Day 31: 10 things you are thankful for today

1.     I am THANKFUL that I woke up in my right mind.

2.     I am THANKFUL that I have realized that it is not weak to accept help when you need it.

3.     I am THANKFUL for this CHALLENGE

 

4.     I am THANKFUL that I am able to LIVE this LIFE in spite of circumstance and/or situations.

5.     I am THANKFUL that I am learning not to hold grudges and be able to forgive

6.     I am THANKFUL for the people that are in my life on a regular basis besides my family.  Especially those that I am so blessed to actually call friend in a sincere manner.

7.     I am THANKFUL for the SPIRIT of DISCERNMENT.  I am a work in progress but I am hoping that I am able to become in a better relationship with this SPIRIT.

 

8.     I am THANKFUL for ENCOURAGEMENT of my fellow bloggers and the relationships that we have forged.  I am often so encouraged by what I read by so many though provoking people.  I am THANKFUL for all of you and look forward to meeting many of you in 2013.  Let’s make it happen.

 

9.     I am THANKFUL that though I am “happily” single (to an extent) that I know that I am capable of LOVE and have the desire to LOVE.  I am ready for LOVE, well I think I am but I am ready for a companion.  I am so over dating.  I want me some LOVE in the works.  Maybe 2013 will bring me some companionship and LOVE.  THANKFUL for optimism.

10.     I am THANKFUL that I have been able to meet some new bloggers through this challenge and that this 30 days is done. Now back to your regularly scheduled foolishness.

 

Day 30: Peace or Silence

I am THANKFUL for PEACE and SILENCE.

I am THANKFUL for the tranquil moments when my thoughts are still and sometimes SILENT.  Those are the moments when the phone isn’t chiming or ringing, no buzzing, no laughter, just me sitting still and alone in the SILENCE listening and hoping to hear.  I have been going through and I get caught up in my emotions often.  I pull back from friends and loved ones.  I take a break and chill in my solitude.  Seeking and hoping to hear from God.  Seeking and hoping for some PEACE and/or control.  PEACE of mind. Inner PEACE.  PEACE and order. I am THANKFUL that sometimes it is necessary to have SILENCE to reach a PEACEFUL state of mind.

I am THANKFUL that I am at PEACE with my daddy being gone.  I still seek PEACE of being in this life without him.  I often have a moment of SILENCE in his honor.  I am THANKFUL that he looked at PEACE and now rest in PEACE with his mother (my grandmother – May she rest in PEACE).  I am THANKFUL to know PEACE and aspire to know it more.

 

May we all have a moment of SILENCE for all those loved ones that may rest in PEACE.

Day 29: Weather or Seasons

I am THANKFUL for the RAIN.  Today it’s RAINING in Southern California though they sang that it never RAINED.  It doesn’t RAIN often but when it does, it's failry cool though Angelenos completely freak out and get all kinds of crazy when it RAINS but it has moreso  been drizzling.  Outside of the crazy the RAIN is calming.  I am THANKFUL for it.  There is something about RAIN that is cleansing and peaceful. 

I use to hear that the RAIN was God’s tears.  We all cry, well most of us cry and Lord knows I cry enough for most.  I cry when I am happy sometimes though I would rather be shopping or joyfully drinking.  MAKE IT RAIN.  I cry when I am sad and most times it’s a grief stricken moment or maybe life is squeezing lemons in my eyes.  LET IT RAIN.  I cry when I am frustrated and/or overwhelmed.  LET IT RAIN.  I cry.  I release.  LET IT RAIN.  I make room for other emotions or change of season.  LORD, THANK YOU FOR THE RAIN.  It may be naïve but I am THANKFUL for believing that the RAIN is God’s tears.  I am THANKFUL that He needs to release.  The RAIN brings cleansing and the air is fresh.  I am THANKFUL for the RAIN.

Day 28: Live, Love, Laugh

I am THANKFUL for being able to LIVE in spite of me, my flaws and my mistakes.  I am THANKFUL that I am able to LIVE this LIFE in spite of circumstance and/or situations.  I am THANKFUL that I am amongst the LIVING when there are some that are not able.  I am THANKFUL for each and every day that is mine to LIVE (not only the good days but the not so good days as they are still worth LIVING). 

I am THANKFUL that I have the SPIRIT of LOVE in/on me.  I am THANKFUL that I can LOVE, that I am LOVED and the ability to fall in LOVE one day.  I am THANKFUL that I learned to LOVE myself.  I am THANKFUL that my LIFE revolves around and within LOVE.  I am THANKFUL that LOVE exists.  I am THANKFUL that I LIVE for LOVE.  I am THANKFUL that regardless of the lemons that I LOVE to LIVE.

I am THANKFUL for LAUGHTER.  I am THANKFUL that LAUGHTER is good for the soul/SPIRIT.  I am THANKFUL the ability to LAUGH.  I am THANKFUL that LIFE gives you things to LAUGH about.  I am even THANKFUL for being able to LAUGH to keep from crying.  I am THANKFUL that sometimes I have to LAUGH about LOVE.  I am THANKFUL to LIVE and LAUGH.

I am THANKFUL that I can LIVE this LIFE and LOVE to LAUGH.

Wednesday's Words & Lyric: FOR EVERY MOUNTAIN by THE KURT CARR SINGERS

I've got so much to thank God for
So may blessings and so many open doors
A brand new mercy
Along with each new day
That's why I praise You
For this I give You praise

For waking me up this morning
That's why I praise You
For starting me on my way
That's why I praise You
For letting me see the sunlight of a new brand day
A brand new mercy along with each new day
That's why I praise You
For this I give You praise

You're Jehovah Jireh
That's why I praise You
You've been my provider
That's why I praise You
So many times You met my need, So many times You rescued me
That's why I praise You
I wanna thank You for the blessings You give to me each day
That's why I praise You
For this I give You praise

For every mountain You brought me over
For every trial you've seen me through
For every blessing
Hallelujah, for this I give You praise

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qKxMQ3kQuc

Day 27: It’s in the little things…

Last week while at I work I met a man that had just lost his wife within the last few days.  He shared with me that they had been married almost 40 years and she had been sick the last 3 years.  He was shopping with and for some family that was visiting from Australia.  He was very nice and very heartbroken.  While I rang his items, we continued to converse.  He shared the love he had for his wife stating that she was his best friend and offered me some advice after inquiring If I was married.  I said no and he said:

“Remember the LOVE.  When you and your mate get in a stink (mad at each other) just repeat I love you to yourself.  It will change your spirit.  It is important to remember the LOVE because it is what matters most.”

Then I offered him some advice as I bagged his items.  I told him: Give into the moments of grief.  It is good and healthy to let it out.  Greif is a process.  It is a minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day thing.  When it hits, it is ok to cry and it is cleansing and a release.  I told him that I would pray peace and comfort for him.  He appreciated and said THANK YOU.  I shared that today was going to be a good rest of the day and walked around the counter asking him if he wanted a hug.  He managed a piece of smile which made me smile a bit.  I hugged him and told him to be blessed and he told me that he really appreciated me.

 The amazing thing about this situation was that I was most THANKFUL for that moment with the stranger.  I am THANKFUL that I was about to feel for him in his time of grief.  I am THANKFUL that I was able to offer him a word of encouragement.  I am THANKFUL that he was receptive.  It is ALL IN THE LITTLE THINGS…

Day 20: I am THANKFUL for ...Music (songs, lyrics, artist, genre)

 

I am THANKFUL for MUSIC. MUSIC has a way of speaking directly to whatever emotion that is in your spirit.  It can make you laugh, cry and make you feel real good. I am THANKFUL that music can convey what’s in your heart and soul no matter the circumstance. I am THANKFUL that there is variety in MUSIC.  I am THANKFUL for all sorts of music such as gospel, r&b, jazz, soul, neo soul, classical even country.  I am THANKFUL for hyms, catatas, spirituals and duets. I am THANKFUL for harmonies, instrumentations and the story telling. I am THANKFUL that music is pastoral, melodic, progressive and or recitative.

I am THANKFUL that MUSIC doesn’t see race or color.  I am THANKFUL that MUSIC doesn’t fuel hate.  I am THANKFUL that MUSIC can be an escape.  I am THANKFUL that MUSIC just is.

I am THANKFUL for Prince’s Adore, Jill Scott’s Golden, MUSIQ’s LOVE, Donnie Hathaway’s I Love you more than you will ever know.  I am THANKFUL for Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation, Erykah Badu’s Mama’s Gun, Carl Thomas’ Emotional, Lauryn Hill's Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. 

 

I am THANKFUL for Anita Baker, Monica, MJB, Charlie Wilson, EnVogue, Con Funk Shun, Minnie Ripperton, Stephanie Mills.  I am THANKFUL for Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, Ceelo, Levert (LSG).  I am THANKFUL for Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Donnie Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker.  I am THANKFUL for Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughn, Patti Labelle, EWF…

 There are so many more artists that I am THANKFUL for but mostly just the MUSIC.

Day 26: Success/ Accomplishments

I am THANKFUL that I am full of ACCOMPLISHMENTS & personal SUCCESS.  I am a woman that has been through some things in my life and I am still standing.  I am THANKFUL for all of my character building experiences.  It is true what they say hind sight is 20/20.  At the times that I went through some of the things that I went through in my life I couldn’t really see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I didn’t see me making it through or be able to still stand.  I am so THANKFUL that I graduated not only from high school near the top of my class but that I graduated from college (SHOUT OUT TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS FISK UNIVERSITY).  There was a time that I was told that I wasn’t worth much and that I was spoiled and self righteous.  There was a time that people that “loved” me told me that I was too fast and wouldn’t amount to much.  I am THANKFUL that they were wrong and alive to see me be so much more than they expected.  I am THANKFUL that I have been able to forgive and still grow.  I am THANKFUL that I have ACCOMPLISHED a measure of contentment with being myself.

Day 21: Food and/or Beverage

It is no secret that I love to eat.  I enjoy food.n love to cook food.  I am THANKFUL that I can cook.  When I went to college in Nashville, I assumed that ALL southern girls knew how to cook.  Boy, Stererotypes... Well needless to say that the several of the girls that I met in college didnt do much cooking.  So I use to cook and sell dinners out of my room - there were times that I just cooked and we all ate.  I love what some would call fancy food.  I like foods and Lord knows I love soul food.  With all that said, I LOVE and am so THANKFUL for FRENCH FRIES. 



Kind of crazy, I know but there is something wonderfully special about fries and they can be more than just a side.  I like french fries, crinkled, steaked, loaded waffled or with cheese and/or pastrami.  mmmm delicious. and almost nothing goes better with FRENCH FRIES is one of my favorite things to drink when able to sit back and relax .... TEQUILA.  It feels kind of crazy to say that I am THANKFUL for TEQUILA but it does make me happy.  

 

Day 25: RANDOM RELATIONSHIP INSPIRATION (I am THANKFUL for RELATIONSHIPS)

Looking Within
I am THANKFUL that ...
We are each born with a limitless capacity for pleasure and enjoyment...

Sondra Ray

 

Relationships do not just happen.  No matter how we meet our mate or who makes the introduction, we create all the relationships we experience.  We each have the capacity to bring ourselves the exact relationship we want.  Unfortunately, most of us are not willing to do the work.  We must begin the work by looking at the "self" and getting clear about how it feels.  We cannot expect to attract a loving, generous mate if we are angry and withholding.  We must stop blaming the past for our condition now.  Wherever we are, what we have or don't have is no one's fault but our own.  If by chance someone else made a contribution to the mess we were creating, forgive them the mess and move on.  Finally, we must give thanks for all we have been; all we have had; all we are becoming.  When we take the limits, restrictions and fears off our hearts, our cup of love will run over.

Today's Mantra:  I will look at me before I look for love. 

 

BE BLESSED TODAY AND HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!!!

Day 18: I am THANKFUL for...Something given to someone

 I am notorious for giving gifts.  There are the random special things that are only possibly symbolic to a particular relationship/friendship.  I love the personal aspects of gift giving.  It is always nice to give something to someone special when they least expect it. I love it!  I generally use my favorite catch phrase – I’ve got a little something for you… 

I am THANKFUL for GIFT GIVING but moreso the GIFT of FRIENDSHIP that I have given to those special persons in my life.. Even the smallest things are special but my desire to give to those that I care about is huge.  I am THANKFUL that I have FRIENDSHIP TO GIVE.

Day 17: I am THANKFUL for Something Materialistic (shoes)

I am THANKFUL for SHOES.  I love SHOES.  SHOES make me happy.  SHOES have a way of not making you feel bad about yourself.  I heart SHOES.  They make me happy and it’s my thing.  They make me feel good.  They make me feel sexy.  They allow me to wear the same shit over and over without having the same exact look.  SHOES are special to me.  I can recall almost every purchase where it was and how much it was.  Each SHOE has some sort of story and special love.  I will be honest, all of my SHOES are not comfortable but sometimes confidence trumps comfort. I am so THANKFUL for my SHOES. 

Especially when I see people that cannot afford SHOES or do not have any due to their circumstance.  It is such a blessing to have an abundance of SHOES.

Day16: I am THANKFUL for good HEALTH

I am THANKFUL for good HEALTH.  Last night while at revival, my grandmother had a dizzy spell that made her black out for a couple of minutes.  We were in the middle of praise and worship when my mom rushed passed me.  Someone had gotten her attention.  I immediately ran over to my grandmother holding her hand as folks fanned her and gave her until she came too.  Since she didn’t respond immediately the ambulance was called.  When the paramedic came they asked her if she could walk and all she yes but quickly responded that she was alright.  It was all very scary and I had a hard time keeping my composure.  I am THANKFUL that there are so many people that care a great deal about my grandmother and her HEALTH.  After she walked out of the sanctuary the congregation applauded.  The paramedics checked her blood pressure and decided to take her to the hospital and I rode with her while my mother followed behind.  I called my sister and told her what happened and she met us at the hospital.  They ran several test and by His grace everything looked good and her HEALTH was not in question.  I am THANKFUL that her HEALTH had a clean bill.  I am THANKFUL that I have my grandmother.  She will be 80 in February and she hasn’t really ever been sick until this year.  In reflection with my mother I shared that this was a warning that we need to be better in regard to our matriarch.  We need to make sure that she is eating more frequently and staying hydrated.

 I currently do not have any HEALTH insurance.  I let it go because it cost too much and to be honest I do not make a consistent amount of money at the present.  I really just couldn’t afford it.  I do my best to take care of my body and when/if there is a problem or concern I pay to go to the doctor.  I am THANKFUL that I haven’t had any major issues with my HEALTH. 

Wednesday was World Diabetes Day.  My daddy was a diabetic and many of the members on his side of the family are either diabetic or pre diabetic. They have hypertension, high blood pressure, cholesterol and take all sorts of medications.  I am scared of becoming a diabetic and attempt to do all that I can to prevent it since I have their body type. Several years ago I was overweight – about 50lbs over. I began working out and changing my eating habits. I didn’t go on a diet but moreso a lifestyle change. This was/is my first initial way of prevention. HEALTH is very important and I am THANKFUL that mine has been all good.

Day 15: I am THANKFUL for my SPIRIT of DISCERNMENT (late edition)

 I am THANKFUL for the SPIRIT of DISCERNMENT.  I haven’t always been a good judge of character but that is part of learning myself as well as people.  There have been times in my life that I haven’t been the best me that I could be.  I am THANKFUL that good discernment has allowed me to see me better therefore I can understand people better.  Now that my SPIRIT is better, I can be a better person. I am THANKFUL for my SPIRIT and DISCERNMENT.  I would like to believe that I am a very good judge of character.  I would like to believe in the greater good of all people.  I would also like to believe that I can recognize a snake in the grass or that I can be prepared for the dog that brings the bone.  To be honest, I am not always successful.   Sometimes people get nice and naive confused in regard to me.  I am a nice person for the most part.  I lead with my emotions.  I don’t like conflict.  I don’t like the feeling of I should have known.  I am THANKFUL for the SPIRIT of DISCERNMENT.  

Definition of DISCERN

1a: to detect with the eyes <discerned a figure approaching through the fog>

  b: to detect with senses other than vision <discerned a strange odor>

 2: to recognize or identify as separate and distinct : discriminate <discern right from wrong>

3: to come to know or recognize mentally discern
his motives>

I would like to believe that God will continue to give me the DISCERNMENT to maintain current relationships and as I allow myself to be open for a mate.  Sometimes people are not how the present themselves.  Sometimes people wear masks.  I hope that I will always be able to see people for who they are no matter the circumstance and be able to see past their flaws.

 

Day 14: I am THANKFUL for my MIND...

I am THANKFUL for my MIND because it allows me to remember.  I remember where I have been and what I have done.  I remember the good and not so good.  I remember those that I have gone on to be with the Lord.  I remember all that is with my MIND and I am THANKFUL.  I am THANKFUL that my MIND is open to change and growth.  I am THANKFUL that my MIND is open to new things and experiences.  I am THANKFULl that I haven’t lost my mind or that my MIND is in its right state.

“Those who cannot change their MINDS cannot change anything.”  ― George Bernard Shaw

“A MIND is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open.”  ― Frank Zappa

“It is a narrow MIND which cannot look at a subject from various points of view.”  ― George Eliot, Middlemarch: A Study of Provincial Life

 “The MIND that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.” ― Albert Einstein

“Despite my firm convictions, I have been always a man who tries to face facts, and to accept the reality of life as new experience and new knowledge unfolds it. I have always kept an open MIND, which is necessary to the flexibility that must go hand in hand with every form of intelligent search for truth.” ― Malcolm X, The Autobiography of Malcolm X

"Those who MIND don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." — Bernard M. Baruch

"People are just as happy as they make up their MINDS to be." — Abraham Lincoln

"Love looks not with the eyes, but with the MIND." — William Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream)

"I don't MIND living in a man's world, as long as I can be a woman in it." — Marilyn Monroe

"It is the mark of an educated MIND to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." — Aristotle (Metaphysics)

"I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your MIND. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?" — John Lennon

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre MINDS." — Albert Einstein

"None but ourselves can free our MINDS." — Bob Marley

"The MIND is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.." — John Milton (Paradise Lost)

Day 13: I am THANKFUL for the HEART (late edition)

The HEART is a very sensitive instrument.  I am THANKFUL that the HEART is a vital organ that is synonymous with love.  I am THANKFUL that the HEART is more than a metaphor.  I am THANKFUL that the HEART is the seat of the soul.  I am THANKFUL that you cannot live without the HEART.  I am THANKFUL that the HEART pumps and beats.  I am THANKFUL that the average HEART beats 72 times per minute and it beats over 100,000 times a day.  I am THANKFUL that the HEART beats almost 38 million times a year. 

I am THANKFUL that I have a HEART to be merciful.  I am THANKFUL that I can have a change of HEART to change your mind.  I am THANKFUL that I can know something by HEART which isn’t phone numbers due to technology making me lazy minded.  I am THANKFUL that I have had my HEART in the right place to help ENCOURAGE people.  I am THANKFUL that being kind has been HEARTfelt.  I am THANKFUL that I can have my HEART set on something such a life upgrade (Lord, I am ready when You are).  I am THANKFUL that I can WRITE allowing things to flow from my HEART.  I am THANKFUL that I have been able to cry my HEART out because release is important when my HEART has been heavy. 

I am THANKFUL that HEART heals from HEARTbreak.  I believe that we have all experienced it in one way or another.  We have loved and been broken no matter what the relationship may have been.  We have lost and been broken and we have had all experienced some sort of matter of the HEART.  I am THANKFUL that all matters of the HEART make us stronger and define us to be better people.

Today’s HEART Thought: Many of us have at some time dreamt of owning one of those magic purses that would never be empty. No matter how much money we would draw from it, it would remain full! As it turns out, we already have such a contraption in us and this one's worth a lot more than a trillion enchanted wallets. Our HEART can love 24-hours a day without ever running empty. As a matter of fact, the more love we pass to others, the more love we'll have!

Author Unknown

But Greatly Appreciated!