Pimpin' Is Easy?

One of the biggest enigmas I’ve often thought about is if everyone on the face of this Earth is gifted to do at least one thing. As far as people I’ve had the discussion with, it’s about 50/50. Half the people think that everyone is gifted to do at least one thing, and the other half believe there’s no way everyone has some sort of talent. Whatever your belief, the thought of talent seems simple, but it’s kind of an elusive concept to grasp.

Talent is defined as “a special natural ability or aptitude,” with another definition saying “a capacity for achievement or success.” So in one case it’s looked at as something that’s natural and in another sense it’s looked at as something that has to be achieved. I look at talent as something that’s totally God given. Not by anything that we do, but because He gives it to us and chooses how to disperse the talent. It’s my faith in God that allows me to believe in the concept of talent. In Romans chapter 11, Paul said “for the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” That’s what I believe—God freely gives.

So WHY IN THE WORLD did I title this post “Pimpin’ is easy?” Well because after you find your particular gift/gifts, the idea of “pimpin’” can make its way into your way of thinking and into your life and it can be EXTREMELY easy to do. A pimp is someone who solicits something for a gain in some form. I have seen SO many cases where people that have been INSANELY talented, have had their gifts pimped by someone else. I’ve also seen those same people pimpin’ their own gifts. By no means am I saying that your gifts shouldn’t open doors for you to be blessed, but I do think you should PROTECT your gift. Everybody isn’t ready to receive your gift. ALWAYS keep that in mind. Water your gift and help it grow. Be eeeeeeever so protective of your gift because it is God given. Lastly, think of your gift as your child. LOVE it! Spend time with it! STAY HUMBLE!

This isn’t just a “musician post” as I’m sure a few will take it. I believe that EVERYONE is gifted and the way you treat your gift/s is TOTALLY up to you.

Evelyn Mary Dunbar, who was the only salaried woman artist of the painters and sculptors employed during World War II, claimed that “We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.”  She had to endure some things to keep using her gift—you may have to as well.

Keep the faith, hope and love ALIVE

~M.A.~

Optimism: Blessing or Curse?

There are times in our lives where optimism is all we have. One being that time where we don’t really KNOW what’s going to ensue at a particular juncture in our life. In my eyes, optimism ultimately equates to faith. Are you optimistic in those times where it looks somber, bleak and you can’t see the light? Do you have enough optimism (faith) to KNOW there’s a light even if you can’t “see” it? Being optimistic is one of the greatest states you can EVER find yourself in. It’s a testament that situations don’t dictate your joy, happiness, tranquility, etc. It’s a testament of POWER!

Optimism gets looked at as a liability at times, but by whom? Probably by those who are un-optimistic. Whether it be before or after a particular situation, the way you react to it will say a lot about you. Are you the type that’s looking at the negative with a frown on your face after a situation? Sometimes you can even have a smile on your face, but still be REEKING with negativity. These people are DRAAAAINING! Not only is optimism defined as “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something,” but also in a philosophical sense as “the belief that good must ultimately prevail over evil in the universe.” What a concept of FAITH! A (sincere) smile in the midst of a troubled situation can be equated to good overcoming evil. The feeble mindset of negativity is such a liability. Be optimistic isn’t a curse—it’s a BLESSING!

The famous Shirley Temple, who was looked at as an icon of a child actress in the 30’s and 40’s. She sung a song that I feel can be such an effective lifestyle called “Be Optimistic.”

Be optimistic! Don’t you be a grumpy


When the road gets bumpy
just smile
(smile and be happy!)



Your troubles can't be
as bad as all that


When you're sad as all that
no one loves you



Be optimistic! Don’t you be a mourner


Brighten up that corner
and smile


Don't wear a long face
It's never in style,
Be optimistic
And smile!

Don’t drain those around you. Be optimistic and be POSITIVE!

“Optimism is the foundation of courage.”  ~Nicholas Murray Butler

††Keep the faith and love alive††

~M.A.~

The free shall truth your set?

What is your definition of the “truth?” After you think about your definition, think if you live your life by that particular “truth.” Some people look at the truth as fragile, when it’s supposed to be something rock solid that we live off of. In actuality, living a life that’s separated from truth is a rocky bridge that’s CONSTANTLY swaying.

The denotative meaning of truth is “the quality or state of being true,” or “that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality.” If the truth is supposed to “set us free,” why is it one of the most difficult things to keep consistent? I believe it’s because a lie, more often than not, makes things convenient. Even an “embellishment” goes against the truth. Rick Warren, evangelical minister and author, stated: “An embellishment is just a lie in a tuxedo.” Not telling the whole truth is still a lie. And the thing about a lie is, they just compound more lies. You can’t have one without another. Why live your life that way?

Thinking that you HAVE to tell lies, fibs, little white lies, etc. is like being handcuffed by the police or being in a wheelchair. You’re handicapped. You can’t keep it real. Thinking that you HAVE to lie says A LOT about yourself. I know I’m speaking on an issue that we probably have already attempted to wrap our minds around. However, the fact remains that we need to get better. There are ALWAYS ways to justify why we do what we do and I probably hear people try to justify why they lie above all other things. Let’s just try to get better. I’ve learned that if you do things the right way, in decency and order, the easier it is to be completely truthful. Be true with YOURSELF and make an honest attempt to be honest. I know it’s not easy all the time, but remember that sometimes the most difficult things are the things we need to grasp the most.

I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love for truth - and truth rewarded me.  ~Simone de Beauvoir

†Keep the faith and keep love alive†

~M.A.~

The Humility Meter

“What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.”  ~Abraham Lincoln

How often do you “smell” yourself? The thing about skunks is, they use their stench as a predator-deterrent. I look at selfishness as a horrible stench. The idea of “humility” has so many different components. If you ALWAYS have to have to have the last word, you might need to check your humility meter. If you ALWAYS have to be right, you might need to check your humility meter. If you contact people to “see how they’re doing,” just so they can do something for you, you may need to check your humility meter, or your selfish meter—whichever one you choose.  And notice I’m saying “check” it. So I’m not necessarily saying these instances comply with lack of humility ALL the time, but I’m just saying check it. =)

Experts say “skunk spray causes no real damage to its victims, but it sure makes them uncomfortable.” That’s the same for a selfish being—it stinks. Announcing how “great” you are or think you may be fits into selfishness as well. You’re selfish in your praises. Your life should speak for itself right? Edward Frederick Halifax, former British Ambassador of Washington, made an awesome statement when he said “True merit, like a river, the deeper it is, the less noise it makes.”  YOUR LIFE DOES THE SPEAKING! Or at least it should. I have by no means arrived when it comes to the lifestyle of total humility, but I definitely strive. I hope you do the same. I’m a firm believer in humbling yourself before God has to do it for you. HE WILL!

“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”~Luke 14:11

†Peace, Faith, Love, & Hope†

~M.A.~

Arguing. FOR THE BIRDS!

2) argue-exchange or express diverging or opposite views, typically in a heated or angry way. The idea of arguing shapes a lot of things. Bigger arguments, wars, deaths, etc. NOTHING good will generally come from a heated argument. In fact, it shows much maturity when you can express opposing views in a civilized way. Free of the yelling, the screaming, and the belittling. Thomas Carlyle, A 19th Century Scottish writer, essayist, and historian said "A man (woman) lives by believing something: not by debating and arguing about many things." Belief does not require an argument.


Your belief system should have the faith that requires no arguing. Stay firm in what you believe and keep it there. If you believe in a strong family, don't argue about a strong family. Let your life speak, and no arguing will be required. One of the biggest acts of humility is NOT arguing.


"Do everything without complaining and arguing"-Phillipians 2:14


†Faith, Love, Peace & Hope†
~M.A.~

Who Are You? Be You!

A concept that is extremely difficult for this generation to grasp is individuality. Everyone wants to be like the next person. Whether it be because of the want for acceptance or the want to have what someone else has, people just don't seem to want to be themselves. From my diagnosis, the greatest leaders are the ones that understood what they were called to do, and just did it. We're ALL called to different things.


There will ALWAYS only be one you. Another YOU will never be created. You are one of a kind and though someone may look like you, have your name, or do something similar to what you do, you were made authentically. So don't be afraid to step out and be yourself. Oliver James, famous journalist and author said "why are you trying so hard to fit in, when you're born to stand out?" and Dr. Seuss said "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." 


Your life will speak for itself. Insert your name here ______________________ and be THAT person. 


†Peace, Love & Hope†
~M.A.~