Thursday, October 30, 2014

Day 55.  One more day!!!! It's Thursday and Friday isn't coming fast enough. Halloween for some cultures is a time in which they remember their loved ones who have passed on.  They celebrate the life they once had and the love they once shared.  It's a beautiful time to remember those who are no longer with us in flesh, remembering how our cherished loved ones have impacted our lives.  They may have passed on, but will never be forgotten.

What's on my mind.  Injustice.  I dislike when someone in power abuses their power.  I don't like when people who are less fortunate aren't treated fairly.  I can't stand fake people.  The ones who smile in your face like they really care about your well being, and talk mean behind your back, plotting.  I am so glad that God is not man, because if he were he might have some of these faults.  I feel blessed to know on my worse day and in my worse moments he is still by my side encouraging me to stay strong.  I live with the satisfaction that he will make all things right.  That he will make all your dreams come true if you believe.  I know some moments in life can make you doubt or waivers your faith, but the truth is everything happens for a reason.  The challenge today is to give all your worries and cares to God.  Once you give them up let them go and don't think about them anymore.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

◄ Psalm 55:22 ►
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Keisha

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Day 54. When it rains it pours.  When one thing seems to go wrong then a couple things will follow suite.  When times get hard you just have to dig your heels in the ground, pray, and fight the devil away.  He will strike when you are doing good.  When you are doing Gods work.  Be patient, because this to shall pass.

What's on my mind.  So much to say about so much.  When things transpire and you are doing your best that means a blessing is near. When things really start to turn sour I just pray and hang on, because God's Will is going to win out every time.  Holding strong seems hard sometime, but the end promise is worth the fight.  Life has hard roads, but we have to ride them.  God will never leave us stranded.....the challenge today is to encourage someone going through a tough time to hold on.  Encourage them to pray and pray for them.  Don't forget to pray for your enemies.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Keisha

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Day 53.  I had a horrible day.  When the day sucks it puts a cloud on everything.  I just really had to be thankful that the day was almost over.  Thinking that tomorrow has to be better.  Still looking forward to a peaceful weekend.

What's on my mind.  A lot of negativity.  Trying to focus on the positive.  Trying to center myself and get back to normal.  It's so important to not allow petty things to get you off track.  It's even more important to speak your mind when you feel strongly about something.  Before I act I think about the positives and negatives of my actions and if it can really hurt me I won't risk it.  Fear is incredible.  I envey the person with little fear and chases after life like a tiger to a gazelle.  Life has a way of taking you down paths you didn't really want to travel.  In those instances you just have to find the positives out of the situation.  I believe everything happens for a reason.  The challenge today is to find one thing you love about yourself and celebrate it.  Today I will leave you to think about this challenge.

Keisha

Monday, October 27, 2014

Day 52. Pockets of happiness.  When things get hard my mother would always say just find a pocket of happiness.  Meaning, have something that you look forward to.  It could be a vacation or a day off of work, or spending time with a friend.  Anything that fuels your inner happy can be a pocket of happiness.  After a long Monday, my pocket of happiness is looking towards a nice restful weekend.  Every day is something different.  The excitement of not knowing what blessing is around the corner should be a pocket of happiness.

What's on my mind.  Trying to see things from someone else's point of view.  I really think this would solve a lot of disagreements.  It actually seems like the conclusion of a disagreement is when each party can see the other persons point of view.  Sometimes we have to step outside of ourselves to understand where someone else is coming from.  This is extra hard for stubborn people or people who think they know everything.  It could be as simple as trying to understand how another person views the situation or feels.  In life we have to work together for the better good of everything and everyone.  The challenge today is to think of the one person you don't get along with, but is apart of your life in some way.  Now, try to visualize their side of the situation, putting your feelings aside.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

◄ Philippians 2:3 ►
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Keisha

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Day 51.  Not sure how much longer I am going to do this.  This quest to change this upside down world has been productive for me...things that seem natural and maybe common sense to me I've learned may not be the perception of others.  I don't believe I have all the answers, but I do believe that people can learn from others' mistakes and I've made a lot of them in my life.  Hopefully, I can help other people who may be facing some of the same things.

What's on my mind.  Some people get stuck.  People who get stuck have something traumatic happen in their life that causes them to be mentally and emotionally stuck.  It's when they are unable to move forward past the event.  It could mean the loss of a loved one, a lover leaving them, an accident, or being physically or emotionally abused.  Their are so many reasons that a person could get stuck.  The world they knew no longer exists.  They live in a world of pain, anger, self resentment, and fear.  It's hard for them to move on.  Sometime the perception they have of things is a false state of reality.  It's really painful for their loved ones to see them this way and going through what they are.  One day when they are really able to let go of all those feelings I've mentioned and truly ready to move forward they won't be stuck anymore.  Getting to that point takes a lot of work and the motivation to move forward.  I always say the best thing you can do for anyone in a situation like this or any situation period is to pray for them.  Saint Monica prayed daily for her son Saint Augustus who ended up turning his life over to God.  Prayer is powerful.  The challenge today is to sit silently for a significant amount of time and pray for someone who you realize is stuck.  Pray for them to have the courage to move forward, to get past the fear, anger and hurt.  Today I will leave you to pray.

Keisha

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Day 50.  Time flies.  I hope people are living in a way that fuels their inner happy, because no one is promised tomorrow.  I think the worst thing that could happen to someone is thinking that they have time to do this or to do that, and letting time catch up.  Live today and rest tomorrow.

What's on my mind.  I was explaining Heaven and hell to my children.  They are so funny, because they speak their minds.  I told them that the devil likes to lie and deceive them into thinking things that aren't true.  Like that it's okay to lie, or that stealing is fine.  I told them that this life is hard, because we are not home.  That Heaven is our home where there is no pain, hurt, anxiety, or the feeling of being left out.  One of my kids asked if there is food there.  I told them that the food is probably better then we could ever imagine.  "Like ice cream," one yelled out.  I told them maybe something that taste way better then ice cream and all of their eyes got big.  One of them asked how does someone get to hell?  I told them by not following God's laws.  He left us commandments.  He even told us to love our enemies.  He also said that if we believe that he gave his only Son to die for our sins so that we might be saved we would have eternal life.  That if we ask for forgiveness for whatever we've done he knows our hearts and is a merciful and forgiving God.  The challenge today is to talk to God.  If you always talk to him give him thanks and praise for his blessings.  If you don't talk to God often speak to him in a respectful manner like you would your wonderful father who gave you life and so much love.  Every day we breathe is a gift, another chance at being the best person we know we can be.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

Revelation 21:1-5
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Keisha

Friday, October 24, 2014

Day 49.  It's Friday...time to celebrate and let your hair down. Lol...I guess for some people who work the weekends it's just another day.  However, I am very blessed and thankful that I can take this time for myself.  It's okay to be selfish.  Again, if you are not spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically sound how can you put energy forth to help others?

What's on my mind.  Making time for things that are important to me.  I know, I know! On the weekend I like to talk about self care and how important it is to do things that fuel your inner happy.  It seems so difficult to find time to do the things I enjoy.  When I finally get time to do what I want I usually want to spend it relaxing.  I always tell myself, "okay this weekend I'm going to paint."  Then I get caught up in doing other things.  The challenge today is if you do a lot for other people, be selfish and do something nice for yourself.  Take yourself to the movies, finish that book you started, work on that project close to your heart, or go garden like you said you would.  Love yourself like no one else can.  Today I will leave you with that thought.

Keisha

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Day 48.  Can't wait for the weekend.  One more day!!  The best thing you can do for someone you don't get along with is to pray for them.  I remember once when I felt emotionally harassed at work, I would pray for this person to be so busy that they didn't have time to mess with me.  This is exactly what God encourages is to pray for your enemies.

What's on my mind.  How wonderful it is to spend time with people who are important in your life.  It's a blessing to have family and friends who are always there for you when you need them.  People in whom you can trust when you need advise or an ear to hear you.  Sometimes it's these little things that we take for granted, especially when we are so used to them.  Growing up my mother and father weren't together and I didn't know my siblings on my father's side.  I was the only girl my mother had.  I always wanted sisters and when I look at my family and friends God has blessed me with them.  A lot of times we ask for things and may not realize we have them, because they come in a way that is unexpected.  Like me having sisters who are my brother's wife and my other brother's soon-to-be wife.  I also have two very wonderful friends who are like sisters to me.  The challenge today is to look deeper into what you desire and see if you don't already possess this desire just in a way you've never noticed before.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Keisha

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Day 47.  I have road rage. So, remember that no one is perfect.  When we notice character flaws we should take time to work on them.  I was so mad today when a car cut in front of me.  I could feel the anger building inside. I prayed, because we are supposed to be slow to anger.  The most important thing tho is realizing this about myself and actively working on it.  Anger can change your life for the worst in just seconds if you don't handle it.  I am so afraid of this.  So, I will keep you posted on how my anger management issue is going.

What's on my mind.  Following through on things.  I start lots of projects and do not seem to follow through on them.  It takes a lot to motivate myself to do things I have promised or dedicated myself to do.  I am really working on being better at this.  The Ebola scare has calmed down.  That just means the media isn't reporting on it as frequent as they were and this is kind of scary to me.  I keep wishing that I would win the lottery or someone close to me would win so I can travel the world and see the sights.  My closest friends say I am a dreamer.  I always tell them that you have to start from somewhere.  I can't imagine a life without dreams.  The challenge today is to sit quiet for five minutes and imagine yourself in another place.  What would you be doing?  Maybe that is something you should pursue.  Who would you be with?  Does that person know how important they are to you?  Today I will leave you with quiet introspect.

Keisha

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Day 46. I was in a funk today.  I couldn't shake it. That happens when I become my own worst enemy.  Getting down on myself for mistakes.  I am really hard on myself when I make a mistake that effects other people. However, we are not perfect.  I find that I am to trusting of other people.  Not sure when I will wise up and be better about this.

What's on my mind.  Trying to be positive today.  When I have life being life and living it's not always easy.  It's really difficult when I don't let a lot of people in.  It's funny, because I don't let the people who care for me in to allow them to be supportive.  I want to do things on my own and figure out problems by myself....but I trust all the wrong people who have no valued interest in me.  As I write this it makes me feel even more silly.  I guess everyone is the fool sometime.  The only thing I can do at this point is to learn from my mistake and to try not to allow it to bring me down.  The challenge today is to allow someone to help you especially when you really don't want them to.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

Galatians 6:2
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Keisha

Monday, October 20, 2014

Day 45. What a Monday.  After such a restful Sunday it was hard pulling myself from the bed.  I was thinking that all those super blessed people who just enjoy everyday doing whatever it is they like are so lucky. I guess if no one really had to work, but was able to do exactly what they wanted, no one would.  That is why so many people say it's a blessing to find a job they love doing.  I enjoy my job very much, but with any job their has to be parts of it that you don't like.  However, their are so many people without jobs who would love to just have something.  I am thankful that I have a good job to pull myself out the bed and get to.

What's on my mind.  I cried today looking over pictures of people in Africa who have and are dying from this Ebola epidemic.  I didn't cry until I saw the children lying in the street dead with people stepping over them.  Life is crazy like that.  We are here one moment and could be gone the next.  At times like these I feel for people who don't have the water system we have, who don't have access for food like we do, who don't have the chances we have.  It is truly sad.  I would hope that everyone would see the value in human life.  Each life is important.  To me it doesn't matter if that life is in the United States, Mexico, or Africa.  The challenge today; the best thing I believe we can do if we can't do anything else is pray for all those people who are suffering, who have lost loved ones, those who are dying.  Pray for them to be saved and helped like the doctor who was cleared today and is returning to Africa to continue helping....pray for him.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

James 5:15
And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

Keisha

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Day 44.  On the Sabbath He rested.  And today so did I.  I can't explain the joy I have in doing nothing.  The only reason I like having days like this is because I am so busy during the week.  Their is always something to be done and many times things I don't want to do, but know I need to.  So, today was peaceful and relaxing.  It's the quiet before the storm.  When I get days like this I always believe it's going to be one heck of a week.  I need to rest up so I can approach this coming week with spiritual soundness, emotional strength, mental acuity, and the physical endurance to take it all on.

What's on my mind.  Doing things I normally do not get to do.  With such a busy and hectic week I don't always get to do things that are enjoyable. So, when I get a chance to do them it is amazing.  I used to dance when I was in college for a dance company.  I danced for probably 8 years of my life and I loved it.  So, when I went dancing last night I had so much fun.  It brought back memories which fueled my inner happy.  I think for us to be better people we need to do more of the things that make us happy.  We spend a lot of time doing things that we feel obligated to do.  I know often I don't feel like I have the opportunity to do fun things, but we need to make it an obligation like we do work and taking care of responsibilities.  When we do things that fuel our inner happy then we become happier people.  When we become happier people, so do the people around us, because our feelings are like the rain and sunshine.  When we are down everyone gets wet and poured on, when we are happiest everyone can feel that warmth.  The challenge today is to make sure you do something that makes you happy, and while you are at it....do something that makes someone else happy.  Today I will leave you with quiet introspection.

Keisha

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Day 43.  The Ebola epidemic is worse then what is being lead on.  I hate that our government feels that not being honest with us is the right decision.  Not being honest and being silent kills people.  If anyone really keeps up with what is going on, Ebola has to be highly contagious and airborne.  The way it's spreading like wild fire can not be just through bodily fluids.  Think of it this way, if the only transmission is like that of HIV/AIDS, then why haven't the family members of HIV/AIDS patients been quarantined???  It really sickens me that they haven't come right out to warn people.  We have become so brain washed believing in what the government tells us.  The best analogy I have is the government being like a boss.  Well, our bosses don't always have the right answers nor do they always have our best interest at heart.  Sometime, we have to investigate things for ourselves to find out the right answers.  Ebola has been killing Africans since 1976.  Since then newer and more deadly straines have developed.  Now that our doors have been open to this epidemic we are dangerously at risk.  The government also says drinking alcohol responsibly is okay.  More people die from alcohol use and alcohol related accidents yearly then that of all other drugs combined.  I'm just saying that we really need to educate ourselves.  That means taking information from different sources, putting things together, and using our God given common sense to make a rational conclusion.

What's on my mind.  In this time of uncertainty I rely on hope and faith to get me through.  All along realizing that for me God's will, will be done.  In my life I have learned that his plans for my life have been so much better then my own.  My trust in Him is what I have to keep going.  The challenge for today is to ask pertinent questions and demand responses.  Also, please wash hands, cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing and take care of your loved ones and yourself.  I will leave you today with quiet introspection.

Keisha

Friday, October 17, 2014

Day 42.  Are we really free?  Someone showed me a picture of her students lunch and the portion size.  Is this really the land of the free? If it were we should be able to decide if we want to be fat or not.  And as a parent we should get to decide if we want our children fat or not.  I'm not saying that's a good thing, I'm just saying real freedom is the choice to choose.  I guess you could pack your own lunch and take it to school.  We need to make sure that we get out and vote for people who represent the things that are important to us.  We can't complain about the situation if we haven't actively tried to do something about the situation.

What's on my mind.  Dealing with tragedy.  People cope with tragedy in different ways.  Some people shut down, some people talk about it, some people indulge in things they believe will numb the pain like drugs.  Dealing with tragedy means dealing with pain.  Pain to me is the opposite of love.  Or the absents of love is pain.  You have to fight when tragedy strikes.  You have to fight to keep your sanity and fight to continue on.  Giving up is not an option.  Getting up out the bed to take a shower can make all the difference, especially when you don't want to.  Support is a blessing and that could come in the form of family or friends or a support group.  The key to surviving is to pick yourself up when you fall down.  The challenge today is to be supportive for someone facing a rough life challenge.  Today I will leave you with introspect.

Keisha      

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Day 41.  Do you go above and beyond?  I know that everyone has their own responsibilities, but how many people go beyond the regular responsibilities and do more?  Like volunteering for local organizations, helping the less fortunate, tutoring a child, or anything that benefits someone else?  I just feel like their is always room for doing more.  I have come to experience that giving time and helping someone else enriches or fuels my happiness.

What's on my mind.  The beauty of everyone being different.  I was out in my community today and just looked at all the different people.  Individuality is a beautiful thing.  It was beautiful to see all the different people from different backgrounds, personalities and cultures.  It was even more beautiful to see all the different kids together enjoying each other.  I don't understand how people have time to hate. I had a parent tell me that her mother-in-law told her daughter to not like black people.  I don't know what God she serves, but my God teaches us to love everyone.  He also says teaching a young person to turn from love (Him) is one of the worst things anyone could do.  Why anyone would want to even put hate in a child's heart is unexplainable and disgusting.  In this quest to changing this upside down world the most important key component is that we need each other.  We need people!  Everyone can help by doing their part.  The simple first step in the words of Michael Jackson is to start with the man in the mirror.  We need to start with ourselves and extend that wisdom and knowledge we learned about ourselves to others.  I used to be closed minded, and I am still a working progress, however, hate is in a dark and lonely world where the opposite of love, pain resides.  The challenge today is to embrace and learn about another culture.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

Matthew 18:1-7
Who Is the Greatest?
18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Keisha

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Day 40.  What means the most to you?  Most people will say God, family, friends, being responsible, those sorts of things.  In this life we have to split ourselves in so many directions to make sure the things that mean the most to us are taken care of.  It's not an easy task.  No one is perfect, so at times we may fall short of satisfying those things.  The trick is to not let yourself get down about falling short.  In this life we will experience ups and downs.  We have to celebrate and hold on to those ups and hold strong and get through the downs.  We must remember like a seesaw that when things are down....at some point we will be up again.

What's on my mind.  Winning the lottery and getting out of the rat race...lol.  Geez, it is not easy being responsible and doing the right thing. However, I believe that not being responsible and doing the wrong things will make consequences so much worse.  It will make life so much harder.  At least when you are doing the right things, you don't have the guilt that you experience from doing bad things.  The very most important part is having someone who will go through these things with you....support is essential.  I can't express how important it is not to pass judgement on someone who makes a mistake.  People take risk and being human means failing.  Kind words can brighten the day of someone feeling so down.  I believe it is our responsibility to uplift and encourage each other.  We need kind words to keep us strong.  For me, I need the help of God to stay strong.  Knowing his mercy and kindness gives me hope and faith to continue on my journey.  Yes, the path is long and the journey will not be easy, but with his help I can conquer all things.  His love is eternal.  The challenge today is to have faith that things will improve.  Have hope that God will see you through and everything you've dreamed will become a reality.  Today I will leave you with one of my most favorite verses.

1 Peter 3:17
For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Keisha

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Day 39.  I lost focus this past few months of my main goal.  When you want something so badly and really work at trying to obtain it, you can lose focus of the bigger picture.  I feel like an idiot today.  The good thing is the light bulb went on before I exhausted all of myself in this pursuit.  Maybe, the things we have are what we should be happy for and shouldn't strive for more? No, I don't believe that at all..... Because it's good to want more.  Unless, you are being greedy?  If you continue to work at something and work at something and fail....does that mean it isn't for you?  I don't believe that either, because eventually when you do obtain it you will have to decide if the fight was worth it.  I don't want to give up, because I think it would enrich my life....however, working so hard to accomplish this task is interfering with other areas of my life.  When you focus so much on acquiring one thing, other things get pushed aside.  So, I am at the point of asking myself is this really worth it?  It is essential to take the time to examine your motives for how you are living and make adjustments when necessary.

What's on my mind....you guessed it...heartbreak (or you didn't...lol).  It is so heartbreaking when you find out something about someone who you thought had potential...Now, I speak so much about not being judgmental and being understanding.  Cognitive dissonance....so, if you meet someone who stole from a friend of yours, are you going to leave your purse or wallet around them?  We shouldn't judge right, but we do!  How hard it must be for that person who continues to make mistakes and finally decides they are going to change......people who remember the "old them" will find it hard to forget.  I guess how do we in an attempt to change this upside down world rectify a situation like this.  That person will have to be accountable for their behaviors.  We have to be non-judgmental and compassionate.  I guess the challenge today would be to give everyone a fair chance, even when their past continues to plague them.  It's not an easy task, but anything worth having is never easy, and helping each other is something that we must do in this life to be successful.  Today, I will leave you with a verse.

Ephesians 4:28
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Keisha

Monday, October 13, 2014

Day 38.  Some people can be manipulative.  I believe we all should follow our guts which helps to discern the wolves from the sheep.  When you have a bad feeling about something in the bottom of your stomach, avoid it.  When you go somewhere and something inside your soul says, "uh, this doesn't feel right," follow that gut instinct.  Fear sometime can seem like this, but they are different.  Fear is being afraid of the outcome.  The other feeling comes from trying to decide to do a behavior or not.  It's seems so crazy that some people will try to get over on you.  Especially, when they take kindness for weakness.  We just have to continue to be kind.  Vengeance is mine said The Lord, I try to give those to him to deal with.....

What's on my mind.  What it really means to be a good person.  Is it who you are?  Is it what you do?  Is it treating everyone how you would want to be treated?  Is it making the right choices?  I think it's all of those things.  It's certainly not an easy task.  Especially, when we have things thrown at us from day to day.  Juggling life, being kind, and being a good person all at the same time is truly a gift that very few people seem to have.  I know I say this often, but being kind to people elevates things on a different level.  Hearing other people's stories about someone showing kindness to them and that act changing their lives is truly inspirational.  You never know what you say to someone that may change their life.  The challenge today is to speak kindness to everyone you come into contact with.  Today I will leave you with a few verses.

Matthew 10:16

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Keisha

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Day 37.  I'm late...I went out which is something that I rarely do.  And the funny thing is after dinner I wanted to dance and there was no where to go dancing.....Maybe, because it's a Sunday night?  It was strange being out.  I actually felt liberated and free.  I hadn't felt that way since probably college.  Their is a certain joy that comes from feeling free.  I felt like I could do anything.  When we arrived at the place to dance and only a few cars were in the parking lot I was like dang.  I thought at least they may have some good music on....nope!  Everything happens for a reason, probably just saved myself from humiliation and embarrassment!!!!

What's on my mind.  I was deceitful to someone today.  When I really think about it I don't know why I was.  I don't know why I wasn't honest and just told the truth.  I convinced myself that it wasn't dishonest it was just with-holding the truth.  I felt like for a time I wanted to be someone I'm not.  I wanted to be something that I am not.  I maybe thought that this person would like me less or be less interested if they knew the truth.  Anyway it goes, the truth is bound to come out sooner or later.  The challenge is to demonstrate integrity.  Be honest even when it means giving up or losing something you want.  For all the trouble it probably was not worth it anyway.....true friendship is being able to be yourself with that person and not feeling like you have to be different.  Again, most of the time it's our own negative perception creeping into our minds and making us feel insecure, not the other person's behaviors.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

Proverbs 19:1
Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.

Keisha

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Day 36. It is very true that we have the ability to change each other's mood.  If I am in a bad mood it just brings everyone around me down.  When I am in a good mood people feed off of that.  I've also noticed that when I am in a negative mood everything appears to be more negative and I am less tolerant of others.  So, I am just noticing these things about myself.  I tend to complain a lot.  I'm really trying to work on that, because I have been blessed with life and should appreciate all the beautiful things God has given me.

What's on my mind?  Just thinking about how I can clique and have good chemistry with one person and not have the same with another.  I guess different people's personalities just mesh.  However, I know people who seem to clique and get along with everyone?  I think that maybe they are less judgmental.  Maybe they just overlook things that I wouldn't.  I don't know?  Anyway, I really want to get along with everyone, sometime I notice that I feel awkward around certain people.  Again, that is my own perception.  The challenge for today is to get along with everyone.  I will leave you with a verse.

Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Keisha

Friday, October 10, 2014

Day 35.  So excited that it is Friday.  I live for Fridays.  I just love having that opportunity to rest.  I also love to sleep so when Saturday rolls around I am usually in the bed until close to afternoon.  I love it.  I can't stress enough how much self care is needed.  It is very important for personal stability.  For some people self care is working, because it brings them so much joy. What ever it takes to fuel your inner happy take time to do those things.

What's on your mind.  Temptation.  Geez, temptation is so tempting...it's always something you really want to do and know you shouldn't.  It's not easy to fight temptation and make the right choices.  It really takes discipline.  Lots of discipline!  I always tell people to think it through.  In the begging it may seem like a good idea, but what happens in the end? Everything has a consequence.  Focus is important.  Focus on your main goal and how you are going to achieve it.  Most of the time a temptation will interfere with what the main goal is....don't allow that to happen.  In the quest to changing this world we need to stay strong.  When you are on the path to success you will face many stumbling blocks.  Staying strong, avoiding temptation and focusing on the main goal is key.  Today I will leave you with an inspirational quote.

"Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don't. You are in good company... You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope." -John Piper


Keisha

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Day 34.  Ignorant people really hurt my feelings.  I don't believe anything evil comes from God.  I believe when children are born they learn from there environment.  So, hate is taught.  It is so sad to see a child learning how to hate.  It hurts my feelings that someone would want their child to have this kind of space in their heart.  We need to teach children to love, respect, and have compassion for others.

What's on my mind.  How important it is to surround yourself with positive people.  With people who up-lift and motivate you to be a better person.  Someone who truly loves you will tell the truth and sometimes the truth hurts. Constructive criticism is from the heart of a loved one.  Surrounding yourself with someone who will emotionally drain you is exhausting.  You can only give so much of yourself that if you give everything you may get lost and end up deserted and resentful.  Someone who truly cares for you wouldn't demand that from you.  It's so important to have someone in your life that has your back.  Someone that doesn't judge your mistakes, but supports your plight.  They will motivate and support you spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.  The challenge today is to be that person for someone else.  We all need someone.  I will leave you with a verse.

Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

Keisha

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Day 33.  Today, I was my own worst enemy.  I always say that no one can make me feel as worse as I can make myself feel.  I set up standards and when I fall short, taking a risk, and I know the outcome, but think things will go differently and they don't....geez, I feel I let myself down.  I should have known better.  Suffering the consequences of something that I knew was going to turn out bad is the ultimate, worse feeling.  I had to allow myself to go through the mental beat down.  Once I allowed that to occur, I remembered that everyone does something stupid and that I would make better choices next time.  The blessing is that I have the rest of the day to do things differently and to make better choices.  I am learning that I have to take it easy on myself....I'm only human!

What's on my mind.  Loving myself.  I know it's not Friday, but really, how often do we take time to LOVE ourselve?  We get busy working, paying bills, taking care of others.  We need to take time out for ourselves.  I beat myself up so much that I should be loving myself just as much or even more.  Loving myself means being happy with who I am.  I could be worse and I could be better.  I am working daily to be better, but for today I am going to be happy with who I am.  I really need to take more positive risk then the stupid ones.  Does anyone out there just take a leap of faith and do something crazy that is a positive risk?  I guess I do, but the trick is to continue until it falls through.  It's like fishing. You keep fishing until you catch one.  I am going to keep jumping until I catch one.  I was just telling someone how silly it is to continue making the same mistake over and over again, and then I do it.  That is why it is so imperative not to judge someone else for the things they do.  The challenge today is to love yourself, give yourself a hug (I know it sounds corney) just do it.  While you are at it take a positive risk.  You are bound to love yourself more for even trying.  Today I will leave you with an inspiration quote.

You’ll learn, as you get older, that rules are made to be broken. Be bold enough to live life on your terms, and never, ever apologize for it. Go against the grain, refuse to conform, take the road less traveled instead of the well-beaten path. Laugh in the face of adversity, and leap before you look. Dance as though EVERYBODY is watching. March to the beat of your own drummer. And stubbornly refuse to fit in. -Mandy Hale, The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass

Keisha

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Day 32.  It's getting cold in my part of the world.  This is my favorite time of year.  Although, I am not impressed with the cold mixed with rain, I love the colorful canvas that fall paints for us.  It's amazing how things work in this world.  It's amazing how our bodies work.  I am really trying to appreciate all the things we usually take for granted.  It's very true when people say you don't miss it until it's gone.

What's on my mind.  I am a huge advocate for children, especially teens.  I think they have vibrant and wonderful minds that need support and encouragement.  The saddest thing I've ever encountered is having a teen disclose something to her parents and them not believing her.  Our children look up to us for guidance, love, and support.  They look to us for how to survive in this world.  When a parent falls short on these special survival skills it is truly tragic for that child and the world.  If they can't rely on their parents, or have anyone in whom they can trust, what kind of world does this become for them?  I have learned that the things I think are common sense some people really do not understand.  We all know that children who aren't nurtured and loved can end up working against the common flow of society.  Many studies will tell you this and prove this as being one of the main reasons our prisons are overflowing.  If we didn't need millions of dollars to take care of prisoners that money could be spent on better education, more opportunities for everyone.  It's a sad thing.  This conversation is still relevant even if you don't have children, but have nieces or nephews and even younger cousins.  I am a strong believer that it takes a village to raise a child.  It only takes moments to make impressions on children creating a lasting bond with someone in whom they can rely on.  If everyone did their positive part could you imagine what kind of world we would live in?  If everyone was kind to everyone, made good choices, never hurt each other in any way....geez that would be an awesome world!  If we teach our children how to live like this it doesn't have to be a fairy tale, but can be a reality.  The challenge today is to stand for what you believe in and don't just stand for it, make an active move towards acting on it.  We sometimes stand on the sidelines waiting for someone else to show up when we need to stand up and show up.  So, please show up!!!!  Today I will leave you with inspirational quotes.

"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children."- Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa

"If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children."- Mohandas Gandhi, political and spiritual leader in India

"Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them."- Lady Bird Johnson, former U.S. first lady

Nothing shines brighter then the smile of a happy child-
Keisha

Monday, October 6, 2014

Day 31. What? What? It's Monday!!! I really didn't have all that enthusiasm today.  Monday's are so hard for me.  Getting out of bed and doing the right thing by being responsible and going to work.  It seems like the same thing over and over again.  The wonderful thing about this mundane pattern is that you never know what's going to happen next.  I am grateful that nothing catastrophic has happened.  Nothing really wonderful happened either, but today I am okay with that.  The wonderful thing is that I get a chance to do things better today.  I get another chance at chasing my dreams......

What's on my mind.  How to cultivate inner peace.  I've had moments when I was feeling so wonderful and the world interrupted my mood.  It is so hard not to allow your mood to be disturbed.  It takes true discipline not to allow outside stimuli to effect you in a negative way.  This is something that I am still working on.  It can be the littlest thing that causes me self doubt and changes my mood.  Inner peace and tranquility are absolutely necessary.  I can't imagine a mind that never gets to experience this, and I know those people are out their.  I'm guessing they are either brilliant or mentally unstable.  Me, I'm somewhere in-between.  The challenge today is to try and maintain inner peace.  That means do not worry about bills, or what's going to happen tomorrow.  Total inner peace is acquired by following that old saying, "let all the worries go and give them to God."  Today I will leave you with a verse.

Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Keisha

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Day 30. They say anything you do for 30 days becomes a habit....it's Sunday.  Almost time for the hustle and bustle of the week.  I am taking this time to appreciate the quiet moment I have.  To appreciate all the blessings and good things I have in my life.  Remembering that their is always someone who is doing better, but there is also someone who is doing worse.  I am always striving for better.  I am thankful for peace and tranquility today.  I pray for all those who have total chaos right now.  Life is ups and downs and the true challenge is making it through the downs.....so you can be up again!

What's on my mind. How so many people with different views see God.  Someone was telling me that this young lady was suicidal, because she was not living her truth and was afraid of what her family would say.  She wanted to tell them that she was a lesbian.  Crazy how we feel obligated to stay strong and together when all we want to do is fall apart.  She found someone who heard her. They were by her side as she told her family and her pastor.  Her paster told her it was the devil and that she was no longer allowed in church.  This makes me so sick.  The God I know loves you for who you are.  He wants you in church.  If sinners aren't allowed in church then the churches would all be empty. Every paster, preacher, priest, all of us are sinners, because no one is perfect.  The God I know and serve loves us all, sin and all.  He wants us to be better and do better, but He knows we will fall short. He is the only one who truly knows our heart.  When you try to understand this it can cause confusion, because He also said that our small minds can't comprehend some of His wonders.  Today don't let someone who believes they are high and mighty get you down.  Mentally you have to build this strong wall for yourself.  Promise yourself that no one will destroy your wall.  Prove all those dream killers wrong by fighting for yourself and believing in yourself.  I believe God gave us life and he is the One who should have the power to distinguish your light in this world.  He promised that when you believe any faith even as small as a mustard seed your light will shine for eternity.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

◄ Matthew 17:20►
20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Keisha

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Day 29. Finding the right relationship can be difficult.  Some people really want a partner and some people just aren't ready for a committed relationship.  You can't force a round peg in a triangle shape.  The object is not to settle, but to find someone who wants the same things you do.  Don't spend your time on someone that may not progress the way you want.  Especially, when they tell you up front they aren't ready for a relationship.  See them for who they are not the potential you see in them.  Finding the right person takes time.  It's important to find out what people are about.  That means spending enough time getting to know them and understanding how they move.  When we first date someone, no one is themselves.  We want to impress.  We do things at the beginning of the relationship that you usually don't do in your day to day living.  We can't help it.  Once you past the honey moon stage you will start to see the real person, and can you deal with that person who starts to appear?  The more comfortable we become with someone the more our true self emerges.

What's on my mind.  Being judgemental.  It's easy to do, but not fair to anyone.  The funny thing about life is we can plan all we want, but life has a way of throwing us in another direction.  When that happens to a person the worst thing that someone else could do is judge them.  God warns us that how we judge people will be the same way he judges us.  In the quest to changing this upside down world we need to work on not judging.  The very thing we judge someone else about could be the space we end up in.  We need to be more understanding and to provide more support.  The challenge is to not judge, but to be more understanding.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

Matthew 7:1-5
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Keisha

Friday, October 3, 2014

Day 28. It's Friday again.  You know what that means....it's all about self care and making sure you are healthy.  I think people are happiest when they are SEMP sound.  That's my formula; Spiritually, Emotionally, Mentally and Physically sound.  Make sure that on your days off you take time for the things you love. Doing this will help fuel your inner happy.

What's on my mind. Taking this quest to change this upside down world one day at a time.  I always tell people that when you are working on changing anything it takes time.  How ever long it took to develop the unwanted behavior, it's going to take twice that to work on changing it.  The ingredients to changing anything; is the motivation-wanting to change, willingness-doing what ever it takes to change, and time-allowing the process time to work and become a habit and way of life.  So, patience is key.  It's also normal to have a bad day and slip into old behaviors.  The key is realizing and recognizing what's going on and catch it before all of your hard work gets harder.  Anything, worth having is not easy, but we don't want to make things harder then they should be.  Make sure you don't put to much on your plate of life.  The more things you have on your plate the more stressful things will become.  Make sure you laugh a lot!  The challenge is to do something that makes someone else happy.  In turn this will fuel your inner happy.  Today, I will leave you with an inspirational quote.

"Whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courage and faith will never perish in misery."
-Anne Frank

Keisha

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Day 27. Being emotionally tired is so much worse then being physically tired.  I had a wonderful day meeting and talking to some brilliant, thought provoking people.  It was so great that I am on emotional overload.  Their is something special about hearing people encouraging you to continue doing exceptional work.

What's on my mind.  How many wonderful people we have in our lives who uplift us and support us in becoming the people we are.  How important it is to have someone that challenges you to be better and to want you to succeed.  Having someone see something positive in you that you couldn't see in yourself is a blessing.  Having that person believe in your power is encouraging.  Especially during times that you didn't believe in yourself.  Sometime, I don't think we realize the power we have.  I don't think we understand the gifts that we have inside ourselves that can change the world....interesting enough some of those brilliant people who came before us in history did, and they acted on it and changed the world making our lives better.  The challenge is to be that person for someone. Be the one that believes in another even when it seems Difficult.  Be the one that challenges them to live out their dreams.  Especially, when no one else is in their corner.  Today I will leave you with a verse.

John 15:13
13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

Acts 20:35
35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

Keisha

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Day 26. Communism is one of the craziest things I've ever heard.  I guess everyone's opinion on things are different.  It's just hard for me to comprehend that God brought us into this world and another person can tell you how to live.  I think people should have the freedom to go where they'd like without having to get permission....

What's on my mind.  So many things.  We would like to think that we are free to do and be who we are, but are we really?  The truth is that we will always be confined by the constraints of life and never be truly free.  We are blessed in most areas of the world that we have more liberation then others.  I guess we should be thankful and grateful for that.  My challenge for today is to get as many people as possible to work on the same common goal.  The process of changing this world, one thing at a time that confinds us.  Hatred confinds us.  Today I will leave you with a verse and better understanding of my challenge.

1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

Keisha