Thursday, June 27, 2013

Sometimes, it is just what we asked for

Hello All,

I became a full-time writer on October 5, 2012. This was the date that I was "let go" from my full-time job. Ironically, I wasn't happy there and wanted to leave but my plan was to stay there until I found another job. Well, my plan wasn't moving fast enough for God, nor was it the right path. See, I would have stayed there even at the risk of becoming more unhappy. I didn't want to leave without having another job in my pocket. I was worried about how I was going to pay my bills and survive with a job! I also wanted to leave that job on my own terms. God had to show me that my terms did not take precedence over His.

The funny thing is that I had been praying to God to allow me to be a full-time writer - somehow. When it happened, it had to settle into my system first. After it settled in, I realized what God had done. He had answered my prayers and it was time for me to write like never before.

Although my unemployment is running out soon, I have to believe that God wouldn't bring me this far to leave me. I have to believe that God is going to sustain me and propel me even further into my purpose. I was meant to be a writer and this is my time.

My "job" right now is to have faith. Will I step out on faith and trust God? Even when everything around me seems grim, will I continue to trust Him? The answer is yes. I can't do anything but go by His terms now. Sometimes, God reduces you down to where you have no choice but to lean on Him. God is my only answer. As I write, I will have faith and listen to His terms for a change.

Blessings,
Archuleta

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Go Get It

Hello All,
I woke up this morning, had a cup of tea and wrote in my prayer journal. As I wrote, I began to feel a wave of motivation. I quickly wrote down what the spirit was giving me:

Don't doubt yourself
Don't procrastinate
Be creative
Think like a mogul
Connect more with family & friends
Attend classes, workshops and events to perfect your craft
Go for it
Make a plan
Be confident
Expand your horizons
Have fun

I thought about this list all day. Even during my weekly pilgrimage to Wal-Mart, I continued to think about this list and realized that God was giving me the framework; answers to prayers. God knows that I appreciate when things are straight forward! He also knows that I am not afraid to work hard towards things that I am passionate about. I have taken the stance that I don't want God to fix things for me. "Please put the right resources and people in place so that I can achieve what I am trying to do."

Later in the day, I was reading an article about freelance writing. I had an "Aha!" moment. I had to text my good friend Michelle giving her a list of things that came to my mind; things I want to do. I told her because I know she "gets it" and she would understand my list. She wouldn't question it, try to talk me out of it or be confused by it. She would just get it and say "Awesome! Do it all!" It's the same thing God tells me each day in my prayer time.

I claimed GO GET IT as my personal theme for 2013. My vision board is placed right beside my writing desk (which is really the dining room table) and it radiates each day. Now, it's time to do it. It's time to go get it!

Blessings,
Archuleta

Sunday, March 17, 2013

It's a Small World

Hello All,
Have you ever found out that someone you know is married to a family member of someone you really don't want to know but have to know anyway?? LOL! I know, sounds crazy. But, this is an example of situations that cause us to shake our heads and say, "It's a small world!" The world is not as big as it seems. People are not as far away as we think. Life is more on our side that we know.

My mother convinced me at an early age that everyone comes into our life for a reason; to teach us lessons and add chapters to our story. The reason may not be good, but the lesson will change us into the person that we are to become. Years later, you may look back and finally realize why a certain person was placed into your life.

My world seems to be shifting a lot lately. Things are happening that I don't quite understand, while other things are crystal clear. I find myself just praying and asking God for strength and clarity. When the time is right, God reveals things to me and brings the right people in my life. In addition, some people have worn out their welcome and it is time for them to go.

It is a small world. And when things (and people) show you just how small this world is, just go with it. There is something to be learned and the lesson will save you.

Blessings,
Archuleta

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Lord, I want it all!

Hello All,
Convenience - that's what I like. More importantly, my personality appreciates it! I visited Walmart today and I realized, once again, the obvious. Where else on earth can you refill a prescription, get an oil change, grocery shop, redecorate every room in your house, buy a new tv, get a mani and pedi, get fitted for a hearing aid, get your hair done, get your taxes done and grab a Subway sandwich on the way out! One stop shopping at its best!

Walmart spoils us and gives us the assurance that we can take care of everything; we don't have to go anywhere else. This is what the Lord provides to us; a one stop shop for everything we need.

God is the source of our strength and has everything we need. He provides a "one stop" for it all! We don't have togo anywhere else.

Where else on earth can you be forgiven, get saved, be enlightened and encouraged, do all things, have your mind renewed, healed, sanctified and filled with the holy ghost, be delivered and set free!

Blessings,
Archuleta

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Shifting Gears

Hello All,
You have heard the familiar questions, "Is your glass half empty of half full?" This question gages whether you are more of a pessimist or optimist towards life and situations. As I prayed this morning, I asked God for strength and to allow me to discover the tools and resources in order to solve my own problems. I don't want God to bail me out or rescue me. I don't want to find myself back in the same boat ever again.

Lately, my prayers have taken a shift. I realized that I was whining too much. I also realized that I was on my knees with the same occurring issues, like a rolling ball. It had gotten on my nerves, so I knew that God had to be irritated with me as well. I started to think about what is happening in my life, what is not happening and what things should be happening. I have had a hand in my own fate, however, other things in life have been beyond my control.

I questioned myself in the mirror. What is in my control and am I living my life fearless? What am I afraid of giving up? Those answers led me to my disobedience and thinking that I can do a better job at solving the problem.

Not one of us is perfect. We all have flaws, strengths and weaknesses. We all have things on the table that cause us to be disobedient and fearful to God. Are you a broken record in your prayers and supplication? Is it something you do for the sake of doing it or are do you desire to grow from your prayer life?

God is not in the business of snapping his fingers and making everything okay. We have a part to play in our personal relationship with him. I discovered that I needed to shift gears; refresh and renew my relationship with Jesus Christ. I needed to put the spark back into our daily talks and my requests. He desires for us to come to the conclusion that He is all we need. Our desperation and disappointments in life serve as lessons to us. Have you learned the lesson? Are you growing or still in the same situation you've been in for the last 10 years?

God is waiting for you.

Blessings,
Archuleta

Monday, February 25, 2013

Still Hibernating

Hello All,
Snow storm #1 has passed and storm #2 is on its way. Stocked up on groceries, movies, hot chocolate and I have enough notebooks and pens for a small lifetime, so I'm good. I'm going to sit in my favorite chair and write. It makes me happy just thinking about it! This hibernating season is something I look forward to all year. It is a time for clarity and reflection. I need it and it needs me. I will come forth with new discoveries and plans. Always do and always will.

2013 is the year of change. I feel it and understand that I just need to be in position. That position starts with my pen.



Friday, January 11, 2013

Dear Archuleta (a letter to my younger self)


Dear Archuleta,
This life is as unpredictable as it is wonderful. A simple statement, but something that I always want you to remember as you blossom into the woman you will one day become. When you are a child, those closest to you will tell you exactly what you want to hear. They will tell you that you are smart and pretty, but being smart is what will last. I know that girls will use their looks to get the boys. But, you just keep being who you are. You don’t need to do all that. At this age, your self-esteem is being formed. Sometimes, those closest to you will say or do things to break your confidence. Yes, it will hurt your feelings…bad. But, channel those feelings into your writing. Never allow people and their words to shape who you are. As you get older, you will learn to stop trying to “fit in.” You are going to look around and see that light skin and long hair are favored. You will travel down this road a lot. You will survive and get through it. Your cocoa skin is to be celebrated and please remember that you are more than good enough. God said so. You will not understand this until you are much older, but one day you will look at yourself in the mirror and realize how beautiful you really are. One day, you will be a positive voice for women. Pay attention to the relationships around you as a child, because they will help mold and shape you as an adult. You will recall everything Mama and Nana taught you and it will set you apart as a woman. This is what real men look for in women, believe it or not. It’s not about the girls you see in the videos and magazines, but it’s about character and real love. Just to let you know, high school is going to be tough. Mainly because you won’t think like everybody else, but also because of your battle with low self esteem. You will make good decisions about who to give your heart to and that is a credit to your intuition. Of course, you will make mistakes and it will take you a minute to bounce back. But, you will and you will do what feels right. You always do. Trust your gut instincts and never apologize for doing what is right for you. Eventually, you will meet someone who lets you know that love is real. You will have a life with this person and become one. Always remember to put yourself first and never lose who you are as a person. You love deeply and try everything you know to keep the relationship in tact. But know that sometimes, even what you thought would last forever won’t. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need in a relationship. And don’t be afraid to give 100%. It’s okay to do what is best for you. Ask questions and know where you stand. Believe that if love can find you once, it will certainly find you again. It will be even sweeter because you will be wiser. You will find out who your friends are in times of trouble and who has your back. Don’t forget about your friends. Sometimes, you have the tendency to shut people out. It’s not that you intend to do it, but you’ll get so consumed with what is happening in your personal world that you forget to lean on others for help. Your career goals will come to fruition and you will eventually pursue your passion and become so fulfilled in your life. You will have people that support you and cheer you on each step of the way. Your creativity will blossom more than you can imagine right now. It will carve your very existence. Fear and pain will be in your life due to tragic events. Please don’t allow those circumstances to run your life. They will eventually turn into strength, but it will be up to you. Don’t waste valuable time in your life by dwelling in the past. Practice forgiveness and understanding. Face things head on and always communicate how you feel. Be patient and know that your time will come. Always pray and ask God for guidance. You can make it through all of your problems in life. Don’t worry about love. Love will find you and make you feel safe. It won’t be perfect, because nothing is. You will accept love and be a better person because of it. He’ll be excited for you as you live out your dreams. He will tell you that you are beautiful everyday…and mean it. He will challenge you to go further and push harder. Of everything you will go through, know that your faith and obedience will bring you to your destiny in every area of your life. I will say it again; always put yourself first! Follow your path and no one else’s. Don’t apologize for who you are or what you look like. You are going to grow into a very beautiful woman. Always be humble and gracious. Keep smiling. Be happy. Live your life to the fullest.

Love you so much,
Archuleta

p.s. Rock that short hair!