Lady K's Inspirational Blog
Murphy Inducted to Delta Mu Delta
by Kuanita Murphy on 05/02/12
Keep Striving...
by Kuanita Murphy on 05/01/12"Achievement is not always defined by victory. Sometimes achievement lies in the honest endeavor to do your best under all circumstances, knowing that on any given day, intense personal effort may be the only thing that separates you from your competition." (Unknown)
If we choose to work together, we win; if not, we lose, eventually...
by Kuanita Murphy on 03/20/12
Life presents challenges but how one approaches them defines his attitude. Isolation is not the answer to avoid one's share of problems and is virtually impossible, for all are connected. A primary challenge for leaders in communities is the ardent task of getting everyone on the same page. Scharmer (2009) referred to this concept as "seeing togther," in his book entitled, Theory U: Leading from the future as it emerges.
The Theory U concept is one movement with five processes: intent, change, inspiration, common-will, and innovation. In essence, Theory U is an apporach to problem solving that involves learning, leadership, innovation, and transformation. The theory embodies the concept that change can only occur in the human heart of one who has an open mind and will.
No problem can be solved with the same level of consciousness that created it (Albert Einstein). Seeing together involves dialogue among stakeholders. Dialogue is not the traditional "downloading" in which listening is merely a perceived act, but rather understanding in earnest what is said and valuing the perspective of others (Scharmer, 2009).
Collaboration is a process that nutures the concept of Scharmer's Theory U-seeing together. The process of collaboration exchanges I and me, for we and us. Collectively working towards a common goal, however, requires two fundamental components-relationship and committment.
Relationships are indensable but invididual committment even more so is required. Collaboration cannot be achieved in an environment which there is a lack of committment to share resources, to participate, to support, to cooperate, to hear, to listen, to understand, and sometimes, to compromise. Great efforts have been accomplished within the boundaries called community. Yet, imagine the affect, if those same efforts were truly collective?
No man is an island to himself. Each holds a small thread within life's tapestry. In community, there is no I, but we; thus ultimately, our actions determine the future course. Fast forward the hands of time 20, 30, or 50 years into the future, what story will unfold? Will it foretell a storyo of how a community united to achieve great things or the contrary?
The splendor of collaboration is sharing the work, the responsibilities, and the ups and downs. If we choose to work together, we win; if not, we lose, eventually. The sentiment is not shame on you, if the latter is chosen, but shame on us.
\Quote for the week: It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who care who gets the credit.~Harry S. Truman
Do Your Best-Let God Do the Rest
by Kuanita Murphy on 03/12/12
The Word of God says that "...he will supply every need according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19). Certainly, I believe this to be true. At times, however, I have experienced doubt too when God has spoken to me to do this, to go here, or to go there-not in God, but self.
During these times, I am reminded that, "when God calls, He equips." Paul's teachings further strengthen me belief that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).
I am merely a vessel, which He has chosen. God is not depending upon me to accomplish His work but He is expecting me to walk in faith and to trust. Through me, He will accomplish that whicch He has ordained not in my time, but in His time will he make all things perfect. I must simply committ to do my best AND let God do the rest!
I wish for you always a new sunrise.~
7 Ways to Waste Good Energy
by Kuanita Murphy on 01/09/12
7. Shot gun relationships. If it does not work, do not force it! Time is better spent with someone who really digs you!
6. Lying. Tell the truth. The truth shall set you free!
5. Trying to control another. Attempting to control every aspect of another's life is a full time job. News flash: IF it does work, results won't last for long. Only the immature believe control in a relationship is necessary AND possible.
4. High Expectations: No one is perfect. As wonderful as you are, this is true of not even you.
3. Confronting another about your mate. If he/she is truly yours, you would not have to.
2. The Baby Fix. Trust. If he is NOT that in to you BEFORE the baby, he will not AFTER.
1. Clinging to a distant memory. If he.she has expressed and or demonstrated that he/she wants OUT of the relationship, by all means, please let them go. Though this concept is easier said than done, honor his/her wishes. Accept it. Let it burn. Move on with your life. There are plenty of fish in the sea!
I wish for you always a new sunrise.~
Life is about innovation: forward movement...
by Kuanita Murphy on 12/26/11
Reflecting with gratitude for all things is a favorite pastime at the close of each year. Life is a precious gift that is but for a moment. Time seems to fly quickly not only when you are having fun, but as one matures.
Each year has a unique set of life experiences and lessons designed to promote personal growth. 2011 brought many lessons. Consequently, I believe that have grown personally, but increased in wisdom. The following are the top eleven things that I have learned this year:
11. Life does not always unfold as one may have planned. Sometimes this is a good thing. Go with it, for a detour sometimes leads to unexpected and hidden blessings.
10. Use what you have. Times there have been when I have wished for more of this or that to achieve a particular task. In the end, what I realized was that I already possessed that I which I sought.
9. Criticism is a part of life and sometimes beneficial. Rule of thumb: accept that which is constructive and ignore that which is not.
8. In everything, do your best, for in the end that is all that is really required.
7. There is nothing wrong with friendly competition. Competition makes the game interesting.
6. Cherish all that life has to offer. Appreciate and enjoy life in the now, for tomorrow is never promised.
5. Life is about innovation: forward movement. No reason there is to harbor bitterness and anger from the past. Harness the lesson. Amend, if necessary. Move forward.
4. Believe. “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase in order to take the first step.”~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite uncertainty, keep believing.
3. Stand up for yourself and what you believe in. If you do not, then who will?
2. “…sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together.” ~Marilyn Monroe
1. You have one life to live. Live it!
In the New Year, I wish for you a happy, safe, and a prosperous new year! The best is yet to come!
Murphy to Represent Georgia
by Kuanita Murphy on 12/26/11
Cuthbert native and local artist Kuanita Murphy is among 54 artists selected to participate in a distinctive opportunity offered by Art In Hand Cards.TM
Art In Hand CardsTM is a North Carolina based company that publishes unique playing cards designed by artists. The company has published several successful projects, which include Charlotte, NC, Portland, OR, and Washington, DC.
The latest endeavor, entitled the United States Project, will span the nation. The U.S. Project will showcase a large spectrum of exceptional artists throughout the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and three of the territories that comprise the greater USA. Each artist will design an original piece of work for his or her state or territory within a traditional deck of playing cards.
Murphy will represent Georgia and design a unique playing card for the 10 spades. The United States Project will be available for sale online and in stores by the spring 2012vKeep living...
by Kuanita Murphy on 12/11/11
Life is filled with experiences both good and bad. Each day is a precious gift. I find comfort in knowing that "...all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). God does not send the storms, but he uses them.
The challenges of life are designed to mold me into who God has predestined. One of the greatest lessons that I have learned is to trust and to acknowledge Him in all my ways and true to his word, he always directs my course (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Though there are times when I do not understand why the storms come, I believe that He has a purpose and a plan specific to and for my life. This perspective enables me to appreciate that through everything God can and will use it for His glory.
If you are in a challeging season and struggling to regain your balance, 1) decided to get back up, 2) brush yourself off, and 3) know that and this too shall pass. Do not give up and stop living because you had a set back. God has the power to use all things for your GOOD!
Keep living-the best is yet to come!
My Grace is sufficient...
by Kuanita Murphy on 12/07/11
A while ago, during my quiet time with the Lord, I expressed my frustration about several things.
"Lord, you know, I really wish I had more of this and that to accomplish the tasks at hand...Life would be so much easier," I said.
"And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for you; for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) How then would you learn to trust and depend on me? I know that sometimes things get hard, but for every time people give to you sparingly, withhold support and resources,fail to cooperate, and to participate, I use it for MY glory. Through you, I am able to show not only my people, but the unbeliever, and to you WHO I AM and what I can do. I have the power to make all things happen. You are merely an instrument that I chose to use. I have the power to accomplish whatever I please when I please, for I am God. Already I have given you everything that you need to accomplish your assignments..."
Thank you, Lord. Yes, like Job, 'though He slays me, yet will I trust in Him,..' (Job 13:15). I will bless the Lord at all time, for He is good!~Lady K
"...there but for the grace of God there go I."
by Kuanita Murphy on 11/04/11
It was a gorgeous fall day in November, and I was on the road traveling home from a business trip. I drove in silence to meditate and to reflect.
The view along the way was spectacular. Mother Nature’s autumn palette was perceptible and tantalizing to the eye. After sometime, hunger set in. And so, I decided to stop and have lunch at a popular eatery. I purchased a meal and parked in the parking lot near by. Nothing out of the ordinary there was.
As I was eating, a young man walked by my vehicle. His clothes were dirty and showed signs of extreme wear. His hair was in disarray; and exhaustion and hunger wore heavily upon his face.
In his hand, he carried a plastic shopping bag filled with clothes. Though we made eye contact as he passed my vehicle, neither of us acknowledged the other. I continued to eat my lunch as he took his seat on the street curve parallel to the where I was parked.
He sat quietly with a card board sign in his hand that read: Will work for food.
I sat for a moment intently watching him. People drove quickly by him without as much as a glance. Life as I knew it, flashed before me as I watched.
How could I not hear the immutable cry of my fellow man? I thought. Suddenly, I was inspired to action. Reaching in side my purse, I gathered the money that I had, rolled down the car window, and beckoned the young man for his attention.
“Excuse me, sir. I would like to give you a donation,” I said.
He gently nodded, stood, and began walking towards me. Once more, we made eye contact as I gave him the money.
“Thank you, mame. God bless you,” he said.
Hurriedly, the young man walked away. I continued to watch him as he swiftly crossed the street of busy traffic and entered a popular chain restaurant.
And so, in actuality, the young man blessed me. In full color, I was reminded that there but for the grace of God go I.
God has a way of getting one’s attention. His grace is real. Be grateful for things great and small. Today it may be my neighbor. Tomorrow it could be me.~
