"You lost weight?!"

A few weeks ago, an acquaintance said to me: "You (seem to have) lost weight?!"

"Nice-to-have" vs. "Need-to-have"

It's nice-to-have people like you but that's not what I live for.

I live for and need-to-have God's approval...in all I do.

I'm not sure why or how but this thought crossed my mind...so I decided to share it because I've learned over time that God rarely drops things in my heart for only my benefit. He drops them in my heart so that I am blessed and better equipped to be a blessing to others which is my purpose in life.

As I am "getting older", or as we now say "aging gracefully" (and gratefully), God is helping me become more crisp on my "Nice-to-have" vs. "Need-to-have" list. I have found that there is so much in my life - including some relationships that were just "Nice-to-have" and that is a terrible way to live.

Beyond relationships, there are some "picture perfect" things that we pursue and put ourselves under so much pressure to attain that are really nice-to-haves versus need-to-haves. You know how I know? By simple observation.

So my question for you is: "How many things in your life are nice-to-haves versus need-to-haves?"
As we go into spring-cleaning season, I encourage you to make and take the time to clear the clutter of "nice-to-haves" so you have room for the valuable "need-to-haves" to bloom.

Turn that grudge...

to gratitude...

She states...she stands

She states: "I am a woman."
She stands tall being no-one else but a real woman


She states: "I'm a valuable part of any team I am in or lead."

She stands not trying to blend in and focuses on standing out

She states: "I am here to make a difference."

She stands and makes a difference by being the change

She states: "I am here for a purpose."

She stands and pursues her purpose with passion

The world states: "March 8th is International Women's Day."

She stands and celebrates herself and others every day

Today and everyday, I am celebrating myself and all you wonderful women...

everyday is a great day to celebrate ourselves and those around us.

Which is it...

...advice or warning?

That was the question that kept going through my mind as I pondered on a Business name I saw.

Are you God's Battle Axe?

Last month, our theme in church was "I am God's Battle Axe" based on Jeremiah 51:20.

Focus on your destination

Last week, on my way home I got on to the same bus with one of my neigbour's daughters. As we approached our stop, I assumed that she would have pulled the cord to request for the bus to stop at "our" stop. All of a sudden I noticed that the light hadn't lit up so I quickly pulled the cord.

When the bus stopped, I alighted and expected that she would also get off the bus. As I walked home alone, the Holy Spirit said to me

"Mind your own journey...focus on your destination." 

I kept pondering on this till I got home that day. I started wondering how many times I have erroneously assumed that someone else and I had the same goal or destination in mind.

Here I was saying that we had the same stop only to realize that we were not going to the same spot. Yes, I used "spot" on purpose because getting off at the same stop with others doesn't mean that you are going to the same spot. Now let me quickly mention that there was another stop after the bus did it's loop in our community that she could also get off at. So on the flip side, the fact that she didn't get off at the same stop as I did, meant that she would eventually get off at a later stop to come to the same "spot" i.e. street as I was going to.

Transposing this to everyday life, we cannot live our lives based on another person's schedule. Even if you are inspired by someone and aspire to be like them, we must remember that we are each unique and not a replica of anyone else. If you try to copy someone else, the best you'll be is a "second version" not an original.

I'd be happy to coach you on how to chart your own unique path and fulfill your purpose in life. Contact me via email: sapphireandberyl@gmail.com or inbox me. The 1st ½ hour will be free...