There are moments where relaxation is needed in efforts to replenish and continue with the varied responsibilities one has been given. I’ve often heard others reference responsibilities as “adulting,” frowning at the mere extent of what comes with caring for and managing responsibilities intentionally. As one nurtures what they have well, being entrusted with more, at times is a given. Definitely a blessing, after the excitement subsides, if not careful the manner in which you initially nurture your responsibilities becomes impacted, often resorting to complaining of what you once prayed for. When it seems easiest to speak carelessly give consideration to, you’ve been entrusted with responsibility. It is more than a blessing to be able to nurture all that you have with the words you speak.

So often, it becomes comfortable to accept the norm of things. Whether indulging in routine activities or being accepting of circumstances, comfortability can be limiting. What are the causes of comfortability? Is it routine? Lack of esteem? Settling? lack of expectation? Or supporting others to the extent that you do not recognize your own value? There is more to life than settling for the limits of comfort. Raise your expectations.

To have expectation is more than an eloquent word applied to a sentence. Expectation encompasses temperance, strength, hope, desire, transparency, consistency, to the magnitude that one’s expectation remains firm. Consider the biblical portrait of Hannah whose expectation produced……

As I am writing this blog, I am so full. Tears of joy, overflood as I am embracing with joy a blessing God has released to me. Soon, I will be able to share the full story, however; for now I’ll share the lesson learned along the way.

It has been quite sometime since I’ve written much of anything. There are moments where the demands of life require your undivided attention. This can include but is not limited to work, daily life priorities, finding the time to be still and put in effort to synthesize and eloquently convey the sentiments of your heart into words. While mentioning the above noted it correlates with the excuses that I gave myself permission to make, instead of persevering and actively embracing serving others in this capacity. While there is not enough words to delicately convey the gratitude that overwhelms me serving well is at my core.

Have you ever been driving or just out for a walk while construction was occurring? During these moments you may observe heavy equipment, machinery, construction technicians working onsite, gravel, dust, and depending on the construction occurring, there can also be a construction personnel directing the flow of traffic. One of the most intense aspects of navigating through construction is the change that occurs. Change can cause a person to retreat and not want to get out of the bed. It can inspire another to try again at something that was previously rendered unsuccessful or a mere failure. While there are many things I cannot change, I embraced the process of what it means to give God a “yes.” Whew!

Too often, casually; others will prompt congregations to tell God “yes” or sing a favorite hymn “I’ll say yes Lord yes….” Casually these declarations made and songs are sang without consideration that something is required of you when surrendering a “yes” to the Lord.

In it’s simplest form, “yes” is synonymous with agreement. To further the previously mentioned, “yes” is synonymous with agreement void of questioning and reason. A true”yes” is sure, firm, intentional, void of pretense and negotiation, well-thought out prior to being uttered from one’s lips or embraced during devotion with the Lord. One simple word, “yes;” given to God without debate can change the trajectory of your life.If you find yourself in an indifferent space where things are changing, or you find yourself inquiring of what your next steps should be, consider that there are areas in your life that the Lord is still shaping, molding, refining, and maturing.

While under construction, and not always an enjoyable process, it is necessary for your growth and development. Giving God a “yes” does not speak to a rewards based relationship where you are given everything you want. A surrendered yes to God means you learn to embrace the heart of God , learning what burdens his heart. It’s intimately accepting that you cannot do anything you want because you have been bought with a price.

In surrendering my “yes,” HE gave me beauty for ashes…..it has and remains to be so much more than I ever expected.

Loved Unwaveringly

So the other day, I was in the house and wanted something to drink. Looked in my refrigerator and to my surprise I only had less than a quarter cup of juice left. Still needing something drink, I opted for water. Located my favorite glass, filled it with ice, and prepared to fill it with water.

Well, the phone started ringing, then the pup needed to be walked, ooops let’s not forget the clothes that need to be washed and dried. By the time those tasks were taken care of, there was finally a moment to breathe. Sigh. I went back to the kitchen to finally pour the water in the glass.

There is something to be said with regards to a persons ability to handle obstacles, and challenges in life. No matter the circumstance, or difficulty; you can handle it. Strength is found in the midst of your obstacle. Consider, the obstacle may be present just to show you an opportunity to grow, learn, and develop. Its in the midst of your obstacle where you will find an increased capacity.

One of life’s greatest treasures are the lessons learned along the way. There are times where once can find themselves trying to answer the “why’s” of life. While there is not anything wrong with asking such a question, becoming fixated causes stagnation. A month or so ago, I found myself in a place of survival. Surviving the work week, surviving personal challenges, just surviving….amidst the aforementioned, I reached a place of exhaustion from the efforts to just survive while others were living. While on my morning commute, I embraced the moment to entrust the Lord with all of my emotions regarding that place of survival. What I could not find the words to say, I uttered with my tears. When my tears ceased to flow any further, I extended my hands as a sign of surrender. As I approached the parking lot, swiftly parking my car to avoid being late, I gently said what is the lesson in all of “this.”

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. -Proverbs 3:5

Ready for the answer? Well Proverbs 3:5 says it best. Anyone can trust in the Lord when things are going well…..but what about when you have been waiting for the Lord to answer your prayer, or when it seems as though nothing is happening? Trust in the Lord all the more!!!! Are you learning?????

I thoroughly enjoy Starbucks! No really. The ambiance, decor, even chit chatting with the baristas..when I’m feeling a bit chatty. I find it to be an amazing environment where I can catch up on some reading or complete my course assignments as I work towards my PhD.

I recently went to Starbucks and ordered my usual, caramel macchiato with extra caramel drizzle. After paying for my purchase, I proceeded to my table to setup my laptop and begin working. A few minutes passed and I became a bit concerned that my caramel macchiato was not ready. I walked up to the barista and inquired further. To my delight, I was told I had not been forgotten and that my drink was being made as we speak. Whew! What a relief.

When you find yourself in a season of waiting, sometimes it can seem as though your prayers have gone unheard. This is not the time to give up. God promises in his word that he will never leave us or forsake us(Hebrews 13:5). Stay focused, keep working, keep praying. When I finally received my caramel macchiato it was better than I expected.