In the Morning

Every now and then I post on fb or my blog about being real and true when it comes to being a Christian...no matter where you are, no matter what! So here I go again...

When I check my fb in the morning, I see a lot of morning "Christians". What do I mean? They post verses, praises about being awake, thankful for what they have, but a couple hours later...

complaining, cussing, trashing, anger, negativity, etc!

Seriously, not saying you can't have a difficult day, but your character of being in Christ shouldn't be compromised or change based on your situations. Remain right in Him, otherwise that's how other perceive Christians as hypocrites.

It's a shame how much comes from the mouth giving glory to God, but the actions and attitude to follow is totally different. It's like Christ left the building. He matters in the morning, but after 12pm, you're free to do whatever.

No one's perfect, but still. Just so much here and there I'm saved, but all the other times doesn't matter.

I'm going to check myself first, because if what I call myself isn't reflect everywhere I go and in everything I do including on social media, then that's a problem. I don't want to appear fake or wayward.

Let's all check ourselves, especially on social media, because we're being watched everywhere. What you post and say reflects a lot about your character and so if you're going to post about God (or you being a Christian), then really be about God (or being a Christian).

If we don't , then what kind of examples are we being to those who are seeking the Lord or who are lost and looking for us to help them find their way.

JS.....

Encourage Yourself!

I've been told numerous times "encourage yourself". I really didn't like when people told me that...it felt unnecessary. I felt encouragement should come from my family and friends...other people! I thought it was weird to bring yourself up, when you're feeling down. Now this is when I was younger, so I was a bit more naive. I had a hard time comprehending the idea of "encouraging yourself".

What I came to realize is that I was being selfish and having a pity party. I wanted attention and people to do for me what I had the ability to do myself. God always has equipped me with what I needed to be better spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Back then I just had stop focusing on myself and the negative. I was acting hopeless. It was wrong of me. So I prayed and worked on not relying so much on others to bring me up. I read the Word more, listened to encouraging songs, and/or pour myself more into my gifts/talents to cope with whatever situation that was affecting me.
Over time, I was able to get out of being so discourage faster and even when I still went to my fam and friends, it was easier to deal with things.

*I'm not saying don't go to your family and friends for encouragement, but sometimes people don't want to even try to help themselves at all. They become stuck and bitter and never learn to get "out of a funk" on their own. Sometimes it is just God and you making it through!

God doesn't want you/us to make excuses. There's His Word, His Son, the Holy Spirit, and plenty other things that can help "encourage yourself". It can seem hard as satan would have us think, which does make that battle of discouraging or depressions difficult to fight against.

Like in an earlier blog I wrote...it's all about perspective. We have to change the way we view our circumstances. We have to choose not to be controlled by our emotions and not get stuck in a comfort zone of hurt, pain, sorrow, and discouragement. You don't have to stay discourage if you are. You can be happy, content, collected, and optimistic. For you to remain down and in a state of worry and stress is wrong...it's not healthy.

God is calling you to be strong and trust in Him for what you need. Whatever has you down, remember that through Him, you can be lifted back up. Show the world there is hope in your life. Show those around you that when times get tough, don't go as planned, and get out of control, that you're able to...

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF!

You're Not Missing Out...

I used to think I was missing out when people around me were doing things I didn't or wasn't allowed to do. I used to feel left out, thinking something was "wrong" with me if I wasn't involved with a certain activity or didn't have the same experiences as my friends (or peers). 

There were a lot of things I didn't get to do or have, but that's alright. I look back now and feel humble and content with the way life has gone for me. Yea not everything was "good" and there were times that I care not to reminiscence about, although I can still thank God that it was His plan, His  way, His will for me. I didn't always go to God for big decisions or ask for direction, which lead me to learn things the hard way or go through that time in my life with much more difficulty. When I just let God have His way and take control, I started to feel better about who I was and where I was in life.

I wasn't missing out. Whatever was going on that I thought I should be apart of, God kept me away for a reason. It didn't all have to be wrong, but God knew better than I did and so it wasn't meant for me.

I didn't date as a teen, but most of friends did. I thought things like "No guy wants to date me", "I'm not pretty enough", "I should lower my standards and just go for it", etc... I wasn't out going girl, so most guys that I talked to and liked just kept me in the friend zone. I was the "good/church girl", but since I didn't party and wasn't willing to go to certain places or do certain things, my prospects were low. By the time I got to college, I had already "given up" and thought I'll date when I'm older and out of college, working in my career field. I prayed and ask God to give me patience. I truly wanted to wait on Him and stop worrying so much about when I'll meet "the one". Little did I know, a young man had been paying attention to me for quite some time and finally started talking to me. Eventually we got closer, started dating, and then got happily married. I really think that if I didn't allow God to work with me and give me patience, I'd be with someone I wasn't happy with or worse.

That's just an example of what I felt I missed out on (dating at that age at that time), when it was not the right time for me. Now that situation may seem a little silly, but there have been other circumstances when I felt like "I'm missing out". Mostly that feeling was related to the timing of things in my life i.e. graduating college (sooner than later), working in my career field, owning a home, making certain accomplishments, etc. Honestly it could be almost anything, but after some reflection and prayer, that feeling goes away.

So if you feel like you're "missing out"...you're probably not. What is God's plan for your life? What are you truly meant to do or be apart of? If all your friends are dating, doesn't mean you have to be. A friend has bought a house, doesn't mean you have to buy one too. You want to live on your own (or with your buddies), well maybe that won't happen. Owning a business, getting married, having children, traveling the world, etc...whatever it is...
You won't always do and/or get to be apart of what seems great or popular like those around you. You're not missing out.

Trust God. He knows what is best for you. You don't need to have the same life as someone else to have a good, exciting life. Whatever happens to and for you is how your life will go because God meant it that way. Don't rush. Don't do anything without keeping God first. Don't allow what you feel cause you miss out on what God may have for you...or in short don't miss out on your blessings because you're after things that don't really matter or meant for you at this time.

Ecclesiastes 8:6 
"For there is a time and a way for everything"

Galatians 6:9

^"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Psalm 37:3-4
"Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
 

Happy New Year and Happiness Ahead

Welcome to 2015!

First I'm going to praise God for blessing me to see this year. I'm looking forward to just continuing on with the things I have already made commitments to do and grow/mature as a young Christian woman. There are new things I want to do, but I don't want to start now just because it's New Year. I rather what until I know it's the right time so I don't quit or begin what I can't finish because I should have waited anyway.

So I'm very active on Facebook and I see plenty of people who talk about their new commitments and goals for the year. Honestly sometimes I wonder what is motivating people to choose what they want to do this year. I think it is really easy to set a goal and say what you want to do, but why? Everyone wants to "get fit", but why? Some people want to start a business, but why? Why this year and not before?

I ask myself "why", so this isn't just pointing the finger. I don't like doing things without purpose. I like to figure out if what I want to do will please God, benefits others, and mean something to me.
I don't expect everyone do think that same way, but I do hope that resolutions, commitments, and goals made are done with thoughtfulness and good reason.

Honestly the main thing I look forward to this year is more happiness. There's so much negativity and disorder going on, I just want to see people find happiness in some way. I know that's not easy when so much is going on personally, socially, and in the world. It's like "how can I/you be happy, when there's violence, chaos, death, persecution, etc happening?" and I understand that doesn't make anyone feel "happy". Although I like to still find that "silver lining" in all that goes on, because I like to be good and happy when it's the right time to be so.

 I find happiness in the Lord, because He is the one in control, can change things, and gives the real feeling of happiness....more like joy I should say. So this year, whatever comes my way, I will look to the Lord for peace, contentment, and happiness. I don't want to stay stuck in the negative.


Well that's all I have for now. I'll be back sooner than later with more to share.

CAN WE STAY FRIENDS?

I've experienced and seen the power of reconciliation. Although not so much anymore...

Reconciliation requires humility, forgiveness,  and the right attitude (motive, heart, etc, so a relationship or friendship can be on the mend.

So it is sad when you can see people, especially those who claim to be Christian can't get along and get it together after something negative happens between them.

It has to suck losing people you've grown close to, leave out of my life due to bitterness, lack of understanding, and/or not willing to forgive. 

*I will say that if that person says they are done and through with you...then let them go. Don't chase after people.*

If forgiveness is requested and that person is willing to work on making things right and repent, then do as God would do and forgive them. What happened or what was done may not be forgotten, but being unified is what we all should be striving for!

I would only cut off a person if he or she just wasn't willing to work it out. There has to be a change in behavior and true willingness to do what is right/make things right again. Same goes for me if I hurt or offend a friend and didn't try to change. I would expect them not to want to be my friend anymore. 

Although being the person I am, I'm loyal and willing do whatever it took to keep my friends. Unless God show me otherwise,  but I let Him remove people from my life. He knows who's meant for a lifetime or season. He knows each person's purpose in my life, so if their purpose is to teach me in whatever way (positive or negative experience) so in the end I learn and grow, then so be it.

All I'm trying to say that if a relationship/friendship can be worked on and fixed, do it. Don't throw in the towel just because you're mad. Don't give up on it too soon. Ask for discernment and  meeting how God wants you to go about it.

Reconciliation is good. Don't let satan tear things apart. Don't allow anger, bitterness, or stubbornness hinder you're attempt to make things right again. If you love that person, your friend, your spouse, or whoever...then pray and move forward.

My Best and Better Me

I'm in this place where I want to be better than I am now in a few areas of my life.

I have been a self taught person most of my life. I learned how to play my instruments on my own, draw, design, sew, roller blade, etc before receiving further help to improve at those things.

Now there are some things I can't just start myself. I don't stop trying, but  seeking the help I need is sometimes difficult. Although I will do what is necessary to become better at the things I love to do.

Really I wish that I could find more people willing to teach and share what they know that have the same or similar skills as myself. In particular in my field of deisgn. Some designers are so secretive or competitive as if no one can know what they know. They don't want to help another reach their potential. I noticed that a lot in the artist/design community.

Yes some people want to copy and steal ideas, but I'm truly looking to learn and improve. I want and need to be a better designer. I'll admit what I'm good at, but also my weak areas. I'm pretty good with designing flyers, but my logo skills could use some more improvement. The more I do design, the better I get at them, but I feel like I still can reach another level with logo creation.

I thank God for my job and my boss that helps me learn more and improve, but I need more outside training. School helps as well, but not as practically in some ways. 

Other than that I can't afford at this time to take additional classes/courses. Plus it would be cool to do a one on one mentor like session with an experienced graphic designer, so I can have someone to go to when I need more guidance. I'm a very visual and hands on learner.

So I won't stop what I love to do. I will continue to look for different resources to help me out. Being an artist/graphic designer is what I am. Nothing else to really fall back on. I love it. I always try and give it my best.

Anyone who receives or has received work from me, gets/got 100% of my hard work and passion. When I visualize what I need to design, I put all that I can into with what I can have (program/resources). While I don't consider myself the very best, I think whoever chooses me gets great work from me. I work well with my clients and make sure they get what they've pictured. 

I really appreciate my clients and grateful that they trust me as their go to designer. Plus they refer me, which is aslo greatly appreciated. 

I receive great support from many people and that definitely keeps my confidence up.

Well I guess I'm done. I could go on, but just know that I'm all about bettering myself. If I want to move forward and become more successful then I have to take a step back and evaluate where I need to improve. I don't like being in the same place too long. I have to learn and know more so I can apply it to my work and hobbies.

Making Assumptions

A friend gave me the suggestion to talk about making assumptions. 

Webster dictionary defines assumed as: "to think that something is true or probably true without knowing that it is true"


I will be upfront and honest to say that I have made assumptions. I've learned the hard way to be more careful about what I thought I believe to be true without finding out if it was or not.

Although, it is wrong to assume? What happens if I'm right...or wrong with my assumptions?

Personally I think assumptions are usually based on how someone is FEELING about something or someone without actually thinking it through, which can sometimes lead to issues. This may not be the case all the time, but for some it is.


I used to make assumptions based of what I may have heard or thought without prior knowledge about a person or situation. Can you assume someone is a certain way by how they look/act? Sometimes and you might be right about him or her. Although other times it can be taken too far because without gaining more information or facts, your leading yourself to believe something to be truth without validation.

Now I do my best to not assume something and run with it. I believe it is best to ask questions about what you're assuming, so you don't cause an misunderstanding. Everything seen on the outside doesn't always reveal what is going on inside. Let me reiterate that sometimes you can assume based off what you may see or hear, but I do warn that you must be careful and be ready to back up your assumption of things. If you believe what your assuming to be true, you better have proof.

Usually when making an assumptions, it is done after a period of getting to know more about something or someone and /or have seen a pattern related to either that leads you to assume what you think.

If you're right in what you assume, especially about a person, I say it is important to still deal with it appropriately.  Let's said you assume a someone to be a thief, liar, mean, etc and that person is really that way. Well what can you do (if you should be dealing with it) to help that person not be that way? Maybe address it what that person? Ask how you can help that person (if  he or she wants help)? There are probably a number of ways to go about it,  but make sure to not make things complicated. If you're right, don't brag about it. If it is true, well alright, you know what you believe was true and can now proceed with what need to be done or dealt with.


Now let's say what you assumed was wrong! Oh no! Well don't worry to much, unless you started to cause trouble or any issues with your assumption. Then you need to fix it right away. First I would ask for forgiveness if you were wrong, especially if others found out. *You already know that when you assume, you end up telling someone else what you think, which most likely lead to gossip or some kind of misunderstanding* If you assumed something wrong about a person, even if he or she didn't/doesn't know, if it is necessary, admit that you were under the wrong impression. You may have believe what someone else has told you or you simply just didn't care to find out more yourself. Sometimes people don't know they come across a certain way, then we can sometimes assume they are that way and addressing it can help make things less awkward or complicated. We've all assume something (usually bad) about someone and sometimes we assume wrong. Deal with it and move on.

So making assumptions can be a fight starter, cause issues, and get you into trouble sometimes. Assumptions could keep you out of those things as well. Just use wisdom. We're human though, so it is easy to think something is truth based off of little to no prior give info or knowledge. Assumptions can lead you all over the place, so know about what you're assuming. Be careful. You can assume someone is a thief if they steal in front of you. You can't assume someone is Christian just because they go to church. You could assume you might drown if you can't swim. You can't assume that someone is your friend if he or she is disrespecting you.

Make sure first!
Get me? I hope so.