Nelson Mandela (1918 - 2013)

Asimbonanga

I heard this song for the first time on the radio earlier this year and was totally struck by it. It pushed me to dig into the meaning of the song and I found out that the song, Asimbonanga (Mandela) was written by South African musician, Johnny Clegg. One of many musical homages to Nelson Mandela, it was controversial as it was written and sung in support of Mandela while he was imprisoned.

In fact, Johnny Clegg formed the first integretated rock band in South Africa and was arrested and jailed himself for his collaboration with black musicians. Randy Lewis of the L.A. Times explains, "His elegiac song “Asimbonanga (Mandela),” from his 1987 “Third World Child” album with his band Savuka, mixed English verses with choruses sung in Zulu. It noted that Mandela was nowhere to be seen at that time and also name-checked political prisoners Steven Biko (the subject of Peter Gabriel’s 1980 song “Biko”) Victoria Mxenge and Neil Aggett."

Thankful today for the life and contributions of these social activist as well as the courage and grace God gave to Nelson Mandela. Truly inspired by this man's sacrifice and fight for equality and social justice.

This is a video of Johnny Clegg performing the song and honoring Nelson Mandela.

This is a video is of "Asimbonanga"  as well as "Biko," a song written about Steven Biko, being performed by the Soweto Gospel Choir.

Mustaches, Time, and Savoring Moments

My, my, my! Has it really been that long since I last posted?!

I recall a time in my life when I was in a hurry to grow up. Each year of my life seemed to unfold so painfully slow. But now, it seems I am straining to grab hold of and savor each and every moment as time is flying by at rapid speed!

The children are getting big guys. I know, I know!  I just had them. I don't understand it either. But, Noelle just turned 8. Bella is 6. Noah is 4. Halle is 2 and will be 3 on Jan 25th! So, there you have it. I obviously have an agenda that consists of playing with dollls, cars, and kissing and snuggling these 4 as much as I can, before they no longer want to be touched and are embarrassed by public displays of affection!

It is the reality that time waits for no MOM that moves me to do things like put fake mustaches on my children before leaving Cracker Barrel, just for kicks.


See? Just brings a smile to my face every time I look at it ;-)

A New Thing

"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers I the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19

This passage of scripture is one of my, if not my most favorite passage in the word of God. Just reading it gives me chills of excitement and fills me with feelings of awe and wonder. Just the way it begins with such a dramatic start, it commands full attention; "Behold!" It's as if so one is about to pull back a curtain to reveal something rare and never-seen.

 "Behold!" "Look up from there and take notice! Behold! Lift up your chin from your crying, and you worrying, and your sorrow. Look here! I am doing something new in your life. I am opening doors and setting things in order! Just you look and see!"

You read this, look around at your circumstances and think,  Huh? Really? How? When?" And then     it answers saying, "Now! Now it shall spring forth." God is saying he's already started!

No one but God. No one but Him can show up at the most unlikeliest of moments and cause a passage of scripture to just leap right off the pages into the depths of your soul, so much so, that you get crazy enough to grab hold to this promise for yourself.

I tell you what, it has happened for me. Once I grabbed hold to it, there was no turning back. I knew God had spoken and change was underway. It didn't matter what it looked like, felt like, seemed like, after that. My change was coming. And surely it was. 

God changes things. Seasons. People. You. What you have struggled with for years, He can change but in a moment. I don't know how he does it. I cannot ascertain His methods. But, I know it happens. For those of us crazy enough to believe, it happens. 

The Fabulous Four

Photos by Candid Giggles.

Made for More

I've been reading bits and pieces of Lisa Osteen Comes' book; Made for More. She is very inspiring. Even the introduction hits in a powerful way! Here is a quote:

"'You've encountered many struggles in life, so I can only think that God must have big plans for you.'

My father said this to me...He knew that just because I'd know tragedy I wasn't a tragic figure, that just because I had a marriage that failed I wasn't a failure, that even though I'd suffered loss I wasn't a loser. He knew the things that happened to me didn't define me by their harshness or ugliness, their disappointment and despair. No, he knew I was more than all that and, if anything, my circumstances made more clear my resilience and tenacity, my promise and hope -- all I was mad e for and all I am becoming.

My Heavenly Father knows that about you, too.

No matter what you are going through, he sees so much more than the circumstances.  He sees that you are made for more goodness and hope, a promise of more than what you are now or how others would limit you to be, because he made you for more, for his pleasure and his good."

Thankful, Thankful, Thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving weekend everybody!

There is so much to be thankful for! I am particularly thankful for my hubby, Noelle, Bella, Noah, and Halle. I am praising God for my parents and my brother as well who God has really blessed in many ways this year! I'm so thankful for my extended family and friends!

We have really enjoyed Thanksgiving this year! Hubby and I made turkey, dressing, greens, sweet potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato pie! We ate, and ate, and ate...

now we can barely move. 

Still, we had so much fun. On Wednesday, the kids did a Thanksgiving craft and had a ball painting. They we a mess! On Thursday, we all went to church to hear a friend preach at  Hazel Crest Assembly Church. We we blessed by the message: "Not Broken."

We came home and I set our table with help from Bella. This was the first year that I had my turkey platter, tablecloth, and used place settings. Noelle and Bella had the pleasure of writing our names on each turkey setting. 

We had the children go around and say what they were thankful for and Noah looked at Bella and said, "I'm thankful for you. I love you!" It was kind of random, but so cute. He also said he was thankful for his sisters. As a matter of fact, I think that everyone essentially said that they were thankful for each other, which is a good thing since we have to live with each other, under under one roof, for many years to come!

After dinner, we drove to hubby's grandmother's house and ate again with his family. When we got done with that we ate again at my aunt's house with my family. I am sure you can imagine that after we stubbled to our car and managed to drive ourselves home, the only thing we had enough strength to do was to pull the cover up over us after we fell in the bed!!

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure...

Happy 7th Birthday Noelle!

Today is Noelle's 7th Birthday! 

I was so nervous about giving birth when I was pregnant with Noelle because she was my firstborn and I didn't know much about having babies at all! I went to the hospital with a "false alarm" the day before I went into labor and was disappointed to be sent home. I had waited a week past Noelle's due date before I went into labor, and it still took about 24 hours before she was born.

Although I got the epidural, it wore off on one side of my body while I was in active labor! I was so freaked out! I was not prepared to have a natural birth, but thankfully, my mother -in- law was there to calm me down. Eventually, they tried the epidural again. It worked and I pushed Noelle out in about 5 pushes. 

She came out so alert! I remember her looking around and everyone taking turns holding her. It is hard to explain, but she never seemed like a "helpless infant."  During our first weeks at home, it seemed as though she was older, trying to hold up her own head and smiling very early. 

Since then, she continues to behave in a way that seems more suitable for an older child. However, it often turns out to be a great asset to our family since she is the oldest of 4 siblings.  I think this trait is best explained in the movie; It's a Wonderful Life, when George's father explains it to George, after George reassures him that his brother Harry is not too young to take over the the family's business because he would be the same age that George was when he took it over:

• 
  

  Mr. Bailey:   He's pretty young for that job. 
• 
  George:      Well, no younger than I was.
• Mr. Bailey:  Maybe you were born older, George.
• George:      How's that?
• Mr. Bailey:  I say, you were born older.

Noelle, 

You were born older. Embrace this maturity because it is something that God put in you. He wants to use it and He already has. You are a wonderful asset to our family, and have personally been a blessing to me in ways you are too young to understand. You are so sweet, smart, helpful, hardworking, and blessed. You make me very proud. I love you very much and I wish you the happiest birthday!!

Love, 

Mommy

Toothlessness and other Developments

Bella joined the "toothless" club with Noelle a couple of weeks ago when she lost her front teeth! This is great because its just in time for us to get a real good laugh as we sing "All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth!" this holiday season! If you ask me, they are so cute at this stage!

Although Noelle has been missing her two front teeth for a while. She finally has one of her permanent teeth coming in. Still, the fact that Noelle and Bella had a time where they both were missing those 2 front teeth at the same time, reminds me of how close in age they are - 18 months apart! They  also have a close relationship and I think it is so cool for them to have each other as they grow up!

My son is reaching some pretty awesome milestones as well. I finally got serious about my potty training and now he's now wearing his spiderman underpants and using the potty like a big boy! If you remember this, you remember that I dread  the whole potty training thing and I drag my feet for as long as I can! But, I have been successful for a 3rd time! 

Noah is getting better at making his bed, cleaning up toys, and has almost mastered his colors. I tell him sometimes, "Noah, you're strong. You're smart. You are going to be a man of God!" So, now he tells me, "Mommy, I'm a man of God." I just smile and say, "Yes, you are Noah!" 

I also must mention that he has gotten into another habit. He has started telling me thoughout the day, as he rubs my arm, "You're a pretty mama. Mama, you so pretty." Yeah. I know what you're thinking.  But, he's mine. You gotta get your own;) 

My Pumpkins

These 2 have become so close. They play together, they laugh together, they get in lots of trouble together.

Here is a picture of them looking darling...

And another looking like they might be plotting something... 

Wordless Wednesday ~ Fall is in the air

Photo Credit

Celebrate What Matters ~ Women of Faith 2012

I celebrated my 30th birthday at the Women of Faith Conference in Denver, Colorado. I had such a wonderful time, I wish it lasted more than a day and a half! It was so inspiring to be in a stadium full of women praising God, being encouraged, and having fun in the presence of the Lord!

Some of the speakers included; Sheila Walsh, Lisa Harper, Jennie Allen, Lisa Bevere, Angie Smith, and Ken Davis. There was an awesome praise and worship team and music by Selah as well as my girl Cece Winans. I was so close to the stage, I was only about 10 feet away from her! What a birthday treat!

I actually met some women yesterday in the doctor's office who attended one of the WOF conferences a couple of years ago and loved it! I hope to go back! Have you been to a Women of Faith conference? If not, you should definitely check it out!

Testimony - Anthony Brown and Group Therapy

This is my JAM right now!  Hallelujah!

 

Hello 30!

Hi blogoshpere! It's been an long time. I guess you could say I took an unofficial "summer break" from blogging. 

Not only have I not been writing on my own blog, but I haven't been doing much blog reading either. I'd have to say the break was needed and I think its helpful to step away from "the public" (meaning various forms of social media) from time to time. I think it offers us a time to really "be in the moment." Nevertheless, I have to say that I am eager to get back! : ) 

Among many things that have transpired in the past few months, your girl turned 30! Yes! 30! Many are sad to see the 20's go. But, I am not. I see 30 in a very favorable light! 

It's not that my 20's weren't blessed. They were wonderful. I started courting the man of my dreams at 20. Spent my 21st birthday in Ghana, West Africa. Graduated from the college of my choice and was married in the same month at 21. Started my first "real" job around the same time, got a first apartment, first car, and officially became a "real" adult with "real" bills and "real" issues. I was blessed. 

I was blessed to have 4 children in my 20's. I was pregnant with Noelle by 22. Pregnant with Bella at 24. Pregnant with Noah by 26 and had Halle at 28. We closed on our house on my 28th birthday. Remember that? That was a mountain top birthday. What I didn't see coming was that by my next birthday I would be in a valley so low, I would be struggling to think straight.

The day before my 29th birthday, after months of chronic pain, I got a call to confirm something that I was fearing - that I had 3 bulging disc in the lower spine and that it looked like I had pregnancy-related arthritis in my pelvic joints. That news was followed up by the report that there was nothing that could be done about the bulges or the arthritis. But, I could find relief through physical therapy, strengthening my core and pelvic muscles, and perhaps some steroid shots for the pain. So, I spent my 29th birthday running in and out of bathrooms, so I could appear happy and no one would see me crying. Not a good birthday. 

It is hard to believe that was a year ago. Things were looking very bad. At that point, I was so glad that Jesus said all we needed was the faith the size of a mustard seed, because that was just about all I could muster up - if that. I wrote more about my physical issues and struggles with depression during that time in this post, if you are interested. Nevertheless, I'm so grateful that my story didn't end there, although it felt like it was. So, what happened next? If you know anything about how Jesus works, I bet you can guess.

I can tell you that really big test, harsh, brutal, earth-shaking test, ones that go on a long time, ones that shake your faith to the core - show you who God really is.  They also reveal who you really are. They show you what God has put in you. They also bring your doubts and fears to the surface. Once you've hung in there long enough, they bring your conviction, your grit, your fight to the surface. They strengthen your resolution.

I can tell you that God is in those test with you. Yes, right there in that mess! Right down there in the mud. Even though I was mad at Him, mad at people, and mad at myself, he was still there. He ministered to me, comforted me, strengthened me, healed me, and counseled me. He helped me make sense of some things I could not understand and to let go of some things I could not understand. At one point it was the classic, "Now, why would you let this happen to me when I was trusting you?!" question.  

Come on. I know you've been there too. If its not "Why did you allow this to happen to me" its the "Why did you allow this to happen to them?" question. Both are a doozy. God told Job, "Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare if thou has understanding." (Job 38:4).  One day, after I got tired of shaking my fist at the heavens and saw that I was in a fight I was going to lose, He had a little talk like that with me. He may have had one or two with you as well. 

And so I learned, when you get tired enough and humble yourself, God gives you grace to get to the place that Job gets to when he declares, "...I have uttered that which I understood not; Things too wonderful for me, which I knew not." (Job 42:3). You realize that there is no way you are going to figure out life, let alone figure out God. You have to just let God be God and stick around. Take it from me, there is so much peace once you reach that point.

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

So, here I am now at 30. I am doing much better. I can see the sun shining. I am still back and forth to the doctor. I still feel some aches and pains. But, they are not as severe at they were last year. I can do more, move more, sleep better, live better. I am believing that in time, they will go away completely. 

After all of the mountains and valleys that I experienced in my 20's,  30 is so exciting to me because I have something I didn't have much of at 20 - experience. I have experience with life, experience with people, and experience with God. Its a very different feeling to be going at something as a novice as opposed to one who has been at it for a while. 

A seasoned person has both success and failures to glean from. A seasoned person has already established a foundation. A seasoned person has more patience. A seasoned person is sober enough to know that there will be more mountain tops as well as valleys on the journey ahead, but that both serve a purpose. A seasoned person knows that in all work there is profit, even if it seems slow coming. 

A seasoned person doesn't waste so much time trying to understand and control everything, because they've already been down that road a time or two (or three;) A seasoned person doesn't feel the need to spend so much time looking at those around them in order to gauge whether they are on the right track or not. They already know the track they should be on. A seasoned person can reach back to the person behind them and say, "Watch out for that pitfall, that's the one I feel in!" I LOVE that! 

I am so excited to walk into this new season of my life. Hello 30!