Walk A Mile In My Shoes

If I could be you, if you could be me
For just one hour, if we could find a way
To get inside each other's mind
If you could see you through my eyes
Instead your own ego I believe you'd be
I believe you'd be surprised to see
That you've been blind

Walk a mile in my shoes
just walk a mile in my shoes
Before you abuse, criticize and accuse
Then walk a mile in my shoes

Now if we spend the day
Throwin' stones at one another
'Cause I will think, 'cause I will think
To wear my hat the same way you do
Well, I may be common people
But I'm your brother
And when you strike out
You're tryin' to hurt me
It's hurtin' you, Lord how mercy

Now there are people on reservations
And out in the ghetto
And whether they're for the grace of God
Or you and I,
If I only had wings of a little angel
Don't you know, I'd fly
To the top of a mountain
And then I'd cry, cry, cry ~ by Joe South

Bag Lady

Bag lady you gone hurt your back
Dragging all them bags like that
I guess nobody ever told you
All you must hold on to
Is you, is you, is you

One day all them bags gone get in your way
One day all them bags gone get in your way
I said one day all them bags gone get in your way
One Day all them bags gone get in your way

So pack light
Pack light
Pack light
Ooh ooh

Bag lady you gone miss your bus
You can't hurry up
Cause you got too much stuff
When they see you comin
Niggas take off runnin
>From you it's true oh yes they do

One day he gone say you crowdin my space
One day he gone say you crowdin my space
I said one day he gone say you crowdin my space
One day he gone say you crowdin my space

So pack light
Pack light
Pack light
Ooh ooh

Girl I know sometimes it's hard
And we can't let go
Oh when someone hurts you oh so bad inside
You can't deny it you can't stop crying
So oh, oh, oh
If you start breathin
Then you won't believe it
You'll feel so much better
(So much better baby)

Bag lady
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go
Ooh, ooh
Girl you don't need it
I betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
(Need someone to love you right)
Betcha love can make it better
(I betcha love, betcha love)
Betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
(I betcha love, betcha love)
Betcha love can make it better
(I betcha love, I betcha love, oh)
Betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
(Oh...)
Betcha love can make it better...

Bag lady, hmm
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go
Girl you don't need that, hmm

If you live life long enough, you will experience life's challenges.  Don't let it get you down and if you have picked up some bags, let them go. I know it's been difficult, and you've been hurt, let down and disappointed but you must let them go because it will only hinder you from what God has for you.

Philippians 3: 13-14 But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
You have to trust in the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul, and through him all things are possible.

d.a.b.

A Women Should Have...

"A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own even if she never wants
to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her
dreams wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black
lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who
lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone
else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a
recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
HOW TO QUIT A JOB,
BREAK UP WITH A LOVER,
AND CONFRONT A FRIEND WITHOUT RUINING THE FRIENDSHIP...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't
take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year..."
— Pamela Redmond Satran

Jewels and Their Meaning

Jewels By The Month

                                             Garnet represents the month of January

Regarded as the stone of passionate devotion: to your family, your friends, yourself, and your own purpose in life. Believed to stimulate the senses, and increase vitality and stamina. Garnet is thought to attract good luck in business ventures.

The Garnet is a stone of purity and truth as well as a symbol of love and compassion. The information released in a search may be painful, but it will always be what the searcher needs. The Garnet will help everyone's security level and spiritual awareness.

Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." 

Amethyst represents the month of February

Calms the emotions, creates clarity of thought, and assists in attaining wisdom. Amethyst is a stone of the mind; it brings calmness and clarity, helps you to get in touch with your intuition, feelings and values. It has long been regarded as an aid to sobriety and useful for combating alcohol, food, and other addictions. It eases compulsive/obsessive behavior.

"Don't fret or worry.  Instead of worrying, pray.  Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.  Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.  It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. "  Philippians 4:7 - The Message Bible

Aquamarine represents the month of March

  Associated with courage and the release of anxiety and fear. It is thought to soothe, calm and alleviate fears and to help relaxation on long journeys. Many believe that it protects sailors at sea, and prevents seasickness. Tradition holds that it gives insight and aids in mental clarity.

Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”  Joshua 10:25 - NKJB

Diamond represents the month of April

The diamond is the hardest gemstone and one of the most valued.   Diamonds represent faithfulness, love, purity, innocence, and relationships filled with love. It removes certain types of deviations in the aura, which can be best imagined as sort of voids, and diamond fills them with the pure energy of love. It inspires creativity, ingenuity, inventivity, faith, endurance, and helps in manifesting abundance in all areas of life.

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying:  “ Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. "  Jeremiah 31:3 - NKJB

Emerald represents the month of May

Calming, balancing, and nourishing, emerald helps ease emotional upsets. Emerald is useful during transitional times in your life. It assists understanding changes and new directions taken. It can also be used as a cleanser to rid yourself of any lingering negative energies. It offers bliss and loyalty to its owner. Emerald will help you discern information that comes your way, it is knowing that way. Especially helpful as a tool when facing choices. Enhances focus and reflection during meditation.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." ~ Isaiah 26:3

Pearl represents the month of June

The Pearl is associated with loyalty, faithfulness, friendship, modesty, chastity and purity. The healing properties of the June birthstone are reputed to be effective for health problems relating to the heart, spleen, stomach, intestine & ulcer problems. The Pearl is also used to enhance personal integrity.

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." ~ Proverbs 18:24

Ruby represents the month of July

Famous as a protection from misfortune and bad health, ruby is also used to open the heart and promote love. Given as a gift, ruby is a symbol of friendship and love. The ruby is also a symbol of vitality and royalty.

"For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." ~ Proverbs 8:11

Peridot represents the month of August

 The peridot is also known as the “Stone of Friendship.”   It is symbolic of vitality and  signifies strength, both individual and within a relationship, as well as the promise of new growth in years ahead. 

"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." ~ Proverbs 18:24

Sapphire represents the month of September

 The sapphire symbolizes sincerity, consistency, faithfulness, commitment and loyalty. It is also symbolic of wisdom, foresight, victory and purity.   A gift of Sapphire represents wisdom, foresight, victory and purity.

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." ~  1 Timothy 4:12

Opal represents the month of October

The opal symbolizes hope, purity, foresight and prophecy. It’s also associated with religious emotion and prayer.  Opal must also be guarded from blows, since it is relatively soft and breaks easily.   A gift of Opal is symbolic of faithfulness and confidence.

" being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;" ~ Philippians 1:6

Topaz represents the month of November

 The topaz is said to symbolize long life, beauty and intelligence. It was also thought to ward off cowardice. The Egyptians believed topaz protected against hardship. It was also said to calm anger and guard against envy.

" With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.” ~ Psalm 91:16

Turquoise represents the month of December

Turquoise symbolizes prosperity, hope and success. If you give or receive turquoise as a gift, it symbolizes a pledge of friendship. Turquoise is used to treat problems associated with stress and promote general healing within the body.

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." ~ 3 John 2:1

I Want to Know???

"It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.
It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain!I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it.
I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithlessand therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty even when it's not pretty, every day,and if you can source your own life from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes!”
It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.
It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.
It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments."
— Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Lord, Why Did You Make Me Black?

Lord, Lord
Why did you make me Black?
Why did you make me someone the world wants to hold back?
Black is the color of dirty clothes;
The color of grimy hands and feet.
Black is the color of darkness;
The color of tire-beaten streets.
Why did you give me thick lips,
Abroad nose and kinky hair?
Why did you make me someone who receives the hatred stare?
Black is the color of a bruised eye
When somebody gets hurt.
Black is the color of darkness.
Black is the color of dirt.
How come my bone's structur's so thick?
My hips and cheeks are high?
How come my eyes are brown
and not the color of the daylight sky?
Why do people think I'm useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do some people see my skin and think I should be abused?
Lord, I just don't understand;
What is it about my skin?
Why do some people want to hate me and not know the person within?
Black is what people are "listed", when others want to keep them away.
Black is the color of shadows cast.
Black is the end of the day.
Lord, You know, my own people mistreat me,
And I know this just isn't right.
They don't like my hair or the way I look.
They say I'm too dark or too light.
Lord, Don't you think it's time
For you to make a change?
Why don't you re-do creation and make everyone the same?

(God Answered)

Why did I make you black?
Why did I make you black?
Get off your knees and look around.
Tell me what do you see?
I didn't make you in the image of darkness.
I made you in the likeness of ME!
I made you the color of coal
From which beautiful diamonds are formed.
I made you the color of oil
The black-gold that keeps people warm.
I made you from the rich dark earth
That can grow the food you need.
Your color's the same as the panther's
known for (her) beauty and speed.
Your color's the same as the Black Stallion,
A majestic animal is he.
I didn't make you in the Image of darkness
I made you in the likeness of ME!
All the colors of a Heavenly Rainbow
Can be found througout every nation;
And when all those colors were blended well
You Became My Greatest Creation.
Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool
such a humble, little creature is he.
I am the Shepherd who watches them.
I am the One who will watch over thee.
You are the color of midnight-sky,
I put the star's glitter in your eyes.
There's a smile hidden behind your pain
That's the reason your cheeks are high.
You are the color of dark clouds formed
When I send my strongest weather.
I made your lips full so when you Kiss
the one you love they will remember.
Your stature is strong; your bone structure, thick
to withstand the burdens of time.
The reflection you see in the mirror...
The image looking back at you is Mine!

~ RuNett Nia Ebo

Inspired by the book -  Genesis 1:26 & 27

 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness....So God created man in His own image....male and female created He them.
 
MY TRIBUTE TO BLACK HISTORY (d.a.b.)

What Kind of Shoe Fits You?

What Kind of Shoe Fits You?
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." ~ Psalm 37:23

I remember when I was a young girl and my dad would always get on us about keeping shoes on our feet.  He said it was good that we did this to alleviate foot problems down the road.  I loved walking bare foot....but as dad would have it he would tell us that we should take care of the feet and the feet would take of you.

Also you notice that having the right pair of shoes can make all the difference in the world.  You ladies know that if you wear a nice fitting shoe regardless what type it is  - you have comfort all day but let it be the opposite of that and its not a good fit, or its those favorite pair of shoes but they hurt your feet a little and by the end of the day they become killer shoes!....lol.

Well, as it turns out that Dad was right aoubt shoes.  Our whole appearance can be spoiled by our shoes.  If you had on a $300 dollar suit and had on a pair of dirty or scuffed shoes, your appearance would not be fitting.  It wouldn't matter how much you paid for your suit, people's eyes would automatically be drawn to your feet.  It makes a difference that they are neat and well kept.

Shoes are important because our feet are important.  Our feet take us places and where we put our feet determines what direction we'll go in.  what we wear on our "spiritual" feet is important too.  How we walk and how our steps are ordered will have an impact on us and those around us.  Sometimes we need to be a little more selective on what shoes we find ourselves wearing.

What Kind of Shoe Fits You?

1.  Flats.  Do you find yourself flat in your Christian life?  Do you need to get yourself motivated?  It's so eay to find ourselves lie that, just moving along without much life to us.  Sometimes we need to just get ourselves energize and get excited about living the Christian Life.

"Restore unto me the joy of thhy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." ~ Psalm 51:12

2.  Loafers.  Do you find yourself not doing anything for Christ?  Are you using your talents for His glory.  Perhaps you've never gotten involved or you've been burned out and just haven't participatted in things like you used to.  Is there something you can  to use your gifts and talents for the Lord?  Teaching a Sunday school class, Preparinggemals for the sick , or just mentoring another women?  we all have to be active in order for the body of Christ to work effectively.

"For as the boy is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one boy, being many, are one body; so also is Christ." ~ 1 Corinthinians 12:12

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only....." ~ James 1:22

3.  Pumps.  Do you find yourself pumping people up?  Are you an encourager?  What a great pair of shoes to wear.  We all have times when we need encouragement so think how important it is to give it as well as receive it.

"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." ~ 1 thessalonians 5:11

4.  Tennis Shoes.  Do you find yourself running from your problems?  Sometimes some of us want to do this. We hope if we just don't think about our problems, they'll just go away.  If we'd just lean on god strength a little more, we'd be able to better handle things that comes into our lives.

"Trust in the LORD with all thin heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknoweldge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5, 6

5.  Boots.  Do you find yourself walking all over people and only doing things your way?  It's sometimes so easy for some of us to do.  We forget to be sensitive to others.  I think if we'd be a little more loving and tenderhearted we'd tend to stop "walking" this way.

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. ~ Ephesians 4:32

6.  Waders.  Do you find yourself just floating by? Are you accomplishing anything for Christ?  It's so easy to get complacent about things.  We get in a rut in our Christain lives and find ourselves just doing the minimum.  Our prayer life and Bible reading becomes slim.  Our church attendance becomes inconsistent.  We just barely float by in our relationship with the Lord.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men." ~ Colossians 3:23

7.  Slip Ons.  Do you find yourself slipping on Christianity just for church and hanging it up till the next time?  Do people really know you're a Christain?  If we aren't living for Christ throughout the week, how can we ever have the witness God intended us to have?

8.  Sandals.  Do you find yourself too comfortable with your Christian life?  Could you be doing more for CChist?  Smetimes it's eay to get comfortable with what we're doing and not really do all that we have the potential and ability to do.  We ought to take hold of life and live it the way God  intended.  We ought not be satisfied with being a mediocre Christian but remember Who we are living for.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the reace that is set before us.  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set  down at the right hand of the throne of God." ~ Hebrews 12:1, 2

9.  Slippers.  Do you find yourself causing others to slip and stumble? Are you aware of the your actions?  Although we are given Christian liberties, we can't just live life like we want.  We have to be aware that yothers are watching us and we need to set a good example.

"Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." ~ romans 14:13

10.  Work Shoes.  Do you find yourself working and doing all you can do for God's glory?  It all boils down to serving Christ and following Him.  If we are following Him and obeying His Word we will bear much fruit for Him.

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." ~ Matthew 16:24

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit: so shall ye be my disciples. ~ John 15:8

Summary:

I know I don't alwys put on the right pair of shoes but I sure do hope I can improve at wearing the type of shoes that are  well fitting of a Christian woman.  The kind of style that enhances my walk with the Lord.  If not, I know it will affect my whole appearance as a Christian.

So, how well dressed are your feet?