Author

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

I've written two books which are a collection of my anecdotes about life, love, and wisdom. I started writing poems when my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and interesting enough, I find it difficult to find the words to write about my mother's diagnosis. Maybe its the irony of it all. Maybe its the fear that I may join their ranks. Maybe its the hopelessness or vulnerability I feel every time I'm around my mother. Maybe its the doubt that God really is in control. In all of that, as a writer, I find comfort in thinking of God as an author. I don't have to be in control of this story. I don't have to make sure that the plot doesn't have holes. I don't have to create full characters. I'm not writing this story. I'm not in control. There's some comfort in not knowing the ending, and being genuinely surprised by life's turn of events. There is a peace in looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.

Jubilee

Celebrate the small victories. You woke up this morning. You made it home safe. There is food on your table, clothes on your back, and a roof over your head. You didn't get in that accident you should have when you were paying more attention to your phone than the highway. You didn't get sick when you ate what you weren't supposed to have in the first place. Your co-worker didn't work your last nerve today. You actually made it to the gym. Every day is full of blessings, we don't always acknowledge. Every day you wake up is a jubilee, because someone didn't. Don't be so hard on yourself. Cherish the time you spend with family and friends. Savor the life that God has given you. 

Xenial

It's holiday season. Fall decorations are on sale. Turkeys can be preordered. Holiday menus are being planned. Party invitations are being sent. It's all about hospitality. As you prepare your homes to entertain guests, make sure that you prepare your heart. Make sure that you have a xenial spirit. A xenial spirit is a hospitable spirit, one that is giving, loving and kind. 

"Hospitality is not about inviting people into your perfect home, it’s about inviting them into your imperfect heart."

Be Positive

Be positive! It is a choice. It is a conscious decision. When you are faced with a challenging situation, you have a choice. You can choose to be negative or you can be positive. Things could always be worse. Count your blessings. Did you wake up? Do you have food to eat? Do you have a roof over your head? Do you have clothes on your back? There is someone sleeping in their car. There is someone with only the clothes on their back. There is someone who has lost everything. You can afford to look on the bright side. Be Positive! 

Gratitude

I always try to instill an "attitude of gratitude" into my girls. I want them to appreciate everything they have, and to understand that there are people who are less fortunate than them. I want them to say, "please" and "thank you." I want them to be aware of world events without them having a fear of the world. I want them to know that you give out of the kindness of your heart, and not with an expectation of receiving something in return. I want them to know that but by the grace of God, it could be us. It is recognizing that "it could have been me." Rather, "it should have been me." Gratitude is taking the time to count your blessings.
 

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend." -Melody Beattie

Perfect Peace

I've probably had more conversations about race in America more this week than I have had in a long time. I've been reminded of America's dark history that we still refuse to confront. I've seen pictures that resemble the lynch mobs of 1919. I've seen things reminiscent of Jim Crow and Reconstruction, and it saddens me. In 2017, we are seeing the same racial atrocities that occurred centuries ago. It seems like we are moving backward. We cannot afford for history to repeat itself.       Peace usually follows war. There is no need for peace when there is no violence and chaos. As much as we may not understand why all these things are happening, maybe this is necessary for us to finally address America's original sin; not greed, but racism. Maybe this is the catalyst for the change we want and desire. Maybe this is America's necessary evil to achieve perfect peace. 

Smile

If you do nothing else after you read this, smile at someone. Smiles are contagious. You never know how far a hello and a smile can go. It could brighten someone's otherwise gloomy day. You could encourage someone to keep moving forward without ever saying a word. More than that, it can work wonders for you. You may be in need of a pick me up. You may need a little joy in your life. Look in the mirror and smile. Tell yourself, "good morning." Just know that...“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."-Mother Teresa