I can’t believe it’s February already! Where does the time go?

Last month flew by me — I was super busy with editing Where God Took My Soul, completing the #justdoitjanuary challenge hosted by Tara Burner and working with my clients. Of the three, Touching Heart is the one that keeps me the busiest. I have a hard time of establishing a ‘quitting time’. Since it my “baby” – its hard for me to put her down to start another project. This month, I must. I can’t neglect my other responsibilities.

So, with inspiration from my good friend, Monise, I am going to try making monthly and probably weekly goals, to break things down into more manageable chunks, and to set my goals based on how busy I am and what I have going on in a certain week/month. Monise is always stating that “I have too much going on and that I need to slow down!” *sigh* I agree.

I am a planner and I write my goals all the time and have a vision board. I just want a little more accountability by posting them publicly. I sat down yesterday and wrote out my goals for the month, and split them into four different categories. Hopefully this helps me to stay a little more on track, and be as productive as I can be this month!

Work:

• Build my clientele for my web/graphic design business
• Upload website and update portfolio.
• Increase monthly income by 200%

Touching Heart:

• Find property for resource center and vacant building for The Brooks J. Young Home
• Have a draft of domestic violence law (more to come soon)!
• Blog 3x per week

Writing:

• Write 1000 words daily
• Hire a Typesetter
• Hire an Interior Designer
• Promote and Advertise Where God Took My Soul
• Plan blog tour
• Blog 3x per week

Personal (ME!):

• Meal Plan-I love doing this but I forget…at times!
• Workout/Yoga 3x/week.
• One girls night out with friends
• Do Bible Study/Pray every morning. I’ve been waking up early at 5:30 every morning, which has been great, but I’ve often been neglecting my Bible study to do work instead, I need to get back to making my Bible study a priority.
• Complete the FitFeb Challenge  hosted by @TaraBurner
• lose 20 pounds – I am 60 from my goal.
• Get a trim – my natural hair is BSL (bra strap length) so I want to cut out the layers
• Exercise 5-6 days per week.

BTW, I’ve given up the Vegan lifestyle. I love seafood TOO MUCH. I just can’t do it now. I love cooking vegan meals so they will be incorporated in my meals.

Alright, I think that’s good. There is a lot more I would LIKE to do, but I know I need to keep things realistic. I’ll plan to check in with how I’m doing with my goals throughout the month on Twitter, if you want to follow along with me!

Do you make monthly or weekly goals? What are some goals you have this month?

Blog: a website that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer; also: the contents of such a site.

I’ve been an active member of the Internet for years. Before the blogging boom took its course, I had a very personal blog where I shared my life in an informal manner. In fact, I had over ten blogs none of which I maintained on a consistent basis. Just last month, I shared my story of being homeless and that was extremely difficult for me to do. I’m an introvert and I do not like opening up publicly which is really weird since I do travel the world speaking about my life. I guess, for me, I rather look directly in the person’s eyes when I have something to say verses writing out how I feel and allow readers to interpret the mood of my writings. Weird. I know.

Another reason, why I had no interest on maintaining a blog is because I listened and read blogs  and books by “Gurus” and did not want to have the pressure at failing at blogging. I love and am passionate about so many things. For instance, I am a domestic violence survivor/advocate, homeless activist who rocks her natural hair while trying to lose 50 pounds and living life as Pescetarian and release my first book which happens to me a memoir. That’s a mouth full. I did not want my readers to be confused about who I am. But, wait, isn’t that who I am? Gurus have said that “bloggers should maintain both personal and business blogs separately.” After praying and understanding the purpose on why GOD wants me to write my life lessons and receiving confirmation from friends,  I had to do what’s best for me. I am not in business; I am in ministry. My imperfections and failures are as much a blessing from God as my successes and my talents. My trials and tribulations are not about me but for women, men and children who may come across my blog and realize that I’ve been through a lot but I’ve NEVER given up on God or my faith. I keep walking victoriously in my purpose and stay on the path the Lord has set before me.

…for we walk by faith, not by sight. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7

My gifts are not limited by man’s assumptions on who I am and what I am supposed to do. My gifts are extraordinary although at times I feel as I if I am an ordinary woman. My steps are ordered by the Lord and if He says to write something that may ruffle some feathers or tell personal failures and triumphs, I have to understand that it’s all for a reason.

For the sake of keeping a schedule and my OCD in order, I will post three posts per week at least. If I am on fire for a week, then it will be five days but I will not post on the weekends. A more detailed blogging schedule will be forthcoming next week.

I’m enjoying the journey. Be sure to subscribe below to my newsletter.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along!

Just do the following:

* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week, I decided to share a teaser from my very own memoir, Where God Took My Soul.

“I was healed. That is what I thought. I was healed, delivered, and set free of all the pain, hurt, and past events of my life. I walked around smiling and declaring the goodness of the Lord but underneath the clothes, smile, and ministry – the need for healing was still clearly evident. For years, I was on a roller coaster of covering up my pain through lies, deception, and infliction. Hurting people hurt people. Actually, hurting people; hurt themselves. I was so full of anger that when friendships, love and divine connections were placed in my life – I did not want to embrace them. Instead, I lashed out and placed “scars” in the hearts of others. I look back and see a woman who others would consider damaged goods. However, the Healer saw fit to remove my band-aid and allow fresh air to heal my emotional, mental, and spiritual wounds, much like He does physical ones.”

Where God Took My Soul releases May 2012.

I would love to hear your feedback. Please leave a comment.

Happy New Year!!!

What a glorious day! Last night, my family and I attended ‘Watch Night Service’ and it was AWESOME! I am excited about what God is going to do in my life and in the lives of my family, friends and clients.

I am praying that everyone have a joyous and prosperous New Year.

How did you spend the first day of the New Year?

Today we celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Savior. The greatest gift I’ve ever received was the gift of salvation. It was not earned but given to me freely. Jesus paid the ultimate price by dying on the cross for my sins. 

Being surrounded by my family is another blessing on today. Grandma put both of her feet in the Mac ‘n Cheese which is the only non-vegan meal I will be eating.

Although today is family time, I am working on marketing materials for my memoir, Where God Took My Soul that is on schedule to release May 2012 and Touching Heart. I have a few book titles in the works for upcoming ebooks. 

Sidenote: After, tweeting a photo of my hair I’ve received numerous DM’s, emails and text asking about my “weave” LOL. I’ve NEVER worn a weave outside of braids. My hair is natural (no relaxer) and all mine. I an not offended. I have a family website where I post more personal updates (i.e. family, healthy hair journey, weight loss and my newfound love of cooking). Leave a comment if you would like the link to that site.

I am wishing EVERYONE a Merry Christmas.

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)

It’s YOUR time to let go of the past.  We have all done things for which we are ashamed, and we live in the tension of what we have been and what we want to be.   Because our hope is in Christ, however, we can let go of the past guilt and look forward to what God will help us become. Don’t dwell on your past.  Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on your relationship with him now.  It’s time to make a declaration to be all that the Lord has called you to be. Regardless of the hurt you have experience or afflicted on others. Satan enjoys reminding you of your past but it’s up to you to PRESS toward the GOAL. The LORD is waiting for you to make that first step before He will give you the second…get to pressing!

Thoughts to Ponder: Are you walking in purpose?  Have you reached the goals that wrote at the beginning of the year?  Are you attached to your past?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
I come to You today thanking You for all that have you done and will do in my life.  I thank You for giving me clarity in my purpose and in my mind.  I thank you for allowing me to keep pressing toward the goals and plans you have for me. Father, I ask that right now You remove every distraction and strongholds in my life. I ask that You continue to strengthen me for the journey. Continue to give me wisdom and revelation as I keep pressing.  Lord, I declare and decree that no weapon formed against me shall prosper.  I declare and decree that You will receive all the honor and glory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Dear Brooks,

Today, you are 31 years young. Happy Birthday! You have overcome and accomplished a great deal in such a short time. The success you have acquired may not be what others define as success but it’s what God defines. Over the years, you have climbed mountains, fallen to the brink of despair and not once have you’ve ever said, “I give up!” You are strong, yet stubborn. You are bold and beautiful. You keep your focus but at times, you are the ‘Queen of Procrastination’.

Over the last year, you’ve learned what real healing and forgiveness means. You’ve let go and conquered a few of your great dreams in the process: helping women escape abuse and becoming a published author. You’ve removed your mask and became free. I am proud of you.

FINALLY, you’ve learned to run your own race. Every hurdle jumped has allowed you to come closer to your dreams yet fulfilled. Every step taken has you closer to reaching your destiny. God has granted you a day of celebration.

Each day is a new day to celebrate YOU.

Your past is not perfect.

You are unstoppable.

You are unshakable.

You are the best YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

It’s Monday! What Are You Writing? is a place where writers meet and write their own posts about their writing goals for the week and accomplishments.

Inspired by Sheila of Book Journey
To participate, answer the following three (3) questions…

* What did you write last week?

* What will you write this week?

* What were your successes and setbacks from last week?

I’m over the halfway mark! *wipes forehead* Thus far, I have 32, 333 words on paper. I have the worst habit of self-editing while writing.  Last week, I wrote an incredible 10,000 words.  With only two weeks left, I am positive that I will meet my goal.

This week, I am not planning on participating with Fear of Writing for 10kDay. 

Success: Writing over 10K for the week – that doesn’t happen often in my world.

Your turn! Let us know what you are writing by leaving a comment with a link to your blog post. If you are participating for National Novel Writing Month, leave your Twitter handle and blog url so that I can follow.

It’s taken me awhile to write this post. I’ve wanted to sugarcoat my words but as the saying goes, “The truth shall set you free.” I was also inspired to write this post because I have nothing to be ashamed of. I am not a person who wallows in self-pity. I am a SURVIVOR! Sometimes I am frustrated when it looks like God is not moving in my life but then I relax, take a step back, and fall on my knees to give Him praise because it could be so much worse for me, as it is for others.

On August 30th, I became homeless. I walked into the Salvation Army with one suitcase, laundry tote, and personal items to enter their co-ed 30-day shelter program. My eyes were red, my heart broken from having no one, but my spirit felt free and peace seemed to encompass me.  Standing in line waiting to complete the familiar paperwork that I have processed for thousands of clients – it was now my turn to go through the process. As I sat, God whispered “It is not about you.” I knew then that my presence there would not be the same as it had been for others. I’ve always known that my destiny was always bigger than what others had seen. I’ve never fit inside of a box. My thoughts, ideas, and goals are too big to fit. Being homeless meant that God has some additional pruning to do with me.

After getting settled in and briefly chatting with my three roommates, I thanked God for providing a place for me. In the final hour, He opened a door for me because I could have been living under a bridge as so many homeless men, women, and children do in Michigan. I wanted to document my journey so I whipped out a fresh journal and wrote from my heart. Sitting on a twin bed, I began to write all of what God was speaking in my soul. I felt closer to Him at that moment than I have in months.

I do not fit the stereotype of what a homeless person is supposed to look like.  Not only that but I am the founder/executive director of a nonprofit that helps (and always will help) homeless women and children escaping domestic abuse. There are times when I wish I was in dreamland rather than actually living this reality. But, it’s the truth. Here I am: 30 years old and for the first time in my life, I find myself without my own home.

For 10 days, I drank nothing but water. The food was horrible and I am a picky eating-Pescetarian. I did not have a dime to my name nor a penny to make a wish but I knew my ‘fast’ was for a reason unbeknownst to myself. After applying for food stamps via the Internet, I was granted $200. My mother has never received welfare benefits so there was a sense of shame I felt because I am receiving food stamp benefits. But, a girl has to eat…right?

While in the shelter, I noticed that the staff was rude, the residents were unhappy, they lacked faith and were worried to death. Unlike them, I wore a smile and had faith; I was motivated to continue my ministry work and stay encouraged. After a week, I began to really speak with the other residents. At that moment, I knew why I had to be homeless. The women and men had no idea how to overcome their situations. I was no miracle worker, but I knew the majority of every county official, resources, and how to work a computer since I am a total tech geek. Best of all, I knew a Man who could do ALL things. He would deliver me from my circumstances as He would do the same for them also. The shelter only provides a bed and three horrible meals per day. Sunshine, rain, sleet, or snow residents with and without a car MUST leave the shelter from 9 am – 4pm.  There were days when the rain was beating down so hard that I hoped a staff member would have a little compassion, better yet a heart, but no such thing occurred. It became a joke because every time I would leave in the rain it would stop instantly. When I arrived at my destination, the rain would resume. I told them that God promised to shelter me in the times of my storms and He would do the same for them.

They were beyond broken and my bubbly personality is just what they needed. I began to encourage and motivate them. In the evening, I would review their paperwork for various housing and outreach programs since the staff would rather vent about the clients returning to the shelter precisely at 4pm. Even in my time of need, I knew God placed me in a situation to be who He has called me to be. I am a giver, helper, over-comer; my tests are my stepping stones. Being homeless gave me a better understanding of what my clients face on a daily basis. I had no life experience in these situations. All I knew was that I wanted to help women and children restore, rebuild, and renew their lives. I wanted women to value their true worth and help their children avoid becoming a product of their environment. For 30 years, I’ve been a ‘pampered princess’. Now, I have more compassion and patience for my clients with whom I will be able to share my story of homelessness and overcoming some of the same issues.

I’ve had to sleep outside in the pouring rain. I’ve gone weeks without eating due to not having any money. I’ve had to cry myself to sleep at night with a broken heart because of the hurt and the pain my family has caused me with no remorse. All that I have given to them and not one of them had offered me a safe place to lay my head. I have no hate or resentment towards them. I cannot allow my heart to be filled with hatefulness because of wrongdoing. God has always sent people who have encouraged me through this journey. I can say I’ve never given up. I’ve cried. I’ve bled, but I am surviving.

Why now? Why did I decide to remove my mask and tell that I am homeless?

One powerful word: Freedom. Most people see me, but they feel as if I do not go through any trials or tribulations. My blog has never really been about my struggles or day-to-day fumbles. I’ve kept a mask on trying to hide what God wants others to see. Not to be ashamed of what I have faced but so that He could get the glory out of it.

My journey isn’t over

I am still searching for housing. I am currently enrolled in school while working to help women and children escape domestic violence and homeless individuals find permanent housing and jobs. To some people, I may seem happy about being homeless. I am not. I am happy that I am passing my life’s tests and coming close to ending this chapter in my Life Book. I am happy that I can remove my mask and show others what God can do in the midst of their storms. How God will deliver you and bless you in front of your ‘enemies.’ I am happy that I am healthy and living a life of purpose. I am no longer in bondage by hiding behind my trials and tribulations. God deserves to get the glory out of my struggles.

Continue to follow me on this road called Life. My blog will be my home where I will open my heart and share my stumbles and fumbles.

Remember, just because you are homeless or in a situation where life throws you a curve ball doesn’t mean you are out of the game.