Today is my son’s 17th birthday. Seventeen! Where did the time go? Sooo many memories in what seems like such a short time.
Y’all, cherish the time you spend with your little ones. Listen, one minute they are babies, and the next they are adults. Make sure you get to know them as individuals. Get to know what excites them, what makes them smile and laugh; but also, get to know what disappoints them or makes them sad or mad. Sometimes as parents we become so caught up in parenting that we forget that 1) we were once children with feelings and 2) they are little human beings trying to find their place in this crazy world. Here are my two cents of advice– as with most humans, love, guidance, acceptance, understanding, and compassion goes much further than correction. The next time you have the urge to correct your child, please take time to find out the root of the problem. Sometimes all they want is your attention.
Okay.. enough parenting advice.
Again, I cannot believe I have a 17 year old! It has been such an honor watching him become this vibrantly, brilliant young man. I still can’t believe God gave him to me. I am definitely blessed. Y’all, I love him so much! Praying God protects him from hurt, harm and danger. Speaking nothing but blessings and favor over his life. He’s God’s child and deserves the absolute best!
Happy Saturday! Couldn’t wait until Sunday to blog. This morning, as with every morning, I am so thankful for God’s unconditional love, mercy, and grace. It’s like no other.
When I think about where I used to be, and I’m talking about from childhood until now, all I can do is praise God. There were so many things I did not think I would make it through. So many times I wanted to give up and throw in the towel, but God said not so. He wouldn’t let me give up. I’m here. I made it!
So glad I made it. I made it through. In spite of the storm and rain, heartache and pain, still alive declaring, I made it through. See, I didn’t lose. I experienced loss at a major cost, but I never lost faith in You. So if you’ve seen me cry, it’s a sign that I’m still alive. Oh yeah, I’ve got some scars, but I’m still alive. In spite of calamity, He still has a plan for me, and it’s working for my good and it’s building my testimony. . .
Courtesy of Apple Music
Y’all, we’re here! We may not be where we want to be, but we’re still here. Thankful.
Have you ever woke up feeling rejuvenated? Like a brand new person? Well, this morning I did. Now, don’t ask me what I was dreaming about because I don’t really remember. All I remember is buying white and gold fabric from some gigantic fabric store, and the fabric was UGLY!! Lol. Anyway, after waking up, the word “new” kept coming to mind. So I referred to the Bible. Several verses with the word “new” appeared, but this one resonated with how I woke up feeling.
Revelation 21:5 (NIV)- He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
For me, this feeling of newness and rejuvenation means that I can start over. I am not confined by yesterday’s thoughts or decisions. Thankfully, every new day comes with a fresh start. Now, it’s up to me to accept the new start or revert back to the same old thing.
Honestly, I am anxious to see what I do. Will I do something new? Will I accept God’s gift? I certainly hope so.
As I said, today’s a new day! Not only for me, but for you, too. What will you chose? Will you accept God’s gift and do something new? If not today, maybe tomorrow. Just remember that every day is a gift and it comes with the same opportunity, the opportunity to start anew.
Today’s Hello Sunday is dedicated to a beautiful soul.
The first time we met was almost 20 years ago. We connected instantly! I loved your spirit, your sense of humor, and your style. You were kind, caring, funny, and bossy, which kind of reminded me of myself– minus the sense of style. Lol. I knew we would be friends forever.
As we all know, life happens. Sometimes in our favor and sometimes not. I was supposed to visit you this year, but God had other plans. Although my heart is heavy right now, I refuse to do the “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve” thing with you because 1) you wouldn’t have it and 2) I am so grateful for the time we spent together.
Whew! There’s sooo much more I would love to say, but your privacy is my priority. Know that you were loved and will be missed. Prayers for your beautiful family. I can’t even imagine what they are feeling. I know you prepared them for this moment, but as you know, grief is a tricky thing. It surfaces when we least expect. Praying God gives your family peace. Although your love and presence cannot be replaced, we will make sure they are loved and cared for.
Rest well my Loving & Affectionate Sister-Friend.❤️
Last week I wrote, Trusting God’s Plan. Two days ago, Pastor Steven Furtick posted, “This is the year of things we didn’t expect. Don’t underestimate God’s ability to bring something beautiful out of our unmet expectations.” Both are confirmation that letting go and allowing God have total control will yield the best outcome.
Letting go means not thinking about what is to come, or how a certain story will play out. If you are anything like me, you sit and think, “If I do this, this will happen.” And “this will happen” usually leads to 100 different scenarios. Lol.
Story time! I promise to keep it short. Lol
Sunday I wrote about a situation with my neighbor and his dog. Monday morning I decided that I was going to knock on his door and ask him not to tie his dog to my tree. Had the entire scene played out in my mind. Actually, I had several scenes played out. You know, “If I say this, he’ll probably say blah blah blah.” Well, let me tell you how it actually went down. As I was heading to work, he and his wife were walking the dog. The wife had stopped to talk to one of our neighbors and he was talking on the phone. Y’all, everything happened so fast. I flagged him down and got his attention. Afterwards, I explained that my son was taking classes virtually and that I worked from home most days, and how the dog’s barking was interfering with our work. He quickly apologized and returned to his phone conversation, and I went on to work. None of that happened as I thought it would. I wish I could say that it ended there, but it didn’t. All morning I kept replaying the scene over and over in my head. Kept wondering what he thought of me. What his wife thought of me. Did they think I was rude? Was I rude? Couldn’t I have waited to address the issue? I mean, this really bothered me. I kept hearing God say, “Let it go,” but I could not let it go. Thankfully I became engrossed in something I was working on and forgot about the situation. When I got home, I went over and introduced myself (something I should have done before the incident), and I apologized for being so abrupt that morning. They also apologized and said they didn’t know anyone lived in my house. Umm… how could they not know, but… okay. As I walked back home, I noticed that they had removed the leash from my tree. Smiling
I said all of that to say, when I finally gave it to God, He worked it out. Is anyone else hearing, “Turn it over to Jesus, he will work it out. He can. He can. Work it out”? Y’all, I hear songs all day long. Lol.
Anyhoo.. I did not expect that outcome. I expected some kind of pushback that never happened. None of the scenarios that preoccupied my mind that morning, or even the day before, were close to what actually happened. But isn’t that how it usually happens. Nothing ever happens the way we imagine. Which means we really need to concentrate more on being present and less on what will happen next. Y’all, it is sooo freeing to just let go and let God do His thing.
Along with Pastor Furtick’s post was this image that said, “Are you missing what God wants to give you because of what you thought He was going to do?”
The following is a poem written by Fay Ann Swearing, “I Will Rise Again.” I felt every word. I remember the suffering, pain, and depression. Yet, I am still here. You are still here. Y’all, we were not meant to stay down.
Through the suffering and the pain,I will rise again,There is no pain that can extinguish my light,No trials or problems that will stop my fight,Like…
It’s Shaun’s World 
You must be logged in to post a comment.