Regrouping

Oftentimes we find ourselves with a plate full of things that we lack the capacity to consume. We look at these things and wonder how in the world are we going to get it all done in a logical way without losing ourselves in the process. When life gets like this for me, I simply take a step back and regroup. Sometimes I rake off everything and start over. It all depends on what is on my plate that will determine whether I walk away for a moment or completely disengage.

You might be facing this dilemma right now. You may find yourself in the valley of decision wondering should you carry on or wave the white flag. Take hope. All is not lost. Even if you have to scrub the mission and start over, there are still plenty of things you have learned that will be beneficial to you the next go round.

So, just say that you decide to call it quits and start over. Now, you have the experience under your belt to know what not to do this time. This makes you more empowered, encouraged and ahead of the game. Go ahead and do whatever feels go to your soul. Always follow peace and listen to your heart, it will never lead you wrong. As for me, I'm taking some time to regroup, revamp, re-evaluate things as they currently are. I think I just need to tweak my current plan and things will run much more smoothly. However, I have been here many times before and had no clue what to do. So be encouraged. You will survive this!

Once you see that it's not so bad starting over or regrouping, you won't be afraid of failure moving forward. Truth is, there is no such thing as failure. You either win or you learn, that is all. Believe that you are capable of achieving whatever you put your mind to and you will accomplish it. I believe in you. You can do it! Stay focused and determined and keep your head up! You are a winner no matter what!

Pruning is a Process

Oftentimes in the gardening world, it is necessary to prune a plant in order for it to be more productive. Life is no different. It is necessary for us to prune or cut back some things and relationships in order to be more productive. A few weeks ago during my meditation time, I was given clear instructions to "Prune in June" and I laughed because it sounded so cliche to me. However, it was kind of catchy so I started posting it. To my surprise, others were feeling and sensing the same thing. It is pruning season in many people's lives. 

Those of us who have been in preparation for the next level in our lives must go through a cleansing or breaking away in order to claim the benefits that are about to be presented to us. There are those who we have carried this far that are not ready to go any further on our journey. This could be family, a close friend, a significant other, an employee or employer. Whomever they are, they have to go so we can go!

This can be painful at times and other times it is liberating but it is all necessary. I would like to share with you the steps I have taken to prune in the past. These steps have helped me embrace the changes as they come in my life. I practice them everyday.

First step is PURGING. In the morning, before I get out of bed, the first thing I do is acknowledge God and give thanks for my life. I ask Him to guide me with His Spirit into all truth, removing the things and people that are not here for my highest and greatest good and to use me as a vessel for His glory and honor. I give thanks for being chosen and ask that He will help me to remain humble in the process of elevation. I ask for strength, courage and wisdom to carry out the tasks of the day. I ask to be led to the people that need me on that day. I give thanks again and begin my day.

It is important to remain in the present and be mindful of where we are now. The past is for reference, the future is for hope but now is all we really have. So, I continually remind myself to be present in the moment and guided by my intuition so I will always be in the right place at the right time.

The second step is the PATHWAY. During my meditation and prayer time I ask for guidance and direction. I ask for a clear path. Every mountain brought low, every valley exalted, every crooked place made straight so I will walk on a plain path. It is important to know where you are going. It is also important to understand and know that your path is purposed and predestined for you but it is a choice for you to follow it. 

This brings in the third step which is PLANNING & PREPARATION. Knowing the path is one thing, knowing how and when to go is another. Having a plan, the right plan and being prepared to execute it is vital to success. So again, I ask for direction, clear concise leads to know where to go and when, who to talk to and how. I also ask what do I need to know, what should I learn and where to go to get this information I need to study. Most of the time I am led to a website or a book. Periodically, an individual will cross my path (in the right place at the right time) that will have the tools I need for the next task. I openly receive what I need and give thanks in all things. Once I have my plan and I am prepared, I go and believe that everything that needs to happen will happen in perfect ways under grace. 

Now, here is the kicker....when I am in my place, prepared and ready to do what I am called to do, pruning automatically happens!!!! If I am moving in a forward motion, those things and people who are not going in that direction automatically get left behind. I have literally looked up and people were no longer there. No more calls, messages, likes or comments. NOTHING! At first, I was like...DANG! What did I do? So and so just cut me off but in reality, they just couldn't go where I was going. There are some people in this instance that will see you are moving and they will get off of their blessed assurance and get ready to go with you but for the majority, they will not be able to go. 

However, there have been some I have broken away from for a season and when they were ready, they caught up. Same thing has happened to me. Yep! You read it right. Some people have left me in the wind and I felt some kind of way about it too but I later understood that I was not ready to go with them. This may be where you are today, take courage, things get better if you let them. Submit yourself to God, do what He tells you to do (purge, plan, prepare) and He will exalt you when you are ready! Remember, this is process not punishment and it is all necessary for you to receive what you have been promised. 

I hope something I have said has been encouraging to you. Take time to get closer and more open to the Father, delight yourself in Him and you will have the desires of your heart and He will direct your path and do the pruning for you. 

Kingdom Blessings! 

Face Your Fears

The very thing you find yourself afraid to do is the very thing you should be doing. Fear of the unknown keeps us paralyzed. Fear of failure and rejection keeps us from realizing our dreams and potential. Most of all, fear is a LIE! Oftentimes, the things we are afraid of do not exist. They are things we tell ourselves to keep us from getting outside our comfort zone. I totally understand that doing new things brings about a certain level of anxiousness and excitement but when it gets to the point of stagnation and crippling, it is time to break the grips of fear and move forward. 

For years people have had "to do" or "bucket" lists that they have yet to cross anything out or mark as done. If asked what is holding them back, they will give a myriad of reasons from money to time to not wanting to do it alone. If you listen closely, you will hear between the excuses that they are afraid of something. Does this sound familiar to you? What exactly is it that you are afraid of? Failure? Rejection? Success? It is different for everyone. I was so used to failing that success seemed foreign to me and it literally scared me to see things progressing positively in my life. Things seemed surreal and too good to be true. I had to prepare myself mentally to handle favor and prosperity. If this is something you struggle with, you are not alone. I began to find affirmations that spoke to my future and changed my way of thinking and speaking. I learned to speak positively over my life and expect only good to come my way. As with all change, this is a process and it takes time but it is worth it in the end. 

I have found myself in a state of fear more than a few times. It could have been something really simple or far beyond my realm of comfort but it did not matter, I was afraid. So, what did I do? I'm glad you asked. I did it anyway!!! Once it was done, even if I did not get the result I was hoping or looking for, I was grateful that I had conquered my fears and taken the plunge. This set me up to be prepared for the next big challenge to come. Let's face it, we will always be approaching, going through or coming out of a challenge. Such is life! However, we do not have to be bound by fear and imprisoned in our minds, stuck between the world of what is and what might be. The only way to really find out what something will be is to take the leap of faith and experience it. You will never truly know what can happen until you get up, get out and see for yourself!

I encourage you today to face your fears head on. Remember that you are strong and invincible. There is nothing to fear but fear itself. You only get one life. Get out there and live it despite the fear! 

Kingdom Blessings!