Groom As You Grow... by Pamela Ballard

As we go through experiences we learn what not to do, or what we should do. In essence it makes you wiser and a better person. Right? Well sometimes it doesn’t work out like that and you find yourself stuck in the same place over an over again. It leaves you discouraged, “busted and disgusted.” Why do you suppose that is? It’s because you didn’t groom yourself while you were dealing with the situation or struggle you tried to overcome. Example (1): You got in trouble, locked up in jail because you were guilty not by doing wrong, but by association. You get out of jail, three days later the same fellas want to hang out, and you go. Groom Tip: Change your environment and it could change your circumstance. Example (2): Your girlfriend gave you money to catch up on your bills last week. You get paid this week and have a little extra. You see this dress you want and think you deserve to treat yourself. You know that if you do get into another bind, your girlfriend is your ace in the hole. Your girlfriend doesn’t see you’re trying to help yourself and she is less inclined to help in a pinch. Groom Tip: Put the extra money in savings for backup until you are financially stable. Just because God allows things to grow it doesn’t mean it’s at its best. Grass grows but do you not mow it? Hair grows but do you not trim it? Nails grow, but do you not mani/pedicure them? These are all examples of grooming while growing. You actually grow faster and healthier if you groom. Grooming is the preparation you do to anticipate what lies ahead. Grooming is the isolation you go through to eliminate confusion. Grooming is the meditation on who you are, where you see yourself, how you see yourself, and how God sees you. Grooming is the sacrifice of instant gratification versus delayed gratification. Grooming is discipline and self-control. Grooming is acceptance of where you are NOW, taking responsibility for HOW you got there, and having courage to ALLOW the process to change you. Just like you trim your beard or arch your eyebrows, groom as you grow into a new you.

What Are You Building?

This was too good to keep to myself.... "A tired carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer of his plans to retire and leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and family.The contractor was sorry to see his experienced worker go and asked ifhe could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenterreluctantly said "yes", but his heart was not in his work. He rushed and used inferior materials. When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect thehouse. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," hesaid, "my gift to you." The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he wasbuilding his own house, he would have done it all so differently. So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently. But we cannot go back. You are a carpenter. What are you building? Each day you hammer a nail, add a room or paint a wall. "Life is a do-it-yourself project,"Your attitude and the choices you make today, build the "house" you live in tomorrow. Build wisely! Don't be mediocre in the way you love and serve others. Love smart with your heart and don't settle for less, mess and stress in your relationships. Build a life of peace, love, harmony, joy, faith,and excellence. Be above average in your work performance, the way you dress, speak, pray and play. Strive for quality instead of seeking short cuts and below average living. Grow wise in your habits,emotions, spending and health choices. Walk, talk, live and love at your best whether someone sees you or not. Let your light shine bright in ALL that you do. Polish up your image and your living space. Don't compromise your character. Sow cheap, reap cheap. Sow quality, reap quality. Do your best whether or not you get credit and recognition.God sees your sincere efforts and hears your prayers. BUILD righteouslyand be blessed beyond your wildest dreams." by Jewel Diamond Taylor