Faith

Do you consider FAITH a noun or a verb? Let's start with the dictionary definition of faith: something that is believed especially with strong conviction (Merriam Webster Dictionary). Personally, I identify with the biblical definition: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1). Now, do you consider FAITH a noun or a verb? A noun is a person, place or thing but a verb is an action.

To me, FAITH is a verb. I know you are probably wondering why does it matter if it is a noun or a verb. It matters because without faith, it is impossible to make it through life. Your FAITH becomes activated during some of the most challenging times in life. Trust me, I may only be 30 years old but there have been situations in my life that have caused me to rely solely on my faith.

Honestly, FAITH becomes tested when you least expect it. A couple of weeks ago, my FAITH was tested with news of possible layoffs. I did not become nervous but I remained calm. My FAITH reassured me that it will be alright. Before my human instincts could kick in to cause me to worry about bills, responsibilities and other uncertainties; my FAITH was already working in overdrive.

Presently, I am still faced with uncertainty but I know that it will all work out. I know that sometimes things have to be taken away or altered to allow us to reach higher heights. For the past 3 years, I have prayed constantly about my purpose and direction. I want to be able to utilize my gifts in the spiritual and natural world. I know that I have to maintain my FAITH in order to get to the place where I need to be in my life.

Though the outcome may seem far away and the obstacles may seem too great, I know that it will be ok. I have a strong feeling that the situation will work out for my good. It is so easy to quote the definition of FAITH or to tell someone else to "Keep the FAITH". The hard part comes when you have to ACTIVATE your FAITH.

Now, do you consider FAITH a noun or a verb? I am currently activating my FAITH because I know that even though the situation may seem impossible, it is more than possible.

LOVE

Have you ever been so happy and full of love that you feel like you could burst? My heart gets so overwhelmed with feelings of extreme joy that I think I cannot take anymore. It is the best feeling!

I often get full of joy when I go home to DeRidder. My family makes my heart soooo full because I love them soooooo much! I also get full of joy when I begin to think of my relationship with my boyfriend. I get so full of joy that it almost brings me to tears (happy tears!). I also get full of joy when I go to church. Sometimes the message that is being brought forth is just for me and it consumes my heart and makes my spirit so full! 

Love is so powerful! It can be so hard to describe a feeling that is so deep. I know that it feels so good to experience love in its purest form. I can only hope that everyone else can experience love the way that I have. 

Valentine's Day was yesterday and it makes me so happy to see everyone celebrate a holiday that is centered around love. Now, I know there are some people that are ANTI- Valentine's Day participants... you know, the ones that say it's a holiday created by florists and greeting card companies or it may be the ones that are single. Personally, I believe that sometimes as humans we need a holiday that prompts us to remember the people that are special to us and express our love. Many people stated, "Valentine's Day is just one day, but you should show love EVERYDAY". That is also true but we get so wrapped up in our everyday busy lives that we don't show how much our loved ones mean to us.

At the end of the day; the candy, cards, jewelry, dinner, etc that Valentine's Day brings is awesome. Some people go above and beyond to make that someone special know that they are loved. Valentine's Day may seem like a day reserved for your significant other but you can spread your love to everyone that holds a special place in your heart.

In the midst of all the sweet treats, flowers and food... My Valentine's Day wish is that everyone's heart is filled with love, so much love that you feel like you could burst. Though the feeling is not tangible, it is everlasting. What better Valentine's gift than a full heart?  Happy Valentines Day! 

2015

Happy, Happy New Year! Wait, I know I'm so late. I won't give you any excuses but I will tell you that I am so happy to be back in action! I am so excited for the things I have planned for Misha's Mentions this year! Now, that pleasantries are out of the way... How many of you made resolutions? I know, I know it seems that resolutions are not "in" anymore. More than anything on social media, people make fun of the people that still partake in resolutions. Well, I have a confession to make.... I still believe in resolutions!

I have always been a fan of goal setting, lists, planning, etc. I like to write down what I want to accomplish, how I'm going to do it and when it's going to happen. Goal setting just makes me feel complete. I tend to live by the fact that each day you wake up is another chance to get it right, which means I may not always accomplish every goal but I keep trying. New Year's Resolutions are basically the main event of Goal Setting. It's the perfect time to shine and get your best goal ready. So, I know you are probably wondering what my resolutions are?

My main resolution is to get in better shape. Not a very original resolution, but a necessary one. Currently, I weigh the most that I have ever weighed in my life. It has to change. I am making a conscious decision to eat better and exercise more. I even signed up for my first 5K, which has been a goal of mine for the past 3 years! I am excited about the journey that I am embarking on.

While on social media, I saw a graphic for 2014 Reflections and 2015 Goals. I want to share it with you so you can fill in your own blanks but I also want to share what I filled in!

2014:
My favorite experience: My 30th Birthday! I am loving becoming older and more mature.

My biggest accomplishment: Misha's Mentions! This is something that gives me great joy and I am working to make it even better.

My favorite place to visit: DeRidder, LA. It's HOME, always has been and always will be.

The best meal is: Chargrilled oysters and boiled seafood (crab legs, shrimp, crawfish, etc)

If I have a free day, I like to: Open my blinds to let the sunlight in and lounge on the couch. Then go to the lakes for a walk. Perfect.

My favorite book: I don't really have one right now! I used to read all the time but I don't really read as much now.

My favorite movie: ???

One way I'd like to grow in 2015: Follow through with all the great ideas that I come up with!

2015:
I want to continue to: Have positive energy. Being negative can really weigh you down.

I want to try: Expanding my palette and trying new foods.

I want to stop: Doubting myself.

I'd like to visit these places: Washington, D.C./ New York City/Orlando, FL/Destin, FL

My goals for this year:          1.Follow through with my ideas for Misha's Mentions.
                                                 2. Keep being me and striving to be better everyday.


Everyday I wake up thankful for a new day and ready to make this day better than the one before. I make resolutions every day as I think about how I can be better. Instead of saying "New Year, New Me", say "New Year, Same Me...But Better" Happy New Year!

Vegas!

 I had the time of my life in Vegas in October! Yes, I went to Las Vegas, NV to celebrate my best friend's birthday!Arnikko turned 30, well me too...but a week after her so that makes her older! This trip had been in the works for months! It ended up being 8 girls, our priority was to have fun and we definitely had a blast!


Now, about this trip... The trip was amazing! This was my first Vegas trip and I knew all of the ladies except for 1. First of all, I know that it is challenging to plan a trip for a group of adults AND have it go smoothly. There are so many personalities, likes and dislikes, preferences, etc. This trip was not like that. We didn't have drama and everybody had 1 goal... HAVE FUN! We were in Vegas, so I knew I was going to party but I did not think that these ladies would inspire me and teach me things like they did! For this blog entry, I would like to introduce you to the fabulous ladies from the trip!

 

Arnikko

Where do I begin? Arnikko has been my friend as long as I can remember. We have went through every important phase in our lives together. Arnikko is a giver, she would give her last if she could. She's loyal to her family and friends. The best example that I can give to illustrate how loyal she is from a time when we were in college. We were sophomores in college at Louisiana Tech, she said that she would not be in her room because she had some business to handle that day. That was odd because we spent mostly everyday, all day together. That particular day, she made the decision to go test to get into the Army Reserves. I asked her why did she do it. "She told me that there were things that she needed and she had to make a personal decision to prepare for her future. She wanted to travel, she wanted to be financially stable, she wanted her college paid for, and she wanted retirement." What 20 year old do you know is already thinking about retirement? Since that day, she made the sacrifice of being a normal 20 year old to being wise beyond her years. She is fulfilling her dreams of seeing the world and this is just the beginning. She inspires me constantly and she is so much fun to hang out with. I'm so happy I got to celebrate her 30th birthday with her!

 

April

I also met April at Louisiana Tech. We took some Speech Communication classes together, but I only knew her in passing. I remember one of my professors saying, "April is one of the best speakers in our class". What an honor! I am a word/speech/communication nerd so that complement set a mark of what I wanted to aspire to become. She was very intelligent and it was highly noticeable. April is one of those people that you just want to be your friend. She goes against the grain, not because it is popular but because it is what she truly believes. She has a heart for education and is currently pursuing a higher degree. Expect great things from her!

 

Kim

Kim is also a Louisiana Tech Alumnus! Geaux Dawgs! I met Kim through Arnikko, we have hung out several times and I really enjoy when we all get together. Kim is currently pursuing her Master's degree while working a full time job. I admire her will and tenacity. She has goals of possibly doing consulting work after she finishes her degree. She has a plan and I know that she will execute it without any problems. Kim is a great friend to Arnikko. She is a constant in her life and I get the impression that she is a great friend to all of her friends in her circle. Geaux Kimmie!

 

TaKeisha

I did not meet TaKeisha until the trip but I instantly liked her. She has such a peaceful spirit about her. Over brunch, she shared that she has dreams of starting her own non profit agency. I am rooting for her because not only does she have a passion for what she wants to do but she is interested in learning the business side to her passion. From first impressions, TaKeisha balances her life very well. She is a mother, has a full time career and has higher aspirations for her life as well. She also recently appeared in a stage play in Monroe. I did not get to attend but it looked amazing through Facebook photos! TaKeisha is multi-talented and definitely an innovator. Remember her name, she is going to do amazing works!

 

Danielle T.

Danielle! I have known Danielle forever! We grew up together in DeRidder! Danielle is married and a mother of 3. However, being a wife and mother is not the only thing that she does. She is also a property manager for an apartment complex. She shared that she took a property that no one wanted to manage and turned it around. She also shared a story about having faith with the group of ladies. I really have tucked that story in my heart because she was honest with how faith has manifested in her life. Danielle makes being a wife and mother easy and she always seems to look fabulous while doing it!

 

Danielle S.

Danielle S.! I met Danielle once before in Houston. She has been friends with Arnikko since she moved to Houston about 7 years ago. Danielle is multi-talented. First of all she taught me how to pin curl my hair, and I have been pin curling ever since Vegas! She knows how to style hair, do make up, etc but those skills are not her career. She has a full time position with a dental office and at the time she was transitioning to a new position. She also bakes cakes! Cakes by DaniDidIt! She is a cake stylist and her cakes are fabulous! I can tell the she puts her heart into everything that she makes! Check her out on Instagram!

 

Markeisha

Last, but not least is Markeisha! Markeisha is a nurse in the Army. I met Markeisha through Arnikko only once. Arnikko and Markeisha met during Basic training. Markeisha is so much fun to hang around and she is a person that you want to hang around. She was so easy going and she was an early riser like me! I did not have a chance to interact with her until the Vegas trip and I really enjoyed being around her. She was such a genuine person!

 

 

 

What an amazing group of ladies! We had an amazing time celebrating Arnikko's birthday.  I never imagined that 30 would feel this good and look this good! There is so much wisdom, intelligence, beauty and aspiration in all of these ladies. The impact that they had on my life in one weekend is only a fragment of the impact they are going to make on this world!

 

 

 

JOY

Wow! This year has flown by! We are now in the month of December and a new year is upon us. 2014 has been amazing. I have grown so much in this past year and I look forward to celebrating the rest of the year.

Today, I just want to share how thankful and grateful I am for EVERYTHING! My heart is so full of joy! I have always heard people say that there is a different between being happy and having joy. I thought they were synonymous but having joy just bursts from the inside. Why do I have so much joy? I thought you would never ask!

I have a wonderful support system. My parents are my foundation, they are everything and more than I could ever ask for. I have siblings that I love dearly. I have an extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. I have not had to bury any of my family this year, they are still here. That's a blessing!

I have love in my life. I have a boyfriend that I feel is my partner in this life together. It feels wonderful to have someone that loves me just as much as I love him.

I have a career. I have found my niche and I am growing everyday. Not only that, I am surrounded with coworkers who are genuine.

I have goals. I have things that I want to accomplish. I want to use my life for what God wants me to do.

I have LIFE. It feels wonderful to say that. I am alive. I have all of my limbs, I'm not sick. I am living.

I have HOPE. I know that no matter what may be going on in the world, I know that there is joy in the morning.

My life is good. No, I may not have everything that I WANT but I have more than what I NEED. My joy comes from within me and I am so full. So are you happy or do you have JOY?

When It Rains... It Pours

How many times have you heard the phrase, "When it rains, it pours"? I hear it all the time when things are not going very well. It means that one problem leads to another. I hate to hear this phrase.

Last week, for the first time since I purchased my car, I had car trouble! First of all, I think it is a blessing that I have gone this long without a trip to the mechanic or auto shop. But on the other hand, who enjoys car trouble? Nobody. The problem was handled swiftly thanks to my boyfriend stepping in to save the day. He kept me calm, scheduled a tow truck, and communicated with the repairman about the repairs. I had my car back within 36 hours! At one point, I began to get extremely nervous and frustrated. But then I reminded myself, "Why worry, when you can pray?" I was also extremely thankful that my supervisor from work brought me home on Friday and my boyfriend's sister was willing to help me get around Baton Rouge. Everyone was so supportive and for that I am extremely grateful.

So, my life was back on track after my car was back on the road! Then on Monday, my phone slipped out of my hands and crashed to the ground! Great! Not only did I just pay for my car to be repaired, but now I have to repair the screen on my phone. In that moment, I caught the negativity that was getting ready to spill out of my mouth and shoved it to the back of my mind. The bright side of my phone slipping to the ground is that it still works and it actually is not going to be as costly as I first assumed.

The lesson that I have learned in this past week, is that life is not always perfect. Yes, these were minor event or hiccups in my life. It could have been worse, however even if it was I have to trust and believe that it would have all worked out for my good. Every time someone comments, "When it rains, it pours", it makes me feel like we don't have any faith in what is to come. As humans, we automatically fear for the worst but as believers we should expect the best. Exercise your faith when a trial comes into your life.

 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 

 

Hello October!

Hello! Hello! I have missed posting! I had a little bit of writer's block in September and just couldn't get a topic together but I am back! It's been a while; the season has changed from Summer to Fall, a new month has begun and most of all there are so many exciting things happening!

October is my favorite month of  the year! Not only is it my birthday but so many of my closest friends and relatives also celebrate their birthdays this month. The weather is awesome and I just feel a sense of renewal. I know that we are 8 days into the month so let me give you a recap on what has happened so far!

On this past Saturday we held a cookout to celebrate my Papa's 87th Birthday! That's right, he is 87 years old! What a tremendous blessing... not only to be that age, but to be that age and still be able to be self-sufficient! We had a great turnout to celebrate his birthday and it actually looked like a mini-reunion rather than a birthday party! There was plenty of food and lots of laughs. I felt blessed that not only was my Papa there but my Gran was right by his side. I also got to see lots of my cousins! Most of them I communicate with regularly and others we just don't get the chance to stay in touch. Check out some of the pictures below!



Gran, Papa, Delishea (my sister) and me!

My cousin (Dee Dee), me, and Cherrelle.

Me and my sister! We look alike on this picture!

My Aunt Mae Helen and me!

Aunt Mae Helen and my sister!

Me and Gran!

Cherrelle, me and my sister!

As you can see, the first week/weekend in October brought on lots of fun! This weekend coming up is my boyfriend's birthday and I am super excited about it! I will keep you all updated each week of this month! I promise not to be a stranger. As always, I appreciate your support!