Awake

Photo Credit: Lindsay Coleman

With you I feel safe
Awake with Freedom

With you I feel loved
With the power and epic of Eden

With you I feel known
Furthering my stories of legacy in time

With you I feel joy
Nurturing my soul to sing songs in rhyme

With you I feel seen
Undoubtedly beautiful and wholly redeemed.

For you are my rising shine
The Son of constant light
And I breathe in your stars
Without the presence of a darkened night.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life" -- Jesus

I Don't Like Sushi

Photo Credit: Lindsay Coleman

     I will unashamedly tell you this information: No, I do not like sushi.

     It's taken me a while to say that short sentence with such confidence. I mean, living in California, it seems to be the "in" thing to do. You know, to go out with a group of your grown-up friends, talk about the latest iPhone app and recent independent movies over a sweet plate of sushi.  But I just couldn't bring myself to do it. And I felt like I was breaking people's hearts when I told them that I wasn't into sushi.

     How could I truly be an artist and a city dweller without loving sushi? But here I am, some sort of walking contradiction. Wouldn't be the first or the last time.

     Oh, but for the record, I do not count a "California Roll" as real sushi. The facade of a name gives it away. 

     All to say, it is hard to go against the grain, to truly find steady footing in the soil that you've been given, while a steady stream of culture is constantly telling us how to think, speak, and be. And sometimes that culture could just be the group of friends and community that currently surrounds us.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Be a leader, not just a follower.

Who Are You in "Winnie the Pooh"?

Photo Credit: Kaitlyn Blosser

     

     This question stems from the fact that I've been surrounded by a few Eeyores lately. You know, Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh? He's the donkey that's always depressed about something. His whole demeanor is always in this sad disposition, even when he's trying to be happy.

     Do you know some Eeyores out there? Or maybe you're the Eeyore in your group? I mean chances are, if you can't locate the Eeyore in your group of friends, you're it.  Sorry. I do it because I care.

     Your personality affects an atmosphere. And may be the reason you attract or repel friends.

     And what if you are an Eeyore? Will you ever get out of your slump? I'm hopeful for you, but only time will tell. You have to work doubly hard to feel at rest and at peace with yourself don't you? But once you get to that place of rest and peace, the more jovial side of your personality begins to shine.

     Perhaps you've had Eeyore tendencies for as long as you can remember. (Note: No one wants to be around a party pooper or an atmosphere drainer.) But don't let that deter you. Take it one day at a time, and choose to enjoy the little things. Be thankful Now. Don't wait to be happy.

     To my fellow Eeyores out there, I have mad love for you, really I do--Although sometimes you GET ON MY NERVES, but mostly you help me grow in Patience. See, that was me being Thankful Now, and not waiting to be happy later, when I'm no longer surrounded by Eeyores.

:::

     And remember, admitting you have Eeyore type tendencies, is the first step to recovery. You don't have to stay in that place.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Be thankful now. Don't wait to be happy.

Thank You, Friends

     Photo Credit: Denise Valle

     Thank you to my lovely friends that humor me. Wait, that's not the word I wanted to use...More like oblige me...or honor me by taking the time to read my silly blog.

     It's makes me feel loved.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Validation is an amazing encourager.

Today...

     Handmade Jewelry By: Candace Westbrook

I seriously just bought something because of it's label. It was pure advertising and marketing at it's best. I held this item in my hand, and asked myself if I really needed this thing? We already know the answer to this. No, I didn't need it.

     But then again, the label made me smile.

     So I held this item in my hand for a few more seconds. And thought, "Ah, what the heck." And I succumbed to my humor organ, yes, my heart.

     What was the label on this item? I know your dying to know.

     It simply said, "Black & Beautiful".

     And I simply said, "Yes."

     And no, this product wasn't a "Relaxer" (That's a "Straight Perm" for all you non-Black folk out there), which made it even better. It was a product that could be used by almost anyone. Chances are, you may have used this type of product before, but perhaps not this brand with it's fancy label.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Take the time to appreciate your own natural beauty.