Guest Post: The Power Of Prayer by Marcela De Vivo

August 9, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

Image Courtesy of Pixabay

Nothing can really compare to the excitement and happiness one feels when they first find out that they’re pregnant with their first child. I must have been the happiest mother-to-be when I was blessed with the news that I was going to have my first son, Nathan, but nothing could have prepared me for the journey ahead. I was devastated when my doctor told me that my son was not developing properly; he had a condition known as holoprosencephaly, in which his forebrain was not dividing to form bilateral cerebral hemispheres.

Because most children with this condition do not usually survive birth, you can imagine how devastated I was; however, despite what the doctors and specialists told me, Nathan did survive, and he is now seven years old and he must be one of the happiest children in the world.

While I’m incredibly grateful—more words can describe—that Nathan is still with me today, his path has been quite rocky, having undergone numerous surgeries and medical treatments to keep him as healthy as possible. During one of his most recent surgeries, he was given the wrong medication and because of it, we almost lost him.

Turning to Prayer

As you can imagine, it was an incredibly difficult experience to see Nathan in a catatonic state, not responding to me at all. What made it even worse was that it seemed the doctors and nurses surrounding Nathan weren’t paying any attention to him at all either, since nothing they had done so far had helped.

Not knowing what to do for my son while sitting in a hospital room, I turned to prayer and asked everyone in my online community to pray for Nathan’s recovery. While most do not rely on Facebook as the optimal prayer forum, I felt completely powerless and didn’t know how I could help Nathan in any other way; I reached out to friends, family and even strangers for support.

What was really surprising was that in just a matter of minutes after posting my prayer, the doctors and nurses who had previously been doing what seemed like nothing, were back to work, and at what seemed like a feverish pace. All of a sudden, all of the people that should have been working to find a solution for Nathan were doing exactly that.

Nathan’s Recovery

Right after I posted my wish for people to pray for Nathan, doctors started running blood tests and actively tried to figure out a solution to how to get Nathan back to health. At first, I didn’t necessarily relate it to the Facebook post I made just moments before.

However, when I think back on it now, I see that the power of prayer – simply asking people to pray for my son – made a huge difference in his recovery. Within what seemed like minutes, Nathan was awake and responding to stimulus in a way that surprised even the doctors and nurses (who I’m sure have been in similar situations before).

How my son was given the wrong medication at a major hospital isn’t necessarily the important part of my story here – it’s how quickly Nathan recovered just moments after I simply asked for others to pray for my son’s well-being.

For many people, the power of prayer can be difficult to understand– even many of us who do pray on a regular basis. Most of the time, our prayers aren’t answered in such an immediate way.

While I do believe the doctors did everything they could to help Nathan, I think it was the prayers that ultimately motivated them to work – that made them become a force to help Nathan.

I know Nathan is a lucky child, and I know he’s relatively strong, but I really believe prayer is what saved him in this case. For me, this incident really was proof of the power of prayer.

Have you ever experienced a miracle such as this as a result of the power of prayer? Please share with me your experiences and continue to follow my journey by following www.PrayForNathan.org.

Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer and proud mother. Her journey with her son has taught her life lessons that she would never trade for anything else in the world, and through the power of prayer, he continues to thrive and love life.

When You’ve Lost Your Groove

August 8, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | 8 Comments

I swore up and down, I would blog more often when  I committed to Jon Acuff’s Start Experiment. I took on the challenge and then lost my groove.

Courtesy of Creative Commons

Ugh! I hate when that happens, don’t you? You tell yourself you are going to do this or that, and then your enthusiasm dwindles down to nothing.

I can tell you what happened to me.

It’s called the perils of self-editing by thinking too much of you.

Yes, let me explain.

I would start by writing a blog post and then tell myself, oh no, my audience isn’t going to like this at all. Scratch that.

The next day, the same thing happens.

I convinced myself that the content wasn’t any good. What kind of person would I be if I allowed you to read something painstakingly awful?

I’m sorry, I couldn’t do that to you.

So… one day turned into two days, a week into two weeks and you get the picture.

No writing. No nada. Zilch.

Today I’m writing because like Stella, I want to get my groove back. Except in this case, it’s my writing groove.

So if this is awful, I’m sorry, but like Jeff Goins says, I have to practice [and fail] in front of an audience.

******

This concept reminds me of when I was in professional acting school.

We had to practice and rehearse our scenes in front of a live audience.

It was torture.

Every day we would get up in front of everyone and practice whatever assignment was given by the instructor.

I remember one acting teacher in particular who would stare at me with her big, laser beam eyes. As if her eyes were piercing into my soul. I felt exposed and naked. It made me nervous.

She scared me. But as painful as the process was, I learned the most from this teacher.

I learned that by risking and getting critiqued, I was growing in my craft. I despised the process, but my art wound up better for it.

The same applies to writing. We have to take the risk and put ourselves out there. This is the only way we’ll learn and grow as writers. There is no other way.

Have you lost your groove? If so, what do you do to get your groove back?

 

Never Say Never by Victoria Christopher Murray

August 5, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | 1 Comment

Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (June 4, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451695772
ISBN-13: 978-1451695779
Price: $15.00
Purchase: Amazon | BN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

In this emotionally charged and inspiring novel about a love triangle, secrets between best friends threaten to blow up friendships and a marriage and change lives forever.

When Miriam’s fireman husband, Chauncey, dies while rescuing students from a school fire, Miriam feels like her life is over. How is she going to raise her three children all by herself? How will she survive without the love of her life? Luckily, Miriam’s sister-friend Emily and Emily’s husband, Jamal, are there to comfort her. Jamal and Chauncey grew up together and were best friends; Jamal and Emily know they will do all they can to support Miriam through her grief.

Jamal steps in and helps Miriam with the funeral arrangements and with her children, plus he gives her hope that she has a future. But all the time that they spend together—grieving, sharing, and reminiscing—brings the two closer in ways they never planned. . . .

Review

There is one word to describe Never Say Never, scandalous.

Victoria Christopher Murray does it again by this cleverly written novel.

Never Say Never is heart wrenching on many levels. I had trouble reading this book because it was so realistic and emotionally challenging.

Victoria Christopher Murray is a masterful writer and storyteller, she lures you in at page one.

I do not want to get into the specifics of Never Say Never, because I do not want to spoil it for you.

But if you want to go on the ride of your life, I highly recommend reading Never Say Never. You won’t be able to put this book down.

Personal Disclaimer: For mature audiences only.

Victoria Christopher Murray is the author of ten Essence bestselling novels, including Too Little, Too Late and Lady Jasmine. Her most recent novel, Destiny’s Divas, was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work (Fiction). Winner of the African American Literary Award for Fiction and Author of the Year, she splits her name between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why I Auditioned For The Voice

July 30, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | 6 Comments

There was thousands ahead of me…

And thousands behind me…

I became friends with the dude in the light blue shirt. His name is Skyler Kite. His mother rescued me from the ravages of heat. She saved my spot on line, so that I can go in the shade to cool off. What an angel. This is where I met her son, Skyler, he was hiding from the sun too.

Little did I know that he and another young lady would be accompanying me through the maze of long lines. We wound up laughing a lot and having a good time. It reminded me of my acting days.

There is a camaraderie in the arts. When I was in acting school, the other students and I became close. We had a lot in common and shared the same dreams and aspirations.

But let me get to the reason why I decided to audition for The Voice.

Last Wednesday, I never made it home after work. At Port Authority, I began seeing flashing lights in both my eyes which came out of nowhere. I was unable to see and it made me very nervous. I wound up being taken in an ambulance to the hospital. They ran all sorts of tests and found nothing.

They released me on the grounds that I would see my neurologist within two days. I went the following day and gave a ton of blood. I still do not have answers, but he thinks it may be migraines. I do suffer from migraines, but he tells me the flashing lights in the eyes is a precursor to a stroke. Great.

Hearing that kind of thing woke me up and made me see my own mortality. Which is why I decided to go out on a limb and audition for The Voice. It was mostly an exercise to face my fear.

If truth be told, I was never comfortable performing or singing in front of people.

I love music. It is a passion of mine besides books. My escape is music and books. So early on, I decided I wanted to be an actress and singer. I also frequented dance clubs (yes, underage). I loved to express myself dancing (still do). But once I got into the professional aspect of acting and singing, it was no longer fun. It became cut throat and competitive.

I’m not a competitive person. Never was and never will be. Which is why I was talking to everyone freely at The Voice audition. I was genuinely excited for everyone there and wanted them to do their best. I have a passion to encourage the youth to pursue their dreams.

I have to say, all The Voice staff were cool. I have never seen such friendly and approachable people at an audition in my life. I give The Voice a big kudos for hiring the nicest and friendliest people. This helps makes the experience unique and a positive one.

By the time we reached the final stretch, we were put into groups of 10. We waited against a wall to enter a room with the judge. We each sang our selection and when we were done, the judge selected a 15 year old who sounded a bit like Alicia Keys. I was happy for her, she is just starting out her singing career and that’s an incredible way to begin. I spoke to her prior to her audition and she said this was her first time auditioning for this kind of venue. I told her it was mine as well.

All in all, it was a great experience. I faced my fear, I auditioned well, met some amazing people and had a good time. I couldn’t ask for more.

Have you ever auditioned for The Voice or something similar? If so, how was your experience?

The In-Between by Jeff Goins

July 29, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Moody Publishers; New Edition edition (July 23, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0802407242
ISBN-13: 978-0802407245
Price: $13.99
Purchase: Amazon | BN | CBD

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

We’re an “instant gratification” generation, but the trouble is, most change happens gradually.

Most of us spend our lives searching and longing for something more than what is in front of us. Whether it’s traveling abroad or chasing cheap (or expensive) thrills, we’re all looking for medicine to satisfy our restlessness. And, so often, we’re looking in the wrong place.

The In-Between is a call to accept the importance that waiting plays in our lives. Can we embrace the extraordinary nature of the ordinary and enjoy the daily mundane-what lies in between the “major” moments?

Moments of breakthrough are not where life’s greatest transformation happens; the stuff that God uses to shape us often lies in the in-between. It’s the bus stops and layovers and DMV lines and moments of unintentional pause that force us to become better people.

That’s not to say there aren’t moments of epiphany. There are. It’s just that most of us find ourselves living somewhere in the in-between. Learning to live in this tension, to be content in these moments of waiting, may be our greatest struggle-and our greatest opportunity to grow.

Review

As promised, here is my review for the amazing book, The In-Between by the talented and prolific writer, Jeff Goins.

Can I keep it real with you? This guy just rocks it, from his outstanding blog, to his TribeWriter’s course, to his amazing books and more. I just can’t get enough of his writing.

Jeff Goins writing is like eating my favorite ice cream. It’s delicious.

His book, The In-Between was timely for me. The premise of chasing after the next big thing resonates with me. I struggle with restlessness. I’m always on the move, waiting for the next big thing to happen in my life. Something that will make me feel alive and take my breath away.

Reading The In-Between really made me think about my life. Here I am chasing after stuff and I’m missing all that is happening in the moment.

I don’t know about you, but waiting is not my forte. My husband will tell you, I’m always busy and in a hurry. I have no patience when it comes to waiting or being still. Honestly, I have no patience at all.

I’m always on the go, running around and never stopping. According to what I read and learned in The In-Between, I’m losing out on valuable moments in the here and now. Moments I’ll never get back.

The stories Jeff Goins intimately shares in The In-Between is beautiful, emotional and romantic. I know, I never use that word, romantic. This book really touched me in more ways than one.

I also got to learn more about Jeff Goins in this book which is a real treat. He has a lot of depth and wisdom. I appreciated him before, but after reading The In-Between, I appreciate him even more now.

Honestly, I can continue giving accolades, but I would rather you read and experience The In-Between for yourself.

I absolutely love this book and highly recommend it.

Jeff Goins is a blogger, speaker and prolific author.

Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Jeff graduated from Illinois College with a degree in Spanish and Religion. Junior year, he spent a semester in Spain, which opened his eyes to a whole new world.

After graduating, Jeff spent a year on the road with a band. Then he moved to Tennessee to chase a girl. In 2008, he married her.

Jeff’s blog, GoinsWriter.com, is one of the fastest-growing blogs on the web and a well-respected resource for bloggers and writers. In 2011, it won the Top 10 Blogs for Writers award. Each month, he receives over 80,000 visitors to his website.

Jeff’s work has been published online and offline in a variety of publications, including RELEVANT Magazine (which has a circulation of over 150,000) and ZenHabits.net (voted one of Time Magazine’s Top 50 Websites).

Jeff and his wife, Ashley, live just outside of Nashville, TN with their son and dog.

Five Things I Wouldn’t Do If I Was Twenty Again

July 26, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | 13 Comments

 I have this thing with age. This hang-up with the reality that I am pushing fifty and my life really didn’t amount to much.

Courtesy of Creative Commons – Matt Bilton

I’m not saying I don’t appreciate the life God has blessed me with.

What I am saying is I pretty much wasted precious years of my life on stuff that really didn’t matter.

Here are five things I wouldn’t do if I was twenty again:

1) I wouldn’t have wasted my time with boyfriends.

Since I was a teenager, I was boy crazy. I always needed to have a guy by my side. Even if they were absolute jerks and yes, I’m being kind.

2) I wouldn’t have allowed fear, insecurity or other people from stopping me in pursuing my dream.

My father grew up in poverty, so he basically brainwashed me into having a job and earning money.

I remember when I was in professional acting school and pursuing my dream as an actress and singer, my father told me to stop playing and get a real job. He said acting and singing weren’t going to pay the bills.

So, instead of pursuing my dream, I stopped and got a part time job as a receptionist in corporate America.

3) I wouldn’t have lived someone else’s dream.

My father’s dream was for me to take over his restaurant. Well, that’s what he said, but that’s not what he meant. He would use “taking over his business” as leverage to manipulate me. He had no interest in giving up his little kingdom for my sake.

4) I wouldn’t have dropped out of college.

One of my biggest regrets ever.  

Instead of focusing on finishing college, I dropped out and eloped with my ex-husband at the age of nineteen.

Ladies, no guy is worth giving up a college education and basically, your future.  

5) I wouldn’t have been concerned about what people thought of me.

Unfortunately, this is something I still struggle with today. I wish I could say I’m at a better place. But I’m not.

I do see the futility in obsessing over what people say or think about me. I mean, why does someone else’s opinion of me have to matter so much? I don’t know. But, it’s completely annoying. I really don’t want to care about what other people say or think of me.

This was an obstacle in my earlier years and continues to be today.

I think about what I would do differently if I wasn’t so concerned about what other people thought of me.

I probably would take more risks.

I would try new things and do what I believed in, even at the risk of what others thought about it.

When you live a life focused on what other people think of you, you’re not really living.

You are trapped in a prison of people’s opinions.  You forfeit who you are and your one short life on what other people think or say. What a robbery.

It’s not worth it.

Do you struggle with any of these five things? If so, which one?

Does Anyone Else Want To Overcome Fear?

July 25, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | 8 Comments

I don’t know what I was thinking when I accepted Jon Acuff’s Start challenge a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps I was delusional.

He invited over 2,000 people to participate and over 200 accepted. I was one of them.

Each morning I get an inspirational email from Jon Acuff. I start my day off on the right foot, only to wind up with fear… in my face.

Courtesy of PATRICK BOEHNER – Creative Commons

Fear is relentless.

It tells me I’m no good. It tells me I am not a writer. It tells me to give up.

Jon Acuff tells me to punch fear in the face.

So, fear and I start going at it first thing in the morning. I wind up losing time and time again.

Fear harasses me when I wake up then bullies me all day long.

Forget about when I want to write… fear hurls its ugly insults at me.

Fear is a bully.

Friends, I can’t seem to beat fear. I keep trying to confront this bully, but fear keeps winning every time.

I’m inflated one moment then deflated the next.

I honestly wish I can overcome fear and win for once, instead of allowing it to overpower my life.

Ironically, the minute I committed to the Start challenge, my whole world turned upside down.

I don’t want to bore you with the details, but when I tell you this year has been full of changes, it’s an understatement.

They say change is good, but too many changes at one time is not. At least, not for me.

Fear is a torment, it stops my dreams and prevents me from doing anything worthwhile in my life.

Does anyone else want to overcome fear besides me?

Wrestling With The In-Between

July 23, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | 8 Comments

I am reading this book which is really provoking me. I’m sure you all heard me speak of Jeff Goins. Well, I am reading an advanced copy of his new book called, The In-Between, which is coming out on August 1st.

I just started reading it and can’t put it down. I absolutely love the way Jeff Goins writes. He is never boring. He also exudes wisdom in his writing. He’s an old soul. I also find myself relating to much of what he writes. I’m not going to give it all away because I want you to read and experience it for yourself. I will also be posting a review when I am done.

He is really making me think. The kind of deep, looking at yourself kind of thinking. I find myself stopping, remembering, and making connections in my own life. This is the reason why I follow his blog because not only is it good writing, but he really makes you think and gives you meat to chew on. I aspire to write like him.

I know, I know, I am not really comparing myself to him although I can’t help but admit I truly wish I can write like he does. But then, I wouldn’t be myself, right?

I go through a liturgy within myself of all the reasons why no one would like my writing. Why would anyone bother reading what I write? There are people like Jeff Goins, Chris Brogan, Seth Godin, Steven Pressfield, and Andi Cumbo. I mean, who in the world wants to read what I have to say?

Which is why I totally feel dejected and rejected when someone unfollows or unfriends me. I get repulsed with myself in the sense that I’m being totally self-absorbed and pathetic.

Why do I want to matter so much? Why do I want everyone in the world to like and accept me? What is this thing inside of me that wants me to be like everyone else instead of being myself, being happy with myself and that being good enough?

I mean, for goodness sake, I’m going to be 47 years old. You would think I would grow up already and display some sort of maturity here? I feel like I’m still stuck in high school, trying to be accepted by my peers. To be in the “in” group and part of the cool clique. I believe this may even be called narcissism.

I wrestle within myself; one part of me says, Who cares what people think about you, your writing, or what you have to say? The next minute I’m licking my wounds from someone unfollowing me because they didn’t like what I had to say.

Jeff Goins says, You don’t write for other people; you write for yourself. You don’t write for accolades; you write because you have to. You see? He’s so smart.

In his book, The In-Between, he discusses writing as a calling. I’m trying to figure out if writing is my calling or not. With so many talented writers out there, where do I fit in?

I don’t have the answer, but despite the resistance to write and publish, I will continue… as hard as it is for me… I will try to be brave and courageous as those I mentioned above and not give up.

What about you? Do you go through this as a writer? How do you battle the resistance and the incessant negative voices?

The Devil Has No Mother by Nicky Cruz

July 16, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Worthy Publishing; Reprint edition (July 16, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617951897
ISBN-13: 978-1617951893
Price: $14.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

Nicky Cruz knows all about the power of the devil. Since his own dramatic conversion in the 1960s from a life of crime as a New York gang leader, he has met and heard the stories of suffering of many ordinary people, as well as some of the worst prisoners in high security prisons around the world.

Drawing on his spiritualist childhood, his life in New York, and his knowledge and experience of over four decades of spiritual warfare since that time, The Devil Has No Mother shares Nicky Cruz’s hard won understanding of how the devil will try everything possible to gain power in the world–but also shows clearly that it is God who will win the day.

The Devil is worse than you think, but God is much, much greater.

Review

The Devil Has No Mother is a book everyone should read, Christian and non-Christian. There is so much truth wrapped in this book, it will leave you in awe.

I admit, I’m a bit biased when it comes to Nicky Cruz. Reverend David Wilkerson was my pastor for many years before he went home to be with the Lord. So I had the benefit of hearing a lot about Nicky Cruz and his ministry over the years.

I also read The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson and Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz many years ago. Both books changed the way I prayed, strengthened my faith and basically changed my life.

When I was offered the opportunity to review The Devil Has No Mother I was excited and looked forward to reading this book. I was not disappointed.

Nicky Cruz is by far a warrior for Christ. I completely admire him. He is a man of great faith and reading this book encouraged me so much.

You know, sometimes as Christians, we struggle to keep going. We get discouraged. Our prayer life gets a bit stale and our walks complacent. But, reading books like The Devil Has No Mother stirs and inspires you to believe God for greater things. It certainly did that for me.

The Devil Has No Mother is about stories of Nicky Cruz’s life and ministry experiences. He shares poignant stories and experiences, which will leave you breathless and hungry for more.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, it is a must read.

In conclusion, I want to thank Worthy Publishing for sending me a complimentary book to review.

Nicky Cruz has traveled widely around the world, speaking to hurting people in all walks of life, in the 40 years that have passed since he came to Christ in New York through the selfless devotion of David Wilkerson. Nicky’s ministry has reached thousands of inner-city gang members as he speaks to their need from his own experience. His ministry regularly targets urban environments in order to reach those who are most frequently trapped by destructive lifestyles and caught in a downward spiral of intense violence, drug abuse and gang activity.

 

 

I Don’t Believe In Bikinis

July 11, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | 12 Comments

Courtesy of Creative Commons

Yesterday I read a blog post that I had a strong reaction to. I absolutely love this writer who is a dear friend of mine. A friend in whom I disagree on matters, but nevertheless, love and respect.

I didn’t write a comment on her blog, as my comment turned into several paragraphs. So I wrote to her privately and expressed my inner most thoughts.

One of the things, that surprised me even after I wrote it, is this:

I’m coming up against that a lot lately… people are unfriending me because I am not as open to everything as they are as a Christian. I’m one of *those* Christian’s who doesn’t believe in wearing bikinis to a beach, but wears trunks instead. Why? Because I don’t want the perverted pigs to feast their eyes on my goods, that’s why. I believe my body and those beautiful attributes of who I am physically should not be given freely like pearls to swine, but to my own husband who has committed his heart, mind, soul and life to me.

I read it…  then I read it again…  and I was like, wow… I wrote that?  Yes, I certainly did write it because…

I don’t believe in bikinis.

You must be rolling your eyes by now… Listen, I’m not telling you not to wear bikinis… you can wear whatever you want.  All I’m saying is, I’m not going to wear bikinis (or revealing bathing suits) to a beach or pool.

Ok… so, I’m not going to get the most popular vote on this post.

But let me ask you a question?  Would you rather I lie to you or tell you the truth?

I’m touching on a topic that most woman will vehemently disagree, even Christian women. I will definitely be described in several negative adjectives.

I’m sorry ladies, but truth is truth, I don’t believe in bikinis.

********

This week I discovered a dear writing colleague of mine whom I still esteem, unfriended me based on a particular post I wrote. I wrote that said post with passion, and realized I would be taking a risk by writing it because I knew I would get some adverse reactions.

But, I decided I needed to write it. It’s what I believe. I have to be true to who I am and tell the truth. It was not my intention to willfully hurt or offend this colleague by any means.  However, this colleague felt she needed to cut ties and I respected her decision.

So, for those of you who still want to read my posts, I am making you a promise today, you will always get the truth from me. Perhaps you may not always like it or agree, but I would hope you would do as I do, which is to respectfully agree to disagree.

We are not all going to see eye to eye on matters. We all have our beliefs which we stand by. This is what makes us unique. If we were all the same, it would be a very dull existence, don’t you think?

God didn’t create us to be clones or robots. He created us to have free will, to think and express ourselves differently.

If we disagree, which I disagree with people every day, it’s not the end of the world.

Please accept my apologies if I hurt or offended you with any of my posts. It is never my intention.

At the same token, I do not want to keep silent and compromise who I am, my beliefs or censor my writing because others don’t agree or like it. I don’t think that is right either.

One wise friend and writer told me, always write the truth and that my friends, is what I aim to do.

Which is why I’m letting you all know, I don’t believe in bikinis. 🙂

Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

 

Cha…Cha…Cha…Changes

July 8, 2013 by Ordinary Servant | 7 Comments

You know that song from David Bowie? I’m giving away my age now.

Yes, there are many changes happening in my life right now. I don’t know about you, but I don’t embrace change too well.

Courtesy of Creative Commons

They say change is good. I guess some changes are good, but not all changes are good, at least, not for me.

I’m bummed out about one of the people I work with is leaving. We have worked together for four years. Now that we finally understand each other, he’s leaving.

I am happy for him as it’s a great opportunity, but I am sad for me.

Another change is my neighbors below me are moving out at the end of the month. Not only that, my next door neighbors are moving out too. I found this all out in a matter of one week.

I was devastated. I like the guy who is leaving and I like my neighbors who are moving out. Selfishly, I don’t want any of them going anywhere. I just want everything to remain status quo.

But this isn’t life… life is full of changes, some good and some not so good. I’m praying I’m assigned to someone kind and fair. I also pray my new neighbors are nice and considerate.

In a matter of weeks, things will be different. I am hoping it won’t be for the worst. I always seem to anticipate the worst though. Thank God I’m married to an optimist.

You know what I thought was nice about the guy who is leaving. He apologized to me. He said he was sorry he wasn’t nice or kind to me in the beginning. He said he misunderstood me. He thanked me for being patient with him (I don’t know if my husband would agree that I’m patient).

I was touched by him saying this. He didn’t have to.

It’s nice when people actually *get* me and where I’m coming from. I’ve been misunderstood far too many times in my life (but that’s for another post).

I will miss him and my neighbors greatly.

How do you handle changes in your life? Good? Bad? Please share in the comment section below.