Should Old Acquaintances Be Forgotten?

Terry McMillan, a favorite urban writer commented on her Facebook page that "by the time we reach our fifty's we pretty much have made the friends that we will have for life." I tend to agree. That circle of friends who have known us the longest, who don't judge our every move also applauds our successes. This fantastic group of friends may not be a very large group, but it is a manageable one. I further agree that sometimes it seems hard to let new people in because we already have that circle of people that we can trust. Even though we have grown apart, there is a common thread that reminds us of those friends who helped make us what we are today. I longed to reconnect with my line sisters and Facebook was one of the tools that would make that possible. A few weeks ago I wrote to a couple of my sorority sisters in an attempt to catch up. When we started connecting it was thrilling. On my next trip home I was able to briefly visit with one of my sisters. Another soror finally figured out I was one and the same person showing up on her Facebook page under a pseudonym. She called and we talked for a long time, laughing and getting caught up. I asked each of the sorors if they had been in touch with others and how could I reach one of my favorite line sisters. I went on Barb's page and found her. Another exciting conversation and happy reunion. The morning that I rose feeling a need to reconnect with my old friends was no coincidence. When the third soror told me that she had been living in my city for the past month, on assignment from her job, I couldn't believe it. She was right under my nose for the past month and I didn't know it. Or did I? There is a strong bond between your natural sisters as well as with your sorority sisters. Having all my sisters with me has given me such an unexplainable boost and confidence. And so to all of my dear friends near and far I say thank you for loving me and considering me a friend.

In Retrospect

Last night as I prepared for sleep, all of the days events and conversations came up for review. I thought about one conversation about how I should settle on something and do that well. The advice was given in love and I received it as such. But as I delved further into that statement I found some shocking evidence that warrants my propensity for multi-tasking.

Everything that I now do has assigned destiny and purpose. It seems at first that I am doing too much, spinning my wheels and engaging in multiple tasks and ventures. BUT everything that I now do has a specific purpose. It is not that these tasks are ongoing, I have taken on the characteristics of a serial entrepreneur, utilizing all of my skill set. Some will not understand the assignments given to me and may feel that I am hopeless. But I do know that I can turn to scripture to support my own behavior.
I have an advantage because I talk to and listen to my Father. It is his will for this time, He says to me, that I will accomplish great things in your life. I have promised and I will bring it to pass. I am the Lord Jehovah.

Understanding that my life was designed to touch lives from various walks, I must study and learn more about people and their way of life to reach them for Christ. God reminded me that in every facet of my life He was been there guiding me, encouraging me to do well with the gifts he has given. For this I can only exclaim, WOW! My Father has invested so much in me, who am I to sit down on the talents he has nurtured.

Now, I am reminded of an internet legend of how God gave the races talents and asked them to go and do something with those talents. The story states that every race except one was fruitful and duplicated the talents (money). "Sadly, God looked at His people and said, 'With what you have done with your talents, you may as well have buried them in the ground. Because of your slothfulness and lack of good stewardship, I will give your future talents to those who have the least. You have gravely disappointed me by not adhering to one of my most important admonishments: To whom much is given, much is expected.' "

This I Know

I was stumped for a minute, but today while meditating I read a passage from Success! The Glenn Bland Method. I've had this book in my library for many years and every now and then I'll read it to refresh myself of the biblical truths Mr. Bland speaks. His words were dear to me and caused me to do some light reflection on the turn of this season in my life. Glenn spoke to me when he said, "If you have a genuine thirst for opportunity, then you must launch out confidently, leaving the details of providing for the necessities of life to the spirit within you." He goes further to quote Matthew 6:25-33. At evening prayer tonight my spirit quickened when I thought about how the Lord is orchestrating a few things in my life. No one can do it better and this I know.

Make the Johnny Cake Birthday Coming

When the enemy Comes in Like a Flood...

When the enemy comes in like a flood, God says he will lift up a standard. I thought about this paraphrased scripture as I reflected on my day. As a potential juror on a case that involved an employee dispute I realized early that I would not be an impartial juror. So stating this I was struck from the roster. When I looked into the eyes of the plaintiff and saw her dismay, fear and distrust I paralleled it to my own of several years ago. I too was at odds with an employer who simply refused to play fair. It is a crushing thing to have your livelihood taken away resulting in the loss of almost everything you owned. How could someone be so deceitful and greedy to the point of crushing the little guy. Ah, the little guy - defending the little guy is what I am noted best for doing. So the defense would not have had a chance with me on the jury. God says he will fight your battles if you hold still. It took a minute for me to hold still, but I trust the plaintiff will let the Lord do her fighting through the attorney. Our Father is merciful, gracious and kind and when we rely on Him we are guaranteed a fair and bountiful life. Through it all I have learned to trust God and the blessings I now reap far out weigh the salary I lost.

You spend the morning working on some writings, cleaning up a few contracts and you're high on the very thought that someone values what you do. Then you have an epiphany. Although you think your stuff is the bomb and there is no one who can do it quite like you, you are startled by the fact that indeed others can do what you do. Some can do it even better. But that does not stop you from moving ahead because what you want to say and what you want to do is an expression of yourself. Even though there may be others who write better, manage better, look better - you are convinced that there is a space in this life for you to create. And so you borrow the phrase, "I can... because I am."

Water seeks its own level, thank you for helping me rise!