I know

Sometimes I find myself dwelling on the negative aspects of life. I find this especially pressing when I feel an a recent endeavor has failed, and I can't seem to take my mind off of it. It is during these times that I have to challenge myself to remain positive. I find that God then reminds me of all the wonderful things I have accomplished, to encourage me to strive forward. For worry, anciety, fear and depression are not of God. Today I challenge the same from you - make a list and reference it whenever you feel down. I am going to open up about a few things that God has enabled my success on. All of these different experiences have made me stronger and help me remain positive when I feel something has failed.

These are either things that I have accomplished, am doing, or I feel I have made great strides in thse areas of my life:

Stopped biting my nails
Lost 35 pounds
Overcame Dyslexsia high school valedictorian and graduate Cumm Laude
Learned to play piano at 18
Learned to LOVE my freckles
Published my Blog
Slowing following God's direction in my life
Stopped cracking my knuckles
Am more positive
Starting to develop a positive self image
Implemented a healthy eating and exercising regime
Attending Al Anon
Learned to accept others for who they are
Waiting on God
Learned to read music at 18
Started writing again
Spokesperson for the American Heart Association
Learning to Trust

I can be proud of all of these little things - this helps me to press forward in times of doubt. I know you have things you have accomplished to that you don't even think about. If you can't come up with a list, have a friend create one for you. You are more valued than you know!

God has a plan for your life - I know you can push through this TIME!

For ENCOURAGEMENT

From God's Minute I felt I needed to share this -

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Ps 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-30)
For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6)
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.(John 8:41-44)
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (I John 4:16)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (I John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (I John 3:7)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.(Jeremiah 29:11)
Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.(Jeremiah 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3)
For if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29)
So, Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)
For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18)
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.(Revelation 21:3-4)
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.(John 17:23)
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:26)
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5;18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.(I John 4:10)
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32)
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (I John 2:23)
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. (Romans 8:38-29)
When it's time for you to Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7)
I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15)
My question is....Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)

Be encouraged! God LOVES YOU!

ABIDING SUCCESS

Today at lunch I decided to read my bible to get a little insight. Interestingly enough, this is the passage I was reading:

"Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." - PROVERBS 2:5-6

When reading the translated notes I noticed when a person seeks "sound wisdom" (can be translated "abiding success" or "victory") he/she will find it in the fear of the Lord or the knowledge of God. Take all those definitions and string them together to grasp this statement -
Abiding success is found through the knowledge of God. I believe this is a comforting statement.

So, just as I was finding comfort in words that I didn't quite understand at the time (it all culminated just now) I received a phone call. Ironically, there was a church who needed office coffee (the service I sell). An opportunity appeared - and it wasn't even asked for. Just as I am seeking the "sound wisdom" (abiding success) of God by reading my bible, I receive a phone call for a sale. I wish everything was that obvious to me - seek God and he will show you just how he will work for your abiding success.

Routine

Phone alarm goes off, my day begins. I get on the computer to check on any overnight emails that may have trailed in. Get in the shower, take a moment to scrub off the sleepy feeling. Get ready for work. Scurry around from APPT to APPT. In between I will stop to work on paperwork, correspondence, etc. Conclude the work day, go to yoga. This is the outline of my day.

Have you ever noticed that anything which interrupts your natural daily (established) pattern throws you off a bit. Sometimes the interruption can be positive but we constantly resist changing our daily routine. The reason I mention this relies simply on the fact that these routines are definitely a great way to establish a pattern, but do not allow you to be spontaneous when other situations arise. At times you will find yourself in a box with no doors, living in a constant state of duress. The fact is, life changes constantly, and those who are able to adapt to the changes with out being frazzled are far more capable of expanding their experiences and perhaps success. I believe individuals fall into a self deprecating routine which ultimately doesn't allow room for encouraging changes.

The next time you find yourself in a tizzy, figure out what fell out of your established pattern and take a deep breath. Realize that your ability to go with the flow at times is essential to your stress free survival. Stop worrying about how your plan for the day, your life, your relationship, proceeded off track, perhaps GOD had something else in mind. :)

"Then you will walk safely in your way; And your foot will not stumble." PROVERBS 3:23

Evening Sushi

It is quite insteresting how I have this obsession with sushi. I think I could probably have sushi every day of the week. It has become as common to me as a sandwich is to a preschooler. I can't help it, Sushi is the the absolute only food that I can eat and feel no remorse about at all. Paired back with sashimi it is the perfect combination of protein and carbs (assuming brown rice is requested for the rolls). I mean just think about it, protein, vegetables, brown rice and seaweed all wrapped into a nice neat editable roll. The perfect LIGHT lunch or dinner that leaves you feeling just as skinny as when you started. Only problem, when you start to enter into all the fancy rolls - and you must eventually. These are wher you might find yourself racking up the calories without realizing it. The fabulous sauces, tempura addition and all the other fancy ways you can alter the plan jane sushi. But hey just one roll of this type won't bust your belt. :)