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 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.

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. 

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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?
 

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?

Do You Know What This Is?

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

....now is the time. Good old fashioned communication. Not many I come into contact with have used or even know what a rotary phone is. I honestly don't remember using one to make calls, but I played with one; in my "play, play" office when I was little. This was what people used for communication. The way they spoke to others who were far away. It was a luxury to have a telephone in your home. It was key to keep in touch. Communication was made easy because hearing someone's voice on the other end was wonderful. The sound of "...Hello?" was always pleasing. Now, it isn't something we do often. We should. Knowing that we have someone we can call is so crucial; even in the age of technology.  It is uplifting and comforting. It is necessary.  

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" blog post series. "Two" is a group I started on my birthday. Just a group of  ladies who, during a difficult time in my life were there. These were ladies I knew I could have a connection with and live out Matthew 18:20. I hope these posts encourage you to be a part of my "Two" community as well as create your own. If there was ever a time to have someone to communicate with, touch and agree in a prayer of supplication, now is the time. During this tumultuous season we’re in right now in the world, know that prayer is the number you dial to get to God; the old school way. Contrary to people in our lives, at times, know this....God will hear you when you call and He will answer.

In everything that we do, there are naysayers, discouraging people, and 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!!! The last thing we should do is stop communicating with Him. We need God now more than ever before!

There is nothing that can separate you from the love of Christ! NOTHING!!! If you need a boost for the rest of the week/weekend, 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 in relation to 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. Know that you can call on Him at anytime; He will always answer.

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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. Romans 8:37-39 NIV

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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; through prayer and worship. 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. This is your line of communication to God. If the line seems busy, don’t stop calling. God longs to answer the prayers of His children.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Please join me in creating a strong community of believers, women and men, who want to find their "Two" to reach the heart of God. Share this message and join the movement.
 

Are you able to communicate the "old fashioned" way?
Will you continue to pray for change in the world?
What does communication mean to you?
Who is your "Two"?

di·ver·si·ty ​​​​​​​| dəˈvərsədē,dīˈvərsədē/ |

di·ver·si·ty
1: the state of being diverse; variety.
2 : an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities 

The world prides itself in it’s diversity, but in the same manner, shows it's disgusting lack of that very thing.  People either strive to be completely different than everyone around them or they strive to be exactly like everyone they see. The funny part about all of that is, we live in a society that says we should be “individuals” and I use that very loosely. When we look around there are so many people who look so much alike in their “individuality” that they make up their own group. Now isn’t that contradictory?? It’s bananas…for real. 

I live in a community that is predominantly populated by people who don’t look like me, aren’t in the same socioeconomic category, educational qualifications, marital status, family makeup..all of those areas that we categorize people in a community. I was one of maybe 4  black people in the entire county. So imagine my dilemma when I moved here in my youth (mid 20’s), and then back here in my early 30’s. It was hard to understand where I was supposed to fit in and why I didn’t. It was difficult to understand why people treated me the way they did without knowing me. See, some people were overly nice because they felt they had to be to make up for those who were downright hateful. Then you had those who were blatantly rude and disgusted at my presence, my relationship, and later my beautifully, culturally, ethnically different family. As a college educated female athlete who was extremely extroverted and charismatic who happened to be black with a college educated alpha male athlete who was the hometown superstar basketball player, who was also extroverted and charismatic AND happened to be white….people were somewhat in awe and intimidated by us. They were amazed, fascinated even,  by me because for one, there were people here who had never seen a black person in real life. I know that sounds crazy but it’s true. At the time, I worked with children, and there were days some of them would ask to touch my face…because they wanted to know what it felt like. YES, that is a true story…basically, I had to actually come to grips with this being my real life. It wasn’t what I was used to and it was almost ridiculous to me. In those moments, I was being molded, tested, stretched and made. 

There were times, I cried. I was angry, I was hurt, concerned and irritated. There were times that I would ask God to move me, help me change people..and then I stopped. I grew faint in the fight to make people around me culturally aware or attempting to show them how very similar we were despite our obvious differences. I was discouraged.

Four years later, we moved back to my hometown in North Carolina and I was thankful to be home with my family and my familiar surroundings. That time was short because we were called back to southern Indiana and this time, we had children. (Insert terror filled heart, mind and facial expression right here!) I didn’t know how to feel, what to think or what to do. I remembered how I was treated at times and I most definitely didn’t want my babies to have to be faced with that!! Well, I was pleasantly surprised to find that through the years, people remembered me; not because I was different, but because of the impact I made on the lives of the youth I worked with and their families. Despite the treatment I received, I chose to help the children, some of whom belonged to racist parents, and because of my heart and desire to make a difference, I was able to be the difference. I was overwhelmed with the response of the school staff and community leaders and people, who thanked me for the help I had given. It was at that moment I realized there were more people inherently like me. More like me, than those who were not. 

We were truly a community that was not diverse; in more ways than others and in a way  that most didn't  think about or relate. The majority were a group of people who wanted our families to be better than the previous generations. We wanted our children to be exposed to different things in life than we had. We wanted unity amongst different groups and cities. We wanted God to be the head of our lives and our communities. We wanted peace in our homes and our hearts. We all wanted the SAME THINGS! We were all the same type of people who just happened to look a little different and live at different addresses; but we lived the same lives. We had the same routines and responsibilities. We were adults…doing "big people" things now. There was no diversity because the community I came to know was composed of the same elements and qualities. We wanted a better life for our community and families. We were choosing to magnify Christ and in doing so, we recognized how similar we all were. It is funny how getting married and having children opens your eyes to a whole new world!

In essence, we are all the same. There seriously is no diversity in the lives of believers. There is no need to see the differences we possess because those were the things that enhanced our similarities. God needed me to see the vast differences of my two experiences in the very same place to bring me back to know, in Christ we are one. He made us to glorify Him in all that we do. What I hope that can be learned by all who live in the community I live in, the city, the county, the state that I live in, is that we all need to come together and see what we have in common before we hurt others. We need to stand up for those of us who have been wronged by the ignorance of others and help them to understand that right is right and wrong is wrong. We need to show the few who choose to be prejudiced against those who don’t look like them, that there are many who aren’t that way. Don’t stand back and allow families, children and the innocent to be hurt because of traditional ignorance. We must make a difference, even if it is against a generational heritage of hate and bias. Our future depends upon it. Regardless of the trials we face on our journey, we must remember Romans 8:28:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. NIV

God kept me and my family through all of these experiences. So, I charge you to be the example, to be a leader. Be who you want to be treated like. Be a guardian of those like you and a light to those who are blinded by darkness. In order to create diversity, you must first recognize the true differences of those around you and instead of mistreating them because of superficial differences and ignorances, find out what really matters. Find out about their character, their needs, the desires of their hearts. Find out who they are deep down; not on the surface. We need to learn before we can grow and if you never take time to know a person, you will never understand who they are. 

What does “diversity” mean to you?
What can you do to break the barrier of outer differences to show inner similarities?

Can I Just Be Like A Good Ole Egg??

There is no doubt that these are eggs…right? Regardless of the color, the size, taste or any other characteristic, you can’t say that these aren’t eggs. I want to be that way. I’m pretty sure I sound a little crazy right now, but seriously, I want to be like an egg. I'm a pretty picky eater and I can honestly say there is not one other food item I can think of that keeps it's character like an egg. You can prepare an egg anyway you want, and people will still be able to say, "That's an egg". Eggs are really undeniable. I want to be recognized as who I am; like eggs are. Despite my circumstances or being shaken, scrambled, fried, over easy, boiled, poached, cracked, under developed, a reject of sorts, put in a box or container, just one in the number….all words, descriptions of how eggs are categorized or labeled. This is an amazingly vast list, but very true. And regardless of the descriptions or appearance, they are still known as eggs.

I want to be the same, no matter what...

Think about it, the eggs that are consumed for eating are really unfertilized yolks or under developed. There are stages in life that we are in that very same place…raw, lacking the final stage, you know, not quite ready. I honestly have felt like all of the adjectives that I have written above. I have felt shaken, scrambled, fried, over easy, boiled, poached, cracked, under developed, a reject of sorts, put in a box or container, just one in the number. A revelation came to me the other day that made me realize that the difference between me and those eggs was simple; CONSISTENCY. When I say consistency, I mean consistency in the sense of the uniformity or regularity of something; not the density or texture. The dependability or reliability of something is its consistency. The difference between me and a good ole egg is that no matter what that egg went through, how it tasted, how it looked or what condition it was in, shell or no shell, it was seen for what it was, an egg. I can’t always say that about myself…

I have had to reevaluate my life recently, and as much as I would love to believe that I am consistently recognized for who I truly am, a child of God, I’m pretty sure that I’m not. Why? Basically, because I’m really not consistent. I’m not always sure of who I am, who I belong to, what my purpose is and how I can fulfill that purpose. Notice, I said I’m not sure. That is where the issue lies. It’s not that I don’t know, because I know…it’s because I allow myself to become unsure. 

Growth=(trial+FAITH)perseverance

I love that equation. Multiply perseverance by the sum of your trial and BIG faith and you get growth...wow. As I studied the first chapter of James, I learned a very valuable lesson: Our faith determines our attitudes and actions. Just read as James was speaking to the 12 tribes. His words of encouragement were meant to inspire them to gain wisdom and knowledge from their trials. To cherish the very opportunity they earned from the experiences. Learning to have a constant faith is key.

James 1:2-7, 12, 16-18
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

Don't let a little scramblin' change you...

In the season I am in right now, I am learning that faith equals consistency. The only time that I lack consistency is when my faith wavers. I don’t act like a daughter of the King when I doubt the promises that have been made to me. When I forget or misplace where my help comes from, it causes my witness, the very essence of who I am, to falter. When faith is lacking for us as believers, we become unrecognizable. When we allow ourselves to bounce up and down like a yo-yo being controlled by the strings of the world and our circumstances, we lose our identity in Christ. We become inconsistent. We don’t sound like Kingdom kids, we don’t look like Kingdom kids, and we don’t live like Kingdom kids. And we all know we become what we believe we are. Our belief determines our actions.

My most urgent prayer for my life right now and the prayer I have for believers all over the world is to be like a good ole farm fresh egg. I want to be who I am called to be, exude the spirit of the One who bled and died for me. I want to be recognized as one who stands firm on the rock of my salvation despite the conditions. If I am shaken, scrambled, fried, over easy, boiled, poached, cracked, under developed, a reject of sorts, put in a box or container, just one in the number, a different color or size, I still want people to recognize me as an “egg.” I want to go through all the phases of life, all the ways that life can cook me up, seasoning me, even changing my composition, knowing that in the end, I am still who I was born to be…In James 1:17 we are reminded that every good and perfect thing comes from the Father, who does not change. God is consistent. He never changes. He always provides and He is always with us. In the Word it tells us early on that we are made in His image, therefore I have no choice but to believe, and that it is in His will that I am to be just like Him. (Consistent and faithful) Thank you, Jesus.

My choice is to be consistent in everything I do. I choose to give God glory by honoring His faithfulness toward me. I will acknowledge Him in all that I do by trusting in His word and looking to Him for guidance in all things good and bad. I want my faith to be consistent. 

I don’t want the highs and the lows to dictate my reactions or my life. I want to be recognized as the person God sees; the whole me, the called me, the “egg” me, the consistent me, the faithful me. If I have to be one of a dozen, I'll take that. Check this, though…how 'bout James was speaking to the 12 tribes, right? I made an egg reference by saying "one of a dozen"... (eggs usually come in a dozen) get it??? Dozen, 12 tribes..? I "crack" myself up! Oh my, another one!!  (Side note: When I read this part to my husband he had a frightened expression. I suppose he didn't find that too funny, so if you don't it's okay...but I thought it was!!!!!) Ok, I’m done. ANYWAY, let’s all strive to be like eggs. It will be a most egg-cellent decision (shameless pun intended!)

What can you do to be like an egg? 
How can we build our faith to be more consistent?
What ways can we help each other?

The Race

Runners have open hands, relaxed bodies, smooth strides, despite the race. If you're holding onto something, let it go. Relax; no matter how many false starts, how many people in your lane… faster runners, relax.  When people jump the gun, wait until YOU are instructed. If someone's in your lane, move over. If someone is faster than you, draft. Use their strength to pull you to the finish. Whatever you do, don't stop running.

This was a FaceBook status I posted a few years ago. When it popped up as one of my memories, I smiled. It was something that encouraged me. It was me encouraging myself. Let me tell you a secret…lots of times when I have something to say or share with other people, it seems like that word is for me too! It truly helps me. How cool is it that God will use what we can relate to in order for us to understand? How amazing is it that He will allow us to hear the help WE need from our very own mouths and watch as that message can impact someone else at the same time? I relate to sports, so this reference works for me. I get it. This is real life. "Don’t stop running, don’t stop going"…Words that I tell myself all the time. Doesn’t everything seem like a race? 

Every day we find ourselves “running” to get where we have to go. We rush in and out of everywhere to go from one place to the next; one event to the other…it seems like we never see the finish line. I find myself racing to achieve so many goals, and I, in essence, lose sight of the main goal. I really want to achieve…JOY. Do you know how long it has taken me to figure that out??? JOY…not happiness, but joy. I have realized that all of the chaos of life and all the running, the grind of the day to day life has truly been for my happiness.  How is that possible, you might ask? Well, let me tell you…I go to work because basically, y’all, I like stuff. SORRY…get ready for this transparent moment. I like to get things for my home, my family, my children and of course myself. Being able to work allows me to do those things. All of the running I do for my children and all three million things that they are involved in, is literally for happiness; theirs and mine. I love to see them smile, achieve and grow. I love it when they do well because it makes me proud! ( I’m human, folks and yes, I am not ashamed to be proud.) I try to surround them with inspiration and watch them be themselves. From the most serious moments in life to catching them being silly in their rooms, I LOVE watching them grow. I try to encourage them through all the "I can't do it!" whines with little bits of inspiration throughout the house...hoping they understand the encouragement and support enough to bring them courage and happiness as well.

I get involved with organizations and groups because it makes me happy to be connected to something and make a difference. All of these examples are ways that I have attempted to find happiness... until they didn’t make me happy anymore. Until I realized that my happiness was tied to circumstances and when those circumstances didn’t go the way I wanted them to, I wasn’t happy. I had to change that mentality because truthfully, in all my attempts to be happy, to create "happiness" and surround myself and my family with "happiness," it actually created more stress and a miserable atmosphere for all of us. And that’s rough, especially when you only want what’s best. 

How I Train

I have had to learn that happiness does not constitute my joy. It hasn’t been the easiest concept to grasp but it has been something that I will do my best to keep in mind. There are a few scriptures that I have to constantly remind myself in order to keep it together some days.  I have to remember to keep my mind on God, so that everything else seems small. I have to keep my mind on Him to bring me peace and perspective so that I can find joy in even the smallest things; the smallest accomplishments.

Isaiah 26:3-4

Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength: (KJV)

Everlasting strength…that is exactly what we need to finish what we set out to do in life. If I have to run this race, I want to have everlasting strength, and according to the Word, that is what I will be given if I keep my mind and my focus, on Him. When I think of all the races I run and how they literally revolve around my family I think, there is no better feeling than to see one of my babies smile or laughing. To know they are truly enjoying themselves and I can catch that moment, makes my day! That is joy!

Then I am reminded in Galatians 5:22-23…

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
 faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)

So, if I say I am a child of God and I want to portray the image of Christ, and I don't have these characteristics, then am I really bearing the fruit of who I really am? Am I being who I am called to be?? I must admit, I struggle at times to bear all these fruits; especially at the same time ( help me Lord, lol) but, I want to aim for them all. I am the daughter of the most high God! I have been covered by the blood of my Savior and because of the grace given to me by One who was blameless for all the sins He died for, my aim, my goal, is to bear one of these fruits. As I study, I am learning that they are all tied together. If you get one, you can get two and then three and then eventually you will have them all to bear witness.  It ain’t easy, but doggone it, I’m going to try.

The last few scriptures I think on are those we have all heard, recited, and shared in parts or in their entirety. These are the verses that help me hit the mark in the dead center of the target. 

Psalm 51:10
 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (KJV)
This gives me my daily clean slate. This helps me to start my day in the right frame of mind.

Isaiah 40:31
   But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; They will mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 

This helps me gain understanding that when I wait on the Lord, and for me, I understand that to mean “serve” Him (like a waitress in a restaurant), that no matter how hard I work to fulfill His “order” I won’t get tired, I won’t get weary, but I will rise up like one of the most revered, majestic birds in the air, an eagle. Regardless of what I have to do to fulfill my calling, His “order”, I will never lose strength. He will forever sustain me for my willing service, and I love that promise. 

 Hebrews 12:1-3                                                       
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV)

The Finish...

I am determined to have joy, share joy, teach joy, show joy…If I have to run this race called life that I find myself running regularly, I will continue to remind myself of these verses in order to be who I am called to be, gain the lead by striving to not allow my circumstances to dictate my joy and to realize that when I magnify God in my life and minimize all of the other things, that I have no room for the unimportant issues that bring temporary happiness. When I fully understand that God truly is greater than all the highs and lows in my life, then and only then,  can I run this race knowing these things for sure; I will win, I will finish, and I will have joy in doing so because in Christ I have everything I could ever want or need. My joy nor my life can be predicated on my situation. Situations change but our God remains the same. 

Whatever you do, don't stop running!
What brings you joy?
Share your thoughts and let's have a conversation to encourage
someone else.

Faithful

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.
                                                                                                           Hebrews 11:1

Things hoped for…a hand that you hold and it never lets go. An answer every time you call.  Someone who will always be there in the best of times and the worst of times. A love that never leaves, that is unselfish, forgiving, ever-present, and always faithful. These are things hoped for and can sometimes be things that are unseen.

Can you wrap your mind around someone loving you enough to die for you; knowing everything about you, a love that is so strong, that it sees beyond your faults and sacrifices themselves for your need. Is there any love that you know that is so faithful? Is there any feeling so powerful that you have ever felt that can compare to that? I have searched my heart and my mind to try to find a love that I have ever understood to be so faithful and the closest I can understand is the love I have for my children. To know that the moment I knew of their existence how my life forever changed. I was faithful to the mere thought of them. My future changed. My outlook on life changed. My purpose was set and I knew that I would do anything to ensure they would have everything they could ever ask for, need or think of imaginable. At that moment, I realized the love God has for me. As I parent my children, I see how unconditional my love for them is. I recognize that regardless of what their actions may be,  I would literally do anything for them. Even when my role in their life is uncomfortable to them, embarrassing at times, hard to understand, but always present. I then had a very conflicting thought/question…WARNING! Here is my moment of transparency..if I had to choose to to die and leave my children, would I choose death or would I not want to leave them because I felt they needed me?? If I had to save them, as a Mother, I wouldn't want to leave them…but God, who is all-knowing, knew His sacrifice, His son, would die on the cross, rise with all power so that I could have everlasting life. I realized that my feelings may be a tad selfish. I am not sure if I could leave them if I had a choice…but I am so human and honestly, my love is limited compared to God. He knew I would need His son, Jesus,  and He was willing to make that sacrifice for me…He’s a good Father. 

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

Acknowledgment

In relationships we have with spouses, siblings, friends, and family, we long for faithfulness. The ideal family tie is one that wesee as an unbreakable bond. Realistically, that doesn’t always happen. Distance, misunderstandings and lack of communication can cause a breakdown. Our spouses are our best friends, our lovers, our partners and our lifelong soulmates. The connection, in our eyes, is immeasurable; but we are human. Due to that fact, there are times that we are not able to be who we need to be…if we are truly honest with ourselves about it…

Think of this scenario…it is your family holiday gathering and everyone is there. All of your relatives and loved ones are together and when you arrive, you walk through the door and say nothing. You walk through the crowd of all those you know and love, and never say a word. Naturally, there will be some frowned up faces, probably a few choice words and some hurt feelings…it is a completely awkward situation. Now take the same action (walking in a room full of people and not acknowledging anyone there) but the room is full of strangers…no one notices, no one really cares. If you did acknowledge someone, depending on what part of the country you were in, you may get the same reaction of frowned up faces, a few choice words and maybe some offended people (crazy to think but everyone doesn’t smile and say “hello” when they pass. I'm from North Carolina..we say 'hey’ and smile at EVERYBODY! Haha!) So, just look at the two situations that are very similar in content but viewed differently in a sense. 

How does this relate to being faithful, you ask? In both scenarios there is a disconnect and because of that disconnect there is an issue that develops. There are people you know that you don’t acknowledge and it bothers them. There are people you don’t know and you acknowledge their presence and that bothers them! With this next question, think about your life, your relationships and interactions. How many people do you know, family or strangers would continue to be close or a part of your life if you didn’t acknowledge them?? How many people would stand by you, in good times and bad, with their hand extended for you to hold, shoulder ready to lean on and there for anything you ever need regardless of you recognizing their presence in your life? How many strangers would do all of those things if you didn’t know them? Not many would…but God. Think about it…the love He has for us is amazing. To know that He is always with us, even when we don’t acknowledge Him being there, He continues to stand by us. Even when He reaches out HIs hand to hold us, carry us, comfort us, and we act as if He isn’t even in the room…but He is always there. He never leaves us, even when we don’t acknowledge His presence in our lives. That is faithful. That is love…the EVIDENCE of things unseen! 

God is present for those who know and acknowledge Him as well as for those who choose to walk past Him with no words or only call when something is needed. He loves us all more than we could ever imagine. He knows our every flaw and He sent His son to die for ALL of us,  We are all covered by His blood. The choice we must make is that of mere acknowledgement. When you acknowledge something or someone,  it makes you pay attention. Paying attention to something is to heed it; to give care or thought to; to mind, regard, respect, to watch, to admire, obey…acknowledge. Once you acknowledge who He is, you have no choice but to recognize that He is faithful. You can search the world over and there will never be friend as dear…He will stick closer than any brother, even the best of spouses. He is there holding your hand the whole time. It is our choice to clutch His outstretched hand, allow Him to lead us or choose to try and take the lead ourselves. Regardless, He is still holding our hand. 

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV) 

I challenge you to acknowledge God’s presence in your life. I challenge you to show your faith, grow your faith. Create the substance of those things you hope for, by activating your faith and providing the evidence of things unseen. Seek Him…find His presence in everything you may encounter; He is there. Pay attention to the evidence of God in your life. Respect Him, regard His will, watch His ways, admire His works and obey His word. Acknowledge and please God. He is so worthy and in times of our weakness, when you aren’t able to speak or say a word to Him, know that He is always there and He loves you because He is faithful. 

How will you acknowledge the faithfulness of God?
What can you to do recognize He is always there?
Share your thoughts. 

 

My Reasonable Service

Wave your flag. It is our duty...to present ourselves as a living sacrifice…that is our reasonable service. Although we have just celebrated the birth of  Christ, 2016 was an election year as well.  Many felt compelled to do their reasonable service by voting. So how, do you ask, can we as women, (daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers) find time or another way to do our "reasonable service?" Reasonable…what does that mean? Hmmm…When I think of the word reasonable, the first thing that comes to mind is cost. How much something is; what is it worth? What is a reasonable price? What's a reasonable request? When I go shopping and I see a deal, my automatic response is, “That’s a good price! I can’t believe I got those shoes for that!” (Don’t you love how I immediately associated a good price with shopping and shoes?!? HAAAA!) Anyway, I must digress…let’s press on to “reasonable.”

Reasonable: adjective rea·son·able \ˈrēz-nə-bəl, ˈrē-zən-ə-bəl\
a :  being in accordance with reason <a reasonable theory>
b :  not extreme or excessive <reasonable requests>

According to the definition in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the word simply means not extreme or excessive. Basically, nothing ridiculous, unbelievable, outrageous; just a regular request, thought or action. Something sensible and within a realistic scope of things. 
With that being said, as I sat in my church’s New Year’s service, I listened to my Pastor read Roman’s 12:1 and it brought me to tears...

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (KJV)

I realized (and not for the first time,) that the LEAST I can do for the King, the Most High God, is to give Him everything that I have to offer. Why? Because, when I think of the things that God has given to me, like new mercies everyday, you know, second chances, peace, joy…EVERLASTING LIFE… grace that is given to me when I don’t deserve it…how can I not offer my worship? How can we not worship, give our minds, bodies, souls and lives to the one who gave us all of those things?  Let's think about this...how many people can give a gift and in return receive the exact same gift? It is hard thing to do. Even if I buy my friend the exact gift that they bought for me, I can't give that gift with the same heart and intention no matter how hard I try. I can't accomplish that because we are all slightly different. However, we can do that very thing with God, because we are made in His image. God gave His son,  Jesus.  Jesus gave His life, so that we may live eternally. All we have to do in return is to worship and adore Him. His life for my life. One gift given for the exact gift in return. Today, let your voice, whether it is used literally or written, be a way to magnify Him. Use your life as a tool, a "voice", to magnify Him. 

The Choice

1 Peter 2:9
But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (NIV)

Of all the gifts I have been given, I choose my voice and my life to lift Him higher. My choice is what makes the difference. That is MY reasonable service. The choice to accept the calling on my life. When we make that choice,  that is what separates us from the world. My voice, singing or in written word, in my opinon is one of my best gifts. Each time I prepare for worship, my prayer is that if there is anything not like God within me, I ask that it be removed. I pray that people see God through my worship. I pray that they feel His power through my worship. I pray and thank God for the opportunity to usher the presence of the Holy Spirit wherever I am…because that is my reasonable service.

I realize that not only my voice, (rain or shine) but my entire life is a part of my reasonable service. Every word that comes out of my mouth, every word that I write, every gesture, every action, every ounce should be a reflection of who He is. So for you, think on what your reasonable service may be. Reflect on what gift you can give back to the King; to the Kingdom.  Is it your kindness? Is it your example or your willingness to reach out to someone who is in need? Whether you sing, write, play an instrument….if you teach or you simply share a smile, your life is your reasonable service. Whatever it is that you can offer to your home, your community, your city....to the world. Take the vision that's inside of you to find ways to do your reasonable service. Write the vision in your journal, share it with a friend, your family. Allow that vision to flow through your little ones or nieces, nephews, any young person that you may play a part of their lives. We want the work to be passed from generation to generation. We want the world to know the name of Jesus. That can be shared by the vision that God has given to each and everyone of us. Remember, where there is no vision there is no sight. Without sight, it is hard to find direction. Without direction there is no movement. We are a people of promise...we must always keep moving for Him. 

In the end, reasonable is relative and when you really sit back and think of the sacrifice that was made on the cross…the cost, the debt that was paid for us to have eternal life, there is nothing that we have that could ever equal the cost of the cross. I am thankful that everything I have is worth laying down at the feet of Jesus. Just knowing that every day I wake up and am granted another opportunity to render myself holy,  because He says I am enough. That qualifies me to offer Him my reasonable service. Rising every day is my chance to present a living sacrifice. Living. A sacrifice that can be repeatedly offered.  A sacrifice that can perform the duty it was created to perform, worship. In the days before Jesus, animals were used as a sacrifice to offer to God. Now, we can be that living sacrifice...We were created to love Him. That love is shown each and every time we choose to offer ourselves to others in the image of God.  We are lending ourselves as living sacrifices and that, my friends…is our reasonable service.

Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him (KJV)

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What is your reasonable service? What is your vision?
What can we do to remember the value of our gifts?
Share your thoughts with us! 

Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross

In these last few weeks of the year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and the beginning of a New Year.  I am so thankful for this time of reflection. The humble beginnings of the one born to die for me. The reflection of the year that has passed and the anticipation of the New Year to come.  My PopPop used to always say, “Jesus, keep me near the Cross…” I never quite understood what that meant but I knew it was powerful. Last night that was my prayer. With the world as crazy as it is, life as crazy as it is, I ask, “Jesus, keep me near the Cross..” Keep me near that place where you hung, bled and died for me. Even though you knew me, all my downfalls and all my imperfections, you went there for me. When al the world is looking for a finish line, keep me near the place of my new beginning. Jesus, keep me near the Cross. My prayer for today, tomorrow and everyday here ever after. I want to be nearer.  I want to focus on the victory won and not so much the journey ahead. I want Christ magnified so that I may see beyond the gaps and the bridges of life. I long to  be free of the madness of today. I want to be more like Him and less like me. Jesus, keep me near the Cross. 

Reflections Of Every Season To Worship

I find myself always wanting to be near the Cross, wrapped in His arms, in the palm of His blood stained hands…draped in His robe of Glory.

Father, I lift my hands to worship; in surrender to Your love. I bow down at your feet, my God; in submission to Your sacrifice. Your birth gave me hope. Your death gave me life. Lead me down the path, in the Autumn of my life, to find the Cross. It represents the season of Spring. The time of the rebirth of all creation. Lead me there, to the true path of holiness. Keep me there. You are Mary’s little baby. Wise men still seek You. Oh, come let us adore Him! God, thank You for Your sacrifice. 

Isaiah 9:6
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 

John 4:14 speaks of the true and living water. The well that never runs dry. The true and living water that flows from Cal’vry’s mountain. Calvary…where I find rest. Calvary, where the sinless lamb was slain for me. 

Keep Me There

I pray that in the hustle and bustle of life that you remember that no matter how many parties and gatherings you may attend there is one reason we all truly have purpose and our lives have meaning. The babe, lying in a manger. Born the King of Kings in a place where animals fed. We must remember that as in that baby’s story, the beginning was so humble. The life of our Savior was full of great mysteries and wonders. He had the power to save himself but He chose to save the world! Remember that as you embark 2017. Press through, be who God has called you to be...set apart.

1 Corinthians 15:58
58 Therefore, my brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 

He is not finished with you yet! So as you go into the New Year, cling to the Cross and see the world in the eyes of the one we magnify, Christ. Take a closer look, pray, believe and stay near the feet of  Jesus at the Cross.

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What are your prayers for 2017?
Leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Your words are valuable to the Kingdom and to all of us!

An Empty Seat At the Table

As women, we go through many phases of our lives where there are “empty seats at the table.” We go from having a friend go with you to the bathroom, to the lunchroom crew in the school cafeteria…you name it and there was always a partner in crime or girlfriend that you have to go through life. 

You know how people are uncomfortable eating out alone? When you are the only one of your friends who isn’t dating and you go to the event as the proverbial 3rd wheel? What about when you are in a relationship and you have someone there, but they aren’t there?  Another empty seat at the table. When our children grow up to be the adults we prayed for them to be, and they leave we have children and they become the well-rounded successful adults we have reared them to be…and they leave. Yet again an empty seat at the table. 

How do you feel, how do you push through? How do you call on God when you can’t see Him…at the table?

In the world we live in we are almost convinced that through our social media and text messaging connections, that we have no empty seats at our tables. We are convinced that through these connections that we are always “with” friends. When in actuality, we could see our “friend” at the local grocery store and never speak. Until we make real life, tangible connections, we will always have empty seats at our tables. Life is about relationship. What is relationship? The way in which two or more people or things are connected, or the state of being connected. Connection: relation, association, correspondence, bond, alliance.

God Promises Us Relationship

Romans 8:28-29
    28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
   29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, the he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 8:38-39
    38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 
   39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God Is Always There

Isaiah 41:10
   41 Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Psalm 73:23-26
    23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
    24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
    25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
    26 My flesh and my heart faith: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

God holds you in the palm of His hand in EVERY situation!

Isaiah 43:1-2
    1 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name; thou art mine.
    2 When thou passes through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

For All Your Labor You Will Be Rewarded

Isaiah 40:31
    1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
    2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: For she hath received of the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.

Through a personal relationship with Christ, a connection where you correspond, relate, a bond, you will learn there is never an empty seat at your table despite what you may see. When we talk to God daily, numerous times, we are able to understand Him. We are able to listen to what He has to say. We can recognize His voice anywhere we are. We are able to distinguish His ways from those who pretend to be as loyal. The same could be said for our friends. When we take time to correspond, check in on them, actually speak to them regularly, we are able to know who they are and we have a true relationship with them. It takes time. It takes effort and once we get back to those things in our lives, we will be so very thankful to know, there is never an empty seat at the table. Just remember, God is always at the table. He is just sitting there waiting on you to start the conversation.

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What are some things or situations in your life that
come to mind relating to an "empty seat."
Please share in the comments below.