Originally posted 2019-07-18 21:03:13.
Hi!
There has been times when many of us would immediately say, “No,” to this post’s topic. Especially when we look back and reflect upon the many mistakes we think we have made. Remembering previous mistakes often causes us to lose confidence in our decision making.
Why do I use the word, ‘think’ in referring to mistakes we have made? Because, what you perceive to have been mistakes, may have been sharp turns to your ultimate victory. The right perspective allows you to see sharp turns or detours as learning opportunities.
These detours do not always have favorable beginnings. 
They might look like road closures. But, if you press your way, you will eventually see the lessons learned. Persistence in rough terrain helps you see glimmers of light throughout dark tunnels as you seek your goals. The wonderful thing is, epiphanies happen as you experience detours.
Here’s a scenario many can relate to. If you can’t, keep reading, and see what others may deal with. Please don’t judge. Just pray.
Your sharp turn may currently be that you are in a credit dilemma, AGAIN. You spent years repairing your credit. Finally, a high credit score! Yaaaaayyyy! Pre-approval letters started flooding your mailbox. You accepted the multiple offers, and were so happy that you could once again shop with a wallet full of credit cards. This wonderful sense of pseudo success overrode logic. You began to splurge.
Before you knew it, you had 11 credit cards. In less than a year, 10 of those wonderful cards were at their limits. The debt started mounting up. Your monthly income did not meet the demands of the payments due. You paid partial payments; but they did not alleviate late payment fees.
The credit card balances escalated until one-by-one, they slowly became delinquent. Even though you continued to make small payments; charge-offs happened, and collectors started inundating your phone with threats. What should you do?
Ask yourself, “What is the learning opportunity in this situation?”
Let the credit card debacle help you remember, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV “Pray without ceasing.” Pray about everything. Stop and pray before making decisions; especially when opening credit cards, or making major purchases. Pray and seek advice from a trusted Godly qualified confidante before making business decisions. Ask God!! Not sometimes, but every time!
Your financial upheaval caused you to become aware of your spending habits. You learned to pay attention to your income and expenses, and discovered your need to learn how to save. So start somewhere. Cut out unnecessary purchases. Save at least ten percent of your intake, after you tithe. If your net income does not afford you the ability to save ten percent, save something; ten or five percent. Someone once suggested to save all one dollar bills you receive with the number seven on them. Whatever you save, place it in a ‘do not touch’ account. Pray for discipline. Do something!!
If you find yourself over extended in credit debt; do not get angry with God. Make the life-changing choice to lose the anger of yourself. You learned from that mistake/detour. Now, move forward. Think about income generating opportunities. Look into investment opportunities. Write out a payment plan. It may not seem as if it is working; but, if you pay off one card at a time; the feeling of accomplishment prevails like never before.
What else?
Some times we listen to ungodly counsel harp on what our parents did not teach us when we were children. Some of those things may be true. But, do not get stuck there. It leads to blame, self-pity, excuses, and perpetual sorrow. Know that, many were not trained to succeed. Yet many learned through observation, to persevere.
I read about homeless children who became doctors. Somehow, in the midst of dismal life circumstances, they learned to press through. They must have developed determination and focused dreams. They did not give up. It is not too late to be all you can be. Also, if you are concerned about your biological clock; do not let that stop you.
Harland Sanders was 62 when he franchised Kentucky Fried Chicken. Joy Behar of “The View” quit her job in her late 30’s and pursued her dream. Donald Fisher was 40 with no retail experience, when he and his wife opened the first Gap store. Duncan Hines was 55 when he wrote his first food and hotel guides. Samuel Jackson was 46 and in recovery from heroin and cocaine addiction when he costarred in Pulp Fiction. Julia Child wrote her first cookbook at 50. IT IS NOT TOO LATE!!
Each of the above mentioned people had a story behind their choices. But they stepped out and made great life-changing choices. 
What choice will you make? Will you choose to dwell on ‘What if?’ Will you linger in, ‘I wish?’ Will you waddle in, ‘If only?’ Certainly not! Neither will I!
What is in your hands? Look at your hands right now? See past the emptiness. Look inside yourself to see your God-given abilities, gifts, talents, and dreams. Research areas where you have interests.
Think about some potential choices that you will make.
Think about your dreams. Choose to launch out. Choose to take the steps toward your dreams and goals. Choose to take risks. Choose to seek God, trust God, and depend upon God. Choose to be happy where you are; because, it is pushing you towards where you are going. Choose to pursue your dreams. I have!
Yes! You know how to make great life-changing choices!
When God allows you to walk through various troubles, hard situations, environments with people who just do not like you, and wonderful moments; He is constantly teaching you. Stay prayerful. Keep thanking God in all circumstances. Keep your ears and spirit attentive to the voice of the Lord.
If you have yet to discover whether you know God’s voice or not, pray some more, and read God’s Holy Word. Denounce fear. Once you have prayed about the choices, and you have the green light, step out in faith. Know that goodness and mercy are following you. Do not take too long! YOU CAN DO THIS! NOW DO IT!! PURSUE!!
The scripture on my heart today is: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 KJV
Thanks for joining me today. We’ll talk soon.
Blessings!
Rochelle
