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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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!”…

Skip Recap

Skip Recap

While binging on a show recently (Sweet Magnolias – you’re welcome), I noticed that as a new episode aired, there was an option to “Skip recap.” In other words, one could enjoy a synopsis of what happened on the episode prior (sometimes even further back). It encompassed memorable scenes, action and/or dialogue. Sometimes I’ve found this option helpful if I’ve…

#StillHere

#StillHere

As the preacher would say, I won’t be before you long; but I actually mean it. Sometimes a lot of words are not required because the message may be ascertained quickly. A soror of mine shared a post regarding over 700 and some odd days in this pandemic, and navigating the virus with her child who is quarantining. She ended…

The Vulnerability to Manage Vulnerability

The Vulnerability to Manage Vulnerability

This feels like the longest January on record. LOL! I mean, I really did not arrive in 2022 with high expectations. After all, we’ve been duped for the last two years. I made certain to sit still, not touch anything and behave to the best of my ability. However, as my mother used to say, “everyone doesn’t have home training.”…

It Won’t Inflate For Long

It Won’t Inflate For Long

I may have shared that I’ve been walking daily over the last three months. I have a curiosity about looking at how people elect to decorate their homes, inside and outside. The choices, selections, colors, make me happy. Their artistic expressions and how they came up with something so polar opposite from me is fascinating. However, I just don’t do…

Walking Among Weeds

Walking Among Weeds

While on a walk a few days ago, I listened to a sermon by Bishop T.D. Jakes. I can’t recall the full context of the content, but I do recall that He admonished us to ask God for revelation. As I walked, I followed his instruction. God’s response was not only instantaneous, but overwhelming. Everywhere I looked, I heard the…

Return to the Mirror

Return to the Mirror

I would say during the last quarter of the year while listening to a sermon by Pastor Steven Furtick, I took notice to the words, “You will survive the sifting.” If you’ve never been in a season whereby everything you encounter seems to attempt to snip a little peace or piece out of you, just move along – nothing to…

Sing As Expected

Sing As Expected

It’s a new dawn. I have been wrestling with a sinus infection this week that has interrupted my sleep, and I ain’t happy about that at all. On last evening, I suppose the medications aligned and allowed me to slumber until around 5:30amish. I elected to hop on the “30 Days of Thanksgiving Prayer Call” by Pastor Arlene Mitchell of…

God’s Got His Game On Block

God’s Got His Game On Block

A few days ago, I agreed to update my phone. I felt like I was being propositioned so much to the extent that I might need legal representation to ward off the insistency that I cosign to a process that I wasn’t clear about. The history I had with such an agreement posed problems. One time I recall the “update…

Ain’t Nobody Coming To See You!

Ain’t Nobody Coming To See You!

One of my favorite movies is the Temptations mini series. It chronicles the narrative of one of the most influential music groups in history. Comprised of many famous “one liners,” one that I find ways to incorporate often in conversation is that of David Ruffin when he utters, “Ain’t nobody coming to see you Otis!” I holler every time. Essentially,…

Say It Again For the People in the Back!

Say It Again For the People in the Back!

Growing up, I liked sitting in the back of the bus. Sidebar: I know, it’s what Sister Rosa fought against, but the fun happened at the back of the bus, on field trips, on the way to Lindblom (#SWOOP) to pom pon competitions and other events. While sitting in the back provided entertainment, one also missed out on critical information…

Keep Shouting!

Keep Shouting!

After lots of scrolling, I elected to watch a movie. As the opening credits began, I noticed the warning. It was rated PG13, and had the word Fear beneath it. I suppose I was to assume that the movie would possess an element of fear. After watching it, I concurred with the warning, but it wasn’t the type of fear…

You’re Struggling

You’re Struggling

I don’t think that I dream often while asleep, or rather if I do, I do not recall the dream when I wake up. However a couple of nights ago was certainly the exception. Not only do I recall the dream, but I woke up immediately pondered the message. In the dream, I was walking outside, seemingly from a building…

When God Says Enough

When God Says Enough

Let me offer the caveat. If blue was not your color, you might elect to check in next Monday because this blog is centered on the magnificent declaration that occured over the weekend in the Biden Harris camp. The Peanuts gang told us over 50 years ago, that people shouldn’t discuss, “politics, religion and the great pumpkin.” Lucky for you,…

Before the Door Closes

Before the Door Closes

I absolutely love this time of year. The birds begin their concerto around 4:30ish in the morning. The sun lovingly sends her brilliance through our blinds shortly after 6am. The days are longer and the warmth envelops me in a manner that is unexplainable. Accordingly, I love sitting outside, to write, do other work, participate as of late on Zooms…

Did We Volunteer As Tribute?

Did We Volunteer As Tribute?

It’s been a hard week. Truth is, it’s been a hard 400 years. I’m referring to the enslavement of Afrikans, kidnapped and brought to America. You can read the history books for the details, or trace the trauma in our lived experiences, but the remnants of the devastation are what you are bare witnessing to in the streets. Everyone has…