The Past...

My new car has satellite radio and I have fallen in love with it.  The reason I love it is because I don't listen to music, only talk radio. The only time I listen to music (country) is when there is nothing on free radio.  Years ago Dr. Laura was on one of the local AM radio stations and I loved to listen to her.  No, I don't agree with everything she has to say but allot of her stuff makes sense.

Today I was off so I was running errands and listening to Dr. Laura on XM radio.  She made a comment or more like a statement to someone that really struck a cord with me.  "Don't let your past control your future".  How true is this!!  I know so many people that let their past determine what or how they live their life today.  I look at this as only an excuse to not take control of your life.  Yes, everyone has had something bad happen to them at some point, (divorce, something from childhood, a bad relationship, etc) but if we allow them to control how we live our lives today, then we have let that situation control you.  You are the only that can control your destiny!!!

So many things have happened to me in my 42 years here on earth, both good and bad.  I am determined to learn by them all and make my life the best it can be.  I can't do anything about the past.  If I have wronged anyone by my actions or words, I am truly sorry and I ask for your forgiveness.  All I can do at this time is try to be the best I can be whether it is a a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend or even an enemy. 

I'm closing with this passage from the bible:

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,   Philippians 3:13


Tearesa

Many Blessings...

The last two weekends have been busy but so full of many blessings. 

Last weekend on Saturday I walked at Southern Wesleyan University which is located in Central, SC for my BSBA.  I was fortunate to have by husband, daughter, son, Ally and wonderful in-laws Roy & Linda there to share this joyous occasion with me.  Now I just have to decide what my next steps are.  Gonna take some time off for the summer to enjoy it and saying a daily prayer for guidance in the career department.  I have faith that God will put me exactly where he wants me to be.  Also considering going for my Master's degree in the fall.  Again, I am putting my future all in God's hands because I know he will not guide me wrong.  Lastly, I am truly going to miss all 16 of my classmates that I have grown to care so much about in the last 2 years. Micha, Lynda, Alica, Steven, Michelle, Curtis, Shirley, Mary M, Stephanie, Paul, Stacy, Natasha, Dave, Renee, Mary A & especially Jason.  I wish each of you lots of luck in your future endeavors.

Mother's Day is always special but I can't help but think of my Mother.  Not a day goes by that I don't miss her and it would always make my day to try to make this day a special one for her.  This year both of my wonderful children spent the entire day with me which in itself is a gift to me especially now that they are young adults with their own lives.  Rob & the kids surprised me with a Nook color.  I absolutely love it and looking so forward to taking full advantage of it with the free time I am hoping to have now that I am done with school.  Next years Mother's day will be extra special because I will be a grandmother to a beautiful baby girl.

This Saturday we were invited to a graduation party for one of my classmates, Jason.  We had such a wonderful time.  His family made us feel so welcome.  Let's put it this way, I felt so at home I even did karaoke which I have never done.  Thanks to the Dull family for hosting such a great event. 

On Sunday we went to our nieces, Emma Kate's dedication at church.  She did so well and looked so pretty in her dress.  It meant so much to me & Rob to be a part of this wonderful experience.  I am so proud of her Mom for raising her to know God in a personal way.  Sometimes God has a way of showing us just how amazing he is at the most unexpected times.  Sunday was one of these days.  The preacher spoke the truth about a difficult subject for some but it was so inspiring and touched my heart.  I was praising the lord the entire time.  An angel also came across my path on this blessed day.  She knew just what to say at just the right time.  My heart was touched by the preacher but was warmed by the angel.  He knew just what I needed and it just made my faith in him so much stronger

I want to close by sharing the following scripture.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32

Tearesa



New Beginnings

It is now May and so far 2011 has brought many new beginnings in my life.  In a earlier post I talked about making goals this year instead of new year resolutions.  So far I have managed to accomplish a few more.

• Graduate Cum Laude on May 7 with a BSBA
• Work on my relationship with my daughter
• Worry less about things I have no control over
• Get braces - will be off in about 2 months
• Be more positive
• Live a more Christian Life

After a long 2 years I am finally graduating on May 7th with honors.  It has been so rewarding and I think I am going to miss the challenge.  Now I have to find something to fill in the free time that I haven't had in such a long time.  Next I have to consider if a Master's degree is in my future.  Truly would rather work on a new path in regards to my career.   Saying lots of prayers for guidance on this one.

My relationship with my daughter is improving.  We are spending more time together which makes me so happy.  She will be giving me my first grandchild, a baby girl named Brooklyn, sometime in August.  It was exciting going to the Dr with her for the ultrasound to find out it was going to be a girl.  How things have changed since she was born.  I look so forward to holding her for the very first time because I already love her.  Jessica will be an amazing mom. 

Once I put my total faith in GOD and accepted that there are some things that I just have no control over, I very seldom worry.  This has been much easier than I expected,  Not worrying so much has helped me be a much more positive person.  I use to expect the worst to always happen which made me only worry more.  Today I take each day with a new outlook and expect great things to occur.  When they don't I don't sweat it because unless it is something I can control there is no use in bringing myself down.  I am loving life so much with God's guidance.

It has been a year since I got braces and hoping that they will be off in less than two months.  Prior to braces, I never smiled showing my teeth.  I hated my smile and how I looked.  Looking forward to being able to show off my bright whites without being ashamed.

We still haven't found a home church but we have made several visits.  I know that GOD will place us in the right one soon so that we can start to build onto our faith.  We truly miss attending Fairlawn Methodist and miss the many friends that we made there.  Mine & Rob's relationship has gotten stronger as our faith has grown.  I so look forward to seeing what God has in store for us.  He is truly amazing.


I will end this post with the following bible quote in regards to our enemies.  Love and pray for them.  They are the ones that need it the most.

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.

(Matthew 5:44)

Happy Birthday Daddy

On Saturday, January 22 my Dad turned 73.  My sister, Wendy organized a surprise birthday party at his retirement home.  He was so surprised. 

Even though the entire family couldn't be there, 3 of his 5 children & 2 of his 7 grandchildren were able to make this special occasion. He raked up on the presents.  It was so great to spend this special day with him & my family.  Looking so forward to celebrating many more of his birthdays.

Love,
T-

Answered Prayers

This week I made the decision to put my total faith in GOD.  As my previous post stated I am such a worrier and stress over everything.  It has only been a few days and so far he has been working his miracles in my life.  Cannot wait to see all the amazing things that he has in store for me and my family this year and the future.

Since I know I need help in the area of worrying and stress I bought the book Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer.  So looking forward to reading this book.  I know her words will guide me in being successful in this difficult change. 

God is so awesome! 

Blessing to all....
T-

Worries....

I am a worrier.  It is just a part of me.  This is one of the area's of my life that I have struggled with most of my life.  For as long as I can remember I have worried about everything, no matter how big or small.  I have family that tell me if you can't control it, don't worry about it.  How I wish it was so simple for me.  My Dad, sister and son can handle stress and life struggles so care free.  Why didn't I inherit this trait from my Dad?  With age it has gotten somewhat better but I still struggle with this everyday.

The last year and half (especially the last 8 months) have been some of the most difficult times of my life.  The struggle of dealing with this issue/problem has impacted so much of my everyday life.   I feel that I have gradually become a different person.  Somehow I manage to go about doing what I have to because I have no choice.  Not sure how I do it but I make myself go to work, school, complete housework and whatever is required of me everyday. However, I would love to just crawl into a dark space and forget about everything. 

My husband has been so supportive during this trying time.  He is my rock & I just cannot imagine what I would do without him.  As I have said so many times, God gave me such a gift when he allowed Rob to cross my path so many years ago.  I am the lucky one in this marriage.

I don't set new year resolutions but I have been setting personal goals (see previous post).  One of my goals for this year is to try to put my worries onto God's shoulders and to let him be in control of my life.  I know this is going to be difficult but I am determined to make this work.  I am hoping that with God's help I can learn not to worry or stress so much.  Me & Rob are looking for a church that we can become a member of so that we can start living our life the way we know we are supposed to.  I know that 2011 is only going to get better and this major issue/problem will be worked out as it is supposed to because I have faith in God.

Much love,
Tea---

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Personal Goals

For the past year or so I have been working on some personal goals.  So far I have accomplished or started a few on the list and hoping that within the next year I will be able to mark at least few more off.

• Finish my Associates of Science in Business Administration - Completed in 5/2009
• Complete a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration - Should be complete in 5/11 or 12/11
• Get braces - Should be off by 5/2011
• Lose 75 lbs - Hoping to get this started this year
• Work on my relationship with my daughter
• Find a home church for my family
• Try to be more positive
• Don't worry about things I cannot control
• Live my life more like a Christian
• Read the Bible on a daily basis
• Get better organized in my home
• Update our home - This has been started but it is an ongoing job
• Try to be a better person, wife, mother, sister & friend

I could continue with many more things that I would like to accomplish but these are the ones that I look as a priority in my life.  With daily prayer I am confident that some of these will be accomplished because I have faith that God will lead me in the right direction.  Will update this list as each one is accomplished.

Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.


Tearesa