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