Advice for a Pre-menstrual Mother of Three on New Year's Eve

New year, new possibilities, fresh hope.

Don't waste your days rehearsing and remorse-ing ( a Cece-ism) the things you did "wrong", the things you wish you did, the things you are going to resolve to do but have already determined you won't do in the back of your mind. We've already established that this kind of thinking is a waste.

Just breathe.

Take a moment to just be thankful for the many good things in your life. There is always something to be thankful for if we can just take our eyes off of ourselves and our circumstances long enough. Catch your children doing something cute, spy a butterfly, focus on a tree bud, gaze at a the sky, think about something sweet that your spouse did for you, think on an accomplishment that was difficult for you, look at the things you do have in comparison to those who have nothing. Cultivate gratefulness and praise in your life. There are many good things that God has done, and by virtue of Who He is, He plans to do for us.

Don't dictate the party. 

Every new adventure and plan is like a little present just waiting to be opened. Don't waste so much time trying to make everything just so or trying to be cute. Jump into the mystery, tear off the paper,  and don't worry about whether or not you like your gift or if the gift is not/is/could be/should be what you wanted. Life isn't worried about what we always want. Most times life is about what we need and if we wait long enough and look hard enough we can see that it all is working out for our good in the end. Enjoy life where and when you are and be content with how the party goes.

Cliche alert: So don't be young and restless; These are the days of our lives and we only have one life to live so let us live life graciously with each day that we are given.

Nothing ever beat a fail but a try.

Feel the fear of the unknown and the future, but do it anyway. Fear is a natural human response, but let's get super-natural for a moment: God isn't the author of fear (insecurity, terror, timidity, indecisiveness): He wants so much more for all of us. No, it doesn't mean we're all supposed to be rich and famous or even rich or famous or whatever. That is a script and an ideal handed down for generations as a part of the "Great Escape". Life is what it is, and it doesn't (and shouldn't) have to be the same for everyone. We are all meant to fulfill our place in this world (be our piece of the grand puzzle that only God can see). We are all meant to be who we are and we just need to be placed.

Enjoy your movie.

Recognize that it's okay to cry when you watch an emotional movie even if it's not that "time" of the month. Don't go to the "man movie" with the blood-drenched, banshee-screaming, murderous bicep-clad warriors if you prefer a romantic comedy unless the romantic comedy includes the afore mentioned warriors: Then it's a win-win. Don't apologize for liking romantic comedies and definitely don't go see Iron Man twice in a row when you wanted to see The Holiday. You end up resenting Iron Man when he had nothing to do with it. In the end, Iron Man isn't the only one you resent when you realize you just wasted double hours of your life when all you had to say was "I don't want to see Iron Man."or "I don't want to see Iron Man, again." It's give and take. We all must give at some point in time but it doesn't have to be and shouldn't always be us. We don't have to defend being who we are. We are all uniquely and wonderfully made to see the world from our individual vantage point. God made it so.  You are you, and you are necessary with all of your unique wiring and skills and quirks and assets and faults. Be ok with being ok, and be ok with not always being ok. Just be.

Eat ye the cake (all of it).

Why settle for half a slice or half a cupcake (as if) when a whole slice is before you? There is no sainthood in pastry martyrdom. It's cake. The calories don't fall out with the crumbs and you knew what you were getting into when you took the plate. It's honestly emotional self-abuse. Don't do it to yourself. Besides you're also hurting the others who would have relished your piece of cake and theirs. Enjoy the cake and move on :0)  Also, don't you dare waste life's petit fours (or fudge) when you receive them: they are meant to be savored and enjoyed fully.

This was the best advice Someone could have given me: There is enough of everything in just one day to make our burden full. We've got 365 1/4 days to carry a different load and to try and try again. Let's not ruin today's math with our faulty additions and miscalculated subtractions.  .  .  Just be.

Happy New Year everyone and rather than just prosperity this year, I wish you Love and Peace.

Joyeux Anniversarie & Noel!

I probably didn't spell that correctly in French, but then again most of English is misspelled French ;0). I can't help trying to do it though, it's my NOLA roots. It was 11 years ago today (literally) that I slept like a log, woke up to a gourmet bubble bath, a morning mani/pedi,  a breakfast buffet in a hotel with my "besties" and again I  took a nap (people still have a hard time hearing that) in my own little bridal suite at the grand church where my husband and I said "I do." and "I do too."

So much has changed since we first got married: babies, betters, worsts, rich-er (not in money mind you), poorer (definitely in money), but all in all, if I had to do it all over again (bearing in mind what financial investments I would and would not have made), I still woulda said "I do." I can't even say that my life is rosy at this point. In fact, I'm kinda wondering where the betters are, but I do know this: Regardless of what life throws at me, my spouse, my marriage and my children, I still trust God. I won't let go of Him, otherwise I don't believe I'd still be married (or have children). I suppose that makes sense because the marriage covenant is between God, my spouse and me. If we don't include Him, it's not a complete contract and you know what happens when contracts go bust. . .

Oh yes, update: I've just finished month 2 of my master's program and I think I'm going to need another brain.  Hopefully, I will be well enough at the end of the program to be able to use what I've learned if I can remember it. Well, at least there's the Holidays. . .

There is Therefore Now No Condemnation. . .

Alright! Week number one of my very first week of Grad School is almost officially over, and I have already learned something. Here we go: Whatever you do, good or bad, mistake or on purpose, sure or unsure, you can't look back: you can only look forward or you will not make it to the end of your goal. No man puts his hand to the plow and looks back. You make a decision and go with it. You finish the job and get it done even when you know what you're up against. You don't make excuses, you persevere and you don't hesitate when the command is clear. You have to trust. . .

 I know this is just week one, but I have figured out early that you don't really change that much from your old habits, circumstances, issues, quirks and personalities. You are who you are and you do what you do. You can only recognize who and where you are and ask for strength to finish what you start, see where you really need help and to be honest about it. I am a very impulsive person and I tend to be hasty with my words. Does that make me bad? No, just more likely to put my foot in my mouth. Now that I know this I can say, Lord, you know me and my mouth. Help me (just before I say something I shouldn't) to hear you and just pause long enough to, you know, maybe abort mission before it's too late? Or at least give me the humility to apologize. . .LOL! 

No, I haven't offended anyone (yet), but it's coming (this is online school, you know). I'm also pretty forgetful and I tend to feel prideful and defensive when I think someone is trying to tell me what to do or how to do it best. No names, just some guy I'm married to does that. . . Anyway, I guess the point I'm trying to make is that it's okay to know yourself and it's even better to know yourself and trust God with the stuff you can't change about yourself and be willing to be humble enough to ask for help when you need it. We do and we will make mistakes, we won't always make the deadlines, we won't always meet every standard (ours or others) and we will be misunderstood, OFTEN: it is the inevitable part of being human, but we should understand that not every "sin" is unto death. We may fall flat on our faces, but the challenge is to get back up. "Talitha Cumi (Little girl, arise)" is God's word to us.  If our hearts condemn us, God is (so much) greater than our hearts (our feelings like guilt and shame/condemnation). I hope no one allows themselves to be detained (more like distracted) in the field of fear or lost in the desert or despair because they got bogged down by their own hearts.

God Bless you guys this week along with every other week ;0) Hit me back if you have a question or comment. I do get my comments in the MomWearsTheHats@gmail address, but I have to figure out how to add an "e-mail me" function to my page.  I know, I'm doing a Masters program in Technology, you would think. . . .

Introducing Remembering Our Vows: To Pray and Stay

Well, I'm back and betta than eva! I am officially a grad student, I got my MacBook Pro, and I don't quite know what to do with myself for the excitement of it all! Occasionally, I am seriously planning to start posting vlogs and personal photos so you can see what's up with me on a regular :0)

Today, I'd like to introduce you to our South Carolina blogger Stephanie Hamilton Brown. Her ministry is for marriage: Remembering our Vows: To Pray and Stay. I first found Stephanie on Facebook when she submitted an amazing story for husbands and wives to ponder on how sometimes wanting out of a marriage is about perspective rather than actual faults or flaws.

We know all the statistics for marriage especially in this country, and for those of us who are married and happily/tolerably so, we recognize that marriage is about real work and commitment (and prayer, much, much, MUCH, prayer) because fuzzy feelings are not enough. Stephanie's mission above all things is to help get that 50% divorce rate statistic down through prayer, fasting, and working directly with people through open conference calls. There are many marriages that can be preserved and even improved if people had the right tools and the resolve to do what it takes to get where they want to be. I didn't say every marriage will be saved, because there are some matches made in hell and many people who are not willing to recognize or accept what real marriage entails (the remembering our vows part).

I have seen several marriages break up as a result of  couples seeing what it really means to be married and one or both persons saying: I want no part of this marriage. I want no part of him/her: I gotta "do me." Marriage is one of those relationships that is the most highly romanticized but that is also the most victimized by human nature and it took me about 10 years to figure that out (I've been married 11 years in December). That's also the reason they put those comical but true lines like: "for richer or poorer", "for better or worse," "till DEATH (hear the creepy gothic voice) do us part." I think that's so that occasionally someone contemplating running for the hills would remember them and say, "Oh, that's what that meant. . .darn it!" I remember when I had that epiphany.

If you get a moment check out Stephanie's Facebook page, or blog and give her a follow if you like what you see. I hope everyone is having a terrific autumn day and does anyone know when we have that glorious "fall back" hour?

Where's Waldo. . .

OK, wow. It's been a few weeks since I've been online (and blogging) and I don't know what happened except maybe life took over (she shrugs). I did the giveaway and at first I thought maybe I had been taken over by some post-partum giveaway depression or some sort of giveaway "letdown". Has that happened to anyone else? I don't know. Actually, I DO know. I had to take a moment to pause. I just had to put a little comma right here (,) in the sentence of my life and edit some things and breathe so that I could get a little oxygen moving around and a little more focus in my brain. I'm going back to school to get my Masters. I am about to embark on a 12 month journey with Full Sail University in November for a degree in Education Media and Technology (I am a teacher by profession). It wasn't a light decision really. It's just a long put away desire and now a brand new opportunity that has presented itself at this time in my life. My book progress (crickets chirping)? Uh, yeah. Well, I haven't not worked on  the book, but I haven't really worked on the book either (LOL!). That was my honest confession to those who secretly said "Good luck with that. . ." when I made my book finishing announcement here. I am writing the book though. I do know that for the next 12 months I am going to be the busiest I've been in 12 or so years since college. Has it really been that long? My goodness! The good thing is though, I'm not alone, I do have the support of my family (wink, hint) and my Father who keeps encouraging me to live my life to better the lives of those in my circle of influence. So, as I learn cool and helpful "edu-techie" things in school and as I get creative I will post some of my crowning acts of gloriousness around here and maybe even on youtube  :-D Holla in the comments if you missed me!

P.S. Click on the title for a little online brain candy! Love you guys. . .

And The Winner is. . .

Hi everyone! I counted all the entries and we had a total of 28. I used the true random number generator to choose our winner. And the winner is. . . meemsnyc! Congrats to you and please get in touch with me so that I can get you linked up with Becky for your custom made bag :0) Thanks so much to everyone for your participation and for joining with the Happy Hatters. Keep checking in because this is just the beginning. . .     

Introducing Baby Bites

Hi my blogger friends! These last couple of weeks have probably been the longest of my life while I was waiting on this giveaway to end. Now that we only have two days left, I feel a little better about posting things again. I know I probably should have been doing that all along, but I've had a lot more on my plate than I anticipated. Forgive me. I will be announcing the winner of the "green" bag giveaway on Wednesday, so don't forget to check back with me and see who won!

 I would like to introduce you all to Nonna Joann Bruso, the author of the blog BabyBites. I have been thinking very much about the way my lifestyle has changed dramatically over the last several years and there are some things I  really miss like being healthy, for example, and eating real food (not processed). In fact, I was a total vegan about seven years ago, but as different food allergies kept cropping up in my children I had to adjust a lot of how we ate. Having children kinda "done me in" so to speak. LOL! I'm kidding. My boys have really taught me how to be creative with cooking. I was blessed to find Nonna's page when I was reading an interesting article on a one year old happy meal which you can find here. Nonna's mission is to educate parents about feeding (and I mean really feeding) their children. She is very knowledgeable about processed vs. whole foods and gives valuable information, resources, and links about how to help picky eaters really learn how to eat their fruits and veggies (and grains) instead of the junk food standbys. If you're like me, you feed your kids what you think is best and give them the healthiest alternatives you can find. Nonna Joann's site and book are excellent resources for any parent looking to improve (or even correct) the way their children eat. Check out Nonna's site and have a great week!

Updates, updates, updates. . .

Hi Everybody! I'm still here. . . just languishing under the insanely long deadline I gave myself for this giveaway. Ugh! Next time, one week (if that). I do want to say, however, that I am so pleased at my new hatters and all the comments and such! I hope that everyone will continue to ride with me as I find more stuff to talk about and things to share. I appreciate all of you and I look forward to the next destination! Have a super week!

Surprise! It's my first giveaway (Whoooooo!)

I'm soooo excited guys! This is my very first and official giveaway on this blog. I've been waiting and watching for how and when and now I'm ready. . .  Do you see these lovely bags above? These are all custom crafted, handmade lunch kits made by Becky Stiepe of Glue and Glitter, our most recently featured blog! Becky uses re-purposed materials in her bags to reduce waste and for us to carry lunches with personality and style.  One lucky and randomly drawn person can win a custom lunch kit designed to his or her specifications (valued at $50). This "green" lunch kit includes:

• 1 handmade, machine-washable bag
• one large or 5 medium sized machine-washable napkins (your choice!)
• 1 pair of reusable chopsticks or utensils
• closure of your choice, or leave it open for a lunch bucket feel
• 1 Lock & Lock lunchbox
• Recipe card with a lunchtime recipe
• Optional custom appliqué

All you have to do to enter is to complete one or more of these steps listed below and each additional thing you do will count as an entry (please make a separate comment for each):

1. Go visit Becky's Etsy Store and tell me what item you liked best.
2. Tell me one new thing you pledge do to help the environment (eg. recycle cans and bottles, re-purpose old clothes/materials, etc., ).
3. Follow Me on my blog, W.O.M.H., or Facebook (or both). Each follow is a separate entry.
4. Follow Becky on Facebook or Twitter (or both). Each follow is a separate entry.

Whew! Now that I've gotten all of that out of the way here's ONE more surprise for you. Anyone who makes a purchase at Becky's Etsy Shop and uses the code MANYHATS15 throughout the duration of the giveaway will receive 15% off the purchase price! Isn't that a great deal? The giveaway starts today September 1st and goes all the way through till 5 pm (EST) on September 15th. After the deadline, I will announce the winner on my blog and will need to get your contact information so you can get started on your custom bag with Becky! Well, I can't wait to see how this goes and good luck everyone!

Introducing Glue and Glitter

I'm excited about this  green website and blog by Becky Striepe, the mind behind Glue and Glitter. This crafty crafter is the creator of handmade sustainable lunch bags and kits made from vintage and reclaimed materials and is featured in the designbook Lunch Bags! Becky is a green gal and is also a featured contributor on eco-friendly sites like Green Upgrader and Ecopolitology which are just two sites affiliated with the Live Oak Group of sites dedicated to eco-politics and living life more sustain-ably.  I've been mentioning a lot of green sites lately because  I know I don't think often enough about the impact things I do have on the environment (you know, out of sight out of mind?). I figure if I can mention more ways we all can do good for this world and share it with others, the more good we can do realistically, right? You can find Becky on Facebook, Twitter, and her Etsy Shop. Stay tuned, because I have a surprise coming up for everyone in my next post :0)

Exciting News for Cece Wilson!

O. . .M. . .Goodness! I am so in shock right now that I think I'm going to laugh, cry and squeal at the same time (Is it possible?)! I just submitted my first article for publication in an online newsletter/magazine The Pen Point and it's (the article) going to be put in September's issue! Yay God! Yay Me! OK, this is a very big step for me because I love to write and friends tell me I have lots of great things to say, but I didn't always have the confidence to put it out there for the world to see. Well, now I have. Even more significantly the company that the newsletter is associated with also has an Aspiring Authors grant for Christian writers that will be awarded at the end of this year to 10 authors and one playwright for publishing and production costs respectively. Whew! I have three books in my head and not yet in my computer. My desire is to finish the first book by the end of this year and see what happens. Even if I don't win this year, I am going to get a book finished and submit it so that I can give myself the opportunity to do what I've always wanted to do: be an author. The awesome thing about this grant is that I can reapply the next year so. . . What's holding me back really? Pray for me and wish me luck on this endeavor. I love you guys!

Introducing Ebony Intuition

I would like everyone to meet Tiffany the author of the blog Ebony Intuition. She instantly caught my attention for two reasons: I found her page when she posted a to DIE for (metaphorically speaking of course) black and white environmentally friendly and sustainable little number being modelled by the actress Kerry Washington in the May 2010 issue of Vogue magazine AND the fact that she is from Toronto, Canada where my beloved husband was born and is still a citizen (although he's been here like ALL his life--go fig).  Anyway, this post is for those of you who are style divas and interested things like the look of the day, great posts on culture, style, fashion, etc. Tiffany also has another page Beauty Is Diverse which features pics, articles, and videos all for the purpose of celebrating the diversity and varied beauty of this world. I am learning to appreciate the fact that even with all our "imperfections" each of us is unique: beautiful and wonderfully crafted. I hope that you will get a chance to check these pages out and appreciate the variation and creativity God has placed in each of us. Have a great week everyone!

Introducing the Movie Mom

Hi guys! I know it's been like a week since I've checked in, but I was trying to get my husband back off to work successfully (he's a teacher). It's one down and two to go (my boys start school next week)! Although summer is over, I'd like to introduce you to Nell Minow, the Movie Mom. I think that many of you would appreciate this Beliefnet blog on recent and current movie reviews as well as her mom's eye view on films and the things that are important to parents when looking for good entertainment.  She is very objective, candid, and systematic in her approach to grading and rating a film and she is my go-to gal for her take on a particular film.  Of course there are other websites out there like Kids-In-Mind which has a unique rating system for the frequency of certain thematic elements in movies and Rotten Tomatoes which combines professional critic consensus and public consensus to determine how popular a film is, however, as a mom, I really like Nell's site because sometimes I would prefer to see the big picture on a film and whether or not it would be a good choice for my family's entertainment. I like that fact that she not only lists movies new to theater, but also mentions new release DVD's.  It's like getting an opinion from a friend that has seen the movie first and knows how to tell me all the things about it my kids don't want me to know.  I can get a head's up so that I don't have any surprises when we pop the DVD in the player (which has happened lemme tell you).  For a fun treat, you can send in your questions on movies who's names you can't remember, but  can remember the decade, and some plot elements/memorable details. Nell is really good about finding the name of the films and the actors that play in them. Occasionally, she will even post a clip or two! I hope you get to check out the Movie Mom page and add it to your list of great sites!

Letting Go of Unhealthy Sacrifice

I know that I usually blog about other blogs that I think you would find interesting but technically I suppose Oprah's Online magazine would be considered a blog. My sissy sent me the link to this article: 10 Steps to Letting Go of Unhealthy Sacrifice (she knows me). I must admit the article hurt. LOL! I didn't really want to read it and I knew my sister sent it to me to help me but dang it! It really got to the heart of several matters for me including: not telling people what I really want, being authentic, giving too much of myself, my "yes" maybe meaning yes, but usually was originally intended to mean "no" (yeah), and even the accursed feeling guilty for being happy when others are not (what it that, really?). I recommend that you to also take the Sacrifice (Martyr) test and see where you are before you read the article. So, here's the article. I hope you get to read it and I really hope that if you are one of these people (like unto myself) that you will benefit from it. Happy blogging!

Introducing Spicy Wifey

How does the saying go? Variety is the spice of life! I'd like to introduce you to Spicy Wifey. This is a blog which is dedicated to celebrating the lifestyles of the committed  and married. That statement alone gives them my vote! What I like about this blog and company is the variety of products and services offered as well as the commitment to encouraging women to be the best women they are. I was duly impressed with Weight a Minute Mondays,  The Spicy Wifey Cookbook, and the boutique which includes: Seasoning Sessions (in the Atlanta, GA area) for giving women tools to add "spice" to their relationships, Zumba classes (also in the Atlanta area), and fashion apparel for a woman and her spice (Theoretically, the plural of "spouse" is "spice", right? It's a stretch, I know). If you like what you see, you can check Spicy Wifey out on their website, at their blogger page, and on Facebook. Bon Appetit!

Introducing Ms. Single Mama

Hello my fellow blog-mates and friends! I would like to take a moment to introduce you to Ms. Single Mama, Alaina Sheer. Her story is one that is in many ways familiar, but exceptionally unique. She had a marriage that like 50% of marriages in this country didn't make it, but instead of letting it be her "the end", she focused her situation and energy into a blog, an e-book, and series of You Tube Videos that equate to a life uninterrupted. Having grown up with a single parent, I know that there were many nights when my mother felt like taking us (there were three of us), dropping us off somewhere, and wishing us luck, but I also know my mom had a strength not to be matched by the strongest body-builders. My mom is a survivor and I see that in Alaina. Even more than surviving, Alaina thrives and encourages other  people to do the same. From her v-log questions, and pics, to her candid advice on things that really matter to single parents, Alaina has proven  that she has a wisdom and strength at a young age that can only be admired and applauded. I truly love her transparency and just "her-ness" that many of us can relate to whether married or not, and I appreciate that she is willing to share it with us. I hope that you will check out her pages, videos, and yes, Facebook: she has terrific give-aways and events for married and single moms and dads alike. Oh, and you have to go to her blog to find out some awesome news about her and a special someone in her life ;) As always, Happy Blogging!

Introducing Things I Can't Say

There is such a plethora of wonderfabuloso ( I made that one up for you, Shell) blogs by women (and a few men too) out here that I don't think I'll ever really get to them all before I die. This week I would like to introduce all of you to Shell over at Things I Can't Say. I swear Shell just might be on to something: Hosting a blog that allows herself and others to say what's on their minds that they wouldn't actually or  probably would hesitate to say out loud. I got chance to visit and post a little something on her page for her Pour Your Heart Out Segment because honestly the invitation was just so doggone sweet! I really wanted to share something, so I used a post from my "secret" blog. Shell, I gotta let you know that being the mother of three boys is a true calling and you and I just might be kindred spirits. I have lots of archives to prove it! Have your boys flushed Mega Bloks down the toilet yet just to see what would happen? Let me know when they do. . . One day I will post an updated picture of myself to show what happens when you are the mother of 3 boys in close succession. ;0)  As always, please check out the blog and follow along if thou art so inclined as well as Shell's page on Facebook. I really hope everyone has gotten through the week semi-unscathed and is looking forward to a terrific weekend! Thanks for sharing who you are with us Shell, and Happy Blogging everyone!

Introducing the Artful Crafter

This is one website that I've enjoyed using for a while because of my crafting hat. I would like for you to meet Eileen, the author of the blog written for all the crafty (read: people who like to make pretty things with their hands) people out there. It all started when I was looking for an informative website on the art of decoupage, and I came across her blog.  I've been in love ever since and I use Eileen's pages for just about all things crafts.  The Artful Crafter is one of the best sources I've found for so many different types of crafts. You can find anything from beading to woodworking with reference links to books and other craft sources including where to find supplies. Eileen is very knowledgeable and dedicated to helping crafters and crafters-to-be to be successful in their work. Her pages have not gone unnoticed because her site on decoupage was listed as one of the top three informative sites by HGTV.com on their forum page of the subject. Eileen offers information on how to make income from the crafts that you make here. Best of all, everything that she shares is free!  Her Blogger page is constantly updated with  information about contests, giveaways, and helpful answers for those burning crafter questions. If you're a seasoned crafter like Eileen, or if you have always wanted start crafting in some way but don't know where to start, I encourage you to visit The Artful Crafter. Have a great Hump Day!

Introducing Concept Invitations

Hi again everyone! I have a new website for you to check out called Concept Invitations. Jennipher Reed-Brown is the creative "mastermom" behind this company. If you are looking for innovative and creative ways to send that next invite, I encourage you to check out this site. Her gallery page boasts of fun and funky items to use as keepsake style invitations including message in a bottle, magazine cover-styled invitations, shoes, shells, you name it! Concept Invitations is currently hosting a sweet invitation giveaway for 3 lucky 2011 brides and is planning on adding more giveaways for Sweet 16's, baby showers and charity events. As with most of the great hat wearers, you can find Concept Invitations on Facebook. I hope you all get a chance to check out Jennipher's website and keep her in mind for that little extra "something" when you plan your next event. Have a blessed day!

Introducing Beautify Bit By Bit by Chicoro

I would like to introduce you to Chicoro. She the author of the book Grow It: How to Grow Afro Textured Hair to Maximum Lengths in the Shortest Time. She is also the author of her blog Beautify Bit By Bit here on Blogger. Although Chicoro may be more well known for her tips on Afro-textured hair care, her blog is out of the ordinary because it isn't about hair as one would expect. Her blog surprised me at first take because it showed me the beautiful spirit that is in her. Chicoro's philosophy and take on life is about beautifying the inside of you and bringing what's inside outside. By beautifying who you are as a person, you beautify the whole you and world a little more. I love her posts because they are insightful and very well written. On many occasions, I have found just the right emotional or spiritual boost I need to take another day with grace and new eyes. You can find her on Facebook and you can also check out her website. I hope that you will take the opportunity to visit Chicoro and see how she is making the world more beautiful bit by bit. Have a wonderful weekend!

Introducing Four Lettre Words

I would really like to give a heartfelt thank you to Lady Lisa from the blog Sharing Life with Lisa for giving the link to this blog on her page. Firstly, let me say that I was absolutely intrigued by what I first perceived was a typo in the blog's title, but I later figured out that it is actually the last name of our blogger Dina from Kennesaw, GA. There are two things that win me over about this blog. Firstly, the author is from Georgia my home state and she also lives next door to my former home Marietta, GA (Home of the Big Chicken). Secondly, I am fond of play on words so I really like the title of her blog :0) Dina is wife to Neil and a stay at home mom to 6 and 2 year olds Sam and Luke. Her family's blog is fun and fresh with Wordless Wednesdays, her blog posts via photo collage, Friday Fragments with recaps of her week, and of course great product giveaways and product reviews. I can think of lots of four letter words to describe this blog: Neat, cute, easy (going and to follow), and full of LOVE. I hope you get a chance to check it out. Have a great weekend everyone! 

Introducing Texture Playground

I'd like for you to meet Fleurzty. She's the author of the Texture Playground Blog, an informative and inspiring blog and website dedicated to educating women on caring for afro textured hair in its natural state. Hers was one of the first sites I discovered when I decided to stop using chemical relaxers in my hair and it has been invaluable to me ever since. Fleurzty has a fresh and practical approach to the natural hair journey and its because of her transparency that I really enjoy coming back to her pages. Her hair photo gallery inspires me when I am discouraged about my hair. She has a wealth of valuable information for adult's and children's hair care and a new boutique where you can purchase products specially formulated for afro textured hair. You can find her on You Tube, and Facebook. On her blog and Facebook pages you will find terrific product reviews and giveaways (Don't you just love that?).When you get a free moment, check out her pages which include an entire page dedicated to Link Love that shares other sites that have inspired Fleurzty in her natural hair journey. Have fun visiting the Playground!

Introducing Not Just a Mommy

I actually came across this page from the Link Love which my fellow blogger, Wanda, at The Watered Soul shared  today (Thanks Wanda!). Blogger Dawn is a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom :0)) in Washington who is quickly making her way into the world of professional event planning. Her blog is chock full of fun and creative ideas for parties and holidays with pictures galore and links to tutorials for projects. She is wife "to an awesome dude", a  mom and step-mom of three, and the owner of a hyper mini-schnauzer (I love that). Check out Dawn's website for an impressive array of awards for her knockout ideas, great blogging, and links to subscribe to her "insanity" as she calls it. Check out her page on Facebook for giveaways and goodies! From the looks of things Not Just a Mommy is a blog that truly lives up to its name! 

Introducing Organic Girl

I would like to introduce you to the Organic Girl blog. Organic Girl is a mother of four children and she loves to blog all things baby/child organic including (but not limited to) the use of cloth diapers. A mom of many talents, Organic Girl owns two other blogs as well: The Bakers Kitchen and Today's Diva which also review and sponsor giveaways of some pretty  awesome products. This Canadian blogger dedicates her blogs solely to presenting  product reviews and giveaways. There are tons of organic product links for women/moms and babies. Products giveaways can be open to residents in the US and Canada so you should check out the various links to see which products apply. I, for one appreciate the price of free or extremely discounted and as we all know the use of organically produced materials and products is better for us and the environment. As time goes on, I will be posting more links to sites like these that are either run by moms or will significantly benefit women and their families. Organic Girl is definitely worth a first and second look.

Introducing Inspired Sistah

I would like to introduce you to Tangie Henry also known as the Inspired Sistah. I gratefully acknowledge that she has been my inspiration for most if not all of my current endeavors. Tangie is the founder and president of Inspired Sistah, LLC. Tangie's mission is in her company's logo: to inspire women to live up to the full potential that God has given each of them.  Those of you familiar with Tangie's work on her website, v-logs, blog, and various social sites including Facebook, Twitter, MySpace know that she is relentless in her pursuit of reaching her highest potential. As you view her Tweets or her posts on her blog she is always encouraging others to take their lives to the next level. I believe it is that drive in her that makes her the perfect candidate for her one of her current positions as a certified life coach! As we occasionally talk via email or phone, my head spins with all of the ways God is keeping her busy. She is currently preparing for several speaking venues around the country, but  the one that is closest to her heart would be that of her own brainchild,  the Inspired Sistah Retreat coming up in September which you can read more about here: www.InspiredSistahRetreats.yolasite.com.  It is my hope that you will take the time to check out Tangie and the work she is doing on the various places across the web and the country. Click on the links above to see how Tangie is inspiring women to live on top of the world!

Out of the Hat Box

As much as I hate to admit it, I don't like change. I'm not talking about the change I find in the bottom of my purse, but the kind of change that is life altering and paradigm shifting in nature. In fact, I've come to the conclusion that most of us if not all of us REALLY don't like change. We want things to be stable and have some sense of predictability. We want if not need to maintain a sense of normalcy in our daily lives and we rarely if ever do much to alter that. Most of the changes that occur in our lives have to do with outside influences that are out of our control: death, sickness in yourself or a loved one, accidents, someone else making decisions that affect us, and so on. . . Well, the time has come for me to make a change in my life that has already begun to alter it. I am Chanisha Rashaan Cochran-Wilson: I am a woman, a wife, a mother, a writer, an artist, and most of all a child of God. I am a royal Princess with the King of Kings for a Father. I have always worn all these hats but have been content to settle in with just wearing the wife and mom hat while ignoring the other hats sitting in the back of the closet. They have been screaming to be taken out of the hat box and into the light. Even the princess hat took a back seat for a while. My life has been the equivalent of wearing a baseball cap or silken nightcap everywhere I go even to formal functions when I have such a dazzling array of awe-inspiring hats to show off for the right occasions. It just doesn't look right! I allowed my fear of not wanting to make waves or not wanting to outshine others to hinder me from being the whole person God has called me to be. So as you can see, my blog has made some changes. There is a new look on my blog. I am changing my focus and taking it off of myself and placing it on the world around me. I am putting my "business" (literally) out in the street as I prepare to finish and publish two books and pursue other business endeavors. Be looking out for my posts on various blogs and ministries as I encounter them. Also feel free to comment and/or click the Follow button on the right of the screen and join me in my new journey. It's always nice to know who's watching and perhaps we can learn a lot from one another. Happy New Week!

Growing Up Into Christ/Actively Resting

Good morning everyone! I just wanted to share with you a passage I read this morning that for one, spoke to my deepest need right now and for two, gave me confidence that my Lord is more than willing and able to use me as I am in His service. I am His. . .


Jesus says, "Abide in Me." These words convey the idea of rest, stability, confidence. Again he invites, "Come unto Me,. . . and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. The words of the psalmist express the same thought: "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him." And Isaiah gives the assurance, "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Psalm 37:7; Isaiah 30:15. This rest is not found in inactivity; for in the Saviour's invitation the promise of rest is united with the call to labor: "Take My yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest." Matthew 11:29. The heart that rest most fully upon Christ, will be most earnest and active in labor for Him.

When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan's constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ. The pleasures of the world, life's cares and perplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, or your own faults and imperfections--to any and all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices. Many who are really conscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads to dwell upon their own faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating them from Christ he hopes to gain the victory. We should not make self the center and indulge anxiety and fear as to whether we shall be saved. All this turns the soul away from the Source of our strength. Commit the keeping of your soul to God and trust in Him. Talk and think of Jesus. Let self be lost in Him. Put away all doubt; dismiss your fears. Say with the apostle Paul, " I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to Him. If you will leave yourself in His hands, He will bring you off more than conqueror through Him that has loved you.

Steps to Christ, p. 41 by E.G. White.

It's May Already?

My Goodness! Where did the first week of May go? I wasn't expecting the days to move so quickly. Anyway, I have been feeling rather uptight lately as several events in my life have occurred in close proximity to each other. I had a bout with vertigo last week that totally threw me off balance (no pun intended). My husband had to come home from work and help me because it was that bad. I found out that my case was quite mild compared to others who couldn't even drive when they encountered it. My husband discovered on Monday or Tuesday that someone took all of his professional music equipment over the weekend which was quite devastating because music is his life when he's not teaching. But wonderfully enough within 24 hours God turned his situation around and replaced what the locust had eaten or in this case had stolen. I'm noticing a trend and have a quick thought for ya. Is it possible that this is just another living illustration that though in this world we will have tribulation, but we should be of good cheer because God has overcome this world? Yes I had vertigo, but I recovered in a day. God allowed something that wasn't pleasant but yet in his mercy God gave me a speedy recovery. Yes, my hubby lost things that took years to purchase (worth thousands of dollars) but God in his mercy restored what was lost. I'm of a mind that we must suffer because that is life and life happens to everyone regardless of beliefs and professions but I think there is a special blessing that God bestows on his children that love him and trust him. He won't always remove the difficulty, but he recreates it to help us get over through or around it with our faith intact.

The Time is Right

Acts 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Being Deliberately Deliberate

1 Peter 3:15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

I get it! Every person who is born again and living the life hidden in Christ is his minister/disciple. If your have opened your life to Christ and received Him then you are His friend and His friends do what He says, right? Well, what has he told you to do lately? Is it to share your faith with someone? Is it to smile at your hater? Is it to go over to your neighbors house and invite them to a Bible study when you don't even have one started? Is it as simple as waking up and saying "good morning" to your spouse or children? What ever it is, we should be deliberately deliberate. Most of the great missions, ministries, programs, movements all started with a simple deliberate action. I will not move from this bus seat and stand. I will go to jail instead of apologize for being who I am, I will shake his/her hand though my friends, mother, spouse, onlookers, offlookers, etc, may disagree. Record that melody, write that poem, finish that book (CeCe), smile at that hater, and what ever it is God has already told you to do be deliberately deliberate about it. People are watching but not for the reasons you think. People know when you are different and most are too afraid to ask why. But we should always be ready to show and tell why which can only happen when we make a special place in our hearts for our God.

Do You Know Him?

Hi ya'll! I'm back to fill everyone in on the last three weeks of my journey and I wanted you to know that God is faithful and just. Not because He does stuff or gives stuff but because He is and He loves me like crazy. I'm God's Girl (thank you, Watered Soul for sharing that word with me) and His princess. I get that and I believe that. Two weeks ago or so, I had the privilege of attending my sister's choir anniversary concert. I don't think I can find the right words for it. It may not have gone the way anyone expected it to go, but it definitely went the way it needed to go. God in all His wisdom knew the words that were needed for my breakthrough and I appreciate the fact that He took the time to network my blessing all the way up to Decatur, IL through people I had never met. That's God, you know. It doesn't stop at the concert of course. My visit with my sissy ended beautifully and the REAL fun began at the airport. First, seat was not assigned for my flight. Second, my son vomited all over his nice clothes just before boarding the plane. Third, my plane got delayed for two hours before takeoff in IL and was running into the time for my connecting flight back home. All of that didn't really bother me until I got stranded in the Atlanta, GA airport. My flight got changed to the next day. I have my luggage with my not quite two year old and limited human resources. My phone was dying, funds were low, and all I could do was say, "Lord, this is not normal behavior for me, and I am very used to trying to make things happen when stuff goes wrong, but I trust you. I would really like to freak out right now but I'm asking you to calm the sea and me. Thank you, Lord." God directed me not to get into the long and exasperating customer service lines. He had me call my baby sister back in IL and tell her what I needed. "Sis," I said. "My flight was cancelled for tonight and my new flight doesn't leave until the next evening. What can you do?" My sister then took over as the vehicle God was going to use to get all the glory. "I'll call you back." was what she said and the race for God to keep me was on. Five minutes later, I'm on a three way call with a good friend that lives almost 60 minutes away from Atlanta and my sister in IL. "Alright Nisha, what do you need?" my friend said. My baby brother is in the airport right now and he said he will put you up in a hotel tonight but the only problem is that he can't get you back to the airport." Firstly, I can't even fathom the fact that we're talking about her baby brother. Secondly, I'm in shock that her baby brother is old enough to have a job. Thirdly,that he is driving now and fourthly, that he is in the airport at the very moment I need him preparing to take care of me! I knew this child when he was a diapered baby!I'm sure I babysat him at some time in my life. So obviously you can imagine my surprise. My sister got off the phone and called another friend because God was instructing her to find a different accommodation for the night. She got another friend's number from the same sis whose brother was in the airport. My sis called the other friend and her husband about my staying with them instead. Here is another shocker: I know I babysat this child and her little sister when they were knee high to grasshoppers and now she and her husband are gladly opening their home to me! It was really overwhelming at the time but I couldn't process it all until like just now. You know I have to say something about God at this point. Over thirty minutes had passed in this episode in my life and I had a prepaid phone with like no minutes left. How did I keep calling and keep getting called by all these people when I didn't have thirty minutes or more worth of minutes on my phone? And another thing: what is the baby doing during this time? I get the feeling he had a lot of fun. He didn't cry, and he didn't sit down either but I am sure that he enjoyed that time with his mommy who was in low frequency panic mode. God understood that my feelings didn't equal my faith and he really had me in his hand. Here's how the who scenario played out: My sister told our one friend that she wasn't comfortable with me staying in a hotel and not having a way back. She told the friend and brother instead to give me money for my phone. The other friend's her husband came to pick me up (they only lived 15 minutes from the airport by the way). Now, I am truly convinced that God is the God of coordination and master planning. I couldn't find the little brother for like almost an hour. We played tag for a good twenty minutes. Calling and trying to locate one another. My transportation was coming and I didn't know how this was going to end. Five minutes before my ride arrives, I make one last attempt to locate the brother. We finally pinned down each other's location by landmarks in the baggage claim and the first thing he said when we saw each other was "Bless God." He hugged me and handed me way more money than I needed for my phone. He didn't stay because he had other passengers in his car, but he did what God had him do and I am so grateful for it. Not even five minutes after that moment did my transportation arrive and I was standing right where I needed to be for my other friend to find me. If I hadn't found my friend's brother I wouldn't have known where to be in order to be picked up! I was inside the airport baggage claim on the wrong side the whole time! Look at God, ya'll. The story isn't over yet. I get to my friend's home and she says "You mean you had to get stranded in the ATL airport just so we could see each other?" I laughed because I understood what she meant. I hadn't seen her in several years since she was like a freshman in college. We used to see each other every week at church but as we got older and moved on we just didn't have the opportunity. We reminisced that night for a while and then retired to bed. It was so wonderful to talk to her and allow God to use her and her spouse to be a blessing to me and my baby. She was just thankful that she had a place where I could sleep! Can you believe that? This was the second example of God using people I was used to taking care of and being the "big sister" for who now took care of me when I needed them. In order for you to understand the significance, you have to know my usual M.O. I am Martha sister of Mary and Lazarus in every way. I was the one who was usually the most responsible. The one who rolled up her sleeves and got it done for Jesus. I was always the one who people called on at church when things needed fixing and doing and babysitting was my forte. Under normal duress and "Martha-dom", I would have been the one working out the kinks and growing more gray hair to get the situation worked out. It could never have been as elaborate or well put together as God's plan but it would have been a good showing. I am not accustomed to asking for help from anyone not even family but God showed me that he wanted and has been wanting to do a "new thing" within me. "Yes, Martha. You are careful for many things, but Mary has chosen the better thing." God told me that I needed to have a "Mary moment" and sit as His feet so that I could learn a thing or two. I used to assume that "ain't nobody saved but me" and God had to take me out of that paradigm. I had been allowed to get to a point where I didn't have anything by which to manipulate the situation. God put it before me to trust Him implicitly and I believe that I passed the test. I passed because I got through the process and learned a little more about who God is. It made me more aware of just how much the Marys of this world are blessed and the Marthas of this world miss out. Of course I got to my flight in more than enough time. My phone had minutes and I had my ticket in hand (which was upgraded to first class by the way). Along the way I reconnected with old friends and realized who my true friends are. The sea was calmed and I survived, but one thing that will never be the same is the way I see the Son of Man. What manner of Man is this Who can calm the winds and sea? How well do I really know Him? Can I really let go and let God? I now believe I can. If God can orchestrate beautifully this "little thing" in His eyes, why should my life be any different? He knows the plans that He has for me. He speaks peace and hope and a full expectation of His plans for my life. He promised to give me my life for a prey as I seek after Him. I believe that.

I'm Looking for Something

I'm looking for something
What is it?
I'm looking for something
Different
Not like the same old same
I'm searching and seeking
My mind won't let me settle
What I want
I can't get from man
What I want
I can't get from me
What I want
Is totally SUPERnatural
Better than natural
It's outside of what I can see
Hear
Smell
Taste
Feel
But it's what I already know
From the beginning
Even before I was formed
I knew what it was
Or should I say Who?

In Like a Lion. . .

Ha! Wow. God is quite incredible don't you think? Just when I think I'm doing big things and making strides and looking good God says, "You might want to check the mirror before you go out." This week has been one of the most revealing and wonderfully abrasive weeks of my life. I guess I should start from the beginning. My sister mentioned to me before the end of February that her choir, MINISTRY (*that's their name and mission), would be doing a 21-day Daniel Fast (Daniel 10:2-3, "In those days I, Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."). They always do a fast of some sort before their anniversary concert, but this year they wanted to do the 21 days before their concert this March. Instantly, I knew that this fast was for me and I needed to do it even though I'm not an "official" member of the choir. No meat, no animal by-products, no sugar, no artificial sweeteners,no artificial anything, no preservatives, no beverages other than pure water, etc. Real basic eating and drinking. It's only been 5 days, but I have never been confronted with such a real picture of who I am and who God is making me to be. I know now that I am selfish. I would like to (and usually do) have my cake to myself (you already knew I was going to eat it). I know now that I am spoiled (rarely do I deny myself). I know now that I am fiercely independent (with much emphasis on the fierce). I also know now that I have a desire and heart for God that was hidden under all this flesh. I know that all these fleshly things are being replaced with a knowledge of God and what He will do and give me as I yoke up with Him. I know it's only week one, but that was really all that was needed to show me how much I depend on myself and my flesh to see me through. Simple things like "No, CeCe, I realize you want this particular item to eat. Even though there's nothing wrong with it, it's not what I want for you right now." I would have my panic attack/tantrum, and make accusations, and worry that I'm going crazy, and that I need to eat, Lord, this is an eating fast (Uuunnghh!), and then I try to wrap my mind around what He is asking (I surrender), and then He comes in and shows me a better way. I'm having less and less of those fights (well, more like my short arms trying to box with God), and now I can say "Okay Lord, I do want this thing, but I want You more." I claim the victory though the battle is not over.

Happy Birthday!!!!!

This post was actually supposed to be yesterday's but I was too busy celebrating. I just wanted to let the world know that I am so grateful for my 34 years of just getting started. I am so grateful for the opportunity to live and grow and be. I just want to take this moment to re-dedicate myself to my Savior and thank Him for His mercy on me. Everyday is a gift. Let us never take our "present" for granted.

I AIN'T NO CHICKEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had to get my shout on yesterday because of my best friend of 13 years. Lord, you know I love her to death. She's the one whom I've written a couple of posts about on my blog. She called me yesterday to share what God was doing in her life. Through the course of the conversation I happened to mention the word 'anointing' in reference to a choir whose ministry I appreciate. What did I say that for? Oh. My. Goodness!What transpired next is what I can only call yet another paradigm shift in my young existence. My dear sister compared the anointing or the special setting apart by God to a little egg that a boy found. He being a little boy thought to take the egg and put the egg where it made the most sense to him: his chicken coop. He took the egg and placed it in one of the nests of the chickens and left. My, my, that egg caused quite a stirring in the coop! The chickens had never seen such an ugly and misshapen egg before. It wasn't white, it wasn't brown or speckled, it wasn't even small, yet the chicken whose nest it was in did what she knew to do: sit on the egg and keep it warm. Eventually as with all eggs that are good and incubated, the funny little chicken egg hatched. Have mercy! This chicken was the clumsiest, strangest looking chicken in the whole world. It had a funny shaped beak, it's feathers weren't like a chickens, it couldn't cluck or peep correctly and all the chickens determined that there was something wrong and off about this chicken. All the other chickens gave advice about this new chicken. "Send him to a special chicken school. Maybe you should consider medication", some said. Mama chicken would take the poor thing to chicken psychologists that wanted to prescribe chicken antidepressants and chicken behavioral modification medication, but nothing would help this chicken. No matter what they said or did they could not get this chicken to just do and behave like the rest of the chickens! So eventually they treated this abnormal chicken abnormally. They teased him and ostracized him and this chicken felt like he had absolutely no place in this world. Well, eventually the little boy came back and befriended the awkward chicken. He introduced himself and told the chicken that his name was Michael. Michael was very kind to the chicken and that little bird appreciated and enjoyed this little boy's attention. One day as they were walking around, Michael was holding the chicken and went to nearby cliff. They were having such a great time together but suddenly Michael threw the chicken over the cliff! As a result, the chicken fell and landed hard on the ground down below. The chicken was stunned! How could Michael do such a thing? Were they not friends? Michael had been so kind to him but now he started to wonder. The chicken went back to the coop to recuperate (no pun intended). The other regular chickens knew what had happened and teased him mercilessly. "See, you're such an awkward chicken, they said, even Michael doesn't want you!" The strange little chicken was discouraged but continued trying to be a chicken to the best of its abilities. But one day, Michael came again and began to play and talk with the chicken and the chicken rationalized that maybe Michael didn't mean to hurt him so he trusted him again. Well as time progressed Michael took the chicken to another high place and threw the chicken off the cliff again! How could this be? What is going on? Well this time the chicken decided to find out why Michael kept doing such a mean thing to him. Michael gathered the 'chicken' in his arms and began to explain what was happening. "Little bird, he said. There's something about yourself that you need to know. When I found you, you were just a little egg and I thought you might have been a chicken egg so I put you in the chicken coop. When you hatched, however, my Daddy told me that you were not a chicken and that I needed to start throwing you over the cliff so that you could learn to fly. You are an eagle and all the eagles I know are meant to fly. So I'm going to keep throwing you over the cliff and keep trying until you decide to fly." So as he promised, Michael kept taking that bird to different heights and throwing him over and the bird continued to fall but the difference this time is that the bird knew that he was supposed to fly. He kept trying until one day as the bird was falling he figured it out. He saw what he was supposed to do and instead of crashing into the ground, this bird started flying. In fact, it started to do more than fly. This bird began to go higher and higher until is was far above the earth and the chicken coop. This bird kept flying even higher until soon it came across a sight: There were other eagles flying high with him and soaring all through the air. Instantly the eagle knew everything that Michael had done was to get him to this point. He flew even higher when he realized that he wasn't a chicken. Michael released him from the chicken coop and set him where he belonged. The chickens saw what had happened to that "chicken" and some admired how high the eagle would fly in the air but most began to mock. "Aw, see that crazy bird? I would never fly that high! He's going to get himself killed!" The things those chickens had to say didn't bother the eagle anymore, because he realized that chickens are who they are and will only do what chickens do. They cluck, they peck and cannot fly but so high. He is an eagle and has to do what eagles do. And for him the sky is the limit. The moral, children, of the story is: I ain't no chicken, ya'll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ain't no chicken!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glory to God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God has placed an anointing and a special calling on my life and I must fulfill it. I must walk in it. I must fly!

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places

Ye have heard that it hath been said, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you , and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute yo; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. MATTHEW 5:43-48

Looking Up

We have moved. It's official, but I still feel that high pressure to go, go, go! I am exhausted and trying to get my life back. It was hard work moving all that stuff from there to here but it was so worth the effort. The house is beautiful to me. Old and nostalgic screened in front porch, hardwood floors, chipmunks, confused woodpeckers (one tapped on my baby's head because it thought he was a tree), no insulation in the walls, two fireplaces, fruit trees in the front, back and sides of the house, a walking trail and lake just one block away, and so much more! The children are in heaven with the ability to play in the front and back yard. I can't wait to plant my gardens! Yeah, I believe this was a kiss from my Father and an early birthday present. It will require a lot of TLC to get "my vision" in order, but I believe that we are right where God wants us to be and where we need to be. I'll keep you updated on everything. . .

Moving. . .

Yup that's right! We're moving 30 minutes north of where we are now. But that 30 minutes feels like the difference between life and death. Now don't get me wrong, I have appreciated the place where we've lived and added an extra baby to our numbers and I am so grateful for the people we rented our home with for the past five years, but OH MY GOODNESS! If I have to have one more near miss with one more myopic senior citizen in a very large car driving at sound shattering speeds with foreign license plates (MI, NY, WI, OH, Quebec, and Ontario, I promise you I will lose total respect for my elders! Too many close calls and they have the nerve to look at me like I shouldn't have been on the road! Not enough young people my age with kids, man. Not enough things for young people my age with kids to do and its only a 25 mile difference between the old place and the new! Is it really possible to fall into a retirement vortex and not realize it? (Cue Twilight Zone theme music) I am excited for the possibilities with this new place. We're meeting and "re-meeting" new friends who are reaching out to us and helping us move in a new direction. There are parks in the new town made for children! There's a lake with beautiful walking and bike trails. We even found a 1920's bungalow style home that has everything I asked God for and stuff I didn't remember asking as well! I hope and pray that this new move will not just be changing locations but a positive move in the right direction for our family.

My 2010 Theme

This little acrostic poem is in my profile on my Sistahfaith page, but it is really speaking to the direction I'm headed in this year of Twenty and Ten! Be Blessed this week and Look for love in all the "wrong" places (More on that later. . .)!


H-appily
A-ttentive,
L-ovingly
L-iving
E-ternally.
L-avishly
U-pheld by
J-ehovah's
A-lmighty
H-and of Righteousness!

Walking in a New Season for 2010. Working and occupying until God sees fit to call me home.

And still as always, I am a friend of God.

'Tis the Season!

Okay, I know it's the New Year, but I just had to say it because I believe now even more than ever that this is the time that God is gonna make things plain. I've spoken to several friends who without a doubt believe this is the year God reveals Himself to many of us (*He's always been there but somehow many of us will be "seeing" Him for the first time this year), and will be accomplishing those things we only dreamed about or wished would happen in our lives. Many people went through drama last year and felt abandoned and overwhelmed and rejected. They had dreams of the work that they believe God wants them to do for Him. There were many ministries that were planted and it seemed the seedlings wouldn't survive. However, I believe that last year was a season of discipline and pruning. The whole point of pruning is to encourage and stimulate a fruit tree to grow in a way that makes the most and the best fruit. Pruning can only be done by someone who knows what they are doing. Over pruning will give large,plentiful, but tasteless fruit and no pruning will produce lots of nice leaves but small, inedible fruit ruined by disease and insects. God was preparing us in 2009 to truly bear fruit and be productive, so he had to cut away those things that hold us back and weigh us down. Now that we have been relieved of much of our mess and the toxic stuff (mental tapes, fears, doubts, habits, and strongholds/growth inhibitors) that keep us unproductive, 'tis the season that many of us will stop "playing" church. 'Tis the season for total commitment to being a good tree that bears good fruit. 'Tis the season to be an active part of the orchard! We were chosen to be where and what we are. We were put in the conditions we were in back in 2009 to prove us and to 'harden' us for come what may and come what will. In order for plants to be hardy they must experience a little cold, and a little cutting. Don't stop being a tree now when you are on the brink of the real progress. God is planning to reap a harvest from us that is like no other! Now that we've been properly pruned, we will bear healthy, delicious, sweet and large fruit and not just beautiful, lush foliage. We will not be like the fig tree that was full of leaves and yet couldn't make a single fig! We will be like trees planted by the river of waters and we will not be moved out of place because we are so deeply rooted and established in the Root and the Branch. This year I challenge us to grow and bud and blossom and bring forth in Jesus' Name!