What are my motives?

Dear Friends,

Do you know Iyanla Vanzant? Heard of her? She's an amazing African American author and speaker I have admired for some time and wasprivileged to hear speak last month in Phoenix. Her very presence is so beautiful and powerful. And holy. She has her "Tips For Daily Living" in a 50-card deck. I use these during my devotional and meditation time. (along with the Bible, journaling, etc.) Each card asks a series of questions that addresses some of the critical issues we all face in life.Each question, when answered honestly, will support us in creating a new vision of ourselvesand our lives.

Here's three I wanted to share...

FORGIVENESS: Where in my life is there room for more forgiveness? Am I willing to forgive everyone for everything today?
Forgiveness is a gift to myself that prepares my heart for more of everything.

LOVE: When do I feel most loved? Am I willing to be loved today?
Self-love is the magnet that attracts deep and profound expressions of love from others.

SIMPLIFY: How can I simplify my life? Am I willing to live with simplicity today?

If I'm doing something to get attention, recognition, approval, or rewards...DON'T DO IT!

What are MY motives? Most of my life I have been motivated by any and or all of the above reasons.

But now... older and maybe a little wiser I ask myself these questions:

WHO IS TO GET THE GLORY HERE? IS IT ME OR IS IT GOD?
IS THIS PLEASING TO GOD?
AM I BEING THE PERSON I AM CALLED TO BE?
WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF MY HEART? ONLY MY HEART.
AM I IN ALIGNMENT WITH YOU, GOD ALMIGHTY?

If I could really "get it" that everything is really just between ME and GOD--anyway it would eliminate so much...hurt feelings, disappointment, heartache, bitterness, unforgiveness, judgement, injustice, indifference, score-keeping, pettiness, unkindness, revenge, gossip,dashed expectations, etc., etc.

WOW! Now that would certainly free up a lot more room for the character of GOD to show through in my own life...at home, at work, at church, and everywhere I AM.

Faith Mayton

Faith is the widow of Rev. J. Andrew Mayton, Sr. www.tendertouchtherapies.blogspot.com