journey

They Come And They Go

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I recently read a quote that said “If a friendship lasts more than seven years it will last a lifetime.” I don’t buy it! 

Now granted, I have been blessed with many of good friends. Some friendships go back as far as 34 years. But even some of those “friendships” do not have much depth to them. If we knew each other at the core of our being, we may not really like each other.

I have found that friends come in cycles. Although we are blessed to have some we may consider our best friends, they are only our best friends so long as they can relate to us in some way. Whether is be that you are raising kids the same ages, both in marital trouble, both single, both party animals, both share the same hobbies, or even both on a spiritual journey together… they tend to come and go. So long as we are changing, our circle will continue to change as well.

The friends worth keeping are the ones who:

*Tell you the truth no matter how bad it hurts.

*They are not offended by your lack of time for them.

*They understand we are all unique with our own thoughts, feelings and ideas. They respect yours and you respect theirs.

*They listen as much as they speak.

*No matter how much time lapses, you are a phone call away from feeling like there was no time lost at all.

*They make you laugh when you would rather cry.

*They want to see you happy and successful.

*They are with you at your worst and at your best.

If you have one good friend, that you can trust and share life with….. count your blessings. And keep a hold of him or her. A good friend who is both honest and true, is hard to find.

ABC’s of Life Series — Day 7 Letter G : Give Others Grace To Grow

ABC’s of Life

Day 7 Letter G

Give Others Some Grace To Grow

We believe we would react to situations in particular ways or that we would behave differently than someone else until we are placed in the other person’s shoes. Once we put those shoes on that were once worn by someone else; we not only have new shoes, but a new pair of new glasses too.

Those who accept us where we are despite any decisions we are making at the time; are giving us grace to grow. These are those people who no matter where we are or what we do in our lives; they love us anyway. They do not judge us, because they understand. They listen, they advise, and they care.

The concept of allowing one grace to grow is a concept that many should grasp. Once grasped, one will find themselves no longer in a position that they feel “above” someone for making better life decisions. They will not utter phrases such as: “I can’t believe they ___” “I would never”, “He/She shouldn’t ____” You won’t believe what ____ did now” etc.

I have observed that when I utter phrases like those mentioned above; I am quickly served a piece of humble pie. When I can’t understand people, their lifestyle, behavior, and their decisions I am often given a situation shortly after; where I can. It may not be an identical situation, but it is a situation that allows me to comprehend where they were at that time, and what they were thinking. Or better yet, a situation where I can relate to their emotions.

I have written often about the fact that we are all given the same lessons throughout our lives and that the lesson plans slightly differ. One may experience grief through the lost of a parent, another through the loss of a child. One may experience adultery through their parents, or through a marriage of their own. Nonetheless, the emotional processes are the same.

No matter the format of the lesson, the lessons eventually produce the same results. We will all face temptations, and struggles. We will have to find a place and time at which we will have to forgive ourselves and each other.

We will all feel: neglect, abandonment, taken for granted, mistreated, disliked, unloved, and many other emotions at some point in our lives. The lessons differ, but the emotions are the same.

Grace is essential to provide for others; because we all need it to grow. Those who accept us despite our choices have allowed us grace to grow. Those who watch us make a mistake but love us anyway, are one of a kind. 

For Today: Find someone in your  life that has a situation that you can’t or couldn’t at one point  understand. Analyze what emotions that person may have been feeling at that time, and compare it to a situation in your life where you experienced the same emotions. 

 

© Angela Bininger and The Empowerers, 2009-2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this websites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited

If Heaven Is All Around Us, Is Hell Right In Front Of Us?

As I left a local eatery after having had lunch with my sister, I pondered our many conversations throughout the rest of the day. Her and I typically have deep and thought-provoking conversations, and this was another one to add to the mix. The conversation that stood out the most was our discussion of personal strengths and weaknesses.

Our greatest strengths in life can also be our greatest weaknesses. Without balance of both, we will find ourselves living in chaos.

As night fell I thought it would be great to try to capture some pictures of lightning crashing on the fairway. I gathered up some things and went outside in hopes for storm pictures. Unfortunately the storm never came to where I was, but something more amazing appeared to the camera and to me as I began to photograph the moon. It was something that couldn’t be seen with the naked eye.

The first picture appeared normal and beautiful,

with only clouds and the moon.

The photographs became more amazing as I continued to shoot.

The moon is still in the clouds,

however there is a giant Orb floating above it.

As you can see, it is pretty good size.

In this photo the clouds covered the moon to make a heart.

This photo is unexplainable. I was not moving,

so  it’s not an issue of movement or blurring.

The houses are clear and stationary in both corners of the picture.

In this photo the moon grew longer. Again, houses are stationary. It reminded me of the serpent’s tail and provoked deep thoughts from within me.

If our greatest strengths are also our greatest weaknesses; Could it be possible that the same object  that gives us life, light and energy is also what the bible refers to as the fires of hell?

Is it possible that people have wondered for centuries where hell is, and it has been right in front of us all along?  Often times in life when we are searching the hardest for something, we find that it was right under our nose the entire time. And if heaven is all around us as generations in the past have said, then wouldn’t it make sense for hell to be right in front of us?

© Angela Bininger and The Empowerers, 2009-2011. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this websites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Angela Bininger and The Empowerers with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

It’s Okay To Question Things

From as far back as I can remember, I have questioned things. I have questioned people’s actions, their words, and their motives. I went around like a detective, searching for answers. And searching for truth. When I sought truth from those that feared it, I would be chastised and beaten down. They would accuse me of lying, because they feared the truth. As a result, I developed some rather thick skin. I realized that those whom fear truth, do not admire those that seek it. However, their fear has never or will never keep me from seeking the truth, or getting answers.

As I began my journey as a writer I didn’t think much about the way society belittle’s reporters and journalists. My goals were to publish some books, and hopefully work for a newspaper or publishing company someday. I knew it would take time to network, and get the name out. I was willing to be patient.

As I posted the article on my review of the electronic cigarette, I never imagined being put in a hot seat. If it weren’t for the tracker on my site I would wonder if anyone reads my work at all. When the “vapors” came to my site I followed the link to their site.  When I arrived they were criticizing my article, accusing me of lying. I was being criticized again in my life, for telling the truth. I then became a member of their website to inform them that I did indeed live the experience and that the article was true. They all came at me firing guns, not wanting people to know what happened to me. They called names, criticized, poked fun etc. One woman from my city claimed that because she didn’t see our local station air the story I saw, that it didn’t air. Another spoke that my article tells people to smoke regular cigarettes when the article clearly states trying alternative methods to quit.  Some of these people were completely ignorant. There were some however, that educated me on the F.D.A.’s attempt to ban the electronic cigarettes. But even then, I called the F.D.A. and I questioned things, again. And of course each side has their story and I’m left with my own personal experience, and their stories to sort it out. By the end of the day I realized these people attacking were manufacturer’s, supporters, and sales people of the electronic cigarettes. No wonder they were attacking.

As I tucked the children in last night excited that 10 t.v. contacted me in reference to my article and the fact that they were finally listening to the story, I had an epiphany. It was then that I  realized the reason I had to develop such thick skin at a young age. It was to prepare me for this. With this profession people attack you regularly. They either love you or they hate you. They will criticize and they will praise. You never know what is coming next.

As I sat there I realized that I finally had the answer to the hand God dealt me. I knew why He gave me a life where I consistently had to question things, people, and their motives. Those things I didn’t understand trotting through life, suddenly all the experiences good and bad were beginning to make perfect sense. There was no more asking God “WHY?” The puzzle has found its missing piece! I had an answer!

I have always been an investigator by nature. I have always been a passionate writer. Never in my life did I see myself having a burning passion to be a reporter. But I do! I love to talk, I love to tell things, I love to make people aware. It is my personality! And now, on the cusp of living a dream I find myself very grateful. Life experience speaks louder than degrees and classrooms. Life experience books sell more than someone with a bunch of letters behind their name. My life experiences and sharing them, has opened many doors. I am getting great feedback from people who owe me nothing. They are merely people passing by, and we know nothing about one another aside from names. They are people saying good job, and they are giving me even more inspiration and drive. They are other writers, editors, and site administrators. They work for publishing companies, news stations, and newspapers. They are not all just friends and family anymore. Not that I ever doubted what friends or family who support me in this say or said, it is just different hearing it knowing that the person saying it owes me nothing. It is an unbiased opinion.

People have no idea how much their words mean to me when I read them or hear them. I was just a single mom chasing a dream that is now becoming a reality. I didn’t know how I would get here, or when. But I knew I would. Once again, proving the power of positive thinking. I am glad I have always questioned things now. I’m glad for the situations in my life that were traumatic. I’m thankful for the good and bad, all of which is what gave me the drive to get to this new place. It’s okay to question things. And in everything give thanks. We never know what He is up to,  but He has a plan for us. And after 33 years, I finally found out part of His plan for my life. And with every word I write or speak, I give thanks.

Dream It –  Believe It –  Do It

© Angela Bininger and The Empowerers, 2009-2010. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this websites author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Angela Bininger and The Empowerers with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Where There Is Faith

There is a song when I was a child that my friend’s father use to sing in church. I couldn’t remember the entire song, or who even sang it, but I awoke singing the chorus this morning. I then took it upon myself to look it up on YouTube, and once the song began to play I could recall every word in the song and it gave me chills.

Where there is faith

There is a voice calling keep walking

You’re not alone in this world

Where there is faith

There is a peace like a child sleeping

A wonderful powerful place

Where there is faith

When we have faith we can move mountains. When we have faith we do not feel alone. When we have faith good things  happen. When we have faith, our sorrows are more bearable. When we have faith, we know there will be a tomorrow. When we have faith, life is beautiful. So no matter what you’re battling, keep the faith. It is our faith, that keeps us alive. It consoles us. It heals us. And it delivers us.

Listen to the song, and concentrate on the words. Let your worries and stresses go to the wayside, and replace them with faith. We are never alone. A little bit of faith can go a long way!

11 Steps To A Healthier You

We are all only one phone call, one conversation, one email, or one text from falling to our knees. You just never know when life will take an unexpected change. The best way to prepare for this situation that could happen at any given second is:

1.)  Spread love, its contagious! And most contagious when shown through one’s actions.

2.)  Be true to your word, it is who you are!

3.)  Have character, it defines you!

4.)  Be strong in both mind & spirit, it prevents self destruction.

5.)  Dream it, believe it, & do it! Life is too short for anything less.

6.)  Don’t burn bridges, you never know when you need to cross them.

7.)  Have faith, it keeps you alive.

8.)  Have hope, it increases faith.

9.)  Leave no kind words unspoken, people can’t read your mind!

10.) Live each day as though you were writing your obituary.

11.) Never be too proud to say I am sorry.

There is nothing worse than losing someone you love and feeling like that relationship never reached it’s potential. Live each moment as though it were your last and treat everyone around you as though it were the last time you were to see them.

If everyone adopted this 10 step process into their life, we just might change the world. However, since it is likely that not everyone will read this and adopt this plan… we can only change ourselves.

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