Brewed Awakening

"The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up." -John C. Maxwell

It is human nature to place blame on others rather than accepting responsibility for our own [mistakes].  I use the term mistakes loosely.  I truly believe each and every choice or decision we make, shapes who we are.  If I always made the "right" choices, I would not be where I am today. Which brings me to today's topic...It's time for a BREWED AWAKENING.

Life isn't fair and it sure isn't easy.  If I were to sum it up in one word I would say.....challenging. You know what's tricky about that? I hate challenges. I'm the girl who would rather say forget it and lose, than compete with someone for hours. Suduko? Nah...just not my style. However, life doesn't work that way.  Each day we are faced with challenges.  Life will get a little easier when you acknowledge that your life is your responsibility. You are the only person responsible for your success. No matter how hard you try to place the blame on others, each event in your life is the result of the choices you have made and the choices you are making.  It's time out for excuses. A wise woman once told me,

"Excuses excuses are monuments of nothingness.  

Those who use these tools of incompetence are masters of nothingness."

If you find yourself making more excuses instead of fulfilling expectations, it is time for a change! Which leads me to share a personal story...

I've always been a little hard headed. Yes, that's tough to admit, but it's the truth. I can hear my mom saying "Toy, you have got to grow up, handle your business and take responsibility for your actions." Sure, I listened...but the majority of the time it went in one ear and out the next.  Why? Because each time I "messed up" the parentals would bail me out. [uhh not jail--except for one time---ok let's stop there]. Their tough love came with many long text messages, hour long phone conversations and lots of scolding ::ouch::. It would be great to say "After 2-3 times, I learned my lesson" but that would not be true.  It wasn't until 2013, yes 2013 that I put my big girl panties on and learned to take responsibility for NaToya.  I know. I'm sure you probably have one hand in the popcorn bowl and the other scrolling with your phone trying to see what's coming next..but how dare you judge me:) because it's the truth.  I mentioned in a previous post that 2013 had it's ups and downs and that's exactly what I needed. 2013 gave me a rude awakening.  I finally faced reality.  Life isn't about me. It's about the ONE who created me. Life isn't easy, but it's definitely worth it.  Each time I think about 2013 and some of the obstacles I faced, Genesis 5:20 comes to mind.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

With no shame, I can say I am thankful for my rude awakening. I stand firm in faith knowing that by His grace I am saved and because of His mercy I have been granted another day to share his goodness. I am so thankful for the obstacles.  For without them, I would not have been able to see Him working through me.  If you're reading this I challenge you to make a vow today...stop making excuses for yourself.  If you fall short,(which you will) accept it and find ways to improve.  Set realistic and achievable goals.  Celebrate the small victories and remember, "I am not the product of my circumstance.  I am a product of my decision."

xo

RAEofsunshine

COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY

Each one should test their own actions.  Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else. Galatians 6:4

Sadly, it has become second nature for us (self included) to compare ourselves to others. Oftentimes we do it unconsciously.  "On my! I wish I had her shoes/clothes." "Awww, I wish my relationship was like theirs!" Sound familiar? Maybe not those exact words...but you get my point.  We often let society's expectations dictate our reality.  No two people are the same.  Take PRIDE in know you are exactly where you are suppose to be [at present].  I'll share a personal story.

Shortly after college I was lost and confused.  I felt as though I had wasted four years of my life with nothing to show.  Was this true? Absolutely not..but...comparison is the thief of joy. I found myself constantly comparing my situation to others.  Friends landed great jobs in corporate America. Others were granted admission to professional/graduate school.  Where was I? In my mind, I was stuck working at a job that I hated! In God's eyes, I was exactly where I needed to be [at present].  You see, I could not be content with my situation because I was too busy worrying and comparing myself to the next.  I remember asking myself "Why am I stuck HERE?" The answer is now very clear...because that's the path God chose for me.

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.  When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 

2 Corinthians 10:12

You see, I simply could not see the forest because I was too focused on the trees.  Through this period, I learned a lot about myself.  I learned to be patient.  I learned to trust God. I learned that if I fall seven times, I had better stand up eight.  I learned that God's timing is ALWAYS perfect.  But most importantly, I learned that by comparing myself to others, I was allowing the devil to steal my joy.  

Let's fast forward  three years.  I am content.  Am I were I ultimately want to be? Of course not...there is always room for growth and I will never stop dreaming! However, I am content with God's plan for my life. If you are struggling with anything [at present], please remember that God's timing is always perfect.  We may think we have it all figured out, but His WILL will always prevail.  Hang in there and remember that comparison is the thief of joy.

xoxo

RAEofsunshine 

2.0.1.4.

As the end of 2013 draws near, I begin to reflect. Year after year people either make new year's resolutions...or they don't. [By the way, I'm not too fond of those that say "Yea yea you're not going to change so stop with the resolutions.") 1. Who are you to tell someone else that they will [not] change? If you're not contributing to the betterment of that person, then your opinion of their life is probably not needed. 2. What's so bad about resolutions? Personally, I don't make them. But I never talk down about someone that does. My goal is life is to better myself daily. If it takes a new year for some to do that....so be it. Maybe the ones saying it should make a resolution to be a little more positive in 2014 :)   Thanks for hanging in there with me through all that gibberish ..now on to the good stuff.

As I reflect back on 2013, I can't help but smile. Will I continue to better myself on a daily basis? Yes! Is there always room for improvement? Heck, yes! However, I am SO proud of the woman I've become. Just as any other year, 2013 brought about change....and you know what? I'm perfectly fine with that. I can truly say I have grown tremendously over the past 12 months; with all credit going to God. I  am forever grateful for a forgiving Father who continuously blesses me although I'm not worthy.

As we begin 2014, I challenge you to LIVE. So many of us are alive, but we are not living. Take chances. Do not be afraid to make mistakes...just be sure to learn from them. Live each day to the fullest. We only get one shot at life...so what will you do with yours? Trust in God...at ALL times. Know that in this crazy, cruel world there is one thing that remains the same---His Word.

I enjoyed 2013 and to 2014, I say bring it on. For with faith, family and friends, all things are possible.
xo toyahrae