Don't Ever Get Too Comfortable.. It Might Be Moving Time...Again!

One of my favorite past times has to be visiting different hotels and experiencing new hotels. I can remember one time, I went out of town, stayed in a great hotel, go to my room, and was like, "Uhhhh, I hate this room, but I don't have time to be changing rooms." So, I settled for what I was given, unpacked, got dressed and headed out on the town. Of course, I got back to the room, rather late, so I assumed I would be sleeping in. Well, the front desk thought otherwise. I got an early morning call from the manager with him explaining that I had the wrong room and would have to move. Right then! You know I was cutting up. But, I packed up my cute little luggaged and obliged. When I arrived to my new room, it was bigger, nicer, newer. When moving time came, I got a free upgrade. Wow! When I humbled myself, packed my bags, God moved on my behalf.

That's kind of like with God. As His children, we get so happy with where we are and what we are doing, we don't ever consider moving or changing. We think where we are is fine. We think that because we are comfortable, that there is no need to seek another alternative or another route.

I can remember being at my first job from college. It had taken me forever to finally get one, but I did, lol. One day I was out with my girls and I ran into my friend from school who was a realtor in Atlanta and he was like, "Mel, you really need to leave Miami, you're too comfortable here." Duh! Why wouldn't I be. I had a good job, I loved my co-workers, I knew all the back streets in the city, why would I want to move to Atlanta? I didn't know any people there, I didn't have a job, and I just wasn't interested in breaking my flow. Low and behold, my boss co-authors a grant and guess where it is at? ATLANTA! Right. God is a mess. lol. I was like, "Lord, I am not going to make it in Atlanta, it's this, it's that." Blah, blah, blah. I mean, I fought tooth and nail to get here. But guess what, I came. I got better friends, I was able to affect more youth one-on-one, I got more TARGETS!, and I even got closer to God. It was one of the best decisions that God has made for me.

You see, often time we get caught up in what we want, what we believe, and the direction that seems safe with us. Our ultimate goal should be to be where HE has us to be. I look at my dream board, my prayer book, and my daily reminders and pray, "Lord, if it be your will." We don't ever want to put too much emphasis on what WE want, we have to stay focused on HIS will for our life. Whether its dating a particular person, leaving a job, being laid off, budgeting, changing church membership, even as trivial as going out. We have to trust God to know that his will for our lives is greater than any thought that we could conjure up. He has wisdom, far beyond what we can ever have.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

Whatever new situation that God places us in, we have been adequately prepared throughout our lives. I was recently faced with a very life altering situation, where I knew I would simply go crazy. But, as I was in the midst of it, I began to praise and lift God's name up.

Sometimes God does what we don't have the guts to do.

It's crazy because we think we have "arrived" by being in our place of comfort and God's comes to shake all of that up. Not to demote us, but often times it is to promote us. It may not be evident initially, but when the facts are all ironed out it is for our better.

God may even be trying to protect you. Our steps have been ordered and our stories have been written. Understanding that, God has seen what we will be faced with. He brings great shifting in our lives in order to keep us from harms way. And for that, we must remain grateful.

When it's moving time, we need not kick and scream. We should really remained partially packed and be ready to move when God says so.

Moving according to His will,

~Mel

I have chosen to share this video by Paul Morton... "Don't Do It Without Me"

http://

Don't Lose Sight, Make Your Vision Plain

Well, this is probably one of my most favorite things in the world to do. Cut up pictures, magazines, use cute scrapbook paper lots of glue, wheeew, you name it! Putting together a Vision Board (VB) is perhaps one of the greatest investments you can make in yourself and into your destiny.

Now, it's one thing to want to do something and to think about it often. But to visually see all that God has promised you and all that you want to accomplish, it's invigorating. There is power in SEEING things. Not just in your mind, but in your future, and in front of you. It is vitally important that you always keep reminding yourself of what God has promised you. All that he told you and all that you know.

With my VB, I've included things as trivial as what I want my hair to look like in a year, to the car I want to drive, the kind of man I want to marry and the kind of places I plan to travel. Now, the beauty of having a close relationship with God is that he hears your every requests, cries, and desires. But you MUST be specific. Its nothing like calling Pizza Hut to order a pizza and you're like, "just send me whatever", and get mad when they deliver a pizza with anchovies, onions, and sardines. lol. You have to be very, very detailed oriented with God.

That's where a VB comes in handy for sure! Not only does it let God know what you want, but it reminds you of what all of your struggles are for. What your prayer and fasting is for. What your light of the end of the tunnel is.

I've been doing VBs since late 1990s. I can remember as a freshman in high school, wanting to go to FAMU. Not wanting to pay a dime. So, I got my dad to get me a FAMU bumper sticker and I stuck it to the ceiling, over my bed. Every night, I visualized myself walking the highest of 7 hills, hanging with new friends, being the "IT" girl on campus. Low and behold, in 2000, I met the university president who handed me a specialized scholarship to FAMU. I wept like a baby. Never imagining that a bumper sticker and visualization would actually work. Things have been falling into place since, and I've been cranking out VBs like my life depended on it. lol

That's the place that God wants us all at. A place of raw belief and faith. A
place where we are saying, "Lord, you are all I have. I have no other hope but
you. Lord I trust you with everything I need and all that I am."

Let me tell you, that does something for God. Like a proud parent watching children feverishly write out their Christmas list. They know they have to make it happen because they are the only source. That's God. Our proud papa ready and willing to answer every prayer and every desire. Putting our VB together is like our perpetual life Christmas list. All we want and all that we know is a part of our life.

Ok, there is no right or wrong way to put one together. It merely a huge collage of words and pictures that mean something to you and that are directly connected to a major goal in your life. I usually divide mine by Love, Relationships, Friends/Family, Finances/Career, Spiritual Life, Car, Travel, House, Parenting/Kids, and a personal declaration. Now your board may consist of more or less, but it is entirely up to you!

Biblically, it was proven that writing things down and laying it before the Lord gave him something to work with. In Habakkuh 2:2-4 it says:

2 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon
tables, that he may run that readeth it.
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by
his faith.

The key part of the scripture to me is not only the writing it down part, but it warns you that "the vision may tarry". Even back in the biblical days, people were discouraged with the timing on things and the way things worked out. But be encouraged to know that because you have written it down and placed visuals to your goals, God has a CLEAR picture of what you desire.

Ok, Here are my past 3 that I have made. I have made several board and books. I am a super scrapbooker, so I have a whole bunch of creative stuff laying around. And I kicked the boo to the curb for the New Year, so I have A LOT of free time on my hands. lol.

My Vision Board 2010: The Land of Milk & Honey- Year of Overflow

My Vision Board 2009: The Year of Expectation

My Dream Book 2009: What Dreams May Come

Well.... I will leave you to work on your board, book, or whatever you choose. Remember, it's between you and God what you want in your life. So you're the only one that knows what it looks like.

Visually speaking...

~Mel

Consistency Is The Missing Ingredient

So, anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely looooooove the Food Network. Many nights I fall asleep to it, with hopes of finding one of the restaurants the next day. I watch it so much that there is a little Food Network logo burned into the corner of my TV. lol. Needless to say I'm a faithful steward of perfecting my craft of cooking and baking. While there are several different cooks with their own unique styles, one thing remains the same, the consistency of ingredients. When each cook begins cooking, they stress the importance of the right ingredients, the way they balance out, and the consistency of the entire mix. In baking the consistency is the texture, the look, the feel, and the ability to hold together. So if there is any smidgen of inconsistency, the whole dish is done for.

For some reason, that stood out to me. Consistency. The web dictionary defines it as: the same throughout in structure; the property of holding together and retaining its shape; agreement among things or parts. Wait a minute, you are not hearing me.....

Same throughout. Holding together. In agreement.

Baking is a whole lot like believing God for that next breakthrough. You have everything you need to make it, but you have to be consistent.

Prayer- equal parts of prayer throughout the day will equip you to sustain all tests, adversities, and storms.

The Word- reading the word on a regular basis allows you to read God's promises and witness his consistency. You can then use that same Word to encourage yourself, fight all battles, and secure your victories.

Partners- now, not all family and friends are deemed as your prayer partners. Takes a while to understand that, but it is very true. Sometimes, God will send you seasonal people in your life to get you to your next one. We often times try to force the new season on people who were never meant to be there (that's another blog entry *makes note in journal* lol)

Jesus- Now the word says in Hebrews 13: 8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Whew! Now you talking about amazing? That means no matter what we do, where we go, what we say, Jesus is going to be the same Jesus that he has been to us. No variation. No additives or preservatives. The same good ol' Jesus.

You- Guess what is the missing variable in this lovely recipe? YOU! You are the difference maker. You have the innate ability to change your destiny, your situation, your direction by merely being consistent in your faith. Your ability to see the bigger picture. Understanding that your right now is not your forever. No matter what it may look like, you know the promises that he has made and you know that it has to get better.

Same throughout. Holding together. In agreement.

We have to remain the same throughout our struggles. If we are believing God for the sun to shine again. We can't tear up at the sight of rain. When we get a call/email/text that totally wrecks us emotionally, we cant immediately break down to the point where we can't be steadfast and believe that God is the same God that delivered us so many times before. When we get a "no" from someone or a company, we can't automatically assume that God has forsaken us. We must always stand in agreement with God knowing that he knows what we have need of, our deepest desires, and our pains.

With seeing the job that God has, I think we got off pretty easy with just being consistent. Now, not to say that being consistent is the easiest thing to do, but it definitely beats doing it all alone. With God as our rock and our guide, there is simply nothing that we cannot accomplish.

Consistency gets easier the more we do it. Then it becomes habit. Therefore our character.

I challenge you today to consistently look beyond your right now and believe God for all he has promised. If you don't know what that is, he will show you. Through prayer, worship, praise, the right connections, you will find him.

Consistently seeking Him,

~Mel

God Will Restore You Through Your Tears

The first reaction to sad, bad or disappointing news is to do what? To cry, right? Well, for me it is. I can look back at many moments in my life where I've felt helpless, in despair, lost, and forsaken. I can remember being in places that I've never thought back until this very moment. All I could do was cry.

There are several reasons for tears. They're for cleansing, purging, and strengthening. Scientifically, tears have a very necessary function. Did you know that each type of tear has its own purpose and therefore a different chemical makeup? Did you know that there is a continuous supply of tears?

The main purpose of tears is to smoothen the surface of the eye.These tears act as oxygen suppliers to the eye, carry away waste, destroy harmful bacteria, and in general maintain a healthy eye. These tears contain salts, proteins and an enzyme called lysozyme, which protect and nourish the eye.However the tears, which are produced as an expression of emotion, are totally different. (God is something else isn't He?) Scientists have discovered that emotional tears contain high levels of manganese and a chemical called prolactin. In fact it is believed that crying is a way of removing “excess” chemicals, which are not very good for the body. This might help explain why people say they feel better after "a good cry."

Did you hear that? Tears carry away waste? Now any scientist would overlook that, the "carrying away part". But what God has revealed to me is that, crying is not just a scientific necessity, it is a spiritual necessity. We have to spiritually get rid of all the pain that we are experiencing. The things that are hindering us to get to our next level. The things that we have allowed to fester and grow into something bigger than what it is. When we cry, God catches every tear and He knows exactly what we are saying. Our wordless communication to the Lord is a way to tell Him everything without saying a thing. Our tears is an unspoken language that our heart speaks.

Use your tears to flow you to your next victory. Use your tears to strengthen you. To empower you. To cleanse you. To heal you of the unspoken pain. Use your tears to tell your heavenly Father all that is within.

Like I said yesterday, I received an email that made my world come to a pause. As my emotions welled up within me, one tear fell. I mean, real dramatic like a soap opera. I was like, "God, let me cry! I wanna kick, scream, and fall out." But God told me that was my last tear for that situation. That ONE tear renewed my faith, renewed my strength, and gave me hope. It was almost eerie. It was like God caught that one tear and began to wash away my pain and hurt caused by my despair. I hopped up and said, "Ok, what's for dinner." In the midst of eating my veggies, my phone began to ring off the hook. I got a call from one of my girlfriends about starting ANOTHER project. I sat the phone down and went back to eating. Then my phone rang AGAIN and its was the producer from BET telling me that the episode of Monica's Still Standing that we recorded in October would be airing on January 12, 2010 and I had the most face time.

Now, if I had of wallowed in pity, self-doubt, and despair, I would have missed those calls, those moments to rejoice, and the path to my next journey. It was all connected to letting that tear fall.

Tears are necessary avenues to flow you to your next victory.

I want to encourage you today to rebuild, refocus, and re-energize. All that has happened to you is a part of your story. It is not meant to destroy, but to make you better. Know that God hears your cries and catches every tear. No matter the pain, the wrongdoing, the disappointment, or the reason. You can rise up and be great again. Don't ever forget that.

"Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalms 126:5-6 NKJV)

Be comforted and know that , for all the tears you have allowed to fall, HE has caught them all.

In spirit and in truth,

~Mel

Study on tears in scripture by Charles H. Spurgeon:

Let us learn to think of tears as liquid prayers; and of weeping as a constant dropping of importunate intercession which will wear its way right surely into the very heart of mercy, despite the stony difficulties which obstruct the way." Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

"The tears of John, which were his liquid prayers, were so far as he was concerned, the sacred keys by which the sealed book was opened (Rev. 5:4)." Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

"Tears and brokenness in the victorious war (Psa. 126:5,6)

Tears of sorrow, joy, compassion, exertion and repentance are present in spiritual warfare." Dick Eastman

In Scripture, tears fulfill a unique purpose in spiritual growth. We discover here that when tears are sown, not only is a spiritual harvest collected, but it leaves a spirit of rejoicing in the sower. This passage, along with others in Scripture that relate to a suffering spirit, describes various purposes and roles connected to what can be called "the ministry of tears", a ministry that Charles Spurgeon defined as "liquid prayer". There are tears of pain or suffering (II Kings 20:5); tears of joy (Gen. 33:4); tears of compassion (John 11:35); tears of desperation (Esther 4:1,3); tears of agony or labor (Isaiah 42:14); tears of repentance (Joel 2:12,13). Clearly, passion is necessary in spiritual warfare." Dick Eastman

Sources:

-http://dimdima.com/science/science_common/show_science.asp?q_aid=196&q_title=How+we+cry

-http://beautifulgrace2008.blogspot.com/2007/11/liquid-prayer-ministry-of-tears-and.html

Speaking your NOW! Living in the NOW!

As I look back over 2009, there were so many lessons. Too many to list or go back to. If could do anything different, it would certainly be to use the word NOW!


We don't often realize the power of our words or the strength in the consistency of them.

Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and
they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

Can you imagine that? That you could merely control your own destiny? Your life? Your death? Your victory? Merely with words? Well, it is so possible.

It's kind of like working out. You follow a plan, you struggle with it, you don't know if its working, but you keep at it. You might not see the results immediately, but there is a build up. It takes time... Positive speaking should be a part of your daily routine. It's vital to your health and to your survival.

Now, as I typed this entry, I got an email that could have very well ruined my night along with the rest of my week, but I spoke into the enemy's ploy and declared victory. Many times we can't see what God has ahead of us, but the enemy does and he tries to throw stumbling blocks in our way to distract or get us off course. When you feel or see it, just yell out "VICTORY". Don't just say it, but see yourself already winning, already overcoming. Whatever it is, don't let it get in the way of your intended goal.

I am not going to be long winded today. But know that, you can speak your destiny. You can speak your future . You can speak your victory.

Use your words to activate your tomorrow, TODAY!!!

Positively speaking....

~Mel




Quotes on words:

• Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs. --Pearl Strachan


• Speech is the mirror of the soul; as a man speaks, so he is. --Publilius Syrus


• Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. –Jesus Christ


• Be careful of your thoughts; they may become words at any moment. --Ira Gass


• The trouble with talking too fast is you may say something you haven't thought of yet. --Ann Landers


• If you wouldn't write it and sign it, don't say it. --Earl Wilson

Year 2010... Year of Testimony....

Hello everyone.. I have have been so busy with life that I haven't been true to my blog, but today is a new day...

I will be giving you all LOTS of things to come... look over some over some of my old stuff in the meantime.........

Love you alllllllllllll!

Mel

Your order is coming right up....

Since I'm still in the answered prayer mood, let's talk a little more about it. I was thinking about how when I was little I used to ask my parents for something and they assured that I would get it. When I didn't get it that VERY moment, I lost it. And me badgering them about it didn't make them move any quicker. Whether it was a trip to McDonald's or to Disney World, they gave it to me when they saw fit, in their timing.

Same thing with the big homie G-O-D ( ok, that was lame, I know.. lol) . He already knows that we want this, we would love to have this, we need this. That's not important to Him. Calm, down. He is certainly concerned about us being supplied for. What I am saying is that God is concerned first and foremost about our relationship with Him. He wants to be assured that we love Him enough to know that whatever we have need of will be taken care of. "Things" mean nothing, "we" mean everything.

I have caught myself so many times praying for the same thing or throwing a spiritual tantrum about the same ol' same ol'. I can literally hear God saying, " My child, if you could just see what I see. If you could just see what next week, next month, or next year holds." You have to be able to hear His voice and accept His answer. Whether it is him telling you to leave the only man you've ever loved for the one He has for you to fulfill your purpose with, or to leave a high paying jop to go work for the church, or to go on a fast the day you get a coupon book for the local buffet. You have to be willing to accept what God says and what he allows.

I recently ordered a pizza and God spoke to me saying, "The same way you just ordered, I've heard your cries and supplication, your order is coming right up." And a light bulb came on. It was a "WOW" moment for me. When you order a pizza and they tell you your order will be ready in 30-45 minutes. You're supposed to just wait for the doorbell to ring right? No, you and your smart self decide to speed things up. lol. So, instead of waiting the allotted time, you decide to call again to place the same order repeatedly. The operator is like, "Ummm, didn't you just call? You're order is in route, just wait." It's common sense to wait right? Of course it is.

That's the same thing with prayer. You don't have to keep calling to place your order with God. First of all, he already knows your order when you call. Kinda how Pizza Hut knows you like a pan pizza with light sauce, heavy cheese, lots of veggies and NO MEAT! lol. (Ok, maybe that's just for me?!? lol) But really, God knows what you can bear, what you can handle, what you are equipped for. He takes all that into account when you place your "order". Sometimes we "order"the wrong things, but God knows just what is right for us.

So when you place our "order" next time with God, just wait. That's it. He will deliver. He always does. Your order is coming right up.......

~Fly Orderer

Be careful what you pray for.....

......you might just get it...

In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice. In the morning I lay my requests
before you and wait in expectation.(Psalm 5:3 NIV)

Well, I'm back in full effect now. So, I was in the airport a few weeks ago and I got the lovely news that my flight would be delayed for 6 hours!! Whaaaaaaaaaaat the heck! (I really wanted to say "hell", wait I said it..lol) Anywhoo, I was super pissed! I was like, "what exactly am I supposed to do for 6 hours dude??!". And for an overactive bunny like myself, I knew this was another test from the "big guy". So, I'm sitting there at the 1.4 hour mark about to pull out the hair I did have and I'm like, "God, can you pleeeeeeeeease send me somebody to talk to. And make him cute?! " lol. And guess what? He came. And we talked for the remainder of our layover. And he was seated next to me on the plane. The rest is history, been the "boo" since! lol.. Talk about a quickly answered prayer. God is awesome.

That's the thing with God. He hears all of our requests, our pleas, and our cries. No matter how minuscule or monumental they are. He hears them all and takes them all into consideration. He answers them in His timing and in His will. No matter what. Sometimes, we just so happen to line up on the same timetable and when that happens, it's magical! lol. It really is.

God's grace and mercy are simply magnificent. When I experience His swift works, I'm in amazement. There is nothing like seeing God working in your life, right before your eyes. There have been times I was in the parking lot of Target and been like, "Lord I need a parking spot", and one opens up immediately. And even when I asked God for a new career, a new car, and even a new man, God has moved within His plan for me. And when I look back down that tunnel called progression or read the pages of my life, I see that He has been in control the entire time.

Even in the heartaches, the pain, the disappointments, the misunderstandings, the misdirections, He's taken an account for it all. When I pray, I know that God has my best interest in mind. He created me and knows what I am equipped for. No sense in me praying to win the lotto when I won't even balance my check book. Or pray for a man (husband), when I'm not ready to share my bed or my Honey Smacks. lol. It's really that simple.

There are so many stories that I could share that could show you how God has done a quick work and even how He has taken His time. It seems that we all can. The one thing that we must all share in common is expectation.

Just know that when you pray.....you might just get it ...

~Fly Prayer.....

How to jump out, when you've jumped in head first!

Ok, it's been a minute. After you read this, you will know why. lol.

So, you meet a new guy, he's darn near perfect, you have a great time with him, you have a zillion things in common, and you're like, "This is it!". For 3-4 weeks, you're non-stop with this guy, you've learned more about him than you know about yourself, you spend every free moment with him, he's your quintessential BFF and boo. You have those future talks about marriage, kids, life after being single all that blah,blah stuff and you're like, "is he trying to get serious????" lol. A million questions are running through your head. You like him, but do you like him,like him? Does he like you like that? You freakin' panic... but then it happens! You're like, "WAIT!!!", it's moving waaaaaaaaay too fast. lol.

You try to slow it up without halting it, you monitor every word so it's not too "binding". Meaning, you don't know if you're ready to make him "the one", but you don't want to go through the hassle of filling that void again. You want to see him everyday, but you don't want to seem too pressed. It starts to get rather complicated mentally, and you are wrecking your brain trying to decide how to address it.

So, obviously I've dealt with this in the past and it was interesting to say the least. I liked this guy, he loved God, was totally great on paper, great skin, cutie pie, all that. We saw each other 23 hours of the day, literally! lol. It was cool until we both started getting those commitment jitters where we knew that was the natural next step, but both weren't willing to take that deep plunge just yet due to past hurts and complications. So what's next? We like each other, but not enough to be totally exclusive, but best believe I would have an attitude with someone else.

My question is, how do you slow down without coming to a halt? You see I'm all over the place with this blog because I've experienced it in the past and kinda, sorta dealing with it now (I hope he's not on here...lol)

New Music Tuesday...

"...it's Keri baaaaaaby...."

Keri Hilson's album comes out today and I am pretty excited for her. She's been in the game for a minute! She's super talented and seems humble overall. I am going to actually buy her album.. lol. If you want to here samples of it, go to Amazon.com. It has the typical electric Timbaland sound. I likes!

Here is the track listing:

1. Intro

2. Turnin Me On ft. Lil Wayne

3. Get Your Money Up ft. Keyshia Cole & Trina

4. Return The Favor ft. Timbaland

5. Knock You Down ft. Neyo & Kanye

6. Slow Dance

7. Make Love

8. Intuition

9. How Does It Feel

10. Hey Girl ft. T-Pain & Lil Jon

11. Alienated

12. Tell Him the Truth

13. Change Me ft. Akon

14. Energy

15. Where Did He Go

The video for "Knock U Down" w.Kanye and Ne-Yo

My favorite songs of hers are High Heels and Superhuman w.Chris Brown

Neffie: Yup, preggers again....

You gotta love the whole Keyshia Cole clan. They could careless about what everyone thinks, and it's freakin' hilarious!

Here's what she had to say via Necole Bitchie and Sister 2 Sister :

Keyshia Cole’s sister Neffe, born Nefferteria Pugh, confirmed exclusively to S2S that she is preggers again! The co-star of BET’s “Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is” sat down with our founder and publisher, Jamie Foster Brown, in her Atlanta home. Neffe, long with her new man, rapper Soullow (pronounced so-lo), gave us the scoop on the unexpected pregnancy.

“I’m pregnant and I got an attitude with him and don’t want him to f***ing touch me right now—or ever,” Neffe told Jamie. “Because I—was not supposed to happen this way. Now I’m trying to figure this s**t out, ’cause I just had Jaylen.”

The happy couple (yes, they were very lovey-dovey before this announcement) was a little confused about the details. Neffe didn’t know how far along in the pregnancy she was, although Soullow said “about three” months. He also quickly said, “It’s good,” referring to the upcoming baby, but admitted, “We really try to protect ourselves. It just happened.”

Regardless of how it happened, Neffe says that she’s a good mama. “I love children,” she said. “If you notice, I have six of them upstairs!” The new baby will be the couple’s first together and the fifth for Neffe.

Here is Neffie and "Soulow" addressing the sudden expansion of their family.




And here is Frankie being Frankie:

Loving Flaws and All........

Don't get so caught up in what you feel you don't have that you overlook
what you do have. ~ Me

Ok, I have been guilty of this time and time again. But have you ever woke up one morning and realized that you had a HUGE zit on your face? Yeah, you have. You pick at it, you put astringent on it, you look at your compact all day. Complete "stress mode". Now mind you, you just got your eyebrows down, your hair looks great, and you have on some great new pumps, but you are so focused on this awful zit, that you can't even recognize your own fabulosity. So throughout the day, you are convinced that everyone is staring at this zit and you are having a complete mental breakdown. So one of your cute co-workers comes up to you and says, "Hey, you look nice today," and gives you his winning smile. Instead of you saying "thank you", you're like, "With this huge zit, I know you can't be talking to me." He simply replies, " I didn't even notice that, and I still can barely see it."

You see, that's how God is. He sees us in all our greatness and glory. He doesn't see our minor flaws and sins, He sees the purpose He has placed in us and all the wonderful things that He has in store. We get so caught up in our sins and our past, that we feel God can't use us or make us great even in our lowest moment. But guess what? He can. There are so many great men and women in the Bible that were used as vessels for the Kingdom of God. Now, these men and women were not always kings, queens, and high priests. They were those who fell from glory, those who lacked confidence in themselves and their gifts, and even those who lived lives of sin. God was still able to use them.

The difference between 2 sinners is the one that decides to ask for forgiveness and leave it with God and the other one asks for forgiveness, but carries the burden of guilt. We have to understand that God loves us and can use us no matter what our circumstances or transgressions have been. That's the beauty of having a relationship with God. He will bring the best out of you and help you realize your full potential.

Yeah, I had a zit recently, but I kept it moving. The moment I forgot about it, it was like I wasn't there. I met all kind of people. (Not just cute guys... lol) But really, people are attracted to confidence and greatness. Regardless of how I started that morning, I made it my business to pull it together and enjoy my day. That made all the difference in the world.

So, no matter what flaw you feel you may possess, love yourself in spite of. Whether it be as minuscule as a zit, or as monumental as a handicapped, your are fearfully and wonderfully made. And nothing else matters.

Love yourself.... with the "flaws and all"....

~Flyly, fearfully, and wonderfully made...

Kelis: Feeling Blue?

I saw this pic and had to post it, what is up with Kelis? Lord, this little baby is gonna come out with a kaleidoscope for hair. lol.... She kinda, sorta looks cute, but the verdict is still out on this....

Enjoy!

~Flyness

The Rundown...

Ok everyone, I am back.... Gotta catch you all up..

On little ol' me:

• Church was outstanding~! I still have my crush on PJ. Worship was incredible and the word was filling. Bishop Morton talked about Hosea and the unfinished (half baked) cake and how we as saints need to be fully converted and "cooked" on the inside and out!
• Got J. Holiday new CD- it's growing on me, not necessarily a classic, but good nonetheless
• Dream's CD is, ummmmmm, "aight", I have to listen to it more
• Has anyone heard of Terrell Carter? He's been in Tyler Perry's Movie/Plays. He's on India's new CD too. Look him up, create voice, great lyrics!
• I recorded a song with a friend of mine and it's incredible! I might actually have a future in singing and writing! I really just want to be behind the scenes.
• Went to Miami with my girls and I realized that I'm over the club scene and travelling with no purpose. I love my girls and line sisters, but it's time for more "boo" trips and less "girls" trips.. lol
• My flight was delayed for 8hrs because of "high winds". Stuck in the Ft. Lauderdale airport, but, guess what, I was stuck with a guy!!!!!! Turns out, we know ALL of the same people, have a lot in common, and guess what our seat assignments were on the plane? Yup, next to each other. I don't know what God is doing, but I think I like it....lol
• I attended "Abstinence Day on the Hill" in Washington, D.C. with 5 of my students. It was a mess. Please remind me why I work with kids and sex. Hard job, but somebody's gotta do it. The day went splendid! We got a 45 minute meeting with Congressman John Lewis and he thought our kids were outstanding. Now we have tickled his fancy and he's thinking about supporting abstinence funding. Favor ain't fair y'all!! lol
• I got 2 new pair of kicks: Lime green, high top pumas, and some high top, pink and green Adidas! If you know me, I was totally not into sneakers like this. I moved to the A, started working with these kids and it was a wrap! lol
• Speaking of Pink and Green, it's been almost 5yrs since I became an AKA! Remarkable!!
• Soooooooooooo proud of little my sis!
• Lost a few more pounds, but now I need more jeans
• Target came out with a new line of HUGE jewelry, that I am anxiously awaiting to be marked down. lol
• Got ANOTHER Blackberry!
• Decided to go natural. Pray for my roots and this weather everyone!!!
• I confirmed my appointment with Miya Bailey... look him up everyone~!
• Oh... The new guy I met..... he's great! Details to come (fingers crossed!!!!)
• Yup.....Going on another fast until Easter. So much clarity and direction needed!

Ok, that's enough about me....

In Hollyweird:

• Chris and Rhianna.... puke! They make me sick. Meanwhile, we are holding a candlelight vigil in her honor and this heifer is somewhere "booed" up with her "attacker". I'm over the whole situation. Good luck with that boo!


• Kanye is parading around with a stripper/prostitute/lesbian. The boy is so lost. She looks great in high fashion stuff, but can she honestly raise a family 'Ye? I'm just saying. I pray for his strength. His mom died right before my grandmother did. I mourned for him. He's been all over the place since then. Poor fella is a mess!


• Bebe Winans "allegedly" assaulted his ex-wife. He was married? Who knew. God forgive me, but he has been a little light in the behind lfor a minute!! lol


• Christina Milian and The Dream... who cares...


• The brawl at the America's Next Top Model? For real? All those heifers in heels running, I'm sure that footage is priceless. lol


• Can't wait to hear Keri Hilson's new album


• Anyone watch The Game on Friday? I am so tired of Derwin doing what the hell he wants. Melanie deserves so much more. Granted he is fine, it is getting to be a bit much with all the baby mama drama!

I think that's it for now.....

Let me get busy with these posts, wait, I do have to work y'all... oh well.... lol

I'm back.... Forgive me>>>

Hello all,

I have been sooooooooooooooooo busy lately, forgive me. From travelling with my girls, to going to Washington to fight for abstinence funding, I'm beat!

More info and updates to come...

Thanks for being patient with me..

~Fly World Changer!

Chris and Rih: Back on and poppin' .....

(Photos via theYBF.com..one of my FAV sites! )

See, that's why we can't get all emotional with folks in their roller coaster rides called relationships. Again, I have no words for it, but I somehow knew it. Chris and Rihanna are back on and popping. She claims she's still madly in love with him and he has never stopped loving her. It's obvious that the whole "skull crashing" is nothing new for these 2.

They were having ubber fun in the sun in Miami, like the rest of the world wasn't grieving for Rihanna. Ain't this a slap in the face? I'm over it. Whatever!!

~Flyly out of it!

It's Just Me and You......

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you feel so alone, that you don't know what you are going to do? You're in a place that may be unfamiliar, but you've accepted that this is where you are supposed to be. This is place, that is not necessarily sad, but eriely quiet. It remains quiet, but then you begin to hear and feel something. It is the presence of God.


Now, you know you can feel all alone and be in a room full of people. You can feel all alone with a loving family. You can feel all alone even when you are successful and accomplished. Even with all the things you ever dreamed off. God can still isolate you so He can speak to you and make you better.


That's an indescrible feeling. I have often been in this place and I know that it is necessary for growth. There have been moments in my life where I have questioned my place in life and God has been right there. Many times, God wants us to be at a place where He is our only companion and place of refuge. If you ever find yourself in this isolated place, rejoice because God is about to do a great work. The road to this place may not be easy, but you have to have comfort in knowing the God is truly a redeemer. Nothing He does is by mistake or coincidence.


It is funny how we look back at our lives and begin to see how God has worked out certain situations that we thought we would have never gotten out of. It almost reads like a story book. That's how we should look at out lives and tough situations. Just like when a plot thickens in a book or a movie and a resolution soon follows. God said it plain as day in Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. It is not like God to lie and it is not certainly like God to let you suffer. It is the "meantime" that's always difficult, but you must be encouraged to know that things will get better. No matter what "right now" looks now, tomorrow is promised to be better!




Now remember, God is truly a selfish god. So when God blesses us with out heart's desires, i.e. car, husband, job, family, money, we cannot begin to worship these things, but give reverence to Him. God loves for us to be grateful for what we have and know that He will be there no matter what! Hebrews 13:5 says, Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for God has said, "I will never leave you or abandon you." He loves to be worshipped and praised, so we are mandated to do so.


In this time of isolation, look at it as a spiritual cocoon or incubator. Become better, stronger, and wiser. This may turn out to be the best time of your life. You will discover how much you should love yourself and more importantly, how much God loves you !



~Flyly separated

What are you looking at?

Have you been somewhere and notice someone staring at you for no reason at all? The "attitude" in you wants to be like "what are you looking at?" What you may not know is that you might actually be witnessing to a person.

Ok, let me explain. If a person looks at you, what do they see? Happiness, sadness, laughter, joy, peace, beauty, fierceness, or even God? Everyday, we encounter a myriad of people and we take our spirit with us. What our mouth doesn't say, our gestures, heart, and spirit does.

I've been notorious of saying, "Dude, what is it? What are you looking at?" and catch a complete attitude, but God corrected me. He told me clear as day that I was what someone needed. I'm usually pretty "glammed" when I come to work, so one day I decided to go completely natural, no eyeshadow, no blush, and a flat wrap. One of my co-workers was like, "Girl, what happened, you ok". I was like, "yeah, what's the big deal?". She went on to say that I reminded me of her mother that was always dolled up and well put together. Her mother passed away years ago.

Now you see, little did I know that seeing me all dolled up made an impact. That happens to each and everyone of us day to day. We have to be confident in who we are regardless of what others may so. The very thing that someone may deem as a flaw, might be the most beautiful and precious trait.

We should be aware of the subliminal messages that omit each day because we could truly be a blessing in disguise for others. A person could be hopeless, but sees that we are encouraging and filled with faith, and they may walk away feeling empowered. A person may have low self esteem, but sees our quiet beauty and our fashion sense and walk away feeling fabulous. A person may be lacking in the relationship department and see you with your boo or BFF and they feel encouraged knowing that God has someone from them. They may not know Christ, but they see how diligent you are in your works, and see Christ right here on Earth.

You see, sometimes, it's not about the big things that you can do to make an impact, it's the little things. Opening a door, paying someone's parking meter, bringing an extra sandwich for someone at work, or even helping someone up when they fall. You might be the God they need to see for the day.

When they say God is omnipresent, that doesn't necessarily mean He roaming the earth like a dinosaur. He's in me and you. It is ever so important that we know this because it will totally transform the way we think about ourselves and our interactions with others.

So today, instead of wondering why someone is looking at you, wonder what they are seeing. You might be the difference they need to go on.

Be blessed and know that you are the one that God will use today!

~Looking Flyly Blessed

Movie Review: Madea Goes to Jail

Yes, I went to see it, on opening night at a predominately Black theater. lol. You know the real comedy was going on in the audience. Between the church folk, the new parents, those "booed" up, and even those on the late night creep, we all joined together to support good ol' Tyler Perry!

Now, at first, I was like, I really hope this is better than Meet The Browns and Daddy's Little Girls. I am an avid Tyler supporter, but those 2 were not that great. Boy was I wrong. I think America was having Madea withdrawals over the past few films, but honey, Tyler gave us all an overdose of our favorite 6'5 matriarch in drag! lol.


The film was centered around Madea and her wildly lovable behavior. She reminds everyone of someone in their family, church, or community. I swear, she gave a gut busting performance at every turn!


My favoirte comedic scene was when Madea decided to leave the house on a suspended license and head to Kmart. Madea is riding through the parking lot and this quirky white lady in a little red sports car decides to zoom in front of Madea to get a parking spot. You know Madea went off right?! Madea tells the lady she is going to move her car and low and behold, she does. With a forklift! lol. Too hilarious. Consequently, the lady's husband was a police officer and they go to Madea's house to take her tail BACK to jail, where she is sentenced by Judge Mathis! She didn't go to jail without a fight, literally. She gave those officers a run for their money. All 6'5 of her (him) in a house dress rumbling and tumbling was too funny!



The concurrent storyline features a young buddy Assistant District Attorney, Derek Luke who is engaged to this Mulatto chick. I didn't bother to look up her name because I didn't like the way she did Derek ( Yea, I am totally biased! lol). He runs into an old childhood friend, Keisha Knight Pulliam, who is now living on the streets and turning tricks. This storyline of redemption turns into a lightweight love story, so you know I was all in! lol. I love the on screen chemistry they had, it was so believable. Keisha truly tried to break out of the Rudy Huxtable that we all knew. But she still rocked a remarkable white smile and gorgeous locks. (Couldn't help but to throw that in) .

Then Madea gooooooooooes to jail, hence the title. This is where the 2 story lines collide. Of course, Madea and Keisha were in the same area in jail. Madea becomes her surrogate guardian, keeping folks off of her and make a cute comical pair.


My absolute favorite part of the film was the scene where Derek Luke broke down. I won't give it all away, but that chocolate delight all emotional did something to me. (Not like that y'all..lol) To see a Black man show such intensity with his emotion was absolutely breathtaking. He did that!

Overall, the movie was chicken soup for the soul. More like mac-n-cheese, cabbage, and fried chicken for the soul. lol. It was filled with a gamut of emotion and certainly was worth seeing on opening night. I would recommend this movie to anyone that is down and needs a good laugh. You will literally laugh out loud.

Go support Tyler, you will just love it!



~ Fly laughter....

Fly Guy: Derek Luke

Now, I have always been a fan of Antwone Fisher, but baby, let me tell you, that Derek Luke did his thang in Madea Goes to Jail. In the midst of the riotus humor, Luke brought a true sense of unconditonal love to the screen.

I just wanted to take this moment to focus on the great talent of Mr.Luke. Now, the thing I love about Derek Luke, is that he was discovered while working at the Studio Emporium gift shop on the Sony studio lot. Now if that isn't a testament of God finding you right where you are! You have to be at a place where God can use you. No matter what, you must be obedient! And not only this, he actually replaced Wesley Snipes in Miracle at St.Anna because Snipes had all those tax issues. Another testament of how God will have folks put OUT of place to put you IN place!

His rather brief bio, as provided by Wikipedia is as follows:

• Luke was born in Jersey City, NJ , the son of pianist Marjorie Dixon and Guyanese native Maurice Luke, a former actor.


• He has two brothers, Daniel and Maurice.


• He is a graduate of Snyder High School in Jersey City, New Jersey.


• Luke married singer- actor Sophia Adella Hernandez in 1998 ( I know, such heartbreak! lol)


• Luke was discovered while working at the Studio Emporium gift shop on the Sony studio lot and given the Fisher role


• Luke played one of the four male leads in Spike Lee's 2008 war film, Miracle at St.Anna replacing Wesley Snipes who had to leave the film due to his highly-publicized tax problems (Won't God do it)


• He plays Alicia Keys' love interest in her new video Teenage Love Affair


• Luke played Sean Combs alongside Jamal 'Gravy' Woolard as The Notorious B.I.G. and Angela Bassett as Voletta Wallace in the 2009 film Notorious.

For no other reason, I celebrate this Fly Guy for his ordered footsteps!!!

~I Heart Fly Guys!