Thursday, January 26, 2012
Trying 2 Get More Readers
So, the problem with getting more readers is that I want to remain anonymous to protect all parties and to prevent any issues. Not that I have bad things to say, but as a professional woman, I don't want everyone to have access to my thoughts, if you know what I mean. So....I'm advertising right now via Twitter. This may not be effective advertising for me since people on there communicate with 140 characters or less and I tend to have lengthy posts. Also, it seems people are more interested in the shoes you wore with some outfit or the new expensive purse your man bought you. I mean, what do I have to do to generate interests in normal, everyday topics? I will, though, at some point discuss our fascination with these labels and our piss-poor financial mentality.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Let Your Sails Down and Let God Blow You Where You Need to Be
Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. Acts 27:17
During this storm, the Apostles let the sails down and let God guide the ship. Joel Osteen mentioned this today during his message "God is in Control of the Storm." One thing he said today that stuck with me is: "God directs the winds of the storm to place you where you need to go/be."
I find this is soooooo true. I always said something similar, "God takes you through things to prepare you for what he has in store for you." Now many people have derivations of this and we are all saying the same thing - He's preparing you for what's in store. He's preparing you and thus increasing your faith and trust in Him while you may be down here on Earth preparing yourself physically or mentally.
You can listen to just about anyone and hear how they got through a storm and on the other side was something better. Listen to Joel Osteen, Oprah, Tyler Perry, Jennifer Hudson, me, anyone, including you. Think about where you were last year, what trials you faced, how you got through them, and what the outcome was. God brought you through that and He'll bring you through them all.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
With that we must embrace every opportunity, every storm, every triumph, every trial because we know its all divinely ordered and according to His will, which shall be done.
Where am I going with this? Well, right now I'm on an external assignment but will return to my home office in a few months. My boss changed while I was gone and the new boss, despite what I already had planned, wants me to do something else. I'm not opposed to the move in mind because I am interested in the area the boss recommended, but I do not agree with his reasoning. I have learned to recognize when God is trying to move me. I also have learned that if God places something in your heart (like an interest on the job) that mean she's already ordered your steps to do it, He's just telling you about it now. I sacrificed leaving a position similar to the one being offered to accept the current external assignment. I loved the nature of the work I was leaving and now have an opportunity to combine that with what I've been doing for the past 5 years. How blessed is that! So, instead of fighting the reasoning behind the bosses rationale for the move, I am embracing God's delightful plan for me and realizing that the boss just didn't quite know how to sell God's divinely-ordered plan for me.
We know the story of Jennifer Hudson. She did not win American Idol that year, but Fantasia did. I believe God needed Fantasia to get that break then because he knew the resilience and strength He instilled in Jennifer and would bless her later. Now, we know both of them have gone on to have successful singing and acting careers. Both have prestigious accolades and respect in the industry for their talents. God gave each of them what He desired for them to have WHEN it was time. So, the lesson from Jennifer's side in this is to remain focused, faithful, and never give up. For God is directing the path - may not be what you want when you want it, but when He answers, boy He answers big.
So, to sum it all up: let those sails down and let God use those winds to push you where you need to be. LET GO and LET GOD.
During this storm, the Apostles let the sails down and let God guide the ship. Joel Osteen mentioned this today during his message "God is in Control of the Storm." One thing he said today that stuck with me is: "God directs the winds of the storm to place you where you need to go/be."
I find this is soooooo true. I always said something similar, "God takes you through things to prepare you for what he has in store for you." Now many people have derivations of this and we are all saying the same thing - He's preparing you for what's in store. He's preparing you and thus increasing your faith and trust in Him while you may be down here on Earth preparing yourself physically or mentally.
You can listen to just about anyone and hear how they got through a storm and on the other side was something better. Listen to Joel Osteen, Oprah, Tyler Perry, Jennifer Hudson, me, anyone, including you. Think about where you were last year, what trials you faced, how you got through them, and what the outcome was. God brought you through that and He'll bring you through them all.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
With that we must embrace every opportunity, every storm, every triumph, every trial because we know its all divinely ordered and according to His will, which shall be done.
Where am I going with this? Well, right now I'm on an external assignment but will return to my home office in a few months. My boss changed while I was gone and the new boss, despite what I already had planned, wants me to do something else. I'm not opposed to the move in mind because I am interested in the area the boss recommended, but I do not agree with his reasoning. I have learned to recognize when God is trying to move me. I also have learned that if God places something in your heart (like an interest on the job) that mean she's already ordered your steps to do it, He's just telling you about it now. I sacrificed leaving a position similar to the one being offered to accept the current external assignment. I loved the nature of the work I was leaving and now have an opportunity to combine that with what I've been doing for the past 5 years. How blessed is that! So, instead of fighting the reasoning behind the bosses rationale for the move, I am embracing God's delightful plan for me and realizing that the boss just didn't quite know how to sell God's divinely-ordered plan for me.
We know the story of Jennifer Hudson. She did not win American Idol that year, but Fantasia did. I believe God needed Fantasia to get that break then because he knew the resilience and strength He instilled in Jennifer and would bless her later. Now, we know both of them have gone on to have successful singing and acting careers. Both have prestigious accolades and respect in the industry for their talents. God gave each of them what He desired for them to have WHEN it was time. So, the lesson from Jennifer's side in this is to remain focused, faithful, and never give up. For God is directing the path - may not be what you want when you want it, but when He answers, boy He answers big.
So, to sum it all up: let those sails down and let God use those winds to push you where you need to be. LET GO and LET GOD.
Cheerful Giver
I was sparked to write this post after hearing an E!News report that Garth Brooks wanted his $500,000 "donation" back from a hospital because they did not name a building after his mother. I was listening to the very short report while in the bathroom, so I researched the topic to get the real deal and details that may have been omitted by E! or missed by my ears in another room. Turns out the hospital verbally agreed to build a women's center and name it after Brooks' mother. Three years after Brooks "donated" the money, he received an e-mail saying the money would be used for "new construction." Well, its 2012 and still no women's center with his mom's name on it, so he wants his money back.
http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_19786668
What do you think? Does he have grounds to ask for his money back? It wasn't in writing, according to the report cited. He wanted to honor his mother and thought this was a way to do it. He was not seeking financial gain, so it wasn't a business deal, more of a I-am-doing-this-because deal.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7
Now, some may think that only refers to tithes, but I believe every "donation" and gift should be done cheerfully - from the heart. I'm not judging, but if Garth was really giving from the heart, wouldn't he be satisfied with any "new construction" going on at the hospital because it is for the aid and relief of the sick? When we give money to the church, can we tell them what to do? Yes, we can provide somewhat of a say in meetings, but its really up to the Pastor and church officials, much like the hospital decisions are left up to the director and board. Once you give a donation, you must let it go.
I also believe that you should give from the heart not expecting anything in return. So often, people use this as a reason and validation for following what God has commanded us to do for the church. We should not do what is right, expecting a reward. Yes, we know God will bless us, as he stated often throughout the Word, but you don't do something for that reason alone.
Now, I will admit that I am slow about tithing. One reason is because I pay all my bills automatically, so I don't sit at a table every month and write checks. So, it tends not to be something I think about doing. No excuse. I mean, if it was the mortgage that needed a check, I'd remember, right? I tend to remember at the end of the year because, well, its the end of the tax year. Though, I feel bad writing that off. Also, this year, I was blessed to make more money and now that my checks have higher significant figures, it made me pause once and wonder where the money is going at the church, but a great friend reminded me that its not my call or decision. I do what I'm instructed to do and let it go. Its not my concern what is done after that, as long as there are no obvious clues that the money is going for improper use, i.e. Pastor in a brand new Benz wearing a Movado when he used to drive an old Escort and wear Fossil.
So, I admit, I must work on my heart of gratitude and thankfulness so that when I write those checks, I am cheerful. I don't think about what God will do for me next, but I think "that's a lot of money." Instead, I should be saying, "Wow, God, if I multiply this by 10 I see how you blessed me 10 times over this year! Thank you! May I be of blessing to others now and I turn this back over to you."
Your thoughts?
http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_19786668
What do you think? Does he have grounds to ask for his money back? It wasn't in writing, according to the report cited. He wanted to honor his mother and thought this was a way to do it. He was not seeking financial gain, so it wasn't a business deal, more of a I-am-doing-this-because deal.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7
Now, some may think that only refers to tithes, but I believe every "donation" and gift should be done cheerfully - from the heart. I'm not judging, but if Garth was really giving from the heart, wouldn't he be satisfied with any "new construction" going on at the hospital because it is for the aid and relief of the sick? When we give money to the church, can we tell them what to do? Yes, we can provide somewhat of a say in meetings, but its really up to the Pastor and church officials, much like the hospital decisions are left up to the director and board. Once you give a donation, you must let it go.
I also believe that you should give from the heart not expecting anything in return. So often, people use this as a reason and validation for following what God has commanded us to do for the church. We should not do what is right, expecting a reward. Yes, we know God will bless us, as he stated often throughout the Word, but you don't do something for that reason alone.
Now, I will admit that I am slow about tithing. One reason is because I pay all my bills automatically, so I don't sit at a table every month and write checks. So, it tends not to be something I think about doing. No excuse. I mean, if it was the mortgage that needed a check, I'd remember, right? I tend to remember at the end of the year because, well, its the end of the tax year. Though, I feel bad writing that off. Also, this year, I was blessed to make more money and now that my checks have higher significant figures, it made me pause once and wonder where the money is going at the church, but a great friend reminded me that its not my call or decision. I do what I'm instructed to do and let it go. Its not my concern what is done after that, as long as there are no obvious clues that the money is going for improper use, i.e. Pastor in a brand new Benz wearing a Movado when he used to drive an old Escort and wear Fossil.
So, I admit, I must work on my heart of gratitude and thankfulness so that when I write those checks, I am cheerful. I don't think about what God will do for me next, but I think "that's a lot of money." Instead, I should be saying, "Wow, God, if I multiply this by 10 I see how you blessed me 10 times over this year! Thank you! May I be of blessing to others now and I turn this back over to you."
Your thoughts?
Fashion
So, watching all these Houswives of {insert city], other "wives" shows, and seeing so many natural hairstyles, I am often intriged by the trends/fads we embrace.
One tends to be Christian Louboutin. Now, I do love the classy red bottom. I often see a pair or two on celebs like Beyonce or Rihanna that are the classy pump I would wear to the office or with a pair of jeans. I love the black ones with the gold toe and heel Beyonce wore recently. Love the patent, neutral tone I've seen Rihanna wear previously. Also, love a pair of blue, leopard-print ones I saw while Googling.
The platform sole with the 4-inch heel is popular. The one-inch platform up fronts helps take an inch off the 4-inch heel, so your foot feels like its in a 3-inch heel. I tried on some. My feet, which are a size 6, were too short to support such a big shoe.
I like handbags, also. Various styles and shapes, which make me not want to purchase major name brands because I like to change it up quite often.
As far as this natural hair revolution. So many women are doing it because its a trend. So many women do it because they want to be apart of a revolution and oppose chemicals. So many women take this stance and DARE a chemical head or white person say something out the way. They are so adament about being different/unique that they want you to raise their blood pressure. Going natural should be to improve the health and quality of your hair. If its not any longer than it was with chemicals, then go back to the chemicals. If you prefer the natural styles over the long ones, then okay - I see that. And everyone has a blog/vlog dedicated to their hair care. ugh....overkill.
So, this was just a light-hearted post on girly topics of interest while I wait on Joel Osteen to come on and then I must do school work. Working on a Masters. Didn't want to engage in a controversal topic or one that "raises my blood pressure." Wanted to keep a calm, cool head this easy Sunday morning. Now going to get my spiritual nurishment. God Bless!
One tends to be Christian Louboutin. Now, I do love the classy red bottom. I often see a pair or two on celebs like Beyonce or Rihanna that are the classy pump I would wear to the office or with a pair of jeans. I love the black ones with the gold toe and heel Beyonce wore recently. Love the patent, neutral tone I've seen Rihanna wear previously. Also, love a pair of blue, leopard-print ones I saw while Googling.
The platform sole with the 4-inch heel is popular. The one-inch platform up fronts helps take an inch off the 4-inch heel, so your foot feels like its in a 3-inch heel. I tried on some. My feet, which are a size 6, were too short to support such a big shoe.
I like handbags, also. Various styles and shapes, which make me not want to purchase major name brands because I like to change it up quite often.
As far as this natural hair revolution. So many women are doing it because its a trend. So many women do it because they want to be apart of a revolution and oppose chemicals. So many women take this stance and DARE a chemical head or white person say something out the way. They are so adament about being different/unique that they want you to raise their blood pressure. Going natural should be to improve the health and quality of your hair. If its not any longer than it was with chemicals, then go back to the chemicals. If you prefer the natural styles over the long ones, then okay - I see that. And everyone has a blog/vlog dedicated to their hair care. ugh....overkill.
So, this was just a light-hearted post on girly topics of interest while I wait on Joel Osteen to come on and then I must do school work. Working on a Masters. Didn't want to engage in a controversal topic or one that "raises my blood pressure." Wanted to keep a calm, cool head this easy Sunday morning. Now going to get my spiritual nurishment. God Bless!
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