LOVE is in the air

Every February thousands of lovers around the world come up with new ways to show and prove their love to that special person in their life. Everything from flowers, cards, teddy bears and chocolates are given as a token of appreciation and a symbol of love. Probably one of the most beloved holidays, Valentine's Day is celebrated by dinner dates, luxurious gifts and romantic gateways every year.

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the frenzy of Valentine's Day that you forget every day should be a display of your love for that special person. Of course, there will be days they may get on your last nerve but it does not change the fact that whenever they call, you will be right there. The love that we have for one another is only a inch of the love God has for us. How many times have we felt unworthy and felt we have gone too far, but His love reaches down to us, even in our lowest state. It's so easy to love someone who is doing all of the right things. But when that person has failed you in many ways then one, that is when they are really deserving of our love. This Valentine's Day while you busy showing those you love and adore why they mean so much to you, think of God's love for you and how when you did not deserve it, He sent His son Jesus to cover all your sins. What an amazing display of LOVE!

Things Fall Apart, Before They Fall into Place!

I dropped by a friend’s house the other afternoon whom I had not spoken to in a long time. I had tried several times to call her, but always got the voicemail. I started to get a bit concerned so I decided I would stop by her place. There I was in the bitter cold knocking and praying she would come to the door quickly. Boy, was I relieved to see her standing there. One, that she was alive and two, well you know. I first gave her the biggest hug and began fussing at her for not hearing from her in months. She smiled, we both laughed and we began to chat. I expressed to her how worried I was not hearing from her and asked if she was ok. She looked sternly at me and said "things have literally fallen apart”. She talked about her marriage, kids and work. Everything in her life had been shaken and she might be losing her home. I was at a lost for words to express how sorry I was for all she was going through. I wanted to lift her spirits and encourage her that regardless of the situation, God had her back. I simply looked at her and said theses subtle words to her, “things fall apart, to fall into place”. I went on to explain that many times we have to go through a test to get our testimony. Trails and hardships only show us our true strengths we otherwise would not see if life was always smooth sailing. Things fall apart to get us out of our comfort zones, so the right things that God has for us can fall into place. There are treasures we would never discover we hold if we didn’t go though storms. The greatest thing we can do is to allow God to use our lives to bear witness of Jesus and the power of God’s word. Today, allow God to use every fiber of your being for his glory and His purpose. You will not be like a sail tossed to and fro, but I pray that things will come together for you. Every thing out of place in your life, we come into divine order in Jesus name.

Out With the Old, In With the New!!

Oprah has recently launched the beginning of her final season hosting her daytime talk show "The Oprah Winfrey Show". After 25 years, countless guest, trails and triumphs, Oprah is ready to begin a new chapter in her life. Maybe she might settle down in some town, travel or just keep busy with her new network, OWN. Whatever her decision, it'll be worth while because she's choosing her own path. Just like Oprah, someone today is closing a new chapter in their life and embracing the new. Of course its not ever easy to walk away from something you've been so familiar with for years. Day after day, you've stuck to your routine and accepted your life as it is. But what will happen if you decided you might need a change? Out with the old, in with the new! Yeah right! Well, its not that simple. In fact fear so many times grips us before we are able to take the first step towards a better tomorrow. Of course we have hope and like our President says "the audacity of hope". This hope is what propels us forward. We have hope that though we might be comfortable with how things are today, some where we know we can be better, do better and that we need better. This was in many ways what caused Neo to take the red pill...he saw that if there was a greater reality he wanted to be a part of it. The decision belongs to no one else but us. We have the keys to our own destiny and are the most influential person in our lives. So maybe today for you it's starting the weight loss plan you've put off for months, starting a saving account or watching less t.v. Or could it be that daycare or beauty salon you've always wanted to start? Maybe its your book that you've began writing, titled and outlines written, but it remains on the shelf. OK, let's get real! No more excuses...time waits for no one. You have within you hidden talents, gifts and resources from God that the world is waiting for. You are the next New York Times Bestselling writer, the fashion designer to be reckoned with or the next talk show host. Whatever your calling...step out just like Peter and begin to walk on water. Of course, doubt may rear its ugly head but the hope inside of you is greater than anything. You might be a bit late for Spring cleaning but this can't wait! From now on...Its out with the old and in with the new you!!

Finding Solace in a Busy World

There is no doubt that we are living in uncertain, but exciting times. Just 3 months ago the most devastating oil spill in United States history plagued the Gulf coast. The total effect of the spill has yet to be measured, but we know that it will have long term effects to that region and gas prices. On the other hand, it will be just over 3 weeks that the 19th FIFC World Cup began in South Africa. It is the first time that the World Cup has been held in the African continent, bringing great joy to Africans everywhere.  In the midst of all that is happening in our world, we must be able to find solace and peace.

The news now is frequent with disturbing and troubling headlines, that we try to manage the amount we intake everyday. Have you ever wondered if there will ever be a day with all good news? I believe the thought has crossed all of our minds at one time or the other. The real question should be how can i find solace in this busy world? The answer is simple: Perspective. Your perspective is very important, because it decides how you react to different issues or circumstances that may arise in your life. How we see a situation, not only determines how we deal with it, but if we can overcome it or not.

Your perspective is tied to your vision. Your vision enables you to walk in purpose and your purpose, indeed brings you to destiny. Many people struggle with their perspective, because as a society we are so prone to seeing the negative aspect of a situation. Instead of examining the possibilities of something good or beneficial coming out of our issues, we are quick to accept the bad. How can we change our perspective? The key is preparation. We must prepare ourselves with time in meditation, prayer, study and self-reflection. We spend so much time doing other things that keep us so busy everyday, we hardly have time to sit and reflect on our lives properly.

Gaining the right perspective is so important. If we can spend time reflecting everyday, no matter the situation, we will be well equipped to deal with it in the proper manner. Our stress, panic attacks and even health issues will greatly decrease. We will be able to keep a peaceful mind and internal environment, regardless of what is going on around us. This is so vital for a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Finding solace in this busy world is the key for a healthy mind, body and spirit.