Abba, Father
I acknowledge God as my Heavenly Father. So, when I think about my relationship with him, I think about a father and daughter relationship. My father is deceased, but I look at the scriptures, other healthy father/daughter relationships around me, and my relationship with my father to understand the role of a father.
Picture this: You are in school and you were in trouble for something. You make it home from school and your father is already aware of what happened because he received an e-mail from the teacher about your behavior. So, once you get home you run to your father to tell him the news.
At that moment, of sharing the news with your father you may feel vulnerable and awful for your behavior. But your father is good, so he covers you.
Later on in the day, y’all have a conversation about it, he calls you higher and he reminds you that he loves you.
This is how I picture my relationship with God - though I may do wrong, God is there to be a father even in the midst of what is going on.
There’s nothing I can do or anything anyone can say to change the love my Heavenly Father has for me as his daughter. Just like a natural father may have to discipline or correct a child, God does this for us as well, but it’s only because he wants the best for us.
This is why I can call him Abba, Father.
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons and daughters by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15 NASB2020
Faith
So, I believe that a parent is more willing to help their child if they see them working for something versus seeing them do absolutely nothing.
For example, if you see a child making their bed, you are more likely to come help if you see them putting in the effort to try, even if it is wrong, versus if you see them sitting on the floor doing nothing.
I thought about this last week and it helped me process the concept of faith with works discussed in the book of James. The scripture says,
“For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”
James 2:26 NASB2020
This reminded me I should be partnering with my Heavenly Father, God to show him I trust him. He wants to see me working and trying vs. sitting down saying, “Whoa is me I’m not sure what to do next.” ?
To give another example, if you are stuck on the side of the road, and you are sitting inside your car doing nothing, people are probably less likely to stop to offer you help. But, someone will be willing to help you if you are outside of your car trying to fix your vehicle or even if you pop the hood of your car.
So with all of that being said, what works are you doing to put your faith into action?
“What use is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?”
James 2:14 NASB2020
#TBT Throwback Travel
This week, I’m changing to Throwback Thursday to Throwback Travel.Five years ago on April 15, 2016, I took my first trip to another country.If it wasn’t for, I would not have made it on this trip, because I was ready to go back on the plane after the first 30 minutes of arrival. She was an amazing friend, kept me from booking a flight out and she assured me things would be okay.Interesting fact: I wrote my first blog after this trip. I’ll have to share it with you all soon. My blog title was: Curbside Chronicles.
My trip to the Dominican Republic was a trip to remember for sure. I call it my worst/best trip. I’m grateful it was such an interesting trip filled with both highs and lows because it expanded my love for travel and prepared me for some of the worst scenarios that I may experience with traveling. I can’t fit all this entire trip experience into one blog, but I’ll give you a few of the highlights from DR.
Trip Memorable Highlights
1. I forgot to tell my bank I was traveling out of the country and they froze my bank account.2. I was trying to unlock my bank account and incurred over $150.00 in roaming fees.3. We road motorcycles aka moto-taxes with a total of 4 people on them.4. We hung out with some locals and ended up in a questionable area.5. We came back to the hotel and learned the doors were locked, so we set on the curve and waited we found a side entrance.6. I had the best homemade chips and fresh smoothies in my life.7. We traveled to another city by bus in another country and honestly had no idea where we were going.
Whew...that was a fun trip adventure.What’s your interesting travel story?
Grace
So usually, I am on my A-game, getting so many things done, crossing stuff off my list, and being a super overachiever. But to be honest, in this season, I am not feeling the motivation at all. Y’all ever been there or is it just me? ?
I’ll start working out, but then I also eat a cookie. ? I’ll start writing a book, but I’ll start watching a television show. I can’t figure out why I’m not in an overdriven mood right now - it’s like I’m on cruise control, but I want to get stuff done. ?
How do you push forward when you have limited motivation?
I’ve learned the best thing for me to do is to chunk my time, even if it is 15-minute increments. I’ll work for 15 minutes and then do something else to try to bring my mind back to focus. In addition to chunking my time, I’ll also ask God for grace to get certain tasks completed.
I’m not sure when I learned this concept about asking God for grace, but I’m so glad I did. I probably heard this concept in a sermon, so, thank you, Pastor. ? The scripture says, he gives us a measure of grace. So if God gives me grace so freely, I may as well take advantage of it and use it. Grace is free 99 to receive, so ask God for grace to get things done!
Question of the Day: What are some things you do when you feel unmotivated to get things done?
Scripture: “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” Ephesians 4:7 NASB2020
And
“Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” Hebrews 4:16 NASB2020
That’s not even my hurt...
This blog started from a conversation with a few friends and I wanted to share it with others.
I remember when I was younger in elementary school and a friend would say to me, I’m not this person's friend, so you shouldn’t be their friend either. “
Sounds familiar? Lol.
But the reality is - that’s not even my hurt. You can be friends with someone and another person may choose to not be friends with them because of their experiences. But whatever happened between others should be for them to resolve and it shouldn’t be hurt you carry as your own.
Sometimes, you are mad at others not even realizing you may have limited information from one party. Usually, we aren’t even familiar with all the nuances of the situation and we carry other burdens like they are our own.
I’ve also seen this happen with children as well when their parents have an argument or if their parents divorced. Kids are sometimes forced to select one parent over another. It can often be an awkward situation for the child, when they can be loved by both parents.
Take a moment to think about the hurt you are carrying. Release that hurt to God and breathe again.
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”Proverbs 12:25 KJV
It’s Good Friday
But was it a Good Friday for Jesus?
Picture this - the night before our Savior was crucified he had dinner with his friends known as the last supper. Jesus being all-knowing knew the next day he would be crucified.
Many hated him and lied on him. They spit on him, beat him, and placed a painful crown on his head with thorns.
What was he even guilty of? They couldn’t find any fault with him.
In addition to all of this, there was his disciple who betrayed him (Judas) and the other disciple, Peter who denied him three times.
Can you imagine him hanging on the cross for my sins, for your sins, and the sins of everyone in this world? The Bible says darkness fell on the face of the earth from the 6th to the 9th hour.
Even while he was in agony, he was thinking of you and me.
Even while he was in pain, he witnessed to the person next to him on the cross.
Even while he hung on a cross with nails in his hands, he asked his father to have mercy on someone else.
Even while he knew he wasn’t guilty, he asked his father to forgive others because they knew not what they had done.
Jesus died for the sins of the world, but before he died he hung on the cross to be the perfect example for us.
We know he rose from the dead which is significantly important - but today don’t forget Mary’s baby, the son of David, God’s beloved son, hung on the cross for you and me.
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Luke 23:34 KJV
Catastrophizing
Y’all ever have conversations with yourself? Okay, maybe it’s just me. Let me give y’all an example. ? So, if I have to have a conversation with someone about something I’ll play the conversation in my head before it takes place. I’ve already prepared myself to receive a negative response- when the conversation hasn’t even taken place and to be honest that may not even be their response. ? My assumed negative response may even be from a prior experience that had nothing to do with that person. ?
I was listening to a podcast a few weeks ago and a couple discussed this and as I listened I was like yikes that’s been my reaction in a couple of situations. I could relate to so many of the things they mentioned and how my body and brain automatically prepare for a negative situation without even knowing all the facts. This sounds crazy even when I was writing it. Lol.
Part of getting better comes from you doing the work. The great news is that I’m aware of my behavior and I take it to God.
The Bible is clear on bringing every thought into captivity. So when I think of a negative thought, I don’t dwell on it and I replace it with scripture. Also, I’ve started allowing people to answer questions themselves without assuming the worst. And guess what y’all - it’s been such a positive experience. Woosah.
Question of the Day: What is something that you have acknowledged about yourself that you are working on?
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV
Saved by Grace
I’m taking an apologetics class at church. One of the counterarguments that we discussed was that some believe we could be saved by good works. While I don’t believe this, it was interesting to think about at the moment. I’ll share what I believe later in the blog. I started to think of how many works would it require for me to feel like I’m saved and secure.
Would I have to repeat new works daily or would my works from yesterday be enough? ?
And then I thought about how big my good works would have to be for me to be saved? Could small good works save me too? ? Or do I have to go big or stay at home? These are all rhetorical questions that don’t require an answer. Lol.
But the cool thing about reading and learning is I bring my questions to God and allow him and the word of God to define my standard.
All of that to say, I’m so glad that my good works don’t save me and that I’m saved by faith through God’s unmerited grace.
It’s nothing that I can do to earn his grace, I don’t deserve his grace, and yet he gives it to me freely. And for that I’m grateful! ??????
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Ephesians 2:8 KJV
It’s Been a Year...
Let’s flash back to the first week in March of 2020. Life was still normal for us as we had previously known it. I still remember - I was less than two weeks away from flying to Europe or so I thought until all of our lives were changed and then we adjusted and have kept readjusting every since.
It’s been over a year since the pandemic first begin and mask were introduced in the US. I thought it would be a great opportunity to share five of my biggest takeaways since Covid started.
- Put God first in every area of your life.
- I enjoy working from home. It’s been the biggest blessing in my life and allowed great flexibility.
- I’ve paid off debt and saved way more money since the pandemic began.
- Value your relationships with your friends and loved ones. Spend time with them when you can even if it’s only via zoom.
- Enjoy your life and have fun. Life is so short to be wondering what you should have started but didn’t or who you should have contacted but didn’t. Just do it!
This pandemic season allowed me to slow down, smell the roses and increase my relationship with God. The most beautiful thing is God is with us always even in the midst of a whole pandemic.
What have you learned amid the pandemic?
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ”Matthew 28:20 KJV
Waiting
Let's be honest most people don’t enjoy waiting for things. I can admit, I don’t enjoy waiting.
Waiting on food to be cooked - just run me my food!
Waiting on the results of a test - did I pass or not?
Waiting on a job decision - Am I hired?
Waiting on a house to be built- Can I move in yet?
Those are just some of the few situations in which we as a society have to wait on something or someone else to determine the next steps.
How do you deal with the waiting? Are you patient? Or impatient?
As you all know, I’m always going, to be honest in my blogs and I can admit I can be impatient sometimes. ? I want things rushed or I want to know the result immediately. Sometimes when I am reading a good book, I’ll skip to the last chapter and then read the rest of the book.
But, I’m learning to be more patient. It’s def a learned skill. The most important thing for me right now is my attitude while I’m patiently waiting. Can I have joy, while I wait? ?
Share below how you deal with being patient.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4 KJV
Baby Steps ...
This blog topic came from a conversation I had with my friends this week.
The week of February 15th was a challenging week for many in Texas with the winter storm. I know for myself - I had no motivation to work out as my main concern was trying to check on family and friends, get through a busy work week, and prepare food and have water on stand by just in case my power went out. While dealing with this, I even indulged in a few delicious cookies and to be honest - I don’t regret it. ?
However, last week, I tried to get back on a healthier path with working out, meal prepping, and drinking a gallon of water a day - but sometimes life happens or you may not feel like doing anything and that’s okay. Remember, we are still in the middle of a pandemic! ?
As always give yourself grace because baby steps count.
If you worked out one day - that’s a baby step!
If you increase your water intake - that’s a baby step.
If you prepped a healthier meal option - that’s a baby step!
Baby steps may look different for each of us on our life journey. But remember baby steps add up to progress as long as you continue moving forward!
“The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.” Job 17:9 NLT
Replanted
Storytime: I have an aloe vera plant that I call AV. AV outgrew his normal planter probably months ago ?. This weekend I replanted it into a bigger planter so AV will have more room to grow and flourish.
While I was transporting AV to its new planter, I thought about the idea of being replanted can be applied to so many areas of life. We outgrow situations sometimes in life -whether it is a new home, friendships, churches, relationships, jobs, etc... And we have to be replanted.
While uprooting yourself from something familiar is not fun it is needed to grow and flourish. Think about even in grade school you were promoted to the next grade to learn something new. Every year you had to go through the nervousness of the first day of school and making new friends and meeting new teachers. This same thing must be applied in life - although the adjustments may not be as frequent.
Whenever you outgrow something, don’t be afraid to pick up your roots and plant them somewhere deeper so you can grow into all that God has for you!
“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” Psalms 1:3 NLT
You Are Goals
Remember you are someone’s goal.
Sometimes we complain about what we have and we don’t even realize someone is praying for our current lifestyle.
Someone wants to be your weight, to feel like they are on their way to meeting their weight loss goal.
Someone is wishing they made your salary when they haven’t received a raise in years.
Someone wants your car when they are riding the bus or requesting rides from family or friends.
Someone would love to have your apartment because they are trying to save more money to have a space to call their own.
I could go on and on and give so many more examples to compare and contrast, but I digress.
Is it okay to want more or have goals?
Absolutely.
The biggest point I’m trying to make is life is short, be thankful for everything you do have!
Quote to remember:
In the words of my friend:
My worst day is someone’s best Day!
“Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away.” James 4:14 NASB2020
Writer’s Block
Storytime: So usually I prep my blogs on Sunday night or they are written weeks in advance, but last night I could not write. I was tired and every time I started writing about a topic I would get a few sentences in and delete it. I hit writers' block hard for the first time in almost four years. I’m like what if I have nothing new to post? #soundscaryright But it really isn’t! ?
So one thing about me, is I never force myself to write - whether I’m writing a book or a blog. I want the flow to be natural or authentic and if it isn’t, I guess I won't have anything to say. Sounds simple right?!!!
But then, on the flip side, I’m like I said I would write every Monday, but I’m like what will happen if I don’t post?
As always, life will go on. It won’t be as bad as it seemed. I’ll miss a week and I’ll be back the following week or whenever my flow of writing return.
I’m saying all of that to say, we don’t have to be perfect, sometimes you will miss a blog post, forget to schedule content, miss an important event you wanted to attend, etc. Guess what - it’s call life!Things happen, things change, we are all human - keep breathing, be encouraged, because God will still always be with you.
Life will go on even when you hit writer's block!
“When thou passest 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.” Isaiah 43:2 KJV
Friends
“Friends
How many of us have them?
Friends
Ones we can depend on
Friends”
Listen - I love my friends - but umm let’s talk about this accountability and vulnerability thing.
So, this year a couple of my friends and I decided to focus on our finances and physical health. Of course - I was all in because I want my bank account booming and y’all know summer is always right around the corner.
Storytime: I loved accountability until I had to send a picture of my scale after a weekend trip in which I ate tortilla chips and pico de Gallo amongst other delicious treats. ?
Like my body loves carbs and stores carbs, so there was some weight gain after that weekend. #cringe
Sharing that initial scale picture was a different level of transparency; however, it was good for me. The most beautiful thing about great friends are that they cover you, give you grace, challenge you and call you higher. We are simply walking through life together and I wouldn’t trade them for the world! I’m grateful to have so many amazing friends in my life!
Cheers to great friends! ?
Question of the Day: What’s One thing you love about your friends?
A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. - Proverbs 17:17
Growth Conversations
Have you ever had to have a conversation with someone about something that was not pleasant? I’m sure some people even cringe just reading the title of the blog - but just know there’s a growth opportunity in the conversation.
I’m sure we all had those moments when we had to discuss something with a family member, a co-worker, a friend, an associate, a manager, etc...
How do you navigate those conversations?
As someone who’s had to have several of these conversations, while they can be challenging at first, they become easier to handle.
You may not believe this, but I used to be the person that could go 0 to 100, it’s not my proudest moment. ? But, I’m thankful to God for his saving grace! ??
Below, I’ll share the steps I’ve learned on my life journey I take to prepare for conversations - I like to refer to them as growth conversations now! So while I may still get a little nervous before a conversation, I feel so much better after I share my heart with someone.
My Top 5 Growth Conversations Tips
- Check your heart and make sure the conversation is rooted in a place of love.
- Pray about the conversation.
- Discuss or role-play the conversation with a trusted non-biased friend if needed.
- Ask open-ended questions that are not accusatory of the other person.
- If needed bring in a nonbiased third party and also be prepared to listen.
Share any tips you have for growth conversations!
“The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with Loving kindness I have drawn you.”
Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV
It’s About Relationship
I read this post about this guy’s Christian walk a couple of weeks ago and I related so much to everything he shared. I felt compelled to share some of my journey below. ?
I was born and raised in a Pentecostal/Church of God in Christ (COGIC) church and for us, that meant church all the time.? In middle school, my mom remarried and he became a Pastor - so that was even more church. ?
By the time I attended college, it was a different world for me. I met so many people with different views. This caused me to expand my horizon of what I thought I knew about God. After college, I went to a predominately white non-denominational church and now I’m currently in a predominantly black non-denominational Bible-based church. Woosah.
With all of the being said - it’s been a journey. I’ve had periods where I’ve unlearned doctrine which I felt was right and relearned new things about God. Throughout it all, I’ve learned there’s no perfect journey. My journey has not been an exponential linear growth chart, it’s been filled with detours, reroutes, right turns and so much more. I’ve embraced getting to know God for myself without feeling it was about a ritual performance and learned it was more about my relationship with God. Everyone’s steps are ordered by God in different ways to fulfill his divine purpose for our lives.So, whether you have been in church all your life or you are just learning about God for the first time today, stay on the course and enjoy your journey with God. He’s always there with us every step of the way. ❤️
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalms 37:23-24 NLT
Wise Wednesday - Discipleship
Wise Wednesday!
Y’all I say this often but I’m far from perfect. I’m learning, growing, and being stretched to relearn things I thought I did well and then learned that I didn’t. ?
How can I walk with someone to help them become a follower of Christ? How can I show more love to others?
It can start with small acts of kindness such as but not limited to:- Checking on a friend or a family member.- Giving to others.- Praying for someone in need.- Feeding them.- Sharing a scripture.- Having a conversation with someone that doesn’t look like you.
Walking out someone Christian’s journey with them requires us to be more like God by showing his traits of love, grace, and mercy to others.
“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”Jeremiah 31:3 KJV
How have you walked with someone on their journey to show God’s love?
Change is Certain
Change is a certainty we will all experience in life.
First off, Let me say, welcome back! I missed you guys and although I was on break- I was still writing because life was still happening.? Whew, Chile!
Let me jump right in and say I’m on my 4th manager within a rolling 12 month period. Woosah.
So, I think I know a little bit about change. Lol.The most amazing thing about change is, it allows you to grow and stretches you in ways you don’t even realize you have the capacity to be stretched.You learn, you fail, you try again and you keep going to overcome more obstacles. I’ve always told myself I’m a lifelong learner and the best way to test this out is to expire change.
In the words of a wise man named Rafiki, “You can either run from it or learn from it.”
Question: How do you deal with change?
“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT
The Best Gift Ever
Usually, around the holidays, most are excited to give. But what if we gave to others all year? How can we impact the world around us?
Life is happening all around us every day. Currently, we are in a global pandemic and people are longing for someone to reach out to them.
Often when people think of giving you think of money, but there’s much more you can give that doesn’t require a monetary token. Of course, if you have money, then be generous, but I’m going to share with you the best gift I received. Hopefully, you can share it with others! The best gift I’ve ever received- is the gift of salvation and you can have that same gift!
All you have to say is:
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of a savior. I thank You for dying on the cross for my sins and rising from the dead to save me. By transferring my total trust to You alone as my Savior, I now receive the forgiveness for my sins and the free gift of eternal life that You offer me. In Jesus' name, Amen!
If you prayed this prayer, I’m excited with you and heaven is rejoicing over the gift you received of eternal life with God.
Here are three practical steps that I’ll share:
- Find a church home to join, because we thrive in a community.
- Read the Bible, even if it is only a scripture a day.
- Communicate with God through prayer.
Remember, when we become disciples of Christ, we become a conduit that God uses to impact others.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV