A New Chapter

I did not realize just how long it had been since I posted something to my blog, but here I am! Needless to say, I have been very busy and have a lot of blessings to share. I titled this piece "A New Chapter" because that is exactly what God is allowing me to experience. I was blessed with a new job in a new place, and it could not have been more perfect. I relocated and as of September 22, 2011, I became a citizen of South Padre Island, TX! This is the most beautiful place I have seen besides Puerto Rico, and living by the water is so calming. The job I got was one that I applied for months ago, so I was pleasantly surprised when I got the call. As always, I questioned if it was God's will for me and He gave me confirmation after confirmation. The move went so smooth, the pay is great and to top it off, I was able to bring Tinkerbell, my chihuahua with me. Not to mention the fact that at this point in my life, I can really appreciate a place that moves on "island time", which is pretty slow.

I had so many people tell me that I deserved this and that I had earned it with all the work I have done up to this point. But, I know that it is only by God's amazing grace that I received this. I know that only by serving him and doing his work could I have been this blessed. My family was happy for me and wished me well, especially my Mom, and that made it a little easier to do. I have never "relocated" for a job, so it was a big change, but with the love and support from family and friends, I made a smooth transition. I love the program where I am working, and the people I work for and with. I am indeed the minority, but in this circle of people, that doesn't matter. It feels so good to know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and where God wants me to be. I stood on the balcony the second evening I was here, and literally watched the sun go down. It's one thing to see a picture of it, but to witness is an awe-inspiring experience. It truly made me feel that I am in the right place! I pray that everyone gets the chance to feel what I feel, and thank you all for helping me get here/

Peace & Blessings

"Life Is In Session"

"Life Is In Session". Well, the blog bug hit me when I heard this quote from a dear friend the other day. Mainly because it rang so very true, and also because I can definitely relate right now. The fact that life is in session has never been more apparent to me than in the last four months. This life that I call "mine" has had some intense and awe-inspiring sessions during that period of time, and just like in a session of a judge's courtroom, I had to take what was dished out to me.
Some of it was not so comfortable, but made me strong; some of it was fairly comfy, and made me settle in to it a little quicker; and some of it was downright fantastic, which, of course, felt the best. But in all these situations and circumstances, I never stopped being grateful. Life is always in session and many things happen over which we have absolutely no control. So I have found that the key to living "life on life's terms", is to keep an attitude of gratitude. That helps make accepting what happens so much easier, and allows you to stay calm. It prevents us from raising our blood pressure and going through life with a frown on our faces. I always heard that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile, so it's better to take the healthier choice and smile.
Right now I have lots that I could sit around and grumble about, but I also have some things that I can be very grateful for. Like the fact that I am expecting to get a job and live out by a beautiful body of water on an island! Also that I am sitting here writing this post after having gone through triple bypass surgery four months ago. There is always something to gripe about, but today I choose to focus on the things I have to be grateful for. Now, don't get me wrong, I have had my moments of breaking down, but as long as I get back up and don't stay there, it's ok. In fact, we all have to allow ourselves to break down and then be built back up just that much stronger.
The other way that I look at it is to remember that at least I'm still here to experience the sessions, some others are not. I have learned to stop adding up my problems and to start counting my blessings! And when I do that, life being in session becomes a real blessing. Another quote that I found said "It's only when you have cast off what has been weighing you down, that you can finally move on"..K. Rich So don't let your life be dictated by the sessions you go through, just keep the faith and know that the best is yet to come!!
Peace & Blessings

Taking Time To Reflect & Seek Change

Greetings Readers!! The thoughts for this posting were influenced by my reading the article that Brother Jesse posted on his blog about Ramadan, which is a Muslim annual observance. It is a wonderful article so please check it out at : http://blog.chron.com/brotherjesse/2011/07/ramadan-beauty-blessings-and-breaking-bad-habits/
His article really explained the purpose and meaning of Ramadan, and it got me to thinking; We all need to take the time to reflect on where we are in life, where we are going, and what we need to change in ourselves. This time of reflection is the perfect opportunity to do some serious and honest self-examination, while allowing our minds and bodies to benefit from a thorough cleansing. The good news is, you don't have to be a Muslim to participate! Anyone who chooses to take advantage of this blessing can do so, no matter what religion you follow. Or even if you don't follow any particular religion, it can still be an eye-opening experience.
So, when was the last time you fasted and called yourself out? We all are works in progress, but taking the time to put in some self reconstruction can only help that progress. As a Christian, I know I need to regularly check myself and do what I can to eliminate any thinking or behaviors that are detrimental to my life and well-being. But so many of us don't believe that we need to do this, and those apples can really "spoil the bunch". None of us are perfect, but some to walk around with an attitude that shouts "I don't need no reflection and there ain't nothing I need to change!". Most times, the ones making that declaration are the ones who could benefit the most, because they are in DENIAL.
I am grateful to have any opportunity to reflect and become a better me. To quote Brother Jesse, " I am in love with the possibilities of being a better me. I know you are too. " The statement "Be all that you can be" is advertised for a military program, but we can choose to incorporate that goal in our daily lives. I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this chance to reflect and gain some very critical insight into yourself, your life and the impact you want to make on your family and community.

May you all seek to become the best you that you can be!! Peace & Blessings

Stop and smell the roses…..You Deserve it!

Greetings,
I received this in an email and it was right on time, just like everything and everyone God places in my life. Enjoy and take a hint. Peace and Blessings

"In today's fast paced world, peace of mind or inner peace is something that is sought
after by so many yet still eludes the majority of us. I am often asked if obtaining inner
peace is really possible or if it is just one of those pie-in-the-sky fantasies that are often talked about but never really achieved? The short and the long answer to that question is yes, it is still very possible to obtain inner peace even in today's day and age. But in order to actually achieve inner peace you must first make it a priority and then take the time to cultivate it. Peace of mind or inner peace is an actual state of being. It requires a way of thinking and a perception of life that is in congruent harmony with a peaceful mind.

We as a society are often so caught up in all the drama and issues surrounding us in
everyday life that we very rarely take the time to do what is necessary to maintain a healthy
frame of mind.

From a very early age here in the Western World we are often taught to believe that if
we are not consistently at work doing something productive in a monetary sense then we are
somehow bad and not utilizing our time effectively. Often we are told that we are acting in a selfish way if we take some time off from work and do something nice for ourselves. We never really take the time to stop and smell the roses so to speak. Is it any wonder that peace of mind is so hard to come by? In order to obtain inner peace, we must learn to slow down, quiet our minds and get in touch with our inner beings. We need to make time for ourselves and do the things we love and whatever it is that makes us feel good.

Every day take a little "me" time to pamper yourself and feed your soul with whatever it
is that you're craving. Maybe soak in a hot bath or turn on your favorite music. Maybe curl up
with a good book or sip on your favorite wine. I don't know what it is that makes you feel
special, only you do. But find out what it is, and take the time to do it. You are definitely worthy and absolutely deserving of a little rest and relaxation. Ten to fifteen minutes a day of a little "self love" is all it will take to start realizing a little inner peace and gaining back some peace of mind. Try it for yourself. I'm sure you'll love the results!

Have a Great Day!
Your personal success coach,
Rick Horner

A New Lease On Life (in spite of Coronary Artery Disease)

I am posting this because I have so much gratitude for my life today and want to warn all women about Coronary Artery Disease. God has brought me through many life-challenging experiences, but this latest one tops them all. I was diagnosed with CAD in 2009, and was found to have several blocked arteries which were corrected. In spite of that procedure, on April 2, 2011 I went to the ER with chest pains and three days later I was informed that I would need to have triple bypass heart surgery. It came so suddenly and unexpected until I didn't really have time to process it. But I really think that was part of God's plan so me or my family would not have a lot of time to create more intense fears about it. So, on April 8, 2011 I underwent the triple bypass and my children said it was the "longest five hours of their lives". The amazing thing is that once I got out an initial cry, I did not feel anything but trust in God. I felt confident that whatever His will was, it would be done; and today I am very accepting of it. It appears that it was meant for me to come through it and recover since I am sitting here telling you about it. I also believe that I made it through it because I have a lot more work to do before I go. The experience of recovering from that surgery has given me a totally new outlook on life and a resolve to not ever take things like breathing, walking and living without pain for granted.
The experience has also given me an enhanced appreciation for each and every day that I am blessed to wake up and see.
Today I see the world and the people in it with new eyes, a new heart and a different set of ideals for living. I have had to make some necessary lifestyle changes and I had no problem giving up Popeye's chicken to hold on to life. Coronary Artery Disease is a very serious condition, and I pray that all my sisters who read this will take a serious look at their lifestyle, do some research on this deadly disease, and enjoy this blessing that we call life along with me!!

Peace & Blessings to you all!

My Vision - The Overcomers Foundation

I know I have been gone awhile and for me to explain that would take way too long. The important thing is that I am back with a renewed commitment to giving my blog more of my time and attention. The name of this posting is the name of my God-given vision that is now more of a reality than when I first received it in 2007. To briefly give that history I will say that it was a time in my life when I was going through an unexpected storm. Of course, like all storms, God allowed it to turn into a blessing, so don't think I am complaining. The moment the name of the vision came into my head I got right to work, developing a mission statement, purpose and all the other necessities to help it become something tangible. This exercise in creativity allowed me to come through that storm with so much ease until I forgot that it was one. My son Jesse took on the task of creating a logo for me and it turned out so beautifully. It is a symbol that I am very proud to own.
Today, The Overcomers Foundation has a Facebook page, business cards, refrigerator magnets, a few clients and is growing day by day. I pray everyday for the diligence and commitment to continue doing what it takes for it to continue growing, and the compassion for those in need to continue drawing them in to help them in any way I can. I am sharing the latest creation from my organization's Graphic Arts Consultant Bro Jesse Muhammad and want to encourage readers of my blog to visit the Facebook page and leave comments. I need all the encouragement and support from everyone willing to give it, and most of all the continued support of those who are already doing so.
I plan to keep in touch with readers on a consistent basis and look forward to responding to any questions or requests for speaking to any person or group that asks.
Peace & Blessings to you all!