Today I have mixed emotions particularly when it comes to the words desire and the heart.
In doing so I’d like to ask the question of have you thought about the word “Desire” and how often lately have you thought about it?
Desire is described as a (noun) with a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen.
Today, my heart requires a course correction, which is why I have mixed emotions.
Nevertheless, today I will do my best.
Do you remember the Wizard of Oz and what the Scarecrow wanted and what the Tin Man wanted?
One a brain and the other a heart respectively.
Ironically this past Friday, February 7, 2025, was National Wear Red Day®, a day of the heart in case you missed it.
The first Friday of February is National Wear Red Day®, where the nation is encouraged to wear red to raise awareness for cardiovascular disease.
Why is everyone wearing red today? What to know about National Wear Red Day 2025
I’m grateful for a grateful heart!
Genesis 13-15 NIV – Abram and Lot Separate – So Abram went – Bible Gateway
Each of us must see the vision in our hearts and minds and once we receive it, it’s up to us to cultivate and have faith along the way.
That’s where the course correction resonates with me.
Although Abram didn’t understand at first until God changed his name to Abraham. We must go through a specific transformation to see a vision in our hearts become true or a reality.
Listening to James Fortune & FIYA – I Forgive Me (Lyrics) best explains how I feel when the days in my life are challenging.
I have learned to look within and when I must touch my heart.
I’ve also learned not to wish for something but to do something about it.
What is it about the heart that we take for granted?
Each of us probably has various answers, yet it remains a mystery.
In looking back at all the opportunities to learn from previous experiences, in uniform and out of uniform in the military, I don’t take things for granted.
Yet, I always ask how it is tied to my purpose in life.
I believe when you look inside and ask yourself what the lessons were, you had to learn, then you will understand the meaning behind the words “We have to go through it to get to it.”
How are we growing and moving beyond the fear that is holding us back?
Because, I have read and understand the concepts behind the book “Intentional Living Choosing a Life That Matters” by John C. Maxwell, I believe in my mission and not someone else’s.
There is plenty of data about our emotional intelligence under self-awareness; however, we can or cannot control specific things that happen in our lives.
The choice is ours!
Therefore, each of us must have a process for following our hearts.
What is in your heart today that could be holding you back, such as malice, contentment, or hate when people do things that upset you?
At some point we all have negative thoughts, it may not be those mentioned above, but something negative such as Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTS) that plagues us from moving forward.
It was learning about those ANTS during the time we were all in lockdown during the pandemic that I continue to draw upon the knowledge and wisdom of others such as Jim Kwik in his book “Limitless” and now his “Expanded Edition of Limitless.”
Yet as each day passes and I write in my gratitude journal, I get to receive a different insight into my heart.
I’ve also learned that we must be careful with our words when we speak negatively about a subject that we don’t “Intentionally” cause other hearts to have ANTS.
Therefore, in our conversation, we must keep things positive.
Do you remember donating to the Cuss Jar/Swear Jar that was used to discourage people from using profanity?
Because I’m not perfect and have my flaws to work on as I prepare for Lent, I have my own Cuss Jar/Swear Jar that I deposit negative thoughts in my head when negative thoughts flood my mind.
It’s a mindset shift that I must consistently work on as I prepare my heart for those internal confessions in seeking forgiveness.
Today I began this blog with mixed emotions particularly when it comes to the words desire and the heart.
Now that you understand why I have mixed emotions, how will you follow the desires of your heart by being more intentional and limitless by reducing or eliminating the ANTS in your life?
Depending on your faith, we are all descendants of Abraham.
It’s in doing so you can have what your heart desires if you believe and have a vision.
I enjoy hearing songs particularly associated with the heart when there are days in my life particularly when I must simply let it go!
There’s a page from the author Jim Murphy’s book “Inner Excellence-Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and Fullness of Life” where he says “Your best moments always come from a clear mind and an unburdened heart. This allows you to take the risks necessary to be everything you were created to be.”
Think about the story of Michelangelo’s sculpture as he uncovered David after the enormous block of marble used for the statue had been abandoned for 25 years.
Michelangelo’s sculpture of David was a risk, but he took it.
The Story Behind Michelangelo’s David | ITALY Magazine
Today, I challenge you to clear your mind and find Joy in your heart by clearing out things that are a burden. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain. If you have the time, listen to the words of inspiration in the Excess Love (Remix) (Official Video) with JJ Hairston and Mercy Chinwo featuring Youthful Praise and Gratitude.
This video is one of my favorite things to watch that touches my heart. The Lyrics are those of a person with a clear mind and unburdened heart.
“Your Love is Kind, Your Love is Patient, You fill my Heart, With so much Peace and Joy, You’re Amazing, You make my life Feel Brand New, Jesus, You’re Amazing, You make my life Feel Brand New, Jesus, You Love Me Too Much, Oh! Too Much, O, Too Much, Oh Excess Love, Oh Jesus, You Love Me Too Much, Oh!” “All Your Promises are Yea and Amen You’re Not A Man You Never Lie.”
I always know what I want: to figure out how to get there from here.
That’s why I set both long-term and short-term goals—so that, eventually, I can reach my destination.
When we were young, we were fortunate to receive the basic education that provided us with the tools to navigate life and pursue our dreams.
Throughout my life, I’ve achieved the basics and overcome many obstacles along the way.
Now, I have two main desires:
To maintain good health.
To document my artwork in books, telling the stories behind my art.
I’ve already published three art books and am working on my fourth. I want to leave these as my legacy—a gift for those who love my work and can find joy in it.
Caroline,
Greetings and it’s always a pleasure to get your insights. I believe with age come wisdom. We continue to learn more about the things we can accomplish such as “Good health, Documenting your Artwork, and already published three art books and working your fourth.”
That’s a discipline mind as well.
Thank you for sharing and continuing to engage in our conversations.
McKinley
McKinley,
What caught my attention today in your “Thoughts” was the statement, “How are we growing and moving beyond the fear that is holding us back?” I find myself asking this question often, and not sure if I can answer it. I have mixed emotions about moving forward and, what is the correct way forward. There are opportunities all around us every day, sometimes we just need to pick one and go where it leads. Mixed emotions are sometimes blessings in disguise.
Scott,
Thanks for your comments today. I believe what helps me in time when I have mixed emotions is silence and listening to my inner voice. We all have different ways of hearing from the holy spirit.
Mixed emotions are not the only blessings in disguise and it’s up to us to find out what they are as we move through life’s journey.
McKinley
Your words are so beautiful. Remembering my gratitudes is the key to my joy. I have trained my eyes to see the light in the darkness and celebrate what I see.
Dr. Ola Fox,
Today I’m humbled by your words of “So Beautiful.”
I write from the heart and what a compliment you gave me.
McKinley
Great piece, McKinley!
I want to be a person with a clear mind and an unburdened heart.
Jane,
Amen!
McKinley