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). I am working for the life of abundance that I know God has planned for me and my family, especially my children. Each one of them is truly a blessing.. sent from heaven.