Moving Forward

Keep Moving Forward!

Happy Monday Everyone! I pray you had a peaceful weekend. As we are approach the end of January, I sincerely hope your 2011 has started out in a productive direction.

Pay It Forward: I spent a little extra time actually talking and listening to someone. I often feel like I'm so in a hurry with the daily grind that I often miss the opportunity to talk to someone that may very well be alone. A simple polite conversation really made someone's day. It made me feel good. We greet people with: "Hi, how are you?" But we don't actually Stop...and listen to the person. So, my pay it forward was something valuable....a little extra Time.

This week's blog is simply...Keep on Moving FORWARD! In certain areas of my life I sometimes ask, "What's the point?"..."Why do I have to do this?" "Why am I still dedicated to this?" I have my moments when I don't see results or things just seem to be at a stand-still I tend to get frustrated and feel like maybe this is not what I'm supposed to be doing. In those moments, I just keep telling myself, "Keep moving forward."

Specifically this blog, I know it was laid on my heart to do it but sometimes I just don't see the results in it. I've prayed and devoted to planting whatever seed given to me for that week, however I do get discouraged. I do feel like I'd rather be doing something else with my time on Monday mornings. I do feel like, "Lord I practically have to beg for people to receive the seeds & comment." I do feel like why was I selected to do this when most people don't even take the time to read!?"

Then He says.........

"This is NOT about you. It's about Me. You do as you're told and let me do the rest."

So I keep moving forward.

I shared this personal nugget with you all because you may also feel like "what's the point?" regarding a certain area of your life. All I can tell you is if you're striving for something that you know will yield positive results...KEEP moving FORWARD! You may not see the results right away. You may not know what impact you've had on someone else’s day/life. You may not ever see the reward in what you're doing in the natural realm. You may not ever get your "just due." You don’t know if what you’re doing is actually a critical part of your life’s plan & destiny. You may not even understand why you're doing what it is that's been laid upon your heart to do...but just KEEP being obedient. He will send you confirmation, encouragement and re-enforcement to help you continue the journey. There is reward in being faithful. There is reward in Him for doing things that you may not want to do.

Just Keep moving forward and let Him guide!

Have a super dooper week!

Chanel-

Change is a Process

Change: Celebrate the small Steps

Happy Monday Everyone! I pray you had a peaceful weekend.

Pay It Forward: I gave away items to 2 of my coworkers for their kids. I was asked several times "How much do you want for this?" It made me feel good inside to simply say, "Nothing."

This week I want to focus on the topic of Change. A week or so ago, I was talking to a dear friend of mine...we chatted a bit and then out of the blue she said to me, "You've changed." I asked her to explain to me how so...she went on to say that based on our conversation she could tell that something was different with me and that I had in fact, changed. She went on to assure me that the change she saw in me was in fact a change for the better and that it was evident. That made my heart smile more than she could have ever known. It almost brought a few tears to my eyes. To know that I was making the necessary adjustments in my life, my walk, my daily living that someone else noticed a change...made me feel so thankful and proud. It let me know that not only am I hearing the word...but I'm applying it to my life. I am living with the goal of not only talking the talk...but walking the walk. Meaning, I'm held accountable for what I say and do. But in that...I can STILL be myself! I'm FAR from perfect and there are still areas of my life that I know I need to zero in on and really pray about them. There are situations & fears that I have to work daily at making sure they don't become stumbling blocks for me and where I want to go in life. My destiny. My God given destiny....

The change that she, and other people have witnessed in me...has been a process. I'm still in process mode. I do believe now more than ever in the saying: "I may not be what/where I want to be...but I THANK GOD I'm not what I used to be!" Man see's my flaws but God knows the finished product. I'm just so grateful that He allowed her to reveal that to me because that encouraged ME to keep on keeping on!

When we think about changes that we make in our lives...we often get so caught up in the final product and don't take the time to celebrate the small accomplishments. Example: If you say you want to stop smoking....and one day you "fall off the wagon"...don't beat yourself up about it! Celebrate the fact that instead of smoking 10 cigarettes a day...you're now down to 5! You may not be at your "I've quit smoking" stage but you're well on your way~! So, celebrate! It will give you more encouragement and will serve as a reminder that change is in fact a process. I used smoking as my example but it can be anything...maybe you want to change how you react in stressful situations, how you deal emotionally, how you treat other people, how you manage your finances, how you treat YOURSELF, how you manage your time etc. Whatever your change is...just remember that change is a process. Don't beat yourself up if you have a setback. Simply acknowledge it and keep moving on! Celebrate each and every milestone, no matter how small you may think it is. Before you know it...you will be at the finish line and the change will be a new way of life.

I have to note that not everyone will support, accept or love the changes you will make. They may have a hard time adjusting to the "new & better" you. As long as you know the changes YOU are making are for you to live a more peaceful & authentic life..don't let how they feel or what they say discourage you!! Stay focused on your goals!

I encourage you all, if there is something you have been desiring to change...Pray and ask God for wisdom, strength & direction. With Him as your guide you can never go wrong OR fall short!

Have a super dooper splendid week!

Chanel-

Perfect Timing!

Perfect Timing

Happy Monday Everyone! I pray you all had a peaceful week. Before I get into this weeks blog, I want to add...in an effort to hold myself accountable for my "Pay it Forward" declaration & way of living I will post my deeds each week on this blog.

Pay It Forward - I placed 30 minutes on a clothes dryer for a man that looked like he could use it. It wasn't much but he simply smiled and said, "Thank you." It felt AMAZING!

This week I want to zero in on Gods Perfect Timing. As I was driving to work this morning, I spent time reflecting back on specific situations in my life where I spent time worrying, losing sleep, not eating, sad, depressed and anxious. The never ending questions: IF certain things would happen for me? Would things work out? Why didn't certain things work out? How would they work out or come together? When things would fall into place? Those questions that can and will drive you crazy! In that same reflective moment, I fast forward to where I am now. I think about how IF certain things didn't happen EXACTLY when and how they DID happen.....I would be screwed! {For lack of a better word}. If things had happened when and how I wanted them to happen I can't even begin to imagine the horrible place I would be in right now. Emotional fear based decisions on MY part would have landed me in a place where I would be begging to get out of! Although at the time..I thought I knew what was best and when it was best for ME!

Thank GOD for His perfect timing! The great thing about praying for direction and surrendering control over your life is that you don't have to bog yourself down with the pressures of life. AND...even GreatER is that your prayers won't be answered not a moment TOO soon! Even IF you don't understand the why, when or how of things, just know there is an appointed time for everything. Pray, live & let God guide.

Life is a process. The thing you've been praying for may very well be in your plan BUT there are things YOU need to go through BEFORE you can obtain it. Perhaps He knows that you're not quite ready for it. Perhaps if you DID get it now..you wouldn't be able to hold on to it. Perhaps there are other things that need to happen in your life to season you and prep you for it. Perhaps if you did get it now..you really wouldn't appreciate it. My point being..He knows. He knows your desires, prayers & concerns. Not only does He know IF...He knows WHEN. So, don't worry yourself to death over things in your life. Trust me...as I'm speaking to you...I'm also listening to myself! I need this word like many of you and I know how difficult it is at times to trust that His timing is in fact, Perfect.

Don't give up! Hang in there...and know that if you surrender control...live the best life you can...try to make the best decisions you can...He will bless! And..even if he doesn't give you what you've been praying for, He has a far better plan than we do. You just have to trust that!

I leave you with my favorite scripture:

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths."



Have a super week!

Chanel-

Unrealistic Expectations

"Unrealistic Expectations"

Happy New Year!!

Wow..the first blog of 2011! I'm super excited about what this fresh New Year is going to bring. 365 more days of new mercy, favor, opportunities, blessings, growth potential, milestones, accomplishments & personal development. I don't know about you, but I'm really looking forward to this year and I pray that with each day I'm granted... I live more authentically.

This week I want to talk a little about expectations. I selected the above picture because I think most of us will agree that when you think of the word expectation...it almost always shares the word disappointment in the same thought. We place expectations on every aspect of our lives. We place expectations on our partners, children, co-workers, friends and associates. We've come to place these expectations without even realizing we are in fact doing so. It should be noted that in many of these dynamics, we should have expectations. Without them, there is no reference point nor is there accountability to the individuals involved. Example: We should have expectations of our intimate partners when it comes to certain core values and considerations of the relationship. There are certain expectations that come simply because you are in a relationship. With each relationship, the expectations will be different and will vary depending on the stage of the relationship but there are certain foundational expectations that BOTH people should have in order for the relationship to thrive and be healthy. Three of the foundational elements/expectations are trust, communication and compromise. If any of these expectations are not met and shared by the individuals involved, there is sure to be discord ultimately leading to the demise of the relationship.

This leads me into the purpose of today’s blog. Although there are certain expectations we need in order for us to remain accountable for our actions and/or inactions, we place too many unrealistic expectations on other people. We expect people to make US happy, we expect people to know what WE are feeling, we expect people to read our minds, we expect people to make US proud, we expect people to never let US down, we expect people to never make mistakes where WE are concerned, we expect people to never hurt OUR feelings, we expect people to Always come through for US when WE need them, we expect people to always be dependable, we expect people to cater to our emotions, feelings, and woes, we expect people to make US have fun, we expect expect expect! It was exhausting just typing that so I'm sure it’s even MORE exhausting for the people we expect those things from. It's exhausting to know that you are personally responsible for all of those things.

Imagine waking up each morning knowing that another person depends on you for ALL that! It's unrealistic and just like the T-Shirt says...will ONLY lead to disappointment. People are going to make mistakes. They will let you down. They will make you upset. They will not always be there for you in your time of emotional, physical and/or financial need. They will not always be able to read your mind/mood. People have limitations. People are flawed. People are not the end-all-be-all of YOUR happiness, security and well-being.

Along my journey I've come to realize...the only one that can meet and EXCEED all of the above is God. I've shifted my expectations from people...to the only one that CAN meet my every need. If you keep your focus on Him you won't have unrealistic expectations of people. I'm not an expert at it; in fact I work daily to keep my focus where it needs to be. But, in such a short time of making Him my central focus..so many doors have opened for me in many areas of my life. Some really unexpected! I’ve been granted emotional & mental stability because my shift of expectations has resulted in a significant reduction in my disappointments. I'm just happy again. I'm content because I'm not depending on other people to meet requirements and expectations that I know they cannot possible maintain.

So...I charge you today: Shift your expectations from People to the one that will NEVER let you down!

Have an amazing week! Have Peace..until we meet again.

Chanel-

Paying it Forward

"Changing the World...One small Favor at a time"

"Anyone can Pay it Back. The true beauty is Paying it Forward."

Good morning everyone. I pray you had a peaceful and wonderful holiday. As for me, this was truly one of the best, if not thee best Christmas I've ever experienced. We were even blessed to have a white Christmas this year! Although I'm not a fan of the white stuff...I must admit, it was just enough to add that special kiss to an amazing day and extended weekend.

As the Christmas of 2010 becomes yet another memory, I would like to focus on the inspiration for the upcoming 2011 year. The topic for this week’s blog was actually placed on my heart 2 weeks ago but because it keeps resurfacing, I know this is the destined place I need to park it - and share it. 

Over the past few weeks, I have been running head-on with the concept of "Paying it Forward." It's like everywhere I turn...I keep hearing about heart-tugging stories of people that have received blessings at the hands of a total stranger. I was first introduced to the concept years ago when I watched the movie, "Pay it Forward." The concept was popularized with the book Pay It Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde, which was later made into the movie. Since then, I have encountered individuals that have shared their personal stories with me about how a total stranger did something for them...no questions asked. The only thing they may ask is that the person Pay it forward. Thus, do something kind for someone else that will be a blessing; just as they were blessed. Example, stories of people paying the tolls for the car behind them, buying groceries for the person in front of them in the check-out line, seeing a stranger in need of assistance and lending a helping hand..I could go on and on but I'm sure you get the picture. It's not always something big; in fact they are usually small gestures of kindness that have a positive ripple effect in the Universe.

"The world can seem like an unfriendly, threatening place, yet we all want safety, health, and happiness for ourselves and our loved ones. How can one ordinary person -- you or me -- make a positive difference in this world? One way is the practice "paying it forward." While the steps might be simple, the outcome could change the world."

The one thing I do know..the universe is round, "What you give is what you get...Universal Plan" and although you do things not expecting something in return, you never know when your act of kindness will boomerang back to YOUR doorstep. 

I would like to challenge you all to adopt "Pay it Forward" in your every day living. I know I am! I want 2011 to be the year that I personally do things that will have some positive impact on the way people view the world. No, Paying it Forward will not save the world..but it WILL perhaps change the way someone views the people in it. I want to believe that there are still some good, thoughtful, kind and compassionate people here! I want to believe that there are still people that will do good deeds without expecting something in return. I want to believe that people still care about someone other than themselves. So, the only way for me to believe that...is to start with ME leading by example.

My journey is to become a better & more spiritually aware person. Also to live more authentically. I've been in this journey for almost a year now. I learned several valuable lessons along the way and I'm thankful for what each one has taught me. I've learned that not everyone will see the good in people. I've learned that not all good deeds are rewarded (in the way that YOU feel they should). I've learned that people's perception about life... based on their own personal past experiences can shape and mold how they view others. I've learned that life isn't always fair. People aren't always fair, and people will misjudge you when your heart is in the best of places...my list could go on and on. But the one thing I want to leave you all with is that...living a self-less life and doing for other people will make a huge difference in how you respond to life itself. Be the light that will brighten the path for someone else along their journey.

Do something kind for another person and just watch how it softens your own heart.  

Pay it forward.

Until we meet again, Happy New Year!! 

When nothing's wrong....

It's ALL Good!

"Life isn't a matter of milestones but of moments."   Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

Happy Monday to you all! I pray your weekend was filled with peace and love. This will be a short and sweet blog but one that has been layed on my heart.

Yesterday's word was, "Making it through the day." Meaning...sometimes life will throw you curve balls, painful events, disappointments and just "learning lessons" that are difficult to weather. With all that we go through in life..sometimes you find yourself just trying to make it thru the day. We've all been there at some point or another. And as the old folks would say.."If you haven't, just keep on livin'."

The purpose of this particular blog is to shine light on celebrating, enjoying and appreciating when things are all good! Those moments in life when there is nothing going on, no fires to put out, no issues to deal with, no drama, no immediate bill or financial issues, no problems with the kids, no brewing conflicts with coworkers...you get the picture. I find that we focus so much on things "happening" or pending things that could happen that we forget to enjoy and appreciate when nothings happening.

I found myself reflecting this weekend and I had to take a deep breath and say: "Thank you Lord for this time of everything being ALL good!" Happiness, peace, love, family, emotional, spiritual, mental, physical...friends, pets, finances....everything is just ALL good! I slept so well. I laughed, shopped... I mean, I just enjoyed Life!

We all know that old saying "If it ain't one thing it's another" and "It's always something around the corner"...and most times, these are very true. Which is why we must appreciate when life is calm, peaceful and going smooth. You need those times to help you maintain and weather when you do find yourself in the thick of Life. On the other side..if you are actively IN a storm...hold on! This too shall pass. You too will be able to enjoy a season of calm. You just have to hang in there and don't give up!

So, today I say...if you are like me, and in a calm, still and great season in life...no matter how long or short this season will be...enjoy it! Yes, there may be something waiting for you tomorrow, this week or next month... but for now...just appreciate the precious gift from God of everything being, all Good!

Stay Encouraged!

Have a wonderful week.

Chanel-

Giving & Receiving

The Holiday Gift

If you're a receiver..practice the art of giving from your heart. Do something that makes someone else smile and let that be reward enough for you.

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."  ~William A. Ward

I hope this weeks Blog finds you all in the best health and strength. Since we are approaching the wonderful Holiday season, Christmas...I wanted to take a few moments to share my thoughts giving and receiving.

Some people are natural givers, this includes myself. Giving makes us feel good. It makes us feel of value and worth. It's the one thing we can do to bring a smile to someone else’s face & their hearts. The giving I'm referring to is not always materialistic. I'm speaking about the gift(s) of encouragement, uplifting, time, love, a helping hand, laughter, a shoulder to lean on etc. If you're like me, you actually sit back and think, "What can I do to put a smile on someone's face?" For those of you that know me...you'll get the occasional greeting card just because, my favorite "Stay Encouraged" text..Or my "come to the crib...let's sip some wine and tell me alllll about it." lol...Those things make me feel good. At this stage of my life I'm filled with love. Because of everything that God has done for me and with me. No, I'm not saying the "fleshly" part of Chanel, doesn't want to expose its ugly head from time to time but I work daily at putting others before myself. I do it because of my obedience, not because I necessarily want to. Also, because I am so grateful for being able to look myself in the mirror at night and sleep peacefully. Those things are... my gifts. To give you more about my personal background to help you understand where I'm coming from: I once took a spiritual gifts class. It was determined that I have the spiritual gift of exhortation. For those of you who don't know exactly what that means:

The gift of Exhortation: the special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to stand beside fellow believers in need and bring comfort, counsel and encouragement so they feel helped. It is ability to minister strengthening words of consolation to other members of the Body in such a way that they feel helped and healed. The gifted believer is able to reach out with Christian love and presence to people in personal conflict or facing a spiritual void. By virtue of this gift these people are motivated through encouraging words to live fruitful lives.

So, giving is not something that I do...but that which I am. I can't control it. It's a gift that I give to others...but it's primarily a gift given to me...by God. I always wondered why I have the strong desire to give (remember, I'm not speaking about material things here)...I always wondered why I feel complete and filled when I give. I also have cried a many of tears when I do give and it's not received. It leaves an emptiness that I have to pray in order for it to be filled. Well, once I took this class I realized. The answer is.. because it not for me...but for those who are in need. I'm just the vessel. But, God rewards me, with the feeling I get knowing I'm doing what I'm here to do. To uplift, encourage and comfort those individuals sent to me for such purposes.

Which leads me into the next area...receiving. Many givers are not always "good receivers." But it's so true; many people that are natural givers...do not always know how to receive. I'm not sure why, but speaking for myself, it makes me feel a little uncomfortable at first. You may question someone’s motives, or the reasons behind it...or even feel like "why is this person being SO nice!? There must be something wrong?" Does this sound familiar to any of the givers in the house? lol ..I'm sure it does. We are so used to giving that we haven't quite mastered the art of receiving. This leads to the other person feeling frustrated, unappreciated and confused. Although that is FAR from your intention, that's exactly what it does.

The truth is...everyone has a desire to give. We must allow people to DO what has been laid on their heart to do. Your inability to receive may in fact block someone else’s blessing. How so? ..Because if God speaks to someone and tells them to do something for you...and you give them a hard way to go or are always questioning why someone can be so nice, they may get frustrated and throw up their hands with it. Thus, not being obedient to what God has told them to do..and hence blocking a blessing they have coming to them. Learn to let go of fears and insecurities that hold you back from really receiving the love of God being shared thru someone else. Learn to trust God and break through walls that make it difficult for you to receive.
We are spiritual-beings in a natural living experience. Learn to give...but also learn how to receive.

May you all have a blessed, safe & peaceful week. Thank you for all of your kind words support. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.

Chanel-