The Last 2012 Post

I wanted, needed the last post to be a sweet one. God has been and is so good to me. Farewell to 2012, the year where I gained more wisdom and made decisions for myself. Where I gave love and received love. I traveled, I experimented, I laughed, I cried. All in all, I made it thru. Here is to you. You who stayed and saw it thru. Much love leaving 2012. May 2013 bring forth the utmost, unexplainable, daring days ever. May the pace of God, the love of God, the strength of God be with each of us.

Love,
Divine

Hard Love {Relationships}

Love should never be hard to do. Hard to have, be, nor hard to express. Yet, here I am in a "Hard Love" situation. We have misconstrued what love is by trying to live through the fantasies of books, TV shows and movies. And then disappointment happens, when our love doesn't end up like Disney Princess stories. The world have lied to us many times about love and how it should be, or at least what they think it should be. Clearly stated in the Greatest book known to us, is that God is Love. HE Love us so much that He gave His only SON, to die for us. Who would honestly allow man to slay their only child? What a God we serve. God's love for us is unconditional. Without conditions. Without preconceived notions. Without bias. Without limit. Without the fear of the unknown.

When I uttered the words 'I Love You' doors opened up to a world I tried to keep away from. With each word that pressed thru my lips, my heart broke off a chip that held on from fear and hurt. When I exhaled my sentiments into your ears, I thought I would have opened doors of bliss and comfort truth, but instead I opened doors of criticism and blame, hurt from your past, that is not mind to carry, but here I am trying to love you with all your faults. I am just human, the child of God, unable to carry such weight. It is not mine to have, please spare me anymore hurt, anymore blame, anymore fear of what I do not know. Christ died, so that your insecurities can be taken away. He died, so that you can be free from your past, and all of your evil ways. Don't get stuck in between what use to be and what is. Call it out and claim freedom. When I stepped into the words 'I Love You' I grabbed a hold of you, hoping that you will see the Love that only Christ can be.

Sometimes we are captured by this misconception of what Love is. Love is free from revenge. Love is your voice I hear on the other end of the line, feeling as if you are next to me even though I know you are truly thousand miles away. Love is forgiving you for hurting me immaturely. I am a vessel filled with this Love, but my love can't go through bricks of pride and ego, it can't go through cement blocks of hurt and fear, it will not go through shattered glass of your past. As much as I want to love you, hard love I cannot do. I was once emotionless to you, but from the second 'I Love You' left my lips, emotion-filled is what I became for you.

I look at the moments and think, this can't be it. Distance will never be a reason why I can't love you the way I should love you nor me.

This is for you Love. Clear to everyone, clear as day. See it how you will, but I wasn't born to be Hard Loved. I don't know why you love me, but I do know that I can't sit around waiting for you to find out. I'm all the way in, that is........until you shut me out. And right now, I'm feeling pushed out. So, baby clear as day are these words from me to you. Take them as you will. I refuse to be Hard Loved. Love should never be hard.




****Walking away is never easy when your heart is open and free, but walking away is needed when you heart is too open and needs to be free****

From: Me
To: Him

If...randomness about Me

Found this on a friends blog, figure why not get to know me, just a little bit better.

• If I were a gemstone, I’d be a ruby.
• If I were a scent, I’d be a mix of lavender and vanilla.
• If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be bedroom slippers.
• If I were the weather, I’d be Autumn first breeze.
• If I were a facial expression, I’d be sleepy smile.
• If I were a car, I’d be a Range Rover.
• If I were a time of day, I’d be Sunrise.
• If I were a month, I’d be November.
• If I were a place, I’d be home. 
• If I were a liquid, I’d be sweet wine.
• If I were a taste, I’d be spicy.
• If I were a sea animal, I’d be a dolphin.
• If I were a food, I’d be Pasta.
• If I were a color, I’d be purple.
• If I were a musical instrument, I’d be a keyboard.
• If I were a flower, I’d be daffodil.
• If I were an object, I’d be a food processor.
• If I were a fruit, I’d be a mango.
• If I were a sound, I’d be a baby's giggle.
• If I were a day of the week, I’d be a Saturday. (Love my lazy days)
• If I were a nail polish color, I’d be Royal Purple.
• If I were a bakery treat, I’d be a warm croissant filled with chocolate and cream.
• If I were a store, I’d be Macy's.
• If I were a season, I’d be Autumn.
• If I were a perfume, I’d be Ed Hardy (the original).

Quote Me Tuesday

"When you love someone, the best thing you can offer is your presence. How can you love if you are not there?"- Thich Nhat Hanh 

Found Here

Pausing Time

Source

Based on the title of this post, can we really pause time? Of course the answer is no. No matter what we may think or try to do, time will continue to run out, pass us by, and simply tick and tock. Seconds creating minutes, into hours, into days, weeks, months, and years. At a point in our life we will look back and let's hope that what we see is our goals being completed vs the same problem we've had years ago still in the forefront.

Sometimes I like to press pause. Not so much on time, but on my life. Pausing, yielding because sometimes we can be living too fast for our own good.

Imagine if there weren't any stop signs, or traffic lights to tell us when to go, slow down and stop? What if there weren't any speed bumps, or even pot holes in the road. I sometimes see these things as good pauses in life. Does anyone ever realize how fast they are going until they crash? I rather heed the signs to slow down and take a moment and reevaluate what's going on around me, in me, in front of me. There is nothing wrong with stepping away for a while, to fine tune the craft and gift that God has given us. Just like a car needs to be refueled with gas, or its oil change, and what about the tires? They get burnt out too.

So here I am, taking a pause. Considering that this is the first day of the last month of 2012; which 2012 has been a BLESSED year indeed for me, I do not want 2013 to be the same. I've learned a lot about myself and the friendships, family-ships, relationships that I am in. So, I'm pausing. Pausing from the planning, pausing from the over-thinking, pausing and simply loving. Loving God, Loving myself, Loving those around me, embracing them and being in them.

Step back and pause for a moment. Refresh yourself, so that you can only be the best you. However long you choose to pause for, just don't forget to press play.

-Daphne

Confessions {Relationships}

I can be self-fish and not consider the feelings of others. (WHEW, wipes forehead).

For those of you that know me, I've never really been in a serious relationship. Sure I've used the title boyfriend, and have dated and such, however nothing serious enough that I would consider a true relationship. So now, that I may be embarking on one, I'm learning a lot about myself and having to be clear about what I say.

When it comes to my feelings and emotions, I am not the most vocal person, however baby (that's what I'm calling him) is very open and vocal and kind of expects the same from me. I am not saying that I can't get there, I'm just saying that it will take time. The last time I expressed my feelings to the opposite sex, it was not received the way I wanted it to be received  Then I just crawled back into my shell and built up walls around my heart. You know, the heart is a very sensitive matter and should not be given to just anyone. Ever gave your heart to someone and they never received it? Hurts right? Yea buddy, sure does. It was just left there exposed and out in the open. But I digress.

So now here I am, letting go emotion by emotion, small pieces of myself, hoping just the same that the words he spoke to me weeks ago about his love for me, will carry through with me as I ponder on our relationship.  Hoping that they will only continue to be true and brought forth in deed, what was said.

So yes, sometimes he may say something that he thinks is funny, but that doesn't mean I will find it funny. At least not all the time. Yes I know I can be real short with people, when they don't understand what I saying, and yes I am known to be real sensitive and moody, and yes I would cut you off if I didn't get my way, BUT, I have grown. I am still growing and trying to understand being in a relationship. I haven't had to consider someone else's feelings for like over 4 years, so I'm comfortable doing for myself, and he's gung hoe about doing for me. A girl gotta get use to that.

I am understanding that it will not always go my way nor on my timing. And honestly I am praying that God is in the mist of our growing relationship. I know it won't be easy, but I do know that with Him in between us, in our thoughts, daily spoken word and in our relationship, it will be well worth it. I'm not perfect nor do I ever claim to be, I know my ish stank, so bear with me as I journey along as we give and take of each other.

.....the beginning phases

If you guys out there have any advice, feel free to comment below.

November 2012

Greetings November,

I know I'm a tad bit late since it is the 6th day of the month, however, better late then never right? RIGHT! So any who, November is going to be a busy fun-filled month. So far it started off with me working from home, thanks to Hurricane Sandy. 

Source: Google

 I am on week 2 of working from home, I'm not complaining at because the realness of it, is that I roll over and I'm at work. Especially with the temperature dropping, it feels good to respond to emails and answer calls while snuggled up under my comforter. However, my heart does go out to those families that have lost some or everything. I really don't know what else to say, it could never be easy to go through that, but I know everything will come together. It's the "through" part that is never easy.

On more specific topics, today is ELECTION DAY! As women, as African American's, as Haitian-American, as whatever-American please go out and VOTE! Many of those before us fought for this right and it is in our best interest that our voice be heard. Understand one thing and understand it clearly, my confidence nor my trust is not in the next president, but it is in the Almighty King Jesus. So do what you have in your power to do and go VOTE.

Source: Google

There's also a couple of fun visits that are up and coming, but I'll post about those later, don't want to ruin anything. As we know Thanksgiving is coming up in a couple of weeks and I am UBER excited for two reasons! 

1. I LOVE THANKSGIVING (FOOD FOOD FOOD) 

Source: Google

2. I'm going to Michigan to visit my cousins!!!

Source: Google

The last time I was in Michigan was back in 2006, so its been a while since I traveled up there. I'm also excited to meet my baby cousins and reacquaint myself with the others. Who knows, maybe I'll even cook something. 

Well friends, here's a toast to November. May the joys of family, friends, and love surround us.

-Daph 

Worship: "I Surrender" - Hillsong

Ready, Set, PLAN!

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Happy Monday Loves, I was browsing through my Instagram feed and feel upon this verse that had more of a message and I just couldn't get away from it. I hope to plan and put things in place so that I am not stumped with the unexpected.

-Daph

Stepping Back

I'm an over-analyzer.

I think things over waaaayyy too much and sometimes I create scenario's in my head of other's responses.

I like things when I want them.

I am fast to respond to inquiries.

I give only what I have, promising you nothing.

I know my worth and value, yet sometimes settle for the right now in this life, just to get that temporary high. I settle for the now, when I know there is so much more out there. Yet, I think to myself, before better was better he had to be good first. Right? No one was ever born GREAT! Work was put in, either by the instructions of our parents or the influences of our environment, but not just straight out the placenta. And yes I understand that we are all on different area's on this path we call life. Some are further then other's while some are in a stand still. All in all, however it is a choice of where we are and how far along we are in this path.

Me personally, I'm just not okay with mediocrity (PERIOD).

So why do I take on incomplete man-boys? I'm trying to learn to stick to my guns and demand theses things such as God-fearing, ambitious, family-oriented, fun loving, etc etc etc, but......

I keep going back to the one that's showing me attention even though  some of the attention is not wanted or necessary. We're so stuck on the "I want's" of this life that we forget to seek and stay steadfast to the Father's Will for our lives. I know I know. It's not easy, but OH is it worth it. Through this time there is a lot of learning happening and especially for me a lot of self evaluating and self-loving.

So as I step back for a little bit don't be upset if a phone call goes unanswered or a text message gets ignored. Daphne needs some "Me" time.

Always with Love,

       Divine

Because I feel like it......

Yes, because I felt like writing. Writing to ease this tension, anxiety, frantic sense that has been surrounding me this week. I've been feeling all sorts of ways that I can't explain. Like the feeling of neediness. I told a friend of mine that he's neglecting me and he called me a brat. Maybe I was being a brat, but all I wanted was to hear his voice. (Is that too much to ask?) Anyways, he ended up calling and it was a temporary high that only made me want him physically  there with me. But I digress.

I don't really get too personal on my blog when it comes to relationships and such, but then again I am trying to live a transparent lifestyle, which isn't easy of course. And today I just wanted to write. So whatever comes of this post is meant to be here. Judgement or no judgement. Since October started, I feel like more productivity should be in place for setting up my present as well as my future. Realigning my goals, plans, and seeking His guidance in it all. People this life is not easy, but when you stick it through you come out on top and you look back and smile, rejoice because you see how far you have come.

I am always attempting to be a better me, fighting against my old way, trying to lay foundation for the better things, but it's not easy. Gotta stick it through, be disciplined. My thoughts are all kind of over the place, because that's exactly how they are in my mind. Running rapid and sometimes running into each other.

JESUS!

Sometimes that all I can say, call on Him. There is a peace that falls over me, when I call on the name of Jesus. Strengthening power when He is at the forefront of my thoughts. Aligning together all the things that want to take over my mind, conquering them one by one. Jesus. The calm in the raging storm that wants to take over my body. Jesus. The comforter that caresses my soul when my body deceives me. Jesus. The truth  that holds no judgement of my hypocrisy. Jesus. The love that holds my hands, looks me in my face, and whispers in my ear. Jesus. Oh Jesus. The power within that overcomes the attacks of the enemy, that tries to entrap us every minute of every hour of every day. JESUS. The quiet release of the tension, the fear, the anxiety, the persecution, the loneliness, and the self-destruction. Jesus. The corrector of all my faults, my wrongs, my sins. Jesus. The true lover of my soul.

Many of times I have these epiphany where I have the concrete solution to the problem, but there's like cement on my legs preventing me from acting on the solution. Jesus be the help, be the motivation, be the courage.

As I slowly take deep breaths, close my eyes and surrender. I am nothing. Nothing more then just pure dust collected in form for His Glory. So may the things that I say, and do be reflections of God goodness in me. Sometimes that view is tainted because of our self infliction's BUT GOD.

So friends, do today what yesterday did not produce and what tomorrow we will not find to do.

Love always,
Daph

Welcome October

Source

Wow! 2012 has definitely flown by. So much has happened, so much growth, progression, good, bad, some ugly. But you know what, we survived. I'm still working on posting consistently, no but's about it.

As I reflect on this first day of the month about the last nine months and about the next 3 months I'm smiling because this had been a good year for me. I'll keep it at that because there is nothing I can do to change it. So for today, I'll enjoy the now, hope for the best for the future and continue to carry on.

In this month, I do however want to focus on my health. I've been more conscience of my eating habits, tho I haven't fully been committed, but I have been consistent. So I'm going to continue to juice, eat grains, more water, more veggies, and drink tea.

On another note, I really want to get back to knitting and crocheting. I learned it last year before I moved to NY and did some work last winter. So now I'm trying to get back and fast because guess what everyone is getting for Christmas! Yep you guessed it! Scarves! (well hopefully).

Even tho it's just the first of the month, I'm already thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas! I love the holidays! Hopefully I'll be able to cook some inspiring dishes catered to these next months.

Well October, welcome to 2012. I wish you well and loads of Blessings.

I Vow...

I Vow....

I vow to love first, seek truth in the situation and let go that I and it may prosper.

I vow to be a lady, to shave, eat healthy, workout and put on make up (little by little)

I vow to speak to God every morning, Thanking Him for another day, for the breath he breathed back into me. For His graces and mercys.

I vow to attempt to wake up early and just find silence in the day.

I vow to chase after my dreams.

I vow to put God first in every situation.

I vow to stick to plans I've made, say Yes less frequently and mean it when I say no.

I vow to speak my mind when appropriate, leading no one on. I vow to ask for help

I vow to reach out to my family weekly.

I vow to exhaust my gifts, using them to the best of my ability.

I vow to stand up when I have fallen down, understanding that one yes is better than ten no's

I vow to better myself in every way: spiritual, physical, emotional, psychological and all the other -al's.

I vow to learn something every day

I vow to learn Spanish and French

I vow to live freely in God, trusting that He has my best interest in mind.

I vow to be me and only me in every situation presented to ME. 

#HonestHour w/@AisforAlex

Last night @AisforALex had an #honesthour on twitter and I jumped in midway. The discussion was about what scares you. At the time I didn't have an answer for myself. Not that I'm not afraid of anything, but trusting in God helps put those fears at bay. Yet this morning I thought some more about it and what I came up with was that I am afraid of falling back into my old ways, my old sins. The funny thing is tho, that as soon as I thought that, the Holy Spirit reminded me that I walked away before, yes the verse of how we have all fallen short of the Glory of God can be used here, but I walked away from the drugs, from the sex, from the lies, the hard liq, things that were hurting me and putting distance between the Father and I {Insert Donnie McClurkin song here "We fall down, but we get up"}. There are things that trigger our past to make a reappearance, some times we forget that our eyes are the windows to our soul, so not only the things we see but also listen to, or absorbs, it affects our living. We have to remember to guard our hearts....remembering that from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,so all that we see and hear builds up until we can't contain it anymore. We can also think of the things we watch on TV, or the literature we choose to read, it all enters into our system and pushes us to act. It's funny how the spirit works, all day yesterday I was singing "I'm an overcomer, and I'm more than a conqueror". Yes we are human, and we will have fears, but remember that those fears were once overcome by Jesus. And that we are called to live freely in him. The enemy wants you to wallow in your sin, in your past, he's like a nag, making you think that the Father won't forgive you. But! confess your sins before the Lord and you are forgiven. Not tomorrow, not in five minutes, but the moment you set in your heart that you were wrong, God forgave you.

Overall, don't let the fear of anything hold you captive of being who you are called to be. Lately, my constant prayer has been that I exhaust all the gifts that were given to me from above, before I leave this Earth. I refer back to the Parable of Talents in the Bible, because when Christ returns I wan to be sure that all that He entrusted to me, I have used for His Glory. 

This all from Alex's #honesthour. A beautiful spirt, definitely a fellow right brainer with everyday gifts that she abundantly shares with all of us. I silently admire her drive and the freedom she has. Check her out here at The Good Hair Blog. Also here on Twitter. And here on at her online store ALS. And here on her Tumblr. Oh and if you ever want to have breakfast with her, then check her out here. (Remember silent admirer, lol. I just appreciate Beautiful things)

The First Bite: Pineapple Kick

Pineapple, Ginger, Celery, and Lemon Juice

Sweet, Fresh and a great summer afternoon drink. 

Gathered my ingredients, cut, washed, and peeled. The ginger is what gives this drink a nice kick. With the sweetness of the pineapple, everything just blends well together.

The juicer is my roommates and it's a Sharper Image Juicer that was given to her as a gift, but can be found on the internet. 

Going down the tunnel. Pineapple are very nutritious and sweet all by themselves. I love anything pinapple. Just don't get turned off by the rough exterior. 

Both the celery and pineapple gives up a lot of juice.

It's get a lil frothy

TADA! The end.

I've been juicing on and off for over 5 years now. I get these sporadic health kicks and want to try new things. I know for sure tho that juicing is awesome and with time and money, can work wonders. Maybe I'll get into the habit of juicing and shed some of this "I love to eat everything in site" fat. Lol. 

Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 Celery Bunch

1 Pineapple

Ginger

Lemon Juice (optional)

Directions:

1. Wash Celery and cut into pieced to fit through juicer tunnel.

2. Wash and peel ginger.

3. Cut Pineapple (This was done a day before, I knew I wanted to juice it.)

4. Push each ingredient down the juicing tube.

5. ENJOY!

Breaking Chains

I am bound up by the conformity of this world, pairing me with the next curly haired girl with dark skin, plump lips and heavy hips. I am choked up by the co-dependence of independence of the guy hitting on me with his eyes, mind, and night time comprise. Chains shall be broken, that change may take place. Harm, hurt, nor failure be intentions of the everlasting Savior. For chains were broken when He spoke and uttered the words "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3). - Daphne Eugene

Source: Google

Lately a lot have been going on, mainly in my work place. I choose to leave the name and company out due to discretion, not like many people read my blog that much any way, YET. People have been coming, people have been leaving. More responsibilities give not much communication, but heavy expectation. Not everyone can deal with change, but many time change also brings growth. With these up and coming new responsibilities that I have slowly evolved into, I fee like chains have been broken. The first link has been shattered to allow me to grow into who God wants and need me to be as part of His Grand design.

• If we look back at the first book, God broke up; separated land from water, and found it to be good. (Genesis 1:9-10)
• Farmers dig up; break up soil to plant seeds, in which turns into fruit and vegetables, producing good things.
• The common phrase coming from women who are at that stage in pregnancy "My water broke", then coming out a baby, a good thing.
• Lastly, an egg. In any way we put it, boiled, or just broken to be scrambled etc, even the coming out of a chick or any other animal.... brokenness, change, good thing (FOOD) lol. 

So with the changes that are happening all around me, chains are being loosed, barriers and being broken, and seals taken apart. In turn making room for growth and new good things to come. We shouldn't be afraid of change, we should strive to embrace it, accept it, and move freely in it. My pastor in Texas reminds us when it comes to the promises of God, that God does not give us a vision without provision. So may we break the chains of fear, worry, and doubt and move into new territory claiming it as our own!

There's a song by Israel New Breed that I love and it says, "No limits, No boundaries, I see increase, ALL around me, Break Forth...."

Lord I pray for a releasing of your strength to whomever read these words. That they may be empowered to break the chains and accept the breaking in their lives, that we may become new creatures in you. For in you brokenness is good. In Jesus name....Amen.

The First Bite: It's not DiGiorno it's Divine

For the past couple of weeks I've been craving my stuffed crust meat lovers pizza that I usually get from Pizza Hut. Somewhere in my craving I forgot that I now lived in Brooklyn, NY where places like Pizza Hut, Dominoes, and Papa Johns are scarce. I was having a NY moment of wanting it now and fast, which prompted me to use Pillsbury Pizza dough and make my own stuffed crust. I think it came it fairly nice. But I plan on making my own dough next time. Maybe I'll have a couple of dough prepared for these cravings. 

Ingredients: Pillsbury Pizza Crust, Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded and Sticks), Spicy Italian Sausage, tomato sauce and Spinach.

Roll out pizza crust and form it to the back pan, align mozzarella sticks along the edge

Roll over excess dough to cover sticks

Slice sausage to cut out meat

Peel away the skin and place in skillet with no oil to cook

This is how the meat looks after cooking. 

I put the crust in for about 8 minutes....I don't think that was a good idea, because the cheese melted too much...owell.

Sauce it.

Cheese It

Spinach it

Meat it

VOILA! Yumminess. 

Bon Apetit!

Divine Beauty 

The First Bite: Leftover Shrimp

So the other day, I made some orange soy shrimp over mashed sweet plantains (I promise a post later). But any ways, I had some shrimp left over and instead of making a full blown meal I just whipped up some white rice and peas munched away at these little critters. Of course the meal was fast, easy and delicious. I'm a lover of seafood, but shrimp is one of my FAVORITEST (I know it's not a word, but it is my blog :-)

So anyways, I just wanted to post something and not leave my readers (crickets) alone for too long. I promise, I have so many good meals to post about and I will in due time. Please bear with me, but in the mean time, just salivate over your screen and take in the delicious fusion of orange juice and soy sauce. I am still working on trying to create recipes as it is not one of my best forte's. Below are some more shots of my deliciousness!

Bon Apetit-

Divine Beauty

Year 26: Boss Tendencies::Letting Go

 "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

One of the most common questions to date that children are asked about what they want to be when the grow up. Many times a child's decision is based on the influences of their environment or based a situation that may have occurred. 

Growing up, I first wanted to be a pediatrician because my older sister wanted to pursue that. For a while it stayed that way, and I justified it with saying that I loved children. I even went into detail to say that I wanted to be a neonatal nurse. All throughout high school I was in the Health Academy which I despised. During my junior and senior year in high school, we were able to participate in internships. Being in the health academy I interned at a local hospital which confirmed my dislike for the health field. I knew I would not put my phlebotomy certificate to use. So on to college I go, thinking I then wanted to be a lawyer. My mother also boosted that claim when she shared with me a prayer about how she prayed for a Pastor, a Doctor and a Lawyer. My siblings and I were all lined up to fit right into her prayer until life happened. We grew up and began thinking and really channeling our inner selves. We began seeking God for OUR life. I remember always saying how I want to go to law school in NY. Even while in TX, I would say the same thing. However, whenever I would study and take the test, the scores came back not impressive. My brother even invested in a LSAT class with Powerscore and still, my score was just about the same. 

So here I am, now in NY a year later, and I have confirmed that law school is not in my future. Every time I would pick up the book to study, I get sleep or nothing retains. It's as if I am forcing it. I honestly do not think, when it comes to your passion and desires, anything should be forced. Not saying that it will be easy, however there should be an enjoyment in the pressure. I stacked up my LSAT study books and placed them on the ledge.

There comes a time in our lives where we have to come to a point of letting go. Giving up what others want for you even if they may mean well, is a freedom factor for you. My mother and family always have pushed me for law, but what I think they have failed to understand was how to read us as individuals. Being of Haitian descent, I realize that they only want whats best for us. Becoming doctors and lawyers and businessmen are prestigious titles indeed, however that is one title I am okay with not obtaining. 

I am on a search for what it is that God wants for me. I pray to be in HIS Will and that I am able to exhaust my gifts and talents by the time He comes. 

Let go of the heaviness of other ideas of who they think you should be, so that you can be free to be who God wants you to be. 

Divine Beauty

Weekend at a Glance

Saturday was a High Bun and Scarf kind of day. 

At the train station, heading to Summer Streets.

My roommate is fitter than a 5th grader.

Left my mark on a canvas.

I FINALLY purchased a pair of Vibram FIve Fingers!!! So excited to start running in them. 

Be Still

“Develop my ability to discern your will and energize me to do things that are pleasing to you.”

                                                                                                                              – Jon Walker

In the short span of my morning I have read a couple of articles that for me all had a reoccurring theme of stillness and hearing God’s Voice, doing things that are pleasing to Him.

I tend to have my thoughts all over the place, sometimes when speaking and often times when writing. I just want to get it all out before it’s forgotten. So forgive me now, if along these lines there is no cohesiveness.

I read an article this morning written by Russell Simmons about meditation and clearing the mind. When the mind is clear even if it is for a mere 20 minutes, you are able to set things in order for the day. I think the art of meditation is something that everyone should get into before and after each day. Setting up your day on the right foot leads to success in every facet of that day. Then after it is all said and done, at the end of the day winding down with worship music or literally sitting still for a moment going over the day and emptying out the mind helps you to ease into a more relaxed state of sleep. I am yet to be there, in a place where I can wake up and take 20-minutes to organize my thoughts and thank the creator.  I am one who cherishes sleep. Not that I don’t Thank God for waking me up each morning and giving breath, I just do it while I’m walking to the shower, taking it, getting dressed and running out the door. I do it while I’m walking to the train station and marveling at his wonders as I pass under trees and clear blue skies. I’m just a natural multi-tasker. Anywho, for the next couple of days I am going to TRY and wake up a couple of minutes earlier than usual and try to find peace in the midst of car horns and sirens.

Psalm 46:10 says, ‘Be Still and know that I AM GOD’

Simple?  Obviously for us humans, it’s easier said than done. Being still means that you are whole heartedly placing your trust in God’s hands and definitely HIS timing. As there begins to be a shift in seasons in my life, I am trusting God to show me and tell me (really remind me) of His Will for my life. What it is that He has destined for ME.

So join me and be still for 20 minutes and allow God to wash over His Peace, His Love, His Grace, His Mercy. Him.

It is in the stillness of my universe that God speaks. When my mind is clear from worry of tomorrow, clear from doubt of what people will say, clear from fear of the unknown, and clear from debris that life brings. It is then that He Speaks. 

-Divine Beauty

Year 26: Boss Tendencies::Know Thyself

Source

Who are you? 

I finished typing that question above and then the line to continue typing just kept staring back at me flashing, waiting for me to answer the question. A mocking “Well? Who are YOU” resonating with each flash.

Automatically when someone ask me Who am I, I respond with a confident “I am the daughter of a King, destined for great things” of course with reference to Jeremiah 29:11. {Insert Verse here}. Every morning we wake up we are reassured simply by the air of breath we took within that second. Everyone is not privileged to have seen the day, yet because Christ loves us and He knows that he is not through with us yet, we get to see yet another day.

This segment of my blog “Year 26: Boss Tendencies” will be about my chronicles of being 26 years of age and going through life. Really pursuing the facets in life I would like to change, improve, and even get rid of; things such as my finances, health, food, crafts, relationships, and more. So I figure the first post in this series should always begin at the beginning with the foundation of knowing who you are. Being able to look back at where I’ve been I can understand who I am in the present and who I would like to be in the near future.

Boss Tendencies for me is simple: becoming a lady. Everyone woman is not a lady. But every lady is a woman. There are some things that I like to hold on to which makes my life a little easier, but then again I can get a little too comfortable. For instance make-up…..not a big fan, but when I do put it on it does make a statement. I want to be able to know different ways of applying it especially for the different seasons in life.

At 26, a shy month away from my one year anniversary of graduating with my MBA in Operations, and making a major move to NY, I am tired of what seems to me no progress. However, I have learned to accept my accomplishments and strive for new goals, because I know that once I put my mind to it, it can and will happen. So let the fun begin, and I hope that you will jump on board while we ride Year 26.

The First Bite: Chewy Lemon Cookies

For the past week or so, I've been craving lemony goods like lemon cookies or cakes. So when I did Google a search for lemon cookies, My Baking Addiction blog came up and I found the perfect recipe for her Chewy Lemon Cookies here. I attempted it and LOVED it, my roommate also enjoyed them as well as her co-workers. Thanks Jamie!

Le Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking powder, vanilla, Butter, an egg, lemon zest and juice, .

Mix together dry ingredients, then in a separate bowl mix the sugar and butter (I used shortening). In another bowl mix the egg, zest, vanilla, and lemon juice. Then mix everything. 

Everything is mixed in.

I used 1 Tablespoon to scoop the cookies, then rolled them into balls.

Roll in sugar.

Place on cookie sheet.

In the oven they go. 

VOILA!

This recipe was easy to follow and wonderful to taste. I will definitely be making these again.