This Easter season has me being still, reflecting deeply on the journey, and on God’s faithfulness, His grace, and His relentless love!

There is so much to be thankful for!

Death surrounded me at an earlier age. In my little mind, I thought if I kept people at a distance, my heart would be safe. I believed that if I didn’t get too close, I wouldn’t have to feel the pain of loss again.

But that wasn’t true.

Instead of protecting my heart, I found myself living guarded. And that showed up in how I related to my mother growing up. I built walls thinking they would keep the hurt out, but they also kept healing out.

It wasn’t until I encountered Christ that everything began to change. He gently showed me that true safety isn’t found in isolation, it’s found in Him. Where I had fear, He offered peace. Where I had brokenness, He brought healing. Where I tried to control everything, He taught me how to trust.

I often think about the young girl I once was! The one who once found herself in fights on the streets of Chicago (Not ones she started), but fights none the less – not fully understanding at the time what was covering her.

Looking back now, I know it was the prayers of my mother and my great-grandmother that carried me and brought me safely home. And when I found Jesus for myself, everything changed. God met me right where I was! That’s My Testimony…

Little by little, He began to soften my heart, reminding me that love, real love, always carries risk, but in Him, it also carries hope! I am no longer guarded, because I have placed my life is in His hands.

What I once thought would protect me was actually holding me back. But through Christ, I’ve found a deeper kind of safety, one that doesn’t depend on circumstances, but on His presence.

I rededicated my life back to the Lord in my early 20s (really, it felt like the first time – because this time, I did it knowing just how much I needed Him). My husband and I had been married since our teen years, and we had no clue as to what we were doing! We found a church home, our first church home together and we sat under the word for more than a year. Allowing the Lord to do a work. Being a part of that church, and surrounded by those people truly changed our lives. It was a place that was rooted in holiness, where the Word of God was preached with power, and the move of the Holy Spirit was undeniable.

I was surrounded by strong, faith-filled women who; encouraged, uplifted, and strengthened one another in the Lord.

I sat under that anointing until one day, the Lord stirred something in me again, He called me back to sing.

I joined the choir, and week after week, the Word washed over me through music and song. The worship was intentional, songs grounded in Scripture, carrying truth and power.

I was on fire for God! And, not long after, the Lord placed something on my heart; to begin writing letters… sharing my faith. And that’s exactly what I did.

Shortly after, my husband’s job moved us to a new state. We had been at that church for a number of years, and I remain so grateful for that season.

Those early years weren’t easy. If I’m honest, I sometimes focused more on the naysayers than I should have. My focus was off—and it affected how I saw things.

He still surrounded us with people who were invested in our spiritual growth and in the health of our family.

Those letters I once wrote?

They became the early version of this blog.

And, that blog turned into my 1st book.

My passions have always been clear:

• Ministering the Gospel through song
• Sharing my faith through the written word

And here I am… doing both again.

Last month alone, nearly 5,000 unique visitors came to the site. People reached out. They shared their stories.

And in those moments, I was reminded… This isn’t about me. This is for Him, the One my soul loves.

Nothing matters more than my relationship with Him.

Those quiet moments, just me and Him, moving in harmony, are everything.

In my quiet time, the Lord reminded me of something deeper: Our need for Him.

Not just in the obvious ways, but in how we see others.

we don’t just celebrate Easter, we live it.

His sacrifice did more than save me, it began transforming me. I can see the evidence of that transformation in my everyday life through the fruit of the Spirit. As it says in The Bible, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I have learned what it means to truly love His people. Not just the easy ones, but even those who have hurt me or misunderstood me. God has softened my heart and continues to teach me how to love the way He loves.

He has replaced sorrow with joy. Even in moments where grief could have taken over, especially when reflecting on the death of my mother, I am reminded that because He got up, death does not have the final say. That truth has filled my heart with a deep, unshakable joy. I will see my mother again.

This Easter Season…

• Let’s not miss it.
• Let’s focus on the God of the Bible.
• Let’s be His hands and feet.
• Let’s be a witness.
• Let’s love people the way He loves us.

Because, “He got up!” That changed everything. And for that… I am completely in awe.

The goal is to dedicate at least one blog a month to “My Fitness Journey.”

This month has been tough. My focus hasn’t been where I wanted it to be when it comes to fitness.

Spring Breaks, a house full of people, and plenty of fun activities filled the calendar.

And if I’m really telling the truth, the biggest disruption was the time change. For some reason, this one hit harder than usual. My mornings started later, my rhythm felt off, and it just took more effort to get going.

Now, I did stay somewhat intentional with my eating. Not perfect—there were definitely a few moments where a piece of candy (or two) slipped in, but overall, I stayed mindful. Still, I don’t have much of a fitness update to give this time around.

But instead of forcing something that’s not there, I’m choosing to follow what God placed on my heart to share.

Recently, I was asked a question during our Table Topics discussion at Toastmasters around the idea of “spring cleaning,” not the kind involving closets or garages.

The question was something like:

What would you do to clean up a situation where something you said caused a misunderstanding?

That one made me pause.

Because the truth is, misunderstanding is inevitable.

People interpret what we say through the lens of their own experiences, upbringing, and current circumstances. It’s subjective. What you meant and what they heard don’t always align.

And if we’re not careful, those gaps in understanding can create distance.

But I’ve learned this:

The people who truly care will seek clarity.

But that was not the question. The question was, how would I clean it up?

Scripture teaches us that if there’s an issue with a brother or sister, we should go directly to them. Not around them. Not about them. But to them. There’s wisdom in addressing things at the source instead of letting assumptions grow roots.

That takes humility.

That takes courage.

And honestly, it takes maturity.

My answer would be to ask questions, reflect on where I may not have communicated clearly, and then do the work to make it right by bringing clarity.

I’m reminded of a powerful book by Greg Holder called The Genius of One.

At its core, the book is about learning how to truly see and relate to one another in emotionally and spiritually healthy ways, so that we, as the church, can fulfill Jesus’ prayer for us and model a better way of loving one another in a fractured world.

Instead of trying to manage perceptions broadly or fix everything at once, we’re called to lean into individual relationships with intentionality. When misunderstandings happen, the goal isn’t to win, it’s to understand and to restore.

The book highlights how meaningful it is to slow down, to truly listen, and to value people. That mindset is instrumental in learning how to get along, not just on the surface, but in a way that builds trust and unity.

Because at the end of the day, relationships aren’t sustained by being right, they’re sustained by being willing.

So while my fitness journey this month may not reflect discipline in the way I planned…

There is still growth happening.

Growth in patience.

Growth in communication.

Growth in choosing connection over assumption.

And maybe that’s a different kind of strengthening.

The kind that doesn’t show up in the mirror, but shows up in how we love, how we listen, and how we show up for one another.

Because at the end of the day, a healthy life isn’t just about physical endurance…

It’s about emotional and spiritual maturity too.

And this month, that’s where the real work happened.

So no! This wasn’t my strongest month in fitness.

But it was a month of becoming.

And I’m learning that every part of the journey counts. #Faith #Family #Fitness

What I am learning more and more in this season of my life is that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

Sometimes we pray for open doors. But we rarely thank God for the closed ones.

Closed doors are not always rejection. Often, they are protection, preparation, or redirection.

Scripture reminds us:

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” — Book of Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time to plant.

A time to wait.

And a time for God to say, “Now.”

Looking back, I can see that the delays were not wasted time. They were formation time. God was shaping my heart, refining my faith, and reminding me that this platform is not about me — it is all about Him.

Closed Doors Matter Too

We often celebrate open doors because they feel like victory. But closed doors are just as important in our walk with God.

Closed doors teach us:

• Patience

• Trust

• Obedience

• Dependence on God rather than our own plans

In Proverbs 16:9 we are reminded: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

I planned.

I worked.

But ultimately, God directed the timing. And when God says it is time, the door that once would not budge suddenly opens.

This blog was birthed from a deep desire within me: to share my faith and point people to Jesus.

My heart is simple. I want to be a witness.

Not quietly.

Not timidly.

But boldly.

I want to proclaim to anyone who will listen how important it is to give your life over to God. The world is full of voices telling people where to place their hope. But the truth is that real hope is only found in Christ.

This past week, our house was full.

Young people filled the rooms. Conversations echoed through the house. Laughter, questions, stories, and moments of real connection stretched for hours. We simply spent time together — building community, being present, and allowing the Lord to have His way in the middle of it all.

And in that moment, something became clear to me.

God was showing me something deeper about this season.

He was confirming to me that this house (our house) is meant to be a safe place!

A place where people can come and rest.

A place where young people can feel seen and heard.

A place where the presence of God is welcome.

Not because everything is perfect here. But because He is here.

It reminded me of the words of Jesus in *Gospel of Matthew 25:35:

“I was a stranger and you invited me in.”

Sometimes ministry doesn’t happen on a stage. Sometimes it happens around a kitchen table, in a living room, or late at night in honest conversation.

And as the Lord leads, I want this home to remain a place where people can lay their head, find peace, and encounter God’s love.

With Easter approaching, I am reminded of something even deeper — the Good News of the Gospel. Easter is not just a holiday. It is the foundation of our faith.

The Good News is this: God loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to save us.

Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and three days later He rose from the grave. Through His death and resurrection, we are offered forgiveness, new life, and the promise of eternity with God.

Scripture says in *Gospel of John 3:16:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

That is the Good News.

No matter your past.

No matter your mistakes.

No matter how far you think you’ve wandered.

Grace is available.

Hope is available.

New life is available.

And that message is exactly why sharing our faith matters so much.

At the center of my heart is a passion to reach people for Jesus!  #KingdomBuilder

    To reach the unreached.

    To tell the untold.

Scripture says in Proverbs 11:30:

“He who wins souls is wise.”

Soul winning is not about arguments or perfect words.

It is about sharing the love and truth of Jesus.

Sometimes that happens through a conversation.

Sometimes through kindness.

And sometimes through something as simple as a blog post that reaches someone at the exact moment they need it.

This, “A Journal of Love,” Is My Act of Obedience!

Why Now?

Starting this blog again is not about popularity, numbers, or recognition.

• It is about obedience. It is about following God’s lead, even when I don’t know who will read it or where it will go.

• It is about trusting that if God placed this on my heart, then He also has a purpose for it.

The apostle *Paul the Apostle wrote in *First Letter to the Corinthians 3:6:

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”

That verse reminds me of something powerful: My job is simply to plant the seed. God handles the harvest. Step by Step

Faith rarely unfolds in giant leaps.

More often, it unfolds step by step.

One act of obedience.

One moment of courage.

One story shared.

This blog is simply my next step.

• A step of faith.
• A step of obedience.
• A step toward making a difference in someone’s life.

If even one person finds hope, encouragement, or truth through these words, then every delay, every closed door, and every moment of waiting will have been worth it.

Because in the end, it was never about why it didn’t happen sooner.

It was always about God saying, “Now.”

Closing Prayer

Lord,

Thank You for reminding us that Your timing is perfect. Help us trust You in the waiting seasons and recognize Your hand even when doors close. Give us the courage to share our faith boldly and the humility to follow wherever You lead. Use our homes, our words, and our lives as a witness so that others may come to know Your love and truth. Step by step, guide us into Your purpose.

Amen.

Important to Note: “Never be afraid to share your story – your obedience could be someone else’s breakthrough!” This is Me being intentional/sharing my story through; “A Journal of Love!” #LivingSurrendered #FollowingHisLead #EachOneReachOne #Faith #Family #Fitness

There is something sacred about surrender.

And if I’m honest, something incredibly hard about it too.

Surrender sounds beautiful in theory — laying our lives before Jesus, trusting His plan, believing His ways are higher than ours. But the real test of surrender shows up in the places that matter most to us.

The places where our hearts are deeply invested.

For many of us, that place is our children.

When our kids are little, surrender looks different. We guide them, protect them, shape their routines and decisions. We pray over scraped knees, school choices, and friendships.

But something shifts when they become adults.

Suddenly, the hands we once held begin to make their own choices. Their paths become their own. And as parents, we step into a new and unfamiliar space — one where love remains just as strong, but control fades away.

And if I’m honest… that can be hard.

Lately, I’ve been standing in one of those sacred seasons of watching.

Just recently, I stood on a beach and watched my daughter get married. The waves rolled in behind them as they promised forever, and I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude. I remembered the little girl she once was… and now here she was stepping into a new season of her life.

And now, another moment is around the corner. Soon I’ll be sitting in a crowd watching my another one of my son walk across a stage to receive his bachelor’s degree.

More milestones.

More adulting.

More moments where I realize my role has shifted again.

There are decisions they will make. Paths they will take. Lessons they will learn that I can’t control or script for them.

And in these spaces, God keeps whispering the same truth to my heart:

“Trust Me with them.”

Not just the easy parts.

Not just the things that make sense.

All of it.

Because surrender isn’t only about laying down our plans.

Sometimes it’s about laying down our worry.

It’s about trusting that the same God who loves my children more than I ever could is the One guiding their story.

There are moments when I want to fix things.

Moments when I want to protect them from every hard lesson.

Moments when I wish I could steer their decisions just a little bit.

But that’s not the role God has given me anymore.

Instead, He’s teaching me a new posture:

Hands off. Eyes on Jesus.

Hands off the outcomes.

Hands off the timelines.

Hands off the need to control the story.

Eyes on Jesus — the One who loves them more than I ever could.

There are days when surrender looks like prayer.

Quiet prayers whispered when no one else hears them.

“Lord, they are yours.”

“Lead them.”

“Protect them.”

“Draw them close to you.”

The truth is, surrender is not weakness.

It’s worship.

It’s choosing to believe that God’s plans are better than my own understanding. It’s trusting that even when I cannot see the full picture, He is faithfully working behind the scenes.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do as parents of adult children is not control… but pray.

Not force… but trust.

Not worry… but release.

Each day I’m learning again what it means to say:

“Lord, not my will, but Yours.”

Over my plans.

Over my family.

Over the people I love most.

Surrender isn’t something we do once.

It’s something we choose daily.

And the beautiful thing is this — every time we release something into God’s hands, we find peace waiting there.

Because His hands are far more capable than ours.

And His love for our children is even greater than our own.

So today, I surrender again.

My worries.

My hopes.

My need to control the story.

And I trust the Author who is still writing it!

A Prayer of Surrender

Lord,

Thank You for the gift of being their mother.

For every season… from scraped knees and bedtime prayers to weddings, graduations, and all the beautiful “adulting” moments in between.

You entrusted these lives to me for a time, but they have always belonged to You.

Today I lay down the weight of trying to control what was never mine to carry. I release the timelines, the outcomes, and the worries that sometimes fill my heart.

Teach me to trust You more.

Guide their steps when I cannot.

Protect their hearts when I am not there.

Draw them closer to You in every season of their lives.

And Lord, when my heart wants to hold on too tightly, remind me that Your plans for them are greater than anything I could imagine.

Help me walk this season with faith, peace, and open hands.

Hands off the things I cannot control.

Eyes fixed on You.

Amen.

What Happened When I Stopped GLP-1 Medication

A few years ago, I made the decision to start a GLP-1 medication after learning that I was prediabetic. At the time, medications like Ozempic and Wegovy were not nearly as popular or widely discussed as they are today.

There wasn’t a lot of information online. There weren’t thousands of people sharing their experiences on social media. I was simply trusting the medical advice I had been given and trying to take control of my health.

And to be fair, the medication did what it was supposed to do. I lost weight.

But there were things happening in my body that didn’t feel right.

Over time, I began noticing side effects that concerned me—my hair started thinning and I felt like my appearance was aging faster than normal. Eventually, I made the decision that continuing the medication wasn’t the best choice for me.

So more than two years ago, I stopped taking it.

What happened next is something I wasn’t prepared for.

The Return of Food Noise

When I stopped the medication, something came back that I hadn’t experienced in such a strong way before.

The food noise.

If you’ve never heard that term, it’s the constant mental chatter about food—thinking about what to eat next, craving sweets, or feeling pulled toward snacks even when you’re not truly hungry.

Before my illness and the medications that followed, the food noise wasn’t loud in my life.

But after stopping the GLP-1, it came back with a vengeance.

Last year, if I’m being honest, the guardrails were off. I ate out more, followed cravings, and sweets and candy started showing up more often than they should have.

It wasn’t about a lack of willpower. My body and mind were simply trying to recalibrate.

Starting My Fitness Journey Again

Recently, though, something has begun to shift.

The food noise is starting to quiet down, and I’m returning to the habits that help me feel strong and balanced.

Right now that looks like:

• Strength training through Beachbody workouts

• Lifting weights

• Walking and using the treadmill

• Increasing fiber and whole foods

• Being intentional about discipline again

So far, I’m 10 pounds down, and this week marked my first day back in the gym since the wedding.

It felt like the beginning of a new chapter.

Why I’m Sharing This Story

I’m sharing this because I believe transparency helps people heal and move forward.

If you’re navigating food noise, weight struggles, or trying to rebuild your health after medications, I want you to know something:

You are not alone.

This journey I’m on is about more than weight loss. It’s about faith, family, and fitness—three things that anchor my life.

Taking care of our bodies isn’t just physical. It’s also mental and spiritual.

The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19 that our bodies are temples. That perspective changes the way we think about health.

Fitness becomes less about appearance and more about stewardship.

If You’re Starting Over Too

Maybe you’re starting your health journey again.

Maybe the discipline slipped.

Maybe medications didn’t work the way you hoped.

Maybe life just got busy.

But starting again is still powerful.

As it says in Galatians 6:9:

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

So I’m choosing not to give up.

Ten pounds down.

Back in the gym.

Taking it one step at a time.

And if you’re walking this road too, I hope you’ll come along for the journey.

This morning in my quiet time, I spent some time in Numbers 1… and what stood out most to me was how intentional God is about order, preparation, and purpose.

Before the Israelites could move forward, God had Moses take a census—counting those who were ready for battle. It reminded me that God doesn’t just call us… He prepares us. He knows exactly who is ready, what we carry, and where we’re headed.

What also stood out was how each tribe had a role, and the Levites were set apart for something different. That really spoke to me—because it’s a reminder that we’re not all called to the same thing, but we are all called with purpose.

There’s no randomness with God. No one is overlooked. Everyone matters, and everyone has a place.

And this took me back to the last worship set at church… there was a song that kept ringing in my spirit: “Step by step, You’ll lead me and I will follow You all of my days.” Whew… that thing stayed with me.

My word for 2026 is Surrender. Not my will, but Yours (Lord Jesus). Not my way, but Yours (Lord Jesus). My prayer has been that the Lord would continue to lead me—and that my heart posture would truly be, Surrender!

But if I’m honest, I had to pause and check myself… because I felt a nudge in my spirit that in some ways lately, I’ve been moving in my own strength—leaning on my own understanding instead of fully trusting Him.

This is me letting go.
This is me choosing to follow.
This is me surrendering—step by step.

That as I decrease… He (God) increases.

It all ties together—God is not just calling us forward, He’s preparing us… but He’s also leading us. And the question is, will we follow His way or try to make our own (smile)

On another note, I’m headed to a Sneaker Ball tonight for Girls on the Run. I’m truly honored to be asked to attend and included by my organization. Girls on the Run is so near and dear to my heart because of the impact it has on young girls—building confidence, identity, and strength from the inside out.

Grateful for a day that’s full in every way—spiritually and purposefully. 

After lingering in God’s presence this morning, preparing my heart for the day—and for leading worship this weekend—I felt this gentle nudge to share in this blog post!

I’ve learned that leading worship isn’t really about the mic, the setlist, or even hitting the right note at the right time.

It’s about the heart… and the quiet places no one sees.

There was a time I thought being a worship leader meant showing up ready, sounding good, and helping create a meaningful moment. And while those things matter, I’ve come to realize—they’re not the foundation. They’re just the surface.

Because worship doesn’t start on the platform.

It starts in the everyday.

It starts in the car when no one’s listening.

In the kitchen when life feels ordinary.

In the moments when I have to choose obedience over convenience.

I’ve also learned that you can lead a room and still miss His presence if your heart isn’t aligned. That one humbled me.

Scripture reminds us—especially when you read through Leviticus—that God cares deeply about how we come before Him. Not in a rigid, fearful way… but in a holy, intentional way. A way that says, “You matter more than my preferences.”

And that’s where this gets real.

Because leading worship isn’t about being seen—it’s about helping others see Him.

It’s about gently guiding hearts back when distractions creep in.

It’s about creating space, not filling every second with sound.

It’s about being sensitive enough to pause… even when the plan says keep going.

And if I’m honest, one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is this:

• You can’t lead people somewhere you’re not willing to go yourself.

So I’ve had to ask myself—

Am I worshiping during the week… or just on stage?

Am I surrendered… or just prepared?

Am I listening… or just leading?

There’s no condemnation in those questions, just invitation.

Because God isn’t looking for perfect voices.

He’s looking for willing hearts.

He’s not asking me to perform.

He’s inviting me to abide.

And maybe that’s the real responsibility of a worship leader…

• to be a worshiper first.

• To stay low.

• To stay open.

• To stay close.

So that when I do step up to lead, I’m not trying to create something…

I’m simply inviting others into what I’ve already been living.

And that changes everything.

—

A gentle prayer

Lord,

Teach me to love Your presence more than the platform.

Keep my heart tender and my motives pure.

Help me lead from a place of overflow, not pressure.

And remind me that the greatest thing I can offer You… is a surrendered life.

Amen.

May I come in surrendered… Not striving, not performing—just yielded. May our hearts be postured in humility, our spirits sensitive, and our focus fully on Him. – from my prayer journal (flowing out of the presence of the Lord).

This month, our prayer group challenged us to share our story — to find someone and tell them why we have chosen to follow Jesus. I decided to share mine here, with all of you. On this platform, ” A Journal of Love.”

This is my story. This is why I choose to follow Jesus and refuse to compromise my faith!

In short: Because, I believe, He truly does make; “beauty from ashes. (Isaiah 61:3)”

This verse reminds me that something positive and hopeful can rise even from tragedy or pain.

A Father’s Loss and a Seed of Faith

My dad’s death had a profound impact on my life. I was only four years old — far too young to understand what death really meant, only that my Boom-Boom (that’s what I called my dad) wasn’t coming back. I remember feeling sad, confused, and angry all at once.

Growing up in a rough neighborhood, those emotions followed me. I never started fights, but somehow I always found myself in them. I was quiet and reserved, which made me an easy target, but it didn’t stop me from standing my ground. I was determined to make it home safely every day, and as a child, it often felt like I was “fighting my way home.”

In my young mind, every fight became a way of fighting the people who took my father from me — as if somehow, by pushing back, I could fix what was broken or make sense of a loss that was far too big for a little girl to carry.

I was born and raised in Chicago, spending my summers in New Orleans and Mississippi with grandparents, great-grandparents, cousins, and extended family. It was there that I began to see life through the lens of love, family, and faith.

My mom introduced me to Jesus, and together we found a church home. At the age of eleven, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior and was baptized. I loved being part of that church family and soon I would joined the choir — my very first act of worship in community.

Young Love and Growing Pains

As a teenager, life began to unfold quickly. I started dating in high school and had three boyfriends (over the years) — the third of whom would eventually become my husband. I was sixteen when we met, he was seventeen, and I fell hard and fast.

In that season, We got pregnant (My boyfriend/soon to be husband and I) – and choices were made that I later wished I could take back! I carried shame for a while, as a result of that decision. But even then, God was writing redemption into our story.

We got married young, and those early years were not easy. But everything Changed when we decided to put God first.

Rededication and Renewal

In my early twenties, I rededicated my life to the Lord — and that changed everything (Romans 10:9). From that point forward, I made a commitment to love, serve, and obey His Word.

I began studying Scripture, spending intentional time in His presence, and building a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. He became my everything — my healer, my hope, and my very best friend.

As my faith grew, so did my desire to share it. I started by writing letters to friends and family. Those letters eventually became this blog — “A Journal of Love” — a space where I could encourage others through words of faith and hope.

Ministry Through Music and Writing

My passion for the Word led to writing a book and releasing a music CD — both titled “Near the Cross.” Each project reflected my love for Jesus and my longing to share His message with others.

Over the years, God opened doors I could have never imagined. I’ve had opportunities to share my testimony and minister in song around the world. I’ve met incredible people who share my heart for Kingdom impact — fellow believers dedicated to seeing lives changed by the power of God.

My prayer is that every song I sing, every word I write, and every message I share will be rooted in Scripture and inspired by the Holy Spirit — all for His glory.

My Daily Choice

Today, my life is anchored in the choices I make every day:

• I choose joy instead of sorrow. (Psalm 30:11)

• I choose faith — “to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)”

• I choose relationship over religion. (John 15:4)

• I choose to worship Jesus in “Spirit and in Truth! (John 4:23-24)”

• And, lastly – I choose to love Jesus, my husband, our family, and the beautiful friends He’s placed in my life.

God has taken the ashes of my early pain and turned them into a story of grace, love, and purpose. And I’m still in awe of what He continues to do. I am inspired to write and to point people towards Christ.

This is my testimony! This is His story — written through my life. And, To God be the glory!

#myTestimony #BeautyFromAshes #ABeautifulWorkInProcess #FaithJourney #AJournalofLove #ChristianBlogger

This day 5 years ago had an impact on our family’s life!

Facebook Memory: I woke up this morning to a song penned by my youngest son, concerning what’s happening in America today as it relates to black men! To say the least, I was heartbroken and It got me to thinking!!!

I heard the $20 bill that George Floyd was trying to use was later to be determined as real (not a forgery). For $20, he died?

How do we as parents comfort our young black men and tell them it’s going to be alright? They believe that they are being hunted down and murdered and that their cries for help are not being HEARD! My heart hurts for the families that have loss loved ones from “any” senseless violence (period). But it especially hurts when it is by the hand of someone who is suppose to “serve and protect!” Where is the accountability? Change is Necessary!

Question: What do we as parents tell our young black men? We can not control how others see them!!!! What do you see when you look at them????? It’s time!!!! Much prayer is needed! 2 Chronicles 7:14 #MotherOfBlackMen#blackmenweloveyou

I wrote this post 5 years ago today after hearing a song my youngest son wrote – This was a very emotional day, and here we are, 5 years later.

A day of reflection!

We returned home around 1 in the morning (quick turn-around trip to Kentucky), rested, attended 2nd service, then spent some quality time with our boys. It was a good day, and I was happy to see them (we missed seeing our daughter – but spoke with her earlier over the phone).

As I sit here reflecting over the day, what stood out most was a lesson my mom taught me – and how it impacted my life. I didn’t understand it at the time, but I do now.

When I was very young, my mom said to me; “I love you, but I want others to at least like you.”

You see this quiet, bright-eyed little girl pictured here (who lost her dad at a very young age) enjoyed the quiet, enjoyed being alone; reading, writing & drawing abstract art (and, still do). 

My mom wanted me to get out of my comfort zone, meet, and make some friends – and I gave her a hard time over that. I was content to just to be with my family, and Jesus – my very best friend (I would often call him).

Through elementary, high school and college, God did bring me some good friendship – without me trying! He just did. Becoming an adult (those early years) – I wasn’t trying to make any new friends (my circle stayed small- my heart didn’t have room enough for any more – Married with 3 kids, at the time, that was hard enough to manage). 

Quick Sidenote: I dated 3 guys through High School – the 3rd one I met at 16, we married shortly after (and, this June, we will celebrate 37 years of marriage – it hasn’t always been easy but it has definitely been worth it with us putting God in 1st place, and making Him the Lord of our Lives | I’d say, we’ve got a lot to be thankful for.

Back to the story: A little over 25 years ago, my husband’s job moved us here, to a new city. And, here comes my mom – “Marvlun, get out and make some new friends (she knew her daughter – and this was very frustrating to me).

Before we moved, we prayed with our former Pastor, and God directed us to a church in our new city. I tried getting to know a few people there, and was met with some opposition – which caused me to get over into people pleasing – in which God corrected almost immediately before it gained a foothold in my life (Joyce Meyers had a great series on this back in the day – I think I still have it somewhere around here).

I heard God speak; “seek me and I will bring you friends.” I did, and he brought some incredible friendships my way – ones where I could be myself (my sometimes funny, quirky, creative self). Those friendships came easy. The ones in which God put together. He didn’t need my help (trying to make it happen) – just a willing and open heart. I still cherish those friendships to this day!

One friend, in particularly, had such a genuine love for her family and for God. I loved being around her. We would talk on the phone and in-person for hours. We became the best of friends. We prayed with and for each other. Our husbands, and children got along – and enjoyed spending time together. Sadly, she and her family moved out of state and we kind of lost touch. It was a short, but impactful friendship. Man, I miss our talks about the goodness of God!

I found that the more I studied the word and spent time in prayer – God brought more incredible friendships into my life (not all on the same level of friendships but friends non the less). I learned the value of an inner circle (and that stays small).

The Covid season changed a lot of things in my life. One of which, was the death of my mom – not from covid. Now both my mom and my dad are no longer on this earth – wow, what a sobering thought. I found myself getting comfortable being at home, the quiet was a beautiful thing. Then came the call; we’re headed back into the office (and for me, on a new team). Man, did I get in my head about it. Yes, I am an over-thinker for sure.

“What if they don’t like me,” I heard myself say?  Then (in my mind), I heard my mom’s word: “I love you, but I want others to at least like you…. ” What? I had to get alone with Jesus! Find comfort in His scripture…. “Not my will, but thy will be done!!!!” I let a few people nearly 25 years ago get into my head. “Not Today Satan.” And, guess what? My new team was – Amazing! That FEAR – was false evidence appearing real. Our friendships formed easy, and I enjoy being around these amazing humans!

My mom was right to encourage me out of my comfort zone (not too sure about that being liked part, though).….

To Love God and To Love His People is my heart’s desire/my spiritual mandate! That and standing firmly in His (God’s) Will for my life (not mine). Satan tries to distort our vision. He tries to keep us from seeing others as God sees them. He is the Father of Lies. Those that are God’s -knows His voice, and another they will not follow!

John 10:27

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

I enjoy celebrating wins, praying and encouraging my friends. I have found that it is okay if others misunderstand me or even question my motives for showing Kingdom Kindness (not just being nice to be nice but having The Fruit of the Spirt on display). “Kingdom Kindness, is not in-love with being liked!” Dharius Daniels

I am committed to being someone who comes in and brings Love, Laughter & Joy into the atmosphere and not Hate, Jealousy and/or Strife! My prayer is to leave people better than I found them. And, that they know that they are loved.

My mother taught me the value of kindness, and the necessity of perseverance. She instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and the importance of always working to do good to others. I may not always get it right (smile, eyes on Jesus).

My mother loved me! Her wise words were meant to build, to encourage – although, I did not see it that way, at that time in my life.

Here is how I see friendship through the lens of the Bible:

Proverbs 27:17

”Iron sharpeneth iron; so, a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”

This Bible verse about friendship reminds us that friends can impact how we think, feel and behave! Our relationships are important! #MadeNewInChrist #Surrendered