Lady K's Inspirational Blog
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.~
Passing the Torch
by Kuanita Murphy on 09/25/11
The four member team known as Life was ready for the torch marathon race. They had diligently prepared quite some time for this moment. The energetic crowd had gathered early and eagerly awaiting the start. The first runner of each team aligned themselves for the mark as they waited to hear the gunman’s single shot; and off the first runners went after the shot rang out.
Team Life’s first runner started out slow, but built momentum. He was focused and not deterred by the cheering and the gestures of the crowd. He was clearly on a mission: to maintain the lead and to win the race; and so, after sometime, he made it back to the starting gate. He passed the torch to his teammate, the second runner.
The second runner of Team Life for a time enjoyed the progress made by his forerunner; but he, too, quickly learned that he had to build and to maintain his momentum. Throughout his stint, he lost lead and had to regain it by sheer determination.
The crowd was unforgiving for any mistake; however, he knew that there was no time to stop or to look back. He, too, had a mission: to go further than his forerunner; the team was still in the lead, when the second runner successfully reached the starting point, just in time to pass the torch.
Off the third runner of Team Life went. He was swift and smooth. He, too, had a mission: to win. Leading the charge toward progress; with such a substantial lead, the third runner, unfortunately, became complacent.
"I can take my time and enjoy the glory and the scenery," the third runner thought.
Torch in one hand and a victory wave in the other, the third runner secretly wished this moment could last forever; and so, he decided to enjoy the accolades and cheers from the crowds as they cheered him on. He completely lost sight of his mission.
Back at the starting line, his team members watched as they lost the lead. One by one, the other teams sprinted passed them securing place within the race. Meanwhile, the third member of Life’s team was unknowingly far behind; he was too busy basking in his own glory; and when he finally did arrive at the starting point, it was much too late to pass the torch, for the race had been won by another team.
It is not always easy to be a forerunner, for one is propelled in to unchartered territories in the process. Life is not a competitive race, but passing the torch is significant, for it symbolizes passing on responsibility to another; the race is an indicative example of life and the importance of understanding one’s purpose. Not every life journey and purpose is the same: one breaks ground and another plants the seeds, one tends the fields and another enjoys the harvest.
Life is ever so intricately woven together that perhaps the finite mind will certainly never fully understand. Each have a role to play that occurs at an appointed season. The joy of one’s labor is notable, but one must realize that seasons are temporal. Divine order has a greater plan. This race is not a single man’s victory of the present, but the concerted efforts, both large and small, of those who came before us.
The one who is ready and willing to pass the torch acknowledges his role within the race and without fear or reservation readily passes responsibility to the next. No need there is for backstabbing, jealously, or maliciousness.
Passing the torch is not to say what one achieved did not matter. Contrarily it says, "Let us maintain the momentum of that which is greater than ourselves. My season has passed and, I have accomplished much. Now, it is your responsibility to finish what I have started."
In life, after passing the torch, one’s purpose is never really complete for in actuality there is still much required- the task of encouraging and supporting those who come behind us.
Quote for the week: One generation plants the trees, and another gets the shade. Chinese Proverbs
For more inspirational stories, visit www.KuanitaMurphy.com/Kuanita-s-Blog.html
Dreams are the answers to questions that we haven't yet figured out how to ask.~Fox Mulder
by Kuanita Murphy on 09/05/11
Do you believe in dreams? Do you think that dreams have meaning? Well, I do. As crazy as it may seem to our left brained counterparts, dreams can provide a new perspective on reality. Which brings me to an experience that I have over ten years ago. I remember this dream as clearly as if it was yesterday. Here goes…
I was walking along highway 27 North in Cuthbert, when I came to white wooden house that rested on the right a ways before the turn on the right in to what is now known as East Harris circle. The house was not out of the ordinary but rather to me looked strangely familiar. But as fate would have it, I simply couldn’t put my finger on it. As I approached the white one story wooden house, I notice the gate was open as if anticipating my visit. I entered there in and began my trek up the steps when to my surprise their appeared was my maternal great grandmother peering through the screen door.
Her name was Pluma Callaway and she was born January 14, 1897 in Randolph County, Georgia. She was married to Elijah Callaway (July 22, 1888-April 1, 1962), and to their union five children were born: Willie, Henderson, Rosie Lee, Freddie Dell, and Jessie.
Pluma was short woman in statue about five feet two inched. Her silver hair was combed neatly into a bun displaying her features that conveyed her tenacious spirit. The door swung open as she came through it and embraced me, and she said, “I just had to come to see you. I am so proud of you. Come sit with me and let’s talk for minute.” And so she sat in an old wooden rocker that seemed to appear from nowhere. I, in turn sat at her feet on the top of the first step. We talked for what seemed like hours. My great grandmother told me many things which stimulated my curiosity and some things she said even made me laugh. And as abruptly has she appeared, she stood and to me said, “Well, I have to go now, but I’ll be seeing you soon. I promise.” And with another warm embrace and a peak on my cheek, in to the house she went and like a vapor she was gone.
As if jolted from a long winter’s nap, I was awaken to learn that it was only shortly after three in the morning. “I must write everything she told me,” I thought to myself. Thus, I hurriedly began to scribe on the notepad I kept by my nightstand. In the light of day, I was eager to share with my dream with my mother. As I reached for my notepad to my surprise it was not there. I look high and low, underneath the bed, on the side of the bed, behind the nightstand, everywhere…but still nothing. Though I could not find my notepad, “surely I can recall what she said,” I thought. Nonetheless to my dismay, I the detail of the dream where vivid, but our conversation was mute.
So, I resolved that I would find the notepad later, but had to tell my mother about the dream. As I recounted the dream, a ghastly expression appeared on her face. I would learn that the house belonged to her uncle Dave Odom and had been demolished several years before I was born.
I have often pondered the details of our conversation, and I have occasionally searched for the missing notepad in hopes of jarring the memory. I have yet to locate that notepad to my dismay. I am reminded of my great grandmother and grandfather everyday when I pass the lot where their home once stood. Though I did not have the opportunity to fully know her, for she passed away February 8, 1977, ten days before my second birthday.
I ascertained that life deals to each us experiences that are not meant to be fully comprehended by the human mind. And I am okay with that…to live and to experience life as directed by a higher being. As a result, I am comforted in faith that I will know exactly what I need to know when I need to.
Over the years, I have wished many times that I could share with my great grandmother about my various life experiences, accomplishments, sorrows, and joys…but for some strange reason…I believe in my heart that she already knows.
Read more of Lady K's Inspirations at http://www.kuanitamurphy.com/Kuanita-s-Blog.html
Making the Connection News Column by Kuanita E. Murphy Published June 25, 2009 The Citizen News, Shellman, Georgia and The Cuthbert-Southern Tribune Cuthbert, Georgiav
“A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, &his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world"
by Kuanita Murphy on 09/05/11
When I was a child one of my favorite pastimes was assembling puzzles. Either I did not have much to do, or I was extremely bored. Overtime, I graduated from the 100 piece to the 1,000 piece puzzles. The more challenging the puzzle was the more intrigued I became.
Nonetheless, assembling jigsaw puzzles was one of my favorite things to do. Once I completed a puzzle, I would proudly display it for a time and the framed puzzle was my trophy of conquering the challenge. When assembling puzzles, I would often refer to the picture on the box to give me direction and guidance. I would even sort the pieces by colors and themes as a result making the process of assembly a little easier.
Whenever I think about those days of spending countless hours assembling jigsaw puzzles, I am reminded of vision or in essence getting the big picture. Vision is indispensable in these dismal and trying times that we now live. Conversely, as with change, one has to be prepared for the vision. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) once said that, “people only see what they are prepared to see.”
When I think about the challenges we face in our communities, homes, schools, and churches, I believe our vision will play a vital role in what we are able to accomplish in the coming weeks, months, and years. We often emphasize that which we can not do because we are only able to see the challenges and obstacles that lay before us not fully realizing that the challenges are there only to make us stronger. A wise individual once said, “we are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision.” In essence, our vision shapes our future believe it or not. Helen Keller (1880-1968), an American Author and Educator who was blind and deaf, once said that, “the most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision.”
I am fully persuaded that life is like a jigsaw puzzle, and we each possess a piece of the puzzle. Our lives are so masterfully interwoven in a tapestry of something far greater than we could ever imagine. How do we not see the big picture? We may not see the big picture because we become so busy living our separate lives. In fact, we are so busy that we forget that each of us holds a piece of the puzzle. We each contribute to the vision because the work of vision begins with each of us. The virtues of patience and faith will be developed in the vision process that usually does not occur overnight, but gradually overtime. Nonetheless, with each step, little by little the fruit of our labors comes together and at last the vision becomes clearer!
Read more of Lady K's Inspirations at http://www.kuanitamurphy.com/Kuanita-s-Blog.html
Making the Connection News Column by Kuanita E. Murphy Published April 9, 2009 in The Citizen News, Shellman, Georgia and The Cuthbert Southern Tribune, Cuthbert, Georgia v
Do something different…“The less routine the more life.”~ Amos Bronson Alcott (American Reformer, Philosopher, and Teacher, 1799
by Kuanita Murphy on 09/05/11
Spring is in the air indeed, and for me, it’s a wonderful time of year. Over the years, I come to appreciate all that comes with springtime. The earth seems to awaken from a long winter’s nap, refreshed and revitalized. The trees and flowers begin to bloom once more. The world around me seems to be even more vivid. In essence, it is almost like a rebirth of what once was. I love that feeling of freshness and new beginnings.
Spring reminds me so much of about my perspective about change. I have bee reflecting upon this for quite a while now. Once upon a time in my life, change for me was a forbidden word. I disliked any notion of change whatsoever. And so, I created a pattern of living that enabled me to fall in to a rut. Have you ever experienced this? After being in the same situation for extended periods of time, I think we become too comfortable.
But one day, I realized that I had grown tired. Tired of doing the same old thing over and over again and expecting something different (They call this insanity, you know.) Something had to give. Something had to change, and the first change occurred in me. When I finally came to myself, I realized that in order to reap a different harvest, one must first plant a different seed, and that seed was an open mind. Through personal growth, I realized in order to experience new things one must first be open to new things. The most valuable lesson that I have learned was that just because you are comfortable with where you are doesn’t mean that you are experiencing life to the fullest! Why this epiphany took such a long, I don’t have a clear answer. But on the other hand, maybe I wasn’t ready? We sometimes have to be ready for a thing before we can fully appreciate what it has to offer.
Someone once said that, “in every change there is something permanent.” The permanent change for me was the awareness that change is not always the worst thing that could happen. Thusly, I have learned to embrace change, for it is inevitable.
As we face dire economic across our country, state, and community, these unique challenges and circumstances present a “teachable moment” for all us. We can no longer travel familiar paths that led us to our present circumstances. In order to move forward, we must first learn the lesson. I have found that in life we often repeat the lesson until we learn from it. Have you ever wondered why you keep experience the same dilemma? Well, it’s because you didn’t learn the lesson the first time. So daily I make a conscious lesson to be observant of life lessons presented to me. Is this always easy? No. But it’s a good intention, at least.
So be aware of life’s “teachable moments.” These “teachable moments” are often disguised in the form of adversity. But adversity challenges us every way imaginable: to something different and innovative and yes, my friends sometimes, adversity calls for us to change.
I now see change as a valuable asset easily woven into the Family Connection framework. What I love about the organization of Family Connection is that it is a vehicle through which the community can begin to challenge old norms and create and implement new ones with regard to how we enhance the lives of our families and children in the community. Through Family Connection, as a community, we can change how we live, work, and play together. Family Connection is an ideal vehicle to bring about a change.
And so, for now at least, I have learned a most valuable lesson this from a “teachable moment” life had presented to me: change challenges the body, the mind and the soul. Change opens you up to new horizons, and encourages you to grow and develop. Change re-invigorates you. Change is good.
Read more of Lady K's Inspirations at http://www.kuanitamurphy.com/Kuanita-s-Blog.html
Making the Connection News Column by Kuanita E. Murphy The Citizen News, Shellman, Georgia and The Cuthbert Southern Tribune, Cuthbert, Georgia v
