In Search of Battery Life

In Search of Battery Life

Hey y’all hey! I started a new job just shy of two months ago and while I am over the moon excited about the work, let’s just say that a sista forgot what it feels like to transition – and might I add that I am a bit more seasoned than ever before when I’ve embarked upon a new gig.…

Gluten is No Match for God!

Gluten is No Match for God!

Happy New Year! Happy 24! We are grateful to have been one of the ones God chose to see it come to pass. Although I am posting this on the first day of the new year, I wrote it in the final hours of 2023, in particular to leave whatever that is not to be carried over. I am grateful…

No Bunny Behind

No Bunny Behind

Stella has a playpen of sorts that we place her in if and when we have to leave the house. In addition to a few treats, I place a stuffed bunny gifted from Niani for “our rescue fail” and typically a teething bone. Whenever I return home and unzip the flap to the playpen, I take Stella outside. Like clockwork…

God Over Everything!

God Over Everything!

Sunday morning as I prepared to depart for church service, I decided to wear a pair of earrings from EARrestible, by my Sis, Swanda Warren. The earrings read, “God Over Everything.” I thought they would be the perfect addition to my fit, but alas, I could not find one of the earrings. I maintain a tidy and organized method of…

Called to Vision

Called to Vision

If you see me on the street, as the song goes, “walk on by.” I look like the double in the white suit for “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” I recently had eyelid surgery. Y’all may recall my cataract surgery last December. I suppose that wasn’t enough, so here we go again. Actually, while the cataract surgery was…

Why So Green?

Why So Green?

Often I am inspired to write by the lessons God presents in His creation. The tree associated with this blog is in front of our home. This is the second year that it’s presented in this manner. The leaves were rich and green during the summer months. The leaves transitioned during fall to a rich golden red. Shortly thereafter, the…

Don’t Add Sh*t To It!

Don’t Add Sh*t To It!

Whew Chile, it’s been a minute. Who knew becoming a puppy mom would steal my early morning writing practice? But it’s been so much fun raising Stella and low key pointed out the fact that I’m bored – but that’s for another blog. There is an unkept yard in our neighborhood. The property owner is out of state and our…

It Can Be Whatever

It Can Be Whatever

Over the summer, my brother came to visit for my mom’s birthday celebration. He noticed that we had a plant next to the garbage can in the kitchen. The plant was (is) flourishing although my brother found the placement to be a bit odd. He wasn’t wrong. However, when we moved into the home we sat the plant in a…

Don’t Skip the Stretch!

Don’t Skip the Stretch!

I’ve been on a fitness journey. Some either during the height of the pandemic, gained or lost weight. I lose, however, as I settled back into a “we outside” routine, I noticed the clothes I loved the most betrayed me. About half of my timeline were enrolled in a program called, “E2M.” I joined about nine weeks ago and have…

If I Can Trust in Josh…

If I Can Trust in Josh…

What’s up fam?! It’s been a long time! Summer is upon us and I’ve been enjoying it to the best of my ability. As the youngins say, “Life be lifing,” and a myriad of circumstances have positioned me squarely in the middle to trust God. I could actually end this blog with that simple admonishment, but I really desire to…

Open Up Pandora!

Open Up Pandora!

A close sister friend called me recently and shared that she was reaching out to those close to her, who believe in the power of prayer and would be committed to covering she and her family as they transition to an environment more conducive for their peace. I count it a blessing to be “in the number.” We prayed immediately…

This blog is about God

This blog is about God

I thought about blogging about how the enemy has been acting like a student whose done not a speck of work all semester and then in the last few weeks, shows up and tries to act as though they’ve been engaged all along. Cause for real, before the “semester” ends or Pentecost arrives, he is trying to do his best…

And Did!

And Did!

As a believer, the week leading up to the observance of Resurrection Sunday is the foundation of our existence. And while it is most assuredly sacred, somber and sobering, the mere consideration that God loved us such to the extent that He gave His only begotten Son for us is mind blowing. To be sure, I am excited like many…

Blessing Adjacent!

Blessing Adjacent!

My life has been feeling rather Charles Dickensish. It’s been the best of times and the worst of times. I don’t know from one day to the next what’s in the cue. Am I to adorn my cutest pair of earrings, or should I prepare myself to remove them while slapping vaseline on my face going into yet another battle…

He Chose Me/You!

He Chose Me/You!

Hey y’all hey! Happy Monday! I’ve been doing quite a bit of travel lately and I’m still adjusting to the time change. Don’t judge me! It takes a few weeks for my circadian rhythm to align. Any who, have you purchased, “this book right here: a 40-week devotional to manifesting your purpose, volumes 1, 2 and 3?” If not, what…

Simply stated, “Praise Him.”

Simply stated, “Praise Him.”

I was on the phone with my soror following church. I shared with her I was attempting to write the weekly blog, but I was coming up blank. She went on to detail that during service, the broadcast was experiencing a small technical glitch. It resulted in the loop of what was happening in the feed to lag behind what…

Your Heavenly Father Feeds

Your Heavenly Father Feeds

I was always fascinated by Matthew 6:26, which reads, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Now, growing up, whenever we finished the loaf of bread and all was left were what we termed…

He’s in the Details

He’s in the Details

If you’ve been connected to this blog for any increment of time, you are familiar and well versed on my ongoing issues with the vehicles in my life. Here we are in the 23, and it is really trying not to present as my Jordan year. Nevertheless, on brand for me, on my way to the house of worship, with…

Do It Again!

Do It Again!

How y’all doing out there? Are you team #nevermissaMonday? Welp, if you ate like me, perhaps you should be. I actually worked out on Thanksgiving but paid for all activity post workout. I followed up to workout both Saturday and Sunday because I was feeling extra fluffy. 😂 We had family visiting from out of town and thus, I ate…

Just a Shadow

Just a Shadow

I was preparing to leave the house for work a few mornings ago. My mother said, “Stephanie, do you think it was a fire in the woods?” Some statements can literally stop you in your tracks, no matter how quickly you intention to get out of the house attempting to beat the traffic. I joined her on the back porch…

Pop Up Prayer

Pop Up Prayer

I noticed about two years ago a notification on my calendar that read, “pray,” with a crossed finger emoji. It randomly pops up on my calendar, but seemingly the right time, which is all times because as Luke 18:1 reads, “that men ought to always pray, and not to faint.” So now my calendar is out her in cahoots with…

Paid In Full

Paid In Full

Growing up I recall my friend, Briana had what we called a, “boom box.” We would listen to cassette tapes on it, sitting on her back porch for hours. We also listened to the radio on it as well. We experienced a moment one day that imprinted within my psyche. It was the moment when Eric B and Rakim’s song,…

The Weight Of My Body

The Weight Of My Body

Late last week, I was exhausted. I desperately wanted to exit my planned exercise session with my trainer. I started and stopped the text message of cancellation several times. Eventually I decided to just “suck it up” and set my alarm to wake up. I moved away from my phone and missed a text from my trainer that read, “Can…

Disruptive Device

Disruptive Device

While traveling over the weekend, I found myself at the mercy of the TSA agent. I wasn’t sure if she was having a not so great work day, or if us “travelers” had gotten on her last nerve. Mind you, it was only 8:30am, but nonetheless she wasn’t having “it.” At any rate, provoking fear was her weapon of choice.…

I’m Home. I Got Lost.

I’m Home. I Got Lost.

The other morning, I had an early flight to my beloved hometown of Chicago. As compared to other times, unfortunately I was traveling to a home going celebration. A friend who I call brother of nearly 50 years was preparing to say farewell to his mother. Concurrently, the post graduate student happened to be at home (North Carolina) visiting. She…

God’s Fall Fashion Show

God’s Fall Fashion Show

The weather is changing. I love fall but I’ve come to love summer a tiny bit more. Nevertheless, I can’t control the temperature, so I engage in what I can assume ownership of, looking for a few items to add to the closet in alignment with the climatic evolution. LOL! Hey, I was just trying to avoid stating that I…

The Editing God

The Editing God

Recently while reading “other people’s” comments on Facebook, I read that the option to edit one’s comment on Facebook was being removed. I later learned that clearing one’s cache could address the difficulty but that editing factor remained impressed upon my heart. I love a good edit, but less if I am on the receiving end. Years ago when I…

Distraction or Destiny?

Distraction or Destiny?

I’ve been wrecked all week in worship. It started last Sunday and just amplified as the week persisted. It was in my usual spaces – a few sermons, a 40-minute worship youtube experience, my prayer time and through dance. However, the unexpected place was a Marco Polo from a friend who recently moved. Just as they began settling into a…

It’s fine. I’m fine.

It’s fine. I’m fine.

Last week was a doozy for me. My pressure has been elevated for days. A situation in my workplace rocked me. I spoke with a few other friends and they shared similar sentiment. We were also saddened to learn of a loss by suicide for a local middle schooler. It made me reflect upon how much we individually carry and…

Managing Up God

Managing Up God

I was in a meeting a couple of weeks ago. Conversation was occurring and I elected to add my perspective for consideration. I suggested that “managing up” is a sound principle that may assist with some of the expectations we have that we’ve not expressed to those in positions that are more elevated. As I reflected upon that engagement, the…

Searching for faith

Searching for faith

I recall learning very early in life that all one needs to have is “faith the size of a mustard seed.” When I saw and held in my hand, an actual mustard seed, I was blown away. Faith always seemed large and looming, and something that no matter how much I had, I always needed more. Typically when I post…

Declare Your Joy!

Declare Your Joy!

A couple of weeks ago, I like many others was excited for Tabitha Brown’s collection to drop at Target. I was actually sitting in a meeting the morning of the release and spent a little time wandering the site and ordered a few items. One of them was an ottoman. When it arrived a few days to our home, I…

Even when it’s hard

Even when it’s hard

Whew. Just the title alone brings tears to my eyes. I had the opportunity to facilitate an experience with a team of folx recently. While responding to a prompt, one person shared an action that they would consider as ideal to functioning. They went on to add a small phrase at the end of the action which read, “Even when…

I Get It Now!

I Get It Now!

A close friend of mine and I recently employed the practice of reciting lyrics of hymns to one another. It is our way of encouraging each other, finding laughter in aspects of “lifing” that could otherwise prove difficult and a means of honoring our churchy upbringings and love for our ancestors. I suppose God wanted to get in on it…

Pity Party of One Please

Pity Party of One Please

If you’ve followed this blog for even a small amount of time, you know that vehicle issues are the non paying tenant that resides in our home; more like a squatter. Per usual, while awaiting parts for my car, I drove it, on a spare (that’s a story for another day). Per usual (again) I was navigating traffic on my…

You Don’t Want To Say It!

You Don’t Want To Say It!

Over the weekend, I had the sheer blessing to attend a prayer conference. The added bonus was that I was there with my mom, and it was her 89th birthday! God be praised! At any rate, during one of the sessions, Pastor Derrick Hawkins was preaching on the tenets of prayer from II Timothy 1 and asked us to participate…

God Make Me Basic

God Make Me Basic

I’m not one to always keep up with the latest culturally driven vernacular. When the young adults moved out of the house, I lost access to that dynamic. However, every now and then, I can pick up the meaning of certain words and/or phrases by the result of context clues. Over the last few months, I have been inundated with…

He Fails to Keep Receipts

He Fails to Keep Receipts

I didn’t realize I kept receipts until my Mommy moved in. Apparently, I have a practice of not retaining receipts from purchases in my wallet, but instead in the bag that the item I purchased came in. When I use the plastic bag I look at the receipt and determine if I’ve “kept” what I purchased and then throw it…

Look For Life In Dead Things

Look For Life In Dead Things

As my mother would say, “Y’all have to hold my mule for this one.” The Holy Spirit has been downloading this blog post in my spirit throughout the week. I believe it’s baked enough to share it with you. Six weeks ago, I posted a picture of a nest that birds built in one of the hanging baskets on our…

He Prepares a Table

He Prepares a Table

Therein lies evil in the land. Some folx carry it around with them. Others have power and influence to cease it from going forth, but instead perpetuate it through silence or rhetoric. Still others spew it in their words and deeds. We don’t always know the reasoning, but perhaps we can agree that it operationalizes without seeking the assistance of…

Come Away With Me

Come Away With Me

A week ago, I answered a call. I think at first I thought it was spam. Admittedly, I may have ignored the call – dare I say even blocked the beckoning. But God. God has a way of interrupting. He knows how to get around the noise and the barricades that we erect. God sent a message of confirmation to…

He Takes Dramatic License Over Our Life

He Takes Dramatic License Over Our Life

I’ve shared on many occasions my love of watching programs on television. My daughter recommended that I check out First Ladies on Showtime. It did not disappoint! The acting and the manner by which the writers wove together narratives decades upon decades apart was remarkable. As I binged the show to catch up to where my daughter was, I noticed…

God’s Got a Chip For You!

God’s Got a Chip For You!

I had so much fun during the course of last week watching Dillon. Apparently, people associated with Dillon’s mom think more highly of Dillon’s behavior. The mother elected to record Dillon being placed in time out. While recording, Dillon pulled a large what appeared to be tortilla chip from underneath her shirt. Dillon had prepared in advance for her staycation…

The Protector of Peace

The Protector of Peace

It’s been a month – negate that, it’s been a year, but we’re not delving that deep today. While traveling to New York to assist the young professional settle in her new apartment, my Aunt Eloise, my mom’s sister passed. She’d been ill for a number of years, but experienced a decline over the last four to six months. Our…

Can You Serve God When It’s Explosive?

Can You Serve God When It’s Explosive?

Two weeks ago I was tasked with contacting the gas company for a refill for our propane tank. Unbeknownst to me, we were strikingly low, impacting our ability to have hot water or use the burners on the stove as they are powered by gas. At any rate, before I realized how low we were, I checked the unit outdoors.…

Just Leave Me Alone!

Just Leave Me Alone!

I can’t recall the exact time frame, but I believe it was early in the pandemic (think summer 2020) when a friend and colleague visited a plant sale and dropped off a bit of his spoil. He chose her because she was pink and green and he understood my affection to the colors. He also jokingly said, “She’s been in…

It’s Giving God!

It’s Giving God!

I was blessed to attend a professional conference last week. First in person experience in over two years. Suffice to say, I was excited and nervous. Being in a room with hundreds, even thousands made me a little queasy. However, I’d committed myself so, I got myself under subjection and went. I had a nice time overall, yet something was…

There’s a lot of weight in that “if”

There’s a lot of weight in that “if”

A classmate of mine responded in the comment field to last week’s blog.  Check it out if you haven’t.  He commented that the post was a gentle reminder that “if” we listen closely, God will speak to us. I couldn’t agree more. I replied, “I agree wholeheartedly! A lot of weight in that “if.” Shortly thereafter, I entered into my…

He Rescues Me

He Rescues Me

Whew chile. Less than one week with our rescue. Hold up. Going too fast. We had our beloved Sweet Diamond for 17 years before she crossed the rainbow bridge. We got her at four months old. Our daughter was 10 and I was…..17 years younger. 😂 I recall training and adjusting, but obviously, like childbirth, I recall it being painful,…

God Is In The Everythingness

God Is In The Everythingness

Over the weekend I was blessed to celebrate a sisterfriend on the 1st anniversary of launching her business (https://work4changellc.com/). It was an intentionally intimate gathering of friends and family who she wanted to honor and thank for supporting the vision God gave to her. At some point during the evening, she said, “God is in the everythingness” of it all!”…