Thursday, June 30, 2016

Self-Reflection = Self-Growth


What do others see when they look at you?
Do you wear a 'Spiritual wardrobe?' Where is your heart? Are you living to lift others up or break them down? Are you living to the fullest or just to get by? 

"Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all." Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates." (Proverbs‬ ‭31:25-31‬)

I personally reflect on these questions often. My hearts desire is that when others look at me, I want them to see a kind heart, a loving and forgiving heart, but I want them to see a strong and independent Godly "Proverbs 31 Woman." One after God's own heart and not just one surviving to get through my days. I strive to be a loving wife, a mommy that sets correct examples, cheerful giver, caring sister, daughter, aunt, and great friend. I want to be more than I was the day before. I want to lift others and help them be as successful as they desire. But, more than anything, I want others to see Christ in me. All that I am, all that I do, I want it to be to glorify Christ. 

Today is simply a stepping stone to the next day or to eternity. I am far from perfect, and I know I have flaws, but what I do about them separates me from who I was yesterday, who I am today, and who I will be tomorrow. I love what Maya Angelou said, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." 

Take a step back, reflect on who you are and how others see you, but also on how you see yourself. Then ask yourself, "is this really who I want to be?"  If it's not, call me. I'd love to pray with you. I'd love to help you get to the next level in your journey without compromising your integrity or staying stuck in a place that is dark and lonely or just unsure and not satisfying. Whatever your dreams are, dream bigger! God declared that we are to be the head and not the tail. Once we start believing that - then great things begin to happen, but only if we move.



"And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them." (‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28:13‬)

There is so much more waiting on you .... You just have to take that first step - it's always the hardest, but the most rewarding part of your journey is just ahead, waiting on you to step out in Faith! Believe in yourself and others will too!

Remember, as I wrote before, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Never forget that you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of King and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today, be nice to others, and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy...thank God for Bounty paper towels, Grace & Mercy!

 "Pretty words aren't always true...and true words aren't always pretty."

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

Blessings,
Candye~
"G18 Mommy"

Saturday, June 18, 2016

It's Okay To Be Real!

A few months ago I set out to change the 'scope' of my writings. I decided I wanted to be more "real" so other working Mommy's could have a sense of accomplishment, know that we all make mistakes, we all get frustrated (regardless of your level of faith), we all have days filled with doubt -- but the key is to NOT STAY in those frames of mind. To learn how to get up, get motivated, get inspired, get real, and get results, would require learning how to identify with 'Reality' and the 'Truth!'

Today, I am being real about the fact that I am exhausted and that all of us have moments in our journey when we feel drained -- when we feel like we simply cannot take another step. We all have difficult days, trying times, and perplexing periods in life that just leave us completely exhausted. But, we can be thankful that our God stands ready and willing to give us comfort and strength if we'll just open our hearts and let Him.
"The Lord is the strength of my life" (Psalm 27:1)
If you're like me, you're "burning the candle at both ends," sapping our energy and just before the breaking point we have to stop, reset and restart. What I'm realizing is when I let myself get that drained then I'm really of no use to anyone. We're spent, poured out and just plain wiped out. I try to give everyone my all and realize that no-one gets any. At least not anything of real substance, or at most, when I'm in this condition they get me at best at 50%. That's not fair to you, your family, your employees, your employer, and most importantly -- your God. The key is to learn that now is the time to learn what's important, what you have the ability to change, what's okay to delegate (that's a taboo word to most executives) and to place first things first. Thank goodness we have a new day, everyday, and it's a second chance.

One of the first steps we have to take is learning that we will have to say 'NO!' This means that we have to identify what's most important and then recognize the things we simply cannot do or, as hard as it may be, delegate certain tasks to others. That's tough, especially for those of you that are 'control freaks' (not pointing any fingers here because rightly so three would be pointing back at your #1 offender in this category. But when we do these few little things, that's when we are able to rest our weary frames in the hands of the Almighty, spending quality time with God and allowing Him to give us rest. He knows our abilities. I'm so thankful that our faithful Father sees the big picture and shoulders our yoke with us. This is instrumental if you're ever going to be successful at anything.
"...In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Isaiah 30:15
The next thing I've found to be the primary step is to "Focus on the Lord." Ask Him for wisdom to prioritize the day you have before you. Ask Him for the strength to fulfill your responsibilities. Send up a silent plea for rest and rejuvenation then rejoice when He answers. 

Part of my morning prayer is: Dear Lord, let me find my strength in You. Teach me to rest in Your love and leadership and give me the wisdom and strength to allow you to be the Pilot of my day and life. Help me to remain humble and to always be a servant to you and those I need to serve around me. 


It may seem simple, but it's effective. What you're doing is beginning your day in a humble mode that will carry you through. Inviting Him to walk with you in the beginning ensures He stays with you 'til the end.

Another reality I've discovered is, as a "Career-Mommy," I have definitely learned the hard way, the higher you excel in your career, it becomes even more instrumental that you learn to say "No!" instead of "yes, yes, yes!". Sadly, the way life is nowadays, it will push us to the brink of self-destruction trying to keep up and maintain on its own, but because we live in such a fast-pace 'gotta-have-it-now' society, it will be even more critical that we maintain a healthy balance, learn what's most important and maintain focus on your goals. Otherwise, you will end up spinning your wheels, feeling frustrated, overwhelmed and some days simply completely out of control.


Finally, I leave you with this. Time is a commodity. We are all given 168 hours in a week. How you choose to spend it is entirely up to you. However, I would encourage you to really take a long hard look at where your loyalty and commitments are, and make adjustments accordingly. We are only give this day once! You do not get a 'replay,' 'redo,' or 'undo.' You have to be wise, be diligent, be faithful and live with integrity in every action you take. It does not mean that you will not make mistakes, but it does mean that you will learn from them and always find a way to get up, get moving, try again and never quit. Because, it's not over until He says it is, and the reality is - it could be in your next breath - so what do you want to be remembered for?

As I always say, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Never forget that you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of Kings and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today. Be nice to others and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy....thank God for Bounty paper towels, Grace & Mercy!
"Pretty words aren't always true...and true words aren't always pretty."
"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)
Blessings,
Candye~
"G18 Mommy"

Friday, June 17, 2016

Every TEST Brings a TESTimony



Good morning blogging fans!! What an amazing gift we have before us, called "today." When I woke this morning and looked at the indescribable gift that lay next to me, I found myself overwhelmed with so many emotions. One - pure exhaustion! It's been a very trying 7 days with her being so sick, yet I am so FULL of joy because God has seen fit to heal her body and I'm trusting He will heal my foggy brain this morning! ;) It truly is the little things that we miss and forget to Praise Him about. Like, as silly as it sounds, I am thankful that she got this now and it's done! We can move on! But also thankful that it's not worse than it could have been, thankful that He seen fit to heal her, thankful that He has given us another day together. I'm certain several little Momma's in FL would love to be able to hold their child and cuddle them one more time while they're sick. I see the sun rising after a dark night and my heart hurts for those that still only see the darkness even though the sun is awake, alive and high in the sky. I am reminded that "every TEST brings a TESTimony." However, He will expect you to brag about it! Let me remind you -- if you are awake, reading this, which will mean you're still breathing...then GOD's NOT FINISHED WITH YOU YET!! Get up! Get out there & BELIEVE in yourself, because apparently He still does!! Don't let the enemy steal your joy! Have a blessed day! Don't forget to *smile* at someone today - brightening their day will only make yours brighter too! Make memories and make today count! 🙏🏻💕

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)

As I said before, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Never forget that you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of King and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today, be nice to others, and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy...thank God for Bounty paper towels, Grace & Mercy!

"Pretty words aren't always true...and true words aren't always pretty."

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

Blessings,
Candye~
"G18 Mommy"

Thursday, June 9, 2016

A Dose of Truth Serum....Where's Your Faith?

A Sure Foundation



"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrew 11:1

This definition of faith is not "wishing upon a star." No, Hebrews 11 describes faith as a firm confidence in God's promise and provision. He can - and will- perform a work in us for our good and His glory, whatever trials or heartaches occur along the way.

People speak of "blind faith," but real, biblical faith has three important elements. First, true faith is grounded in the knowledge of God that we discover in scripture. As we study God's Word, the facts become clear and we move to the second element: acceptance of the evidence, or belief. The third element of faith is trust, including repentance from our sins and reliance upon our God. As our understanding grows, we actually realize that, from start to finish, our faith and repentance are gifts from God. 

Are you certain of God's design for your life amid any assignment? If no, try to view your duty from God's perspective, as an opportunity to become more like your Savior. Jesus fulfilled the role of servant every day, ultimately giving His life to bring us into His kingdom. 

Today you can stand in faith, being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. It's the only way to live because we are faced with daily challenges that will test your faith and ultimately could cause you to stumble, or worse, fall from His grace. Don't fall victim to what the world is telling you, stand firm on the Word of God, and remember to fight every battle on bended knees. 

When in doubt, saying a simple prayer can be so beneficial to keeping you standing upright! 
Lord, You are full of mercy and grace that is renewed everyday. I thank You for this gift of faith. Increase it, I pray, and make me more fruitful to You!
As I said before, if you take nothing else away from my blog - I pray you will never forget that you are "wonderfully and fearfully made" (Psalm 139:14). Never forget that you are the son or daughter of the almighty King of King and that you do not have to "BE" what the world expects you to be, but you do have to be what makes you happy! Do something kind today, be nice to others, and respect those you interact with. Strive to make a difference in others lives, but more importantly make a difference in your own life. Life is messy...thank God for Bounty paper towels, Grace & Mercy!
"Pretty words aren't always true...and true words aren't always pretty."
"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

Blessings,
Candye~
"G18 Mommy"