<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386</id><updated>2011-11-27T16:04:51.004-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Mai Life</title><subtitle type='html'>This blog was created to provide encouragement, support, motivation, and suggestions for those who desire to identify, pursue, and attain their life's purpose. The goal is to create community, identity and love amongst us all GOD'S creation. WE ARE NOT IN THIS LIFE ALONE!!! Come let us share HIS love.</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>17</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-1102620826806056875</id><published>2011-04-29T10:33:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-04-29T10:33:48.768-07:00</updated><title type='text'>More of Me?</title><content type='html'>Greetings!&lt;br /&gt;It's been a while since I have conected with you through the blog, but that is exactly why I am writing today!!&lt;br /&gt;Notice the title "more of me", this is a concept that is simply offensive to our Christian senseabilities. But wait, follow me for the context of this statement. You see  when I look at the women in my life (myself included) I wonder when "enough is enough"!&lt;br /&gt;When I say more of me I simply mean that as women we need to honor our bodies, minds, and spirits by taking care of ourselves. Putting , ourselves "on the list", stop feeling guilty about taking some "me time". More importantly we need to give God more of me not just what's left over after we have worked overtime on the job, attended the PTA meeting, dropped kids off at soccer, baseball, basketball practice, after mending their uniform for the game on saturday for which we are designated to bring the snacks as the "team mom", oh and let's not forget the hubs who simply cannot live without our cooking and can never find his "good" shirt for church on Sunday morning. Okay so you know the drill, my point being there are so many things that we do because? we are women? people depend on us? we are the only ones who can? simply because we can? &lt;b&gt;this is how we show/feel love and appreciation?&lt;/b&gt; Hmmmm, good question. Right? Well it's not as much a question as it is a statement. We were created to be nurturers, help meets, completion so to speak. But in all things there should be balance! yes even in service. On that note I would like to close with this a recent "note" to friends: &lt;br /&gt;Greetings All,&lt;br /&gt;As I sit here in my home office, taking care of some business, and nursing a very painful leg, that I am pretty much unable to walk on. I am thinking of my far too frequent tendency to put off or even forgo self care. After all there is so much to be done and people depend on me. I spend a lot of time in prayer and meditation on behalf of my clients , the families I serve in my church, friends, and  my own family as I believe is God's will for us as Believers. I also pray for strength and wisdom, and more importantly His will be done regarding my purpose as a wife, mother, and MFT. What I realize is that sometimes I am not always so good at slowing down and taking time to rejuvenate myself, even if it means something as simple as just taking a nap or getting a manicure. God will deliver the Spiritual restoration and physical healing but you can't be running from Him on your way to the next task, especially if you pray His will be done. This doesn't really work while you're pursuing yours!&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;Okay so I confessed all that to say this:&lt;br /&gt;I thought I got it, all this time while telling myself "Mai you really gotta slow down the enemy is attacking you so fiercely because you have allowed your resistance to get so low". But the light really came on last night when my husband shared this with me during our evening Devotion:&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;April 6th meditation&lt;br /&gt;They made me keeper of the Vineyards; but mine own vineyard I have not kept. Song of Solomon 1:6&lt;br /&gt;Our attention is here drawn to a danger which is preeminently one of this day; the intense activity of our times may lead to zeal in service  to the neglect of personal communion, but such neglect will not only lessen the value of the service, but tend to incapacitate us for the highest service.&lt;br /&gt;__J. Hudson Taylor&lt;br /&gt;__Thoughts for the Quiet Hour&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;So on that note; I will close with my "take away" from this: Let us continue to serve in excellence, but remember knowing your limits is an essential part of excellent service. &lt;br /&gt;Love Yall!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-1102620826806056875?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/1102620826806056875/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2011/04/more-of-me.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/1102620826806056875'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/1102620826806056875'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2011/04/more-of-me.html' title='More of Me?'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-8141579934840940362</id><published>2010-10-27T19:12:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-11-01T13:12:35.298-07:00</updated><title type='text'>"Deep-ression"</title><content type='html'>Recently in preparation for a workshop I will be facilitating I have been spending more time (than usual) studying the topic of Depression. I must say that now that I have taken more time to step back and actually look at what Depression really is, I am bothered by how flippantly we throw around this term.&lt;br /&gt;Depression has a general character, but also very specific features depending on what type of Depression it is and even more specific depending on the person, gender , age, etc.&lt;br /&gt;This revalation came as a result of my own bout with Depression.&lt;br /&gt;I won't take you through all the types and sub-types here, but what I will share is that what I learned and continue to learn is life changing!&lt;br /&gt;And that is just my point. Today we tend to throw the word Dpression at anything that makes us sad or can be better described as "the blues". Depression however does not just effect your day or week, it effects your &lt;b&gt;LIFE&lt;/b&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;Dpression is among the most painful and difficult of all human experiences. It robs those who have it of energy, interest, and the will to make things better. The "spirit" of Depression is profoundly negative, causing its sufferers to develop a negative view of self, the world, and the future. In fact during Depression it can seem as though nothing can change and things will never get better.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Clinuical Depression can be described as: feeling &lt;b&gt;EXTREMELY&lt;/b&gt; low or disinterested most of the day, nearly every day as well as a long list of other sysmptoms, including but not limited to;insomnia,hypersomnia, significant wieght gain or loss, feelings of worthlessness,and hopelesness. These symptoms can be accompanied by distorted, irrational, negative thinking including suicidal thoughts and even attempts.&lt;br /&gt;Some very crucial points to keep in mind as the U.S. and the world is going through some very tough times&lt;br /&gt;1. &lt;b&gt;GOD is in controll&lt;/b&gt;  There is nothing too big for Him to handle!!&lt;br /&gt;2. &lt;b&gt;Depression is hard to diagnose on your own&lt;/b&gt;.Often our moods &lt;br /&gt;effect our judgement, the way we see ourselves and others. It is often necessary for us to speak to a Mental Health professional to make the diagnosis.&lt;br /&gt;3. &lt;b&gt;You are not alone&lt;/b&gt;. If you are suffering from depression, you are not alone. More than 5% of adults &lt;b&gt;are&lt;/b&gt; depressed at any given point in their lives, and more than 15% &lt;b&gt;will be &lt;/b&gt;depressed at some point in their lives.&lt;br /&gt;4.&lt;b&gt;Depression is not a sign of weakness&lt;/b&gt;.Many capable, intellegent, and extremely accomplished people have been depressed. Being depressed does not mean you have a "weak" personality or character. It simply means  that your spirit is being attacked by the enemy!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Depression is a tool of the ENEMY!! &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/b&gt;My personal attack came after the loss of a second child to miscarriage. My husband and I had been married for two years, we deeply desired to have children. After this loss the enemy attacked us at the very fiber of our covenant,we stopped communicating. We began to question ourselves, each other, as well as the world. I looked at other young mothers with resentment and evny, "why them and not me Lord!" &lt;br /&gt;For me depression came in the form of a "wall" that kept my loved ones out. I have always been one to "talk about it" you are never in the dark as to how I feel because I will tell you. Depression "took" my words. &lt;br /&gt;What I heard when I stopped talking however, changed my life! It was the voice of God telling me exactly what I should do to expereince healing from the profound pain in my heart...and as they say the rest is history.&lt;br /&gt;8 years and 2 beautiful little boys later, my husband and I are standing ever firm on God's promise for our covenant. I only look back to recall the lesson and count the blessings!&lt;br /&gt;Going through Depression is a &lt;b&gt;very difficult journey&lt;/b&gt;!, but if you take care to &lt;b&gt;know the terrain &lt;/b&gt;(equip yourself with the Word of God)and &lt;b&gt;take along a well traveled companion &lt;/b&gt;(talk to those who have been through it or skilled, knowledgeable professional) You Will Make It!!! &lt;br /&gt;If you want to learn more in depth about how to help yourself and loved ones with Depression follow Mai Life!!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-8141579934840940362?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/8141579934840940362/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/10/deep-ression.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/8141579934840940362'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/8141579934840940362'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/10/deep-ression.html' title='&quot;Deep-ression&quot;'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-8592414958049671460</id><published>2010-07-18T19:55:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-07-18T19:55:46.020-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The work of Waiting</title><content type='html'>&lt;blockquote&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;i&gt;They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;Isaiah 40:31. This does not mean sit by and wait while God does all the work. Let's break this verse down a bit:"Waiting" is an act of service, in fact when you go into a restaurant most of the time you are met by a greeter that will then introduce you to your "server" which used to be known as the "waiter" back in the day. Therfore we are to be serving or &lt;b&gt;working&lt;/b&gt; at something while we are waiting on the Lord. I once heard it said that "You can tell what a man is &lt;b&gt;waiting&lt;/b&gt; on by what he's &lt;b&gt;working&lt;/b&gt; on"!If we are not working(doing what He has already given us strength to do), what need is there for renewal? &lt;br /&gt;you see the "waiting on" is more of a steadfastness or rooting of your &lt;b&gt;faith&lt;/b&gt; in the Lord as you "work on"your goal.No matter where you find yourself in life or what situation you are facing you can still do Kingdom work, for example, at one point in my life I was literally stricken down with illness. I was in the hospital and I was physically unable to do much of anything, I felt very helpless and somewhat useless, but the one thing that I could still do was use my words, so as God brought Doctors, Nurses, Physical Therapist, Social Workers, and other patients into my presence, I simply shared my &lt;b&gt;faith&lt;/b&gt; that God would restore me, that He has a purpose for us all, that the pain,fear, and uncertainty of the night would give way to His release, protection, and clarity in the morning. This was all that I did day after day, until my strength was renewed and it was time for me to go home.To this very day that Doctor is still in my life as my family Doctor and often tells the story of how I encouraged him and his colleagues.My goal or purpose in life was to speak words of healing and encouragement to the hurting. Though I did not realize it at that point I was actually working on that goal and today I am blessed and honored with the opportunity to realize it as a Marriage and Family Therapist.&lt;br /&gt; In order for God to bring harvest in our lives we must first sew and water the seed. This friends in "the work of waiting"&lt;br /&gt;May God bless us as we grow!!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-8592414958049671460?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/8592414958049671460/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/07/work-of-waiting.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/8592414958049671460'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/8592414958049671460'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/07/work-of-waiting.html' title='The work of Waiting'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-224089177407166093</id><published>2010-06-13T17:47:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-06-13T17:47:08.054-07:00</updated><title type='text'>"Flaws For Facets"</title><content type='html'>So...Yesterday I, along with several other of my colleagues, was blessed to be in a position to connect with &lt;b&gt;Thousands&lt;/b&gt; of people, "believers" and "non-believers", at an annual event called Fish Fest.&lt;br /&gt;As I spoke with people who stopped by the booth to inquire about our services,and even as I listened to the music and words coming from the surrounding stages. I had the opportunity to hear testimony after testimony about how God has shown up in times of pain and trouble or how &lt;b&gt;this&lt;/b&gt; is the time people &lt;b&gt;need&lt;/b&gt; God to show up. I heard stories of angry children, broken marriages, depression, cheating, anxiety,substance abuse, and confusion. What kept coming to my mind was THANK YOU FATHER, for putting us here in this place for such a time as this. I looked in the faces of the people I spoke with. I looked at the expressions on the faces of passers by. I saw every shape, color, and size of humanity and what I felt was love, unity, and a very distinct uniqueness. You see none of us goes through this life &lt;b&gt;smooth&lt;/b&gt; we all have our battles we have to endure (this is what unites us)however even when in the same battle each soldier must take up his/her own armor(this is what makes us unique)&lt;br /&gt;which brings me to my &lt;b&gt;revelation&lt;/b&gt;:&lt;br /&gt;It is when we are in intense battle that our &lt;b&gt;weaknesses/flaws &lt;/b&gt;can and often do get exposed.But when the fight is imminent we have to arm ourselves with the whole armor of God, &lt;b&gt;His Word.   &lt;/b&gt;We are meant to do battle in this world, and to be victorious!!!!it refines us and sharpens our faith. So when we are cut, bruised, and broken Our Father is just faceting us as diamonds reflecting His light. What we see as flaws and imperfections are representations of our multifaceted Saviour.As we "do battle" our Father has given us &lt;b&gt;victory&lt;/b&gt; in trading our Flaws for Facets.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-224089177407166093?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/224089177407166093/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/06/flaws-for-facets.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/224089177407166093'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/224089177407166093'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/06/flaws-for-facets.html' title='&quot;Flaws For Facets&quot;'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-4380795551190145488</id><published>2010-06-06T20:04:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-11-01T13:29:31.737-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Art of Parenting?</title><content type='html'>The more I work with parents as well as parent my own children I have come to the &lt;b&gt;revelation&lt;/b&gt; that parenting is not a &lt;b&gt;science&lt;/b&gt; but rather an &lt;b&gt;art&lt;/b&gt;. You see in science, chemistry specifically, you can use a certain formula and get the exact same outcome every time. You can control the input and outcome of the scientific process. But as a parent you can &lt;b&gt;"pour in"&lt;/b&gt; the same amount of love, discipline, and morals into each one of your children and get different outcomes. Each child as God's own &lt;b&gt;unique creation &lt;/b&gt;has their own gifts, talents, and personalities that are unlike those of even their closest relatives. In this sense our children are like works of art. God has provided us a very precious "&lt;b&gt;canvas&lt;/b&gt;" in our children. As parents we are the &lt;b&gt;"medium"&lt;/b&gt;. But unlike science we cannot control how the canvas receives the medium. For example oil will be received much differently on burlap than it will on glass, but the outcome is equally as beautiful in it's own way! the same with our children. The scientist views same process-different outcome as a failure or mistake. The artist views same process-different outcome as an extension of their talent. So instead of asking "why can't he/she be more like their brother or sister"? or "they were raised in the same home, why did they come out so differnt". We should view parenting as our God given opportunity to compose priceless works of art, trusting the "&lt;b&gt;Master Crftsman&lt;/b&gt;" to preserve the art as well as the artist!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-4380795551190145488?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/4380795551190145488/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/06/art-of-parenting.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/4380795551190145488'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/4380795551190145488'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/06/art-of-parenting.html' title='The Art of Parenting?'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-4597864427253679538</id><published>2010-05-23T21:43:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-05-25T10:59:32.148-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The difference between "Taken Away" and "Given up"?</title><content type='html'>Sometimes we pray "Father this is more than I can handle or I don't want to deal with this anymore, please take it away from me." I know that I have prayed that prayer many times in my life. If we are honest we may have even prayed that prayer(in secret) about things that we like but we know are not good for us?&lt;br /&gt;As I think about it today, I believe God, in His wisdom does take away those things that we truly can not handle. But more often than not He empowers &lt;b&gt;us&lt;/b&gt; with the strength and wisdom to &lt;b&gt;give up &lt;/b&gt;  those things that are not good for us and cause us to stumble needlessly.&lt;br /&gt;I believe sometimes we get caught up in &lt;b&gt;waiting&lt;/b&gt; for God to &lt;b&gt;remove&lt;/b&gt; obstacles from our path when He is challenging us to choose a different path. &lt;b&gt;Give up &lt;/b&gt;our way and go the way He is leading us. That is not to say that there will never be obstacles on the path that God has chosen for us because there will be. The difference is as we &lt;b&gt;go through &lt;/b&gt;them they become smaller and smaller, our God becomes bigger and bigger, and our faith grows stronger and stronger. So as our faith, strength, and wisdom matures in Him we can &lt;b&gt;give up &lt;/b&gt;praying that he &lt;b&gt;take away &lt;/b&gt; &lt;b&gt;all&lt;i&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; of our obstacles and say &lt;b&gt;thank you &lt;/b&gt;for &lt;b&gt;bringing us through &lt;/b&gt;because in the end &lt;b&gt;It's All Good&lt;/b&gt;!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-4597864427253679538?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/4597864427253679538/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/05/difference-between-taken-away-and-given.html#comment-form' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/4597864427253679538'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/4597864427253679538'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/05/difference-between-taken-away-and-given.html' title='The difference between &quot;Taken Away&quot; and &quot;Given up&quot;?'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-7533023675281791887</id><published>2010-05-09T18:08:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-05-11T18:06:36.037-07:00</updated><title type='text'>How large is your Vessel?</title><content type='html'>OMG!! What a great message from the very heart of The Father I was blessed to receive today. Although there were many others present in the 8am service at my church this morning, God delivered this man Pastor Mensa Otabil all the way from Accra Ghana on this day, Mother's day to drop this message directly down into the the spirit of this mother.&lt;br /&gt;Whew! I've already said a mouthful but I hope that you can feel the heat through your computer screen as you read this because I am &lt;strong&gt;ON FIRE &lt;/strong&gt;after this word!&lt;br /&gt;Go with me for a moment to &lt;strong&gt;2 Kings 4:1-7&lt;/strong&gt;. Here you find a widow woman who sought the profit Elisha for help, you see she was a widow, she was in debt (sound familiar?), and on top of that her sons were about to be traded into slavery to the creditor.&lt;br /&gt;But watch this instead of loaning her money, or giving her an answer he in fact asked her some very important questions: &lt;em&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&gt;"What shall I do for you?"&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;,"What have you of sale value in the house?"&lt;/&lt;/strong&gt;strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;, giving the woman an opportunity to take part in her own recovery. &lt;br /&gt;Now her first response was one of hopelessness: &lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;"Your handmaid has nothing in the house&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;but the second part represented hope &lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;"Except/but a jar of oil"&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;. How many of us know that a&lt;strong&gt; BUT&lt;/strong&gt; inserted in the middle of a sentence pretty much cancels out everything that was said before it? &lt;strong&gt;Ex.:"you look great today, I love your hair and your outfit is very nice, but it's not really your color."&lt;/strong&gt;. The but canceled out all the nice things that were said before it. Much like with this widow woman I have nothing, but this jar of oil. God can make our buts abundant (lol no pun intended). Elisha told the woman to go out into the neighborhood and collect vessels, not just a few but as many as she could find, bring them into her home, and shut the door behind her. In obedience to the word of the profit she began to fill vessel after vessel with this one jar of oil. In the end she had enough to sell to pay off her debt and still enough left over for her and her sons to live off of.&lt;br /&gt;What is the message then?&lt;br /&gt;Friends our "oil" our gifts, talents, God's anointing on our life, is not the problem. The problem is the vessel. To put in it in the words of Pastor Otabil: "her container was limited, but the content (her oil) was limitless". &lt;br /&gt;Our anointing, our talents, gifts, and capacity is only limited by the container of our thoughts, fears, and faith.&lt;br /&gt;How do we enlarge our vessels? study God's word(education), network(build systems that are inspirational and supportive of our growth), Develop(our assets, ideas, and abilities, apprenticeship(sit under people who are doing what we want to do and learn from them).Begin to pour our unique abilities and talents (oil) into these borrowed vessels and watch God expand our capacity.&lt;br /&gt;Think about this, the next time you are drinking a bottle of water, look at that bottle in terms of &lt;strong&gt;content&lt;/strong&gt; (the water) and &lt;strong&gt;capacity&lt;/strong&gt;(the bottle). The water is a flowing body which before it was captured and put into this bottle was a limitless flowing stream, I'm sure if given a choice the water would not have chosen to be limited to a 500ml capacity. But because it is contained in a vessel that is only able to hold 500ml it has no choice but to be limited to that capacity.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Will you limit God's content in your life? How large is your vessel? &lt;/strong&gt; May God Bless us as we grow&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-7533023675281791887?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/7533023675281791887/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-large-is-your-vessel.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/7533023675281791887'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/7533023675281791887'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-large-is-your-vessel.html' title='How large is your Vessel?'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-3276144219670224685</id><published>2010-03-12T14:28:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-03-12T14:47:07.371-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Live the Life you Want and Want the Life you Live</title><content type='html'>This is a powerful statement to me. In fact when I heard it for the first time I didn't get it because my mindset was "you have the life you have, and that's all you get whether you like/want it or not". That was partially my age at the time and the other part was lack of knowledge. Now some 20+ years later I recently heard that statement again "live the life you want and want the life you live". I get it now!! The life I want &lt;strong&gt;IS&lt;/strong&gt; the life I live. Although I don't have monetary riches to speak of or all of the trappings that the world says makes you a great success, I do have everything I need and still I am living in the glorious expectation of everything that God has promised will be mine. &lt;strong&gt;A Life More Abundant&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;br /&gt;No. I'm not delusional. I know this life is hard and there are many things that I too wish I could change about its course, but look at these words again carefully "live the life you want and want the life you live". This is not a question. It is a statement or better yet a choice. If we choose to live the life we want we can truly want this life we live. Think about it. It's your choice!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-3276144219670224685?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/3276144219670224685/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/03/live-life-you-want-and-want-life-you.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/3276144219670224685'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/3276144219670224685'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/03/live-life-you-want-and-want-life-you.html' title='Live the Life you Want and Want the Life you Live'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-1823047945833548518</id><published>2010-01-24T17:42:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-01-25T18:08:34.542-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Communication</title><content type='html'>Good evening bloggers. It has been several weeks since we've communicated and that is exactly what brings me to the blogosphere today. Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend some time with some very special youth in my professional capacity as a Marriage and Family Therapist. &lt;br /&gt;I was speaking to them about communication, specifically how to improve their relationships with their parents through communication. What I &lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;taught &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;them was very basic and foundational in terms of communication skills. What I &lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;learned&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt; from them was unexpected and encouraging. &lt;br /&gt;I found out that in spite of the high tech devices and encrypted language they use to communicate with each other young people don't really want to shut their parents out of their world. In fact more than ever they need to know that home is a place that they can take their "secrets" and truly be themselves without judgement. I found out that regardless of all the things they tell us they &lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;need&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt; like cell phones, video games, cars, more freedom, what they really want and need is attention, guidance, boundaries, love, and acceptance.&lt;br /&gt;Without their knowledge these youth through their openness and honesty taught me principle truths that will inform the way I treat my own children. As a parent I am grateful for them. As a professional I am encouraged that the work I do is never in vain.&lt;br /&gt;Blessings&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-1823047945833548518?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/1823047945833548518/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/01/communication.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/1823047945833548518'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/1823047945833548518'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/01/communication.html' title='Communication'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-6767357157041397971</id><published>2010-01-01T19:05:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-01-01T19:43:51.246-08:00</updated><title type='text'>"WOW.  It's 2010"</title><content type='html'>I&lt;span style="font-family:georgia;"&gt; never imagined that I would someday be writing the date 2010. But today as I sit and make out bills (which keep coming no matter what year it is, by the way), It's actually here the year &lt;strong&gt;2010!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:georgia;"&gt;That being said , &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:georgia;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Happy New Year. &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:georgia;"&gt;How blessed we are to be alive and well to welcome in another year. I thank God for my health and the health of my beautiful, awesome  family. I look forward to this year with a renewed H&lt;strong&gt;ope&lt;/strong&gt; and expectation of God's G&lt;strong&gt;race&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;Promise&lt;/strong&gt; to be a &lt;strong&gt;Reality&lt;/strong&gt; in our world as a whole.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:georgia;"&gt; &lt;strong&gt;This year I resolve:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="left"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:georgia;"&gt;To make my resolutions one day at time. My steps are ordered and I am trusting in God for my future. But today, we &lt;strong&gt;can pay our bills&lt;/strong&gt;. We &lt;strong&gt;have a roof over our heads&lt;/strong&gt;. We &lt;strong&gt;eat&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;well&lt;/strong&gt;. We &lt;strong&gt;love strong&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;play hard&lt;/strong&gt;. We &lt;strong&gt;want for nothing!!!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;"&gt;Thank You Jesus &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div align="center"&gt;&lt;span style="font-family:georgia;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt; &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-6767357157041397971?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/6767357157041397971/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/01/wow-its-2010.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/6767357157041397971'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/6767357157041397971'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2010/01/wow-its-2010.html' title='&quot;WOW.  It&apos;s 2010&quot;'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-7018198777476101022</id><published>2009-12-12T08:35:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-12-12T09:25:10.937-08:00</updated><title type='text'>What'd I say?</title><content type='html'>Proverbs chapter 15 of The Holy Bible instructs us on the &lt;strong&gt;POWER&lt;/strong&gt; of our words., saying they have the ability to build up or tear down the spirit of others.Proverbs 18:21 says: &lt;em&gt;"the power of life and death is in the tongue"&lt;/em&gt;.These are words I have hidden in my heart as one who loves to connect with others through words.&lt;br /&gt;As a matter of fact I did not realize how deeply "hidden" these words were until speaking with an older colleague of mine the other day. As I went on and on about a particular topic he stopped me and asked "may I point out something to you in love"? Of course I thought, okay here we go, that's just what people say before they speak things that are anything but loving. But what I said was "sure".&lt;br /&gt;He went on to say" have you noticed how many times you said "have to" while you were talking?. I said" well no I guess not" and thought what a weird question. He went on to say&lt;br /&gt;" it sounds as if you have totally forgotten that God gave us choice". Before I could respond to my instinct to defend my words, I thought about it, that was his perception of my words but by no means was it the intent of my words. I explained "oh no, I absolutely realize God's grace in giving us the ability to make choices". What I meant by have to is an acknowledgement that a choice has already been made and now it is time to apply action to that choice. You see to choose to be a better communicator in your relationships with others, yet never speak your needs, desires, expectations, and concerns to those you are in relationship with, makes your choice powerless but once you add your words to that choice you have the POWER to change the relationship.&lt;br /&gt;What I learned from my colleague on that day is this: people are listening to what you say. The intent behind your words can often be misread when the focus is the words themselves, so be mindful what you say. Consider the &lt;strong&gt;POWER&lt;/strong&gt; of the tongue when speaking to others. We have the ability to build up or tear down spirits strictly with our &lt;strong&gt;WORDS&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-7018198777476101022?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/7018198777476101022/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/12/whatd-i-say.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/7018198777476101022'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/7018198777476101022'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/12/whatd-i-say.html' title='What&apos;d I say?'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-5386455700307484924</id><published>2009-11-27T18:18:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-27T19:08:46.257-08:00</updated><title type='text'>THANKFUL</title><content type='html'>Greetings fellow bloggers on this day after Thanksgiving 2009. I am thankful to be able to connect with you.&lt;br /&gt;On that note, it has become trendy in recent years to create what is called a "gratitude list" consisting of things that one is thankful/grateful for and share it with family and friends at Thanksgiving dinner parties or even at special church services. As a person who has always preferred to share my feelings through written or spoken word, I think this is a great idea, and one who's time is long overdue.But I wonder. &lt;br /&gt;I wonder what we wait to tell our loved ones that we are thankful for them until this "special" time of the year? I wonder if like so many other trends will sharing our gratitude for love and life with others become outdated and "last season" someday? I wonder if when we don't get what we thought we should or wanted to get for Christmas from a friend or family member, we forget that this was the same person we looked at through triptophane glazed eyes ac cross the Thanksgiving table from and pledged our gratitude for "just being in our lives"?&lt;br /&gt;I know you might be thinking, this is a good thing and at least people are taking time out to say kind things to each other. I agree and I said in the beginning that I am all for this idea. I am simply sharing my thoughts on the subject. I am almost willing to bet that we are thankful for much throughout the year, not just on this one day and a few words of gratitude to God to start each day for each day would greatly enhance our everyday. We don't need lists or ceremony just a few words. Call a friend and tell them they are on your mind and you appreciate them being in your life, give your children, husband , wife, mother, father, etc. a kiss or embrace just because you can and watch how this adds to their day. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Thanksgiving &lt;/strong&gt;is a &lt;strong&gt;Holiday&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Giving Thanks &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;is an &lt;strong&gt;Action&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;strong&gt;Thankful &lt;/strong&gt;is a &lt;strong&gt;Way Of Life&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;God Bless us as we grow!!! &lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-5386455700307484924?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/5386455700307484924/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/thankful.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/5386455700307484924'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/5386455700307484924'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/thankful.html' title='THANKFUL'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-7737675146676418193</id><published>2009-11-22T16:58:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-22T18:14:43.946-08:00</updated><title type='text'>"No Small Dreamers"</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;"God has so much more He wants to give us"!!!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Although I live in this amazing reality everyday of my life, I wish I could say that this quote was an original pearl of my wisdom. Never the less it is my own heart to share this with you today, as it was spoken directly into it during an early morning church service.&lt;br /&gt;The Pastor told us that as Christians our dreams are not unlike those dreams of others who don't know Christ. That is to say we dream of safety, security, affluence, happiness, etc. We dream of having nice homes, nice cars, hot lovers (yes even Christians want their significant others to be aesthetically pleasing), friendship, respect. But what when those dreams are realized. And since they are all about us it may even seem as though we are the ones that made then happen, through our sheer drive and desire.&lt;br /&gt;But as for the Christian. We are to expect those things as heirs to The Kingdom. Our need for shelter, security, clothes, food, friendship, yes and even the hot guy/girl are met, because the one God sends is the one specifically purposed for us. Once that "Ram" is pulled from the "bush" I dare the world to question the beauty of God in that. &lt;br /&gt;The Pastor shared a piece of his own testimony with us to further illustrate the &lt;strong&gt;Glory&lt;/strong&gt; of God's bigger gift.&lt;br /&gt;He said that he and his wife, when moving to a new neighborhood in the Chicago area they prayed for a safe place to raise their children, with nice neighbors. He went on to say that they got just that the neighborhood was indeed safe and the neighbors were very friendly though none of them were regular church goers, some had never gone at all. The Pastor and his wife maintain a busy schedule raising their children, traveling with their work in The Kingdom of God, but they decided to make time in their schedules to attend the Bonfire held by the neighbors across the street on Saturdays. The Pastor who was preparing to speak for the first time at a church in the "Chicago land" area shared this information with this neighbor at the Bonfire. This neighbor shared it with others and etc. until the entire block including their next door neighbors who had never been to church, ever, was not only informed but interested in attending this service where this Pastor was to speak. Finally, he said, the morning of the service arrived. He looked out among the congregation and saw the entire back two rows of the church filled with his neighbors who had come out to hear of this amazing God that he had casually spoke of at that Saturday Bonfire.&lt;br /&gt;WOW. You see his dream was small in that he was only dreaming of favor for he and his family in this new place, acceptance and safety. But God had a bigger dream, to use him to bring God to that neighborhood, and to Bring that neighborhood to God through him. Amazing right?!&lt;br /&gt;So you see we are not small in our significance to the kingdom of God. We don't have to be ultra religious or a Pastor to effect great change. We can simply use what we have in a significant way. Surprise someone maybe even yourself by sharing your talent, gift, love not because you want the praise or glory. Make it about someone else and see how God multiplies it for His glory.&lt;br /&gt;The Pastor said something that was confirmation of my purpose in life. He said "make what you love, how you love". So what is it that you love? is it cooking, sewing, writing, computers? how can you use this to love someone else? the cook can feed the homeless and hungry, the sewer can knit scarves or shrugs for the elderly and shut in, The one who loves computers can help many who own small businesses to improve their online marketing during this economic storm, etc.&lt;br /&gt;I &lt;strong&gt;love &lt;/strong&gt; people, connecting with others brings me joy. Encouraging and empowering others is my way of not only loving them but bringing glory to God and power to His Kingdom.&lt;br /&gt;Yes. Even me. I can add to the lives of others in a REAL way and even effect eternity by enriching Gods Kingdom.&lt;br /&gt;There are no small dreamers in the eyes of The One who has promised us BIG things if we'd only ask&lt;br /&gt;God Bless us as we DREAM BIG!!!!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-7737675146676418193?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/7737675146676418193/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/no-small-dreamers.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/7737675146676418193'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/7737675146676418193'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/no-small-dreamers.html' title='&quot;No Small Dreamers&quot;'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-3251733442516731620</id><published>2009-11-18T19:27:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-18T19:57:47.844-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Hold On!!!</title><content type='html'>Have you ever been in an uncomfortable position? Chances are if you are old enough to read this post, the answer is &lt;strong&gt;yes&lt;/strong&gt;. I have found myself in situations where I have not been in complete control, or I could not predict the outcome. Not in long distant history but surprisingly enough, recently, since I've been a Christian. Yes. Even though I know that GOD is in control and sometimes these situations come to present an opportunity for change and growth.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In the past I have fought change and growth using such ineffective tools as my own understanding and strength. lol&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Recognizing your own strength and applying the understanding that time and experience has provided is not a bad thing, if it is done &lt;strong&gt;"in order".&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I have found that any change in my life that comes from God is good for me even if it is kinda scary, and growth is sometimes painful but necessary. So why fight it?&lt;br /&gt;Instead, I have learned to seek His will, follow His way, and HOLD ON for the ride. I would rather have temporary discomfort than being simply sufficient for eternity.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HOLD ON!!! &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-3251733442516731620?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/3251733442516731620/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/hold-on.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/3251733442516731620'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/3251733442516731620'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/hold-on.html' title='Hold On!!!'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-9175956931004331622</id><published>2009-11-13T16:54:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-13T17:56:49.504-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Look Mah no Grudges</title><content type='html'>Today as I watched my two young sons play together, something quite interesting happened. A scuffle broke out between them over the one toy that they each &lt;strong&gt;"had"&lt;/strong&gt; to have at that particular moment. The screaming, turned into pushing and hitting at which point I had to intervene and separate them, I sent them each to separate rooms to &lt;strong&gt;"cool off"&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;"think about"&lt;/strong&gt; what had just happened. Shortly after my stellar parenting excercise, I heard crying coming from each room. What now? I went in to see the youngest and he was upset about having been &lt;strong&gt;"taken away"&lt;/strong&gt; from his brother. I went in to see his brother and he too was upset at being apart from &lt;strong&gt;"brudder".&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is by no means a new thing in my house but it did strike me interesting today especially. Why?&lt;br /&gt;Because my sons relationship is not unlike many of those we have as adults. We play together nicely until time, security,respect, loyalty, honesty, money, attention, or any other thing we feel entitled to but are not getting in our relationships causes tension and fighting amongst us.&lt;br /&gt;Although my sons were intent on getting what they felt was theirs, when it came down to it, the thing they wanted most was to be together. It's as if their friendship is more important than any toy. &lt;strong&gt;Imagine that!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; They made me want to communicate to all my friends and loved ones (including them), what they communicated to me so childlike yet brilliantly. "Although we may disagree and hurt one another at times, you are my friend and I would not want to live separated from you".&lt;br /&gt;What's the point?&lt;br /&gt;Be open to the lesson!!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-9175956931004331622?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/9175956931004331622/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/look-mah-no-grudges.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/9175956931004331622'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/9175956931004331622'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/look-mah-no-grudges.html' title='Look Mah no Grudges'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-1412743186711609649</id><published>2009-11-11T13:32:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-11T13:53:33.282-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Motivation</title><content type='html'>"Motivation is where you find it"&lt;br /&gt;What does this mean?&lt;br /&gt;To me this means that we are free to choose what motivates us. If dissatisfaction with your life as it is inspires you to make changes, there is your motivation. If the kindness of others inspires &lt;strong&gt;YOU&lt;/strong&gt; to kindness, there is your motivation. If the blessings God has bestowed upon you inspires you to give more to bless others, there is your motivation.&lt;br /&gt;As for me, the New Mercies, Renewed Mind, and Breath of Life that God breathes into me every morning inspires me to choose strength over weakness,light over darkness, joy over sadness, hope over despair, and love over indifference daily.&lt;br /&gt;I am motivated to be a motivation!!!!!!&lt;br /&gt;"Motivation is where you find it"&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-1412743186711609649?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/1412743186711609649/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/motivation.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/1412743186711609649'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/1412743186711609649'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/motivation.html' title='Motivation'/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193817641291597386.post-8785411012947917888</id><published>2009-11-05T20:14:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-05T20:15:59.625-08:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>Greetings Friends. looking forward to bloggin with you.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/193817641291597386-8785411012947917888?l=letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/feeds/8785411012947917888/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/greetings-friends.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/8785411012947917888'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/193817641291597386/posts/default/8785411012947917888'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://letsseekyefirst.blogspot.com/2009/11/greetings-friends.html' title=''/><author><name>life answers</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12544108036094876509</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='26' height='32' src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S89HdZvpRtU/S2toH_ULtxI/AAAAAAAAABU/76lRVGY8PmI/S220/m_florance_full%5B1%5D.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
