Being Thankful But Not Complacent

As I sit and reflect on all the things I have to be thankful for, I can't help but cry. Not tears of unhappiness, but tears of utter joy. A joy that is so profound that I can't stand it. In all my life, I have never felt this feeling. EVER!!! I have to agree with what the end portion of Job 8:7 (ESV) says: "your latter days will be very great." All I can say is that if you can be patient and you live long enough, you'll see exactly what I'm talking about.

Early on in life, we are constantly learning and growing; bumping our heads along the way. Not knowing what tomorrow will hold or even questioning God about this dreadful (or what appears to be dreadful) life that we think we are living. When I look back, everything that I have gone through and mind you, all that I will go through is a part of His grand plan for my life.

I often see on Facebook during the month of November how people are "thankful" for this or that on a particular day, and I love it.... but after the month has closed and we move into the hurried season of Christmas, I often wonder where all the "I'm thankful's" have gone. This is why I don't set aside one month for being thankful for people, places, friendships, jobs, etc. It's a perpetual thing for me. Don't get me wrong......everyone is entitled to do their own thingy, it's just not my cuppa tea! 

In this season of life, I have often found myself vacillating. One day I am moving towards my dream and the next day because I am to be content, I fall into a slump. I say to myself, "this is where God has me for such a time as this," so I'm supposed to be satisfied. And before I know it, I have talked myself into whatever I think I need to tell myself to be happy. My dreams are again put on the back burner until whenever. The more I read different books and more importantly, the more I get into the word of God, I am learning that God will not hit a sitting target. I have to be moving. I can't be satisfied with where I am just because. I am feeling the call more so than ever and because of this, I am preparing myself  for the mother of all changes. (Big surprises on the horizon!!!)

Why am I saying all of this? Because I am thankful for listening and adhering to the voice of the Lord. I use to hear what I wanted to hear and I would literally talk myself out of what God wanted me to do. Cray-cray right? Nope! Not at all. There are many people out there, especially women that do this sort of thing all the time. We are literally afraid of the unknown and because of the uncertainty of the future, what people will say, family, friends, etc; we fall prey to being thankful and content and once again downplay what's on the inside. That which gives us ultimate joy. We are so content that we are again "thumbed" down by our own self. Being thankful is not a bad thing at all. In fact, we are to be  thankful in everything. It's just when we allow the mundane to hold us back and then use excuses. Excuses like: since this is where He has me, this is what I'm supposed to do.....but is it really??? I have to ask the question. Are you really where you are supposed to be???? While being thankful, do some work along side of it and never underestimate God. Don't allow the fire to die out for any reason. He's got a plan!

If this is where you are and you really feel this is where you are supposed to be, I am thankful that you have accepted your call and you know that He actually has you right where you're supposed to be, doing exactly what He has called you to do.  I joy in the thought of us as women accepting our call and moving forward in it. Not just moving close to it, but walking in it. There is a stirring in the air and I can't explain it. All I can say is that it has me leaping for joy. He is with you and He is ready to help you get out of the slump and move into His greatness. Ezra 10:4 reads: "Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.” 

Never give up on your dream or the call He has on your life. There will be a stirring in your soul so strong, that He will begin to rip off whatever needs to go to accomplish His will in your life. Be thankful in and for all things, but never be complacent to the point where you think this is it. We will be growing and learning until we leave here, but it is up to us to not be that sitting target. Get up girl and get about your Father's business.

Be thankful ALWAYS......EVERY MONTH, EVERY DAY, EVERY HOUR, EVERY MINUTE, EVERY SECOND!!! Its our duty, but never get to the place where you are so content to the point where you think this is it, because it's not. There are hundreds and thousands hurting souls out there and He wants to use you to accomplish a part of his plan.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Smooches,

Kiwanya

Creative? What are You Waiting On???

I often see women that are creative to the point where I'm thinking, "why wasn't I created like that?" Then I have to pinch myself and say, "stop that!" You were created just the way God wanted you to be. Period!!! As women, we are experimental. Well, I'll speak for myself. My husband and I have been praying about when and where to buy a house, but it's all about God's timing. So, we (or shall I say I) have thought of ways that I can be a little more creative in the "Tende Bungalow." Yup, this is what I have decided to call our humble abode from here on out. Our place is nice and I am thankful and believe it or not, I don't feel rushed in to having a "house" doesn't mean you have a home.If it's a tin can, make it personal, make it YOU!

So, this is what I have learned about myself. When it comes to vibrant colors, I have "come out" so to speak. A couple of weeks ago, I had my dining room wall painted "Grand Teal." Oh emmm ghee! The painter did a spectacular job and I can't help but just sit and look at it along with the decor. Oh, how I love this color. Not to mention what it has done for the dining room itself. I must say, it had to grow on the hubbs, but after about a week, he says, "babe, one of the things I love about you is you creativity." I looked at him and smiled. It meant a lot to hear him say such kind words about this boldness that has erupted in my life. Next stop, some kind of orange. Yup, I said it. So stay tuned. I love re-arranging, painting furniture, reupholstering, and the list goes on, but the thing I really I have learned is to be content and make my home reflect just who I am. (I'm talkin' real bonafied contentment over here.)

Being creative is something the Lord has placed on the inside of us, not just we as women, but men as well. Okay, I get it....most of you will say "my man doesn't have a creative bone in his body." But that's okay. They love the glory that is given when visitors walk in and are told what a lovely home they have. Of course, they  immediately give the credit to their wives, but that's okay too!

Upon being more creative these days, I have learned that having nice doesn't mean I need more. I have a garage full of not only antiques, but nice dibbs that I have figured I didn't need any longer. I realized that I didn't have to have something in every single corner or on every single shelf in order to look nice. I often ponder while looking and say "Wow, none of this that I spend so much time lining up or taking pics of is going with me, and all the emphasis I put on my "stuff" and "being creative" really won't matter. So, I decided to take my creativity and turn it around to something that will help others. Don't get me wrong now, that creative bone that I have will continue in the Bungalow, but I'm changing things up a bit. I tell you, when Jesus gets a hold of you, you'll be amazed at the transformation that takes place in your life.

When I sit and talk with women or when I'm on a hour long call that ends with tears because the words I used have made such a difference, I can't help but give God all the glory. I want to be creative for Him. Planning for 2014 is giving me great pleasure, because at the top of my "very creative" book that I made for all my plans, hopes and dreams is this little phrase. "Lord, this is not about me, but all about you. And because I am delighting myself in you, I am thanking you in advance that my plans succeed because you have placed them on the inside of me and no glory is coming to me, but all belongs to you."

If God has blessed you with a creativeness that you would like to share, share it, but with a flare. What gets you going? What makes your heart skip a beat? What makes you shout Hallelujah in a quiet room? There has to be something!! Praying and asking God always works....believe me, you'll know it when you see it.

Just turn it around for the Lord and decide that you want to come up with things that will inspire someone else. Let your light shine and help someone that may think that her creativity isn't worth anything. We are all different, but yet molded the same. What are you waiting on????

YOU WERE BORN UNIQUE AND CREATIVE!!!

Blessings,

Kiwanya