Another TOY story

Let me start by first sending my apologies to all of my blog buddies.  After Wednesday, my week was thrown completely off. I'm convinced it was the work of the devil! I was unable to finish my postings for the week!
I'm going to TRY to give you the shortest version possible of my Thursday night.  Please refrain from laughing because this was indeed a very serious matter....ehhhhhhhhhhhh here we go!

Thursday night I attended a banquet in Canton, MS. For those of you that are familiar with the area, you know Canton is slightly north of Jackson.  Now, for those of you that know me...well, let's just say sometimes I tend to get a little turned around.  The banquet was over around 8:30 pm. I got in my truck and headed home....or so I thought.  I am SO use to going 55-N ; it's seriously second nature. 55-N will always take me to Ridgeland....unless you're already north (in Canton).  After a few minutes I realized that I didn't see the Nissan plant, but I figured I must be going the right way...maybe it's just dark and I'm having a hard time seeing.  About 10-15 mins later I see a Yazoo sign...ok, I've gone completely too far. My phone rang and it was one of my best friends, Kenya.  I told her to stay on the line with me because I was like 99.9% I was lost.  I decided to take Exit 133 (remember this) to re-route.  Taking that exit was a no no! It seriously looked like a scene off The Hills Have Eyes.  So, I got back on the hwy and decided to turn around at the next chance.  You know how sometimes you can cross the median?..Well, I thought that would be my best option. Afterall, I have a truck and I should be able to make it, right? WRONG! It was raining out, which means....as I started to cross the median my truck got stuck.  I automatically begin crying  hysterically, all the while Kenya is trying to keep me calm.

So here I am. 23 yrs old .Female. Alone on Hwy55.Dark. Raining. And the only thing I remember is Exit 133. I got off the phone with Kenya and immediately called 911. Afterall, it WAS an emergency.  I explained to the sweet man that I was lost, alone and afraid because by this time it was about 9:30pm. (Now this is where I'm going to shorten the story).  The dispatcher stayed on the phone with me until a Hwy Patrolman arrived. He kept reassuring me that no stranger was going to come to the car, try to help me, and kidnap me. (I really thought this was going to happen).  The Patrolman had to call a wrecker, which took like another hour.  Approximately 3 hours and $100 later I was on my way back to Ridgeland. 
My sweet sister, Keitra, came to my rescue. Words can't describe how bad I felt. It was raining and I was like an hour north of Jackson and she STILL came to see about me.  This is DEFINITELY what sisters are for. Bless her heart....I thank her SO much for this.  Bless Kenya's heart because she stayed on the phone with me. Bless Joey's heart. I think he was having a heart attack through the phone while trying to keep me calm.  I'm so thankful for the people in my life who care so much about me that they are willing to make sacrifices (such as these).  I have vowed to put this night behind me. It was all a test! The devil really tried to steal my happiness because he KNEW what I had been faced with during the week. Well, he almost had me...but "God got me"..and I'm so thankful for that!

If you see me around jacktown...don't laugh...I'm ridin' dirty!....literally, until I can get to a car wash!

XOXO
t.RAE :)

3. AGGRESSIVE...B-E AGGRESSIVE!

Hi there! I want to take a minute to say thank you for my "blog buddies". Sometimes I just write, in hopes that people are reading! It warms my heart to know there are some of you that actually care :)xoxo.

Today I am working on being less AGGRESSIVE! Now, being aggressive can be both a blessing and a curse so listen carefully.  Proverbs 21:23 states "Whosoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles" (KJV) or it is stated in the New Living Translation "Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble." I think I like that better.

Now I've always had a problem with "getting the last word". I know it's not good, but that's why I'm working on it and boy has the devil been busy today!  In life, you will encounter people with totally different views as those you possess. It's important to be able to deal with these people....................because they aren't going anywhere!
Sometimes I feel as though I HAVE to let {the} person know how they made me feel...because I'm always right, aren't you?  But honestly, what's understood doesn't have to be explained.  In some situations, saying nothing is best.  People will push your buttons! Believe me because all 2516301 of mine have been pushed today. However, instead of reacting, I simply said nothing. Now I probably should have said SOMETHING...but the Lord is still working on me. Had I opened my mouth.......well, I'll leave that to your imagination.
So I challenge you to practice "keeping your mouth closed" (as mom would say) when your faced with opposition. Remember, God made us all different so I'm 99.9% your friend across the street has different beliefs than you and that's just something you have to deal with honey!

I hope this helps!


XOXO
t.RAE :)

2. Selflessness

Today's focus will be on selflessness! That's a mouth full...let's say "not being selfish".
Phillipians 2:3 states "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain coneit.  Rather in humility value others above yourselves."  I'll give you a minute to let that marinate......................ok, let's discuss.
Now, what if God were selfish when handing out blessings? What if He only blessed those whom he felt were deserving? Some of us would be in trouble, huh? (self included).  God blesses us in spite of...when we are not worthy!  He blesses us so we can be a blessing to others....pass the message! Don't be selfish and keep the blessings all to yourself! 
Sometimes we get so caught up in self (me me me). It is okay to admit this, because we are all guitly.  However, when acknowledging the fact, you should be willing to make the necessary changes.

 Here are a few ways to overcome selfishness:
1. Remind yourself that the world doesn't revolve around ::insert name here::
        You mean there are other people in this world besides me??? Yes, honey get over yourself :)

2. Volunteer to help others.  Time > Money
        Sometimes seeing others in need brings us back to reality.

3. Take other's feelings into consideration.
      When someone comes to you for advice. LISTEN. God gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth (utilize!)

I have a meeting at 2 and I'm running out of time so I have to cut this post short! But please remember God knows you better than you know yourself....He created you! He is willing to help you work through these acts of selfishness, but you have to seek His guidance! 
When you put "self" aside you are opening up and letting God have his way in your life....and that's when blessings start to flow.  I never want to block my blessing by being selfish :)

XOXO
t.RAE :)

1. PATIENCE

This week I will focus on 5 things/areas I need to improve.  I encourage you to jump on the bandwagon and ride along!  Today's focus will be patience.  Geez I am like the most impatient person on Earth!!! I get so antsy and anxious and most of the time it shows all in my face.  If you're life is anything like mine, it's very well planned....this can be both a blessing and a curse.  Things are not going to always go as planned and I need to learn to welcome interruptions instead of pushing them away.  One little interruption and I go ballistic because it "wasn't in my plan". 

 Well, sometimes God throws curve balls in our day to grab our attention. I never want to miss my blessing because I was too busy complaining about the interruption. Some of God's greatest blessings have come through "interruptions" to the normal routine.  Take Mary, for example.  An angel interrupted her life with the announcement that she would have a son named Jesus.  Now, put yourself in her shoes.  If an angel came to you, would you be so annoyed that your day was interrupted and push the angel away? God I pray that I wouldn't! 

So this week I will practice patience! I will look for God's purpose in my next interruption and I encourage you to do the same!

XOXO
t.RAE :)

**A little secret for my followers**

See, there are benefits to reading my blog! I'm going to let you in on a little secret but you can't tell....or you may regret it.  As most of you know, I work PT at Charming Charlie.  We had a markdown two nights ago.  Charmers worked 10pm-6am marking down fashion jewelry for yoU! It's a great sale! I'm talking $2-4 necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings!! GO GO GO while supplies last!...And remember, this is our little secret! If you tell, someone may beat you to the piece designed specifically for yoU!
Now go forth my friends, shop and be merry!
XOXO
t.RAE :)

New Year, New Beginnings

Just recently I was told that I always have a smile on my face.  Yes, I try my best to smile because frowning really isn't all that hot, ya know? However, there are times when I frown....sometimes more than I would like to.  Stress is a part of everyday life, but sometimes I stress 10x more than the average person.  My folks always tell me that it's detrimental to my health so I really try not to............buuuuuuuuuut it's hard.
Stressing about work...stressing about future career decisions...stressing about finances...stressing about my daily walk with God...I think most would agree that these are all challenges that we face at some point in our lives.  Sometimes it feels as though I get 2 steps ahead....and then I take 21415515 steps back....but again, I guess that's part of life.  I have really been meditating on God's word.  When things are going good, the devil has a way of stealing your joy.  But, I guess that's his job, right?  Well, my job as a Christian is to remain faithful.  I KNOW that these small road blocks are just a test of my faith.  Galatians 6:9 really keeps me grounded. It states "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This verse really speaks to me.  There are times when I get so tired I want to give up, but I know the reward is far greater than any obstacle.

I guess I said all of that to say.....PRAY for me. PRAY for my daily walk with God.  PRAY that I make the right decisions concerning my future.  PRAY that I make the right decisions concerning my finances.  PRAY for my strength.  PRAY for my temper/attitude.  PRAY that I may be the daughter, sister, and girlfriend God has called me to be.  While reading my daily devotion I came across something I'd like to share. "We worship God because of His love for us and because of who He is, not because loving Him can help our bottom line.  Don't worship God to gain His benefits; you already have them!" Let that marinate :)

I hope you all had a great 'extended' break and you're ready to tackle 2012! ...sending peace and blessings your way!
Until next time...
t.RAE :) XO