I CAN have the BEST!.....I'm worth it!

As I drove home from 5AM prayer this morning, I focused in on the raindrops dancing across my windshield. I reflected on the crisp, breeze that hit my face as I walked to the car and I said to myself......its here! Boo season, cuddle season, snuggle up under the covers with your man and watch a movie season is here!!!!....Aaahhh! This is one of the many times of year that I can count on my environment to test my strength. Will I give in to the urge, the desire I have to cuddle with somebody or will I stay the course and remember that I am sacrificing now for something better later?....Hmmmm.....let's see? I think I'll wait. Ive been through this season before and I know that the rain will go away, the crisp days will soon be filled with sunlight and warmth, and I don't want to make a decision that I'll soon regret!! Ive waited all this time..........surely not to waste it on becoming involved in an emotional roller coaster of unfulfilled hopes and expectations because I want to cuddle!~ Girl, please.....Asheia....get it together! If you're cold, grab a blanket, and warm apple cider and call it a night!

Seriously, I know that there are so many women like me that are affectionate and long to be loved. But we are loved! We're loved by God, and we love ourselves......that's why we're waiting! Waiting for the best! And everyone deserves the best! Please don't allow the doom and gloom of rain clouds, and trees without leaves to cause you to doubt your self-worth! I don't care if you have 5 children, you've been divorced twice, you're overweight, have acne, and get paid minimum wage..........there is greatness inside of you! And there is a master plan, even for your life! .....Wait for the best, and yes you ARE worth the wait! Enjoy your life! Make the best of it! Smile!

Besides, you're not waiting alone!....I am walking with you.....every day, every decision, every moment I too am resisting all the temptations around me, and choosing to wait for Stratford!

Check out this YouTube video, and please.....dont be fooled by cuddle season!!
 Dont Be Fooled by Cuddle season video on YouTube

Taking the Limits off!!

 OMG !!!!! Today, I read an article in the Washington Post of a real-life Cinderella story of love. You know, the type of story that every girl dreams of.......Prince Charming coming to sweep her off her feet, Mr. Fine As Wine, has his stuff together kind of love. What particularly caught my attention is that the bride, Dr. Lindsay Marsh is a fellow abstinence advocate and has dedicated her life to teaching purity. Surely, her standard for a mate MUST be extremely high, right? Not only is she a successful anesthesiologist, but she's a 34 year old virgin!!

As I kept reading, I realized that her husband turned out to be NOTHING like what so many people had "pegged" as her future mate.  Yes, she maintained her standard of purity during their relationship but she was very open and willing to talk to Gareth, though only 6 months before they met he was NOTHING like she would've imagined. Not only was he not a virgin but he was admittedly promiscuous.

   Am I putting God in a box? Is the man that I've imagined for myself only a figment of my imagination compared to whom God really has planned for me? Am I living in "la-la land?" If I continue with my list of qualifications and requests, could I possibly completely miss the man that was created for me? Surely, I shouldn't just settle for the next guy that comes along..............how do I do this? Where do I find balance?

      One step at a time, one day at a time.......I am choosing to surrender my will, and pickup God's divine will for my life!.......I am taking off all the limits!....Yes, I still have a standard but I am deciding to be open and willing to receive what is ultimately for me! I trust that though Stratford may not be exactly what I originally thought, I know that he will be perfect for me!....................No longer thinking only inside the box!

I like so many other single women, doing it big, holding it down, have often defended my stance when Ive heard people suggest that I'm being "too picky, too choosy, impossible to please."  But after reading this amazing story, I am having a change of heart. I am not saying that we as women should not have preferences, and establish certain standards that display our confidence. Yes, it is so important that we understand our value. We must know our worth. But let's stay open-minded, make some of the items on our lists a little more flexible, and embrace the BEST choice for us.........understanding that our king may come wrapped in a package that looks a little different than we expected!

 

Click on this link to read Gareth and Lindsay's amazing story!

The wedding that motivated me to take the limits off--Gareth Warren and Dr. Lindsay Marsh

Expanding my mind as I patiently wait for Stratford!

Improving my self-portrait

What type of man am I capable of attracting, I ask myself. Well, that depends on my self-image. Yesterday during my commute to work I pondered and meditated on the thought that people see me the way that I see myself. Honestly, I cant expect to be seen as a giant if I see myself as a grasshopper. In the same manner, I cant expect my husband to see me as confident, poised, sophisticated, beautiful, and kind if I see myself as weak, unattractive, lonely and frustrated with life.( I don't, but I'm just saying...) Taking a look back to my past relationship decisions, I remember when I dated an abuser.......that relationship ended (thank God!) but years down the line, I started talking to another guy who had the potential to be an abuser!! I saw all the warning signs and got out of there quick! But I had to ask myself....what's inside of me that's attracting this same type of guy?!?!.....It was my grasshopper mentality! I realized that behind my smiling face, cheerful voice, and mask of confidence was a weak, vulnerable person that was looking for a man to bring validation my life.........and men could see that. And they came to take advantage of what I was offering....a weak spirit. Though I'm far from being that weak-minded girl I was years ago, I can still improve my self- image......WE ALL CAN!!!!  So I encourage you to join me in taking it up a notch in the way we see ourselves!......We must be the change that we're looking for!.....If we're overweight ( let's do something about it!), shy( let's do something about it!), don't like your skin texture, hair, whatever it is......(do something about it!).......You're beautiful. I give you full permission today to examine your heart, look at your life....take note of how you see yourself, and work on changing your self-image understanding that people will ONLY see you, based on how you see yourself!

Brightening my corner by improving the way I see myself!