So I live in high rise apartments and often utilize the elevators to get from one floor to the next.  One of the first things that I bought when I moved into my apartment was a cart.
My cart helped me move in my apartment,  carries groceries,  shopping bags, etc… from my car to my apartment.

Of course like anything else my cart and I have been through some challenges over the last year in my apartment.  There were several times, when the stoppers came off and I would have to stop and fix a wheel. Or I would overload the cart, which weighed it down and made it slower.  Through all the many challenges of the breaking of the cart and the current red tape to repair both wheels, the cart still functions as a cart.
Sometimes we may go through things and question our reason for existence after abuse, trauma, sickness,  pain or experiencing loss. However, our past or current situation that we may experience doesn’t define us. It is through our brokeness that God is able to repair and heal us for his glory.  We are all here to serve a purpose that God placed us here for to glorify him.

So no matter, what you have gone through, remember just like my broken cart that was repaired, it still functions as a cart. We can be healed and delivered from past experiences and still live and function to fulfill our purpose.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalms 51:17 KJV

As the clock strikes midnight and we turn a page on not just another day, but also another month and welcome another year, I am always reminded to be grateful and thankful.

So much can happen within a year, whether it is good or bad. Everything that happened or didn’t happen, caused me to be the woman who I am today and for that I say thank you.

As I reflect on 2018, I can remember days that I enjoyed and some days that I went to bed early and said tomorrow will be a new day.

In 2018, I took my first solo trip which I thoroughly enjoyed. I started a new position at work, where I am learning to pay attention to small details. I grew closer to several of my friends. Lost friends and gained new ones. Maintained my weight! #BlessGod

And I started a new position tutoring in math! #Wrenlovesthekids lol.

I also launched my website!!! Is it perfect, absolutely not. But I did it and I’m proud of it!

I am not sure, what the new year will bring, so I will wait and see. So, I didnt make any new year resolutions, but I did make some new goals.

One of the things that I plan on doing in 2019, is going on a trip to Canada!

What was your highlight of 2018? What are you looking forward to in 2019?

Job 8:7  “Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.”

For the past few years I have enjoyed cooking Christmas dinner at home and then going out to visit others. I don’t prepare a big meal, just something small like: baked chicken, cabbage, Dressing (it is capitalized because it is a food group) and potato salad. So this year I decided to make a grocery list because I am an avid Christmas eve shopper as well (dont judge me). I think my last minute shopping came from when I worked in retail at Tar-j, I always worked the day before the holidays so I enjoyed the rush of the crowd and the last minute Christmas shoppers.
Storytime: Anywho, this morning I’m preparing to make my cornbread for my dressing and realized I didn’t have milk. Thankfully, 7-11 was open and was walking distance, so I was okay. However I told my friend and she reminded me we are still babies in the kitchen, which is so true.

That statement inspired me to think of the top 10 things veterans would do when they cook vs a newbie.

So here is my list:
1. The OG’s prep the night before. They chop up all their veggies and have everything on the counter ready to go.
2. The OG’s wake up early and cook, like 4 or 5 am or stay up late. As for me, I woke up at 7am and stayed in the bed until 9am. #whosrushing Lol.
3. The OG’s buy duplicate essential items, just to ensure they have them. I passed by the milk in the store yesterday and said nah I don’t need it.
4. The OG’s don’t measure stuff, they just go by taste. Ex: Just add a pinch or a smidget of salt. Ummm does that equate to 1/8th or 1/16th of a teaspoon? #imaskingforme
5. The OG’s have aprons or cooking mumus. I have on shorts and a white tee. ???
6. The OG’s have heavy duty pots and pans that are older than me and that are so large you can fit a baby inside. I have the 6 pots and pans set you buy on sale and that’s it. Lol.
7. The OG’s cook by smell and have fake timers in their head. I set the timer on my stove or phone.
8. The OG’s have qwerks about how they cook things and it has to be done in that particular order. And believe me their order usually works.
9. The OG’s don’t allow anyone in their kitchen while they are cooking. If you bring something, sit it on the dining room table.
10. The OG’s have recipes in their head memorized from watching others before them cook. I go to YouTube or have to write them down.

Happy Birthday Jesus! Thank you to all the OG’s that paved the way for me and others.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 KJV

#holidayblogs #JesusBirthday #foodcomas #deliciousfoods #respecttheOGs #smidget #nomeasuring #cooks #grannies #aunties #momcooks #christmas2019 #blackblogger #storytimethread #readallaboutit #wordpressblogger #sharingmylife #onestoryatatime #dobetta

On this day I would like to honor my mother. So, my mom was the first one who introduced me to Jesus. She lead us to Sunday School, church afterwards and Sunday night bible band, Tuesday night bible study, Friday night shut ins, Saturday church musicals and if there was a church revival we were front and center every SINGLE night. My sisters and I practically lived at the church.
Sidenote: So for those of you who may be unfamiliar let me elaborate on a shut in. So we would get there Friday night around 9 or 10pm and would not leave the church until the next until Saturday morning around 6am. The kids slept and the parents prayed over night.
Thank you for introducing me to the most important person in my life, Jesus.

Not only did she introduce me to Jesus, she taught me to stand up for my faith even when it was unpopular. My mom was the PTA President at my school, so I can remember her leading us in pray before every PTA meeting. One particular year, we had a new principal and she told my mom that she wasnt allowed to pray anymore before the meetings. So, my mom told her I no longer want to be the President over the PTA. The principal thought about it and guess who was praying in that meeting that night – my mama!!!

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

#birthdaylady #issabdayvibe
#motherdearest #birthdaycake #blessed #teamjesus❤️ #celebrate #cakes? #fun #enjoylife? #lifestories #storytellers #family #loved

In life things can be hectic, especially as the holidays approach. You are consumed with holiday shopping, spending time with family, working and trying to balance your own life. Sometimes you feel overwhelmed with grief of a loved one that won’t be there for a holiday dinner this year or you received not so pleasant news from the doctor. And of course we have all experienced the unexpected financial trouble such as car repairs, random bills and etc…
I think of the saying, when it rains? sometimes it feels like it is literally pouring ?⛈and you cant catch a break. #totalchaos
However, this is the perfect setup for us to take a second and step back and ask God for help. It is in our moments of chaos and utter destruction that God is able to step in and do exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ever ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20
I’m grateful that we have a perfect God , that can come into our chaotic mess and work everything out for our good. God is ever so loving, faithful and compassionate.

One of my devotions a few weeks ago shared how God whispers to us when he speaks to us. When someone whispers to you, in order to hear them you have to “lean in” and listen. That shows they are sharing information with you fyi only. Lol. It also shows a level of closeness that God wants to share with us. He whispers to us plans and ideas to help us at that particular chaotic moment. The great thing about God is that, he’s omnipresent. He can whisper to both of us at the same time. #howsway So, if you are feeling overwhelmed or if your life feels like a chaotic mess take a moment and ask God to speak to you in his small still voice to calm the entire situation. The bible says, even the winds and the waves obey him.

Has God whispered to you lately?

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 MSG

#chaos #peacemaker #problemsolver #calm_collected #relaxante #issues
#inspirationseed #bloggerswanted