Find Your Mojo

The Urban Dictionary suggests that mojo is used in several ways as “a quality or some ability that brings good luck or helps you be good at something”,  as “the ability to bounce back from a debilitating trauma and negative attitude”, and “your influence, confidence or personal charisma”.  Another definition is “a power that may seem magical and that allows someone to be very effective, successful, etc.”

So, meet Mojeaux.  This picture is of him on his Throne.  Please meet our Mojeaux, or just “Mo” for short.  He is our 70-pound standard poodle whose sole purpose on Earth is to love us. Actually, if I must be honest, his sole purpose is to love ME.  Here’s the thing about Mo, if/when you meet him, after he sizes you up a while and he warms up to you … you will know that his sole purpose is to love…YOU.  He’s a love-ER.  He just loves and he loves well.  I have said before (and I believe it) that if dogs manifested human personalities, his would be that of Barry White.  If Mo could talk, he would greet me at the door and say (with that baritone, slow, smooth voice), “Hey baby, I sure have missed you. Come on over here and sit on the couch with me so I could put my head on your lap … that way we can just love on each other.” He would tell you that I (or you) were HIS EVERYTHING.

Mo had somewhat of a difficult beginning.  In 2011, our Westie, “The Fern”, ran off into the woods.  After 3 days of searching, we resolved ourselves to “no more Fernie”.  We were upset and missed having a dog in the house.  So, we decided we wanted a standard poodle and because of our work schedules, we wanted one at least a year old (no puppy).  We found one a year old several hours away in Texas. He had had a traumatic “childhood” as his mother had freaked out and killed all of his litter mates soon after birth.  He was the only one to survive.  The breeder felt sorry for him, because “something just wasn’t quite right”, and she gave him a little extra TLC.  They thought he wasn’t “too bright”, so they named him “Forest” … you know, Forest Gump, sweet, but not too bright.

On the ride over to Texas, as we got closer, Tim had to have “the talk” with us.  He told us he “better not see any tears or hear any whining” if he chose not to get the dog.  Here’s why … Savannah was our “litmus test” as she had been bitten or snapped at by several dogs in her early childhood.  Therefore, although she loved dogs, she was a bit apprehensive around them, especially when she met them the first time.  Some dogs sense this and would growl or act weird around her.   We couldn’t have that!

We pull up, all get out of the truck. Forest, (or Mo as he will later be called) was in the front yard with his “guardian”.  As we approach, eyes locked on the poodle, he calmly and intently walks over to Savannah, humbly puts his head down, stands beside her, and rubs his face on her leg.  Yep!  He chose Savannah.  He passed the test.  We fell in love!  We quickly discovered that he was smart as a whip and his gift is LOVE.  He loves to be where you are and is one “low maintenance” dog.  When anyone is sick or not feeling good, he’s right there with you.  He just makes us feel good.  We found our Mojo! Oh! By the way, The Fern came back three days later.

Find Your Mojo!

Mojeaux is just one cool dog.  He is a lover and, although had a rough beginning, he has “charisma”.  You WANT to love him back.  You WANT to take care of him.  Savannah, my firstborn, had mojo.  She was a lover and an encourager of others to keep going and thrive.  Isabella has mojo.  She possesses the ability to make YOU better by challenging you, encouraging you, and, well, just having fun with you (sometimes at your expense!).  So, I encourage you to find your MOJO.

One of the definitions describes mojo as a “power that may seem magical and allows someone to be very effective, successful, etc.”  I believe that those of us who are Christians possess that “magic”.  It is in the form of the Holy Spirit that inhabits each of us.  It is the same Spiritual Power that brought Jesus from the dead.  The Same Power that parted the sea and river for the Israelites to pass over into the Promised Land. The Same Power who healed and redeemed those who call His name. The SAME POWER  is in YOU!  We DO have that “magical power” in the form of the Holy Spirit.

(Warning: put your seat belt on, you may experience a jolt…) Although you may possess this “magic” in the form of the Holy Spirit…it is UP TO YOU to find it and manifest it!  We are to use this “power” for His glory and to bless others.  This is not to glorify or promote us, but to love, support, minister, and encourage others.  We have THE “mojo” but we have to choose to find it and use it appropriately.

This mojo, if used correctly, will ensure that we can “bounce back” from otherwise “debilitating” circumstance.  This mojo will lead you to your calling and ways to love and support others. This mojo will allow you to be successful and effective.

Find Your Mojo!

My speaking schedule has slowed down somewhat.  I was scheduled to speak at Cook Baptist Church in Ruston this Sunday (June 25^th); however, that will be rescheduled to a later date.  I have one more in July (more information to come later).  I am going to use this time to continue to “find my mojo” and begin writing and pursuing a career addition of life coaching.  I encourage you to “find your mojo”, as well.  You will be blessed!

OH! I would be remiss if I failed to mention our newest addition to our family from the “pound”.  Her name is Moxie.  And, let me continue, her name fits her. More to come about Moxie at a another time.  I’m not quite ready to share about that “Tasmanian Devil”!!

So, GO FIND YOUR MOJO! Be blessed! And, THRIVE!

Stephanie