When  it comes to relationships, it seems like a battle or a war is taking place between men and women. Each gender has very diverse ideas in regards to what a relationship should look like, let alone be like.  The battle of the sexes is the consummate struggle of  men and women trying to gain a mutual understanding of one another.

While conducting research for an upcoming relationship series for Elev8, I interviewed a number of men and women between the ages of 25-45 regarding a variety of male/female relationship issues. After the interview, I asked each of the participants; based on their personal experience or from a third party perspective:

Men: What are the top 5 things that you want women to know regarding a  relationship?

Women: What are the top 5 things that you want men to know regarding a relationship?

As you can imagine,  each side had a variety of opinions. The women had quite a few, but the men basically said the same thing, maybe worded differently, but still the same. Check it out.

Top fives things women want men to know  from a woman’s perspective:

1. Communicate more. When a problem arises or you are confronted about an issue, don’t turn away and hide. Face the problem and work it out like an adult.
2. Stop playing games. If you don’t want a committed relationship and you just want to play the field, then say that. Stop engaging women in a committed relationship while you are still dating other women.
3. Get a job. It is not a woman’s responsibility to take care of man. A man should take care of himself.
4. Chivalry is not dead. A woman would like to see a man take the lead, take the initiative and open a door, pull out a chair, hold an umbrella over her in the rain, etc. Treat her like the lady that she is.
5. Every woman does not want you. Don’t try to date every woman you meet. Appreciate and respect the women that God sends in your life.

Top five things men want women to know from a man’s perspective:

1. Respect yourself: Be a lady. Carry yourself in a more dignified manner. Put some clothes on.
2. Know your value and your worth. Stop settling for less. Demand more; expect more and you will get more.
3. Guard your heart. Stop giving men your heart, especially when they haven’t earned it
4. Friends first. Enjoy the friendship phase of the relationship. Don’t rush pass that phase to get to something more serious.
5. Do you! Stop allowing your man’s needs, wants and desires to overshadow your own. Stay focused on your dreams, aspirations and goals. The rest will follow, including your man.

Instead of automatically being pro or con, I listened to their answers and allowed myself to really think about the points that were being made.  Subconsciously, I began internally examining myself, asking if I am guilty of any of these charges. Be it male or female, I believe that we all could work on one thing on the list, even if its just attempting to be a better communicator.

It is amazing how the challenges are not remotely similar between the sexes. It just continues to highlight the differences between the sexes, even to the core of what’s tolerated and what is expected. The Battle of the Sexes Series- A Meeting of the Minds will continue.

As always, I hope you learned something, changed some thing or removed some thing out of your life,  which enables you to be a better person.

Have a great week. Much success!

God Bless you,

Judi

For more information:

Written by: Judi Mason for www.elev8.com

Contact Judi: judi@divaink.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/judimason

Judi’s Tidbits

Business: www.fatnhealthy.com (join the sweet-list for newsletter)

Blog- follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com

Facebook: become a fan: www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy

Other Related Articles:

Do You Have These Red Flags In Your Relationship?

There’s A Reason She Doesn’t Respect You

Do You Really Know Who You’re Texting?

Manolos Vs. Maddens: A Lesson About Why Men Don’t Pursue

Five Reasons I Hate Dating Christians

You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back- Barbara De Angelis

I must admit I am a romantic at heart and at the same time a realist. So I truly believe in love. I also believe and have experienced that you can have the wish list of “my type” of guy, yet end up loving someone who is totally opposite of what you wanted or expected. Hence my cougar theory:

Cougar- a term used to describe a woman who dates a much younger man.

I honestly believe if you ask most women who are deemed cougars, 7 out of 10 would admit that they would prefer to date someone closer to their own age. However, quite a few so called “cougars” are happy that they ventured out past their comfort zone.

Personally, I have not been a fan of the “cougar” fad. I think the word cougar is what really turned me the wrong way. It is as if women are predators or something, if we choose to date a younger man. But men are considered studs and are celebrated if they date a younger woman. Outside of that, I really don’t have an opinion either way. Honestly, to each his own, do you as long as you are happy.

However in the past few months, I have really noticed that a lot of  younger men really have their act together. Some of the men that I have met in passing have been very grounded, focused, goal oriented visionaries, who are serious about the direction of their lives, as well as they desire a committed relationship, one that leads to marriage.

While dining with friends, I met such a man, who happened to be our waiter. After exchanging the initial pleasantries, we discovered that we all had common interest, which opened the door to further conversation. He shared stories with us about his dreams, aspirations and his girlfriend. When asked if she was the one, shaking his head emphatically, YES! He stated:

“Most definitely, we have been in this relationship for six years, I am not going to let anyone else get her. I am vested.”

Our conversation also revealed that his girlfriend is 6’2 and I would venture to say that our waiter was maybe 5’6. Initially the height difference would throw you, but after talking with him throughout the night, we could see how the height difference would not even be an issue. Our waiter was very confident, charming, full of personality and goal oriented. His attentiveness was bar none. Now I am sure that you would say of course, he was your waiter, that is what he is suppose to do.

Initially he wasn’t, due to a mix up we were seated in his section by mistake and once realized he assisted in moving us to our original table. His demeanor, caring attitude and personality, caused us to request his service. Throughout the night we laughed and joked as if we were old friends. His transparency and honesty was very refreshing. In the end he earned more than just a tip, he earned our respect and accolades.

This is not an isolated incident but this exchange coupled with many others this year, have made me really step back and gain a new perspective on the “cougar”  trend. Based on my most recent experiences, I can see why women have a very strong attraction to younger men.  I also have learned that to be a cougar, you have to get past the stares, the disapproving looks and the judgment of others, especially your peers. You have to live your life for you and do what is going to make you happy.

Evaluating the price of being a cougar as well as listening to our waiter, really cause me to check myself. I had to really ask myself:

What have I not done, based on the opinion of others that might have brought joy into my life?

Thinking back, the only people who are not happy with women who are “cougars” are those who are not “cougars”. In the case of our waiter, I can imagine looks of disbelief of people seeing this significantly “height challenged”  (according to the world standards) couple. But they are happy and that is all that matters.

I believe as human beings, we are so careful to consider others opinions that we stifle our own  happiness and existence. Well, don’t! Only you can determine what makes you happy. So allow yourself the pleasure and freedom of loving someone who might not be your “traditional type”. Love outside the box.  Be it that they are older or younger. Do you! At the end of the day, you are the only person that can make you happy.

Here is to liberation and freedom in every area of your life! Love you! Do you! Be you! Set your standard for your life! I hope my epiphany has helped you gain a new perspective be it in love or life. We only have one life to live so live it.

Much love,

Judi

Disclaimer: I love and respect ALL men. This article highlights younger men under the umbrella of the cougar phenomenon. However I believe that all men, no matter the age have wonderful characteristics that are worth celebrating. So I salute you all!

For more information:

Written by: Judi Mason for www.elev8.com

Contact Judi: judi@divaink.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/judimason

Judi’s Tidbits

Business: www.fatnhealthy.com (join the sweet-list for newsletter)

Blog- follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com

Facebook: become a fan: www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy

Other Related Articles

Never Give Up On Your Dreams

Are You Moving Forward

Are You Being Real With Yourself?

Try This 4 Step Challenge To Be Better Today

The Top 5 Reasons I Need To Start Dating

When you meditate on the word of God you reset the boundaries in your life. God didn’t set the boundaries that you have in your life, you did! – Bill Winston

During a recent visit to a convenience store, three men in their 40’s were standing in the middle of the store discussing “the man”. How creative and prosperous “the man” was and how “the man” knew how to make money, etc. I left the store livid. I could not understand how three able bodied men could proclaim the success of someone else but not for a moment think that they could create their own opportunity for wealth. I was speechless. After leaving the store I entered my car, as I turn the car on Jay Z’s song Encore was on the radio; the next thing I heard was the chorus:

What the hell are you waiting forrrrr?

At that moment I wanted to run back in the store and say: What are you waiting for! I don’t know the story of these men. But their confession of hopelessness and destitution was depressing. In the song Encore, Jay Z shares his trials and struggles of making it to the top of his game. He speaks about the dues that he paid. How the record company didn’t believe in him and through it all he made it. The verse that really touches me is:

And I need you to remember one thing (one thing) I came, I saw, I conquered from record sales, to sold out concerts

I like this verse because Jay Z made an effort to fulfill his dream. He showed up. Not only did he show up, but he conquered, he succeeded and in the end he won. Bishop Jakes wrote a book entitled: Repositioning Yourself: Living Life Without Limits. This book deals with the subject of reinventing yourself. So often we get lost in the monotony of life. At those moments we need to take time to reconnect with our true selves. Rediscover our purpose and life mission, while recreating the path to our new found destiny. As we reinvent ourselves, we become focused on the true task at hand. During this time of discovery, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself:

What have you been waiting for?

God Bless,

Judi

For more information:

Written by: Judi Mason for www.elev8.com

Contact Judi: judi@divaink.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/judimason

Judi’s Tidbits

Business: www.fatnhealthy.com (join the sweet-list for newsletter)

Blog- follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com

Facebook: become a fan: www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy

Other Related Articles:

A Letter To All Constipated Men

What’s Holding You Back?

Forgotten Where You Come From

How Did I Get Here? How To Get Back On Track

Don’t Be Afraid Of That Next Level In Your Life

Then Moses summoned Joshua. He said to him with all Israel watching, “Be strong. Take courage. You will enter the land with this people, this land that God promised their ancestors that he’d give them. You will make them the proud possessors of it. God is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t worry.” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8; The Message Bible translation)

There is a song that we sing at church called Moving Forward. It speaks to moving forward from your past and surrendering your life to Christ. Each time that we sing this song, it is a cleansing for me. I feel that I am releasing more and more baggage that I didn’t even realize that I had picked up and/or was dealing with. I can’t begin to tell you the overwhelming feeling of freedom and victory that comes with this song.

The verse that gets me every time is: “My past is over in you. Old things are made new. Surrender my life to Christ.” While singing this verse, I feel the tears welling in my eyes. Just to think on the loving kindness and mercy of God’s love. Its breathe taking. May these lyrics and song be as much of a blessing to you as they have been for me.

Allow these lyrics and the music to set you free knowing that you can move forward and trust God in every area. I invite you to join me in this journey of freedom and victory on the road of life.

God has you-trust Him! Move Forward!

God Bless You,

Judi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAuFQfUNblY&feature=related

Moving Forward (Lyrics)

I’m not going back
I’m moving ahead
I’m here to declare to you

My past is over in you

Old things are made new
Surrender my life to Christ
I’m moving moving forward

What a moment
You have brought me to
Such a freedom
I have found in You
What a Healer

You make all things new
Yeah Yeah Yeah

You have risen
With all power in Your Hands
You have given me
A second Chance
Hallelujah Hallelujah

Yeah Yeah Yeah
Yeah Yeah Yeah

You make all things new
You make all things new

I will follow You forward

For more information:

Written by: Judi Mason for www.elev8.com

Contact Judi: judi@divaink.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/judimason

Judi’s Tidbits

Business: www.fatnhealthy.com (join the sweet-list for newsletter)

Blog- follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com

Facebook: become a fan: www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy

Other Related Articles:

Why Aren’t  You Fearless?

A Letter To All Constipated Men

What’s Holding You Back?

Forgotten Where You Come From

How Did I Get Here? How To Get Back On Track

Don’t Be Afraid Of That Next Level In Your Life

Usher has a song: Confessions….. Well here are my confessions… This week has been a whirlwind of emotions for me. I had a run in with a friend that caused so much anguish that it took several days to really address the situation. And boy did I ever, I went all out to make my point and to prove my point and to get my point across. And after it was all said and done, I found out that in my need to be right and vindicated, I wounded a dear friend. In my pain I did everything that I always share with everyone else not to do.

Don’t act on emotion

Don’t let your offense rule or dictate your actions

Communicate

Don’t make a permanent decision based on a temporary problem

Do you think I did any of that? Um, NO! The saying “a hit dog will bark” trust me when I say; there was a whole lot of barking going on. But when I heard the persons voice on the other line and they shared how I hurt them and I could tell that I did. I just wanted to disappear. I was reminded at that moment that there are still two sides to every story. And in spite of my pain, I owed a listening ear to their side.  I never intended to cause anyone pain. And that in itself hurt me. At the end of the conversation for me,  it was no longer about who was right but more so how to salvage this relationship.

Ironically, prior to our conversation, the Lord had already been dealing with me, in reference to mending this relationship. Unfortunately for me, I had already packed up and called the relationship quits. So when explanations were given, I had to follow God’s lead and in doing so He took me to a new dimension of trust in Him. When I hung up the phone I heard with clarity in my spirit  “believe them and trust me.” I heard the Lord telling me to just trust Him and in doing so, I could believe their version of the story and move forward. I felt it was the Lord’s way of saying, its okay, you are safe.

Now that the tension is subsiding, I dread the fact that I checked with the opinion of others and questioned the leading of the Holy Spirit; which was to keep my mouth shut and allow Him to work the situation out. The relationship is on the mend and with time it will grow stronger.

Please learn from my mistakes. Don’t allow your offense to cause you to act out of character. Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and avoid the self inflicted chaos that I endured. Be led by the Word of God:

Do 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.  ⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:6-8; NIV)

Remember we win!

Much Success,

Judi

Written by: Judi Mason for www.elev8.com

Contact Judi: judi@divaink.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/judimason

Judi’s Tidbits Business: www.fatnhealthy.com (join the sweet-list for newsletter)

Blog- follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com

Facebook: become a fan: www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy

A dear friend posted this quote on her Facebook page and it has been a true character test. I do not know where the quote came from but it is awesome!

So here is my question to you:

Elev8, if your character is your currency…how much are you worth?

Whatever the value, you can always increase your denomination. Come up higher.

Have an awesome week.

Judi

Article written by Judi Mason for www.elev8.com

Contact Judi: judi@divaink.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/judimason

Judi’s Tidbits

Business: www.fatnhealthy.com (join the sweet-list for newsletter)

Blog- follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com

Facebook: become a fan: www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy

Other Related Articles:

The Reason She Doesn’t Respect You

What’s Missing From Our Relationship? Respect

Are You Good Without God?

Are We Living MLK’s Dream Yet?

“What makes humility so desirable is the marvelous thing it does to us; it creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God” -Monica Baldwin

Humility is defined as the state or quality of being humble; absence of pride or self-assertion. It can be a bad word to many but an awesome blessing to those who choose to walk in it. I believe that God puts people in my life that force me to grow. As the scripture states:

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17; NIV)

Those same people are usually the ones that I have temper tantrums over with the Lord. It seemed like I am always the one that had to humble myself. And I was always the one that had to show the love of Christ and I was always the one that had to ask for forgiveness (when I didn’t do anything wrong). Well after I finished with all of my “why me, why me,” God in his infinite wisdom checked me and explained- why me: God said:

I loved you so much that I sent my only Son to die for you. But there are days that I wait for you and you don’t talk to me. The busyness of your day doesn’t allow you to pray and spend time with me, like you use to. Your priorities have changed. I am still the number one topic that you discuss but I am the last priority that you make time for. And how dare you not love my son or daughter. Yes all of my children have issues, but so do you. And people deal with yours why can’t you deal with others. So humble yourself and walk in the unconditional love that I grant you. And allow me to use you for the glory of My Kingdom.

After I picked myself up off the floor from weeping and asking for forgiveness, I forgot about the pride that I thought I had and completed the assignment at hand. In all honesty, it felt good. Usually, my pride forces me to make the task harder than it is. As well as my preconceived notions, which are usually the stumbling blocks that cause the confusion in the first place. If I would only just get out of my own way, my life would be so much easier.

So let me help you, avoid the hot seat with God. (LOL)  The next time you second guess walking in and sharing the unconditional love of God, don’t ask “why me?” or “what about me?,” just say- what about Him? And welcome the Holy Spirit in and allow Him to guide you and to help you complete the task at hand. Your life will be so much richer. And you will be a better person for it.

Have an awesome week. And remember we were created to serve Him. Be Blessed.

Much love,

Judi

Written by: Judi Mason for www.elev8.com

Contact Judi: judi@divaink.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/judimason

Judi’s Tidbits

Business: www.fatnhealthy.com (join the sweet-list for newsletter)

Blog- follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com

Facebook: become a fan: www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy

Other Related Articles:

What’s Missing From Our Relationship? Respect!

Love The Unlovable This Holiday Season

Though The Flood Waters Rise, I Am Grateful

When Negativity Threatens, Remember This

When Your Enemy Determines Your Identity

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11; NKJ)

I had the pleasure of viewing the movie, “The Book of Eli” twice. Initially I had no idea of what the movie was about. I didn’t recall seeing a full trailer, so I was going on blind faith of reviews from friends and associates. The first viewing was a matinee in an empty theater. The second viewing was a Saturday night in a packed house. I believe I needed to see it in silence the first time in order to appreciate it in concert. At the end of the movie people applauded, something that I have not heard in a long time. I walked away with a feeling of conviction and inspiration.

This movie showed me so much about myself.  Especially how I take so many things for granted. How arrogantly I expect the luxuries of life to always be here. And more so than ever how I do not appreciate the gift that God has given us – His Word.

As believers, we are so busy quoting scriptures and telling others about themselves that we don’t take time to check ourselves. When do, we every sit down and really appreciate the beauty of the words in the Bible? The poetic movements of the Psalms, the whimsical irony of Proverbs, the painful and delicate truth of the Gospels, the historical context of the Old Testament or the road map to life in the New Testament. The bible is a book that has just become words that we claim to live by but not words that we REALLY appreciate and take to heart.

“The Book of El”i convicted and inspired me to continue on the journey that the Lord has set before me no matter the obstacles, the challenges or the dangers. Eli had a mantra that we should all adopt:

Stay focused and stay on the path

Eli’s mantra reminds me of Proverbs 3: 6

In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. (American Standard)

God has chosen us for a purpose. He will lead and guide us, if we will listen to His leading. He will guide our way clearly. We all have a destiny to fulfill on this earth. God has entrusted a particular task to each of us. We have to be careful not to get so caught up in reaching the destination that we don’t appreciate the journey.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. (John 15:16- NIV)

This film is very powerful and inspiring. The overall message that I left with was never give up on what God has chosen for you to do. You might have detoured, you might have fallen off the path, but get up! You are truly able to accomplish what has been set before you. This isn’t just for you, so many are waiting on you to complete the task at hand.

Remember, we win!

God Bless,

Judi

Written by: Judi Mason for www.elev8.com

Contact Judi: judi@divaink.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/judimason

Judi’s Tidbits

Business: www.fatnhealthy.com (join the sweet-list for newsletter)

Blog- follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com

Facebook: become a fan: www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy

Other Related Articles

Let Your Mess Be Your Message

Gain Control Over The Chaos In Your Life

Why Aren’t You Fearless?

What Is Holding You Back?

Don’t Be Afraid Of That Next Level In Your Life

In a recent message Pastor Creflo Dollar with World Changers Church International in Atlanta Georgia (www.creflodollarministries.org) stated:

“It is not your business how someone treats you. It is your business how you treat someone. You treat people the way you want to be treated. Remember you will reap what you sow. If you are so busy focused on what someone else is doing you are missing your blessing by not focusing on what you should be doing. What seeds are you sowing?”

As you can imagine, that was a BITTER pill to swallow. As human beings we are reactionary. The human creed is if you do to me I will do to you. However as Christians we are to turn the other cheek when we have been wronged and walk in the love of Jesus Christ with others, especially those who spitefully use you.

This love walk is not easy. It took me a while to process the words of Pastor Dollar, the more I thought about it the more I realized that they were true. If I am sharing and showing the love of Christ with people especially those who have wronged me, the Holy Spirit will convict them and change will occur and that is God’s business not mine.

Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger- James 1:19

I have learned that God does things in His own time and although his time is not my time, He will still handle it. Me on the other hand, I want God to handle it right then and there and if He doesn’t handle it in the timely manner that I deem adequate, I feel the need to help Him.  After years of walking with the Lord, I have learned the hard way of course, that He doesn’t need my help and he can handle it so much better without me.  I realized that the desired change will not happen if we are constantly in the way trying to assist God. God doesn’t need our help.  God needs our obedience and submission.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”
says the Lord.

²⁰ Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”

²¹ Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

(Romans 12:19-21 ) New Living Translation

Be encouraged! Continue to walk in the love of Christ and allow the Lord to fight your battles.  I promise you He will do a much better job than you.

Here is to OUR growth…

Much love,

Judi

Written by: Judi Mason for www.elev8.com

Contact Judi: judi@divaink.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/judimason

Judi’s Tidbits

Business: www.fatnhealthy.com (join the sweet-list for newsletter)

Blog- follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com

Facebook: become a fan: www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy

Other Related Articles

Don’t Be Afraid To Welcome Love

You Can Forgive, But Forgetting Is Another Matter

Try Having A Conversation Instead of Bible Study

Forgiveness Makes You Free To Love

In the past few months, I have encountered several men and women who are fearful of accepting the love of others.

Life, bad relationships, negative thought patterns, coupled with disappointments one right after the other has really taken a toll on a lot of people. Some you will never know because they wear the “Everything is okay with me mask” on a daily basis.

People are no longer authentic and transparent; which allows pain and hurt to overtake them to such a degree that when TRUE blessings come they are not in a position to receive them.

Everyone is looking for love – love of a friend, love from family, love of a spouse and when that true genuine love comes, you know it. However when that true love comes are you ready for it? Many have allowed counterfeit associates and “friends” to numb them of the reality of true genuine Godly love from one human being to another. Many have become so accustomed to disappointment that they sabotage the relationships that God sends, because they have lost faith in a genuine relationship being a reality in their lives.

Out of fear, people are holding onto their pride and not allowing themselves to be vulnerable and receive the love that they truly deserve. The main reason is in the past, they shared their heart with the wrong people- people who were not worthy of them. Now when the right one comes along, they are in bondage to the prideful declaration,  “no one is ever going to hurt me again” that they miss the blessing that God has for them.

Men and women are both guilty of not allowing themselves to be open and vulnerable to another. And out of fear, they destroy a  genuine relationship in order to maintain a phony one. Unfortunately, at the end of the day regret sets in and  they realize they let a blessing from God go due to their own insecurities.

My mantra for 2010: Live life to the fullest! Live with no regrets.

Life is too short. Allow God to heal you. Let go of your pain from the past. Forgive those who hurt you; release them so that you can free yourself. Allow God to bless you the way that HE wants to bless you. And receive the REAL love that can only come from Him.

Remember, you have a part to play too…..

⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance

Enjoy the real love that you deserve!

God Bless,

Judi

Written by: Judi Mason for www.elev8.com

Contact Judi: judi@divaink.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/judimason

Judi’s Tidbits

Business: www.fatnhealthy.com (join the sweet-list for newsletter)

Blog- follow Judi’s cooking blog- Cake Therapy! (recipes, tips and more) www.fatnhealthy.blogspot.com

Facebook: become a fan: www.facebook.com/pages/Atlanta-GA/Fat-Healthy-Dessert-BarBistro/132558910614

Twitter: www.twitter.com/fatnhealthy