Wednesday, February 11, 2009
DC# 5- Loneliness
We talked about the causes of loneliness ( isolation,refection,don't feel valued,family pulling away,)
To know that loneliness is not a disease, that you tend to withdraw from people, you feel unworthy wondering if something is wrong with you. second guessing everything you do, you feel like a failure.
The consequences of loneliness (depression,promiscuity,anger,erosion of self-esteem,)
You develop a sense of anger, running to the next relationship, wanting to stay home and stay away from people. You end up looking for someone, anyone to fill that need.
The cures for loneliness ( Learn to be single,difference between lonely vs alone, avoid new relationship,trusting God)
The most important part I learn was that you need to embrace being single to know that you are separate,unique and whole. WOW!! You need to know who you are and who you are in Christ. That it is OK to be alone, God never said man should not be single , he said man should not be alone. To get to know God and his voice.
God is more than enough.
YES!
God is more than enough.
I am learning to be that confident, secure independent woman of God. To embrace being single, to enjoy making your own choices, not having to "get permission". To experience things in life that I put off . I like that, I am looking forward to do it all and just
Exhale........
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Remember
I was so sadden by her email but understood exactly what she meant because I have been there so much times. I often think about doing just that, not caring and just disappear. Some days you just don't want to get out of bed, deal with stupid people and face the fact that your family, spouse are no longer together. That you have divorced the partner that you thought you were going to spend the rest of your life with, the security, the love all gone NEVER to return. The pain does not seem to go away and you can't find the answer. Oh... there is no light at the end of this tunnel.......but
There is!!
I know that when feelings come up on me like that I remember my children, how I could not make it without them and i have to be that strong example for them. I remember I am a child of God and I know that he will be with me in times of trouble, depression, sadness. Knowing this brings me back to getting out of bed and heading forward trying to make my life worth living.
Yes, we can run, we can cover our heads, but it is only when we remember do we get up, go on.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Belief
I know that each religion/church organization have founded themselves on their own views and belief, interpreting the bible their way. That's why I see keep your eyes on the Lord and not people because they will fail you every time. I told my daughter she knows what her belief is and to stand on it. The decision is hers and I will support whatever she decides.
We all need to search the bible for ourselves and if in doubt allow the word to guide you. God knows and he say if you seek you will find. That he has the answer for everything you are in need of.
So don't fret, don't get too upset, just trust in him and his word.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
We talked about the centurion, the persistent mother and the pleading father, all pleading to Jesus to heal their servant, son and daughter. They we so desperate for their love ones to be healed by Jesus that shaming themselves on public were not something they cared about. The ather told Jesus," I believe, help my unbelief." Even though he believed, he was not sure and was not afraid to say it. The soldier told Jesus just say the word and my servant will be healed. He know authority and knew Jesus had that also. The mother, my favorite, told Jesus that even the dog eat when the crumbs falls from the master table. In all of these Jesus said he had never seen faith exercised like that.
The word talks about faith as the size of a mustard seed, have you ever seen a mustard see? Jesus said just one mustard seed can move mountains. I strive for that faith always. In this walk of life things change and each day we are confronted with things and it is only thing that we help us go through is FAITH................. I say to Jesus:
" I believe, help my unbelief."
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Get Up!
I know what is it and I do recognized that I would spend each day like this if I didn't have to support myself with a job. I think I only get up because I have to work. I have been invited out but search for an excuse to why I can not go and is happy when I don't have to lie.
I know this is not healthy, I know I need to get out of this. I am not sure why I am like this, is it the healing process, my recovery, whatever it is I would like to move on. I think today I will get up, clean my place, dress and do something !!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Black History Month
Sara Boone- invented heating furnace
C.J.Walker- 1st black female to become a millionaire with hair products
Willis Jackson - invented pencil sharpener with a plastic covering
I can go on but just to know that the every day things we use were invented by African American, and now to have an African American as president is even more amazing. When you now hear A.A. children talk about becoming president when they grow up is no longer followed by a smile, a light tap on the back or the words "maybe one day" you would know that is is closer than you think.
I have decided to give them this challenge each week as we are in Black History month and see what all they can discover and in the end appreciate the contributions made by African Americans.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
DC #4
" What is more, I consider everything a loss compare to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things".
We learned about depression strategies, to eat healthy, catch negative thoughts, step over my feelings,eliminate untrue belief and forgive. Most importantly that Christ must be the center of my life. That I can not do this and be totally healed without Christ. He is my foundation in all of this and without him, without hope I can't get better.
" You can only do so much, so do as much as you can do."
Monday, February 2, 2009
Crappy shoe
Stepping in crap is not a nice feeling.As you raise your foot up you see it is pasted on the bottom of your shoes. It smells bad, smeared into the dents, curves, tracks of the shoe. It is nasty and in order for you to get it off, you have to stop, sit down, put your foot up, get a stick and scrap it off. Now some will come of easily but some that is embedded causes time and energy to get out. If all else fails you hose it down with water or throw away the shoe.
As in life, we are faced with problems, trails and tribulations. It gets to the core of our being,into the heart and it covers the emotions. It does not feel good, it hurts and bring on pain. In order to get out of this you have to stop, pray, and seek help. Now sometimes it will get you on the right track, it will make you fell better and offer you help but for those hard, painful ones you will have to place your life into the hands of the father. He will cover you, comfort you and shower you will his love. He repairs our life and make it new again.
I guess the moral of this story is : Watch where you walk,
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Bahamian proverbs
ya gat a roach on ya bread (someone taking your man)
you make up ya bed ya ga lie in it (you cause a problem, live the consequences)
every dog gat his day (everyone have problems - today you tomorrow me)
you is ya ma chile (you look just like your mother)
tongue ene ga no bone (you talk to much)
you spit in the wind it blow back in ya face (what goes around comes around)
hand go hand come (as you give so shall you receive)
if you don't hear, ya ga feel (listen or ya ga get a beating)
hard head duck,don't make soup (if you don't listen, you will get a beating! - lol)
hungry make dog eat raw corn (if you hungry you will eat anything (forced to eat anything)
lose goat don't know now how tie goat feel (if you never been there you don't know - don't critize a man until you walk in his shoe)
pot calling the kettle black (me and you gat the same problems/concerns)
every day the bucket go to the well, one day the bottom will drop out (ya play with fire you ga get burn)
jump outta frying pan into the fire (from bad to worst) you know what ya gat)
what you do in the dark will come in the light (when you do things )
as you sow, so shall you reap (for every action there is a reaction)
you can't plant corn and expect peas(as you sow shall so shall you reap)
time and tide wait for no one (there's a time and place for everything)
Peter ene no better than Paul (when criticizing the other, you are perhaps just as guilty)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
My friends.....sister
It was nice to spend time with them and to value the friendship we have together. We are like sisters, Cassie and me, and I do appreciate her so much. She has shown me how to grieve, laugh, and love again. That life goes on in spite of the storms coming your way. I enjoy her company as she is honest with me and cares so much how I feel.
I will forever treasure our relationship and will learn just by watching her. She has been a rock in my life, one that I can trust to stand on in the midst of an earthquake. I do love her
Friday, January 30, 2009
Just for laughs
At a cocktail party, one woman said to another, 'Aren't you wearing your wedding ring on the wrong finger?' 'Yes, I am. I married the wrong man.'
A lady inserted an ad in the classifieds: 'Husband Wanted'. Next day she received a hundred letters. They all said the same thing:'You can have mine.'
When a woman steals your husband, there is no better revenge than to let her keep him. A woman is incomplete until she is married. Then she is finished .
A little boy asked his father, 'Daddy, how much does it cost to get married?' Father replied, 'I don't know son, I'm still paying.'
A young son asked, 'Is it true Dad, that in some parts of Africa a man doesn't know his wife until he marries her?' Dad replied, 'That happens in every country, son.'
Then there was a woman who said, 'I never knew what real happiness was until I got married, and by then, it was too late.'
If you want your spouse to listen and pay strict attention to every word you say talk in your sleep.
Just think, if it weren't for marriage, men would go through life thinking they had no faults at all.
First guy says, 'My wife's an angel!' Second guy remarks, 'You're lucky, mine's still alive.'
'A Woman's Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for: Wisdom to understand a man, to Love and to forgive him, and for Patience for his moods. Because Lord, if I pray for Strength I'll just beat him to death'
AND NOW FOR THE FAVORITE!!! Husband and wife are waiting at the bus stop with their nine children. A blind man joins them after a few minutes. When the bus arrives, they find it overloaded and only the wife and the nine kids are able to fit onto the bus. So the husband and the blind man decide to walk. After a while, the husband gets irritated by the ticking of the stick of the blind man as he taps it on the sidewalk, and says to him, 'Why don't you put a piece of rubber at the end of your stick? That ticking sound is driving me crazy.' The blind man replies, 'If you had put a rubber at the end of YOUR stick, we'd be riding the bus, so shut the hell up.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
We need days like that in our lives, it is to short and already filled with trouble. I intend to enjoy as much as I can for as long as I can. It feel so good to laugh and I had forgotten how to do it but today was a great reminder. Let go and laugh.
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Getting Old
I am an active person and think I could match up with almost anyone but today prove me wrong. I need to accept that I am older and slower. That I do need to sub out of the game to catch my breathe and I need water breaks, lots of break! Ha.... I laugh when it takes me longer to get to the ball, I mean I see it coming and my mind says "RUN" but my feet are not moving. That was awakening.
Life continues to move on, where I was once firm and tight I am now slack and dropping but I am alive and trying to enjoy what I have. It is an honor getting old, hopefully wisdom will come along for the ride. I am grateful that God has given me this time to grow not only old but in grace.
The joy of the Lord is my strength!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
DC# 3 Anger
There is unhealthy anger, you know the ones where you take a bat to something or someone, passive aggressive response and the suppressive ones. In dealing with anger the healthy way we talk about assertive approach ( when you do what is right in spite of), dropping it and leave it to God. In the end, to deal with, to handle it, to overcome it you MUST put your trust in God, read the word and claim his promises.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling an d slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgive you.
Monday, January 26, 2009
PJs
The students enjoyed it of cause and it was between me and another teacher to win but he did in the end. It takes the edge off and you get to have fun with the students for a while. I enjoy this type if change, we should do this more often.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
What can you do.
I don't understand why our marriages can not stand the test of time, why we can't work it out, do what ever it takes to stay together. Is it the distractions in life, is it the contentment with life, is it that we just don't care anymore or is it that we don't have to try if we don't want to.
I look at my parents, my ex in-laws, people of my mother's generations who can boost about 20 years, 35 years 50 years of marriage. That in spite of life turns and trails they are still celebrating wedding anniversaries. How is this possible then and not now. What has changed so much that it no longer works. I really can't find the answer.
I wonder if this is a disease, an epidemic, how can we change this, how can we leave guide lines for those marriages that are in trouble. Can we point them onto the right path, what advices can we give them to keep on trying.
I just wish I had a magic wand to make things ok but I know they only way for all of this to work is trusting in God. Honestly, if it had not been for God in my life I don't know how I would have made it. There were and still are days when there is no one, nothing to lean on then I remember God and his love. He has been there for me from the beginning and I will never let go.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Sick and tired of being sick and tired
If I could live my life quiet, in peace and enjoying each day, then I will be a happy camper but it is not like that at all. I am confronted with turmoils, troubled with confusion and as indecisive as one could be. At times I don't even know what I want to eat for dinner.
I do know that I intend to fight through this fog of life and come what may I will be victorious. I am so tired of being defeated and pushed aside by the storms of life. I guess when you get sick and tired of being sick and tired you will do something. Believe me I am sick and tired.!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Alone ?
Today I feel much better, back to school and it was nice that my students missed me and was concerned about me being sick. They offered to help carry my books, clean my board, bring me water, get me tissue... that was nice.
I am not really alone.:-)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
DC #2
The lesson was on "Divorce is like grief," the lost of something special in your life. It was hard and it hurts like it was death. The death tells you that all your plans, dreams, goals, hope for the future are gone. That you are no longer two but one, a torn one. When two get married they become on flesh and when you divorce the two separate.. only that they do not separate, they are torn apart. Have you ever seen a torn meat from an animal, it is never on a dotted line, it is never neat or right down the middle perfect, NO!! it is ripped, zig-zag with dripping edges.
You now have to realize that you have to change your thinking. When you use to think and do for two you now have to do it all for one, you are now single and me at 40 + years old now have to do that and it sucks. Healing from this will take time a lot of time and I am just beginning. A lady in my group says she gets 2 hrs sleep each night because she is afraid to sleep alone, that she doesn't think she could face her future alone, she might have to find someone,anyone to help fill the frighting void. I don't recommend that "from the pot into the fire" is where she will end up.
My father has been dead for over 25 years and it still pains to think about him, that he is gone never to return. Is that how it will be I was told that as the years go on I will think about him less and less and that is hope at least for me. I asked the group will he ever feel the pain and know he was the one who step outside our marriage. One man said why am I concern if he will get his, he is no longer my problem and that is between Winston and God. He is right and I should spend my time on me and look to my future and leave Winston alone.
I feel like the kids in the car on a long long road trip, asking dad " Are we there yet?"
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Our Black President
Wow..... who would have ever thought this day would come and in their life time. I am so proud to be a part of this great history for the black people of the world. This event is a world event and not only the United States. I have my TV on in my class and my students are very interested ( they are all white). Even though they are only in 6th grade they do understand the change that is happening and the excitment behind it. Of cause they are filled with questions but only time will tell what type of president he will be.
I don't agree with everything he is for and his religion is of concern to me but I guess we are to be ever so watchful and continue to pray.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Mood swings
This is new to me and I like to be one who can control my emotions but it is a learning process and I am a slow learner. So bare with me, pray for me and trust that I am working it out for my good.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Alone
This journey that I am on has lead me to find out who I am and what I need to work on. I guess that being alone exam you from the inside out and show you really don't like about yourself. I am starting to understand me, what I am all about. I want to change, to be a better person. I am learning to make the adjustments to my life and cut away those things I no longer need. I will get better and I know it is just a matter of time.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Getting away
Her kids call me auntie ( they are very white and I am not) they run to hug and kiss me. They don't see color, they don't care if I am divorced, they still love me for who I am and that's such a great feeling.
I like getting away, I must do this often even if it means flying.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The number 9
Wow, I now know where I am, in the stages of rebuilding my life in 2009..................................... the year of rebuilding!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
My friend....Cassie
To hang around her and her family this weekend will be exactly what I need, to forget my heartaches, worries and anger and just to relax and laugh for a change.
We have great talks, lots of laughs and bundles of food. She reminds me that in spite of hard times and changes,we learn to survive, cope and that life goes on. She has lost a young son, divorced, relocate, remarried,hates her job,mother of a step-son and yet she finds time to encourage me, to lift me up and to reassure me of hope. What a friend.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
1st meeting
Some were married for 17 yrs, 29yrs,74 days. Some husbands were ministers, soldiers,CEO. They had children, grandchildren, stepchildren. Not surprisingly most of them had husbands who had affairs.
After watching a DVD on what to expect and was given a work book we had discussion. I was glad to see others thinking like me, angry like me, in pain like me. We were black, white, brown, fat, skinny it did not mattered with divorce, it crossed all types.
I am happy I went. I want to be healed, I want to move on. You know it says it takes 5 years to get over divorce, that's a long time when you are fighting with your emotions. I felt the connection and I will be going back next week.
I want to be a better person, I want to live my life free of Winston and believe me, I WILL!!
Monday, January 12, 2009
I feel as if I am going up an incline but can't reach the top. I fight the winds of disappointments, the storms of feeling defeated and gravity of worthlessness. I can see the top, I strive to get there but the struggle can be so hard. I am traveling with a lot of baggage,lost of a marriage, a home, a family, a future. I do realize that if I stop I will become contented where I am and stay there, allowing myself to believe that I have reached my potential and there is no need to go any farther.I refuse to settle for something along the way, I refuse to think " at least I can survive here, it's really not what I want but it's good enough".
I will not fall into that trap. I am made for more than enough.I am going to keep pursuing God, I am going to trust God to help me expand my horizons and keep believing for all that he has for me.
I am going to make it all the way to my Promise Land.
" I'm not going to settle for a little love and joy, a bit of peace and contentment, or for a small helping of happiness. No, I'm going to reach my full potential in God . I am going to start living my best life NOW!"
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Love
Sabrina Black says it is important to preserve the relationships with your loved ones to the best of your ability. She says, "Family members will often send mixed messages. You need to make sure you are being prayerful before God as you communicate with them. You need to keep in mind that the relationship is the most important thing. The goal is to love the other person, and as you are loving the person, you need to be honest with him or her."
God wants you to love people even when they have been unlovable, even when they have spoken against you, hurt you, or blamed you. This kind of love can be difficult because you won't feel like loving certain people. Ask God to help you with this. As a human, you cannot do it on your own, but with the help of the Holy Spirit you can learn to love with a godly love regardless of another person's response to you.
"Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8 NLT).
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Changes
I am going to sleep at least until 11am tomorrow. I feel so drained this week as I have decided to make some changes in my life.
I have started exercising! yes, my 6th and 7th classes each day are P.E. classes and I have started a exercising program with them. I too am walking the laps, getting down and doing the leg-lifts, push-ups, sit-ups etc..... I have changed me eating habits and as hungry as I am for fast foods I refuse it.
I have come to realized that I need to take better care of myself. I am almost 1/2 way there in age and if I plan to be around longer I need to start NOW! Chile..... I went on the scale last night and was shocked to see how much I weight, even though I don't looked that heavy, I am. I am a divorce, single, middle aged woman who has to live for me. I need to get out there and be able to participate in the great out- doors and trying to do that fat and rolling "ain't gon work."
I am looking for great, pleasant outcome by the summer. I want to be 2-3 sizes smaller and looking good. I want to experience the best there is for me and I am going after it.
Dare to step out of your comfort zone today. God has so much more in store. Keep pursuing and keep believing. It doesn't take any more effort to believe and stay filled with faith than it takes to develop a negative and defeated attitude.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Give me a bat!
Oh I got angry.Now hear me out first ok?.........
I was angry, very angry because I feel like he is all over town parading himself with his girlfriend playing house,with no hint of remorse, no hint of repentance, no hint of honor, no hint of knowing he has destroyed his family. But..... on the other hand why am I angry, we are, after all, divorced and he I guess has a right to be seen doing whatever he wants and with anyone he pleases, even if she is his student and 20 years younger. Why should it make any difference to me, why should I care.
I just want to get him in a room with a bat and beat him til I can't anymore!!
( i am not really violent)
I am still trying to work all of this out...... The road that is taking me to my destination appears to be filled with bumps and curves,...the unexpected ones but I will get there!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Stinks
That very night, Winston's brother Woody called me to say Merry Christmas and through my tears I expressed my feelings where he assured me that his babies will always be my babies. What comfort, what relief. I'd grieved the death of my marriage and did not want to grieve the lost of them too.
This divorce journey has no comfort, no resting place, no refreshments. I do know that this too shall pass but right now.......IT STINKS!!!!!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
1 down 20 to go
1 down and 20 more days to go, I expect great break- through. I realized that somethings in order for it to happened will only come from fasting and prayers. God is so good and just to spend time with him without the interruption of the world brings me peace in the time of my storms.
Monday, January 5, 2009
What....? Strong hey:-)
I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.
I will not refuse to do something I can do".
Sunday, January 4, 2009
21 days of fasting and prayers
This year I am looking for God to restore my life, open doors for me, bring me to a place that when I cry it is for joy and not pain. I am excited as I look forwards to what God has plan for me. I challenge you to take the 21 days of fasting and prayers and see what God will do in your life, I grantee it will be for the worth it all.
" For I know the plans I have for you" declares the LORD " plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Saturday, January 3, 2009
28th Anniversary........ no
I did something very childish yesterday. I made Winston an anniversary card saying how I thought it would have been forever but because he couldn't keep it in his pants ( I put a picture of an old man and a dog,April together and a bolt separating another picture of a black woman standing along. (me). I then put into a gift bag a small box of grits, 1 can of tuna and a lime tapped to the can. Grits and tuna is his favorite breakfast so I send it to him and said enjoy . I know he does not know how to cook it and his white girlfriend so does not know how. I would give anything to see his face when he saw it all. I know, I know.... I should be much more mature than that but it was something I had to do.
TNoya said I must make it the last time because I am wasting my time on someone who does not care and will not remember important dates. Sadly she is right, as I realized that even though I was the victim in all of this I had to do all the changes. I had to leave the home I knew for a little 1 bedroom apartment, I had to pay for the divorce in full because he send no money, I had to go through the divorce myself, I had to say goodbye to my baby and pay her college fees myself and Winston on the other hand has done NOTHING!!! He never moved, he never gave me a cent for his children, he has stayed in his environment and has a girlfriend who is now living with him, doing what he needs so he never missed anything. I think it is so unfair that I have to face all this by myself and he is going on happy with life. No fair at all. I know I sound angry, yes I AM VERY, VERY, ANGRY!!!
Anyway, there are no more anniversaries but this is a new year and I am determined not to be or feel defeated,rejected and alone. I am trusting in God and he will see me through. I am the head and not the tail. I know I have choices and I can choose to cry in a corner or get out and be victorious.
I choose to be victorious!!!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Determined !
As I ponder on 2009, I wonder if this is the year for me, if this year I would experience happiness, I will cry less, I will accomplished success..... is this for me? Anyway, I am determined to make my life better, to strive forwards. I am going to claim this year 2009, a year of great progress for me!!!!