A Look Inside...

Hello World! It's been a while since my last entry...I've been a busy little bee, but I'm taking the last quarter of this year to delve into myself! Not in a manner of being selfish, rather just taking time to get myself together. There are many distractions all around & I allowed one in & got consumed by it! Social Media! I noticed I was using it for ministry, as an outlet, but more shocking I recently discovered that I was hiding behind it! I'm a pretty transparent person to all of the world, but when it came to being transparent to myself I closed my eyes! Until October 1, 2012...that's when I opened my eyes & faced me! Now one month later I can honestly say that I saw a few things in myself that were not pretty nor pleasant. I asked God to gut me out & show me ME, but I don't think I was prepared to see all that I am seeing, but I'm glad I can see it, acknowledge it & work on growing thru my transition in the most positive way possible. I can honestly say that I've experienced denial, admittance, acceptance, anger, tears & smiles in the last month. I currently feel like I'm in therapy-I journal daily & there is healing in just being real! If we can't be real with ourselves then we can't be real with anyone! Honesty really is the best policy! The 1st week of not posting anything, it was a bit scary. I was so used to grabbing my laptop or cell phone to post my every thought. Although I felt led to share a lot & many would comment on how encouraged they were after reading what I'd shared, I still needed a break. We can pour out into others until we're depleted! But, just like a bank, if you never make any deposits, you'll never be able to make a withdrawal! I was on E for empty! All that is dandy, I was totally willing - my intentions were good & my motives were pure, but even though I was transparent & honest, I was still hiding behind it, I think. Whenever we write or say something, there's always something we choose to leave out. Maybe even subconsciously! Since I've not posted anything, I could immediately tell the difference! My mind clutter was quieted! I felt anxiety because I felt I was letting my readers down, but I felt an overwhelming sense of peace within myself as well. The best examination is a self examination & I shall continue my self exam! I highly recommend it to everyone! Although it may be scary, it's the best gift I could've given myself at this time in my life! It's not just for me, it's for all those in my circle & for all those whom I'll meet in the future! I really feel like I'm discovering my best self! Breathing deeply & smiling... Take care & be well. May God continue to bless you all richly! :) SALVATION... Please Don't Leave Earth Without It!

OVERWHELMED???

Stress can kill anyone! It affects everyone! Babies, youth, young adults, adults, EVERYONE, every class, every location, every nationality!
Ignoring or hiding from the problem won't help, I know because I've tried! Outside distractions don't make it go away either...when I get behind on things laughing, vacationing & playing is only temporary & my problems are still there! BREAKS ARE IMPORTANT, but for me, I'd enjoy it much better knowing that I'm working to resolve the issues at hand rather than feeling like I'm running from them!
I notice how stress & tension knots dissolve once I take care of MY business! But even knowing HOW to get to that point is a challenge at times! But, I'VE GOTTA FACE IT! I MUST DEAL WITH IT & truth be told, some things I get myself into by being lazy or trifling~I don't believe in saving face~ & other things God allows to happen for His purposes & my greater good. Either way, I call them all teachable moments! God is so Faithful, so Sovereign & I'm grateful that even though I deserve to suffer from my consequences, He grants me grace & mercy & helps me endure those consequences that I've brought on myself! I don't know any person who would do that...we as a people would be so quick to say "uh huh, that's what you get~serves you right!" Well, let me just talk about me, I'm not proud of it, but in the past I've said that before! Hmph! How many know we reap just what we sow?

So, what can one do to rid their lives of this stress? Glad you asked! Some people turn to alcohol, drugs, sex, food, excessive people, shopping, hoarding things & some become mean, a workaholic, a recluse, or even a work out animal, others just rebel & shut down...it can be quite depressing! You're not in this alone! I don't judge how anyone chooses to deal with their stress, but here's what I do now:

1) I pray & ask God to help me in each area, no matter how small or huge it seems, I still need help knowing how to maneuver effectively! Whether its making calls, arrangements, payments, scheduling appointments. Whatever the case may be, I ask for His guidance & take a whole bunch of deep breaths...slowly in thru the nose & blow it out slowly thru the mouth!

2) I journal...A LOT! (write the vision & make it plain) Helps to actually see what I'm dealing with & PRIORITIZE things because I don't want to bite off more than I can chew & get even more overwhelmed! (kinda defeats the purpose) I HANDLE 1 THING AT A TIME! Also, sometimes I keep quiet to meditate & other times I confide in a confidant, getting it out does wonders for me!

3) I do what Holy Spirit leads me to do! God hears & He answers! I'm being led, shown, helped & next thing you know that big ol' huge problem is not so intimidating anymore! Works for me!!!

This is NOT something I read, I'M LIVING IT!!! THANK YOU LORD FOR ALWAYS HELPING ME...EVEN WHEN I SCREW UP BIG TIME, YOU FORGIVE ME & HELP ME FORGIVE MYSELF!!! I WOULD NEVER MAKE IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP!!!



SALVATION... Please Don't Leave Earth Without It!