Are our little girls growing up too fast?

Hello All,
Studies show that girls as young as 9 understand very clearly what sexy is and what it looks like. When I was 9, I was playing with Barbie and Baby dolls, watching cartoons and waiting for the ice cream truck to come down my block. Being sexy was the furthest thing from my mind. Now, our girls are hailing Beyonce and Rihanna as their "role models" and trying to live up to an unattainable standard.

Our society is over-sexed and all the images on television, in the movies and magazines and on social media have almost brain washed our young queens into a fantasy worled that takes them away from who they are. Who's fault is this? Society or ours? Can we expect society to be responsible for what our girls see and hear? No, that is the job of parents, guardians and family. This type of exposure lends itself to growing up too fast, having sex early and low self esteem.

Young girls are too focused on how their bodies look, rather than who they are on the inside. Nowadays, girls are learning from a very early age that there is power in their bodies. What they need to know is that there is power in their minds. They have the power to do anything and everything. We have to make sure they know this. We have to make sure they know it and live it.

Blessings,
Archuleta

New and You

Hello All,
This will be the year to speak up. Progress will not be gained by remaining silent. In any situation, think about what you want the outcome to be. Then ask yourself what you need to do to make it happen. You must speak up in all your relationships. Even where there is difficulty and you're facing difficult situations. Your words are important and have power. God is going to ask you to do things that you know you can't do on your own. However, God is going to equip you and call you out of your comfortable, normal box. Seek Him. There are truths that God is going to reveal to you. He is going to confirm ideas and plans that you have had for a long time. He is going to place people in your life that will help you on your path. It will change your life forever. Stop operating in the past. Even if you are dwelling on something bad that happened yesterday, you are giving life to it.

This will be the year to speak loud! Your life will settle for mediocrity if you don't give this life all you've got. Promise yourself that you will not allow anyone or anything to halt your blessings. Promise that you will get out of your own way.

Take a deep breath, roll your sleeves up and get with it. Do it. Create it. Write it. Plan it. Make it ALL happen.

Blessings,
Archuleta

Who among us doesn't have an insecurity?

Hello All, One of my favorite cartoons growing up was Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. The Thanksgiving specials were the best. Well, last week the gang was on television and it took me back to being 10 years old. Selfish Lucy, took Linus' blanket and made a kite out of it. Of course, Linus was furious and asked her why did she do this! As she proceeded to explain to him, she inadvertently let go of the kite (blanket). Linus chased it but couldn't catch it and he watched his precious blanket take flight. He couldn't think straight, couldn't eat and had to have Charlie Brown sit with him in order to sleep that night. No one was understanding his torment, except for Charlie Brown. The next day, the whole gang gathered around to tell him how stupid that blanket was and he was better off without it! Linus asked the group, "Who among you doesn't have an insecurity?" No one said anything. He began calling each of them out on their shortcomings. He stated that he needed his blanket and couldn't be functional without it. What is your security blanket? What are you holding onto today that you just refuse to let go of because you "need it"? Linus admitted he had an insecurity and needed his blanket or else he wouldn't be able to function. God understands your insecurities and is here for you, just like Charlie Brown was there for Linus. God will not be your crutch. God will not enable you. He will help you get rid of the thing that is hindering you from living your best life. We all have them. There are things and people that we cling to so that we don't have to face our fears and deal with issues. It is safer to rely on what's inside of the box rather than to step outside of it. If you want something you never had, you have to be in position to let go. Life changes and God needs us to be receptive to change so that we don't miss out on any of our blessings. Whatever you need, God has it. Let go and be free. Blessings, Archuleta

Stress Reliever

Hello All, I bought new pens today. Well, what's so special about that? This week has been busy, stressful and trying. I have been taking long breaths, praying and then praying more. Today, as I bought new pillows in Wal-Mart, I made my usual b-line for the pen aisle. I could feel my spirits rising. As I stood there with my head tilted to the right, the pretty pink one caught my eye. Home with me it went! Whatever happens to be going on in my world, buying pens and paper always make things better. I know that I will write with them the same day. Therapy. All is put back into perspective. Blessings, Archuleta

Ultimatums

What causes us to give another human being an ultimatum?  The inner time frame that we have established into the fibers of our being.  Once that time has elapsed, frustration kicks in and we become restless; angry even.  Oftentimes, the other person knows nothing of our time frame and frustration, and the ultimatum is a shocker.  Where is this coming from?  Human nature is an unyielding truth.  We can't help how we feel but we forget to share those feelings with the person that will be affected by it.  We always hope for the best and we think time is our friend.  Time is not our friend.  We let time take over and have control.  That is not time's job and it hates being put in these situations.  One of the main reasons is communication.  We really suck at it.  This menacing, almost torturing deliberation, is our friend.  It is always there, however, we take it for granted.  We rarely recognize its importance until its too late.

Reconnect

Hello All,
I started to think about my family and friends today. I was alarmed at the amount of time that has passed since I spoke with certain people! It is not because I don't want anything to do with them, but life gets busy and before you know it, a year or more has passed.

I also thought if something were to happen and I never had another conversation with that person, it would be terrible. So, I have promised myself to reconnect with family and friends AND continue to stay in touch. It is easier said than done, but making a conscious effort and having the desire to do it is the first step.

As you go about the hustle and bustle of the holidays, don't forget about what is really important. Love and fellowship with those you hold dear. Also, this may be a good time for forgiveness and putting old things to rest. God wants to do a new thing in all of us! Now is the time!

Be Blessed,

Archuleta

Season of Giving, Season of Change

Hello All,
During this time of year, I usually begin to hibernate. My actions and thoughts go under the covers with a warm cup of tea. I begin to reflect on the year and set goals for the upcoming one. These reflections can be exciting and at times sad.

However, this year, I have not had the desire to hibernate. Not in the least. Instead, I am bursting with energy and ready to get the new year going now! It is a change for me, but it just proves that God is ready to do a new thing with me. I can feel it deep down in my spirit and I am excited. Now, it's not to say that everything is perfect. In fact, some things in my life right now are beyond words. But, that is where my faith has to rise to the occasion.

My season of hibernation is over. God is bringing me into a new season and I am ready for it. I know that God has the right people, the right resources, and the right circumstances in place. All I have to do is be open and ready to receive what He has for me.

As 2012 approaches, identify what season God has you and be at peace with it. If you are in a season of hibernation, then hibernate. If God has you in a season of action, then act. God has you where you are for a reason. Your job is to use that space to connect with God so that He can guide you through the process.

Be Blessed,
Archuleta