Now What???

Now What???

As a single woman and mother of young adults, who have begun to live a life independent of their mom, I’ve asked myself many times, now what? Now what do I do with myself and all this alone time I have? How do I begin to fill in the pockets of time when I find myself sitting in a quiet house with no one to talk to? How do I utilize the gifts God has given me to allow my experiences, good and bad, to be used to help and encourage others?

Over the past nine years I have experienced a tremendous amount of growth. I attribute this growth first and foremost to my heavenly Father and second, to my education. If it were not for God giving me the strength and desire to continue my education I would have never gone back to school; where I not only gained knowledge but also self-esteem and confidence. It was through this new found confidence that I found my place and my purpose. As women we tend to lose our identity at times because we consume ourselves with our families and their need for us. When our kids grow up and no longer need us as much we become depressed and feel empty inside. We haven’t the slightest clue of who we are or what we enjoy as individuals. Some might call this a “mid-life crises”. I call it an opportunity for “self-discovery”. If you’re reading this you’re probably wondering “OK, how do I begin this journey of self-discovery?” Well, that depends on you. My journey may look a lot different than your journey. Mine started on a path of education through one little success at a time. Then it grew into a mentor-ship through my job that allowed me to use my own personal experiences to help and guide others on their path. 

Not every person’s path of self-discovery will be the same. If you are ready to discover who you are, what your purpose is in life and what your talents are then I encourage you to go to the source, God. Begin by praying and asking God to show you your God given gifts and abilities, to show you your purpose in life and I promise He will begin to reveal Himself in you. Yes, I said that right, in you not too you! The next thing I encourage you to do is begin to take an inventory of the things you are passionate about. Are you passionate about helping others? Do you find joy in organizing events? Are you talented artistically? Most often, what we are passionate about is where we will find fulfillment. Once you have discovered your gifts and passions begin to explore ways you can use them. You will find that you are now becoming who God intended you to be, using the gifts He gave you to do what He called you to do.

Should you decide to go on a journey of “self-discovery” I would love to hear how you plan to embark in answering your own “Now what?" or where your “Now what?” has led you. If you have come to the end of the journey in discovering your "Now what?", please share so that others are encourage to start their journey. 

~A Self-Discovered Diva~

God's Promise

In my devotional time with the Lord this morning I received a word from Him that really spoke to me. So many times, we go through life wondering where God is. We often times think that He has left us or that He does not hear us. Our thoughts are correct in that He is distant from us but not because He has left us but because we have distanced ourselves from Him. We are reminded in Hebrews 13:8 that “Jesus Christ is the same today, tomorrow and forever” we are the ones who change, wander off, and try to do things in and of our own strength. When this happens our faith becomes weak, we become emotionally and spiritually drained and want to give up and quit. We begin to give up on the promises God has made us. We begin to doubt God will restore marriages, bring healing, provide financial blessings, save family members and protect us from the fiery darts of the enemy, but these are all lies! God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). Never stop believing for the promises God has given you! God gave me a word to share with you this morning. His promises to you will never go unfulfilled (Genesis 28:15) “I am with you and watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

Rest in the secure confidence that God will never leave you and He welcomes you back, with open arms and unconditional love and acceptance no matter how far you have wandered. I personally rest in the promise God gave me years ago that “my sons will be taught by the Lord and great will be your children’s peace” (Isaiah 54:13) and I believe this for generations to come!

 ~A Thankful Diva~

Unburying My Talent

I attended a women’s bible study last night with my dear friend. Although, God had already been dealing with me in my spirit about where I am in my life and what I choose to do with my time; I received further confirmation that it was time for me to seek my identity in HIM. As I read my daily devotional and took the time to further study God’s purpose and plan for my life, I was led to the parable of the talents. In this parable as many of you know three servants were entrusted with talents given to them by their Master. The first was given five talents for which he multiplied by five more, the second was given two talents and multiplied his by two more, and the third well he buried his talent and gained nothing for his Master.

So many times we go through life wondering why we struggle spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially. Why are things not happening to me? Why am I still stuck in this rut? Why won’t God bless me or heal me? The list goes on and on. When all the while He has given us exactly what we need to meet these needs and then some.

I would be lying if I said I had it all together and figured it out. I’m just as frustrated as the next person sometimes but what I’m coming to realize is that my blessings do not come from what God can do for me or give me, He’s already given me what I need. My blessings come from who I am in HIM and from the talents He gives me and what I choose to do with them. Will I take them and multiply them or continue to bury them? I know one of my talents is the gift of encouragement. I have always had a deep desire to help people. I genuinely love and care about people and want to see them live out their dreams, whatever they may be. As I write this blog, I am overcome with emotions because I know I have disappointed my Heavenly Father many times by burying my gifts and not utilizing them to my full potential. He has gifted me with these talents for one purpose and one purpose only; to do His will and love His people. I know that one of my identities in Christ is to be in women’s ministry, something I have run away from and avoided for many years. Why, you ask? Well, I run out of fear! Much like the third servant I bury my “talent” out of fear of not being qualified enough, being too dirty or sinful to lead or be entrusted with God’s children, and of course fear of failure.

I have decided it’s time to unbury the talent and do the work God called me to do. I will continue to seek Him so that my identity in Him will begin to unfold and in the process; I will multiply my talents in the name of the Lord! So that one day I will hear those beautiful words “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

  ~A “Talented” Diva~