#AboutThatLife

#AboutThatLife

Thank God for Jesus and the eternal life that He has given to us...

As a new year approaches, I am encouraging my readers to seek first the Lord as the year 2016 arrives. The Bible says if we seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, all things will be given to us. (Matt 6:33) I am headed into this new year thankful, but most of all in the mode of seeking. Seeking Life, seeking how to help others more, seeking how to not be so materialistic, seeking how to make others smile, seeking how to take little... and try to make it much... for others to benefit from. I don't know about you, but in 2016... I'm about that life... that abundant life that overflows into the lives of others. If it means taking my "extra" to help feed or clothe or share the "good news" to someone who is in need... then that's what I'll be doing. It doesn't take much to do unto others as you'd have them do unto you. It doesn't take much to spend a little time & money to make someone else's day. Yes, my blog has been in the same vein for a minute... helping others... but what is life if someone else's life is not affected positively by your own?

Happy New Year friends. May the peace of God rest, rule and abide in your life and the lives of others that you are blessed to touch in this new season of opportunity.

Let's Be About That Life!

In the words of Mahalia Jackson..."If I can help somebody, as I pass along,

If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song,
If I can show somebody, that he's travelling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain.

Chorus:
My living shall not be in vain,
Then my living shall not be in vain
If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
Then my living shall not be in vain.

If I can do my duty, as a good man ought,
If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought,
If I can spread love's message, as the Master taught,
Then my living shall not be in vain."

Peace and Blessings,

LaShawna

#SheWishes

#WishList

3 John 1:2 (King James Bible)

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

John 15:7 (New American Standard Bible)

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

There are many folks out and about, hustling and bustling, web surfing, catalogue browsing... to find that perfect wish list item for their loved ones.  We all fall into the wave of shoppers, whether we begin in July, October... or wait for this last week leading up to the "big day". 

For some, a gift is as simple as a tin of cookies, baked fresh from the oven, delivered to the door of a neighbor. For others, it's placing a gift card into an envelope and placing in the mailbox with his or her mail carrier's name on it.  Some go even further to donate their time and resources to local shelters and food banks... giving of themselves, knowing that many are so unfortunate at this time of year... "Kris Kringle" doesn't pass by his or her "tree"... because there may not be one... there may not even be a home or a fireplace for good old "Saint Nicholas" to surreptitiously enter to grant wishes.

These and other thoughts about wishes, gifts, and "Santa" have been dancing in my head like sugar plums of the wonderful Christmas tale that many of us grew up on. However, the reality is that many of our brothers and sisters do not experience having their wish list checked off on Christmas Day... or any other day for that matter.  I'd like to think that we all live in a beautiful world where we all "pay it forward"... we reach out and touch, we help our brothers and sisters out, allowing for a smile... but some do not meet the mark. Most of us carry on in our own private lives selfishly... getting, getting and getting... not serving, giving, and helping.  I was touched when my daughter begged to find someone somewhere to help during this holiday season. She touched our hearts so, that we began to search the area for shelters and services.  I feel in my heart that she knows the plight of some, and her wish is to help others.  I thank God for such a compassionate child.

So, when you are summing up your wish list, checking twice the list of your child, husband, wife,  and loved ones... remember to be thankful that there's a wish to be granted. Whether you are on the receiving end, or otherwise... could you possibly remember that long ago there was a wish that all men might be saved, and be given a chance at life in abundance? That abundant life didn't/doesn't mean a life filled with Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Celine, Valentino, Hermes, Goyard, Louis Vuitton or Gucci. Nor does the abundant life necessarily mean life without stress, heartache, sickness or pain.  The abundant life-wish from our God through our Savior, Jesus Christ is one that has given us the opportunity to live with Peace, Love and Joy each day, knowing that we have a place with God if we live according to His Word... not just on one day that is so commercialized that I don't even seriously count it as a Christian holiday anymore. What I do count it as a time to pray, follow peace with all men and women whom I love and don't know (to love) but try to find love in my heart for all.  We are flawed, but there is a wish that settles upon our souls that we all find the way to redemption, that we all find the road to love unconditionally and to serve others.  I know that I have not met that mark 100% daily, but I do find that in my heart, there is a willingness, and if we act upon that... soon it will emanate through us into the hearts of others...causing wishes to become a reality and not just something we ponder within.

Peace and Blessings to all, may the God of our Salvation rest within your hearts at Christmas and all the New Year through.

~LaShawna

#SheIsJoyful

#Joyful

" Joy, joy... God's great joy. Joy, joy... down in my soul! Sweet beautiful... soul-saving joy... Oh, joy, joy in my soul!" ~K. Franklin

I am joyful at this time of year... many find it hard to be so, due to grief, depression, distance in relation to family members, lack, etc.  However, the Bible shares so many wonderful words of encouragement...on being joyful.  If you would just read these and meditate on them, I know that you will find a spot in your heart and mind to be joyful on today and throughout this holiday season.

Psalm 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Psalm 47:1 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

Psalm 63:5-7 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

Psalm 96:11-13 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.  Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

*Note to self: Joy comes from within... and within me is Jesus... therefore I have #JesusJoy!


Photo courtesy: My own


Peace and Blessings,


LaShawna 



#ShePraises

#Praise

Psalm 33:1 (B) =  Praise is comely for the upright.

Today's encouragement is to praise God our maker in the good and the bad... and especially in "the in- between".

You just  may not know how your praise can help you through uncertain situations.  Trusting God through unsettling or uncertain experiences may be a hard thing to some, but it's worth putting your mind and heart to it. Once you've put your focus on trusting God whole heartedly, you are free to praise God in the meantime.

I really needed to be in an atmosphere of Praise on this past Sunday's worship experience with those of like mind. I was so happy that praise and "praisers" met me at the door! I began on Saturday night by praising God along with my daughter (yes train them up!) However, my yearning was for corporate praise in the House of God. I am so thankful that God answers prayers RIGHT AWAY!

It is fitting to praise God, let us sing joyfully to the Lord! God has done more than just wake you, put a few dollars in your pocket... more than given you a portion of good health and strength... more than put you in your right mind! Speak or shout a word of praise to your Maker. He deserves the Glory!

For I simply #PraiseHim

Peace and Blessings,

LaShawna

*Note to self: Prayer...Praise...Power! That's it!

#BumpInTheNight

Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night... afraid, nervous, excited, anticipating something?  Have you ever been awake, not wanting to be, but just couldn't get back to sleep in the early hours of the morning? I've been there many times, and most times I remember what my mother told me years ago..."Just pray, Shawna." Today I encourage you to say a little prayer, talk to Jesus about whatever is keeping you awake at night (when you are stirred from your sleep).  It may be nothing to cry into your pillow over, you may only be anxious about a new position or situation in your life... you may just be worried about an upcoming event... but nothing helps more than talking to the Lord about it while the night is yet still... no one but you may be awake... and God of course! Sometimes I even feel that He hears me just a tad bit better at those times... (I know that's not biblical... for He sees and hears and knows all... all the time) It comforts me to feel that way though.  So... just draw on that quiet time. Say a few words to the Master. Mention your brother and sister to Him, thank Him, reverence Him... and finish out your rest.... knowing that all will be well.


Let your prayers be that bump in the night... knocking on heaven's door... straight to the ears of Jesus.


Peace and Blessings,


LaShawna


*Note to self: Be still and know that God is God... know that He hears even the tiniest whisper from your heart.

#SheIsThankful

Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy one, give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ His son.

                          #Give Thanks

                            #BeGrateful

#Family
#Love
#Faith
#Food
#Listening
#Helping
#Encouraging
#Smiling
#Laughing

* Note to self: Be grateful for Family...they are the beats of your heart.

Happy Thanksgiving, with love!

#HeWatchesMe

Matthew 10:29-31

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.  

Fear not, friends... God is with us... no matter what situation may arise in this incredibly wayward world... God is with us, and he has not forgotten us; nor will he allow you to bear a burden that you cannot handle.  I love how the passage above reminds us of how precious we are in the sight of our Lord.  He knows how many hairs are upon our heads...even the ones that shed! We are so precious to God, our maker and creator. Our value outweighs the beautiful creatures that God created before we (humans) even came to be.  When you feel as if you are alone in this great big pond of many fishes... know that God sees and he knows all.  Don't fret because of other's who may prosper along the journey. Don't fear because of man and his divisive tactics... neither should we take thought for tomorrow...for tomorrow is in God's hands.  Let us stay prayerful, diligent in our own prayer life and actions. Keep your mind stayed upon the Creator, God... for your heavenly father is looking out for you.

#HeWatchesMe

*Note to self: God has his eye on me...am I behaving as I should?

Photo Courtesy: Google

                         

                                                           

#TheKey

#TheKey

Have you ever wondered... what is the key to success?  Is it landing a "Good Government Job"... making six figures...have you arrived when you are given a view of the city from the office?  Is the key to success having a position in which you are the leader of the division, group, team, office, etc?  Have you reached success when others look to you for all of the answers as you sit on your Blackberry or iPhone and answer emails daily? Is it being able to review your resume to find a million bullet points denoting your successes, contributions and experiences? Is it checking your bank statement, reassuring yourself with a smile that you've got your family covered? Is the key to success finding that awesome mentor in the workplace who has vowed to get you to where you've got to go so that they may go ahead and retire, and leave it all to you?


Is it seeing your name in lights?  Seeing your name in print? Seeing your name on a product? Hearing your name over the airwaves/radio waves, seeing yourself on the big screen/ small screen, on a national television program or even on a news story?


Some may agree that all of thee above spell out success.


My question to you is, how do YOU spell success?  As you ponder on today or on this week the things that you have done in life, or the things that you are cooking up now to share with the world...how does your current measure of success add up to what you have told yourself before you began... and is it in line with what God has planned?  Remember God has the key.


I love this passage from Joshua 1:8 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 success.


*Note to self: If God be for me, who can be against me? He holds the key to my #success.


Photo Courtesy: Google

#Being

1. Existence

2. The nature or essence of a person

3. A living thing

4. The state of existing

5. The most important or basic part of a person's mind or self

#TheStateOfBeing

Who are you being from day to day? Are you being your authentic self or the "self" that someone else desires for you to be?

At what point in life do we realize our true existence, and our purpose?

Is your state of existence helping or hindering those around you?

When you are gone from this earth, will your "being" have made an impact that causes a legacy to remain? If so, how will others view your legacy, and will it be a positive or negative one?

Think on these things and see if your state of existence is purposeful...if you can't put your finger on your place in this world... it's not too late!

*Note to self... You are important to someone.

Photo Courtesy: AdForum.com

#BringItBack

       So...are you enjoying #AllThingsPumpkinSpice lately? Maybe you're anti-pumpkin spice. Have you pulled the autumnal layers and woolen vestitures out of hiding? 

This weekend is the time when we 

"Fall Back".

I absolutely enjoy Autumn the most out of each season. The lovely warm layers we wear; the fall earth tones...amber, sage, deep wine, and caramel...best of all... the beauty of God's creation that dots the Creator's canvas as one travels along the countryside, mountains or even a tree lined neighborhood... these are all things that make me smile.

Are you ready? If this too is your favorite season, what are the "Things of Autumn" that make you smile or feel cozy?

I'll add a few more to my list above... are these some of yours also?

1. Enjoying  a crisp walk as my feet stamp onto fallen leaves.

2. Closing my eyes and taking in the woodsmoke of a nearby hearth fire.

3. Pumpkin Spice Lattes 

4. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Sweets

5. Spending Quality Time with Family at Thanksgiving

6. Boots and Leather Skirts =)

7. Riding through Capitol Hill and spying the beauty of the lit row homes at dusk... as families prepare meals or settle in for the evening ahead.

8. Humidity-free Hair Days

9. Scarves, Turtlenecks and Berets

10.  Memories of first meeting my husband in the month of October; and then the thrill of dating him in the Autumn air...

#Let'sGoBack

*Note to self... Turn the clocks back on Saturday night...get that extra hour!

Photo Courtesy: My own 

#HighSteppin'

...but your steps are "ordered"...aren't they?

Ever wonder why we do some of the things we do? As humans, we err.

No one is perfect.

There are various misconceptions of perfection.

We can strive for perfection and maturity in this life; but we cannot crucify ourselves if we've not been able to fit the mold of societal expectations.

Mistakes are bound to occur in one's life. We don't all choose wisely, we may not all have excellent guidance down the pathway of life... for some, options may be slim to none... However, there are goals and expectations that we can set for ourselves if we want to do better... or help others to do better.  Don't hold onto your tricks of the trade for self satisfaction... share how you've obtained goals set, how you've met your own expectations... surpassed them even, and watch someone else flourish in his or her life. Your steps may provide the way for someone who is looking to you for direction. Be careful where you lead...

The steps of a good man are ordered... some people take that and run... they say, "Well some people are just set up to make it...some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth... and some people are just unfortunately set up to fail..." Hmmm maybe, maybe not. Although circumstances may abound, and there may be things that cause us to make hasty decisions, or no decision at all... we must be prepared to choose.  My aim today is to encourage you... whatever expectations you are trying to reach... you can meet them if you are realistic in your thought process, and in the way that you approach whatever it is...plan along the way... place your feet in a position to properly travel the pathway that is set before you. Yes, you may stumble, scuff your shoe, stub your toe as you go... but hey, we have all done that. Grab some shoe polish or track shoes and keep on running!

#PrepareToChoose

#ComeOnAndEaseOnDownTheRoad

#PressOn

#HigherThoughts

#DustYourselfOffAndTryAgain

*Note to self...Don't trip...keep on steppin'

Photo Courtesy: My own

Tell me What You're Interested in... #SheShares

I've gotten a few requests on topics to discuss...

Let me know via blog comment, FB inbox, Twitter, or @ lashawnanicolemoore@gmail.com if you guys are interested in ...

1. Style tips (OOTD, SOTD) -- outfit of the day, shoe of the day

2. Hair Tidbits

3.More Spirituality

4. Art

5. Music

6. HappyWifeHappyLife

7. RaisingGraciousGirls

8. Sheer Randomness

I am willing to share, based on prior requests, but I am going to always go with my heart, and what I am feeling led to share.  I just thought I'd ask since some wonderful readers have approached me in the areas noted above. If there are topics that I didn't note, don't hesitate to ask. =0)

Peace and Blessings!

~LM 

#Beloved

"Be-Love-Ed"

"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine..." Song of Solomon 6:3a

#TrulyandDearlyLoved

I feel so very loved, and there is such an abundant outpouring of love in my heart for those closest to me these days.  Lately, my Sweetie Pie has been expressing how she loves me because I am the BEST Mommie there is... well, a mother and a father knows that this is the ultimate feeling... to have your child express their genuine and most sincere feelings without asking for a thing in return... yep I waited for it... but nothing... the next words were, "When will you be home?"  Gosh, she melts my heart and takes my breath away so often with her sincerity. I have been hearing in my heart, the scripture written in Matthew 3:17..."And lo a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."  To my readers who are parents...please do not allow one moment to pass in your life... from here on out, that you do not make your child(ren) aware that they are very much loved by you, the family, caregiver, guardian, or whomever is in the role of parents. Showing love is the one thing that children desire. People can show love with gifts... but I stress today that we be present physically & emotionally...no strings attached.

Let them know that you are pleased with them, whether it be that pretty picture drawn in art class, the clean room when you didn't have to ask, or the win on the sports team... show them that they are truly loved and respected, and that just them being "them" gives you the pleasure of them belonging to you.

Now... when I read the passage in Song of Solomon, instantly my heart skipped a beat for my own Beloved... my Mister, my husband... my love...my "rescuer". Yes, I say so very often that he rescued me... from a situation far beyond my and my parents' imagination, and we all are so very thankful to God for that! He lets me know that I am his and that he is mine in the littlest of ways as well as the grandest. I am so thankful to my Lord for placing my own beloved's into my life, and for granting me the relationships that I have...beginning with my parents who are #TrulyAndDearlyLoved...my first beloved hearts.  As a child, I used to hear the preacher say to the congregation... "Well, beloved hearts..." I didn't give it much thought then... but if you don't take anything with you after reading today... I just want you to know that you are God's Beloved Hearts... He sent Jesus...His Beloved Son...to rescue you...to reconcile you back to Him (God)...He sees you, loves you... and you should know that you are #TrulyAndDearlyLoved.

*Note to self... Simply love with the heart... and not just with words.

Photo Courtesy: Wallpaperswide.com



#Contentment

Cheers to a New Week!


#BeHappy  #BeContent #BeAppreciative




Philippians 4:10-14  (Message Bible) says this..."I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles."


I love this passage and thought I'd share this particular translation, as I feel that it is so greatly filled with clarity...so much so, that I am considering this version to gift to my daughter.


My note to you today as you look forward to a new week is to be happy and content in the state that you're in. You never know what is just around the corner if you just show your gratitude toward God, our Maker...and be considerate and kind to those who you know are praying for and with you. Today I am grateful for the littlest thing... telework! God knows that after a busy and productive weekend, I very much needed my coffee in my PJ's and slippers. As I watch the deer frolic outside my kitchen window, preparing for my day...a sigh of contentment comes over me. I am appreciative of the little things, as well as the greater. Of course I am grateful for Life, Health, Strength, my Right Mind, Family, Provision...etc. What things in your life are you appreciative of? If your situation is not in the place that is ideal, how can you change your heart and thoughts to see the positive...to look forward with contentment?


Paul wrote while incarcerated...and the tone of his writings are awe inspiring. One may ask, "How can a person be so happy and content while in a dead-end situation?" Hope of a future and expected end which is made possible through Jesus Christ is my answer.


Now, I must start my workday... but I encourage all of my readers to be positive and ready to embrace what is just beyond your reach... while in a position of stillness, or if you feel like you're just plain "stuck"...check your heart to see if it's primed for what's next...prepare yourself for what is to come and #BeHappy #BeGrateful #LittleBecomesMuch


*Note to self... Don't fret over what's not happening right now, but keep focused on the end game.


Photo Courtesy: My Own

#FarAndAway

#FarAndAway

How many of us can think of someone who we love... but we just can't stomach some of his or her ways, dealings, lifestyle and such?

Today I am thinking of how in life, people sometimes make mistakes; and these mistakes are very much lauded and praised by members of our society.  People make conscious decisions to travel the wrong path... for monetary gain, for false praise or flattery, to make themselves happy selfishly... sometimes it all boils down to making oneself look good in the eyes of others.  Well... those who know the truth... see it for what it truly is. 

I had to take a long hard look at myself and say..."Self...it's not your problem." I had to learn how to turn the mirror on me, still trying not to judge or point fingers... but realize that what other people do with their lives does not affect the way I live mine. If we are well adjusted in our own lives, we can't behave in a way that causes ourselves to fret over the shenanigans of others. If there are people who we encounter in life who consciously make poor decisions, we must pray for them and show the love of Jesus... all the while... #LovingThemFromFarAway

#KnowYourTruth

#SheIsNotAnEnabler

*Note to self... Keep your own nose clean.

Photo Courtesy: artblart.files.wordpress.com



#ShineOn

#ShineOn

It's not so bad getting older... some say...

What woman smiles when she discovers a new strand that has lost its rich hue, only to give way to that glistening silver...or grey... or white?

Men look debonair,  handsome, distinguished... women... well... we look old, haggard, grandmotherly... we rush to hide it, rinse it, dye it... but why?

Proverbs  20:29 says in the New Living Translation, "The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old."

Well after taking this in, I said to myself... #Splendid

I shine, you shine, shine...ladies and gentlemen...Shine with splendor! One of my cousins shared with me that he loves his grey, and encouraged me to stop cringing over my own that surfaced at my college graduation. What a "welcome to the rest of your life." Soon after, I did embrace it, and ceased from artificially coloring my hair. (Thanks Anthony! )

#SheShines

If you look at it as if you've been blessed beyond measure with health, wisdom, substance, and the wherewithal to obtain and enjoy these things... you may see a few beautifully splendid shining hairs which have solidified their right to stand tall, or wayward, or wiry...  

Shine on friends...embrace your splendiferous crown of experience and knowledge. 

*Note to self: Shine... shine, let your light so shine! 

Photo courtesy : My own 

#SheIsMoreThanAConquerer

Who is Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

#SheIsMoreThanAConquerer

Romans 8:37

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

Today was the third time that I was given the opportunity-- Made to give a presentation to new hires to our illustrious Agency. Yes... the strikethrough is purposefully done. I hate to stand in front of others and speak... especially when it's about true subject matter, of which I am deemed an SME (Subject Matter Expert) Ha! I love terms of work-related endearment. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my job, my leaders, and it's content... I just hate delivering. Many readers would say, "but you take the microphone and sing for the Lord without any problems..." Yes, under the absolute ANOINTING... where is the "presentation anointing"? Where is the "Gift of Gab" anointing when you need it? I digress... so I just want to share that I am no longer afraid of that Big Bad Wolf called public speaking... well, at least for the next few months. My turn will come around again in a few months... and I again will have to face the proverbial wolf... staring me down, snarling, teeth gnashing and all. At that point, I will have successfully provided a bit more input into our presentations which should quell my anxiety a bit more, and relieve the newbies just arriving to the Agency. Don't you just love when you are given a task that others find you so well equipped to handle with ease? I wish I could see me the way they do! Ha... until then... I am more than a conqueror.  I meditate on the Word and I adore this little quote I've embraced. I would love to share it with each of you who find yourselves in the same quandary as I have...

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure... we ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, talented and fabulous, actually who are you not to be." ~ Marianne Williamson

 #YouCanDoIt

#SheSurvives

*Note so self... You are stronger than you think, believe it... breathe it in and out... become it...just be.

Photo Courtesy: www.dreamatico.com