WE MUST ENCOURAGE OURSELVES & EACH OTHER

The Bible Teaches Us To......
Praise the Heavenly Father even when things don't seem to be going our way
Pray for those that might be considered our enemies
Remember His promises are true...for He, unlike man, can be trusted at all times
Seek and we will find
Knock and the door will be opened
Ask...He knows the desires of your heart...but just Ask...He wants to hear from you.
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I am speaking to myself this day as I also share these words with you.  His blessings shine upon us each day.  Let us take the time to embrace Him, thank Him and to recognize Him.  May you always remember, He IS with you ALWAYSSSS...

The Sparkle of Macy Gray Lit Up Cain Park!!!

Her talent and genuine personality sparkles like sequence. What an honor it was to experience Ms. Gray via our beloved Cain Park in Cleveland Heights, Ohio last night. Her lovely spirit reaches out to embrace the crowd and the crowd can do nothing less than to reach out to embrace her. Her style & her sound will take you back. She was all aglow in a long silver sequenced gown. Thank you for coming! Thanks Cain Park for another stellar performance. I wish Mom could have seen her. She would have said, "There's our girl!"

Two Years Ago Today, I Met My Honey

Time reeeeeally flys. Just to think, 2 years ago today I was standing at the sandwich counter at The Whole Foods in Beachwood, when a handsome gentleman called out from the pizza counter and asked, "Excuse me, what kind of sandwich is that?" What's funny is he REALLY WAS just interested in the sandwich, or so he thought. hahaha That my friends was a God appointment for both of us. And though we married 6 months later, our time leading up to his next major question, "Would you marry me?", which came on New Years Day, was so sweet and easy.  Just friends spending time together, getting to know more and more about one another.  A commitment of 1 day a week became 2, then 3, then 'let's get together as often as we can', considering Mom's care and the needs of my son, Micah. And a couple months in, I loved it when he said, "I'm not going to date anyone else. How about you?" Though I know God is always with me, I was lonely and I had been prayerful for a "godly" mate. I had spent 6 years without a committed relationship and I am the type of person that feels she was meant to be married. Thank you God for answering prayers.  My Mom always said, "God has someone for everyone Honey." Don't ever give up your heart's desires whatever they might be. If you want a godly spouse, you don't necessarily have to look. God will bring them to you.

Pictorial tribute to Lucinda Outler, My Mom

Though she is gone, she is still with us and we will see her again. Love you so much Mommy. You will forever be my girl...my best friend. Thank you for everything

Mom's Highschool Graduation Pic

Mom & Daddy on the right (guess who that is standing in front of them. LOL. Yes. It's me!)

They made a stunning couple.

Looking lovely once again.

Showing us 1 of her 2 dance moves!

Such a sweetheart.

All ready for church

Enjoying a chilly day in Garfield Heights

      

VALENTINE'S DAY WILL FOREVER BE THE SWEETEST DAY, FOR ME

He strolled past with a swagger
That I'll never forget
Flashed a charming smile, a greeting and yet
In that brief moment I thought, "Hmmm?"
Broad shoulders, rich chocolate; he filled the room

Covered in brick dust, a working man
On a mission, lunch break
Would he go for pizza or a piece of cake?
In that brief moment I thought, "Hmmm?"
Broad shoulders, rich chocolate; he filled the room

We landed in the deli of Whole Foods
Searching for a taste treat
He asked. I said, "Tuna with cranberries, I don't eat meat...."
We talked. A Christian, with a voice so smooth. "Hmmm!!"
Broad shoulders, rich chocolate; oh yes, he filled the room

Little did we know this was an appointed time
This meeting Spirit led
On Valentine's Day in church we were wed
I looked into his eyes ... "What a sweet face."
Thank you Jesus for your grace and for filling our empty space.

Oh I HAVE BEEN SO REMISS...PLEASE FORGIVE ME

Have you ever had so much going on that you just had to postpone the handling of one thing to handle 200 others? Well, of course you have. You are a woman just like me. But I promise very shortly, I am going to get my Blog back up to date. I have some wonderful things to share with you. Please continue to keep Mom in your prayers. I am so appreciative to those of you that keep in contact regarding Mom and sharing your caregiving experiences with me. She has always been my best friend and these years with her have been a blessing. Enjoy your Valentine's Day! Check out The Mom Squad Blog for some interesting ideas and tips. Here's some flowers for you. Adios.

Another Wonderful Season of Life...Grandparenting

I have seen it...heard people talk about it...BUT NOW I AM ABOUT TO EXPERIENCE IT!!! Yes, my middle child, Beranda is about to have my first biological grandchild and it feels like this will be the first grandchild ever born in this world. hahaha  I mean I am filled with so much anticipation I can hardly fathom what this will actually feel like. I am about to meet my new little best friend.

As I sat at the hospital today, watching the various monitors, hearing a very strong heartbeat, I had so many flashbacks of my daughter as a little girl. Her knees never touched the ground; she went from doing a crab crawl (hands and feet only) to standing and walking. She was always cleaning and straightening things up.  She became the self-proclaimed Golden Child but in time we all agreed that the title was a great fit. Strong willed, forthright, determined, a self starter, great student, honest, hardworking...one of the most dedicated friends one could ever have and she has such an incredible way with children...that is my sweetheart...lovingly called Ms. B. I know she is going to be one of the most awesome Moms EVER!

After many hours, we got an all clear and returned to our respective homes BUT I believe that little girl will be here before long AND I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO MEET HER...my little Kalaya.

 Thank you Lord for allowing me to experience yet another season of life!