We all need a little prayer...

Okay I hate to admit it but I'm human. As much as I try to shoulder a lot, sometimes I break down.  I'm looking for all prayer warriors out there.  Lately I'm under attack.  Things just aren't going the way they should and for those of you that don't know, I have tumid lupus.  It seems to be getting worse.  I have flare-ups on my face of all things and my body aches pushing me into fatigue.  I try to cover it all up and smile and have to go through the day working and pretending that everything is alright when it is not. 

I try to keep others inspired which inspires me..but sometimes we just need to lean on each other.  Now is one of those times.  Are you going through the day smiling a fake smile as I am lately?  Is someone you know not as cheery?  Think about what someone else may be going through and say a prayer for them today.  Sometimes we all just need some uplifting.    You know I don't smile a lot right now - I'm hurting.  For those that truly know me - will see through my fake smile, but it is suprising how much people just don't take the time to really look at one another. Even family gets busy and doesn't realize.  We have lost touch.   We are so rushed. So busy.  Take time and look at those around you.  I bet there is someone out there that can use a hug, a card, a prayer.  Do you?

My prayer and wish for you all reading this is that you will all be kept safe, healthy and protected.  That you will feel blessed by today and be a blessing to others.  Slow down and really see those around you.  They won't be in your life forever.  We all plan to retire and live a long life, yet so many times, I'm reminded that always doesn't happen.  A past coworker of mine recently died.  He was 65.  I bet he planned his whole life waiting for retirement.  Don't wait - live today, enjoy today and be a blessing to someone today.  Don't live with regrets.    What will you do?  Drop me a line and let me know.
Until next time...

9/11/11 - A Day of Reflection and Awakening

9/11...In some ways it seems like yesterday and in others it seems like a very long time.  Remember how everyone came together?  Why does it take tragedy for us all to come together?   Not just as a whole, but even in our own personal lives. 

As I watched TV today of all the tributes,  I am reminded myself of where I was on that day.  I was at home watching the news that morning and I remember calling my spouse and telling him what happened.  I actually saw the second plane hit on live TV.  It is something I'll never forget and I'm saddened by what all the people there saw and will never forget. 

One of the news anchors made a comment that struck me and it was something like in regards to those that worked in the buildings, there were many that lost their lives, but the servicemen like firemen and police, etc. - they "gave" their lives.  It is so true that they gave up their lives in order to save many others.

I'm reminded that this is what God did for us. He gave up His only son for us.  It puts that into perspective when you think of sacrifices people do for each other - especially the service men and women in fire and police departments, our military and such.  We have our freedoms because of their sacrifices.  God gave you and me a freedom as well, from our sins, by having Jesus die on the cross for our sins. 

Today, I went through my jewelry and found a flag pin and wore that.  It is not one of the small little lapel pins, but a nice pin with stones on the flag and a gold post.  I remember buying this pin when I was very young with my mother.  You see back then, there were a lot of American flag items and jewelry.  I remember the honor I felt when my mom bought herself one and me one.  I remember parades where when the honor guard walked with the American flag, everyone, not some, but everyone stopped talking, and stood up from their chairs and ground and put their hands over their hearts as the flag went by.  I've gone to a parade in a small town in Texas where some still did that and as I stood, I look around and so many were just ignoring it, talking, not honoring the guard carrying our beloved flag.  We seem to take things for granted and we seem to have lost our honor in many cases being an American.  We take our great nation for granted.  Yet, the military and service people are on the line every day protecting it for us.  We tend to ignore or take that for granted as we do God until He is needed by us.   It should not take a 9/11 to have us all be proud Americans or to remember God.

Today, I'm going to start remembering the honor it is to be an American and the values and morals that were placed upon me as a young child and pull that flag pin out more often or at least put it up front so I see it every day. 

As you reflect on today, truly think of all those sacrificing for you every day and how special you are for someone to do that for you.   In particular, how special you are for God to sacrifice His son for you.

If this inspired you, send me a comment - I'd love to hear from you. 

Until next time....

Wildfires - They Are Among Us!

When fire is cried and danger is neigh,
"God and the firemen" is the people's cry;
But when 'tis out and all things righted,
God is forgotten and the firemen slighted.
~Author unknown, from The Fireman's Journal, 18 Oct 1879

Wildfires - they can come in many forms in our lives.  But, right now, true wildfires are all over Texas and the rest of the country.    I know about Texas as it is where I'm from and the state looks like one massive fire pit.  Can you imagine - no rain, over 100 degree temps and firefighters having to work on these night and day?  My heart goes out to them and also to all those losing their homes and businesses.  I pray that the end comes soon for these fires and they stop spreading.  We are already seeing smoke from distant fires and it is getting scarey.  I've been told that some people are just given a moments notice to GET OUT NOW!  Can you imagine?  What would you grab on the way out?  Wedding photos? Important papers? Your Bible?  You only have a second to get out..what do you take?   I've come to realize not by choice but by circumstance that the things we have are just things and whether I had a lot or now a little, I can still be happy.  We all want that American dream, but many folks don't have it at all.  So if you find yourself in a circumstance that you have to sell, or you lost things, you too will eventually see that things are things and they are not what is truly important in life. 

Yes wildfires come in all ways, but it is how we handle the loss or tormoil that really counts. 

Why not take a step today to go to someone providing a service like firemen, police, military, etc. and see what you can do for them?  Stop by their station and ask - what they could use, a meal? Blankets? Toys to give children they run across?  Or perhaps you may even see if it is a neighbor that may have trouble - an elderly couple or widow - what wildfires could be going through their lives as they age?  I bet they could use a helping hand, grocery pick up, lawn mowed, etc.  We get so caught up in our own lives and the hustle and bustle of this world, we forget our fellow mankind.

Think about what is important in your life.  As many right now can attest to - you can lose it all in flames in a matter of seconds.  Pray for the firefighters and all those people losing everything. Think about your blessings. 

Tell me, what would you grab in a matter of seconds?  What are those items most important to you?  Send me a comment!

Until next time....

Update Today - - Yet another fire broke out, this time nearer my home.  When will this stop? Pray for rain!

My Will Be Done?? NOT!!

This post goes out to those believers out there that truly need to see God's work in action. 

No matter how many trials I go through, I still try to make everything "my" will.  As you all know, I've been seeking a job and I've done everything in my power to get that job where I wanted to be.  My will, my power, my might.

I gave up the other day. Discouraged. Broken. Depressed. Everything seemed to be going wrong.  Then I realized that I really and truly have not given this all up to God.  I prayed about it, but gosh how hard did I fight to do things the way I wanted?    So broken down, I just gave it up.  I prayed to God and told Him I was crumpled at His feet.  I had nothing left to give or do to help my situation.  I turned it to Him - all of it.  Whatever His will be for me - whatever door He opens for me.  I would accept it.  I apologized for trying to take control again of my life. 

The very next morning, I received a call....with a job offer.  I kid you not!!  Now it is not in the town I was pushing so hard for and I have to drive further to get there,  but did I not say - I'd go and do wherever He led me?  I did.   So perhaps this is something that will turn out fantastic and a place I would not have looked at otherwise.  
I am amazed how once again, once I turn it all over, God steps in.  If I were Him, I'd be scratching my head about me.  I'd think - what is wrong with this person?  Why does it take her all this time to just give up control and turn it over?  How many trials must I put her through until she learns?  Why does she not just leave it up to me?   DUH?!?!

Well, how's your life going?  Are you trying to live it as "my will be done"?  Or are you releasing all your problems, cares, concerns etc to Him.  And if so, are you doing it fully to all its extent?   I could just kick myself. Haven't I learned this yet? 

If you are going through something.  Talk to God. Tell Him you are done trying it on your own.  Imagine yourself just laying down at His feet and asking Him to lift you up and for His will to be done in this situation.  Let go and let God.   So much of our happiness can get taken by stress, life, etc.  Don't let anyone or anything steal your joy any longer.  Stand up, take it back and know that God is on your side like He is on mine.  Lets make today the day that we stand together and praise Him for His works, and ask Him to show us His will for us and the plan He has for us.  We are important to Him and if we can just turn it over to Him, then maybe we can watch His will for our lives.  Do something for Him today to - go out and bless someone going through a hard time and help them turn it over as well. 

Has God been working in your life?  Send me a post - I'd love to hear it and post it for all the readers!  God Bless!

Until next time...

Feeling used by the world but still expecting God's miracles!

Have you ever had to "wait" on God?  We know He is there with us and we do our best to trust in Him, but sometimes waiting is the worse part.  Looking for an answer.  But, have you ever thought that maybe the answer is no and you already have your answer?  That not getting any change or result may be the answer? 

As you all know, I've been looking for a job and I've asked God to open doors for me that should be open and slam shut the doors that shouldn't be open. 

The other day I was called in to an "interview" or so I thought.  Turns out they only wanted to speak to me because they needed sales reps and since I was laid off from a similiar company, they wanted to see if I knew any sales reps looking.  Of course I felt so used and frustrated.  How could someone have me drive 20+ miles for a supposed interview, not have a job for me to talk about, but try to use me to help themselves find sales reps!  I was shocked as I sat there in the chair across from this man. I didn't give him any names - why would I after what he did to me.  My hopes were all high, I was all dressed up, thinking - is this my new job?  And for what?  That?!   Needless to say I went through plenty of emotions including crying my way home.   I then emailed him and told him I felt that was very unprofessional and to remove my resume from his email that I would not be interested in anything in the future.  I then sat and sought God in all of this.

But wait...didn't I ask him to slam doors to places that wouldn't be good for me?  I think this one got slammed right in my face!    Dust myself off, pick me back up...start again. 

Good news - today, I got an email from a job I interviewed with a few weeks back and the req for the job has been approved, but the salary and other approvals still need to be discussed. No offer yet, but my hopes are still high.   It's hard to wait on God, but perhaps it is something we all need to do sometimes is sit and be still and wait. 

Hurry up...and wait.  It's the hardest thing to do.  But, I think if we can be silent in Him, he can perform the works or miracles we need.  It's our haste and our will that messes things up. 

Try today to sit still in His word or in prayer and then wait for the answer.  We can look for opened up doors together!

Until next time...

Motivation and Inspiration - - What is Yours?!

What gets you motivated?  To work hard, clean your house, be a better person?  You know we may have our faith, but there are times when it's just hard to get motivated.  Or we've let someone or something just take our joy or perhaps all our energy.   As you all know, I'm still searching for work and while I'm doing that - hearing that others are employed or found work or that someone had something just fall into their lap can be very frustrating and I found myself a couch potato today.  So I thought about all of you and what I can do to inspire me to inspire you!  So I got up and looked up some inspirational quotes.  These are really great and helped me perk up and pick myself up again and dust myself off to prepare for another day tomorrow.  You know, we were never promised tomorrow - so we might as well enjoy today!  Remember, if you have anything you'd like to share - a story, a healthy recipe - a great tip or idea - send it to me and I'll post it so we can all share in helping each other make it in this crazy world!  Now read the quotes below and be inspired!!  
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Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.  ~Les Brown

Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.  ~Art Linkletter
Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.  ~Judy Garland

The difference between try and triumph is a little umph.  ~Author Unknown

---------------And some final words from me to you----------------------------------------
When you think you are ready to give up, it is then you must get up!  
Go out and start your day tomorrow - see what you can do, do the unexpected, take a different route, plan a new strategy.  For anything bad happening today, won't matter in 5 years from now.  Change is inevitable...so if you don't like what is happening now, hold on - it will change soon!   Blessings to you all - have a great day!
Until next time.....

Take Time

I realize now in my job search all the time I lost when I worked.  Time with God, family and nature.  In our hustle and bustle it is so easy to get lost, drive fast, go go go.  Now that I'm at home searching for jobs, the internet is consuming my time, when I worked it was work, etc.  But we need to remind ourselves that we need balance.  We need God, family and even time for our ownselves. 
Stop today for a minute.  A brief stance in time where you can just look outside and see God's wonders, be it in the stars or sunset or the beauty of a trees and flowers or mountains.  Thank Him for the glorious place we live.  Then take some time each day to find something you are thankful for.  Acknowledge it to Him.  Enjoy life as it goes by fast.  And as I keep searching, I'll try to step aside from the mad search and stop to enjoy some parts of the day and put all my worries and problems aside and give God the glory for the things He has done for us and turn over my issues to Him.  Try to do the same today - won't you?
Until next time...