Today

Waiting For Cake With Icing

I don’t know if people realize how difficult it is to be celibate and single in a sex-crazed society. Almost everyone who is privy to this information thinks that something has gone horribly wrong with me, some think I hate men, or I’m hurt and afraid or just downright cold.

Why it is so hard for people to understand or believe that I have decided to look for something more than a casual, fake relationship. How many people are in "relationships" and still feel incredibly lonely? You know in your heart that this isn’t who or what you are looking for, but you just don’t want to be alone, sleep alone and want to have someone to show off to the world.

Sitting back I really can understand why so many people live like they do accepting a watered down version of what love should be. Love has been commercialized. To show someone you love them means that you have to spend an arm and a leg. What is termed 'romantic music' are mostly songs about sex, how to seduce a woman and how to get away with unfaithfulness, its no wonder why love is treated the way it is. Sex has become so casual that it has lost its meaning and its reason for being. Unfaithfulness is seen as multitasking, everyone does it.

I understand that there is much more to a "relationship" than the physical and sexual aspects, maybe that’s what so many just don’t get. I do get lonely, but it sure does beat beating myself up over something that lacks foundation with somebody who is equally unfulfilled. I don’t believe in there being a Mr. Perfect, I believe that there is the perfect man for me and I believe God will let me know. When asked about my lifestyle I get the pitying looks, "It doesn’t work that way and if you are not careful you will end up sad and alone." Then there is the "everyone cheats so just accept that that’s the way it is." Or the saddest of them all "there is no such thing as true love, its all nonsense."

So if I go by what everyone tells me, I should ‘be with’ someone which means living in sin even though I may know in my heart that this particular man is not the one I love, there is the pressure to simply 'be with' someone. What is society saying to me, that to live with anyone is better than living alone? Is it because some people think time is running out? 25 and the clock is against me, imagine that!

The first couple years may be okay because of the ‘novelty’ of it all, have a child when the time is right. But because the relationship was not built on the right foundation, my partner would start being unfaithful not only because that’s just the way it is but because I look ‘tired’ after having a child. By the time the child is enrolled in school, I’ll be tired of begging my partner to notice me and the emptiness will be harder to ignore, so I’ll probably start having affairs or maybe I’ll just spend my days trying to fix everything that is wrong with me so he will love me. Maybe we will split up or maybe we will stay together for the sake of the children.

This way of life may work in soap operas but not in real life. Society teaches us what happens to many single parent households and that is not something I want for myself or for any child that God may bless me with. I want more. I deserve more.

Misery does love company. What an awful fate. The majority of people encouraging me jump on the boat are living the life I have outlined above. I don’t want to end up alone but why would I want that?

I don’t think I’m perfect, I treat people as I would like to be treated. I consider each guy that comes into my life not only as my potential spouse but as someone else’s. Maybe someone is doing the same for me. Call me the eternal optimist, but I don’t want the batter, I want the cake with icing.

God's Love

It's amazing and incredible, But it's as true as it can be.
God loves and understands us all, And that means you and me.

His grace is all-sufficient, For both the young and old.
For the lonely and the timid, For the brash and for the bold.

His love knows no exceptions, So never feel excluded.
No matter who or what you are, Your name has been included.

And no matter what your past has been, Trust God to understand.
And no matter what your problem is, Just place it in His Hand.

For in all of our unloveliness, This great God loves us still.
He loved us since the world began, And what's more,
God always will!

10 Rules For A Happy Day

1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK:
   
   If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind... I will not respond in a like manner.
   
   
2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY "ENEMY:"
   
   If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask GOD to bless that individual. I understand the "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger.
   
   
3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY:
   
   I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip.
   
   
4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE:
   
   I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.
   
   
5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE:
   
   I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.
   
   
6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL NOT DO IT SECRETLY:
   
   I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.
   
   
7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED:
   
   I will practice the golden rule - "Do unto others as I would have them do unto me" - with everyone I encounter.
   
   
8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED:
   
   My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.
   
   
9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY:
   
   I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will love my body and thank GOD for it.
   
   
10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY:
    
    I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to GOD's voice!!!
    
    

"But since we belong to the day, let us be self controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation as a helmet."
1 Thessalonians 5:8

LORD, WHY DID YOU MAKE ME BLACK?

Lord, Lord,

Why did You make me Black? Why did You make me someone
the world wants to hold back?

Black is the color of dirty clothes; the color of grimy hands and feet.
Black is the color of darkness; the color of tire-beaten streets.

Why did you give me thick lips, a broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did You make me someone who receives the hatred stare?

Black is the color of a bruised eye when somebody gets hurt.
Black is the color of darkness. Black is the color of dirt.
How come my bone structure's so thick; my hips and cheeks are high?
How come my eyes are brown and not the color of the daylight sky?

Why do people think I'm useless? How come I feel so used?
Why do some people see my skin and think I should be abused?

Lord, I just don't understand; What is it about my skin?
Why do some people want to hate me and not know the person within?

Black is what people are "listed", when others want to keep them away.
Black is the color of shadows cast. Black is the end of the day.

Lord, You know, my own people mistreat me;
and I know this just isn't right. They don't like my hair or the way I look.
They say I'm too dark or too light.

Lord, Don't You think it's time for You to make a change?
Why don't You re-do creation and make everyone the same?

(God answered:)

Why did I make you black? Why did I make you black?

Get off your knees and look around. Tell Me, what do you see?
I didn't make you in the image of darkness. I made you in the Likeness of ME!

I made you the color of coal from which beautiful diamonds are formed.
I made you the color of oil, the black-gold that keeps people warm.

I made you from the rich, dark earth that can grow the food you need.
Your color's the same as the panther's, known for beauty and speed.

Your color's the same as the Black stallion, a majestic animal is he.
I didn't make you in the Image of darkness, I made you in the Likeness of ME!

All the colors of a Heavenly Rainbow can be found throughout every nation; And when all those colors were blended well,
YOU BECAME MY GREATEST CREATION.

Your hair is the texture of lamb's wool, such a humble, little creature is he.
I am the Shepherd who watches them. I am the One who will watch over thee.

You are the color of midnight-sky, I put the stars' glitter in your eyes.
There's a smile hidden behind your pain that's the reason your cheeks are high.

You are the color of dark clouds formed when I send My strongest weather.
I made your lips full so when you kiss the one you love they will remember.

Your stature is strong; your bone structure, thick to withstand the burdens of time.
The reflection you see in the mirror...
The Image looking back at you is MINE!

by RuNett Nia Ebo