Some Things I have Learned

1. You cannot grow in isolation. You can only develop your character when dealing with others. There is a huge difference between isolation and solitude. 2008 was a year of solitude for me. I'm ready to continue my metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly... "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." ~Maya Angelou

2. Obedience brings joy. I've learned to stop taking "matters into my own hands". Let go and let God. He is not like man, He fulfills His promises.

3. Help people without expecting to be repaid. Be a blessing to others and you will be blessed. Give and you shall receive...

4. When you fail to define yourself, you allow others to define you. And when you allow others to define you, you allow them to judge you by their definition.

5. Peace should be the initial organizing principle of your life. Before you act, ask yourself how it will impact your peace.

6. You cannot love your neighbor as yourself until you learn how to love yourself.

7. Perception goes all the way around the world before reality gets out of bed. Perception is your interpretation of what you see. You usually think that what you see is right. The condition of a person's heart often influences their perception. Our perceptions influence our decisions.

8. We are spiritual beings mastering the human experience.

9. To be meek does not make you a weak person. It means that you are humble and have a teachable spirit. Combat your pride and swallow it often.

10. Hopelessness is absolute despair with NO positive expectation. Please know that I am hopeful.

11. A person without a vision for the future will undoubtedly return to the past.

12. Life is a stewardship responsibility. WE DON'T OWN ANYTHING.

13. Maturity is a decision to accept responsibility. God does not give us authority without responsibility.

14. There are things about me that I can and cannot change. Maturity helps me to know the difference.

15. Accept the fact that you will not be liked or loved by everyone. Don't waste your time trying to please man.

16. Delay is not denial. "Not now" does not translate to NEVER.

17. Change is not an event, it is a process.

18. Don't throw your pearls to pigs. Everyone is not always ready or equipped to hear what you have to say at the time you want to say it. Sometimes things are better left unsaid (temporarily).

19. Some people are in your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. Everyone can't be your friend forever. Deal with it.

20. I was still a little girl 7 years ago. Growing old is inevitable but growing up is an option. Maturity does not come with age. After all, there are a lot of childish 40-somethings in the world.

21. Death teaches us not to take life for granted. It is a constant reminder to human society.

22. Unfortunately, many people look to be in power so that others can serve them. In actuality, when you become a leader you should be looking for more ways to increase your servitude.

23. You have to look at where you want to go NOT where you don't want to be. That's the only way you'll end up there. Call things that are not as though they are!

24. We cannot get to where God wants us to be unless we make a decision to take a step in His direction.

25. Just because I attend church every week does not make me religious. That couldn't be further from the truth. Religious means that you adhere to certain routines, traditions and rituals many times not knowing what they mean or why you are doing them other than "being told to do so" as a child or thinking that it's the "right thing to do" or that it puts you in "right standing with God". Religion causes you to miss out on who God really is. If you think He only accepts you when you do "right", you really don't know Him at all. I am unashamedly in relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Best relationship I've ever been in because I've learned so much about myself and He is the only person who loves me unconditionally, sacrificially, and redemptively.

26. I am blessed and highly favored and so are you!