New Year's Eve (All dressed up...NOT)

This is my dress. The one that I was gonna wear to a New Year's Eve night out with "my guy". Well...I call him "my guy". He hasn't gotten that far yet. A girl can dream though, right?

Well...as you can see...the dress still has the tag on it. Yes folks...this dress is on it's way back to the store.

Things didn't quite work out as I had planned. He was "booked" well in advance of New Year's Eve and by the time I asked him about "our" plans...I was too late for the "biggest night of the year". I know...it's my own fault...thinking that HE would want to spend New Year's Eve with ME. I was being hopeful...VERY hopeful.

I gotta say though...I DO LOVE this dress. It's so "out of the box" for me. Like nothing that I'd ever wear. But I'm trying new things and thought that the dress was a perfect start. I was really ready to "wow" him.

Oh well, c'est la vie.

The dress may go back to the store...and then again...it may find a nice cozy little spot in my closet.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever bought something for a special occasion, only to have the plans fall into the toilet?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Patience and Love

Today, I'd like to share with you a little lesson that I learned (or was at least reminded of) last week. Hope it helps you as much as it helped me.

***

Last week I ordered a phone for my son. I ordered it in enough time for it to arrive and be his Christmas gift. Notice, that was GIFT (singular). I was only able to get one gift per child this year, but that's alright. It's not about the gifts anyway...I digress.

So I order the phone and it was scheduled to be delivered on Wednesday, 12/21 by 3:00.
I wait at home all day. 3:00 rolls around and the driver is not here. I call the shipping company to find out what's going on. I'm told that due to the holiday rush deliveries were delayed and the driver would arrive by 6:00. Okay.

I waited until 5:00 and then had to leave. I left a note on the door for the driver letting him know that I waited until 5:00 and asked that he make another attempt the next day.

Thursday comes and again, I spend most of the day waiting for the driver. According to the company's website, the package would be delivered by 3:00.

At 2:52, I decided to call as the driver had not yet shown up. I'm told again that due to delays the driver had until 6:00 to show up. Okay. Not happy, but ok.

So I wait.

5:00 rolls around again, and I decide to call. The agent who I spoke with this time told me that my package never left the shipping center and that I could go and pick it up.

Are you kidding me?!?

So my package had been there ALL day and I could've picked it up that morning?!?

Not happy, but ok. I got in the car and drove over. I got there at 5:45.

I get to the shipping center and the woman at the counter says, "If you're here to pick up a package you have to wait until 6:30 when the drivers are back and have unloaded their trucks."

I tell the woman that I had been advised that my package was already there and asked if I could just pick it up instead of waiting.

She takes my door tag, punches my info into the system and says {wait for it...wait for it...}, "Ma'am, your package is out on the truck for delivery".

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!

I had just been advised on the phone that the package never went out for delivery and was available for pickup at the shipping center. Can you tell...I was NOT happy.

The woman then advises me that I'd have to wait for the driver to return and unload the truck. I could pick up my package at 6:30.

Can you guess what happened next?

You're pretty smart, so I'm sure that you can.

6:30 rolled around and there was no package. My driver had not returned yet.
Then 7:30 came and went.
As did 8:30.

At 8:45 the woman calls me over and tells me that "the manager" would be out shortly to speak to me about my package. This can't be good.

So I wait, and out comes the manager who tells me that the driver has not made it back yet and that the shipping center was about to close. My options at that point were to either let the driver attempt delivery again the following day, or I could have them place the package on "hold" and pick it up the following morning.

I opted for the "hold" and decided to come back the following morning. With smoke coming out of my ears I headed back to my car.

Fast forward to the next morning.

I get to the shipping center at 9:00 when they open.

I give the kind woman at the counter my door tag, she punches in my info but doesn't say much. Uh-oh.

I wait about 10 minutes and then ask if my package is there for pick-up since it had been placed on hold.

In chimes the young whipper-snapper at the next counter who says (with much attitude), "The system does not show that your package was placed on hold, so we can't guarantee that it's on hold. You just have to wait while we research this".

Okay...the smoke alarm is about to go off now.

I respond with, "Wait a minute. I was here for over 2.5 hours last night and was told by the manager that my package would be placed on hold for pick-up this morning."

"Well, it does not show "on hold" in the system".

"I don't care what it says "in the system". I saw the manager place a sticker on my paperwork last night so that the item would be placed on hold."

"Well it's NOT on hold in the system."

This could not be happening...it just could NOT be happening. At that point, I was about to go off.

I have been in sales for too many years to know that her attitude was foul and unacceptable and she needed to be dealt with. I had already decided that I was going to go home and write an unsavory letter to the President of the company explaining my dis-satisfaction. This was all while I waited for "the manager" to come out and explain the latest issue.

As I produced one more heavy huff, my phone rang. It was a call that I didn't want to miss but by the time I got to it, I missed it. Urgh!

It rang again. In my frustration, I answered it in a very abrupt and sharp manner.

"Hello!"

"Whoa, whoa. What's goin' on? What did I do?"

"You didnt' do anything. I'm just at the "shipping center" getting the run around, trying to pick up a package that should be here but I've been told that it's not, and I'm frustrated. And I want to reach over and clobber the rudeness at the counter."

"Wait a minute. What else is going on? This is not like you, and it's not cute. Surely you are not this frustrated over a box?

"It's not about the box. It's about the mis-communication and poor service that I'm getting"

"No. There's got to be more. What's wrong? I need you to get away from where you are and go someplace where you can talk to me."

So I get in my car and for the next 41 minutes I listen to "the voice of reason" calm me down & "talk me off of the ledge".

He says, "You know that all of this anger is not you. What you need to do is go back in there with patience and love on your tongue, because that it who you are. If they have your package, fine. If they don't, just find out when it's expected to be delivered, or maybe you can meet the driver on his route and get the package that way. But with patience and love on your tongue is how you need to go back in there."

I said, "I know. This really is ridiculous that I've allowed myself to get so worked up over a box. Somebody is waiting for their medicine to be delivered so that they can LIVE. I'm just waiting for a phone."

"That's right. Now get back in there You can do this...the right way."

He was right, and knows me so well.

So I go back in...and guess what...

I walk in and the one with the previously nasty attitude greeted me with a smile...AND MY BOX.

While I was outside having some sense talked back into me, they were searching for, and had found...my box.

And in the process, I learned a grand lesson.

In all that we do, we must do it with Patience and Love on our tongues. After all...love WINS...all the time.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: When was the last time that you wanted to "go off" on someone? What kept you from doing it?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Give...don't just TAKE

Out of all the character flaws a person can have, I must say that SELFISHNESS is my LEAST Favorite.

I can not stand SELFISHNESS!!!

Lie to me if you must.
Steal from me if you must.
Exude SELFISHNESS, and we have a problem.

I went to lunch today with some former co-workers. One of them has now started his own cookie business, and his cookies are delectably delicious.

After eating one at the restaurant where we dined, I wrapped up 3 more to bring home to my kids.

I get home and give the first one to my son. He agrees, they are the BEST cookie he's ever had.

About 20 minutes later my youngest daughter comes to get a cookie. I look over to the counter where I had placed them and they are GONE...ALL GONE!

I look over at my son and he says, "What? I thought they were all for me?"

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!? Did you really think that I bought ALL THREE of those cookies for JUST YOU?!?"

I was livid!!!

I could not believe what I was hearing. Never once did he think to ask if the other cookies were his, nor did he ask if he could have any more. He just took it upon himself to eat the remaining cookies, never even thinking that anyone else would want them.

SELFISH!!!

I couldn't take it. I sent him to his room because at that moment I couldn't even look at him.

And no...I am not making a mountain out of a molehill over cookies. I am making the mountain over the principle.

He has got to learn how to think about others. It is not "all about him".

This is the problem that our entire society has. Everybody is thinking about themselves and no one is thinking about anyone else.

I hate it!!!

It's time that we start thinking about others. And if the change has to start in my home, then so be it. I am committed to eradicating SELFISHNESS...one person at a time.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: What is YOUR least favorite trait in a person?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

To No One's Sorrow

"He was thirty-two years old when he became king. He reigned in Jerusalem eight years and, to no one's sorrow, departed. However they buried him in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings."

2 Chronicles 21:20

***

Everyday, I read my Bible. Today's Old Testament reading came from 2 Chronicles, Chapter 21.

Now I'll be honest...2 Chronicles is not THE most exciting book in the Bible, but it's in there, so I've gotta read it. Can't just skip over to "the good stuff". It's not a smorgasbord. I've gotta take it all.

Before I read my Bible, I always ask God to speak to me and show me what it is that He wants me to learn from. "Illuminate your Word, LORD" That's what I ask Him to do.

Today, I was surprised by what jumped out at me. I was reading about Jehoram and what a ruthless person he was. Because of his ruthlessness, God inflicted sickness upon him and he eventually died a long agonizing painful death.

As the NLT puts it..."Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. No one was sorry when he died. They buried him in the City of David, but not in the royal cemetery."

When I read that I thought, "Wow, how sad!"

It wasn't sad that no one cared about this man's death, after all, he had done some wicked things in his life, but then again, it was sad. How sad it is to live a life that no one even cares about once that life is over.

That passage of scripture just reminded me of how important it is to leave a POSITIVE lasting impression on those we leave behind. I always say that I want the lives of the people I know to be BETTER for having known me, than had they not known me at all.

I don't want the end of my life to be "to no one's sorrow". That would mean that no one cared. Or worse, that I didn't care enough about others to have them care about the loss of me.

No, when I go, I don't want people to be so sorrowful that then want to jump in "the box" with me. Last time I checked, those things are only made to fit ONE.

No. I want the people I leave behind to remember me with joy in their hearts. And I want them to say that they were BETTER for knowing me, than to have not known me at all.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever known anyone who's died and those left behind could care less?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Attention Shoppers!!!

So it's the day after Christmas and my babies got me a gift card for the "big girl store" where I shop...Lane Bryant.

Cool!

I've been needing some new clothes so I decided to go use my gift. After all, it's the day after Christmas so there should be SALES GALORE!

NOT!!!

I go to the store and find two really cute tops that I like...each priced at $49.95 (everything is so expensive in that store). But I'm thinking that it'll be okay because just this morning I received the following text from Lane Bryant, so surely I'd get a deal. Here's what it said:

"Up to 60% off store wide!"

Well at 60% off, I could afford the two tops...never at full price though.

So I take my tops to the register...the lady rings them up...and you can guess what came next...

She says, "Just so you know, these are not on sale."

Of course not. That would be too much like right.

So I ask her to put them on hold so that I can come home and check my email to see if there are any coupon offers.

I get home, and...well...you can guess what comes next...there weren't any.

So there ya have it.

I desperately need some new clothes, but not at full price. And even though I had the gift card that my babies gave me, I'm not just going to frivolously spend their money just because it's not MY money. What sense would that make?

So...no clothes for me today. Just have to wait & see when the next coupon offer comes & then hope that the tops are still there in my size when I go back.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Did you do any after Christmas day shopping today? If so, did you get any deals, or leave empty handed as did I?

Take to me!

Til next time...

Celebrating JESUS

Today is Christmas...the day that Christians celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.

Now before I go any further, I want to make it perfectly clear that I am well aware of the fact that Jesus was more than likely NOT actually born on December 25th. I get that! And you know what...it really doesn't matter to me WHAT day He was born. All that I know is that He WAS born. Pick a day...any day. Ok...now you go ahead and celebrate His birth on THAT day. Because at the end of the day, the actual DATE of His birth, just doesn't matter. It just doesn't. People get so caught up on an actual DATE that they miss out on the importance OF the day...His birth.

Every Christmas I find myself asking the same question: Why do we give gifts to EACH OTHER when it's the birth of JESUS we're celebrating?

I mean really...when July 14th rolls around each year, my friends and family don't give gifts to EACH other, they give gifts to ME as July 14th is MY birthday.

Jesus' birthday is the only one that I know of where gifts are given to everyone EXCEPT the person who is being celebrated.

So how 'bout this...how 'bout on this day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus...how 'bout we give HIM something. Now you're probably thinking, "What can I possibly give to Jesus?"

Well, I'm glad you asked.

You can give him your LIFE. After all, He gave HIS for YOU. So it only seems fitting that you would give Him yours in return.

You can do that, can't you? Just nod, and say yes.

Here's all you need to do...talk to God. How? The best way that you know how. Just come from your heart. Speak to Him as you would to a close friend. He's not going to judge you on your words, and there are no wrong words. Just talk to Him...for as little time as you want, or as much time. He has all the time in the world...after all, He created time. He'll never rush you, and when you talk to Him, be assured that you have His attention. Buildings can be crashing down in some other part of the world, natural disasters can be occurring, and while you pray to Him, He is able to give attention to your prayer without distraction. He's just God like that!

So go. Talk to Him. He's waiting.

If you'd like, I can start you off...

"Father God, THANK YOU. Thank you for the ultimate gift that was ever given. Thank you for the gift of Your Son Jesus. Forgive me of my sins. I want Jesus to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior"

You can take it from there.

Whoever you are, wherever you are...may God bless you richly. May the love of Christ dwell in you always. And may you always be thankful for the greatest gift ever given...Jesus...our Lord and our Savior. Through Him, His death, and His resurrection, we now have the promise of dwelling in the house of the LORD forever.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you received Jesus as Lord and Savior? If not, what are you waiting for? He's made it so easy. Don't wait. I BEG you...PLEASE don't wait. Of all the posts I've ever written, this is probably the MOST important. Tomorrow is not promised. Heck the next 5 minutes are not promised. Receive Him now. He's waiting.

God bless you, and Merry Christmas!

Talk to me!

Til next time...

QUALIFIED!

So I'm still on my job search, or should I say CAREER search and I'm just a little "hot under the collar" at the moment.

I found a listing for a job that I am COMPLETELY qualified for, except for one small detail...the job requires that the candidate be BILINGUAL in English and Spanish.

Am I BILINGUAL in English and Spanish? No. And you know what...I applied for the job ANYWAY.

Are you going to tell me that in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, a company will discard my resume which CLEARLY shows that I meet EVERY OTHER QUALIFICATION, except for the BILINGUAL part? What sense does that make?

What the company NEEDS to do is have the position listed TWICE...once for ENGLISH speakers and again for SPANISH speakers. That way, we ENGLISH ONLY speaking folks aren't discounted out of a much needed job for which we are highly QUALIFIED, and the SPANISH speaking clients can still be assisted. All that the company has to do is add this little blurb at the beginning of the call "Para Español, oprima numero dos."

Problem solved!

So...we'll see what happens. When the company calls me for an interview (don't you love my optimism), if they ask me about the BILINGUAL thing, I'll tell them just the way that I've said it here.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever been denied a job for which you met ALL of the qualifications, EXCEPT for being bilingual (if that was a requirement)?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

T minus 364 days and counting

So you've probably heard by now that "the world as we know it is going to change on 12/21/12.

Will it end? Who knows.
Will it just be different that what we grown accostomed to? Who knows.

Here's what I do know though...I'm not worrying about it.

God is in control. Always has been. Always will be.

He created the heavens and the earth. He knows what's going to happen on 12/21/12 and I have complete trust in HIM no matter what happens.

As much as I love my life here on earth, I know that life here can't hold a candle to what life will be like in Heaven. So if 12/21/12 is my "checkout date", so be it. I'll be "checkin' in" in Heaven to LIVE eternally with my Lord and Savior.

So let the timer on the clock begin. Check back with me in a year and we'll see where we all are.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: What are YOUR thoughts on 12/21/12?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

BLOCKED

I've heard it said that "all good things must come to an end". Well, I don't know how much of a "good thing" Facebook has been for me but I think that my shelf life has just about expired.

I'm done. Done with all the negativity and angry rants that people post! I mean...I'm no "Polly Purebred" but I like to keep things positive in my posts. That's just me.

Another reason why I think I'm about to bail is because someone who I thought was a good friend (a REALLY good friend) has BLOCKED me.

Oh to have been a fly on the wall when I confronted the person whom we'll call "Casey".

Casey: Hey, did you see that post about what I wanted for Christmas?

Me (thinking to myself...oh no you didn't just ask me about a post after you've BLOCKED me from your profile): Nope. Can't say that I did. It's kinda hard to see your posts since you've BLOCKED me.

Casey: BLOCKED you? What? Hmmm...now let's see...what could you have done or said that made me BLOCK you?

Me: Are you serious?

Casey: Yeah. I don't even remember BLOCKING you. When did this happen?

Me: A couple of weeks ago.

Casey: And you're just telling me now?

Me: Yep. I wanted to wait until we were face to face.

Casey: Wow. So...how did that make you feel?

Me: Hurt

Casey: Oh my God! What is it with people and Facebook. Why do people get so emotional about what goes on there?

Me: So...why did you do it?

Casey: I really don't remember doing it. Let's check it out.

So we log on, and sure enough...there I am on the BLOCKED list...along with about 10 other people...who "Casey" also didn't remember BLOCKING.

As we sat at the computer, I watched "Casey" unBLOCK me and "supposedly" send me a friend request. Funny...I never got the friend request, and I'm STILL BLOCKED from "Casey's" page. Yes folks...somethin' is fishy in Denmark.

So between the negativity and the fact that "Casey" is playing games...I think I'm done.

At the end of the day when it comes to "Casey"...I'd rather be "friends" in real life than to be "friends" on Facebook anyway.

And my 2 best friends know how to reach my outside of Facebook...so that's all that matters.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever been BLOCKED by anyone on Facebook?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Cha Ching!

That was the sound of $140.00 worth of DIMES that I cashed in yesterday.

I'm still unemployed and times are getting tougher so I had to resort to my change bucket for some much needed funds.

The day before yesterday I cashed in $38.00 worth of nickels. Yesterday I was right back at the bank with $140.00 worth of dimes. And I was so THANKFUL to have them.

Not sure when I'll be back to work so in the meantime I'm starting to sell anything that's not bolted down.

I'm not worried though. I PRAY. And since prayer and worry don't go together...I don't worry.

Jehovah Jireh is my Provider and He knows just what I need when I need it. So all is well.

That's it for now...gotta say this though...those coin counting machines are pretty darned accurate. I counted $140.00 worth of dimes while I was at home and that's exactly how much the machine said I had. That was reassuring.

Now...Let the DIALOGE begin: Do you have coins saved up in a container somewhere? Do you think you'll have to cash them in soon?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Urgh!!!

Okay folks...I'm frustrated!

With what, you may ask...with my job search.

You may recall from previous posts how I'm looking to "re-invent" myself and instead of the corporate cubicle job that I've always had, I now desire a CAREER in which I can help people and make a positive difference in this world that we live in.

Sounds pretty good, right?

Well here's the problem that I'm running into...most of the positions that catch my eye require experience in the field.

It's just HELPING people!!! I have LOTS of experience there. However, the ads for the jobs require "so many years of xyz"...or a degree in "abc". I don't have any of that. I just have a heart for service. Isn't that enough?

So...the search continues. That small voice (that I really don't want to listen to) is telling me to just apply for sales jobs (like I've always had) and do the philanthropic stuff on the weekends.

If I do that, I will be so unhappy and unfulfilled.

So for now, I will continue to pray and apply for positions. God knows my heart. He knows what I want next, and He knows that I need to pay my bills.

Perhaps this is just another one of those lessons in patience.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you re-invented yourself?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Gone Home

Yesterday I attended a homegoing service. That's what believers in Christ call a funeral, because we believe that when one who has accepted Christ dies, they go "home" to be with the Lord.

So as I said...I went to a "homegoing" service.

Kinda interesting.

The service was for a woman who I went to high school with. Haven't seen her since high school and I really don't think that I even hung out with her when we were in high school. Yet, something in my spirit told me to go anyway. After all, was her life worth any less just because I didn't know her personally? The answer...of course not.

So here's how the day went...

First...I wasn't going to go at all.
Then...10:00 rolls around and I'm ready to go so I look up the directions to the church only to find that the service STARTS at 10:00. Great...I'm still in my living room and no where near where the church is. So I wasn't gonna go.

Few minutes later, I decide to go...I'll just be late. It's a homegoing service afterall...it wasn't ending any time soon.

So I hop on the freeway and head to the church. I get there and the lot and surrounding streets are PACKED. No where to park!

I circle the block once...nothing.
Twice...nothing.
Three times, and now I'm about to head home.

And there it is...that voice that said, "Go across the main boulevard, you'll find a place to part there".

So I did, and sure enough...there was a spot.

Then I get inside the church and...you guessed it...Nowhere to sit!

I find a spot against the back wall and wonder if I should just leave. Just then, an usher came over and directed me to the "overflow" area. Nope...I wasn't going anywhere. I was IN now.

And I'm so glad that I was.

The Pastor of the church delivered a great message.
Her friends and family gave lovely remarks.
And as I was listening to everyone describe her, it was as if I were at my OWN homegoing service. Her life so closely mirrored mine.

She loved the Lord.
She was a servant through and through, doing all that she could to meet the needs of others.
She loved God's Word...studying it, hearing it, teaching it.

Listening to what a great woman of God she was, I couldn't help but think that if she and I had stayed in touch after high school we probably would have been GREAT friends.

I may not have known her much in life, but in celebrating her life, I'm glad that I got a chance to know what I know.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever gone to a homegoing service (funeral) for someone that you really didn't know very well...or at all?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Time's a wastin'

So I've been unemployed since July 29th. Still no new gig. My heart knows that it's out there, it just hasn't met my heart yet.

It's gotta be meaningful.
It's gotta be life-changing (in a positive way).
It's gotta allow me to take care of my family financially.

Not much to ask for, is it.

So where is it?

Clock's ticking.

Tick.

Tock.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Are you unemployed? How long has it been?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Surprise!!!

I'll give you three tries to guess what we're talkin' about today...

Chocolate???
No

A new car??
No

Bunny Rabbits???
No

Give up? Good tries, but I'll go ahead and spill it.
Today, we're talking about Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks.

For most people, it's all about food and isn't much of a spiritual day.
For me, it's just the opposite...a day for spiritual reflection, and then we eat.

So I went to church today for our Thanksgiving Service and I gotta tell ya...there weren't a whole lot of people there. Maybe 30, tops. I remember the times when the church would be packed on Thanksgiving. Today...not so much.

But I thank God that I don't need a packed church in order to thank Him for His goodness and all that He means to me. Even if I were the ONLY one in the church today, I would have given Him thanks. He's been just that good to me.

I've been out of work since July 29th yet there is still food on my table, I still have a car to drive (that I'm still making payments on), I still have a roof over my head that is my own, and I am in good health (without medical insurance coverage).

I'm even thankful for this little blog of mine that nobody seems to read. I'm thankful for the four who have "liked" it on the Facebook page...just wondering what's up with the rest of the world & why nobody comments. It's okay though. If I write for the walls then I'm writing for something.

Yes folks...God is GOOD to me. And GOOD is an understatement. I've often said that the word does not exist that accurately describes how I feel about God. There just isn't a word that is sufficient. Thankfully, He knows...so it's all good.

I was close to going to get a free turkey this past Tuesday because one of the local businessmen was giving them out, but I thought about it and realized that I am blessed and can still afford a turkey of my own, so I wasn't about to take a turkey from someone who truly needed one.

All in all, it's been a beautiful day. I've been home alone for most of the day, and that's okay. In years past I would have been so sad to be spending Thanksgiving (or any holiday) alone. But I've done it so much it doesn't even phase me anymore. Sure, I'd like to have spent the day with a "special someone" but that hasn't happened yet. Hey...Christmas is just around the corner. Maybe things will be different then. And if not, like Paul said in Philippians 4:11, "I am not saying this because I am in any need, for I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in."

Now, Let the DIALOGUE begin! What are YOU thankful for?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Catching Up

So it's been a while...I know.

For an unemployed person I've been pretty busy. Busy with good stuff, and some not so good.

Really hoping to find a new gig soon. Money runs out pretty fast these days.

I just don't want to settle for the "same ol' same ol". I really want a career that matches my passion for serving others. Anything less will leave me unfulfilled and I just can't go back to that.

So the search continues, but I'll do my best to check in regularly just so that you know I'm still kickin'. Sometimes I wonder...do you CARE if I'm still kickin'? Can't really tell when you're silent. So leave a comment, would ya?!?

Let the DIALOGUE begin! What have you been up to? Are you working? If not, what fills up your unemployed days?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Church Home-less

Sometimes God speaks in whispers.
Sometimes God speaks in shouts.
Sometimes He takes what seems like forever to answer a prayer.
Sometimes He answers as soon as the prayer is said.

Today God answered a prayer that I prayed long ago, and He answered in shout.

For the past few years my church has been "going through some things" if you will. As a result, many members have left the church. As I've watched people leave I've asked God, "Is it time for me to go. If so, tell me. Otherwise, I'm gonna stay put until you tell me otherwise".

Today, He told me that it's time to go.

I was coming off of a rough 3 days and walked into the church "broken". It's a wonder that I went at all, but I know that if there's anyway to pull myself out of this slump I needed to hear God's word. So off to church I went.

As soon as I walked in (hadn't even taken my seat yet), I was told about something that I had done wrong and how I had gotten someone else in trouble for MY mistake. As if I didn't feel bad enough walking in, I felt even worse at that moment.

I finally took my seat and did all that I could to keep from crying during the entire service. Tears fell, but I stopped as many as I could. Then, right then and there I had wrote my membership letter of resignation. Just like that. After 18+ years of membership, this was going to be my last church service at the place where I had called my "church home". Wow!

When service ended I gave my letter to the chairman of the Deacon Board, gave him a hug, he told me "to always keep my hand in God's hand", and off I went.

I got in my car and drove away realizing that I am now "church home-less". I no longer have a "church home".

What will I do now?

Visit other churches until God leads me to where He wants me to be. Although I will greatly miss my Pastor, his preaching and his teaching, I can honestly say that I will not miss some of the church members. Some of them were mean, just downright mean.

Mind you, there are probably mean church members wherever I go. But for now, I've had enough of the meanness from this particular group of folks. Nevertheless, I wish them well.

Now, Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever left a church where you had been a member? If so, why?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Quite Time

I'm going through some stuff right now and I've decided to shut the world out. I deactivated my Facebook account, and I'm not making or taking calls. I just need to be by myself and sort this stuff out. Figure out how I keep ending up here.

If you'd like to chime in, then Let the DIALOGUE begin: What do you do when you feel like your world has turned upside down? Do you keep everybody out, or do you invite them to come in?

Talk to me...

Til next time (when I'm ready to talk back)!

The Beat that I Dance To

Ok. So most who know me will attest to the fact that I'm just "a little different".

I'd like to think that that's a good thing, but in the end I imagine that it's all a matter of opinion.

Yesterday I was reminded of just how "different" I can be sometimes.

I attended a function that I was actually very excited to go to. Had been looking forward to it for weeks. It commenced fairly early for a Saturday, at 7:30 a.m.

So I get up, shower, fix my face, my hair, throw on my jeans, one of my favorite tops, my sandals, and I was off.

When I arrived at the venue it became quite obvious to me that I was waaay under-dressed. The other attendees were all "doodied up" as I call it. Men in suits, women in slacks or dresses...and then there was me..."Casual Cathy". GREAT!

What was I gonna do?

So I park my car and sat. And I sat, and I sat, and I sat. For 20 minutes, I sat in my car and watched the people arrive. Seriously, what was I going to do? I lived too far to go home and change. And I didn't want to just go home altogether and not come back. I'd been looking forward to this event and I planned on attending.

After 20 minutes and a lot of "self-talk", and evaluating the situation, I had to ask myself a few questions:

Q: Why was I there?
A: I was there because this is an organization that I want to become a part of and I'm interested in hearing more about it.

Q: Why do I want to be a part of the organization?
A: Because I have a heart for service and this organization is all about serving our youth who so greatly need help.

Q: What's more important...your heart and the desire inside to serve others, or your outfit?

That was the clincher. I took the keys out of the ignition, got out of the car and walked in.

The bottom line is this: My outward appearance should not be a factor. My heart is the only thing that should be considered as I am reminded of in 1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

I realized that God was looking at my heart, so what I had on was okay, and if it was okay to Him, then I was goin' in...and I'm so glad that I did. Had I not gone in I would have missed so many blessings that were to be had that day. So so many.

Yeah, people probably talked about me while I was there, or maybe after I left...but you know what...I don't care.

I am who I am and I'm not changing...because I don't want to, nor do I need to.

Mary J. Blige sums it up best in her song Take Me As I Am:

"Now she's older now
Yes, she's wiser now
Can't disguise her now
She don't need
No one tellin her
What to do and say
No one tellin her
Who to be
She's on solid ground
She's been lost and found
Now, she answers to G-O-D
And she's confident
This is not the end
Ask me how I know
Cause she is me."

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Do you dance to the beat of your own drum? If not, why not? What's holding you back?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Take my money...PLEASE!

These days, if you tune into the news, one common theme that you'll hear on any channel is how bad our economy is.

Well...I'm here to tell you that for one hair salon in my neighborhood, the economy must be BOOMING. So much so that they don't need any new business. Must be nice.

On Thursday, I called the woman who's been doing my hair for years...at least a decade, and found out that she has moved...to SACRAMENTO. What?!?

Wow. That came as a surprise. It'd been months since I last saw her since I've been wearing my hair natural and not straight.

So anyhoo...I call and find out that she's not here anymore. Sigh. Now what?

As many Black women will attest, a good stylist is a MUST in ones style arsenal.

Now...I was on the search for a new one.

She suggested another lady who works in the old shop but before I called her I thought I'd try to give the business to a local business. My old hair shop is not in my city.

So I give the local shop a call. Actually, I give the OWNER a call as I had her personal cell phone #. No answer. No return call. Ok.

The next day I call the shop number. Same thing. No answer. No return call.

And I know that they're in business because I drive by everyday. So why didn't anybody return my call. Hmmm. Guess they don't need my money.

So...I call the lady that my old stylist suggested. She was available and was able to schedule me for an appointment. She did my hair and I LOVE it! She did an amazing job. You know what that means...I HAVE A NEW STYLIST!

As odd as I found it that I had to practically BEG the local shop to do my hair, I'm glad that it didn't work out. I know how much they charge and it's 15 dollars MORE than my new stylist charges. So...great service...lower price means a win-win for me.

Let the DIALOGUE begin! Have you ever had to practically BEG a business to take your money?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

The Little Things

Tonight's dinner preparation was a bit of a workout. There was LOTS of chopping.

As I was chopping I just started thanking God. I realized that there are many people who can NOT chop.

It may be painful for them to grip the knife.
They may not have enough strength to cut the thick carrots.
They may not be able to stand for as long as I stood while chopping.
They may not have anything TO chop.

Yes, in something even as simple as preparing dinner, I had a praise on my lips...because I realize that NOTHING should be taken for granted.

So as I thank God for continued eyesight (which I do EVERYDAY), I've also thanked Him on this day for the ability to simply prepare a meal.

I praise God for the Big and the Little things...because He deserves the praise in ALL.

Let the DIALOGUE begin! What's something small that you think people take for granted, yet YOU don't?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Reciprocity

All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
~Matthew 7:1

A few weeks ago I was at a street fair and found a woman's driver's license on the ground. The fair was extremely crowded and finding her would have been virtually impossible.

So I took her license with me and 2 days later, on Monday, I mailed it to her. It was the right thing to do.

Now we fast forward to this passed Saturday. I lost MY driver's license. Where? I have no idea. I've been checking my mailbox daily in the hopes that some kind person would have "done the right thing" and mailed it to me as I did with the one that I found.

Well, it's been almost a week...no license.

So my question is this, why is so difficult for people to "do the right thing" these days? For $.44 whoever found my license could've easily sent it back. Instead, I'll have to pay $29.00 to get it replaced.

Sometimes, I just have to shake my head.

Let the DIALOGUE begin! Have you ever lost something and had it surprisingly show up due to the kindness of a stranger?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Labor Pains

Deep cleansing breaths...right?

I don't know what's goin' on here. I've had 3 babies "the natural way" (you know...like the way Eve & Wilma Flintstone had theirs...no drugs, no c-section...just a LOT of pain and pushing), yet giving birth them was exponentially easier than it has been for this book that's been gestating in my heart and mind for years. I mean really...time's up...COME OUT ALREADY!!!

I think about the book everyday. Many times a day. I could probably WRITE IT in a day...if I would just sit down and do it.

But it just won't come out. It's like I need a "mental suppository" in order to get this thing outta me.

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?!?

Why is it so difficult to put pen to paper and get the first page done?

I know why, and I have to get over it.

You see...the book is about me. The good, the bad, and the ugly. The good, I can write about easily. Nobody gets hurt there. But the bad and the ugly...yeah...some toesies are gonna get stepped on there.

But what am I supposed to do?

I'm not writing to make anybody look bad. I'm just writing the truth about MY life.

I can't help it if every page of my life has not been rosey...and they haven't been. And I don't want to sugar-coat the pages either, because they definitely haven't been that.

I know that I have a story to tell. Too many people have heard my story, shook their heads, looked at me in amazement and said..."You have GOT to tell your story"! And I know I need to.


The problem with me is that I'm always considering how others will feel about my actions, and so...I don't act. That's so not cool.

And I know...I've gotta get over that. I mean really, if the shoe were on the other foot, you can bet your bottom dollar that the folks I'm "protecting" would write their book, and care less about how it affects me.

And therein lies the problem.

Whadda I do, whadda I do?

Breathe in, Breathe out...deep cleansing breaths...and...PUSH.

Let the DIALOGUE begin! What's dream, goal, idea, do you have growing inside of you that needs to come out, but hasn't yet? What are you waiting for?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Ha ha!

Today's post gives me a giggle so I thought I'd share the giggle with YOU.

I happen to be one of the very few people who actually drives the speed limit. YES folks, I said it...I DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT!

If the speed limit is 40 mph, that's how fast I go. If it's 25 mph, that's how fast I go. Ok...you get the idea.

And as you can imagine it drives people behind me nuts...absolutely NUTS. Oh well...I see it like this...I can not afford to pay for a ticket if I get one, and I don't want my driving record tarnished, sooo...I'm driving the speed limit.

Oh...and another reason is because cops lurk in nooks & crannies where you can't see them. Just when you zoom past one they come "out of nowhere".

So the other day I was on my way home, driving down a street where the speed limit is 25 mph and I know exactly where the cops like to hide on this particular street.

As I'm driving down the street, the dude in the truck behind me is right on my tail and he stays there until he decides to speed up and go around me (mind you, we're on 2 lane street so he's not supposed to pass me).

Well..."Mr. Speed Demon" zooms around me and guess who's waiting for him as soon as he does...Yep...you guessed it...a cop. YAY!!!

That's what dude gets.

I'm sure that as his ticket was being written up he was probably calling me every name in the book. Oh well...as long as MY name wasn't the one on that ticket, I really don't care.

Now, Let the DIALOGUE begin! Are you a "speed demon"?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

The ABCs of Me

Today's post is inspired by Judy, one of my two very best friends in the whole wide world.

She's created a social psychology collage and I think it is absolutely bee-yoo-tee-ful.
So much so, I want to create one myself. Hopefully she'll show me how one day (hint hint, wink wink).

The background for her collage really captures who she is. Without her even having to say or write a word, you "get it".

Then she added meaningful photos which also reflect who she is. I love her choice of photos ;-)

And then, she chose each letter of the alphabet to describe herself. That's the part that I will attempt for myself here. I'm just gonna type the first thing that comes to mind. Here goes:

A - Affectionate
B - Bubbly
C - Chatty
D - Determined
E - Ebullient
F - Friendly
G - Genuine
H - Hospitable
I - Inspiring
J - Jolly
K - Kind
L - Lovable
M - Momma
N - Nervous
O - Optimistic
P - Patient
Q - Quiet
R - Resilient
S - Studious
T - Talkative
U - Understanding
V - Vigilant
W - Writer
X - Xtra special
Y - Youthful
Z - Zaftig

There ya have it folks. I think that those who know me best would agree with the descriptions. There may be a couple that would tilt a few heads. And for the life of me, I couldn't think of ANYTHING for the letter X, so I got a little "creative" on that one. But these are pretty much me in a nutshell...The ABCs of Me.

Now, Let the DIALOGUE begin! Using each letter of the alphabet, which words best describe you?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

***

So...this afternoon, my dear friend Judy, actually made a collage FOR me. I absolutely LOVE it!!! The clipart image of the girl with letters floating around is the original image that I had for this post. I've now added my BEAUTIFUL collage for all the world to see. Judy, my friend...I love you!

From The Mouths Of Babes

So my daughter Lauren works at a park. Every now and then she comes home with a funny story about the kids that are part of the park program.

Last night, she told me a story about her friend's young niece that reminded me of a story about my youngest daughter Jordan when she was little.

Lauren told me that the friend's niece was at the nail shop when a VERY VERY LARGE woman walked in. As the woman went to sit down in the chair to get her feet done the little girl looked at her with a fretful face and shouted, "NOOO, it's gonna break!"

Now...adults know better than to say such things (even if it may have been true), but children don't have "filters". They tell it like it is. Not saying that it's right, but it is what it is.

So that incident reminded me of one that happened when my daughter Jordan was 3 years old.

Now I'm a big woman...plus-sized, overweight, fat...call it what you will. So I have to shop at the "big girl" stores.

So when Jordan was 3, I had her with me while I shopped at Lane Bryant. As we're in line at the register Jordan notices the VERY VERY Large woman in front of us and she says to me, "Mommy, that lady is a big ol' fat".

I was sooo embarrassed and wanted to crawl under a rock. I apologized to the woman and told Jordan that her words were not nice and that she needed to apologize. So she goes up to the woman and says in her adorable little 3 year old voice, "Lady, I'm sorry you're a big ol' fat."

Ok. At that point I needed someone to DROP a rock ON me.

That wasn't quite the apology I meant, but I understood that in her 3 year old mind, the apology was sufficient. At the very least, it was honest. Which leads us to today's topic...

Let the DIALOGUE begin! What's the most embarrassing thing you've ever heard a child say?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Things I don't "Like"

So here I am again venting about Facebook and something that I don't "Like" about it.

RE-POSTING!!!

I don't mind when others post or re-post, however, I DO NOT WANT TO BE COERCED INTO REPOSTING by guilt-riddled comments like these:

...let's see how many people re-post this.. I have a feeling I'm gonna see almost no re-post

...Copy and re-post if you...

I am GROWN people!!! I don't need to be TOLD what to re-post, nor do I need to be made to feel badly if I choose not to.

If I like a post enough, I will re-post it, but I ALWAYS remove the part at the end telling others to re-post.

To me, re-posting is like the chain-letter of Facebook. You know..."if you don't send this to 10 people in 10 minutes, yadda, yadda, yadda".

My blessings are not tied to a chain email, nor are they tied to a re-posted comment.

Now, Let the DIALOGUE begin! What irks YOU about Facebook?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Goodbye Melvin, Hello MELODY!!!

Ok. So those who know me well know that I have this habit of naming my possesions. You know...kinda like how people name their cars (mine by the way is named Kenya). And the way that people name boats...well, I name a few other things, especially...my iPods. And I've had a few.

I won my first iPod at work. It was a shuffle and it held 200 songs. I thought, "Wow...200 hundred songs...that's a lot." Lemme tell ya...that thing was filled to capacity in no time, but it didn't have a name.

The shuffle suited me well but once I spotted the nano with the color screen, I had to have it. So with my tax return money that year I bought one for myself as a treat. It was blue and sooo pretty. Something that pretty just HAD to have a name. So I named it Azure. And Azure went everywhere I went.

Well...we had another contest at work and guess what...I won an iPod touch. The funny part though is that I was so happy with Azure I wasn't really even that interested in the touch. It just seemed way to "gadgety" for my taste. Took me some time to even open it up.

Then the folks at work started telling me about the features, so I decided to check it out. I was IN LOVE!!! And my love's name was MELVIN.

Yes, MELVIN. A soulful name from the 70's that you just don't hear anymore. And MELVIN was full of soul.

So into my drawer went Azure, and into my pockets, purse, palm, went MELVIN.

That was...until a couple of months ago. Melvin died :-(

Water damage, so they said.

So for months I've gone without my iPod and have had to make do with CDs. Just not the same.

After finally saving enough money, I bought a new one. And once again, I've found LOVE!!! This time, in MELODY. That's the name of my new iPod. And she's pictured here. Ain't she purdy???

Even as I'm writing this post, I've got her playing right next to me in my little portable speakers. She is an absolute dream. As a mother of three, it's rare that I buy anything for myself...but this time...just this once...I had to get something for ME...and I am sooo glad that I did. It's been great on my morning walks. The time just flies by when I've got Melody plugged in.

The protective cover that I bought speaks volumes. It's colorful (which I find music to be), and there are lots of hearts (which reflect my great love for music).

I even applied the protective film thingy perfectly on the first try...no bubbles.

So there you have it folks. Yeah, this post is pretty long. But anybody who knows me will attest to the fact that I could go on for days when it comes to music. But for now, I'll stop here.

Let the DIALOGUE begin! Do you name objects?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Sharing My Praise & Worship Playlist

Most people who are writing anything today are writing about this being the 10th anniversary of the 9/11/01 attacks on our country...recounting where they were, who they were with, how they felt, etc.

My writing on this day is of a different twist.

I woke up this morning and prayed as I do each day. In my prayer I included the victims, their families, the men and women who risked their own lives to save the lives of others, our country, and the leadership of our country.

Then I went to church (as I do 99.9% of the Sundays during the year).

Many people probably stayed home on this day, for one reason or another. But you see, the best way to overcome the enemy is to keep giving God glory, honor, praise and worship...especially at a time when those things are NOT expected. And hear me clearly when I say "enemy". I'm talking spiritual enemy...NOT a race or religion of people. We are ALL God's creation...PERIOD!

So MY day, has been one of PRAISE and WORSHIP, through song. On my iPod (yes, I have a new one which I'll be blogging about soon), I have a Praise & Worship playlist. Today, I wanted to share it with YOU.

I know that this may sound morbid to some, but as a believer in Christ, my Lord and Savior, I am certainly not afraid of death. Not that I'm hoping for it any time soon, because I have a lot more work to do here on earth, lots more people to help and share the Gospel with. However, whenever I am called home to be with the Lord, I would love it if my friends and family would listen to my playlist.

EVERY song is uplifting.
EVERY song gives God glory.
EVERY song makes me happy when I hear it (and of course, when I sing along...which you KNOW I do).

So here they are. Not in any special order. I tend to listen on shuffle so that I get a surprise every time I listen.

You Who Reigns - GB5
You Loved Me (Live) - Karen Clark Sheard & Kiera "Kiki" Sheard
You Are The Living Word - Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ
You Are Good - Israel & New Breed
You Are God Alone - Marvin Sapp
Worshipper In Me - Marvin Sapp
We Offer You Praise - Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers
We Offer Praise - Rodnie Bryant & CCMC
We Are One - Daryl Coley
Unconditional - Kirk Franklin Presents One Nation Crew
With Long Life - Israel and New Breed
To Our God - Judith Christie McAllister
Thou Art A Shield For Me: Psalm 3 - Byron Cage
Thirsty [Reprise] - Marvin Sapp
Thirsty - Marvin Sapp
Still Say, Thank You -Smokie Norful
Shout Unto God - Marvin Sapp
Safe In His Arms - Milton Brunson
Sáciame Señor/Yo Sé Que Estás Aquí - Donnie McClurkin & JoAnn Rosario

Rivers Flow - Marvin Sapp
Revelations 19:1 - Stephen Hurd
Praise Him In Advance - Marvin Sapp
Our Father You Are Holy - Ricky Dillard
Nothing Else Matters (Album Version) - Israel & New Breed
No Greater Love - Fred Hammond
Never Would Have Made It - Marvin Sapp
Moving Forward - Israel Houghton
Matthew 28 - Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers
The Lord Will Make a Way Somehow - Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Choir featuring Kim Burrell

Lord I Lift Your Name On High - Donnie McClurkin
Just To Be Close To You - Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ
Jesus I Love You - Norman Hutchins
Inhabit My Praise/Oh the Presence of the Lord - Praise & Rodney Posey
In The Sanctuary - Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers
I Will Bless The Lord (Reprise)- Byron Cage
I Will Bless The Lord - Byron Cage
I Trust You - Fiya & James Fortune
I Told the Storm - Gerg O'Quin 'n Joyful Noyze
I Smile - Kirk Franklin
I Do Worship (Live)- John P. Kee
I Calll you Faithful - Donnie McClurkin
I'll Trust You, Lord - Donnie McClurkin
I'll Run to You - Vicki Yohe
Holy Spirit - Earnest Pugh
He Loves Me - Kirk Franklin
Great Is Your Mercy - Donnie McClurkin
Goin' Up Yonder - Ruben Studdard
Glory To Your Name - Byron Cage
Friend of God - Israel & New Breed
Falling In Love With Jesus - Kirk Whalum
Faith - Ricky Dillard & New G Christian & Gospel
Don't Give Up On Jesus - Daryl Corey / Vanessa Bell Armstrong
Crazy Praise - Monique Walker
Can't Live - Second Baptist Mass Choir
Calvary - Richard Smallwood & Vision
Blessed & Highly Favored - The Clark Sisters
The Best In Me - Marvin Sapp
The Heavens Are Telling - Karen Clark Sheard & Kiera "Kiki" Sheard


Let the DIALOGUE begin! If a friend of yours left a playist for YOU to listen to once their time here on earth was over, would you listen to it?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Ouch!!!

Okay, so I'm not one to complain, especially when I'm sick, but that's because I am RARELY sick.

Even now, I still wouldn't say that I'm sick...I would just say that "something isn't workin' right".

One thing I know for sure is that I have a high tolerance for pain...EXTREMELY high.

How do I know this? Because I've had 3 babies via natural childbirth WITHOUT drugs/painkillers, and my longest labor (the first one) was only 7 hours long. Somethin' about me going "into to zone" when I'm in pain.

But there doesn't seem to be a "zone" when it comes to this ear ache that I've had for the past 4 days. Feels like something has crawled in my ear...and is STILL crawling...creating terrible pressure in my ear.

So yesterday, when I couldn't take it anymore, I decided to call the E.N.T. specialist who hooked me up the last time I had an issue with my ear. I call...tell them why I need to come in, and they schedule me for the 16th. THE 16TH!!! That's a whole 8 days from now (yesterday). What am I supposed to do for 8 more days?!?

So I came up with another idea...I called my P.C.P.

Mind you, he's the one who sent me to the E.N.T. the last time, but I figured, at the very least, he could flush my ear out (sounds gross, but it feels so good), and prescribe an antibiotic. Well, my luck wasn't much better on that call. He can't get me in until the 13th.

Seriously?!?

My only other option is urgent care, but that's $50 a pop and for this unemployed mother of 3...that's just not happenin'.

So...Extra Strength Tylenol has been my BFF for the past 2 days. Not quite sure how much is too much, but if it takes the pain away...then it's just enough.

Let the DIALOGUE begin! What's the worst pain you've ever been in?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

i SEE you

Many times I've wondered what the world would be like if people actually SAW one another as opposed to looking through or past each other. What would happen if people would overlook "flaws" and see people for who they are on the inside.

Maybe I'm the only one who has spent the majority of life being seen past or through, yet never being SEEN. Then again, may you have too.

Have you ever been in a room full of people, yet no one knew you were there? I have.

No, this isn't a "pity party". I'm just keeping it real. This has been my experience, so why candy coat it. I won't and I don't.

Today's post is short and sweet. I SEE you.

Let the DIALOGUE begin! Are you constantly overlooked, wondering when/if anyone will actually recognize you for the wonderful person you are?

Maybe you're like me with a exterior appearance that's "less than desirable" according to societies standards.

Well I have a word for you my friend. A word that gives me comfort, and I hope it does for you as well:

1 Samuel 16:7
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

So if you've been overlooked most of your life as I have, don't worry. God SEES you. And He sees you where it matters most. He sees your HEART. Now that's something to be happy about.

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Goin' for it!

I finally did it!

I booked my flight to Texas!!!

Some may think that now is an awful time for me to be traveling (considering that I don't have a job), but to the contrary, I think that now is the BEST time for me to go. Afterall, what am I going to do...wait until I HAVE a job and then have to ask for time off. Nope, that's not happenin'! So I went ahead and bit the bullet. A great travel offer came along in my email this morning and I jumped on it. It was the lowest fare that I had seen to Texas EVER...and I've been watching the fares closely.

So I'm gonna go visit my niece, her husband, my fairy-god-niece, and my godson. And I am sooo excited!

Never been to Texas and I really want to spend some time with my godson so that he'll know who I am.

This is just another example of me living my life without any "coulda", "shoulda"," would'ves". I've lived long enough and have allowed too many opportunities to pass me by. Not doin' that EVER again.

So I live my life for today. Tomorrow will worry about itself.

I'm living a life of "no regrets". Up until this point, so far I only have ONE regret...that is, that I've never had a man love me enough to make me his wife for life.

That's it! There's just that one. And hey...I'm still breathing, so there's still hope that I can cross that one off my list one day. Sure would be nice.

Anyhoo...

Let the DIALOGUE begin! What irrational thing have you done lately that most people would say wasn't a wise decision, yet you did it anyway?

Talk to me!!!

Til next time...

Ewww!

This was my Facebook status yesterday:

...was grossed out today at the fabric store. as i'm sitting at the table looking thru the pattern books, the ladies to my left, right, and in front of me were ALL licking their fingers as they turned the pages. ICK!!! that is sooo unsanitary. that's why i always have hand sanitizer with me. people are nasty!

It really got me to thinking about the hygiene habits (or lack thereof) that people have.

As those women were fingering through the pages, and I listened to the disgusting sound of their lips smacking with each lick, all I could think about was how many "lickers" before them had turned those same pages, and how many "lickers" would come after them and do the same. GROSS!!!

Then I thought about all of the non-hand washers that are roaming around. I don't know about YOU, but I was raised to WASH MY HANDS...After going to the bathroom, before cooking, before eating...I even wash my hands before I wash dishes.

Surprisingly, over the years I've found that NON-hand washing appears to be more common than hand washing. You've probably noticed it too.

If you've ever worked in an office, have you ever gone to the restroom, heard someone come in after you...do their business...flush, open the stall door, and walk right out the restroom door...NEVER STOPPING AT THE SINK TO WASH THEIR HANDS!

I've experienced this too many times. So many that I developed the habit of looking at the feet of the person in the stall next to me. That way, if they "flush and go", I'll know who they are by their shoes, and I'll know NOT to eat anything that they bring for potluck.

I once worked with a co-worker who was a non-hand washer. We were good friends so one day I asked her why she didn't wash her hands. She very openly admitted that it just wasn't something that she did. It wasn't a habit for her. Her exact words were, "I just went in to pee. Why should I wash my hands?" GROSS!!!

I explained why, and it caused her to see things a WHOLE LOT differently. From that point on, she joined the "hand washers" club.

So now, Let the DIALOGUE begin! What's the gross-est thing you've ever seen someone do in public?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

What a Difference 4 Days Make

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it's here a little while, then it's gone."
~ James 4:14

Last Tuesday I went to a friend's house. As I walked toward her front door to ring the doorbell I whisked by a flower that was growing in her yard. Yes, in my haste to get to my next stop, I just zoomed right on by the flower.

I rang the doorbell and as I waited for my friend to answer, I was prompted to go back to the flower and take a picture. It was sooo pretty. How could I pass that up? So I snapped the picture and then we were on our merry way. I didn't think much of the picture after that. Looked at it a few times. Still thought it was pretty, but wasn't quite sure what I was supposed to do with it.

Until...

Yesterday.

Yesterday I was at her house again, and as I went by the spot where the flower was, I noticed that it had drastically changed. It was almost gone.

The flower that had just 4 days before captivated my attention with its splendor, had now dried up and resembled nothing of what it was before.

Even in its new "not-so-pretty" state though, I was again compelled to take its picture.

And that's what you see at the top of the page. Last Tuesday's picture, and yesterday's pic.

As do most things, this little flower got me to thinking. Thinking about life and how many things go unnoticed and unappreciated. Similar to the number of times that flower had probably been passed by and gone unnoticed, there are many PEOPLE who experience the same. Everybody desires to be noticed. Regardless of how beautiful they are (or are not) on the outside, that doesn't negate the beauty that they possess within.

Every life is meaningful. Every life has a purpose. Every life is worthy of being noticed.

Psalm 150:6 states, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!"

This is what we are ALL commanded to do. Notice, it doesn't say Let every BELIEVER...or Let every CHRISTIAN...no...it says let Everything that has breath (that's YOU, that's ME, that's ALL OF US!!!) praise the LORD.

That flower had breath. It was a living thing. It grew, and it died. While it was alive, it gave God glory by simply doing what it was called to do. That flower didn't try to be a bird. It didn't try to be a fish. It didn't try to be human. It did just what it was purposed to do. It was a flower.

Even though that flower is dead now, there are at least 2 lessons that I've learned from it. Maybe you see more.

1.DO WHAT YOU WERE PURPOSED TO DO. Plain and simple. That's what the flower did.

2. Appreciate your friends, family and others WHILE THEY ARE ALIVE. You see, when I saw that flower in all its splendor on Tuesday, I had no idea that it would be dead on Saturday. The thought never even crossed my mind. Let's not let this happen to the people in our lives. Let them know NOW how much they mean to you.

With that said...

Let the DIALOGUE begin! What other lessons do you think can be learned from the flower?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Next Exit

It seems to me lately that there are more and more people begging for money these days.

Not a day goes by (and I'm not exaggerating), not a single day goes by when I am not approached by someone asking for money. Whether I'm at the gas station, grocery story, post office, or just getting off the freeway. EVERYWHERE I go, SOMEBODY asks me for money.

The need seems to be most prevalent at the Central Avenue exit off the 105 Freeway. On any given day there are at least 2 people at that off-ramp with a cup in hand. Some days, you can find as many as 5 people. One lady even has a dog.

At the gas station, I'm now being approached not only by adults, but adults WITH CHILDREN. How am I supposed to say no to that??? I don't.

Mind you, it's not like I have a whole lot to give. Remember...I am a single UNEMPLOYED mother of 3 with 2 children in college. I am NOT the best candidate for feeding the needy, yet I do it anyway.

With every dollar (or two or three) that I give, my heart grows heavier with sadness...and disappointment.

Why aren't the celebrities and high paid executives in this country doing more to help the plight of the people???

Is it because they don't pump their own gas, or shop for their own groceries? Or is it that their tinted windows on their limousines keep them from seeing the poverty and despair that's alongside them.

Why aren't they doing more while I'm doing more that I can afford? Why???

Come on people! It's time to step up and help each other. Give up your SELFISHness and try a little SELFLESSness.

I'm tired of this crap! It's time for us to do better, treat each other better, serve one another, do something kind for each other...CHANGE!!!

Let the DIALOGUE begin! What would you propose to make this country of ours a better place for those who are so greatly in need?

Yeah, yeah...I know that other countries need help, but let's clean up our own mess before we start cleaning up the messes of others.

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Sad goodbyes, Better hellos.

***Although most of my posts are happy and upbeat, every now and then there's one that's not quite that. This might be one of those, but it is what it is and this is what it is.***

A little over an hour ago I gave my daughter Jordan a hug and told her that I loved her as she loaded up her dad's truck so that he could drive her to her new home...her college dorm.

I'm happy for her and her new journey in life. I just wish I could have sent her off with better.

Money is tight in our home...very tight. And it's not just because I'm unemployed. Money was tight even WITH a job.

It's not like we live outside our means. To the contrary. Our means are just very meager. Always have been.

Over the past month, little by little I've been buying the things that she needs. Bedding here. Pots & pans there. Dishes. Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Yet I still don't feel like she has enough. I didn't have a dime worth of cash to give her. Zero, zip, nada.

So how is she supposed to eat???

Her housing comes with a kitchen, so it's not like she has the meal plan to fall back on. I know that she's received money from friends and family in preparation of her going away, so hopefully she has enough to hold her over until I get more money.

Oh, and did I mention that we haven't even bought her books yet? And we KNOW how expensive college textbooks are. RIDICULOUS!!!

I have a friend who's making a CD to go along with a book she's written. She's solicited on facebook for people to make a donation toward her effort. I will...when I get some money. Why would I do that, you ask...because I believe we should support one another. One of the greatest problems in the world today is that it's "every man for himself", and people don't help each other. That way of thinking has GOT to come to an end. Even though she's married and lives a far better lifestyle than I do, I still feel the need to support her in her effort. She has a dream. Who am I to stand in the way of it. After all, I wouldn't want anyone to stand in the way of mine.

Her request has left me to wonder though, how many people would help ME, if I put out a call for everyone to make a donation toward my daughter's education. It's hard enough for black children to get through school as it is. And not many make it to college. I am blessed to have not 1, but 2 daughters in college now, and I want to keep them there until they finish. I do NOT want either of them to have to give up on their dreams because "mom couldn't afford it". Story of their lives.

Anyway...the goodbye was sad, for more reasons than one. But I am determined to make life better for myself and my 3 babies so that we can have better hellos. Something's gotta give. Something's gotta change. Now.

If I could, I would ask for $1 from everyone in the United States. Just $1. That's all it would take to make my life just a little easier...for once.

Let the DIALOGUE begin! When it comes to your children, do you ever feel like love just isn't enough?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

p.s. - the clipart image looks just like Jordan today. She wanted me to do her hair in the curly style and it came out so cute (of course). She looks so "ethic". I love it!

Going Once, Going Twice, Going Lots of times...SOLD!

In March of this year, I decided to try my hand at eBay to see if I could get anything for the many clothing items that my kids have so quickly either grown out of or tired of.

Wasn't really sure about how it all worked. For how much should I price my items? Should I offer Free shipping or should I charge shipping? How many days should I list the items?

So many unknowns.

What I found over time was that I had to sell the way that I wanted to sell and not worry about how other people on eBay were selling their items.

I mean really...I can't get into their minds to figure out how they came up with the price that they wanted to charge, etc.,etc. So it was just easier to "eBay MY way".

One thing that eBay'ing has taught me is to be patient and not give up. Case in point...just TODAY, I sold a shirt (pictured here) that I've been relisting since March.

I'd list it, relist it and relist it again. Finally, my persistence paid off.

That listing taught me a lesson (and if you know me well, I find a lesson in pretty much EVERYTHING).

I've learned that I'm going to need that same persistence in many other areas of my life...this blog, my career search, weight loss, love. Yes, I'm going to have to be persistent in order to get the things I desire. And you know what...I will!

Let the DIALOGUE begin! What have you been persistent with? Has that thing come to fruition yet, or are you still waiting?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Profile Greetings

So the other day I posted about Profile pics from some of the online dating sites, and how ridiculous some of these pictures are. Well, like peanut butter and jelly, what goes better with a ridiculous profile pic than an even more ridiculous profile GREETING. Here's an example of one VERBATIM (sadly,there are many more...too many more where this came from):

"WELL I'M LAID BACK QUIT DONW TO EARHT A VARY SIMPLE PERSON GOES TO CHURCH.KNOW DRUMMER KNOW KIDS.MAYBE ONE DAY,LOOKING FOR YOU; COULD IT BE YOU WELL LET METKNOW.MY TIME IS YOUR TIME SO LETS MAKE TIME........"

With sweet nothings like that don't you wanna just jump all over this one and sop him up with a biscuit!?!

Now there was more to this lovely greeting but I'd have to subscribe to the site in order to see the rest. Umm, I'll pass.

Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the idea in dating (be it online or the "old fashioned method") is to put your best foot forward and make a good FIRST IMPRESSION.

Then again, maybe I've got it all wrong and that's why I'm still single.

Let the DIALOGE begin! If you currently subscribe to an online dating site, PLEASE share some of the profile greetings that you see out there.

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Apples to Oranges

So. I received the paperwork from EDD so it's time for me to begin my "career" search. Notice how I did NOT call it a JOB search, because I don't want another JOB. I am ready for a CAREER. A meaningful, purposeful, life impacting, CAREER.

Where do I begin?

Here's my CAREER wish list:

WANT:
Allows me to interact with people
Allows me to provide a service that will benefit others
Allows me to help those in need
Allows me to comfortably take care of my family
Allows me to have quality time with my family
Provides great medical, dental, vision benefits
Allows me to work with like-minded co-workers
Close to my home with occasional travel
Allows me to teach
Allows me to write
Allows me to sing
Allows me to express my creativity

Do NOT Want:
To be trapped in a cubicle
Anything that has to to with technology (no more computers!)
A Sales position (I'm tired of making others rich while I struggle to make ends meet)

So there you have it folks! Everything that I want to do in my next career is everything that I've never done before.

And what I've done before, I absolutely NEVER want to do again.

So you see, this apple needs to be transformed into an orange. Can it be done? By "man's" standards...no. By God's standards...Absopotivilutely!!!

Let the DIALOGUE begin! Have you ever switched careers completely?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Profile Pics

Here's a little confession. Occasionally, I peruse dating sites, just to see if there's anything good out there. So far...there's not.

But ohhh, the comedy that can be found on those sites. Primarily when it comes to the profile pictures.

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but if you're trying to make a good first impression to catch the eye of that "someone special", shouldn't the picture that you post be your BEST one???

Not so on these sites.

Oh, if I had a dollar for every picture of a dude that's taken in a mirror, or with the "ex" cropped out, yet her arm is still in the picture over his shoulder or wrapped around his neck, or with his shirt off (urgh!). Oh, and then, there are the blurry ones. Seriously men...what message are you really trying to convey with the pics. Lemme give you a hint...it's the WRONG message!

PLEASE...let a sistah help you out...

Buy a CAMERA...learn how to set the self timer, and take a DECENT picture. Then post that.

Heck, who knows...maybe some of these "fancy phones" even have a self-timer feature.

Or get a friend to take your pic. But stay out of the mirror!!! Those just don't look good. You can be the finest man on earth but if your profile pic is of you in the mirror, I'm skipping right on to the next profile.

Now...Let the DIALOGUE begin! Say Cheese, and tell me...have you ever posted a picture on an online dating site?

Talk to me!

Til next time...