Red beans and rice

Yum yum ... Trying to pick up a hobby since school came to an end. My friend gave me a great idea to start cooking. I have always loved cooking but with a busy lifestyle I never had time. Now I find myself browsing recipes and trying go change them up. So far this journey is fun and I love it. My parents who were AMAZING cooks are my inspiration!! 

Bon appetite 

Change

I have this weird feeling surfaces around me. I have a huge fear of change in the next few months. I love change and usually embrace. However in the next few months I will have a masters and will need to transition to a new company. Honestly I am nervous about the chapter in my life. Where will I work? what will the people be like? i really have enjoyed my time here and PVN and I am having hard time realizes that I have to leave. PVN has given me a raise, trained me as a social worker and even trusted me to replace a social worker. This experience has meant more to me then the team could have imagined. When feeling like this i am truly realizes that God has led me here to grow. God has allowed people to pour seeds in me to take me where he needs to me to go. God placed Liz into my life to train me, encourage and lift me up to increase my skills and knowledge in social work but also increase my confidence. I am not sure where I will be in August but I know this one thing, God is elevating me to something greater. Nervous, excited whatever happens God has got this and I have to give it to him. Jeremiah 29:11.

Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better.

King Whitney Jr.

Season of Busy

Ever just want a day where you are not constantly on the go? I want one all the time. Working, Internship and school are just no fun anymore. During this season of busyness I find myself less confident and if anything more fearful. It is like a runner who is running toward a goal but still has 2 miles until they reach it. Well this is how I feel on a daily basis. Its like I lost my groove. Dont get me wrong, I am very blessed and lucky to be able to go to school and be this far in my masters program but I am ready to reach the goal. We are in September and I have 8 months until classes officially end. There is no peace until I get licensed and then walk the stage in August. I am at that point in my life where I am ready to work one job, and actually have a weekend. I am even ready to settle down and get married when Mr. right comes along. 25 has definately helped me to know what I want in this life. I just want to get to that goal (graduation), then everything else can come into play. Times like this I need my mother who would always know the right things to say to me and though she is not I here I can still imagine words that she would speak over my life. I am so thankful to have a great field supervisor who is making sure I am having the best learning experience, I am so thankful for a good supervisor who understands the importance of my internship and education and most of all I am so thankful for GOD who keeps me going even when I want to give up at times. God I ask for your peace and provision during this time of busyness. Thank you for keep me afloat.


Til next time.....

REST

⁹Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.- Psalm 16:9

Strong women in Christ

Today was not my greatest day actually the day was kinda bad until i turned it over to christ. Since my mom died God has done some amazing things in my life which is putting strong christian women to watch over me while I am here on earth. My mom was the one woman who was always on fire for christ and always prayed for her children and when she passed away I thought I would completely lose that. Well I did not! Actually God place about 5 or 6 older women in my life to be pray warriors. When I am down all it takes is a phone call to these women and immediately prayers go up. Thank you heavenly father for not abandoning me when I think I am wits in. Two of the ladies are in my choir. Carol is one of them and she is the reason I joined choir. She welcomed me in arms wide open and if always inviting me out with her and her husband and is constantly praying for me. Donna is just on fire for Christ and is constantly looking over the young women in choir. It means so much to me to have Donna in my life and to know that her phone line is open 24/7. Dee Dee is just great and always knows exactly what to say to make me laugh. She is always praying for me and always welcomes me with arms wide open. Outside of choir I have some amazing women who look out for me in my personal life. Valerie, Laverne, and Carol are constant prayer warriors in my life and always remind me of the goodness of God. Lisa is great and is always praying for me and cheering me on in my academic studies. Stephanie Davis keeps her eye on me and make sure that no matter how discouraged I get that i see everything to the end. Each and everyone of these women has a particular trait that reminds that my mom is always looking over me. Today I really just needed a touch of encouragement and these women definately offered that to me today.


I cry out to God most high to God who fulfills his purpose for me (psalm 57:2)
The Lord will vindicate me;your love, Lord, endures forever —
    do not abandon the works of your hands. (Psalm 138:8)


To God be the Glory.Thank you for never leaving me or forsaking me.

:)

Got a couple of surprises during the work day. I have a big decision to make but I am just so happy with either decision. Even though I almost gave up God has proven that he is faithful. I am so glad that I have so many people around me who have my back!! It is nice to have people praying, loving and checking up on me. It is so funny how things pull together when you just sit back and let God do his work!

Belief is building

I can not express how honored and proud i am to be a member of First Baptist Dallas. Last week ( I know I'm late) we got the please of writing verses and spiritual messages on the concrete of our new building. I can not explain how awesome the experience was. Dr. Robert Jeffress is an amazing and his sermons are always black and white no gray in between. I appreciate Dr. Jeffress dedication to preaching exactly from the bible and defending his beliefs in the media. I am so glad I get to participate in the building of our new church. 2013 is going to be the year fo real!!!

Belief is building

 :)

 The Group

sam and Layla

WORD!!!

MSW Classmates

School just started again and I will admit that I am freaking out. However, there is one reason why I know I will make it out of this program alive and that is because of my classmates. I do not know what I would do without Kwahera and Jessica. The 3 of us have had every single class together since August, we go on dinner outings, and we always have each others back. In most graduate programs students fail to take the time to get to know their colleagues and do not receive a lot of academic support. We are already planning a mini cruise when we walk accross that stage next year "God willing". Mexico here we come in 2013!!!!!! So blessed to have supportive and loving classmates.

Summer Bucket "Fun" List

I don't plan on kicking the bucket anytime soon (lol) but I have decided to make a summer bucket list.

A lot of things have just changed my perspective on life and realizing how short it is. I was recently talking with a group of friends about having a summer bucket list which I was completely in favor of but then I thought I should make my own personal bucket list. I was talking to a resident today and we were just discussing how different it is being 25 now compared to when she was growing up. It seemed as if the little things mattered and that life was less busy. I don't know about you but I feel like life today is just crazy busy full or stress and worries. Jobs do not come around as easy as they use to, people marry later in life, and the world and people around us can be so stressful. In my opinion I feel we tend to worry more these days than enjoy our short time on earth. Even though I am working and going to school full time I plan to make the most of this summer. This summer is also particularly important because if everything goes as plan I will be graduating one year from this time!!! Okay enough with the chatter and on to the list.

1.) Checked out FW Botanical Gardens already! Now I need to hit up Dallas Arboretum for their Chihuly concert nights.

2.) Meet more people in choir my age in choir. I love the people that I am surrounded by in choir but there is quite an age gap between us. There is nothing wrong with that but I want to meet other choir members my age who I can have out and fellowship with.

3.) Zip Lining

4.) Golf

5.) Get a tattoo in remembrance of my mother. If you know me you know that I will probably scare myself out of it but it is wishful thinking.

6.) Visit Dallas Museum of Art.

8.) LOSE ANOTHER 10LBS! I THINK I CAN DO IT

9.) Go to a Texas Rangers Game

11.) Finish The Appeal and Think Like a Man. If you know me you already know it takes me a year to read one book.

12.) Fly a kite, have a picnic in the park. Either with friends or with myself, I just wanna do it!

13.) Move forward from mistakes, and griefs.

14.) Encourage friends and family members on a daily basis

15.) Increase my wisdom.

16.) Meet Mr.Right (You never know :) ).

17.) Take a picture of myself or someone or something everyday.  EASY RIGHT!

Okay on your mark get ready go. I will tell you if I accomplished it all by August 31. I dare you to make one.

Peace

Childhood friends

Childhood friends.

Out of all the friends that I have had through the years from childhood to adulthood, these are three that have remained for 10+ years. To me that spells L-I-F-E-T-I-M-E! These suckers have had the oddest experiences with me, some that are never to be discussed. I have watched these kids grow to become mature adults. Life roads have caused us to be distant at times but we always managed to find a path back to one another. It is so hard to believe that we have remained friends for sooo long. 

The little fella on the right, his name is Sam and I have know him since I was 9. We have had seasons of closness, distance, anger, and closeness again. Sam and I do not always make sense as friends but we work and I love it!

The blond chick in the middle is Daniella. I have know her since i was 11, and believing me we were not always as close. However Daniella has definitely grown on me and her loyalty to Sam and I is everlasting.

And of course the blog must be ended with Amber Diva Renae lol. Amber is quite different then my other two childhood friends. To be honest Amber was probably the closet black friend I have ever had. It seems weird to say that but during middle school most of my friends were of a different race. Amber specifically stands out because she sang a memorable song at my mother's funeral that will be remembered for years to come. 

As I have always said I a blessed to have some of the most amazing people in my life, but even more blessed to still have contact with childhood friends. 

Black Women

Today I got to hang out with one of my guy friends ( I guess it was sort of a date). He is really nice and I think we compliment each other well because we are completely different then what we are used to dating. As we continued to converse we got into the topic of black women and attitudes. He mentioned that I was different then most black women he has dated and that most of the other women always had drama and an attitude. Unfortunately that is not the first time I have heard about black women and attitudes and frankly that opinion gets old. Black men are constantly saying that they don't deal with "sistas" because we always have an attitude, but I beg to differ. Black men do not want to put up with "sistas" because they are not going to let you treat them any kind of way. I am not saying that black women don't have attitudes but lets not just limit attitudes with a race. Women of all races have attitudes and whether you see it on the first date or the next couple of dates believe me you will see it. In saying this I do not want to be that black woman that goes around saying that good black men do not exist because that is simply untrue. It is just unfortunate that the people we come across ruin it for those who are quite opposite. Please let us stop stereotyping each other as a race and get to know the person before we automatically assume they have an attitude.

P.S. The hangout was fun overall but the topic of black women always having an attitude just gets old.


Word!

Last day of May

Today is the last day of May AKA the last time there will be nice weather before Heatwave June comes in. I just love May because the flowers come out, we celebrate mother's day, our veterans and nice weather. I was walking  outside with a resident's family member today and we both could not get over how nice the weather was. Look Texas if its going to be over 105 just let me know so I can take a vacation somewhere else lol.  Thank you God for another month down and another month to come.

Children of God (Monday)

This kid is ridiculously cool and to think I don't even like children lol! What makes this little girl so special is her love for God. Her love for God and people is so contagious. She is one of my best friends daughter and she has truly blessed my life. Every time I am in the presence of this kid she inspires me to be a better Christian and to be better for God's kingdom. What makes this child so special is her loving heart. As children I think we all grow up with an innocent and loving heart. We see everyone the same and we do not look at skin color, class, material possessions and etc. As children we just love people. As we get older different things start to change our innocence. Whether it is peers, experiences or just life, some of us fall away from that child like view of the world. I too am guilty of that and just when I think I am too good to be loving toward another person God reminds me to see them through a child eyes. I made this little girl my Sunday blog because she is just so sweet, loving, and truly an example of Godly love.


Blessings,
N.B

count your blessings

Yesterday Pastor Jefress encouraged us to count our blessings when we are in storms or when we are coming out of one
I want to list a few people and things that I am grateful for.

1. God's grace- I am so grateful that Jesus died for q sinner like me. I have made so many mistakes and yet he still loved me enough to die for me.
2. Family- I am lucky to have parents who never abused me, always supported me and most of all loved me. I had the worlds greatest mother and even though she is no longer here here presence is always around me. I have a dad who taught me business and how to handle my finances. A brother who is always near and available to offer advice. A sister who I can lean on. Non blood relatives who always think about me and are constantly praying for me.
Friends- its a beautiful thing to have a friend who sticks closer than a brother. My friends rule. I live how we talk to each other crazy and still laugh about it. Lol my friends are a hot mess.
Job- not everyone has one and some have been laid off. Thank you God that i have a job and that lay offs are not even on the picture.
Grad school- no matter how's much it stresses me out, i am glad to be back in school. Im ready to finish and become an LMSW.
Health- thank you god for my health. Thank you for allowing me to breathe w/o assistance, and thank you for allowing me to walk freely from place to place.
Car- hahah my little Kia. Im so blessed to have a car.

count your blessing name the one by one count your blessings see what God has done
 count tour blessings name them one by one count your many blessings see what the lord has done.

G.N

Friends

Friends! What a blessing it is to have a friend. I am so thankful for the people God has placed in my life. I have had downer week where I almost felt hopeless, confused, anxious and scared. This week my friends have truly lived out Galatians 6:2 by allowing me to bear my burdens with them. Thank you god that I have friends of different backgrounds, races, cultures, and different personalities. I am so blessed to have friends that provide love and positive guidance in my life. Lord please teach me to "Bear one another burdens".

Sunday School

Today was an amazing day! One of my friends from choir and I met up and went to a singles sunday school class. It was nice to be around people similar to me who are working, and of course looking for that Godly mate.  My friend and I were discussing how hard it is to be single and how it often gets lonely. We talked about the different lies that Satan tries to feed us on a daily basis, and we discussed are doubts and fears. During that time my friend opened up the bible and turned to a verse that hit home. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. The verse hit both of us because while we are frustrated and asking "WHY",  God already has our perfect mate in the works we just can see him. My friend and I both agreed to focus on the awesome opportunities God is allowing us to do for his glory and wait on that mate he has for us.


The way I see it if it is taking this long to for him to come, then God must have someone pretty AWESOME for us!!!!!!


Blessings

What do you want??


So I am wanting to finally date and I have a great opportunity to date. The only problem is that neither of the men in my life feels right. A couple of weeks ago I went on a date and this guy brought me flowers, payed, was on time, came to my city to see me, and truly enjoyed himself. Well needless to say he called once and never called again and we have not spoken since and I assume it was because he was too busy to date. Now I met another guy on POF and I just dont feel it with him. He was late, I had to drive to see him, and he acted like he could not stay long. Though everything turned out fine it was still a turn off. Now another guy who I was so crazy about last year is back in the picture and it seems he really wants something with me. I am not sure if we are official or if we are taking it slow and I am kinda tired of figure it out. Though he is being more consistent I still do not feel satisfied. I dont know if something is wrong with me, if I have high standards or maybe I dont trust God's sending me a good man. Whichever one of these it may be, I am in the mindset to focus on myself this summer, finish school, move out. I am not sure what to do about the guy I liked last year because he is finally telling me everything I wanted to hear, but I wonder if its too late. I want marriage and though I am not 100% ready to be anyone's wife now one day I will be. I want someone worth it, and I do not have time to waste. I am just so scared that if I let this guy go that God may not send me anyone else. I KNOW ITS A LIE FROM SATAN! It is just hard being in a season of singleness. A good friend told me that I need someone who appreciates me, and it is better to be alone than unhappy. I could only see true happiness with guy #1 and for whatever reason it did not work, but I have a good idea of how a gentlemen should be minus the not calling me again. What do I want in a guy? Well he needs a job, strong relationship with god, needs to be understanding and practice celibacy, appreciates me, giving of his time, willing to go out his way to see me, needs to feel right, HE HAS TO BE FUNNY LOL, and get along with family and friends. I am really praying to see if this guy from my past meets those qualifications, and am going to take it day by day. My prince is out there I just have to keep hope alive.

God bless