Sunday, July 25, 2010

FROM MESS TO SUCCESS

I know we must leave the past in the past, but at times I reflect on where I once was to where I am now. I use my moments of reflection to help me press on each and every day. Oh my! God has done such a work in me! No, I am not perfect and like everyone else, I am work in progress, but my my my, He has done a work in me! He has taken me from mess to success.

Many people measure success by the type of car one drives, the house one lives in, or by the amount of money in a bank account. Those things can certainly indicate success, but when I mention success, I am not talking about material things. I am referring to the success of holy living, being whole, and being a winner. I like to use the term mess when I refer to my former self. Some of those who know me may disagree, but they do not know the hurt or turmoil that existed within me before I accepted Jesus. Things might have appeared okay on the outside, but the only way to describe how I was internally is to say I was a complete mess. It was easy to put on a false face while battling in my mind.

Today I fight a different kind of battle. I know the type of life God wants me to live. I am a success because Jesus saved me. I am success because I am free. If you are fighting battles in your mind, stuck in a life of sin, or living in a state of confusion, you do not have to remain as you are. Trust God. Trust the One who has the power to set you free. He will take you from mess to success.

Be blessed.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

FLAWS AND ALL, GOD STILL LOVES ME

Perfectionism. I do not think striving for perfection is bad at all, but when it starts to interfere in your life then perfection is a problem. You see, with me, I expect everything to be perfect. I allow others to make mistakes and give them room to err, but it is hard for me to get over making mistakes. You might ask yourself how can I allow others to be human and not myself. Well, I cannot answer that one for you. I think if I had the answer, I could get over this perfectionist thing quite easily. I definitely cannot fight this on my own and I have called on Jesus to help me though it. It is a battle for me, although not your typical daily battle we hear or read about in our inspirational readings or articles.

Flaws. We all have them. We see them. No one is perfect and I know this, but something deep inside tells me I must be perfect in all I do. I have gotten better in dealing with perfectionism, but I have a way to go. I know with my flaws and all, God still loves me. The idea that all saints are perfect has to go bye bye. It is not so. Perfect with maturity perhaps, but flawless, not so. Some of those who have not accepted Christ believe they must be perfect or flawless before giving their lives to Him. No, come to Him as you are, surrender to Him, and a transformation will take place. We are human. We make mistakes. It is usually through mistakes that we learn, grow, and become successful. Not only in careers and such, but successful in daily living.

As I said before, I have not completely resigned from my position as a perfectionist, but I am learning to love myself more just as I am. I will never stop striving for perfection, but I must recognize the proper balance between perfection and giving or doing my best. Beating myself up over mistakes is what should not be acceptable in my life. God designed me. He designed me for a purpose. Yes, I have flaws, but flaws and all, God still loves me. With your flaws and all, God still loves you, too.

Be blessed.

Friday, July 9, 2010

YOU’RE STILL BREATHING, SO IT’S NOT TOO LATE

Recently, I observed photos of a woman in her 70's with a body many women might envy. She started body building in her 50’s. Keep in mind I’m many years younger, but I desire a body that looks much like the one she sports. Genes are not the cause for her physique, but much hard work and dedication. Now, if she can do it at her age, then it’s not too late for those of us who desire a similar look. It’s not too late to shape up and it’s not too late to set other goals and reach them. As long as you’re breathing, it’s not too late.

I don’t know about you, but I get a little agitated with limits society has placed, or tries to place on us. Well, I won’t say us because I’ve chosen to trust God over anything man has to say about what I can or can’t do. In the summer of 2007 I decided it was finally time to tackle one of my goals. That goal was to obtain a masters degree. So I applied that summer and enrolled for the Fall semester of the same year. Next month will be one year since I proudly walked across the stage, proving it can be done. I worked full-time and attended school full-time. Yes, it can be done. I know there are other stories of men and women, who are much older and went through more than I did to accomplish the same goal, but my point is, I made up my mind to do it and with much prayer and determination, I reached my goal.

Let’s look at this from another view. How about marriage and parenthood? Some singles reach 30 and think the chance for marriage has escaped them. A lot of this thinking comes from society which says marriage should take place during our 20’s. I’m glad I haven’t married before now. I’m over 30 and within the last couple of years I’ve found out who I am and what I want in life. If you desire marriage, don’t give up hope that it will happen one day. We’re still breathing, so it’s not too late to propose marriage or receive a marriage proposal

Articles paint a dim picture for women who become pregnant close to 40 and over. Well, I think as long as your body is able and a woman has her mind made up to birth a child, then the choice is hers to make. Why is that an age above 35 is considered too old to become a mother? Maybe 41 or 42 is the right age for some women and their circumstances. I’m not naïve to medical issues that could possibly happen in a woman’s body as she ages, but I trust what God has to say about their situation. I trust Him in my situation. I personally have my mind up as to what is too old for me when it comes to getting pregnant, but I certainly will not hold any other woman or couple to my belief on this subject.

Listen up. Continue to set goals. If you don’t set goals, maybe you should do so in order to have something to work towards in your life. Each step you make puts you closer to your goal. Each step is a step of success. Don’t let anyone define your limits. It's so important to be careful with whom you share your dreams. The world is full of dream killers. I refuse to let anyone define my success or determine who I will become or where I will go in life. Do you want a degree? Seek out colleges and apply. Do you want your own business? Start writing business plans. Do you want to travel the world? Start saving up and mapping out places you want to visit. You see where I’m going with this, don’t you?

Be blessed.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

WHY ME? WELL, WHY NOT ME?

This has to be the number one question asked when facing troubles. "Why me?" Well, this question is also often asked when God tells us to do something. I am sure most people ask Him this question because they are lazy and/or comfortable right where they are in life. They wish to remain in their present state. You know that place called the comfort zone. But, on the flip side of that, some pose the question because they cannot believe God trusts them with such tasks or assignments. Let us focus on the latter.

God will call you to do many things you do not feel capable of doing. You are ready to handle some assignments immediately. In this case, you currently possess what is necessary to fulfill such tasks. Recall the following phrase,“Wherever God guides, He provides.” So, wherever God tells you to go or do, the necessary preparation has taken place and you, my dear, are capable of doing what you have been called to do. Then there are assignments you are to complete at a later time. God will prepare you for these assignments. Yes, initially you may think you are not capable of completing the task at that time. You may be right. When you say yes to God, you must give Him all the time necessary to prepare and mold you for the assignment. It is important to recognize at the moment God calls you, does not necessarily mean you are ready for the role. Oftentimes growth has to take place first before you can move on the calling.

It took me a while to grasp the concept of being called for assignments and understanding the time needed for preparation. In the past when God called me to do something, I immediately asked, “Why me?” Next, I started making excuses why others were more suitable for the task. Now, instead of asking “Why me?’ I simply ask myself, “Why not me?”

For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. Luke 12:48 NKJV

Be blessed.