Using My Faith

I have been leaning on my faith in God and working on not putting limits on my dreams for the last couple months. I read something a few months ago that said to dream big and let God lead you to fulfilling them. I noticed that I desired big things but "downsized" my desires because I was worried I would not be able to get them. I decided to no longer limit them and to tell God what I truly want.

I have been focusing on my goals and working on accomplishing them. Praying for God's guidance in fulfilling them and patience on accepting his timing.  When I feel overwhelmed, tired, frustrated, worried or sad I try to pray. Focus on leaning on God and keeping my faith strong. Which is hard at times because I tend to worry. I keep reminding myself "Do not pray if you're going to worry!"

Another thing I remind myself of is "Faith without works is dead!" I have been trying to make sure I put work behind my faith. Recently I was blessed with 2 of my goals. I was so grateful and overwhelmed with happiness, appreciation, and pure joy. These two goals are steps in accomplishing bigger goals I have. I feel like God was saying "I got you!" "I know your needs and wants. I will provide you if you keep up the good work!"

Are you putting your faith and trust in the Lord? Some people seem to trust God with their eternal salvation, but they have trouble trusting Him for their every-day life. Take comfort from these words of scripture. You can trust God with your needs today.

Expectations

                    "Expectation is the root of all heartache."

                                                    - William Shakespeare

I came across this quote on Pinterest and it quickly provided me with an a-ha moment. Wow. How true. I constantly struggle to manage my expectations. While I want to be hopeful, I don’t want to be disappointed as I have so many times before. Where do you find the balance? How do you find your balance?

It Breaks My Heart

Children are the most Innocent victims in this world. They should never have to feel this type of pain.

A letter 6-year-old Jack Pinto's best friend wrote him
Credit:  @Yamiche - Yamiche Alcindor

 

At 30 years old I can't imagine how it would feel to lose my best friend. Dealing with that issue at 6 or 7 years old is something that I can just not fathom.

Sandy Hook & Newtown, 

our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Where Are We Safe?

I have found myself asking this several times this year. Most recently I asked where is my child safe? The list of places where random crimes or should I say mass shootings grows. This year alone I have "learned" we are not safe at the movies, church, mall, school, and as of today even at the hospital (smaller shooting but still saddening).

As a parent, yesterday's events hit home for me. Not only because I put my child on the school bus every morning without questioning their return in the afternoon. Or because I was going to have another conversation with my child about senseless violence happening in our country. But because I fully realized that the world I grew up in, no longer existed.

This is a completely different place. A different time. With different people. Simple things I did as a child, my child is not allowed to do. Not because of maturity or lack of trust, but because of safety. I remember riding my bike neighborhoods away, going to "the corner store", and staying home while my mother ran errands. Things that I do not feel comfortable allowing my child to do. Not only alone, but in a group of kids. Between pedophiles, rapist, thieves, and so much more... I do not want my child out of my sight! I know this is not realistic, but in this day and age I am forced to be a protective parent.

My child is not allowed the same freedoms, much less childhood I was. I think this is completely unfair! And I hate it! I really do! I hate that I am raising a kid in this world. I hate that she does not know the carefree feeling. I remember being in high school when the Columbine shooting happened. I remember the feeling of fear and confusion. I realize that for years my child has witnessed things in this nation that does the same. It makes me sad and upset. I do the best I can to allow my child to enjoy childhood. I admit I push safety and awareness, but I also allow my child to be just that a child. Strange balance, but a required one.

Say "I'm Sorry"

I'm sorry...I apologize...My mistake...

Two word statements that are extremely hard for so many to say. Why is it that sometimes our pride is so strong that we find it difficult to apologize when we are truly in the wrong? Sometimes you don't even have to be in the wrong to apologize, you could say I'm sorry for the way that you responded when someone wrongs you.

Admitting to a wrong really does take a strong person and I feel that it makes one even stronger when that apology tears downs walls and weakens the other person's anger. Apologizing is one of those few races where it seems no one wants to be first. As for me, I like to live a happy life. I apologize and forgive because it makes my heart happy.

Are your relationships more important than your ego? 

Do you owe someone an apology for something that happened between you two? 

What are you waiting for? Be a better person and start today.

If you need some motivation to take that first step to saying I'm sorry, think about in the extreme. How would you feel if that person's life was taken away at this very moment? Would your ego still matter as much?

Dear Gemstones: Newly Single

Dear Gemstones,

I recently got divorced and have two kids. I was with my ex for about 8 years. I would like to get back in the dating world. I am not looking for a rebound relationship or necessarily a long term relationship. I want to date and have fun. Here is the problem. I don't know how to do it. And I am unemployed and have been for about 2 years. In addition to that I suffered from depression as a result postpartum and abuse from my ex-husband. I am a lot better and being treated, but worry that these things will be an issue in dating. Do I tell a man these things? I want to know how I should go about dating or even just having fun. I am also concerned about dating since I have kids.

Sincerely,

Newly Single