Tonight after Florida State won the BCS Championship, Jameis said he had to remember he has a team for a reason.  He went out in the first half trying to destroy the opponent himself, forgetting he did not have to fight this battle alone.

In life, God assigns us all the people and resources necessary to reach our destinies.  It is up to us to allow the people placed in our paths to fulfill their purpose.  Often times we cut off our blessing because we do not make our needs known.  God has already put someone in place to meet our needs but we try to do everything on our own.  Independence is a necessary trait but you must not let your independence hinder your dependence on God.

I am so thankful for my family and friends who stand in the gap for me.  My son is best, not because he’s perfect but because he is my biggest supporter and cheerleader.  He thinks I’m pretty awesome and randomly likes to tell me that he loves me.  As a parent you can only hope your children are proud of what you do and who you become.  My family and friends encourage me every step and always pray for me.  No matter what my profession is or how many times I stumble, they are there.  I am covered, God assembled the perfect group of imperfect people who I needed.

Always remember, you are not alone, you have a team for a reason.  Am I my brother’s keeper?

Chorus for today: “When he’s pushed to the edge, when he’s out on a ledge, can I help him to think with his heart.  When he’s wrong,  when he’s right, I’ll be there to remind him, that he’s made in the image of God.  When he’s struggles with troubles, he needs to know that his mistakes don’t define his life.  I’m a living example that there is a chance for redemption on the other side.
Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes I am!~IA

For well over a year I have stated numerous times, “this is not my life”.  Sometimes I have called it the twilight zone and in other times,  I have  waited for Ashton to tell me I have been punked.  BUT, what I’ve come to realize in my quiet time is that, this IS my life.

Often times it takes us longer to accept our positions than it does for others.  We hold on to little things that we feel make us who we are.  This can be relationships(any kind), habits, material possessions, or location.  The great thing is, when God decides to shift your life, you cannot predict what He will do.  I am constantly amazed and awed by what God chose to do in my life.  

As we grow and mature sometimes we experience separation from people, places, and things that are  familiar to us.  Embrace the place God has you in, He isn’t taking anything away from you that is attached to your destiny.  Those who are supposed transition with you will do so and those whose season has passed, they will fade away.

I’m in round four of a six round match.  My opponent is still an unknown but I have learned that I must accept the place that I’m in and acknowledge that the fight has already been fixed.  I know that God’s word will not return void.  There is no doubt that I am exactly where I need to be.  I had to accept the fact that, this is not a season of lack but of replenishment no matter what “they” say or how “it” may appear.  So as I start this round, I will now chant, THIS IS MY LIFE!!!

Chorus for today:  “Sight beyond what I see, you know what’s best for me.  Prepare my mind, prepare my heart for whatever comes, I’m gone’ be ready…” ~YA

During an interview, a musician stated that he has already died and is now living his second life.

Often times we take for granted that tomorrow isn’t promised.  We don’t see the figurative bullets we’ve dodged or train-wrecks that have been diverted.  This particular person actually experienced a near death accident but for some, it’s the moment that you realized you wanted to give your life to God.  You were doing any and everything you wanted to do because you thought you were in control. But, there is a feeling so refreshing and satisfying  when we finally decide to accept that God is the beginning and the end of our lives.  This awakening will be met with hardship, pain, and obstacles.   You will see new enemies and less friends.  Just remember, the end goal is not to be perfect but to live your life with purpose.  There should be a boldness about you because you are now standing firm on the word of God.  The point he made was,  he is not even supposed to be here so he’s living his best life now.  To me that speaks volumes regarding what we as Christians are supposed to do.  When you gave your life to God, you made the choice to change and live your best life now.

So…what are you doing with your second chance to get it right?

Chorus for today:  So use me as you will, I’ll pay the price, ’cause made the ultimate sacrifice.  It’s all because of you, that I even have life and I’ll give my love, as a tribute, to how great you are…Sight beyond what I see, you know what’s best for me.  Prepare my mind, prepare my heart for whatever comes, I’m gone’ be ready~YA

While traveling today, many thoughts traveled through my mind.  As we prepared for takeoff, I stared out of the window.  I begin to notice subtle things like the ridges in the runway.  It seemed like I could feel every single one of them.  Then it was the speed in which we prepared for takeoff.  As things outside of the plane appeared to zoom by, the plane steadily built up speed to climb.  Once we were in the air, I felt the pull from reaching higher altitudes.  Finally in the air at our desired elevation, the pilot says you can now move about the cabin.

As I took in all these steps, at each interval, I thought about life.

From birth, like a plane, we are molded and conditioned to survive in the world that surrounds us.  Our exteriors are designed so that we can endure different climates.  As the plane made its way down the runway, the ridges in the pavement shook the plane but did not permanently harm it.  In life we too experience rough patches along the way that shake us.  Disappoints, pain, heartache, etc., none of us are immune BUT just like the plane; these things don’t cause permanent harm.

When the plane increased speed, you could see the outer surrounding begins to zoom by.  Although it seemed we were passing everything in sight, we were working up momentum to reach our destination.  On our separate journeys through life, at times it may seem as though people and things are passing you by. Always remember, your journey is unique and some things that passed you were for your good.  They had to pass you by so that you could reach your destination.

As the plane climbed to higher altitudes, there was a strong pull.  It felt as though it was fighting gravity to get to the desired height.  At times when you are working toward your goals/dreams/desires, it feels like the weight of the world is pushing against you.  Every step closer is met by force.  The key is to never give up.  Even when it feels like you can’t go another step, keep pushing.  The path to your destiny won’t always be smooth.  Perseverance is vital.

Finally, after reaching the desired altitude, we can move around.  When you reach your desired situation in life, you have the freedom to move around.  Now it’s time to seek balance.  Life was meant to be lived, not survived.

Everything that God made is good.  You should always see the beauty in your journey.  It may not always look pretty, things may not happen when you want them to BUT God has already made provisions for you and everything you experience is just bringing you a step closer to His vision for your life.

LIVE LOVE LAUGH WITHOUT LIMITS

Chorus for today: “There’s always gonna be another mountain, I’m always gonna want to make it move.  Always gonna be an uphill battle, sometimes you’re gonna have to lose.  Ain’t how fast I get there,  ain’t about  what’s waiting on the other side.  It’s the climb”~MC

Today I saw the movie The Butler.   Not only did I get a look into the life of  the butler, I saw a glimpse of the world surrounding him.  I saw relationships fall apart and be rebuilt.  I saw wars, internal and external.  Most importantly, I saw people on all different walks of life trying to figure it all out.  The movie was insightful and thought-provoking.  I wanted to share a little of  what I saw but please go see it for yourself.  It reminded me that there is always so much more than what we see on the surface;  In life we have choices, even when we think we don’t;  Everything won’t feel good but they will work as they should; and Often times we struggle so the next person won’t have to.

Mothers-life doesn’t come with a manual, you will make mistakes.  Communication will always be the key.  Our kids need to know that we love them and we don’t expect perfection. Our husbands need us to love, support, and inspire them.  Remember you’re not perfect and no one expects you to be.

Fathers-although your wife needs to know you can take care of your family, it means nothing if you’re not there to show her that you love her and that she plays an important role in your life.  Your children need to know you can take care of them but they need to know you love them more.  They need to know that you support them even when you don’t necessarily agree with their decisions.  Remember you’re not perfect and no one expects you to be.

Leaders-although people depend on you to have all the answers, you’re human and will get things wrong.  Learning from your mistakes is important.  You have a support staff for a reason, you don’t know everything.  Remember you’re not perfect and no one expects you to be.

Children-one of the most difficult things you have to realize is, your parents are not perfect.  They will make mistakes.  Your parents will also do whatever they have to in order to make your life better than theirs.  Never take that for granted.  Remember you’re not perfect and no one expects you to be.

The main point I took away from the movie is that, no matter who you are, you have an impact in the world.  Never think because you hold a specific position, you’re less important.  You might not change the world but you could be the voice in the person’s ear that does. Think of all those who have made an impact in the world, someone said something to spark  or heighten their curiosity to step out and reach for something further than their eyes could see.

Today, go be GREAT!!!  Someone is looking for exactly what you have to offer,

I love and am love unconditionally.

“Love is the great miracle cure. Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives.” —Louise L. Hay

On day 8 of the meditation challenge I was reminded of just how important it is to love yourself.  Before you can offer anyone else love, you must first love yourself unconditionally.  I’ve learned that it is impossible to trust someone who says they love you but don’t love themselves.  Self love is enriching and gives you inner peace.  When you stop wrestling with your insecurities and embrace your true self, you gain an appreciation for everything that makes you unique.

“Who you are is God’s gift to the world”

“I am a radiant spiritual being.”

My perspective:

My spirit-self is who I am at all times.  My truth is this may or may not be who is seen though.  Along the quest for self discovery, you will find out some things that you didn’t know about yourself.  You will see some ugly truths.  Your goal should be to accept every part of yourself; the things you love, hate and ways you want to grow.  Remember, “you are a radiant spiritual being”, the spirit is pure, loving, and accepting.

Love on yourself and accept who you are!