Share Erica's World

Time to return to work

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:49:00 +0000

As I prepare my heart and mind for returning to work next week I can't but wonder how life would be with a 8 week old infant. This is what was in my inbox this morning a subtle reminder that I don't have a baby here and that I need to unsubscribe from baby center.

Will I be strong enough? Can I handle the pressure and stress of work? Will people treat me differently? How will I feel? Will I be able to get off of blood pressure medication? These are some of the thoughts that go through my mind when I think about getting up early next Monday morning to face a 12-14 hour shift. These last 10-11 weeks out of work have been hard. There isn't a more simple word to describe how I feel. I spent the first 2 weeks waiting on baby and these last 8 wishing I was still pregnant and baby was here. I've loathed in self pity, blamed myself for everything that I did and did not do right, and cried everyday. My husband has been my rock and support and has encouraged me, motivated me, and kept me grounded from going into a depression throughout this entire time. I could not be more thankful for a praying husband. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me and my career. I know that his angels will surround me and keep me as I return back to work next week.

Keep the Faith!

~E

1 year

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:02:00 +0000

This past weekend my husband and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary. We were married on 1/12/12 and had our wedding on 5/26/12. We insist on celebrating both dates. We spent Friday night seeing Sister Act the musical and Saturday night in church and went to dinner with a live jazz band. We reflected over our last year together and how far God has brought us and how close we have become. In a year's time we were long distance, got married, got pregnant, had a wedding, went on a honey moon, moved in together, bought our first home, had a baby, and now our baby is in heaven. We did alot in our first year of marriage. We discussed how different our life would be if BJ was still here and how happy and content we would be celebrating our anniversary at home with him. We talked about living our dreams and following our hearts together and when we would like to have more children. 1 year down and forever to go I joked with my husband. This year has taught me to trust God more and that he does not make mistakes. BJ's death has brought my husband and I closer together for the better and he is truly my partner in life. I thank God for giving me faith, grace, mercy, strength and hope to make it through these last 7 weeks since BJ has been gone and over this next year of marriage. I am faithful in what God will provide us in year 2 of marriage and expect many blessings to come.

Keep the Faith!

~E

An open letter to BJ

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:11:00 +0000

Written on December 21, 2012.

Dear Brandon Jr.,
I love you and miss you dearly. My heart aches everyday. I wake up sometimes thinking you are still in my belly, but then I cry realizing you are in heaven when all I long for is to hold you. My routine hasn't changed much since you left us I'm still at home waiting for something. I was waiting for you but now I'm waiting to return to work and trying to make sense of you departing the world so early.
I find myself sometimes wanting to be near you and the thought of you brings tears to my eyes. I go into the closet where all of your things are and just stare at them and cry. I wished that I could see you in the crib your grandmother purchased for you and in all the clothes everyone gave during your baby shower. I look at all the diapers I couponed for you to make sure I had a supply built up. I look at the travel system the stroller and car seat all of the little details from your baby shower that I'm not going to get to use with you because you are gone. I look at the breast pump, the wipes warmer, the baby bath, and the plethora of wipes and baby products and just long for sometime to have used these with you. I am always missing you.
I always start the day looking at your picture and think of my last memories of you in my belly. Sometimes I wish I could have done something differently so that you could still be here and I wouldn't be writing this note.

Here it's 4 days before Christmas and I had so many things I wanted to do for you. I had bought a bib that said my first Christmas and you were given an elfs outfit for me to dress you in. I wanted to take pictures of you with Santa and take family photos as it would be our first Christmas as a family and celebrating in our new home. We bought an ornament in memory of you and we will place a picture of you in it once we get them developed. I love Christmas and wish you were here to celebrate with us but you will always be my angel looking and shining down from heaven above.

What I miss the most is all the firsts we won't be able to celebrate besides Christmas. I wish I could hold your hand, kiss your checks, change your diaper, feed you, bathe you, and clean up your spit up. I wish I could watch you lift your head during tummy time, watch you roll over, crawl, walk, start talking, start comprehending. Watch you learn how to play an instrument, start school, love math and science like your mom, play sports and make your daddy proud, argue with me over curfew, first dates, kiss, girlfriend, Highschool prom, graduations, college, marriage, and birth of your own children. I had this thought that I would be able to see all of this with you and I'm sad and heart broken I can't. Sometimes I don't feel like I'm a mom because I didn't or won't get to experience these things with you.
I want you to know that I love you and miss you so much! You brought so much joy to our lives during the 39 weeks and 5 days you were in my belly and the 41 minutes God allowed you to be this earth. BJ please continue to be that guardian angel smiling on your dad and I from heaven. We thank you for we know that God will reveal to us the purpose for sending you home early someday until then we will continue to have faith and love on each other. To be continued.... Keep the Faith! ~E

Baby Blues Baby Fever

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 03:27:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

I would be lying to you if I did not say that I miss BJ. I miss him and all the memories that I have of him living inside of me. I miss him moving in my belly even waking me up during the night. I miss the uncomfortable sleep and my swollen feet. I miss listening to his heart beat when we went to the doctor's office. I miss all the times we should have had almost 5 weeks after he has been gone home to heaven. What I miss the most is the things that I am not going to be able to do with him like change his diaper or watch him nap, hear him say his first words, or even graduate from college. I miss how my life would be if I had a baby. I sometimes wake up thinking the nightmare is over and I'm going to hear a crying baby. This is my reality and like I said in my previous post grief is a roller coaster ride. Some days I'm good and some days it is very tough to get out of bed, shower, and get dressed.

As we prepared for BJ's funeral on December 7 we had to purchase something for him to wear and we decided to get a Christening outfit. In the store I saw other mothers with their children and pregnant women purchasing things and I could not handle being in the baby section. I was sad, angry, and jealous. I broke down hysterically crying and my mom had to remove me from the store. I could not share in their joy or happiness without thinking of my baby. From then until earlier this week I avoided the baby section in the store. I did not want the thoughts of not having my baby to dress, change, or feed to bring on emotions of jealousy or anger. This week I was able to go into a store and frequent a baby section with no problem, no tears. I still get a little jealous when I see mothers with children or pregnant women, but God is still working on me. God has given me a peace about BJ's death, but I realized in the store I have baby fever and want a baby. I know that another child will not replace my first born, but I want the assurance that I can have healthy children. I want what I did not, could not have with BJ. I want the opportunity to be a mother (I know I am a mother I carried him for 39 weeks 5 days). I want the opportunity to love, to nurture, to guide, to encourage, to provide, and to raise my children as God would see fit. Although right now I am terrified at the thought of being pregnant again I know that it will happen when God is ready to provide us another child.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Coping with Grief

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 23:07:00 +0000

I'm married to an amazing, wonderful man. I've moved from Texas to Charlotte, North Carolina, and have been living here for a year. I'm a first time homeowner as of October 2012. I'm a new mom with no baby to hold. He has been in the arms of God resting in heaven for one month today.

2012 has been full of excitement, major moments, and unfortunately tragedy. I moved to Charlotte in December 2011 happy to be back on the east coast and start a new job opportunity. My husband and I found out we were pregnant in March 2012 due December 1, 2012 and of course all emotions crossed our mind. We were anxious, excited, scared, nervous, but knew that all we wanted was a healthy baby. The day of pure joy was finding out the sex and we were having a boy. We did not have any complications throughout the pregnancy only towards the end at 38 weeks I started showing signs of preclamsia and high blood pressure. On November 28 the doctors choose to induce my labor at 39 weeks and 5 days to get my high blood pressure under control and not risk any complications with me or our baby boy.

On November 29, after approximately 3 hours of pushing on and off the doctors decided to deliver via cesarean section. I was not thrilled. I wanted to continue to push, but he just wouldn't come down through my pelvis. I was prepped for a c-section. Catheter inserted, epidural medicine increased, eye glasses removed, husband dressed in scrubs, we were ready to meet our baby boy. As I was being wheeled into the room for major abdominal surgery I started to feel sick. I needed to throw up, but it wouldn't come up. I told the anesthesiologist to give me something to help with my nausea. At this point everything else was a blur. I remember them asking me if I could feel them pinch me and I couldn't but I did feel pressure. I felt them pulling and tugging at my lady parts and I felt them say its a boy and his lower half of his body get pulled out of me. At that moment I knew something was wrong. I had been watching non stop TLC's A Baby Story to know that a healthy baby cries no matter what method he is born as soon as he comes out the womb. My baby boy did not cry. I asked my husband what was wrong and why he didn't cry. He assured me everything was going to be okay. I knew it was not. I knew something went wrong. The doctors quickly stitched me up, stapled my outsides, and rolled me into recovery. I wanted to see my baby boy. The nurse attending to us received a phone call, but did not look at us once she hung up the phone. I knew something bad had happened. I felt like I was in a night mare. The worse thing you could ever think of is happening before you and you almost step outside of yourself because you do not want to feel any pain. The doctors came and told us our baby did not make it and passed away. He had very dense or defective lungs and they were not able to flow oxygen to his body. I did not hear a word they said I just immediately broke down and screamed, yelled, hollered, and cried. At that moment I didn't feel any pain I just wanted my baby and wanted him to be alive. They tried to calm me down but what else do you do in a moment like that? Who in their right mind imagines coming to the hospital pregnant only to leave empty handed? I was in shock. My blood pressure skyrocketed. I had to calm my nerves in order to be able to hold my baby boy. I held him and kissed him and asked if they could weigh and measure him. We took pictures of this process and its the pictures on my phone that I look at everyday. It's my memories of him still being warm and blood hot in his body. He looked like me and had big hands and feet like his dad. He was very long 21 inches but normal weight at 6lbs and 3.8 oz.

Brandon Oscar McAfee Jr. 11/29/12 6lbs 4oz 21"

I was ready to leave the hospital that night. I didn't want to stay. I wanted to go home. They rolled our baby boy into our room and there was my grandparents and parents waiting, watching, looking at my every move. I felt like I was being observed and my blood pressure continued to go up. I told everyone to leave so I could calm down and for the nurse to take our baby boy to the nursery. I was still in shock. I had to wrap my mind around what happened. I had to try to make sense of the nightmare. I had to talk it over with my husband and hope the pain would subside. We talked, we cried, we laughed, we prayed, we got some rest and grieved over the next 3 days being in the hospital. Text messages, phone calls, facebook messages went out to family and friends to make them aware of what happened and the in flood of calls, text messages, visits came. I did not want to talk to anyone nor for anyone to visit me, but I knew it was the best way to begin to grieve.

I've learned over these last 30 days that coping with grief is a roller coaster process. Sometimes you are mad, angry, upset, depressed, happy, excited, feeling sorry for yourself, looking for that missing baby, and then the cycle starts back over again. I have learned to just live and just feel the way I feel when I feel. Writing has been my therapy for the last 30 days and I was encouraged by my amazing husband to post what I've been writing as it may help someone who has been or is going through the loss of a child. No one in their imagination should ever have to bury a child let alone an infant. My hope is that through writing about my grief I find peace and comfort and that someone is touched and helped. Everyday does get a little bit easier but you have to wake up asking God to give you strength to make it through the day.

Keep the Faith!
~E

Love never fails

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 04:22:00 +0000

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails! 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Excuse me is this thing on?

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:53:00 +0000

*taps mic* mic check 1, 2, 3 my mic sounds nice lol

Ok. I'm back! It's been way too long it seems I've gotten engaged and disappeared from this blog. My oh my how wrong for me to do so. This is my check in to let you know I'm coming back and with some very exciting news to share. However, you will have to wait until after May 26 my wedding day to receive the news. These next few months will be a chance for me to share all that's been happening in my world from me quitting my job to moving from Texas to North Carolina the planning decisions of my wedding and the new challenges me and my future husband are going to face. I realized that my therapy is in writing and when I don't get those feelings on paper I loose myself some how some way. There are so many stories that people don't tell out of fear of being judged or criticized but my goal is to tell my truths in hope it will help someone else.

11 days till my big day check out our tumblr www.becoming1.tumblr.com

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

26 and engaged!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 13:10:00 +0000

Happy Birthday to me! I'm 26 and I'm engaged to my best friend the most amazing, kind, compassionate, loving, and inspirational fiancé EVER! I am so overjoyed! Last year turning 25, I wrote a list out of the 25 things I learned and made a wish to fall in love. My wish came true last night when he got on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of his life with him. Of course I said yes. I'm still in shock! This all began last weekend, B apparently went to spend time with my parents and asked them for their blessing for my hand in marriage. Of course they said yes, my mother even went to bridal shops to gather details on wedding planning to give me as a birthday gift. B ordered the ring and was planning to propose to me in San Francisco during his family reunion, but plane tickets were increasing everyday. I did not think I was going to be able to attend the reunion. So, he went with plan B to gather all of our love ones during my birthday weekend in DC. I called my mom and told her I wanted to have dinner with her and Mr. Fred during my birthday weekend since I was close in DC. She said she was gonna think about coming when she knew all along that he was going to propose. B and I have always talked about marriage and taking those next steps. I did not think it would happen this soon. I did know that long distance is hard on any relationship and we both were starting to grow weary of the travel and lack of time spent together. So, B planned away. I called my mom to confirm they were coming on Friday night, she said yes. I was simply excited because I haven't spent a birthday with my mom in years. Dinner is all I asked to have, wanted to keep it simple. He told me the reservation time and suggested what I wear. I went with the flow. We met my parents at the hotel and they followed us to the restaurant The Wharf in old town Alexandria. Once we parked and arrived I was surprised to see my grandparents and sister. It was exactly what I wanted to be surrounded by those I love on my birthday weekend. As we waited for our seats we walked toward the river and B suggested we take a ferry to the National Harbor. I was starting to get suspicious because he mentioned he invited both his parents to my birthday dinner. The ferry tickets were purchased. We walked back to the restaurant and were seated. Dinner was rushed because we didn't want to miss the ferry. I ate some fresh catfish, grilled veggies, and they brought me cheesecake with a lit candle. Of course Happy Birthday was sang regular and Stevie Wonder style. We laughed, ate fast, and were on our way to catch this ferry. On the ferry I asked B why were we going over here and demanded him to let me know what he had planned next. He was very adamant and firm about not telling me what was planned. He also threatened to take my phone. That is a no no. You can't take my phone, so I stopped bugging him, and just continued to go with the flow. Once off the ferry we walked toward this statue coming out of the sand. The weather was perfect 77 degrees wind blowing and romantic setting. Once we arrived to this point we met both his parents. At this point he suggested we take pictures and I proceeded to open my gifts. I was thinking is he gonna propose now? My mom and sister brought me some cute dresses and blouses. I read everyone's cards. Then B began talking about the significance of the statue. The statue was called the Awakening. He mentioned how many were in the world and the meaning behind why it was shaped. He then started to look at me and said over the last 3 years he has been awakened by me. That I've made his life better and be was ready to take it to the next level. At this point I completely lost it, he was on one knee. I started screaming OH MY GOD! I think I ran away at one point. All the while I covered my face because I started to cry. I told him yes and gave him a hug. I was still screaming Ahhhhhhh by this time and my family and his family were laughing at me. We took pictures and more pictures. I hope they come out decent. The ring is beautiful. B told me he will upgrade me in a few years, but I think it's perfect. I told him I didn't want a solitaire diamond and that I wanted something different like a gem stone. He gave me a ruby my birthstone, and significant to a Proverbs 31 woman who's price is far above rubies. I love it. Very elegant and classy like me. B did an excellent job, I'm so proud of him! It was the best birthday gift I could ever ask for. I will always remember 26! I then proceeded to interrogate B on the inns and outs of this planning. We laughed and joked around with the family. We even set a date 8.4.12. At 12am they yelled Happy Birthday to me! I kissed and told everyone I loved them and thanked them for coming. I went to sleep 26 and engaged, and I could not have asked for a better gift. "He blesses me over and over again, even when I'm not deserving" Keep the Faith! Until next time, ~E

Mixing Monday: I got Shellac'd :D

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

14 day manicure???? I had to find a nail shop in town that had this new technology. I was excited to see what the hype was about with Shellac manicure. The Shellac manicure costs $20 and its a gel nail polish that dries in seconds using a UV/LED light. That means no smudging, chipping, or cracking of nail polish and it suppose to last 14 days. I absolutely love the manicure. I hope it does what it says and lasts 14 days.

Have you been Shellac'd? Did the manicure last 14 days? available for that perfect 2 week manicure.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Workout Wednesdays: 2 year work anniversary!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:53:00 +0000

Happy 2 year work anniversary to me. Last year I wrote a post about my first year working for Big Oil. In that post I listed out 12 things I learned in my first year working and they still hold true.

1st month – Being alone doesn't mean you are lonely.
2nd month – Asking questions doesn't make you seem dumb or stupid.
3rd month – Networking is key to building lasting relationships.
4th month – Perception is key. See yourself in others eyes.
5th month – I love spending time with ME! Gotta love yourself before you can give and receive love.
6th month – Don't ask to do something. Tell them respectfully
7th month – If he is interested he will call, text, bbm
8th month – Your Boaz, King, is out there trust God seek him first
9th month – SAVE, SAVE, SAVE...Max out your 401K especially if you get a raise!
10th month – Surround yourself with whom you want to be like, mentor, advocate, champion, sponsor.
11th month – Get out of your own way. You are blocking your blessings.
12th month – God brings you back full circle to make you appreciate his plan.

Over the last 24 months working full time, I have grown, learned, cried, prayed, forgave, loved, and stayed strong in my faith. These last 3 months have been the most trying for me. Changing departments, learning a new job, and performing exceptionally has been difficult. I have learned and am still growing my technical abilities and competence on my new job. The most trying thing for me is learning how to trust myself and my abilities. I believe I hold myself back and get in my own way when it comes to my job. I'm learning how to trust God and trust myself and to be the exceptional performer I know I am.

God truly brings you back full circle to make you appreciate his plan.

Happy 2 year work anniversary to me!

Zumba/Running on treadmill consists of my working out this week :D

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Tasty Tuesday: Cooking Class Success!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I had an amazing time at Well Done Cooking Class - Pasta Making I on Saturday. Making pasta was incredibly easy and I'm so happy I treated myself to this class. Now, I need a Kitchen Aid mixer with the pasta making attachments and I will be in business :) *hint hint to my bf* :D

Here are a few of the recipes that were delicious.

Fresh Pasta

Kitchen Aid Mixer with Pasta attachments :D

Fresh Pasta dough

Ingredients:

3 cups of flour

5 - 6 fresh, large eggs

1 tsp. salt

semolina flour for dusting

METHOD

The making of pasta isnʼt some temperamental

nightmare - you just chuck the eggs and ﬂour

together, no big deal You donʼt need oil, thatʼs a

fallacy. The only essential for the most superior

pasta experience is the freshest eggs, and

good, ﬁnely ground ﬂour. You want to knead

these ingredients together to a smooth, ﬁne and

silky-textured dough, and work it enough to

develop and strengthen the structure of the

gluten in the dough to make it elastic. It can be

made using a well on a clean, ﬂat surface; in a

bowl; a food processor; or a stand mixer in ﬁve

minutes or less.

Directions:

✦ Stage 1: Make a well in the center of the

flour and add the eggs (and yolks if using

the special recipe ingredients), Using a fork,

break up the eggs slightly as you bring in the

flour from the sides. As it begins to form a

semi-soft dough, start to use your hands.

Work the dough hard for about 3 minutes or

until smooth, silky and elastic. Wrap it in

plastic wrap and allow to rest in the

refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

✦ Stage 2: Remove the dough from the fridge

and divide into four balls. Re-cover the

three of the balls to prevent them from

drying out while working with one at a time.

Flatten the ball with your hands to about 1/2

inch thick before running it through your

machine set to thickest setting. This is

important because if you try to run it through

the machine while it’s really thick, it could

break your machine not to mention being

really difficult to work with. On the thickest

setting, you want to roll the pasta through it

at least twice (really three or four) trying to

get the sheets as wide as the roller and as

Spicy Squash, Basil and Ricotta Ravioli with

Crispy Herbs

Ingredients:

1 butternut squash

1 level tablespoon coriander seeds

2 small dried chillies

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Extra Virgin olive oil

12 slices dry-cured smoky bacon

2 good handfuls of fresh basil, roughly chopped

9 oz Ricotta Cheese

1 - 2 handfuls of grated Parmesan cheese

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 lb. basic pasta recipe

2 handfuls of mixed herbs (sage, thyme,

oregano)

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F. Carefully cut your

butternut squash in half and scoop out the

seeds. Put these to one side as you can

actually roast and salt them just like nuts for a

great snack.

• Cut the squash lengthways into ¼ inch slices.

Bash up your coriander and chillies with a

pinch of salt and pepper in a pestle and mortar

(or use a metal bowl and the end of a rolling

pin). Dust this over your squash with a

tablespoon of olive oil. Toss around until

completely coated.

• Line up snugly in a roasting tray and bake for

around 20 minutes and then throw your

bacon on top of the squash. Cook for another

10 minutes until the flesh and skin are soft to

the touch and the bacon is cooked.

• Divide the roasted squash in half and finely

chop one half, leaving the other coarsely

chopped (you can remove the skin if you wish,

but I love it.) Put all the squash into a bowl

with the basil, ricotta and most if not all of the

Parmesan. Mash with a fork and taste for

seasoning.

• Roll out several sheets of pasta about 1/16 of

an inch thick, keeping them covered with a

damp cloth. Make them 3 x 3 inches (most

machines make 4 inches wide). Lay out your

pasta on a generously dusted surface and

place a good heaped teaspoon of filling in the

middle of the sheet at one end. Repeat this all

the way along the pasta, spacing 2 inches

apart. Then, using a clean pastry brush and

some water, lightly but evenly brush the pasta

(this will be your glue). Lay another similarly

sized sheet of pasta on top.

• At this point you should have a gentle touch.

With the base of your palm, gently pat the

pasta down on the long side farthest away

from you. Starting from one side, with the side

of your hand, push the pasta down at one

end, then slowly curl your fingers and your

palm around the filling, eventually cupping and

gently pushing down on the other side of the

filling. Repeat along the length of the pasta,

making sure it hasn’t stuck to the work

surface. Then trim and cut the ravioli into

shape with a knife or crinkly pastry cutter.

• After filling and shaping your ravioli, cook in

boiling salted water for 3 - 4 minutes, until

tender. You can store in your fridge for 3 - 4

hours, dusted with semolina. Fry off the

mixed herbs in a little butter until crispy and

scatter over your ravioli. You can serve with a

little extra Parmesan on top.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Mixing Monday: Summer Moisturizing Mix

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

I whipped up a new mix and thought I share. I call it my Summer Moisturizing Mix.

1 oz of avocado butter
1 oz of organic shea butter
1 tablespoon of castor oil
1 tablespoon of jojoba oil
13 drops of fragrance (I choose grapefruit oil) YUM.

Whip with mixer until yogurt/cookie dough like texture. Use on braids, twists, or just for everyday summer moisture.

Enjoy!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: Two Tales of One City

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The book of Jonah has the makings of a great movie plot. It contains a runaway prophet, a terrible storm at sea, the prophet swallowed by a great fish, God sparing the prophet’s life, and the repentance of a pagan city.

But Jonah’s sequel—the book of Nahum—might not be so popular. Nahum ministered in Nineveh just as Jonah had, but about 100 years later. This time, the Ninevites had no interest in repentance. Because of this, Nahum condemns Nineveh and proclaims judgment on the people.

To unrepentant Nineveh, the prophet preached: “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked” (Nah. 1:3). But Nahum also had a message of mercy. To comfort the people of Judah, he proclaimed: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him” (v.7).

We see in the stories of Jonah and Nahum that with every new generation comes the necessity of an individual response to God. No one’s spiritual life can be handed off to another; we must each choose to serve the Lord from our own heart. God’s message is as fresh today as it was hundreds of years ago: judgment for the unrepentant but mercy for the repentant. How will you respond?*

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

*from the Daily Bread

Workout Wednesdays: New Workout Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Yup you read correctly I have a new workout regimen or schedule is a better way to say. Gotta get motivated and trim before 26 I have 15 lbs to loose. I can do this! Check out the new class schedule below the goal is to go workout at least 5 days a week :/ Seems like a lot, but it needs to happen :)

Monday - 6:45pm - Group Kick
Tuesday - 6:45pm - Zumba
Wednesday - 6:45pm - Group Kick
Thursday - 5:30pm - Yoga
Friday - 5:30pm - Zumba
Saturday - 10:30am - Zumba

What do you think of the new schedule?

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Tasty Tuesday: Cooking Classes this weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

	I have written many many times about finally taking a cooking class and it is coming true on this Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 11AM. I'm taking Pasta Making I where I will learn how to make pasta and cook it. YUMMO! How exciting is this? Gonna take another French style class later in the summer. Will post all the dets next week! Pasta Making I

	Fresh pasta making seems like such a challenge to most people, but in fact it's as easy as 1-2-3. All you need is all purpose flour, eggs, and a little salt. That's it. Of course machines help in rolling it out, but actually little old ladies in Italy can do it with their rolling pins! We'll teach you all the tricks, including: kneading and working your dough, the best way to roll it out, how to make different shapes, and some yummy sauces for your new creations.
	In this class you will make these types of pastas: Fresh spaghetti with tomato, fennel, and salami Fresh fettucine with meat sauce ragu Fresh ravioli of butternut squash and ricotta cheese Keep the Faith! Until next time, ~E

Mixing Monday: Summer Protective Styles

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Do you protect your hair the same in the summer as in the winter months? I'm looking for some quick cute summer styles to keep my hair protected from this 100F Texas heat.

Any thoughts?

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: Inspiration?

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

QOTD: Where does your inspiration come from? What inspires you? Who inspires you? What keeps you inspired?

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Workout Wednesdays: Finding Motivation

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 02:44:00 +0000

I'm having a difficult time finding motivation to work out. I know working out should be the first thing on my agenda for the day, but these last few months it has been far from it. I'm loosing weight probably due to stress from my new job. However, I want to keep loosing so I can reach my goal and get this purse I've been wanting forever.

What motivates you when working out?

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Inspirational Friday: Never Would Have Made It!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Fri, 27 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

http://youtu.be/TWrGjzBheno

Never would have made it without you Lord! Thank you Marvin Sapp for this song.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: Its Simple!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

In a radio interview, a basketball superstar was asked about his knack for making the game-winning shot in crucial situations. The reporter asked how he was able to be so calm in such pressure-packed moments. His answer was that he tried to simplify the situation. “You only have to make one shot,” the player replied. One shot. That is the essence of simplifying a difficult situation. Focus only on what is in front of you right now. Don’t worry about the expectations of your coach or teammates. Simplify.

Recognizing that the challenges of life can be both overwhelming and suffocating, Jesus urged us to take matters in hand by simplifying. He said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matt. 6:34). This was His wise conclusion to His teaching on the debilitating power of worry. Worry doesn’t accomplish anything positive; it just adds to the sense that we are drowning in the troubles we are facing. We must take things as they come—one day at a time—and trust Him for the wisdom to respond properly.

If you feel overwhelmed by life, do what you can today and then entrust the rest to Him. As Jesus said, “Each day has enough trouble of its own” (NIV).

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,

Workout Wednesdays: Week 3 Weigh In

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Had a dream I was getting rather large. Woke up terrified and weighed myself I'm still at 165. Time to kick it into high gear and make some moves.

How are your healthy living goals coming along?

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Tasty Tuesday: Sloppy Joes

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Tue, 24 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup minced carrots (can sub chopped bell pepper)

1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)

1/2 cup chopped celery

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt

1 1/4 lb ground turkey

1/2 cup ketchup

2 cups tomato sauce (or 1 15-ounce can whole tomatoes, puréed)

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbsp red wine vinegar

2 Tbsp brown sugar

Pinch ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Pinch cayenne pepper

2 turns of freshly ground black pepper

4 hamburger buns

METHOD
1 Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan on medium high heat. Add the carrots and sauté for 5 minutes. (If you are using bell pepper instead of carrots, add those at the same time as the onions.) Add the chopped onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally until onions are translucent, about 5 more minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 more seconds. Remove from heat. Remove vegetables from the pan to a medium sized bowl, set aside.
2 Using the same pan (or you can cook the meat at the same time as the vegetables in a separate pan to save time), generously salt the bottom of the pan (about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon). Heat the pan on high. Crumble the ground beef into the pan. You will likely need to do this in two batches, otherwise you will crowd the pan and the beef won't easily brown. Do not stir the ground beef, just let it cook until it is well browned on one side. Then flip the pieces over and brown the second side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the pan (can add to the set-aside vegetables), salt the pan again and repeat with the rest of the ground beef.
If you are using extra lean beef, you will likely not have any excess fat in the pan. If you are using 16% or higher, you may have excess fat. Strain off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat.
3 Return the cooked ground beef and vegetables to the pan. Add the ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar and brown sugar to the pan. Stir to mix well. Add ground cloves, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Lower the heat to medium low and let simmer for 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Mixing Monday: Houston Black Expo - Natural Hair Expo

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Mon, 23 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the Houston Black Expo and the Natural Hair events. It was fun. Had a great time even picked up a Natural Hair Rules t-shirt from creator Tamara Floyd. It's always a treat to see fellow bloggers at events. The Black Expo was amazing so many vendors, celebrities, and natural hair divas.

Here is a few pictures of my side afro puff, I got so many compliments on.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,

Transformation Thursday: A New Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:27:00 +0000

The beginning of 2011 I set goals for myself one being to become the best me I can be. I have seemed to lost myself in that process. I don't read as much anymore, I don't write as often. Work has consumed me and working 60+ hours a week plus the weekends takes a toll on you physically, mentally, and spiritually. I have stopped going to bible study on Monday nights. I have stopped reading God's word. I have stopped developing me. My bf is my biggest cheerleader and he encouraged me to write about this and how I am going to change to become better. First, I need to believe in the change that is going to transpire. Ask God to empower me to become the best me and elude excellence in all that I do and touch. Secondly, I need to find a happy medium when it comes to work. I need to work and come home before 7pm everyday. I need to walk my dog everyday and I need to call my family more often. More importantly, I need to continue to be the rock & support for my man, as we continue to develop our long distance relationship. Lastly, but definitely not least to become a new and better me I need to invest back in myself and my goals. I need to invest in my making my dreams come true and follow what truly makes me happy and where my passion is. Sometimes, the struggle is not following your dreams it is believing that your dreams could actually come true. For me its both, the fear of not being successful and not becoming who God has called me to be.

Do you sometimes have setbacks on that journey to achieve your dreams? I have always heard that setbacks are setups for God's blessings over you. How are you becoming the best you? Are you living your best life?

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

New posts next week

noreply@blogger.com (Erica Freeman) — Wed, 18 May 2011 03:55:00 +0000

Blogged being down through me off my normal posting schedule don't worry new posts will be here next week!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E