Trying to Keep My Nose Out of People's Business

For some reason I have been so nosy into other people's business lately.  I've kept my opinions to myself (good for me) instead of blasting them across social media platforms, but I really wish I would worry more about myself and less about everyone else.

Why do I feel the need to compare myself to other people?  The bible specifically says "Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.  Don't be impressed with yourself.  Don't compare yourself with others.  Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." Galatians 6:4-5

No where does it say to make a careful exploration of others and the work they have been given, and then to sink yourself into that.  My life is my life, other people's lives are theirs.  I should not concern myself with their sins.  Their accomplishments.  Or their views on me.  

I really need to quit trying to do things my way.  The Bible says if I do, I will end up with a life that is full of "repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community." Galatians 5:19-21 

Oh my goodness, I cannot stress enough how much my life has already been the spitting image of what was mentioned above a million times over!  Ok, ok, maybe not a million times, but for years Galatians 5:19-21 was the exact description of my life. 

I do not want that life.  I want better!  I want to "Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit.  Then [I] won't feed the compulsions of selfishness.  For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness.  These two ways of life are antithetical, so that [I] cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how [I] feel on any given day." Galatians 5:16-18

Lord that is my prayer!!!  Keep my nose out of other people's business, and direct my life in a way that I can live freely, completely motivated by your Spirit.  

The Many Reasons Not to Write for the Yahoo! Contributor Site

Yahoo! supposedly loves receiving freelance articles covering opinions of other sites, products, and, well, just about anything.  When I submitted an opinion piece on writing for Yahoo!; however, my piece was immediately rejected.  I found this somewhat amusing because they read and rejected my writing in less than three days.  Every other piece I ever submitted to them took almost two weeks to hear anything back.

Take a look below at the opinion piece they rejected of mine, and keep to heart what it is saying.  If you're a freelance writer looking for work, try out Textbroker, Writer Access, or even try getting some private clients, and as stated below, ABSOLUTELY avoid Yahoo!.

Yahoo! Contributor Network is Not Worth Writing For

First of all, the editors are obviously not up-to-par with grammar and spelling, as there are always an abundance of mistakes and errors that can be found in the articles that they publish on Yahoo!.

Secondly, as a professional paid writer, when not one article is accepted for upfront payment by Yahoo! and you have had thousands of other articles accepted by thousands of clients, you get the feeling that Yahoo! can't spot high-quality content when it's right in front of its face.

Furthermore, the review process takes WAY TOO LONG. Even if you write an article that is about one of today's trending topics, by the time it is reviewed, the trendiness is usually gone.

Lastly, the pay is horrible! An upfront payment of $4.00 for a 500-word article just doesn't suffice for the amount of time that it takes to type 500 words. On average, at least a payment of $15.00 to $250.00 for a 500-word article needs to be acquired.

All in all, I will not recommend the Yahoo! Contributor Site to anyone!

My My, How Things Have Changed

My my, how things have changed from where I used to be.  And I can't complain.  Things have definitely changed for the better.  Two years ago, three years ago, four years ago, five years ago....heck, I could go back to 10 years ago, and if I did, your jaw would drop-to-the-ground in disbelief as to the things that I was doing.

It was nothing for me to go on a ten day haul with no sleep.  No food for that matter either.  Nowadays, going more than a couple of hours without food, or more than 16 hours without at least a cat-nap, sure does something awful to me.  Anyways, point is, things have changed, and it's for the better.

God has graciously shown me his love.  Removing people from my life that needed to be removed, and placing the special one's in my life right where they need to be.  I can't even begin to explain how good it feels to be where I am today.

I'm not saying that life is all grand, because it for sure isn't.  I still battle with certain problems on a daily basis.   I still stay awake at night praying to God that he helps me overcome certain issues.   I still find myself battling some of the same fights that I have been fighting for the last decade.  Only thing that matters, however, is that I am still fighting.  I am overcoming my faults through God's spirit.  He is constantly and continually staying by my side just as he promises.

If you asked me two years ago if I was happy, I would have said no.  If you asked me the year before that and the year before that and the year before that.....and so on, I would have said no.  But, finally, I can say yes.  I am content with my life and happy to be who I am.

I guess the main reason behind my ability to be happy is that I have finally figured out who I am....

I am a child of God.

The Good Things in My Life

Can you believe I've only posted three postings over the last two months?  Me either!  I used to post nearly five times a week.  I really need to get back to writing more often.  Writing is what I enjoy most, so I'm really confused as to why I have given up on it.  Well, writing for pleasure that is.  I still write professionally on a daily basis, but that's not the same as this. 

Anyways, God has been so great to me lately.  Eddie and I and Lucas are fixing to move into our very own place.  I always thought building our own home would be so enjoyable.  Truth is, it's very stressful.  This might sound silly, but I'm constantly turning to God when it comes to choosing out vanities, cabinets, paint colors and more.  I get so stressed about it that I have to turn every little detail over into his hands.  That's the way I need to be about everything in my life. 

In addition to being excited about the house-building thing, I'm also excited about Eddie and I getting married.  It's looking like a wedding ceremony will take place sometime this fall.  Being married will definitely be a blessing because it is something that God will bless with his very own hands. 

So, what else is new?  Well, Lucas did great at t-ball.  Next month he starts kickball.  I do believe Eddie and I have a wonderful little ball player on our hands.  Whether it be baseball or basketball or football, he is going to be amazing and extremely talented. 

Other than all of the above, I am also excited about going to see Kevin James this September.  Eddie and I will have a great time going out cause it's something we don't get to do very often with him working all the time and everything. 

That's about it.  That's pretty much what's going on in my life.  Oh yeah, I almost forgot.  The pic above is of my sis and I when we went to a concert a couple of weeks ago.  My very first real-concert was going to see the biggest boy band in the world: One Direction.  To be such young boys, they sure put on a show.  I'm glad my sis had such a good time, and yeah, I have to admit, I had a pretty dang good time too.

I pray that all is well with you.  I pray that you are finding the joy you are in search of, for I know, whether we realize it or not, each of us is on a conquest for the joy of Christ.  God bless!! Thanks for reading.

Being Thankful

Goodness, it appears that I have really been lacking in my postings lately.  When I face many troubles, I have all kinds of stuff to talk about, but when things are going good, my words are sparse.  Truth is, when things are going good, this should be the time that I have the most of words.  My words should be focused around praising God for the peace and serenity he has implanted into my life.

Keeping this in mind, here are ten things that I am ever-so thankful for:

1. My son
2. My fiance
3. My family
4. My health
5. Shelter
6. Transportation
7. His Word
8. Answered and Unanswered Prayers
9. The power of prayer
10. His mercy

A Year-Full of Blessings

A year ago on this very day, I made a horrible choice.   That choice brought about terrible consequences; however, God graciously scooped me up in his arms and showed me just how merciful he really is.  He showed me the parts and people of my life that I needed to let go of as well as the ones I needed to hold on to. 

Although this past year has been a bumpy one, full of legal woes, it has definitely been one of the most wonderful years of my life as well.  God is helping me discover who he wants me to be.

Thank you God!!

An Update from the Woods in Kentucky

As the world gets crazier and crazier all around me, things are still going good here in the deep woods of Kentucky.  I haven't wrote a posting in quite a while.  Not because I've been ignoring my blog, but simply because I haven't had much to write about.  Still yet, not much to write about, but for those of you that regularly read my postings, I thought I would give you a quick update. 

April 14th: I turned 27.  YAY for me!!! I'm getting closer and closer to 30 and dreading it :-)  But, I did have an awesome birthday.  I didn't even leave the house.  It was the first year I didn't go out, and yes that's a good thing.  Last year for my birthday, I wasn't exactly making good choices.  Staying up all night was on my agenda and boy did I accomplish it.  This year however, Eddie and Lucas and I celebrated my birthday the day before my actual birthday by going shopping and out to eat.  We even took my little sister who happens to be taller than me with us as well as her boyfriend.  We all had a great time. 

So, what's in the future for me?  Only God knows.  Eddie and I are waiting on a house to be fixed up and we are supposed to be moving in during the next few weeks.  Eddie said when we get a home he will go through with his proposal and actually tie the knot with me.  Keeping that in mind, I might be getting married pretty soon if all works out well with house.   So, maybe a lot will be happening in the near future for me.  God has been so good to me!!!

Have a great day!!!&&Thanks for reading my postings!!!

Arguing with God

Sometimes, the kids' (my four year old son and his five year old uncle) arguments get really out of hand.  I mean, come on!!!  Surely I didn't act like them when I was young?  Was I so stubborn to never admit my wrongs?  Always blaming my faults on someone else?  Always trying to get the last word in? 

As I sit here and think about how and why the kids argue all the time, I can't help but think that the way they sound to me is probably about the way I sound to God on a daily basis.  I'm always arguing with him.  Always trying to rationalize that my ways are better than his.  That my sins are someone else's fault.  To him, I'm sure I sound just as awful as the kids do when they start bickering with one another.

I guess no matter how old we get, we could all stand to do a 'lil growing up.  I know I sure can.  I need to quit arguing with God so much.  Deep down, I know that his ways are best. 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.~~Jeremiah 29:11. 

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.~~Isaiah 55:9

We would all do better to remind ourselves that God's ways are above what our  minds can comprehend.  Also, the next time the kids start arguing, take a step back, and think about how silly and childish they sound.  Chances are, you and I both sound the same way to God on a daily basis. 

Got Me a Car

In 2010, I sold my car.  At that time, I was not in much need of a car; however, over the past several months, it became quite clear that I would be needing a car.  So, what did I do?  I began to pray (and save money). 

God has been so good to me!!  Last weekend, my pastor hooked me up with a great connection to a car.  For the amount of money I paid, I am absolutely astounded at the car I got.  It is so amazing what God does for me.  He continually blesses me! 

If you are in need of something, my suggestion is to start praying.  With time and continual prayer, your prayer will be answered.  The answer might not come in the exact form that you are hoping for, but He will provide. 

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.~~Phillipians 4:19

Something that Energizes Me

At one point in my life, the only things that energized me were illegal substances. I know that this little flaw of mine was very sad, but unfortunately, it was true; however, that was a long time ago and this is now. Now, I find energy in the simplest things, especially words.

I do not mean to sound like some extremely religious person so please do not mistake me for that; I assure you I am not, but I do admit that I am very spiritual. So, with that said, the words that I find energy through are the ones wrote in the Holy Bible. I know it may sound odd, but I am here to testify that the words God allowed to be in the bible really do give me energy.

At one point in my life, I did not understand the Bible as I do today.  I wish everyone could get to a point in their life that they could interpret the Bible in a way in which they gain understanding and energy from it like I do, but sadly many do not ever allow their selves to reach this point I am writing about. To those of you who have reached this point, I am sure you will agree with me that it is awesome being able to turn to something as simple as words to gain energy, especially during the time periods in life that one feels absolutely drained.

Forgive Them for Stealing

Went to Walmart today to buy some groceries for a special person~~my grandmother.  Decided to leave my purse in my grandmother's car, and just take my wallet in.  Got back out to the car, put the groceries in the backseat, and decided to leave the cart sitting beside the car because it was snowing and raining (I know, I should have taken it to the cartholder).  Then I hurried myself in the car and drove out of the parking lot.  Almost immediately, I noticed that I had not grabbed my wallet out of the cart.  So, I went back to Walmart.  The cart I used was sitting in the same place, but no wallet.  I go inside to Customer Service desk, give them my name.  They have my wallet~~YAY!!!

As soon as I am handed my wallet, I notice it is awful light.  I had at least ten dollars worth of change in it.  Open my wallet, all the money is gone.

Sigh w/ a couple tears :(

Somebody stole all my money.  I had been saving to buy me a car.  I know I shouldn't have carried that much cash around with me, but somebody most certainly should not have stolen it from me either.  What upsets me the most is that the person took all my change.  The several hundred dollars that he or she stole from me wasn't enough. 

Oh, well.  Lord I know you will provide for me.  You will help me save once again to get a car.  Thank you that I at least was able to get my wallet back that my mother bought me for Christmas.  Lord, forgive the person who stole from me.

One Year Ago Today

I am so amazed at how my life has changed since this very day last year.  Last year at this time, as Jamie Johnson would say in his song High Cost of Living, "three days straight was no big feat, I could get by on no food or sleep."  I was spiraling down a road that led straight to hell.  The choices I made in no way were beneficial to me, and they most certainly were not drawing me near to God. 

But oh my my, look at what God has done!!  He took me just as I was, sent me through some cleansing waters, and low and behold, he never let me drown.  He washed me and washed me until my mind became clean and I could see the light.  He washed me until I could see him.  And now, my eyes don't come off of him.  I look for him in everything I do, and I always find him.  You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. -Jeremiah 29:13

This is not to say that I do not fall off the balance beam of living a healthy Christian life.  I often find myself making mistakes; however, I do turn to his guidance and forgiveness in all areas of my life.  I am so blessed by how far he has brought me. 

One year.
In one year I have came so far. 

One year ago today was my fiance's birthday.  Happy Birthday Eddie!  I love you more than words can explain so I won't try.  I'm certain that you know my love for you is as unconditional as a human love can be.

One year.
I can't wait to see what the next year holds.  If God has brought me thus far in only one year, I can only imagine how much farther he will bring me in the next year. 

Questions For Jesus

 

 

-How many stars are there?
-Assuming you can fly, do you ever go skydiving w/o a parachute?
-When your mother taught you about creation, did you get surprised at parts, or did you simply look at her and say, "I already know this mom."
-What is your favorite animal?
-Which miracle that you performed was your most enjoyable? 
-Did you ever have a girlfriend?
-Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?
-Did you ever receive an injury as a young child or young adult, go to a place by yourself, and heal it before any one knew you were hurt?
-What is the funniest joke you have ever heard?
-What is your favorite sport?
-Do you have a lucky number?
-Do you like walking on land or water better?
-How big are you making my bedroom in heaven?

Be Still

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

It is amazing what happens in life when I force myself to be still~~it is then that I can see that God is who he says he is.  When I stay wrapped up in my thoughts, the only thing I see are my many problems.  Once I slow down, instead of all my problems, I begin to see how God is moving mountains in my life.  Some of them he completely rids of, while others he simply rearranges so that I can deal with them when he has adequately prepared me for them. 

Do you have problems and mountains in your life?  Financial issues, substance abuse problems, family-related anxieties, school problems, marriage difficulties?  All of these things are mountains in your life that God wants to move or rearrange.  You don't have to move the mountains yourself.  He wants to do it for you.  He is who is he says he is, and if you will be still, he will show you.