lalijean.com – Page 8

July 23, 2021

synchronicity

Synchronicity is defined as the simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection.

Have you ever had a thought that you did not share with a single soul? Later, someone texts that same thought or you see it on a billboard or it pops up on your social media.

It was a thought! That, my friends, is synchronicity!

Has a song just come spilling out – an old song from way back? When you get in the elevator, someone is humming that same tune. Ya turn your laptop on and when you open a search, the lyrics are on your screen!

Random? I believe every.single.detail is full of purpose. My personal definition of random is Divinely purposed.

For me, the Divine is reiterating the message…allowing me to slowly reach a point of acceptance whether it be negative or positive news.

It’s confirmation…affirmation…reassurance…and rejuvenating, especially on the days I feel UNseen.

The Divine is forever aligning the stars on our behalf.

Sometimes we have difficulty believing it…our humanity gets in the way because we can’t see what’s for our best.

Would you commit to start looking…to begin connecting the dots…to see the message/s?

The Divine is for you!

Common Day Hero: Gauthami, a friend in need is a friend in deed. The way you step in anytime crisis hits has been such a source of comfort and strength. I AM grateful for you. Today, I dedicate this post to you.

July 15, 2021

summer

Summertime…fun in the sun!

I AM grateful for the little delights – popsicles, swimming with friends, cold drinks, walks on the beach, ice cream and sandals, to name a few!

There is also a sadness this summer. I never knew there’d come a summer that my young kids wouldn’t be with me full time. I cannot begin to express all the emotions surrounding this- yet another cut caused by divorce.

SO many moments we just have no way of preparing for…without warning, the ground beneath us gives way and we have to quickly navigate choppy waters…

What difficult moment/s are you processing this summer?

I AM learning to appreciate every.little.moment. We are not promised anything more than this present moment.

Common Day Hero: The strength of a thousand women before me runs through my veins. You, AmminiAmmachi, were a petite bundle of dynamite. Your faith, your kindness and your courage live on in me and your great-granddaughter. Today, I dedicate this post to you.

July 9, 2021

Blu

My fur-baby, Blu, is the most recent addition to the family! Yes, I now have THREE cats!

He came to me on 23 June – such a gift…a bundle of pure energy and joy.

He likes to be with me and the kids. Not necessarily held, but in the same area…if he doesn’t see or hear us, within a matter of minutes he starts “pacing” and meowing loudly till we join him.

I feel lighter because I have Blu which reminds me, it is said that a cat’s purr is healing!

Did you know that a cat’s purr…

Reduces pain

Relaxes muscles

Heals muscles, tendons and ligament injuries

Accelerates the healing of bones

Helps with healing infection and swelling

Decreases the symptoms of dyspnea

Lowers stress and blood pressure

Did you also know that cat owners have a 40% lower risk for heart attacks?!

Have I been successful in moving your heart to consider bringing a kitten into your life? No?

If no, what are some other ways in which you can care for your heart this week?

Be/bring your own healing. Take one step today – I’m taking it with you.

Common Day Hero: Unexpected friend for whom I AM grateful beyond words. Abba knew I needed you in my life. Thank you for sharing honestly/openly and for always listening. MikeR, I dedicate this post to you.

July 2, 2021

Fazal

Fazal, Arabic for grace…such a beautiful word/name.

I’ve blogged about grace before, but just this week, I received the heart-breaking news that cancer has taken residence in someone dear to me…and grace held me as I began reeling; unwilling to accept the news.

I can’t even begin to express all the emotions that come up when the word cancer is mentioned…

First, shock/disbelief hit, then a deep, sharp and almost debilitating pain in my chest, anxiety surrounding all the “what-ifs”…the adverse effects or ineffectiveness of medications and proposed treatment plans, the probability of death being so much closer, concern for those in caretaker roles.

I immediately closed my eyes, took deep/full breaths, started focusing on my breathing and released each individual. I reminded myself that I cannot carry this weight. It is crushing…especially for an empath.

I inhale: observe more

I exhale: absorb less.

Whatever you’re facing: cancer, career changes, child-related concerns, Covid, challenges in general…know that you’re not in it alone. Divine grace is waiting on all of us. Once embraced, we can extend it to all.

Fazal (grace) to you, friend…

On this journey, may we remember that grace is ever with us.

Grace carries us. Grace keeps us.

You can rest, knowing that Grace has us.

Common Day Hero: I recently came across a note you wrote when someone very young passed away, unexpectedly. I was shaken beyond words. Your kind words brought comfort and hope. You have personally overcome so much more than most and in such a short time. Your acts of service do not go unnoticed. Opa, I dedicate this post to you.

June 25, 2021

plan

Personal belief: no human can plan as extravagantly…as detailed…as beautifully surprising as The Divine!

Countless times, I have seen The Divine pull things togethAH like no othAH.

Many of you already know that I was blindsided by divorce and it was finalized in April of this year (on tax day!). What you may not know is that the house sold and I had to be out by 14 June.

I’m a planner, but in this specific situation, I felt that I was to be still and trust. I knew that in Heaven’s perfect time, The Divine would lead me to a place prepared just for me and my kids.

Well-intentioned friends said I lacked good judgment; I continued to repeat what was on my heart “I will be Led to the perfect space prepared just for me and my kids”.

I know everyone around me was just nervous, concerned and worried for me (and really the kids), but what I also know without a shadow of a doubt is that I AM held, so it’s all good!

A specific area came to my heart during the first week of June and I immediately knew that I needed to start looking at places for rent in that area. No job, no promise of a job; just a sign from The Divine!

Although I have no job; I have proceeds from the sale of the house. Well, ain’t nobody tryna hear that!

Every.single.place I called wanted pay stubs or an offer letter showing an amount that’s up to three times more than the rent. No one wants cash and cash upfront? What has this world become?!

Anyhow, on Friday, 11 June, I saw a place and although I’d been rejected twenty-nine times already, I asked all the same questions and they approved me with no co-signer, no job and no offer letter!

They just wanted proof that I have money in the bank!

I was approved the next day and told that move-in would be 15 June.

I said, Yeshu, You already know that I have to be out of this house on the 14th, so I ain’t tryna pay storage…I called the complex again on the morning of the 14th and they said, you know what, come on through at five this evening and we’ll give you the keys!

IF you are being Led (being still and hearing the Voice of The Divine in your heart), may I ask that you continue to be still and move forward only as you are Led? May I encourage you to allow no earthly being to deter you in any way?

The Divine has you!

You can rest…trust…and see the plan come togethAH in a way that we can’t even begin to ask, dream or think!

Common Day Hero: I AM so grateful for friendships that have continued to deepen through the years. Friendships that have grown in authenticity; unafraid to face the difficult and awkward…embracing the freedom to simply be whether we agree or not because we understand that love has no prerequisites. Novi, I dedicate this post to you.

June 18, 2021

boxes

A seemingly insurmountable amount of boxes…that’s what I see!

While we’re talkin’ ’bout boxes, let it be known that I have never fit into any box (familial or societal!) and have no desire to ever be put in a box…so, upon my transition from this life, no boxes – burn me! I’ll go out in flames ~ shining brightly as a reminder of the Light of Heaven!

Decluttering, giving away what isn’t essential anymore, coming across memories – notes, photos, art and trying to decide what stays, what goes and what to throw especially when the space is where you thought you’d be forever (ok, at least until the kids graduated high school!), is beyond overwhelming at times.

So many unexpected emotions came to the surface for me. LONG sigh. Overall though, while the process is challenging, it is simultaneously exciting (both-and!). New adventures await! But first, more tape!

I AM thankful for friends who showed up with food (always welcome).

I AM thankful for friends who helped with packing (extra gratitude for those who hate packing and still packed!).

I AM thankful for my Mom letting me load up her little vehicle with my things.

I AM thankful for the few neighbors who showed up and were so kind through this whole process.

I AM thankful for the friends who kept my pets during this madness since March!

I AM thankful for those who processed with me ~ listened, shared feedback and gave hugs.

I AM thankful for all the good vibes, thoughts, positive energy, love and prayers from all over the world.

If you need boxes, come on by and if you find yourself moving especially unexpectedly, know that you’re not alone. I’m here on the journey with you. The Angels are with you. Yeshu is with you.

The Divine has a plan unfolding (this wasn’t a surprise to Heaven!) and as you exit this space, you are entering a space of freedom, healing, growth and limitless adventure!

Common Day Hero: You are kind, detail-oriented and exactly where you need to be professionally. I’m excited for all that is coming your way as you continue to walk in faith and freedom! Trese, I dedicate this post to you.

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].²I 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]! ³For He will save you from the trap of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

⁴He 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, ⁶Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon. ⁷A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but danger will not come near you.

⁸You 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]. ⁹Because you have made the Lord, [who is] my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place,¹⁰No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.

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

¹⁴Because 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].¹⁵He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. ¹⁶With 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.