Keeping The Faith in Uncertain Times

Keeping The Faith In Uncertain Times

Lately, I have been in a funk.  I am still figuring out exactly why that is.  But, I think part of the reasoning behind my mood is the “Janky” State of Affairs in  the World.  There used to be a time when I felt like I could safely tell my children that if they carried themselves with integrity and pride, that they could expect to be treated with respect and dignity.  But, those days seem to have come and gone.  Honestly, I suppose that I was a bit naive to have believed that in the first place.  But, there is something generally unsettling about being shaken out of your comfort zone.   The job of every Mom is to be able to protect their children, while molding and shaping them, or at the very least directing them in their pursuits.  But, as an African American Mom raising African American kids these basic desires are not as clean cut as you think.

Over the last 5+, I have sat on my bed or on my couch or in my car and listened in horror to countless accounts of individuals being slaughtered and murdered for no other reason than that they happened to be black.  A gift that I gave my children, meaning my inherit blackness was passed on to my babies. Trayvon Martin, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Alton B. Sterling and Sandra Bland, just to name a few.   And that is terrifying.  As I sit here typing this with tears rolling down my cheeks.  I find myself feeling both fearful and inadequate, because ultimately I do not have what I need to do the most important job that I have been given.

As if that was not more than enough, Gun Violence continues to rise, the Me Too Movement has made its way to the forefront, and both the present administration and those running for office have resorted to using fear as a means of persuation.  It seems as though no one is required to stand in their truth anymore.  How do I teach accountability to my chidren in a world where there seems to be so little?  Once I manage to move past that immobilizing feeling.  I remember that in times of uncertainty, I truly only have one thing that I can depend on and in my case it’s my faith.

Growing up in the church, and in a very religious household, I often heard my Mom call on Jesus in times when no one and nothing else could help.  I believe that she provided me with the foundation on which to develop my own personal relationship with Christ.  And for that I thank her.  Now, that I have children of my own, I hope to instill in them the same value system that she instilled in me.  I know that I will not always be able to protect them from the evils of the world, but I hope that they will remember the devotions that we read together, and the prayers we said over problems big and small.  I hope that their strength will come from the original Author and Finisher and they will know that “All Things Work Together For Them That Love The Lord.”  If I am honest, I will admit that my walk with Christ is forever changing.  I am always in pursuit of  stronger relationship and a deeper understanding.

In my own personal valleys, and when I feel myself sinking into depression or even having  a Crisis of Faith, these are my Go Tos.

The Bible /Devotions:  I will probably pick up a Devotional book before I pick up the Bible.  Don’t kill me, I know a lot of people will not want to hear that.  But, I find it simpler to read and digest and it always directs me to verses in the bible that I may not have ever considered. I have often been able to bring to remembrance a scripture that would remind me of the promises that God gave to me.  And without a doubt, it can serve to put my mind at ease.

Music:  If you have been following this blog for a while, then you know that I love my music.  Music soothes my soul, on so many different levels.  It refocuses me, it brings my peace, it stirs my spirit in a way that nothing else can.  And, although I do love Contemporary Gospel.  Old Time Hymns often take me back to just where I need to go. This is one of my favorites.  If you have never heard of it, it’s worth a listen on YouTube.

“My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”
by Edward Mote, 1797-1874

1. My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

2. When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

3. His oath, His covenant, and blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

4. When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.  Source:

Lastly, The Fellowship of Like Minded People:  Let me explain, we all know that misery likes company.  It is the easiest thing in the world to find someone to commiserate on your frustration and your justifiable right to be miffed and unsettled.  These people very rarely offer solutions.  They offer fuel to a fire that ultimately needs to be extinguished.  They help you to fall further into an abyss.  Never reminding you that there is hope.  I won’t say that it is their intention, but likely they don’t know enough to send you down the right path.  But, someone who seeks to live in truth and light will often be more likely to try to lift you out of your “sunken place”, instead of contribute to it.  Find you some folks like that.  That I can guarantee, you will not regret.

FAITH IS LIKE WI-FI,  IT HAS THE POWER TO CONNECT YOU TO WHAT YOU NEED.

 

42 Random Facts at 42

42 Random Facts at 42 - Birthday Post

  1.   I was born in Kingston, Jamaica.
  2.   I was raised in New Jersey.
  3.   I still consider myself a Jersey Girl.
  4.   I am a transplanted Georgia Peach, moved here in 2001 and I think I am here to stay.
  5.   I am a wife.
  6.   I am a Mom of  three.
  7.   I am a Mimi, because I am not ready to be called Grandma yet.
  8.   I have one sister and one brother.
  9.   My faith is important to me, and I always trying to learn more and to grow.
  10.   I love mangoes.
  11.   Watermelon is a close second.
  12.   I didn’t start drinking coffee daily until after my third child was born.
  13.   I love pretty much all kinds of music, from R & B, to Gospel to Heavy Metal.
  14.   I still consider myself a Jersey Girl.
  15.   I love both Axl Rose and New Edition.
  16.   I love to read.  I often read 5 – 6 books in a month, or more.
  17.   My favorite movie is Love Jones.
  18.   My second favorite movie in Disappearing Acts.
  19.   My favorite actor is Larenz Tate.
  20.   I am obsessed with all types of organization tools.
  21.   My favorite food is pizza, even though it’s not something I can eat anymore.
  22.   My dream car is the Porsche Cayenne.
  23.   My favorite flowers are tulips.
  24.   My favorite makeup brand is MAC.
  25.   One of my favorite past times is Sims Free Play.
  26.   A second best is Words With Friends.
  27.   I spend way too much time on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
  28.   I love to decorate and I am currently running out of space to store said decor.
  29.   I love really big bags, but I tend to pack them with too much things much to the dismay of my back.
  30.   I am a Type 2 Diabetic.
  31.   That being said I love sweets and carbs… but can’t eat them the way I wish I could.
  32.   I love my family and my friends, but alone time is necessary in my life, even if it is just for 15 minutes each day.
  33.   I suffer from frequent and often severe migraines.
  34.   I have more pens, planner clips and stationery stickers than anyone person should have.
  35.   I still love most of the original Bath and Body Works fragrances, especially Cucumber Melon and Sweet Pea.
  36.   I talk to my Mom and my sister 4-5 times a day or more, not  to mention how much we text.
  37.   Birthdays are a big deal to me.
  38.   I can’t believe I’m 42.
  39.   I still believe A Different World is the best sitcom ever.
  40.   Caramel Macchiato is my favorite Coffee Creamer.
  41.   I am a constant work in progress.
  42.   If you made it all the way through this list, you’re the real deal!!

Thanks for reading along and celebrating my birthday with me.  Here’s to 42!!

Getting Spring Ready

Getting Spring Ready - Home Decor Spring Trends

Growing up I always imagined myself living in an ultra modern all white space with splashes of color here and there.  There is something about Contemporary Decor that has always appealed to me.  I think it has a lot to do with my self diagnosed OCD.  Of course as my life took shape and kids became a part of my every day existence, stark white was not exactly in the cards.  I still find myself drawn to spaces like this when I book hotel rooms for kid free vacations or even when picking spots to just hang out with my girlfriends.  But, at home with my family I find that my home decor is a lot more traditional and conservative than I would have thought.

Since I have yet to get to a point, where I feel like I am done decorating my home.   I constantly find myself flipping through the pages of magazines or reading blogs that speak to my love for Home Decor, hence my long standing affair with Real Simple Magazine.  I can’t say that I take too much stock in what is trending when it comes to Home Decor, I am a more of a “like what I like” girl.  So, yes my rebellious side even makes it self known in the way that I decorate my home.

That being said this year’s Spring Trends have my eyes looking like that cartoon character whose eyes are always popping out of his head.  In a nutshell, I could easily be convinced to make some additions and deletions based on what I am seeing.   However, I am not sure that I would necessarily classify these as Trends, since all of what speaks to me has been around for decades.

Here is some of what is turning my head this year:

Palm Leaves are at the top of the list, meaning that they are something that I am seeing everywhere. I do love Palm Leaves, but I pretty much equate Spring and Easter with Palm Leaves, am I alone?  I think it’s the perfect way to launch any Table Setting for this time of the year. So yes, great Palm Leaves, but any type of greenery in any space appeals to me.  I won’t say that I have a green thumb like my Dad.  But, I love having plants around.  And, since I am still learning where plants are concerned, I surround myself with any plant that I am incapable of killing.  So for me and my house we have a lot of Snake Plants, Succulents and Aloe Vera because they thrive and make me and my home look good at the same time.

Ceramic Dinner Ware:  I really believe this trend started to get popular long before 2018 courtesy or our Dear Joanna Gaines.  When she sets a fresh table and or stages the kitchens in the homes on Fixer Upper, even contemporary minded folks like me.. go Goo Goo over Farm Decor.  Dare I say, I have convinced myself that Ceramics can be chic too.   At the very least they should hold a Premier Space in my Easter Table Decor.  Right??

Black and White: Lets start out with the fact that these are Basic Colors, and as such I don’t think I can call them a Trend.  They are classics like the Trench Coat is to Spring, wouldn’t you agree?   Depending on the Texture and General Set Up.  I think that these Colors can Easily Add a More Masculine Look to a Feminine Room, or Tone Down a Particularly Jazzy or Feminine One.  According to FreshHome.com every room needs a touch of black to ground the color scheme and give it depth.  Interested in what your favorite color says about you, Check out this Post.

CIrcles aka Polka Dots are another less classic but still timeless tradition.  It’s cliche, but I love seeing Circles and Polka Dots on anything from a Teen Girls Room to Dinner Ware and Other Kitchen Accessories.  There is something youthful and flirty about this particular look.  According to the Image Consultant Institute a love of polka dots is indicative of a lively and energetic personality, and of a person who lives to multitask.

So there you have it… What Spring Trends have you thinking about making some fun and fresh changes around your home?  Let us know in the comment section below, we’d love to hear all about it.

Staying Connected

Staying Connected: 20 Questions to Ask Your Teenage Daughter

Now, that my daughter has officially hit her teenage years, I’ve noticed that just asking how her day was seems to get me less and less.  Last year on Pinterest, I ran across several lists of questions to ask your kids in lieu of How Was Your Day?  And, my girls and I had so much fun with it.  It opened up the door to limitless conversations and a lot of laughter.

So with their help, I decided to come up with a list of my own, in no particular order.

  • Who did you sit with at lunch today?
  • What was for lunch today?
  • Who would you say is your closest friend at school?
  • What school activities are going on this week?
  • What is your favorite movie?
  • What is your favorite tv show?
  • What is your favorite song?
  • What is your ideal day?
  • What is your favorite dessert?
  • What was your favorite day?
  • Is there anyone at school that needs your help?
  • Is there anyone at school that needs my help?
  • Do you like your teachers?
  • What is your favorite class?
  • What is your least favorite class and why?
  • What can I do to help you with that class?
  • So far what was the best day of your life?
  • So far what was the worst day of your life?
  • What are you thankful for?

We are always looking for new questions to add to our list, what are some of the questions that you ask your kids to get to know them better?

TODAY I WILL STOP AND LISTEN TO THEIR LAUGHTER. I WILL BREATHE IN THEIR JOY. I WILL PLAY AND BE PART OF THEIR MEMORIES NOT JUST THE MEMORY MAKER.

Making Your Own Vision Board for 2018

2017 is OVER.  Whether that hits you in the pit of your stomach like a ton of bricks, or you are overjoyed to see it go, it is done.  Around this time of year, most people seem to get into retrospective mode looking back over the year on what they mastered or what they wished they had done differently.  But, lets face it, the past is just that, the past.  There certainly isn’t much you can do to recover whatever stones you have thrown at this time, which means that it is time to look forward.  What are you expecting out of 2018?  What goals are you setting for yourself, your business, your family, your spiritual life?  Even more important than deciding what your intentions are, is laying the ground work for just how you are going to do that.  Only you can decide exactly what that means.  vision board is a tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on a specific life goal. Literally, a vision board is any sort of board on which you display images that represent whatever you want to be, do or have in your life.

A couple of years ago, one of my girlfriends hosted a Vision Board Party, and as much as I loved the company, the insight it gave me into that year was immeasurable.  Like everything else, only  you determine how much detail and how much fun this experience will be or how to combine them both. Here’s a How to on Completing Your First Vision Board in Just Four Steps.

Step One:  What are your Areas of Focus Going To Be For 2018? (For Example)

  • Health/Fitness
  • Family /Family Life
  • Financial Security/Stability
  • Spiritual Life
  • Career
  • Education
  • Home Ownership

Step Two:  How Can I Break My Areas of Focus Down Into Manageable Parts? (For Example)

  • Health/ Fitness (Take 10,000 + Steps Daily) (Drink 64 oz of Water Daily) (Get 7 Hours of Sleep)
  • Family/Family Life (Institute a Game Night) (Take Kids Out for One on One Dates)
  • Financial Security/Stability (Set A Dollar Amount to Go Into your Savings Account Monthly)  (Aggressively Pay Down Existing Credit Card Debt)
  • Spiritual Life (Attend Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting) (Make Time for Daily Devotion)
  • Career (Learn Something New Quarterly i.e. Continuing Education, or Software that can help you to advance in your field)
  • Education (Realistically Plan Out Your Courses)
  • Home Ownership (Take a First Time Home Buyer’s Class)  (Find Out What you would Need to do to Sell your existing Home)

Step Three: Use Pictures, Wording and Other Graphics to Visualize Your Goals

Things You Can Use to Help with This Step:

  • Magazines, Internet for Pictures, Quotes
  • Scissors
  • Glue Sticks
  • Tape
  • Embellishments of Any Type (Washi Tape, Stickers,Quote Bubbles)

Step Four (Final Step): Pulling Everything Together

You know that I like things to be in a certain order, so here I would say put all like items together. but, it is entirely up to you.

Grab your supplies, and put it together, however you like.  As a rule, I would say to put your Vision Board somewhere that you can see it and refer to it often.  Jump in and Get started!!

WHERE THERE IS NO VISION, THE PEOPLE PERISH. PROVERBS 29:18

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And … Happy Holidays from your Stage Presents Family.

2017 Christmas Coloring Sheets

2017 Christmas Coloring Sheets

Less than a Week until Christmas, and this Mommy is exhausted.  But, I am still plugging away.  Meanwhile my baby girl who isn’t getting any homework this week, has a million things that she wants to show me, projects she wants to work on, oh and things she really needs to borrow my phone for.   So I thought I would whip up these Coloring Sheets to keep her busy.  It sounded like a good idea, but she made quick work at it.  I am sure that I am not the only one with little ones under foot.  So, I thought I would share these as this year’s Christmas Coloring Sheets.

Christmas Mouse       Chimney Santa        Baby Jesus        Christmas Candles

Today was officially my kids last day of school for the year, so while they were gone, I finally finished up Our Christmas Basket.  I actually intended to do away with this tradition, simply because Our New Christmas Stockings hold considerably more than last year.  But, since they asked about it, I had to pull them out.  I’ve seen so many versions of this tradition, basically every family seems to put their own spin on it.  And, I think that is just what makes it special.  I try to keep ours relatively simple.

  • Christmas PJ’s
  • Christmas Coloring/Activity Books
  • Classic Christmas Book
  • Candy or Fruit Snacks
  • Novelty Items such as Funky Pens, Folders, Notebooks, Erasers

Christmas Baskets

Our 2017 Holiday Playlist

Nothings sets the Mood, for a festive Holiday, like the appropriate music.  I am normally the person who can not wait until Thanksgiving  to put on Christmas Music.  But, this year after having to spend more than I wanted to on car repairs.  I simply was not feeling the Christmas spirit, or at least I should say it was delayed.  But, while sitting in my car Soul Holiday came on and that was all that it took to spring board me into the season.  Every year I try to pull together a list of some of my favorite Christmas songs and covers.  I get entirely too much joy from hearing different artist remake the classics.  Of course, only when it’s done right.

Looking for some tunes to share with your family this season.  Check Out Our 2017 Holiday Playlist.

  • Soul Holiday, Sounds of Blackness
  • Last Christmas, Braxton Family Christmas
  • I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, Gayla Peevey
  • Christmas Everyday, Fred Hammond
  • Please Come Home for Christmas, Bon Jovi
  • Baby It’s Cold Outside, Brett Eldredge featuring Meghan Trainor
  • Please Come Home for Christmas Leslie Odom Jr.
  • Say All I Want for Christmas, Nick Jonas featuring Shania Twain
  • Deck The Halls, Pentatonix
  • Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer, DMX
  • The Christmas Song, Nat King Cole
  • Cool Yule Louis Armstrong
  • It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas, Michael Buble’
  • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Frank Sinatra
  • The Christmas Song, Celine Dion
  • White Christmas, Bing Crosby
  • Winter Wonderland, Jason Mraz
  • Sleigh Ride, Tamar Braxton (listen to this first)
  • What Christmas Means to Me, Stevie Wonder
  • Every Year, Every Christmas, Luther Vandross

My kids and I share a love for Christmas music, so  I am always looking to add some more songs to my catalog.  What are some of your favorites?  I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

All About The Stockings..

All About The Stockings

Photo Source: Credit: Jose Luis Pelaez The Image Bank Getty Images

There are less than two weeks left before Christmas.  If you are lucky enough to be done with your shopping and your decorating, the only thing left to do is to Fill those Stockings!!  This just happens to be one of my favorite Christmas Traditions.  When it comes to Christmas gifts, my kids normally give us a general idea of what they like.  But, the Christmas stocking … let’s just say I have free reign where that is concerned.  When my oldest was younger and my pockets were lighter, I stuffed it with things that I knew he LOVED, like Yoo-Hoo’s, mini boxes of his favorite cereals, Candy, and Gum.

As the years went by our Christmas Stockings evolved.  So here are some of the things that I use to fill our Christmas Stockings.

For My Son (21):

  • Dress Socks
  • Hand Lotion
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Gift Cards
  • Mini Tissue Packs
  • Pens
  • Note Pads
  • Batteries

For My Teenage Daughter: 

  • Lip Gloss
  • Hand Lotion
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Hand Wipes
  • Earrings
  • Bracelets
  • Midi Rings*
  • Funky Pens and Pencils
  • Sticker Books
  • Cell Phone Cases
  • Funky Socks
  • Winter Hats
  • Gloves
  • Dry Erase Markers
  • Microfiber Cloths

For My Younger Daughter:

  • Legos (Small Box Sets)
  • Pencil Top Erasers
  • Socks
  • Gloves
  • Winter Hats
  • Coloring Books
  • Crayons
  • Colored Pencils
  • Art Supplies
  • Sketch Books
  • Fidget Spinners
  • Hair Barrettes and Hair Bows
  • Frilly Church Socks
  • Stockings/Tights
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunglasses Case
  • Dry Erase Markers

Hubby:

    • Dress Socks
    • Regular Socks
    • Phone Cases
    • Pens
    • Gift Cards
    • Mini Liquor Bottles
    • Play Station Games
    • Car Chargers
    • USB Chargers
    • Lotion
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Hand Wipes
    • Mini Tissue Packs
    • Razors
    • Batteries

Favorite Places to Shop for Stocking Stuffers:

  • Five and Below
  • The Dollar Store
  • Kroger/Publix
  • Bath and Body Works
  • Ross
  • TJmaxx
  • Marshalls
  • Home Goods
  • Brookstones

FUN FACT:

According to the St. Nicholas Center Organization, St. Nicholas aided the poor, especially those girls whose families could not afford to give them dowries, by dropping gold down chimneys or through windows. This money would land in stockings that were hung up to dry. Another story says that the stocking tradition began when children would leave their shoes out filled with hay for Santa Claus’s horse. He then would replace the hay with gifts.

St. Nicholas was reputedly born in the third century in Patara, a place that is now Demre, Turkey. His parents, who raised him as a Christian in what was then a Grecian province, died in an epidemic. Nicholas used what was left of the family fortune to help those less fortunate. He eventually became the Bishop of Myra where he continued his good works. He died on December 6, on what is now known as St. Nicholas Day. Many countries, such as Poland, celebrate this day with gift giving and feasts.

What are some of the things that you use to stuff your Christmas Stockings?  I would love to hear about it, in the comment section below.

Saying Goodbye to Our Christmas Elf

For the last seven years, Dobbie the Christmas Elf, also known as our Elf on The Shelf, has been a part of Our Christmas traditions.  So you can imagine my shock and surprise when my seven year old told me that he scared her a little.  Of all three of my kids, my youngest one is the one that I would describe as “fearless”, so hearing her say this really hit me hard.   After all, Dobbie was meant to add to the Christmas Magic.  Once I got myself together, I decided to talk to her some more and really get an idea of where her head was.  And, that is when she said that she sometimes had nightmares about him.  I knew then, that Dobbie would have to go.

Of course, how could I explain his departure, or just that he was not coming back this year?  So we put our heads together and decided that we would write a letter to Santa, requesting to retire Dobbie and gift him to another family.

I am not sure if anyone else’s little ones are experiencing this.  But, just in case, here’s the letter that we wrote to Santa.  She is generally a very inquisitive child, and this managed to pass the “sniff test”.

Last year, we officially let our oldest daughter in on the fun, and made her the keeper of the Christmas Elf.  It was her job to move him around, before her sister woke up in the morning.  So she is a little sad to see him go.  But, we thought it was best.  So.. Goodbye Dobbie.. you served our family well, until you didn’t,  lol.

In my humble opinion, being a parent is full of lots of wins and fails, not sure I won this one.  But, I’m moving on.  Hopefully, I am not the only one out here flailing from time to time.