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Monday, June 30, 2014

The Power Series: Be Still


Happy Monday Everyone!

I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Do you ever encounter situations when something isn't going your way or someone is mad at you/did something against you? Do you ever get the feeling of having to control those situations or do something to make them go back to the way they were? Or you feel hurt or guilt? 

I have had these feelings many times.

If something wasn't going my way or I didn't like something- or if I did something wrong- I would immediately get a feeling of needing to intercede and change the situation. I often times caught myself getting so worked up sometimes for not being able to control the situation.

For example, we all have been in relationships. Well one thing I struggled with between W and I was  if he wanted to do something I didn't agree with, I would get a feeling of uneasiness because I didn't know what the future held or I didn't have control over the decision he wanted to make. 

Then because I let control take me over, he would get upset with me and then I would have a feeling of guilt and need to, again, control the situation to get it to go back to normal. 

Altogether, it was a downward spiral- just because I didn't have the control.

 I would develop an idea in my head that he didn't have good intentions in his heart when it came to things we disagreed with. But I realized something had to change. I knew deep down my boyfriend didn't have any bad intentions when it came to me or our relationship. 

I was able to see that the anger and control were making the end result be the undesired outcome. 

God showed me that when you stay still- as in be patient and let things play out- and rest in His promises- things will end up good.

God says this:


We sometimes have to let things play out before we give any reaction to it. When we practice putting trust in God's purpose and will- we know that ultimately  all things will work out for our good. 

So I practiced being still. When I disagree with something, someone hurts my feelings or something isn't going right- I practiced remaining still and seeing how things play out. I let go of the control and decided to not let my feelings at that moment dictate my reaction. I found with W, for example, that he would make the decision that would make me happy or come with a compromise. Ultimately, it has helped me let go of the control, not over react, and build my trust in my Father. I found His Word being true with things in my life! I found myself bringing more things to Him and asking Him to help me. To have His will be done- because I knew His will was and is only good. It has really shown me how much he wants to help us with everything- and he can help us with everything. 

Being still has improved my patience, let me react with logic and not emotion, and to seek understanding and compromise. Letting go of control has made me realize how much control I didn't have in the first place! 

It's amazing to see how God can change everything for good. It has improved my relationships tremendously and has made situations I thought were going to fall apart, fall together. He is a Mighty God!

Sometimes all you need to do is be still. 
This world teaches you to always be on the go-go-go or to react to situations but in reality- it just causes more stress often times. 
Being still teaches us to bring things to God- because He has the ultimate control. God can take care of everything for us. How wonderful He is!

I hope you have a great day- & helps you in a situation you may be encountering or will encounter.

Many blessings!
-A

Thursday, June 26, 2014

My Solid Ground// #LYLS Thursday Link Up


I have had to keep repeating that to myself this week :"I'm Blessed, God is Good."

Do you ever have it that sometimes you feel like you are drowning or that your on unstable ground? 

That has been me this past week. Lately in my life, there has been a lot of changes.

Many are great and wonderful- My relationships with  loved ones have improved drastically, I graduated college, got a great job, bought a house, have grown in my faith and wisdom, etc.. 

There are some things that I have adjusted to that have been hard for me. Having new expenses that I have never had has been a big adjustment for me; making me feel uneasy about finances. I have so many things going on and I never seem to be able to catch up- I never realized how big of a responsibility a house would be- but I am learning fast (it makes me grateful for how my mom took care of everything when we were kids!).  These things can often try to make me feel I am not standing on solid ground in my life.

Some struggles I have dealt with is with friendships. Some friendships have faded since I decided to change my life and also ever since I started working. It's been hard for me because some of them I have been in for years- but because of our lifestyle differences, the friendships have faded. My mom ( God bless her) warned me this would happen when these life changes started to occur, but how can you really get ready to lose friends you love, and you thought loved you? It's left me feeling empty. I found myself questioning who I was this week. Is it me? I asked myself more than a few times I will admit. I started going down the list of things that maybe they didn't like about me. 

With all things going on in my life- I had to remember one thing. None of these things are going to determine if I am on solid ground. That is not where my hope lies. I had to remind myself that my solid ground is in God.  He showed me how far I have come and how much progress I have made. He told me to take away all the things that make me feel certain ways and just think about me for who I am. Am I happy with myself? Yes. Am I happy with the life path I am choosing? So happy. Do I trust Him in all things? My automatic response wanted to be yes... but He reminded me that if I trusted Him- why am I doubting my finances, friendships, and who I am? 

Then when I was on the phone with my mom, she reminded me that all things work out for the good of those who love the Lord- reminding me that even though some things may change that hurt, in the end, everything will be good- and I will see Him in everything. That immediately got me excited. It reminded me that no matter what it looks like, God is always there guiding my path. And yes, he may take certain people out, but He will put new people in. He may let me go through things, but He knows it will help me gain wisdom and understanding. 

Isn't it amazing how by just simply changing your perspective how things can go from bad to good? I am thankful because it puts my trust right back with Jesus. & no matter what- I know I have a provider, protector and friend in Him. He is my solid ground.

Who am I? I ask myself again. I am His.





Let Your Light Shine Thursdays!
Thanks so much for all of you that linked up last week!
Me and Jena loved seeing all of your posts!

Our favorite from last week's link-up was Natasha from Acquainted Joy



Natasha's post on the love she has for her family, here, reminded me of mine and how great having close ones family or friends can be so important to helping push you into being who you are! 

Thanks again for all of you who participated! Now it's time to link up again :)

RULES: 
1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow I'm Perfectly Human & True Soul & Spirit on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all!

Let Your Light Shine Thursdays
xoxo,
A

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin 

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

9 Years & Counting

Happy Hump Day Everyone!

SO SO sorry I have not posted in almost a week! I had some time off and was enjoying that away from the daily and weekly grind. 

The reason why I didn't post Monday was because W & I were out celebrating out 9 year anniversary together! Can you believe it? 9 years of being in each other's lives.

I took Monday off, which was probably the highlight of the day. We both agreed we wouldn't get each other anything and wouldn't make plans because we just wanted to enjoy the day- & that's what we did!

We started off sleeping in (which was AWESOME) and we took our time getting ready.

We started out trying a new breakfast spot- & to be honest, it wasn't the best. But the pancakes were amazing! Definitely would go back for those.




 We went on with the day just relaxing, we test drove some cars (W is currently looking for a new car) and ended the day with getting our favorite kind of food and watching a show on TV.

It wasn't extravagant, but I always enjoy spending time with my honey :)

We have been through so much during our time together- 9 years definitely did not come without struggles, break ups, make ups, hard times- but just seeing how God continues to bless this relationship makes it all worth it

I believe it says something when I can honestly say I love him more everyday. There is always something new- & I love that!


Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

xoxo,
Aisha

Thursday, June 19, 2014

#LYLS Thursday Linkup!

There are so many benefits of laughing. 
1] You get a slight ab workout (LOL).
2] It can lower blood sugar levels
3] Raise the level of infection fighting antibodies in your body
4] Increase blood flow
5] Decreases stress
6] It's an all around mood booster

Well one person that helps me get all these benefits is my sister.


Even if we are like night and day, she makes me laugh harder than anyone else. She brings out my goofy side and as weird as she thinks I am, I am convinced she thinks I am funny. LOL



She is one of the funniest people I know- and having that light of laughter in my life adds so much joy and fun! I am happy to call her my sister. 


We always have a fun time together and are laughing the whole time (unless we get into a fight lol)- but ultimately, she is someone who helps let my light shine!

Let Your Light Shine Thursdays!
Thanks so much for all of you that linked up last week!
Me and Jena loved seeing all of your posts!

Our favorite from last week's link-up was:

Sold Out Arenas!



This is Christina! She has amazing style and wonderful pictures! What I love most about her blog is that it is so open and honest. Make sure to check her out!


Thanks again for all of you who participated! Now it's time to link up again :)

RULES: 
1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow I'm Perfectly Human & True Soul & Spirit on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all!

Let Your Light Shine Thursdays
xoxo,
A

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin 

Monday, June 16, 2014

Power Series: Being Yourself// #RealBloggerBeauty

Happy Monday Everyone!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Welcome to the power series entry #4.

In honor of the #realbeautyblogger linkup starting, I thought I would do a post on the power of being yourself.

The #Realbloggerbeauty link up is a linkup that embraces our beautiful imperfections- started by Charmed Style.

There aren't many pictures with today's post, but I hope you enjoy the read. I am going to share a very personal story of mine with you today- how I learned being my true self was the best self I could be.


I grew up in a very diverse, but small, household. My dad is Persian and my mom is white. They never got married but had my sister (who is one year older) and myself.

My parents ended up splitting up when I was four.

We saw my dad every other weekend, but he wasn't involved in our lives like I needed him to be. Not really having a man in my life to show me the love I needed as a girl growing up, I often tried to find happiness in other places with friends and boys, parties, and sports.

My dad didn't always know how to show us the love we needed, because he never had it himself growing up. So I understood, but there was always a void in my heart- missing the love of a father.

Growing up, I always was searching for a way to worthy of love. To fill this void I had in my heart. I was never content in what I was doing- because I wasn't content with who I was. I heard things from my dad like "I wish I never had kids", "you're stupid", "You need to lose weight"... I continually felt that I was not good enough with someone I yearned to be good enough for.

I always felt the need to be perfect in order to get approval.

I would give into things I didn't really want to do, trying to please people, because I wanted to be accepted for who I was, not realizing I wasn't being myself at all.

As the years went on, I grew more bitter and angry at my parents for not always being there for me- not realizing how hard it can be to be a single parent. My mom worked full time taking care of two kids, a house, and hardly getting time to herself. I know that now, but when I was younger- I just felt abandoned. Unworthy of love.

I overwhelmed myself with activities and people just so I could distract myself from my feelings. So I could feel accepted in things- although temporary.

I never dealt with the bruises which caused many things to happen in my life that got me to the point of rock bottom emotionally and physically. That's when one day in the shower- I found Christ and forever dedicated myself to Him.

It wasn't until I found Christ that I really found out who I really was. 

He showed me the love that I had been missing, filled my life with joy and put happiness in my life that I couldn't explain. He was and is always there when I need Him. I am no longer in need of others' approval to feel good about who I am. Its freeing.

He has taught me how being myself is the best light you can show to people. 
Because who I am is His.

Since I have focused less on pleasing others and filling that void, I have become much happier. I am happy with "Aisha" time and no longer need to follow crowds that I used to follow in HS and college. I don't always feel the need to be "perfect" in the eyes of men because I know I am perfect in the eyes of my Father. I know that at the end of the day, no matter how people feel about the way I look, speak and do, Jesus thinks I am beautiful.

He has taught me to understand why my parents did certain things and it really opened my eyes to see that although we all don't always make the best decisions, most of the time- we are trying our best and doing what we think is right. I am forever grateful for God teaching me those things. It made me realize my own ignorance growing up as well as gave me the strength to forgive.

I cannot begin to describe the love and thankfulness I have in my heart that I had never felt before my life with Jesus. He is my first love, the best Father, and my everything. I am no longer bound with anger, resentment and unworthiness- but strive to live a life of forgiveness and love. I owe Him all I have. All I have.

I often times burst out in tears because that is the only emotion I get when I think about my Savior. His love in my life is overwhelming at times (in a great way) and sometimes the only action I have to it is cry because I see how far He has brought me from. I was drowning in sadness and anger and He made me free of all of that. He has forgiven me for many bad decisions I made. He continues to make me, well me!

Jesus changed it all for me. Now I am happy to be Aisha.

I love this song. It reminds me that Jesus will take us however we are... that includes you.


xoxo,
A

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Thursday, June 12, 2014

Be The Light/ LYLS Link Up!

Hey Everyone! 

We are once again one day closer to the weekend! What are your plans?

Last night I was able to do a 2 hour workout with a friend of mine. We did a walk with weights and some strength training as well. I love doing outdoor workouts because you get to exercise your body as well as enjoy the weather! 

One thing God has been teaching me this past week is about giving and being the light to His people

He showed me that so many of us get so caught up in our own little bubble of a world that we don't realize how blessed we are. Meaning, that- many of us think we are struggling because we may be late to pay a bill or that we wish we had nicer things but don't realize that many people wish they could have what we have. Most of us have a house, clean running water, food in the fridge, a cell phone to connect with loved ones, etc etc- and if we don't, we have organizations and assistance to help get us on our feet. There are people that have none of the above. 

Sometimes, the littlest things will get on my nerves- like someone touching me on the bus sitting next to me- I strongly dislike that! LOL but Jesus reminds me of this:


When I start counting my blessings, I realize how much I have- how blessed I am. Everything I have I thought were a given in life- but it really puts into perspective how to so many others its a luxury and abundant blessing. 

It's all about perspective.

It really puts into perspective how much I have to give. And how much of a light I can be to this world.

Jesus calls us to be lights in this dark world- but how can we if we are so focused on ourselves?

If we took the focus off ourselves and aimed it at others that need us, whether in our backyard or across the ocean, we would be showing people the love that Jesus shows us. It would give us the opportunity to practice one of Jesus' two commandments- To love one another as ourselves.


There are so many that live in darkness- that is one major reason why we need to strive at being lights to people. Because we may be the only light they encounter in a long time. It not only helps others, but it helps ourselves. It continues to help us realize how good God is to us, it helps us stay humble, and it helps us keep love at the top of our mind so no negativity can creep in. 

Love is truly the answer. If I was someone who had nothing to offer anyone, I would hope someone would have the heart and love towards me to help- and since we are called to love people as ourselves, then it is my duty to do that for others. 

The biggest reminder is that Jesus came to give us life, and all he wanted was love in return. He healed people, got people on their feet, brought people back to life, gave them wisdom and hope- and expected nothing but love in return. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my Lord and Savior. So being able to be in a position to help people and be a light to people is an honor and a privilege

To give back little by little, my family and I are planning a volunteer day at Feed My Starving Children! What can you do? 

To see different options in the local area, go to unitedway.org or fmsc.org to see different volunteer and giving opportunities for those around you- far and wide :)

Be the Light and Let Your Light SO Shine! 

Something written at yoga one week :)



Today Is

Let Your Light Shine Thursdays!

Thanks so much for all of you that linked up last week!
Me and Jena loved seeing all of your posts!

Our favorite from last week's link-up was:

Ashley from Le Stylo Rouge

cc lake neon nights dress, dolce vita bow sandals, ashley from lsr, bauble bar signature necklace

Ashley is a midwest girl with an amazing smile and style to match!


Thanks again for all of you who participated! Now it's time to link up again :)

RULES: 
1. Link up your favorite post this week - It can be related to faith, fashion, food, family, or whatever else you would like to share that helped you shine your light from the week!

Don't worry if you don't have a blog to link up - just leave a comment with how you let your light shine this week!

2. Follow I'm Perfectly Human & True Soul & Spirit on Bloglovin, or any other social media outlet (FB, Twitter, Instagram, or GFC)

3. Link back by using the button above or your own link.

4. Visit other blogs and meet new blogger friends!

Each week we will be choosing our favorite posts to feature and share with you all!

Let Your Light Shine Thursdays


xoxo,
A

Follow me: Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Pinterest || Bloglovin 

An InLinkz Link-up

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

One Step At A Time

Happy Hump Day Everyone! 

Hope everyone is having a prosperous week. Things are smooth here at work (for once!) so I am getting more time to work on small tasks that often get pushed to they wayside. 

Have you ever heard the some "One Step At A Time" by Jordin Sparks?

I haven't heard the song in awhile but a couple days ago I had the song stuck in my head. I was singing "Take one step at a time, there's no need to rush- it's like learning to fly, or falling in love...It's gonna happen when it's supposed to happened we find the reasons why, one step at a time."

I was thinking about the lyrics and how they have so much meaning in regards to a walk with Christ

 

Sometimes, I have found myself comparing my relationship with Christ to others. If I felt I was not as far as someone else on my walk with Him, I thought I was doing something wrong, God liked that other person more, or maybe I just wasn't trying hard enough. It was really discouraging! Simply because all that thinking was negative.

But the thing that song reminds me of is that each walk with Christ is unique & different. We make mistakes, we fall back, things happen that we don't understand, and things don't go our way; but it is a journey. A WALK- not a sprint or race. God simply wants us to take one step at a time with Him because when we try to hurry or rush- we are more apt to make a mistake or lose sight of what Christ really wants us to learn during that time.

I have to remind myself that I am not always going to get things right or perfect- but as long as I am striving for the perfection of God- then I am on the right path. 

When we fall short or turn the wrong way, we have Christ to pull us back- every time. All we have to do is go to Christ with our mistake or mess up and He liberally grants us forgiveness and the will to keep going.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."- Matthew 11:28-30 

Isn't He amazing?! 


Shoes:Aldo

Knowing Christ is about growing in your relationship. Its like dating. When you first meet someone, you learn their likes and dislikes, you learn how to be around them, you learn things about them everyday. And the relationship takes effort from both parties. You often hear in marriages that they are still learning new things about their spouse. The same goes for our Father. 


Earrings: Nordstrom Rack
Bracelet: Charming Charlie

He never forsakes us and He sent His Son to reconcile any loss in our relationship with Him. He gave His blood to reconcile our iniquities and to protect us from any harm or evil. He has promised us SO many things- it makes it easy to trust Him and feel loved by Him.

What an easy, stress free, GLORIOUS relationship to be in! 


Skirt: Windsor

One of the best things is- that He understands our struggles. He knows all things that we are tempted with and often give in to. He knows the desires of the flesh- and He knows He is the way out of fleshly temptations. 

"Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted."- Hebrews 2:18

The more obedient we are to His ways and will- the more He will show us and release to us. He is simply waiting for us to continue making those steps in the right direction- taking steps closer to Him! :)


Shirt: Forever 21

We just have to keep seeking Him, focusing on His will and His ways, and things will be added unto us. It may not be in the time that we want, but it will come. It is all in God's perfect timing. And that is a time that you will undeniably know it's Him. Just keep being obedient and seeking Him and your faith, joy, life- will surely be prosperous. Our gifts will grow and our burdens will be lifted. He promised us! 

" But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."- Matthew 6:33


"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."- Matthew 7:7

The journey with Christ will always be a journey. A process. Just take one step at a time. I encourage you to ask God what you would like. If you want a certain gift from Him, ask Him that you desire that gift, that you would like to be used by Him for His will. In the meantime, keep seeking Him and being obedient to His ways. How pleasing it is to Him! That He cannot deny His gifts from you. 

He is just that good. 

Have a great day!
-A