The Journey of a Dream!

Renewed Relationships

2010-06-08T03:57:00.002-05:00

"Prayer is a relationship; half the job is mine. If I want transformation, but can't even be bothered to articulate what, exactly, I'm aiming for, how will it ever occur? Half the benefit of prayer is in the asking itself, in the offering of a clearly posed and well-considered intention. If you don't have this, all your pleas and desires are boneless, floppy, inert; they swirl at your feet in a cold fog and never lift."
— Elizabeth Gilbert

Yep, its been a while. What can I say? I am the Queen of Procrastination and the DIVA of Delay. A LOT has happened since my last post (this is becoming a pattern), but as always I am extremely grateful for every lesson, tear and joy that God has allowed and continues to allow me to experience. I am in yet another transitioning period in my life, one that tackles both my personal and professional self. I am excited, anxious and slightly nervous of what lies ahead. Nonetheless, I am CERTAIN there is an abundance of blessings on the way. Why? Because God said so!!

For the fourth time in 5 months, I am reading Elizabeth Gilbert's 'Eat, Pray, Love.' Yes it is that good!! This book is soooo amazing, and has helped me understand and realize a lot of things about myself. Of course I became super ecstatic upon discovering that it has been turned into a movie starring none other than Miss Julia Roberts!! (Love her!) Thus prompting me to pick up the book for the 4th time to refresh myself before the August 13th premiere. If you have never read this great story, I urge you with every fiber of my being to do so. Never have I read a book that had me laughing out loud (literally!), agreeing, praying, crying and talking back page after page.

Although I have never been married, divorced, tempted by the annoying itch of parenthood, traveled around the world nor wrote a book, I see myself completely in Elizabeth Gilbert, and appreciates her honesty to herself as well as to others.

The above quote is only one of many throughout the book that just jumps out at you. One of the greatest blessings of this read is that, while I had been dying to read it for years, I finally began reading 'Eat, Pray, Love' at the exact time that I began fiending for a more close and in depth relationship with God. Little did I know that this would open my eyes to so much more, and help me dive into my journey.

There are many underlying messages with in this read, and I hope that you take some time to read and enjoy the reflection of a woman's journey to understand and know herself.

Not only have I been on a focused journey to renew my relationship with God, I have been renewing my relationship with myself. Who have I become, and how does this person really compare to the individual I am and will become? I have learned to open my eyes, ears and heart more. By doing so, I have come to see the beauty in things around me, including my trials. Is there still work to be done? Absolutely, no doubt. But I am blessed to be able to see and understand things as I am now, as the age of 28.

These past few months have forced me to take a step back, stop and correct myself. There is soooo much more in store for me, and I refuse to miss out on it all simply because I didn't take the time to check myself.

Is there any checking that you need to do?

'Eat, Pray, Love' The Trailer (in theaters August 13th!)

Dance Like Nobody Is Watching

2009-12-11T08:54:00.001-06:00

Dance Like Nobody Is Watching
by Crystal Boyd

We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that we're frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.

The truth is, there's no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when?

Your life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. Alfred D Souza said, "For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life."

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have. And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time ... and remember that time waits for no one...

So stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or home, until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you are off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you've had a drink, until you've sobered up, until you die, until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy...

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Wow!! It has been forever, lol

2009-12-10T19:38:00.002-06:00

Been a while since I have posted, and A LOT has happened in that time. But the greatest thing is that I am still progressing and growing!! Thank God for that!

Will definitely start to pick up my progress with blogging ASAP! Hope all is well with everyone and you are enjoying your holiday season thus far!!!

Happy Holidays!!

Always,

Jessica

Test Your Creativity....................

2009-09-17T16:03:00.002-05:00

Write a :30 radio spot for SmallCanBeBig.org! Help to creatively spread the word of a wonderful organization!

Details here: http://bit.ly/22MzFq

"You have not, because you ask not"

2009-09-14T10:26:00.003-05:00

James 4: 1 - 3
1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

Why is this such a hard lesson to learn? For me the problem is not that I ask with personal intentions, it is just that I don't ask. Anyone for anything! Why is it so difficult for me to open my mouth when I need assistance/guidance, but yet I will break my back helping someone else and never think anything about it?

The only explanation I can think of is mainly pride. But in addition to that it is something greater.

I look back to my younger days when I was fearless and never met a stranger. I thought nothing of going up to someone and picking their brains, getting advice, etc. I was a networking fool, not even realizing that I was really networking. But now, its a different story.

There is literally a glass wall between myself and the people that I most can, should and want to connect with. But how did that wall get there, and most importantly how can I break it?

I have a feeling now that reaching out to people is like pestering and bothering them, and I have a hard time getting around that. This comes from various sources and situations that I have had to deal with these past few years, but I am beyond ready to get over it.

This is my intervention, my 'AA' so to speak on 'breaking the shell.' Can anyone help and give sound advice?

Because this makes me smile.....A LOT!!!

2009-09-06T01:53:00.001-05:00

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!

Shedding the 'Tough Skin'

2009-08-30T02:56:00.005-05:00

You know whenever something or someone hurts you, or when someone's words cut through like a knife? Why is it that people suggest that you should get tougher skin? Of course it is a metaphor for blocking out that pain and anger that person may have caused. But to me, now in my adult age, I see it as a slight cop out.

Of course we should not let some one's OPINION alter how we feel or think of ourselves, or any situation we may be associated with, because that is just what it is.....OPINION! So many people throw their opinions out like facts they have retrieved from a world history book and expect you to accept it. Something that I am grateful for is having the ability to accept people expressing their opinions, and leaving it just as that... their opinions. I have gotten to the point where I do not even dispute their thoughts, because that is just wasted energy in most cases.

When someone expresses their opinions that are completely off the wall and irrelevant, I just smile now and keep on moving (unless of course I am being degraded, that's a completely different topic). Why? Not because I have 'tougher skin,' but because I have greater faith. I have come to realize, as many others, that people will put other people down to make themselves look greater that what they really are. It is called their ego. The ego can be a deadly thing, and can cause a downhill spiral in a heartbeat.

Just because you have experienced certain situations, are a certain age, have a 'high' position, drive a certain car or live in a particular neighborhood doesn't make you nor your opinions any greater than anyone else. It just means that you are blessed and highly favored. Too many choose to confuse the two......

So why waste my valuable time trying to check someone else's ego, when God can do it better than any attempt I may possibly put forth? My smile is just a reminder to me of the faith that I have, and the realization that God will check that individual's ego.

You are never too old, rich or important to be taught valuable lessons in life. Life is simply ongoing lessons we have yet to learn. It is important to check one's ego daily so you don't get out of hand, but some people will never learn.

So I am shedding that 'tough skin' act, because my faith is much stronger and tougher to block others' insecurities from invading my space!

Favor Ain't Fair...But It's On Me!

2009-08-12T13:38:00.005-05:00

Ever took time to reflect back on your life and see the amazing progress and blessings you have been enabled to have? Not to sound like I have reached my 'Golden Years,' for I am only 28, but my life is NOTHING but a shower of blessings. The good and the bad, everything mixed in is amazing!

I have complete and absolute favor on my life. I can reflect on years, months, even weeks and become overjoyed over my life. Sometimes you have to stop and reflect, because it is SOOOOOOOO easy to get caught up in what you don't have and haven't accomplished. The blessing is that there is a season for everything, and just because you don't have or haven't done a specific thing only means that the particular season for that hasn't arrived. Patience is truly a virtue!

I was always one who rushed through EVERYTHING! Things had to be done right then and there in its entirety. But now I am grateful to have the opportunity to truly understand the concept of 'stop and smell the roses.'

There is so much favor on us! Just take a few minutes today or this week to really reflect over your life. I can guarantee that if you take a good look, you will realize you are more blessed than you even knew! That alone is a reason to smile!!

SmallCanBeBig.org

2009-07-29T04:05:00.003-05:00

SmallCanBeBig.org

Shared via AddThis

The Molting Process....

2009-07-18T04:45:00.000-05:00

molt (mlt)
v. molt·ed, molt·ing, molts
v.intr.
To shed periodically part or all of a coat or an outer covering, such as feathers, cuticle, or skin, which is then replaced by a new growth.
v.tr.
To shed or cast off (a bodily covering).
n.
1. The act or process of molting.
2. The material cast off during molting.

Something I am learning, the hard way no less, is that it is very difficult to move when you are weighed down with so much "baggage." Erykah Badu broke it down so clearly for us in 2000 with her hit "Bag Lady," and although I keep that song on repeat, you never truly understand the meaning until you go through it yourself.

I was flipping through the channels the other day and happened upon the Discovery Channel. There was an interesting documentary on about animals "shedding" or molting. Of course, I have seen and read of this process many times before, especially as an adolescent, but this time it brought on a different meaning.

Life is simply a molting process. The more we mature, the more shedding we release. Transitioning from a child to a teen, we released our love for dolls and cartoons and focused on our looks and friends. As a young adult, we began to focus on our lives and what directions we would take. And as an adult we focus more on our foundation and the impact we will make/leave. We are all familiar, however, with a few adults (in age) who have yet to molt mentally. But as we know, everyone goes through different processes.

With this process of mentally and physically maturing, for some, also comes the process of spiritual maturation. We began shedding our bad habits and actions for those that more reflect the spiritual guidance in which we follow.

"11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me." - 1 Corinthians 13: 11

But when we shed them, are we really letting it all go, or are we still practicing those same ways, just in a better looking shell? A snake molts. When it molts however, do we see it as any less of a dangerous species? Often times if we spot the recently released skin of a molted snake, we panic for we know the snake could be near.

Do people look at us the same way? When we say we have changed, do people take a look back and proceed with caution because they are not certain if they are still dealing with the "old" us or the newly reformed us.

I ponder on this, because I, on my spiritual journey, have come to recognize so many individuals who abuse the association of a Christian. Just because you show up to church, sit on that pew (closest to the pulpit), sing your song and shed your tear, you are not immediately categorized as a Christian? Especially if you pick up the phone, only a few hours after that same service, to gossip about the service, what someone had on, looked like and talked to. And yes.....I am focusing on my family at this present moment; no need to look further. I am often disturbed to hear very grown individuals speak of other grown individuals as if they are on the playground arguing over juice boxes, snacks, slides and swings.

This is an example of the snake. Just because you have shedded outer layers, no inner layers came off with it.

I am learning this process day by day, and am blessed and honored to be surrounded by individuals who are also going through the molting processes: spiritually, mentally and physically. Dropping old habits, burdens and frustrations are truly easier said than done. And unfortunately (and fortunately) for us humans, our molting process can not complete in a matter of 3 - 7 days. As the wise saying goes....."it is a marathon, not a sprint."

The blessing for me, however is that I myself notice the inner and outer skin shedding and feeling a renewed me. I am releasing the "baggage." It is a joy and feeling of freedom in which I have never felt before. I misguided myself into thinking that by speaking it out of my life, that it would magically disappear. If you want something out of your life, or a significant change to take place, you have to take action against it.

I am grateful that my molting process isn't complete yet, and that God is still working on me. It can be painful at times, but yet it is one that reveals mighty blessings along the way: such as a renewed mind, body and spirit.

So what about you? Are you molting?

I will no longer step out on faith......

2009-05-16T12:38:00.000-05:00

One year ago, I was preparing for my move to Charlotte, NC. I was ecstatic, thrilled, bright-eyed.....and FEARFUL of this move. A change was needed and it was happening. I was terrified, but you wouldn't have known it. Everyday I woke up with a smile and joy, but that was just a cover up. Everyday was filled with questions of where is the money coming from? Where will I live? etc.

I finally sucked it up two weeks before my move and said to myself "Why am I stressing? God's got it." This was stated not in confidence but in hopes that God really did have it. 4 days before my official move date, I had secure a place to live (gorgeous house in a wonderful neighborhood) and my dream job (sports Executive). I quickly realized this wasn't me, God truly had it!!

We walk around too often with fear and worry weighing on our shoulders (trust I know this walk all too well). We place a constant hold on ourselves from becoming what God has truly set forth for us to be, because we ponder the "shoulda, coulda, wouldas" and "What ifs." The only "What Ifs" we should take the time to entertain is: What if God had not given his only begotten son? What if we didn't have the faith and trust in God like we should? Where would we be?

1 Peter 5: 5 - 9
5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

My Mom recently reminded me that I am again stepping out on faith and it made me stop and think. Why am I stepping out on faith? Last year certainly wasn't the first, nor will it be the last time that He has me covered. I see stepping out on faith as only half way trusting in God and the direction He wants me to go. So from now on I will ONLY be running, skipping, hopping and sprinting out on faith, because I know that God's got it!

So what about you? Are you still stepping?

Life's MapQuest.........

2009-05-03T11:46:00.000-05:00

You know how you have a plan for your life? How you have a "set" path for yourself (i.e. - school, career, family, etc.) and how/when/where they will be obtained? Isn't it funny when you are going down that path, you NEVER included any pit stops or "scenic" routes in your original plan?

I guess that is just the beauty of life's mapqest; you never know when those pit stops will occur or when you need to detour because there is "construction" being done in your original path. I have never been one to say "by 25 this will happen, and then this needs to happen by the time I am 32," but I definitely know what I have wanted for my life and the path I have designed for myself. But the realization is that our path needs to be paralleled with God's path for us.

I have always known since my late teen years that I was going to own my own company. Doing what was, however, yet to be determined. I was fearless in my teen years and attacked any challenge head on. The confidence I had then, I only wish I had a fraction of it now.

I experienced minor detours in my education path, and I have now taken my detour in my career path.

It wasn't until the last 3 to 4 years that I changed directions in my career path, and didn't really realize it. I found and followed a new passion that didn't come into existence until my sophomore year in college. It literally consumed me and that is all I have wanted to do, completely ignoring the original plan and path I set for myself. Until recently.......

A few months ago, I was reminded of the original plan when a business concept popped into my head. I played with it for a few hours and decided to "drop it." Bad idea! It only came back to me stronger and began consuming most of my thoughts. I soon found myself in a battle with my original dream and the one I am currently living. I didn't know which one to let go of. But God did....

Within a two week time frame, God supplied soooooooooooo many tools to help launch this business concept, and yet I still found myself reluctant to let the other go. Here in front of me, literally, I have an amazing foundation to establish myself and my company....yet, I am being extremely apprehensive. Majority of the reason is my pride (that's a whole 'nother blog) and the other reason is fear.

I was really enjoying the path I was on and all of the people I have had the blessing to interact with. But now I have to detour back to my original path. I have often heard and now fully understand the meaning behind the saying "You have to let go of one dream in order to follow another." But why is that easier said than done? Why is it so hard to let go and move on?

I guess that is just another lesson that is to be learned on this journey of life. Too bad you can't purchase a life starter map from Wal-Mart or Target, lol.

Wow!!!! God is truly amazing!!!!!!

2009-04-15T02:53:00.001-05:00

I......am........truly......speechless right now! It is simply amazing what a marvelous God we serve!! There are so many times in our lives when we are just simply spinning out of control and have no clue which direction we need to go in.

2 Chronicles 20:17 (King James Version)

17Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

Sometimes you just have to stay still in order to hear the direction from God in which way He wants you to go. And in most cases, standing still does not mean stop right there and wait 4 - 5 minutes. Sometimes you have to wait months and years to get your direction. But when He gives you the direction.............my goodness!!!!!!

For me, this feeling is now, and it is by far the most empowering feeling I have ever felt. I am overcome with a slew of emotions: excitement, happiness, joy, fear, eagerness, doubt, anticipation...just to name a few. But no matter how I feel, God is still in control. You just simply have to step aside and allow God to take full control of the situation. I assure you, He will blow your mind!!!!

I am absolutely speechless and filled with tears of joy!! When God showers His people with blessings He shows His tail!! I am forever grateful that He is in control of this journey I am on. I am just buckling up and enjoying the ride!!!

"We Are Who We Choose to Be"

2009-03-31T05:14:00.000-05:00

So I was introduced to this video of Will Smith being interviewed by Tavis Smiley, and it is quite powerful to say the least.

When you are in the transition phase of becoming an adult and designing a path for your life, it is a challenge. Most of the time the challenge comes from within ourselves, as in opposed to any external factors.

Will Smith said it PERFECTLY when he stated that we should just decide to be something and just be it. Stop letting others persuade you from being anything you are not. If you wish to be the best Mom, then be the best Mom. If you want to be the CEO, then be the CEO. You are your own obstacle in life. This life is way too short to continue to play the victim to someone else's insecurities. Be you and only you, for this is only life we have to live.

Another statement that really hit me like a ton of bricks, was "the goal is to not be an icon. The goal is to be an idea. An idea of possibilities and passion." At some point in our lives, I am certain we think of what impact we will have on this earth. For me, my goal is to not be googled one day nor be on some magazine cover. I simply want to be a representative of possibility, passion, hope and ambition. I want to be an example to someone, anyone in reaching their goals.

I just want to be an example to all of the other individuals from small towns to show them that dreaming big is not just a fantasy; it can become a reality. Is it easy? Not at all, but that just makes the reward so much greater.

I honestly didn't realize that my stress and struggles were an example to anyone else, until a complete stranger approached me last week. That conversation was a complete eye-opener for me. Here I am going through many tests to reach my goals, and someone on the outside looking in is seeing something different.

Realizing that what they were seeing was something that made them excited and hopeful, was odd to say the least, but very inspirational. So whomever you are and whatever you are doing, please know that other's (even complete strangers) are watching you and learning from you. So while you are going through your path in life, you are blazing the path for those coming behind you.

So what is the objective for your life?

Ok, so I am not a blogger, lol

2009-03-12T01:44:00.000-05:00

Apparently, me and the blogging thing are not working at the level I wish we were. I am making a pact to blog a minimum of once a month. Let's see how that goes, lol.

I am an official tweeter! Follow me on Twitter: JessicaMadison (no space)! I love it! It is just something else for me to get addicted to.

I have a TON of ideas floating in my head of things I wish to accomplish in this life. Majority of them are extremely ambitious, but if you know me, than that is no surprise.

The real quest is seeing how many come to be!

I am EXCITED about new Grey's/PP tonight! Woohoo!!!!!!!! Thank you to Patrick Dempsey who spilled some great (and not so great) info on the rest of this season. Let's just see how reliable he is over the next few months.

Let us pray for Jimmy Fallon, because as of right now, his show is not so hot (well IMO).

Hope all is well for everyone! Have an awesome Thursday! :)

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-28T01:59:00.001-06:00

So I have not been doing the best job of blogging, but I am vowing to do better. I am still on this marvelous journey and I want to share it! :)

Happy Saturday!

Very Belated Update....

2008-07-14T14:41:00.000-05:00

So it has been a month since I started this blog, and I do not update well...apparently. So much has happened in the past month (both good and bad), and they have all been blessings from God. He is working on something greater, and I am patiently waiting for it to unfold.

I have moved to Charlotte, NC (love it here!!), and am working for a NASCAR team ( a major dream!). There is so much I am transitioning too and learning from, and I know I will continue to come out on top with God guiding me!

A Montage of My Family and Friends.......

2008-06-08T00:11:00.000-05:00

Enjoy!!

The beginning.......

2008-06-07T23:39:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!! Welcome to my blog site, and thank you for dropping by. I decided to create this blog as a track for my friends, family, as well as myself, as I begin the journey of my dream. This blog will also serve as a great communication tool so that I may be able to keep in touch with all of the amazing people I am blessed to come in contact with it.

I am beyond honored and grateful to God for giving me unbelievable opportunity after opportunity to allow me to be the very best of me. And He is continuing the shower of blessings!

I am excited to be able to share this with you, the good and the bad, and know this definitely the turning point of something great!

Jessica