Posted in Just a little while longer

Wait! You’re not finished yet! (You’ve been planted) Pt. III

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

“I see leaves”! Beautiful, shiny, waxy, bright green leaves! However, there are no petals attached. You’re almost out, but things aren’t quite “rosy” yet. You’ve made progress for sure, but something’s still missing….nurturing. You were given something very powerful, but because of your negligence, you can’t come to full term!

“But, I’ve watered it”? So you keep saying, but it’s going to take more than water for you to come to life. Have you ever considered your “growth” may be stagnant, as a result of your inattentiveness and lack of care? Like many others, I’m pretty sure you thought you were just going to drop a few specks of “water” on your seed, come back in a few days and expect to see flowers. Sorry, but growth doesn’t work like that!

You’ve got to go through a nurturing process, and if you don’t know anything about agriculture, understand this, water alone won’t cause anything to grow! Talk to your seed (yourself)…show it love and speak its existence, “into existence”. Come on now, you can’t expect Him to do all the work! Besides, He planted you, but if you don’t want to experience growth, a seed you shall remain!

It’s dark, you’re lonely and scared, probably frustrated too, but you’ve got to remain put! Just think, you started out as a tiny seed, now look how far you’ve come “from the ground” up! Your roots are strong, leaves have been established, but you’ve still got quite a ways to go. No doubt about it, you’re gonna bloom, but you’re still not ready yet! Stay grounded for just a little while longer…I promise you, you’re going to emerge soon!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in H2O Required

Watering required (You’ve been planted) Pt. II

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

You’ve been hidden for quite some time, and His process is taking a little longer than you anticipated, and now you’re beyond ready to come out. However, you’ve still yet to evolve. There’s no visible change and it seems you’ve sunken down further than when you were buried. What…is….going….on? Though not 100% for certain, if I had to take a wild guess, your unwillingness to mature, is probably due to a lack of “water” (effort).

So, you thought because you were buried, you were just going to miraculously sprout up, with no “watering” involved? In fact, that’s why so many of us stay submerged for so long, because no one wants to put in the work needed to reach their full potential. God gave you the blueprint, but it’s up to you to build it! You can’t even go through the proper stages of photosynthesis, because you’re shunning yourself from the very “SON”light you need!

Growth is a process, but as long as you remain where you are, you’re never going to blossom! Use what you have to get what you want, but don’t expect to reap the harvest, when you are too lazy to water your own seed. Stop rushing and enjoy the process. I guarantee you, once it’s over and done, you’ll fully appreciate the reason He took His time to create you!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Created for Growth

Buried Seed (You’ve been planted) Pt. I

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

It’s dark, cold, wet and you don’t know where you are. You turn to your right, then left, but no matter which direction you go, you can’t escape the blackness that surrounds you. That clammy, gritty substance you feel, is a result of the soil you’ve been submerged in. Panic and anxiety creeps in, because you’re at the bottom of the ground, and you don’t see an opening in site.

Unsure of your circumstances, how you got there or why you’re there, you struggle for a way out, but as He would have it, you’re unable to move! You’re stuck, for how long, only He knows, so you might as well get used to your new home. I know you don’t like it, but in order for you to “sprout” out, you’ve got to endure these conditions for a little while.

Pep up…..things are not as bad as they seem, but once you emerge, you’ll know why He kept you hidden for so long! Besides, anything of value takes time, and by no means are you a “rushed job”. Don’t allow the length of the process, to keep you from growing! I’m no “Green Thumb”, but one thing I do know, once the seed has been planted, it’s up to you to water it and see that it matures!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Keep Going

On the run

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

Hey you…..yes, YOU! Why are you running? More importantly, what are you afraid of? Are you scared of your dreams? Or, are you more afraid that all the hard work you put into pursuing your goals are about to pay off? Have a seat…I’ve been waiting on you! In fact, I’m running too, but I got tired a ways back, so I decided to take a break…but only for a little while.

So, tell me…..What are you running from? I know what I am momentarily trying to escape, but I want to hear from you. It’s not success is it, because if I’m not mistaken, that’s all you ever seem to talk about. No wait, maybe things haven’t quite turned out the way you hoped, or you didn’t expect to “crawl before you walked”, so you’re having a hard time trying to stand.

Let me guess….The loads of cash you thought to appear instantaneously, is more like non-existent? Yea, I figured as much! It’s okay though, you got a little ahead of yourself and like me, was a little too ambitious, but that’s no reason to run, let alone quit. Don’t be ashamed that the very thing you’ve always dreamed of, is taking its time becoming a reality.

Just a bit of advice, you’re not on anyone’s time line, but your own! The “expectations” are there, but you are in no way obligated to meet them. Who cares if someone feels as though you should be further along than where you are. The important thing is this, you…still….haven’t….given…up! Besides, introduce me to someone who has experienced overnight success. #I’llwait

Speaking of waiting, we’ve waited long enough, so get up, because we’ve got to get going again! #breaksover

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Just do it!

Now that you’ve talked about it, DO IT!

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

If you’re unhappy, change it! If you’re not willing to change it, then stop talking about it! Too much of our time is often spent talking about the things we want to accomplish, the places we want to travel or the job we want to walk away from so we can start our own, yet that’s all we’re doing….talking! Nobody seems to want to put any action behind their words, and I’m not sure if it’s due to fear, the lack of resources or pure laziness.

Furthermore, I’m not sure why people act so surprised when their dreams don’t come to fruition, when it’s all “they dream about”. However, you can’t expect to live out your dreams, unless you wake up! You’ve got to devise a plan, one that is realistic and prepares for both the good and bad, and NOT just the good. You’ve got to be prepared for failures, and understand that you might not acquire the success you envisioned on the first go-round (trust me, I’m taking my own advice)

The old adage, “If you want something bad enough, you’ll work to get it”, but do you really want it bad enough? Or, are you just content with dreaming and continuously talking about it? Whichever the case, it’s time you start talking the talk and walking the walk! Realize this, your goals aren’t going to “magically appear”, because you keep talking about them. You’ve got to get away from the idea that, just because you want it, means you’ll get it. The only way you’ll get it, is if you put in the work!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Letting Go

Letting go of the anchor

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

“Smooth Sailing”

Have you ever been “cruising” along, relaxing and enjoying the everyday joys of life? Everything seems to be going well for you and you’re excited, because the goals that you have that once seemed so far away, are now in plain sight. You’re well on your way going “full-steam” ahead, with no plans on slowing down or coming to a halt. You’re probably in school, working, balancing family and dealing with the constant demands of life, but you’re somehow managing to stay “afloat”.

Stress is in full effect and you seem to have more problems than you do money. However, you keep pushing on, because your goals are almost within arms reach. Right before you reach the halfway mark, out of nowhere, you see one of the biggest “icebergs” (problems) you’ve encountered. Of course, you’re afraid and scared, because it’s larger than you in size, but what you fail to realize, is that you can maneuver your way around it.

“Shipwrecked”

Clearly, because you’re going “full-steam” ahead and have a lot on your plate, you graze the “iceberg” and appear to be headed for a wreck. Naturally, you’ll probably want to use an anchor to slow down, but in this case, an anchor simply won’t work (you’ll understand my reasoning why). Because you have so many negative factors weighing you down, you start to throw essential things you need (i.e. self-care, time management, rest, etc.) overboard, in hopes of not sinking. However, in order for you to stay afloat, you need to prioritize, get organized and figure out what needs to remain aboard or what can be “left at sea”. Only the things and people you need, who are vital to your success, are the things that need to be kept–everything else MUST go!

“Letting go”

Remember when I talked about anchors? In this case, anchors are not good for you! The intent of your personal anchors (negative people) are to weigh you down, so you can’t continue to sail unto your destiny. No matter how many icebergs (problems) you encounter, don’t allow your goals to become shipwrecked (destroyed). Understand this, although you may love sailing, you aren’t meant to “stay at sea” forever! Eventually, you’ll reach your destination, but, as for now, I wish you all “smooth sailing”.

Bon Voyage!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Winners Only

They will fight you, but they won’t win!

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

Everybody has experienced a bully or two in their lifetime, but I was fortunate to have many! Although strange to some, I consider it a compliment when people try to fight me, because I know it’s not what I am, but WHO’S AM I, that they’re mad about. Moreover, well before the battle is to ensue, God has already made me privy of the outcome, and let’s just say, the cards are NOT in their favor! Equipped with this, I sit back and watch as God swat my enemies away like flies, one by one. After all, He said, “Weapons would form, but they wouldn’t prosper”, so I know my enemies will NEVER touch me!

I’m special, intelligent, too powerful, and my enemies are NOT pleased with that. Clearly upset at me being one of God’s FAVORite, they work desperately to take me out. They guise themselves as “caring” friends, “friendly” colleagues and “fans” of my work, but in all reality, they were getting close to me, so they wouldn’t have to “shoot” so far away. They were strategic in calculating their plans, but their execution was poorly constructed. Fully locked and loaded, they pulled the trigger, but the bullet never left the chamber. They are amazed, puzzled and baffled to say the least, because they came prepared for battle, but the war is already won!

I am victorious and didn’t have to lift a finger, because I had already “lifted” them up to God! Sometimes you’ve simply got to walk away from people. Not because you’re afraid, but because you know it’s already handled. When you’re put in confrontational positions, don’t do anything. God said you only need to be still, and He’ll do everything else. It doesn’t matter if your family, friends or colleagues want to fight you, don’t hit back. They want you to engage, because they know your worth, and if they have any inkling they can bring about your demise, they’re certainly going to try.

However, you don’t have to fight anyone, because you’re already a winner! They see it, and more importantly, they see what God is doing for you and through you. I’m a winner, so there’s no way I’m going to switch places with a “loser”. They can’t stand it, and you can’t afford to be bothered. Keep allowing Him to use you, and keep Him first!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Outside the box

It’s okay, you can come out now!

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

Imagine living your whole life trapped inside of a box, because you were so afraid of what would happen, the moment you stepped out. You’ve peeked, poked around and even removed the lid, but you quickly let the top back down, because you were too “comfortable” with where you are. Essentially, you’ve settled and become accustomed to confinement, because you know, no matter which way you turn, there’s nowhere to go. Honestly, you don’t care, because you don’t have any plans to move! Change is scary, but being complacent and content is dangerous!

For many years, I’ve held myself back from a lot of things, for two reasons: I was afraid and comfortable! I was “uncomfortable” of actually being successful, yet too afraid to want to experience it. Therefore, I did a whole lot of self-talk and talked myself out of some things I regret I let pass me by. I was not ready to go to the next level, so I desperately fought to stay where I was….comfortable! However, as time passed and I no longer wanted to be held hostage to the “mental box” I had confined myself to, I started on my exit plan.

I knew that it was not meant for me to stay in the same position forever, so I made a conscious decision to come out. I’ve prayed to God about my decision, and although I don’t know the “what”, “when” or “where”, I do know that He is my “Who”, and He’s going to take care of me! I will not stress or worry about anything, when I know He’s going to provide me with everything! I am happy with the decision I’ve made, to not only get “uncomfortable”, but to start living the life I want for myself.

Granted I did have major reservations and moments of, “Oh my gosh, if I step outside the box now, what will happen to so and so”, or “Are you sure about this”, but I’m more than sure that God is leading me to somewhere bigger, better and greater! I never realized how big and so much more there is to life, because I was so used to being in that box. There are times you need to allow yourself to become uncomfortable, so you can fulfill your destiny. Nobody likes “moving”, but once you get to where you are going, you’re going to be so glad you made the decision to come out!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in purpose

It’s hot, but there’s a PURPOSE for the flames!

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

On last Sunday, I had the wonderful pleasure of being the Guest Speaker for my church, and delivering the “Word” for the day. I shared with my congregation the brave story of a woman named DeOndra, and with you all, I’d like to do the same. I don’t know where you are in your life, where you want to be, nor how things maybe going for you, but I know without a doubt, regardless of your circumstances, we can all benefit and relate to DeOndra’s story.

DeOndra is a 34-year-old woman who has had every curve-ball that life can pitch thrown at her, yet she’s somehow managed to dodge them all.  She’s been extremely poor, depressed, contemplated suicide, and the list grows higher than Mount Everest. Disappointed in her circumstances, but certainly not God, she knew things would eventually get better.  However, as time passed and things remained the same, she began to lose faith, but fought to keep it, because her hope was already gone.  There were days, weeks, months and years even, that she cried out to God to be saved, but there wasn’t a rescue crew in sight.  One day, in the midst of her pain, she yelled out to God, “If what I am experiencing is any indication of how my life is going to be, then I want out”!

Ultimately, her situation became too “hot” for her to handle, so she was ready to be consumed by the flames.  Needless to say, DeOndra was desperate, and leapt at the first thing she thought would bring her relief.  Unbeknownst to her, although she may have felt the “heat”, God was already working to extinguish the “flames”.  You see, He created her on purpose, with a purpose, and what she was experiencing was all a part of HIS purpose! Besides, God was not going to allow something to die, when His intent was for it to live! Not wanting to keep you in the dark any longer, I AM “DeOndra”, and without an ounce of shame, I AM so glad God protected me from the flames!

When I was going through all that I was, I didn’t realize then, what I do now, what God was doing. He allowed me to go through trials, tribulations, adversity and so much more, because He was preparing me and giving me prior experience to handle the chaos and blessings to come. I needed to fall down 20 times and get back up 21, because I was going to encounter some people who are still down after their fall. He entrusted me to help them rise again, because I’ve been in their position and therefore, know EXACTLY what to do! You too maybe in a situation that is too hot and unbearable, but understand, God has a purpose for you also!

Whatever you do, hang on and know that your HELP is on the way! Remember, it’s hot, but there is a PURPOSE for the flames!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue

Posted in Taking a Stand

“I said NO”!

Posted on by Deetra La'Rue

I’ve been absent…..

On a week’s long “hiatus”……

Missing in action…..and the list continues.

Truthfully, I’m tired, worn and simply burned out! I have been “running” since January, and I feel selfish and guilty for even thinking about stopping, when what I’m doing are the desires of my heart! I’m overworked, but grateful. I’m incredibly busy, but thankful! I’m always on the go, but appreciative! I’m living out my dreams, and I’m blessed! Although I’ve given a laundry list of what seems like complaints, I want to express the importance of saying, NO!

I’ve mentioned several times before, I’ve always tried to be everything to everybody, but had no one to save me, when I needed rescuing. In the mere moments leading up to me “drowning”, I somehow was able to survive the raptures of my busyness. There comes a point in time in all of our lives, where we’ll have to decline people, events and projects, if we want any chance of not collapsing, due to our unwillingness to say NO!

I understand; you don’t want to offend people, hurt their feelings or run the risk of them severing ties with you, but sometimes you have to say to yourself, “It’s either me or them”. I’d rather have people walk away from me, than for me to carry on more baggage than I can handle. It is imperative, that for your mental and physical well-being, that you only deal with what you are able to. Don’t overextend yourself or make promises you can’t keep!

It’s okay to say no, and I’m getting better at doing it! It’s hard, but sometimes, you’ve got to know when you’ve reached your limit!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue