Love Thy Neighbor

Today marks the first week of my blog. It feels good to reach this small milestone because it takes discipline to sit down every night and share my thoughts with you. And I did it, despite those nights when I just wanted to go to bed. Yay me!

So, an interesting thing happened when I arrived home from work today. I pulled into my drive way, got out of my car; and as I turned to close my door, my neighbor was getting out of his car and he spoke to me and I returned his greeting. Now you may be waiting for the rest of the story, but that's it. See, in February 2011 there was a snow storm. My brother had parked his car on the street. When I woke up, I looked out the window to see how much snow had fallen. There was a mound of snow behind my car (picture posted below). I ran outside to see if there was any possible way I could clear the snow so I could go to work. Out of nowhere my neighbor proceeds to yell at me about parking on the street. Supposedly, because we were so "inconsiderate" the snow plow driver couldn't clean the street properly. I was taken aback because #1) it wasn't my car and #2) I didn't appreciate the way he was talking to me. I rarely remain calm when someone is screaming at me. So, my temper was ignited and I didn't stop talking until I felt I had put him and his wife in their place. I know. I completely lost my cool...and my witness, which is what I really regretted.  Fast forward one year and 4 months later and here we are. Saying hello and acknowledging each other's presence again.

Unforgiveness is a prison. Unforgiveness is weighty.  Unforgiveness will make you think you're right when you're wrong.  It keeps you bound to things that God would like to release you from: hurt, pain, anger and people! It will fester in you and ruin all of your relationships if you don't let it go. That's right. We have a choice to hold on or let go. Today, I chose to let go, not only the unforgiveness against my neighbor, but the "justified" anger and self-righteousness. Yes, he was wrong but so was I. Essentially, I am responsible for my response. Unlike last year, today I chose to respond in love. That's the power of a transformed mind. Pow3rful in Him, Chris

I Wanna Be Made Ova

My bedroom is in need of a makeover. The pale gray blue walls remind me of a gathering storm. I have too much furniture in the space; and it's not functional. I've been wanting to redecorate it for some time, but I haven't gotten around to it. Basically, I watch TV and I go to sleep in this room. I have a desk covered with magazines and books. There is absolutely no space for my laptop or makeup supplies. Truthfully, a trip to IKEA or The Container Store could solve some of the issues. I have so many books and makeup products a great shelving system would be nice. Unfortunately, I hoard paper. Receipts, bills, and other random papers. It's really ridiculous. I would post a pic, but I can't find my camera at the moment. Saved by my tendency to misplace things.

Anyway, I'm watching the OKC/Spurs game and I'm annoyed by the size of my TV, which has rarely bothered me prior to tonight. It's a small color TV that my mom bought me from a pawn shop 7 years ago. Yes, it still works, but the score is so tiny I couldn't tell who was winning the game until the crowd went crazy! AND, I'm wearing my glasses. LOL

The interesting thing about my room is that it often reflects what's going on in my spiritual life. When it's cluttered and disorganized, I am usually feeling lost or overwhelmed. When it's clean and tidy, I am usually feeling content and at peace. For times like tonight -- when all I want to do is paint the walls and throw out all my furniture and begin again -- I feel like renovating my life. Removing the unnecessary things and retaining only what makes sense. De-cluttering my room is equivalent to releasing emotional baggage. What's the tell for you that your spiritual life is off track? How do you rectify the issue? As for me, the makeover starts now. Pow3rful in Him,Chris

"All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes"

A few weeks ago, I did something I have been dreaming of doing for years. I submitted my application for a passport. Yes, I made it into my 30s never having left the United States. Rare in these days, I know. But then, I bought my first cell phone at age 25. What can I say? I'm a late bloomer. Anyway, I booked a trip abroad and I'm so excited!  Today, I was daydreaming about sitting at a cafe with a beignet and a cup of cafe au lait (and a raspberry beret...I couldn't resist). I may even be inspired to begin that novel I've been thinking about lately. Maybe while sitting in the park (deep into my creative flow), a tall handsome man (let's call him "Jean-Claude") will bump into me while playing frisbee with his friends. LOL. Wow! Really, Chris? Well, is there anything too hard for God?

I digress. I'm looking forward to this experience because travel broadens perspective. It births new thoughts while honing our current belief systems. To immerse yourself in another culture, even for a week, opens the mind to possibilities that it would have never imagined before hand. I remember when I first moved to New Jersey. It seemed like a different world, not a different state. It was a total culture shock. But I've grown so much since then. I don't know where I would be in life if I had remained in Tennessee, if I hadn't taken the road less traveled. Only God knows...

I titled this blog after one of Maya Angelou's autobiographies. I read it when I was in high school and it stuck with me. Although I'm not visiting the Motherland this time around, I am still galvanized to learn as much as I can about a different culture and people. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave the disciples the great commission. He commanded them 'to go and make disciples of all the nations...' (NJKV). I joke about meeting Mr. Right on this trip, but I would seriously love to introduce someone to the lover of our souls. Pow3rful in Him, Chris

Not So Manic Monday

I knew from the moment I opened my eyes this would be an unproductive day. My room was darker than usual for a spring morning. The rainfall was like a pendulum, swinging from one extreme to the next. By the end of Kelly Ripa and Bryant Gumbel's dialogue, I shuffled to the bathroom to begin my daily routine. Shortly after, I dashed out into the pouring rain to make my short commute to work. For the first time all year, I had very few pressing issues to attend to, which left me wondering why I hadn't taken a vacation day. There is plenty at home for me to do. I met with a couple of students and answered emails (those never cease). The clouds lifted, but I didn't even go out to lunch. BORING, right?! It's something about rainy days that just suck all the energy out of me. I tend to just sit still and allow my thoughts to wander. The great thing about today is I managed to get some quiet time in with God.

Honestly, I'm at a crossroads. I have been since I finished school. So,  I had a little talk with Jesus and told him all about it. The problem with being good at a number of things is that good can look like great if you're not careful. As my friends would say "that'll preach". I did good in school, so should I pursue a career in the field or consider my degree as a goal accomplished? I'm good at makeup, so should I make it more than a side gig? The frustrating part is I've been asking these questions since last August and I'm still not certain. Proverbs 3:5-6 states
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding; 
 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths." (NKJV)

I'm working on the 'perfecting my patience' portion of Christianity. Pray for me! It seems like I'm idling on the shoulder of an open road just waiting to go in the direction that God tells me. Maybe idle isn't the right word. I'm doing my makeup thing and reading books on the labor movement and WRITING. I'm constantly doing, doing, doing.  So, I'm going to continue working in all my trades because it has to be preparing me for the next phase of my life. As Bishop Searight always says 'preparation is the key to life and consistency is the key to success'. Maybe this wasn't such an unproductive day. Maybe there's something to being still before taking action. Hmmm...interesting. Pow3rful in Him, Chris

Sam Cooke

I was born by the river... and just like that river I've been running ever since...but I know a change is gonna come. For the past 5 years I've been running. Sometimes chasing after God and other times, running away from his plan for my life. Often, it seems as if I'm running in circles, repeating the same mistakes and learning the hard way. As you know, some lessons come easier than others. Interestingly, the running has increased my stamina. I'm not easily winded or quick to move to the side lines when life throws a curve ball. Instead I stand in the box prepared to swing and pray for the best.

Since making the commitment to blog daily, I feel a change. It's a subtle shift in my thinking, in my habits, in my conversation. Most importantly, I feel content. This morning, Bishop Searight taught from 1 Timothy 6:6, which says "Now godliness with contentment is great gain"(NKJV). The Amplified Bible described contentment as having an 'inward sufficiency'. Paul wrote that he learned to be content in all things (paraphrasing). With each stroke of the key, there is a strengthening of my inner resolve to be better, do better, love better. To know that I can change my life by changing my mind is powerful. To know that my happiness is determined by my thinking is powerful. Indeed, knowledge is power. So, I am moved to ask: what have you done lately that brings you to the place of contentment? 

As I peruse my notes from this morning's service, I think it imperative to share this thought. You must know what to keep and what to throw away when you are transitioning from one level to the next. Some habits will need to be broken. Some friendships placed on pause, if not ended. Some confessions must cease. There are difficult, even drastic, moves that will have to be made so you can live your best life. I believe my latter years will be better than my former years. It is because I am renewing my mind and my daily confessions. Furthermore, I'm able to tell the truth to myself about myself (yeah, I hurt my own feelings). 

Ole Sam had it right, for better or worse, change is gonna come. Are you ready? Pow3rful in Him, Chris

Slice of Heaven

I woke up this morning with a list of things to do, places to go and people to see. I ended up doing two things: prom makeup and scouting sites for my next photoshoot. One word for this day is PERFECT. After getting a fresh haircut, I met up with my girl Stephie (budding photog) and off we went to scour the land known as Jersey. We went from town to town visiting parks and farmland with a little stop at Chick-fil-A for lunch;) I completely lost track of time. I was totally engulfed in the creative planning process-- coming up with concepts, possible models, makeup/hairstyles. I was in heaven. To continue my ride on cloud nine, I had an appointment to do makeup for a 'prom queen'. Her dress was phenomenal! The makeup was only an accessory- as it should be. This was her second prom in 2 weeks (picture posted below). I love repeat clients:) I even received a text from her mom tonight thanking me for doing a beautiful job. Of course, I am happy because they are happy.

After the gig, I met up with Stephie again. Off we went. It's nothing like getting lost on purpose...lol. We were so far off the proverbial beaten path. At one point, I seriously thought I was in rural Tennessee headed to my grandma's house. Well, except for the grand houses with 4 car garages. Yes, roaming from Allentown to Clarksburg to Imlaystown to Freehold and finally home is my idea of a perfect way to end the day. It's the simple things, you know. Anyway, thanks for sharing my day. I hope yours was just as fulfilling and that you are living your life with purpose and passion. If not, what are you waiting for? Pow3rful in Him, Chris

Day 152

June 1st. My calendar says I have much to do before I sleep. And I managed to do it all with ease. It's 11:40pm and I am determined to get this blog entry done. I'm on a mission, people!
First, I called my Aunt Lou to wish her a happy 77th birthday. She's my eldest aunt. I have so many great childhood memories of her. The most vivid one is when she taught me how to make Sanka instant coffee. I was a barista by the tender age of 7! I'm laughing as I remember standing in front of the microwave waiting for the timer to sound. Aunt Lou is from the ole skool. She believes in putting kids to work. This is one of the reasons I don't know how to sit still now. Always ready for the next thing. So, after work I went to my little sister's (mentee) house to do her makeup for senior prom. We were paired together through the youth ministry at our church. She was 15 years old. Now, she's 17. Again, I'm caught standing flat footed as time keeps moving. I always say 'no one can make you feel old like kids'. They grow up so fast! She reminds me so much of myself when I was younger except she is much more vocal and maybe a little more dramatic...lol. Mostly, she's such a diva just like her big sister. I'm posting a pic of her below. After making her over and doing a mini photo shoot, I was off again. Next on the agenda was getting to Plainfield High School for the school production of Flyin' West by Pearl Cleage. The students did an excellent job; and they only had 3 weeks to rehearse! That's what you can do when you put your mind to it. Now I'm home watching Night Line with Cynthia McFadden and holding on just long enough to type out my day. After all the busyness, I can now lay down to sleep and know that I contributed to someone's happiness. And that's a wonderful thing. Pow3rful in Him, Chris