On to the Next!

Last month I closed a chapter in my life.  I went from student to Graduate!!!  Yay ME!  I am very pleased with my accomplishments because I decided in 2008 that a Bachelor Degree was indeed within my grasp. 

On January 25, 2014 at 10:30am, I participated in the 102nd Walsh College Commencement and was selected as the speaker to boot! 

Commencement Speech

With this new found knowledge I plan to take on the World!!!!...well not exactly, I am just plain wore out right now.  World domination will have to wait until I open the next chapter.  However, I do plan to use my talent, skills, and knowledge as an asset to help someone else. This is an open invitation to all of the companies clamouring to get an newly minted graduate to give me a call. 

Right now I am so glad to have completed my degree and will be moving forward in my personal goals.  This was no easy task.  As a parent, I worked, not one but two jobs and went to school.  Also as if I hadn't already deprived myself of enough sleep, I worked overtime and volunteered for every conceivable event I could possibly squeeze in. I also started a Collegiate Chapter of the American Marketing Association at Walsh.  With so many commitments, I think I was actually in two places at one time but no one will really confirm it, they are scared by the mere thought of it! 

This busyness has caused me to put so many that I truly love on hold, waiting for this chapter to be done.  Well now it's done and time to get on with things; to live a little; to dream more; and become the person that I have imagined. 

My Grad Shoe ~Audrey Brooke
Earth Platform

Closing this chapter will prayerfully open up some more time to blog, write, and think.  Yesterday, I was amazed. I actually had time to polish my toes AND read a magazine.  This must be how the rich and beautiful people live...and I am well on my way.....well not exactly, starting the Walsh MBA program this Fall! What can I say I am a glutton for punishment.

As I move through this new chapter, I will be updating my blog and emailing info about events and causes that I am supporting.  Hope you will ride the roller coaster of life with me and continue walking in faith!  I know I always do! 

MiVida
My Life Is Golden!

Growing Up!

I admire people who seem to be all grown up.  Everything just seems to be handled and in place.  They are able to muster up the courage to fight battles and never blink an eye.  They have a solution for everything and offer advice, typically unsolicited.  They are the "grown ups" in our lives.  However, I really think that despite the outward appearance, there is still a child inside.  I don't believe the child in us ever really grows up!

 

Even at my ripe old age, I find that I am constantly growing up.  Often this shocks me because somewhere inside I too still long to be a kid.  I often reminisce about growing up and peer pressure, boy pressure, school pressure.  There are things I both love and loathe about my childhood. Some self inflicted but some were just growing pains.  I am sure all of it has made me into the person I am today.  I had a conversation with someone recently and I commented, "I am grown on my own".  Meaning that I am an individual. I handle my own problems. I reach out when needed but ultimately I am the decision maker and consequence taker.  By golly, I am grown!!!!

 

Sometimes my children seem to think that the rite of passage is determined by a number: 18, 21, 25, etc.  But being a grown up to me is a level of maturity and responsibility.  Taking account for the decisions you have made and either holding your head high or repenting because of a choice.  But in the end owning up to all your stuff.

 

Daily I realize that as the mom, I too have to exemplify a "grown up" stature.  I do understand that I can be wrong, admit it and still be in authority; that I can make a fool of or laugh at myself without losing position; and I can be me, vulnerable, crazy, or quiet without being questioned. 

 

I must give a shout out to my youngest daughter, the CCM (chocolate cheerleading mouse). Take a seat and HOLD YOUR BREATH.......

 

Recently she quit cheer. 

 

Yes, she let go of the love of her life in pursuit of something else. Her decision was entirely her own and a shock to us all.  No more scheduling our lives around practices, meetings, traveling, etc. No more early more travels and late night pick ups. And just what would we do with all the extra money.....?  She grew up enough to make the decision to walk away from something that brought her so much joy, to reach for the unknown!  SHE STEPPED OUT ON FAITH!  And walked away......

 

In her 15 years (almost 16), she has seen me make the hard decisions and be challenged to see what else could be. She has seen the transitions of my life up close and personal and walked with me through the rough times.  She has endured lack and encouraged me that things will definitely get better; yes she has been spoiled but she has also be appreciative.  She has complained but rejoiced as well.  She has been a trouper and sometimes a party pooper but yet she has understood the words "in due time...."

 

Her grown up decision has opened some new doors.  My daughter desires to go to Spelman and with her recently decision, we can schedule her tours and even her summer visits next year.  Her next trip is to Disney World and then to Chicago.  (She has a traveling bug....but she got it honest).  She can do some much need community service and even join another club and expand her experiences.

 

So I conclude that my daughter is also "grown on her own". I am watching her make decisions and be totally secure in the consequences.  I am now the onlooker and I see that she is a leader and a thought provoker; she is my little diamond and faith walker; she is a beautiful lady and a good friend; she is Sydney and she owns it!  No she is not defined as a CCM anymore but this is only a chapter of her life, this girl is on FIRE!  And I love her to life.

 

Keep walking little sister, I see your faith!

 

Mi Vida

 

Blank Page Blues

I have the blank page blues….I hate when this happens.  You can liken it to writer’s block or lack of imaginative focus, but whatever we call it, I’ve got it.

Every week, I find myself stuck. Even with my handy dandy content calendar, I cannot think of anything timely or relevant to express.  It is an empty feeling. I often worry if anybody is out there.  Is anybody actually being engaged, encouraged, or uplifted knowing that everybody goes through some type of struggle or life event.  Everything is not perfect.

While there is no lack of activity in my life, finding a story that is compelling, motivating, and in essence humorous, is often a challenge. 

So as I stare at a blank page.  I use the writing technique of brainstorming to see what flows out of my overcrowded mind: bills…depressing, yard work…boring, job…not even gonna…so I type and I stare out the window. The rain is dampening my hopes of a lively, endearing story or tale.  Everything is just wet…and gray.  Soooooooooo…..look at these great shoes......

Gee-Nine West

What has transpired this week that has inspired me?  What great feats have I accomplished that I must brag about on the blog of my existence? How should I inspire the readers to go forth with diligence and determination?

*Crickets* Can’t think of a thing?

However, even in the midst of brain freeze, blank pages, writer’s block or any other hindrance to me expressing my thoughts on paper, I still am so thankful and grateful for all that I have, know, feel, and think.  Writing is definitely a process and takes time and effort to bring forth the best.  It’s just like life, we live, we love, and we learn.  Our lives are full of experiences that we can learn from, share, and appreciate the lessons.   When I write I use this platform to help others to grow and laugh.

This new emergence of thoughts and writing has ignited the FaithWithHeels flame.  I am ready to get back in action and get connected to women (& men) who want to see others grow in business, life, and living. 

So, I guess I didn’t let the blank page blues defeat me as I have filled much of the page with my random thoughts!

 

Keep Walking in Faith! & fill those blank pages with life,

MiVida

Help Oklahoma

Today's post is dedicated to the people of Oklahoma.

Moore, Oklahoma and surrounding cities were hit with several tornados that ripped through, ravaged the cities, and uprooted lives.

The thing that is most devastating is that the tornados went right through a elementary school.  To date there were 24 people who lost their lives but what has really effected me was the nine children killed during this act of nature.

Like many of you, I watch the news in complete shock.  I looked at the way nature had level buildings, tore up trees and moved cars as though they were matchbox size.  The people of OKC although prepared were not ready for such an act of nature.  

As always American stick together and weather any storm or destruction.  We have an opportunity to extend our hands and help someone else in need.

So I am asking that everyone do something to support the people of OKC.  Contact the American Red Cross for ways that you can help http://www.redcross.org/m/index.jsp.   Or call 313.833.4440.

You can also text Red Cross at 90999 to make a donation.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/05/20/18381508-how-to-help-oklahoma-tornado-victims?lite
 

I encourage you to keep walking...

MiVida

Flip Flopping

Good Morning All,

As Summer approaches I am on the hunt for a few good pairs of flip flops.  This if course got me to thinking about the word, flip flop.

For those that know me, know that I ruminate on things and will find a deeper meaning in them.  

I thought about flip flip not as some cute little shoes worn in the Summer, but the idea of flip flopping in my decisions and being more sure and secure in what I decide.  

I consider myself very flexible and can adapt to almost any situation but in hindsight I realized that I have flipped flopped on some issues that I should have stuck to my guns.  

In my younger years, peer pressure was all the rage and I dare not go against the grain for fear if standing out; I already had the weird name.  So when we weren't talking to the new girl, although she was cool, I flip flopped and joined the mean girl team. A decision I truly regret and now I detest bullies.

As I graduated high school, I still hadn't found my footing, so being a grown up didn't necessarily mean making adult decisions, so we trouble came, I flip flopped and changed tunes as a method of conflict resolution.  Right or wrong, I had no backbone.

Fast forward to today, I now understand why elderly people get to speak their minds...really they have nothing to lose, no one to impress, and so very sure of who they are.  I'm not quite there yet but I can truly say that my flip flops are now only footwear and not my current method of decision making.

As an adult and parent I am responsible for showing my family that honesty and integrity matter; that truth is always right; that we face problems and issues head on; and that no matter what happens today, tomorrow we get to try again. 

I found that in life, we can choose our direction.  I also realize that we must pray constantly, and wait on open doors to guide our way.  There is no reason to flip flop through life, unless they are cute ones on our feet.

I encourage you to Keep Walking in Faith (even in your Summer of flip flops).

MiVida

Shoes by Fitflop.com found on Zappos.com

Are You Kitten Me?

Today I AM going to vent!  When my daughter was young she used to say “are you kitten me?”, so I thought it appropriate to bring it over into today’s discussion and also show you some cute little heels!

I am thoroughly discouraged by my familia.  The jokers living under my roof! The moochers! The money grabbers! The loafers! The crumb-snatchers! Shall I go on…..? 

It kills me to no end that life isn’t getting any easier with young adults living at home.  I would so trade places with MI MidLife Maven, it isn’t funny.  Now I don’t know her complete living situation but having a kid out the door sounds like a little bit of heaven!

Shall we begin...?

My two older children are of the college and full employment ages.  My son, the oldest, “the leader of the slack”, decided to take several years off from school and is now interested in pursuing his college career.  I applaud this effort but I am of the mindset that you definitely can do more than one thing at a time buddy.  Look at me; I’m juggling, sewing, driving, cooking, studying, working, sleeping, and showering all at the same time. 



J Renee ~ Adena at Zappos.com

He seems to think that he should just ease into school and out of working because working and going to school is going to be a lot.  No joke pumpkin.  My moochers know I don’t tolerate any laziness...so he better not be surprised when his new living quarters are in the garage. Yes dear, You CAN work and go to school, AND to top it off you don’t have the added pressure of mortgage, bills, and people to feed.  ARE you kitten me?

My middle girl, “the responsible one”, has recently gone b-a-n-a-n-a-s (not the good bananas, Rachel Zoe says, but the crazy koo-koo bananas that makes you fear for the future of the world).  Last year she got a nice used car with less than 40,000 miles on it.  The deal was to drive it back and forth to work and school.  Well you know how well that went over, school became driving to friends house, driving people to Africa, going to the Moon, etc., all with no maintenance or oil changes, the engine went bye-bye. UGH! So now here we are with a car note, insurance payment, and no vehicle to drive.  Now she says that when she gets her next car, cuz she just knows she’s getting one, she’ll know to get regular oil changes….Are YOU kitten me?  That was basically the only conversation we were having the whole time you had your car…Get your oil changed.  Instead of good morning, I asked how the car was.  Now she’ll remember after one perfectly good vehicle has been immobilized.  Again, I say!….ARE YOU kitten me?

Haven’t had enough yet?     Shall I continue…?

Then we get to the youngest, “the chocolate, cheerleading mouse”(CCM),” the current taker of the largest share of the wallet”, this one had lost ALL her hurkies!  For 4 score and twenty years, we haven’t had living room furniture, mainly because I was waiting on people to start moving out of the house.  I figured I would start working on the living room as the house grew empty…but no, they keep going and coming, like ants at a picnic.  So I waited and I waited until I just couldn’t take it anymore and I brought some furniture for the living room.  So one day recently as the story goes, the CCM used the couch as part of her cheer stunts!  She has run up and down the couch and has leaped off of it!  What….Wait….ARE YOU KITTEN ME?!!!!  Her explanation was it was quick and she was just so excited and…“the couch was right there.” So an edict has gone forth, no one but my company on  the couch for the next 10 years.

Last but not least, we move on to our sweet little Chanel…the fur ball of our lives.  I was adamantly against getting a pet, since I knew that it would be my new responsibility.  But the CCM talked her dad into getting her one and I fell in love!  Chanel was doing so well then kaplowie….off the wagon.  I come in one day and find that Ms. Chanel has been tinkling on my new rug. A light bulb goes off….that’s where she’s been peeing.  ARE YOU KITTEN ME little doggie?!!!!

What in the world has my house come to? 

So this week, the slacker, Chiquita gone bananas, the Choc-cheerleading mouse, and the cute little dog better get it together.  I am putting on my heels and I am getting the house in order! And I’m not KITTEN!

I'm Walking in Faith, I encourage you to do the same!

MiVida

 

I'm Sorry

I feel sooooo bad because this blog is my baby, I have been neglecting her for months.  I am a bad parent.  Because I have been going through my own personal issues, I have failed to even jot down a note in reference to the thing I love and love to do.  But I believe that it is useless and undermining to write only out of pain.  I like talk about the issue and provide the solution (or at least the way I resolved the matter). 

***Disclaimer Any advice or suggestions you receive here are my opinions.  I am not your therapist. Cuz I am crazy too.  Smile.

The reason that I have been away so long is because I have been in my own emotional/personal trial.  And I didn't even have words to express everything I was thinking, feeling, and going through.  I had so many issues and things that I haven't dealt with but pushed down so hard that when they came up, boy was it a sight to see.  It is never good to repress stuff, because it does come back and you have to deal with it. It could be days, weeks, months, years but sister it is coming back.  Now you can keep pushing it down, but eventually it reflects in your personality, your conversations, your actions and your love for others.  What is it that people say, "Your actions speak louder than your words."?  That is what happens when bitterness sets in. 

Recently, I had an opportunity to talk about the effects of bitterness.  I believe that so many of us, have that root as the Bible calls, it but we mask and nuture it and it continues to grow.  Then when it is out of control, we simply say, I don't know where that came from.  Ahhhh, yes you do.

The reason why I chose bitterness is because I have been truly effected by it.  Until I studied what it was, I had no clue.  Bitterness starts with hurt, then turns to anger, then resentment, then it's on and popping.  I told the class that I have a process when things hurt me.  It starts with the hurt, turns into an essay, then it is a 12 page paper, I make it a novel, then it's a 30-second commmerical, to trailer, to movie.  Halle Berry plays me. 

For the rest of this year, I have declared that I will use my power of forgiveness and use it for good.  I have also decided that I can veto any thought, word, or decision that negatively affects my well being.  Oh yeah, I am trademarking the phrase, "What if I don't Want TO?" 

I like that phrase because it stumps people.  If you are real honest and say you don't want to, what can a person do but accept your honesty.  Period. 

So back to my neglectful parenting.  My baby almost starved.  I have gotten emails, questions and some really bad looks because I haven't written a word in months.  Sorry!  I am making a dedicated commitment to give you something each month.  Something good and Godly.  Something that makes you laugh.  Something you can use. 

I will also be working on a few projects as well during this time and I promise to keep you in the loop.  I am so excited to be connected to women who encourage me and who are truly seeking my good.  Recently I have met two women, who I am sure will have a positive impact on MiVida (my life).  I look forward to learning and gleaning valuable tools from you both. 

Thanks for bearing with me during this time and I promise to give you something every month to encourage you to KEEP Walking in Faith!!!!

Love Ya All,

MiVida

Isn't She Lovely!!!!

Our 2011 Mother's Day Banquet is well underway.  I am so excited because our new logo, flyer, and vision is completely overhauled.  We are so grateful to AVIMA Designs for the wonderful work that they have done for us.  Robert Deane is truly a master at this craft.  Kudos......

All that being said check out our 2011 Flyer and Honoree Spotlight of the Week.  Join us at the 2011 Mother's Day Banquet to learn more about our Honorees and to celebrate the women that you love.  Bring your mothers, sisters, friends and daughters (husbands are invited too), as we honor some wonderful women of Faith!!!! 

 SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK!

JANATHAN ABNEY AUSTIN

Janathan Abney Austin is the Executive Pastor of the Bethel Abundant Life Center Church where Elder Jathan K. Austin is the Senior Pastor. She is the daughter of the late Bishop William C. Abney and Lady Lorraine Abney. Pastor Janathan is the founder and executive director of Ministry of Diamonds, a growing ministry dedicated to empowering and causing women to come to a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ. Her strong passion is helping women to move from a place of despair and hurt to a life of abundance and joy.

Pastor Janathan travels the country speaking and imparting to women and men the power of God transforming love. Teaching them that I can give beauty for ashes. With a heart for hurting people, especially hurting women, her ministry focuses heavily on inner healing. Psalms 147:3 “He health the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Her prayer is that the word of the lord would come.

FROM MY HEART TO YOURS

Pastor Janathan Austin notes that  Eleanor Roosevelt best describes where I’ve been and who I am when she said.

“A woman is like a tea bag, you never now how strong she is until she gets into hot water.”

Stay Tuned For Info About Our Other Honorees

Keep Walkin',

MiVida

Drum Rolllllllll Please........

Hey Ladies & Gents, 

Can you believe that we are already into 2011?  I have felt like I was in a whirlwind since the year started.  I am almost finished with Community College and well on my way to my Bachelor's Degree!!!  I think I can, I think I can.....

Sorry to be gone so long, but every week proved to be a challenge to be still.  2010 went out with a bang and 2011 started shot!!!  But God is good, able and a sustainer.  I feel like I am leveling out now. 

With all of that being said, the most exhilarating and also breathtaking is the 2011 Mother's Day Banquet.  This is truly my baby and I am pushing, pushing, pushing.  I thank God for the FaithWithHeels family, who are the mid-wives, nurtures and even wind beneath my wings.  When I feel like it is enough, their love, support, joy, hope and especially FAITH!!!! keep me going.  Their prayers and calls of encouragement are vital to the success to FaithWithHeels.  This beautiful women, love God and His people and never cease to amaze me.  Heels off! to you ladies.

The 2011 Mother’s Day Banquet is well on its way. We are so pleased to announce that we have the pleasure of honoring some powerful women!

This year’s banquet will prove to be our very best yet. Guess What???!!!!!! We have booked COBO Hall. I still can't believe it, COBO HALL, y'all and we are celebrating on the water. We have the gorgeous Portside Ball room all to our selves.  I am most excited to see all of you again this year.  Mother's Day is a great time to celebrate the women in your life.  (Men are welcome to come and celebrate their moms, wives, daughters, and sisters.)

Join us on Saturday, May 7, .2011 at 10:00 a.m. Click the link and get your tickets today, you won’t want to miss this year’s celebration!  

I am so excited about the future of FaithWithHeels and also the direction in which we are taking. Our journey is to establish a network of women who want, love and desire to see themselves and others strong and empowered.

I believe that we have some women who will encourage you, empower you, edify you and inspire you to become the best you yet!!!! They have overcome obstacles, had great challenges and even major trials but my Lord, you have to hear about their TRIUMPHS!!!!!!

Here is a list of our 2011 honorees:
(Each week we will give a brief bio of the honorees to whet your appetite.)


Pastor Janathan Abney-Austin, Ministry of Diamonds

Lorrie Barnett, Reconciliation Word Ministry

Delores Benett, North End Youth Improvement Center

Lori Robinson, B.L.A.C. Magazine Detroit

Drs. Lee & Hakim, Synergy Health

Mattie McKinney Hatchett, Oakland County Women’s Commissioner

Lady Chantell Marshall, House of Prayer, Detroit


Charitable Honorees

Geneva Jackson, Sara’s House

Kalyn Risker, S.A.F.E. NewSafeStart


Keynote Speaker

Erica Murray, Break Through the Veil

FaithWithHeels is designed to be the hub, the center, the connector of all of your talents, gifts, businesses and even your thoughts. We want to share your lives and journeys with the rest of the world.


Check Out our Honorees:
http://www.ministryofdiamonds.net/
http://www.neyic.org/aboutus.asp
http://synergyhealthpc.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/House-of-Prayer-Institutional-Church-of-God-in-Christ/107749232620352?v=info
http://www.oakgov.com/boc/elected_off_bio/hatchett.html

http://lorirobinson.com/About.html

Keynote Speaker: Erika Murray http://www.breakthroughtheveil.com/welcome-home/

SAFE ~ Kalyn Risker http://newsafestart.org/

Sara's House ~ Geneva Jackson http://sarashouse.org/page.php?id=2

In the meantime....Keep Walkin' In Faith,


MiVida
Shoes by Bagdley Mischka ~ Humble II

http://www.faithwithheels.org/

Keep Quiet

Psalms 141:3, James 1:19

I am learning to keep quiet. This is a challenge for me because I have an opinion about everything. I can weigh in on almost any subject and express, stress and validate my point because it is my opinion. But does my opinion really matter?

I took a reflective look at myself and realized that the very things that I instantly observe in others are parts of my own character. Some I like and some I dislike. In each of us, there are things that we need to improve upon and I am taking that journey in this season of my life.

As I desire to help others, I want to truly be helpful. I cannot take the baggage of the past into new friendships and dwell on the issues of old relationships and then try to separate the two when it is convenient. It just can’t be done. Just think about when a person moves from one home to another, typically they throw all of the trash out before moving to the new house, otherwise, they have to sort through it all when they get settled. Normally, the trash usually ends up in a remote corner waiting to be sorted through. However, I believe that before I can move fully into the next season of my life, some stuff has to be sorted through.

The lives that we lead are not myopic. Any given situation in our lives can be viewed in a multitude of perspectives. My view of a situation will be in direct contrast to someone else’s view. It doesn’t make my view irrelevant, just one sided. Because of this one sided view, I can miss details that often add value to the situation or conversation. That is why we must learn to keep quiet and listen more as the story unfolds. Many times, what I would quickly discard has great value and the things I hold on to a valueless. Not priceless, valueless (of no value). Since they hold no value, they do not require conversation or opinion. I am just going to toss it.

This week I met with a friend who told me that my blog has helped her because of the words that I use. This made me happy because sometimes I feel that I am just talking and no one is listening. However, after this meeting, I realized that my words do have a positive effect therefore they must be edifying and full of light. Will I not get angry? Will I not be truthful? No, but I will choose my words carefully and have peace in the words that I choose. I will be quick to apologize for my mistakes and be honest about my faults, and I will listen more to the hearts of others and not always the words because I do want others to hear my heart when I speak.

I encourage each one of you today to listen with your heart, don’t speak first, just listen; then use your words wisely. Watch what you say, say what you mean and mean what you say. There are people listening to the words and listening to your heart.

Keep Walking,


MiVida

Michael Kors ~ CutOut

It Looks Like Goliath to me

Psalms 37:5 ~ Commit they way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and shall bring it to pass.

Hello All,

Many of us can recall the story of David and Goliath. David, the young inexperienced shepherd boy, had to fight against a mighty warrior of the enemy, Goliath. In the course of the story, David tells Saul about his triumphs over a lion and a bear. David was bold enough to declare that he would also triumph over Goliath in the same manner. This is such a great testimony of Faith (even if David wasn't wearing heels). (1 Samuel 17)

I had to tap into my faith reserve this week as we draw closer to the 2010 Mother's Day Banquet. My faith level had begun to sink well below the allotted range and I had that negative talk going on.

I was talking with a very good friend and she was explaining to me some things she would like to accomplish in the next few months. In my normal, excited way, I encouraged her that it would be easy for her to accomplish it. I gave her several examples of what she could do, how she could do it and who she could call to get it done. My friend says to me, "Well you do this all the time, so yeah it sounds easy to you." Why in the world did she say that?

Out of the abundance of my heart, my mouth began to speak. I began to run down all of the fears and trepidation that I often have in the midst of my planning. I gushed about what I wanted to see and how I wanted the plan to go. I let her know that within me there was much reservation. However, I did try to continue to interject my faith talk as I had pushed down, as much as I could, the unbelief that always tries to surface as I embark upon a new event, venture or idea. But sometimes it still lingers because I am not trusting as I should (or could). How quickly I forgot that I did triumph over a lion and a bear. But I admit that each new venture looks like "Goliath" to me.

Recently I asked my friends, "What have I gotten myself into?", while I am dragging them along for the ride. Their support, words of encouragement, love and help has made me stronger in my resolve to kick "Goliath's" butt. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am taking my eyes off my plan and asking the Lord for His will to be done. And by golly is He doing it. The phone is ringing, ringing, ringing. (Yay!!!!)

This year is truly turning into a Walk of Faith because I am letting go and letting GOD and it is good to know that I have some Faith Walkers along side of me. "Goliath", we declare that you are going down in Jesus' name. Ladies, we are lifting up a banner of Faith over everything we put our hands to do. We are victorious in Jesus' name. There is no fear in Christ Jesus because perfect love casts out all fear.

Stay tuned to our exciting new developments and join us by supporting the Mother's Day Banquet at Pi, by sending us a donation to keep working the work or by attending our 2010 FaithWithHeels launch party slated for Fall of 2010. With your help we can infuse "Faith" into those who need it the most. Help Us, Help Others.

In the meantime....Keep Walking,


MiVida

Keep Walking

Hey Y'all,

I have been so distracted that I just looked up and realized that it is August already and the year is also to an end. While I have made some strides in certain areas of my life, I feel like I am on a treadmill in other areas. I have put a lot of things on the back burner, in the drawer and under the laundry to avoid facing them, doing them or even completing them. And I know that this is not what the Lord has for me. Last week I felt like Jonah, I was sitting on my bed and I actually said, I know what you want me to do but I don't feel ready to do it. So I started doing something else. I actually ran from what I knew He wanted me to do. Guess what, I still had to do the God thing.

I have used these distractions to keep me from truly pursuing my dreams: Lack of money, rejection, fear, hard work, the list goes on and on. While I speak externally the things that I want, I have failed to connect the natural and spiritual. I am speaking out loud,"they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing", but I am looking at my check book and the shoes I want and feeling most inadequate. I am saying, "Perfect Love casts out all fear", but I have been completely afraid.

But now it is time for me to face the things that the Lord has put within me.

Because I am a helper by nature, my goal is always to be of assistance whenever I can. I totally enjoy being involved in activities and the lives of others, so I take on projects and initiate activities that may not necessarily have anything to do with what I am supposed to be doing with MiVida. But I declare that a change is coming.

I woke up yesterday and decided that it was time to make that change. I am like a child with medicine, I have to take it in one big gulp.

• I cleaned my room. Hallelujah. You can actually walk around. I am going to set up an office in the family room so that everything will be out of my resting place and I can rest. I need you to hold me to it.





• I joined the gym. Yes, believe it. The goal is to feel better about me. To wake up alive and not need "5 more minutes please". I know the weight has kept me from standing in front of people. I am admitting it. So, much encouragement is needed.

• I changed my hairstyle. Do I like it? Maybe. But I am stepping out of insanity. I can't keep doing the same thing, with the same result. No more insanity, I am doing something different.





• I started planning our next FaithWithHeels events. I made some calls, got some rejections (there is that word again) but got some exciting, favorable results. I am an overcomer. Ladies look out because I think you will be surprised and excited.

• I am planning for my future. Financially and personally. I am organizing my business and putting some pieces in order so that I can move forward in faith.

I still have a few things on my to-do list but as I accomplish my goals, I will be able to see my progress. I am walking in faith. I have to keep walking. I have to stay in this place, this secret place for a while. I am a woman of faith. I am using the Light to dispel the darkness that was creeping up around me.

Take some time today to make a list for yourself. Shed the things that are holding you back. Take one step forward and stand firm. Take another, then just Keep Walking.

God is Blessing,

MiVida es de Oro!

My Life is Golden!!!!!

Dreaming

Last week I had a dream about my mom, Patricia. The dream was really clear and I believe that there was a message that the Lord is trying to convey to me. Patricia is my biological mother Carol's sister. Patricia adopted me and raised me after my mother was killed over 33 years ago. Although I talk with her often, I haven't seen her in about 3 years as she lives in New Mexico. (If anyone wants to buy the girls and I plane tickets, Yes we accept.) So here is my dream:

I was in the ladies room at the house of some other family members and I was in the process of getting dressed. The other family members had some clothes that they had laid out for me and I was about to put them on. Then the door opened and my mother came in with a bag full of beautiful clothes for me. In the dream I was really surprised to see her and we began to talk. I asked her about the clothes and she said I brought you some clothes to wear and she began to show me the things she had chosen for me. As I began to protest, because I already had some clothes and she insisted that I wear the clothes she brought. Now in the dream I was thinking, I am too old for her to pick out my clothing. So I kept asking why she brought me all this stuff. Then finally she said, "I don't want you wearing those clothes that they are trying to put on you." And I woke up.

All that day I tried to figure out what this dream meant for me. What was she trying to say? What was God trying to convey? I called my mother, who as I was calling her, she said she was just thinking about me. She wanted to talk with me and will be coming to MI soon. Yay!!!!!

This dream is still so vivid in my mind. I prayed several times for my mom and also for those who were in my dream. But I couldn't put it together. I am not an interpreter of dreams but when I have one that sticks with me, I know that the Lord is trying to say something to me. The last time I had a dream that was so real, within days the Lord prepared me and revealed to me what was taking place. I often tell people that the reason that the Lord speaks to me in dreams is because I won't be quite and still long enough to hear Him speak, so He waits until I am knocked out to talk.

Anywho, back to my dream. As I continued to rehearse this dream, I believe that my mother represented the source of provision for me and that as the source, she had everything I needed. She has brought a multitude of clothing for me, chosen for me, but I was too eager to just wear what someone else had for me. I was ready to put on things that didn't belong to me, that didn't fit me and wasn't really chosen for me. In the dream I was willing to take whatever, but I my mother had other plans for me. Actually I had no idea what I was getting, I was just satisfied with it. And when something better came along, I tried to deny it. In reality, I see that the Lord only has the best for me and I cannot settle for less than best. He gives me a glimpse of my future and I cannot stop short of what He has planned for me.

Sometimes the trials are difficult to overcome but I make it through and sometimes I overcome easily because I have so great faith. The Lord has shown me that in any given situation, He is right with me and that He is protecting and keeping me. He is building character and integrity in me. He is given me knowledge and wisdom, things I have asked for and He is providing for all of my needs.

Ladies, I believe that the Lord has so many great things for us but we must willing to receive them because are assured that He is giving His best to us. We cannot be reluctant to accept some things that we know are of/from the Lord. We know that He is looking out for our best interest and teaching us how to use the gifts that are within us. We know that He is the source of everything and no good thing will He withhold from them that "Walk" uprightly.

As I take some time to meditate on His word and ponder His goodness, I choose to receive everything that He provides and I am grateful to have a God that loves me so much.

Keep Walking,

MiVida

Shoes by L.A.M.B. Feisty