thankful

Are You Cherishing Each Breath You Take?

So many times life is taken for granted. Time is taken for granted. But in general people are taken for granted. It is as if we just expect someone will always be there. Or that we will always be here.

Every time we awake we have been given another gift. More breaths. More sunshine. More love. And more memories.

So the next time anything has us down and want to give up we must remember that someone out there is fighting for that last breath. By using this perspective, we will find ourselves more grateful. We will have more strength to conquer the challenges before us. And we will be less likely to take any of our own breaths for granted.

Count Your Blessings

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© Angela Bininger and The Empowerers, 2009-2012. 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.

New Season = New Lessons

I hear the birds singing, and love the way the sun kisses my face as I carry out the trash. Oh how I love the start of a new season. And how grateful I am that spring has arrived! As I walked back in from taking out the trash I thought “Uh Oh, new season = new lessons!” “I wonder what lessons are awaiting me this new season…”

This past season, I learned many things. I met new people, reunited with old friends, and built on existing relationships. I distanced myself from some relationships, and even discarded a few. All of which became a requirement for me to grow more, and find the right path.

I learned to never second guess my intuition, and to never doubt God’s plan. I learned the power of patience, and perseverance. I got to see firsthand the power of prayer and it’s ability to move mountains. That part was beautiful!

The biggest lesson I learned this past season was that “behind every failure is an opportunity for success.” I realized that our plan isn’t always His plan. That it is okay to fall, just get back up and keep pedaling! In order to prevent future falls/accidents, do not look back. Peddle like crazy and look straight ahead. Focus on the goal. (We peddled away for a reason, there is no sense in looking back at something we don’t and won’t miss.)

Now I question although I should not, “What will this new season bring?”

I want this to be my season to plant seeds in hopes for a bountiful harvest in the fall. It is the beginning of a beautiful journey. And a happy ending to a story that was once so sad to me. I predict this to be the season of joy! I feel very good about things, and incredibly optimistic! As my feet hit the floor each morning I feel good! I feel like my life has a purpose. I feel secure with who I am, I feel happy.

Whatever lessons lie ahead in this next season, I have faith I will learn and grow from them. I no longer fear change, I welcome it. With every new season, I embrace this journey even more. I didn’t know when or how I would get here, but faith has brought me here. Faith will either keep me here, or take me to an even higher place. None the less, it is time. And I am ready!

Thank you Lord, for such a beautiful life!

What Real Friends Are

As I sat here ecstatic this evening to have been chosen for Examiner.com  I was exchanging texts with my best friend. I couldn’t wait to tell her! In the texts I thanked her for believing in me, as my dreams now become a reality. She has been a true friend to me, and I admire her. Many years have passed since we first met at Broadman Baptist Church 18 years ago, and she has always been true to me. She has been honest, and loyal. She has offered advice that I hoped to hear and advice that has hurt, and I am glad she loved me enough to offer it. I cherish her.

Upon thanking her she replies “Girl that’s what real friends do! Love you enough through the rough times so they can celebrate with you in the good times!” And she is right. That is what real friends do. They are beside you cheering you on. They tell you the truth no matter how bad it hurts. They believe in you when you find you can’t. They pick you up when you are down. They can tell by the tone of your voice that something is wrong. They love you as you are. They accept you. They are beautiful!

I thank God for her. I don’t know what I would do without her. She has been my rock through this journey. And as year three of single parenting for me soon turns into year four, we can finally celebrate. I am on the right path. I have been blessed with a wonderful friendship. Thanks for cheering me on. I love you!

© 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.

Thank You Lord

THANK YOU LORD

Thank you Lord for giving me

These lessons from which I have learned.

And granting me the privelage

To grow

As each page I turn.

Thank you Lord for blessing me

With an ability to type and write.

Thank you Lord for giving me

A chance to share this life.

The lessons I have learned

I will now teach

And pass  on

So others can beware.

Thank you Lord for loving me

and For always being there.

In times ahead

I will likely fall

Perhaps repeating a lesson or two.

Thank you Lord for not judging me

And loving me as you do!

– AMEN –

© Angela Bininger and The Empowerer, 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 Empowerer with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.