Don't Stop Believing!

Don’t Stop Believin’ was recorded by Journey in 1981. The same year I was born. However, it the charts again in 2009, after the popular show Glee cast recorded it. I can admit that I was a Glee fan for the first couple of seasons simply because of this song. Recently, Snoop Dogg performed on Lip Sync Battle. Random fact, I know. It’s funny how the message of the music can transcend genres. This song’s message is clear. No matter the road life may take you, don’t stop believing. Don’t give up. Hold on to to the feeling that made you start in the first place. You’ve come to far to turn back now. Don’t Stop Believing!!!

Emancipate

I have had two profound experiences with forgiveness. Both were orchestrated beyond my control and both were unexpected moments of release. Forgiveness emancipates you. It frees a piece of your soul. I've always believed that forgiveness is for you. I've been forced to forgive myself. I've been forced to forgive others when no apologies or concern was given. I've had to let go and let God, when I wanted to "get at and react." It hasn't been easy. It hasn't been what I wanted to do at the time, but God is mindful. God knew that I couldn't live with unforgiveness in my heart. I couldn't love with hurt and malice in the way. I couldn't be His best with regret. Free your mind. Let it go. Some burdens are too big to bear. Emancipate yourself

Be Encouraged

I don't watch the news because it can be depressing. I am mindful of how I start my days because entertainment has a way of affecting our mood. Sad songs make us cry. Bad news can give us anxiety. You must be deliberate in protecting your mind and your soul. Be encouraged. How? Listen to your favorite song in the morning. Read your favorite bible verse. Recite an affirmation. Be encouraged and encourage others. 

God is Able

Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

I'm at the place in my life where I have experienced "above all I can think or ask." I have learned to pray big prayers. I have an expectation built on big faith. I have experienced God's love in the valley. I have felt his comfort in seasons of loneliness, and I've learned that God is still in control and more importantly, God is able. My life, my dreams, my aspirations are nothing without God's ability. It is not through my strength, but His. It is not through my power, but His. Trust that God can do the exceedingly abundant in your life. God is able.

Reflection

My friends and I call it mirror work. It's when you take a good hard look at you. It's when you take the time to try to see yourself the way others see you. Are you as kind as you think you are? Are you as helpful as you think you are? Are you really a good person? What do you need to work on? What areas of your life need improvement? Who is the person staring back at you? Do you recognize your own reflection? Don't be scared. Do the work.

Remember

The Israelites built an altar of twelve stones when they crossed the Jordan. Elijah built an altar of twelve stones when he was in a competition with the prophets of Baal. The twelve stones represent the twelve tribes of Judah. The altars are memorials of God's faithfulness. When we get into certain situations, we may find it hard to remember what God has already done. We can't see the forest for the trees. We can't see past our own circumstances. We can't see beyond our own pain and disappointment, but God is still faithful. We just need to remember that God is a faithful God. What altars have you built in your life to remind you of God's faithfulness? If you haven't built an altar, I challenge you to build one, as a reminder of not only what God has done, but what he continues to do in your life. Remember!

Refurbish

Have you ever seen a piece of furniture that has a bunch scratches and marks on it and thought to yourself, it just needs to be sanded and fresh coat of paint? A fresh coat of paint can work miracles. A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference. A fresh coat of paint is usually the second to last step when you refurbish something. The last step is when you add the gloss or the sealer. The gloss is what makes it shine. 

The interesting thing about refurbishing is that you use most of the original parts. You typically strip the original color and sand the surface. You want to make sure everything is even. You fix any surface issues, make whatever minor adjustments or upgrades, paint and you're done. 

Now, think of yourself as this project. You are made of quality material, but along the way you've got some knicks and scratches. You might need a handle or two to be replaced, but overall you're a sturdy piece of furniture. Should you be thrown out or just refurbished? All you need is a small investment, some time, tlc and a fresh coat of paint. There are some people and things in your life that don't need to be discarded. They just need to be refurbished.