The Core Essence

A picture appeared today as a featured photo on my cell phone, and it was a from my wedding day. Someone had captured a candid photo of me walking down the stairs. When I looked at the photo, I thought, “I miss her”. That may sound silly, but, allow me to explain. On that day, I became a wife, and my name changed, my life changed. I was all in, and even now,… all in. I’m blessed and I’m grateful. However, before being married, I had already, changed so much after becoming a christian, and God was still working on me, even as He still is today. However, the core essence of that woman, was one who had a way about herself, that caused her to pursue goals without holding back. I enjoyed laughter with “friends”, and the youthfulness, and the playfulness. What I realize is that the core essence of who I was back then, is the same, although, much change has come with the purging of what truly doesn’t belong in my current days. The Holy Spirit came in and cleaned me up. I’m new…yet, a better version of myself.

There are many phases in life, and just because the phase from your past has left, doesn’t mean that the new phase is less wonderful. Friends come and go, we settle into our comfortable lives, we spend time with our children and for some of us, even grandchildren.

“So, have you ever felt that you missed who you used to be?” Have you ever felt that you lost the essence of who you were? I believe that the core essence of who you are is still in tact, and that all you need is a little watering in the area that hasn’t been watered. Think back on some goals that you never fulfilled or some dreams that you actually forgot about. I urge you to think about what you hoped for before you were married and had children. Our husband’s, nor our kids have stopped us from pursuing, and often times, many have thought that. Sure, you may have needed to change your path temporarily, … however, you can pick up what you put down so long ago. It’s like grabbing your favorite beverage in a cozy corner in your home, and reading an old book that you never finished. It makes you feel excited turning each page to see what happens next! This too, is what reigniting old dreams will feel like! It’s time to get the ball rolling again and you’ll discover that your core essence is still of value and has been with you all along!

Peace & Blessings,

Terry

Feeling Tired?

Before you know it, the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday’s will be here! You’re already feeling excited about decorating your home, cooking some delicious meals and seeing loved ones, yet, at the same time, you’re feeling the pressure of it all before you’ve even begun.

Maybe it’s just me…but,I’ve been feeling a sense of urgency lately. Perhaps, it’s due to all that has ensued this year. Whewww! On one hand, I want things to slow down, & on the other hand, I’m looking forward to the NEW year! I’ve felt tired in more ways than one, however, I know that I’m still in the race! I’m not technically in a race, nor a race with anyone, just simply a mindset that says, “you got this!”

“Have you been feeling tired?” Tired of the hustle and bustle! Tired of the going and coming! Tired of the long lines at the grocery store! Surely, there’s some frustration with the heavy traffic before you even get to the grocery store! I get it, completely!

With that said, “what are you doing about feeling tired?” Are you delegating chores to family members around the house? Are you asking a friend for help? Are you going to bed on time to avoid feeling groggy in the morning? Are you saying “yes” to others more than you should, knowing that your plate is already full? When was the last time, that “your special time” felt like a wonderful treat? A relaxing treat!

You know those moments, right? The ones, when you’re in the house, alone. There’s total quietness. The moments when you really inhale & exhale, a little differently. (I typed that with a big smile on my face) lol

I know, I know…we LOVE our family! However, once in a while, that alone time, can do wonders! Amazing things can happen! First, you may relax briefly, by closing your eyes on the sofa. No tv. You could take a nap in order to feel refreshed as the day goes on. Your Spirit will tell you exactly what’s needed.It’s important to pay attention and take heed. The important factor is that you take care of you…to give yourself, SELF CARE.

We are much better when we feel good! We feel good when we are connected to JESUS, always. We feel good when we’re eating healthy and when we’re taking care of our bodies by exercising in some form, and getting the proper amount of rest on a consistent basis. Definitely, don’t leave out drinking your water!

Ladies, we have our race to run…so, let’s run it well! Self -Care is very important!

I urge you to think about how you can incorporate Self-Care into your daily life.

Peace & Blessings,

Terry

Release The Worry

Inhale, and release. Now, let’s do that again, Inhale, and exhale, s-l-o-w-l-y. Doesn’t that feel good? It feels like you’ve just released burdens that you’ve carried all week long and all day. It’s vital to our health that we let go of what we cannot control… and we’ve all heard that before, right? Well, it’s true. We simply cannot do what we can’t do, however, there are things that are in our control.

What are you in control of at this very moment? What will you be in control of when you finish reading? How will you move into the next hour of your evening, whether you’re alone or during the time with your family?

As the woman of the house, I set the tone…at least I’d like to think so. I want the ship to sail smoothly. If there are rough seas here & there, for whatever reason, there are things that I can do, to calm it down. The number one way for me to calm the seas down is to go into prayer. I literally turned an extra closet into my '‘Prayer Room'‘. Whenever I walk into my prayer room, I truly feel engulfed in peace. It’s my safe haven. A refuge. I know that I can talk to God anywhere, but when I get there, it’s something different. It’s more than meeting an old friend for lunch to catch up. It’s more than getting away for a short while from cooking or cleaning. No, this is my refuge. I feel the Lord covering me and welcomes me with open arms, even if it’s just to sit in silence. He knows me so well, that that’s all I may need. Other times, I’m there to say, Thank You. Thank You for walking with me daily, Thank You for rest, Thank You for protection, Thank You for Your Word and giving me revelation of Your Word. For me, I need Him, always. I need Him to comfort me while this pandemic is going on in our world. I need him to keep me in His peace as He says He will do, if my mind is stayed on Him. Sure, God wants us to be informed and to use common sense and our Godly wisdom to make the proper decisions. The circumstances may be around us, however, God surrounds us and HE IS STILL ON HIS THRONE & in control. Remember that! We also must remember that no matter what happens, we are to TRUST IN HIM and NOT lean on our own understanding, acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths. So when all of the news reports give needed information, take heed to be careful, but Trust God to protect you overall, your family and your household. Take one day at a time. Stay in peace and count each blessing! The JOY of the LORD is your strength!

I’m praying for you all!

Love ,

Terry