Category: Uncategorized

June 11, 2021

songs

Two songs have continued to come up for me now – one I heard quite often in the 80s; it’s just the chorus of that one that comes up, but haven’t heard it since…the other has some radio time still (it’s only five years old now!).

As far back as I can remember, there are moments, at various points throughout the day (not every.single.day but you know…), songs just come spilling out of my mouth! It isn’t premeditated; just happens.

Sometimes it’s a sad song that lets me feel the pain, sometimes it’s empowering…a reminder that I’m not alone. The Divine is ever-present. Sometimes, it leads me to dance – just fully dive in and embrace the joy of the moment.

Music is a healing agent.

It has always been a great comfort and joy for me. Different pieces speak – The beats/rhythm. The tune. The lyrics. The repetition…images and memories are evoked…HOPE stirred…faith renewed…love restored!

So, I wanted to share these two songs with you. Hopefully, they are a source of strength and reassurance for you, as well, fellow Warrior. 

– Spirit wings by Joni Eareckson Tada 

– Rise by Katy Perry

Which lyrics/poems/verses are coming up for you these days?

Common Day Hero: A seemingly countless amount of things interfere in relationships, but regardless of the interruptions we’ve had, seems the friendship is solid…you are a fiercely devoted wife and mother. Know that you are seen! I’m grateful for you CS (not Lewis – ha!), I dedicate this post to you!

June 4, 2021

wings

A friend shared a vision with me this week – she saw the Wings of the Almighty just enveloping me and my two adorable ones. While she was sharing, I immediately thought of the 91st Chapter of the Book of Psalms in the Bible.

Psalm 91 is among the many passages that I learned in early childhood. It is one that comes to mind often, especially in moments of crisis. It speaks safety, comfort and protection to me.

The fourth verse specifically states that I will be covered by the feathers of The Divine and under His wings, I will find refuge/shelter/retreat/sanctuary/safe haven. Let me just post the whole Psalm here for you:

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand].2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]! 3 For He will save you from the trap of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you and completely protect you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.

5 You will not be afraid of the terror of night nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon. 7 A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but danger will not come near you.

8 You will only [be a spectator as you] look on with your eyes and witness the [divine] repayment of the wicked [as you watch safely from the shelter of the Most High]. 9 Because you have made the Lord, [who is] my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place,10 No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.

11 For He will command His angels in regard to you, to protect and defend and guard you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. 12 They will lift you up in their hands, so that you do not [even] strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread upon the lion and cobra; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

14 Because he set his love on Me, therefore I will save him; I will set him [securely] on high, because he knows My name [he confidently trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never abandon him, no, never].15 He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With a long life I will satisfy him and I will let him see My salvation.

This week, may I encourage you to look up Psalms 91 in the translation of your choice?

Settle into a quiet space and as you read, journal all that resonates with you…comforts you…empowers you!

Common Day Hero: So many claim to know, but few truly understand. You are one of the few and I’m glad to know you. You have consistently been a friend in need and deed. Jaisy, I dedicate this post to you.

May 28, 2021

shift

Shift…pivot…reroute…sometimes not by our own choosing, we are shifted, pivoted, rerouted…turned upside down!

I’m an internal processor so it takes me a little time to sort through all the things.

Some of us may be quicker at accepting change even when it’s forced/sudden/unexpected and that’s alright.

In the shifting, there is so much that can be learned…and unlearned. For us analytical ones, there are far too many angles and “what ifs” along the way.

Being introspective and reflective has proven a helpful/healthy practice if it doesn’t keep me in spin cycle…forevAH!

I AM grateful for solid friends who see me start spinning and help me “press pause”. I’m also able to choose to press pause on my own (sometimes!).

Pressing pause has looked a little like this for me:

Is this something I’ve already assessed/evaluated?

Was there a conclusion the last time this was assessed/evaluated? Was it helpful/comforting?

Will there (more than likely) not be a “suitable” answer for me regarding this specific piece now?

Am I willing to accept that this may remain a point of discomfort/pain/difficulty for at least some time?

If it seems I don’t have “answers”, what will help my mind/heart to choose Peace in/for this moment?

Take a deep breath (or three); I’m here…in it -with you -for you- alongside you…always.

Sending hugs, reassurance, prayers, good vibes…or dap if that’s what you’d like the most.

Common Day Hero: Comfort, warmth, integrity, diligence and kindness are what you continue to embody and have for over two decades now! Glad you’re in my life…and even more so when this shitstorm caught me off-guard. JW, you are so dear to me and today, I dedicate this post to you.

May 21, 2021

cancel

Cancel culture is said to be a type of ostracism in which one is shoved/forced out of social or professional circles – online, on social media or in person.

Have you ever been cancelled in a friendship, romantic relationship, religious circle, work environment or  familial/community setting?

It is painful to be misunderstood, unheard, devalued…especially by people you’ve grown to believe are kind, considerate and genuinely caring.

Personally, it’s even more painful when it happens by religious people…those who are quick to throw the names of God around as well as those who wear a badge of “seniority” in faith communities…claiming to be “mature”.

Mourn the loss of the people who have cut you out (especially those who have done so indirectly…insidiously) and simultaneously make room to welcome the entry of all who are truly compassionate, empathetic and gentle. 

I remind myself as often as I need that…

I will never be cancelled by The Divine and neither will you, my friend!

Common Day Hero: You are genuine, tenderhearted, graceful and grace-filled. Your kindness and Light are reaching so many. Glad to know you and call you friend. Froswa’ ~ I dedicate this post to you.

May 14, 2021

perspective

This week had me revisiting the definitions of Perspective and Perception.

Perspective: a point of view; a sense of proportion. Perception: a way of regarding, understanding or interpreting…

In this sudden change/disruption of what seemed solid…what seemed unshakeable in my own life, I have been working to view it all from multiple directions.

For the most part, we naturally see things from our own perspective, but I have been curious about every angle, for as long as I can remember. Sidenote: Curiosity wasn’t necessarily encouraged but has remained a constant companion for me, since childhood.

Despite the deep pain and sadness which, at times, has been so heavy, I have been taking time to view the good, the bad, the ugly, the shocking through lenses opposite mine.

Since the divorce process started, I’ve been doing this regarding all aspects – the years prior to marriage, the engagement months, the life and death of the marriage.

I’ve heard it said that perception is reality.

Are we open to genuinely view our perception/reality from all angles? If not, are we limiting ourselves in some way?

Many words have been thrown at me, but I carefully hold it all up to the Light and see if Truth is present.

If no Truth is present, I find healthy ways to release (so that my body isn’t holding on to the negatives). If Truth is present, I take the time to process so that I can begin applying it to my life.

Some moments/days it may be too difficult to see a different view and that is alright.

Breathe. Take your time.

Be gentle with yourself

and

Challenge your Perception to gain true Perspective.

A healthy perspective keeps us grounded/centered/secure.

Positive energy, Prayers and Power to you as you move forward to face all angles of Perception (yours, mine, theirs, ours!), discard the lies, process the Truth and gain Perspective.

Common Day Hero: You have consistently been a Champion for humans, but especially women. Your boldness, brilliant mind and brave heart are the cause of freedom for many. I AM committed to warring alongside (and for) you.  JuR, I dedicate this post to you.

May 7, 2021

full

Welcome/Vanakkam! Namaste!

Many of us may simply be existing.

We serve and give so much. We stay busy doing for others. We run around and run ourselves ragged to take care of everything around us.

Seems, we don’t realize that all of the running and doing and pushing ourselves has us depleted and too preoccupied to see that we are running on empty.

Continually coming from a place of empty sets us up for burn-out, lashing out, raging and severely damaging those who have been/are closest to us.

I’ve been an empath for as long as I can remember (even though growing up, I didn’t know that term). The way I feel/sense energy and absorb it was frustrating until I sought out tools to completely embrace being an empath and began learning how to relate as well as release all that isn’t mine to carry.

It has been my life’s work to be a diligent listener, a safe space, a consistent asker of questions because it is of utmost importance that each voice is heard.

Questions help gently guide so that each person wrestles with all that needs to be faced, worked through/processed and then finds the answer within the process.

Friends say I’m a good counselor, especially with the listening and a natural coach, with all the questions!

And now…the path has led me to embrace being a personal, life (college, career, cravings, relationships, all of it!) and spiritual coach. I have been unofficially doing the work of coaching and mentoring for over twenty years.

I have decided to do what I love because I already love what I do! I would be honored to come alongside you on your journey and co-create plans with you so that your dreams become goals and your vision becomes reality!

I believe that we can live our most fulfilled lives, serving and giving when we are Led from a place of being FULL.

My personal acronym: Free, Unlimited, Light, Love (FULL)!

We will take the steps together so that you can begin moving towards FULL…living your life from a healthy base of love, joy, peace and gratitude. You can then (as you are Led), serve and give to those around you from the saucer because your cup is FULL and overflowing!

Picture yourself FULL!

I’m offering an introductory special of $75/session. Call or text to schedule your appointment today – 469.585.3723

Common Day Hero: BridgetteP and FeliciaG, there are moments that seem ordinary -nothing special occurs externally and yet, something quite substantial and much deeper than can be articulated has occurred/is occurring internally/spiritually/next level. That’s what took place when we met. Supernaturally orchestrated. Divinely dispatched. Here’s to ALL that Heaven has for us, now and for eternity! I dedicate this post to you, my Soul SistAHs!

April 30, 2021

random

The timing of The Divine is impeccable.

There are no accidents…no mistakes…

Random is code for Divinely purposed.

This week, letting the Truth of all the above settle in…deep breath!

Anything “random” happen for you this week, month, year?

If it was positive, I rejoice with you.

If it was negative, I feel the weight of it with you and weep with you.

Regarding the negatives, I cannot begin to understand all the reasons why. I just know that in this world…here, on this earth, we will have troubles. I send hugs (or dap); I send comfort, Light and Love your way if you can receive it.

I know some spaces are too difficult for words and I want to respect the space you may be in now.

When you are ready, Love and Light are here for you. Always.

Common Day Hero: When you heard, you immediately offered support. You’re always here to help, but especially when this recent crisis hit so unexpectedly and much harder than I ever could’ve imagined. I AM grateful to have you in my life. “They” say German shepherds are easy-going and approachable among family, so today’s photo is for you! My cousin, Kolin, I dedicate this post to you.

April 23, 2021

loyalty

On tax day, last week, I received the divorce decree.

I can’t even begin to describe the journey of accepting a situation I didn’t want.

Is a marriage of seventeen years really over now? I read the email and like an avalanche, every emotion seemed to come at once…disbelief. shock. overwhelming sadness. tears enough to overflow a bathtub. anger enough to pull all the feathers out of a down pillow. relief from the exhaustion of being in a tense environment for such a long time. inexplicable pain…every moment, precarious.

I heard someone say (many someoneS actually!) that people don’t discard what they want; they discard what they were using. Have you ever felt that – not just in romantic relationships…in friendships, with co-workers, with acquaintances, with family members (immediate, extended, in-laws)?

I am processing to the best of my ability. Quite the mountain/landfill. Pain and Peace coexist in this moment for me. Grief and Gratitude coexist. Fear and Faith coexist. Heaven and Hell coexist. I am experiencing it all…fully.

Pain – I can not believe the depth and intensity. It is heart-wrenching. Peace – I AM held by The Divine.

Grief – I said yes to forever…too many layers here. Gratitude – for painful Truth being revealed and manifested…for true/deep friendships.

Fear – what does this mean for me and my kids? Faith – We are alright, even in this. Secure in The Divine.

Hell – walking through it is overwhelming, frustrating, exhausting. Heaven – always by my side; the Warriors, my ancestors, that Great Cloud of Witnesses and true friends here beside me…with grace and love.

In this processing, came another realization: Loyalty shows up especially in the difficult.

If loyalty wasn’t present then we were used, in some way. That realization led me to sort through all that I personally need to own as well as everything that’s not on me.

We are only responsible for our own choices.

I continue to learn and grow and keep myself open to the opportunities that guide me to be my authentic/best self.

Dear one, I hold out grace for you to continue to be your authentic self as well. Regardless of the naysayers, Strength and Peace to you as you do the difficult work of consistently pursuing authenticity. Here, for and with you, always.

Common Day Hero: We have so much more in common than we originally thought! Praise Abba for bringing you into my life for all the moments (too many to name!). You remain a comforting Light in the midst of unexpected darkness. You are such a kind and beautiful soul. KerriH, I dedicate this post to you.

April 16, 2021

shakti

Many situations in life are both-and (as opposed to either-or)…in my life, especially this season, there have been moments (too many to count) when I felt powerless.

I believe that I AM powerful.

Shakti is a Sanskrit word meaning power, sacred force, energy, empowerment.

I heard someone recently say that she doesn’t need external empowerment when she has empowerment from within; that resonated with me. Again, both-and…there are moments when the external/additional is valuable, but…

Always, what fuels and carries me is shakti (power/empowerment from within; the very sacred force of heaven).

I AM powerful (inserting raised fist).

I may not agree with or even want what is happening to/around me. I may not like or understand the abrupt and unwelcome changes coming my way; Truth remains: I AM powerful.

I AM powerful not because I can stop negative/hurtful things, but because I do not allow them to define me.

I AM powerful because I process each and every difficult thing so that I can move forward.

I AM powerful because it is the very essence of who I am; a part of my core.

I AM powerful because fill in your personal reminder…to carry you in and through the messy moments.

Shakti (power, sacred force, energy, empowerment) to you my fellow Warrior ~ as we war alongside one other against all negatives intent on keeping us down. Here, for and with, you…always!

Common Day Hero: Harilals, yes, the whole family…I want to express my gratitude for the practical ways you’ve stepped in to help me. In my younger years, I felt so confident and independent. Without realizing it, over time, I allowed that to be taken away…sigh. Daily I’m gaining strength, choosing courage (more than not) and so thankful for all that you continue to be: my prayer warriors, my all-things-practical group, my emergency rescue team (perceived and otherwise!) and my common sense crew when unexpected trauma blindsided me. Today, I dedicate this post to all of you.

April 9, 2021

new

When we’re told that all things are made new, it may not always translate to unfolding how we envisioned it.

Today, I’m thinking specifically of Verses nineteen through twenty-one, in the forty-third Chapter of the Book of Isaiah, in The Bible. Translations vary and I reference so many, but in this moment, it’s the ESV.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive (see) it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” 

The imagery is so beautiful to me…it’s calming. The reassuring piece for me is that I will not be stuck in the wilderness. Also, for whatever length of time I’m in the wilderness, I will be given what I need…sustenance.

If/when I’m in the desert, a place that typically has very little water, I will see rivers! Nourishment and strength will be provided for my time there.

All the animals around me bring praise and adoration to The Creator of life and all things sacred. I join them in worship and celebration of The Divine.

In the desert…in the wilderness…in unfamiliar, deeply painful and rough terrain, I AM fully taken care of…completely provided for…always. And so are you, fellow Warrior!

Common Day Hero: Many may never know the level of sacrifice and honor you provide on a daily basis. You are seen, by many including El-Roi. I salute you, fellow Warrior. Madalyn, I dedicate this post to you.

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