Update

something is wrong with me...i think i'm having effexor withdrawals and it's making me dizzy and depressed and i can't stop crying and i'm cold and i'm dizzy and i feel horrible

Maya Angelou

Christians - By Maya Angelou

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."

I'm whispering "I was lost,

Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I don't speak of this with pride.

I'm confessing that I stumble

and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak

And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed

And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not claiming to be perfect,

My flaws are far too visible

But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I still feel the sting of pain.

I have my share of heartaches

So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"

I'm not holier than thou,

I'm just a simple sinner

Who received God's good grace, somehow!

Share this with somebody who already has this understanding, as reinforcement. But more importantly, share this with those who do not have a clear understanding of what it means to be a Christian, so that the myth that Christians think they are "perfect" or "better than others"can be dispelled.

Weekly prediction

First Quarter Moon, Dec. 27th, 9:49 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

Over the past few weeks I've talked about how success-minded thinking requires a willingness to view life with a positive perspective. It also calls for persistence and determination.

As Calvin Coolidge wrote: "Press on. Nothing can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; the world is full of unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."

To help you stay persistent and embrace success-minded thinking, commit yourself to building and maintaining friendships and contacts that enrich and enhance your life, and your dreams. I like to call these people "true fans and supporters." They are the ones who believe in you and want you to achieve your desires. They cheer you on, celebrate your accomplishments, and lift you up when you are feeling down.

The saying, "misery loves company" is all too true, so limit time and set clear boundaries with those who are constantly negative, unsupportive and drain your precious energy. They are on a different path than you. Perhaps your positive ways and abundant life will influence them to make a change in their own life, perhaps not. Remember you can't make anyone change who is not ready.

Keep the focus on yourself. Surround yourself with positive like-minded people. Press on, Betsy. Great success will come if you are persistent.

We are here to help you every step of the way.

Until next week,

Merry Christmas! Try and relax, as emotions are likely to be a little inflammable on both the 25th and 26th! If you are hosting the family celebrations, you'll need to take a few misplaced comments with a pinch of salt the size of the Dead Sea. Betsy, make sure you've arranged to celebrate in style on New Year's Eve, as the astrological indications are that it is going to be romantic and glamorous. Have a wonderful time -- and believe me when I say that you are going to have a marvelous 2007!

Weekly prediction

New Moon, Dec. 20th, 9:02 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

Distinguishing between your wants and your needs is an essential part of realizing your dreams. While many of us may want a Jaguar or a new wardrobe, or a number of other things, we don't necessarily need to have them in order to live a joyful, productive life.

There is one mantra many of needed to be reminded to incorporate into our life -- "All I have is all I need." Now I want to make it clear that this mantra doesn't mean that you can't desire or obtain material things in your life. You certainly can, and let me reiterate that we are going to make this happen for you. But while we wait patiently for our desires to take hold, most of us need to be reminded of the abundance that we do have. This perspective brings us the issue of the water in the glass. Should we focus on what we don't have or on what we do have?

It is important to appreciate the positive things around us. Recognizing our assets and giving gratitude for them makes for a very powerful situation to live joyfully in the present as well as to set the stage to attract more of what you want.

The easiest way to do this is to write down in a journal at least three things you are grateful for each day. I speak from experience when I say that after a week of doing this simple exercise you will feel happier. Should you run into an obstacle that is preventing you from realizing one of your dreams, take out your journal and read down the list of things you wrote and you will feel a force of positive energy surge through your body.

Remember above all, it is the person you become, and not the things you achieve or the things you acquire that is most important.

The Universe is on your side now. You are moving forward.

The New Moon on Wednesday the 20th arrives on an astrologically action-packed day. Mercury and Venus are both active, and bear in mind that New Moons herald new beginnings. So be careful what you wish for, as it just might come true, Betsy! This is a high-energy week, and by the weekend, you'll be longing for some quality time with your loved ones. The Winter Solstice on the 21st is the shortest day of the year when the Sun moves into Capricorn. Snuggle up and dream about spring!

Still here...

and still sore!

Update on me

OK, so I had surgery on Friday & am still recouperating. I'm doing better but it's still painful. Certainly not as bad as having a tumor on my spine, tho! :O

I hope I never have to repeat that one.

Weekly prediction

Second Quarter Moon, Dec. 12th, 9:33 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

As you know, success-minded thinking requires a real commitment to personal growth. Here's a tip that will help you continue on this path of positive change -- explore your interests and unique talents. If there is something you love doing, then it is very important that you find a way to do it.

Now, I am not suggesting that you drop everything in order to pursue something like a career in acting, but do take the time to think about ways you can include your pursuits in your current life. For example, if acting does happen to be a passion of yours, you could sign up for acting lessons or audition for community theatre. I want you to get away from thinking that it has to be "all or nothing." Take some time this week to think about what you really enjoy doing, and jot down your top 3 favorite pastimes on a list. Then write down small ways you can fit them into your life.

As you pursue your talents in this way, you will experience a new level of satisfaction. This is because you are expressing more of who you are. Anytime you express your authentic self, you will discover avenues of achievement that you would never have dreamed of.

This is a very exciting time for you, Betsy, since you are unlocking your potential. The most important thing is to believe in yourself. The next most important thing is to embrace persistence -- do not give up for any reason until you are living the life you want.

Trust your intuition, it won't steer you wrong. If deep down your subconscious is telling you, "There has to be more to my life," rest assured that there is more, and that it is time that you went after it!

Venus moves into Capricorn on the 11th and there is going to be an emphasis on quality, not quantity, this festive season. You may decide that one commitment or invitation just won't live up to its promise and pull out in favor of a cozy night at home. But generally, energy is high and you will accomplish a vast amount so long as you are systematic and organized and you don't leave anything important to chance. Remember, you can also delegate, but with Mars and Jupiter closely connected, you may want to do it all!