Food for Thought: Listen

"Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk."

~Doug Larson

In today's society, everyone wants to be heard. Everyone wants to get their point across. Bottom line-people just talk way too much! We have too many speakers and not enough true listeners.

But where are all the real listeners? Not the ones who listen and at the same time are formulating their own response. But the ones who listen attentively and empathically, who are trying to understand what the other person is saying and where they are coming from.

Here's a thought: Do you want to gain wisdom? Then learn to listen. We can learn so much just by shutting our mouths! Listen. Listen for understanding, listen for commonality, listen for what you can learn from that person and apply to your own life.

James 1:19 "...let every person be quick to hear,slow to speak, slow to anger"

Proverbs 18:15 "An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."

How to Be Truly Blessed by Dr. Tony Evans

I've been listening to Dr. Tony Evans with the Urban Alternative and he has been going through a series on the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 on How to Be Truly Blessed. I have been truly blessed so far by this series and I want you to be blessed as well!

Enjoy! And feel free to share what you have been blessed by :)

Quote of the Day

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Jesus is the role model for belief, character, and life.

Be Creative

I'm hoping to make some fresh jewelry like this (and yes I said fresh!) in my jewelry making class at church. My goal is to start making my own accessories since I love them so much :)

Source

What creative ventures are you exploring?

Mandisa's "Waiting for Tomorrow"

This song is sooo good! It reminds me of how we need to stop procrastinating, especially in our relationship with God and growing in our faith.

Tomorrow is not promised. What are you waiting for??? Let's obey God TODAY!

Check out the lyrics below.

Maybe tomorrow we'll start over
Maybe tomorrow I will finally change my ways
Said the same things yesterday
Don't know why I'm so afraid
To let you in
To let you win
To let you have all of me

Can't spend my whole life wastin'
Everything I know I've been given
'Cause you've made for so much more than
Sittin' on the side lines
I don't wanna look back and wonder
If good enough could've been better

Everyday's a day to start over
So, why am I waiting for tomorrow

Maybe today I'll start believing
That you're mercy is really
As real as you say it is
It doesn't matter who I used to be
It only matters that I've been set free
You rescued me you're changing me
Jesus take everything

Can't spend my whole life wastin'
Everything I know I've been given
'Cause you've made for so much more than
Sittin' on the side lines
I don't wanna look back and wonder
If good enough could've been better

Everyday's a day to start over
So, why am I waiting for tomorrow

Oh, I'm makin this my moment now
To grab the hand that's reachin down to save me You saved me
And I'm makin this my moment now
To grab the hand that's reachin down to save me You saved me

Can't spend my whole life wastin'
Everything I know I've been given
'Cause you've made for so much more than
Sittin' on the side lines
I don't wanna look back and wonder
If good enough could've been better

Everyday's a day to start over
So, why am I waiting for tomorrow

I'm gonna grab the hand that's reachin down
And I'm not gonna wait until tomorrow
Oh, tomorrow

Devotional Thought: What's Hanging in Your Thought Closet?

Every few months I go through my closet to figure out what to throw out or give away. Sometimes I stumble upon a clothing item that is just absolutely hideous and wonder "Why did I ever buy that?"

It helps when I do this inventory of my closet. I discover things I just don't need or want there anymore. It also removes unnecessary clutter and makes room for the good stuff.

The same thing should happen in our minds. We should take inventory of our "thought closets" and the things we allow in and out. There are times when a thought pops into my mind and I'm just like "uh uh, there is no room for you here!" and I throw it out. Other times I allow negative thoughts to stay in my thought closet and hang around for a while until it's inventory time. Then I look back and wonder why I'd even entertained the thought!

Are you hanging words of truth into your thought closet?

Or are you allowing lies to enter in?

Author Beth Moore states we can't recognize the lies if we don't know the truth. God's Word is our standard of truth. Here are two key verses we should remember to help us clean out our thought closets:

2 Corinthians 10:5 reads "We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ."

Philippians 4:8 reads "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

True thoughts, honorable thoughts, lovely thoughts, pure thoughts.

This is what should be hanging in our thought closets. It's inventory time!

Mentoring Experience

Today was my first day with my mentee and it was AWESOME! We totally felt like God matched us and are super excited about our new relationship. As I sat there and got to know her, I felt so blessed and in awe of what God is doing in her life. She is a new believer and I just love meeting new believers because they are so passionate and grateful to God and excited to share what He has done in their lives.

It's so crazy because the people I am serving, whether it's through work or volunteer work, are so grateful for the help. But in reality I feel like they are helping me more than I could ever help them! They are giving me a fresh zeal for sharing my faith and their stories and insight are amazing. I make sure that I tell them how much I am being blessed just by being in their presence and hearing their testimonies.

I am thankful for this opportunity and privilege to pour out my life into someone else's. Instead of filling it up with more things that are really junk, I'm trying to give and be a blessing to others. I think that is so important for us to do.

Our lives are not our own anyways; they belong to Christ if we are His.

His Grace Covers Me

You Oughta Know Her: Elisabeth Elliot

I'm starting this series about women who have inspired me. These women are authors, past professors, leaders in the Christian community, friends and family, clients, co-workers, and sometimes people I just meet in passing and may never see again.

I want to take this opportunity to give praise and honor to women who are not afraid to be the feminine, strong, sensitive, and loving women that God created us to be. Their words and wisdom have influenced me greatly and I want you to be blessed as well!

So these are women you oughta know. Some you may have met already, formally or informally. Some you may need to meet and let them encourage and inspire you too.

Elisabeth Elliot

Her incredible faith and wisdom has given me so many insights into God's word and how He wants me to live as a woman. She writes on being a wife, a mother, a single woman, a missionary, a friend. She covers so many aspects of the Christian life from waiting on God, purity, and suffering.

Her life is a testimony, from being a missionary in an unreached and dangerous Indian tribe that ended up killing her 1st husband, then losing another husband, this woman never stopped living for the Lord. I love her straightforwardness and her old-fashioned thoughts that really are timeless.

My favorite books from her are Keep a Quiet Heart and God's Guidance, a Slow and Certain Light. You can receive her daily devotions from Back to the Bible.

Learn more about Ms. Elliot on her website. I'm telling you, this woman is truly a Woman of God.

Natural Hair is Beautiful

I post so many pics of other beautiful natural women that I forget to post some pics of my own hair lol! Here goes!

Interior Inspiration

I'm trying to find a cool new bookshelf that can handle all of my many books! The one I have well it's not working out anymore so we're going to have to part ways in the new place.

Yeah, that's what I'm working with.
I love these bookshelves. They just look so nice and clean and inviting... So I'm on a hunt for a new one. I know, pretty nerdy :)

 

I can't wait to show you what I find!

Food for Thought

"I might have a problem right now, but 'right now' is just a moment in time that will soon be gone forever...and my 'problem' really is just the starting point of a journey that will lead to a solution to my problem. Why let a starting point affect my mood?"

~Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton

Here's a thought: Consider your problems temporary and find strengths in challenges. You never know where a "problem" may lead you or what it may teach you. It just might be someplace good!

Where Children Sleep

A co-worker sent me this. A photojournalist went around the world and took pictures of kids and their bedrooms to bring more attention to their living environment and social justice issues affecting them. It's pretty interesting...

http://www.jamesmollison.com/wherechildrensleep.php?project_id=6&p=synop

Blog Challenge: Day 10

10- Do you play any sports?

Haha, this one is easy. In real life, no.

Video games, bring it on!

I've always wanted to play basketballl though, it just seems cool especially for a girl to know how to hoop. I tease my boyfriend that he would love me even more if I knew how to play lol!

Blog Challenge: Day 9

9 - What’s something you worry about for the future?

I actually worry much less than I used to although I'm not completely worry-free. Probably what I'm semi-worried about now is passing the National Counselor's Examination. I've signed up to take it September 14th! Even though I have been studying, it is still sooo much information and it's just overwhelming.

I do believe I will pass, but there's still a cinch of worry left...pray for me please!!!

Jesus, The Way

I can't get this song out of my head!

John 14:6 "Jesus answered them, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Blog Challenge: Day 8

8 - Who’s someone that you used to be really close to, but you’re not anymore?

Two people in particular come to mind. It's crazy how things change and people change as time passes. Distance physically, mentally, and spiritually, can also play a factor as it did in some of my relationships.

You know that saying "Some people are in your life only for a season." I guess I'm still trying to understand that. I don't know if I agree with it entirely. Maybe because I don't like saying goodbyes and I believe true friendship will last forever.

But I do think there are people that God places in your life at the exact time that you need them and they need you. And I am definitely a witness to that!

Natural Hair is Beautiful

Blog Challenge: Day 7

7 - What’s something you don’t usually blog about?

Um, this one is hard...aha!

Current events! I am terrified of watching the news lol. It scares me! I don't want to see all the bad stuff that is going on in the world even though I know it exists. And I never read the newspaper so if I find out about anything, it's through other people.

I know I know, I should try to stay up to date about what's going on in the world. But not today lol!

Food for Thought

On Hospitality: "How can you enjoy people if you are always trying to impress them? Genuine hospitality is more simple, more relaxed." ~ Richard J. Foster

When we invite people over to our homes, are we genuinely trying to serve them and enjoy their company or are we trying to impress them with our stuff and even how well we can entertain them?

On the rare occasions that I have hosted something at my home, I was so stressed out and worked up over every little detail and literally drove myself crazy trying to make sure everything looked nice and in order. I freaked out if the food wasn't ready in time, if the decorations were crooked, if there wasn't enough food, if people weren't showing up on time, the list goes on and on.

Now I realize I was more concerned about the presentation and trying to impress people rather than investing all that time and energy into enjoying them while they were there. That's why I have dreaded having people over because I know how I can get and it wears me out (and those unfortunate ones who may help me).

But I want people to feel special when they come into my home. I want them to feel loved and not impressed by how well put together things may appear. I want them to experience joy and peace and laughter. That's what's important. Not the fancy dishes or colorful decorations.

Here's a thought: True hospitality comes from the heart. It's peaceful and sincere. No man can create that!

If It Ain't FREE, It Ain't Me!

So me and boyfriend are starting this challenge of seeing how many FREE things we can find to do in Houston. Don't laugh at us...it's hard times out here lol! Plus we are trying to save money for more important things. Anyways, this should be fun and I will keep you guys updated on all the stuff we find...

This past week we went to two events:

The first was our very first Texans game! Courtesy of my job we got two FREE luxury suite tickets to the first preseason game of the Texans vs. the Jets. I mean it was nice. We got FREE parking and a FREE buffet too!

The second event was a free concert at the House of Dereon provided by 97.9 The Box. 10 contestants competed to open up for Jill Scott and Anthony Hamilton's summer series concert this weekend. Neo-soul singer Dwele also hit the stage. We invited our good friends to join us too in this awesome FREE fun!

Blog Challenge: Day 6

6 - What’s a picture of yourself that not a lot of people have seen?

I don't think a lot of people have seen this side of me either lol! I'm dangerous!

His Hands

"When my world is shaking, heaven stands. When my heart is breaking, I never leave Your Hands."

There is no other place I would rather be than in His hands.

Blog Challenge: Day 5

5 - What’s in your bed right now? Take a picture of your bed.

This is a weird one, lol. A pair of socks, my fave teddy bear, and shorts.

Interior Inspiration

Using colorful chairs to accent the dining area....me likey :)

source

Confusing Hurt with Hate

I met a beautiful person the other day. What made her beautiful was her heart, her wisdom, and her love for those who hurt her the most. Her story was tragic yet inspiring because she refuses to give up and is determined to make a better life for herself. She has experienced so much in her life and is still here today to tell and even write her story (which is absolutely incredible).

One belief she shared with me that she feels strongly about is she doesn't want to confuse her hurtful feelings towards her abuser with a hateful attitude towards her abuser. When she said that, tears began to fill my eyes. I thought about the people I know, and even myself, who have been hurt by those we love and how we have adopted a hateful attitude towards the person and situation. What she said was so powerful and so true.

We confuse hurt with hate.

Hate is a strong word. Most of us won't actually admit that we hate the one who hurt us. But that is how we act when we hold grudges and don't forgive. That is what will eventually happen if we let that stuff remain inside of us. It can grow and even get worse.

Hurtful feelings and emotions such as betrayal, abandonment, pain, and sorrow are traded with hateful feelings such as anger, rage, disgust, and bitterness. It becomes hard to distinguish the two. But we know anger is a secondary emotion and we must find out what really lies underneath all the anger and bitterness. Most of the time it is pain. And that's what we must address.

We must trust God with our pain. Psalm 34:18 says "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." He wants to mend our hearts and help us heal.

We must also remember that we hurt others as well. We would want forgiveness extended to us. So we have to forgive. Ephesians 4:32 says "Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."

Let's stop confusing hurt with hate. Let's love.

Blog Challenge: Day 4

Whoops! I missed a day! Well here goes #4

4 - Do you have a job? If you do, what is it and do you like it? If not, what job would you like to have?

Actually I do! I am a case manager at a local non-profit that serves the homeless and formerly homeless population. I really do enjoy it. I meet so many people and get to be a part of so many lives. I'm truly blessed :)

Organizing Accessories

I stumbled upon this pretty cool idea that I just might try to help organize my jewelry and accessories. I like it because it's simple and looks kind of vintagey (if that's even a word).

source



Maybe if I get some organization to it I can figure out what to get rid of!

The Thing I'm Not Going to Say Anymore

I spent a few hours with my cousin who I don't get to see as much and he pointed out that I say "I can't" a lot. I repeatedly tried to deny it because I had never noticed it. But throughout the day, I began to hear myself say it and sometimes it was about the simplest things. I was shocked! I later asked my boyfriend if he noticed how often I used the phrase and he said yes! I thought to myself Uh-oh, time to do some digging here!

I realize that most of the things I say "I can't" about are the things that I am afraid of. Or things I don't think I can do. I limit myself and automatically assume that "I can't" before even trying it. Smh.

But it is going to stop! Starting today.

Here are some of my "I can't"s changed to "I can"s:

I can cook!

I can run a mile!

I can write a book!

I can have this difficult conversation!

What are some things you're not going to say anymore?

90's R&B

Remember Brandy's first song? 

Natural Hair is Beautiful

source

Blog Challenge: Day 3

3-What is something you think about all the time, but never say out loud?

(That's a tough one since I think ALL the time!)

Well, I've always wanted to be a singer. I love to sing and even though I'm terrified of being on stage and performing, I've always had a blast when I did. So most of the time when I'm listening to music, I'm thinking about me performing on stage whatever song it is.

I never say it out loud because everyone who knows me knows I can't sing!

Excerpts from Freedom of Simplicity: "Planned Spending"

As I have been taking an inventory of how I spend my finances, this portion of the book has been very enlightening. Foster gives five steps to planned spending:

1. Know where your money goes. Can you recall how much you spend in a certain category such as entertainment or food?
2. Develop a budget. This will help with number 1. A budget helps you make the decision about where your money goes.
3. Build accountability into your budget. Treat each of your spending categories as if they were a bank account where you have a monthly deposit and withdraw without going over.
4. If you exceed your budget, don't be discouraged. You will get better as you continue.
5. Put your giving to Christ and His Kingdom in a different frame of mind from other categories. Let the desire to give increase as much as possible.

Other helpful tips:

• Don't let your wants determine your buying patterns.
• Decrease your operating budget and increase your giving budget.
• Look for ways to cut back expenses instead of increasing income.
• When you decide you need to buy an item, seek God in prayer about the need before rushing out to the store and buying it.
• No impulsive buying!
• Buy things for the usefulness rather than their status.

I'm using these budgeting worksheets here to help me.

All of these things taken into consideration can help simplify our lives and lead us to financial freedom!

Blog Challenge: Day 2

2-What was the last movie you saw in theatres?

We saw the new Planet of the Apes last weekend and it was good! I almost cried a few times. I want me a Ceasar!

Artist Spotlight: Andy Grammer

From performing on the streets of L.A., Andy has now made it big-time with his self-titled debut album. And he wrote all of his songs!  Artists that influenced him include Lauryn Hill, Coldplay, Common, Jack Johnson, and John Mayer.

I absolutely love his voice; it's so chill and soulful. Everytime I hear this song on the radio, I pretend like I'm somewhere in Cali driving in a drop-top convertible on the beach...it just has that vibe! Such a cool and positive song. I'm curious to see where he goes in his career. He's off to a good start!

I like this one too.

Interior Inspiration

I just love it! I love the white couch with the colorful pillows, that's my favorite :)

Blog Challenge: Day 1

1-Write about your first crush. Who was it? Do you still talk to them?

Hmmm... that's easy! Seth Collins. Ahhhh. I used to stalk that boy y'all, lol! I mean literally. Everybody at school knew that I like Seth, and the girls knew he was off limits! It all started in 3rd grade in Ms. Harvey's class. I just knew I was in love! I flirted with him like crazy, tried to impress him in the talent show, and he still was not interested and even repulsed. But I don't get it because I was cute! Don't y'all think so?

Well anyways, I was crushing on him all the way to 5th grade and was still getting no love until the last part of my 5th grade year. He finally said YES! So we "went together" for the rest of the year and then I found out we were moving away. I was devastated. I tried to keep in contact with him after I moved but it eventually faded. But...before I moved, my parents just so happened to be getting married that summer and I was the junior bride so we asked him to be the junior groom. I got him down the aisle anyway! Hahahaha. One down, one to go!

10-Day Blog Challenge

Ok, these blog challenges sound fun so I'm gonna try one! Here we go!

1- Write about your first crush. Who was it? Do you still talk to them?
2 - What was the last movie you saw in theatres?
3 - What’s something you think of all the time, but never say out loud?
4 - Do you have a job? If you do, what is it and do you like it? If not, what job would you like to have?
5 - What’s in your bed right now? Take a picture of your bed.
6 - What’s a picture of yourself that not a lot of people have seen?
7 - What’s something you don’t usually blog about?
8 - Who’s someone that you used to be really close to, but you’re not anymore?
9 - What’s something you worry about for the future?
10 - Do you play any sports?

Style: Prints and Shades

Source

Quote of the Day

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because the world needs people who have come alive."

~Howard Thurman

I'm Forgiven!

Quote of the Day

"Christ has no body on earth but yours,

no hands but yours,

no feet but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which

Christ’s compassion for the world is to look out;

yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good;

and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now."

~Saint Theresa of Avila

On My Radar

And yes, I have a book radar lol! I can detect a good book from a mile away! These happen to make it on the list:

 

-Simple is gonna be my new middle name! This book is about how to live intentionally and simply, particularly in your living space.

This is a collection of stories from women about how God transformed their lives from grit to grace. I'm a Pearl Girl!-

It’s Ok to Not be Ok

• When someone asks how you're doing, do you just say "fine" or "I'm good" even if you're not feeling fine?
• Do you feel like you would be a burden to people if you tell them what's really going on with you?
• Do you think you have to be strong at all times?

If so, check out this post from blogger Ali Smith  it’s ok to not be ok . It is really okay :)

Interior Inspiration

So now I'm addicted to the Apartment Therapy website. So many cool and fun ideas! I can't wait to paint my new place but I never thought about painting the doors...hmmmm.

I like it!

Godliness: Taking God Seriously

There is much talk and confusion about what being "godly" really means. We try to come up with all these "rules" that define what a "godly" person is.

Legalism, blah.

Well this morning on my ride to work I heard Chuck Swindoll say this on the radio, "Godliness means taking God seriously." Finally! A simple statement that makes so much sense. I think 1 John 2:3-6 relates to this as well:

"By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, 'I have come to know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked."

Read the rest of this topic on his website Insight for Living. 

Feather Earrings: Too Cool or Too Much?

I'm starting to see a lot of people wearing these. Personally I love them! I think their super creative and you can have so much fun with it. Check out some cool ones I found on Etsy.