Sometimes you really just had to be there

Gorgeous crescent moon and this picture does ZERO justice

Mom and the City

Righted my wrong

Remember my post from two days ago where I totally dismissed this guy who was nothing but polite and respectful? I called him yesterday and apologized.

#dotherightthing#

The question is...what is the criteria or stance? There are tons of polite, respectful people, I am not going to give EVERY one my number.

#help#

Who Cares if its only two months?

Breaking News, well not really, but... Thierry Henry will join Arsenal for two months - January and February 2012. The question is, will he get into the game on January 29th Manchester United at Emirates Stadium?

Bad pick up line or barking up the wrong tree?

Setting: In the elevator with one other person

Man: Those are really nice shoes

Me: (grateful of the fact that he can appreciate my patent leather booties, I respond) Thank you so much, how are you doing?

Man: I'm good, thanks, can I borrow them some time?

Me: Well I am not wearing them tomorrow so they are all yours


He got off two floors before I did leaving me confused, not that it mattered but is he gay or just corny? LOL

#productive#

I couldn't ask for more. I felt great in my spirit, soul and body. I had a laundry list of things I needed to do before Friday and I was starting to feel overwhelmed. Walking home I felt accomplished for completing major tasks before their deadlines and more so because of newfound understanding. I sang songs, some made up, down the streets in my skirt, spring jacket freezing on this cold winter night; it was picture perfect until...

Let me first explain the revelation and then I will get into the "until"
The girls I was closest to (He Jen Jen, Ma Li, An Jing) while I lived in China accepted my proposal to start a book club. I gave them reign to select a book with minimal input. The book chosen was "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns. I had never heard of it but once they sent the email, I ordered the book which arrived yesterday. It seeks to answer the simple yet complicated question "What does God expect of us?" It invites you to find out the answer that changed the author's life while possibly changing yours. The reason I like the book even with only being on the first chapter is that I always felt that something was missing from our declaration as Christians. It seemed at times to reflect powerless people who only focused on a personal relationship with God and had no affect on the public. The way I envisioned it was "Newsflash: War in Iraq ... breaking news, nevermind, the Church saves the day AGAIN". While this may seem idealistic, why can't it be a reality? I am sure the book will delve into these issues.

Like I was saying, I was having a great day until...
A black range rover slowly rolls across the other side of the street before the light changes to red. I waited for the walk sign and the driver pulls over on the side of the curb. I cross the street, walk past the car and continue singing my songs. The car passes me, slows down and the driver beckons for my attention and politely asks me to wait so that he could "speak to me for a few minutes". He double parks with the engine still running and catches up to me. He was extremely polite and respectful and I returned the courtesy. Then he invited me out for dinner and drinks, I didn't have a reason to say yes and I didn't have a reason to say no. So I said "no" very indirectly. He asked me to wait as I proceeded to walk away and he handed me a business card and asked me to give him a call if I changed my mind. This was a test and I failed it miserably. I was just saying how I am going to broaden my circle of inclusion, not try to place people in buckets/grids/categories as soon as I meet them and just allow myself to know people without having to define what it is or isn't and I didn't. What a jerk I was to him! I am going to have to fix this, aren't I? Fine, I will.

I am a carpenter... ?

When Kanye West informed the world that he went to IKEA and put the bed together himself, I wondered, what's the big deal....until I had to put this dresser together myself #overwhelmed#



I lay all the parts on the ground and found relief when I saw this picture!

Ikea to the rescue

My friend Eva walked in and mocked "are you calling Ikea to help you put it together? Get off the phone, I will help you! I so appreciate her, I do not know what pictures she was looking at because they did not make sense to me but she got me through the entire shell! #angel#



Why do I still have so many screws left? When is this thing going to be over?


Is this supposed to make sense?


I was so tired, I just wanted to go to sleep and put my clothes away. Frustrated, going to bed!

Day 2 (Wednesday night)- A fresh start, kinda makes sense, 2 out of 4


Got it done! Thank ya Jesus!

The Holiday Scandal

There was this lady named Mary who claimed she was a virgin. She was dating this guy named Joseph and they were engaged to be married. All of a sudden, she goes home and tells her man that she is pregnant and about to have a baby! Joseph finds restraint to prevent himself from putting her in a chokehold for taking him for a fool and making him the laughing stock of the town listens as she explains that an angel …wait…pause…angels don’t exist…anyways…an angel approached her told her not to be afraid because with God anything/everything is possible/nothing is impossible. He told her she would have a baby, she questioned the possibility of it and she accepted it, conceived it, believed it and said “be it unto me” and waited to achieve it.
Now I know you have heard this story many times, the account is in Luke 1:26-38 but lets think of this, you know if I came to you with this “story” you would tell me to stop lying or lay off the rum cake. The Bible isn’t an old book that has no relevance to everyday life, it is more real that the person next to you! It is so timeless,



So heres how we are going to apply this to our lives:

1. Mary had to conceive something that she could not make reference to in the natural realm. It is impossible in the physical realm to give birth to a child alone! Impossibilities WILL be presented in your life and you have to take hold of the fact that NOTHING is impossible with God! What issue do you have that seems impossible to fix? Is it healing from an incurable disease? Is it debt freedom? Having a child even though the doctors declared you barren? Restoration of family/marriage/relationships?
2. Take the limits off God. Don’t tell God what He can and cannot do! He created this universe with words, he can fix your situation!
3. Trust in God more than you trust in government, yourself and your money



PS I believe in angels

Commercialized Christmas

Time after time, I have expressed my feelings and disappointment at how commercialized Christmas has become. I remember celebrating Christmas in Jamaica. The preparations were exciting and family oriented, decorating the tree and preparing the food but we always remembered the “reason for the season”. We would spend time in church thanking God for His awesome gift and that was the main item on the agenda. The food, gifts, etc were just the icing on the cake. This year, I had to pull back several times to keep the true meaning alive. I found myself getting stressed because I hadn’t purchased gifts for my nine nieces and nephews. When I got to a budget of over $600 for just them and my parents, I had to renew my mind and maintain perspective. Here are my pet peeves:
1. Christmas seems to be more about gifts than Christ
2. People who don’t believe in Christ or His existence celebrate Christmas!
3. It is consistent with the systematic plan to keep people in debt
4. All the preparations for one day bring more stress, debt and frustration that it does delight, peace and joy
5. Sunday churches were CLOSED on Christmas day so that people could have more time for other things!!!!!!!
6. Why do you need a gift? Excuse my English but it aint yo birthday!

Ok I am done ranting now :)

Oops!

I am not the kind of person who would do something illegal and jeopardize my future by being in jail. So I was in Lord and Taylor and I tried on a Chanel lipgloss. I threw out the tissue and all the disposable items I used.
As I approached the door to exit, I realized I still had the sample lipgloss in my hand. Dude, if I go to jail it has to be big! Before and afer I get there, all my friends and family should be set. It has to be worth it lol and nothing is worth it.

I do anything necessary for you but dont let the necessary occur. Yup!

Smart water

I was in Grand Central Terminal last night waiting for my train to Connecticut. Is this sarcasm? You charge $3 for water? Now that doesn't make me very smart now, does it?

Write the vision

A vision that is not in writing is merely fantasy

It is our future, can we help to shape it?

UN decides to establish the Youth Commission as an intergovernmental advisory body (Article 7 & 22, Charter of the United Nations)

Closet Christians

Many times, it is difficult to distinguish Christians from worldly people. And this "blending" effect sets a pitiful example for new Christians. As Believers, we should not love the things of the world more than we love the things of God. God has called us to live holy so we can see His promises come to pass in our lives. However, we cannot achieve holiness if we do not pursue it.

Holiness is being of one mind with God. In other words, we must align our thinking with God's Word. {Whatever God says is right, we say its right} This can only take place through the process of renewing our minds with the Word. Our thoughts represent who we are and will lead us to our ultimate destiny. Therefore, we must examine the way we think.

Excerpt from article "The Importance of Living a Christian Lifestyle" by Pastor Creflo Dollar

http://change.creflodollarministries.org/site/1009/theimportanceoflivingachristianlifestyle.aspx

Congrats WBA

We won New Castle 2-3!!!




http://www.soccer-blogger.com/2011/12/21/newcastle-vs-west-brom-2-3-highlights-goals-2011-video-ba-scharner-odemwingie/

Ebb and flow

Why are we so afraid of the unknown? Why do we feel the need to define what things are and what they are not? Maybe when I say we, I really mean we singular.... Me... I...

I am confident that I have lost out on several potential friendships/relationships simply due to a need to immediately categorize, identify & define the purpose or reasons for the encounter.

I am not by any means suggesting that we dwell in a state of uncertainty or the unknown but that we take life as it comes knowing that the universe is unfolding as it should.Besides the universe conspires on my behalf. What do I have to fear?

I would make this thought a New Years resolution but I know all too well that procrastination is the thief of time and when you want change....you want it now.

Now is the time...

Oh dear

Who am I?

God never meant for us to perform. Lack is not of God. When he placed Adam and Eve in the garden they did not have to work or toil or sweat! Satan comes in the garden and deceives them saying "if you want to be like God do this..." They took the bait and ate the fruit.

Pause....whats wrong with that picture?
Genesis 1:26 Adam and Eve are made in the likeness of God so they are already like God
Genesis 3:5 Eat the fruit (perform) and you will be like God.

Adam and Eve had an identity crisis not knowing who they were. Fast forward, satan tried to tempt Jesus saying "IF you are the son of God...do this (perform...prove it)"
Jesus passed the test and told satan back off beast.

Do you know who you are? Are you "working" and doing "good deeds" to earn what Jesus already gave freely? Are you "DOing" something to prove you are a Christian? God died for me and gave me His best while I was at my worst. What can I possibly do to get His acceptance now? Nothing. Just be. Saved by grace not works

I am a human BEing not a human DOing!

Scharner scored second goal

85 mins in West Brom scores again bringing the match to a 3-2 lead

Newcastle v West Brom

Watching my boy Odemwingie tackle New Castle 57 mins in, we are leading 2-1!

Showing off my curtains

Why are we taking pics of me looking at my curtains? #idle#

I love these rich colors. I miss Morocco :(

How adorable!

My unofficial niece....she is the daughter of one of my favorite people.... Syb
#family you create yourself-friends #

Opportunity

The block of granite, which was an obstacle in the path of the weak, becomes a stepping stone in the path of the strong

Thomas Carlyle

My greatest asset: my personal relationship with God

I believe that religion creates a sin consciousness. We are not "saved" by our own "goodness" so a lack of "goodness" cannot "unsave" me. Many churches have created a mindset that sin causes you to lose your salvation.

I confessed my faith in Jesus Christ so my spirit is perfected forever. Sin does not cause me to lose my salvation or qualify me for hell. People do not go to hell because they sinned but because they rejected Jesus Christ. Unbelief and a lack of faith are the issue. People have more faith in what they do for Jesus as opposed to what He did for us. That shows a lack of faith in what Jesus accomplished on the cross so you try to "work" it out on your own.

Not wearing make up to try to look sanctified, wearing long pants on the beach to try to appear righteous, not eating certain meat to be holy?! These are not things we can work for, Jesus gave it to us as a free gift.

I live for God, not out of fear that He is going to "get me" but because I love Him and we have a personal relationship.

I dont classify sin into "big sin" or "small sin" category. Either I will be perfect in everything I do or I will need a savior.

Thank God Jesus is my Savior!!! He is my only WAY in and my only way out!

MTA more popular than Justin Bieber!

Among New Yorkers in 2011, the MTA was the most frequently searched for website on Google. The MTA was followed by New Jersey Transit, Hop Stop, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. National Google search leaders were singer Rebecca Black, Google+, late Jackass star Ryan Dunn, Casey Anthony, and the video game Battlefield Three.

Lies defined

What is a lie? By definition, is a lie simply the opposite of a fact? Of the truth? Intentional falsification of the truth? Does motive or intent matter?
I have a friend who LOVES chocolate, I saw him and he was busy looking for some print outs to give me for a meeting we were going to attend. While he was looking for the agendas, I put 4 pieces of chocolate in his pocket. After he handed me the papers, I said to him in a matter-of-fact voice “do you have any chocolate on you? He responded “no, I don’t have any” I then reached in his pocket, smiled slyly and asked “then what is this?”. He LOL and gave me a hi5. Now he really had chocolate so the fact that he told me he didn’t, isn’t that a lie? Is ignorance enough?
If the speed limit is 55 mph and you are driving 56 mph, should you be pardoned because you didn’t know?

Barcelona 4 Vs Santos 0

Watch "Santos vs Barcelona 0-4 All Goals & full highlights (December 18th, 2011)" on YouTube

Who needs a wake up call?

FIFA club World cup final, Barcelona vs Santos, Messi vs Neymar, Sunday 5 30am (FSC)

Blast from the past

Check out the yellow pumps.

Uh oh

The director calls me into her office and as I am approaching, the two managers walk into the office. I look at them very quizzically and the manager starts by saying "you are in trouble" and the director continues "big trouble". I smile and wait to hear what's going on.

The director explains that the management staff is being stretched and she wants me to act as a floor manager offering peer support. I agree and at the end of the day o provided feedback. The following day, the director asks me to assume the role of Assistant manager!

After work, I met up with a girlfriend for dinner. Its so amazing how you can talk to someone about their situation and at the same time figure out own life! I finally confirmed my career path! #purpose#

We had a leisurely time at the restaurant. She consumed her chicken breast with apple stuffing, mashed potatoes and broccoli. I devoured buttermilk pancakes with a few strips of bacon! The conversation was great and I headed to church feeling a renewed sense of purpose and excitement.

Greatest Passions

Biggest turnoffs

Its the little things

Just found this in an old notebook I had in China

Something greater

I arrive at the train station and I hear the train I need approaching, I swipe my Metrocard and I get an error message. Now I can see the train, I still have enough time. I swipe several more times and then as I turn to find help, a man is walking towards me. He was going to let me in the subway for free, I showed him my card and justified that he wasnt just giving out free rides to random people even though it was a nice gesture. After seeing my card, he comments on the uselessness of these MTA cards. I race down the stairs and as soon as I get half way down, the train starts to pull off. I am wicked vexed because I hate being late, I gave myself ample time and I didnt want to miss my 10 o' clock engagement.

As I fuming, I blame God and say "what was that about?" Bouts of wind start to blow as the express train approaches. I immediately repent and thank God that there was something better waiting for me.

Thats the attitude I want to possess, whenever things dont go my way, instead of pouting, I want to immediately rest knowing that something better must be in store.

#development#

Sorry my Chinese is bad

This video is super cute, such a familiar feeling. I remember trying to order sugar (tang) and they would always bring me soup (tang) because I didnt know how to pronounce it :(

Watch "Transition 前進樂團 Dui Bu Qi 對不起我的中文不好" on YouTube

Occupy Boston extended detainment

Occupy Boston protesters remain at encampment after midnight deadline passes for them to leave - The Washington Post

Congratulations Roxy!!!!!!!!

Congrats to my girl Roxanne who just passed her CPA exam!!!

Let the celebrations begin!

Puerto Plata, DR Day 5

Puerto Plata, DR Day 4

We got up at the crack of dawn to see the sunrise. A few mins later we hear a tractor approaching us and this is the little boy who is operating the machinery!


We continue to make out various shapes in the cloud, what do you think this one is?



















Later we sit outside under umbrellas as it rains
and then Beverly meets another Beverly




beach ping pong dinner party rained out bev and bev vybez