LiveLoveLearnEveryday

Starting a book club please join me!!

2018-01-02T16:52:00.002-06:00

Our first book listed below. We will be discussing at the end of the month.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1627796061/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

Follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SoulXpressionInc

Against All Odds!

2017-12-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

Against all odds!! That is the statement that comes to my head when I think about my friend Ms. Kincie Farnell. All roads have led to her latest accomplishment. She can now add “AUTHOR” to her name. She is a born fighter, she had never been the one to give up so easily. I blogged about her before and she continues to amaze me. She pushes me to go after my dreams and goals. Not only is she an Author, Therapist, amazing Mother and Friend, she is also the owner of a wonderful clothing line called Stage Recovery. She uses her inspirations to help others overcome addictions.

God places certain people in your life for a season or lifetime. I am glad God put her in my life for a lifetime. Through all the seasons’ changing, through all the pain and heartaches, disappointments and struggles she stood firm. Now it is time for her to shine! Time for the world to know what I already know about this amazing and talented woman!

This phrase keeps playing in my head as I am writing. “Young, Gifted and Black”! Take it as you may but that is what she is to me!! I cannot wait to read her book it is going to be a bestseller! (I said that last statement with my Oprah voice) lol

Below is the blog post I wrote about my wonderful friend!!↓↓↓

I met Kincie over 10 years ago in college. We became instead friends, and those that know me from back then know that I do not make friend easily. LOL. She always had a way of making me laugh, she could walk across campus singing and being silly. She helped bring me out of my shell. I watched her go through so much in school with the music program, but through it all she was always optimistic. I remember one summer when we were working at Barry university. I would go with her while she practiced her vocals at the chapel.

God blessed her with such and amazing voice that I would lay on the pews, listening to her sing and tears would just stream down my face. She never knew that, but her voice use to move me to tears!

She has always been a strong woman from our college years. She never let all the circumstances she faced derailed her from her dreams! I have watched her accomplish her dreams while raising her son. I am sure it has not always been easy for her but she did not quit.

For all you have done and continue to do, Kincie Farnell, I celebrate you today. You are my #MondayMotivation. You inspire me to keep working hard to realize my dreams. You are the perfect example of not letting the weight of the world get you down. You are an example of setting goals and taking steps to meeting those goals.

Thank you, friend,! You never know whose life you are touching while you are doing what you were destined to do.

Everybody needs motivation! Who or what is your motivation?

Peace and Love, Rock steady!

Mighty Casey! Tennis next superstar!

Sample of her New clothing Line "Stage Recovery"

Click the links to visit and support her work! Stage recovery

FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!!!

2016-07-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

We receive messages on a daily basis from the media on how we should look, from how to dress, do our hair and how to belong to the in crowd. We are taunted on television with the latest fashion. What is in for the season and what kind of makeup would give us the best look. Mind you I am not opposed to those messages that are being sent but I am conscious of how those messages can affect my self- esteem and self- worth. If I am not able to wear the latest fashion, or wear my hair in the latest styles I might shy away from going out because I do not feel like I am dress up to par. I might feel like my stomach is too big or that a certain part of my body is not attractive enough. But let me ask this question, who created you in the first place? Aren’t you created in the image of God? God created you then he stood back and admired his work. The bible says in Psalms 139 verse 13 and 14, For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

LOVE YOURSELF AND THE BODY THAT YOU ARE IN!!!

Heaven for a MUSICIAN.

2016-02-09T14:21:00.001-06:00

My two-year-old loves music so much. If I sit him in front of a piano, he will sit there forever. As a parent it is my job to nurture is desires, and I feel like he could become a MUSICIAN. Lately I have been looking for a website that I can buy musical instrument and different equipments. I can now sit at home and shop at www.Musician's Friend.com to find all the equipment including headphones that he will need. I do not think I am ready to hear him banging on the keyboard.LOL

SUICIDE HAS NO RESPECT OF PERSON: BMX legend Dave Mirra commits suicide at age 41

2016-02-08T08:18:00.000-06:00

DEATH IS SO CRUEL IT DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE WHOM IT TAKES OUT! I AM CONSTANTLY REMINDED TO TAKE MORE VALUE IN MY LIFE, DO NOT SUFFER ALONE. WHEN THE DARKNESS SEEMS TO BE GETTING TOO DARK PLEASE REACH OUT TO SOMEONE!!

David Michael "Dave" Mirra was an American BMX rider who later competed at rallycross racing. He held the record for most X Games medals until being passed by Bob Burnquist in 2013.

On Thursday February 4th, Dave took his own life by shooting himself in the head in an SUV while parked outside the home of his best friend, Scott Ashton in Greenville, North Carolina. This was just within days of his 10th wedding anniversary. He was just 41 years old. He left behind a wife and two daughters.

TMZ: STORY HERE

Dave Mirra had a rough time finding purpose when his BMX career ended ... he tried filling the void by helping kids ... but it wasn't enough.

Friends of Dave tell us ... in the months before his suicide, he spent his time introducing kids in the Greenville, North Carolina area to extreme sports, such as speed cycling and biking.

Problem was ... the 41-year-old couldn't find anything in his life to even approximate the adrenaline rush he got from BMX. He knew working with kids was important, but the passion he felt while he competed just wasn't there, and it became a significant factor in his deep depression.

We're told Dave tried to convince himself working with kids could be as satisfying as BMX, and from time to time his outlook would brighten. In fact, we're told just hours before he fatally shot himself, he saw someone at lunch and talked about plans to bring a speed cycling track to Greenville.

The friend with whom we spoke said the recurring theme from Dave was that he felt lost.

Signature Restaurant review!

2016-02-03T09:01:00.002-06:00

Hello foodies!

I am back with another restaurant review.

Fyi, my restaurants are randomly selected. I decided to do it that way so I do not show any bias towards the restaurants. I have already visited several restaurants in the Houston area since I moved here but now the difference is I am using a fresh palate to experience the foods. This time around it is more business than pleasure.

Ok moving right along.

Signature restaurant is located on 10898 S. Gessner Rd, Houston, Texas 77071. I don't believe they have a website because I was unable to locate one.

The exterior of signature did not really match what I would have considered for an African restaurant. It looks more like a cross between Chinese and a Tiki bar restaurant. I was not impressed at all by the exterior, I was hoping to be dazzled by the interior. But you guess it! Ding, ding, ding, I was definitely not impressed with what I saw with the interior. If not for the fact that I am doing restaurant reviews, I probably would have walked out.

First of all, nobody greeted me at the door, the tables were not cleaned properly so I had to play "find the cleanest table". After I sat myself, it took the waiter at least 10 min to come to my table and he came without a menu. I asked to see a menu, and he glanced at me as if he was seeing a ghost. He goes to look for a menu and I watch as he literately searched high and low for a menu. He even looked in one of those transparent fridges. (I suppose they assume that everyone that comes there must be African and should know all the food choices). Hmmm? I digress!!

The ambiance was below average, it looked a bit dusty to me and the spacing between the chairs were tight. If another customer wanted to sit behind you it would be very uncomfortable. Funny thing a lady did try to sit in the next section behind me and I gave her that look like, are you really trying to squeeze in here. LOL! She must have gotten the point because she moved to sit somewhere else. Bloop!

I ordered a soup called Egusi Soupi , (clink the link to learn more about how the soup is made.) It took over 30min for the soup to come out and the excuse I was given was that the soup is freshly made, which I do not believe. If it was freshly made it would take longer to come out. #imjustsaying! The soup was just average nothing spectacular. The flavors were not exactly jumping in my mouth. And for soup that was supposedly freshly made, it did not come out steaming. I was so ready to get out of there. I did not enjoy the meal. On the up side my son eat all is Pounded Yam. Matter of fact he ate more than I did. Lol!

Overall, I was not impressed by Signature Restaurant. I probably would not go back. There are too many choices in Houston!

Until I eat out again peace yall!!

Soul Sunday.

2016-01-25T22:36:00.001-06:00

Timing and this thing called Fri-End-Ship

2016-01-21T21:24:00.004-06:00

My passion lies in Christ!

2016-01-19T22:41:00.001-06:00

So last night I was playing around with google hangout! I think I like it! will be doing more of this videos!! I am about to start a worship movement!!!! Join me!!!

My Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant experience.

2016-01-04T22:59:00.000-06:00

Hello foodies and friends. I am super excited to bring to you my very first African restaurant review.

A couple of weeks ago I visited the Blue Nile Authentic Ethiopian Restaurant located in a store front at 9400 Richmond ave, Houston, Texas. There is much to be said about the location of the restaurant.

The outside of the restaurant.

The location of Blue Nile did not prepare me for what I was about to experience inside the restaurant.

The ambiance was so inviting and smelled like an incense shop but not overpowering. The Blue Nile looked like I was walking into Cleopatra dining room. I am not sure if there is a link between Egypt and Ethiopian but the Blue Nile gave me a heavy Egyptian vibe which I loved nonetheless.

We were greeted by a waiter I think his name is "Azmera", a few minutes after we walked in. He was busy serving another table as there was no other waiter in sight. We waited for at least 10 minutes before the waiter came back to take our orders. There were at least four separate tables of customers already eating.

This was my first time eating dinner at an Ethiopian cuisine so I was not sure what I wanted to eat.

Fortunately we had a really good waiter who guided us through the menu. The first thing I learned is we were going to be eating with our hands. yippee!! I love eating with my hands.. I am such a village girl!!lol. We were going to use Injera (click the link to learn more) ( looks like carpet, texture like pancakes but tastes like fermented soft wheat bread) to eat our meals. My meal was excellent. Omg!!! but the meal presentation could have been better. It looked sloppy but it really did not take away from the deliciousness of the meal.

The Injera was so tangy a bit too lemony for me, after bout 10 bits I was over the Injera. It was so tangy that my eyes would water every time I took another bit of it.

My friends all ordered different food items with some vegetarian choices. I understand that Ethiopians are very family oriented and they like to eat as a family. Our meals were served in a large tray. I ordered #17. "Yebeg Tibs" cost $17.99. (Lamb cubes sautéed with slices of onions, jalapeño peppers and fresh rosemary). The dinner menu was priced reasonable.

Our food was served in a large tray, so we were able to sample each others meals. The lamb was melt in your mouth good. The lamb and the salad combo just kept exploding flavors in my mouth! Azmera, our waiter did an excellent job helping us understand the different flavors that we were experiencing.

He was very knowledgeable, we did know how to pick our legumes,beans and salads. He just told us to leave it up to him. I am not a big fan of beans but I love how the beans was not over powering and it did not make me gassy.

Eating at the Blue Nile was a wonderful palate opening experience. The ambiance was very inviting, the waiter was knowledgeable, Hi Azmera!! the food was great. Looking forward to returning to the The Blue Nile Restaurant.

Scroll down to view more pics.

This is how our meals came! We were all able to sample each others food.

cute dinner for two set up!xo

Fresh roses everyday.

Injera

Extra dinning space for large party.

More art on the wall.

Bar area.. Looks like a Tiki Bar.

I do not drink coffee but this is a after meal tradition.

Beautiful picture, adds to the ambiance.

Photo credit: Bukky Olusanya
Up next Signature African Restaurant.

Closing out 2015!

2015-12-31T12:01:00.001-06:00

Foodie Journey, taste of Africa in Houston!

2015-12-18T18:01:00.000-06:00

I am trying something different for 2016. I love to eat!!! Yes let me just admit it ..They say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Hello my name is Didi, and I am addicted to eating. Lol. All jokes aside I love the fact that we are blessed with a variety of cuisines in this world. I am on a mission to discover and taste all the cuisines there is to offer. I might as well put my palate to good use, Do not worry I will be taking you on this journey with me. I will be posting my experiences as I sample food from different cultures.

Variety is the spice of life my friends!!!

See you on the food side of life!!

Let your light shine! Play my video!

2015-12-07T10:23:00.001-06:00

NEW VIDEO UP!!

Photo of a malnourished baby with mother at Bama IDP camp in Maiduguri

2015-12-07T10:07:00.000-06:00

MY HEART IS BROKEN BY THIS IMAGE! HUMAN SUFFERING RUNS DEEP. I JUST CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE NOTHING TO HELP THESE PEOPLE. I WONDER WHAT I CAN DO AS ONE PERSON TO HELP THE PLIGHT OF OTHERS? IT BREAKS MY HEART!!!IF THIS PICTURE WAS NOT TAKEN I WOULD NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS BUT AT THE SAME TOKEN WHILE TAKING PICS ARE THEY HELPING THIS MOTHER OUT ??????? HELP US ALL GOD!!!

A mother named Yakana from Kanuri with her child at Bama IDP camp, Maiduguri. Photo Credit: Gbemiga Olamikan

Birthday post/Thanksgiving!

2015-12-07T10:04:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to use this medium to thank God and my friends and family for helping me celebrate my bday!! I am blessed highly favored.

Thank God for another month!Seeking God more!

2015-11-01T19:03:00.002-06:00

Hello November!!xo

Yessssssss November is finally upon us! My birth month!! So many thoughts are streaming through my head.

First thing I want to thank God almighty for preserving my life to see another month and for taking care of my precious son! I have committed myself this month to seeking God. I will be intentionally spending time with God. I have been wanting to study the book of Proverbs, so for the entire month November I will be studying Proverbs! You are all welcome to join us! The Bible says in:

Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you".

Let peace and love follow you! Amen!

Prodigal daughter- Yield

2015-10-20T18:44:00.000-05:00

As a believer in Christ, I have not always been on the straight and narrow or lived righteous. I have strayed a thousand times ten, but one thing I know is that God has never turned his back on me. I am the story of the prodigal “daughter”. (Luke 15:11-32) I have lived in squalor, begged for bread, and have gotten myself involved in situation that I had no business in, but God has not turned his back on me.

In the midst of my mess I looked at myself and said, "I am the daughter of the Zion" Daughter of the most High God", what I’m I doing here in this mess?! In that moment I came to my senses, and asked God to forgive me and restore me.(Psalm 51:12) “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me”.

I strive not to live in sin but to yield to urging of the Holy Spirit. I try to spend time in the word and meditate on him as much as I possibly can. I fill my spirit with Godly thought and let my actions reflect my heart.(Philippians 4:8) (Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.)

I know it is not easy, and temptation is at every corner we turn. We are like cars running on gas on the road. We need fuel to run efficiently we need to constantly fill up to stay running.

Stay strong my friends and know that the Lord is your strength.(Psalms 28 verse 7)

Pool time fun with the kiddo!!

2015-07-31T15:34:00.004-05:00

I decided to take my lad out to the pool before I miss out on all this summer sun! He is afraid of the water but he enjoys it. I figure if we spend more time in the water he will begin to get use to it. I love being in the water, it is easy on my knees and it is so calming. I need to take him out more. The world is so big and we have not even touched the tip of the iceberg! Pool fun= $0

Happy child=Priceless.

There are so many ways to have fun with your child without spending money. Pool fun is one of the ways! Happy summer folks.Kisses

Birthday boy!

2015-07-31T15:11:00.001-05:00

Time flies when you are busy living life!

We just recently celebrated Joshua's 2nd bday. He has grown up so fast and I thank God that he is a happy baby! That makes life easier. Lol There is never a dull moment with this lad. I pray that God continue to help me in raising him to be a well rounded human being.

How cute is he?

Jesus Freaks are all invited

2015-07-02T16:29:00.000-05:00

Ok! I am so excited about my shirt design.. yea!! click on the link below to get your shirts today.

thanks and remain blessed.

Jesus Freak

There is no substitute for hard work! My Monday motivation!

2015-03-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

This life is so hard sometimes, and we are constantly working hard to reach our goals. There are certain people that we meet along the way that provide us with motivation to keep going. That person for me lately is Kincie Farnell.

I met Kincie over 10 years ago in college. We became instead friends, and those that know me from back then know that I do not make friend easily. LOL. She always had a way of making me laugh, she could walk across campus singing and being silly. She helped bring me out of my shell. I watched her go through so much in school with the music program, but through it all she was always optimistic. I remember one summer when we working at Barry university. I would go with her while she practiced her vocals at the chapel. God blessed her with such and amazing voice that I would lay on the pews, listening to her sing and tears would just stream down my face. She never knew that, but her voice use to move me to tears!

She has always been a strong woman from our college years. She never let all the circumstances she faced derailed her from her dreams! I have watched her accomplish her dreams while raising her son. I am sure it has not always been easy for her but she did not quit.

For all you have done and continue to do, Kincie Farnell, I celebrate you today. You are my #MondayMotivation. You inspire me to keep working hard to realize my dreams. You are the perfect example of not letting the weight of the world get you down. You are an example of setting goals and taking steps to meeting those goals. Thank you friend! You never know whose life you are touching while you are doing what you were destined to do.
Everybody needs motivation! Who or what is your motivation?

Peace and Love, Rock steady!

You are an OVERCOMER!!

2015-03-02T10:03:00.000-06:00

The most amazing thing happened to me just now as I was sitting down to write my post for the week. My thoughts all last week was about being an OVERCOMER. I had been hearing a song on the radio but I could never catch who sang the song. So just now I went to Google to get the Webster definition of the word overcomer, which by the way means: to defeat (someone or something): to successfully deal with or gain control of (something difficult): Anyways, the first thing on the search result was this song that I have been hearing all week on the radio. “Overcomer” by Mandisa. I busted into tears like a big ole baby .OMG! I have been looking for this song all week!! You see how God works? At the appointed time he allowed me to find the song now I can’t stop playing it...Lol I digress…

I reflected on my life this past 19 months and I realized that I have come so far by the grace of God. So much good things are happening in my life and I take God for it. I will not beat myself up over it because I deserve it!! So do not all the devil to make you feel as if you do not deserve good things in your life! You are worth it! Remember that!

One day last week after I got off work, I went to pick up my son at daycare; I stood by the window of his classroom watching him play, I was filled with emotion as I was remembering the struggle I faced before, during and after his birth.

My son was a preemie, he came almost two months early due to the stress and emotional turmoil I was going through. But as watched him play, I saw no sign of his early birth all I saw was a strong, happy boy full of life! At that moment, forgot about the days and nights I struggled to take care of him. The pain of being all alone, with no help in sight. The 5am treks to the bus in freezing temperatures just to drop him off with a stranger, so that I could work just months after giving birth via C-section. I will never trade those days for anything. It has made me stronger and an OVERCOMER. I share pieces of me to encourage others. Know that you are not alone, he is your footprint in the sand and you too are an overcomer.

Every single one of us are an overcomer believe it or not! There is something in your life that you were able to overcome. Do not doubt yourself, appreciate the process because bigger and better things await you!

I thank God every day for the grace and strength he has given me. For being the FOOTPRINT in the sand. The battle is far from over but right now, I am an OVERCOMER!!!

Peace and love! Rock steady!

My weekend/ I learned something new, know your self worth.

2015-02-23T11:08:00.001-06:00

This type of moments is what I live for!! watching me studying and listening to me read my book to him.#loveit

I had a fun filled weekend just pampering myself and my baby!! yes, I am still watching you!LOL.. That mask felt so so good and minty! I decided to become my son's barber, I think I did a pretty good job for my first time!! I tried taking pics of his hair cut but he would not sit still! I beginning to think he is camera shy!!sigh!

Getting ready for his close up!

I am still watching you!!LOL

I think I did a great job!

Last week the thought that was heavliy on heart was -SELF-WORTH! what is your worth? How much value do you place on yourself? what do you stand for? what do you tolerate in your life? The people in your life will value you the same way you value yourself!! Food for thought!!

LOVE AND PEACE! ROCK ON!

God is so gracious!

2015-02-18T14:54:00.000-06:00

Romans 3:23-25

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—

We make it hard to come back to God after we have stepped out of his umbrella.

I have sinned and fallen short of his glory. Even in the midst of my sins, I felt inadequate to come back to him and ask for forgiveness. I felt like a pig all muddy and filthy. I knew the path I was taking was very wrong for me, I knew what I was doing was not bringing glory to his name. The worst part is that I allowed the devil to convince me that where I was is where I needed to be. I had sidetracked from what was working for me. I could barely spend time with my maker. I missed him so much yet I was unable to reach out to him. I felt like I had let God down after giving my life to him and allowing him to work in my life.

Here I was living in darkness, miserably and lonely. I begged God for the strength to break the chain that was holding me back. I missed him so much and wanted so much to be back in his bosom where I always found peace and unspeakable joy. Yet with all the signs he showed me, telling me that I needed to run back to him, I just ignored him and stayed where I was just like a prodigal son. I knew that I am a daughter of the king, the Most High God, yet I felt ashamed to run back to him and lay my burdens on his feet.

It took an emotional and physical breakdown for me to find the courage to break free from the darkness that had overcome my life. Even after getting out of darkness, I found it hard to go back into his presence. I just sat there looking for the words to tell him how sorry I was for leaving him and to ask for his forgiveness. It seems like I sat there forever, eventually I just started talking to him knowing that there is nothing I was saying to him that he did not already know I was going to say! After, I talked to him, I just sat there reflecting on how far I had strayed from his presence.

Finally, I asked him to lead me into his word, I needed to know that he had forgiven me and receive me back into his bosom. I opened my bible and lo and behold I landed on psalms 51 wow!! This passage is where Prophet Nathan came to David after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba after David was confronted with his adulterous ways, he immediately repented of his transgression. His spirit was broken and he pleaded for forgiveness. The verses that resonated with me the most came from:

Psalms 51 verse 7-12
“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me”. Yes amen! I felt renewed
Psalms 51: is exactly what I needed to get myself back into the bosom of my creator. My spirit and mind is clear now, and I can now focus on rebuilding my relationship with God. God is so good and gracious if only we allow him to work in our lives.
Romans 8:38-39
^“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us (ME) from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord”.

Stay Strong and rock on!!

2014-11-12T00:02:00.000-06:00

Super excited! ‪#‎Bestrongandverycourageous‬ shirts are in! Get yours today, Inbox me for more info. @ soulxpressioninc@gmail.com