Music Mondays: Whitney Houston - The First Noel and Joy To The World

To share a light and love this Christmas season I wanted to share my favorites from Whitney Houston. The reason for the season is the birth of Jesus Christ. So here are two songs that highlight this blessing! Enjoy...

Music Mondays: Donny Hathaway - This Christmas and The Jackson 5 - Give Love On Christmas Day

In 1991 I discovered records. Now, my Grandmother collected records before I was born and I seen them in our home throughout my childhood. But up until I was 13 I had no desire to listen to records. The Christmas season arrived and my Grandmother went into her collection and played her records. I remember hearing Donny Hathaway for the first time, then she played the Jackson 5 and I was excited to hear Michael Jackson as a kid. When everyone was tired of hearing Christmas songs I would sit in front of the stereo with my Grandfathers headphones on and listen to music over and over. So when I hear The Jackson 5 Christmas or Donny Hathaway my childhood flashes before me. Today I wanted to share my favorite Christmas songs with you. I hope to share a little Holiday cheer! Enjoy….

A Scorpio Knows

Happy Birthday to all my beloved Scorpios!!! Yes, this is Scorpio Season…All Sexy Everything! To celebrate the last day of Scorpio season I wanted to do something in honor of my 36th birthday. Yes, you read that right; I turned 36 October 23rd. I cannot believe it. Where did all the time go? I remember living in my grandparents’ home dreaming of the day I was old enough to move out and could afford to live on my own. I am so grateful to be in the space I am now, learning, growing every day. This year I continue to transition. And while the process has been challenging; I know the person I am becoming makes it worth it. My perspective about life has changed tremendously and I learned some awesome things along the way. So I want to share with you 36 things I have learned at the tender age of 36! There is beauty in growing old. You get to learn some pretty cool things along the way. Please comment about what you learned thus far on your journey. I would love to know.


1. Always be aware.
2. It’s not always about you.
3. Being kind brings its own rewards.
4. Don’t wait for things to get “better” to praise God.
5. My Faith is all I have.
6. Peace of mind is everything!
7. It’s okay to say I don’t know.
8. It’s okay to say I messed up.
9. Being happy is so much more fulfilling than being right.
10. Put your time and energy in people who always put the same into you.
11. Nurture your relationships.
12. A romantic relationship is not the only way to experience Love.
13. Being alone to heal is so worth it.
14. Go to therapy.
15. Honor your feelings.
16. Don’t take everything so seriously.
17. Stay true to YOUR vision even if it means standing alone.
18. It’s okay being soft and sweet (I hear guys dig that stuff).
19. Say no.
20. Don’t be different for the sake of, but do what works for you.
21. Everyone won’t support your dreams.
22. Never give up.
23. Know when it’s time to quit.
24. Every once in a while take a risk.
25. Don’t be afraid of being by yourself.
26. Do something nice for YOU.
27. Be an example.
28. There is a Spiritual element to Love.
29. What you put out into the world will always come back to you. Good or bad.
30. Speak of what it is you WANT not of what you DON’T WANT.
31. The only person you can change is yourself.
32. Let go!
33. Love heals.
34. Save.
35. You can approach him first.
36. Sometimes not having a “plan” is the best “plan”.

Music Mondays: The Foreign Exchange - On A Day Like Today

“On A Day Like Today” by Foreign Exchange is close to my heart for several reasons. I won’t bore you with all the reasons, but will share a couple. I have never been in love before. Not the romantic type of love. And at 36 I thought I would be married with children by now. Life does not go as we plan and that’s okay too. If just for today I let go of all my expectations. If I just allow life to unfold as it will. That is scary, I always had a “plan”. But as Phonte sings, "Today I am going to try something new".

For years I have “worked” so hard on trying to have it all together. On my journey I find myself letting go. I finally accepted I won’t have it all together. Pause….breathe….and it’s okay. Perfection only lives in my mind. I wanted the perfect relationship. I wanted to court, get married, THEN move in together (build our own home of course) and have children. It’s okay to have a dream about your ideal relationship, but what I never made room for was life to happen. As Phonte wisely sings, “Get out the way of your happiness/ Let go of all you know is not true”.

“On A Day Like Today” is one of my favorite songs. It is a mid tempo song with an 80’s feel. It a perfect song for a sunny Fall day! And I love how Phonte fades out the song with the lyrics he sings at the start of the song. There is nothing greater than a love song! A song you can jam to and lyrics that can heal a broken Spirit. A healthy love is the goal. I will no longer be obsessed about the process. What I don’t learn while I am single, I will learn God willing when I’m in a relationship. My obsession with trying to have it together was my wall. That wall kept romantic love out of my life that did not meet my high expectations. On a day like today I will change my point of view. Now with a new outlook on life my prayer is that I will find my way to you. Enjoy…

Music Mondays: The Internet - You Don't Even Know ft Tay Walker

To stick with the theme of setting the mood I have another song to add to your catalog. This group is called The Internet. The entire album is filled with songs about love and making love, truly one of my favorite albums of the year.

The sensual ballad “You Don’t Even Know” starts off with the Syd singing, “You’re beautiful, you brighten up my day/ And when your skin touches mine/ I get goose bumps right away”. I swoon every time I hear that line. It is the simple gesture of saying a women is beautiful sometimes is all she needs to hear by the man she adores. That then opens up the door to so much more.

For those who are single like me this is an exciting time. Now that we are in the Fall season and the weather has gotten cold, it’s time to warm your heart with a new lover. This is what some know as “cuffing season”. This is when a man and a woman spend quality time together, hoping to build something great together. Once you’re blessed to have met that special someone you have to have your theme music! Enjoy…

Music Mondays: TGT - Lessons In Love

I read a quote that said something along the lines of a women's favorite song can tell you what she is feeling. I believe that is true and explains my current favorite song; "Lessons In Love" by TGT. Sensuality is necessary for me in a romantic relationship. I will tell a little secret: When I go out with men their music choice is crucial for me to bond with them. Knowing what to play sets the mood that in itself plays a part of how comfortable I am with a man. Music is extremely sensual and a man playing the right song, I will let my guard down.

"Lessons In Love" lyrics open up with "I hope you like the strong types". I swoon every time I hear Tank sing that line. The song is seductive and expresses the meaning of learning how to please each other through touch. Due to my lack of experience with intimacy a man who is willing to teach me will have my heart!

In August TGT released "Three Kings" and the album is amazing! If you have not heard it yet, you’re missing out. Listen below to "Lessons In Love". Hope you enjoy…

Fun In The Sun!!!

Fun In The Sun!!!, a set on Flickr.

“Welcome to Jamaica mon” was the greeting I heard as soon as my plane landed in Jamaica. Smiling face and a little more flirting from the Jamaica guys than I am used to in America; my trip to Jamaica was nothing short of amazing! Arriving to my resort the first people I see are my friends, palm trees, blue water, and a cool breeze. Everyone was coming together to celebrate one of my closest girlfriend’s wedding. Love was in the air! I felt Love from the time I arrived and felt the lingering affects days after being back in the States. What moved me the most was the healing energy from the women. I connected to the divine goddess energy and felt kindred with everyone around me. I was reminded of my beauty, love, kindness, sensuality, and fun personality! What I learned in that moment was that we truly are a reflection of people around us. The love we give will ultimately be given back to us. Women I never met before walked away from Ocho Rios, Jamaica new friends. We started Friday with a great dinner. At Ocho’s Rios resort all the food and drinks were all inclusive! I didn’t have to pay for anything! I had so many cups of virgin Pina colodas I thought I would turn into one! Also I had a virgin Miami night, man; the best! After dinner we went dancing and we would sweat our hair out! Later we all took a night swim. But that is all I will reveal because what happens in Jamaica stays in Jamaica. *Wink* Saturday was the big day, we started out with breakfast and then a swim. One of my favorite moments was me and my friend dancing during the “teach you to duty wine” session was on the beach. I learned to “pon de river”, “duty wine”, “Jack hammer” among other dances. Usually I am reserved, but I let my hair down. Allowing my inner vixen to be unleashed, I connected to my authentic self. I tried coconut straight from the tree. It was gross, haha! Then the moment we all came for, my dear friend and her beloved would join their union. I cried as I reflected on a time when she said she wanted to be married. Just two years ago out of our four girl crew three of us were still single except one. Now two are married and on the will be married next year. Only one still single is yours truly! But I know my time is soon because when you are around blessings, you will be next! What I learned during the wedding is for the first time I didn’t want to rush, I didn’t care about all the Cinderella ball type of whirlwind wedding. I just asked The Lord to send me someone to love, to connect with, to surrender to, and feel safe with. The Divine healing energy was present as the Bride’s mother n law did the ceremony. The Universe was sending the message of love that comes from women. We heal; join people together, connect people to their souls purpose when we are honoring ourselves as women. We are all connected; we are whole like a circle, a wedding ring. I will forever be healed by this great vacation. Even with our differences as woman we can love, have fun, and even get along. I added photos of the trip above. Hope you enjoy, blessings!

Next Level Love

Find the Spirituality in love again was a life mission I began two years ago. I have a love for learning, so I was eager to figure what that meant. I was surprised at the path it would take me. The journey to love took me on a quest of seeing love as more than one dimensional. My view about love in the past had much to do with how I received it. You know, if someone is nice to me then I am nice to them. Now if someone is mean to me, I am going to be mean X’s ten! Love has taught me if I got everything I deserved; I would be in bad shape. But by grace and mercy I am healed, so why not give that same love to others? Regardless of how they treat me first, I love because it’s who I AM! It’s not about dishonoring yourself for others. It simply means I strive to no longer be petty! That’s that next level type love.

What I am learning is that love is bigger than man and women. We connect to love by being one with the Universe. When we release negative energy and begin to truly live out the scriptures in 1 Corinthians:13, our whole world opens up. With an instant shift we can change 100 years of karma by simply asking for forgiveness and deciding to put positive energy into the Universe. By one positive thought is a ripple effect, like waves in an ocean. The more love you put out in the world, it comes back to you. This my friends is how I began to find the Spirituality to love. My transformation started off very simple. I gave hugs to people as we said hello, I smiled not worrying about if it would get returned, and I ate lunch outside to bond with nature and made peace with myself. I wrote. I did mediation practices by writing what my soul craved, what is my purpose, my plan and how the world is all connected to this. I finally got it. You and I are not separate. We are one and the same. And seeing the love and beauty in all things is how I began to heal. I stopped placing conditions on myself feeling I am only lovable when I lose 20 pounds. Looking at flowers I feel love. Feeling the waves of the ocean against my feet gave my soul such a rush! I began to take the time to pause in the evening to watch the sunset. Watching the rain, allowing water to sooth me like a nurturing mother. I feel connected, I feel loved, and I feel I am okay as I am. What I believed I have benefited most by this change is my relationships with the people the closet to me. My connections with my family and friends has taken me to new levels and given me what I need. The love I have now has healed me.

Being born to a mother who decided at an early age parenting would not work for her; my grandmother (and grandfather) stepped in and raised me. My mom would come in and out of my life. The pain of not feeling lovable was very real for me, not having my mother in my life caused years of disconnect. One day I found myself in a counselors chair crying about how it hurts not having my mom in my life. But at this time I had out grown just about everyone in my circle. I was alone. I was scared. I was depressed. I told my counselor I have outgrown my friends, I am 23 and need friends who care more about finishing a personal goal than the latest hand bag. She said to me, “Your life is like a ladder, the step behind you is where your old friends are. Where you are now is that space in the middle, trying to find out who you are. And when you get to the next step your new friends will be there waiting for you”. Jesus, what a lesson I learned in that moment. My life now is confirmation of that next level.

The love that has healed me the most is the love I have received from women. See God gives us what we need. My grandmother teaches me what it means to love unconditionally. Not only did she raise me when her daughter chose not to, but she continues to treat me as her little girl at 35! The bond I have with my twin sister is the strongest of anything I know. She showed me the beauty in individuality. The amazing time I had with the women on my trip to Jamaica last weekend for my girlfriend’s wedding made me reflect on this. I strengthen the relationships with the women I already knew and developed bonds with women I met for the first time. Non stop laughing, dancing, drinking, eating, swimming and we even shed a tear or two. In that moment everything was clear. I knew I had arrived and I liked my reflection I saw in the mirror. The love I craved since birth I have it now. I am a girl’s girl, being around women gives me my soft place to fall and when needed tough love. When I feel lonely, tired of being single and need to vent I have a circle of women who will be there for me. At this next level of love I feel I can only climb higher from here!

Music Mondays: Zo! - Tell Me Something New feat. Jeanne Jolly

People who are the closet to me know I am a super romantic. Since a little girl, if I had a tough time expressing emotion music did that for me. The perfect lyric would express my deepest sorrow, joy, peace, and a desire just to be loved. That is what Zo's "Tell Me Something New" did for me. My longing to settle down and fall in love is my hearts greatest desire. It is amazing to me how a song can express our deepest desires. In the second verse country, soul singer/songwriter Jeanne Jolly sings "Such a rare and precious find/ To receive this love divine/ And I am yours babe". To hear a man say or feel that way about me would be ‘a dream come’ true. With a soulful melody and deep felt lyrics, this instantly became my favorite song.

Zo! is a soul/jazz artist from Detroit. From top to bottom, "Manmade" is a classic with many hit records written by Foreign Exchange lead singer, Phonte Colemen. Go get this album now; you will be in for a treat!

Enjoy...

"Week of the Young Child": Spring

In the Preschool classroom it is essential that creativity is allowed to take place. I believe the best classrooms are centered around the interest of the children. Spring season has always been a fun time to plan activities as a teacher because there are many "natural" activities that take place in and outside the classroom. On the playground you will begin to see dandelions growing in the grass, worms inside of the dirt, butterflies and bees going from flower to flower, and children sudden interest in the weather. Last week my former class did many activities related to Spring. I love using natural resources such as rocks, dirt, fresh flowers etc. so children can have "real life" experiences. When connections happen, learning begins to take place.


My former co-teacher became inspired and wanted to use seeds as an art project. Children created their own art mosaic using beans. Children decided on their stencil given them their creative freedom. Flowers were the most popular mosaic art and two children chose bats.



I love Spring because I love gardening with my students. Since the school did not have a garden, our class created their own. And every child was so excited about planting their flower. I let each child have a hand on experience. We used cups, water, plant seeds, soil, buckets, and shovels. Working with a few children at a time, I had them pass around different materials to each other once they were finished. The learning standards were comparing and measuring, estimating how long it would take for their flowers to grow, and use scientific skills.








The materials were cheap and can be purchased at dollar tree if not provided by school. The children continue to water their plants themselves every day. They enjoy watching the process of their plants grow. There are many activities to add based on the interest of the children.

"Week of the Young Child": Greg and Steve (playlist)

“Week of The Young Child” April 14-20, 2013 is National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) annual celebration. NAEYC purpose is to highlight children, families and Early Childhood programs that support them. As a Preschool teacher I want to focus this week’s blog post on my classroom and how I play a part in Early Childhood Education. To keep my preschoolers excited, I create a classroom where it is positive, creative, fun, and that has lots of music!! My favorite song to sing in the morning to my class is “Good Morning” by children music artist Greg & Steve. No matter the school, every class I have taught in loved this song! I play air guitar as other children played instruments they wanted to play such as drums, trumpet, and of course they imitate me and play air guitar. If you are a parent, teacher or around children often sing this song with them in the morning to brighten their day!

Sow Seeds of Gratitude

As the seasons turn, reflect on the gifts of change. You've come so far, and grown so much. Think of all that was, all that is, and all that is to come and breathe in gratitude. Remember where you've been, know where you are, and imagine what’s ahead, and breathe out gratitude. Each season has its purpose. Via (@Soulseedsmedia)

Music Mondays: The Foreign Exchange - So What If It Is

"Don't you worry bout the pain of yesterday, just remember to live. Don't be afraid it's not the end of your world but so, so what if it is" ~Phonte

Riding the train on a long commute home from my former job in DC I checked my twitter timeline. Phonte Coleman posted that there would be a new song by Foreign Exchange coming out that day. Being a long time fan I went directly to his twitter page to get the link. As I heard the song first of all, the music during the intro gives me the most amazing feeling. I could stay in that space forever, listening to the intro over and over. Once getting to the lyrics I was blessed by the simple words “It’s not the end of your world…so what if it is”. Going home emotionally drained and wondering if I should quit my job, I felt like it was the end of the world. And it was the end of my world, at least that part of it. What I learned in that moment was so what if everything comes crashing down; your life gets turned upside down. It is heartbreaking, but if you’re blessed to see another day it will get better so remember to live! It’s not the setbacks that define us, but how we recover is what does. I have below the lyrics that helped free me from the prison of my plan and releasing my life to God allowing a new journey to take place. What must come to an end in your life? What is God asking you to free yourself of? While you reflect on that, enjoy the music below. With pleasure here is the new single on the upcoming Foreign Exchange remix album titled “The Reworks “, “So What If It Is”.

Lyrics by Phonte Coleman
Everybody's got their song and dance about
What it means to struggle and to go without
No one thinks that they're part of the problem yes it's true
It's true

People running scared amidst these changing times
Recession, depression, unemployment lines
Everybody needs a little healing yes they do
They do

Now's the time to raise your voice and lift your hands
Show your love to every woman every man
Nobody believes things will get better but I do
I do

Don't you worry bout the pain of yesterday
Just remember to live
Don't be afraid it's not the end of your world but so
So what if it is

Everybody's searching trying to find a way
Reaching through the darkness for a brighter day
Looking for the sunshine in a sky that smiles so blue
So blue

Now's the time to raise your voice and lift your hands
Show your love to every woman every man
Nobody believes things will get better but I do
I do

Winter

According to reports the groundhog “Punxsutawney Phil” has seen his shadow and there will be an early spring. I admit I was excited to hear the news. Usually I am all for experiencing the fullness of each season. Over time I learned that each season teaches an important lesson in our lives. Summer brings fun in the sun, trips to the beach with your girls, family vacations, trip to Vegas with the boys, and opportunity to fly out the country and see the world. Fall brings reflection, the perfect 70 degree weather with the right touch of cool breeze. Fall is also a time to plant seeds and to be grateful for all that has come into your life. Spring is the season to reap the harvest of what has been sown. The hard work, sacrifice, and discipline you sown in your life will begin to bloom as blessings and opportunities. Yes, the spring season is a blessed time indeed. So what do we gain from the winter season? This is what spirit leads me to believe.

What winter calls for you to do is take a break from it all. The cold night air is telling us to go inside, relax for a while. Snuggle up on the couch alone and watch T.V. or read a good book. When was the last time you logged off your favorite social website and picked up a phone to call your cousin that lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan? What winter comes to teach us is to be still. Being busy does not equal being productive! Spend time in solitude and do the things that bring you joy such as listening to music, working on a scrap book, sewing, repairing something in your home, taking the time to meditate for at least five minutes. This world will throw you off your center! Waking up at 5am and getting home at 7pm, making sure your child gets to soccer practice, attending every party invite, being involved in 12 activities in church, I can go on and on! The Bible says there is nothing more precious than time. What you do with your time says what you value most. This is why winter is so special!

Since I resigned from my job last week I now look at how I spend each moment of my life. I value my time and what I do with it. My new job took so much of my time and energy I had nothing left for myself. I would take home lesson plans to work on, and enter observation notes into the computer every week. From the time I walked in the school building at 8 am I would run around making sure the class was set up and materials were in place. Then when the children went home I would start preparing for the next day, running around again. My goal was to have my weekend free of work and that lasted for about one week. I sat down to make a plan where I worked smarter not harder and I was criticized by management for not taking work home. The thing I reflect on is I asked God for that job! See, I thought being constantly challenged, being pushed to your limits, and making a high salary meant I was successful. I reasoned with myself saying much is given, much is required. When I would wake up to go to work I felt like throwing up, having anxiety attacks. This happened off and on for weeks. Then it started happening at work and I knew it was time to go! What the winter has taught me is I need peace and comfort. Stop pushing myself and be still. And from this moment forward that is what I will do!

We are all different. Being pushed to your limits may empower you, while for me, I shut down. Being still and listening to spirit is how we learn who we are. This is tough because some folks don’t want to hear the truth. Some folks have a difficult time dealing with self. Don’t be hard on yourself. Discovering our personal truth is where our healing lies. The truth, as painful as it can be is a loving reminder that we must have the courage to work on parts of ourselves that no longer serve us. Do not let these last few weeks of winter to be in vain. As parts of the U.S are hit with snow and others deal with frigid cold, take refuge inside. Take minutes or up to an hour out of the day just for you. Have a day you read with your child or let them pick an activity for you to do together. What you start now will be a lifelong habit of love, commitment to self and creating space for a loving partner! So before that early spring day, take the time to show gratitude for self and reflect on what winter has come to teach us all.

Music Mondays: Smokie Norful - I understand

We all have dark days, sometimes more dark days then light. Trying to make since out of the confusion in my life currently, I woke up Friday morning and "I Understand" by Smokie Norful came to me in my spirit. I instantly started singing the lyrics and began to feel healing in my soul. I have the lyrics and the song below. Please brothers and sisters know that you do not suffer alone. God sees all and HE does understand. Yes, it’s tough and I have gone from angry, to sad, to being at peace, to angry again. You do not suffer alone; I am going through it too. How do I seek comfort? Praise God through my confusion, hurt and pain. Be still and listen. And when I don't hear God's voice, I trust HIS plan. What an awesome testimony you will share when it is all over. Be blessed you all and I Love you!

Sometimes I feel like giving up
It seems like my best, just ain't good enough
Lord if you hear me, I am calling you
Do you see, do you care
All about what I'm goin' through

And then HE said, one more day
One more step, See I'm preparing you, for myself
And when you can't hear my voice, please trust my plan
I am the Lord, I see, and yes, I understand

But sometimes I feel like I'm all alone
I'm just like a stranger so far from home
I feel like I've done all that I can do
Please Lord, give me strength, I'm just tryin' to make it through
That's when HE told me

One more step, yeah
Oh my child, I'm preparing you, for myself
And when you can't hear my voice
Please just trust my plan
I am the Lord, I see you, and yes, I understand

HE knows just how much we can bare
And in the time of trouble HE promised
HE would always be there
Oh, I understand
The Lord is telling you, yes I understand
I am the Lord, I see you, and yes, I understand

This is what HE says
I am the Lord I changeth not
I won't forget nor have I forgot
You see everything works according to my plan
I am God, trust me, I got the whole world in my hands

Oh, one more day, yea (One more step)
I'm preparing you, all for myself
I'm getting you ready
(And if you can't hear my voice)
If you can't hear me speaking
Oh, just trust my plan

Yea, I am the Lord, I love you, I see you
And I understand, oh
I am the Lord, I see what you going through
Every problem, every trial, every burden, and every situation
I understand, I won't leave you
Yea Yea Yea, I understand, understand, understand
Thank you Jesus

Music Mondays: Donny Hathaway Sack Full Of Dreams

Opening line: "I have a dream for the world..." Donny Hathaway sings about a world where people show the love they often speak of. A world where there are no materials more valuable than a person's life. This is one of my favorite Donny Hathaway songs because it speaks to my heart. My dream for the world is for us to show compassion to one another. My dream is for a world that gives love that heals, nurtures our soul and makes us feel connected. My prayer is for a humanitarian spirit; accepting others for who they are and not what we expect them to be. For religions not to divide and cause wars, for governments that really are for the people. Yes, I know we have a group of people who commit to doing these acts daily and I am grateful to what you give the world. But if as a whole we did something simple like smile at a person passing by that would be a great place to start. I know this may seem far fetch to some, but can't a girl dream:) Below is a line from Donny Hathaway’s classic “Sack Full of Dreams”. Listen to the lyrics; let it meditate on your heart. Enjoy…

I got a dream for the world
Peace in the rivers and everywhere
Bridges of steel and love and cities that smile
Gray empty faces walk by
And hands try to hide all the loneliness
Lighting a cigarette to blow time away

Lost in the noise, lonely as a wind
People on sidewalks with no place to go
Can they learn to understand
The world of love that I'm dreaming
The world of love

Home For The Holidays

Some may not know, but in 2007 Washington D.C. became my new home. My beloved new hometown, I am very grateful to God for the opportunity to follow my dreams and relocate Washington D.C. area. And the transition was not a smooth one; I cried for two years straight when I moved from Oklahoma City. OKC has been my home since I was eight years old. I left behind my grandparents who raised me from birth, my twin sister, two nieces and two nephews, and many friends. My heart was heavy, but I knew the life God called for me I needed to relocate and that's what I did! That is why coming home for the holidays is that much more meaningful being how much I miss being with my loved ones.

What coming home has taught me this year is that we can be completely healed, removed and transformed from negative family patterns. See coming home does not mean all laughter, no tears from pain and disappointing moments, it means that your love for family is greater than any negative energy. Besides isn't that what the meaning of love is?

Three years ago I would have played the victim, withdrawn and completed held a grudge my entire vacation after the news I received just a day after being back home. But my new relationship with Christ I knew that he was in control. I have learned to pick my battles and have become a peaceful warrior. Being raised in an environment with addictions, neglect, abandonment issues to name a few, I have already been to the bottom. Being healed I only seek being at the top! When I enter dark spaces I want to be that candle burning light! I know I have been reborn. I am not the child my mom gave birth to that came into an environment of sickness, self-hate, depression, and lack of emotions. I am born again, new, whole, complete; the child of God HE created me to be!