Team Bill, O'Reilly that is.....

Hey All,

I know this is a day late and a dollar short. I also know it is roughly 80 pages long.  I also know that this post is going to get me in a lot of trouble with the fans of Bey…..but let’s just get it out there…. I agree with Bill O’Reilly http://youtu.be/3kKZ2WBpEsM regarding Beyoncé's new music. 

She does have a responsibility to our youth, especially our young girls.  I saw her as a role model of empowerment and of substance, which is why I didn’t object to the girls listening to music like “Single Ladies, Girls Run the World, Halo, and Love on Top”.  The Beyoncé that sang at the President's inauguration, the Beyoncé full of life and class.  I guess I am not used to seeing her as a sex object.  What is that the old folks say? Give a person an inch….they will take a mile.

I have read so many reviews and heard so many talk show hosts blasting Bill O’Reilly for correcting or questioning Beyoncé’s behavior.  Now Bill had no right in questioning Russell Simmons but his inquiry was right on point.  Bill, you will need to ask Beyoncé these questions, not someone a) who is not her husband and b) someone who is not her manager/publicist/mama/cousin/etc.   What struck me as hilarious in this whole interview is that Russell wouldn’t touch the issue with a 10 foot pole.  He kept talking about mediation and Zen.  (I had to giggle.)

As I still hear conversations about how bad Bill O’Reilly slammed Beyoncé, a grown woman, with a husband, and a child yet I also think about the fact that Beyoncé is my daughter’s favorite performers.  My daughter is a young girl of 16 with no husband, and no children, that I know of.  In the past, although I was not a major fan, I respected her.  Her growth musically; her aspirations; her empowerment of girls.  Now, I am teetering on banning Beyoncé.

Wendy Williams (How u doin’?), who came to Beyoncé’s defense http://youtu.be/V9UtjHmMyZ0 is totally right in saying that Beyoncé should be allowed to express herself in any manner that she chooses because she is grown, has a husband, and a child.  Wendy is also correct in implying that it is the parent’s responsibility to parent.   However, both ladies should realize that Beyoncé’s following is comprised of a myriad of ages, genders, and ethnicities.  Many of whom are impressionable young ladies and that may act on the lyrics without the husband, marriage, and the like.  I was once a young impressionable girl and yes, I made it through but with some scars and issues to bear but my idols really helped me to make some bad choices in the 80s. 

In my day (I sound like an OP (old person), Prince was the villain with his provocative lyrics.  We however were banned from listening to him, at least at home.  Prince had a large following of ages, genders, and ethnicities but we had parents who shielded us from these things or at least tried to do so.  I still love him and Prince is still a “Sexy….” You know the rest.

I am not mad at Beyoncé, for being who she is!  Yay you! I just want her to realize that Blue Ivy will one day have a role model or someone they look up to, which may be just as persuasive as she is and I wonder will she morph into mommy mode when surfboarding is no big deal 15 years from now?  She will because she a woman and a mom. She will protect her young!  Don’t be fooled.  I know she will SHUT IT DOWN!

So back to my issue, during the Christmas holiday, my daughter asked for the new Beyoncé CD.  She is a good kid, with good grades, and generally does the right thing.  So we obliged her request and brought her the CD.  Yes, I did so without listening to the music or knowing anything about its content.  It had not been preview, review, listen to, or scrutinized, just a blind purchase for a daughter we love…..wrong move mama (where is that shield?).  I thought it would be more of the same girl empowerment music I had heard in the past. 

On our way to Christmas dinner, we played it in the car.  And boy was my face red! (http://looky.wordpress.com/2008/02/26/young-miss-magazine-from-1971/)   I did not have one but both of my daughters riding down the highway listening to some very suggestive music.  We did not look at each other the entire ride.  When we arrived at our destination, I said, “This will NOT be played on the way home” and “What was that?”  Neither girl objected nor have we listened to it again.  (It was trashed).  It is something we whisper about in passing.  “Like, I’ll make you listen to Beyoncé”.  And typically the response is…..In the words of Jimmy Fallon “Ewwwwww”.

Let me admit, I didn’t have a clue as to what Beyoncé was singing about.  Until the oldest girl of 21 said, you can google the lyrics.  Why OH Why did I do that? Again my face was red.

So Beyoncé mission accomplished. You have created much conversation, isolated some responsible parents of your followers, and yes, you have been banned from our home.  I was really surprised when I heard “Bow Down”.  Sorry Bey, that act of submission will remain to be reserved for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I just read that you joined Sheryl Sandberg, one of my idols, in the campaign to ban bossiness when it comes to girls.  Great PR move, since you just called us the “B” word, while remaining “Flawless” to many. 

Bill, I stand with you on this one.  I cannot, will not expose nor condone my girls listening to explicit music or watching sexual shows in my home.  That is my choice as a parent and again, Wendy is right I am choosing to parent.  Beyoncé, your records will continue to sell and concerts be sold out without my hard earned money but I won’t.

Bottom line, here is my plea…. “Beyoncé please sing responsibly” my daughters are watching you.

 

Mi Vida

FaithWithHeels

 

 

 

Hi My name is...

Hi My name is MiVida & I am a hoarder.  Hi MiVida..........

I have been a hoarder for over 42 years now (I am sure I started when I was 1 yrs old).  I took a look around my room yesterday and scared myself.  I often joke that my room is a reflection of what is going on in my head and to tell the truth IT IS SCARY. 

I am prefacing this blog post with these comments....my room is junkie but far from nasty.  When I say junkie, I am finding that deep in the recesses of my psyche, I am a hoarder.  I hold on to things and for the life of me I can't even figure out why I'm keeping them.  Initially I have need for the things I keep but after some time, I just have stuff with no purpose or usefulness.  I have some pretty boxes that have held some knick-knacks that loved ones have given me; some cute gift bags that I re-purpose to give gifts to other people; and some magazines that held articles about some new, innovative thing I felt necessary to save, share, or hold on to.  All of this is just piling up....

It is time to purge.  I often use the excuse that I am too busy, too tired, too bored, too anything to deal with the mounting piles that often land in my room.  I try hard to keep my clutter contained but as with any "hoarder (term used loosely)" it usually spills out into some other room of the house.  My family mumbles about my stuff and usually places it somewhere in back my room. 

Just like a hoarder, some things are really hard to let go of...for no real, valid reason.  I just can't let go.  Recently, I threw a bunch of magazines in the trash and lamented about it for days.  I had read all of them, probably twice, but it was hard to let them go.  I had no need for them, wasn't clipping anything out, just wanted to keep them.

I realized recently, like yesterday, that all of this stuff (my hoard) is making me lose the things I really need.  It is sad when you just brought an item and for the life and love of stuff, you just can't find it, so you buy another.  Something has definitely gots to change!!!! Today!!!!!

Paralleling my life with my room, I find that I hold on to things that are of no real value which in fact clutters my outlook on life.  In the past two or three years, I have held on to things that really have not helped me to personally purge and move on.  I believe that this a learned behavior. 

*I am no medical doctor or psychologist, so don't ever quote me on diagnosis.*

I think we learn how to hoard our feelings very early in life.  As young ladies, expression is considered aggression and having "too strong" opinions or feelings can get you ostracized by the girls around you.  You learn to go along to get along.  And sometimes you get lost.  Most people equate losing friendships with rejection of some sort and can't see that if it's meant to be the Lord will return/restore the relationship. 

I remember as a child wanting to fit in and even when someone hurt my feelings I refused to stand up for myself because I didn't want to lose the friendship.  I would just go along.  As I got older, I realized that I am my own person and that I didn't have to do anything that I did not want to.  This takes some self examination and some time.  Often I find that something still is missing....I still hoard my feelings.

Since then, I have learned that the relationships that I have in my life are there for a reason and that each one is different on purpose.  Relationships evolve and often for the better of both parties.  People develop deep relationships with others and when it is time to let go it is hard to so because of the level of the relationship.  However, in order to grow I have learned to become a woman of YES when it comes to new experiences and let go of some things familiar. 

I also learned that it is important that we allow the past to be the past and look for opportunities for the new.  We learn from the past, we should not live in it.  We can reflect on memories, good or bad, but that should not be our dwelling place.  We do have to take a few moments to understand how we got to the place we are and then make a change to correct the behavior.  We have to let go of the stuff that we hoard internally because it reflects externally and people can see it.

So as of today... and you can hold me to it, I am purging mentally and physically.  I am throwing away some stuff, hanging up all my clothes, straightening out my closets, storing all the winter garb away and making peace with some internal issue and problems that have driven me to the place where I am...Hoarding.  I refuse to hold on to things that are out of my control, should be immediately dealt with, or that I am not responsible for.  I cannot change others, I can only pray for the change in me. 

I am still walking in Faith,

MiVida

Can you Hear Me now...

Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger:

                                                                                                                                    James 1:19

I realize that I am not very good with communication and sometimes my mouth gets me in a lot of trouble.  I have made peace with that…I choose to blame it on technology and society.   All of the gadgetry has made us more insensitive and unable to look someone in the eye and communicate. 

I think that commercial, "Can you hear me now?" is not just funny because we lose connection, but it is funny because even when we hear each other, we don't understand.  We are not communicating.

I did some observational research recently and realized that people just don’t know how to talk to one another.  Everyone has a point and wants to convey it quickly but cannot or will not take time to understand another person’s point of view.  Everyone talks over everyone else, we cannot wait to convey our message, and sometimes don’t even realized the point.  We communicate through text and email but can’t hold a conversation in person. 

I am guilty of having a hard time communicating, especially with those closest to me.  I know what I know, know what I want, and that is the direction I am headed in.  I am guilty of not hearing or seeing someone else’s point of view, or even being myopic in my own thinking.  But I am most guilty of shutting down.  I prefer not to have conversations or communication that is leading me nowhere fast.  I recently discovered that I am horribly guilty of ending conversations fast.  I had a discussion with a friend and we didn’t talk for a while.  We did talk eventually but I had to admit, I just shut down because I prefer not to argue or get angry.  But that is not what the scripture or communication is all about.

Communication:  The imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs. 

Communication isn’t just about the verbal message but also the cues we give one another through are actions and deeds; through the lack of messages; and through our opinions and beliefs.  We all have times when we are quick to speak, slow to hear, and very angry…That’s when communication is needed most. 

I am working on being swift to hear.  Therefore, I am using the technique…”Let me repeat what you said”.  I just want to get it right.  I need to listen more.  Often I make the mistake of misunderstanding what someone is saying just because I am not listening.

I want to hold my tongue.  Therefore, I am using the W.A.I.T. technique…”Why AM I Talking?”.  If it is not valuable then I better keep it to myself.  I am sure my friends will enjoy some peace and quiet for a change. I learned to season my words with Grace and Salt…Grace when I am guiding you in love and salt, when I have to tell you something that may hurt.

And being slow to anger.   I am counting to ten a lot.  Some things are just not worth the energy.  I find that people get so angry over the smallest things and blow up over nothing.  It turns into World War 3 because someone cut in line and the local Panera.  Chillax!  They have thousands of bagels, I promise. (This actually happened today.)

So my goal this week is to speak less, listen more, and chill. Let’s see how this goes….I’ll keep you posted.

Until next week...Keep Walking,

MiVida

Shoes by Nine West ~ ChillPill

 

BARE.....

Hi Friends…..I have returned.


This morning is the start of a very new chapter in my life. Returning to writing. For the longest time, I haven’t felt the urge to share my feelings. I felt like it was…is futile. I wasn’t looking for any great revelations or any notoriety, just some open dialogue with other women, moms, friends, ladies who could relate. But so many times, I felt that my words fell on deaf ears/blind eyes. While I received comments occasionally, I desired constant feedback.

• Lesson one…don’t desire feedback.

I didn’t create my blog to vent, rant, or complain, I did it for me. Sometimes just to bare my soul and other times, hopefully just brighten your day. I wanted to be a voice, your voice, your friend, your buddy and myself. Often, that’s just not enough…..or is it.

I recently heard Jay-Z’s song, “ Open Letter”,(yes….I heard it) and I understand why he did it but unlike Mr. Z, I’m not bashing or re-hashing, I’m shifting, gifting, and baring it all…..I’m telling my truth.

In 2011, as my life changed and so did my writing…It mirrored my soul and nothing emerged. I just felt like this piece of paper (pre-typing) BARE. I had/have some great things that were budding in my life during this time but a cloud lingered over me and I just couldn’t shake it. It was like those commercials where the cloud follows the lady and makes her fall into a hole, then with the help of this miracle drug, she emerges and takes back her life….but anybody notice that the cloud is still there. (That commercial cracks me up every time….I always yell” But the cloud is still there”). I am not sure if the people around me noticed or cared that I was under a cloud and to me, that’s the scary part. I started packing on pounds not just physically but mentally and spiritually too. I was carrying too much weight.

The thought of baring it all (naturally or mentally)….UH NEVER. You’ll never get a glimpse of me naked….

• Lesson Two: In order to heal, we have to reveal; bare it all and sometimes be ashamed…Trust me it is very cathartic.

Personally, I hadn’t visited my own blog since December of 2011. As I went out and spoke at conferences around the nation, I cringed every time someone mentioned FaithWithHeels, mostly out of embarrassment and conviction because I had left something I loved; abandoned and alone. I had friends who nudged and encouraged me to get back in stride but I just felt like laying down my keyboard and letting go.

FaithWithHeels has a presence and I HAD to be present to make it work. If I checked out, no one will really notice…right? So as time passed, my guilt about FaithWithHeels waned and I would only discuss FWHs if I was confronted with it. The sad part is, that was one of the most enjoyable times of my life, but other personal issues just clouded the joy in it.

• Lesson Three: Do what you love, even if you are the only one doing it. It doesn’t matter if you love it.

This semester I landed in a social media class and guess what?! First assignment is creating a blog….I guess the Lord isn’t finished with me yet.

• Lesson Four: Don’t run from your calling or destiny…The Lord always has a way of getting you exactly where He wants/needs you to be.

So I return “once again”….and hopefully you are still here. You are waiting to hear from me and boy do I have a lot to share. Some of it is very funny and some will make you stop and stare. Join me on this journey even if it is only for a while but I promise it will be entertaining, exhilarating and engaging….or just plain hilarious.

I’m starting over and baring it all….I’m taking my shoes off and starting fresh….FAITH…with NO Heels.

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

You Gotta Watch Secret Millionaire

Recently I was watching the Oprah show and saw a segment that highlighted a new show called, “Secret Millionaire”. As I watched the show, I thought that the concept was good but it did not move me enough to want to watch the show. I was glad to see this young secret millionaire, Dani Johnson, giving back to the community. I thought it was a noble idea.


A few days later, I received an email that sparked my interest. I decided to investigate and boy am I glad I did. I decide to do a review. So here it goes….

ABC has a hit!!!! Much like the other show that did the boss going into work with the staff, this show is a reality check for many people who don’t realize that there is a world out there that needs our help.

I like that fact that “Secret Millionaire” is not about the super high profile millionaires, but about people who have a story to tell and have never forgotten where they came from. Their focus is on helping the community, not an individual person or company. ABC is highlighting charitable organizations that need help from us all, not the secret millionaire.

The first millionaire is Dani Johnson. She is a self-made millionaire and the author of several successful audio/video series, like “Recession Proof Your Income”. Her personal story of triumph is amazing, from welfare to wealth. Even though she is now a millionaire, Dani still understands the impact of poverty and what a helping hand will do for someone. Her heart and love for God’s people is exemplified on this show. The mission of the show is to find some local charities and then bless them with a donation from the Millionaire’s coffer. The idea is to really put some consideration into who gets what and why.

Dani is thrown into the impoverished neighborhood of Western Heights, Tenn. She is given only $40 for the week and must go out and find someone to help. At first, I thought, this is way too easy. But in reality it is not. I appreciated that the Network placed her into one of the hardest hit neighborhoods and she could see the devastation of the neighborhood, just by driving into the town. Then she was left to field her way from there. I appreciated that Dani was not afraid of venturing out in the neighborhood and talking with the local people. She learned of three organizations that were local the Western Heights that she could help.

• Love’s Kitchen http://thelovekitchen.org/

• The Joy of Music School http://www.joyofmusicschool.org/

• Special Spaces http://www.specialspaces.org/

In the premier episode, Dani Johnson, revisited her past issues, such as homelessness, welfare, sickness and poverty and how she had experienced similar circumstances. Because she was able to quickly and correctly identify with those she was helping, I felt that the story line was very credible. She even gave a special gift to a family whose daughter is very ill.

Secret Millionaire shows the rest of the world that we all can do something to help someone else and even though Dani did not mention or reference the Lord in her episode, she was found reading the Bible, praying on a rock and with others. This is not so say that was her only criteria for giving but it shows her love for people through the heart of God. This was truly an inspiration to see. I am glad that the Network allowed the content to be seen.

The Secret Millionaire is a wonderful show that captivated, compelled and inspired me to take the next step in local giving. I feel that this show will do quite well and is going to be the next, “Extreme Home MakeOver”. The value of what they are doing, especially in this economy, is priceless. I loved every minute of the show and hate that there will be commercials.

Way to go ABC and Secret Millionaire it is your next Sunday Night hit. I’m telling everyone I know to watch and help keep this show on the air.  In these times, we need more inspiring, responsible and positive television.  Tune in this Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.  Watch with your family and let me know what you think!

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/

Oh No! Summer is Gone.

Remember when Summer was three whole months long?

I can recall when summer was full of lazy days and warm nights; running through the backyards of our houses; staying outside till the mosquitoes had indulged on our blood; catching fireflies and eating toasted marshmallows off of sticks we found in the yard (yeah, it was safe to do that). Those were the days. Summer was full of water fights and starry nights and we had all the fun we could ask for. We didn’t have cable just 2, 4 and 7; we did have Atari but only the “rich” kids, so it wasn’t one per household. We didn’t have T.Vs in every room, so you watched what everyone else watched and when you did get a T.V, it was the used black and white that had a broken knob.

Life was not as fast paced as it is today. There was only one phone in the house and you were blessed to have a two way. We did get along without cell phones, we knew what time to come home and we were happy about it.

As time marched on, those carefree summer days turned into much needed summer jobs to support our teenage plans. Even then it seemed that summer was so much longer. Our days were spent saving up our money and planning to go to Cedar Point or to the Fireworks Downtown by the end of summer. We loved the Bob-Lo boat and family barbeques. Summer was family time.

Adulthood has sucked all of the fun out of summer and squeezed all of the time into one long week. Suddenly summer seems to fly by me with no calling card or apparent traces that it has even come. Sometimes I can catch it’s coattails during a two day staycation or overnight trip with the girls.

Somehow…..This summer my entire calendar has been swamped with plans, programs, and procrastination. The time that I carved out for me has been merged in with life, business and church plans. It is important to keep our priorities in perspective.

This year I vowed that I would make time for things that truly mattered to me and for the most part, I have kept that promise to myself. I have initiated and become involved with issues that concern me, intrigue me and compel me to help someone else. However, I must admit that I have been seduced into some plans that had not originally had my name on them.

As soon as June rolled in my entire calendar became packed with so many events that my head begin to spin. Even though, I do count them all worthy of my time, I just feel like they all happened in one week.

This summer:

I attended two weddings on one day. Both were beautiful and romantic.
Prepared myself for the end of the school year and the girls being home all day.
The 4th of July which of course, that drags along for the entire weekend.
Visited family in the hospital.
Prepared for a dance concert. Oh the rehearsals!
I celebrated the birthday of my youngest daughter in Muskegon.
Attending Appreciation events, held meetings and hosting programs.
Danced in the concert and attending another Dance Concert.
Attending my Sister-in-laws wedding & reception, then hosted a conference for Girls in Cleveland, OH the following week.
My daughters participated in the Children’s Day at church. So again rehearsals were in order. Today is the birthday of my oldest daughter, so the celebration continues until the weekend while, Thursday is both school registration and also a pampering event in Novi (morning and night).
Alas…Summer is over…..Next week school starts for both me and the girls, so we will be back in the saddle again for Fall and Winter. Anxiously awaiting Summer again.

I am “Falling”, into Fall with much reluctance. It means that I am back to the routine and schedules of others, classes to attend and trudging through the cold and snow. Therefore, it is important to enjoy my summers.

My encouragement to you is to make the most of the time you have. Make sure to enjoy the rest of your summer. Lay in the hammock and swing. Catch fireflies. Toast marshmallows and run in the backyard. Blow bubbles and take a dip in the pool. Take a vacation (plan for the one next year). Say no!!!! Say yes to you and keep your own schedule. Do things that matter most to you and be excited about your life. Sometimes it is okay to be a little selfish with you and your time.

Each season release some of the plans, pressures, obligations that weigh you down and don’t be too quick to fill that time slot. Leave it empty and mull it over for a while. You will indeed find something fulfilling for the slot but it must be empty first. You might want to learn to bake, read a good book, write a book, knit or sew. You might just want to have an hour of peace. Go ahead you deserve it. Family and friends will understand. They are bogged down too and appreciate a non-invite to get their laundry done.

In the mean time…Keep Walking,

MiVida
Shoes by Michael Antonio ~ Kiley

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