Double Portion Inspiration

The days are ticking away to the official countdown for the launch of my new book, " Power Of One: Finding Hope In The Midst Of Struggle ." It launches on Tuesday, March 30th. Releases March 30, 2021 During tough moments hope for me is found in ONE word. ONE word from God can change the trajectory of your life. This book is written for those who are navigating a tough or as I like to call it, " spicy " season of life. It happens to all of us. Sometimes unannounced. A fog of darkness descends. Life becomes blurry. We can be disoriented by sadness, anxiety, or grief. It arises and lulls us into a funk.  Life has the ability to throw a curveball at any moment. ONE phone call, ONE text, ONE notification, ONE court document, ONE doctor's report can provide an incredible sting.  This book was written to remember the simplicity of ONE word. It can be overwhelming to digest numerous words of advice, negativity or even well wishes during times of struggle. ONE word from ...

One thing that I've done consistently during the pandemic is walk. I cancelled my gym membership out of an abundance of caution last year. Exercise is an integral part of my life. Since I wanted to stay active I walk, jog and run outside almost daily. In the morning, in the evening, in the cold and in the blazing hot sun you will find me outside. On average log 25+ miles a week. It just organically happens. Walking is a way for me to clear my head, stay sane, pray, chat with my hubby and exercise. Another added benefit, I get the opportunity to see my neighbors and really soak in the beauty of my community. One thing I've witnessed on my walks is the creativity of people discovering their own homes . During this pandemic we've learned how to LIVE in our homes and not just BE at home. We are creatively using large Roman bathtubs as a remote workspace to take a phone call when every crevice in the house is full.  While walking I see people grilling and toddlers in kiddie poo...

Have you LAUGHED lately? Any NEW experiences lately? When was the last time you had FUN?  The world has been incredibly serious the past year. There are restrictions everywhere. People wearing masks. Families are home more navigating school and work. New updates on the pandemic have some isolated and sheltered in place. Guess what - we are quickly becoming a nation that has forgot how to have FUN. Humor is needed. Stress is real and it manifests in our physical bodies in different ways. It is recommended that we laugh 15-20 minutes a day . Stress is a silent killer. One way to break up all that tension is laughter.  Laughter Matters! During Christmas I was provided the opportunity to be with my mom. Due to the pandemic it was months that I longed to feel her touch and give her a hug. We safely came together and the moments I cherished the most was hearing my mom laugh . Even during our times on Zoom, my mom will crack up laughing. She's a reminder to me - don't take life so s...

2020 was a crazy year.    How many times have we heard that? I've heard it so much that I'm tired of hearing it. Even with 2020 being a year like non other, our mother became a published author! During a pandemic and in the midst of chaos, she followed God's will.   For nearly 10 years Roslyn and I have both wanted to write a book. We've written in our private time, but we knew at some point, God would take our broken pieces and allow us to share it publicly. Never in our wildest imaginations did we think, mom would become published before us. We didn't even know she was working on a book. She's a very private person so it doesn't surprise us that she kept the project all to herself.   In the book, "Age-Old Wisdom Sayings", she joins three other writers, Marsha Deveaux Johnson, Iris Deveaux Anderson and David Johnson to share priceless words of wisdom. The power packed 55-page book records sayings of old that we've heard so many tim...

 Happy New Year.  Welcome to 2021. Why does it feel that the holidays come and go so quickly? I always enjoy the end of year traditions that allow me to connect with my family and decompress from the holiday rush of December. Here we are already almost halfway through January. In 2020, I had the unique opportunity to deliver via Facebook & Instagram words of encouragement for the church every Friday at 12pm. My pastor asked me in March 2020 to provide a few words of comfort as the country navigated the new coronavirus. I thought this would be a temporary assignment. The new virus turned into a pandemic and our worlds evolved abruptly. The rest is history... Life was changing so swiftly. My pastor's vision was to provide hope to congregants during a difficult time of isolation and uncertainty. It was a moment during the day to PAUSE and reflect. I was humbled by the request.  What would I say?  I was navigating the same uncertainty as everyone else. Every time I a...

Renee and I love this time of year. Some of our most precious memories come from celebrating Christmas. We plan to spend time away from work to purposefully pause and reflect on God's provision this year. We will reconnect with our kids that are home from college. We are going to cook, bake and eat. Then in January look forward to a detox to shed any extra pounds.  Before all of that, we wanted to pause and wish each of you a very Merry Christmas. This year is different but the hope of Jesus is a bright star that guides us. Hope was born in a manger. It's an expectant hope that cradles the brokenhearted. Those that are experiencing loss, we are praying with you. Until we meet again in the new year - safe passage and seasons greetings. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles:  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace .  ~Isaiah 9:6 NLT

 As a young girl I remember being afraid to speak in public. I was an introvert. People would describe me as quiet and shy all during my childhood. My sister, Renee, on the other hand was always an extrovert. She is outgoing and can strike up a conversation with ANY stranger.  My mom would put us in oratorical contest where we would recite poems in front of hundreds of people (SCARY). She would also volunteer us to read scripture during youth Sunday church services (SCARY). I did NOT like it. I would have knots in my stomach thinking about speaking in front of all those people. I remember reading the story of Moses in the Bible. He was commanded to tell the big mean king Pharaoh, "let my people go." Imagine being the one given that assignment. Moses came up with many reasons and excuses on why he wasn't the person to go to the king. "But Moses pleaded with the Lord, "Oh Lord, I'm not very good with words. I never have been , and I'm not now, even though...