<![CDATA[JEWELS FROM MY JOURNEY - Midweek Motivation]]>Fri, 18 May 2012 12:32:28 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Lettuce]]>Sun, 06 May 2012 19:26:06 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2012/05/lettuce.html
Picture
Dad: Hey, are you planning to grow vegetables again this year?

Me: I sure am daddy.

Dad: Ok. Tell Skip to come help me empty last year’s dirt from the pots.

Me: Ok. Hon, dad needs help emptying the pots so that we can prepare for this year’s planting.

Skip: Ok (pauses to walk outside and turns around to motion for mom). Can you come outside for a moment?

Mom: Sure.

Mom: (comes back inside) You need to go pick your lettuce before they empty the pot.

Me: I don’t have lettuce. I haven’t planted anything.

Mom: You have lettuce. Take a bag and go pick it. 

Immediately, I think to myself, How can I have something that I have not  planted? Reluctantly, I grabbed a bag and headed outside to a wonderful and totally unexpected full pot of lettuce. Seems after last year’s crop, the seeds embedded themselves into the dirt, held on for the winter, received the necessary nutrients and water from God above and sprouted into my first crop of the season. Simply put, it was an AMAZING sight to behold!

Tomorrow, we will have salad for dinner and I am excited to share the blessing with my family! I had no idea that lettuce was growing in my yard. Without my interference, God saw and met my need. He harvested lettuce and provided for me and my family. “At the moment, I have all I need and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.” (Phi 4:18 NLT)

God is no respecter of persons, He knows what you need. Your lettuce (blessing) is being harvested at this very moment and in due time will show up in your yard. How can I make that statement with such confidence? Well, as it is recorded in Philippians 4:19 (NLT) “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

“Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen. (Phi 4:20).”  Be encouraged and know that until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers!

©2012 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

]]><![CDATA[Good Mornin']]>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:01:14 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2012/04/good-mornin.htmlDuring the month of April, I have been busy! I have stood before over 150 women to deliver a presentation; co-presented for a group project; served as a guest speaker for an organization’s annual tea; conducted an etiquette workshop; moderated a panel for a youth conference; and facilitated a financial session on budgeting. Each time, I have executed and each time it has been well received. In fact, following one of my engagements, I was told that I am a “natural.” ......
In a few minutes, I will stand before my church family and welcome those who are visiting with us for the first time proving once again that man cannot stop what God has planned for you….

Years ago, I had an opportunity to apply for a position in management. Apparently, as I entered the room, I greeted the interviewers with a hearty but nervous “Good Morning,” and took my seat at the table. I was later offered the position and excitedly accepted. One morning, about one week later, my manager invited me into her office. She told me that some members of the interview team were reluctant to hire me for the position because I had a problem with articulation. I was shocked but somehow managed to ask for an explanation. She proceeded to tell me in a matter of fact tone, that I was not a good speaker and as an example offered that I said “Good Mornin” instead of “Good Morning” during my interview. At the time, I had been a member of the department for a few years and had consistently been rated above expected. I served as the department representative for several committees and not once had I received a complaint or concern about my speaking abilities. Yet, during a moment of nervousness, I apparently dropped the “g” off of morning and somehow was no longer fit to execute. That was a real blow to my confidence and left me feeling angry, offended, and rejected. I could have taken her feedback and allowed it to have a negative impact on my life. I could have stepped down from the various committees, performed my job to the best of their expectations, and burrowed myself in corner. Instead, I thanked her and decided to use her feedback for my benefit. I enrolled in Toastmasters, learned new presentation techniques, honed my speaking skills, paid close attention to my opening statements, and solicited feedback from my family and friends. I used the new skills that I had been taught, continued to move along my career path exceeding even my own expectations, and at this very moment, I am preparing for my next speaking engagement….

I am thankful for my naysayer. Had she not called me into her office, I probably would not have embarked on the path that led me to where I am today. What she used in an attempt to limit me, God used to show that His power is limitless! And for that, I am grateful!

The reality is that we all have naysayers. We may not be able to control what they say, but we can surely control how we respond. We can lower ourselves to meet the limitations that they have placed on us or we can use it as motivation knowing that God and only God has the final say on the outcome of our lives. Be encouraged and know that until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.

©2012 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

]]><![CDATA[Beyond explanation]]>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:12:26 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2012/04/beyond-explanation.htmlThe people cheered for Him…. “Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord (John 12:13).”

The same people jeered Him…  “But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. (John 19:15)”

BUT Jesus remained focused! He knew that it was a part of the PLAN. He laid down His life for the very people who proclaimed Him in one breath and denied Him with the next! He laid down His life for you! He laid down His life for me! And on the third day, He rose again… “ 5And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?  6He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,  7Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again (Luke 24:5-7)”.

I am humbled knowing that God loves me beyond explanation. He thinks I’m so special that He sent His Son to die for me. On the contrary, there have been times when man has cheered for me and called me friend one minute and denied me the next. Those times were painful and I didn’t always handle them as I should. But, I am thankful that experience has taught me to follow Jesus’ example and stay focused on the assignment whenever the crowd jeers. I must see things through regardless of man’s acceptance or rejection. For in the end, the plan He has for me is much greater than the cheers and jeers of the crowd. And because He is no respecter of persons, the plan He has for you is also greater than the cheers and jeers of your crowd so be encouraged! He loves us beyond explanation and that is more than enough!

Until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers!

©2012 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

 ]]><![CDATA[Whitehall Rd]]>Sat, 24 Mar 2012 18:19:47 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2012/03/whitehall-rd.htmlYesterday, I had to inspect a home for insurance. The home was located in an area unfamiliar to me so I keyed the address into my GPS and followed the planned route. The system led me down several roads and I was confident that I would arrive at my destination with no problem until I reached Whitehall Rd. My directions instructed me to follow Whitehall Rd for 4 miles. However, after about 2 miles, I was met with a “Road Closed Ahead” sign. I had a decision to make. Should I wait until another day when the road is reopened? Or should I attempt to keep straight and ignore the sign? Or should I follow the detour that provides me with a new set of instructions? I chose option 3 and followed the detour. When I turned in the opposite direction, my GPS told me that signal had been lost and that a new route needed to be calculated. I continued to follow the detour signs and shortly thereafter, my GPS synched with the new directions and led me to my destination.

Prov 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Like the GPS with its planned route, I, too, have a planned route for my life. I know what goals I have planned to accomplish in both my personal and professional life. I know what I have planned for my family. I know what I have planned for my business. However, there are times when my plan tells me to continue for 4 miles, but after about 2 miles, I experience a “Road Closed Ahead” sign. I want to keep straight but that will lead me to a dead end. Initially, my mind tells me that I am about to get lost without my plan. Admittedly, that makes me uneasy but my mustard seed faith takes over and I follow the detour. The new road is unfamiliar and often filled with opportunities and experiences that I never dreamed would happen to me. This road blesses me and becomes a part of my testimony. It is the detour that God allows in order to pull me to the place where He wants me to be. At first, I don’t understand why the detour is needed, but I trust God with all my heart. I acknowledge Him, and like my GPS, I synch up to the new directions and follow Him as He leads me to my destination.

Attempting to go down the road when you have been told that the road is closed is an unwise choice. Today, I invite you to follow the detour and experience the Goodness of the Lord, Jesus Christ. He will never leave nor forsake you (I Kings 8:57). He is good and the detour carries both blessings and testimonies that He has designed just for you! Be encouraged and know that until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.

©2012 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

 ]]><![CDATA[Amen]]>Thu, 15 Mar 2012 07:23:25 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2012/03/amen2.html“God has spoken, let the church say Amen.” This song, by Andre Crouch featuring Pastor Marvin Winans is one of my new favorites. An instant classic, it speaks to my heart each and every time I hear it on the radio. I hear the song at least once daily but as I listened yesterday, it reminded me of times past when instead of “amen”, my reply was “are you sure?” Whenever He spoke a Word or allowed something to enter my life which displeased or disappointed me, I would make the assumption that His wires got crossed. Immediately, my mind would conjure up what should have happened and I would attempt to orchestrate a different outcome. There were times when I thought I had successfully manipulated the outcome only to later find myself returned to the same place. One day, during a painful time in my life, I realized that I am not exempt from heartache, disappointment, and challenges. The Bible tells me that it rains on the just and unjust (Matt 5:45). Assuming that I am exempt is unrealistic and trying to manipulate the outcome is unacceptable. But in All things, God gets the glory. He uses every situation for my good and when I get in the way, I block my own blessings. Often experience brings wisdom and thankfully, my personal experiences  have taught me that when God has spoken, I say "Amen."

If you are in a place where you think God has made a mistake, please know that He has not forgotten about you. What He has promised you will come to pass. What He has spoken may not always feel good but it is preparing you for the next step on your journey. It is my prayer that instead of saying, “are You sure” you respond with a hearty “Amen.”

Until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.

©2012 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

 ]]><![CDATA[The Game]]>Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:48:49 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2011/11/the-game.htmlThe coaches are on the field; my son, the quarterback, is on the ground. That last play was a doozy! A player from the opposing team knocked the wind out of Tre’ as he was attempting a pass. He was down before the whistle blew and a hush fell across the crowd. I don’t know when I stopped breathing but ....
I know that I didn’t start again until he was up and walking off the field. Once he reached the sideline, he began pacing back and forth. His coaches took care of him. Eventually, he went back into the game and led his team, proving that down doesn’t equal out.  

Life is a lot like football. We all want to win every time so we develop plans and practice extremely hard. In life, however, even the best laid plans don’t always get executed the way we’d like. Stuff happens. Jobs are lost; relationships are challenged; resources are low; sickness invades the body; a love one dies unexpectedly. The list is endless. When it happens to us, we literally feel like someone knocked the wind out of us, leaving us with a choice. Do we lay on the field or do we call for help? When life happened, I used to lay on the field deciding to no longer play. Thankfully, one day when I was laying on the field, I decided to do something different. I called my coach and told Him that I needed help. Jesus, my coach, who promised never to leave or forsake me, showed up and helped me off the field. He whispered His promises into my spirit and filled me with hope. He reminded me through the Word that all of the wrong would be used for my good and that God has a way of turning things around. He encouraged me and took care of me until I was ready to go back onto the field. Once I learned to ask for help when life knocks me down, my perspective changed. The knock down is par for the course but it doesn’t knock me out; it gets me to my knees, where I can draw even closer to Him.

God’s grace and mercy is sufficient and much larger than any problem you or I face. If you are currently battling the lows, be encouraged and know that your Coach is waiting to help you off the field. Don’t stay in the place you are, give it to Him and let Him fill you with hope. Until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.

©2011 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

]]><![CDATA[Until next time...]]>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:58:28 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2011/08/until-next-time.htmlWow, it has been four years almost to the day since God allowed me to open up my life to encourage others. I had no idea then where He was leading me but after years of doing things on my own, I knew the time had come for me to surrender myself to Him. I am a different woman today because of the lessons that I have learned. They haven’t always been fun;
but they have been necessary. I am still becoming the woman that He has called me to be and as previously mentioned; the next step on my journey is school. I started two weeks ago and with the jitters behind me, I am moving forward. It is a step that I have been directed to take alone so as of today, I will begin writing on a less frequent basis in order to give my family, school, and other priorities the attention that God has directed. So though I will miss you, please know that I am only an email dmreiddst13@gmail.com away. I hope to hear from you occasionally and I promise to let you know when the website www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com has been updated via Twitter (@journeysjewels) and email. As is customary with the end of the year, I’m signing off the following food for thought:
 
Things I’ve learned over the past 4 years (sometimes the hard way….)
  1. Just because you can does not mean that you should! Use your discernment wisely. God will never steer you wrong!
  2. Personal growth always visits those who learn to be comfortable in the uncomfortable and unforeseen moments by letting God lead the way.
  3. I learned the art of appreciation when I stopped asking for what I wanted and started thanking for what He’s already provided.
  4. Every day, we receive an incredible opportunity to be kind. Too often, we don’t take advantage of it. Don’t waste your opportunity; be kind to everyone!
  5. No one is perfect and that includes me! People will put you on a pedestal, however, the wise person doesn’t stand anywhere that God hasn’t placed her/him.
  6. If you want to know, you must ask. Making assumptions lead to unintended places.
  7. You are responsible for you.
  8. God, family, other – in that order.
  9. He knows your heart, He orders your steps. BUT if you don’t move, He won’t make you.
  10. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Still music to my ears, and my heart’s melody.
  11. A journey begins with a step. There is beauty in movement. Where are you on your way to?....
It has indeed been a pleasure to converse with you every week and I pray that you have been encouraged to share your own journey with someone else. You have encouraged and blessed me immensely and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for allowing me to share with you. Until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers!  

©2011 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

]]><![CDATA[Baptism]]>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:36:54 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2011/08/baptism.htmlGeorge, “I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Those words were like music to my ears. I, along with the angels above, rejoiced yesterday as my son was baptized. George, “Tre” has been raised in the church. He was dedicated as a baby, has served on the youth usher board for the past few years, and volunteers annually for the Angel Tree ministry but ...
had not of his own accord dedicated his life prior to June, 2011. An onlooker would probably make the assumption that he had been baptized long ago based on his current involvement. They may have also believed that approaching him, telling him the Good News, and asking him if he wanted to give his life to Jesus would have been a waste of time. How wrong that person would have been….

A few years ago I met with a client who was of a different faith. I remember having my cross necklace on at the time. She asked me about my necklace and we talked about Jesus. I finished the appointment and gave her a hug. Fast forward to earlier this year when we met to review her current coverage. To my surprise, she told me that she had been going to church. She was excited to talk to me about Jesus but admitted that she didn’t know much. I told her that God knows where she is and to trust Him to direct her path. I then gave her the names of some reference tools and websites that I use in my studies. She was very appreciative and then mentioned that she thinks everybody at her church assumes that she knows all about Jesus based on her age. I suggested that she visit with someone there to explain that she was a babe in Christ. She dedicated her life a few weeks following that conversation…

Two separate situations but the end result is the same, two willing souls may have been overlooked due to our own stereotypes of what unsaved people look like. We tend to share the Good News with those who have the “look;” like the first time visitor, the one with the disheveled appearance, or the one crying uncontrollably during service while paying little if any attention to someone that we see every Sunday.   At our church, we are often instructed to “check our row” and ask those around us if they know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Truth is someone sitting right next to you may have never heeded the call. I wonder who’s waiting for you to introduce them to what it means to have a new life in Christ. It may be the person that you least expect so don’t keep Jesus a secret, share Him with everyone!   

My question for you today is, “Do you know Him?” If you do, share the Good News with everyone you know. If you don’t, invite Him into your life and then seek out a Bible believing and teaching church so you can grow and develop your personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It will be the best decision that you’ll ever make. Until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.

©2011 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

]]><![CDATA[Perception]]>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:31:25 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2011/08/perception.htmlOne day while in church I looked over at my daughter who was feverishly plucking at the keys on her phone. I thought to myself that she had gone stark raving mad! Was she really texting in church? I had to calm myself because if I didn’t, I knew that I would cause a scene and disrupt the service. I patiently gave her an evil eye, told her to give me the phone, and let her know that I would deal with her later! How dare she be disrespectful in God’s house! I was furious and knew the exact words that would be coming out ...
of my mouth later would require repentance on my part.  She shrugged as she gave me the phone. I wanted to know whom she was texting so I looked down at the screen before disconnecting the phone. To my surprise, she wasn’t texting anyone. She was reading the Bible verses online that the minister was referencing. With conviction and utter embarrassment, I handed her the phone and apologized.

Things aren’t always as they seem….

I wonder how often we jump to conclusions based on what our eyes perceive. I was certain that I had caught Danae’ red-handed. I didn’t give her a chance to offer an explanation. I planned her punishment and had already chosen the verbal thrashing that she would receive following the benediction. I allowed what I thought I knew to take me out of the service and place me in attack mode. Thankfully we were in church and I was unable to take action because if we weren’t, I would have reprimanded her before realizing that I had misjudged the situation.

Today’s reminder is that we need to act on facts and not perception. We must assess the situation, ask questions, and gather understanding before deciding how to proceed. When we fail to do so, we must realize that we run the risk of destroying an otherwise beautiful moment, friendship, or relationship!

Until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.

©2011 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

]]><![CDATA[Shopping Trip]]>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:26:37 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2011/08/shopping-trip.htmlI had approximately one hour to spare before one of my favorite shows was scheduled. I had a short grocery list so I figured I would run to the market before the show. The store that I normally shop at was about twenty minutes away so I figured I’d go to a closer store that I don’t frequent often to give myself more than enough time to run my errand and get back home before show time. Five minutes later, I walked into the store only to find that the breakfast burritos and yogurt were
not carried with their normal stock. I called my husband to see if he really wanted the burritos to which he replied, yes, so off to a second store I went. The second store, another that I don’t normally go to, was also closer, but they, like the first, also did not carry the items. I left the store and journeyed another fifteen minutes to my normal market where I immediately located and purchased my items. Finally, exactly seventeen minutes after the show began; I walked back through my front door!

What I thought would be a fifteen minute trip turned into a seventy-seven minute venture. In my attempt to take a shortcut, I ultimately used more gas and time than I would have if I had gone to my regular market. I missed some of my show and was somewhat frustrated with driving around town. However, I had no one to blame but myself. I knew where I was supposed to go; I just decided to take a different path. In the end, while I did manage to find the items that I needed, I wasted time and energy and also missed out on the first part of an incredible show.  

In an attempt to get to our definition of happiness, often we fall victim to the “shortcut” trap where we make decisions and veer off the path that God intended for us. We grow tired of waiting and figure that we’ll give God some help by employing some tactics not meant for us. Ultimately we find that the shortcuts lead us on an even longer path until eventually we realize that the slowest way to get to the finish line is to take a shortcut!

Today, I encourage you to use my trip to the market as a reminder that straight and narrow is the path. Veering off course will take you outside of your purpose and bring additional frustration. Stay focused on God and hold on to His Word. Trust in Him with all of your heart and He shall direct your path! Be encouraged and until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.  

©2011 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

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