Even in the lean times you have a reason to be grateful. It's been a very hectic week and my schedule was been packed with meetings; answering telephone calls and responding to income emails. Additionally, I'd produced and interviewed three amazing guests for our "Women in Jazz" series for CoffeeTalk Jazz Radio and there was the post show wrap-up for each guest.
CoffeeTalk Jazz Radio is hugely popular and to produce at my level takes hours of research and high energy. Before tackling another piece of paper, I decided to step back for a few moments and take a break. I called my sister for energy and to check-in as we often do throughout the day. I wasn't prepared for what she'd share she begin to talk about our family friend Yahcee.
I heard her voice but I could hardly ingest what she was saying. I repeated her words to be sure I was clear. I felt my voice crack as I grasped for air. My sister shared Yahcee’s grave diagnosis of "Brain Cancer".
Yachee has been a wonderful friend and a part of our family for the past 16 years. We haven't seen or heard from Yachee in months, that was unusual. I'd ask my sister every few weeks about Yachee her answer was always the same. "No I have not heard from him" she'd say. We thought he might be away on vacation he traveled extensively after his retirement.
The tiredness I felt earlier left me as my sister told me of Yahcee's fourth surgery to remove a large brain tumor. I couldn’t believe it! I asked her how Yachee was doing she said he's been out of the hospital and home for a week, he didn't sound like himself but he was grateful to be alive.
There are many ways to measure gratefulness and success. I choose to measure my wealth by the breath and health in my body. We all have a reason to be grateful and my number one reason is that I'm alive.
I'd like to hear your reason for being grateful!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
"CHALLENGE I CANT".
Does this statement sound familar? "I can't do it!"
How many times have you heard that nagging voice in your head? Cmon be honest, only you can answer that question. We've all heard that voice and sometimes we still hear it. The more you step out in faith and do what you think you can't that nagging voice begins to fade.
When you put off and important task it may seems like laziness, the true culprit may be a mental block. Sometimes you lose confidence in yourself to the extent that you don't want to step out, so you move very cautionously and you don't do anything.
Let's take a closer look at these three Red Flags:
Procrastination
Real problem: Fear of Failure
Notice your stalling is a way to self-handicap it creates the obstacle of insufficient time as and excuse for falling short of your goals. Here's my game plan. I used what's called reframing, it's a simple technique I use to break down any daunting task into small measures goals, and I able to handle any task and I'm effective at reaching my goals.
Careless Mistakes
Real problem: Frustration
I love sports, so I'll use this analogy. Some athletes are good at hiding inner turmoil before game time. High expections are usually at the root of the problem. If you have a seemly impossible ambition and you feel like you may miss the mark, change your focus. Use every available skill at your disposal to reach your goals.
Think back for a moment when you set out to reach that seemingly impossible task. You reached it and even surpassed it, that's stumbling block was only in your mind. It's important to think about the long term benefits of reaching your goal this is a great way to regain your tenacity and stay focused.
Indecision
Real Problem: Insecurity
Did you know it's takes confidence to make a decision? We all experience self-doubt from time to time the key is follow through and consist movement. There is nothing wrong with making a mistake, it's and opportunity to learn more about yourself and how you handle missteps. If you look at your situation from this vantage point you can change the outcomes and achieve postive results.
I'd like to hear how you met your last challenge!
How many times have you heard that nagging voice in your head? Cmon be honest, only you can answer that question. We've all heard that voice and sometimes we still hear it. The more you step out in faith and do what you think you can't that nagging voice begins to fade.
When you put off and important task it may seems like laziness, the true culprit may be a mental block. Sometimes you lose confidence in yourself to the extent that you don't want to step out, so you move very cautionously and you don't do anything.
Let's take a closer look at these three Red Flags:
Procrastination
Real problem: Fear of Failure
Notice your stalling is a way to self-handicap it creates the obstacle of insufficient time as and excuse for falling short of your goals. Here's my game plan. I used what's called reframing, it's a simple technique I use to break down any daunting task into small measures goals, and I able to handle any task and I'm effective at reaching my goals.
Careless Mistakes
Real problem: Frustration
I love sports, so I'll use this analogy. Some athletes are good at hiding inner turmoil before game time. High expections are usually at the root of the problem. If you have a seemly impossible ambition and you feel like you may miss the mark, change your focus. Use every available skill at your disposal to reach your goals.
Think back for a moment when you set out to reach that seemingly impossible task. You reached it and even surpassed it, that's stumbling block was only in your mind. It's important to think about the long term benefits of reaching your goal this is a great way to regain your tenacity and stay focused.
Indecision
Real Problem: Insecurity
Did you know it's takes confidence to make a decision? We all experience self-doubt from time to time the key is follow through and consist movement. There is nothing wrong with making a mistake, it's and opportunity to learn more about yourself and how you handle missteps. If you look at your situation from this vantage point you can change the outcomes and achieve postive results.
I'd like to hear how you met your last challenge!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
"Climb Every Mountain"
Adventure isn’t something that’s reserved for the extreme athlete anymore, it’s the expression of your heart’s intention and passion for life.
It’s the ability to think big about who you are and how you live life. Have you ever consider climbing a literal mountain? We do it every day without a second thoughts. Life should be and adventure. Adventure is the willingness to embrace challenge and move toward success.
By definition and adventure has an unknown outcome if something has a predetermined outcome it’s not an adventure. I have faced many challenges and found that I'm very adventurous. I know see the uncertainty as the gift of possibility. When you approach everything with an adventure, You'll find a level of engagement and awareness.
The way that I choose to look at obstacles in front of me, is to face every challenge head on. I have to be courageous even if I'm afraid, I found in facing tough situations that's it's easier to embrace the uncertainty which has been a vital part of my growth and developement.
Let’s be adventous and climb mountains together.
It’s the ability to think big about who you are and how you live life. Have you ever consider climbing a literal mountain? We do it every day without a second thoughts. Life should be and adventure. Adventure is the willingness to embrace challenge and move toward success.
By definition and adventure has an unknown outcome if something has a predetermined outcome it’s not an adventure. I have faced many challenges and found that I'm very adventurous. I know see the uncertainty as the gift of possibility. When you approach everything with an adventure, You'll find a level of engagement and awareness.
The way that I choose to look at obstacles in front of me, is to face every challenge head on. I have to be courageous even if I'm afraid, I found in facing tough situations that's it's easier to embrace the uncertainty which has been a vital part of my growth and developement.
Let’s be adventous and climb mountains together.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
"Walking By Faith"
As you walk by faith and wait upon the Lord you learn to see things from his perspective, move at His pace, and function under His directives. As you quiet your heart, you enter His peace.
Waiting times are growing and learning times. Ask me how I know? Do you ever feel like you've lost sight of the big picture? There are days when you run from one thing to the next trying to get everything done; at times it can be draining physically, emotionally and spiritually.
In this time of uncertainty many voices are telling you many things about the market trends. The stocks are up, and then down it’s a lot to keep up with. If you are waiting for trouble to disappear it's not going to happen. In the face of the worlds noise every days brings a new prediction, with all that's going on around you; you have to trust God. Trust him to be the source that supplies all that you need as you make smart financial decisions. I lived through and I'm walking in what I'm sharing with you.
Headlines scream financial losses and the latest pending disaster is just around the corner. With all that is before us we must lean rely and take God at his word walk by faith which means walking by his words
Romans 1:17, says the just shall live by faith. Faith comes by hearing but in order to hear you have to listen. In order to listen you must know his voice just as you know the voice of your family member. You can hope your presence situation or circumstance will change, but you must use you faith in God's word to speak his word and watch the change.
While we do not look at things which are seen but at the things which are not seen. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says: For the things which are seen are temporary and the things which are not seen are eternal. Your present situation is temporary and subject to change. Don’t list to the doubt and fear that tries to drown out the voice of God in your head. But stand and walk in faith knowing that your situation
I'd like to hear how you’ve stood in faith and changed!
Waiting times are growing and learning times. Ask me how I know? Do you ever feel like you've lost sight of the big picture? There are days when you run from one thing to the next trying to get everything done; at times it can be draining physically, emotionally and spiritually.
In this time of uncertainty many voices are telling you many things about the market trends. The stocks are up, and then down it’s a lot to keep up with. If you are waiting for trouble to disappear it's not going to happen. In the face of the worlds noise every days brings a new prediction, with all that's going on around you; you have to trust God. Trust him to be the source that supplies all that you need as you make smart financial decisions. I lived through and I'm walking in what I'm sharing with you.
Headlines scream financial losses and the latest pending disaster is just around the corner. With all that is before us we must lean rely and take God at his word walk by faith which means walking by his words
Romans 1:17, says the just shall live by faith. Faith comes by hearing but in order to hear you have to listen. In order to listen you must know his voice just as you know the voice of your family member. You can hope your presence situation or circumstance will change, but you must use you faith in God's word to speak his word and watch the change.
While we do not look at things which are seen but at the things which are not seen. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says: For the things which are seen are temporary and the things which are not seen are eternal. Your present situation is temporary and subject to change. Don’t list to the doubt and fear that tries to drown out the voice of God in your head. But stand and walk in faith knowing that your situation
I'd like to hear how you’ve stood in faith and changed!
Monday, August 8, 2011
You Can Be Successful with the Right Ingredients
You Can Be Successful with the Right Ingredients
Know this that success is God's idea and not man’s made. In the Book of Joshua 1:8 it's clearly says this book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but thou shall meditate on it day and night so that you would observe to do according to all that is written in it and you would may your way prosperous and have good success. Success is up to you, but you must have the right principles and the correct plan. Success is not given but it is earned. Success never comes easy but it comes.
What is Success? There is no cookie cutter answer I can’t give you an exhaustive definition of success; Success means something different for everyone. In simple terms success is the attaining of one's personal goals and dreams. However, I want to caution you no matter which way you define success you will still have mountains to climb.
Let’s talk about Adversity:
Adversity is the opposition that you will face as you pursue your goals and dreams. Don’t be discouraged just keep moving the adversity will pass. My husband worked for Delta Airlines for eight years and without warning, he was given a two week notice and told the division he worked in would transfer to Atlanta. We could have moved to Atlanta if my husband agree to taking a lower paying, with little or no moving expenses covered. Or could have taken the three month severance package options to stay in Los Angeles my family lived in Los Angeles so moving to Atlanta was not an option.
As a result of my husbands lay off and sluggish economy the mounting bills kept coming, my one person salary could not sustain a three person household, so we jointly agreed to file bankruptcy which strained our marriage.
The "Chapter 13 Bankruptcy" gave us some relief but it was still a black mark on our credit in my eyes. As a Christian I felt an obligation to pay off the debt we incurred as a couple. The money challenges we faced continued to put distance between my husband and I we eventually separated and later divorced. I’d worked diligently for many years to pay off the bad debt after our joint bankruptcy filing, it was painful and I sacrificed for years to get back on track. I dealt with opposition and adversity it all came at once. I never gave up on my dreams to be a homeowner I learned many valuable lessons about money, relationships, patience’s and forgiveness.
Through my painful spilt and divorce I learned the true value of money, how to save it, when and where to spend it! As a result of the lessons I learned 20 years before I achieved many short term and long terms goals. I kept my eye on the prize and never stopped reaching for my goal.
Years later I walked out of that embarrassing bankruptcy situation having paid off every bill and I was able to slowly rebuilt my credit. I learned tough hard lessons, I never lost sight of becoming a homeowner the goal of homeownership was always in view. With maturity, discipline and self-control I saved $25,000 and use that money as a down payment to purchase my first home. I beamed with pride I as my realtor handed me the keys to my first place.
Let’s Talk about Affiliations and Associations:
The person you marriage the relationship you forge and the people you associate with, will have a tremendous impact on your reaching your goals. It is critical to evaluate your relationships. Are you friends or associates assets or liabilities? Any relationship that impedes your progress is hazard to your future goals.
Let’s talk about your Abilities:
We are all born with certain gifts and abilities. You may be great at math I may be a great orator once you find out what your gift is it’s up to you to develop it and cultivate it. Most people discover their God given ability later in life. When you discover your gift and ability that’s where you true success will come.
I was in my sophomore year in high school and each student was required to pick two electives for the semester. My first elective was Theatre and Dramatic Arts the class was filled and there was a wait list. I was placed on the wait list and asked to select another class. I was very disappointed I really wanted in. I reviewed the list of elective and decided to enroll in expository speech and writing class. Little did I know that at fifteen years old the seeds of greatness were being planted inside me. I was accepted in Mrs. Gloria Wohler class, she was tough and no-nonsense with her students she demanded excellence. Mrs. Wohler taught me how important effective communication works, how to write a well written speech and how or speaker and present myself in any business setting. She saw my writing gift and speaking ability before I saw it in myself. As a result of taking her speech class it changed my life.
As my talent was developed I entered local, state and national speech competition and I won hundreds of dollar to attend college. I had big plans and high hope but there were many road blocks and detours along the way
I didn’t anticipated or factor in being a single Mom, I didn’t factor in my father becoming ill and passing way suddenly. I didn’t factor in my own job lost and divorce. I didn’t factor in completing three years of college and I having to drop out due to lack of money. But, I kept my eye on my goals.
Let’s Talk Academics:
Reaching your goals will require a bit of patience on your part but you must also be we’ll informed. Knowledge is so readily available it’s only a mouse click away. Your local library has a wealth of information and it's wise to use it.
Most people lose out on great opportunities due to lack of knowledge. We live in age where knowledge is power and readily available. You must seek knowledge at all cost. Hosea 4:6 clearly says my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Solemn was one the wisest man that ever lived, but his knowledge didn’t come from the hallowed halls of universities he asked God for wisdom and it was given. You must decide you have what it takes to succeed and overcome in life. Don’t get left behind remember that Success is God’s idea. I'd like to hear your Success story.
Know this that success is God's idea and not man’s made. In the Book of Joshua 1:8 it's clearly says this book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; but thou shall meditate on it day and night so that you would observe to do according to all that is written in it and you would may your way prosperous and have good success. Success is up to you, but you must have the right principles and the correct plan. Success is not given but it is earned. Success never comes easy but it comes.
What is Success? There is no cookie cutter answer I can’t give you an exhaustive definition of success; Success means something different for everyone. In simple terms success is the attaining of one's personal goals and dreams. However, I want to caution you no matter which way you define success you will still have mountains to climb.
Let’s talk about Adversity:
Adversity is the opposition that you will face as you pursue your goals and dreams. Don’t be discouraged just keep moving the adversity will pass. My husband worked for Delta Airlines for eight years and without warning, he was given a two week notice and told the division he worked in would transfer to Atlanta. We could have moved to Atlanta if my husband agree to taking a lower paying, with little or no moving expenses covered. Or could have taken the three month severance package options to stay in Los Angeles my family lived in Los Angeles so moving to Atlanta was not an option.
As a result of my husbands lay off and sluggish economy the mounting bills kept coming, my one person salary could not sustain a three person household, so we jointly agreed to file bankruptcy which strained our marriage.
The "Chapter 13 Bankruptcy" gave us some relief but it was still a black mark on our credit in my eyes. As a Christian I felt an obligation to pay off the debt we incurred as a couple. The money challenges we faced continued to put distance between my husband and I we eventually separated and later divorced. I’d worked diligently for many years to pay off the bad debt after our joint bankruptcy filing, it was painful and I sacrificed for years to get back on track. I dealt with opposition and adversity it all came at once. I never gave up on my dreams to be a homeowner I learned many valuable lessons about money, relationships, patience’s and forgiveness.
Through my painful spilt and divorce I learned the true value of money, how to save it, when and where to spend it! As a result of the lessons I learned 20 years before I achieved many short term and long terms goals. I kept my eye on the prize and never stopped reaching for my goal.
Years later I walked out of that embarrassing bankruptcy situation having paid off every bill and I was able to slowly rebuilt my credit. I learned tough hard lessons, I never lost sight of becoming a homeowner the goal of homeownership was always in view. With maturity, discipline and self-control I saved $25,000 and use that money as a down payment to purchase my first home. I beamed with pride I as my realtor handed me the keys to my first place.
Let’s Talk about Affiliations and Associations:
The person you marriage the relationship you forge and the people you associate with, will have a tremendous impact on your reaching your goals. It is critical to evaluate your relationships. Are you friends or associates assets or liabilities? Any relationship that impedes your progress is hazard to your future goals.
Let’s talk about your Abilities:
We are all born with certain gifts and abilities. You may be great at math I may be a great orator once you find out what your gift is it’s up to you to develop it and cultivate it. Most people discover their God given ability later in life. When you discover your gift and ability that’s where you true success will come.
I was in my sophomore year in high school and each student was required to pick two electives for the semester. My first elective was Theatre and Dramatic Arts the class was filled and there was a wait list. I was placed on the wait list and asked to select another class. I was very disappointed I really wanted in. I reviewed the list of elective and decided to enroll in expository speech and writing class. Little did I know that at fifteen years old the seeds of greatness were being planted inside me. I was accepted in Mrs. Gloria Wohler class, she was tough and no-nonsense with her students she demanded excellence. Mrs. Wohler taught me how important effective communication works, how to write a well written speech and how or speaker and present myself in any business setting. She saw my writing gift and speaking ability before I saw it in myself. As a result of taking her speech class it changed my life.
As my talent was developed I entered local, state and national speech competition and I won hundreds of dollar to attend college. I had big plans and high hope but there were many road blocks and detours along the way
I didn’t anticipated or factor in being a single Mom, I didn’t factor in my father becoming ill and passing way suddenly. I didn’t factor in my own job lost and divorce. I didn’t factor in completing three years of college and I having to drop out due to lack of money. But, I kept my eye on my goals.
Let’s Talk Academics:
Reaching your goals will require a bit of patience on your part but you must also be we’ll informed. Knowledge is so readily available it’s only a mouse click away. Your local library has a wealth of information and it's wise to use it.
Most people lose out on great opportunities due to lack of knowledge. We live in age where knowledge is power and readily available. You must seek knowledge at all cost. Hosea 4:6 clearly says my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Solemn was one the wisest man that ever lived, but his knowledge didn’t come from the hallowed halls of universities he asked God for wisdom and it was given. You must decide you have what it takes to succeed and overcome in life. Don’t get left behind remember that Success is God’s idea. I'd like to hear your Success story.
Monday, August 1, 2011
" Your Answer is Only a Prayer Away"
For many of you, 2011 has brought a lot of fear and uncertainty about the future. We are tempted every day to believe every word the media and government brings us. The early years of reporting News used to be good and bad, now it's just bad! The News is now readily available on our cell phones, ipads, laptop, desktop, it's seems to be streaming in from everywhere, our communications systems has the ability to blast gloomy pictures of current events from all over the world no wonder most people are on the edge. I'm here to tell you there's a remedy for all of this doom and gloom his name is Jesus.
If you've you been listening to anything other than the promise of God's Word it will cause you to think twice and start talking about the what if’s in life. How many times have you heard this message in your head? What if I don't have enough money to pay my bills? What if I can’t pay my car note? What if my property taxes go up? My children are in college and I need to save money for my retirement. Where does it all end? It starts and ends by having a relationship with Jesus Christ and trusting his Word not the worlds words. I can speak with bold confidence because I have lived and walked through what I’m sharing with you.
I've been a single Mom and my son and I have faced homelessness. I've face divorced and I've lived through a bad relationship and a turbulent marriage. I've had to make hard choices for myself and through it all my heavenly Father was only a Prayer away to lead and guide me. To be lead and guided by the Spirit of God you have to know his voice and that comes from having a relationship with him. When things seem hopeless instead of hopeful I had to look-up.
As I begin to trust God and take him at his Word my financial situation begin to change. I took God at his word, I begin to meditated on the word of God I put it in my heart, I spoke the word of God, I lived the word of God and I was also a tither giving 10% of my unemployment income in the lean times.
My financial situation begin to change. Financial seeds I had planted years before begin to come up,
I would go to my PO Box and there would be checks in the mail from companies I’d worked for fifteen year before. This were large checks made out in my name for thousands of dollars I stood in amazing and cried and thanked God right in the post office I knew it was the providing hand of God.
The checks just kept on coming I’d do a double take because it almost didn’t seem real, but it was very real. Many of the checks came from a stock split or dividend shares. Others checks were pay outs were credit cards companies realized they I'd been over charged in services fee's and interest, still other checks were from former employers that charged me double for personal medical premiums.
In one year I received over $32,000 dollars in unexpected income. And yes, I tithed on that income too. The checks continued to pour in for another two years I knew it was the hand of God. The headlines are screaming losts, market collapses, home foreclosures. Major Retail chains and business are closing their doors. With all that is going on around us your life still testifies of the daily goodness and blessings of God. God is not surprised by anything that goes on in our lives, so now I'm not surprised.
It's says in his word that many are the afflictions of the righteous us but the Lord delivers us out of them all, I have testified to this truth. Don't listen to the nagging voices of doubt and fear which play like a recording in your head 24 hours a day. Trust God. During the lean times there were several scriptures I relied as I walked through the fire, one of my favorite is "Fear Not for I am the Lord thy God and I will go with you and go before you".
The Word of Gods says I'll never leave you nor forsake you or leave you without support. I had to trust that! The world has heard our message; now they need to see us living it. Obstacles and challenges will come and go don't be afraid just look up your answer is only a Prayer away.
I'd love to hear how my story has touched you!
If you've you been listening to anything other than the promise of God's Word it will cause you to think twice and start talking about the what if’s in life. How many times have you heard this message in your head? What if I don't have enough money to pay my bills? What if I can’t pay my car note? What if my property taxes go up? My children are in college and I need to save money for my retirement. Where does it all end? It starts and ends by having a relationship with Jesus Christ and trusting his Word not the worlds words. I can speak with bold confidence because I have lived and walked through what I’m sharing with you.
I've been a single Mom and my son and I have faced homelessness. I've face divorced and I've lived through a bad relationship and a turbulent marriage. I've had to make hard choices for myself and through it all my heavenly Father was only a Prayer away to lead and guide me. To be lead and guided by the Spirit of God you have to know his voice and that comes from having a relationship with him. When things seem hopeless instead of hopeful I had to look-up.
As I begin to trust God and take him at his Word my financial situation begin to change. I took God at his word, I begin to meditated on the word of God I put it in my heart, I spoke the word of God, I lived the word of God and I was also a tither giving 10% of my unemployment income in the lean times.
My financial situation begin to change. Financial seeds I had planted years before begin to come up,
I would go to my PO Box and there would be checks in the mail from companies I’d worked for fifteen year before. This were large checks made out in my name for thousands of dollars I stood in amazing and cried and thanked God right in the post office I knew it was the providing hand of God.
The checks just kept on coming I’d do a double take because it almost didn’t seem real, but it was very real. Many of the checks came from a stock split or dividend shares. Others checks were pay outs were credit cards companies realized they I'd been over charged in services fee's and interest, still other checks were from former employers that charged me double for personal medical premiums.
In one year I received over $32,000 dollars in unexpected income. And yes, I tithed on that income too. The checks continued to pour in for another two years I knew it was the hand of God. The headlines are screaming losts, market collapses, home foreclosures. Major Retail chains and business are closing their doors. With all that is going on around us your life still testifies of the daily goodness and blessings of God. God is not surprised by anything that goes on in our lives, so now I'm not surprised.
It's says in his word that many are the afflictions of the righteous us but the Lord delivers us out of them all, I have testified to this truth. Don't listen to the nagging voices of doubt and fear which play like a recording in your head 24 hours a day. Trust God. During the lean times there were several scriptures I relied as I walked through the fire, one of my favorite is "Fear Not for I am the Lord thy God and I will go with you and go before you".
The Word of Gods says I'll never leave you nor forsake you or leave you without support. I had to trust that! The world has heard our message; now they need to see us living it. Obstacles and challenges will come and go don't be afraid just look up your answer is only a Prayer away.
I'd love to hear how my story has touched you!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Do you know the destiny God has for your Life?
Do you know the destiny God has for your life? Destiny refers to a predetermined course of events. It may be conceived as a predetermined future, whether in general or of an individual but we all have a purpose and a destiny.
God has a unique purpose and an incredible destiny for your life. As I sit down to write a few lines I think about my own destiny. I'm excited to tell you how you can experience the best that God has for you. Remember, it's going to taking a leap of faith and trusting God.
About twelve years ago I was working in the financial industry, money was good and I was on my way to what I thought was financial freedom and total fulfillment; boy was I off-base. It's funny how our we'll made plans can quickly get derailed.
I was a single Mom and sole provider so taking care of my Son has always been my number one priority. My son was entering his first year of high school and 9th grade is a awkward age, most children just want to fit in my Son didn't fit in with the high school clicks but he found his rhythm later through music. His instrument was percussion's and he loved the drum. High School Band required many hours of after school practice and there were many band competitions, as a Mom I've always been hands-on and very active in supporting my Son's school programs. As a Senior Loan Consultant for Major financial Company I didn't always have the luxury of taking time off from work.
I worked long hours and various shifts I didn't make all the band competitions, but I participated 65% of the time as a band Mom. Six months after my Son enrolled in band I missed a major competition my son's Band took top honors and first place. After the event was over my son called me at work I could hear the disappointed in his voice; he spoke of how I missed his band as they paraded across the open field with banners, ribbons, and their School Trophies. My son asked me a question, he asked if money was more important than me? My answer was no!
His words got me thinking! Was money more important than attending and supporting what was important to him? Of course not! But to a thirteen year boy Mom's can be their world. Four months after working the early shifts and plenty of late night hours, my Son's words rang in my ears. Money has never been a motivating factor for me accepting any professional positions, but location and my ability to express myself through writing was most important.
I've always loved writing and public speaking. But as I laid in bed that particular morning my son question still rung in my ahead. This morning something felt different, my job seemed a million miles away I didn't want to drive to the office, I sat up and shook off my feelings and got dressed for work. I've always been a risk taker and this time was no different I was ready for a change. I devised a plan to quite my job and followed my heart. My Vision was clear it was time to live a "Live a Life of Purpose On Purpose". Little did I know what lay ahead I quite my job two weeks later and I registered with several temporary agencies. My second temp assignment landed me on the prestigious Campus of one of the top Educational and Research institutions in the country, University of Southern California. I'd agreed to a long term temp assignment and a 30% pay cut, my pay cut was drastic so I adjusted my budget and watched my spending closely and I moved forward.
I landed a job as Executive Administrative Assistant for the President at USC it was now or never and time to roll up my sleeves and get to work. My writing abilities were tested over and over; and taking a leap of faith the year before was the best decision I could made. I was now positioned to hone my skills as a professional Writer.
Eight months after working as a temporary employee I was hired on full time and I received subsequent pay increases each year. Two years after working for the University more advancement and pay increases were offered. In addition to the pay increases I was offered a 12,000 two year writing Program for Business professionals. I completed the course in 18 months and I was awarded my Professional Business Writing certification and designation I never thought once about the 30% pay cut I'd taken 4 years prior. I gained much more than money, I gain confidence, wisdom and I took a leap of faith and walked right into my destiny.
I want you to remember that destiny is a process it's not all-at-once, it's a step-by-step process. The first step is believing that's God has a great plan for your life. Pay attention to the signs around you. Look for and listen for subtle signs (They often come in a whisper) that your destiny is calling you. However, I want to caution you that there will be obstacles in your way, but keep moving. You'll have to pushed pass fear, naysayers, well meaning family members and friends. If you have to walk around obstacles, THEN DO IT! YOU MAY HAVE TO JUMP OVER THEM BUT DO IT. JUST KEEP MOVING!!! Don't allow that nagging thought or voice in your head to stop you from stepping out.
I've faced many giants and fears along the way. My way hasn't been easy but I've had the joy of encouraging other along the way. I'm still walking in my Purpose and Destiny is straight ahead. Set your mind and keep it set. Devise a plan and get started. What will you do today to walk into your Destiny?
I'd like to hear more about your destiny!
God has a unique purpose and an incredible destiny for your life. As I sit down to write a few lines I think about my own destiny. I'm excited to tell you how you can experience the best that God has for you. Remember, it's going to taking a leap of faith and trusting God.
About twelve years ago I was working in the financial industry, money was good and I was on my way to what I thought was financial freedom and total fulfillment; boy was I off-base. It's funny how our we'll made plans can quickly get derailed.
I was a single Mom and sole provider so taking care of my Son has always been my number one priority. My son was entering his first year of high school and 9th grade is a awkward age, most children just want to fit in my Son didn't fit in with the high school clicks but he found his rhythm later through music. His instrument was percussion's and he loved the drum. High School Band required many hours of after school practice and there were many band competitions, as a Mom I've always been hands-on and very active in supporting my Son's school programs. As a Senior Loan Consultant for Major financial Company I didn't always have the luxury of taking time off from work.
I worked long hours and various shifts I didn't make all the band competitions, but I participated 65% of the time as a band Mom. Six months after my Son enrolled in band I missed a major competition my son's Band took top honors and first place. After the event was over my son called me at work I could hear the disappointed in his voice; he spoke of how I missed his band as they paraded across the open field with banners, ribbons, and their School Trophies. My son asked me a question, he asked if money was more important than me? My answer was no!
His words got me thinking! Was money more important than attending and supporting what was important to him? Of course not! But to a thirteen year boy Mom's can be their world. Four months after working the early shifts and plenty of late night hours, my Son's words rang in my ears. Money has never been a motivating factor for me accepting any professional positions, but location and my ability to express myself through writing was most important.
I've always loved writing and public speaking. But as I laid in bed that particular morning my son question still rung in my ahead. This morning something felt different, my job seemed a million miles away I didn't want to drive to the office, I sat up and shook off my feelings and got dressed for work. I've always been a risk taker and this time was no different I was ready for a change. I devised a plan to quite my job and followed my heart. My Vision was clear it was time to live a "Live a Life of Purpose On Purpose". Little did I know what lay ahead I quite my job two weeks later and I registered with several temporary agencies. My second temp assignment landed me on the prestigious Campus of one of the top Educational and Research institutions in the country, University of Southern California. I'd agreed to a long term temp assignment and a 30% pay cut, my pay cut was drastic so I adjusted my budget and watched my spending closely and I moved forward.
I landed a job as Executive Administrative Assistant for the President at USC it was now or never and time to roll up my sleeves and get to work. My writing abilities were tested over and over; and taking a leap of faith the year before was the best decision I could made. I was now positioned to hone my skills as a professional Writer.
Eight months after working as a temporary employee I was hired on full time and I received subsequent pay increases each year. Two years after working for the University more advancement and pay increases were offered. In addition to the pay increases I was offered a 12,000 two year writing Program for Business professionals. I completed the course in 18 months and I was awarded my Professional Business Writing certification and designation I never thought once about the 30% pay cut I'd taken 4 years prior. I gained much more than money, I gain confidence, wisdom and I took a leap of faith and walked right into my destiny.
I want you to remember that destiny is a process it's not all-at-once, it's a step-by-step process. The first step is believing that's God has a great plan for your life. Pay attention to the signs around you. Look for and listen for subtle signs (They often come in a whisper) that your destiny is calling you. However, I want to caution you that there will be obstacles in your way, but keep moving. You'll have to pushed pass fear, naysayers, well meaning family members and friends. If you have to walk around obstacles, THEN DO IT! YOU MAY HAVE TO JUMP OVER THEM BUT DO IT. JUST KEEP MOVING!!! Don't allow that nagging thought or voice in your head to stop you from stepping out.
I've faced many giants and fears along the way. My way hasn't been easy but I've had the joy of encouraging other along the way. I'm still walking in my Purpose and Destiny is straight ahead. Set your mind and keep it set. Devise a plan and get started. What will you do today to walk into your Destiny?
I'd like to hear more about your destiny!
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