When?

I used to be a “I’ll be glad when,” kind of girl, until I realized when may never come. Whether it was traveling, going out, or simply living life, I could only do things “when” I felt the time was right. While I considered it to be smart thinking, in all honesty, I wasn’t thinking realistically. It’s been said that “nothing lasts forever”, and truthfully, neither do people. Instead of sitting around and waiting for the perfect opportunity, I now seize the moment. Long gone are the days of counting down until the weekend to enjoy a night out. I’ve decided that any day of the week is a great day to have a good time! It doesn’t matter if I’m having dinner alone, going to the movies, or sitting outside Starbucks enjoying my favorite cup of coffee, I’m going to do everything I can to live my life! What’s satisfying to me, maybe boring to others, but I’d rather do what I love now, rather than wait and hope I’m still able to do it later.

Live your life! Like, right now! Whatever you do doesn’t have to be grand or extreme, but let it be something you enjoy and love. Don’t wait to do things “when” the time is right, because right now is the perfect time!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Almost There

Things may appear pretty bleak or not promising for you, but it doesn’t mean it’s going to be that way forever. While you think you are extremely far from living out your dreams, chances are, you’re only an arm’s length away. Although it’s taking what seems like forever, as each day passes, you’re moving another step closer. Pretty soon, you’ll arrive, and how long it took you won’t even be a concern. If anything, it (and you) will be an example to others, that if they continue to be persistent and patient, they’ll see that dreams really do come true! I can’t promise you that the process won’t be painful, but I can assure you the outcome will be worth it. I know it’s easier said than done, but If you’re thinking about giving up, please don’t! Just look at where you were and where you are now, and you’ll see that you’re almost there.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Cheers from within

“I love you” and “I’m so proud of you,” are probably two of the most needed phrases anyone would want to hear. No matter how big or small the accomplishment is, just the mere thought of knowing you have the love and support of others, not only feels good, but is extremely rewarding. “Somebody cares?” Is what I’d often murmur to myself, while soaking up the occasional compliments and praise. Then, one day I wondered, what would happen if the light ceased to shine? What if the curtains closed and the applause stopped? Would I be okay if I was ignored and overlooked the rest of my life, even though I’ve accomplished some great and wonderful things? Should I continue to strive to do my best, or quit, because maybe my best isn’t good enough? Sometimes I sit and try to envision what life would look like without the validation and approval of others, and honestly, it still looks the same. Instead of the cheers coming from the crowd, they now come from within.

Whether it be family or friends, everyone is not going to be a part of your cheering squad. Many people won’t clap for you, and sadly, it has nothing to do with your performance. Whether they applaud or not, you don’t need to hear the fanfare to confirm that you are doing things right. Your execution is more than enough proof!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Get it back

Have you lost your drive? Get it back!

Been robbed of your joy? Get it back!

Had your smile taken away? Get it back!

Are you missing your confidence? Get it back!

Someone stole your peace of mind? GO GET IT BACK!

A lot of times people will let things go, because it didn’t have that much value to them, or they didn’t feel like fighting for it. Sadly, they’ll even think they’re better off without it. As long as people know they can take what’s not theirs and get away with it, they’ll continue to do it. However, the next time someone tries to steal from you, fight back! If you don’t, you may never get back what you lost.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Walking in the wrong direction

“Everyone has their life mapped out,” is a pretty accurate statement to make. Whether in your teenage years or adult, you’ve always known what you wanted for yourself. Whether it was good for you or not, you still continued on, because it was what you wanted. With each passing moment, you anxiously awaited until you reached your destination, but sadly you never made it. While you thought you were on the right track, you were actually walking in the wrong direction. Have you ever been headed somewhere, and your instincts told you to turn around, yet you kept going, because you knew that was the way to go? If you have, I’m almost for certain you ended up someplace you had no business. Rather than listen to the voice that told you to “go this way,” you quieted it, and instead went your own way.

We all can be stubborn at times, but when it comes to creating and following plans for our lives, it’s best to follow the one He knows is right for you. Jeremiah 29:11 the Lord declares, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Our way may not always be the best route to take, but if we just trust God and follow His lead, there’s no way we can go wrong. It’s important to remember that, not only is God ahead of you, but He can see ahead of you! The next time you decide to take a walk, ask God which way to go!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Worst Sentence Ever

I wish I could give myself the same grace, that God gives me. Sometimes, I do things that I think are so shameful and impossible to get over, and no matter what I do to try and get over it, I can’t, because I just can’t forgive myself. There are others who’ve done so much more worse than I have, and although one sin is not greater than the other, I can’t seem to convince myself that mine isn’t. Truth of the matter, I’ve messed up…a lot, but when people ask me the things I’ve done, and I tell them, they look at me and ask, “So what exactly have you done?” They just don’t see it, but I do! Not only do I see what I’ve done, I see me, and I can never see forgiving myself. I’ve received a lot of things in my life, but as T.D. Jakes says, “Self-punishment is the worst sentence you’ll ever receive!”

It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in your life, or how many times you’ve done it. If God has forgiven you for it, then why can’t you? I’m still trying to answer that myself.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

On Schedule

“I was supposed to be there by now,” but I’m so far behind.

“I should be further along than where I am,” but I’m so far behind.

“I was supposed to have graduated last year,” but I’m so far behind.

“I was supposed to buy a house two years ago,” but I’m so far behind.

“I was supposed to be married with children,” but I’m so far behind.

” I was supposed to have lost 50lbs,” but I’m so far behind.

“I was supposed to be on time,” yet I’m so far behind.

“There is a TIME for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

You’re not late, you’re not behind, you’re right on schedule!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Knot today

I stress the importance of taking care of one’s mental health, especially during times as these. If you weren’t depressed before, I’m sure you may have experienced it since the pandemic. I’ve suffered from depression for years, and although the hardships I’ve faced in recent months were hard on me, I was able to manage. Unfortunately, many people aren’t so lucky. It can be extremely difficult going from something to nothing. It can be even more difficult when you’re suffering in silence and you’re alone, with the latter being the worst.

Rather than ask for help or tell someone how you feel, instead you tell yourself it’s over! However, it doesn’t have to be! There are so many ways you can survive and cope with unforeseen circumstances, so don’t think that “checking out,” is your only way out! There are people who can help you, and guess what? They WANT to! Things may look bad, but whatever you do, don’t give up! A quote I love by Franklin D. Roosevelt says, “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.”

Are you feeling troubled or overwhelmed by your problems? Take a deep breath, regroup, and tell the enemy, “knot today!” 🙂

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

More of this and more of that

You say, “I want more money,” but are you prepared for more problems?

You say, “I want to do much more at work,” but are you prepared for more responsibilities?

You say “I want to be more successful,” but are you prepared to do more than what it takes to get there?

You say, “I want more recognition,” but are you prepared for more exposure than you want?

You say, “I want more than what I have,” but if you have a lot, what more do you need?

There’s nothing wrong with wanting more, but keep in mind, sometimes you may get more than what you bargained for!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

In the meantime

I don’t know which is worse, waiting for it to happen, or waiting on someone to make it happen. The process of waiting can be extremely daunting, but it does have it’s benefits. The biggest, would be preparation. Waiting is not to be taken lightly, nor considered as leisure time. More than anything, that time is meant for you to prepare yourself for whatever it is that God has for you. Should you choose not to, it will only delay you, but it’s just God’s way of protecting you. Besides, you don’t have a clue as to the magnitude of the blessings you’re about to receive. A lot of times, our thoughts are “I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready,” but God says, “No, you’re not. If you were ready, you’d have it by now.”

By the age of 30, I had plans to become a wife and mother. Yet, here I am at the age of 36 and I’m still waiting. You know why? I WASN’T READY! God knew it too, that’s why He didn’t permit any of it to take place. Honestly, I don’t blame Him, and at the same time, I thank Him for things not happening when I wanted them to. It’s been a struggle still, to see my associates and friends with children or a ring, but I know one day soon my time is coming. In the meantime, I’m going to continue to work on me, my mental health, and prepare for where God leads me next!

If you find yourself with too much time on your hands, ask God what you should be doing?

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue