I've stared at the computer for about 20 minutes before I mustered up the energy to press my fingers to the keys. I suppose I have been in contemplation about what message to pass along to my readers today. To tell you truthfully, I have been in a drought this past week which is somewhat ironic seeing as how it has been raining for a week straight. Tony! Toni! Tone! just might have had it wrong when they sang "It never rains in Southern California"! I never cared much for the rain, which is one of the biggest reasons why I decided to move out to LA. Needless to say, the gloom and doom that has weighed heavy on most Southern Californians the past couple of days has also left me unmotivated and in a funk. However, I am trying my very best to remain positive!
I initially started to blog in order to keep people in the loop regarding the progress of my music career. However, this unintentionally turned into a weekly therapeutic session as I expose my life and my endless desire to align it with God's plan for me. I don't know what these postings may mean to you or if it has helped you in determining what it is you want out of life, but I know it's made me realize some harsh realities about myself. I have become so consumed with my future that I have overlooked what I need to appreciate in the present. I have an amazing son, who is growing up so fast that I just can't keep up with him! I have a roof over my head, a stocked refrigerator, a job that gives me the opportunity to work with and mentor our youth, a car, a home church, and an amazingly loving, supportive family. Where in this did I lose sight of what life is all about?
Our day-to-day affairs oftentimes become overwhelming, so much so that we forget to take just a 5 minute break to reflect. God does indeed have a plan for our lives. However, we musn't spend day after day trying to figure it out. For it's in this time, that we should be engaged in the experience of the journey. God wants us to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. This beauty emanates in nature, as well as through the relationships we nurture with His children.
So, let's take on the coming week, with an open heart and open mind, ready to receive and appreciate the blessings that God pours over us. As the rain continues to fall, let's not hide in shelter, but instead stand boldly in the midst of it. With our arms out-stretched and hands open, let's receive its healing power and allow it to quench the dry desert of our souls. Let's continue to put our lives into perspective and thank God for all the things we do have, instead of obsessing over the things we want.
I appreciate all of you who take the time out to read my blogs. If there is anything on your heart that you would like to discuss, please comment. I love hearing other people's testimonies and how God is using them for His work.
With that said, remember that this drought will only last for a season. The rain will come to wash away our weaknesses and in turn expose the beautiful light that lies within.
As always, be joyous, be fruitful, be appreciative, and
...Stay encouraged!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
God Within Us
I wake up to another sunshine-filled morning in beautiful Southern California. I am still laying in bed, trying to contort my body in such a way that will enable me to look past the horizon of my parking lot structure to see palm trees swaying in the wind. LOL
I've mustered up enough energy this morning to make blueberry pancakes for my little guy with a side order of fresh blueberries. Yes, he is a huge blueberry fan! He and I listen to some jazz on Pandora (great site for streaming music) and I start to realize that this would have to be the only genre of music that can tranform a seemingly sad situation (ie failed relationship) into a toe-tapping, light-hearted melody. Jaden's take on it: "All the singers sound the same". Hahaa! Gotta Love Kids!
With all that said, let's get back to business. Have you made any progress in establishing your short-term and long-term goals? If so, please comment as I would love to hear all about it!
This past week, I have come to a conclusion that was determined through the help of prayer, as well as counsel from a dear friend and musical genius, Jon. To sum it up: "Stop looking for your answers 'out there'. The answers in determining what you are looking for are inside of you". The way I look at it is that each and every one of us has God inside of us. If we could just learn to tap into that power source, the possibilities in life would be endless!
How do I relate this to my personal goals? Well, I have decided that I am getting pretty tired of relying on other people to accomplish certain tasks (ie recording). So, I plan to invest in some recording equipment to create a little in-home studio that will allow me to record at my leisure. I think this will also stimulate creative energy! PRAYERFULLY, all of this will work out!!! One small problem, I'm not too technologically savvy but I figure if I have enough patience to read through and comprehend an IKEA manual, I'm sure I can figure this one out! I've received some sound advice from my musical genius friend on finding the right equipment, but would love to hear any of your ideas as well. If you have any knowledge on mics, especially, I could greatly use your input! Anywho, I think I have rambled on enough!
So, let's take on the coming week with the understanding that each and every one of us has God within us. Stop looking for all of the answers in signs and through external means. The answers all lie dormant within you. You can awake them through prayer, meditation, fasting, and staying in the Word. With that said, be blessed, be fruitful, and be joyous!
Most importantly...
Stay encouraged!!!
I've mustered up enough energy this morning to make blueberry pancakes for my little guy with a side order of fresh blueberries. Yes, he is a huge blueberry fan! He and I listen to some jazz on Pandora (great site for streaming music) and I start to realize that this would have to be the only genre of music that can tranform a seemingly sad situation (ie failed relationship) into a toe-tapping, light-hearted melody. Jaden's take on it: "All the singers sound the same". Hahaa! Gotta Love Kids!
With all that said, let's get back to business. Have you made any progress in establishing your short-term and long-term goals? If so, please comment as I would love to hear all about it!
This past week, I have come to a conclusion that was determined through the help of prayer, as well as counsel from a dear friend and musical genius, Jon. To sum it up: "Stop looking for your answers 'out there'. The answers in determining what you are looking for are inside of you". The way I look at it is that each and every one of us has God inside of us. If we could just learn to tap into that power source, the possibilities in life would be endless!
How do I relate this to my personal goals? Well, I have decided that I am getting pretty tired of relying on other people to accomplish certain tasks (ie recording). So, I plan to invest in some recording equipment to create a little in-home studio that will allow me to record at my leisure. I think this will also stimulate creative energy! PRAYERFULLY, all of this will work out!!! One small problem, I'm not too technologically savvy but I figure if I have enough patience to read through and comprehend an IKEA manual, I'm sure I can figure this one out! I've received some sound advice from my musical genius friend on finding the right equipment, but would love to hear any of your ideas as well. If you have any knowledge on mics, especially, I could greatly use your input! Anywho, I think I have rambled on enough!
So, let's take on the coming week with the understanding that each and every one of us has God within us. Stop looking for all of the answers in signs and through external means. The answers all lie dormant within you. You can awake them through prayer, meditation, fasting, and staying in the Word. With that said, be blessed, be fruitful, and be joyous!
Most importantly...
Stay encouraged!!!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The First Step
I am a single mother.
I am a singer/songwriter.
I am a child of God who has an aching desire to realize her purpose in life.
These three statements define me at this very moment. I am currently on a journey and the destination is where God has called me -- creating music that will uplift and inspire people. I'm not too sure how I will get there. Nor have I the resources to do so...yet. However, I know that with much faith and determination, God will see to it that my labors will not go in vain. I prepare to bear the fruit of the seed that I will sow this coming year.
I have created an outline detailing my short-term and long-term goals. I have proposed some deadlines in order to stay on track. There is no better time to start this journey but NOW. Please follow me as I will record my progress within this coming year. I'm sure there will be some laughs, some tears, and some hiccups along the way. Through it all, I would greatly appreciate your feedback!
*What is YOUR purpose in life? How will you achieve what God has called you to do? I would love to hear from you during your journey in "fulfilling your calling".
Once you have established that need or desire, say this prayer:
"I thank you, LORD, for granting the desires of my heart. I trust in YOU and YOU alone. I will never grow weary for I know that through the toughest battles you are with me. I am encouraged."
Stay encouraged....
I am a singer/songwriter.
I am a child of God who has an aching desire to realize her purpose in life.
These three statements define me at this very moment. I am currently on a journey and the destination is where God has called me -- creating music that will uplift and inspire people. I'm not too sure how I will get there. Nor have I the resources to do so...yet. However, I know that with much faith and determination, God will see to it that my labors will not go in vain. I prepare to bear the fruit of the seed that I will sow this coming year.
I have created an outline detailing my short-term and long-term goals. I have proposed some deadlines in order to stay on track. There is no better time to start this journey but NOW. Please follow me as I will record my progress within this coming year. I'm sure there will be some laughs, some tears, and some hiccups along the way. Through it all, I would greatly appreciate your feedback!
*What is YOUR purpose in life? How will you achieve what God has called you to do? I would love to hear from you during your journey in "fulfilling your calling".
Once you have established that need or desire, say this prayer:
"I thank you, LORD, for granting the desires of my heart. I trust in YOU and YOU alone. I will never grow weary for I know that through the toughest battles you are with me. I am encouraged."
Stay encouraged....
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