No-vember
It’s all fun and games when God is sending out blessings, but what about when the Holy Spirit tells you no to something.
Y’all I’m in a season where I’m focused on stewardship. Pray for me because I’m not okay. 😩😂😂😂
What is stewardship?
I’m glad you asked. Lol. The short definition of stewardship is managing the property or affairs of someone else. God has given us all talents, gifts, and resources and it is our responsibility to be a good steward of all the things he has given us.
So I’ve shared I love to travel. However, it can be an expensive hobby. Y’all it’s one thing not to be able to afford a trip, but what if Holy Spirit tells you “no” you can miss out on a trip and save all the money you were going to use for traveling? 😩
Of course, I wasn’t happy about it, but I know it is for my good. I’m learning stewardship requires discipline. And discipline leads to living a life of freedom. However, in the meantime, while you are cultivating a disciplined lifestyle - it involves saying no to yourself and others, which to be honest isn’t fun at all.But, I’ve decided I rather be a good steward of the things God has given me, so he can trust me with more.
Question: What’s something you had to say no to - to be a good steward and live a disciplined life?
“Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and on the earth; Yours is the dominion, Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head overall. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.”
1 Chronicles 29:11-12 NASB2020
The Secret Place
I know there are so many fear stories, but what about fear due to a real-life traumatic experience. 😩 I’ll share a personal story with y’all.
Storytime: When I was younger - elementary school age, I remember being at a cookout at someone’s house who had a pool and someone thought it would be cool to throw me in the pool. Y’all, I high key thought I was going to drown and thankfully, someone saw me panicking and helped.
As you can see - this was the beginning of my fear of drowning - which is absurd because I love water, the beach, and pools. But my fear of drowning still feels so real to me.
I’m sure you are wondering why I’m sharing this - so I’ll explain. I had a dream the other day about something I was fearful of. To be honest I forgot this was something I hadn’t worked through and it felt so real in the dream - it woke me up and I grabbed my phone and searched for scriptures on fear and found this one below and it helped me tremendously.
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 KJV
First off: Psalms 91 - is all about God’s protection and safety. If you are ever feeling like you need protection, I highly recommend you read the entire chapter until it comforts you.
However, this scripture really stuck out to me because it reminded me there’s so much safety in God. He wants us to dwell in his presence and he will calm all of our fears, even if they were from prior experiences.
Coach Put Me in the Game
I had the pleasure of attending a Historical Black College/university (HBCU) football game over the weekend. The game came down to who scored on their last possession of the ball. And Alabama A&M was successful in a win over Texas Southern University (50 -43).
Listen, I love football. Here’s my perspective while watching the game. I noticed the coach remained on the sidelines and provided direction to the team; however, he could not be directly on the field once the game started. I also realized when a player wanted the coach to put him in the game he would walk the field with his coach trying to prove he was ready to enter the game. If the coach thought he was ready, he would let him play, and if not the player would wait.
In addition to this, sometimes, time-outs were called by the Coach and the team would huddle on the field or the sideline. The coach would give feedback to the team - both praise and other times correction.
Y’all know I made a correlation, right? Because I always do! 😂 The Coach for me represented my relationship with God. First off, I could see myself figuratively walking with Jesus asking him for something in his name - because there’s no other name I could ask in. Depending on if God felt I was ready he would allow me to experience it.
Just like the coach on the field, if he felt the player wasn’t ready to play due to injuries or something he wasn’t going to allow him to play. The same is true for our relationship with God - he’s not going to give us something that will destroy us.
Furthermore, depending on what we are experiencing in life there are moments we make God proud and other moments he has to correct us because he’s such a loving father.
While I love saying God, put me in the game, I can also wait for his divine yes - knowing that it’s for my protection.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 NASB2020
Power of Prayer (POP)
This photo embodies how I feel when God answers my prayers. My excitement level is literally on 100. Because I really do believe God can do anything and all things.
To be transparent, I wanted to blog about something else this week, but God spoke to me while I was at the gym this weekend about prayer. Does God pick random times to chat with y’all too? Lol, maybe it’s just me. And most of the time God talks to me, I cry. 😂 The good thing is sweat and tears look similar when you are at the gym, so no one else will know. 😂
Anywho, the purpose of this blog is to remind you of the (POP). I posted yesterday, “We write our future with our prayers.” It sounds simple, but sometimes prayer is our last resort when we are dealing with a situation and it honestly should be our first and constant heart posture.
Storytime: My workload at work last was astronomical and continued to compound exponentially daily. In addition, I had a huge project due by Friday and didn’t know how to do it. By Tuesday, I was stressed and could even feel the tension in my shoulders.
Y’all, I hate being stressed - so I knew something had to change. I prayed a very simple 3 worded prayer Tuesday night, “God help me.” Knowing that God knows everything, I didn’t feel the need to tell him all the details because he knew exactly what I was talking about. In less than 24 hours, God helped connect me with the right people in the company to complete my project.
Won’t he do it! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Like, this still blows my mind, he loves me and you so much that he won’t leave any of his children lonely or without help. He’s a good loving father. ❤️
“Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” Galatians 4:6 NASB2020
Happy National Author’s Day!
Listen, I love a good National day. I honestly completely forgot about one of my favorite’s until a friend reminded me! It’s National Author’s Day!!! 📚
As I think about this day I’m reminded of my why for my blog. When I first started blogging in 2017, I had no idea I would publish a book or a second book with a third in the works! My initial why at that time was I wanted to complete a 60-day fitness challenge and document it to help others. Fast forward until today and my why hasn’t changed - I want to help others. While my mediums for helping others may change due to different assignments my purpose and reason for starting this page remains the same. I’m grateful I get to share my experiences with all of you through my writings.
So, to all the authors, future authors and our beloved readers cheer to you!
P.S. In case you haven’t purchased one of my books, here’s the links! 🥰
Things I Learned Before I Turned 31
My Self-Publishing Secrets: Lawrencia’s Self-Publishing Blueprint
You always have to plug yourself!
Squid Game Lessons #1
I’m so grateful for the way God wired me. I literally can receive inspiration for a blog from anything. I was watching Squid Games on Netflix, episode 5. If you are watching the show, don’t read this post yet. 😂
In this episode, they are playing tug-a-war and one team is favored to win because they have 3 women on their team and an elderly man compared to the other team with all men. The elderly man assured them he had never lost a game of tug-a-war despite bigger opponents because it is all in the positioning of each player and team. The older gentleman gave them instructions on how to position themselves and other strategies to lean back for the first 30 seconds to tire out their opponent.
In addition to this, another guy on their team stepped up as a leader and suggested for them to take 3 steps forward which the team was nervous to do; however, those 3 steps helped them become victorious over their opponent.
While I’m not condoning the show, I’ve learned to find random life lessons in daily things in life. This episode showed me the importance of listening to wisdom from others, the power of teamwork, and the power of influence from a leader. If one person would not have listened or been on one accord with the team it could have cost them not only the game but their life.
Sometimes we aren’t the smartest person in the room, it’s okay to heed wisdom from others.
Share some wisdom you learned from someone else.
“Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.” Proverbs 11:14 NLT
There’s No I in Team
Growing up in a low-income area, many children including myself had limited options due to poverty being all around us. We learned survival and coping skills at an early age due to exposure to so many things in our neighborhood. However, we knew there was something bigger, which encouraged us to dream larger than what we could see. For us this was sports.
The guys and I quickly learned when we were able to connect with others playing sports it created a common ground. Sports was the only place where our ethnicity or our family's financial status didn’t matter. At that moment we all came together to enjoy the sport.
Sports gave us hope. It provided us the ability to dream, see potential, and possibly change the trajectory of our lives. We even saw generational wealth created - just from playing sports.
I’ve often heard the quote, there’s no I in team, but I truly felt when we played sports it allowed us to make new friends have coaches, mentors, and teammates - who were part of our extended family.
As a former athlete myself, I’ve seen many witness the positive impact sports had on the trajectory of a child’s life.
Would you consider changing the trajectory of a child’s life and investing in their future?
Happy Birthday Liz
Happy Birthday boo, my ched, my Lizzieblue! Y’all I have so much to say about this one. 😂 She thinks she’s one of my older sisters the way she tries to stay in my business - but I deny her. 😂
She has the biggest heart and is pro-family above all things. She’s the sister I will call if I need help with anything technology - because she’s a computer genius.
Favorite Story: Every since we were younger we would sing together - she would take the high notes and I would take the lower notes. Listen, no one can tell us we don’t harmonize well together because we did and we still do!😂
She’s my secretary. If I’m traveling anywhere - she will be the first person to know when and where I’m going and ensures I always land and make it back home safely. If allowed she will also track me on my trips. 🙃 While sometimes she gets on my last nerve, I wouldn’t trade my little sister for anyone else. She’s amazing.
Love you forever Liz! Happy 29th year of life! ❤️
The Weight of Words
I’ve recently heard two Pastors speak about watching your words and I felt compelled to share my thoughts.
In society, we have interesting cliches which are used, and honestly, they are so far from the truth. I’ll give you an example. “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt me.“ Issa lie! Words matter and they can hurt. The scripture says it like this:
“Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.” Proverbs 18:21 MSG
I’ve heard things parents or family members have said to others and their words can be painful. However, I learned you have to come out of agreement with negative word curses spoken over your life. Just because someone said something to you, it doesn’t mean it’s you. Since life and death is in the power of our tongue, we should only be speaking life-giving things over ourselves and others. We have a responsibility to weigh our words said to other people too.
Y’all I’ve been working on practicing positive self-talk and listen I’m still a work in progress. I only verbalize positive things about myself out loud - despite what I think or feel at the moment. I read an article that stated, it’s one thing to think something negative in your head, but it is even more detrimental to verbalize it out loud. I’m no scientist, but verbalizing negative things does something different to your brain. Speak positive to yourself.
QOTD: How will you weigh your words this week and speak blessings into your life and the life of others around you?
New Friends or Nah?
At the beautiful age of 33, I can honestly say I’m blessed to have amazing friends in my life. But, what about when we meet new people, do we embrace them or do we say no new friends? 🤔
My Pastor often says all new relationships begin with an awkward hello. After that introduction, both people get to decide if they want to cultivate the relationship or leave it as is.
Making new friends can be interesting at any age, but especially after 30. 😂Sometimes friendships blossom easily and others may take a little more time. One thing I’ve learned that’s important in any friendship is to know what you need and also know what you are capable of giving to others. Don’t force yourself to be overextended.
Because friendships can have so much influence on your life, it’s okay not to be everyone’s friend. I’m going to repeat that for the people in the back: everyone is not your friend! It’s healthy to be selective in your friendships. I’ll share 3 things that I try to do when I’m considering someone as a new friend.
3 Friendly Habits
- Establish common ground and use this to set up a met up or spark conversation (what hobbies, interests do you all have in common)
- Check on them (A weekly follow-up such as how is your week going, what are you doing this weekend, etc…)
- Be friendly and open-minded to people who aren’t your typical friend. If they extend an invite for coffee and you can go - accept and get to know them. If it doesn’t work out, that’s okay. At least you tried!
A couple of my friendships started with people I didn’t think would be my friend and years later - we are still friends!
Are you open to making new friends? Why or why not?
“My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.” Job 16:20-21 NIV
GFFL
Every year I have a renewed faith in the Cowboys. Like every single year. For me as a fan, it doesn’t matter to me the last time the Cowboys won a Super Bowl or even if they went to the playoffs the previous year. The only thing that matters is - a new season has begun; therefore my faith for another winning season is renewed.
Storytime: September 9, 2021, was the kickoff game for the NFL season and of course my team the Cowboys were playing and I’m excited. To show my excitement, I even wore Cowboys gear while working from home, virtually. #mindyourbusiness😂
Anywho, while I was going back and forth with some Cowboys haters on social media, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said if only your faith was renewed in me every time things didn’t go as you prayed. I’m like say what?!!! 🙃
I’m thinking man, God knows how to snatch my edges. 😂 Does he talk to y’all like this too? Lol.
But he’s so right - we pray for things to go one way and God has a different plan and then we are lowkey upset about it. But what if every time we felt disappointed by God because we didn’t get our way (which probably wasn’t the best decision anyway), we decide to renew our faith in him. Because just like I continue to give the Cowboys another chance - he’s the God of another chance for us! He continues to forgive us over and over again. And he can make everything that happens to me work for my good! 🥰
Would you consider being a God Fan For Life (GFFL)?
“This I recall to my mind, Therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 KJV
Watch Your Mood
I was listening to a sermon by Dr. Darius Daniels entitled, Mood to Movement. In the sermon, he talked about how your mood (your emotions) can impact your movement. I felt convicted because I immediately thought about past situations in which my negative mood interfered with my movement.
Y’all want an example? Okay, good. I’ll share.?
Storytime: Some of y’all aren’t going to believe this, but I used to go from 0 to 100 in a matter of moments. ?
One embarrassing moment I can remember from about 12 years ago is when I was at a department store and I was trying to purchase a skirt set for an internship interview. Y’all the skirt set was on the rack together and it fit me perfectly. When it was time for me to pay, the cashier told me I couldn’t purchase the items because the skirt and blazer were different sizes. Y’all my mood changed drastically. I went from being excited about finding my interview outfit to immediately being upset at this lady. Shamefully, my mood changed my disposition and everything else. ? Thankfully, my sister was there with me and she saved the day.
Side note: Because of my sister’s calm mood, I was able to get the suit and I was hired for the internship as well! ??
But what if my sister wasn’t there - I could have allowed my mood to impact a moment - which would have impacted my coin flow in college.
I could have gotten the suit without my sister’s help if I would not have allowed my mood to impact my movement and mouth.
Question: How have you allowed your mood to impact your movement?
“Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 MSG
Unhurried
My friend was teaching me words and phrases in French such as my name is and how are you.
I would tell y’all how to say it, but you can ask Siri or Google - I’m still working on my pronunciation. ?
I remember asking them a question, in which they replied in French saying I’ll do it later. So I asked, how do you say now or immediately and they explained certain words don’t translate from English to French. Based on their culture they are never in a rush, they take their time to relax and enjoy moments. They also explained rushing and doing things in a hurry is a concept learned in America. I was taken back by this, but I started to ponder about this because a Bible study I attended a few days earlier - spoke about the art of rest and additionally my pastor recently completed a series about rest. #mindblown
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus never hurried to get anywhere, he always took his time?
When he heard Lazarus was dying - he delayed a few days and took his time making it back to his friends.
Or when the storm was happening on the boat, Jesus was unbothered and was asleep. Listen, that’s the kind of peace I want to have - where you can rest in the middle of the storm.
As my vacation ends, I’m going to continue to operate from a place of rest - not striving, not over hurrying, but resting! I hope you guys can feel how restful my vacation was through this photo.
Question of the week: How can you un-hurry this week and slow down?
Yellow Brick Road
Every day we have to make so many decisions. Google stated on an average day, we make over 35,000 decisions a day. That’s a lot! Some of the decisions are easy, like getting out of bed or eat this for lunch, etc… But other decisions are tough and may require us to seek our Heavenly Father for help. One of my go to scriptures for when I’m seeking direction is:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalms 119:105 NASB2020
When I read scriptures, I like to dissect them. I study each word intentionally and think about the visual illustration which is provided.
I’m going to share with y’all the visual I see when I read this scripture: God's words are like a lamp I carry when I’m going through a dark place. Without the words of God being my lamp, there’s darkness - I can’t see my next step. But with the words of God he provides a lamp - which is a light in a dark place and I’m able to see the path he wants me to take. Honestly, when I read this - it is as God is saying to me follow this yellow brick road that I have paved and lit up just for you.
So my encouragement for you is that if you are unsure of what path to take with a decision allow God to be your lamp and light up the path he wants you to take.
Repurpose
This blog was inspired by a conversation with a friend.
Storytime: I was sharing my birthday photos with a friend and was letting her know the story behind my dress in the photo. I explained I purchased this beautiful dress in February of 2020 to wear for a friend’s Birthday photo photoshoot in Paris. Then Covid happened. My trip planned for March 2020 was postponed to July 2020 and then it was eventually canceled. Woosah.
I’m sure like me, we all remember when we thought Covid would be over in a month or two, and unfortunately, it is currently still ongoing- and launched into a full global pandemic. That’s still mind-boggling.
But any-who, what was I supposed to do with this beautiful dress? I couldn’t return it. Therefore, I decided to repurpose the dress and wear it as my birthday dress. Whoop! ??
So, what are you supposed to do with your events planned or outfits you haven’t worn due to the pandemic? - You repurpose it!
Turn the event into a zoom event, wear the outfit to your living room party or a random mailbox trip, or a Tuesday at the park. Remember you don’t need a reason or a special occasion to wear something - wear it or celebrate it whenever you want!
Tuning out the Noise
So, I’m a huge fan of the Olympics. It’s amazing to watch people from around the world who trained vigorously compete against the world’s best.
Fun fact: I binged watched as many hours of the Olympics as I could this weekend. My favorite competitions are the synchronized divers, gymnastics, and track and field.
Sorry, I digressed. ? But, while watching the Olympics I realized a majority of the Athletics wore noise-canceling headphones or AirPods before their event began. While the arenas were closed to outside fans, I’m sure it was still very loud in the stadium and they needed to concentrate and not be distracted by outside noise from announcers, other competitors, etc…
I thought to myself, how often do I sit, disconnect from the noise and tune into what God is saying. Well, starting in August, I’m going to do just that. I’ll be off social media for a while to silence some noise and will be spending more time with God. Remember, it’s important to be intentional and prioritize our relationship with God over things. It’s hard to hear God’s soft gentle voice if there’s a lot of noise.
“and after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” 1 Kings 19:12 KJV
Happy Birthday Trina
Today is your birthday - a milestone birthday at that, but don’t worry I will not tell anyone how old you are. Lol
I have so many fond memories of you. You lead the sunshine band at church, singing Yolanda Adams’ song, My Everything.
Cues song ?, ”For waking me up this morning. For making a way out of no wayYou've been mighty good to me…”
In addition, you always gave us the cutest hairstyles and ensured our edges were laid. Thanks to you, I still love a good braided bob and box braids in a bun.
Side note: That braided bun sometimes felt like fire was going through our heads. But we were cute. ?
I will say my best memory is when you kept mama from giving me a Jheri curl. To anyone who has a curl, I’m sure it looks great on you. But, for me, I didn’t want one and my mom was one hair store visit away from buying the kit until my sister came to the rescue. ? I’ll never forget this memory.
Any-who cheers to an amazing birthday! I pray God favors you in this season of your life and gives you many more years to come.
Love,
Wren
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.” Psalm 139:14 KJV
Ordered Steps
I know people say, what you don’t know can’t hurt, but that’s a lie. I was working on a project at work and I didn’t know I should get permission before I implemented something - guess what that missed step could have hurt me if I wouldn’t have asked someone. ?
I think about even when I’m cooking, it is probably better for me to follow the steps of the recipe in order vs. skipping steps. If I jump to putting my cake in the oven before mixing the ingredients, something with that cake isn’t going to be right. Lol.
The whole idea of having steps ordered makes me grateful for how intentional my Heavenly Father is. He ordered our steps before we wore born.
How cool is that?!!!
I know we think we know what’s best for us often, but we should follow his ordered steps. It will save us a lot of time and energy.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way.”
Psalm 37:23 KJV
Keep Dreaming
I feel like I was often told, work hard, get a job that pays well, save money and then retire. In all honesty, that plan sounded good until recently- it feels like I’m playing it safe. But, what about the feeling you have when you know God has called you to do something great for his kingdom that is bigger than a 9-5 job?
What do you do then?
For me, I’ve been praying, talking to God, writing the vision, and pursuing my purpose and destiny. The thing I’m learning about your destiny is it will keep reappearing and pursuing you even if you try to ignore it. I mentioned in my blog on Friday that the self-publishing event I created was a faith step.
So, I encourage you that a dream deferred is not a dream that is dead.
Don’t give up on your dream and what God has told you even if it feels like there are stumbling blocks and or walls blocking you from moving forward. Remember, all God needs is a mustard seed of our faith and for us to trust him even when the pieces of our life seem scattered and unorganized.
He’s the same God that causes the wall of Jericho to crumble down (scripture reference Joshua 6:1-27), so he can remove our stumbling blocks or create a door or an opening for you and me!
Remember the scripture says, “Is there anything too hard for God?” - and we already know the answer to this! - Jeremiah 33:27
Working through Fear
Y’all ever wanted to start a new project or launch an event or anything and your nerves are going crazy? Well, that’s me.
I’ve been wanting to have a class for future authors who want to self-published, but I’ve been so nervous. If allowed fear can cripple you. It allows you to be in a place of comfort in which you always know you are safe instead of living in the unknown or stepping into uncharted territories.
So, how do you get past this fear? I think getting past the fear is different for everyone, for me, I have to create the event. Will people come? Umm idk, but I’ll never allow them to come and share their story if I don’t step forward.
Therefore, I’ve created an event to help authors who want to share their stories. The link is below and is my bio. Am I scared? Heck ya. Will people show up? That’s TBD. ?
But... this scripture below really helped me because God is with me and holding my right hand. ?
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10 KJV
Link to Event:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/self-publishing-write-your-story-tickets-162747753913?ref=eios