We see, hear or even think of any possessions we desire, and the definition among Need , Want and Have to Have somehow seems to blend together! The line differentiating these words becomes very gray and it happens very naturally. Getting a handle on the actual meaning of these three illuminates a plethora of problems. “Need” is the hoarders go to reason this problem got out of hand in the first place. “Want” gives compulsive shoppers an adrenaline rush, similar to a work out high. “Have To Have” the adult version of peer pressure (keeping up with the Jones). All of these only have value here on earth. The saying "You can’t take it with you" is the truth. The “need” you can take with you are treasured memories. “Want” people you love to know and feel it. And “have to have” should be a personal relationship with your Maker. Learn the difference, it will serve you well.
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Is your life well lived? Be very clear what your definition of the word “well” is. Is it your reputation, big house, fast car, or the number of precious sparkly gem stones in your jewelry box? Is it the money earned? Or the amount of education you have acquired? Well, good character can’t be bought. Common sense can’t be taught, regardless of how many prestigious degrees hang on your wall. Are you hoping to distract the world from seeing the real you ? The accumulation of wworldly possessions to which some people devote their lives ,ves can’t go with them when their time comes. Devote your life accumulating all the love this world has to offer. It’s precious,timeless, and limitless. And is worth its weight in gold.
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Have you ever met a perfect person? This daunting question is the subject of countless self help books, as well as discussed throughout the Bible in the form of different parables. Never once was a perfect person even alluded to here on earth. After reading all the words that have been written, we should feel confident, and as a result comfortable that there is in fact no such thing as a perfect person. Yet so many continue in relentless pursuit to achieve this state of being that only exists in the minds of the delusional. Are we not setting ourselves up for failure? The purpose of this life is to learn from all the mistakes, ups and downs, and our inevitable failures as well as successes. Our job is to focus on the journey, day by day, and our final destination will take care of itself.
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There are a few sentences when uttered in a room full of people that grab everyone’s attention and instantly silence all of them. This certainly qualified as one of them. Yesterday while waiting for a meeting to start, a younger woman with tears threatening to spill over at any minute said “there is no God... so don’t waste your time praying!” In one long, breathless sentest she explained she was pregnant, and she did not want TWINS! Not only did they run in her family, but she herself was one. She kept saying how she had prayed and prayed, and she just found out today she was having triplets. She could not believe it! She kept saying “I prayed and prayed to not have twins, and God didn’t hear me”. I laughed (to myself) and said “Actually He did hear you: you said you didn’t want twins, and that is exactly what you didn’t get. You never said you didn’t want triplets.” The lesson to learn here is: before you think God’s not listening, be faithful, specific, and careful what you ask for. The answer to our prayers doesn’t necessarily look, feel or resemble our desires, sometimes they exceed all our expectations. (don’t you just love it when that happens?
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Are you worried about disappointing other people? Exactly when did you start worrying about what other people think of you? When it comes right down to it, It’s really none of your business. The only person you should be worried about disappointing is yourself. Let’s be honest; you’re the only one’s behavior you have any hope of controlling in the first place. And believe me, that’s hard enough. There’s work to be done. Worrying accomplishes nothing! And as far as disappointing others...well that just goes with the territory. Don’t believe me? Ask any child.
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There are times when winning feels like losing; Any argument that results in destroying a friendship. An inheritance from a loved one who recently passed. A game when you see the look in the eyes and face of a young child.
The times you lose but feel like a winner.
At the scale weigheting in. The people who are toxic to your wellbeing. Memories of past transgressions and failures, as long as we can maintain the knowledge of the lesson learned. Be a gracious winner or risk the fate of feeling like the loser in the end.
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There are haters in each of our lives and we love them dearly. If you’re a Parent there will be times when your children hate you. Your job and we take it very seriously, is to guide and protect them from the day they are born. They fight you every step of the way. You are officially the enemy, spelled MOM or DAD. When asked for advice, as soon as you acquiesce to “THEIR” request, they proceed to do exactly what they wanted in the first place! Nothing has changed! Friends; turn into frenemies if your opinion (they asked for) is not exactly what they wanted to hear. No surprise here either. My take on this situation is as follows; “we are very responsible people, anything that goes wrong in anybody’s life we know... we are somehow responsible” And yet In spite of all the potential pitfalls in these relationships I for one wouldn’t trade my family or friends for anything in this world.
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Budget: now there’s a word that can put the fear of God in some, and Instantly grabs the attention of the rest of us. The budget we’re discussing here has nothing to do with money. It’s about balancing life among work, family and honoring your purpose. Work: find a job that fulfills your spirt and makes you feel like you’re flying. Live: a life that needs no words to inspire others to love the life they are living. Family: your future legacy. Be conscious that everything you do is being watched and influences the moral code of parents raising the future generations. Would life be worth living without them? Purpose: the reason for your journey. Each of these is an important component, but dedicating your whole life to any one will ultimately result in regret. Maintaining your balance is tricky and downright scary at times. It requires as much practice as learning to walk a tight rope without a safety net. Life is a process of evaluation. Be patient; before you know it, this too shall change.
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Why me? I know I’m the one who keeps telling you “why not you” but give me a second and go with me. Everybody has a list of things to be grateful for. Use your imagination. Nothings is off limits.Think outside the box. Here are three of my “Why was I lucky”.
Mother to four amazing children.
To meet the man of my dreams and spend my life married to him.
Live in a country where, despite different political beliefs, am free to voice my option. Each and everyone of us has a list of things to be grateful for, some of us just have to dig a little deeper to locate them. Start digging and don’t stop until you find the gold in your life. .Our lives may not be perfect but they’re priceless.
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LISTEN! Many of us heard this more times than we would like to admit (every day) when we were growing up. And yet some of us still need reminders. It’s amazing what can be learned... if we would just stop talking and listen. These range from hard earned wisdom to simply other’s opinions of your opinion. Allow me to repeat this: their opinion of your opinion. Don’t get confused, angry or frustrated; simply thank them for their perspective. Listen, I know there’s that word again, just because someone SHARES their opinion doesn’t make us morally obligated to implement it. Some of the best advice I’ve heard turned out to be exactly what I didn’t want to do. Not all valued knowledge comes served on priceless antique silver platters. Don’t be fooled by the world’s wallpaper. Past wisdom shared is the glue to cement our future hopes and dreams.
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