HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Posted by Diana on May 11, 2013
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HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

To all my wonderful, amazing, SUPER HERO MOMS:

Ran in my community this morning:  3.08 | 42:01 | 13 min mile!  Ha!!  Is that any reflection of how much I wanted to run this morning?

Then, I had a thought:  My desire to run and my outcome is a direct reflection of what it’s like to be a SINGLE MOM!  There are days we have it pinned!  We are sprinting through life, making great time and momentum, meeting our responsibilities and feeling great!  But then there are days we find ourselves pushing, not wanting to take another step, much less another mile, feeling overwhelmed with the ‘dual role’, wondering if we are going to make it to ‘the finish’…..others seem to be sprinting at the speed of light, but our emotions, fears, and insecurities are weighing us down!

Let me tell you what helped me this morning:  When I was running at less than my best, I thought of the MEDALS I have hanging on my wall!  I thought of the 5k’s, 10k’s and 1/2 marathons that I have crossed the finish line sprinting like ‘A BEAST!!!!  I refused to allow one day of fatigue and lack of passion to determine my success as a runner.  I was kind to myself and even walked the last few minutes!!

Same principle applies to being a MOM –   There will be tough days, days we feel less than our best, questioning every decision and behavior, but we must lead our minds to ‘the medals’ we have raised, meaning our children!  How amazing they are, the obstacles that have been conquered and God’s abundant grace and mercy through it all!  Especially the many times we hear them cheer:  I love you, Mommy!  

Be kind to yourself and relax in the knowledge that you are not parenting alone. God is with you all the way and ultimately, they belong to HIM!

Friend, you are a “MAMA BEAST” and deserve a medal for raising such fine children!

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS… AGAIN!

Posted by Diana on December 12, 2012
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I’m sure you hear this every year around this time, so I’ll get straight to the point!

Number One:  I wish you a very blessed New Year!  I pray that God grant you all the desires of your heart and then some :)

Number Two:  I strongly (did I say strongly?…. yes, I did!) challenge you to take dominion of every area of your life.  The Bible says it like this: “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13 NKJV

Notice it does not say that Christ will do ALL things for you!!!  He will give us the strength and provide resources to bring necessary changes to our life.

“Top New Year’s Resolutions”

Marriage:  If your marriage is not where it should be, do not sit on your lovely glutes and allow it to wither away.   Take dominion and seek counsel! There is an abundance of resources available at your fingertips.  If your spouse is not willing to seek counsel, you should still seek counsel for the good of your marriage.

  • Marriage Counseling – Church, Community, Professional services
  • Marriage Seminars – Church, Community, Professional Services
  • Local bookstores – Magazine Articles, Books, Podcasts, DVD, etc.
  • Amazon, Google, Kindle.. I think you get it!

Friendships:  Make sure you surround yourself with people that believe in you and your destiny.  Keep in mind that if someone does not honor your God given journey, they do not honor YOU!

  • Are we aligned with people who are readily available during our victorious times, but are nowhere to be found during our hardships?
  • Are we aligned with people that seem empathetic during our hardships, but are not there to applaud our victories and great successes?

Our friends have the power to speak life into us, empower us to strive for our destiny, or they have the power to paralyze our efforts with ill advice or motives.  Take dominion and assess your circle of friends!

Weight Loss:  This is the most common resolution on the planet!  Best time of year for fitness gyms, weight loss programs, diets, etc.  Everyone claims to have the answer for your weight loss goals and to be honest, a lot of them are right.  However, only you can determine what your goals are and what works best for you.  Take dominion and manage your health and fitness goals!

  • Join a gym – Don’t leave it for another day and please stop making excuses. You are only hurting yourself.  If you don’t feel good about yourself, it will affect every area of your life.  Depression, low self-esteem, lack of energy, lack of joy and the list goes on… (My motto:  Eat, Pray & do Zumba!)
  • Join a team – Research sports or activities in your area that would interest you.  Rather than sitting in front of the TV or struggling to zip up your jeans, go for a walk or run!  I would invest in a good pair of sneakers and pass up that new purse or latest gadget :)    Ask a friend to join you….. but be willing to go solo!
  • Try a few sample products that will kick start your weight loss – Evaluate your budget.  How much are you spending at the coffee shop?  How much are you spending at the Drive -thru?  (You know which one!) How much are you willing to invest in your future?  Consider budgeting for a healthier lifestyle and include a program that is easy, deliciously effective and that provides results. (Delicious is a plus!)  It’s much wiser to invest in good health than to invest in medication for bad health.   You think?
  • I can make a few suggestions of products available to kick start your weight loss goals.  Just ask!  However, unless you make a decision to change your lifestyle we’ll have this talk again in December of 2013  :)

Only you can determine the YOU.. YOU want to be!   Happy New Year and many blessings to you!

 

 

DIVINE ALIGNMENTS

Posted by Diana on December 1, 2012
Posted in: Hidden Jewels. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

I shared this thought a couple of years ago and it has rung so true in my life. I would like to challenge you to observe your alignments. The people you have chosen to do life with are your divine alignments. Our alignments (friends, family, associates) have the power to speak life into us, propel us to walk into our divine destiny, or they have the power to paralyze our attempts of pursuing our dreams.

Paul and Silas had a balanced alignment. Silas not only walked with Paul during his times of victory and great anointing, but he also walked with him during his time of hardship. When they shared a prison cell for preaching Christ, Silas was of one mind and one spirit; he took the same beating and worshipped God along with Paul, even if he was not the main speaker. This is an area that should be carefully and strategically observed in our own life.

  • Are we aligned with people who are readily available during our victorious times, but are nowhere to be found during our hardships?
  • Are we aligned with people that seem empathetic during our hardships, but are not there to applaud our victories and great successes?

Before King David was king, he was called in to play for King Saul. A distressing spirit had come upon Saul and his servants sought out a skillful player, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and handsome person, and the Lord was with him. [1 Sam. 16:18] Saul was so blessed and impressed by him that he sent a message to Jesse, requesting he send David to him. Verse 21 says, “And he loved him greatly and he became his armor bearer.” The sad news is that Saul was unable to love David during his great successes. When the women of the city sang in praise of David’s defeats, Saul resented him in his heart and later sought to kill him.

It is important to strategically choose our alignments and quickly identify who we allow in our life. We all need people that will be a comfort in time of need, but who will also have the caliber and self assurance to applaud our great success. I believe we should exercise the same care in choosing friendships as we do in choosing a mate. Friends are people we will be sharing life with and they possess the power to speak life into us, or paralyze our efforts with their words and/or behavior.

Prov. 18:24 “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

BATTLE OF THE SEXES!

Posted by Diana on September 21, 2012
Posted in: Hidden Jewels, Single Adults. Tagged: , , , . 1 comment

Special Guest:

Mr. Anthony Laguna

Educator and Mid-Week Teaching Pastor

Templo Calvario, Santa Ana, California

IF A MAN PLACES IMPORTANCE ON A WOMAN’S APPEARANCE, DOES IT MAKE HIM SHALLOW?

  • Some women will argue that what truly matters is her inner beauty
  • Some men will argue that initial attraction/chemistry is necessary to discover inner beauty

What do you say?  – Please post your comments now!!

  • How important is attraction in a Godly relationship?
  • How does our past hinder a successful relationship in the future?
  • How well do you carry your ‘baggage’?
  • How are men and women wired?
  • What role does God play in choosing a mate?

Inner Beauty vs Outer Beauty Part II

Special Guest:

Mr. Anthony Laguna

Educator and Mid-Week Teaching Pastor

Templo Calvario, Santa Ana, California

  • Real life has real issues
  • How do we handle crisis?
  • Does our role in the Kingdom make a difference?

The Calling of God

Posted by Diana on August 27, 2012
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Many know that I’m fascinated by this topic.  I can speak on the calling of God countless of times because it is my passion to see people answer to His call.  I’m not only passionate about seeing people come to the saving knowledge of Christ, but I’m elated when I can challenge others to serve Him with all their heart!

I’m a strong believer that when you spend time with God and have a personal relationship with Him, it is inevitable to bear ‘fruit’ for His glory.  If you have an intimate relationship with God, you can rest assured that the hour will come when the ‘calling of God’ will be placed on your life and He will call you by name!  He knows the plans He has for you and your specific assignment.

I fully understand the uncertainty that comes from presenting a resume and going through the interview process.  It can mean sleepless nights, anticipation, anxiety, or possibly some insecurity as to where you measure up next to contending candidates.  Do they have a degree?  Do they have more experience?   I’m sure some of you may be nodding your head recalling your own experiences.

I want to assure you that God doesn’t operate that way!  He does not require an interview process; nor does he require an audition.  You don’t need to run around town or feel intimidated by someone else’s gift. God has designed you with a unique gifting with a role that only you can fill.  He knows who you are, what you are called to do, and what specific role you play in the Kingdom of God!  He has a ‘sure fit’ for you! Many others can desire serving in that capacity, but only God knows who can fulfill your role with excellence and effectiveness.

When Jeremiah felt a bit insecure of his calling, God reassured him; “Jeremiah, before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”  – Jeremiah 1:5-19

When the call of God is upon your life, it’s not based on popularity; it’s based on His divine plan.  You will be at the right place, at the right time, and the right things will happen.

Wait for the call that is specifically for you! Don’t answer to a generic call, answer to the call that draws from your gifting and anointing.  You aren’t called to be everywhere. You need to be where your gift is required and God can shine powerfully through you.

Hello world!

Posted by Diana on August 27, 2012
Posted in: DianaToday. Leave a Comment

Welcome to my new blogging site!  I thank you in advance for your patience as I navigate through this site… I’m technologically challenged!  Ha :)

Please check back for blogs, articles and exciting things going on at “DianaToday”.

Blessings,

LadyDi