Check your Connections.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. Eccl. 4: 9,10

In the path of life we tread each day, be careful with whom you become linked. Connections will either lift you up or bring you down; so when making them, always be sure to weigh the truth. Measure how much you are giving against what you receive. Be cautious of those you easily call friend and associate. Respect can and should be given to all; but, TRUST must be earned. Deserving individuals should be in your inner circle and that circle should always be protected.

Guard your heart under lock and key. Do not allow others to manipulate, fool or draw you into their deceptive nets. Carefully monitor your associations, for some you encounter will have ulterior motives and when their objective is complete they will have caused you more harm than good. Beware lest you cast your pearls before swine and they trample them under their feet and turn and tear you in pieces. Matthew 7:6

When selecting partners in any capacity, be sure that you complement one another. Respect and cherish such connections for in doing so, trust will be established and the bond secured. One sided connections become a hindrance, draining you of effectiveness. They cause frustration, inconsistencies and ultimately a strain in the union. The scripture above states that two are better than one, this is only true when the two are in agreement, striving for the same goal. It goes on to read, ...for when they fall; WOW! "they" in this portion of scripture brings illumination to the commitment needed in unity. When there is a true connection, one does not fall alone; for the other will bear him up. Commitment in friendships, every type of partnership, and relationships is essential for healthy living for by this, the last part of the scripture's truth is revealed. To lift up your companion means to cover, help, rebuild, strengthen, secure and protect them.

There is no time like "now" to start weighing your connections. As we embark upon this new year, let us vow to operate in truth and love. Love God, have faith in His truth and trust what the heart of your Spirit tells you. Walk your path, only your path and do so in righteousness. Sometimes it may seem that you are walking alone; just keep walking, pressing and moving toward your destiny. Eventually you will discover, if you walk long enough, that there are others striving toward the same goal. These are those with whom you will want to connect, like-minded individuals who are striving for success.

I agree with the scripture, two truly are better than one and when you understand and apply the Word, it brings life. So make those connections that will sustain you in tough times and be willing to give support as well. Put God first in all you do for though two are better than one, this same chapter in Ecclesiastes later records, "a threefold cord is not easily broken". The first partnership you should pursue is one with God; for in destiny... He reveals it and you fulfill it... how glorious is that!

Love and Blessings Multiplied,
~Lady DP Declouet

To BE or Not to BE, that is the question?

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Eccl. 7:8

The beauty of a thing shining forth at the end reminds me of an artist at work. In the beginning we see an empty canvas, void of life and without vibrancy of color. Looking at it, one can not tell what manner of artistry it will exhibit in the end. The first unsteady or powerful brush stroke still does not reveal the potential masterpiece that could appear at the work's end, and so it is with life.

Throughout the process of creating there are bound to be accidents, mistakes and disappointments associated with bad choices; but, through diligence, persistence and faith the end result will be worth all that one must endure. As with that empty canvas, each individual life also brings with it the potential to become a masterpiece of expression and truth; however, this will not happen without also experiencing various emotions. Pain and disappointment, trials and tribulations, successes, victories and blessing will accompany life, but in the end; the trying of your faith will work patience and when patience has its perfect work you will be perfect, entire and wanting nothing.

I've discovered that when we set out to achieve great successes in life, whether through artistic endeavors or ministerial works, we can expect to meet with great sorrow and oppositions from every hand. Expect heartbreak, setbacks and discouragement from those you know, love and trust; those who claim to have your best interest at heart. Accepting a call or having been chosen to do a work for the Lord can bring out negativity in skeptics, yet when these things occur, still expect to WIN. Trust that in the end life will deliver to you "better" than what you began with. Trust God and move toward your destiny!!!

Have faith! "For without faith it is impossible to please Him". Hebrews 11:6