God is writing my life story...

Stronger, Wiser... I Followed my HEART

Recently I decided to move to Florida. I didn't have a reasonable reason, nor did I feel I needed one. I simply wanted to move away and so I did. I followed MY heart.

People didn't understand my decision and that's justifiable because I admit I didn't understand it myself.  I just knew that I had to go. I had to leave Texas. It wasn't about a man or a mouse; but about me.  I'd always wanted to move away and see what was "out there". If there was something better, greater, more appealing than what I'd grown used to for the 43 years I've been on this earth. But then again, I honestly just needed to get away.  :)

And so I ventured out with my heart in my hands... God leading...  while I consulted with my GPS for directions. It's been a 3 month journey that has been very interesting and full of discovering just who Sheila is.  I used my blog to post things that were on my mind and in my heart... I journaled more... read more... understood more.  I began to consult with God more than I ever have in my life... I began to listen to the beat of my heart more closely... I could hear my thoughts... my cries... feel myself inhale and exhale... sometimes... almost... audibly.  I began to see my life clearer than ever. I came to peace with who I am and discovered that I march to the beat of my own drums.

I can honestly say that it has been great...I met so so many people... honed my craft as a stylist, gained new energy for my career and realized that I am actually great at what I do! I fell deeper in love with Christ... leaning and depending on Him for every move I made, calling on Him when it would become so achingly lonely... and laughing when He would renew my strength after I thought I couldn't make it another day. I re-discovered the ministry that God placed in me when I was in the 8th grade... I've got to get busy and be about His business! I also discovered that every state I visited brought a new culture of people... a change in the climate... a new discovery. And with each new personal introduction I discovered a little bit more about me... I'm not so bad after all!

I also realized who is really a friend, foe, enemy, family, loved one etc... I discovered who really and truly cares about me.  It's an odd sort of people who makes the phrase "out of sight, out of mind" popular.  That statement is disheartengly true. People will forget you as soon as you move out of their comfort zone. Why do we expect others to crawl into our box and not get out? People aren't comfortable when you step out in faith and do what they are afraid to do. It's the crab mentality... that's why YOU have to follow YOUR own heart!

I've visited 5 states (maybe 6, I need to check) and numerous cities in just 3 months. In one day alone I enjoyed breakfast in Florida, lunch in downtown Atlanta and dinner in the lovely state of Alabama! I googled upon a church ministry that impacted me more than I ever expected... worked in salons that opened my eyes to some new ideas and concepts... met clients who encouraged my skills. Everyday was full of renewed purpose.  I would have NEVER experienced days like that if I hadn't followed my heart. The person God created in YOU is too big to be chained to the demands of others!

So, here I am... traveling state by state back to my home of TX.... and I'm not dismayed nor am I discouraged... I'm ENCOURAGED. I'm sure their are those waiting in the shadows to say, "I told you so", but really what they will be saying to me is that they didn't have it in them to do what I did. And that's ok. I'm stronger because of the journey and wiser because I did it... ALONE... against all odds. I made it through! What started out as a moved evolved into a mission. God will always get His way! FOLLOW YOUR HEART to where ever God is leading you... don't allow others to hold you back. Do whatever it is to get the breakthrough you need and I promise you... you'll never feel the same again. You'll be glad you did... I am.
“veni, vidi, vici.”
Live a P.O.S.H Life!
Sheila

Great is thy faithfulness...

When making life changing decisions and praying fervently about which direction you should take; many times it's hard to know what God wants you to do. I know we believe that Gods word is the ultimate map in our lives and all that we ever need can be found in the Word of God. And it is. However, sometimes our good isn't always God. And it's in those times when things seem to get what I consider "a little tricky".

I'm making HUGE life altering decisions in my life. And yes, I'm praying constantly about which route to take. And in all that I'm doing, I feel that God is with me even though I know the world may think I'm losing my mind! :) I'm at peace spiritually although the situation is chaotic. I'm ok with the trials and the tribulations that have come with my choices. But sometimes I ask myself, "are you sure you are on the right path?"

So what do you do when the choices you are making seem to always work out fine? When the decision you chose happened to be a "good" one? When all that you are doing isn't harming anyone and doors seem to open where they should be closed and you seem to excel? When provisions are being made where you know they're shouldn't be any? When those you are encountering are being blessed by a word or a deed that you've done?

You may say, well if its all going great then surely it must be God. But, I say, everything that's great isn't God. I'm at that crossroad. I'm at a place where I have to be sure that I know, that I know, that God is directing my path and not just me doing what's great for me. And at this crossroad I've come to realize that no matter what I do, good- bad- or indifferent, He is always their.  God is ALWAYS with me.  He keeps protecting me from danger. He keeps providing for me.  He keeps comforting me. And He keeps listening to me when I need to talk to Him. He has been a present and constant help. 

Psalms 46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble".  Lamentations 3:22-24 tells us "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion's fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him." The Message Bible says it like this, 

"God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,

    his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.

They’re created new every morning.

    How great your faithfulness!

I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).

    He’s all I’ve got left.

I love that! That is so powerful, "God's loyal love COULDN'T have run out!" Every single day we get a fresh batch of love, loyalty and mercy! He is a faithful God!  At the end of the day, while I'm in this place of being assured that I am hearing God I know that He is my strength, He is with me, He is so faithful and I can put my HOPE IN HIM. 

Not many may understand your path and your destiny.  Most will question you because it doesn't make 'sense' to them. But if in your heart and spirit you are at peace according to His word, then stay on that path. Stay in prayer. Stay focused. And stay in God!

Love the skirt you're in!

  I came across some very nice long/maxi skirts while scouring the magazine pages.  I own maybe three and I'm so ready to purchase a few more. During the winter season the length can really come in handy. They can be paired with boots, wedges, and even a pair of loafers/ flats.

Although I'm considered average height, at 5'8" sometimes I feel like I'm a tower! And long skirts make me feel more comfy in my skin sometimes. Any pair of pants, dress or skirt that touches the ground makes me smile :) Maybe it's the way they hang, or how the skirt billows in the wind. But nothing is more fashionably comfortable to me than a long, very long, Maxi skirt. At How To Wear Maxi Skirts, have several tips on some great looks in the Maxi skirt fashion world. Their you'll find pointers on shopping for them and different looks. And like I always say, it's in your closet!
Let me know what you think!
Live a P.O.S.H Life!
Sheila