People Are Funny.............. Strange.....not Ha Ha.........

And It's FRIDAY.......... AGAIN!

Hi Gang!

I sit back and look at people in life.  

I find that now more than ever I just shake my head.  

I've always told my kids that common sense is a gift, not a given because not everyone has it.  I'm not saying that I'm perfect because I'm absolutely not.  What I'm referring to is people not using polite manners and not being honest and those that play mind games.

You may wonder what I mean about mind games.......... Well, it's when someone asks you a question in a sideways manner trying to 'feel you out' about something.  For example, "How do you feel about _______?"  They don't tell you THEIR feelings on the matter, but they want to see how you feel and base their answer off of your answer.  

Sometimes people do this to 'test' you.  If you don't give them the answer they want to hear, they're done with you.  All the while it leaves you with questions in your own mind if you're not aware of what just happened.  

If someone can't be straight forward with you and tell you how they truly feel without playing mind games then you certainly don't need that type of people in your life.  Those who TRULY care about you won't mess with your mind like that.  They'll be honest, upfront and open and you won't be left second guessing their intentions.  

People who say that they're your 'friend', but do this to you, aren't truly your friend.  Be mindful of who you hang around and how they treat you.  The same goes for you as well.  Live by the golden rule ... "Do unto others as you'd have done unto you".  

We all reap what we sow.  If we sow kindness, love and compassion, it will come back to us.  If we sow deceit, anger and betrayal, that will also come back to us.  

James 5:12

    

                        But above all, my brethren, do not                        swear, either by heaven or by earth or with                  any other oath. But let your“Yes” be “Yes,”               and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.

Bottom line........PLEASE don't play mind games with people and don't allow others to play mind games with you.  You may not realize it initially, but if things don't seem right and you're questioning things in your mind about the relationship, take a step back and really think about what's going on.  If you're always questioning and feeling unsure, you may want to re-think the relationship.  You may even have to end it if it seems toxic.  It's about loving, respecting and caring about yourself. 💜

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life.

Until we meet again my friends have a safe, loving and peaceful weekend.  Catch you on the flip side!

Love,

I Am Not The Judge............

Happy Friday Eve Gang!  

Today's Thought Path.......... Judgement...

In this life we're guaranteed to have issues.  

John 16:33 

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

There's no two ways about it.  We not only encounter our own issues, but we also encounter issues of our friends and loved ones.  

So many times we're asked how we feel about someone else's situation........whether or not we agree with them or how we think others will view their situation.  

I've found that some people keep their emotions and feelings bottled up for fear of being judged here on earth.  They fear rejection and hatred.  What kind of people have we become that those who are closest to us feel so far away; that feel as though they can't come to us and share what's happening and ask for our support and love?

There are some who have definite strong views one way or another on any particular subject.  We all have the freedom of choice.  But I believe what we truly lack is compassion.  This world has made so many of us so hard hearted, afraid to show compassion for fear of getting used and/or taken advantage of.  We have a tendency to forget that we also need someone to take compassion on us, that we also sometimes need grace and understanding and love.  We throw stones, but live in a glass house.  

As for me, I'm thankful that I'm not the judge.  We'll all do things that are wrong/sinful, and we'll all have to answer for our actions  when our time on this earth is over.  

If you're familiar with the Bible, you may remember the story of the woman caught in adultery who was about to be stoned.  Jesus showed up and said 'He that is without sin cast the first stone.' John 8:7.  They all dropped their stones because not one of them was without sin.  They'd all done something in their lives that was sinful.  It wasn't their job to be judging her.

As I get older, I realize that it's not my job to judge anyone else but myself.  I'm here to love people and not be a hypocrite.  Judgement is God's job and I'll leave that up to Him.  

I'll admit that I've been self-righteous in my life and when that's happened, I've stumbled.

Prov. 16:18

    

                              Pride goes before destruction, And                            a haughty spirit before a fall.

I've learned that when I don't humble myself, God will humble me.  Believe me, it's much better all the way around if you remain humble and teachable.  When you feel as though you're better than someone else and that you know everything, things will begin to crumble.

I hope that the next time a friend or family member approaches you with something in their lives that they've turned to you for help with, that you'll humble yourself and listen and be a source of support instead of raising your hand to cast a stone at them.

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe, and that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life!

Until we meet again my friends, stay humble, teachable and kind.

Love,

Finding True Love.........

Happy Sunday Gang!

Today's thought path has me struggling a bit.  

When I look around at people in this life, I begin to wonder if there truly is true love out there...  With all the social media access, how can anyone be truly faithful?  How can anyone truly know that they're the 'one & only' in someone's life?

Being out in the dating world, I can tell you it's not easy.  It's painful when you're out on a date with someone & they always seem to be looking at all the other women around, whether they're in person or online.  It makes me feel insecure & that I'm not good enough.  I end up going home & crying.  As someone who doesn't have the best self esteem, those situations certainly don't help in any way.

I've seen so many couples divorce that I thought were happy.  I realize there are different scenarios for each situation, but I often wonder if social media is behind many cases.  People used to be married for the long haul.  Now, it seems as though people divorce as easy as changing clothes.  When there is abuse, a divorce is needed most times to stop the abuse.  But in other situations, people 'find' someone else.  But why are we out there looking?  Especially if there is no strife in the marriage?  Social media seems to make the grass look greener on the other side.  Many times it truly isn't, but the mind begins to fantasize about the other side.  People dream up a perfect life.  If they follow through, they only cause heartache to a multitude of people.  Divorce not only affects the couple, but also each & every person in their lives.....children, siblings, parents, co-workers, etc.... everyone is affected.  Many times, depending on the circumstances, sides are taken creating even more heartache.

Having gone through a divorce & a recent break-up, I fully understand the repercussions involved. And because of this, I sit & ponder whether TRUE love actually exists.  I teeter back and forth between continuing to be open to the possibility of love and just remaining single.  I know myself well enough to know that I'll no doubt continue to look, but whether it will happen remains to be seen.

If you have any words of wisdom, please feel free to share.  

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life!

Until we meet again my friends, have a great week and I hope YOU can find love if you're looking.

Love,

It's OK To Ask For Help!...................................

Happy Friday Gang! 

I'm so excited!  I get to spend a couple days with someone I care about and have good conversation and laughter.  What's on your weekend agenda?  Fun, I hope!! :)

Today's thought path is one that can be difficult for some people to accept...................  It's OK to ask for help!

In this day and age, people think that asking for help is a sign of weakness.  That is FAR from true.  

I like to consider myself a 'helper'.  If I see someone struggling with something, I have a tendency to jump in and help.  I have also found out, through personal experience, that some people take offense to this even though they do NEED the help.  

A former boss of mine would struggle with the copy machine.  When I would jump up to help her, she became rude and aggressive.  After a couple of these incidents, I backed off.  It was painful for me to watch her struggle, but after a few times she finally humbled herself and asked me for help.  It had to be HER choice/decision to help her to feel better about asking.   By me just jumping in to help, it made her feel as though I was saying she was incapable, which wasn't my intent in the least.

We live in a society of independence..........'you can do it yourself, you don't need anyone's help', etc....  Now don't get me wrong.  I'm all for independence.  If we go too much the other way, we become needy.  As in all things, there is a fine balance.  

The main thing is, when you need help, please don't be afraid to ask for it.  When you're truly caught in a tough situation and can't figure things out or don't have the resources to do what you need to do, humble yourself and ask for help.  Most people will be more than happy to lend a helping hand.  

If you're anything like me, I hate to bother people, but in actuality it makes them feel needed, helpful and loved, not seeing you as a bother or a burden at all.

I've also learned that you can't help someone unless they accept the help.  Sometimes people just have to muddle in their own muck for a while to get to the humble point of reaching out.  I think we've all been there a time or two. ;)

Anyhoo.......... time to get on with the day!

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life!

Until we meet again my friends, have an awesome weekend!

Love,

One of Those Days.....................

Happy Monday Gang!

The sun is shining, so we need to be happy! Right?..................

It's not that I'm not having a good day, it's just one of those days for me when I'm thinking and re-thinking and re-thinking again about so many things in my life.

I'm trying to move on from a relationship I had for a little over a year.  It's never been easy for me to walk away.  I see his face on Facebook, I see when he's actively on, I see his posts....... You may be saying 'Then stop following him or Unfriend him'..........  Right now I just can't.  I wish I could.  I would define what I'm going through as a type of mourning process.  My head certainly knows the deal, my heart on the other hand, just hasn't quite caught up yet.  He was the first man after my divorce that I established a relationship with.  Because of that, my heart is reminiscing today.  I'm not sure why today of all days, but............

I haven't talked to him in several days, so that helps a bit.  I just need my heart to catch up so I can fully move on.  I think about the happy times we've had, but I also remember those times when I've had to call him out on things that just weren't right, that were disrespectful to me.  That helps to reign my heart back in.  

There's nothing quite as painful in a relationship than when it's pretty much one sided.....when you've reached out so many times because you care and put him first, but it's not reciprocated.  For me, it makes me fee unlovable, unwanted and unneeded.  It makes me begin to wonder what's wrong with me.  But that's not the case.  Anyone can try to force love, but if one isn't attracted, it just means they're not attracted.  That's no reflection on the quality of person the other one is.  

We all can't like everyone we meet, that's just a given.  We're also not going to fall in love with everyone we meet.  What a crazy world THAT would be if it were so!  

I'm back out there dating again.  It's not easy, that's for sure.  Sometimes I just want to be settled down with someone already and sometimes I just feel like I'd be better off alone.  The first part was my heart and the second part was my head.  

God didn't put us on this earth to be alone.

Genesis 2:18 NIV

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

He wants us to be in a loving and fulfilling relationship, not to live life alone.  I just wish I knew what His plan is for me. LOL  I just need to get into prayer and ask Him .......... and then LISTEN.......

Anyhoo...............

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life!

Until we meet again my friends, have an amazing week!  Be sure to tell your significant other (if you have one) how much you love and care about them.  We all need a loving reminder.

Love,

Hollar.........................

Happy Friday Gang!!  

We made it through another week together!! Woot Woot!

This is just going to be a short blurb today.

A friend recently introduced me to a cool website.  Have you ever heard of www.hollar.com ?

This blog is definitely NOT sponsored in any way, shape or form.  I just wanted to share it with all of you.  They have a vast array of items.  I just received an order of puppy pads (for my 2 little pups when I'm gone for the day), some Revlon foundation and some JCat makeup primer.  

When you shop with them you get money off of future orders.

Here is some great info about Hollar:

The order I received yesterday was my second one from them.  My first order contained a pet bed for the boys and with my first purchase discount, I was able to get their bed for only $4!  I was totally stoked about that!  

You can get food, electronics, pet supplies, makeup and so much more.  You really should just check it out for yourself and let me know what you think!

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life!

Until we meet again my friends, I hope you have a beautiful and blessed weekend.  Remember.......life is NOT a dress rehearsal.  Live your life now.  Don't wait!

Love,

Friendship.....................

Happy November Gang!! 

I can barely wrap my mind around the fact that Christmas is next month.  While I love Christmas, the advertising and product placement begins so early that I feel burned out by the time it gets here.  Am I the only one? 

Today's thought path is neither about November nor is it about Christmas.  It's about Friendship.  

We all need a friend that we can turn to in time of need whether we're going through a hardship or if we're rejoicing in something special.  We all have that desire to share with someone.  You know, when you just can't contain yourself because you're just ready to burst?

Have you ever just needed to have a good cry and needed someone to listen and be a voice of reason?  If you said 'no', you're no doubt lying to yourself.  Because I have the habit of over-analyzing things, I need that special friend once in a while for that very reason.  I think it's also helpful when that one friend is of the opposite sex.  It helps to see things from the other side of the fence.  It's also important for that friend to know you're also there for them as well.  

There are all varying layers of types of friends.  It can be a friend of a friend, aka 'casual acquaintance', a work friend that you spend time with daily not necessarily telling your deepest/darkest secrets to, a close friend of the same sex as you that you share many of those deep thoughts with, but sometimes you just need that friend of the opposite sex to ramble on to and get his or her perspective.

Some people think you can't be friends with someone of the opposite sex, but I sometimes think those are the best.

What are your thoughts on friends?  I know that a truly good friend is hard to come by.  

I pray that you're healthy, happy, safe, and I pray that you have P.E.A.C.E. in your life!

Until we meet again my friends, stay safe and I'll catch you on the flip side!

Love,