In the Final Chapter of Birthing Humans…

In the Final Chapter of Birthing Humans…

Feb 27, 2024 | Family & Home, Parenting

The bumps I’ve run across in my life have sometimes seemed to be larger than the physical bumps developed in my belly I carried for 9 months and vice versa! Nevertheless, both bumps birth something from me that is extraordinary, life-altering, and God-ordained—despite the occasional pain and discomfort in labor and delivery or overcoming the bumpy unforeseen obstacles of life!
What’s birthed from those bumps in life prepares me for the bumps that create precious life… and the lives created inside of me will forever grant me all the confidence, strength, and endurance I need to overcome and press on!
I’ve created and accomplished a lot, secretly and on grand stages… but none of it will ever compare or surpass the amount of joy I have that God has chosen me to create and steward all of these little people for His glory!
I’ve filled my quiver with arrows to shoot out into the world; may my children arise and call me blessed! All that I do, all that I sacrifice, all that I fight for, all that I accomplish, and all that I am is to honor ALL 6 of you and our creator!
I pray that my Story is constant proof that obedience is greater than sacrifice… and He lives, He forgives, He loves, He empowers, He redeems, and He Alone is more than enough!
The Final Chapter of birthing humans is slowly coming to an end, but it’s the beginning chapter of so much more! 👀
Our Story, His Glory! 

Few are Chosen: A New Year Reflection

Few are Chosen: A New Year Reflection

Dec 29, 2023 | Faith

The “confident, realistic, independent” me speaking:
2023… I honestly don’t have enough words inside my vocabulary to accurately convey all the emotions behind the beauty and ashes I experienced this year!
I gained so much knowledge about myself and the people around me. I navigated through the darkness and light of my life and the world—where there were extraordinary gains and gut-wrenching losses. Nevertheless, each encounter was accompanied by strength and faith-building lessons, self-affirmations, and elaborate strategies for managing and improving the situations around me!
Oftentimes, we journey year to year in hopes that the new year will be greater than the past, but I’ve learned that anytime your path consists of co-laborers (not many people don’t), there may be much inside your control but even more outside of it! So we can plan, dream, etc., but there are just no guarantees on what we’ll face and what the outcome will be!
As someone who can be identified as a control freak, I learned countless valuable lessons about the options I’d made priorities and priorities I’ve made options. I learned how and why I was always willing to diminish my light so that others may shine—yet they’d diminish my light, even more, to ensure that my level up wouldn’t exceed their expectations.
I gained knowledge and understanding of why I love and sacrifice the way I do and why I’m not for everyone. I learned who valued and benefited from both my strengths and weaknesses. Consistent growth in self-awareness and the awareness of others is one of the greatest life skills one can develop. Accessing these things reminded me of why everyone in my life is compartmentalized and why blind trust inside family, friendships, business partners, and countless other trusted sources should always be limited.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned is that there’s always a game going on inside the game and how to humbly accept it and unapologetically play the crap out of it, not needing anyone. Then, after accessing it all I’m forced to tap into the folder of faith that holds much more.
Spiritual voice: Yes, journeying through this past year had some fruitful moments, but I also was challenged at every turn to tap into my faith like never before!
I found that despite the overwhelming beauty or the complexity of the ashes, I was chosen! I was chosen for such a time as THIS! I was chosen to grant others the love of Christ even if they didn’t desire or deserve it. I was chosen to smile and find laughter in all things. I was chosen to encourage others even when I needed it most myself.
I was chosen to boldly combat the enemy in ways I never thought possible, and honestly, some days were so difficult I almost let him win! I was chosen to stand on the Truth when everything around me appeared to be the furthest from it. I was chosen to do an abundance of things to educate support & encourage myself and others, endure all things with love, and survive great suffering and tremendous loss.
And above all else, I was chosen to represent and reflect the values of the Lord Jesus Christ even when I didn’t desire to and I had created validated excuses not to.
Did I do it perfectly? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Did I struggle or fall victim to ungodly alternatives? A time or 2 or 3 or 10.  But God is faithful, even when we are not! He’s a Father, redeemer, protector, provider, and an extraordinary model for how to live a life of purpose that allows Him to remain on the throne!
I can recall one day writing in my journal asking God, “Why does it always appear that I get punished for attempting to do the right thing at all costs?” Oftentimes when we think of being “chosen”, we only meditate on the beautiful moments (comfort & successes) and not the major adversity that comes along with it. But more often than not, being chosen leads to extreme opposition and hardship that we must overcome, and it’s impossible to overcome it without the Lord.
More than not, we assume that suffering is caused by the enemy or a form of punishment when we’re disobeying, but sometimes we’re just handpicked for suffering, not as a form of punishment, but rather, God’s preparing us for Himself!
When I stumbled upon some of God’s “chosen ones ” inside my Bible, I realized they accomplished remarkable things, but somehow it was frequently accompanied by significant pain, distress, injury, loss, and countless other unpleasant experiences.
As A. W. Tozer said, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.”
As I reflect on 2023 and prepare to journey into 2024, I have a multitude of thoughts and emotions floating around. Sure, I have a list of breathtaking ambitious goals that I’d love to accomplish and my vision board could rock your world! And yes, 2024 is a new year with new possibilities and aspirations that I intend to maximize! But at the same time, I’m also fully aware that there are unresolved issues, ongoing fears and doubts, and undesirable tasks I cannot solve today nor leave behind in 2023—so they’ll have to journey with me into the next chapter.
Nevertheless,  I am stronger, wiser, and more confident, than ever before, to navigate all to come expectedly and unexpectedly—the beauty of life and the ashes. And unlike the previous year, I rest in accepting and being aware that I’m not just called, but chosen!
Below are a few scriptures that were spoken to me as I reflected on what 2023 delivered and what 2024 may bring!
Prayers and Blessings,
  • [ ] 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) — “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
  • [ ] Micah 6:8— “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
  • [ ] 1 Corinthians 13:1-3— “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (2) If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. (3) If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
  • [ ] Matthew 22:14 (NIV)— “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
  • [ ] Esther 4:13-14 (NASB)— “Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, ‘Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?’”
“Through those telling words, he reminded her she had been chosen to set her own interests aside, let go of her own ambitions, and face an enemy full-on.” – Dr. Tony Evans
My prayer is that the Lord will meet each of you exactly where you are and shape and mold you for Himself, regardless of what it may cost.

 

 

 

 

 

Flavorful Mac and Cheese

Flavorful Mac and Cheese

Dec 22, 2023 | Dinner, Food, Holiday Food

I’m not a Mac and Cheese Lover, but my little people are! Therefore, I had to establish a recipe packed with flavor that would fill their bellies and hearts!

Prep Time: 10 minutes (quicker if you buy veggies diced already)

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Serves: 10 people

Kitchen Tools Needed: Boiler, sauce pot, cheese grater, wooden spoon, baking dish, measuring cups

 

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Pasta (Shells or elbow noodles)
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth (I used powder and added tablespoons to water.)
  • 1 stick Garlic and Herb Butter
  • 1 stick Salted Butter 
  • Salt (to taste)
  • White and Black Pepper (to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ Mustard powder
  • Eggs (optional)
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1 cup Half and Half
  • ½ Parsley – fresh or dried
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese and 4 oz Velveeta Cheese —adds some amazing texture and moisture
  • 8 oz American & 8 oz Cheddar  Cheese—adds amazing flavor 
  • 8 oz each: Mozzarella, Colby Jack, and Mexican Blend Cheese 
  • Egg – This helps hold layers together (optional). I don’t use it unless I’m doubling the recipe.

Prep and Cooking Instructions:

Step 1

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Place Garlic and herb Butter, chicken broth( I use powder form) water in a large stock pot (boiler), and bring to a boil. Add in pasta and cook to desired tenderness (don’t overcook).

Step 2

  • Add marinara, salt, pepper, sugar, parsley and all other spices to taste-I usually use at least a teaspoon of all; bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3

  • Make the cheese filling – Combine half and half, heavy whipping cream, all the cheeses, and seasonings into a sauce pot to create cheese sauce.
  • Prep – Once pasta is done draining, put it back in the pot, add a stick of salted butter, and allow it to melt. Then add the cheese sauce mixture.

Step 4

  • Assemble – Pour mac and cheese into a baking dish and top with extra cheese. Sprinkle some smoked paprika and parsley on top.

Step 5

  • Bake –35 minutes if the egg is added. If the egg is not used, bake only until the cheese is melted and the crust is bubbly.
  • Rest – Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving

Additional Cooking Tips: Don’t forget to add an additional abundance of LOVE!

Delicious Fried Chicken

Delicious Fried Chicken

Dec 22, 2023 | Dinner, Food, Holiday Food

Prep Time: 15 minutes 

Cook Time: 15 minutes per batch

Serves: 10 people

Ingredients

  • Preferred Chicken pieces  
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Tony’s seasoning to taste.
  • Cayenne pepper 
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 2 all-purpose flour or chicken fry ( I like House -Autry or Louisiana) 
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch 
  • 2 teaspoons mustard
  • Frying oil or peanut oil
  • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
  • 2 lemon or a ½ cup of lemon juice

Prep and Cooking Instructions:

Step 1

Wash chicken in cold water and lemon juice, then pat dry with paper towels. If you prep it’s good to poke holes in chicken with a fork and soak chicken in buttermilk with a tablespoon of seasoning salt,½ teaspoon paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder,  overnight preferable. Nevertheless, 20 min is good if you’re in a rush. Cover the top tightly with plastic wrap and the juiciness that this add is incredibly good!

Step 2

Once you remove chicken from buttermilk, season lightly with Tony’s to your liking and the mustard. (PLEASE SEASON YOUR CHICKEN, PEOPLE!)

Step 3

Heat your frying oil in a deep fryer or dutch pot to 350 degrees! (I like to use enough oil to submerge the chicken so it cooks evenly.)

Step 4

If you are using all purpose flour, season it to taste with Tony’s, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you are substituting with Chicken Fry (which I love) you don’t need to season it. Add the cornstarch to whichever batter you choose.

Step 5

Coat your chicken with the flour base. Be sure  to coat well.

Step 6

Dust any excess flour and drop chicken into the frying pan once oil has reached 350 degrees.

Step 7

Cook until chicken is golden brown and internal temperature is 170. I like to say if you’re using a deep frying pan the chicken should begin to float and the chicken should be crispy!

Step 8

Remove chicken from the pan and use paper towels, sandwich bread, or a cooling rack to  soak up excess oil. Continue to repeat in batches until all your chicken has been fried!

Additional Cooking Tips: Don’t forget to add an additional abundance of LOVE!

 

 

Did Your Marriage Hit a Rough Patch? 7 Faith Resources To Help Get It Back Right

Did Your Marriage Hit a Rough Patch? 7 Faith Resources To Help Get It Back Right

Jun 3, 2023 | Faith, Family & Home, Marriage

Marriage gets tested receptively! There are sweet spots, rough spots, and times you want to be finished because you feel you must journey through things you didn’t sign up for. On the wedding day, no one knows just how good their good times will be or how daunting their worst times will be. The secret to being ready for whatever comes? Clinging to God in both times of joy and times of hardships.

One of the major resources my husband and I turn to first is marriage counseling—and I’m not talking about “this is our last straw, things are obviously terrible right now” counseling. I’m talking about benefiting from counseling even when things appear to be going well. We like to go to a counselor at least twice a year, even when no issues have surfaced. Just because you don’t hate each other and aren’t arguing all the time does not guarantee there aren’t any hidden issues. A trusted counselor could help you identify the things you’ve improperly learned to disregard or misplace.

When we’re not turning to counsel, there are a number of resources we keep in reach to both revive and enlighten us on a regular basis. Especially during times our marriage has hit a rough patch, these resources have proved their value in more ways than one. 

Here are 4 books and 3 podcasts to add to your resource list of places to find healthy marriage tips and lessons:

 

Books

 

(1) 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman: 

About The Book: Falling in love is easy. Staying in love—that’s the challenge. How can you keep your relationship fresh and growing amid the demands, conflicts, and just plain boredom of everyday life? In this book, you’ll discover the secret that has transformed millions of relationships worldwide. Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, Dr. Gary Chapman’s proven approach to showing and receiving love will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your partner.

 

(2) Things I Wish I Knew Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman:

About The Book: “Most people spend far more time in preparation for their vocation than they do in preparation for marriage.” No wonder the divorce rate hovers around fifty percent. This is not a book simply to be read. It is a book to be experienced. The material lends itself to heart-felt discussions by dating or engaged couples. To jump-start the exchanges, each short chapter includes insightful “Talking it Over” questions and suggestions.

 

(3) Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy? by Gary Thomas

About The Book: Within the pages of Sacred Marriage, Thomas invites you to see how God can use your relationship with your spouse as a discipline and a motivation to love God more and reflect more of the character of his Son. In addition to life-changing insights from Scripture, church history, and time-tested wisdom from Christian classics, you’ll find practical advice and techniques to make your marriage happier by becoming holier husbands and wives.

 

(4) Victory Over Darkness: Realize the Power of Your Identity in Christ by Neil T. Anderson

About The Book: It’s Jesus’s promise to you–the promise that you will live triumphantly. But what keeps you from really walking in the joy of the Lord? The powers of darkness attack us daily. But, as Dr. Neil Anderson shows in Victory Over the Darkness, you can have the power to conquer them by knowing who you are in Christ. This book spells out practical ways to experience Christian growth based on Christ’s promise.

 

***

 

Podcasts

 

(1) Why or Why Not with The Watsons Podcast

Meet “Why” aka Benjamin and “Why Not” aka Kirsten as they discuss topics ranging from keeping the spark in your love story, to how to talk to your kids about race. Tune in to hear how they approached the crazy life of the NFL and mindfully apply biblical truth to their daily lives with their family. You will laugh and you may cry, but in the end their hope is that their different approaches to situations bless you and your family.

 

(2) 30 Minutes with the Perrys Podcast

30 Minutes with The Perrys is a podcast with a whole lot of truth given in a short amount of time. Preston Perry and Jackie Hill Perry bring their humor, honesty, and insight into conversations on everything from relationships, theology, politics, race, and parenting. You won’t be disappointed.

 

(3) Tony Evans’ Podcast

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author, and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. His podcast features his latest sermons that have been a blessing to our lives individually and as a union.