Delight or Disaster? Planning Birthday Parties During the Holidays

It seems like anytime you have a birthday during the holidays, things can be stressful. Can’t we do both?? How many of you ladies have holiday babies?? Can you see my hand waving? Can you see me jumping up and down? My boy celebrates his birthday the week before Christmas. I wanted him to always feel that he could celebrate both his birthday and Christmas without having them smashed together. No Christmas wrapping paper for his birthday gifts. Nope. That would be unacceptable at our house. It’s important and I want to make sure he knows it. My birthday is the same week as Valentine’s Day. My parents always made it a point to celebrate my birthday and Valentine’s Day separately and I appreciated it. I’m that Momma now and I made a vow to do the same for my little ones. It’s all about effort. For my family, getting together and remembering good times is super important. 

As a young mother shopping for a party, a lady saw me and gave me some of the best advice I could’ve ever heard. She saw all my goodies and she said, “Whatever you do, whatever your budget, make sure you always have enough to hire a photographer or have someone take photographs for memories.” She said, “one day, your kids will want to see you in the picture beside them instead of always behind the camera. They’ll want to remember how you looked. They will want to see you…” Truer words have never been spoken. Without my Daddy here now, the photographs I have of him from Christmases, birthdays, events, games, just day to day life…they’re all so special. I’m grateful, and she was right. I make a point to always have someone document so I can enjoy the day and also have great memories to look back on and smile.

Every year since I’ve had my babies, I’ve planned a big event and we have a blast. I will be sharing all of our fun times throughout the blog in the upcoming year. I love doing it! I’m a low key event planner. I love parties, decorating and making events memorable. It’s a tradition and I intend on passing it down to my kids. We all have fun and I want them to LOVE their birthday! It’s a great time and they should want to celebrate it. So many of my friends hate their birthdays. They don’t enjoy getting older or celebrating. My thoughts are…hey, you could be dead (insert shrugging emoji) It’s tight but it’s right. We as women, especially, need to learn to embrace age, birthdays, gaining wisdom with experiences (and experiences only come with age), most importantly, be thankful for one more day and one more year. 

Party Time

Normally I start planning these epic adventures at least 6 months ahead of time. I generally talk to the kids and we come up with the fun stuff they want to do for their birthday. After we get that figured out, I go to work! This year was different. I didn’t plan to have a party at all. It was just a lot to handle; for me. That was the kicker, it was a lot to handle for me, but my little one shouldn’t have to go without because of it. So, in true Mommy superhero form, I sucked it up and we started planning a party. I had a few weeks to make magic happen, so I got on it. Parties during the holidays CAN BE DONE!

Game On Invites by Eddy Fung of the Etsy shop, Paper Talk Studio. Portrait by Christy Semmont Photography and Sonic portrait by my husband, James Colwell.

The theme was “Gaming” mixed in with nods to the most recent Bruno Mars tour, hence the Roman numerals (the boy loves him), Sonic the Hedgehog, PS4 and all other things gaming. It was honestly easy. First came the plan, I went through viable options on how to make this all possible, factoring in availability at such short notice. Games 2U, a mobile gaming truck, was the answer to my prayers and they had everything that we needed. There were video games, laser tag and an obstacle course, two attendants, all outside (YES!) and everything was perfect.

Etsy and Staples were lifesavers for digital downloads and printing needs. All of the invitations, the “Thank You” cards, goodie bag contents and banners were from various Etsy shops. Eddy Fung of Paper Talk Studio was incredible. His simplistic designs of the classic NES controller was perfect for what I needed. I used lots of my son’s toys and gaming equipment for other props and decorations.

I called my favorite baker, Adrienne at Adrienne and Company and we got the party started. The weather was gorgeous, the kids had a ball and everything was great. Paula and Marty from a local print shop brought my tee shirt design to life (that had his birthdate in Roman numerals to go along with a Bruno type connection) and I had a gaming hat personalized with his initials and the Roman numeral for “10” (more Bruno) . It was epic. These are just some of the images caught by my friend Diana of Eyes of the Heart. We pulled it together, the boy was happy, we lived to see another year and God is still so good. 

Who are we?

We, as a family, are going on our second year without my Daddy being here. My son was one of the greatest loves of his life. It devastated me last year because he wasn’t here to see the “Big 10” for our little man. Ten is a huge birthday for little ones. It’s like a rite of passage and the idea of Daddy being gone, Thanksgiving without him, a huge birthday and then Christmas…it was overwhelming to say the least. 

It was so difficult and there were times that I thought God was gone, y’all..for real. Have you ever stopped to wonder who am I that God listens to me? Death can pull that out of you. But let me show you how good God is. Let me show you how much God loves us. Last year, there was a time after Thanksgiving that I began to weep, I mean WEEP about the fact that my Daddy was no longer here with us. I was devastated that he wasn’t going to be here to see my first baby turn 10. It was hard. Then God reminded me of a conversation that I had with my Daddy during a visit. He came in, like normal, sat down and he said, “Boy, I had a dream about you and your sister. Ya’ll were all grown up and you were a good lookin’ man and your sister was pretty. You had a family…”

That memory took my breath away. You see, God knows our hearts, He knows what we want and I believe He longs to see us smile; cause that brings Him glory. God knows the end at the beginning. He knew that my little man would turn 10 and his Pop Pop wouldn’t be here. He knew that my Daddy loved my babies and that he wanted to see them grow up. God knew that I wanted more than anything to have Daddy here to see it. So God gave us all the desires of our hearts. God heard our prayers, He saw my Daddy and knew how much he loved Him and us. God thought so much of us that He granted the dream, the conversation and the reminder. That’s who I serve. He’s awesome like that.  

Psalm 37:4 

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

I believe this scripture and I’m a witness that it’s real. God loves us and He shows us countless times. I can’t say thank you enough for God’s love. I would be L.O.S.T. without it. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane! I’m currently in the middle of planning this year’s party now. Don’t let the holiday season and birthday party planning intimidate you. It is possible to do both and have a great time. Trust me, focus on the important things in life and it’s always a delight; and like the Word says, when we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts. For me, one of those desires is joy and He always comes through.

Happy Holidays!

Beauty Is Her Name

It’s November, y’all! I blinked and the entire month of October is gone! Can you believe that soon, we will be celebrating Christmas, then the New Year?? WHOA!!! I know. I’ve been so busy working on re-branding, my Christmas EP and just being more present in my family, I almost forgot to write! I haven’t forgotten about you! I’ve been taking in some cool experiences to share with you.

If you know me, you know, I never meet a stranger. I’m as cool around a celebrity that I’ve met, as I am with my cousins. But let me tell you, I was so excited when I saw Ms. Britt Knight standing on her porch. Her face was flawless and her smile was just as inviting as it is every morning around 6 am, when she gets on FaceBook live to give us the daily beat. Beauty is her name; and it is fitting because that’s also her brand. BrittKBeauty is just that; Britt and beauty.

Beauty and the beat..

When I messaged Britt about a collaboration interview and make up session, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The truth of the matter is, she has a family, job, beauty brand…when would she have time?? Let’s not forget, we don’t know each other… in real life. Well, fast forward and magic happened. I gained a friend, I was able to photograph a beautiful person, and learn more about this up and coming beauty brand.

This is what sisterhood and working together looks like for ladies this day and age. There are so many avenues we can take to comparison, discouragement, false sense of failure, and lack, but If we work with each other, the only option is success. BrittKBeauty stands for all of this, to me. After spending time with Britt, I’m convinced that her heart is set to make us ALL better, including herself. She truly wants to encourage us all to be beautiful, encouraged and free to be ourselves. She’s as uplifting as she is beautiful and I am so thankful we connected.  

Passion, beauty, legacy and encouragement. That’s what we share. We talked about our kids, our families, some of our struggles, issues and dreams. There are so many things that we look for in friends these days and with social media, the word “friend” is relative. When I met Britt, in person, I knew there was something about her that was different. She wasn’t just another YouTuber or Instagram or FaceBook famous person who was all about themselves. You can automatically tell that the minute she pops up on Facebook live everyday. Britt genuinely wants to help ladies love their beauty. She’s a sweet soul. A wife, mother, full time employee, has over 19k followers on instagram, a beauty page on FaceBook that has over 30k people who follow and she still manages to be one of the sweetest, most patient people I have ever met. 

We literally hung out for hours. She did my makeup, I asked questions, got the rundown of all the beauty brands she has been contacted by and we literally talked like we had known each other for years. I kept As we spoke we learned that we have so many similarities to our lives and personalities. Britt gave me the inside scoop on her next steps in this beauty game as well as her ultimate goal for BrittKBeauty. By the time our girl time was over, her beautiful family came and that is when I met the fabulously famous Miss Em, who helped herself to her own make up session. Em makes her presence felt most with her little voice in the mornings during Britt’s FaceBoook live videos. Her family was so sweet. On my way home, my makeup was so good, I had to take a selfie at the gas station! I couldn’t stop staring at her artwork on my face. It was incredible.

As I looked around the room that was dedicated to all things beauty, I was in awe of who this person was. She was real, genuinely sweet and creatively brilliant. Going to meet with Britt, I was unsure of what she would be like in person. Would she look the same? Would she really be nice? Is she going to be crazy…? Honey, you just never know. Turns out, inside this room with beautiful artwork, cool music and every make up item, brush and spray you could ever imagine, there was an equally beautiful person waiting to share her heart with me. She was incredible! Britt allowed me to photograph her space, her look for the day and I was able to get shots of Miss Emily! We had an amazing time. The best part of the night was that I gained a legitimate friend. What Britt didn’t know is that I’m also doing a new thing with photography and this meeting was my first lifestyle/brand shoot. I am forever grateful to her for allowing me the opportunity.

With the hustle and bustle of our social media driven life, it’s hard to see true beauty in people. Everywhere we look, you see a new trend, new fad or new technique used to get the perfect look. Meeting with Britt gave me hope that there are still people out there who are authentic. Before I left, Britt shared her heart with me regarding the impact she wants to make on the beauty industry. With a new website launching soon, family, different events and her daily wake up and slay routine, Britt is a busy woman. With the number of followers and supporters accumulated in such a short time, you would think that she would be self-centered or focused on what she could gain to get ahead, but she’s not. Britt is super intelligent, kind hearted, down to earth and she loves what she does. We talked about make up application techniques and tips on how to care for your skin. Despite seeing absolutely nothing but perfection on her face, Britt was so humble.  I’m so grateful to have gained a true friend.

The obligatory selfie after the magic. We had so much fun!

The beauty industry, like most things in life, is a constant competition. Collaboration is the key to making moves no matter what you do. It’s biblical. In the Bible, Matthew 18:20 clearly tells us where two or three are gathered, God is in the midst; and we know wherever He is, we win! That’s why we need collaboration. When we take hold of that principle, we, personally and as a community will literally be able to move mountains. Sadly, many of us have the “crabs in a bucket” mentality. We must have the mindset that builds a platform where we all win. No matter what, we should never step on our fellow sister to catapult us forward. Instead, we should reach out, grab her hand and say, “ Come on, girl! Let’s do this thing together!”

Britt is one of those girls. Her heart is set on continuing to teach this craft that she so passionately loves. She doesn’t want to hold all the pieces to this puzzle of success, instead, she wants to share everything she knows in order to have all of us who watch her daily, complete it with her. There are so many things that are on the horizon for this new brand, BrittKBeauty, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Britt Knight is an amazing, gorgeous, pure hearted soul who just so happens to love a good lash, bold lip and highlighter that can be seen from the moon. She is my friend. 

Stay tuned to Britt. In such a short time, literally 2 and a half years, Britt has started building a legacy that started with her grandmother’s love of makeup passed to Britt, who, in turn, passed the passion to her youngest daughter. It’s beautiful to watch and even better knowing the type of person she is. She deserves it. I hope you enjoy the images. It was amazing to be able to capture just a small piece of her life.  Britt is good people, as my North Carolina family would say. She’s the real deal in life and art. There is no limit for her brand. I’m just glad I have been able to watch it grow.

You can catch her Facebook live every morning, 6 A.M-ish (as she says), Eastern Standard Time. Her social media is BrittKBeauty on FB and @BrittKBeauty on Instagram.

Beauty is truly her name….

BrittKBeauty

Would you and your brand
like to be featured??

Let me know!

Happy For You

My summer has been super busy. I realized it’s been a while since I last wrote. So much to share! I’m back, folks. I’m back! A few weeks ago I was asked to sing and be a part of an absolutely gorgeous wedding ceremony. Not only were there so many beautiful personal touches, but the artistry was captured to perfection by the amazing couple of David and Drew Photography. The day was wonderful and the connections made were unforgettable. Everything was stunning. When Amanda asked me to sing at her wedding, I was honored. Singing in a wedding ceremony is amazing. It’s a time that you’re able to share your gift with the couple that they’ll have forever. As I sat and waited for the ceremony to start, I looked around and smiled at the thoughtfulness and love that went into each detail. The space was a family homestead, transformed into an oasis of love for this couple. The photography was so tastefully done and I truly believe that Amanda and Brandon will have memories for a lifetime and generations to come with every image.

David and Drew Photography

When I’m attending an event and I see photographers work, it always peaks my interest what the final result will be. I get excited to see how they tell the story; even when it isn’t mine. On this day, watching the crew of David and Drew was magical. Not only could you tell they were capturing the essence of the day, but they were beautiful people as well. They were beautifully dressed, polite, thoughtful and passionate.

When Whitney (Drew) asked if she could take my picture, I was shocked and thankful. Usually, the wedding singer doesn’t get a photo in the album; but today was different. Like I said, this crew was thoughtful. We spoke and briefly made a connection. We talked about our names, their photography, my blog and collaborating. Since meeting, we’ve spoken and Whitney has given me tips on photography. No competition, just love. I can’t wait to work with them again.

As women, we find a way to use our gifts to help each other. This day was no different. We used what we had to celebrate Amanda and Brandon. Everyone, especially my little one, was so happy, encouraging and excited for them. My daughter couldn’t wait to hug our life-sized Barbie, Amanda, after the ceremony.

David and Drew Photography

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Plenty of room

Don’t you wish life could be like this more often? Too many times, I’ve noticed that people generally have a hard time truly being happy for one another. Behind the smiles, there is always an sense of comparison or slight resentment, maybe even sadness. Surprisingly, I’ve experienced sharing dreams and aspirations for a new skill or platform with ladies (some I called friends) who were already in that particular profession or using that platform and having the awkward moment where I could tell they didn’t want to help or want me to do it. It’s the strangest feeling. I’ve also had the opposite happen where my friend would say, “YES!! There’s room for you!!” Sometimes it makes you question your friendships…

I wonder why we struggle to be happy for each other. Is it because we don’t have the level of accomplishment we want or we feel we’ll suffer from someone else’s success? I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. Other ladies tell me about similar situations with longtime friends or acquaintances  who were afraid or hesitant to help. It’s unfortunate and hard to understand. Ladies, (gentlemen too) we’re in the relay of life, not the 100 meter race. Each one of us pass the baton to the other in order to finish. We need each other from start to finish to win. If we drop the baton, we’re disqualified. Never forget that. We have to make sure we’re constantly lifting and loving one another. It’s literally one of the 10 Commandments. Mark 12:31: 

“… 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 
There is no commandment greater than these.”

Could it be we have difficulty loving and being happy for ourselves? Could it be that we’re actually living the second Commandment? It tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves, and because we struggle to love ourselves, we do a poor job of loving others. We struggle being happy for others because we struggle to be happy for ourselves. Seems strange, but its true. When we begin to see God in everything we do first, then we’ll be able to boldly acknowledge and be grateful for the good in our own lives. If we can get to that point, We can love others the way we’re supposed to love. We can truly love as the Commandments require us.

I want to leave you with this thought: find the good, better yet, the great in what you do; large or small. If you have the opportunity to help someone grow or get started in your field of expertise, do it. If you’ve got a friend who is interested in doing what you do, help them. They need encouragement, and in their eyes, you’re one of their best resources. They look up to you. Don’t fear their success. Be a friend. Remember, your gift makes room for you, (Proverbs 18:16) and there’s plenty of room for us all. Let’s develop a deep love for ourselves so we can truly love others. When we connect, we grow. This ceremony reminded me of that very thing. Together we can literally do anything, most of all, love. We can help each other connect, celebrate and truthfully say, “ I’m happy for you.”

David and Drew Photography

Do you love your neighbor as you love yourself?

Twenty Minutes of Summer

You won't believe what I make my kids do. To say we’ve had an eventful summer would be a complete understatement. We've crammed our lives into a storage building and 2 bedroom apartment, all while tying to locate the simplest of things like socks, underwear and the oh so coveted pair of tweezers. Hence the absence lately. School is still out for summer but we are trying to make the best of what we have left. Meanwhile, we’ve managed to fit in an cool little vacation, several local trips that have blown our minds and a pair of walkie talkies; Straight game changers.  

Go play

What were your summers like when you were young? I remember visiting my PawPaw for the summer, my Aunt waking us all up, getting dressed, eating breakfast and then off for the day. Literally, we’d stay outside ALL day, only coming in to eat. We played outside for hours. If we wanted water, we used the spigot and dared not try to go in unless someone was bleeding, dying or trying to kill us. Back then my cousins and I thought life was so hard (no AC, whaaat?) but we had THE best time together. We were outside using our imagination and loving life as children. The memories I have are so vivid and to this day, we all talk about how much fun it was; even if we were locked out all day! We even lived to tell the story!

When I say, “Go play outside,” my kids act like I’m trying to punish them. It’s actually quite comical. With all the technology they use and are exposed to, I feel so guilty, yet I’m frustrated when they aren’t on something because they’re usually bugging me to death. (yes, another real life problem; no super mom here. I’m just trying to make it out here in these Momma streets, ya’ll). 

I do as much as I can to get the kids outside and active but with the sale of our home, leaving our yard, trampoline, their individual rooms…it’s been tough for sure. We’re making the best of it. At least that’s  what I keep telling myself and all the parental guilt I have for the inconveniences we’ve created for them. I know none of that is true but it feels like it. 

Over and Out

We’ve been working on being more responsible and accountable for things as well as becoming more independent this summer. The kids are catered to and I admit, we’ve stunted their maturity with not allowing them to do more on their own. During the move, I found some old school walkie talkies that JC and I used during one of our trips from North Carolina and Indiana. We were driving separately, cell towers and service weren’t the best, so we bought these for communication purposes when we hit dead areas. The kids would play with them from time to time, but until now, I thought they were lost. They’ve been amazing! I’ve let the kids use them to go outside and play, take little trips around the new neighborhood, and even in stores when they’re a few aisles away. We’ve found a way to communicate, made code words and the kids feel empowered. It’s wonderful, practical and fun. 

Now back to my first statement: You won’t believe what I make my kids do. I actually make them go out for 20 minutes at a time, (at least an hour total, weather permitting) at different times of the day. It’s a new thing. Since we started using the walkie talkies, bike rides have been more fun, explorative walks and visits have been so much easier. I’m not saying that we still don’t have issues with the PS4 or watching too much television, but this is a simple way to change it up and teach lessons without shoving it in their faces. In the end, friends, life is hard, change is harder and no matter what we do, we won’t always get it right, but we are blessed to get another chance. There are days I’ve cried, screamed, been discouraged and felt defeated. There are days that I smile, feel accomplished and appreciate this tremendous honor of guiding two little lives. It’s not always fun, but when it is, it’s amazing.

What We Need

These walkie talkies for my kids have kind of been what the Bible is for me. It’s a basic, old school way of communication with God, my Father. It’s a way I can communicate, gain independence, growth and freedom. It allows me to make choices on my own, but still keeps me connected to my source. It’s a guide and a lifeline. The Word is faithful, just like the walkie talkies. They both, however,  require one thing to be functional: voluntary usage. As a mother, I hit the button and call out to my little ones to check in, and it’s their choice to respond. The Bible does the same for me. It is God’s way of speaking to me, but I have to open it, read it and respond to what He’s saying. It’s all part of the journey. Who would’ve ever thought you could get all that from a pair of walkie talkies? We live and learn everyday, don’t we?

The Secret Garden

I’ve been in a funk lately. One might even say I have been depressed. I have tried to overcome the feeling of loss and lack of having my Daddy here with me. So many times I have literally cried out and asked him to come back. It’s silly and unrealistic, I know, but he was my ace. In times when I didn’t have anyone to talk to or even feel like talking to, he would call. I’ve struggled, and it’s stressful! 

Photography has saved my life. I think it stems from the fact that art, portraits, Polaroids and images of myself or my family have always been around me. As summer has officially started here, the camera goes with us everywhere. 

The Secret Garden

When we go to the park, we basically go to the playground or walk. We meet friends or find new ones. One particular day, we found what I’d like to call, the Secret Garden. Remember the  book, The Secret Garden? It was one I loved reading as a child. It was a place, Mary, the main character, found and it was healing for her. I’ve found one too.

When we walked inside, it was incredible. From the outside, it was just this old, vacant, run down building. When we walked in, we were so surprised, it took our breath away, It was an old factory. The combination of hard metal and intertwining vines and trees were intoxicating. Old machinery,  a staircase, exposed brick, steel beams and beautiful graffiti. The first words I saw were for me in this particular moment in my life. How did these walls know?

The Reality of It All When Life Goes On…

I felt like I was in a different time and place when we stepped through the entrance. I immediately felt the connection. “Reality is a matter of perception…” and there it is. Maybe what I’m feeling is literally my heavy perception of what’s going on in my life right now. As foggy as the times seem, there’s a chance it may be so cloudy because I’m standing still inside of it. In reality, fog is only debilitating when you allow it to surround you. The revelation is, you can get through it; but you have to move. 

The second larger than life piece of art I saw, simply said, “ Life goes on.” There was nothing left to say. In all of the intermingled workings of this place, the overwhelming feeling was this: Despite the shell,  history and purpose of this building, it has served it’s purpose and found a new meaning that’s still useful, beautiful and effective. Even in it’s abandoned state, there is shelter and inspiration. That’s what I want for myself. In what seems to be my “abandoned state,” I want to be able to transition to my new purpose and be effective so that new life, new resources and inspiration can grow.

After listening to my Pastor yesterday, I realized my issue was all about fear. Have you ever always been the “strong one” of the group? Have you ever felt as if you couldn’t be a passenger on the struggle bus? Yeah, that’s me too. Just by examining myself, I know that’s me. I have to remember…

Do You Hear That Sound?

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)

A sound mind. I refuse to keep allowing my current state of mind make me a lunatic. (Because it is!) If God can use an empty shell of a building to show me that nature always finds it’s way to take over, I won’t be afraid to do the same. Be me; the sometimes hurt feelings me, the afraid to fail me, the not always strong me. ME. The natural me.  Let’s allow nature to take over, and reveal who we really are; the image of God and His nature. That right there tells us we have nothing to fear. God’s already won the battle and He gives us everlasting life…therefore, life truly goes on. How? He gives us strength to do ALL things. He told us so in Philippians 4:13.  Do you hear that sound? Something is leaving, something is stirring, something is growing.

Hang in there with me and stay encouraged!

My Planet of the Apes

Earlier this week, I had the news on when he came home from work. When I explained the breaking story, all he could do was shake his head. As I served the meal I made, I felt myself becoming more and more irritated. After one of the kids prayed, we ate, talked about the day each of us had, the kids finished their food, excused themselves and went to play. The conversation of the news story continued; the discussion of words. 

Let me introduce myself. I'm a 39 year old, college educated, wife and mother of two, who happens to be Black. I live on planet Earth, but I've been strategically placed on an otherwise "comically" known place called, the Planet of the Apes. Hi, I'm Linette. My husband is a white, college educated male and he lives on Earth, the whole, "pure planet," Earth. We have two children together and although they don’t know it, they live on the same planet I do. Why, you ask...ummm, because see, they have a single drop of Black blood, (more than one but you get it) and they're considered Black instead of what they truly are... a combination of Black and White. (Biracial/interracial, whatever you fancy.) Crazy, right? Yeah. I make this introduction because unfortunately, one of those adjectives I used for myself is seen as derogatory for many. It is absolutely exhausting. The adjectives used to describe me, I think, are all positive. For others, the word Black, is seen as substandard. The devil is a liar! The word, Black, is heavy. It’s a weight I never want my children to carry as a burden. It should be seen as a simple word; an unapologetic characteristic. A definition of strength and beauty. A whole word; not a sentence; and definitely not a seen as life sentence.

Sticks and Stones

The old saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” is misleading. Words hold weight, people. They change lives, they affect decisions…they can control actions. A noun isn't a verb or action until you make it work! Catch that? What someone says to you can make you doubt something you know to be true. I grew up hearing the many things I could do in life. I heard how amazing I was daily. My parents spoke life for me and created my existence. I saw the words, “God is love” written across countless polaroid pictures in all my photo albums. Those words were pressed upon my heart before I ever even knew what they meant or experienced God's love for myself. That is powerful! I heard how beautiful my skin was, how beautiful my hair was and I believed it. I never questioned my worth, my value, beauty or my ability until I heard the words of someone else say something differently. How could that be? Something that was etched into every fiber of my being by people who loved me beyond measure was totally eclipsed by, wait for it... words. That's how powerful words are and they should never be taken for granted.

My relationship with my husband is almost 20 years old. He recognizes that life for him is different and more than half of that is based on two words, black female.  He hears me talk about the struggles that I go through, simply being a black female. From the stereotypes made, to the lack of personal care items in the local stores. Even the little things are giants in my world. He doesn’t know what it feels like to rarely hear words of encouragement or see positive images of himself portrayed. He’s seen me become outraged, cry uncontrollably and become deeply hurt by comments and treatment towards me or the kids. It’s rough out here, ya’ll, and that is why we must be vigilant, aware and appalled when these flippant, “joke” type comments are made. As insignificant as they may seem to some, they are mountains to others. Words may not physically hurt you, but once they're in the atmosphere, they stay there. They distort your views and sometimes they can change your mind. They are powerful. Period.

The Game

Think of knowledge like a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Education is the rock, ignorance is scissors and love is paper. Education beats ignorance every time. Ignorance can cut love in a heartbeat, but love can cover education. If you shoot with scissors, (ignorance), and I shoot with paper, (love) I get cut and lose the game, so do you, because without love there is no desire to learn more about any one thing. If I shoot with rock, (education), and you shoot with paper, (love), you cover me and we both win. The rock/ foundation of a successful society is education, followed by the covering of love. Those two together can beat ignorance every time. When you know better, you do better. When you are educated you fear less. When you gain knowledge, you can share. When you can share, you can connect and when you connect you grow.  

Racism isn’t new, folks. It hasn't left and reappeared. It's has been and is still here. I’ve experienced it and my children have experienced it. Yes, even now, in 2018. Racism. It’s unmistakably one of my greatest fears for my family. I never want my husband to ever be forced to make the choice between himself and his family based on the hue of our skin. BUT, believe it or not, living in an area where you’re .5% of the population,  or where racism is undeniably real and not outwardly spoken against, that very thing could really happen. It’s a despicable thing to endure and tolerate, especially for children who don’t understand it, don’t deserve it and shouldn’t be exposed to it. So, for those of you who say, “they’re just words,” remember God spoke the words, “Let there be light” (Gen. 1: 3) and light was created. Let’s make sure the words spoken around the world continue to bring light.

This is not a game. There is a generation depending and hanging on every word we speak. I challenge you to speak life. Planet Earth needs to glow, let there be light! And the imaginary planet that I, and so many others who look like me have been placed on, needs to be erased. 

May I Have Your Attention, Please?

We work hard to get what we feel we deserve. When we’re born we begin as someone’s daughter; some of us are sisters. We are always referred to as an attachment; rarely are we recognized as individuals. Our identity is tied to someone else from the very beginning of life. When we grow up and marry,  we become a wife. We become Mothers, then we're  Mommy. You have no idea how many times I’ve been to school or out in public and hear, “Hey Jamison’s Mommy!” It’s crazy. I want to be recognized as Linette first, then daughter, wife and Mother…We just naturally morph into those other roles before our individual one. It happens so easily. Not necessarily the attention or recognition we want initially, but it happens.

Attention. It’s what we desire, work, and strive to gain. We struggle to get it, we don’t know how to obtain it or maintain it once we’ve gained it.  In our home, getting and keeping attention is difficult. My husband and I are natural leaders; school, athletics, church, and community. The way our family’s lives are set and positions we hold, we attract a lot of attention. Attention gained, obtained and/or maintained, is like gold to some; to others it can be a struggle. In this area, attention, one very significant struggle we’ve had for 4 years now, is hearing the dreadful label of ADHD from our pediatrician. I say label (technically it’s a diagnosis) because labels can be removed and in my mind, this “condition” will be removed one day! I believe that. It's one we’ve fought against, cried over and desperately tried to remedy. Our son was diagnosed in first grade. His impulsivity created issues academically and behaviorally in the classroom. We didn't know what to do to help him. We didn’t see the same behavior at home. I researched the disorder, medications, therapies, and ways to help with no success. I didn’t have what I felt was needed to help the world see my baby for the successful, intelligent, beautiful soul I knew he was.

Class, Raise Your Hand When Your Name Is Called

We caved. We had to, as a quick solution for school. I cried. The medication worked, but his personality was soon fading. He wouldn't talk as much or really smile. He finally told us he didn’t like the way his medicine made him feel. That was so hard to hear. Were we doing the right thing? Riddled with guilt, we contradicted ourselves daily as we gave him medicine. I began to believe we were stealing his individuality and self expression away from him. Currently, we’re looking to switch his prescription once again. We tried weaning him completely, but it’s a struggle. It’s harder for us. Since being on medication, we’re so accustomed to the chill version during the day, the unmedicated JC can be overwhelming. There are many hours spent crying, wondering why... trying to understand. It's heavy, but we continue to try though, I promise!! Our choices are tough. All he wants is to be happy and himself. Literally, all we want are three simple, yet powerful words: our little boy. Only we know the real him, and we want him all the time. 

As a Mother, you always hope your life choices don't adversely affect your children.  I want him to be EVERYTHING he’s called to be. I prayed for that. I want him ready for life. When the adult roll call of life gets to his name, I want him to be able to raise his hand and say, “Here!”  Through all the pharmacy delays and debacles, health scares that render us emotionally drained, we push through. Through the days he zones out during instruction time at school and can’t remember how to do homework,  I try to keep it together. I think of all the times I’ve heard him say, "You don't love me. Everybody hates me!” Discouragement hovers over him like a drone at over the high wire act in a Circus. It waits to zoom in at the most inopportune moment and causes a fall. I am helpless. His words haunt me daily. I know he feels misunderstood. I know he believes that all the restrictions we put on him that halt his type of "happy," is just everyone's way of being mean. I know he thinks we are awful, because we lose it. We try so hard to keep it together, but we struggle with our own minds and handling it!  We only want him to be safe, accepted and successful in a world that’s hard to navigate for him right now. When you see your child exhibit a  "follower mentality" that’s been groomed by what you feel is a breaking of his spirit, it’s crushing. He wants to fit in and at times, he makes poor choices. His cries of, "I want attention too, Mommy!” echo when we stop to focus on his sister for even a little bit. It’s bananas.

Real Life Pinky Promises

For other Moms like me, who may have children with any type of issue, diagnosis or label,  people may never know the struggles before work, school, during sports, church or at family functions. It’s hard to understand. For me, I see a rambunctious, beautiful, 10 year old who loves God, video games and his family; he blows kisses, makes pinky promises to do better and gives amazing hugs. Others see a difficult, sometimes rebellious child. We remind him daily of God’s love, our love, boundaries and appropriate behavior, but it doesn't always stick. It is A LOT to deal with and it puts a strain on our entire family. We’re believers, but truthfully, we have our days of doubt. We’re human, SURPRISE! 

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I think of this amazing journey called Motherhood. I want to push through life for my little ones, but I just get distracted; we all do. It's hard to admit, but it's exhausting sometime. Real talk, it's hard. When I almost get to the hands up, I give, moments, I hear God saying, "May I have YOUR attention, please?" I struggle with my response from time to time, but this is what I tell Him, because I trust He understands my tone and intent, "I'm working on it, God. I promise; I pinky promise. The train of life is moving, and I have our ticket. We’ve missed it a few times, but we're hopping on at the next stop. Don’t give up on me, God!” Good thing God’s patient, right? 

Juggling In The Rain

In the rain

What does your Saturday look like? It’s a pretty rainy here in Hoosier land today. We were out playing baseball, jumping on the trampoline; rain or shine we were out today. It was one of those bare-faced, yoga pants wearing, "we are determined to play outside," attitude type days. Living in the Ohio River Valley, I’ve learned that weather is never predictable. It’s so different than living in the gorgeous foothills of North Carolina. The weather goes from -20 to 100 degrees here at any given moment! Not really, but seriously, you never know. Today is May 5th, Cinco de Mayo. It’s also the Kentucky Derby; hats, horses, pretty dresses, celebrities, you name it! There is a lot of celebrating going on right now. From proms, upcoming graduations, Mother’s Day…so many events, emotions and change all coming soon. It’s crazy how much life we juggle. 

I know how to juggle, do you? I mean, like in real life; with balls, pins, scarves. You know, real objects? Today, I showed my son how I could juggle. He was amazed. I laughed at his expression while he watched me throw and catch one ball after the other. As we stood out in the rain, which was something he really loved, (what kid doesn’t like being out in the rain, right?) I realized that life is kind of like juggling in the rain. It’s fun, it’s slippery, it takes skill, it’s hard, and you control the cycle. Either you stop tossing altogether or you continue tossing one thing after the other to make sure you always have a free hand to catch the next; so the cycle continues. Today, I realized how art truly imitates life…juggling in the rain. 

 I learned how to juggle in elementary P.E. I had the coolest teacher. Her name was Ms. Johnson. She taught us how to juggle, ride unicycles, jump rope. All the fun stuff that kids don’t get to do a lot of now. I loved P.E. She taught us how to juggle in steps. We started with 2 scarves, then 3. Once we mastered the scarves, we moved on to balls; 2 then 3. Each time we were able to add another object to the mix once we felt comfortable. Who knew, 33 years later, I would still know how to juggle? It’s crazy, but I do. Matter of fact, I think I’m a pro at it. (hehehe!)

Water in my eyes

As women, we juggle things in life all the time. We juggle family, work, school, emotions, achievements, disappointments, loss, additions, friends, children, grief, expectations…we juggle it all. I’m not so much a pro at that juggling act right now. I’d like to believe I am, but realistically I’m not. I find myself trying to remember different things my parents would often say to me when I would get emotional. (Because I’m that girl. Emotions are evident and on display at all times, y’all!) I cry when I’m hurt, I cry when I’m angry, I cry when I am happy…I cry for everything. One thing my Daddy would tell me is, “ You can’t fight with water in your eyes, Linette.” For the longest time I didn’t understand that. The older I got, I realized he was telling me that my vision was being impaired by my emotions. It’s so true. You can’t fight, you can’t see, you can’t think clearly. You can’t do anything being emotional. It’s so much harder to live that way. Having the knowledge to get a result and actually walking it out are two totally different things. Getting my emotions and my body to catch up with my brain right now is as hard to do as zipping your pants using one hand and that hand has no thumb. It’s nearly impossible. 

It was kind of prophetic, me juggling in the rain today. See, I’m really terrified of storms. I always have been. My Daddy used to pick me up during a storm, take me to a window and sing an old classic song, The Storm is Passing Over, by Donald Vails. "The storm is passing over. The storm is passing over. The storm is passing over, hallelu.” It never failed, every time he sang that to me, as we watched the storm, it would disappear! I thought my Daddy was amazing! He could stop the storm! So today, as I juggled in the rain with my little boy watching me in amazement, I heard my Daddy singing. It reminded me that even though right now life is absolutely bananas, and my emotions are all over the place, I can still juggle. And the best part of it all, you ask? The storm is passing over. I just need to wipe my eyes so I can see.

Can you juggle?

Believe

What I found

I've been working to clean and organize my content and designs for a total brand reboot and a book that I am writing, when I came across this draft I never published. I edited it October 5, 2017. It struck me instantly. That was 3 days before my Daddy died. To see the date, almost took my breath. I opened it and read. It's crazy how God works. I looked back at the calendar to see what was going on that inspired my writing, and at that time, the Las Vegas massacre was in the news, racial tension was in the news, and governmental controversy was at the top of the headlines as well. Now as I look back, I realize the Holy Spirit was also speaking to me. Everything I was writing was what I needed to hear myself. These words were preparation for the hardest reality of my life that I was about to endure. It's bananas to think that God cares so much about me that He sent me a word  before I even knew I needed it. Who am I, that He waits on me?? He's faithful. Psalm 8 rings true more and more everyday to me; especially verse 4: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that you care for him? (ESV) And today, I share it with you.

---

If there was ever a time to remember.....

....now is the time. As we have recently witnessed some of the most tragic times in our country, I would like to share with you the first of the new "TWO" series.  If there was ever a time to have someone agree with you in a prayer of supplication, now is the time. I  want to briefly leave you with a few thoughts of encouragement for this tumultuous season we are in right now....Believe

In everything that we do, there are naysayers, discouraging people, situations that may seem unimaginably possible. There may be things that happen that may make you feel like God is so far away from you. Don't let that happen. Don't allow a circumstance to sway what you already know. Live in your truth. Walk in who you are and remember to whom you belong...THE RISEN SAVIOR!!!

There is nothing that can separate you from the love of Christ! NOTHING!!! If you need a boost for the rest of the week as we have had some of the most pivotal moments of  our times in history, please take this scripture with you.  Romans 8:37-39. It isn't one that we often hear  with tragedy or racial tension, but it is so applicable and relevant to our lives today. Remember who loves you...who died for you. Don't let anything separate you from His love. 

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:37-39 NIV)

...this is what you do

If Christ didn't allow all of our mess to separate Him from us and He took on all the sins of the world knowing He had all power in His hands to come down from the very cross He died upon, what makes you think that there is anything else that could separate you from Him now??  There is nothing that can happen that would not be able to be discussed with Him in prayer. I recently saw a post on social media that said something regarding the way the world was and the recent events happening, that prayer wouldn't help. The devil is a liar! We can't allow our hearts and minds to be distracted and discouraged from using the very way to God's heart; worship and prayer. We can't allow our communication to be hindered due to thoughts of ineffectiveness. It. Is. A. LIE! He loves us and He wants to hear from us. 

My son will sporadically ask me, "Mommy, who loves you?" and my expected response is to say, "You do!" I believe that God wants us to hear Him say that to us (because He says it constantly in everything He does). I believe that God wants us to look around and hear Him say, "(insert your name here) who loves you?!" And He is waiting for us to say, out loud, "YOU DO, GOD!"  Believe that. Receive that; and as  you think about the times we are in now and the stress of a crazy world, remember He is perfect in all of His ways. He longs to care for us and answer our call...there is nothing that can separate you from His love today.

As you go through October, a month that we recognize several causes, please find time to remember that you have someone who is willing to be there for you, you have an advocate and there is nothing that can separate you from His love. There is no tragedy, no sickness, not one problem we may face that could separate us. Find your "TWO" and come into agreement with them this week; this month. Touch and agree that change can come to the world. Prayer can change things. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. 

Please, if you have a need that you would like covered in prayer or just to talk.  I want to hear from you!!  Have an awesome week,  Share this with a friend. Be the light that someone else needs. 

Stay encouraged

 

The Parking Lot

The Trip

I love shopping. Don't you? Lately I've been on a makeup kick. I'm like many women who watch a million tutorials on how to be your own personal make up artist. Guilty! So, makeup is my thing now. These little bags are everywhere. The perfect way to the perfect purchase is perfect parking. It's essential.  You have to find the best parking space possible to optimize your experience. It's IMPERATIVE!! (Haha!)

This is how I see life too. A crazy shopping trip. I tend to compare life to a giant parking lot. The door of the mall represents the “good life.” Everybody wants to get a close parking spot because it gets you to the door faster. Hello…who doesn’t want that?? If you happen to find a bunch of stuff while shopping, who wants to carry it a mile to the car? Not this girl!! So when you see the “good life” as the door and the “parking lot” as your access to the door, of course we all want the quickest way to it. Trust me, I am guilty of driving around ten minutes waiting on someone to move out of a space closer to the door. The time it took me driving around could have been spent shopping if I would have just pulled into an available space. Ugh! Oh the dilemmas of life; proverbial and literal. Sometimes we just have to take the space we are given, get out and walk to the door and do the doggone thing we came to do. 

This happens when we pull into the parking lot of social media too.  Looking at social media starts out fun.  The longer we stay there it ends up causing stress, costing us peace, sanity and money when begin to compare our lives to what we see. It’s funny how we never questioned our back row parking space in life and how far we had to walk until we had to pack all the unexpected baggage our trip to Perfectionville on Social Media Island produced. Our space in the proverbial "parking lot” was just fine until we compared our space to others. 

Prime Parking

When I hear the phrase “prime parking” I think of front row parking; the space everyone wants. Prime Parking is sometimes reserved. I see social media as this enormous parking lot where everyone wants to be front row too.  To me, it is equal to an easy access to the windows of success in life, not the door. Did you catch that? Windows are only for looking into rooms, not entering. Keep that in mind. Social media only allows us to see into the lives others. It doesn’t give access to actually walk into lives. 

We forget that the parking lot of life has a million spaces and no matter where you park, you still have access to the entrance because it’s open to you regardless! Your access to life isn’t limited by where you park. Your access is only limited by the path you take in order to get to the door.  We don’t have to get prime parking in life to be successful, blessed, heard or taken seriously. We simply need to find a space, pull in, get out and walk to the door. 

Take note as you go through your day browsing the lives of others. You mainly see the best pose,  staged or edited versions of life. When you look, you don’t think that way.  You automatically start comparing. Even if your life is good, you still compare. We all do it. Don’t! It’s easy to feel that others are more equipped or have what seems to be a better life than we do. All that happens in a swipe and a scroll.

It's Your Turn

Whenever you begin to think that way, go check out 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Basically, Samuel was sent by God to anoint the King of Israel. Samuel was bummed Saul didn’t work. God was like, “Aye! How long are you going to pout for Saul? Get it together, man! Get your horn, the oil and head to Bethlehem to see Jesse and ‘nem!” 1 Sam 16:1 (- SIDE NOTE: that was how I pictured God talking, but you know the Bible was a little more proper, hehehe. I’m paraphrasing because God and I have a relationship like that (wink, wink) Back to the story!) Samuel told Jesse that God had chosen one of his sons to be King. Samuel was in their figurative “parking lot.” Each son had a space. Some of his boys were flat out VIP/Reserved spaces that looked like a King. In 1 Sam 16:7, God blew Samuel’s mind:

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  (NIV)

Boom. There it is. It took seven sons before the youngest, David. He was in the field, his assigned space at the time. David came in, God gave Samuel direction, and David was anointed. He went from the back lot to VIP, just like that. He could’ve easily compared his space to his siblings, had FOMO (fear of missing out) and maybe missed his calling to be King.

Let’s be like David. Let's stop comparing our lives; complete what we're assigned, when and where we're assigned to do it. God will do the rest. Our purpose is patiently waiting on us to pull in and park.

Do you peek into the windows of social media?
Are you waiting to pull into your parking space of purpose?

The Gift of Disobedience

I walked into the kitchen to this. I dropped my keys on the counter, turned to walk into the den to just have a moment, and I turned to see this. It was a typical morning of, “ Time to wake up!” or, “go brush your teeth,” (for the 10th time) and the wonderful, “put your shoes on, please,” ending with “do you have socks on your feet?” We all made it out alive. 

I walked into the kitchen to this; a beautiful little bouquet of yellow flowers in a water bottle. They are a gift from my daughter. They are actually a gift birthed from an act of disobedience. See, these were picked yesterday,  while she and my son were on a forbidden, time stopping, OMG, where are the kids(?), parents in a panic stricken search, let’s traipse through the woods with my brother, slash, ok, you start walking through the neighborhood, they can’t be far because she’s on skates, but I’m getting in the car to be quicker, kind of adventure. Yes…one of those. One thing my husband and I have been doing lately is allowing the kids to play together outside without us hawk eyeing them all the time and yesterday they decided they were going to go on an adventure. These are the times you regret free will…lol

Needless to say, they got in trouble. Like, I haven’t seen my husband quite so upset in a very long time. Obviously he was, as was I,  because not being able to find them TERRIFIED us! As I slid back into the driveway, after not finding them, I was relieved and furious at the same time to see my two little people, and my husband, all three with very different expressions on their faces. Everybody was a wreck. This time, during this discussion of what just happened, I played the role of the calm but visibly shaken parent as my husband was the parent who was almost ready to lose it emotionally (thats usually me, HA!) We were both firm, but deep inside I was smiling. Why…? I was smiling because this was the first time I can remember that they had made a decision to venture out in a new territory OUTSIDE, no less, together. They weren’t trying to kill each other, arguing or vying for our attention. They were working together. I was grateful.

After a stern talking to, a quick apology session, tears, grounding, hugging, gratefulness and ending with my husband explaining we weren’t angry, (not in that particular order) but we were just concerned because the world has a lot of strange people and even though we have an awesome neighborhood, bad things could happen. All of these events spanned over maybe 15 minutes; it seemed like hours. I realized  the girl had these flowers in her hand as she was sent to her room. I didn’t think another thing about them.

Until this morning.  Through the hustle of the morning and getting ready, the girl (that is what we call our two little ones in public, the girl and the boy, lol) found time to find a water bottle and put the flowers inside of it before we left.  I never noticed until I came home. I smiled when I saw them. They were so pretty in the light. I didn’t want to move them and I ran to get my phone to take a picture before the light changed. It was precious. It was thoughtful and kind. She knows I love cut flowers, plants and all things beautiful here. Even though, these were a product of a time of disobedience, she still wanted to leave them for me. I’m sure when she picked them, she didn’t think she was doing anything that she wasn’t supposed to be doing. She was just with her brother, enjoying the adventure of nature, and knowing her, she wanted to bring us something pretty. She’s always thinking of us; specifically me.

This made me stop and think;  I’m sure, God feels the same way about us. Even when we believe we are going in the right direction, only to find that we are doing things that we really weren't supposed to do. He gets nervous. He gets scared for us; He is displeased with our choices, all the while being grateful that we have made improvements.  Even though He is all seeing, all knowing, I see God like us as parents. He sees our heart and He knows the end results (unlike us). I truly believe when we leave small tokens of our love for Him, even in the midst of disobedience, He can see that the entire time we were thinking of Him. My daughter had no clue she would get in trouble and throughout her trip she probably had a plan the whole time. She wanted to bring something back to show her Mommy and Daddy. She saw the flowers, picked them, took care of them, kept them, even through her period of chastisement she preserved them and then left them for me without saying a word. She’s a  good baby, through it all. I think, actually I know, God feels the same about us. In all we do, good and bad,  He sees our hearts and our gifts; even through our disobedience. Being a parent is hard. I believe God uses our kids and times like these to show us just how much He goes through with us and how much He loves us. I’m so glad. It never hurts to get these reminders and encouragements. These past two weeks, I have needed them more than ever. He’s good like that.

Have you ever had an experience like this?

Have you ever thought,
"this must be what God thinks when I mess up"?

Share a time you have had with little ones
in your life that opened your eyes to grace and mercy.

Living Matthew 18:20 (Pt. 2)

Walking

As I began to dive into the word of God, I mean really dive into the word, during this difficult time, I was directed to different scriptures and songs. You see, I am a worshipper, a believer…a leader in my church and community, and I was all those things prior to that life-changing event in my family. In all that turmoil, we still went to church, prayed, read the Bible and tried to activate our faith, but we had this stumbling block. I now know that the hindrance we encountered was our desire to keep our problems private; the isolation, the crazy notion of  “keeping up appearances.” We were being inauthentic. And we all know, where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17) We were in bondage. 

Through the struggle of my family, I was introduced to a world of friends.  People that I knew, who I thought had it together, shared with me that they too had their own family issues. There were struggles in their private lives, but they never wanted others to know. Even my friends felt that it was better to keep their problems private. They didn’t want anyone to know their business. They feared judgment and the crazy looks that they may get when people found out they had issues. In my weakest time, I gained strength from all these ladies. The crazy thing was, we were all thinking the exact same things about each other! We all felt that individually we were struggling and all of the people around us had it made. I learned, in that moment, that we seriously were all living the same lives just in different homes. We all had kids that weren’t always well-behaved. We all had problems in our relationships, and we were all trying our best to keep those problems from everyone we encountered. How insane is that?!? 

Trusting

Relationship is about give and take; honesty, authenticity and openness. Even though we know that’s what true relationship is, very few of us actually have those types of relationships. With technology and the convenience of texting, social media and all nuances of the world we live in now, it is easy to portray that everything is wonderful. Our relationships suffer because we walk around in an emotionless time where we send words, pictures or symbols to represent who we are instead of getting together and actually living life with each other. I truly believe that the enemy wants to do everything he can to hinder our relationships; with God and others. If he can get us to a place of isolation, taking on all of our problems ourselves without the help of God, family or friends, then he has us right where he wants us; depending on ourselves…being “strong”… When we need God. We need each other. Proverbs 3:5 says, 

Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. NIV

Living Life Together Through Relationship

When we press upon ourselves that we can handle it on our own, when we feel like our prayers aren’t being heard and that we can’t reach out to our friends for support, we restrict our power in Christ. If we have an issue, we have to gather together with other believers, come into agreement with them and call on the name of God. When we do this, things have to change! Matthew 18:20 lets us know where two or three gather in His name, God is there in the midst. In some of our darkest hours, we often feel that God isn’t there. But He is always with us. We have only to open the eyes of our hearts to see Him there. When we activate Matthew 18:20, it allows us to find support in each other and comfort in knowing God is with us. 

Don’t allow circumstances in life to keep you bound. Realize that, in life, we all go through highs and lows and we need each other to keep moving and making an impact in the Kingdom. None of us live perfect lives, no matter how hard we try. We all have struggles and despite what we believe, we all go through the same kinds of things. Even when life screams you need convenience and it is so much easier to send a text, or a post, don’t. Whenever you are in need, reach out to your friends, your family. 

Cultivate your relationship with God and others so you can activate your faith in times of weakness. There is power in the name of Jesus and there is power that we activate when two or three of us come together in agreement on any one thing! We have been given authority and access to the throne and with that power we are made perfect. It was in my darkest hour that I learned the power of two or three people who gathered, touched and agreed on my circumstance. My faith was made stronger. I was able to walk in who God has called me to be, flawed and all, and still hold my head high. Through my relationship with Christ and those like minded women in my life, I now possess true independence, self-sufficiency, and I am made strong. Through my weakness, Christ’s power has made me perfect in Him. I am a living testimony of Matthew 18:20:

"For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” NIV

And through those beautiful women who took the time to pray with and for me, when I didn’t have the words to pray for myself, I have seen God in the midst of it all.  For that, I am forever grateful. Never underestimate the Power of Two. It will change your life.

If you want to catch Part 1 of this life lesson, click here: The Power of Two: Living Matthew 18:20  (Part One) I hope you enjoy! 

Matters of The Heart

I have been somewhat absent over the past week. My family has had quite the adventure. 2018 was promised to be a season of new beginnings and doors opening for me as well as my family. I approached it with open arms, and honestly a little disbelief. How do you do that, right?  What do you mean, “open arms but disbelief?” Quite the contradiction; but very true for me. I walked out of 2017 heart broken and overwhelmed from losing my Daddy. That was the most devastating thing that I have ever have happen to me in my life. I cry daily, I think of him all the time. I know that these feelings and days will not be so difficult to endure but in order to understand a person, you have to know where they are coming from.  In order to understand and respect where a person is going,  you must know where they are coming from. As December closed, I was given a word for my life. A word that simply said, I am right on the other side of this giant door that God is ready and waiting to open. Discernment was prayed over me, favor and peace. My mind heavy with these emotions and the excitement of new things to come, I opened my arms to 2018 but I was definitely skeptical as to what was next. Don’t forget ya’ll, I’m human. (wink, wink).

The Issue

At the beginning of the year, I heard a quote on the Today Show discussing health and diet. You know all the new year resolution stuff that happens every year? The doctor on the show said, “ A sedentary life stiffens the heart.” Boy, did I not realize how that statement would ring true to me. Here, in the middle of my working on the next big project that I feel will impact women all over the country and world, I learn that my son has an issue with his heart. I felt that I was being active in my walk, my life, and then boom, this happens! Jamison is so very special to me. He is my first baby. He is so very special to our family. Last week he let us know his throat was bothering him, which is a regular occurrence for our boy at least once a year. Then he nonchalantly mentioned that he was having feelings of his heart “stopping” and once it started back, it would startle him in a painful way. Say WHAT?!? We were terrified. What began as a trip to the pediatrician for what we thought was strep ended with us being sent to the hospital to have an EKG. Can you say, fall apart?? Umm, yeah, that is exactly what I wanted to do, but how can you with two little people staring in your face leaning on you to be strong? Jesus be a leaning post, right now. 

The Wait, Results, and the Healing

Fast forward two days, a weekend and another day and a half and we had results. Our firstborn, the baby boy who I prayed for, the baby who is the first person to hear my heartbeat from the inside had an abnormal EKG, our son had what they considered a Right Bundle Branch Block  and we were given an expedited appointment with the pediatric cardiologist. This is usually a condition that is consistent with a person who has structural damage, an enlarged right side or a hole in their heart. Your mind tells you to stay strong, your heart sends a tear to your eyes. It sends a tear to the same eyes that are looking at this boy who was chosen to do great things and all you can do is show him strength; so many emotions. As my husband hears me on the phone and watches me write down the instructions that were given, we speak without speaking and our feelings are mutual. 

Throughout the rest of the day, not much was said or done, but what happened at the end of the night seriously changed our lives. See, I have been praying about my family and for my husband and some things that we needed in our lives and God who is always faithful, proved himself worthy again. Before we went to bed Monday night, my husband gathered us all together in our den, anointing oil in his hand and he began to pray and cry out to God on behalf of our son. He began to remind God of who He is and what He said He would do. He began to cry out to God in sacrifice for our son. I begin to worship in my heart because God was answering my prayer for my family and my husband. Surprisingly, the matter of my son’s heart wasn’t the need. The matter was our family. God was restoring, yet again another part of OUR hearts. God is so faithful. In that moment, we received healing and we hadn’t even been to our son’s appointment yet. God is awesome. 

Now, it is Thursday. We take our little boy in for a second EKG and an Echo to see exactly what was going on with his heart. The doctor explained to us that our son’s EKG was consistent and he did in fact, have the block and whatever we saw next, would determine what we would do. I wasn’t sure how to feel, neither was our boy; but he was strong. He always is. He is probably one of the strongest, most resilient people I know. I love him.

Well, we got to see the boy’s heart. It was absolutely amazing. The doctor explained the pictures we saw and the way the blue and red indicated the direction of the blood flow. He explained how the equipment used the doppler just as meteorologists did. He showed us the true meaning, (these were his words) behind the phrase, 'a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.' You guessed it! We were able to see the boy’s heart through his stomach! We even saw his heart from his aorta…I was in awe with what we saw and heard.

The next words we heard were like eating a piping hot yeast roll with honey butter. (yum) The doctor told us, “Jamison has a perfect heart.” There were no holes, no enlarged places, nothing. His heart wasn’t typical, but it was perfect. We were afraid and relieved all at the same time. Isn’t that how we are as believers? We are sometimes afraid but  because God is within us and because he loves us, we are made perfect. We are not of this world. We aren’t typical but we are made perfect by God’s grace. 2 Cor. 12:9. I am so thankful for that, aren't you glad?? 

The Right Bundle Branch Block was still there and the doctor recommended that the boy wear a BodyGuardian heart monitor for 28 days and if there are any other issues, call as quickly and as often as we needed.  We also have to have annual EKG testing. When we asked why this hadn’t been detected or where it could have come from, there was really no answer. This was the first time he had complained, therefore there was a need for an EKG. We left with joy in our hearts and we were thankful that our prayers and the prayers of our friends were answered.

God. Is. Awesome. 

“A sedentary life stiffens the heart.”

— The Today Show contributing Doc

The Real Matter

The incredible thing about this is that God not only showed us that all we have to do is believe He is who He says He is, (a healer) but He also restores that which is broken; over and over and over….God hears us. God knows us. God cares about us, and He answers prayers. It is all a matter of the heart. It’s all about moving and being active with our faith; not being sedentary. It’s when we are sedentary, our heart becomes stiffened and weak. We can’t see God for who He is.  When we activate our faith, move according to God’s word and align our lives, we see Him all around us. The eyes of our hearts are opened. All we have to do is activate what we have been given, and that is His promise. 

Who Do I Have to Be?

"It could all be so simple
But you rather make it hard
Loving you is like a battle
And we both end up with scars"
 

"Tell me who I have to be to get some reciprocity.
See, no one loves you more than me.
And no one ever will."

“Tell me who I have to be...” These are the lyrics from "Ex-Factor," and Lauryn Hill, one of my most favorite artists. (Can you believe that this is 20 years old??) This cut is from the album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." In ’97 I lived and breathed by this album. I wore it out.  I was reminded of the song for a couple of reasons. One, was my "Never give up" sign in my den, and two was going outside after dropping my kids off at school. Sounds interesting, right? 

It was crazy; I put my keys down, immediately walked out my back door, and I took in the morning air. The word “reciprocity” popped into my head. That word, "reciprocity" always makes me think of Lauryn; It just does. Her lyrics were so meaningful and powerful to me as a teenager back then. She was deep, ya'll! After that,  the phrase, “reciprocity equals relationship” slapped me in the face, right along with the balmy weather we're having right now. What does that mean?? Why am I thinking about this, I asked myself. Then I remembered. It’s directly related to my last blog post Share Yo’ Selfie. You are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made. The response was incredible. People really struggle with being ok with loving themselves enough to share. 

Why

I received so many messages from people thanking me for the post because the reality is, we don’t love ourselves!! Why do we not love ourselves? What is it? One "why" I found: love and relationship. We don't know how to have genuine relationships; with God, with ourselves, or with friends and family.

I had to search my own heart and I found that I don’t always love myself. To be honest, I haven’t always loved God the way I should. Say what?!?! Yep..real deal truth folks. Let me clarify. News flash..I haven’t always been saved and I have acted like a crazy person and made horrible decisions in my life and I have NOT honored God with the life I have been given. Even AFTER being saved, I have acted a fool and my life has not glorified God. But guess what….He has LOVED me anyway; ANYWAY!!! I have felt guilty about grace. I have felt guilty about the mercy that has been given to me… I have felt unworthy of His love and you know what, that has had a direct effect on the relationships in my life. 

Want to know something I am learning about myself?  Here it is: how I love God, how I trust Him, and how I interact with Him is exactly how I am with those around me and those I love. DING, DING!! Aha moment, right?? We have to realize that reciprocity equals relationship. It probably seems like that should be the other way around, but I don’t think so. Watch this. 

The Meaning

Reciprocity is the practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit, especially privileges granted by one country or organization to another. A mutual dependence, action or influence. The latin word is “reciprocus” which means “moving back and forth”. It’s  actually a business oriented word. Reciprocity was a word describing movement of goods.

Relationship is the state of being connected or related. The mutual dealings, connections or feelings that exist between two parties, countries, people etc. Mutual is a key word in these definitions. See it’s a business thing. People tend to take things more seriously when it’s business. They tend to follow through because there are high stakes involved; currency, sacrifice, something that is valuable is at stake. 

Reciprocity equals relationship for me especially when it comes to what God has done; for me..for us. Let me walk you through it: The transaction was a life for a life-God sent His son, Jesus, to die for me so that I may live. (John 3:16) Jesus did something that I could never do. Transparency moment here- as much as I love my children I could never die for them because I am too selfish to ever have to leave them. I would want to stay with them forever to make sure they were ok, but Jesus saw the Father’s will for us, His children,  and He knew it was necessary! I am limited in my thinking but Jesus knew that God was all knowing. The exchange was made for a mutual benefit. My life was worth dying for BEFORE I was created so that I COULD be created to bring Him Glorrrrrrrey….whoa! Mutual benefit. He knew me before I knew myself and He still allowed me to be here despite knowing me, good gracious!! Do ya’ll see what God did?!? He knew me and still cared. He sent Jesus, who was flawless, to die so I, flaws and all, could live to bring Him glory (PRAISE BREAK!!!) That is what I was created to do; worship and bring Him praise. (Isaiah 43:7, Rev 4:11)

The Process

When we realize we are good enough for God,  we can then realize we are worth living. Living means we are being. When we are “being” we are ok with who we are. We don’t have to live, look like, or be like anyone else because we are made in His image. Acts 17:28 tells us that it is in Him we live, and move and have our being. We are His offspring. So if we take the time to look deep inside ourselves we find God and when we do that, we are satisfied with who we are; because He is everything and there is no need for anything else. 

So I leave you with these lyrics once more to ponder. I often wonder if God isn’t saying this to us sometimes.…all He wants is a little reciprocity. When we love Him and I mean really LOVE Him, we love ourselves. Never give up. It's a process, but we can do it.  He trusted us to, that's why He died for us. Believe that. 

"Tell me who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
See no one loves you more than me
And no one ever will…."

(me whispering) Thank you, Lord…

Share Yo' Selfie. You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

I am obsessed with pictures. I love everything about what a good photograph represents; the memory, the message it sends to not only people who see it, but all of those who are in the photograph. There is something that just makes you smile when you see a great image.  I sat looking through my own photos, and then realized how many selfies I had in my phone. There were seriously what seemed to be 30 of the same pose/expression. What in the world?? Whhhyyyy??? (insert face plant into my palm) As I begin to look through all the pictures, a flood of emotions go through my mind. I feel silly for taking all the pictures. I feel guilty for taking the 5 minutes it took because I have a sink full of dishes that need to be done or clothes that need to be folded and everything else I could/should be doing. I also feel like, “Yaaassss, honey! Today was a good day!” All of that over a selfie. Crazy, right? Or is it? 

The Process

We have been so conditioned to find fault in our own appearances. We have been made to feel like we have to look like someone else to be beautiful. The devil is a liar. We have so many images around us that attempt to make us feel like we need to do one more thing and THEN we will be “beautiful.” When we finally find something we like about ourselves, it kind of makes us feel strange; but why?

"Why?", is a great question. Why do I have 30 selfies of the same expression in my phone? Why did I want to take that selfie in the first place? Why did I not like the first 29? Why do I feel bad for loving my own picture? Why?

After I have that crazy conversation with myself,  I get to the “what” part of the whole selfie situation. What did I like about my hair, my face, my outfit, my makeup, my expression? What did I see that made me feel so good that I took the time to celebrate? I realized what it was. It was the 5 minutes I took for myself that felt worth it. I loved the way I looked. I loved the way I felt. I loved me.  I didn’t compare myself to anyone else. This was me. My selfie. No one else can have my selfie. This was my up close expression of who I wanted to share with everyone. I loved my skin. I loved how my hair fell just right. I loved how pretty my eyes looked. I loved how I didn’t have to smile to be “pretty”. I loved how strong my expression was, yet how feminine I was able to be all at the same time. This was who I wanted to share. This was me. It may have taken me 30 times to find the 1, but guess what? I did it. That one photograph captures who I am and I was so pleased with it, I shared. That’s the thing about selfies.

See, normally when you take a selfie, there isn’t a committee of people you show it to and say, “hey…which one of these do you like?” Nope, it’s usually just you, the mirror and your phone. You may be in your car, the bathroom at Lowes Hardware, the kitchen, the hallway, anywhere. You may be dressed up or you may even have a blouse on top and sweat pants on the bottom; 'cause we all know, if that face is right, that's all that matters! We're taking that waist-up picture, honey and no one has to even know!! We push, “post” or “share” and that’s all she wrote. 

Don't feel bad. Don't downplay it. That post is huge, girl.  That action shows strength. It shows self-acceptance. It speaks Psalm 139:14

I will praise thee: for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works;
and that my soul knoweth right well. (KJV)

When It "Clicks," You Get It

You see, when I share a selfie, it says I don’t look like what I have been through. It says, I believe that I am beautiful right now and despite what I may have felt like before, this picture gives God glory because I am smoking hot!! That selfie shares what my soul knows. When I share, it may not be for the people who see it, but it is definitely for me. When I post a selfie, I am screaming from the top of my lungs, “Ayyyyeeee God!!! Marvellous are thy works! I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I don’t have to meet any standard. I meet Yours. Thank ya, Lord!”

That is what led me to start this movement. The #shareyoselfie movement! On my Instagram and Facebook pages, I asked for women to send me one of their favorite selfies. It was a way that they could share themselves with me and the world. I only wanted 25 selfies, but I received more. To me, this gives God glory. Each of these ladies have a story. Each of these ladies have a reason they love the images of themselves, and they were able to share that piece of themselves with me.  For that, I am thankful. That action showed strength. That action showed self-acceptance. The act of sharing what they felt was the best of themselves screamed Psalm 139:14. 

As you look at each image, see the best. See God’s glory in each and every expression. I hope you see that these ladies were able to love themselves enough to share. 

“It’s my favorite selfie because...one, it was actually the first pic of 2018. I felt refreshed, ready for my 12 new chapters and my 365 chances to SLAY in every way this year. It’s my bring it on face, because I’m ready for whatever you have in store for me, 2018. #theyearofchange #positivevibesONLY”

— sincerelylifeby_zoe

Thank you, ladies. I know this may seem like a very small thing that you did by sharing your up close and personal shot, but it's not. Remember, it only takes a one pebble to create a rockslide. Here's to mountains being moved! I love you for loving yourself. I love you for loving and trusting me with your image.  To God be the glory.....

Do you want to #shareyoselfie?
Email or comment below
We would love for you to join the movement!

The Power of Two: Living Matthew 18:20 (Part One)

Living

My life was perfect. I had two loving parents who dedicated love, time and attention to me for the betterment of my being. I had examples of what men and women of God were supposed to look like. I had a family history of education, hard work and success. I knew how important it was to have a relationship with God and how special family life was. My Mother was a strong, loving, hardworking woman and my Daddy was a strong, loving, hardworking man. I was raised to trust God; be strong and independent. I was taught to be self-sufficient. I was built to strive for perfection. I succeeded in everything I attempted. I excelled…and my life was “perfect.”

In all these lessons, I learned that perceived success is almost always tied to each of the following traits: trust God, be strong, independent, and self-sufficient. I worked hard to achieve independence, self-sufficiency, perfection, the appearance of strength…and I succeeded. Through all my years in school, college, career, marriage and family, I was a BOSS at externally making my life look flawless. 

On the outside, I was always at the top of my game. My home was beautiful. My family looked amazing at all times - my career was booming; until it wasn’t. My relationship with my husband suffered. I was constantly unhappy (at home), I felt like my children never behaved the way I wanted them to and our home was in turmoil behind closed doors. My career was “glamorous” and I knew everyone that needed to be known. My connections were great, and I was amazing at what I did, but I was stressed to the hilt. As soon as we stepped out of our doors, my family knew how to turn on the magic of the “Power Family”, but there were many days that once we were in the confines of our home, we didn’t speak. When we did, it wasn’t pleasant and we were miserable. Through all of this, I would pray and ask God to help my family, to no avail, or so it seemed, but I kept pressing through with a smile that could fool the world. I never once wanted to breathe to anyone the struggle I was going through or the disappointing life I was living. It was too personal and I dare not share. Especially when everyone thought we were the “perfect family.” I realized my life, my family, and my relationship were kind of like maneuvering an Etch A Sketch. Words displayed are easier said than done. If I, if we could just navigate the way to connect all the lines to create the words, the vision, it would be beautiful. It would actually be mind-blowing.

Learning

It seemed that nothing was changing, until one day, an incident changed all of our lives forever. My family was torn apart. We went through a season of absolute devastation. The “secret” was out - we weren’t the “perfect family” - we didn’t have it all together. I was embarrassed, ashamed, saddened, hurt and every other adjective imaginable. Then there was the reaction of the community who loved me, loved us…  It was a mixed collection of shock, “I knew it was too good to be true”, and sadness. 

I learned quickly what the word friend truly meant at that point in my life. I learned, in my time of isolation, that God was honestly always there when others turned their backs. I also learned that there were women in my life who loved me, cared about me and my family in the good times and the bad times. I, in my devastated state, found strength from these ladies who were there for me in the midst of one of the most difficult struggles of my life. They prayed for me. They listened and they understood the struggle. I wasn’t alone at all. They gave me strength. 

---

Come back to visit for the rest of the story. Living Matthew 18:20 (Pt. 2) will be here next week! 

Do you struggle to keep the "perfect family?"
Where do you go when your cover is blown?
 

Hello, 2018!

Does anyone else think it is absolutely bananas that the New Year literally started on a Monday; like the first official work day?? Is that just me...probably so but I mean, think about it. I know that may seem silly but I was totally blown away and somewhat satisfied when the first day of the New Year started on the first day of the week. It made me feel like I have this new year, new work week and fresh start from the beginning. Not like a Wednesday or Thursday. That kills me because then I have a new planner with 3 days, no information on them, yada yada...I have this thing with calendars and planners and days of the week etc. My husband calls me strange. I am (LOL). But I digress!! 

Last week I was asked to record a quick video segment on 2018 and the New Year for an organization I belong to that would air today. I wasn’t able to participate, but as I sat thinking,  I heard two questions that simply asked “Why are people looking for something that isn’t lost? Why are people searching for things they already have?” OK, Lord. I hear you.

It is so easy to fall into the habit of recapping the former year and swearing off all that you have done that wasn’t beneficial. You walk out of the year one way, walk into the new year another way. You tell the world that you are looking for love, beauty, wealth, recognition…all the things that people feel they lack. But in Bible, Paul writes that God can do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think. In Ephesians chapter 3, Paul discusses the mystery of God and the eternal purpose of God for us; the boldness and confidence that we have been given. Ephesians 3:16 clearly gives us assurance that God will grant us with the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.  There is nothing that we do not have access to through the Father; so I ask you, 

What are you looking for?

There is no need to start your year by claiming lack and saying you are looking for some thing or someone when what you need is right where you are. Stop looking for what is right in front of you! Gain perspective by using the tools you have been given. Use the access you have been given by reaching out to God to ask for discernment and clarity in order to acknowledge what you have. 

Don’t let the party end because today is the proverbial “Monday.” It is the first Monday of the first week of THE NEW YEAR!! The party isn't over! You take the party with you everywhere you go. Stand up tall, be who you are called to be and walk into 2018 like a Boss! You should. He has given us the keys to the Kingdom. We must carry ourselves as the sons and daughter’s of the most high God and we act accordingly. Happy New Year! Now walk right on in to the party with your own balloons and let's get it started. Remember that God loves you. He loves all of us and His love is so reckless that wherever we are, He is coming after us right there in that place. He is coming for us according to the exact same eternal purpose that He purposed in Christ Jesus (Eph 3:11) Grab onto that and go...

I love you and I hope you have enjoyed the first day of 2018. 
Happy New Year!

What goals do you have for 2018?
Is your vision clear?
What purpose are you walking with into 2018?
 

Monday Memories

Yesterday was Monday, yes, Monday. Like most Mondays, it was a bear. Life has been a tad difficult these last few weeks. I had my first Thanksgiving without my Daddy, traveling from the Midwest to record and to Texas to write, (details about that coming soon) all over a span of 10 days, whew! I am exhausted to say the least. My mind and my body are drained physically and emotionally. I’m a little bummed because my biggest cheerleader, the one who would call just to check up on me, is gone . As Christmas is approaching,  my little man turns the big “10,” in a couple weeks and normally, I can’t wait for the festivities, but recently,  my mind has suffered with the grief.  As a person who doesn’t need a reason to celebrate and throw a good party,  I have struggled to find my joy. I’m trying, though. I am plowing through life, day by day.

God has been so good to me through it all and He has been one step ahead through this entire process. I have so many awesome things happening right now and I am trying so very diligently to enjoy them and appreciate everything. Honestly, it hasn't been easy to do that, but I know my Daddy would want me to be happy. I am doing things most people dream about doing; and I am grateful.

I recently recorded my first EP, called “The Gift” (my Christmas Collection),  in Greenville, Illinois on the beautiful campus of Greenville University. The Whitlock Music Center was where we camped out to work over a little under 48 hours. I was told that the group, Jars of Clay recorded at Whitlock. I think that's kind of cool. Whitlock was a beautiful place and I couldn't have asked for a better studio experience. Devin Chaney, David Chaney, Bryson Buehrer, and Tyler Thorpe were the musicians who helped make my dream come true. Rebecca, Ashley and Denise were three special ladies who helped make the long day, worth it. Bryson not only played the bass on the project, but he also documented everything with these beautiful photos. You can check out his website for more of his work. Go to www.brysonbphoto.com. For me to say the experience was amazing, is an understatement. I was able to meet wonderful musicians, people and make INCREDIBLE music.

Recording has been something that different people have mentioned to me before, but I have always been a little afraid to do it. I have been afraid to fail; afraid that no one would want my music, or that it wouldn’t be good enough. But I also know that singing is one of my gifts I have been given and I need to give God glory by using it. What better way than to celebrate the birth of Christ??

I was literally handed this opportunity as soon as I came home to Indiana after my Daddy's services. It was as if I had been given a new area to place my focus. So, with the opportunity given, I am making my reasonable contribution to the season by singing and adding to the atmosphere of worship that I love during this time of year.

In just a few more days, “The Gift” will be available for digital downloads and shortly after that, the actual physical disc will also be available. I can not wait to share this music. I’m pretty sure that, we as a group, had to have broken a record getting everything completed as quickly as we did. We finished recording all 5 songs, from the scratch tracks to the completed ones in less than 24 hours. For individuals who had never met, only heard the music one day prior to recording, I would say we did amazing work together. I am so pleased and blessed to have so many cool people placed in my life.

I am truly thankful and I know my Daddy would have told at least 100 people by now about what I have been doing! That makes me smile. It is because of him that I have always been able to dream. It is because of the love my Daddy showed me that I have been confident enough to step out and do anything I wanted to do. I thank God everyday for life and I am so thankful for the gift I am blessed to share. I hope you enjoy the gallery and be on the lookout for the EP! I will keep you posted. Until then, have an awesome week. 

Which Way Do We Go, George?

Who is George? I don't know. It was a saying I heard off of a Looney Toons cartoon when I was young. But one thing for sure, the character trusted that George knew the way. Do you ever feel like you lost the road map to life? I have been there, actually, I am still there. Since my Daddy left, life, the holidays and all the awesome experiences  I am being blessed with, are just not like they used to be. I haven't given up, but truthfully, it has been hard. That is why I am glad even in my struggles, that I am surrounded by wonderful people. It is encouraging to know, even in the midst of confusion, He never changes. God has been so good to me. For that I am thankful; but believe you me, I have asked a million times over, "Which way do we go?" I am, daily learning to trust Him more and more. 

If we all had trust, life would be so easy. But then again, nothing truly good, is easy; is it? I have had the honor of meeting many amazing people during this journey of a blogger's life. I am often discouraged by social media and checking statistics and analytics of traffic and blah, blah blah. Oy vey!  And then, I come across beautiful people and communities on Instagram, like @seekingharvest and it's founder, Hannah of Brisbane Australia.  We linked up and she is my guest blogger today! I hope this encourages you to hang in there and trust even when you don't know which way to go, when things aren't going your way, and when those mountains just don't move. Today, I introduce you to Hannah. I also introduce you to her heart. 

Meet Hannah. Go check out her awesome community, Seeking Harvest over at linktr.ee/seekingharvest.

Trust Him even when the mountains aren't moving 

Mark 11:23 "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them."

Every moment we doubt, every moment we are unsure about the future, every moment we don't know what to do- it never changes what God sees. He sees blessedness, victory and freedom and sometimes the mountains in our lives often distort this unchanged perspective that God has for our lives.

That's where trust and faith comes in. In this verse it says that if we believe the mountain can move then it will. However, what can stop this is doubt. I'm sure you have been in situations before where you doubt the promises of God or doubt the visions He placed on your heart.

Truth is that God knows what tomorrow brings, He has planned every single day of your life.
So when you don't see the mountains moving just keep trusting Him.

I know it sounds simple but trusting will move your focus away from doubt and closer to the nature and perspective of God.

He will never leave Your side, He is forever in your midst cheering you on and helping you in this journey of trust. 

 

What can you do today to increase your faith?
How will you trust God?

 

The Power of Two

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."  Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

You know there is a saying...two is always better than one? As a matter of fact, it is true and Biblical! First, let me say thank you for opening your heart to take time to stop by and visit my blog.  My prayer is that you are able to see that you are not alone in your journey called life. There are women and men all over the world who are just like you in every way. We are powerful, dynamic, beautiful sons and daughters of the King and just as Matthew 18:20 says, where there are two or three of us in agreement, there He will be also. This is just another part of the Two Series created to build you up in all seasons....

Regardless of the daily struggles that you may go through, there are ALL the amazing triumphs that you have made every second you are breathing. The fact that you are able to manage all of the moving pieces of your life, your family, your homes, jobs...is an absolute testimony of the faithfulness of God. Your mere existence in the midst of it all gives God glory.

My goal is to encourage and uplift, and support you in any way that I can. I would love to have you join me on Facebook Live chats, Bible studies, gatherings, discussions....all the things we need for ourselves. One thing I have learned is that we as women take so many roles on for everyone around us at times....everyone except ourselves. So, I hope that you enjoy this journey as we learn about the love Christ has for us and the wonderful connections we can make with each other! There are so many fun and exciting things that I have learned over the last year about God and His unconditional love that He has for us. Once you unlock what He has for you, there is nothing that you can't do.

My prayer for this series and those of you who want to join,  is that we are real with ourselves and that we are real with each other, because in the end we are really living the same lives, just different states, cities, homes, and names. We genuinely have more things in common than we know. We just don't realize how similar we are because we fail to see the similarities. I want to grow a community of women who celebrate good times, bad times, highs and lows...because the Bible tells me I can do ALL things through Christ. Not just good things, but ALL things. Let 's stand together in our calling and join in with one another to give God glory. There is strength in numbers. You don't always have to be number one when you can have your TWO! If you are interested in learning more about this community, getting one of the "2" necklaces for you or someone else, or if you would like to be a part of this movement, please shoot me a message. I would love to talk more! 

I Love you all!!!

 

What issue can I agree with you on in prayer?
Who is your "Two"?
How has your life changed through prayer and agreement?