Oct 30, 2020 | Faith
We live in a changing world, but we serve a God who is unchanging. While many things in life are fleeting, change is one thing that can be relied upon as a constant, and yet it can still awaken fear within us. We experience change daily, from small changes in our schedules and routines, to major changes in our health and homes. When we can be so sure of change, it often drives me to wonder:
Why do we rely on stability?
We become used to the familiar, comfortable with what we already know —and in comfortability, there is security. When we know what to expect, we know how to prepare ourselves and how to operate under the circumstances we are provided with. We see stability as success. Outside of our comfort and security bubble is where fear starts to creep in. But in truth, it is change that challenges us and encourages us to replace that which is old to become a newer and better version of ourselves in Christ.
Change conforms us into the image of Christ.
Despite knowing that change can bring goodness, it doesn’t stop me from experiencing fear in its wake. When I find myself shaken by my circumstances and experiencing rampant thoughts, I am pointed back to Christ. I find beauty in knowing that as we change, Christ remains. He provides the stability that our daily lives cannot. Through Him, we can find consistency and courage to face the unknown. He is the beginning and the end, and He does not compromise His values. In Him we find the most important stability—eternal significance that stretches beyond this world. As the world around us changes, we can revel in the knowing that in the presence of His grace, we shall live eternal.
I have learned to build my hope in Christ. As I seek security, I do so, not through stability, but through embracing change knowing that God has a plan.
Imagine change as hydroplaning. When you’re hydroplaning, you’re meant to turn your wheel into the direction you’re traveling in order to realign your tires and regain control. The same can be said when change occurs in our lives. Don’t resist it; lean into the change. Find your security in knowing that this will be further transforming you into the image of Christ.
Oceans will rise, kingdoms will fall, but the world of the Lord stands forever. The sun will fade and this world will one day pass, but God remains the same. Let us embrace change as a facet to bring us closer to Christ, closer to our true potential, and closer to the beauty He creates in the unpredictability of the future.
Oct 23, 2020 | Favorite Things, Shopping
There used to be a time when I was widely regarded as the Coupon Queen. (TLC practically could have had me running Extreme Couponing.) But these days managing a family of four kids hasn’t left a lot of spare time for clipping. Instead, I have learned some hacks to save my time and shop more efficiently.
1. Get a checklist going.
The best way to set yourself up for success is by planning ahead. I like to create a list in the Notes app on my phone of upcoming events that I will need to buy gifts for. I can track all of the birthdays, holidays, baby showers, and housewarming parties I have in my future and check them off as I complete my purchases. This way, nothing sneaks up on me.
2. Track upcoming sales.
Open up your phone calendar (we seem to be past the days of paper planners) and track upcoming sales as events. Create a single forum where all of your sales can be seen in one place (which is way easier than hunting through websites and old spam emails). Now you can refer to your phone to know when you need to make time to shop, and when you’re free to have fun with your family.
3. Don’t be afraid of the off-season.
Some of the best sales are at the wrong time, like summer clothes being on sale as we head into fall. While I’m not advising purchasing next year’s Halloween candy on this year’s sale, you might consider buying your Christmas decorations in January when most retailers have discounted everything heavily to get rid of their stock. Buying things ahead of time can help save you money and time in the long-run.
4. Prioritize your coupons.
When you do find time to get a great coupon, don’t let it slip through the cracks. I like to set reminders in my phone to alert me when a coupon’s expiration date is near. Many stores these days offer coupons for follow-up sales or for certain purchases, don’t miss out on saving that money by forgetting to shop again.
5. Don’t hoard, but stockpile.
One of my greatest secrets is having some back stock of gift options. When you are out doing your regular shopping, don’t be afraid to purchase generic gifts at great prices. You may not have an event for it today, but when that last-minute engagement party invite arrives, you’ll be glad to have some presents already on hand.
By employing these tips and tricks, I’ve been able to prioritize spending time with my family without losing my touch as a money-saving queen!
If you have more tips, please share them below!
Oct 16, 2020 | Family & Home
In starting this blog, it was important to me to not only give advice and inspiration but to also build connections with my readers. I thought to myself this week: What better way to bond than by sharing some personal facts?
You, of course, have come to know my family and home-life, but I’d love to share five tidbits for you to get to know me a little better as well.
1. I am a loud and proud graduate of an HBCU.
I attended Rust College in Mississippi for my undergrad degree. While small, Rust is one of the oldest Historically Black Colleges in the US. With their heavy focus on the liberal arts and religion, it was the perfect fit for me.
2. I’m Greek!
Skee-Wee!! I am a sister of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and I am proud to contribute to a legacy of social change and advocacy. We continue to focus on helping alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, maintain their progressive interest in college life, and always be of ‘Service to All Mankind’.
3. Graduate school changed my fate.
I was offered a scholarship to attend graduate school at The Ohio State University, but I turned down the opportunity to be a Buckeye. In a whirlwind of devastation and regret, I enrolled at Arkansas State for graduate school, even though I had NEVER been to Arkansas in my life! God was looking out for me, though — it was in graduate school that I met my husband and began building our beautiful life together.
4. I had a whole different future planned out.
Originally, I thought I was going to pursue a career in education. As a English and Liberal Arts fanatic, I had a plan to teach for 5 years before becoming a high school administrator (while maintaining a job as a part-time professor, of course). And to wrap it all up, I would become the youngest superintendent in my district. …My how things have changed!
5. I’ve always been a driven and busy bee with a diverse spread of interests.
You better believe my resume is extensive! I started my side hustle early by braiding hair in middle school. I wanted to become a hairstylist (ha!). In high school, I juggled school full-time while working 35 hours per week (not to mention my two extra jobs every summer). I have become a “jack of all trades” with experience in everything from education and administrative work to fast food and retail. I even worked at a poultry plant (shocking to know that I’m still not a vegetarian after that). I am proud now to hold the acclaimed job title of Domestic Engineer!
Now, your turn! Comment 5 fun facts we haven’t heard!
Oct 9, 2020 | Breakfast, Food
How do you do breakfast? I LOVE a good, quick and perfectly packaged breakfast sandwich! Not only are they easy to make, they’re deliciously fulfilling. Sausage… cheese… croissants… eggs… butter? Together, they can do no wrong.
For this recipe, you can use any meat of your choice, but smoked sausage is my favorite. I’ve also made them using shredded steak, patty sausage and bacon. Either way, you can’t go wrong! My Favorite croissants for this recipe are the Butter Croissants from Trader Joes.
Now, let’s dig in!
*You’ll notice I’ve added some suggestions with the ingredients below, but feel free to use the items that your family enjoys.
Ingredients:
- Meat of your choice (I prefer smoked sausage)
- Croissants (Butter Croissants from Trader Joes)
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Butter
Other meats I have used…
- Shredded steak
- Patty sausage
- Bacon
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400.
- Cut smoked sausage down the middle.
- Place sausage in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Cut croissants open.
- Scramble or fry eggs to your liking.
- Once sausages are done pat excessive grease out with paper towels and place on the bottom layer of the croissant.
- Make sure you have enough meat to cover the entire layer.
- Top with eggs and cheese.
- Butter top with croissant and place in the oven until these melts (4 minutes) and serve.
Sep 29, 2020 | Faith
As young children, it was easy to connect with our peers over something as simple as our favorite color or Disney character. But as we grow older, it can become harder to connect.
Navigating friendships has been a challenge for me. I’m a busy wife and mom, and between caring for my family, teaching homeschool, philanthropy work, and The F Word Blog, I have to be really intentional about the relationships I build and maintain with others.
I love my friends, and I consider them an extension of my family, but I’ve had to adjust my expectations. Sure, some people have one BFF that they do everything with, but I’ve come to realize that this isn’t always realistic! It’s important to learn that we can have something special and unique with each of our friends.
I’ve taken some time to share a few ways that friendships change and how to cope during these kinds of situations.
Here are six ways that friendships change and how to cope with those changes:
- New Interests
As we open ourselves to new environments and meet new people, it’s only natural that our interests evolve. You may no longer be interested in the same books or movies you were as a kid. With nothing in common to talk about, it can be hard to keep a conversation going, but think about it: just like you’re getting into new things, your friends are, too. Sharing the new things that bring you interest still comes with opportunities to connect.
2. New Friends
Moving through different circles and jobs connect you to a new network of people. As you get used to being in a new setting, it’s normal to create bonds with people who have helped you along the way. It’s also normal, as you build these new relationships to maintain room for the friends you’ve had all along. As easy as it is to get caught up in the time we spend on building and maintaining the connections we create, it’s important to understand that we are constantly evolving, and we may grow closer or further away from certain people.
3. New Moves
Some of us may have had a childhood friend who moved to another city or state in the middle of the school year. Talk about devastating! This happens for adults, too! When a friend moves to another area, spending time or even keeping in touch becomes an afterthought. However, that’s no excuse to throw the whole friendship away. It just requires some creativity, and if the bond is important to you, you’ll find ways to keep the relationship strong.
4. Social Media
We’re all guilty of it: the mindless scrolling on Instagram or some other platform. Seeing the highlight reel of our friends’ lives makes us feel like we’re experiencing things with them. Social media may give us a sense of connection, but there’s nothing like the real thing. We’re all busy! But a quick text to check in on a close friend is always more meaningful than hitting that like button.
5. Starting a Family
Children require energy and time. As they grow up, the amount of activities increases and there’s even less time to spend taking a break—let alone seeing a friend. As parents, we have to make sure we’re taking care of our own needs, and that includes being intentional about the people we want to keep close in our circle.
6. Life
It happens to all of us – literally. Life can get in the way. You get a text or a missed call from a friend, make a (notoriously reliable) mental note to call them back, and then BOOM! A week has passed, and you realize that you completely forgot to get in touch with them. Things happen, and a good friend will be sure to understand that. A tip for times like this? Try to respond right away, even if your response is as simple as, “I’m super busy right now, but I’ll call you back when I can!” A little acknowledgment really goes a long way.
Our priorities shift as we grow older, and there are days where we have to make adjustments with our time. Naturally, our needs can take a backseat to our spouses and kids. But always remember that you are important, too. Yes, the relationships we have with our friends evolve, but there are ways to manage those changes and stay true to ourselves!
Practice being creative and intentional about maintaining and cultivating friendships. We are stronger and happier together!
