22 lessons learned

Just had to share this article I found on Dr. Wayne Dyer



You get whatever you think about most. Whatever you think about expands… and therefore, we must be careful to not think about what we do not want.

You can never get enough of what you don't want. Why? Because we're thinking about what we don't want and we keep getting more of it. From an abundance and prosperity perspective, it can be costly (meaning you can lose great opportunities) to contemplate the conditions you do not want to produce for your life…for fear of getting more of what you don't want.

Think from the end. I'm a big believer in starting with the end outcome and working backwards to reach it. Dyer takes a more mental approach to it as he encourages you to contemplate yourself surrounded by the people, events, and things that represent your version of a "perfect life."

An attitude of gratitude will take you a long way. Rumi said, "Trade your knowledge for bewilderment." It is good to be in awe of all that you have attracted into your life and the more you are grateful for that - the more that will flow freely into your life.

Paraphrasing Dyer: There are no branches of any trees that think it is wise to fight with each other. In other words, there is no value in fighting with others as we are all from the same metaphorical human tree of life. There is an old zen saying that goes something like this: Whatever you are for, strengthens you and whatever you are against, weakens you.

It is only natural to have abundance and prosperity in your life. It is unnatural to resist the gifts you have been given in life to share with others. Therefore act confidently with a "knowing" that you already have all of the resources you need to succeed.


You must be independent of the opinion of others. No one can make you into what you are not. You are responsible to no one for your actions and thoughts except yourself. In addition, you are not in control of your reputation. All you can control is yourself and how you act on a day to day basis.

You alone choose your emotional state each day. No one can make you feel any different than you choose to feel on any day. Therefore take full responsibility for the emotional states that you choose to embrace each day.

You are not your body nor are you the possessions that you believe you have. You are timeless; perfect; …just the way you have forever been and will forever be. You are a spiritual being having a human experience. Live your truth.

Meditation can help you solve problems and achieve inner peace. While mental visualization of your intentions or goals are a good thing to do, think of "meditation" as quieting your mind to achieve a place of "no where" -- It's one of the best ways to center yourself.

Your EGO is often at odds with universal laws and principles. Best to identify when you are acting from ego vs. acting from your true authentic self. Your ego wants you to feel special and different than others but the reality is that we share more in common than we have differences. Focus on radical humility and respect for yourself and others in order to keep your ego at bay. You can only extend to another that which you are in truth.

You can only give others what you have inside of yourself. Therefore to give love away to others, you must cultivate love for yourself FIRST. Dyer uses the metaphor of squeezing an orange - asking you what comes out when you squeeze it. Most people answer, "orange juice" comes out. Why? Because that is what is inside. When humans are squeezed, what comes out of them is what they harbor inside of themselves. Harbor love, acceptance, joy, confidence, peace and harmony towards yourself so that you can radiate it towards others.

Your relationship with others does not really exist. You only have your perception of your relationship with others to act on. Therefore you must focus on making sure you perceive your relationship with others on the terms that you hope for the future of the relationship to exist. In other words, you must see harmony within yourself and then with the other person. You must always have within you what you wish to see or give another.

Our intentions create our reality. We each create our own personal realities by what we focus on and intend to happen for our experiences. Therefore we have an enormous responsibility to choose our intentions carefully.

Be attached to nothing but rather connected with what you want for your life. Attachment can cloud your ability to attract what you want. When you let go and surrender to your perfect self, you will attract what you desire.

There is never any scarcity of opportunity, but rather there is only scarcity of resolve to seize the opportunities that knock on our door every day. Scarcity does not exist unless we choose to embrace it…therefore, it is better to never embrace scarcity only embrace the possibility for abundance.

When the teacher is ready, the students will appear. When the student is ready, the teachers will appear. We can not learn the lessons we are here to learn if we are not open and receptive to learn. Do not resist the possibility to change, but rather expand and become more open.
No one was ever hurt by practicing random acts of kindness. The law of reciprocity always rewards kindness and even more-so when you are kind without any expectation of needing a return. There is no difference in the words "giving" and "receiving."

The best way to maximize book sales is to release related products that can be purchased. For example, a book could be followed up with an audio tape, audio CD, DVD, flip calendar, playing card decks and more. Each of these creates additional revenue streams that help to maximize the ROI from each published works. (My marketing brain wanted to insert this lesson in here ;-)

Judgment: One of our purposes in life is to find a way to free ourselves of our need to judge others in a negative light. This is the work of our ego and judging others prevents us from seeing the good in them. There is no value in judging others poorly. As we see others, we also see ourselves.

Dyer says, "It's Never Crowded Along the Extra Mile." That means that we must always give more than we expect to receive. In doing so, we join the small percentage of achievers that consistently go above and beyond the call of duty to serve others. The rewards are often disproportionate for those who go the extra mile vs. those who only do the minimum they need to get by. We give without expectations.

Trust in yourself and in doing so, you trust in the very wisdom that created you. It is impossible to become a no-limit person if you focus on limitations…therefore only focus on what you want to attract for your life. You already are complete, whole and perfect. Trust in the perfection of your life.

12-10

Hubby and I went Christmas shopping yesterday....oh my aching feet :). It was nice being together alone. I love being with the whole family but it's always nice to have the time to connect with him. He's going to be working a lot the next few weeks. My oldest now has her driver's permit. I've had her driving around our subdivision, she's not just yet ready to drive on the busier streets. Each time I see more and more confidence in her. I'm very proud!

In my reading I found this:

There is no such thing as failure-----everything, without exception, is a stepping stone to success.

Everytime you are faced with a failure or reversal put a smile on your face. Say to yourself--I am joyful, now a new destiny opens up for me. Turn your back on failure and arouse in yourself a courage to win. If you do, no matter what the difficulty may be, the road to success will open up for you without fail.

I stopped for a moment and was like.....that is so true. It's all in someone's perception, if you think of something in a negative way that's what it is. Remember the saying when life gives you lemons make lemonade. That's it!!!

I received some news that got me angry at first and then I took a deep breath and figured it is happening for a reason. I'm not upset anymore. I read about faith, trusting God, etc and that is exactly what I'm doing. If I need to go in a different direction then that is what I'll do.

I had to talk to my ex on the phone for a bit yesterday. We talked so nicely, it felt awesome to be able to do that. Our daughter made a comment later that she was shocked, I told her I always talk nicely to her dad. She then said she knew but he's usually a butthead, she figured her stepmom wasn't around. It doesnt' matter I'm thankful that he wasn't short or snippy. It was something to add to my list of blessings!

I had my second acupuncture session last week. There was a big different this time, I feel so much better. I've been taking my supplements, trying to be more active, eating good and it's paying off. When hubby and I were shopping, we went to Sports Authority and they have the small tramoplines......I really want one, I can bounce away on it LOL. I know the kids would love it too. I want to get them one for the backyard again. I'm thinking about getting my son a portable basketball hoop. He spends a lot of his time outside playing so I'm trying to get him things that he can do outside. He's not one that likes a bunch of toys, except for cars, monster trucks, and anything Transformers.

We are going to be flying to Illinois Christmas Eve to surprise my in laws. I can't wait!!

I was thinking about the things I'm thankful for and I have a HUGE list. How about you? What are you thankful for?

12-4

I am done with school, I am done with a few other important things I needed to get finished. That is a bit of stress taken off of me. My good friend moved away, we still talk quite a bit but I miss seeing her. It was 10 years ago today that my ex husband left. No I'm not dredging that up. It made me realize how much things have changed since. I've learned and grown in many wonderful ways. I have a different friend that is seperated from her husband, he's already got a girlfriend and it's just killing my friend. I've tried to tell her she has to love and respect herself, if she doesn't her husband won't. We teach people how to treat us. If someone keeps hurting us and we do nothing about it then they aren't just going to change their behavior. But if you set up boundaries and not allow certain things to happen then you protect yourself. I know what it's like to not have any self esteem and not understand what it means that someone doesn't respect you.

If I went through all that years ago so I would be able to help others, I suppose it was well worth it. It was a painful lesson though. I was talking to Randi (different friend) and was telling her I would never want to go back to my teen or childhood years. Noway, I like who I am right now. I think my life is more simple compared to then. It was quite empty and lonely. I have many good memories but I also have quite a few painful ones. I embrase them because they helped me be who I am now. I am very thankful that I didn't go down a different path in life.

Well I have to cut it short. I need to go to my acupuncture appointment.

Have a fabulous day and be blessed

11-17

Watch your thoughts for they

become words

Watch your words, for they

become actions.

Watch your actions, for they

become habits.

Watch your habits for they

become character.

Watch your character, for

it becomes your destiny

I just love that picture. The last 2 weeks I have really been feeling like a ticking time bomb. That is not like me at all. I know it is stress. I went Wednesday for my acupuncture appointment and it went great. My Dr. hooked me up to a biofeedback program she got it from www.wilddivine.com . It was very relaxing, it teaches you how to destress yourself. I really want to get it for my home. I noticed on that site they also have CDs and stuff for children. I'll have to order it and see how good it is. My next quest is to get together bunch of healthy recipes and then go shopping. My Dr. made mention that my liver is congested so I have to go back in like 2-3 weeks for acupuncture again. She also told me to take milk thistle seeds (which I knew was good for the liver) and do castor oil packs. It's pretty funny because I was just researching that a few weeks ago. Guess I know more than I thought!!! I took a nice walk earlier for about 30 minutes. I need to make sure I go for a walk every day. When I took my oldest daughter to the farm (where she takes her riding lessons and also helps them out when they are doing petting zoos or rodeos) I was a bit sad, the one horse I really like was sold :( I wanted her but it's not a good idea for someone's first horse to be one that isn't at least 10 years old and trained.

One day I will own my farm and have many animals.

My friend's Mom is in town. She got me a meditation book, God love her! I have so many books that I have to read. I should try to read at least an hour a day to get through some of these books LOL. I just got a gluten free cookbook and Maya Angelou also has a cookbook, she tells stories for each recipe. I really enjoy it. Although I doubt I will ever put crackin in any recipe.

Time for me to take a espom salt bath.....be blessed

Wisdom is supreme; therefore make a full effort to get wisdom.Esteem her and she will exalt you; embrace her and she will honor you.

11-12

Went back to church Sunday night to hear Pastor Bill Winston speak. Oh man was he funny and what he preached about was really good. Earlier in church Pastor Anderson was preaching on Jesus and him being from royalty and for 2000 years the church has been making it look like Jesus was some poor man. When I got to thinking about it, it's true. When Jesus was on the cross there were people that wanted his garments....because they were made of fine linen.

So it makes me wonder we are all children of God. Why do we have such poverty thinking, I'm not just talking money wise but in every aspect of our lives? God doesn't want that for us. I'm sure that is why we are here on earth, to learn and to grow and know the blessing God has given us.

I did my yoga this morning, watched a bit of Creflo Dollar. Then I wrote out one of the prayers/affirmations in Louise Hay's book. I'll share it with you

I am one with life, and all of life loves and supports me. Therefore, I claim for myself perfect vibrant health at all times. My body knows how to be healthy, and I cooperate by feeding it healthy foods and beverages, and exercising in ways that are enjoyable to me. My body loves me, and I love and cherish my body. I am unique adn I move through life healthy, happy, and whole. This is the truth of my being and I accept it as so. All is well in my world.

As I got out of the shower this morning, I am amazed at how good it feels to get clean. It is totally refreshing!! I have green tea soap that smells so good (yes it's organic). Speaking of soap I want to learn how to make my own, as well as candles. I think it would be fun


Did you know celery helps reduce high blood pressure, gives calming effect and has a high calcium content? I didn't know that, so I wrote it down in my notes. I'm researching the benefits of different fruits and veggies. Then I'm going to find some healthy recipes.

Pampering time

So last week proved to be stressful one. I don't really like having an anxiety attack, I supposed noone does. The body amazes me in how it deals with stress and when it's too much. I have an awesome naturopath doctor, so I called her. She told me what happens when the body gets depleted during stressful times and put me on certain supplements. She also told me about acupuncture, which my appointment is on Wednesday so I'm excited to see how well it goes. I told my husband I needed to get away and destressed.

Back in May I was in Wisconsin, I had to go there for legal reasons and I stayed with my sister. She went up to Michigan with her husband for Memorial weekend, I had her house to myself. It was heaven!!! I could've visited other family members and friends but I needed that time for me. I spent a lot of time being quiet, listening to relaxing music and reading. I meditate, took walks, drank herbal tea, ate healthy, and I journaled. I could feel my body relax, I was feeling so good. I lit candles, put essential oils in my shower and in my body oil. It was just what I needed.

I called a hotel room Wednesday and reserved a room. I made a list of all the things I would bring with me. I had fun getting ready for my day. When I got to my room I put everything away or where it belonged. I smudged the room with sage, lit the candles, made my tea, and then started my bath. I added lemon and peppermint oil with dead sea salts, put my hair in a pony tail and soaked, while sipping my tea. Oh let's not forget the relaxing music in the background, I believe I had Steve Halpern, David and Steve Gordon, and Nature sounds playing. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I layed on my bed and just quieted my thoughts, I concentrated on my breathing and then I could feel my whole body feel tingling and heavy. I meditated for about 20 minutes just thinking about being in beautiful places like a waterfall, the ocean, the forest.

I did some yoga and then started reading The Law of Attraction by Esther and..... oh I forgot I'll have to find the book to remember. It says how everything that happens to us we've attracted to ourselves and it's done with a thought. Makes sense, it says in Proverbs what a man thinks is what he is. It goes into how we should spend 15 minutes a day relaxing and thinking positive thoughts, saying affirmations, etc. I agree I mean the way we think and how we speak makes such a big difference. It also says in Proverbs the tongue creates life or death.

I made myself a snack of celerfy, carrots, apple, and strawberries. The strawberries was so sweet and good. I needed something more, but wasn't sure what I wanted to eat. I already had a salad for lunch and didn't finish it. I wanted meat of some sort. I did some praying and journaling. It really helped me......oh let's not forget I painted my toes :)

So what do you do for yourself to make sure you are taking care of yourself?

Now my mission is to find different types of recipes I can put into my bath. I have tons of essential oil but there are flowers and herbs I can add to it.

Well I'm back at home and it's family time, we rented Evan Almighty so I have to close so I can go watch it. Be well and be blessed!!!!!!

10-31

There are many unfortunate people in the world and no limit to their misfortunes. Why?
Because happiness or unhappiness is in the mind. It isn't the product of material things or the environment. The mind is at the root of misfortune. Whether you are happy or not depends on whether you feel gratitude or not. For example, if you argue with your spouse all the time, you can't be grateful can you? So, if you don't like being unhappy, don't fight with your spouse. Of course you have to communicate with each other but don't let it get in a yelling match. Look to the good of your spouse and work towards having peace and harmony in your marriage. If you look down on your spouse and want to dominate them, change your way of thinking. Learn to respect your mate and become grateful to them. Your home will brighten up.

You will be much happier and many other good things will happen to you. Not only that but an infinity of other blessings will come to you, for when you are grateful to your parents, respectful of your spouse, and seek to live together in harmony, you are living in accordance with the Divine Will.

My friend's Mom is a wonderful woman, she was the one that introduced me to Truth of Life. She told me to write my prayers down and then say it is already granted to me, thank you very much. She keeps a piece of paper with her prayers tucked away on the left side of her bra, she said she wants to keep it closest to her heart. She is so funny!

I was thinking back to when I was younger and there were things I really wanted to happen in my life and I would believe it would happen, there was no negative thoughts coming into my head, I didn't have anyone telling me it was impossible. I understand why Tyler Perry decided to take dream haters out of his life. I also get why Jesus said we have to have faith like a child. The things I wanted did come true.......even if I shouldn't have wanted to date one boyfriend. Be very careful what you wish for!!!

I've had my share of trials in my life but as crazy as it sounds I'm grateful to them. I have learned so much. I am much more patient, understanding, happier, healthier, calmer.

I have to get in the shower and get some things done before I have to become a taxi driver....

Have a blessed day

10-28

I have had an emotional week!! I was able to spend sometime with my youngest daughter and my sister. it was nice seeing the changing of the trees in Wisconsin. My friend was supposed to pick me up from the airport but he wasn't able to because he had to get into the Dr.'s office to have a stress test done. I hope his heart is doing ok. I wish the man would just take a few weeks off and rest, ooooh he can be so darn stubborn!!! I'll keep tabs on him he he he his employees will let me know what is going on when I call :)

I've heard many Pastors say that when you are in a trial try to find joy in it, because it means a blessing is right behind it. I think I'm seeing a message coming about.........about finances. I'm reading a book by TDJakes called Reposition Yourself, I'm halfway done with it. I read most of it on the airplane last night. It's good though!!! Then Pastor has been preaching about different biblical principals regarding finances.

Got a phone call last night from one of my best friends. She was very upset about seeing her husband whom she is seperated from walk in a bar with a girl. I tried to calm her down and tell her she needs to leave and not try to kick the girls butt, it's not worth it. I text message her this morning and then my cousin called to tell me my friend was in the hospital, she slit her wrists. I want to kick her butt so badly. I know she's in pain, I know her life is upside down, and it's scary but this is not the way to handle it. It didn't help that she had been drinking. I talked to one of the counselors at the hospital and hopefully it helped them understand what is going on with her. I went down when Pastor asked if anyone needs prayer, I had to stand in for her. I also went down about the situation with my youngest daughter.

I was able to talk to my friend and tell her I understand and I'm here for her. I told her I loved her and let her know I'm praying for her. Not sure how that will go over, I think she is mad at everything and everyone, including God.

Here is a good quote I read the other day

Anger without action leaves us bitter not better

10-17

Watched Oprah today, Bill Cosby was on and man what he said was so true. I think what he had to say was good for every race to hear and learn from.

Distinguish discipline from punishment.

This is not just a word game. Discipline and punishment really are different things. Discipline may include punishment but aims for a much higher goal. Discipline includes other ways to shape a child's behavior for the long term, not just for the short term. The aim of good discipline is to teach children self-control and the difference between right and wrong, which becomes part of their inner character.

I went to Oprah.com and got that from some good ways to discipline. Love what it says.

I called a hospice to see about their volunteer program. They are finishing up the last class of the year tomorrow. When the woman heard where I'm from, she was so excited, I guess they need volunteers in my area badly. If it's meant to be it'll happen. The thought of me helping someone, keeping them company, or whatever makes me feel good.

Not to cut it short but time for me to go. Blessings

10-12

I woke up this morning with my adrenals feeling a bit drained. Yes I can tell. All the stress with my children and ex over the years took it's toll on me and had nasty adrenal fatigue. I love love love my naturopath Dr. she gave me different supplements along with cortisol tablets and now a year later I am do tons better (it normally takes 2-3 yrs to fully recover from it). So I know my limits and when I push them I feel it. It's amazing how we take for granted feeling good. I had moments where I could barely get out of bed. I did a lot of resting, reading, praying, and now it's all paid off. I do have to eat well and exercise which we all need to do anyway.



I got up earlier than I normally do and I was I guess anxious not sure why. Usually when I don't know why I'm feeling like this I say the Our Father prayer. So I did and also was reading my TOL magazine, watched Creflo Dollar, and TDJakes. Something has me down, I know it's the situation with my middle child and my ex. I had to go to my room, put on some relaxing music, take some deep breaths, and then I got out my affirmations. It worked I could feel myself feeling lighter and happier.



My husband and I are in a situation with our home, do we stay or sell. I would love to get a house where we can have horses on them. I absolutely love horses and would also want a cow or two. I love looking at the animals, being around them is so relaxing for me. I know someone who has a farm and she has Morgan horses. My oldest takes riding lessons from her and I've gotten to know all of the horses. There are 3 of them that I desperately want to buy. I want to learn more about the horses, I don't think it's wise to buy horses and not know what I'm doing. I could always board them at the farm until I was comfortable having them on my own property.

OH MY GOODNESS, my husband and I went to see Why Did I Get Married? and it was awesome. I told my husband I need to ask Tyler Perry if somehow we have the same friends because his last 2 movies have really been so close as to my life. Jill Scott really does a wonderful job, everyone did but she was wonderful!!! I would write more but I am tired and going to bed. Good Night and God Bless

10-11

Woke up this morning to my youngest snuggled in the middle of my husband and I. My back was a bit stiff, I looked to see what time it was and noticed I would be getting up in 20 minutes so I just snuggled up to him. Didn't go back to sleep but instead thanked God for another wonderful day, said a prayer for my children, and then started thinking about what I'm going to cook for breakfast. Got to the kitchen area, opened all the windows and doors, let the dog out. It's a bit chilly but nice. I hope it doesn't get too hot in the house with the oven going on. I decided to make gluten free sausage and cheese muffins with scrambled egg and mandarin oranges.

I turned the tv on so I could hear Creflo Dollar while I prepared breakfast. I didn't hear the whole thing but at least it was on and I still heard it, hopefully my subconious mind picked everything up :). So the muffins are cooking and Creflo is done. I remembered yesterday my mom telling me about Oprah being on an XM channel and last night my husband showed me too so I found it. Dr. Robin Smith was on and immediately I knew her guest's voice......Tyler Perry. One more day till his movies comes out WOO HOO. They were talking about forgiveness, go figure, Tyler said that forgiving is something we have to do, to free ourselves. Amen brother!!! It doesn't mean what that person did was ok, you forgive to let go of the hurt, anger, bitterness, etc. All that stuff is bondage and it does nothing good. If all that negative stuff is inside it ends up coming out of you as diseases, diabetes, cancer, thyroid, etc. Not only that sometimes people know what they are doing is wrong but they just don't realize the full extent of what it does to their spirit.

I fully believe we come to the earth with lessons to learn. There have been many moments I wonder what could I have possibly been thinking choosing to do certain things LOL. Then again, it's my thoughts and actions that create my future. God tells us in many different ways how to stay on the right path but sometimes we have to learn for ourselves. Was reading my new TOL magazine and there was a story about a married couple with 2 children. The couple was fighting all the time, the children were sick, and one day a friend of the wife came over and the friend told the wife that it was her fault her home was the way it was (not in those harsh words). She was telling the wife about Truth of Life and their teachings (they don't care what religion you are, they believe in them all) and the wife learned that her mindset created it all. Her husband would talk to her but she wouldn't listen, he got frustrated, yelled, the cycle started all over again with other things. So the wife went the the TOL church, read the magazines and her mindset changed, the home was getting more peaceful, the husband wasn't yelling as much, and the children's health also improved.

The story goes on but they end up in church, health, and having a great marriage.

My muffins are done now, oh my goodness are they good!!! I'm looking outside and the sky is so blue, I don't see a cloud anywhere. It's so beautiful here, I love it!!! My husband has the day off, so we'll be spending the day together while the children are in school. I have to remember we need to stop at the library to drop off books I checked out last week.

I have to finish the rest of breakfast, be back later, until then be blessed and have a great day!!!

Beautiful Morning

I woke up feeling refreshed, the sun wasn't quite out yet but it was still very beautiful outside.
I really don't remember much of what I dreamt about. I read the Truth of Life magazine before going to bed and as I woke up this morning first thing I did was Thank God for another great day. There are times I get confused with different religions and wonder what my path is and that has been a prayer of mine. I know God will answer me, He always does.

Today is once again a "Divine Day". It is a day in which God will bring me happiness. Thus, I will believe and look forward to good things. My mind is bright and cheerful. Gratefully envisioning the Truth. That happiness is already coming my way. I give my earnest, heartfelt gratitude to God.

In reading my TOL magazine there is a section that really spoke to me. It said:

Prayers, thoughts, and ideas actually tune our mind to guide us even more in God's direction and adjust our spiritual vibrations to His.

The wavelengths of a radio program are here and now, regardless of whether or not we have a radio or whether we are tuned into that station. Similarly, the happiness with which God has blessed us is always here and now, regardless of whether or not we pray. The reason why happness is not realized, despite the fact that it is already here, is because we have not tuned ourselves to those wavelengths. The way to tune ourselves to those wavelengths is through prayer and meditation.

Watching Creflo Dollar the other morning also spoke to me. He was talking about spiritual maturity. You know I really have been blessed!!! Praise God!!! I have learned so much and have really changed. The wonderful thing is I am still learning and growing. The things I read or listened to years ago were like little seeds being planted and I am now seeing the fruit. WOW

I pray I am able to teach my children the things I know now and have it help them be the best people they can be.

I have to go to the eye dr. this morning to pick out new glasses. I have to straighten our bedroom up a bit, it really does make a difference when there is clutter around. That is also my new found thing...........get rid of clutter!!! I think we will cook on the grill tonight. I am trying to have my whole family eat much healthier, our bodies are God's Temple and need to be taken care of as such. Also seeing that show You are what you eat on BBC America helps. After dinner I'll get my husband and son to go for a walk with me. I love going for walks at night especially if the wind is blowing softly. Oh geez look at the time, gotta get in the shower. Wishing you many blessings today and everyday!!!

Hi again,

I went through my emails today and there was a message from Tyler Perry. I get inspiration from many different people and he is forsure one of them!!!

Yesterday a reporter asked me a question. He said, "With all that is happening to you now--when you were growing up in New Orleans did you ever imagine that you would be in this position?"

I told him, "Yes, I did imagine!"

He was shocked. He said, "You don't think that's a little arrogant?"

I told him this--and I want to share it with you because the way he looked at me I know that he won't print it.

I said, "I had to imagine myself in a better place. Sometimes the nights got so cold and the days so hard and long that if I wouldn't have then I wouldn't have made it."

The Bible says that you should speak things that are not as though they were, and that you must cast down imaginations and everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. It also says that the power of life and death is in the tongue. So, you can speak life or you can speak death. I chose to speak life into my situation. I chose to use my imagination to take me higher. Not just in this life but higher in Christ.

I want to ask you some questions today. And this is mainly for the people that are going through right now. When you think about your tomorrow are good things waiting for you? When you imagine your future are you happy and blessed? Is your family happy? Are you in a better place than you are now? If you don't see good things in your future then nothing good will come your way. You must think good about you so that it can come to you. So, start seeing yourself in a better place. I promise you that it works. It worked for me and it can work for you.

And just a side note, when you start to dream and see yourself in a better place, don't share it with everybody. Long ago I stopped telling people my dreams because I would always run into dream stealers--people who are so miserable and so mad at the world that all they can do is bring you bitter words of hopelessness. Stay away from these people! They are poison. I had a few people in my life like that. I had to get rid of them--and some of them were family members.

It's time to come out of it. And it starts in your mind. If God can bring me out of poverty and despair and place me right in the middle of the life that I've always dreamed of then He can do it for anyone...if you believe.

WOW that is pretty powerful stuff right there. You can bet Friday I will be at the movie theater seeing Why Did I Get Married? I've seen all of the movies and plays Tyler Perry has done and I love them all!!!

Forgiving can be hard

Have you ever had someone that really hurt you? You try to forgive them and then something happens and the anger is right there again? When I was in counseling my counselor once told me that when you are really over someone one way you know you are over them is there isn't an emotional reaction. Made sense I suppose. When I was first hurt I prayed and prayed. I really did a great job of getting over the hurt. There was a time when my ex and I respected each other, truth be told we still had a HUGE emotional tie between us. Still we worked together as parents and friends, life was so much more peaceful.

It truly is hard to stay that way with someone when they want things their way only. Now the peace is gone. When it comes to my children being hurt that is a whole nother ballgame, it was harder to get over. I understand when you remarry things change however, I am still first and foremost my children's mother, my ex is my two children's father.....no matter what. My husband knew this and was very supportive, I mean he entered into our relationship knowing all this. I wish it was that simple for my ex. Doesn't matter how we got to the point where we are. Now it's time to fix it

My spiritual path has changed so much in the past 10 years oh yes it has. I pray and pray for peace, harmony, and restoration in our relationship (as parents). I forgive, I really try to forget. Then something is said or done that isn't right on my ex's part.....and I'm back to square one. I can't pray and then speak ill of him or recall all the bad he's done. Man this can be such a hard thing to stop or is it? I mean thoughts are so powerful and create our life so I have to stop the negative thinking period.

I've read so many different spirituality books from Dali Lama, Native American, Christian, Truth of Life, Louise Hay. I've been truly blessed because they have changed my life for the better.

It's something I have to work on everyday. When my children tell me something that has been done or said about me I HAVE TO LET IT GO. I have to go immediately to God and pray for my ex, release my anger. I see what all this has done to my children, it's not their fault. I have tried very hard to keep them out of the middle of everything, I do not talk bad about their father. At one point in my life, he was the love of my life and I respect that part of my life. It hurts the children so much to have this animosity between their parents. One great thing I can say is they know I don't speak negatively about their dad, they know there are times I don't agree but I keep it to myself (facial expressions also speak volumes), they know I am praying for their dad. I tell them stories about their dad when we were dating, when they were babies, etc so they remember the good times and know that their dad and I weren't always like this.

So I trustingly wait on God.