Category: Uncategorized

September 30, 2022

Quince

How can it be that a child of mine is now fifteen?!

Guess this is the feeling every birthday ~ what? another year flew by already?

We had such a grand and delightful time with our village celebrating this occasion!

Adorable one of mine was stunning in her Quinceneara top and skirt, her perfectly suited tiara (gift from one of her grandmothers), her first ever rosary (made by a grandmother so dear to us), decked in jewelry gifted by family and friends and her first ever stilettos ~ a gorgeous rose gold (another gift from family).

She was anointed with oil, had blessings, prayers and Scriptures spoken over her…a delicious cake and cupcakes, a sweet and fun first dance, her favorite kind of food, a hall so nicely decorated by family and friends and a dance floor filled with people she loves and who love her so dearly!

This night was a joy beyond description for me and my village. My heart was/is so full to have this special event for her. It is truly Heaven’s favor!

I AM most grateful for the kind people who helped bring this dream to life and made the night such a lovely and fun one for all, but especially for my brave, beautiful and brilliant daughter!

She rated it a 10/10 and that is all that matters!

Which special events do you remember with fondness?

What happy times can you go back to in your mind to remind yourself how good life can be?

What can you do to celebrate yourself today?

Common Day Hero: It’s only been a short time but I count you dear to me. One of the reasons you ranked high so quickly is because you were born on such a special/significant day! Your connection to The Divine, your fierce protection of your children and your commitment to your husband are just a few ways that your life is exemplary. Shevona, I dedicate this post to you.

September 16, 2022

Psalm

For You (The Sovereign One, my Abba, Amma, Yeshu, Victorious Trinity, Divine One)

have delivered/rescued/saved my soul (my mind, my heart)

from death (destruction, desolation, deceit)

yes, my feet from falling/stumbling (me from face-planting)

so I can walk (dance/skip/run)

before God (Yahweh, WayMaker, ChainBreaker, BestHugger)

in the light of the living/life.

the LALIjean version of Verse Thirteen of Chapter Fifty-Six from the Book of Psalms in the Holy Bible.

Psalm ~ a sacred song…may my life ever be a Psalm.

Common Day Hero: Your life has been one of service. Serving those in need around you just comes naturally. Grateful to be one of the people gifted by your heart of service. Today, I dedicate this post to you, Momma Val.

September 9, 2022

bleed

I wasn’t the one who stabbed you and yet here I am bleeding from your reactions – intended for another.

How many times have we received hurtful words and/or actions but we knew it wasn’t intended for us? How many times have we done that to others…in a most unkind manner, hurl every negative knowing full well that the recipient isn’t deserving of it?

I’ve had so much trash dumped on me (sometimes repeatedly by the same group of people). I’ve been the recipient of some terribly hurtful words and actions.

What’s helped me in some excruciating times is remembering (or later recognizing) that just because something is sent my way doesn’t mean I need to keep it. I can discard.

How we discard varies – therapy, support groups, deep breaths, grounding techniques, meditation, exercise, drawing, doodling, coloring, singing, dancing, knitting, sewing, writing, time with those who are safe, alone time, walks, jogs, runs, time in nature, camping, glamping, massages, karaoke, swimming, sports (watching or playing), movies, shows, traveling…I’m stopping here, but there’s so much more!

I AM healed and I AM ever-healing. It’s both-and!

I remain committed to self-care and soul-care so that I can continue to distinguish/discern what’s valuable then discard as needed and devote energy to all that is to be developed.

I’ve been unkind to others, but sometimes there are people who are nothing but negative. May I encourage us to give space/room to all that is deserving of our energy.

How do we know who/what is deserving of our energy?

Is it authentic, honorable, admirable, beautiful, respectful, pure, holy, merciful and kind? If not, I need not give it my energy. That’s loosely based on Verse Eight from Chapter Four of the Book of Philippians in The Holy Bible.

We’re in this together, fellow human and friend!

Common Day Hero: You are treasured beyond words. I see you now/still in that copper-tone kurtha set. You are adorable and have such a sweet nature. I know your grandfathers are enjoying all the time with you. I will forever think of you when I see/smell lemons ~ colorful, vibrant, full of zest, tart, sweet, refreshing. I love you, Israel Grant. Today, I dedicate this post to you.

August 26, 2022

family

One of these things (ok a few!) are not like the others!

My family peach (some of youS know I callS dem Sauerkraut and French Vanilla coz dey German and Cajun descent!); me and my kids brownies (mixed w/all kinds of goodness!); all of us delicious and sweet…just different!

We chose/choose to love each other and we decided we’d be family by choice.

We’s family fahevAH coz the external never determined our internal -this love runs deep coz the blood of humans got NothiN on the water of Amma (Wise Spirit), Yeshu (Kind Jesus) and Abba (Most Loving Heavenly Father)…

Family is comprised of the people we choose to have in our lives (not limited to the people in our lives since or because of birth).

Through the years, I’ve had the joy of being a part of many “families”. Long before being inclusive was cool, I saw inclusion modeled and it helped me genuinely love all people.

Who are the people who dance with you through the delightful, walk with you through all the muck and despite our humanity, love and extend grace on the journey? That’s family!

Family isn’t hiding. Family isn’t covering up or pretending reality isn’t real. Family stands, sits, crawls with us through it all. Family isn’t just here for the fun times.

Family is fahevAH. Family is fah real.

Family is committed to caring, listening, helping and growing together…in every way. When we had no family, Heaven came down and offered all of us the gift of Love, Peace and Belonging.

My heart empathizes with those who have no “blood family” present – sending love, light and strength your way so that you’re able to create a family of your own ~ a mix of your closest people.

Common Day Hero: You continue to come to mind multiple times this month. You had me laughing coz you’d say you couldn’t have time w/God until you put your makeup on…ya still doing that in the afterlife? You are so missed and thought of often here. Grandma Kamp, I dedicate this post to you.

August 11, 2022

delay

Delays are (at times) frustrating, disappointing, grief-causing, Divine and…quite a critical piece on this journey that is our destiny…

Divine timing (delays) also have us missing things, people, places we thought we HAD to have.

Chile, lemme tell you somethiN, it is Divine timing that had (and has) us in the space with (or without) dem people and tings! Heaven knows the reason for the delays and denials.

Whatever/Whoever is meant to be in our circle (outer or inner!) in this season/moment will be. And it is alright to shed tears over those whom we thought had our back, but didn’t.

I AM protected. I AM rescued.

I AM destined for ALL that The Divine has created/planned for me.

I don’t know that any of us “graciously” accept delays and/or denials. I also don’t always know when something is a delay or a denial.

What I know is that as I began embracing heart-level living, fully feeling it all, facing it all and processing it all, I spent less time tryna decipher delays from denials.

I started embracing being present…here, in the now. I started reminding myself (in the moment) to do this more often. Embrace this moment ~ a gift/present. Live fully IN it.

If it will help to write out all that you mourn/lament/grieve, please take time to do that.

Then, you can fully embrace the gift that today is…and I don’t mean that we have to be jumping for joy ery minute…just grateful…living in a space of grace -for myself first so, I can then extend it all around me.

I hold out grace for you, today, fellow Traveler/Traveller.

Grace upon Grace and Peace to you.

Common Day Hero: The truly great are the small among us. What I intend by “small” is those who seek no glory but shine! You are great and today, Ana, I dedicate this post to you.

August 4, 2022

chart

Be still…and know (really know, like in ya bones…aight, in ya Spirit!).

Quieting ourselves gently will allow for the Whisper of The Divine to be heard.

And may we not lose focus or hope because we haven’t “heard”.

Even if it’s a feeling that comes up, or one word, maybe a phrase, a song, a few sentences…sit with it.

Write it out.

Sit with it again (may help to keep a journal open so you can quickly jot a note anytime you walk by it).

Write out the “more” that comes (if anything).

Sit with it all as long as you need. Each of us are different, so all of it varies…the length of time, the feelings, the words, the thoughts, the impressions on our heart.

Chart a course…even if it’s leading into uncharted territory.

Share with your inner circle (as much or as little as you choose).

The main reason for sharing is accountability and support in all the ways.

All of the above steps can be applied to the following (including, but not limited to!): emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, work, owning/managing a business as well as relationship goals!

Some of us may find it helpful to commit to one day a week for this; others may take five to ten minutes on the daily or some other option -? Some of us may not want to set specifics; we just do these sorts of things in the moment when we feel it…tell da truth!

I’ve mapped out numerous plans and charted quite a few courses through the years. I’ve also course corrected many times – as often as needed.

When you’re ready to step out in faith…Set Sail!

Some will never believe you are ready; that’s why faith has been so significant for me. I choose to place value on the internal and Eternal, not the external.

You may not feel ready, you will simply know (remember? really know…) that it’s time to set sail!

In this season, I’m reminded again hold plans loosely, heal continually and help others along the way.

Cheering you on, brave one, from the beginning being still and everything in between (planning, charting, sharing) till the moment you decide it’s time…by faith, to Set Sail and then all along this voyage out on the beautiful open waters of life!

Common Day Hero: Miserable, magical, memorable, miraculous and many other moments on this journey…through it all, you remain faithful, fierce and fun! Grateful to hear a bit of your story. JaideF, today, I dedicate this post to you.

July 29, 2022

birth

Anytime something/one new is born, there is pain.

We typically may not think of that, but it seems to hold true that from pain comes purpose…from experience comes empathy and/or extra understanding…from turmoil come opportunities for transformation…

May we fully mourn and lament the loss of what we thought might have been…what ended unexpectedly…what blindsided us because only when we release are we free to receive.

When we release the past, we free ourselves to receive the present (pun intended – present/gift).

We can then celebrate the birth of new things!

We can live in child-like awe and wonder!

We can open ourselves up to fully enjoy all the pleasant surprises Heaven sends our way!

What is being birthed in our lives now…or waiting to be birthed once we mourn, lament and release?

What/whom do we need to release to make room for the new?

Common Day Hero: I don’t know your personal story. What I know is that you come from a family full of faith and lots of fun. The way you love and serve is seen. Today, I dedicate this post to you, Aunty Nazma.

July 21, 2022

timeline

Have there been moments when you’ve wished you had full say over the timeline of your life…and the lives around you?

Many moments have been spent analyzing and mulling over the happenings of my life, those of my friends, acquaintances…and even some people whom I haven’t ever met, just heard their stories.

My personal belief is that when situations beyond human control occur, The Loving, Sovereign, Divine One is ever-moving and unfolding a plan…sometimes, beyond comprehension.

I don’t have to like or understand it. It is alright for me to ponder and question. I know I’m safe to express all my thoughts and feelings. Humans may not always be able to handle it. Heaven can.

I always recommend intensives/seminars/workshops designed for emotional/mental/spiritual healing and self-improvement. I recommend professional help/therapy. I recommend support groups. I recommend nights out with friends. I recommend prayer.

I’ve benefited (and still do) from all of the aforementioned and hope it benefits others as well.

Sometimes, in quiet moments…alone, I fill the air with crying, cussing, calling on Angels, Saints and all of Heaven to cradle, console and rescue me.

Sometimes, I call or text friends who are emotionally/mentally/spiritually safe for me.

Sometimes, I read, dance, meditate, draw, pray, write, play with my cats…ok, let’s stop that long list here!

Maybe one more…sometimes, I scream, sing, say all the Scriptures and Truth statements I can recall.

A few Truth statements are:

I AM cared for, by Heaven…always.

My best is always at the core of Heaven’s plan for me.

What if this situation is not the death of me, but a reBirth?

What if pure joy can be found in the midst of allowing myself to fully face and feel deep sadness?

Greater is The One within me than the one in the world.

I will lie down and sleep in Peace because the Lord keeps me safe.

I AM a miracle!

What helps you in moments of disappointment, exhaustion, anger or feeling overwhelmed?

What helps you to release the weight/stress that life brings (sometimes, unexpectedly)?

What helps you in moments of sadness or grief on your timeline?

Common Day Hero: You are a compassionate daughter, thoughtful sibling, fun aunt, dedicated wife and an incredibly attentive and phenomenal Mom. Glad to know you! Rasheeda, I dedicate this post to you.

July 8, 2022

nationality

My parents are from India (dots not feathers – love to all my feather friends!).

I’m a first generation American (born in Tennessee). Love both countries something fierce, but then I love and am fascinated by all people/places!

Through the years, what it means to be “American” has taken on so many forms/meanings.

Regardless of nationality, we are all fellow citizens of Earth!

What I hope my kids see is: all of us recognizing the beauty in each and every culture, honoring the intrinsic worth and dignity of each human and increasing our circle to truly be inclusive of everyone…especially those different from us (in all the ways).

What does being American mean to you and your family?

Common Day Hero: Your kindness and generosity are seen and appreciated. Thank you for including me, like family, from day one. Today, I dedicate this post to you, Rickey and Keia.

July 1, 2022

vision

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been blessed (at times feels like a curse) with the gift of seeing visions. For me, it’s as if someone has turned the TV on and I see scenes/clips…

Visions occur when awake. Dreams occur when asleep.

I see prophetic dreams as well. Prophetic dreams are dreams showing bits and pieces of the future. Sometimes with dreams and visions, what I see doesn’t play out in the exact way I saw/thought.

That is alright. Always, we are free to receive or reject what is seen. Always, I remain open to Heaven’s interpretations and unfolding of it all.

Typically, I say, I fully receive every good and perfect gift that Heaven is bringing/sending my way. Always, I sit with it. I don’t dismiss or ignore it. I sit and let it be…most times, I share with my inner circle.

They give feedback/critique; they pray; they sit with me. Grateful for my inner circle.

My visions don’t always connect or make logical sense. That is alright.

I decided some time ago that although I AM logical and a deep thinker, I choose to surrender. My logic bows to The Divine because I believe that I can’t see/understand/begin to wrap my mind around it all.

I AM content – to not know…to see visions and dreams…to feel…to receive messages from ALL of Heaven – and so are you, dear one, IF you want.

Whether you see dreams or visions; whether you sense things; whether you feel energy – all is well. The Divine is ever speaking; for some, it’s always in the foreground. For others, we have to go on a scavenger hunt of sorts.

Courage and fortitude to you dear one.

Common Day Hero: You bring so many laughs and thoughts any time I’m with you. May you always hear the Voices of Heaven and keep that boldness to follow what you hear. Your heart is important. Tre and Reagan, today, I dedicate this post to you.

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