1 Peter 2:9 (New International Version - UK)
Friends, I am sure that you’ve all heard of the great soulful songstress Mary J. Blige? If not reference You Tube and become familiar with a legend. She’s a woman with heart, soul and true grit. In her song Work That, she reminds not only women, but all of God’s children to “work” what God has gifted us with, and recognize that we are royalty. Scripture assures us also that we are a royal priesthood and a holy nation! How about that! Simply stated: Work what you got! My translation is to embrace your calling- embrace what God has purposed for you to accomplish-one action step at a time!
Why this song you wonder? This song sprang in my spirit as I sat in the Frank Merriweather Public Library at home in Buffalo, N Y –it’s an architectural marvel in the heart of the Buffalo community. As I sat at the computer terminal I began wondering which song would convey my message of work your plan? The scripture :
Jerimiah 29:11-14
I really appreciate how the Holy Ghost directed me not only to Youtube’s videos, lyrics of Mary J. Blige but, more importantly her foundation for everyday women entitled:
Foundation of Advancement of Women Now
Work my divine centered resolve and spend more concrete time studying and praying so that I move in the direction that God has for me-action ministry and service.
I will take my own medicine and step out further on faith- one step at a time and “work my thing out”, eating better, living healthier, speaking & thinking in the affirmative, learning more and embracing new concepts as I move along my way.
I am listening Lord and taking heed –I encourage you to do the same. Happy New Year!
Enjoy the music, take heart regarding the lyrics and be sure to receive the practical instructions for personal Growth for making a new year’s resolution that are posted on Mary j. Blige’s website! Strut your stuff like Mary! Work your plan, dream big and live on, live on y’all! I praise God for you!!
Work That
Mary J. Blige's Lyrics
Work your thing out
Work your thing out
Work your thing out Work your thing out
Theres so many-a girls
I hear you been running From the beautiful queen That you could be becoming
You can look at my palm
And see the storm coming
Read the book of my life
And see I've overcome it
Just because the length of your hair ain't long
And they often criticize you for your skin tone
Wanna hold your head high
Cause you're a pretty woman
Get your runway stride home
And keep going
Girl live ya life
I just wanna be myself
Don't sweat girl be yourself
Follow me, Follow me, Follow me
Girl be yourself
That's why I be myself
And I'm gonna love it
Let em get mad
They gonna hate anyway
Don't you get that?
Doesn't matter if you're going on with their plan
They'll never be happy
Cause they're not happy with themselves
Na, na work what you got
I'm talking bout things that I know
Na ,na work what you got
It's okay show yourself some love
Na, na work what you got
Don't worry bout who's saying what
It's gonna be fine
Work what you got
Feelin great because the light's on me
Celebrating the things that everyone told me Would never happen but God has put his hands on me
And aint a man alive could ever take it from me
Working with what I got I gotta keep on Taking care of myself I wanna live long
Aint never ashamed what life did to me
Wasn't afraid to change cause it was good for me
Don't sweat girl be yourself
Follow me, Follow me, Follow me
Girl be yourself
That's why I be myself
And I'm gonna love it
Let em get mad
They gonna hate anyway
Don't you get that?
Doesn't matter if you're going on with their plan
They'll never be happy
Cause they're not happy with themselves
Na ,na work what you got
I'm talking bout things that I know
Na ,na work what you got
It's okay show yourself some love
Na, na work what you got
Don't worry bout who's saying what
It's gonna be fine
Work what you got
Work that
Work that
Work that Girl don't hold back
You just be yourself
[3x]
Na, na work what you got
I'm talking bout things that I know
Na, na work what you got
It's okay show yourself some love
Na, na work what you got
Don't worry bout who's saying what
It's gonna be fine
Work what you got
Work that
Work that
Work that Girl don't hold back
You just be yourself
Work that thing out
Work that thing out Work what you got
Personal Growth
Jan 1
Keep your New Year's resolutions: Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals
Posted by FFAWN on January 1, 2009 8:00 AM
Do you find it difficult to keep your New Year's resolutions? Do you find yourself coming up with excuses for why you haven't done something you promised yourself you would months ago? Still haven't lost the weight you gained during your last pregnancy? Haven't found room in your schedule to spend more time with your family? Is the basement still a mess after several halfhearted attempts at "spring cleaning"? Here's a decision-making process that might be able to help. Instead of making empty promises and setting unachievable New Year's resolutions this year, try creating S.M.A.R.T. goals.
When you set goals, you need to carefully consider what you want to achieve and be honest with yourself about how much work you're willing to put in to make them happen.
Having goals helps you feel in control and can give you a sense of purpose. You should keep setting new goals for yourself and not feel limited to just one or two. You should also reassess your goals from time to time and measure your progress.
The S.M.A.R.T. process is an effective way to set and meet your goals.Specific: A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general one. Try to choose goals that deal with behaviors, not feelings. For example, you're your goal to walk 20 minutes each morning instead of just deciding to get into shape.
To help yourself set a specific goal, ask yourself the five "W" questions:
Who: Who is involved?
What: What do I want to accomplish?
When: When will I work on my goal and what is a realistic time frame for reaching my goal?
Where: Where will I accomplish the goal?
Why: What are the reasons, purpose, or benefits of accomplishing the goal?
Measurable: Choose goals that have results you can measure - when you can measure your progress, you have a better chance at staying on track, reaching your target dates, and having results you can take pride in.
When you start planning, decide on the steps you need to take to reach the ultimate goal and set deadlines for each step. Try noting your daily progress each day in a diary or a chart, including how you feel about your accomplishments.Achievable: Be honest with yourself about what you can achieve.
Goal setting is a great way to push yourself beyond your current limits, so you should pick a goal that requires effort and hard work, but be sure to choose a goal that is within reach. For example, you may not be able to run a marathon this year, but over time you can gradually increase the distance you can walk.
Rewarding: While it is exhilarating to reach a goal, you should be sure to find extra ways to reward yourself along the way. Plan rewards ahead of time so you have something to look forward to. For example, treat yourself to a new pair of walking shoes when you can walk a mile without stopping.
Timely: A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no deadline, there's no sense of urgency. Keeping track of your progress will help you stay motivated. Remember, reaching your goals can require a good deal of time and effort, and you need to find ways to keep yourself motivated. When you accomplish your goals, you will feel great about yourself, but be prepared to work hard to get there!Sometimes just sharing your goals with others can help you stay motivated. Please share your progress with us below in the comments section - we'd love to hear your New Year's resolutions and how you plan to make them happen!
Reference: Foundation of Advanced Women Now
Blessings to You!
We Are in GOD'S Hands!
Author, Linda Mose Meadows
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises ( Tate Publishing, Nov 2007)
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