I Choose Bliss: 10/08

Benevolence

Benevolence: A True Act Of Kindness

I'm Grateful For:
1. Those who would save my life
2. Being surrounded by love
3. That my uncle Russell is now in Heaven (no longer does his heart hurt)
4. The word of God
5. That HE is preparing me

By: Tabitha D.
©2005

I woke up this morning to the realization
that...My God loves me
Now I've known for many years, but today
Today is just a bit different
I see blessings hitting me from the left and right
I feel past aches and deep rooted wounds being mended
My father has me locked in his sight
I feel all anger and fear dwindling
He's preparing me
Renewing my entire being with ALL his might
I no longer see gray skies above
Beautiful clouds of white have taken over
Intertwined with a lovely shade of blue
I'm feeling Reborn today
I am 100% brand new
I'm loving every blessing my father has given me
and in return...He's smiling and loving me to
I go to bed each night asking him to rock me in his heavenly arms
Protect me from the wicked
Grant me peace from any storm
and he does...
He walks beside me each and every day
and when he's busy he places angels by my side
I walk with no fear
I walk each step with a humble stride
He's removed all those who meant me no good
and replaced them with those who for me hold unconditional love
Only true blessings he gives to me
Created from the Heavenly Father above
So, I say get thee behind me Satan!!!
For I am a child of God and nothing less
I woke up this morning to the realization
that...My God loves me
I woke up knowing that Today and evermore
I am Truly Blessed

Love List #2

Melissa over at one of my fav places Operation NICE placed an assignment of writing a love list, but this time we are encouraged to list people. So, here's my list! ☺

I love how my daughter tells me I'm the bestest mom ever. I love how my hubby's corniness is hilarious to me. I love how my Grandpaw told me to never let anyone tell me what I CAN'T do. That has taken me a very long way in life. I love how my Grandmaw would ALWAYS tell me how proud of me she was. I love that even when in pain (she was passing away) she found the strength to tell me she LOVES me. I love how I can tell my dad ANYTHING and he's never judged me. I love my sister N for her beautiful smiles and my baby sister H for her goofy laugh. I love the sound of Frank Sinatra's voice. I love Jerry Lewis (his movies bring great joy to me). I love my mom (she's my superhero). She instilled the love of God in me and a great love for gospel music. ☺

I love my big brother A! We are SO alike, yet different and we totally get one another. I love my big brother B! He's my protector. I love my nieces and nephews for so many different reasons. I love all of the inspirational people god has placed on my path. They uplift me daily! I LOVE Poets! They share a passion of expression with me. They get me. I love my puppy, because he loves me unconditionally and he's adorable! I love The Father, because he loves me SO much that his son died for me. I love me. For so many reasons, but mainly because I deserve to love myself completely.

Things I Know For Sure:

1. I'm Loved

2. Happiness starts within YOU

3. There is a God

4. And He Loves Us

5. A cure for Cancer is on it's way

I'm Grateful For:

1. A new day

2. New possibilities ~ Change is Coming! Woo Hoo!

3. Family and True Friendships

4. Positive Influences

5. My Grandparents ~ They gave me a beautiful gift ~ Their Love ☺

Soothing Sundays

So, today was totally awesome! I was glued to the television like bees to honey.☺
Scooby Doo 1 & 2, The Adams Family Values and Beetlejuice!
What more could a lady ask for?
Topped off with an hour of great music. This day has been a blast!
Now, I'm off to my favorite store in the world (wal-mart). My weekend would NOT
be complete with out a visit.

Awesome moments:
1. Waking up fully rested
2. Enjoying television
3. Enjoying music
4. Enjoying the company of my princess

Things I'm Grateful For:
1. Life and Health
2. Family
3. Possibilities
4. The ability to see, hear and speak
5. Blessings of all sizes
6. My brand new journal☺
7. God's Love

Saturday's Comfort

It's getting close to midnight and Saturday is almost at it's end. It was an excellent day filled with beauty and comfort. My friend Monica re-arranged my bedroom for me and I SO love it! It's exactly how I wanted it and it's now cozy as ever. ☺

Awesome Moments:
1. Talking to my niece on the phone
2. Listening to my music
3. Eating an outstanding dinner by my princess
4. Sharing a pecan swirl with my baby boy Pooh (my puppy)

I'm Grateful For:
1. A brand new day
2. My comfortable room
3. My talented daughter
4. Dreams coming true
5. Peace within
6. Family

South African Dreams♥

From: AFiveOh4Uplifting.org☺

It has been 16 years this month when I first decided I'd start a mission of helping others full time.
It has been our goal to "Spread Smiles Worldwide" and today we have achieved that goal! With an invitation from BJ and Maureen we were able to send our goody bags to children in South Africa who are living with A.I.D.S.

I can not describe the joy and excitement within our home.
Just to know that a child across the world will be holding a bag that we created out of love is simply a Blessing!

We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and to those who believe in our mission. ♥

This day will always mean SO very much to us!

From Our Family To Yours - Have A Truly Blessed Weekend!

South Africa and Dreams

There is nothing like a dream to create the future.

~Victor Hugo

South Africa:

My family and I are getting the opportunity of a lifetime! Through a friend who lives in South Africa we'll be sending our goody bags! (Visit here to learn more). Maureen and her family visit orphanages and clinics there where most of the kids are living with A.I.D.S.

Tomorrow we will be mailing off 104 plush items and 100 goody bags! We are SO excited, honored and deeply blessed that we are guided and able to do this!

Tomorrow I'll be posting a short video on this topic, so stay tuned!

My Dream:

For the second time this week I've dreamt of my Grams. In this dream I got to kiss her cheek, so I was able to feel the warmth of her skin. She said she was feeling ill, so upon my waking up I panicked. Then, I realized it was okay. She'll never be ill again, because she lives in Heaven now. She'll always be healthy and forever happy there. ☺

I'm Grateful For:
1. My life and health
2. The dream of my Grandmother
3. Family and True Friendships
4. Love of Self
5. Peace Within

Things I Know:
1. I am loved
2. My destiny has already been written
3. My life has been awesome
4. There will be many MORE awesome moments ☺
5. I'm Blessed NOT Lucky

Namaste~

Walking In Peace

I never fully understood that concept until Hurricane Katrina. Before that I would pray and ask for Peace not realizing I had work to do in order to attain this. I was a worry wart. I would literally tense up and remain that way. I would say "Father, I give this problem to you". Only to drive myself crazy 10 minutes later stressing over what I had supposedly given to HIM.

After Katrina and a few other huge life events I started to see my mistakes. Through a reliable source I found out that until I learned to walk in FAITH I'd be unable to walk in PEACE. Learning this has been most liberating! I BELIEVE that I'm held by the Father and HE can handle any of my burdens far greater than I ever could.

Learning to meditate and get to know ME was a complete challenge, but while getting to know me I also learned how to walk in complete faith with HIM.

End Result: I get to enjoy each day with Peace in every aspect of my life.

Each new day brings new lessons and growth. I'm open to all of it, because the spirit guiding me LOVES me and wants me to be happy...Blissfully ☺

Things I've Learned:
1. Trust in The Father
2. His love is unconditional & everlasting
3. He speaks to our hearts
4. Happiness starts with YOU
5. Simplicity is best
6. In helping others you help HIM
7. Stress KILLS
8. It takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile
9. We are all HIS Masterpieces
10. Believing CAN change lives

This is not some religious rant. It's the words of a child of God who feels like sharing her thoughts. It's simply ME being ME.

I wish YOU Peace♥

Making A Difference

Since I was a little girl I can remember my exact thought as I passed a homeless person on the street. It killed me to know that this was going on and it was at the age of nine that I received my first lesson in the realities of this subject. While driving down Canal Street heading home with my step-dad and sister I spotted a woman lying on the bench at the bus stop. It was wintertime and I was cold while driving in the van, so I knew she had to be cold while at that bus stop. I asked my step-dad why would she be sleeping at the bus stop and he replied "she's homeless." What does that mean? I asked. He then explained what it meant and I demanded that we go get her a blanket from home. My step-dad said all right, but once we were home he laid down. I think I literally had a fit, because he jumped up and took my sister and I back to the bus stop. We gave the lady the blanket never saying one word to her. The gratitude was there, but I think we had stunned her into silence. We went back to our warm home, but I NEVER forgot this woman and I truly believe that it was then that this passion of wanting to help others was born.

Now I take you to winter of last year. Hubby and I were riding up Walzum Blvd and as the traffic slowed up I could see three adults sitting at the corner. They had no signs nor where they going to cars begging. You knew they were homeless, because of their appearance and demeanor. One of the adults was an elderly guy (maybe in his mid 50's). The other guy was maybe in his late 20's and the young lady was no more than 20. As our car inched closer to them the lump in my throat grew harder and the tears could no longer hide themselves. It was then my husband said, "I know what you're thinking and I'm turning around now. We entered into McDonalds and ordered the three adults some food and drinks and brought it to them. At this point I was still crying, because this shouldn't be this way in America. I explained how I wish I could have done more and the young guy replied, "you've done more than enough", smiled and asked God to bless me.

My heart ached for them long after the day was ending. I wondered what could have happened to lead them where they were. Then I became angry, because I strongly believe homelessness should not exist. I also realized it's not just up to the government to help our fellow brothers and sisters. If we all took a second to think of more than just ourselves we could change the way the world flows today.

I refuse to sit here and list the ways I'm trying to change the world, because I believe the only one who deserves the accolades is the Father. But, I will challenge you all to "Make A Difference" today. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. How? I'm glad you asked!

You can start by visiting a few of the sites listed below to get great ideas on how to help others and make a difference.

I promise you if you do just ONE good deed for someone it will have a HUGE and POSITIVE impact on the universe. Who knows you may even want to do it more often!

At this very moment there's someone who needs a smile, a kind word or even a hug. YOU could be the one to Make A Difference in their lives. Are U Ready?

Sites To Find Great Ways To Help:

Operation NICE

The Kindness Center

29-Day Giving Challenge

Every Monday Matters

The Art Of Letter Writing

With the internet being so accessible and FAST the art of letter writing has become a lost art. But, I feel it becomes more personable when the recipient receives a handwritten letter or note card. Before my Grandmother's passing a few months ago I would send her cards twice a week (She LOVED receiving mail). One Mother's Day I remember sending her a CD of Frank Sinatra music. At the beginning of the CD I recorded a message of LOVE for her. I can still hear the gratitude in her voice. ☺

Why do we no longer sit for a second, express our feelings on paper for those we truly love?

I know there are many out there who are into the art, because stationary stores are booming these days. So, my challenge to whomever may read this is: Grab a sheet of paper and a pen and tell the one you love how much they mean to you. I love sending "Gratitude Cards" to my daughter, mom, sisters, nieces and nephews. It's just my way of saying "I'm grateful to have you in my life."

Get creative if the urge hits you! Right a quote, a song or even a poem if you like. The object is to surprise them with another way of knowing you love them. In the end it will make you feel all warm inside. You know that feeling you get when you watch "Polar Express" while drinking cocoa during Christmas season?

That's the warm feeling I speak of. ☺

I'm Grateful For:
1. My Life and Health
2. Remembering the simple things in life
3. God's Love and Guidance
4. My Grandmother
5. Family and True Friendships
6. Blessings of all sizes
7. Silence (during meditation)
8. Peace Within

Awesome Moments Today:
1. Waking Up
2. Getting 100 goody bags ready to ship to South Africa
3. Laughing with Monica on the phone
4. Seeing my princess smile as she returned from school
5. Hearing her say she LOVES me
6. Having a phenomenal lunch!

I'm in the mood to do some letter writing, so until next time.

Peace & Uplifting

TrueRelaxation

October 18, 2008

Today was a very relaxing day! I enjoyed every minute of being a couch potato. ☺
I rarely get to do that, so I felt very blessed to have this deeply needed down time. Yesterday, we delivered 200 goody bags to Methodist Hospital in honor of Jayden Isaiah. It felt good to make his mom feel happy. ☺

Positive Moments Today:
1. Waking up
2. Truly enjoying peace
3. Eating Jo's delicious dinner
4. Laughing on the phone with friends

I'm Grateful For:
1. Life, God's love & Love of Self
2. Family & True Friendships
3. My Grandmother's Heavenly Guidance
4. Music
5. Blessings of all sizes
6. My comfy couch ☺

I look forward to tomorrow and all the positive moments that will dwell within it. I'm grateful for the love given and the ability to love. I'm re-freshed and loving it!

Tabitha

The Feeling Of My Father

October 16, 2008

Today I felt God flow straight through me. Let me explain. I've been on a wonderful journey of growth and spirituality for the past 2 years. I notice things I've NEVER noticed before. I find myself thanking god for things I had never thanked him for in the past.
While sitting on my porch a very cool breeze blew and it blew straight "threw" me! It was as if God was refreshing my soul in his own way. Out loud I shouted "Thank You God!" I took that breeze literally for me. I can't fully explain it, but I have one word for ya…Amazing!

I felt as though he reached down and hugged me through this breeze and I'm truly grateful. ☺
I sat outside and noticed every single aspect about it. Taking note of every breath taken. Feeling my pulse quicken at the thought of just how much My Father loves me!

People have been describing me as amazing, but I have to tell them "It's God doing amazing things through me". This thought I LOVE! ☺

I Believe:
1. God loves me and guides me
2. In Peace
3. True Love & Friendships
4. Soul mates
5. Grams blessed me with that ounce of strength I asked for
6. That Cancer will be ERASED!!!

Positive Moments:
1. When I woke up
2. Sitting outside with Monica
3. Feeling God's Touch (Literally)

I'm Grateful For:
1. My life and good health
2. Jodie and Dre
3. Love for Myself
4. Jodie's brilliant mind ☺
5. Blessings of all sizes
6. Peace Within
7. My Grandmother
8. A life filled with Peace, Love, Laughter & Success
9. Everyday HE breathes life into me ☺

Tabitha

Hearing His Word

This is from my archives. When I first started blogging here and had NO readers. LOL
Hope You Enjoy!

October 19, 2008

I woke up today to watch Joel Osteen as I do every Sunday morning. In no way was my so-called disability on my mind. For the majority of my life I've lived as if I were NEVER born disabled. Joe's sermon was titled "Living A No Excuses Life."
All of my life I was taught that my disability was due to my dad's drug use, but today Joel read this from the bible and I knew it was God's way of putting the lies to rest.
In John 9:3
As Jesus passed by he saw a man, which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master who did sin this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Jesus answered, neither this man sinned nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

At that moment another part of my life was laid to rest. I rejoice in knowing I was made just as "My Father" wanted me to be. Joel said, "You don't have to be perfect for God to use you." I am LIVING PROOF of this!
I've never gone through life saying I Couldn't do something. Yes, there have been moments when I talked myself out of making a bold move, but in the end I've done it. WOW! I never saw this message coming today and I truly wish I could fully describe how I feel. Through Joel God told me that no one should ever again blame my dad. He is my creator and he knew exactly what he was doing. He knew my path and he uses me to do his work, which I adore. But, there is SO much more to come.

I am grateful for this morning and am looking forward to what this evening holds within it! ☺

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion to clarity...Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."
- Melody Beattie

We Came To Be (Poem)

We Came To Be 10.11.08
By: Tabitha

He reached for me in the darkness of my mind
Caressed my fears and gently spoke me into the light
He made everything seem...so right
His strength vibrated across to me and I felt re-born
Never torn as to where this is going
wherever it leads...I will be there
Because his beauty makes me care
It makes me want to wrap him in my arms and sheild him from the world
In this moment in time I know for sure
that he's my man and I'm his girl
He uplifts me and I like it
When he kisses me he breathes new life within
I'm compelled to nurture his heart for each time I gain new skin
Softer than the last, but still meant just for him

Sometimes we get lost in life
and God sends an angel to place you back on your path
An angel with baby brown eyes and a smile that could light up the night
and the words fear nor fright exist, because he BELIEVES
He believes in me
and that is all I need to regain my composure
This is going somewhere and I'm anxious for the day
For some people it takes a lifetime
But for us it became clear that very first day
True love can not be searched for
It must find you
and no matter what you may go through
It will come
For he came to me
and we came to be...ONE

Through the darkness he found me
Caressed my fears and gently spoke me into the light
He made everything seem...so right
His strength vibrated across to me and I felt re-born
Never torn as to where this is going
wherever it leads...I will be there
Because his beauty and unconditional love makes me care
True love found me the day he was born
They spoke his name aloud and God placed it right next to mine in his book
and never did we have to look too far
Our love is unique
and if you look up at night you can see it shimmering
For our love lights the way for others
And True love can not be searched for
It must find you
and no matter what you may go through
It will come
For he came to me
and we came to be...ONE

Dedicated To My True Love

Fulfilling You Destiny

Are you fulfilling your destiny? Are you living up to your full potential?

These are questions I use to ask myself on a daily basis. For the longest time I'd allow fear to run me in the opposite direction of my destiny. I knew what it was I was meant to do since I was a child. Every time I saw someone hurting or in need this fire lit up around my heart and I wanted to help.

In recent years my feet have planted themselves and my steps have become steady ones. I had to be hit over the head to finally understand that just because everyone didn't jump on my band wagon it didn't mean I was on the wrong band wagon. I started to listen to my heart and in doing so the answers became completely clear. I now knew that my destiny had found me and I needed to embrace it.

Since doing so I have been blessed with a peace within that I will guard with my life. I SEE God's miracles everyday. In placing complete faith in him he opened doors that I never knew existed. My every dream is coming true! My every need is being fulfilled and it's all because I stopped and allowed him to take the lead.

With the way my mind operates I'll always find a newer version of fulfilling my destiny. But the ultimate one is being fulfilled every minute that I breathe. I am a servant of the most high. This has proven to be one of the most rewarding jobs known to mankind.

He works through me to spread smiles and uplift his children worldwide. Every day I am allowed to spread kindness to those in need. I get to meet beautiful children who are fighting to live and adults who are fighting to find their way in this world. With my family at my side I get to make change and I can't describe the euphoria this presents.

The answer to my questions is YES. I am fulfilling my destiny and living up to my potential daily. My desire has always been to help others and through the Father I get to do this with all the resources right at my fingertips. He provides. He sends those who are like-minded down my path. The bonus is I get to become involved in some of the greatest friendships ever.

The answer to my questions is YES. Because I stopped and listened to God's word I am finally fulfilling my destiny.