AskLatisha.com » Thoughts http://www.asklatisha.com Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:04:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 The Battle/Wonderfully Made/ The Two Mes http://www.asklatisha.com/the-battlewonderfully-made-the-two-mes/ http://www.asklatisha.com/the-battlewonderfully-made-the-two-mes/#comments Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:55:29 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=2122 You may be wondering what’s up with the three titles above. Well, honestly I didn’t want to choose between any of these three prospective titles because they all reflect what I am going to write about. So you pick whichever one you like the best and let me know, okay.

There is an illustration used in many sitcoms that we often find hilarious; but it kind of accurately depicts what goes on regularly, if not always, inside our thoughts and spirit.

 There are two versions of ourselves, one on each shoulder; one wearing a fiery red devil costume with a pitch fork in his hand, trying to convince us to embrace our wicked side; the other wearing a glowing white robe with wings on his back and a halo over his head, ever so sweetly representing the good in us. Then you have to decide which one to listen to, whenever you need to make a decision.

 I often feel as though they are two mes. One which is a vibrant, confident, powerhouse of a woman ready to take on what life throws at her; ready for adventure; rolling with the punches; and getting back up and dusting herself off whenever she falls. She often hears a voice whisper in her ears; “You are wonderfully made, you are loved, you are significantly blessed.” She doesn’t over-explain or over compensate, and she doesn’t apologize for who she is. She loves God, herself, her life, her family, her children, and everything that she is and represents. She is healthy physically, spiritually and mentally. She is always wrapped in the warmth of Jesus’ embrace.  I could describe this woman forever, because she is my favorite. Yes, I said it, I have a favorite.

 Then there is the other one; who lives in darkness all the time, her thoughts and attitudes are always toxic. She is always angry, afraid, worried and anxious. She hears voices that lie to her everyday; they say things like; “you are worthless, stupid, and incapable;” and she believes that smut. She walks around in despair all day which makes her unable to do or enjoy anything in life; and she is never able to grow because she never steps out of her comfort zone. Satan has her under tight lock and key in the darkness, so no light could ever shine through.

 These two mes are both fighting for dominance, and I know which side I’m routing for. However, it is going to take more than just sitting on the side lines and screaming to the top of my lungs; “Go Latisha, go; Go God go.”

I have to make a choice. I have to be the one to hold all my thoughts captive and make them obedient to God. I have to choose confidence in God and not in myself; and cast my cares and fears on HIM, because he is better equipped to handle them than I am. I need to choose happiness and joy; and pray and believe I can move mountains with faith as small as a mustard seed. I have to do what I can, and trust God to do what I can’t. I have to believe that I am wonderfully made in God’s own image.

 God’s Word:

Psalms 139 (NIV)

 For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

 1 O LORD, you have searched me
       and you know me.

 2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
       you perceive my thoughts from afar.

 3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
       you are familiar with all my ways.

 4 Before a word is on my tongue
       you know it completely, O LORD.

 5 You hem me in—behind and before;
       you have laid your hand upon me.

 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
       too lofty for me to attain.

 7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
       Where can I flee from your presence?

 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
       if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
       if I settle on the far side of the sea,

 10 even there your hand will guide me,
       your right hand will hold me fast.

 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
       and the light become night around me,”

 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
       the night will shine like the day,
       for darkness is as light to you.

 13 For you created my inmost being;
       you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
       your works are wonderful,
       I know that full well.

 15 My frame was not hidden from you
       when I was made in the secret place.
       When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

 16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
       All the days ordained for me
       were written in your book
       before one of them came to be.

 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
       How vast is the sum of them!

 18 Were I to count them,
       they would outnumber the grains of sand.
       When I awake,
       I am still with you.

 19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
       Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

 20 They speak of you with evil intent;
       your adversaries misuse your name.

 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
       and abhor those who rise up against you?

 22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
       I count them my enemies.

 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
       test me and know my anxious thoughts.

 24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
       and lead me in the way everlasting.

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/the-battlewonderfully-made-the-two-mes/feed/ 1 Anger is the Word of the Day http://www.asklatisha.com/anger-is-the-word-of-the-day/ http://www.asklatisha.com/anger-is-the-word-of-the-day/#comments Tue, 23 Mar 2010 22:42:33 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=1941 Off the bat, I’ll admit that I knew I was wrong, but that didn’t stop me from being angry.

Starting from the beginning. We have been experiencing the potty training blues with our ever-so-brilliant daughter over the past month. Bits of January and February she was on the right track, she had accidents here and there, but at least she managed to poop-poop in the potty most of the time. She was even going to the potty by herself without telling us first or without us having to ask her if she had to go. Then she got sick for two weeks (Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono), also known as “the kissing disease.”

That set us back terribly, now all of a sudden, she stopped trying to go. She goes at school, but for some reason she lets it all out wherever, whenever at home. What makes it even worse is in her fight for independence, she wants to wear a panty and not her pull-ups. So we end up cleaning poop and pee off the floor a couple of times a day.

Yesterday, we were at the doctor’s office, we went there straight after picking her up from pre-school, so she still had on an underwear. I wanted to put on a pull-up on her, so to avoid any accidents, but she fought me on it, she wanted to be a “big girl.”  So I explained to her that we were at the doctors and if she pee-pee or poop-poop in her panty that she would have to keep on her wet pants until we get home. I took the chance that she’d do the right thing. What she knows she should do. She didn’t.

She peed in her pants like I thought she might and hoped she wouldn’t. Then and there I realized how much parenting requires patience. I thought about the way my mother would respond to that, if my three year old self did that, after fighting to keep the panty on, I felt sure she’d go ballistic on me, right there at the doctors office, onlookers or not (we are Caribbean folk). However, being that I live in America, I kept my cool.

Now back to the story at hand. I tried forcing my daughter to go to the toilet today, even though she said she did not want to. Often, she has an accident just two seconds after we’d asked her if she needed to go. So I wanted her to at least try. My daughter is in her  “no” phase, she tells me no numerous times a day and she is quite stubborn. So I’m yelling and threatening, and she is getting frustrated and angry at me, and I at her. Then my husband comes out.

He tries to speak to me nicely and tell me that this technique will not help us in our potty training quest. I knew that, but I didn’t want him questioning my parenting skills, so I tried to shut the bathroom door in his face. That makes him mad, now he’s yelling and I’m trying to walk away from him as he is trying to talk to me. I am angry because of the way he is shouting at me in front of my daughter and he’s angry because I am not listening and I am trying to run away from the conversation (imagine that).

I’ve told him before, when you start to shout, I stop listening. There is nothing that makes me angrier in this world than to be shouted at or told to shut-up; even when I am wrong I still expect your respect.

So I’m angry. I feel the tension and frustration boiling in my chest; and I want to scream so loud aliens could hear me in Mars; I want to tear the place up; rip stuff; punch stuff; break stuff; throw stuff; and I don’t want to ask God to help calm me down because I want the anger to fester, I want my husband to know how angry he has made me.

I know your expecting me to have some big solution of what to do when you feel like that. I’m still working on it. Maybe the right thing to do is to walk away; go meditate for a while; talk to God; not hurt someone physically or with your words;  and not destroy your stuff or anyone else’s and regret it later; that makes no sense. Keep your cool is all I can say to you, before you do something you regret or you can’t take back.

Anger causes people to do stupid things. When you allow yourself to stay in that place, it gives the devil the leverage he needs to destroy you and use you to destroy others. Don’t be Satan’s minion.

I eventually calmed myself; and nothing or no one got hurt in the process. Writing is very therapeutic. I love it. You should try it.  I’m going to go hug my family now.

What God’s Word Says about anger?

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil (Psalm 37:8).

A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult (Proverbs 12:16).

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing (Proverbs 12:18).

A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless (Proverbs 14:16

A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated (Proverbs 14:17).

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly (Proverbs 14:29).

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Proverbs 15:1).

A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel (Proverbs 15:18).

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city (Proverbs 16:32).

A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered (Proverbs 17:27).

It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (Proverbs 20:3).

Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you (Proverbs 20:22).

Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control (Proverbs 25:28).

Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger (Proverbs 29:8).

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Proverbs 29:11).

An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins (Proverbs 29:22).

You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.” But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment … first go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:21-24).

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions (Galatians 5:19-20).

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-7).

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:29-32).

Let your gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5).

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips (Colossians 3:8).

And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful (2 Timothy 2:24).

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires (James 1:19-20).

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Peter 3:9).

I Wanna Punch Stuff Video-from “I’m in the Band” Disney  XD

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/anger-is-the-word-of-the-day/feed/ 0 How the Devil Knows my Weakness http://www.asklatisha.com/how-the-devil-knows-my-weakness/ http://www.asklatisha.com/how-the-devil-knows-my-weakness/#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:13:51 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=1725 I made a mistake a long time ago and let the devil know my weakness. Now I walk around everyday with him whispering my can’ts, what-ifs, and I’m nots to me all day.

 

I can’t give him all the credit though, I’m pretty sure I meet him more than half the way. After all I have more control over me than he does. Do you know he can’t even read my mind? So pretty much what he knows, I told him, one way or the other.

He may not be able to read my mind, but he is a great listener, whether I want him to or not. So every time I talk about my weaknesses and short-comings he hears me. When I am anxious; worried; afraid; nervous; angry; sad; depressed or any other poisonous emotion, he notices, because he is very observant. He pays very close attention to my body language and actions, and when I am most vulnerable he pounces like a predator and hits me where it really hurts.

I am Satan’s greatness ally in the war against myself. He would stop at nothing to keep me from discovering the champion I am deep inside. He would stop at nothing to keep me from shining and showing the world what God’s light looks like in me.

So I have challenges. I have the regular kind, like everyone else. Then there is my own personal spiritual battle with the stronghold of ****. Unh-unh, I’m not going to say it this time.

I know one thing; I can’t be Satan’s bitch any longer. I have a family I need to be a confident; empowered woman for. If I don’t man-up, I mean woman-up for my children then what chance will they have in this sinful world.

I have been receiving a message a lot lately, through God’s messengers. Preparation and discipline is the key. I can’t just be praying (more like begging) for God’s help and do nothing while I wait. I have to believe God will answer my prayers. I also have to prepare my life and my heart to receive his blessing.

I have been victim for way to long, and I have had enough. The devil is probably reading this right now and laughing to his self, saying “Sure, I’ve heard that before.”

Nevertheless, today is the day I take charge of my life by handing it over to God. Trusting HIM wholly, arming myself with his word; prayer;  and then prepare for his blessing.

Starting with studying the word; praying; meditation; exercise; discipline; filtering what I watch and listen to; facing my fears; educating myself; enjoying life’s precious moments; being thankful in all things; and positive self-talk.  It’s a new day.

God’s Word:

 

Jeremiah 29: 11-14

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. [b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV)

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Philippians 4:6-7

 

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (New International Version)

5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/how-the-devil-knows-my-weakness/feed/ 1 Count Your Blessings http://www.asklatisha.com/count-your-blessings/ http://www.asklatisha.com/count-your-blessings/#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:26:14 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=1502 There is a Christian hymn which goes by the same name. These words speak truth into my heart.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
.
Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Then there is the song featured in the movie “White Christmas” and sang by Bing Crosby; that also warms my heart; it goes like this:

When I’m worried and I can’t sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you’re worried and you can’t sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you’re worried and you can’t sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings

My life may not be exactly where I’d like it to be right now. My children aren’t perfect (so logic tells me); my husband isn’t and neither am I. My finances, forget about it. My cupboard and fridge aren’t filled with the foods I’d like them to be filled with. My closet doesn’t have a plethora of fashion choices. I don’t have many friends. There are a lot I don’t have and that aren’t the way I’d prefer them to be.

However, I do have my health; my husband and two children, who are also healthy; a place to call home; caring and loving friends and family who love us; food; clothing; books to read; a t.v to watch; water; warm beds; and the list could go on and on.

Above all these I have a Father in heaven that loves us; provides for us; guides us; feed us; clothe us; shelter us; forgive our sins and this list goes on and on too.

So I’m grateful.

When my children, husband, friends or family do something absolutely terrific.

I’m grateful

I’m grateful to be alive.

What blessings are you counting today?

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/count-your-blessings/feed/ 0 Fear and Parenting can’t be friends http://www.asklatisha.com/fear-and-parenting-cant-be-friends/ http://www.asklatisha.com/fear-and-parenting-cant-be-friends/#comments Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:57:55 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=1454 Fear is a powerful emotion, one that could kill us figuratively and literally. It is the biggest weapon Satan can form against us to destroy lives; our own and the lives of others.

I was already growing into an extremely fearful person, now as a parent and a wife my fear has drastically increased. Now I’m not only afraid of the bad things that can happen to me but to my husband and children as well; and believe me, I can imagine 1’000 or more ways bad things that could hurt them and then me.

Living in fear is a toxic disease, one that I with God’s direction could cure. I want my children to grow as well a glow and be all they were designed to be. I can’t raise them to be that way if I am controlled by fear.

Fear is a useless but vicious stronghold. The bible talks about fear numerous times and advices us to “fear not.” God knew that fear could be a man’s biggest downfall. It is a slow death of the spirit that drives us to shine.

I believe all children are born with that spirit burning inside them and we as parents slowly extinguish it. We send them out into the world with what’s left of it; and as time goes by, the world completely puts it out or covers it up with so much smut. It would take a lot of soul-searching to find it and get it burning again.

Fear could really set up shop in the midst of us trying to raise our beautiful; wonderful; optimistic; adventurous and bright children; and we allow it to make itself right at home.

We listen to negative self-talk whispered into our ears by an unseen force and we believe all that negativity. We believe we are sucky parents because we haven’t got it all figured out. We are afraid we are going to really screw-up our children. We are afraid to send them out into the world without us. We are afraid that we can’t protect them out there, we can’t even protect them in here. We have much to fear as people, let alone as parents.

That’s why we have to surrender these fears to the Lord and let him carry them for us. That’s why the bible says in Psalms 55:22, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

Fear is a stronghold I know very, very well; it is paralyzing; it keeps me from living at my very best. I am a woman full of dreams; talent and a potential for greatness (I believe we all start with that potential) but my spirit fire is partly extinguish. I know I have some changes to make, that are proving to be easier said than done. How I am going to combat my fear is another article in itself.

I know what I have to do. I just need the discipline to do it. I have to do it, not only for my own happiness and victory but for the happiness and success of my children; as well as for the lives they will change because they walk in victory.

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/fear-and-parenting-cant-be-friends/feed/ 2 Stolen Moments http://www.asklatisha.com/stolen-moments/ http://www.asklatisha.com/stolen-moments/#comments Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:27:54 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=1445 I am a 27 year old mother of an infant and a toddler. I’m also a wife. I love my family with all my soul and I am very blessed. Thank you, God for all my blessings.

 Stolen moments (times to myself) are so rare and hard to come by; they are like digging for gold in a Gold Mine. Gold mining might even be easier, who knows.

 In my stolen moments I want to do so much; I want to spend time with the Lord; meditate, exercise; write in my journal; write letters to my pen pals; catch up with relatives and friends; write a “To Do List”; watch my favorite t.v show uninterrupted; lay in bed and just take in the peace and quiet; read; write; paint; listen to music; blog; work on my book; work on becoming a better writer and a better me; the list goes on.

 Stolen moments are a rare commodity.  I remember the days when my life was all my own. Now I belong to three other people. I love ‘em but I am still trying to deal with that. Got to go try to exercise now.

]]> http://www.asklatisha.com/stolen-moments/feed/ 0 Another Rainy Day http://www.asklatisha.com/another-rainy-day/ http://www.asklatisha.com/another-rainy-day/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:36:20 +0000 Latisha http://www.asklatisha.com/?p=1424 It is raining again this morning; I love rainy days especially when I spend them in my cool, comfortable and safe bed. Don’t you think a bed always feels more embracing on rainy days? It is like God himself has come down from heaven to hug me and comfort me. I wish I could carry that safe feeling with me through out the day.

However, at 8:00 o’clock this morning, I had to roll myself out of bed because my four-month old son had arisen. It was time for the day to begin whether I wanted it to or not.

Recently, I am starting to love lying in my bed more than many other activities. My bed just seems like a safe haven for me.
Nevertheless, that is not exactly where I want to want to be most in the world. I want to get up off my butt and get my days off to a better start.

I set myself a goal at the beginning of 2010 that I’d strive to be a better woman, mother and wife; a confident and well-rounded woman who would live her life to the fullest with pep in her step, and happiness and contentment in heart. I have a long ways to go, but I’m doing alright.

The kind of woman I desire to be is somewhat like the woman describe in Proverbs 31. I don’t desire to be perfect; I just want to be a woman who embodies excellence.

I want to eat and serve my family healthy meals; I want to exercise regularly; lose the baby weight, get the adequate amount of rest my body needs; balance housework, taking care of my children’s and husband’s spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs, and my own projects as well. How does the woman in Proverbs 31 do it? How does today’s modern woman do it? Does she do it all? I’d really like to know? Has God really equipped us with the capability to do it all?

Even though I highly enjoyed laying peacefully in my bed and dreaming sweet dreams; my thoughts were telling me to get up out of my bed, start my day right, spend time with the Lord, exercise, eat breakfast before my children wake-up. So when they arise I’d have gotten those out the way and would have plenty of time to do other things.

Now it is 10:04 in the morning, my daughter is still asleep, my son has gone back to sleep and I haven’t eaten breakfast, spent time with the Lord or exercised yet but I’m blogging. I need to organize my days better.
I know that some discipline would go a long way here and regular exercise would change my circumstance immensely. I will try doing better tomorrow. There is always tomorrow.
Guest what? It is snowing now. I love snow. Anyhoo, how you doing?

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