There is a quote from Jim Rohn that says “Unless you change how you are, you will always have what you’ve got.” The main question would be then…Are you willing to change? What is your happiness truly worth? This isn’t an easy question nor is it a solution.
However, what it does (when you ask yourself the question) is to put a spotlight on your situation and it requires you to face the mirror. Your happiness may mean telling yourself that its value outweighs many situations in your life. There may be some areas in your life that needs evaluation and once evaluated you may ask yourself if they warrant salvaging. Once weighing the pros and cons, we’re back to the beginning.
Are you willing to change?
Change isn’t easy but ultimately if it makes you a happier person. Isn’t that worth it? The areas may be mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial or relationship based. However, making the first step could be as simple as asking ourselves the question.
This past year my New Year’s Resolution was this-I deserve to be happy. Whenever obstacles were in my path and I needed to make a major decision I first asked-will this make me happy. Selfish you may say-not really, because I know what my happiness is worth. It’s worth my well-being, my peace of mind. What is yours worth and are you willing to make the change to attain it?
If we ask ourselves these questions and of course asking that we be guided by faith, then we are destined to make the right decisions.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Sunday, August 30, 2009
An Open Letter
It's a sad day when you look up and don't realize where your friends have gone. You try to make sense of things. "Did I leave them?" or "Did they leave me?" But when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter. What matters is they're not there now. Things happen that pull people apart, people grow apart, and some just distance themselves. Such is life. But you're fake if I thought we were stronger than that. But I wish you the best in your life because I know I'm set for the best in mine. You take care. Deuces.
-Signed:
A used-to-be friend
Used for whatever
I should have known better
But I shouldn't have to doubt
A friend
Faux pas
====break====
They say "Life is what you make it," and I've crafted this amazing space and time for myself. Very rarely do I let people in. Given gold keys to access me and thoughts that aren't shared with a world I deem unworthy, you failed. Growth is a beautiful thing, but this immature growth is ugly. Maybe failure will see it's reflection in the faces of "used-to-be's" before it destroys anything else. Maybe not. This signifies that I'm over it. On with the rest of my day, week, month, year, life.
-Signed:
A used-to-be friend
Used for whatever
I should have known better
But I shouldn't have to doubt
A friend
Faux pas
====break====
They say "Life is what you make it," and I've crafted this amazing space and time for myself. Very rarely do I let people in. Given gold keys to access me and thoughts that aren't shared with a world I deem unworthy, you failed. Growth is a beautiful thing, but this immature growth is ugly. Maybe failure will see it's reflection in the faces of "used-to-be's" before it destroys anything else. Maybe not. This signifies that I'm over it. On with the rest of my day, week, month, year, life.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE
It probably sucks to care for someone who acts as though you don't exist. Now Multiply that by a couple billion. God is much better than I. Surely I would turn my back; He never does. If that ain't saying something I don't know what is. But that's how I feel. I'm not trying to get anyone to "come to the light" and to "save souls from damnation." I'm just thinking.
You have to go through things in order to testify to anything, and while I know my tests are far from over, my faith in God is strengthened [if that's possible]. You don't have to believe in the teachings, doctrines, or even the same God as I do. To me, they're all variations/derivatives of the same being. And while I believe that it's the same God, my God is not the same to me as He is to you because my God and I have a different relationship than you and yours. People are so caught up in the denominations, politics, and the divisions in the Church that they forget that your denominiation, politics, or division will not be what saves you, but rather, your relationship with Him.
Followers of God are supposed to be lights in the world, but more often than not, are shown to spread hate, ignorance, and bigotry. How can you hate but love? God calls all, whether you believe or not, to love all. How much better would things be if everyone just got along. We're so quick to say it's not possible when it is. You don't have to like everyone, but love would keep you from harming anyone. How difficult is it? It's not. But of course, we followers of God are taught to fight when we are called to respect and love.
Claiming to love God while:
-Protesting a funeral of a soldier because he was killed in the army is not of God. Whether you agree with [the] war or not.
-Harshly judging people who do not meet your standards is not of God.
-Spreading bigotry and propaganda to further your personal cause or agenda is not of God.
I'm not judging, but I'd venture to say that the hypocrite who uses God's name to further their acts that are not of God is more likely to upset and hurt God more than the woman across the block who had an abortion, the gay man down the street, or the girl who took her life a few years ago. Mind you, you don't know what their situations are. Nine times out of 10, you don't care to ask.
For every person in the world who is at all spiritual, there is a religion. Not everyone hears, sees, reads, or interprets things the same way. God knows this. The point of following God is not to convert anyone and it isn't to force people to believe in your beliefs. It's to put you closer to the being that created, loves, and cares for you despite all faults and flaws. Faith is not a game. This isn't "Whack-A-Person" where you accumulate tickets to win a prize for every convert you "get." I highly doubt that God will call you to the stands on Judgement Day and ask how many you were able to convert. He may ask you if you led a life that made people want to follow God as you do. He may ask you what you have done to better the entire world, not just the world of His followers. He may ask you if you loved all as you were asked. What would you say then?
I know this is random and everywhere, but it's what's on my mind. People are people. I know I have my faults and slip ups when I say or do things I shouldn't, but the key is I'm working hard to change. You're never too old to break bad habits.
You have to go through things in order to testify to anything, and while I know my tests are far from over, my faith in God is strengthened [if that's possible]. You don't have to believe in the teachings, doctrines, or even the same God as I do. To me, they're all variations/derivatives of the same being. And while I believe that it's the same God, my God is not the same to me as He is to you because my God and I have a different relationship than you and yours. People are so caught up in the denominations, politics, and the divisions in the Church that they forget that your denominiation, politics, or division will not be what saves you, but rather, your relationship with Him.
Followers of God are supposed to be lights in the world, but more often than not, are shown to spread hate, ignorance, and bigotry. How can you hate but love? God calls all, whether you believe or not, to love all. How much better would things be if everyone just got along. We're so quick to say it's not possible when it is. You don't have to like everyone, but love would keep you from harming anyone. How difficult is it? It's not. But of course, we followers of God are taught to fight when we are called to respect and love.
Claiming to love God while:
-Protesting a funeral of a soldier because he was killed in the army is not of God. Whether you agree with [the] war or not.
-Harshly judging people who do not meet your standards is not of God.
-Spreading bigotry and propaganda to further your personal cause or agenda is not of God.
I'm not judging, but I'd venture to say that the hypocrite who uses God's name to further their acts that are not of God is more likely to upset and hurt God more than the woman across the block who had an abortion, the gay man down the street, or the girl who took her life a few years ago. Mind you, you don't know what their situations are. Nine times out of 10, you don't care to ask.
For every person in the world who is at all spiritual, there is a religion. Not everyone hears, sees, reads, or interprets things the same way. God knows this. The point of following God is not to convert anyone and it isn't to force people to believe in your beliefs. It's to put you closer to the being that created, loves, and cares for you despite all faults and flaws. Faith is not a game. This isn't "Whack-A-Person" where you accumulate tickets to win a prize for every convert you "get." I highly doubt that God will call you to the stands on Judgement Day and ask how many you were able to convert. He may ask you if you led a life that made people want to follow God as you do. He may ask you what you have done to better the entire world, not just the world of His followers. He may ask you if you loved all as you were asked. What would you say then?
I know this is random and everywhere, but it's what's on my mind. People are people. I know I have my faults and slip ups when I say or do things I shouldn't, but the key is I'm working hard to change. You're never too old to break bad habits.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
God's Protection
OK I know it has been a while guys but allot has been going on since my last post hence the reason you haven't heard from me in a while... lol...
Well let me start by saying that I give the glory and honor to GOD. This year has been so good. I really cannot complain. I am currently enrolled in school full-time and working. I have been able to finally grow up and let GOD take control of my life.
I have learned that PEOPLE'S REJECTION IS GOD'S PROTECTION. I have got back heavily involved in church and understanding his word. I have started my photography business "SiMPLEE Photography" with the help of GOD. As you guys know I am in school as an advanced photographer. It is amazing what is possible when you focus and put your mind to it.
I was listening to a message this morning from H.O.P.E.S. House Ministry in Woodland Hills on my way to work. The evangelist was speaking on how a persons rejection is God's protection. She explained that people will reject you in different ways throughout your life, but you have to realize that it is nothing against you. Sometimes God has to have someone reject you in order to separate you from that person. At first I didn't understand or get the message, but when listening further to the message it dawned on me. Sometimes we want to be friends, have a relationship or even associate with people that the lord does not approve of. People try so hard to try to impress and fit in with so many clicks, groups and circles when that might not be the crowd that is going to point you in the correction direction of GOD. We have to surround ourselves around positive people. It know it might not make sense now but soon it will. People that you hang around influence the kind of life that you live rather you want them too or not. You start to eventually take on some of their good and bad traits. You can always count on God to redirect you into the correct path of life.
I have learned over the past year that God will put you through something just to be able to get his praise or victory. Sometimes we take the lord for granted and want to take all the credit for ourselves.
But yeah back to my life... so I now know who my real friends are and have found myself. I am on top of things and going in the correct path. Thank you to my immediate circle of friends for your support. Thank you to the people that took the time to read my BLOG.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Reason, Season or Lifetime; What Role Do You Play?
I have made and lost some good friends this year. I have learned that people come into our life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When we know which one it is, we will know what to do for that person. When someone is in our life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need we have expressed. They have come to assist us through a difficulty, to provide us with guidance and support, to aid us physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason we need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on our part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force us to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into our life for a SEASON, because our turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring us an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach us something we have never done. They usually give us an unbelievable amount of joy.
LIFETIME relationships teach us lifetime lessons, things we must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Our job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships areas of your life.It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
My photography career is now booming and I am interning as a personal assistant for a celebrity (Name cannot be disclosed).
I laugh all the time because life only keeps getting better. Thank you everyone for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
Some people come into our life for a SEASON, because our turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring us an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach us something we have never done. They usually give us an unbelievable amount of joy.
LIFETIME relationships teach us lifetime lessons, things we must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Our job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships areas of your life.It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
My photography career is now booming and I am interning as a personal assistant for a celebrity (Name cannot be disclosed).
I laugh all the time because life only keeps getting better. Thank you everyone for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
Walking In A Spiritual Calling
TheFreeDictionary.com defines the verb to minister as, "To attend to the wants and needs of others." In the simplest form of the word, all clerics, regardless of religious or spiritual affiliation, attend to the spiritual and/or holistic needs and wants of others.
My response may be more anecdotal than factual, but if it was not for women and gay men, many Christian denominations and organizations (e.g., COGIC) would not have flourished. Many men and women throughout history were homo universalise (e.g., polymaths) and greatly contributed to religion, medicine, philosophy, astronomy, math, liberal arts. Whether people are gay (open or not), straight, or even a-sexual, their sexual orientation did not hinder them from benefiting humankind.
To possibly accept a belief that gay people should not walk in a spiritual calling to minister to humankind also implies that every other human being (as long as they are non-gay) are entitled to minister. Even in the Bible, none of Jesus' disciples were perfect. Peter, even after being baptized with the Holy Ghost (as recorded in the Book of Acts), struggled with racism and bigotry until God showed him that no one under Creation (Jew or non-Jew) was "unclean" (e.g., inferior or superior to anyone).
Also, Paul prayed to God three times to remove a "thorn in the flesh." The Bible is not clear what that thorn was, but whatever it was, God did not remove it. Paul eventually connected with a bigger picture about his thorn: that God's grace is sufficient, in other words, God's supernatural ability is sufficient to help you deal with any life situation, any obscurity, any struggle. Whatever Paul perceived as a possible spiritual hindrance did not stop him from founding churches, mentoring to church leaders, addressing church-related drama, being a conduit for miracles and other supernatural acts, and writing three-quarters of the New Testament. What is the implication here? No matter who you are, no matter what your life journey entails, no matter what you see as a life challenge, or no matter your sexual orientation, God's grace is sufficient. People's opinions don't matter. People's judgments don't matter. Yes, people's words can hurt (especially the words of the self-righteous—oftentimes the hypocritical—who murder people with their tongues) ... but even Hester Prynne (The Scarlet Letter) would rise above her struggles and see the sanctimonious facades of her tormentors implode.
In my opinion, the need to be right (and someone else wrong) is a need to be superior (better than someone else). This need has nothing to do with righteousness but self-righteousness. Self-righteousness is deeply rooted in the Christian-Judeo concept of Lucifer more so than describing attributes of GOD.
No human being has a monopoly on truth; we individually hold pieces of the truth. The individual you deny or judge may hold a piece of truth you require.
Character and integrity has no sexual preference. I know heterosexuals who have an appearance of godliness but deny God's power and love. I know homosexuals who understand and embrace unconditional love, honesty, and very much live divine-influenced lives.
I know everyone is not religious or even spiritual, but the bigger picture (to me) is this: Never allow anyone to hinder you from following your own conviction, the truth within your own heart, or investing in ways you know you can benefit humankind.
Someone asked me at work the other day.... "who are we as man to question the will of God. I feel that God will call who he deems fit to be able to carry the spiritual load and responsible. And we as man should not question that. God has prove he will over and over again. If God can make a donkey talk who's to say that he can not call a gay man for a spiritual calling."
My response to that was:To my understanding of the Holy Bible (the Judeo-Christian canonized text), GOD had no problem calling the "undesirable," the socially un-accepted, those with personal issues, or the underdog to be His voice or conduit to the masses. GOD had no issue with using Gideon who dealt with a self-image problem. GOD had no issue using Deborah as a Judge amid a male-dominated culture and society. GOD had no problem using Esther, who despite the status quo becomes a Jewish queen of Persia (that helps thwart genocide). None of Jesus' disciples were perfect, yet He saw fit to delegate them "fishers of men." Even after being empowered by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter struggled with arrogance and bigotry (for 10 years) until the Spirit revealed to him that no one is unclean (inferior) that is created by GOD. The Apostle Paul, the apostle to the apostles wrote three-quarters of the NT, was a conduit of signs and wonders, and yet was responsible for the murders of many followers of Jesus before his personal, spiritual awakening and conversion.
It would be arrogant of me to believe that GOD could only use one type of person. This is my belief and it does not sear my conscience: If one is a creation of GOD, then one is open to the opportunity to be used by GOD. It really doesn't matter if someone (another creation) disapproves. There are examples in the Holy Bible where people disapproved of who GOD called, but their disapproval did not affect the effectiveness or even successes of those who were called. Some (among the religious community in biblical times) even disapproved of Jesus; why would we expect less?
Fellow Blog Readers Please give me your thoughts and opinions regarding this...
My response may be more anecdotal than factual, but if it was not for women and gay men, many Christian denominations and organizations (e.g., COGIC) would not have flourished. Many men and women throughout history were homo universalise (e.g., polymaths) and greatly contributed to religion, medicine, philosophy, astronomy, math, liberal arts. Whether people are gay (open or not), straight, or even a-sexual, their sexual orientation did not hinder them from benefiting humankind.
To possibly accept a belief that gay people should not walk in a spiritual calling to minister to humankind also implies that every other human being (as long as they are non-gay) are entitled to minister. Even in the Bible, none of Jesus' disciples were perfect. Peter, even after being baptized with the Holy Ghost (as recorded in the Book of Acts), struggled with racism and bigotry until God showed him that no one under Creation (Jew or non-Jew) was "unclean" (e.g., inferior or superior to anyone).
Also, Paul prayed to God three times to remove a "thorn in the flesh." The Bible is not clear what that thorn was, but whatever it was, God did not remove it. Paul eventually connected with a bigger picture about his thorn: that God's grace is sufficient, in other words, God's supernatural ability is sufficient to help you deal with any life situation, any obscurity, any struggle. Whatever Paul perceived as a possible spiritual hindrance did not stop him from founding churches, mentoring to church leaders, addressing church-related drama, being a conduit for miracles and other supernatural acts, and writing three-quarters of the New Testament. What is the implication here? No matter who you are, no matter what your life journey entails, no matter what you see as a life challenge, or no matter your sexual orientation, God's grace is sufficient. People's opinions don't matter. People's judgments don't matter. Yes, people's words can hurt (especially the words of the self-righteous—oftentimes the hypocritical—who murder people with their tongues) ... but even Hester Prynne (The Scarlet Letter) would rise above her struggles and see the sanctimonious facades of her tormentors implode.
In my opinion, the need to be right (and someone else wrong) is a need to be superior (better than someone else). This need has nothing to do with righteousness but self-righteousness. Self-righteousness is deeply rooted in the Christian-Judeo concept of Lucifer more so than describing attributes of GOD.
No human being has a monopoly on truth; we individually hold pieces of the truth. The individual you deny or judge may hold a piece of truth you require.
Character and integrity has no sexual preference. I know heterosexuals who have an appearance of godliness but deny God's power and love. I know homosexuals who understand and embrace unconditional love, honesty, and very much live divine-influenced lives.
I know everyone is not religious or even spiritual, but the bigger picture (to me) is this: Never allow anyone to hinder you from following your own conviction, the truth within your own heart, or investing in ways you know you can benefit humankind.
Someone asked me at work the other day.... "who are we as man to question the will of God. I feel that God will call who he deems fit to be able to carry the spiritual load and responsible. And we as man should not question that. God has prove he will over and over again. If God can make a donkey talk who's to say that he can not call a gay man for a spiritual calling."
My response to that was:To my understanding of the Holy Bible (the Judeo-Christian canonized text), GOD had no problem calling the "undesirable," the socially un-accepted, those with personal issues, or the underdog to be His voice or conduit to the masses. GOD had no issue with using Gideon who dealt with a self-image problem. GOD had no issue using Deborah as a Judge amid a male-dominated culture and society. GOD had no problem using Esther, who despite the status quo becomes a Jewish queen of Persia (that helps thwart genocide). None of Jesus' disciples were perfect, yet He saw fit to delegate them "fishers of men." Even after being empowered by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter struggled with arrogance and bigotry (for 10 years) until the Spirit revealed to him that no one is unclean (inferior) that is created by GOD. The Apostle Paul, the apostle to the apostles wrote three-quarters of the NT, was a conduit of signs and wonders, and yet was responsible for the murders of many followers of Jesus before his personal, spiritual awakening and conversion.
It would be arrogant of me to believe that GOD could only use one type of person. This is my belief and it does not sear my conscience: If one is a creation of GOD, then one is open to the opportunity to be used by GOD. It really doesn't matter if someone (another creation) disapproves. There are examples in the Holy Bible where people disapproved of who GOD called, but their disapproval did not affect the effectiveness or even successes of those who were called. Some (among the religious community in biblical times) even disapproved of Jesus; why would we expect less?
Fellow Blog Readers Please give me your thoughts and opinions regarding this...
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