This song sums up everything I know about God and His ability to turn the worst of who we were into the best of who we called to be in Him. I do pray that you had a marvelous Monday. My day was fantastic. I got up early, spent time in the Word, went to work, yes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream that I could work alongside other races, so I did. Then on to the gym and Bible Study. And now I am home just in time for bed, but on the way home I heard this song (a favorite of mine) and thought I would share. I thank God that He has never given up on me. I worship Him for who He is and because I am not where I could have been. Goodnight!
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Seasons; parts of God’s perfect plan.
Yesterday in Sunday School, the lesson was titled, ‘Time and Eternity’. The lesson was found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. In life, there is a time for everything. A season. I was talking to a friend the other day, and the question was asked, “what if our season has passed?” It got me to thinking about some situations in my life. What am I holding on to that I should have let go of already? Do I mourn the loss of something for too long? Do I joke around longer than I should? Am I planting the proper seeds in this season to reap in a different season of my life?
I am grateful for the seasons in my life. Presently, I am single, and I enjoy this season of my life to the fullest. One day, I might not get to enjoy sipping wine and watching Monk on a Friday night after a week of travel or long days in the office. I might find myself having “date nights” or “play dates”. It goes without saying that this season has had its share of tears and disappointments, but I’ve lived in other seasons and well, so do they. I know someone who complains about something every single, solitary day. Even after a solution has been provided. So I asked her if she thinks that one day she will wake up and be happy? Meaning, if you get a new job, get a man, or lose weight, do you think those things alone will make you suddenly happy? What’s the point of complaining every step of the way until we get something that we want? Why wait until we step into the season we think will make us happier and whole to enjoy life? We run the risk of missing the lessons and the joys that our present season has to offer.
So I say to you today, on this Marvelous Monday, to embrace every season of your life; the good, the bad and the not so pretty. It’s all a part of God’s perfect plan.
Stay Charmed,
CC
Stop chasing!!
Stop chasing after something or someone that is not yours to catch. Think of all of the heartache that could be avoided if you would let go of the very thing that brings about pain. I’ve come to realize that if someone wants to be a part of your life, they will be. If not, that’s okay. Every relationship is not meant last forever. Maybe it is a dream that was not really yours to begin with. Stop chasing after things and people and start allowing God to place things and people in your life that serve you best. He has a plan for all of us.
Stay Charmed,
CC
Two things…
The first thing that came to mind this morning was this Bible scripture… “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14. The second thing that came to mind was this scripture… “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37.
Stay Charmed,
CC
Yep, that was for me!
Today has been one of those days where almost every encouraging message I read was written and posted just for me. I tossed and turned last night..the night before my first day back to work in over two weeks. Apparently, I had a lot on my mind. When I finally decided to just get up, I read my daily inspiration. “Speak His Word over your circumstances and watch Him move on your behalf”, it read. It’s easy to speak negatively regarding something that may not be going in our favor. But if we speak life into a situation, then no matter the outcome, it will be the best for us and will be aligned with God’s ultimate plan for our lives. When I got the chance to check out some messages, these are some I came across.
Paula White posted, “A sign of maturity is when you make the right choices during difficult times.” We often want to react based on our emotions. We say the first thing that comes to mind when someone hurts us, we spend money on something we don’t need or can’t afford…we just act rather than really think about the consequences. I challenge you to think about your next move when you feel wronged, the need to splurge, when coworkers just can’t get right, etc. Make the mature decision. It will feel so much better. (I know some will disagree!)
The Praying Woman posted, “When one door closes, another door opens; but we so often dwell on the closed-door, that we don’t see the one God opens for us.” And, “even if things don’t turn out the way you expect, don’t give up! A bend in the road is not the end of the road.” Stop looking back. God doesn’t make mistakes. When He moves, go with Him. It may not be what you expected, but I promise it will be far greater than anything you could have imagined yourself.
ME Unlimited posted, “There is power in positive expectation. Create a clear mental picture of what you’re expecting to experience. Operate in your expectations, not your experience.” I’d like to forget some of my experiences. This year I expect some major things. Not because of who I am, but because of whose I am. If we look at every situation, in the natural, we can become discouraged. God is so busy working something out in our lives. At any given moment a bleak situation can be turned around in your favor. Expect the best!
Stay Charmed,
CC
Stop moving the goal post!
So, I had brunch with Robyn today and we talked about some of everything. In the middle of our conversation, she said, “well, he keeps moving the goal post.” It was perfect; it’s EXACTLY what was happening. Which brings me to this post. If you say, “I forgive you” or something similar, then forgive and move forward. Don’t say you forgive, and then make someone jump through hoops when they know they’ve made a mistake and am willing to right a wrong. Forgive and move forward. It was seriously, like, the best thing I’d heard all day because it described a situation perfectly. We all need forgiveness at some point or another. Don’t make someone suffer from their past mistakes once you claim you’ve forgiven them. If you need more time, say that. If you don’t think you can forgive, then say that, BUT remember the consequences. Don’t say one thing and then the next time say something different. Let the person score already! If not, they will just stop trying to prove to you that they messed up, and will just move on.
Stay Charmed,
CC
21 days of Fasting: Daniel’s Fast
Every year my church starts the new year with a Daniel’s Fast which entails eating ONLY fruits and veggies for 21 days. Fasting lets my fleshly man know that it is not in control. The man we feed the most, rules. Who’s with me? Maybe not the full fast, but maybe you can give up TV for 21 days, or Facebook, or something else you don’t think you can live without.
Fasting is personal. It draws you closer to God, and is a way to let Him know that you are serious about some things that you may need, want, desire of Him. It’s not about material things, but it’s more about giving Him the first of your year, giving Him more of your time, and becoming more intimate with Him. What you don’t want to do while fasting can be found in Matthew 6:16-18. It’s not about looking deprived or sickly. It’s an honor to fast!
One of my favorite stories on fasting can be found in Esther 4:13-16.
You don’t have to let me or anyone else know when you begin your fast, as it is between you and God. This post is merely to encourage anyone who believes they have been called to fast, and needs a little push.
Stay Charmed,
CC
It’s use me, Lord, 2014!
Are you hiding behind your awesomeness? Afraid of what others might think? Well, it’s time to step into the greatness God has purposed for your life. Don’t waste another second ashamed of your shine. God is a big God and has big plans for you and I. Live everyday on purpose. Let every word come from love. Someone very close to me asked me, “do you think about what you say sometimes?” Think about it, if it doesn’t add value, why say it? We are all here not to just pass the time, but to leave a legacy. I want all God has for me, my family, and my friends in 2014. He has called all of us for something bigger than ourselves.
So, stop hiding behind your shyness, “lack” of talents, fear of public speaking, etc. If God called you to do it, He will provide all of the tools you need to succeed. My prayer for me and you is to be all God has purposed us to be. Whatever God has up His sleeves, I want to be a part of it. Won’t you join me!
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. -Jeremiah 29:11
Happy New Year! May it be your best year yet.
Stay Charmed,
CC
Something good for something GREATER.
As a new year rapidly approaches, what things, habits, even people do you need to leave in 2013? Trust me, I dare not claim to be an expert on letting go. It is not an easy feat. To some it means someone doesn’t think enough of them to keep them around. Let’s stay here for a minute.
I’ve been reading a great book titled, ‘Sun Stand Still‘. Recently, I read where the author writes regarding a certain character in the book, “Now he realizes that when God removes something from our lives, it’s not because he’s trying to take away something good. It’s because he’s trying to make room for something better”. He also writes, “When God takes something or someone out of your life, he’s just clearing space on your hard drive for an upgrade”. The hard part about this is determining who needs the upgrade? You or the other person? I suppose both. Don’t get me wrong some people are toxic and it’s a no brainer, but some relationships have a season and a reason, and hopefully a learned lesson. Don’t miss the lesson.
Moving forward. What are some other things that need to be removed in the new year? Some bad habits such as, biting your nails, picking your lips (a family fave), spending too much money, creating too much debt, eating way too many carbs…or what if you feel the need to let go of a dream, a goal?
I will share something very personal. I have struggled with trusting God’s plan for my life. I like to be in control of things. But let me assure you, whatever it is you are being called to let go of, rip off the band-aid, drop it, do whatever you have to do to rid yourself of it and keep it moving. Don’t keep going back hoping to get further with it this time around. Or as my best friend Robyn says, “stop looking into the rearview mirror of life”. Keep the door closed. You’d be surprised how fast you will be able to get over someone, save more money with each disciplined step, or be in tune with what God has really planned for your life. Letting go opens doors to new opportunities, as well as some new challenges, but oh, how exciting it will be. Let it go!
Stay Charmed,
CC
2014: What’s your vision?
Last year, a few friends and I got together to create our very first Vision Boards. I’d recently seen a fellow TCU alum, Marshawn Evans, on Good Morning Texas, talking about them and what they mean. In the video, (link posted below), Marshawn mentioned that a vision board begs the question, what do you want to become? So my friends and I got together and ventured into creating our own boards. As I look back on my 2013 Vision Board, I can see where I missed the mark, and also, where I accomplished some parts of my vision. In 2014, I decided to go bold. Very bold. In itself, a vision or two many be out of my control, but I added it because I have to be open to it. For example, love. If you want it, be open and available for the right kind of love. But other things like, be amazing, well, in the words of Beyonce, “I woke up like dis”, and yet, at times we forget just how amazing we really are. So add it and lots of other self-esteem boosters to remind you that you were created to be awesome.
So get some friends together, gather up some old magazines, and get to vision boarding! It’s really quite fun and a great time to fellowship with your peeps and have some good laughs. Besides, your friends can hold you accountable throughout the course of the year. Once complete, keep the board where you can see it and be reminded of what you want to become in 2014.
And if you’re feeling brave, do share on my Facebook page, charmainecharming. You never know who you might inspire. Special shoutout to Stacy, Amaya, Rose, and Melissa for letting me share their 2014 vision boards with you.
Start 2013 off on the right foot by making a Vision Board
Below is an article from oprah.com for further assistance.
Stay Charmed,
CC
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- Make a Vision Board (nhriblog.wordpress.com)
Tamara Charmaine Taylor 