Think of life consisting of sand, pebbles and rocks. Sand may be the unimportant things we can go without; like social media, friends that mean no good, and nonsense that takes up our time. Pebbles may be our jobs, relationships, things that are important, but we may not have enough balance with.  They may also be unnecessary things that we give too much attention. Then there are the rocks: family, God, health, quality time, etc. If you fill a jar (your life) with sand and pebbles first, there is not enough room for the rocks. You've filled your life up with the unimportant things that can wait and now you don’t have enough time for your kids, praying, and most importantly taking care of yourself! If you reverse it and fill your jar with your rocks first, then the pebbles and lastly the sand, you will see that everything will fit.

You will manage to have time and energy for your family, God and whatever is extremely important to you. Then the pebbles and sand  can slide their way through wherever they can fit in. This is how your time should be managed. Please know that we need to prioritize accordingly to prevent losing ourselves in nonsense because we didn't leave any room for the good stuff.

​We can’t stand rejection, right? Not getting what we want and hope for can really get us down. Sometimes we get so down and upset that we start making things up in our heads that blame us for this happening. Let me tell you that a closed door, an ending opportunity, or a “no” is not your fault. Most of these dead ends are blessings in disguise. Whatever was put on hold or ended, could’ve saved you from wasted time. What you asked God to protect you from is simply someone that isn’t deserving of you because there is someone out there who is just for you. If you keep getting these unnecessary acceptances, you will tend to be clouded by seeing what is truly important to pursue. God may seem complicated or hard to understand but He can lay things out that are just hard to miss and these rejections times are to seek that. Instead of looking at a “no” as never, look at it as “no, not right now”, or “no, this isn’t for me quite yet”. Just Let things flow and be ready for the “Yes” when it comes.

What do healthy relationships consist of?  Any and every type of relationship consists of giving and taking on every end.  We can all be pretty demanding on what we want and don’t want when it comes to our relationships but remember, are you allowing yourself to give what the other person needs to maintain a healthy and functioning relationship?  Both parties need to be able to bring something to the table.  Whether one party brings the table and the other party brings something to put on it, it’s okay if that works for you.  Don’t get involved in something that you see that you brought the table, something to put on it and then some.  You will find yourself running out of resources very quickly! Also, vice versa, make sure you have something to give instead of saying “gimme, gimme”.  Relationships shouldn’t be handouts for anyone but they shouldn’t be too much hard work either.  If it seems difficult to maintain a functional relationship then maybe ties need to be cut.  If both parties are determined to keep it going and being fair with the exchanges, then it should be a great and meaningful partnership.  Don’t run yourself dry dealing with leeches and make sure you’re not leeching either, especially if you’re pointing the finger to have more.  Eventually, that partnership will run its course.  Let’s participate in and maintain healthy relationships this year and beyond.  Leave the inconsistencies in the past.

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​Last week, I touched on being more disciplined and putting some action behind your words.  Discipline is a necessity, even though it’s not the prettiest.  Deciding to be disciplined will bring out the best in you but, will also be quick to show what you’re lacking.  Now, this is where it gets difficult.  We sometimes get so comfortable and accustomed to the way we are living, that when we start setting boundaries and get some backbone, the practice of disciplining ourselves to these changes fade away. 

I KNOW, I KNOW, It’s not easy, or you don’t like how its making you feel.  If you are uncomfortable with the changes being made, then you are doing a great job believe it or not! You need to start stirring some things up and cutting off that extra baggage.  Everything that feels and sounds good IS NOT always good for you.  Put your foot down! Discipline yourself this year to break away from the norm and get in some kind of formation for your life;  spiritually, physically, and mentally.

In the year of 2018, if you’re going to talk about it, be about it.  We all do a lot of praying, hoping, and dreaming but forget to put some action behind it.  I mentioned this before in my previous posts but I think it fits well with starting this new year off in a more productive way.  Discipline is your best friend.  We all want results and we all want them now.  It’s not going to be handed to you and it’s not going to be easy.  And that is okay! 

If you want to feel good in your clothes this year, don’t complain, act! If you want a drama free life, don’t complain, cut the nonsense out!  If you want things done YOUR way, only YOU can do that so forget counting on someone to do the work for you to maintain what makes you happy and proud.  This year, don’t talk about it, be about it.  That change is only coming if you make some moves.  God doesn’t provide unless you give Him something to work with.  Have a great year guys!