Today as we celebrate Love... The one specific day set aside for the sole expression of love, we must be mindful love is every day. But on today, make the most of THIS day.  If you are in self preparation for marriage ( single for some reason today is not the a fitting term),  LOVE you. Treat yourself to lunch.  Write yourself a note of love. Most importantly, rededicate yourself to Christ. The author and designer of love. Take the time to look in the mirror and say I LOVE ME SOME ME!!  Learn to be comfortable in your own skin.  Your life choices which may or may not at the time seemed correct,  they are what mold you into the woman that you are.

To those that are married, the same holds true. Love you some you,  so you can love you some him. Make the time and take the time. It is so essential for your physical, mental and marital health.  Love beyond your expectations. Give a smidgen  more than you even think you can. No holds barred. Go into it with Christ leading you so that you will never have regrets. Life is so unpredictable. The unknown journey is what we are promised but Gods word gives us direction, instruction and protection.

Continue to love...Surprisingly it cost less than anything you can buy but is worth far more.  Love God. Love yourself.  Love your spouse.

From the desk of a real wife.....

The writers of At the desk of a real wife like to extend our deepest apologies to our followers for our recent hiatus.  We had a blog prepared to be released before the Valentine's day holiday to encourage those in love and seeking love. Also, one written for the day after for those that might have experienced disappointment if their expectations had not been met.   But with the recent untimely death of a wonderful sister,  mother and remarkable woman,  we were truly experiencing a tremendous loss. We could not let another day go by without acknowledging that she will truly be missed.
As every one begins to think back to her life, we also begin to reflect on our own. We hear the songs and remember where we were and who we were with.  Whether or not you loved her music or criticized her antics we have to remember she was a woman who was like most of us. She dreamed. She loved. She worked hard and conquered the world. The same world she loved so much turned their back when she experienced her trials and shortcomings. We all watched in awe. Personal mishaps and mistakes are usually done in private. We all prefer it that way and have that option.   Unlike us,  all her drama was displayed in front of the whole world.  When we experience trouble or pain in our lives only our best friend has the privilege to travel that journey with us.  We can fall and get back up again and no one has to know but us.  We can go through our time of bad choices and only a select few know our intimate secrets.  I remember her saying "How good it felt to be looked at and not be judged." I know that there are many of us that share that same sentiment.
 Also, when we think of Whitney we think GIFTED. When I think of the gifts that God bestows upon each and every one of us I am led to Matthew 25:14. The man entrusted his servants with different gifts, or talents (depending on your version).  Now what they did with them while he was gone led to them receiving the man's reward to share in his happiness upon return.

So whatever your talent is: trust God, walk into purpose and live your life for His glory.  Pray for guidance to learn  your destiny so when you are called home, He will say " welcome,  my good and faithful servant."  Remember that He may give you one talent and your neighbor five. But it is what you do with YOUR TALENT that makes the difference. Don't continue the blame game. Or hater game.  Forgive, love and move forward and if you need help, seek it.  Love yourself.  Believe in yourself.  Encourage others.  The devil will prevent you from believing in your gifted talents.  He will trick you into believing that your one talent is not worth as much or has as much significance as someone else's. But it is. It was specifically designed just for you and just for His purpose.
Remember you are wonderfully made... Let me know how you feel about this note from the desk of a real wife.....

I Didn't Know My Own Strength

As I sit here writing with tears in my eyes, the phone rings.  Should I let it ring?  Looking at the caller ID I know who it is. I mean right now I am having my own personal meltdown. I am at the point where something I want so badly and can have it too, if only I simply compromise. And I want it bad y'all.  I mean I noone will really know. And if I do it, who will it hurt? Then I hear that gentle voice, "the God you serve will." As my phone continues to ring I know the other person is in need of an encouraging word.  But how can I?  I am sitting here with my own broken heart. My own myriad of emotions. Have you ever been there? When you question where am I going to get the strength to encourage someone else without sounding fake.  How can I put my own drama on the back burner and put on my happy face?  How often do we as women just go through?  How often do we endure the losses and disappointments in life and keep it pushing?  How often do we smile to keep from crying? How often???

Buzz... she's leaving a message. As I think about the faith struggles we endure and I am comforted in knowing that what ever I need I can find in scripture. God loves us so much He left His uncompromising word for us.  Despite being written over hundreds of years ago, the Bible speaks to us accurately in 2012.  He tells us in Matthew 11:28 come to me all ye that labor and are heavy burden and I will give you rest. Rest and believe.... I get exhausted sometimes ALWAYS trying to be ok. Some times I need a mental health vacation but have no time to take it. That's when I  find the strength in Christ. Truly we can do all things through Christ who strenghtens us.
Don't get me wrong,  there will be days that only when we cry out can we gain enough strength to get through.  But know this,  you are not alone. Don't let the devil lie to you and let you believe that you are.
Trust and believe...










 Be strengthened. Be encouraged.  Thanks for reading a little note from the desk of a real wife...

DID HE JUST SAY NO??

I know its been a while  since our last post but we made a promise to God not to use these posts to vent  when we are experiencing something  that might taint what God has to say through us with OUR emotions. It happens all too quickly and then retractions have to be made and so forth.

In dealing with personal issues the question did arise however, that evoked much thought and prayer. How do you handle God saying NO??
I  don't mean the " delayed doesn't mean denied, wait " Or the NO because its crazy, wrong or harmful.  I mean straight out NO.  NO to the car you have been saving for.  NO to the child you have been praying for.  NO to the healing you have been fasting for.  NO to that spouse you have been saving yourself for . NO to something you have wanted and waited for for so long...Just NO...
How do you handle it? This is a question that I had to ask myself.  I know I didn't handle my latest No response from God very well.  I questioned him like a child. Whhhhhyyyy????  Then, I went through the laundry list of the good I am doing to show that I am deserving.  Still No.  Then,  I pouted and stomped like an angry, spoiled child.  Still, No.  Then I did the unthinkable... I got angry.. How can you tell me No! It is so unfair. I thought you said you love me!! Look at them and what they're doing you said Yes to them!! What's up with that???
Have you ever been there or done that? I will understand 100% if I don't get any comments on this blog.
I am being so transparent here.  Maybe you have never experienced a "NO" from God but for those of us that have,  there is comfort in knowing that we are not alone.  When searching scriptures for answers I find in the book of  Ruth, women who experienced a "No".  Naomi experienced loss of her land, her husband and her sons. Her faith was truly tested. Now bible scholars, I know there is no exact scripture that says she asked God for restoration of their lives or for their circumstanstance to change. But scripture does show she was angry enough to want to change her name to reflect how she felt about her situation.. That is only one example.  Throughout the Psalms,  David cries out to God and shares his heart.  He compare himself and his enemies and asks God why do they prosper when they are enemies of God?   Thank God we have recorded scriptures to show that we only have limited vision of what God sees generational.

David Cried Out!!

My words of encouragement as simple. Just trust God.... I know we don't understand it all. He says in Jeremiah " the future plans He has for us are hidden in Him." We have to trust and believe His word.  Some times are easier than others. But our God is just, merciful, loving and faithful to all those who believe....

Repent!

And lastly, if you have ever become angry because of a No from God. Seek forgiveness and repent. Don't allow the devil to use your shortcoming to be a foothold against you.  He has a predictable way of doing that.
Until next time.. I wish you LOVE, PEACE AND BLESSZINGS!!!
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