On Career
Every expert was once a beginner. The more you passionately and intentionally focus on something, the better you will become. Visions do become realities once you include prayer, preparation and execution. The Lord sends who you need and when you need that someone. God has designed you for a particular purpose. When you discover the what, you will find out the how, just know why and allow that to motivate you always. When things are not working out in your favor, but God has told you this is your purpose, it will be fulfilled, don’t become despondent. What God has told you in the light, use your flashlight when it’s dark. The purpose remains the same, the road you travel to get there will always alternate. Adjust and keep going.
On Ministry/Outreach
On King David ‘s quest to rebuild the altar, he sought to purchase the foundation, but Araunah insisted he took what he needed since it was for the Lord. King David did not believe that would be a sacrifice, that would not be a burnt offering. He told Araunah that he would not offer the Lord that which cost him nothing. His motive was an act of love, selflessness and intentionality. Love is evident through action and although Araunah was willing to give what was needed for the altar, David insisted on carrying out his motive, which was sacrificial and action oriented. I’m sure some of us would have attributed what Araunah was giving unto him as a “blessing in disguise”, but that was not David’s motive. He was selfless and deemed it necessary to be intentional, he understood denial of self, the royalty and divinity of God. Isn’t that what ministry is all about? Denial of self, moving with an intentional motive and remaining focused on that. He wanted to sacrifice and serve. How powerful is that! How passionate! How loving, noble! Ministry is an intentional and selfless act that mirrors the heart of man. I often remind myself of the scripture that says, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” II Samual 24:24b NIV.
On Parenting
Parenting is like roller skating. Have you ever been roller skating, you’re feeling the vibe, dancing, enjoying the time and then KABOOM!!! someone bumps into you abruptly and onto the floor you roll. My goodness, how shocking! After you calm yourself, you get up, dust yourself off and begin again. Parenting my girls has so many strengths and exudes a lot of joy. I would be fooling myself if I didn’t acknowledge the challenges such as the disagreements we have due to our varying viewpoints. I know, I’m the parent and they are the children, but they have opinions and ideas. They understand what negotiable and non-negotiable means in our home. Negotiable means there is flexibility such as dinner plans. If it’s taco Tuesday, they may mention they would rather have Moe’s rather than homemade. A non-negotiable would be Chance asking for artificial nails at ten years old. She may continue to ask, but the answer is inflexible. Getting kids to understand your language gives leverage to parenting. I have learned to be careful with what I say that I will do because it is challenging to deter from plans when the expectation is set, although it happens. For example, if I’m aware of a birthday invitation, the girls are made aware the day of or the day before because it keeps them focused on what is priority for the week, prevents them from constantly asking about the event, and if there’s an interception I do not have to apologize and revert our plans for attending. Parenting is a thrill and I am pretty good about exchanging ideas with other great moms, as this responsibility requires support and listening ears.
On Grief
It’s like an ocean. One moment you’re happy, the next you may be melancholy. One moment you are ready to conquer the world, the next moment you can’t see past your door’s threshold. Prayer, praise, support, planning, and feeling what you need to feel so you may heal is a recipe for growing in grace. Grief does not disappear. In fact, it’s creepy. You may be having the best day ever, arrive home, exhausted and to your discovery your grief meets you in your lethargy. The best way to grip grief is to be prepared to respond when your emotions flare up. For example, sometimes I know I have to ride the wave, some moments, I phone a friend for dinner, other times, I remind myself of what’s to be expected. I’m equipped to get through the moment. One thing I assure myself of is that I will get from one moment to the next because I want to overcome.
On Dating
My affirmations on dating include, “I am patient. I’m not impulsive. God’s timing promotes and protects me.” I’ve met several widows who are content with their singleness. I have met divorcées who are happy with their singleness, so some say. My heart has so much love to give, I am an amazing and caring woman with dreams to fulfill. Jokingly, I say, I wouldn’t dare deprive a good man from a good woman, so absolutely I want to date. Eventually, I want to remarry. My husband has been deceased for 3.5 years and I am finally concrete about my expectation in terms of dating. I anticipate the chance to do so. My experiences have been complicated, but I remain grounded, expectant and so excited about who is to come. Who God has for us (my girls included) is for us. Perhaps, this is the territory you reside in, no matter how it looks, be sure about what is for you. The next person’s horror experience does not indicate what may happen for you. Keep the faith. So much love to you all.
On Contentment
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NIV
Unconventional and REAL 