<![CDATA[JEWELS FROM MY JOURNEY - Midweek Motivation]]>Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:55:10 -0800Weebly<![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.

]]><![CDATA[Salad]]>Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:44:44 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2011/07/salad.htmlLast night, I made two salads of unequal portions for today’s lunch. I prepared the larger salad for my husband and a smaller one for myself. I put them in different containers and advised my husband which container was prepared for him. He nodded in agreement; however, today I opened the refrigerator to find that he took the wrong salad. He eats larger portions than I do so unfortunately because he took something that wasn’t prepared for him, he won’t be full. I, on the other hand have more than enough. I’m sure it was accidental; he didn’t mean to covet what was intended for me….

I Tim 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (KJV)

Ex 20:17 “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” (KJV)

Looking at how another person’s life appears to be often brings about a covetous spirit. The desire to be in “perfect” relationships, amass a certain level of perceived wealth, etc. can lead one down an unintended path. If left to fester, the desire turns to coveting and poor decision making in an effort to acquire the object no matter the cost.  However once received, one quickly finds that they are not equipped to handle what has been acquired. Whether it is a car or house payment that one can’t afford; a relationship that is on unequal footing or a job that brings misery, the object coveted is insufficient for its intended purpose, leading to many sorrows.  This occurs because it was not intended for the person who received it. It belonged to someone else. There’s a gospel song whose words ring clear and true “What God has for me, it is for me..” Another person can try to take it, but the result won’t be the same. In other words, we need to be mindful to remember that what God has for us is more than enough. We ought not  fool ourselves into believing that He made a mistake when He was handing out the blessings. In the end, my hubby, bless his heart, experienced a hard lesson today…Pay attention to what belongs to you, and leave the rest alone.  Let’s learn from him so that we can avoid the trap ourselves.

Be encouraged and until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.

©2011 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

]]><![CDATA[An honest assessment!]]>Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:13:18 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2011/07/an-honest-assessment.htmlPerhaps one of the hardest things that one ever does is to take an honest assessment of self. And not just any assessment but the one that is just between you and God. I have been on a journey of self assessment for some time now. Since there are no perfect people, I know that I will spend the rest of my days learning, changing, and growing but for today God has directed that I share what I’ve learned with you (side bar: God I thought this was just supposed to be between me and you) :

  1. If “your” truth and the truth don’t match then you are lying to yourself....
 
2. The stuff that really matters is often the stuff that we neglect first. God, family, the rest…When the rest is first, you’re out of order and need to self correct or risk losing some of what really matters.

3. There is no alternative for authenticity. If you have to pretend to be someone else to fit in then you’re probably in a place that you, not God has sent you.

4. If you refuse to learn something new, then be prepared to become complacent and stuck in your current state.

5. You should strive to be the person that you’d love to be around.

6. God loves you so you should follow His lead and love yourself.

7. Change may be inevitable, but your response to it is within your control.

8. No one else is responsible for the choices you make.

9. Prayer is not optional. It is your opportunity to touch base and spend some time with God.

10. Every minute of every day does not need to be scheduled. Flexibility can lead to some of the best memories you’ll ever have.

11. If someone else is always to blame for the problems you have, then you’ve given way too much control to other people.

12. When God tells you to get out of your own way, LISTEN!

13. Jesus is the ultimate example of what it means to be a leader and even He followed God. You don’t know all the answers, take time to be open to guidance and direction from others that God has placed in your life.

14. Your limitations are not excuses to give up; they are opportunities for you to experience the awesomeness of what God can do; and

15. God does not need your help, just your faith. Stop trying to do His job!

 
Be encouraged and until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.

©2011 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

Note: I have been praising God through the written word for the past four years. During this time, He has guided me as I have shared some very intimate pieces of my life with you. I have grown along the way and pray that what He has poured into me has blessed you as well. I have learned not to lean to my own understanding so it isn’t surprising to me that He has thrown me yet another curveball and decided that now is the time for me to pursue a fifteen year dream of returning to school to pursue my Master’s Degree. This change will be an adjustment for me and my family so I solicit your prayers as I take this next step on my journey. In order to fully commit to God’s will and design for my life, Midweek Motivation will take on a new form after August 31, 2011. I will continue to write, however, please be patient if you don’t see something from me every week. Thank you in advance for your prayers.

]]><![CDATA[Free Zone]]>Tue, 12 Jul 2011 18:52:18 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2011/07/free-zone.htmlA few days ago, my son invited me to watch a movie with him in the “man cave.” As I approached the top step ready to join him, he said, wait, “mom, this is a free zone.” I was puzzled by his statement so I asked him to explain. He said, you can come...
...with me but you have to leave your phone, computer, and anything else electronic upstairs. I laughed but abided by his “rule.” For the next three hours, we watched a few movies, talked, and played games. I went down to the “man cave” and left everything behind that could distract me from enjoying quality time with my son. We had a blast and I emerged from the “man cave” relaxed, happy, and rested.

From time to time, I need to be reminded not to become so caught up with the virtual world. While I have embraced the various avenues available to stay connected with friends and extended family, they must be kept in their place. If allowed, my virtual life and other fun gadgets can pull me away from the ones who matter most; my husband and children. After having this conversation with my son and the wonderful time that followed, I decided to declare several areas in our home as free zones including my bedroom and the kitchen and have also implemented evening and weekend shut down times for myself so that I don’t miss out on the special moments that memories are made of.

Today I encourage you to join me in declaring some free zones in your world. Start by conducting an honest assessment of how you spend your “free” time. Perhaps you’ll find that it may be something other than social networking, Nooks, etc, but whatever it is that keeps you from being “in the moment” with those you love, put limits on it. Pray for direction and commit to your limits. Use your newly found time to create moments and memories with those who matter most in your life. Until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.

©2011 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

Follow me on Twitter @ Journeysjewels

]]><![CDATA[Friendship…what time has taught me!]]>Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:00:42 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2011/06/friendshipwhat-time-has-taught-me.htmlThe essence of friendship is a sweet kiss from God above.  It is found in the fun times spent together doing nothing at all. It fills a room with its loving presence.  It is strengthened through the honest talks that help each other. It seeks not to offend but offers apologies when it does.  It is soothing when life throws curveballs. It challenges when it sees you’re standing in your own way. It holds your hand when a loved one passes or a relationship ends.  It is honest and authentic. It doesn’t always agree but ...
knows how to disagree without being offensive and rude. It rallies the troops when an intervention is needed. It is not threatened by another’s presence because it is confident with the place it holds in your heart. It knows your character and defends it when someone attempts to defame it. It sticks by you through the lean times. It celebrates your accomplishments.  It prays with you through your setbacks and failures.  It doesn’t keep tabs on the wrongs you’ve committed; it helps you deal with them and moves on.  It doesn’t judge you nor is it critical of your every move but it does “check” you when necessary. It walks in when others walk out. It can decipher the true meaning behind your cryptic text, Face Book, and twitter messages.  It wipes your tears, snot included. It sits on the phone with you until you are ready to talk. It shows up on your doorstep when you’ve told it to leave you alone. It knows when to push and when to stand by and let you find your own way.  It is memorable and heartwarming. It is powerful and life changing.  It is worth its weight in gold. It is indeed a blessing and once you have it, make sure you reciprocate it because the same person bringing friendship into your life deserves to receive it as well.

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

©2011 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

]]><![CDATA[The Wiz - Part 2]]>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 10:16:48 -0800http://www.jewelsfrommyjourney.com/2/post/2011/06/the-wiz-part-2.htmlThe Wiz is a tale of four characters (Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, & Lion) who are each in search of something they are lacking. Dorothy desperately wants to go home, the scarecrow needs a brain, the tin man needs a heart, and the lion needs courage. They take a path that eventually leads them to the wizard who is unable to grant their wishes. The movie ends when they each realize that they already possess what they felt they lacked.

Last week, I shared the first five points that I took away from the movie:

1 – Man cannot validate you. It is not his job and we must learn to trust in God to supply our needs. 

2 – If you feel that you are lacking something, look within. God has equipped us for the journey. We may need a little help discovering our strengths and talents but trust Him; He has already made provisions for you.

3 – As you travel through this life, remember that God has placed people in your life that you may have companionship. Each will bring with them something unique. Don’t paint them all with the same brush; celebrate who they are and what they mean to you.

4 – Challenges are par for the course. The easy way won’t always be the best choice for you. I love the part of the movie when Dorothy tries to catch a cab to Oz only to find that the cab is “Off Duty.” She didn’t just wait for another cab; she walked; and 

5 – Things aren’t always as they appear. The Wizard appeared as a great person capable of providing the desires of one’s heart. In reality, he was little more than a person who was afraid of the witch and used his perceived power to manipulate people.

As promised, this week’s motivation is a continuation...
of some powerful lessons I was reminded of while recently watching the Wiz:

6 – Be careful to surround yourself with positive people. The scarecrow was a brilliant character. He read well, was articulate, and extremely intelligent. However, he surrounded himself by crows who poured negativity into his spirit. They were successful in making him doubt his ability and fed insecurities that he already had about himself. Surround yourself with people who will empower, not devour you.

7 – Get off of the step. The lion hid on the museum steps because he was afraid. He was the King of the jungle but fear reduced him to sit among stone. God has not given us a spirit of fear. Rom 8:15 (KJV) “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” The time has come for us to stop hiding. Step out in boldness and walk into what God has in store for you.

8 – Stand firm. There’s a scene in the movie filled with dancing and vibrant colors. They begin by celebrating green and wouldn’t be “caught dead in red.” Soon after a bright flash occurs and then they are instructed to celebrate red; the color they just despised.  You have to know for yourself. God is God and there are no other gods before Him. Don’t allow your situation to make you turn your back on the Father. Stand firm and know that He is faithful and will see you through.

9 – Wicked doesn’t have the ultimate victory! The Wicked Witch wanted Dorothy’s slippers. She tried everything within her limited power but in the end the slippers never left Dorothy’s feet.  Isa 54:17 (KJV) No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

10 – There is no place like home! We are on our way back home. This world is a temporary setting for God’s people. Do not be dismayed, John 14:2 (KJV), “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

The Wiz is still one of my favorites but with the underlying lessons I gleaned from it with my last viewing, it is not just a favorite but also a powerful reminder of God’s goodness. Today, I leave you with these nuggets and pray that you hide them in your heart. Until next time, God bless and keep you will be among my prayers.    

©2011 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved.

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