Month: December 2010

One Word – Resolution

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I follow a blog titled Grit and Glory.  The author has challenged her readers to choose  “one word” to focus on for 2011 instead of the specific goals we set for ourselves.  Last year, she chose the word “risk”.  She said, “It helped me make decisions. Take steps. Share my heart. It spurred me on. Challenged me. Inspired me. I loved it and I hated it, but I didn’t forget it.”
After looking back and reflecting on what 2010 meant for me, I cannot help but be inspired to set a one word resolution for myself.   After careful consideration and prayer, I have chosen a word that will fill in the gaps and push me to be whole. 
As the new year quickly approaches, what are you expecting and hoping for? What would you like to see different?  Maybe “one word” can make the difference. 
“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.” -Maya Angelou
Wishing you an exciting and prosperous 2011!!

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Giving of Oneself

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Here lately, my heart has been broken for the homeless.  Daily, I encounter many homeless vendors hustling the street corners to sell the Contributor.  They buy the paper for $.25 and sell them for $1.00.  I cannot imagine what is like to only make a couple of dollars a day and have to rely on the grace and mercy of others every single day. 

I am ashamed to admit, but in the past I had a different opinion of the homeless.  I thought that if I gave them money, they would just use it to buy drugs or alcohol.  My perception changed when I saw a homeless woman with her down syndrome child.  It seemed that they lived inside their car.  No man, woman, or child for that matter should have to live in a car.  Everyone deserves a meal and a place to sleep, and it is not my place to judge them on what led them to this situation. 

My job is to give and serve.  When my money or items (articles of clothing, food, or toiletries) leave my hands, then it is out of my control.  What they choose to do with it is their choice.  I have sowed a seed of love and hopefully made an impact.

1 Peter 4:9-11 says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

Is there a need to serve around you? Is it on your street corner, your neighbor, or your friend?  Can you give your time or your resources?  Can you serve in the soup kitchen?  Can you spend $1.00 on the Contributor?  Can you simply smile, acknowledge them, and make them feel valued?

My purpose in writing this is not to condemn, but inspire.  Use your gifts wisely and don’t let them go to waste.

“The human contribution is the essential ingredient. It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live.” -Ethel Percy Andrus

Living with Confidence

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On Sunday, Joel Osteen preached a message titled Living with Confidence.  He said that many people live life admiring others, but never realize that God has planted seeds of greatness in them.  These seeds remain dormant until they are activated by faith and confidence in God.   He asked, “Could it be that the very thing holding you back in life is your lack of confidence?”

As far fetched as this may sound, I have dreams of being a published author, being debt free, and work in the non- profit sector.  I plan on owning a beach home where friends and family can come and go as they please.  When I express those dreams, I often get funny looks or comments that take my dreams lightly. 

Who is to say that any of this will not come true?  What is so wrong with dreaming, hoping for something greater?

Habakkuk 2:2-3 says, “And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by.  For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.”

Although my dreams have not come to pass, I eagerly wait for them; as I truly believe they will come true.  What are you dreaming for?  Has it happened yet?  Has someone discouraged you from dreaming? I challenge you to write down your dreams, your vision, as I stated above.  Have faith and start living with confidence.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.” -Henry David Thoreau