Putting money in your pocket!

Peace and blessings to one and all.

We are to walk in love and be a blessing to one another. Many people say why does GOD do this or doesn’t do that. Well GOD gave mankind dominion and many of those things we’re waiting on or wondering why it hasn’t been done is because it’s up to us. HE put us here for each other.

We all have something to share with each other so this week I’m sharing some valuable information that can save you some money and in some cases put money in your pocket.

The first two pieces of information concern the cost of healthcare whether you have or don’t have health insurance:

• HELP WITH MEDICATION COST: Most major pharmaceutical companies have programs where they will give you prescribed medications free or at a discounted price, especially if there is no generic form available. Contact the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the medication and they will you send you out a form to complete to qualify for this option. They may even send you free samples with the doctor's prescription and make sure you ask your doctor for free samples.
• HOSPITAL CHARITY CARE: Most hospitals if not all have charity care. These are funds set aside for those in need. Even if you have insurance and are at a certain income level you can apply for charity care at your hospital once you’ve acquired a bill that you cannot pay. Call the accounting department of the hospital you are indebted to and ask them if it is available and the hospital will send you a form to complete to see if you are eligible.  If you qualify you could end up with zero balance or a reduce amount.

Now this next section has information that concerns housing. The links I’m using are for Illinois, but you can use these links to research similar links and programs in your area.

• These two links puts many back in your pocket when you buy or use energy efficient appliances and accessories.

https://www.comed.com/home-savings/rebates/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/home/rebates.aspx

• These next two links are for assistance with paying energy bills if you qualify.

https://www.comed.com/customer-service/assistance-programs/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.peoplesgasdelivery.com/home/assistance.aspx

• This last link is for those in the market to purchase a home. Trust me, there are grants out there to help with your down payment and in some cases pay the entire amount. These grants are available through state and federal government, and in some cases you may qualify for both.

http://www.ihda.org/homeowner/gettingLoan.htm

GOD bless you!

 

Glossophobia, I've got it!

Peace and blessings from Above be yours! So wonderful of you to continue on this journey with me and if you’re a new comer, welcome. I pray that your week was even been more than you expected it to be. I pray that you felt blessed and was a blessing to others. I pray that whatever the circumstances of your week you remained thankful, even if you found yourself in the midst of lack. None of us want to lack anything, but I’ve learned that’s when I grow the most in my faith and wisdom. Thankfulness multiplies itself, just as misery loves company. If we’re thankful for a crumb soon, we find ourselves enjoying a full slice and look forward to the loaf.

Last week I wrote about the important question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Well this post is going in the other direction. I’m going to write about what I said I wouldn’t do when I grew up. Not what I didn’t want to do, but what I said I wouldn’t do. Now that’s pretty brazen for an adult to say and as a child I said it with great defiance.

One thing I said I wouldn’t do was type, LOL, LOL, LOL. How ridiculous to think of that now. If I had stuck to that I would not be communicating with you and so many others now. Something else I said as a child is that I would never do was be was a teacher. It looked difficult then as well as now. I also said that I would not drop out of high school, but did after my freshman year due to a myriad of circumstances. I can go on, but I also said I would not do public speaking.

You see I have mild to moderate Glossophobia. Glossophobia or speech anxiety is the fear of public speaking or of speaking in general. The word glossophobia comes from the Greek glōssa, meaning tongue, and phobos, fear or dread. I’m not alone, over 70% of the population have it, with women having a slight edge over men. Just thinking about it makes my heart race! I get afraid of tripping over my words, stuttering and just being at a loss of what to say. Then it gets personal; suppose they don’t like me or understand what I’m trying to say. Uh, uh, in my mind that’s not for me. Moses of the Bible was like that, he ask GOD to send someone else because he felt slow of speech, so GOD sent Aaron (Moses brother) along with him to be his mouth piece and if you’ve read the Bible you know how that turned out.

So many of those things I said I wouldn’t do with defiance I’ve found myself doing, some of them willingly. Well I’ve realized that GOD has something for me to say and not just to family and friends in comfortable settings, but in unfamiliar territory with strangers. Geez! I’m sweating now just thinking about it. Not only do I have one, but I’ll be speaking on three occasions this month unless GOD decides differently. On two of these occasions I’ll be encouraging others and in doing so I’ll have to testify, expose my struggles. Talking about the struggles is no big deal, especially after publishing my book online, http://www.amazon.com/Never-A-Mile-From-Home-ebook/dp/B00K5CCAJW. It’s the act of standing in front of strangers talking about whatever.

My Mother once told me to never say never because you don’t know where life will take you or what situation you may find yourself in. Those where pearls of wisdom she gave to me and I’m passing them on to you. Don’t worry about your qualifications, because if GOD has called you to do something HE will qualify you.

Glossophobia

 

 

     

The Question!

Here we are again! Peace and blessings to you, your homes and families. I hope you are basking in GOD’s love for you and living in gratitude no matter the situation. Now I know for many that may be easier said than done, but when you have overcome as many adversities as I have you learn to be grateful and hopeful no matter what. I hope your week has been pleasant and that you’ve had a chance to be a blessing to someone else.

Last week in my post, “You’re the Hero” I touched on the power of women. I want to talk about that a little more, but we’re not going to stay on that point. When I was teen/pre-teen I said to myself that one day I would have an organization to help girls and women. I said it because I was going through so much alone and I knew that if I was feeling that way, it had to be other girls in the same situation. There’s always, always someone around to tell you the wrong thing or lead you astray, but very few to offer loving constructive criticisms. The same thing applies for adult females. Many so called girlfriends fail to give positive corrective, even directive information to each other. Many choose to just give a nod or high five and tell the other party what they want to hear. I don’t want any girlfriends or acquaintances like that. If my clothes, behavior, or relationships are out of order I want the kind of women around me that can be the neck in our friendship and help me see me.

So I guess that brings me to our point of thought this week, motivation and inspiration. So often, too often individuals and groups of people are looking to be lead. What’s so troubling is that many of those looking for a leader don’t have a destination in mind, they just want to be lead away from where they’re at or a situation they may be living in. If you must choose a leader you better make sure you understand their game plan and destination or else you can end up drinking from a cup that can be the death of you spiritually, mentally and even physically.

One of the most important questions that was ever asked of me was when I was less than seven years old. I was asked: “What do you want to be when you grow up”? Wow! That’s a big question for a kid, but it opened my mind to wonder and ponder that question. I probably gave a childlike answer like princess, ballerina or cowgirl, but I seriously began to wonder and pandered that question. What a motivating and inspiring question. I remember when I asked my children the same question and the amazement in their eyes as they began to wonder themselves.

That’s where it all starts, motivation and inspiration that is. A simple question. I find that many parents don’t ask their children that question, probably because nobody asked them. It’s never too late though to ask someone that question, it could change their life. Once we grasp the power that we possess we all will begin to realize and recognize we are all leaders, some great some small, but a leader none the less.   

It’s our words and deeds that can and will move mountains! We can move them for ourselves and others by being encouraging and motivating. We should strive to inspire others in a loving and positive way. Stop the back biting, gossiping and pulling another down. Learn to be humble and not always right. And for the sake of the innocent please stop the violence! All this negative energy is messing with the atmosphere. Probably at the root of climate change!

Be a light or beacon to someone. Change your attitude and walk in love and you’ll see that love come back to you. IJS   

Do it with Love!

 

You're the Hero!

Hey there, peace and blessings to one and all. I pray that you are safe, hopeful and spreading GOD’s love as well as receiving it! Thank GOD I was able to move into a smaller brace today on my right ankle, downsizing from the DME Boot I’ve been wearing for the past 4 weeks. Whoohoo!

In the last two postings to my blog I explained my why I had not posted since last October and I hope you understand and accept my sincere apology for the inconsistent post. Prayerfully now I can get back on track with filling you in on this journey.

In fact it seems like so much in my life slowed down, almost stopped during this process of healing. When just about every step you take is painful you tend to move only when necessary and that’s a downer. My motivation and creativity seemed to hide on a shelf that was very difficult for me to reach, even on my tippy toes. Don’t worry, I didn’t get hooked on pain pills, even though they are readily available. To me they only dull your brain and not the pain.
Moving forward, and remember that’s what we always want to do. No going back!

In the post that proceeded my hiatus, “It’s in Your Power” I talked about your power in GOD to see beyond your situation and the power of your credit score! But today we going to take it in a different direction. Believe me if you don’t know your power, give it away or are unable to control it, well then you are a slave to whatever and whoever. You’ll find yourself blaming others, situations and things for you mistakes or lack. Many of us are giving our power away freely these days as if it’s nothing important. Today I want to talk about the power of the neck, woman.

Woman, the neck that turns the head! There’s another expression, “Behind every great man there’s a great woman”! When women talk men listen, that’s it in the nutshell. Look what happened to Adam, Samson, and even Solomon, supposedly the wisest man. They all listened to women and it changed the course of history, our very lives. Now we can debate this if you’d like, but this is my opinion with truth and facts woven into its being.

I’m going to tell you now my female readers this may hurt, in many cases the truth does.  While assessing what’s going on in society today I see where we as women have dropped the ball. Yep, I said it and will stand by it. Especially when I look at how so many so called men behave these days. As a community and individually we complain about the males with their pants hanging down, men not working while sitting at home playing video games and so forth and so on. We also complain how men view women as objects and how disrespectful some can be. Yet so many women accepted the term “baby’s momma”, while being demoted from the mother of my child. Now which one has a more significant sound, baby mama or the mother of my child? When I first heard the expression I just knew it would be a fly by night saying and yet here in 2015 it’s become a mainstream term.

Ladies, we’ve got to tighten up! If we didn’t allow our sons to wear their pants down or bring men into our homes with their pants down trust me they’d pull them up. In my thinking, if you require more you’ll get more, but it seems these days so many females are playing limbo, how low can you go. Not I’m far from perfect and have made some mistakes, but like I said earlier we should always move forward and not backward.

Even when I did dirt I didn’t do it in front of my kids when they were around. I didn’t want them to pick up my unfruitful ways so I’d put my best foot forward. Now nothings hidden, the cursing, frequently changing partners, just any form of vulgarity is done in front of and to children, and yet we expect them excel. That’s like telling someone to drive the car while their sitting on a tricycle.

I’m not looking down on anyone because I know it can be rough, but we’re the only ones that can smooth out the roughness. No one is coming to the rescue. It’s not “their” problem and nobody can fix us as individuals but GOD and we ourselves. If we want change it’s us ladies that have to bring it about.  We’ve got to learn to close our legs and open my minds. Close our doors to drama and pick up a helpful book. Raise our children instead of raising hell. Accept and acknowledge this is on us, pull up the big girls panties and nurture ourselves, families and communities.  

Are you a Superwoman?

 

Don't Let the 1st Step Stop You!

Peace and blessings to one and all! Thanks for joining me along this journey. I do pray that my journey is an inspiration to others and that the information I share enriches you or someone you may know. I pray that GOD’s light shines through my words and that darkness flees as you embrace that light.

Last week I left off at that horrific fall that more than proved that I’m not double jointed as I slid down those stairs like I was coming hot into home base. It’s amazing how many and how fast things can go through your mind in the midst of any traumatic event.  I could go on about that, but let’s get back to where I left off last week.

Anyway, I chuckled at my situation and hoped no one came along until I got it together. I would’ve been embarrassed if someone would’ve seen me like that. Now isn’t that backwards? Our pride can be a terrible thing. 

As I looked around for my purse I began to map out in my mind how to position myself to stand while at the same time grab my purse that had flown out of reach. There was only one handrail that I could grab on to and geez, it was on the wrong side. Thank GOD my arms weren’t hurt I thought to myself as I grab the hand railing with my left hand to pull and with my right hand I push myself onto my feet with most of my weight on my left leg. I was up, yay! My right leg hurt from the toes on up! I bent over with a stretch and grabbed my purse before trying to take a step so I could have my phone to call 911 just in case. I slowly shifted some of my weight onto my right leg and let go of the railing. Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My door was only a couple of steps away. Now that I could stand the greatest test was could I walk. At first I was afraid to take a step because I knew my leg could be broken, but I had to fight the pain and try to take those steps to get inside. I also knew that if it was broken and I tried to walk on it I could cause some more serious damage. I prayed and thanked GOD for blessing me because I could’ve been hurt beyond what I was experiencing. I fished my keys from the right pocket of my coat and took a small step with my left leg leading. OUCH!!!!!! Keeping as much weight as possible off my right leg I made it inside. Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus, is all I could say!

I said all that to update you on why I have been absent from my blog since October 4, 2014. I fell 7 months prior to this and had really been trying to deal with the pain and discomfort. I’ve been through so much in life that all I know how to do is keep it moving, but posting in my blog was something I had to put on hold.  

I’m still recovering from that fall and since I stopped posting last October I’ve had three rounds of physical therapy, soon to begin the fourth and two surgeries. A torn meniscus and broken cartilage in my right knee and what they thought was a severe sprain to my right ankle turned out to be torn tendon and ligament damage to my right ankle. Well the cast is off and stitches are out, but I still have to wear a “Robocop” looking boot when I walk, but I’m thankful to be on the mend.

Hopefully the severity of the situation has passed and my words begin to flow again like a sweet melody.

Phew!

Leg Behind My Head!

Peace and blessings to one and all!

0ctober 3, 2014 was the last time I posted in my blog. It’s been hard to sit down and write these past few months, but I have not forgotten those that follow my blog and may have wondered what kept me away. GOD bless each and every one of you!

When I write I want to give you that part of me that is singing, no matter the melody. I stopped singing. There was only one note that droned on and on. I prefer to let my words flow like water from my spirit and treasures from my mind when I write. These last few months have been a bit much. It actually all started over a year ago now. March 6, 2014 to be exact!

What happened on that day at that time you may be wondering? I fell! Yep, slipped down the icy back stairs to my unit like I was sliding into home base. Ouch! After I finally landed at the foot of the stairs I was afraid to move.  I knew I had a little shock going on, but I was in survival mode. It was freezing outside, so I knew I couldn’t just lay there. On my way down I heard a loud pop and when I looked at my legs, my right leg was bent all the way behind and under me from the knee down. I didn’t see any blood so I knew it was still attached although it didn’t look like it because of its’ weird position. I was afraid to straighten it out for fear of what I’d see. I hate hysterics so I wasn’t about to start screaming or boohooing, at least out loud. I kept my calm because I had to.

Thank GOD I am a nurse! As I began to assess myself and my situation I knew the first thing I had to do was examine my right leg. That meant straightening it out from its contorted position. Uh oh, I thought as I readjusted my body off my leg and began to unfold it to its correct position. It hurt everywhere! Don’t cry, don’t cry, don’t cry I kept telling myself.

I’m so sure that I’ve had to put my “big girl panties” on so much that they are iron by now. I wasn’t sure that the tears that started to flow were from the pain I was feeling physically or emotionally. You know that feeling I’m sure because we’re human, you just get tired sometimes. Tired of going through stuff. Even Superman had a retreat, Batman had Wayne Manor and Jesus, yes He did weep as well.

At any rate I couldn’t lay there and cry I had to keep it moving. I had to begin the process of going through, whatever that would be. I looked down at my leg and didn’t see any bones protruding. I felt it with both hands from ankle to hip and didn’t feel anything out of place so I thanked GOD. I wiped my eyes and looked around for my purse as I stalled for I knew what the next step was. I needed to see if I could stand. Stand in order to see if I could walk and to get my butt off those freezing concrete stairs. I also needed to get my purse that had flown out of arm’s reach so I could get my cell phone in case I needed to call an ambulance.

Ok, here goes let’s see if I can stand………………………………………………………………………….

To be continued!

Ouch!

 

Your Power!

Sweet blessings and peace to one and all! I pray that you’re looking upward to the Most High GOD and not at your circumstances or the world around you. Why you say do I pray that for you? Well, the world around you is a very tricky place. It can lure you in with its promises, but I have found that there is only ONE that is ever Faithful. And as far as focusing on your circumstances, those are changing things and times. Whether these times be good or bad, if you focus on the now and when things change and they will change your mood, peace and feelings will adapt to that change unless you’re focused on GOD who never changes. So in the midst of hard times, bad times, good times you’ll stay grounded in an unspeakable peace if you look toward HIM. I can testify to that and if you’ve read my book then you already know part of my testimony. http://www.amazon.com/Never-A-Mile-From-Home-ebook/dp/B00K5CCAJW

In my last post, “Gimme Some”, I told you that I bought my first property. Wooooohoooo, thank You Jesus! Not because I was lucky or had a bunch of money, but I was blessed!

First, I have to say that I heard that I would be an owner and not a renter in my spirit while I was still in Africa. When that quiet still Voice speaks to me I do my best to listen, trust, believe and be obedient to what I hear.

So what I did first was sign up for first time homeowner’s programs in the suburbs and city online before even leaving Africa. Next, I attended more than one session at different locations so I could learn as much as possible about home ownership. I listened carefully, that’s key and took notes. I not only listened to the instructors and their guest, but I also listened to the other attendees input that I also heard invaluable information from. At the end of these sessions you’ll receive some budget counseling and tips. Once your budgeting is in order you’ll get a certificate you will need to give to your selected lender to get state or federal benefits.  

Let’s stop right here so secondly we can talk about credit scores. As a consumer of any goods you should realize that money doesn’t actually exist. Yep, I said that! When buying a home or any big ticket item, even if you have cash, companies want to know your source and resources. I’m so sorry many of us treat our credit score as if it doesn’t count. ” I can say all this because I’ve been there, bad credit valley. A good credit score is your bargaining and buying power in this world.

The lower your score, the higher your interest rate for any credited account. And the interest rate is what drives up the cost of whatever you buy with a credited account, much, much higher and that’s if you can get some credit. If it’s in poor condition, the housing department that conducts the home owner’s sessions should be able to help you work on your budget to help improve your credit score and get you to the point that you are considered, “credit worthy. And you start thinking about what type of home you want to purchase don’t dig yourself into a hole. Remember, the bills will not come in the name of the “Jones”, but yours.

Like I said, I did it with only the necessary fees, no money down and nothing at closing. Okay, so now you’ve completed homeowners classes, got some credit counseling, got you act together with your spending and if need be jacked up that credit score, it's then time to find yourself a knowledgeable real estate agent and a lender that has the expertise in available grants and you can do it too!

 

*There are grants available by the federal government and individual states for homebuyers according to many income levels.

"Gimme Some!"

Oooohhhh, I know what you were thinking! But before we get into that, let me greet everyone that’s taking this time to keep up with me on my journey. I pray that you all are well and there is peace within you in the Name of Jesus.

It’s nothing wrong with wanting some, but the problem is when we can’t get enough or take what we have for granted. Doesn’t matter what “some” is as long as it’s good to us and sometimes good for us. Keep in mind what’s good for one person does not necessarily has to be or is the same for the next. It’s more than a matter of perception. 

I believe that’s why rich people become politicians, ‘because they want “some”! Money has lost its importance to them since they have so much of it, so they seek power. Politics and money equals politricks!

I’m not talking about give me some money, sex, honor or even a round of applause. What I’m talking about is gimme some more resource information! And not just me personally, but all those that are seekers of information. So many people lack because of information to invaluable resources. Some much important information seems to be hidden away. I felt that way when I was a teen aged girl in dire straits and I feel the same way now. People that are trying to dig their way out don’t usually have a shovel!

I said then that when I grew up I’d have an organization to help those in need, because I realized then that it is important to have access to resource information for guidance, support and other forms of assistance. Now when I said it many years ago I had no plan or idea that this indeed would be my life’s purpose, but truly, It's Nice To Be Nice (INTBN) International: http://www.intbn.org is a gift from GOD and provides resources and resource information to the communities we serve.

But that’s not what I want to talk about, instead of you giving me some, I’m going to give you some! I got some information for you. A few weeks ago in my post, “I Did It”, I told you that every door that I had knocked on opened. I don’t take credit for any of those opened doors, but give all credit and honor to GOD! HalleluJAH! In that post I talked about publishing my first book, http://www.amazon.com/Never-A-Mile-From-Home-ebook/dp/B00K5CCAJW/ref=cm_rdp_product but there’s more!

I bought my first property! Yep, did it with no money down and didn’t pay anything at closing, thank You Jesus! I prayed for it, claimed it and received it. No joke and I’m not selling nothing, but passing on some info. So I want to share with you how I did it in my next post so stayed tuned so I can give you some!

 

"Sexy"

Peace and blessings to all! I pray that no matter what situation, challenge or blessing that is upon you that it finds you in peace and resting in the Love of our ALMIGHTY GOD, in the Name of Jesus!

We must learn to let go in order to stay in peace. It’s when we hold on to worry, hurt and negative feelings that we feel so much of the weight of life’s burdens. This is something I’ve learned and believe me still working on. I’m not saying it’s easy, but each and every one of us deserves to be in peace and that peace is our responsibility to ourselves.  Stuff is messed up in the world, but that doesn’t mean that we should let that stuff mess us up. It is necessary to forgive ourselves just as we forgive others. When we let the external defeat our internal then we walk around with twisted faces and twisted ideas. And trust me a twisted face is not sexy.    

 A good conversation! Yep, to be able to converse with another individual of the opposite sex without hatred, gossip, cursing and lies is sure nuff sexy to me. Wait, don’t get me wrong I’m looking as well, but if the mouth opens and garbage falls out it's over. A nicely groomed person will stick out in the crowd, but so will a disheveled one. Don't get me wrong, a good conversation is fantastic with anyone! What comes out of a person’s mouth speaks for that individual.

Imagine you’re out alone some place just chilling and taking in the atmosphere when you’re approached by someone that you’ve noticed more than a few times because they’re just too fine not to be noticed.  You make eye contact, your heartbeat races as they approach you, but before you can finish plastering on that winning smile of yours, you’re greeted with, “g-- d---, you’re a-- is fine! What the f--- is your name!?“  Huh, what!? Poof!

Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Communication is key in any type of relationship. To be able to chat about world affairs and varied ideas is very enticing. Words are lures just as bait is to fish. You can catch or repel with them.

Being able to express your thoughts, feelings and ideas in a constructive and positive light can save your life. and possibly someone else's.   

Your mouth and ears are sexy! Being able to listen to another’s point of view even if it’s different from yours is sexy, because that means you’re open and willing to share. Who knows, you may learn something. If we can’t exchange opposing ideas then we are selfish. And when we refuse to listen or even try to understand another’s point of view it breeds conflict. Not saying you have to agree, but understanding is important, or least trying. That’s part of the world's problem, why there are so many killings and so many wars and neither is sexy.    

Say what!?

 

"Lovers"

Peace and blessings to all. I hope your journey is well and peaceful if any thing has happened to you disturb you since that last time you read my blog I pray that your tensions are released as you move forward in your journey in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

These days we have to not only stay in peace but also seek it. Yep, it’s so much going on in the world, our environments, our families and our lives that easily distract us from our peace. Not only do we need to stay in peace, but we also must be mindful to be peacemakers, no matter how small or large the discord.

If you love, truly love that means you care, and that equates to caring about humanity. So we, let’s call ourselves “lovers” since we have established that we love. Now if you’re a lover it’s impossible to go through every day and not care about the state of the human conditions. Wars, famines, severe weather, hunger, sickness, poverty, and the list goes ons. Natural and man made disaster are causing people to live uncomfortable lives. But that’s not what I’m going to focus on, because we all have remarkable coping skills, some way much better than others. 

I don’t get why some seem to invite what I perceive as chaos or darkness into not only their lives, but their environment.  Currently I live in Chicago and if you watch the news any place in the world you should know that this city has become a murder capital. But that’s no surprise this city has been made itself known before because of that. Young people killing young people, umph, umph, umph. So sad, it makes me sad, but at the same time I see and hear the beauty in the trees.

I’m just saying! Stuff is ugly you guys, real ugly so let’s work harder at rejecting darkness and also helping others reject darkness and embrace some light! We need to love more, to love better and harder. People pass by each in hallways, on the street and would prefer to drop their head instead of extending a greeting to the next person. I mean literally look you in the face and at the moment you’re going to pass each other they will either look away or drop their head. Your smile, your hello can mean a lot to a person. You never know what that person is experiencing in their life and your warmth just may be their lifeline. Let’s take time to greet one another. Okay, do we lovers have a deal?!

Peace starts from within, and like love, if you don’t have it you can’t give it. You can never stop to smell the roses if you don’t see them. Understand? We have to be attentive to peace and each other. Now some people and things you’ll have to make a certain kind of peace with and keep it moving. Got me?!

All I’m saying is that there is so much to love and enjoy in this life, even in the midst of our troubles. Look at the beauty in the skies, the colors around you, listen to the birds and focus on what’s good and or the good you’re expecting to come.

GOD is a great GOD and whether you believe me or not HE does not want us to suffer. HE created us to praise HIM, and in HIS infinite wisdom HE knows we’re less likely to praise HIM things are going badly. So HE wants us to be well and to live peacefully not just alone, but each other.

I'm Just Saying

I DID IT!

Yes I did and I’m so thankful! First, all honor and praises go to GOD, because all good and perfect gifts are from and through HIM! My life is a testimony and so is yours if you acknowledge it.

 

Not only did I do it, but I did some more. Yep, every door that I knocked on opened. What I set my mind to came to fruition. Now some of these things have been in my prayers and on my heart for years. Others came to me through my spirit and I trusted and believed what I heard would come to pass, all I had to do was obey the quiet voice I heard inside of me. Remember I told you a couple of weeks ago that I had to still myself, tune out the external so I can hear that soft Spirit that speaks to me, comforts me and guides me.

Let me tell you that when the spirit speaks, be quiet and listen. No one can ever know more than the creator and we are all created with a plan for our use and purpose in this life. I’m so thankful that I understand my purpose so far and wait for the revelation for what’s ahead of me for my future. That’s exciting news! I don’t want or need a psychic, humph, what I got is the essence of all truths. HalleluJAH.

Many years ago, in the eighties to be exact I desired to start my own business. I had no business skills or any idea of what kind of business I wanted to start. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to be self-sufficient. I didn’t have any resources, but I had me. So I decided I would be my business. Yep, me. No I wasn’t I going to sell my body, believe me I’ve done that before and it didn’t work out well at all. What I decided to do was tell my story, the truth about my life; an open door access to my failures and successes. Besides I know that my journey is not just for me, but a benefit to someone else. Sure, sure, everybody’s got a story, but not everyone is willing to tell the world. I’ve swept my closet clean and the skeletons have tumbled out because I opened the door and no one else.

So I’ve done it after twenty or so some odd years of editing, rewriting, fear, rejection and skepticism, I’ve published my first book! Never A Mile From Home (my first book), is a true blessing for me and I hope it blesses you as well.Yay for me, I’m so proud of myself! It’s the first of a series of three books and this first one in the series was the hardest to write I believe. It reveals a very painful past of poor self-esteem, abuse, prostitution and prison. I’m so thankful that my pain is in the past and that it did not carry with me throughout my life. I’m so sorry for those that can’t or don’t know how to release their pain or how to be healed. Even sorrier for those who are content or wallow in their pain. It’s like the old adage of the person sitting on the tack complaining of how bad the tack feels. You’ve got to get off of it, or at least shift positions.  

I shifted my way of thinking and now I'm an owner and not a renter. Uh huh, next I'll fill you in on how I bought my condo with no money down, and no closing fees!

Trust me, you don’t have to stay down unless that’s where you want to be. You can stand! You can stand and help others stand. Don’t be afraid to change directions, what you believe or your situation and never fail to stretch out your hand to pull someone else up!

What are your hands doing?

 

 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Never+A+Mile+From+Home

 

 

 

More to come....

Hi! I’ve really missed sharing with you, but it was a lot going on and I had to get my directions from on HIGH. When I’m searching for an answer I have to still myself, tune out the external so I can hear that soft Spirit that speaks to me, comforts me and guides me.

It’s all been worth it and I’m quite sure that you will agree with me after a few post as we play catch up.

If you’re familiar with my blog or you’re just getting into the groove with me, let me say welcome.  Always know that you’re invited to ask me questions or make comments.

Let’s see where to start?     

It’s been a year since I’ve returned to the States from Gambia, West Africa, and what a year it’s been. Fruitful indeed!

I came back to the states not knowing what to expect, but that’s life anyway. We can plan, make arrangement or set things up, but that does not mean that your plans, arrangements, or set ups will be as you wanted or expected. That is how most of life has been. Shucks, for a great portion of my life so far, I have not planned its course. In my way of thinking I believed that since GOD predestined our future any way, it’s futile to plan what’s next. I do believe that I’ve eluded to this about me in an earlier post. But these days I do make plans, but I know that GOD’s will be done.

My planned living arrangements fell through completely! I had a hotel room for a few days, but who can afford that. And who wants to live in a hotel room for an extended period? I felt trapped, caged! I could feel the energy and life of the city all around, yet I felt removed from it.

Uh uh, no, I wasn’t having that, so first things first, I prayed. Yep that’s first for me. I first expressed my thanks to GOD for making all things and praising HIM for HIS goodness, then I began to talk to HIM about my situation. I needed some transportation and I needed a place to live immediately! I trusted HE would provide and I got busy looking for both. Looking for an apartment with a short term lease wasn’t going to be easy. I had plans and they didn’t include a long term lease.

The next day I bought a reliable used vehicle and moved into temporary housing! Yes, just like that.

Now I could get down to business, spread my wings! After all that’s one of the reasons why I came back to the states from Africa. That, my family and my health. Aspects of each of these where limited while living there. Now we all know that Africa is a very, very large continent,  but I had grown so much in the time I spent there that it didn’t, no place for that matter have enough space for my wingspan.

HalleluJAH, I was getting ready to fly!     

Come soar with me!

 

On yor mark, get ready, set........

No not go yet, but in a few days it's going to be more than an earful.

I've been away from my blog for some time, but I needed my super powers to bend steel. So now since the metal has been reconfigured to my liking I can get back to filling you in on my journey.

It has been awesome! I didn't say easy, but that's what makes it so awesome. 

GOD has been and is so good to me!




Stay tuned!

Is There A Doctor In The House!?

Greetings and blessings to one and all! Whether this is the 1^st time you’re reading my blog or have been with me from day 1 when I started in Gambia, West Africa, I pray that my words touch your heart and mind: that you be encouraged, enlightened and entertained as you walk with me on my journey.

One thing I have to admit is that I have been inconsistent with writing every week as I was in Gambia. Seems I’m distracted with the goings on in my daily life of getting resettled back in Chicago.   

I came back on all around zero, so I’m working hard at filling up that which was empty! That includes but not limited to my energy, my own place to stay, a car, grounding and developing my organization here as well as maintaining it in Africa, being the matriarch for my family and making sure my health is in order. 

Let me fill you in on the healthcare exploits since my return. I commented in one of my blog post when I was in Gambia that I did not go to the doctor there unless it was an emergency. It’s not the fault of the system or people it’s just that certain things there are limited in more ways than one. So one of the 1^st things on my “to do list” when I got back here was to schedule my annual physical. Now I must say, thank GOD I have health insurance, but what’s with the referral system in healthcare? Geez!!!!

Since I’ve been back I’ve been in a hospital or clinic setting 7 times. Yep 7 times in 76 days, whoa!  Mind you I’m fairly healthy, praise GOD, but I do have an ache here and a pain there! So it seems to me wherever there is an ache or pain you’re referred to this doctor or that doctor for each thing. Huh, what!? What happened to the days that you GP took care of all that? My GP could not even interpret a test result from another doctor I’d been referred to. And oh yeah, those referrals are ten times as much per visit than that of a visit with my GP. Is there a kickback scheme to this referral thing I wonder, especially since they’re usually all in the same network!? Hmmmm....

Here’s an example: at my stage in life a colonoscopy is recommended every 5-10 years as part of a wellness physical. Ok that means a referral to a GI Doctor to schedule the procedure at the cost of $40.00. Mind you he didn’t touch or examine me. The crisp white paper on his exam table didn’t get sat on or wrinkled. He just scheduled the procedure. I started to just rip off a sheet and ball it up for the heck of it to get a piece of some $40.00 paper! Hahahahaha!!! Now in order to get the results of the procedure I have to go back to him to give me those results and spend another $40.00, Dang!  

Not to mention doctors that will give you a prescription for only 30 days and tell you to come back in 30 days for a refill. Huh, what!? That means another fee for him or her. I tell you folks it seems like a racket to me and I’m a nurse!

Now I’m far from being financially rich and thank GOD I don’t have to take a lot of medication, but $40.00 here and $50.00 there takes a chunk out of my finances. But what about those that are facing health challenges, elderly and infirmed that do need constant medical follow up and medications. This is a maze that needs to be straightened out with a quickness. Ok, I won't rant, but this is a truth about a system that is faulty and broken.

 I’m just saying!