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Thursday, November 21, 2013

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.  

Friday, October 25, 2013

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!

Friday, July 26, 2013

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.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

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.

Monday, May 20, 2013

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

Monday, April 29, 2013

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!!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

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!!!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

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. 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

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

Friday, March 15, 2013

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.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

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.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

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. 

Friday, March 1, 2013

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?

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

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. 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Choosing not to Rip You a New You-Know-What


I hate it when someone from my past tries (and succeeds) to bring me down by throwing my past in my face.  I mean, come on!!!  It's my past, leave it alone.  My past itself does a good enough job at throwing itself in my face without someone else's help!!

I bet if this certain someone took a few seconds to dwell upon his or her past, he or she would quickly realize that he or she has a regretful past as well.  I'm not saying his or her past is worse than mine, cause many times I find it hard to believe that anyone could have a past worst than mine, but I can assure you that his or her past is not perfect.  We have all made mistakes.  We have all fallen short. 
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

But, the main point is that none of us should be living in our past, and we most definitely should not be throwing someone else's past up in their face.  Part of me wants to tear into someone who throws my past up in my face.  I wanna rip them a new you-know-what.  I wanna find out every little thing I can about this person and use it to bring them down.  BUT, I know that's not right, and that fighting fire with fire will only make a bigger fire. 

So, what do I do?  I turn to God.  I see what he has to say about getting over my past, and I also pray that this degrading person will successfully get through his or her depression and stop bringing me down by throwing my past in my face.

Here is what the bible says about getting over the past:

"But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" - Philippians 3:14

"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him. - Romans 4:7-8

God isn't the God of the dead, but of the living. -Matthew 22:32

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. -Phil 3:13-14

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Fluffy Clouds and Rainbows



I assumed that when I got home from prison my life was gonna be all "fluffy clouds and rainbows."  IT'S NOT!!!  While I know I should not be complaining, for I don't have a sick kid in the hospital and my health itself is holding up, I am still bombarded with many of life's troubles.  From overdue bills to a not-so-ideal living situation (I'm still living at home with my parents at the age of 26), stressful issues seem to be popping up everywhere. 

So, what do I do?  I turn to God.  Several times throughout the day, every day, I have to turn my life's issues and problems over to God.  About five minutes after turning them over to him, I quickly notice that I have picked the problems back up and I'm trying to control my life once again.  Why can't I just let him deal with the problems?  I know that he knows what it is best, and that he can deal with my problems more effectively than I can. 

I need some reassurance that everything is going to be ok.  So, here are some verses that I have looked up.  I hope you may find peace and assurance in them too. 

Isaiah 41:10

'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Philippians 4:19

And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-8

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 'And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 17:7-8

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. "For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.

Psalm 9:9-10

The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble, And those who know Thy name will put their trust in Thee; For Thou, O LORD, hast not forsaken those who seek Thee.

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Friday, February 8, 2013

I'm Home from Prison


Yesterday morning I awoke in a county jail.  Two mornings before that I awoke in a state Prison.  You have no idea how much God has worked in my life over the past month. 

On January 8, 2013, I was sentenced to five years under the supervision of the Department of Corrections.  The victim of my case, who I have been praying for forgiveness from, showed up at my sentencing and signed an Affidavit stating she wished for me to receive shock probation after 30 days served. 

I was immediately taken into custody after my court hearing that day.  Even on the way to the jail I was praising God that the girl had forgiven me for my terrible crime and that I was only going to have to spend 30 days in jail. 

After 10 days in, I was woke up at five o'clock in the morning and told that I was leaving.  I said, "What?  I am going home?"  The guard said in a smartelic voice, "No honey, you are going to prison."

Never in my life had I been so scared.  But God stayed by my side the entire time I was in prison.  I could see him working on a daily basis.  I will write a more in-depth posting on my stay in prison at another time.

As for now, I am so thankful to be home.  I am so thankful that I have a loving God who never left my side even as I was locked behind bars and barbwire fences.  God didn't stand behind the fences looking in at me yelling at a distance that everything would be ok.  No, He grabbed my hand and went directly in with me into that prison. 

Monday, January 7, 2013

Could Be My Last Posting for Awhile


As I sit here tonight, I don't suppose I have ever been so nervous in my entire life.  For the past eight months I have been awaiting to discover if I have to go to jail.  I made a horrible mistake last year and on November 20th of last year, I pled guilty to an Assault in the 2nd Degree charge. 

The girl that I "assaulted" received no serious injury, but still, I am guilty.  It is so weird going from one day into the next knowing that little me assaulted someone.  I mean, in a million years I never thought I would be going to jail for assault.  Anywho, tomorrow I go up for sentencing.  The judge and prosecutor have agreed to probation, but there is a chance the victim could step in and try to protest my probation.  The weird thing is that I have been praying every night for the past eight months that this girl would forgive me and have mercy on me, and now I am being told that my very outcome of the situation is going to be based on her forgiveness.  The very thing that I have been praying about is what my situation is going to be based on.  Weird uh?  I kind've think it's weird, but then again I know it's just the way God works. 

I really don't wanna go away.  In fact, every ounce of emotion within me is trying to keep from crying because I am scared to death that I am going to have to go away.  I made a mistake.  I didn't even mean to harm the girl in an intentional manner.  I don't even know this girl.  She is an innocent bystander who unfortunately got caught up in a moment of rage of mine.  I know consequences have to be paid, but O, my God, hear my plea.  Rain your mercy down on me please.  Tomorrow I want to be here typing words of praise to you.  Not sitting in a jail cell.  But even if I go away, I will be praising my sweet Jesus. 

This very well may be my last posting for awhile, but hopefully not.  Please keep me in your prayers. 

A Lot of Answers to Many Questions




(Thanks Joe for these thought-provoking questions)

1) If you could relive one day of your life, what day would you choose?

Hmmm...this is a difficult question.  One day?  I suppose I would choose the day my son was born.  It was a very wonderful day.  My family surrounded me as well as my son's father.  At only 35 weeks, my little Lucas found his way into this world and proclaimed that he was not too small to survive.  Weighing in at only four pounds, he was the smallest and most beautiful child I have ever seen.  In his own little way, he saved my life the day he was born.  So, my answer is July 10, 2008; that's the day I would relive over.

2) What is a life lesson you have learned recently?

I have learned that no matter how mad someone makes you, it is best to walk away from tense situations.  Never, never, never should you stay and let your feelings boil up to a point in which the only thing left to take place is for the feelings to explode.  All that happens is people get put into harm's way, and if you are anything life me, you end up in jail.

3) What fascinates you?

God's timing.  The way that he works within my life is truly fascinating.  Just when I think that a prayer is going unanswered, he shows up and proves to me that he's been working behind the scenes all along.  And just when I think he going to work in one way, he works in a completely opposite way, only to prove that his plans are much better than mine. 

4) When did you realize life is short?

By no means is life short.  I mean, for some people it is unfortunately cut short; however, for me, I have already been blessed with 26 wonderful years of life.  But, I guess I know what the question is referring to.  I guess I realized that life is short when I turned 18 and moved out of my parents house.  Two days later I moved back home.  LOL.  Within those two days, I quickly realized that life is much different than I thought it was. 

5) What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would constantly remind my younger self that the answers to all of life's mysteries can be found through God's word.  It took me way too long to realize the power and guidance that comes from reading the word of God.  His word truly is living and supernatural. 

6) What do you wish you spent more time doing 5 years ago?

I wish my fiance and I had spent more time working on improving our relationship.  If we had done so, maybe we would have not made the choices that landed him in prison for almost three years as well as the choice that is possibly costing me up to five years in prison. 

7) What makes someone a hero?

I consider someone a hero if he or she puts his or her life aside so that someone else's life can be made better. Any person that takes his or her time to help someone else is a hero.

8) If you were to write a book, what would you write about?

I would definitely write about my life.  I would explain how God has worked miracles in my life as well as how he has helped me overcome a severe drug addiction.  I would write about my siblings that my family has adopted, and also about my spiritual journey.

9) What qualities do you look for in a friend?  A significant other?

Friend: trustworthy, merciful, encouraging, thoughtful.
Significant other: trustworthy, understanding, encouraging, sacrificial, loving.

10) Would you ever sacrifice your values for power, money, and fame?

Well, unfortunately, at one time in my life I know the answer to this question would have been yes.  I have sacrificed every value and standard that I have for drugs, so I know money, power, and fame would have won me over too.  Nowadays, I do not live as I used to, so I can testify that power, money, and fame could not entice to sacrifice my values. 

11) What are your passions?

- Playing piano
- Playing softball
- Watching my sister play basketball
- Watching my son play ball
- Writing
- Traveling

12) How do you define success?

I define success as something that cannot be achieved; it is something that just is.  A person is a success to me if he or she treats others with kindness and does his or her best to bring glory to God in all that he or she does.

13) How have you changed in the past five years?

LOL!!  In every way possible.  Five years ago I was sitting around injecting illegal substances into my body.  Not for one second did I care about others.  All I cared about was getting high.  I didn't give God the time that he deserved, so my spiritual relationship with him slowly dwindled down to nothing.  I hung out with the wrong people.  I didn't spend quality time with my family.  I didn't treat my fiance like he deserved to be treated.  Now, I do everything possible to better my relationships with my family, my son, my fiance, and my God.  I don't use drugs or alcohol any more.  I am not perfect, but I have definitely improved.

14) When is the last time you said a prayer?

Last night.  I always pray several time throughout the course of a day; however, my most intimate prayers are those that are said when I lay my head down at night.

15) If you were able to eat dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would you invite?

Jesus, my son, and my fiance; that sounds like the perfect meal.

16) What would you like to have people say about you at your funeral?

That they saw God work miracles in my life.  That they know how I used to be, but saw God transform my life into nothing less than an angel. 

17) What makes you smile?

My son, playing piano, writing a really good article, my fiance, my siblings. 

18) If you could be with anyone, anywhere, doing anything, who would you be with, what would you be doing, and where would you be?

I would be with my fiance and my son doing anything that they wanted to do.  I would guess that that my fiance would want to be fishing and that my son would want to be outside playing.  So, I guess we could go camping. 

19) What did you do today to make yourself better than you were yesterday?

I'm writing this blog.  Writing always helps me to relax and become a better person.

20) Can lying ever be the right thing to do?

Yes, but only to young children.  Lying is only right when it is to protect young children from things that they need to be protected from.  For example, when my four-year old son asks me where babies come from, I do not go into detail about how a male and female must have intercourse in order for a baby to be conceived.  Instead, I tell him that God puts babies into their mommies' tummies. 

21) If you lost everything, who would still be there for you and do these people know how much they mean to you?

My parents, my siblings, my grandmother, my son, my cousin Branigan, my fiance, and my aunts and uncles.  I hope they know how much they mean to me.

22) What gives your life meaning?

God and my family.

23) What does it mean to be human?

To be human means that we will make mistakes.  That there is something greater than ourselves.  That we have choices to make.  That we need help.  That we can help others.  That we have responsibilities.  That we are capable of loving others.  That we can be forgiven for our wrongs, and that we can forgive others. 

24) What is the purpose of education?

Umm...I guess to help us survive in the world.  To be productive citizens, and so that we can help others with the knowledge that we have.

25) What are the defining moments or time spans in your life thus far?

From the time I was 13 to 19, I made horrible choices that defined who I was for that time period as well as shaped me into the young woman that I soon became; however, at the age of 22, I gave birth to my first and only child, which changed me for the better.  At the age of 26, which is my current age, I made a horrible choice that is still defining how my next five years will be. 

26) When you are living out your final years, what will matter most to you?

My relationship with Jesus will most definitely matter the most.  In addition, my son's relationship with God will be of very great importance.  I do my best to live a life that is always helping draw my son and fiance to Jesus. 

27) What can no one ever take away from you?

No one can take the love for me that God has.  All my moments of joy with my family are mine to hold onto as well.

28) Can you count your true friends on one hand?  Would you trust any of these friends with your life?

Yes and yes.

29) When it is all said and done, will you have done more than you said?

I sure hope so.

30) What are you grateful for and do you celebrate the things you have?

I am so grateful for the family that God has divinely blessed me with.  From my parents to my son to my siblings to my wonderful fiance, I could not ask for a better family.  I am so blessed that God has also given me a wonderful church family to be a part of.  I do my best to celebrate these things by giving praise to my wonderful God. 

31) When is the last time you stepped outside your comfort zone?

Probably when I decided to volunteer for the girl's and boy's basketball games this past year.  I am not one to be in front of a large number of people, and even though I was only taking up money and passing out tickets, at first the experience was kind've uncomfortable for me.

32) If you inherited $1 billion dollars, what would you do with your time and money?

My time would be spent spending the money...just kidding (kind've).  LOL.  I would give at least 10 percent to my church.  I would buy a nice home for my fiance and I and our son, as well as for my parents and siblings and grandparents.  I would probably donate a lot of money to the Ronald McDonald Charity.  I would travel a lot. 

33) Who is the strongest person you know?

My fiance.  I have put him through a lot but he has hung on and he still loves me more than ever.  He even sat in prison for almost three years but did not let it bring him down.  He is by far the strongest man I have ever known.  I am so proud to call him mine. 

34) What is the single best quality a human being can possess?

Honesty

35) If we learn from our mistakes, why are we afraid to make a mistake?

Because we have often been taught that making a mistake means being a failure.  We need to teach our children that making mistakes is a part of life, and that when mistakes are made, this becomes great learning opportunities.  We must always remind them that mistakes can lead us straight to success. 

36) If you had a friend who spoke to you the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how
long would you allow that person to be your friend?

Not for very long at all.  In fact, I guess I am my worst friend sometimes.

37) Who are your role models and why do you admire these individuals?

My parents, because they live a "good" life and make good choices.

38) When was the last time you went a day without complaining?

I don't remember.

39) What is missing from your life?

Nothing, I have all I need.  God has been so good to me.

40) What will you always believe in?

I will always believe that a man came to earth, his name was Jesus, and that he died on a cross for my sins.  I will always believe that by a supernatural power, he was raised from the grave and that he is preparing me a home with him.