2014 In Review

WOW... seems like I was just saying goodbye to 2013 and welcoming in 2014 and now already the time is nearing for 2014's end. So many wonderful things have occurred this year! March 24th -- I officially completed my Masters degree in Education from Strayer University. These were NOT online classes. Every class was on campus for 4 hours once a week. I took only one class each quarter which ended up being 4 years for me to complete my degree but by God's grace, that journey came to a beautiful end. April 6th -- One of the PROUDEST days of my life... I was there to watch my middle niece Sharoyal Nicole Brown cross the burning sands into Delta land. I also attended her probate on the campus of MY alma mater, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. To this day, it brings tears to my eyes. May 4th -- After 14 months of attending, I officially joined my church, Crossroads Fellowship. Since joining, I occasionally serve as a greeter. I've also become connected with a small group on Wednesday nights called Single & Parenting. I have met great people and I am building relationships with other Christians who are very supportive and prayerful. It is such a blessing to have found a church home where I am receiving and learning God's word, able to serve and grow & also where my children enjoy to do the same. August 16th -- On my sister's 39th birthday, although I initially decided that I would not participate in commencement, upon my sister's urging, I walked across the stage at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, NC graduating with honors in the Master of Education program at Strayer University. I didn't think I'd be as emotional as I was on that day but I was overcome with joy and truly proud of myself. October 26th -- My 2 beautiful boys, Jayden and Jonah, were dedicated to Christ at church <3 November 12th -- After 4 previous pre-approvals over the past 11 years of living in Raleigh, I finally purchased a house. I did not allow fear to convince me otherwise. For a long time, I've wanted to return to Charlotte. However, the way God lined things up... I had to trust Him and get out of my own way. I absolutely love my house. It fits my personality perfectly. The boys and I are so grateful and really enjoying our new space. 2014 has been extremely good to me. To describe the year in one word, I'd say MIRACULOUS because if you knew what I know, you'd know that God not only showed up, He showed out! This list is just a few of the things that I wanted to share. There has been so much work done with me on the inside... I honestly cannot begin to write it all in this blog :) He healed emotional wounds, released me from unnecessary bondage and truly set me free (#FREEyourself). I was reminded of exactly who I am & who I belong to. As I say each year, I don't make New Year's resolutions because I believe that it's important to be in a continual state of growth. Why wait until a particular day to start a goal? So as always, I resolve to strive to be better every single day of my life; a better Christian, a better mom/Aunt/Sister/Daughter/Friend, and an overall better person. I pray and speak into existence that 2015 will be equally as awesome, even EPIC. I wake up every morning stoked about what God is doing in my life! Here's to wishing you all a happy, healthy, peaceful new year :)

I Am...

As I often say, I believe that it is important to continually seek growth; to educate ourselves, to free ourselves, to better ourselves, and to know ourselves. I am in a great space in my life spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. This joy (James 1:2-3, Psalm 30:5) that I have... the peace (Numbers 6:25-26, Isaiah 26:3, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 Corinthians 14:33) that I feel... is indescribable. I feel liberated. I feel empowered. I feel whole (John 1:12). And I know that it all comes from God because He makes me who I am. Despite what people may think or say, despite my past mistakes or even the mistakes that I may make in the future (because I make no claims to be perfect nor am I always right), despite my failures, flaws & shortcomings; I am everything God says I am... I am created in his image. -- Genesis 1:27 I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I was created on purpose and with a purpose. -- Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 29:11 I am deeply loved. -- John 3:16, Romans 8:38 I am a Masterpiece. -- Ephesians 2:10 I am more than a conqueror. -- Romans 8:37 I am capable. -- Philippians 4:13 I am saved. -- Romans 10:9 I am forgiven. -- Psalm 103:10-14, Luke 6:37, 1 John 1:9 I am a new creature. -- 2 Corinthians 5:17 I am favored. -- Psalm 30:5, John 1:16 I am healed. -- Psalm 147:3 I am well taken care of. -- Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:25-34 I am significant. -- Matthew 10:30, Psalm 56:8 I am free. -- Psalm 34:4 I have come so far & still have so far to go. But Philippians 1:6 says, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." I pray every day for God to show me myself, to help me become the woman (Proverbs 31) I am destined to be. I am so happy with this skin I am in. And just so grateful for God's unconditional love. He is everything to me... & I am nothing without Him. I encourage you all to go forth with confidence knowing, believing, and trusting who God's Word (John 1:1) says you are!