Invaluable Friendship

Yesterday was the most amazing day for me!  I got the opportunity to catch up with 2 very good friends of mine and become inspired by both women.  Through these connections, I've been presented the opportunity to achieve success in my various pursuits and encouraged to stay the course of my dreams.  


Anyone who knows me knows that my love for Meredith College runs deep and I cherish the connections and affiliations I have with my alma mater.  I love to go on campus and visit with various faculty and staff, and maintain a strong connection with them via Facebook, Twitter, and my Blackberry.  Once I have a connection with people, I do my best to stay in contact with them. 


I had lunch today with one of my former Sociology professors at Meredith College.  We hadn't seen each other for a while, but managed to maintain contact via text messaging or Facebook.  Today we were able to meet for lunch, which turned into a 5 1/2 hour catch up session.  It was great!  We laughed and talked about our lives and our new side business ventures.  We shared experiences and reminisced about our days at Meredith College.  She is so supportive and encouraging, and catching up with her has motivated me to press even harder towards reaching my goals personally and professionally.


From the lunch time catch up session, I made my way to the home of one of my dearest friends, Antoinette.   We studied Spanish together at Meredith and have since become really great friends.  She understands me in a way that most people don't and see potential in me that I sometimes don't realize I possess.  I got to her apartment at around 6 pm and just got in the house at 3:30 am.  3:30 AM!  


Our time together was uplifting to say the least.  Antoinette has a way of ministering to me that gets my attention and motivates me to adopt different perspectives on my current situations or circumstances.  We brainstormed on business ideas, caught up on each other's lives, laughed, and shared inspiration with each other.  She encouraged me to do what I love and to not be afraid to say what I want to say because I have so much to share with the world.   


I have lots and lots of friends, but there are few friends that understand the call on my life.  I love all my friends and cherish each and every one of them, but there are a handful of them that I love dearly.  They've been with me through some of the most challenging times of my life and they STILL love me unconditionally, and for that I'm forever grateful.


Heavenly Father, I thank you for my friends.  Thank you for allowing us to meet and experience life together.  Thank you for choosing me to become part their lives.  Lord, I ask that you bless each and every one of my friends beyond all they could ever ask or think.  Deliver them, save them, heal them, restore them, and keep them, Father.  Protect them and bless their homes, their children, and their families.  I thank You in advance and give You all the praise, honor, and glory.  Hallellujah...amen.

Making a Change

It is 2:43 am and I'm unloading my mind and watching Oprah on ABC.  She's interviewing J.K. Rowling and I'm absolutely fascinated.  As I sit on my couch and blog, I'm learning from both of these amazing women.  I must confess that this is my 2nd time in a 24 hour period watching this interview.  I must also confess that Oprah is NOT one of my favorite people.


Please don't get me wrong...I USED to LOVE me some Oprah!  When she first came on the scene she was awesome.  She was fresh and new and unique.  There was no one on television like her.  She was a black woman attacking real life issues and had come from very humble beginnings.  However, as she began to gain popularity, she began to lose something in my opinion.  Slowly and gradually, she acquired an air of self righteousness...a sickening air of self righteousness.  From promises to little girls in South Africa that she would keep them safe to the outrage of Hermes in Italy not allowing her to shop AFTER the store had already closed, and her comment about that experience being "the most humiliating thing that ever happened to her".  That was the straw that broke the camel's back for me.


What's funny is that I'm so proud of her and all that she has accomplished and I'm proud to say that I remember when her show first aired.  I'm proud of the path that she's paved for so many women from all races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds to shatter the proverbial glass ceilings that still exist in corporate America.  One of the things I'm most proud of is her philanthropic spirit.  She gives enormously and has served as an inspiration to millions of people around the world.


This interview with J.K. Rowling is absolutely amazing because it shows a very human side to her.  She's exposing her true concerns about her future and the next chapter in her life.  These two billionaires are so completely humble and candid with their feelings and experiences that it has provoked me to rekindle a relationship with a woman with whom I would say very little about.  I'm now receptive to learn from her and allow her words and advice to encourage me as well.  


Thank you Oprah, for sharing your world with us for 25 years.  You are truly blessed of God.  I respect your work and truly appreciate all that you do for people.  

Feeling Overwhelmed

Happy New Year!!  


I'm fighting back tears as I write this because I have so much I want to say but I don't know where to begin.  I had a pretty decent 2010, but I know that the best is yet to come.  I've dealt with tragedy for the first time in my life and it really hurts.  I lost both of my grandmothers and one of my sisters within 6 months.  I miss my paternal grandmother more than words could ever express and cling to her memories like a security blanket.  I was devastated by the death of my sister, Keeya, because it was unexpected.  I hold on to the fact that no matter what, God is STILL good and I totally believe that He who has begun a good work in me will continue it until the day of Christ.  He has amazing things in store for me.


I guess I feel overwhelmed because I allowed myself to become stagnant and lazy over these past couple of weeks.  I'm inspired to do more and say more, but there's so much to do (and say) that it overloads my mind and I just shut down.  I try to keep myself inspired, but sometimes I need help.  I think that it would really help me if I could blog from my blackberry.  That way, I could type my thoughts immediately and not have to wait for my laptop to boot and go through its processes.  I don't always have my journal with me to write my thoughts down either.  


I'm going harder than ever for 2011, because I want more from myself and God is expecting more from me too.  What I've been doing is no longer the norm...no longer acceptable.  I've taken  the first step by blogging my thoughts and sharing my experiences with the world today. I have joy, frustrations, excitement, trauma, and drama (although most of it is not my own...lol) to share with the world.  I have a story to tell, lots of stories to tell and all of them speak of my journey and how I've evolved into the woman I am today.  


As I unload my mind, enjoy the ride.  You will laugh...you will cry...lol  I know it sounds cliche, but it's the truth.  I'll be as raw and uncensored and the Lord will allow me to be, all the while knowing that there's always a lesson infused within the story itself. 


I've also begun to get my house in order, metaphorically and physically.  I'm purging my closets and files and setting myself free from my past.  If I want to move forward I've got to stop dragging some of the crap from my past with me every year.  It's really time to step my game up and be bolder than I've every been before.  


Thank you Lord for revelation knowledge.  Thank you for allowing me to see another day and another year.  You are so worthy of  all the praise and glory, honor and adoration.  May the reader of this entry be blessed beyond all they could ever imagine.  Meet them where they are Lord, and help them draw closer to You.  Amen. 

Don't Try to Play Me

There are very few things that I don't tolerate very well.  I don't like it when people take for a pushover just because I'm a nice person.  I don't like it when people think that I don't have any sense and talk as if THEY are the only one's with intellect.  One of my biggest pet peeves, my BIGGEST pet peeves is people who try to take advantage of resources for their own personal gain.


There is something to be said about telling the truth.  I believe that people genuinely have a desire to help their fellow man if they know the truth.  I don't appreciate the malicious intent of others for the purposes of getting what THEY want.  Selfishness really has no place in most instances and selfish people usually end up looking at themselves and seeking the forgiveness from others.  


I really want to help everybody if I can, but I don't like being made a fool of.  It's not cool and you ultimate get little to nothing from me but a warm smile and a prayer.


Lord, please help me discern the malicious intent of others.  Help me to act in love at all times despite the intentions of others and to govern myself in Christ likeness at all times.  Bless the reader of this blog post and may they increase their desire to have your Presence in their lives daily.  Amen

Mustard Seed Faith

After 5 months of work in the mental health field, I've been officially laid off due to the elimination of my position.  Actually, it's a blessing because there was no position when I interview at this awesome company.  A friend of mine had an interview and talked about me to the director during his interview.  He leaves the interview and calls me on his way to the car to tell me to call and set up an interview.  I interview and get hired because I'm bilingual and the director is a visionary.  He looks at the future and the big picture.


I thoroughly enjoyed working for this amazing company and loved going to work every day.  I love working with people and had the opportunity to go out into the community and make an impact on people one person at a time.  Sadly, however, I was asked to leave because the company was trying to save money and felt like eliminating my job would help them achieve that objective.


God is so good, so awesome, that I couldn't be mad or bitter.  I was happy and maintained my usual silly demeanor.  I walk by faith and not by sight.  I know that if the birds of the air don't worry about what they're gonna wear or eat, how much more does the Lord love me.  After all, He did send His only begotten Son to die on the cross for my sins.  I'm so thankful for everything...the experiences I've had working for this company, the people I've met, and the relationships that have been established because I was invited to be part of an organization that operates with integrity and compassion for each other and the populations they serve.


For the first time in my life, I've truly got the peace that passes all understanding.  I'm literally not worried about anything.  The Word says to try Him...test Him.  I've lived my life thus far doing everything BUT trusting in Him completely.  I've tried none of God, some of God, a little bit of God, half of God, but never 110% sold out no matter what for the Lord.
I tell people that I've literally become a ride or die chick for Christ.


He's doing something amazing in my life and it's not bad at all.  I don't know what it is or where it's taking me, but I do know that as long as I have the Lord, I can't go wrong.  I'm excited about this journey and my newfound freedom.


Thank you Father for this experience and Your Word.  Thank you for sending Your Son to die for me.  I stand on Your Word daily and praise You continually.  You are awesome and worthy of all the praise and glory, honor and adoration.  Hallellujah!

Getting in the Habit

Habits are hard to break.  Personally, I believe that the aforementioned statement could be applied to both positive or negative habits.  As I look back over my Christian walk and steadily make the determination that I want to be Christ like, I've come to the realization that I have a lot of habits that just need to be broken. 

Some of them are little things like getting up EVERY morning without fail and eat breakfast before I leave the house.  I don't always eat breakfast and understand that this would be a good habit to establish, however, there are other habits that need to be broken BEFORE I can actually successfully accomplish this one.  I've become more lazy in recent years, partly due to my experiences while living in Phoenix, so getting up early enough to actual fix breakfast has become somewhat of a challenge.  I've actually traded one bad habit for a better one, however, it still affects my actions in the morning which prevent me from making breakfast.  I have begun to pray early in the morning...like around 3 am, and after I pray I go back to sleep.  Therein lies the problem.  

One of my biggest goals is to be a good steward over my money...ALL of it.  Not just the money I earn from my career, but also money earned from Sweet Samples and The Pampered Chef as well.  I want to be able to live comfortably without having to revamp a budget just to do things like go on vacation or help someone in need.  I'm not consistent with this habit and that really bugs me.  My heart's desire is to be better with my money, but with that comes a habit that I want so desperately to master always and forever...trusting the Lord.

Trusting in the Lord with ALL my heart and soul and leaning not unto my OWN understanding is my number 1, top priority goal.  The bible says that without faith it's impossible to please God.  Impossible?  Really, Lord?  The bible makes faith sound so easy, but when you've got bill collectors on your back, children to care for, a car to maintain, tithing, and all the other financial responsibilities, it almost seems impossible TO trust in the Lord with ALL your heart.   

Each day I've got to build myself upon my most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and trusting in the Lord with all, ALL my heart no matter what happens.  It's really difficult for me NOT to lean unto my own understanding because life has taught me that if I don't do things then things won't get done. It's scary as well though, because I don't know how or when my needs are going to be met.  I just have to trust and believe in the Lord my God. 

Someone told me today that praise fixes things.  I've been praising Him ever since she told me that.  Somehow I feel relieved in knowing that all my needs are met according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus.   I feel relieved when I praise Him because I have so much to be thankful for.  I can almost feel the weight being lifted off me, the shackles being broken.  It makes me smile just thinking about it.  

Thank you Lord for all you've done, all you're doing, and all you're about to do in my life.  Thank you Father for being my Way maker and my Jehovah Jirah.  Thank you for never leaving me nor forsaking me.  Thank you for godly counsel from friends and co-workers.  Bless Your name, Father.  You are awesome and worthy of all the praise and glory, honor and adoration.  Hallellujah!

To Be Broken

I'm a pretty strong willed person.  I don't think that there's anything that I can't do and once my sights are locked on a goal, I won't stop until I reach or achieve that goal.  This works very well for me in the natural, however, not so much with the Lord.  


With the Lord I have to be submissive and obedient.  I have to trust in Him and not myself and  actually believe that someone other that me has my best interest at heart.  I have to wait on the Lord and be encouraged that even though He may not come when I want Him, He's always on time.  I have to reposition myself from the one in the driver's seat to the one being driven.  


This is a lot easier said than done and I know that people say it all the time..."God is faithful.  He's always on time".  It took me a while to truly understand God's timing because for a while I thought that I was the butt of God's jokes.  It wasn't until I realized that a lot of the decisions I was making was due to a lack of faith or impatience, and even lack of clarity of thought.  I've had to determine what is truly important to me and what I'm trying to accomplish.  When it's all said and done, I just want to be the woman that God created and purposed me to be.  


I've learned that I've blocked my own blessings and I haven't allowed the Lord to move in my life the way I say I want Him to.  I can't do things my way because, as my track record has proven, I don't know what I'm doing.  My disobedience has been my downfall on more than one occasion.  Finally, FINALLY, I'm ready to be elevated to a more substantial relationship with my Father.  I guess I'm just tired of trying to do things my way and always getting basically the same result, even though it may be different situations or scenarios.


I've come to the realization that I need the PRESENCE of the Lord...daily, all the time.  I need to commune with Him, allowing His presence to guide me.  I don't have a problem with being quiet or listening.  My problem has always being in control.  Life has taught me that if I want something done and done right, I have to do it myself.  Jesus is teaching me that if I wait on the Lord I will have renewed strength.  I will mount up on wings like an eagle that soars.  I will run and not be weary, walk and never faint...IF I wait on the Lord.  


So now, the diligence that He has infused in me will be used to seek His PRESENCE.  I've discovered that I can't live without it.  My heart's desire is to be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season.  Who's leaf shall not wither, and whatsoever I doeth (I made the scripture personal to me) shall prosper. (Psalm 1:3 KJV)  


Lord Jesus, show me in Your Word how to submit to Your Will and Your Way.  Break my will so that Your Will be made manifest in my life.  Help me to be Christ-like and obedient, humble and thankful.  Bless the reader and meet them where they are, Father.  You are the Author and Finisher of our faith.  You are holy and awesome.  Hallellujah!