The lesson is in the journey

Have you ever tried to do something in life and you reach out to people for help but they ignore your cries or worse, tell you will never make it? Sometimes in life people don't see the vision that God has placed in us. The times when people don't support your dream or goals can be difficult. Those times can make you question whether you should go on but I believe that those times are a test of our faith.When we are doing God's will for our life it really does not matter who is in support of us because God's plan will be done.

Joshua 1:8 says: "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good ."

If it seems like things are not going your way, first do a spiritual check to make sure that you are in alignment with God's will and that you are being obedient to the instructions that he has given us.  If those things are in order, then have faith because nothing is impossible.

Luke 17:6  says: "And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you."

If your faith can pull a tree up by its roots, surely your faith can lead you to the path where your dreams will fulfilled. Be forewarned  that, once you achieve your dreams you might just discover that the real blessing was in the journey it took to get there.

Have Faith
Lord, I have not always been obedient
but I have tried to do your will
so I am going to sit and be still
because I know that this just a test
and that your will is for me to be blessed
so I won't pay attention to the naysayers
and I will ignore the haters
because I know your will is greater
than anything they can do
My purpose is to glorify you
so I know you'll see me through
You have brought me this far;
its been a long journey
but you still hold the key
to my dreams
So hear my plea
and continue to carry me
I've come this far
because its you that I trust
so I know if I lean on you,
I will be thrust
into prosperity, my destiny;
and everything that's good
not because you should
but rather because you could
and because my story
will show your glory
© 2011

Choose Your Words Wisely

In my opinion, many people in our culture could benefit from a class on effective communication.  It's okay to have a healthy debate but when people say stuff like:" I stand on what I said; You are wrong; That is not true, etc" they are shutting down the lines of communication and that tends to put the other party on the defensive. If we truly want to try to understand different perspectives, isn't it more productive to say things like, 'I disagree with that but I see you point here';and/ or to concede with the other party on some points. Does it hurt to say, "I see your point  but I feel blah, blah, blah"? I think this failure to compromise is what makes some people come across as being so angry all the time.

The definition of communication is to give or interchange thoughts, feelings, information, or the like, by writing, speaking, etc. Most of the time people are just listening so that they can respond.  If we truly want to build better relationships and improve our communication skills, we have to listen to understand and try to see things from the other person's point of view.

Greek Philosopher, Epictetus said, "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” The Bible has this to say about communication: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.( Ephesians 4:29 ).

I try to use my poetry to inspire people to achieve their goals and to move past their fears.  Words can build people up or they can tear them down; so choose your words wisely.

Words
Most conversations begin with a simple word
and contain a noun and a verb
and while sentences can be simple or complex
Conversations are often something we will never forget
because words have the power to stir thoughts
and deter dreams and words used losely have more meaning
than that which on surface can be seen
because words have the power to destroy or to heal
and words can affect how people feel
Some words convey the absurd
while some words
express what occurred
and some words should just never be heard
for example the "N" word which has
hurt more than a few
and Semitic people don't
like the word Jew
and while neither one of these words is new
they still carry a dark hue and
express a negative view.
Words have power and
can speak things into existence
Words have led masses to resistance
words can inspire the unmotivated to persistence
and words can cut like a knife 
when thrown from a distance
so choose your words wisely
before you open your mouth, think
Remember any fool can talk;
but only a wise man speaks.

© 2011 Savvy Brown

On Being Grateful

In my opinion, being grateful is one of the most important characteristics that a person can have.  When people are too spoiled and ungrateful, it makes others not what to give them anything. When people are appreciative of the smallest gifts and acts of kindness, it makes people want to give them more. The universe reacts to people the same way.  When you express gratitude for the blessings that you receive in life; life blesses you with more gifts.  When you are constantly wanting more and feeling that you are lacking what others have; the universe reacts to that by not rewarding you with what you want. 

This principle has been expressed in several places such as "The Secret";  Personal Power by Anthony Robbins; and even in the Bible: Proverbs 28:20 -A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

It is truly a blessing when someone wants to do something out of the kindness of their hearts; especially in this day and age when everyone's number one priority is self.  So be thankful for the small things so that you will be equipped and ready when bigger things come your way.

Thank You
Thank you for everything you have ever done for me
And for everything that I ever received
Thanks for the clarity;
and for sparing me;
Thank you for every breath that I take
and for every step that I make
for I know that I would not be here
if it were not for your sake.
Thank you for giving me peace of mind
and for people that are kind
Thank you for showing me signs
even in the difficult times
Thank you for showing me my path
and for a man that makes me laugh
and for my daughter who's on task
Thank you for my home
and for never leaving me alone
Thank you for family that cares for me
even when I treat them badly
Thank you for a job and money to pay bills
Thank you for poetry and for the ability to express how I feel
Thank you seeing me through
Because it taught me to praise you
Thank you God for saving me
and for the blessings that I have yet to see.
© 2011