We live in a cut throat world. Just as soon as we think we have the hottest, latest phone or pair of shoes, a new one makes it 'cold' two weeks later. We just can't keep up. Why waste time trying to?
Contemporary society says cars, bling and more material things are representative of our success. Although those things are awesome, they are not the only representation of success. Americans are buying more than they can afford to impress people who don't really care.
You want proof? According to Nerd Wallet, just check out the American Household Credit Card Debt Statistics latest information
U.S. household consumer debt profile:
Average credit card debt: $15,257
Average mortgage debt: $149,782
Average student loan debt: $34,703
You don't want to see America's total debt numbers. And you can blame the government all you want, but each of us have a responsibility for our own well-being. Don't get caught up in the hype. People may have a lot to 'show for' but nothing saved up in the bank for their future. People may have some nice cars in their drive way, and feel utterly empty inside. That is why it's so important to be rooted on solid ground. It's not what other people see that defines you or makes you successful, it's what is going on within you. Are you living your dreams? Are you surrounding yourself with positive people? Are you spending more time on instagram than you spend with God? Are you happy, forreal? You can settle for the show, or you can invest in the background work first. Have a solid root that lives beyond all seasons and grows larger than a naked eye can fathom. It's not just about what others see, it's what's going down behind the scenes. #LetsKeepItAuthentic
A couple of weeks ago I was invited to participate in a Social Media Fast. It didn't take a lot of thought to know that the Lord was compelling me to be a part of it. I had done a semi fast from Facebook before but really didn't have anyone to hold me accountable so it was a little easier to "slip up". I challenged my children to be a part of it as well. We fasted from Facebook, instagram, twitter, games, as well as limited t.v. and radio.
Day one was rough! I found myself going to my phone almost as natural as I picked up a cigarette and smoked before God delivered me. Without even thinking about it, it was so easy to start something and then get distracted by Facebook before. Honestly, I had to delete the whole app off of my phone and deactivate it.That evening my middle son and I had gotten into an argument because I had asked him to turn off the music he was playing. I was beginning to enjoy the quiet, with four kids that is simply rare. I was able to expose the stronghold that cell phone music had on him because of his reaction.
Almost every night that week we read either a chapter out of the Bible or a devotional, talk about it and then we pray. Our usual 15 minutes lasted an hour.I was elated!! I even asked the kids if there was anyone at school that was in need of prayer and they came up with quite a list! It was awesome for them to be able to see all the people around us that are in need.
That Friday, an Ice cream shop called Sweet Frog was having a Father, daughter "Princess and the Sweet Frog night." I took my daughter because her father doesn't live here. It was quite busy, there were lots of pretty little girls dressed up in princess dresses with Tiaras. We had to wait a little while for a table but once we got one I noticed a dad holding his daughter, trying to feed her too. I offered him to come sit at our table. He gladly accepted.When he sat down I began to reach for my phone so I could "hide behind it" so to speak. BUT I was fasting, so I pressed passed that awkward feeling and asked him a few questions.
Its amazed me how we were in deep conversation about life. His young daughter showed me pictures of herself, her mommy and her daddy on his phone. It was great. I thought 'wow, this little girl is so proud of her daddy. (Isn't that how we feel about our Heavenly Father?)' He shared how he had just got off of work and rushed her over here to get ice cream. I wondered what MOM was doing home alone for that little bit of free time too.
Well, as we got ready to leave I was waiting for my little ones to finish up, I paused and looked around at all the little princesses and their daddy's.I then noticed that out of about 7 dads, 5 of them were on their phone, not even talking to their daughters as they sat there eating ice cream. My heart began to physically ache and I thought wow, look at all these little girls sitting "alone" entertaining themselves with ice cream as daddy plays on his phone.
I walked behind one man and saw that he was playing Ruzzle. :/ I instantly began to pray and ask God to forgive me for anytime I may have made it seem like my phone was more important than talking to my children. It took me all the way back to my childhood, having parents that were there but not there if that makes any sense. It made me ill to think that we have come to a place where we hide behind phones, text messages and social media. We don't TALK to each other anymore.
I'm so grateful that God allowed me to fast and see this for myself. I got so much accomplished this week and was able to focus on the more important things in my life. I would encourage anyone to try it for yourself and see what you have been missing out on!!!
I am so full of joy just to be loved by Jesus. I have a heart for children and making people feel special, valued and loved. I think every woman should know she is BEAUTIFUL, I'm still learning that for myself.
Last week many of us embarked on a Social Media Fast. Plain and simple: no social media outlets of any kind for seven straight days. You can find more info about it's details here.
Was it easy? It depends on who you ask. So I'll speak for myself here. Before the fast I was checking my phone almost out of habit. I was having social media attention deficient disorder. We've all been there; meaning to start something but getting side tracked because of facebook, ect. I knew it was time to get back to the basics, clear my heart and mind. I asked you wonderful people to join. I had no idea that it would get so big though, with countless people committing to give the fast a shot and even more participating now on their own time periods. I am overwhelmed with some of the testimonies we've received. Whether it was starting to write a book, catching a 'big break', spending more time with God, speaking with some long lost friends or giving your personal focus your 100%, I applaud you all. I am so blessed to have people who sincerely support me and the vision of Let's Keep It Authentic. It's always been all about you guys. I love you all and I look forward to the new journey's that we will embark on together. Remember, this world can be heavy. Sit down, shut off your phone, go for a run, get on your knees in prayer whenever you need to with no reservation. Don't allow this world to withdrawal so much from you and forget to deposit within yourself. You deserve it. Love on yourself often, repeat, now you're ready to love on others better. God Bless, Paloma
It's no secret that social media has taken the world by storm.
Checking our social outlets has almost become second nature for many. Just as
the smoker of twenty years will say, 'sometimes it comes without thought'. That
is where we come into dangerous territory.
Over the last couple of years I've seen this common trend of people
choosing to ‘ Facebook’ their problems before facing them. Every few months or
so, the Lord will put in my heart to back away from the public for a while. This
time it goes way beyond me. I am inviting you, friend, to join us.
Most studies show that to break a habit it takes
approximately thirty days. All we’re encouraging is seven. Seven days to not
put your feelings and happenings out there to others. Seven days to be ‘out of
the loop’. Seven days to get back to focus.
“What should you do in these seven days?”
-Use this time to spend more time with the Lord by reading
his Word
-Read those books that you've been meaning to get to
-Build and/or develop your business plan
-Each time that you need to get something out, write it down
or call your accountability partner (below)
-Make those steps that you've been meaning to make before
social media ADD got ya -Get to movin'! Take that jog, go visit that old friend or family member...
-Cleanse your spirit, follow your heart
“How is this possible? I can easily change my password and
go back on.”
That’s why we are encouraging you to get an accountability
partner. This is the person who will change your passwords (Facebook, twitter, etc) and not give it to you until the end the seven days are up. This is also
someone who you can call for encouragement and/or prayer. Make sure that your
accountability partner is someone that you trust, as I know some of these
outlets can hold some personal information. (To be safe, I encourage you all to
first remove any and all things that you don’t want anyone seeing.)
As for the appssuch as Instagram, delete them off of your
mobile device. It’s easy and prevents you from going on there without thought.
When the week is over you can simply download the app again and use your old
information.
What social media applies?
So happy you asked. Twitter, Facebook, Blogging, Instragram, Youtube, Tumblr, online instant messaging and any other game apps
that open a window for mass communication.
We will begin on February 20th and go through
February 27th.After the seven days are done, we want to know how
this social media fast went. What did you learn and how much more you got done.
Even if you believe that this is something that you
personally do not need or absolutely cannot participate in due to work, please share it with others. As you do not know who may
be blessed with this opportunity.
I listened to this sermon by Joel Olsteen the other day about the Spirit of Excellence. Before I get into the message, can I just say that Joel Olsteen is THAT dude?! Only Joel can give a puncturing Word of God slap in your face, still keep a huge smile on his, while not offending anyone. haha
Anyway, the message talked about having a spirit of excellence in our PRESENT situation. We may not have our dream house but what are we doing to take care of the house we were blessed with? Are you keeping it titty and everything neat? Are you taking care of the grass or just letting it grow all out of control? We might not be graced with a husband of wife that we want, but what are we doing to make ourselves better and where are we looking? Are we all up in the ratchet club expecting to meet a graceful partner? Are we carrying ourselves with respect and dignity? We may not have that job or promotion but what are you doing to excel in the one now? Are you clocking out 15 minutes early? Going on facebook, twitter AND instagram every chance you get or are you putting in that extra time, going above and beyond when no one is looking, and still preforming to a tee when your boss is on vacation?
You see, God isn't going to bless us with our next, until we appreciate our now.
Did you know that the taller the building, the deeper the construction team had to dig into the dirt? Yes. In order for a massive building to be built, the earth must first be torn and it's base rooted on solid ground. These tall buildings have to be able to withstand trembling winds, up-roaring floods, panicking shakes, and a stampede of people inside trying to make a difference. But before it can be this beautiful building it's core had to be constructed on sure ground. What am I trying to say? I am trying to say that each expert started as a beginner. I am trying to say that when your world gets shaken, it is not without a reason. I am trying to say that the depth of your past is an indication of the height of your future. As I check my very own heart, I ask you friend, are you building your dreams on solid ground?
Matthew 7:24-25 (24) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.(25) The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had itsfoundation on the rock.
Trust in Gods timing. It can sound cliche it's been said to us so many times. I won't front. Sometimes its hard to understand why our hard work hasn't paid off yet. It seems as if every one else is getting promoted, all of your friends are getting engaged or married, or someone else gets their 'big break'. And you're just sitting there witnessing it all. You think God, "where's my promotion, where my husband/wife, why can't I can't my piece of the pie?"
Would it drive you crazy to trust that God is never one second late? That promise He made to you may come to pass in 5 years or one week. That promotion may have not come maybe because a year from now you'll get a greater one that will blow your socks off. Maybe your 'boo' never proposed because he was never the husband God ordained for you. Maybe you were rejected because God knew that if He gave you the blessing then and there, you wouldn't have been able to handle it maturely. Maybe you're struggling just a little bit longer so that you learn how to grip a little bit tighter to Him.
Trust in His timing. Not because I am saying that it's always easy, but because it is ALWAYS worth it. That rejection may have just been for your protection. That closed door may just lead you to the best door. Trust Him. He is never one second late no matter how much our advanced clocks count the milliseconds.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
A Time for Everything
3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Did you know that bees were never meant to fly; aerodynamically speaking?
According to the laws of science the bee’s body is too large and heavy for its
frail and small wings to hold it. Technically speaking, the insect that has
been found to have one of the most impressive and advanced species systems
(such as creating honey, following their queen bee structure and carrying on
the legacy of photosynthesis), should ONLY be able to crawl. Yet bees travel in
packs into untold lands for a greater purpose. The bees never think “what if I
fall?” They never stop and compare their wings to others. They just go. With
their one weapon’s use costing their life, they fly against all measures with
no fear.
The bee reminds me of all the limits we put on ourselves.
It’s like the moment our faults are pointed out; we start to believe them too. Who
says you’re not good enough to fly? Who told you that you can’t change for the
better NOW? Who said you've got to be like them?
One of the most amazing things about God is that he uses
some of the most unexpected candidates. Then He qualifies the one’s brave
enough to look past the technicalities of the world. If faith can move
mountains, will you let mountains move you? Or will you soar above the say so’s
and supposed to’s and just go?
Sometimes I even doubt myself. But then God reminds me that
this is a journey. Don’t waste your time wishing and talking as I have before.
Just fly.
Who lied to you and told you that you had to be perfect to come to God?
A friend of mine once said "I am not ready because I'm not ready to live my life like that."
Like what?
There's this strong misconception that one has to COME cleansed but that is an upright LIE! The Lord says "come as you are!"
Allow me to tell yall what that means.
That means broken, broke, abused, addicted, boisterous, cunning, deceiving, fraudulent, hopeless, insecure, jacked up, killer, sinner, lustful, knocked up, liar, hurt, used, bruised, backslider, opportunist, drug dealer, prostitute, and everything in between.
You come willing and He will do the rest. Know that it's going to take work, and a surpassing faith but He will bring comfort, peace, healing and restoration to every area of your life and the lives of your family if you trust Him enough to say "I can't do this without You" and then obey.
What are you waiting for? There's no mess too big or no heart too broken for God.
It seems as if contemporary society is more corrupt than ever.America somehow views apparel changes as an allowance for swap of morals and location adjustments as the dismissal of principles as well. Bosses encourage manipulation, leaders aren't practicing what they are preaching, authorities are taking advantage, and babies are having babies.
This type of corruption or mislead behavior is nothing new to American culture, much less the world, but what has me in utter is AWE is that it's almost becoming acceptable. Its as if many are in an abusive relationship and have become complacent. We've allowed the statistics; the media, the world truly get to our heads and beat our faith down.
#LetsKeepItAuthentic
It's not okay to lie, cheat or steal to get what you want as it is not okay to manipulate, take advantage of, or JUST 'look out' for your own 'team'. What seems to be happening more than ever is the free pass and go system to the people within your circle. The watchers are watching you but more than ever not checking their own behavior.
2 Peter 2:19
'They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.
Is it money? Is it placement? Titles? Awards? Is it recognition? Is it out of 'necessity'? Is it the status quo?
Is it wrong?
Before I go in, this message is not an analysis to Floyd Mayweather's entire character, but a particular characteristic he embodies that's commendable.
May 1, 2010 the undefeated Floyd Mayweather was scheduled to go against "Sugar" Shane Mosley. This fight was said to be one of the most anticipated fights in history. "Boxing purists had called for the fight for over ten years," an ESPN article released a week prior said.
Before the infamous fight took place there was a short video clip of Mayweather's coach and friends talking about his preparation methods before a big fight. Of course, they all spoke about the athleticism that must take place prior to these extremely physical events.
What stood out the most was when they said that MAYWEATHER NEVER WATCHES HIS OPPONENTS BEFORE HAND. LIKE NEVER.
Mayweather went on to saying that watching them could cause doubt or insecurities (in looser terms). He simply would just over train and not mind who or how the opponent was, regardless of who was in his ear talking about "you've got to watch him!"
This concept hasn't left my mind since that day. Too many of us are concerned with what the other is doing, letting ourselves become weighed down by doubt because we don't quite measure up to what we think we're already supposed to be like.
Was that too much to catch? STOP looking to your left or your right! Be encouraged because NO ONE is like YOU. Whatever dreams you may have, commit to the process of making them come true no matter who is in your view. Don't let anyone or anything deter you. NO ONE can compete with you BUT your own self doubts!
Close your eyes and ears to the doubts, the judgement, the hate, AND GO! Mayweather Vision. And if by chance what you do requires you to be attentive to what others are doing, then show them PURE LOVE. Show them love because they're pushing and believing too! They're not quite like you and you're not quite like them. REJOICE!!!
Soooooo I haven’t posted in a while and I’d like to say that I was extremely busy, but I always have been so I cannot use that as an excuse.
A few weeks ago when I was posting consistently, the amount of love I got was tremendous and far beyond what I ever anticipated. I was connected with not just people in close proximity but people from all over the world sending me messages and commending me on my work.
I was so flattered. What would seem to most at an initiative to keeeeep writing, suddenly left me frozen. I started truly questioning myself and why I seem to run away from spotlight positions. Was I scared of my own possible success? Have other people ever felt the way I did?
In the world we live in today, there are millions of people who have that front and center mentality. Some will lie, manipulate, and mislead to get there. I guess I never wanted to be associated with these people.
I don’t want to be another trending topic just to be able to retweet that I was. I want to inflict that inspiration that will be “pending” inside of others hearts and levitate to the surface when they need it most.I don’t want to be successful just to tell others I was. I want the essence of my spirit to never be forgotten and to be passed down.
I guess I stop writing and reciting when it seems demanding. When I created this blog it was not supposed to ever run on a dead line. It wasn’t to write things to keep my readers interested but have no substance in what I’m saying. It wasn’t to build on my numbers or my brand. It was to touch just one because I knew that if my words touched one, then they would touch another.
Please forgive me for my inconsistency but just know that this blog will always reflect its title.I won’t go on command because of the demand of a crowd.
I’m not scared of success. I’m just scared of not keeping it authentic.
Bare with me because I will take those topics that people are scared to discuss or don’t know how to word out of hibernation. I will find those missing gems (of people) that have been hidden in the cracks.
Just like the bear I need my rest. My inspiration comes from those moments of silence, not the applaud of a crowd.
A few years ago when I was going through it with my high school sweetheart and thought I would end up marrying this boy (ridiculous, I know), I asked my grandmother “Abuela, you and Abuelo have been married for over 40 years now, what has kept you guys together?” She answered “well, when choosing a life partner, equal intelligence level is the most important thing.” I was so intrigued and surprised by her answer that I continued to dig as to why she didn’t just say “love” or “God” or “patience”….the typical answers people are used to hearing.
She told me that “without an equal intelligence level there is no understanding of any of these other qualities that you’re used to hearing.” Then I got to thinking…honestly though, how can two partners explain their personal stance on subjects that they feel strongly about if the other partner cannot mentally understand what the other is talking about?
I’m not saying that two people must be alike. I’m not saying that they need to have the same background or financial upbringing. But if they are drastically different, they must hold an open mind.
Intelligence level to me isn’t weighed by a number, nor a trivia game, or even a reputable reward. Intelligence level to me means drive and action. The notions that you personally don’t know it all but are willing to learn. Why not learn from the person that you want to spend the rest of your life with? Same intelligence level is having a thorough awareness of you and meeting the other person in a similar playing field.
To teach each other they must be willing to be taught and maybe that’s where respect falls short in some relationships. If one person doesn’t believe in what they say or do, then others won’t either. Not even a partner.Maybe respect is gained and lost through intelligence level as well. How can we respect a partner who doesn’t have his or her own mind or an urge to learn? How can we respect a partner who doesn’t have drive or charisma?
The answer is we CAN'T unless the people in the relationship are ignorant to the same things, the same traits, and the same exposure. I believe that the reason why a person who graduated top of their class from Harvard and a person who didn’t graduate high school can last is because they each have a respect for the others opinion. What one person lacks in, the other can build on.
Of course the typical answers are completely relevant in my personal book. God, love, and patience plus many other traits must be added to the mix. But these qualities are all communicated though the very intelligence level that I’m writing about. This blog isn’t in reference to a high school sweetheart,a first love, or any minimal lesson. It’s the self knowledge that happens after the fact.
I think my Abuela might have been right on point when she answered my question because my Abuelo still looks at her like she’s a queen. I only hope to stay with a man who respects mind and my values as she did.
So today I’ll ask you, to take a look within yourself as I did. Do you know who you truly are? Do you know what positives you can bring into a relationship? Do you know what values you won’t compromise? Do you know how to communicate them?
Know yourself thoroughly before you attempt to know another; especially the person you may want to spend the rest of your life with. A great partner will take you through undiscovered mazes within yourself, walk you through being lost, and never shun you once. Now that’s the type of intelligence that will make a lasting relationship. The learning never ends…
