One of the things that I had hoped I could do with DUO Inspirations is to give hope and encouragement to others.  I know that I have been through hard times and I know the comfort in knowing that you are not alone when you go through difficulties.  That is the purpose of support groups.  This isn't a support group.  However, I hope to show that others go through struggles as well.  It is not just you.  With that in mind, if you know anyone who is going through (or have gone through) struggles or difficult times and would like to tell their story, please contact me.  I hope you will join me in my quest in "empowering people one inspiration at a time" through prayer, encouragement, and in doing what you can to help.  Let's work together to do God's will and make our world a brighter place.
     Here is an example to ponder.  It is about a great Facebook friend of mine, Rhonda Patton:

     First, let me tell you what I know about Rhonda Patton.  She is kind, caring, talented, and helpful; someone who is willing to help people when she can.  We have never met in person, but Rhonda has helped me many times and I know she has helped others many times as well.  I have seen it.
     Rhonda is struggling right now though and my heart goes out to her.  She is facing financial difficulties, health difficulties, and emotional difficulties.  However, she is doing it with a great amount of faith and courage. 
     Rhonda reminds me of the old woman in the Bible who gave two mites in the story in Mark 12:41-44 KJV.
"41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast
more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."

     She will still do things for others out of the goodness of her heart for others, even though she is struggling herself.  Rhonda knows that God will reward her some day for giving even when she had hardly anything to give.
     Out of desperation, Rhonda has started a GoFundMe campaign.  I can tell you that she hasn't enjoyed doing this.  She felt horrible for doing it.  Ashamed maybe.  Pride maybe.  Rhonda put it off as long as she felt she could.  She and her husband has been looking for jobs, trying to sell their children's books, selling off personal things around the house to try to make ends meet.  All this, while they both have health issues that barely make work a great option. 
     I know that Rhonda worries about how others see her.  And, I think that she worries about how she sees herself as well as how God sees her.  Some people may look down upon her.  I don't know.  However, I do know that God doesn't see her as unworthy.  And, I do know that God has called us to help others if we can and to not look down on others.
     Another verse that comes to mind for a situation such as this is Matthew 25:40 KJV.

"40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

     This verse doesn't mean that Rhonda and others who are struggling are less deserving than others.  It just refers to people who are struggling, people who are in need, and people who often feel or are called less than others.  It is used to show that, yes, you can be kind to other people who may not need too much.  But, it is more difficult to help those who need quite a bit, who are hurting quite a bit, who feel like their lives are messed up quite a bit.  If you can help those people, than you are showing God that same love and help.  God helps those who struggle the most, because after all He really doesn't need to help those who seem to have their life in order.   And, if you are helping those who struggle, you are helping God as well.
     I would ask you: my friends, my family, my readers, to pray about this situation.  Pray for Rhonda and her family as well as others like her.  And, pray to see if God is leading you to help Rhonda or someone like her in some way.  If you feel called to contribute to Rhonda's GoFundMe compaign, please do so.  If you have a job to offer her or her husband, please get in touch with her.  If you can't do either, please pray for her.  That will help more than you know.
     If you would like to get to know more about Rhonda, please check out her page on Facebook, as well as her graphic arts page on Facebook, and her children's book website.
     I know there are so many people who are struggling and so many people or causes for which to pray.  I can tell you that I feel really blessed that God brought Rhonda into my life.  I know that He uses her to help me and teach me things often. 

     Many of you reading this have already said a little prayer for Rhonda and her family.  I want to tell you that I appreciate it and I am sure that Rhonda does as well.  Before I close, I want to add my little prayer as well.

Heavenly Father,
I thank you for this day and this idea.  I ask that you watch over and guide Rhonda and her family through this difficult time.  Hold her in your mighty and healing arms, comfort her, and give her the strength, wisdom, and resources she needs.  Lord, please bless her and her family, and all the people who feel your calling to pray for her and help her.  I thank you and praise you for your blessings and ask you to continue to use Rhonda for your glory.  I ask you this, through Jesus, your Son.  Amen.

Hello, everyone.  How are you?  Have you started gearing up for the holidays yet?  I know.  This year seems to be going so fast.  It may seem a little early to be thinking about Christmas, especially since it seems like summer was just a few days ago.

However, it is never too early to start ordering Christmas cards.  And guess what...  I have good news.  DUO Inspirations is now offering new designs of Christmas greeting cards.  There is something for everyone.  And, if you don't see anything you like, I can possibly even customize or personalize something for you.  But... you have to act now.

Here are some Christmas card options for you by DUO Inspirations:

To purchase greeting cards from DUO Inspirations, please fill out a contact form or message DUO Inspirations on Facebook.  Thank you.

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Just a note:

The envelopes will be white.  These are beautifully done display mock ups by Rhonda Patton.  She is a talented graphic designer who created these mock ups just for me.  I appreciate her beautiful work and talent.

If you need any graphic design work, I would recommend Rhonda Patton for your graphic design needs.  You can contact her at Freckled Frog Designs on Facebook.

     Hi.  How are you?  I have been a way for a while.  Yet, I am trying to get back in touch.  I hope all of you have been well.  For me, my health has been going up and down lately.  Yet, I look forward to working towards a better health and better life.
     Spring is here!  I enjoyed getting out earlier this week and doing "spring things." I went for a walk and noticed some of the buds starting to form on the trees.  These were so colorful.  I don't know the kind of tree, but the buds were red/orange instead of green.
     I had a beautiful and productive day on that day.  Not only did I take a walk and finish my course, I also did some drawing and started repotting my aloe plants.  I was thankful for the warm weather and thankful for some much needed peace in a few of my concerns.  It felt so wonderful, that I even had a little bounce in my step. 
     I enjoy days like that.  Don't you?  Hope you are having a day like that as well.  Please, feel free to comment about uplifting and thankful days you may have had recently.  God bless.

 “ For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.”
                                                             Job 5:2 (KJV)
 
     I was reading my Bible today and came across the following words:  “Nay, impatience kills the fool and indignation slays the simpleton.”  [These words are from Job 5:2 (NAB.)]  I am not sure why these words caught my eyes, but they did.  I know God stopped me at these words for a reason.  It is strange.  In the King James Version, I might not have noticed the words.  I don’t really consider myself to be a wrathful person or an envious person.  However, I can at times relate to the NAB version of this verse. 
 
     To me, this is a sign to rethink some of my thoughts, feelings, and actions.  I have been in “a funk” lately and this may be my ticket out.  At times, I do feel impatient and/or indignant.  Do I mean to?  No.  Do I think these are good feelings?  No.  But, do I have them?  Yes.  I think we all feel like this at one time or another and to say otherwise would be just fooling ourselves.
 
     If I don’t correct my actions, do I think that lightening is going to come out of the sky and strike me dead?  Well, even though I know God could do that, I don’t believe that is what will happen.  Yet, I can tell you that this “funk” I have been feeling is quite draining.  It feels like I have been dying, in a way. 
 
     So, where do I go from here?  Since I do not want to be killed or slayed, I work at fixing the problem.  I pray for God to show me the errors of my ways and to give me the wisdom and strength to change my ways.   I read God’s Word to find answers and clues that help me find my way.    I look for ways that God may show me in my everyday life, to get rid of the “impatience” and “indignation.”   I focus on the positive and be more thankful for what I have.
 

     Hello.  A little while back, I showed a picture of some new materials I bought for some new products.    I am happy to announce that DUO Inspirations now sells cards.  Currently the card size is a folded size of 6.5" by 5 inches.  If you would like to have some custom made cards, please feel free to contact me.  
     I think hand designed cards are great.  They are made with love and usually given with love.  And, if there are a limited amount created, it is all the more special.  Don't you like it when you get something that is one of a kind or something that hardly anyone else has?  
     To me, handmade means more.  I know the time and the love that goes into most handmade things.  I enjoy getting a handmade gift.  And, I like it even more when it is created with my preferences in mind.

NOTE:
     I'd love to have you join me in "empowering people one inspiration at a time."  Also, you may want to "like" DUO Inspirations on Facebook.  Often, I will post things on the Facebook page that isn't posted on the blog.  Actually, it goes both ways.  Sometimes, I post things on the website that isn't on DUO Inspirations' Facebook page.

     Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great week.  Today, I just wanted to write a short post about my DUO Inspirations journey.  
     I have been selling my children's book, hand painted necklaces, wooden ornaments, doodles, and other art originals.  I am about to add to DUO Inspirations' product list.  
     The other day, I went shopping for supplies.  You can see blank cards, paint brushes, paints, sponges, and pens.  (I hope I didn't miss anything.)  
     Anyway, I am sooooooooo excited!  I hope you like the new product.  Stay tuned here and on the DUO Inspirations Facebook page for more information.  Please, take a moment to explore the site.  I would also enjoy hearing from you.  Feel free to leave a comment or to contact me.
     If you have an art or a craft that you would like DUO Inspirations to try, please contact me.  I have a creative and adventurous side.  I enjoy trying new things.  Also… if you have a place to market or promote DUO Inspirations, a networking idea, a need for a vendor, please contact me.  And… as always, I am always looking for people to join me in "empowering people one inspiration at a time."  So… if you would like to share something inspirational with me and my readers, please contact me.  (Do you see a pattern here?  LOL!)
     Another new part of my DUO Inspirations journey is that I hope to be checking out some local vendor opportunities, events, farmer's markets, and craft fairs.  I hope to see you there!

     Today, Joel Dex Goor shares an inspirational outlook on his life and purpose.  I like to see people who want to give good back to the world.

      Hello everyone.  I apologize for not blogging for a while. I have been ill and haven't felt up to doing much of anything.  I am feeling much better now, thankfully.  
     I saw this verse from 1 Timothy, chapter 2, on a dear friend of mine's Facebook page.  And, I thought I would make it the focus of my blog today.
     Prayer and thankfulness are of the utmost importance in my life.  I try to be vigilant about them both.  However, there are times when I know I fall very short.  Actually, if I am honest, I probably fall short more often than not.  I guess that is the human way of it.  My intentions and hopes are usually much better and more ideal than my actions.
     One of the reasons I chose to write this particular post at this particular time is because of my recent illness.  I know that there were some people out there praying for me and checking in on me via Facebook.  I appreciated it more than they know.  And, it got me to thinking about how much prayer and little kindnesses for others mean to people.  
     There were also some people who either didn't pray for me or didn't let me know that they were and didn't check in on me, even on Facebook, that I was hoping would.  And, it made me sad.  Yet, I thought about how many posts go by on my timeline each day and how easy it is to miss a post.  I also know that there are so many people on my Facebook page and in my life who needs prayers every day that I don't check in on or tell them that I am praying for them.  So, in the end, I understood.  I can't judge, especially since I don't always do what I was hoping for either.
     I do want to thank all those people who checked in on me in one way or another and who prayed for me while I was ill.  I deeply appreciate it.  Also, if you know of anyone going through a difficult time, needing prayer, or for whom you are thankful; consider checking in on them, letting him or her know that you care, praying for them, and giving thanks for them.  I know, from experience, that it is very appreciated and means so much.
     Thank you.  And, if you need any prayers, please feel free to contact me or let me know in the comments.  I will do my best to try to pray for every person and keep every prayer request in mind.  Thank you.  God bless. 

     Today's world seems so fast paced.  Roads are packed with speeding cars or wall-to-wall traffic.  People walk around attached to electronic devices.  It seems like people go from work to home to bed and back to work again.  People hardly ever visit others or take a Sunday drive any more.  
     Sometimes the world seems to be one big ball of stress.  I see people every day affected with cancer, heart disease, and other things that can be caused in part by stress.  It is very sad at times, especially when a change of life style can help.
      I know there are moments when I catch myself in the rut of the hustle and bustle world.  I feel stressed, rushed, overwhelmed, and chaotic.  It is times like that when I know that I need to take a moment to "smell the flowers."
     I don't know about you, but I think I would love it if the world would slow down a little.  Take a little time every day to smell the flowers.  (Yes.  I know that the saying is "take time to smell the roses."  I didn't want to let any flower out.)  Lol!  You don't have to do it literally, although it isn't a bad idea.  But… take a little time each day to look around and be thankful.  Look at your surroundings; enjoy a bird or a flower.  Look in the sky and enjoy the clouds.  See someone's smile.  Take a moment to see the struggle of someone else and admire that person's perseverance to go on.
     Have you taken time to smell the flowers today?  Try it.  You might enjoy it.
     
*Note:  I created and posted the image above on the "DUO Inspirations" Facebook page yesterday.  I share things on the Facebook page that I don't share here at times.  Sometimes I share things on the DUO Inspirations website that I don't share on the page.  Please, take time to explore both every once in a while.  I am continually looking for inspirational things to share.  And, if you have anything you would like to share, please feel free to contact me.  Thank you.

     Today, Ayana Sala Baugh shares how a whisper of an idea turns into a journey of her dreams.

Things have not always been this way. In the very beginning of this journey, when the name, "Loopiethotamus" was uttered from my little sister's lips, it was just an idea; a mere thought. When I responded, "The Chihuahua Who Thinks He is a Hippopotamus," it became a reality. However, once I finished writing the first story, I didn't believe in it. That was 2006. It took me two years to write more stories. Once I put my trust in God and let Him lead...life changed. He took over. He became the pen.

I never thought so much would come out of a little Chihuahua I purchased from a mall pet store. "Loopie," is what we named him. Shortly before acquiring this little dog, my world was turned completely upside down. I was in a dense fog of hopelessness and pain. I bought the dog to become a distraction from all of the inner turmoil I was going through. I learned over the years that nothing or no one can fill a hole in your heart. The Creator of the heart is the only capable One to fill the hole. Once my dependency changed, my life changed. Once I began to understand that I had a purpose, my thoughts changed. God created Loopiethotamus for me and then decided to go a step further with The 'I Am Not Afraid' Stage Play in 2013.

It took me a year to write the play script. That process was amazing because I could see how God was positioning things for this project. He placed all of the people around me that I needed in order to accomplish the task. I had never written a play through to its completion, nor had I ever imagined I’d produce and direct it. It was mind-blowing to know that God had placed all of those gifts inside of me. But, so many things in my life had led up to this moment. After the first two performances, I was able to reflect how God had been preparing me all along.

I had been bullied as a child, yet nothing compared to the bullying torment I received from the enemy back in 2006 and 2009. He'd use my mind like a playground, hopping from one ride to the next. Because I know the Word says, "The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy," I realized that he's doing this to our kids that are either being bullied or are bullying, families, schools and society. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted children to know they had a voice. Kids are hurting and it’s time that things change for the better.

Now we fast-forward to present day. I have a fourth Loopiethotamus book coming out as well as a fourth performance of the play. The number four according to spirituality means "world" and "creation." I believe God is purposing me to create something for the world as a form of healing. He uses His children to get His message out to the world.

Dreams are one thing. I had a dream to publish my books and put on the play. But what makes the dream so special, so solid, is that God is leading the way. He is enabling me to be obedient and follow Him throughout this entire process. He has a plan and a future for me just like He has for everyone. It takes trust, hard-work, discipline, passion and commitment to see it through. My mind and heart can’t fathom the words, “I can’t do this.” Because I know God has purposed and equipped me for it, my mind and heart simultaneously believe, “This is going to get done in excellence!”

I love what I do and I am grateful that God has purposed me for a time such as this.