Abandoning Lot

I’ve mentioned several times before, how my peace is the most expensive thing I own, and rather than allow anyone to disturb it, I’d much rather walk away. That can be extremely difficult, when you are in a close relationship with that individual, but sometimes, people get along better, when they’re separated. In many cases, it’s going to take you abandoning Lot, to avoid any unnecessary conflicts. I’m pretty sure we all have that one person whom we love and respect dearly, but there are times we have to separate, to keep the love, and not bring about hate. That’s one of the things I like about the story of Abraham (at that time, his name was Abram) and Lot. They both lived on the same land besides each other in Canaan, and had an abundance of wealth, so much so, it would’ve eventually led to conflict and strife. Rather than allow any of that to take place, Abraham made the decision to leave. Why? He valued his relationship with Lot too much!

To think, wealth and land is the premise of most family quarrels today. What’s more important to you? What you possess, or who you love?

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Sit up

Have you ever walked in a room, and quickly realized you we’re bigger than it and everything it contained? I have, and I say that as the most humbling, sincere, and confident person I am. No shade to anyone in my past or present, but I’ve often found myself shrinking who I am, so others can be comfortable or feel better about who they are. As vibrant as my personality and smile is, I used to take a seat in the corner and hide into obscurity, so the people I was with could shine, although my light refused to go out. Eventually, this caused discord, tension, and ending years’ long friendships. I was very upset, because I couldn’t figure out how I could go from having a friend of 20 years to an enemy in 1 day. Especially considering we were both successful and thriving in our own right. The saddest thing out of it all, was not the fact that the friendships had ended, but the fact that I didn’t even fight for them to continue. In one way or another, I guess you could say I was tired of robbing people the opportunity to get to know me, because others were afraid they’d like me. When I knew God’s purpose for my life, there was no way I was going to allow anyone to stop it. I didn’t ask for this light, but since God gave it to me, I might as well let it shine!

Hey you! Yes, you! Sit up! Stop sliding low in your chair, trying to disappear, because someone isn’t happy that you’re there! You deserve to be seen, because the very light you carry, is going to help someone through their darkness.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Tired of showing up

I have a mental health wellness journal, where I record my thoughts, feelings, and overall daily self-care. One of the things in particular the journal asks is, “What is something good that happened today?” I always avoid this question, because for the most part, things have not been that good for me, as of late. However, I finally stopped running and answered, “A good thing that happened today, is I didn’t give up.” No matter how difficult things have been, how bad my day has gone, or how mentally and physically lethargic I’ve been, I continue to show up each and everyday, even when I’m too tired to.

For those of you who are overwhelmed from work, parenting, school, financial hardships, mental or physical exhaustion, and continue to perform your best and be present everyday, kudos to you! It takes a lot of courage and strength to continue to keep going, even when you don’t have the energy to. You will have days in which you are up and then down, and don’t feel bad when you do. When you have those feelings, allow yourself to experience them, instead of putting on a united front, and pretending to be heroic. It’s one thing to be a hero, but it’s another thing when you’re the one who needs saving.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Unexpected help

Many months ago, I was pinching pennies, trying to make sense of why I was counting them to begin with. Then it dawned on me, I didn’t have any money! I fell to my knees praying, but I don’t recall if it was from my depleted account or energy. Simply put, I was tired! I remember telling God, “I need a breakthrough! I don’t care how You do it or who You use to do it, I just need it done.” Days passed, and time was running out, and there I was, still without. I was in a drought, and begin to feel like Elijah, the Prophet. I felt left in the wilderness by God, except He hadn’t forgotten Elijah, but I felt He did me. As usual, I was wrong, and completely unaware He’d send me some unexpected help. One of my seasoned church members, who I check on from time to time, called and asked for my address. Honestly, I wanted to question her, but I didn’t. Besides, I didn’t think there was too much more I could lose. After a week had passed, I received a beautiful card in the mail, and a nice check that matched it! I was extremely ecstatic and relieved, to say the least. I thought, “Wow! God why her? She doesn’t even know my situation,” not realizing I told Him I didn’t care who He used to do it, as long as it got done, and it certainly did!

When Elijah was out in the wilderness, he drank from the brook and was fed food by ravens every day. If God used a bird to feed His Prophet, don’t be surprised who He uses to help you! Anything is possible, especially when it comes to God!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Speak less

For awhile now, I’ve been juggling with the idea of starting a podcast. The moniker and content will be the same, but done with a minor twist. Occasionally, I’ll peruse the internet comparing and pricing the equipment, only to do just that, and nothing more. As a promise I made to myself, I’m not going to keep talking about what I’ll do, I’m just going to do it! To hold myself accountable, I’ve already set into motion my plan, starting with it’s launch date. One of the main goals is to have special co-hosts and guests to not only interact with and share their point of view, but to interview them as well. I’m often told my dreams are too big, or I’m overambitious (which I am), but this podcast is only setting me up for bigger things to come. I’ve always dreamt of traveling the world speaking, being interviewed and interviewing various people, figures, different ethnic groups, and so much more, that I couldn’t think of a better way to start, than with the podcast. While I anticipate some hiccups here and there, I do expect to grow more and get better with time. I’m excited, nervous, and ready all at once, and I’ve elected to use 2022 as my year of doing!

You’ve heard me talk about it, now, I’m going to let you watch me do it!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Angry with the past

How many of you are willing to admit, 2021 took a lot out of you and from you? Not only was it cruel, brutal, and depressing for some, it was undoubtedly one we’ll never forget, although we’d like to. As a result of the personal calamities many of us have suffered, we’ve become bitter and angry with the past, and have allowed it to spill over into our present. It can be hard letting go of things, events, even people, who’ve hurt you, and although you have every right to feel as you do, don’t allow it to get the best of you. While you probably feel robbed by what happened or what didn’t, use this new year as an opportunity to move forward with joy and optimism. What’s happened is behind us for a reason, and there’s no reason to continue to be upset, when we can choose not to!

Don’t be easily angered by the past, especially when someone brings it up. You can’t change it, but you can certainly change how you react to it.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Steal the moment

I love traveling and vacationing, and any chance I get to get away, I’m leaving. Like everyone else, I enjoy and look forward to taking photos and creating new, life-lasting memories, but sometimes, those things keep us from being present. I can recall many special little moments I’ve missed out on, because I was too busy getting proof of attendance. Not that I wanted to gloat or show others what I was doing or the many places I had gone, but so that I could have something to look back on, when I wanted to take a stroll down memory lane, which I often do from time to time.

For my 37th birthday last year, I was able to celebrate in Miami Beach, FL, a place I had long wanted to visit. I treated my sisters and I to a yacht ride, touring celebrity homes, on the infamous Star Island, in South Beach. While I thoroughly enjoyed our time on the water, I honestly believed I would’ve loved it way more, had I taken snapshots with my mind, instead of my camera. Not only did I take an insane amount of photos, I had tons of videos too, which resulted in a third of them being deleted. Nonetheless, as I gear up for a prosperous, mind-blowing, and life-changing year, I have elected not to allow the camera to steal the moment, but instead live in it.

Don’t spend all of your time documenting the experience, take time to be present and enjoy it!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Still there

Am I the only one who still makes a vison board? Better yet, am I the only one who still sees and believes the vision? Like everyone else, I have my days of unbelief, and a few days ago, was one of them. l was not feeling my best, and started to give up on the dream. I know, we’re only 11 days in, and I was already contemplating throwing in the towel, because I was not seeing any results, let alone the promise. I guess that’s probably why I was never really good with losing weight. At any rate, I have to constantly tell myself that “God works all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose,” (Romans 8:28, NLT) and I don’t know about you, but I have a whole lot of that! One thing I’ve learned, it doesn’t matter how long the vision takes to get to you, or if you lose hope on it, one thing remains, if God promised it, it’s still there!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Modified Plans

I’ve always been the overambitious one, but even I know when I’ve bitten off a little more than I could chew. I can’t begin to think of all the times I’ve had a laundry list of things I’ve wanted to achieve, and the short time in which I expected to do it all by, only to be disappointed when I didn’t. Rather than beat myself up over my failures, I commended myself for trying. Besides, had I not failed, I would’ve never known I could start over again, with a slightly smaller list. How many times have you been overwhelmed by things you’ve set out to do? When you set your sights high it can be a big fete, but you don’t have to let it defeat you. We all know that life doesn’t always go according to our plans, and when it doesn’t, just modify them.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue