Friday, April 29, 2011

Run, See, Know

        It's always amazing to me what people do and don't do. The information they freely give, and the information that they freely withhold. Within such a context they are speaking the language of their priorities. And in unison they are covering up their fears.

Photo Credit: Yajaira Reynolds
     Don't you wish that you had listened to your first instinct, when you're in the midst of bombs dropping. It all could have been avoided.

     I should have run. Like Joseph, I should have ran fast in the opposite direction. Nevertheless, now I see--now I know.




Wisdom's Knocking:

Hindsight is 20/20.


Thursday, April 28, 2011

It Will Be Magical



     I just rented a costume for my adventures on Saturday. It's been a while since I've played dress up.

     I picked up my outfit from the costume shop that I used to go to while performing in plays during my elementary, junior high, and high school years--"Daisy's Costumes".

     It's an amazing costume shop owned by Daisy and her husband.  Daisy is a lively older Scottish woman who clearly has a passion for make-believe. And her American husband has the perfect amount of wit and passion to match.

     When you step into the shop, you are immediately immersed into a world of Fairies, Princes, Robots, Superheroes, Flappers, Wizards, Cowboys, the sounds of a sewing machine, and other elements of controlled chaos.

     After being fitted for my costume, Daisy did some additional sewing for my costume right on the spot.

     And in parting, Daisy guaranteed that I would have a magical time in my costume this weekend. She's looking forward to hearing my stories on Monday.

     As am I.


Wisdom's Knocking:

A change in routine can open the door to something wonderfully surprising.


How Great Thou Art

Photo Credit: David Whitlow Photography     

     I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Carrie Underwood has one of thee most beautiful and perfect voices this side of heaven.

    Have you seen the YouTube clip of her duet with Vince Gill? If not, Click Here!

     Speaking of Vince Gill, he is so underrated. I've loved his soulful take on country since the 90s. It's amazing to me more people don't know about him. All to say, it was such a treat to see the two, Carrie and Vince, in such a powerful duet.



Wisdom's Knocking:

The passion of a singer can release the emotions of our hearts.


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

That Woman Is Funny

     

     Had a wonderful night tonight watching "The Voice" on NBC with Ma' Dukes. She had me cracking up during the whole show.

     One thing in particular set me off for the rest of the night.

     One of the contestants/artists mentioned that she had been living in her car while following her dreams of singing music and driving around the country.

     Well, in order for each contestant to sing in front of the "Coaches", they are sent an Invite to the show--like receiving a "Golden Ticket". We as the audience, see a short package of an excited artist receiving their Invite to be on the show. The young lady living in her car was no exception. She talked about receiving her official Invite.

     The first thing Ma' Dukes asks is: "How did they send it to her and surprise her if she was really living in her car?"


Wisdom's Knocking:

Sometimes, you just need to think it through.


I'm Learning Patois

     Photo Credit: Yajaira Reynolds

     Is it weird that I want my future babies to have Jamaican accents.

     Good. I was starting to think I was really crazy.

     Sooo, they're translating the Bible into Jamaican Patois. The New Testament will be finished by 2012.

     Um. This is the best thing ever. Just read a sample:

STANDARD:
And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.''

PATOIS:
'Di ienjel go tu Mieri an se tu ar se, "Mieri, mi av nyuuz we a go mek yu wel api. Gad riili riili bles yu an im a waak wid yu aal di taim.''

Read More About It: Click Here

     Ahhh! Did you just say that out loud! Ahh! Wait--I'm about to read it out loud again. I wish you were here to hear to me in person. I keep cracking up. This is the best.

     Now call my phone and leave me this as a message. I will have a permanent smile on my face.

     Seriously. Do it.

     It's 'bout to be a Patois Party up in here! Let's get this started!!


Wisdom's Knocking:

Sometimes you just need to renovate to appreciate.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Proximity

     Photo Credit: Yajaira Reynolds

    

     My dear friend, Yajaira, and I have talked about the importance of Proximity.

     Webster's Dictionary describes Proximity as:

: the quality or state of being proximate : closeness

     We simply describe Proximity as: The Language of Love


     I'm not just talking about physical affection. I'm talking about geography. I think that's one reason why I'm not a big fan of online dating or even long distance dating (although, not completely opposed to long distance--but at some point, somebody's gonna have to make a location move--I'm just sayin').

     I often wonder if my grand romance story will start at the market down the street. Proximity would be in the suitor's favor if that were the case.

     Plus, proximity adds convenience in relationships. And who doesn't want that added bonus of convenience when you can get it.

     The more you have access to a person, the more you can just kick it, the more habitual your meet n' greets, and the similarities in geography...All these factors have been known to cause sparks to fly--even when there wasn't the slightest hints of heat or chemistry.



Wisdom's Knocking:

Proximity is the language of love.


This Boy

Photo Credit: Yajaira Reynolds


The first text I got today, simply said:

"Empress".

Oh boy.

He is intentional and taking advantage of his back burner status...


Wisdom's Knocking:

If you play with fire long enough, you're bound to get burned.


The World is Getting Smaller

Photo Credit: Adrias Pereda

     I was about to begin this blog with a line about proximity. But all of a sudden, the "Mr. Roger's" theme song ran through my head.

     You know the one. "Would you be mine, Could you be mine...Won't you be my neighbor." (If you feel left out, you can simply Click Here, to get caught up.) 

     But it still amazes me, that I probably know someone that you know.

     With so many people on this planet, it's easy to simply get caught up in numbers and figures. And math may try to make you feel like a king, making you think you have all the odds under control and understood.

     But I say this to you and I, you'll get found and you'll get found out. It's only a matter of time. We know you.


Wisdom's Knocking:

It's been said, "A stranger is a friend you haven't met yet."



Thursday, April 21, 2011

The Answer


     So most of you know of my current poll on Facebook. To Online Date or Not?..That is the question.

     Well, voting is now closed. I had time to review all of your comments, stories, and insights. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. And a special Thank You, to those that went a step further and sent me incredible feedback via emails, phone calls, and Facebook messages.

     I also had time to sift through some specific matters in my own heart. I had time to really pray and process this step with the Lord. And to be honest, I'm working through a bit of bitterness on my own part.

     There have been a few distinct times in my life, that I felt that I was so close to romance that I could almost smell it. Only to realize later that I was smelling poop.

     And as you know, recently, I thought I was about to embark on my romance season, only to make myself slightly vulnerable, open to the prospects of love and have the man in question completely pull back and find interest elsewhere. It was and is a bit of a bittersweet scenario.

     The last date I went on was in 2001. And that wasn't even really a date, more like a celebrating-a-great-night-in-Italy-with-a-group-of-friends date. Another story for another blog post.

     And the last relationship I was in, was in 2000. Wow, I'm just sharing all my business. Ha.

     I've taken great pains to guard my heart over these last 10 years. I've kept my heart open and ready to receive love. I've kept my expectations and hopes alive. And I also have this dream I can't seem to shake. A dream that I had of a man over 10 years ago.

     With all that said, and the odds seemingly against me, I am not about to give up on true, powerful, and divine romance happening in my life.

    A good friend of mine, Michelle, posted something simple yet profound on my Facebook page in regards to me pursuing online dating. She was in the "No" camp. But she backed it up with a prophetic word. A declaration of hope. This June will be a month of miracles for me. And for some reason, I can't shake that prophetic word.

     So, what's my answer regarding online dating?...



     I'll start in July.




Wisdom's Knocking:

Don't let defeat become your attitude.


To Put It Mildly




I felt the Wind

    I felt the Fire

I felt those Butterflies and Ladybugs Dance

And like ice in the Sun, I melted.

          Thank you for the Awakening.

  Thank you for the Glance.

Kindness and Tenderness, Hand in Hand.

                    And now like a Beauty, I lay back down to Sleep.

Dreaming of the one I danced with, among the Trees.


Wisdom's Knocking:

Close calls and brief encounters in love, are simply foretastes of more established things to come...



Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Those That Can't Do, Teach...

     Photo Credit: David Whitlow Photography

     How in the world did I just give relationship advice tonight to one of my guy friends? This is becoming incredibly comical.

     I was in the midst of an intense pity party. You know what I'm talking about ladies, bawling my eyes out because I'm tired of being single. I know I'm not the only who does this. Anyhow, as I'm yelling and crying my guts out to God, I glance down at my phone. It was a phone number I didn't recognize and I thought it was my computer technician calling me to say that my laptop had been fixed.

     I pick up the call. I say, "Hello". Dead air.

     I knew that this couldn't be good.

     "Patrice?...Wow, I didn't think that you'd pick up."

     Yes, you know how I do. Nevertheless, I couldn't squirm out of the call and found myself 40 minutes deep in a conversation with one of my guy friends. He was updating me on his current potential love life.

     Of course.

     And I quickly went into relationship counselor mode. Always. I had some pretty amazing things to say, if I do say so myself.

     It was incredibly ironic actually. Here I was, weeping because the guy I currently have a crush on, will not pursue me. And here was my guy friend, eager to pursue and ready for a serious relationship with a girl who wasn't completely ready.

     How is this my life right now?


Wisdom's Knocking:

"Love is a smoke and is made with the fume of sighs." 
- William Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet, Act 1 Scene 1


Her Name Is Chimwemwe


     The dress that I'm wearing in the picture has a great deal of significance to me.

     It was beautifully handmade with the material given to me while I was in Zambia on a 2008 missions trip.

     When the material was handed to me by the giver, a new name was given to me as well, the name Chimwemwe.

It means Joy.




Wisdom's Knocking:

Perhaps your name holds more than just a marker amidst the masses. Perhaps it holds a piece of destiny.





Monday, April 18, 2011

Aquamarine Has a Body Double


     I was looking up my birthstone, Aquamarine, on the web. Why? Because we live in the Information Age, and I can. I know, it's just so random.

     Nevertheless, I discovered something brand new about my March birthstone, Aquamarine. This is what I discovered:

Alternate Birthstone
An alternate birthstone for March is Bloodstone, a dark green opaque quartz flecked with red spots.  The name Bloodstone derives from the legendary belief that the red coloration resulted from the blood of Christ spilling onto green jasper during the crucifixion.  For this reason, too, the stone has been called "martyr's stone."  Bloodstone is mined in India, Brazil, Uruguay, Australia, and the United States.  Ideal for carving into cameos and beads, this stone symbolizes courage. 
Credit: About-Birthstones.Com 

     Um. That blew me away. Number one, have you ever heard of an "Alternate Birthstone"?--Yeah, me neither. Secondly, who knew it was gonna get that serious? I mean, "Bloodstone". Wow. I went from the sweet waters of the Sea being reflected in the Roman inspired naming of the gem, Aquamarine to the power, sacrifice and courage of Christ.

     Yeah, just another day on the internet.


Wisdom's Knocking:

"...It is the honor of kings to search out a matter." -- Proverbs 25:2b

Back to the Future Love


     Yes, so as you know, I've been taking votes on Facebook, as to whether or not I should approach online dating seriously.  And if I do decide to take this step of online dating, it would be through the website, OnDaySix.com. My faith in God, in Jesus, is a not merely a part of my life, it is my life and causes me to feel alive, passionate, patient, kind, joyful, beautiful and loved.

     In order to even consider someone that I'd want to share my life with, the reality of Jesus in their lives has to be undeniable. I am not in the business of changing or fixing men in order for them to love me rightly.

     I know that God has a man for me that is whole, secure, loving, and kind. A man that is ready. Repeat, a man that is ready.

    I'm not interested in stealing any one's husband or boyfriend. As my friend and I say, "I only want what God has set apart for me. I only want what is mine."



Wisdom's Knocking:

Perspective and Patience. The 2 things to remember when waiting for a great gift.


Novelty Human Being


     It's always amazing connecting with new people. It's also a bit exhilarating when you share a special connection with someone new. But then, what happens when that newness wears off? Yes, we hope there was substance to back up such exhilaration first impressions. But perhaps it was simply the excitement of the moment. New place, new time, new face.

     We do this to people quite frequently. We sift them like gold miners with a pan. We wonder if they will prove to be real gold or simply fool's gold in our lives.

     But being on the other end of such sifting, feels a bit cheapening. It made me think of the phrase, "Flash in the pan.". Yeah, you shined, but your shimmer didn't last for very long. And the novelty of your person hood interests me not, at least not consistently.

     Seasons are such a fragile and fierce force in our friendships and relationships. And when I speak of seasons, I'm referring to our seasons of life. There are times when we are in a season of transition, a season of romance, a season of maturing, a season of promotion, etc.

     But knowing the position and place of certain new people in our lives may take a bit of time to discern. I just pray as I sift, and am being sifted by others that grace would abound much.

     Feeling like a novelty, and useless after a certain period of time is awful and painful.

     I love the many different definitions of the Hebrew word, "Chesed", one of which is Covenant Love. A love full of loyalty. It is the type of love God has for His people. A love that never stops and never quits.

     And that is where I rest. On God's reality of loyal love. I may be treated like a novelty in the future, but there is One who's already vowed to love me beyond being a flash in the pan.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Loyalty in love is one of the most transforming things on earth.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

My Love Is in Your Hands

     

     So, I'm once again milling over the idea of online dating. I've entertained the thought plenty of times, I even signed up, but only to delete my account and all my potential matches after 2 weeks.

     But why? Why do I feel weirded out about the whole thing?

     The stats tell me that 1 out of every 5 new relationships start online. How long do all those particular relationship lasts? We're not quite sure yet. It's still early.

     But what if I'm blocking my blessing because of pride? Or what if I'm being wise. I'd hate to end up on a milk carton.

     Needless to say, I'm taking you on my romance journey, online or otherwise. I'll keep you updated. But to protect the identity of my future prospects I'll give them code names. And I'll let you decide and chime in as to who is worthy to put a ring on it.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"If you liked it, you shoulda put a ring on it."


Platinum Blonde


      A few weeks ago, I found myself engrossed in the 1931 film, "Platinum Blonde". Where has that movie been all my life?!

     But let's talk about the lead actor, Robert Williams. Oh my word! Every time he was on screen, I found myself transfixed on his every word and movement. He was this magical balance between comedy, sincerity, and genius.

     I couldn't get over the fact that I was watching a film from 1931 that felt so incredibly relevant. The movement, the dialogue, the storyline. And yes, I absolutely cried at the end.

     So if you're in the mood for a cinematic treat, go rent--no, go buy the film, "Platinum Blonde".



Wisdom's Knocking:

A true classic is timeless.


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Awe & Wonder Rainbows

     Life is so much more fun with awe and wonder.

Photo Credit: David Whitlow Photography

     I realized today that I love to get excited about the littlest things. It was sort of one of those things ingrained in me from when I was a child. If I broke something, my mother would stay absolutely calm. "They're just things."

     And when I learned to read or picked out my own clothes (Beginning at the age 5, my taste was eclectic to the say the least), she would practically throw a party. But almost always she would smile, or laugh, or dance.

     And now I do the same. Over the littlest things.

     Don't lose your awe and wonder.

     Don't let your awe and wonder become wrapped up in things..."They're just things."

     I guess, I just wanted to encourage you today. I felt like you may have spent some time weeping. But I wanted to let you know that you possess the ingredients of magic, of awe and wonder.

     Don't just recall the "Good ol' days". But know that your best days are truly ahead. And they will be Full of awe and wonder.



Wisdom's Knocking:

After the rain comes the beauty of the rainbow.


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

FotografĂ­a


     To my artist friends and future artist friends:

    I love showcasing the beautiful artistic work of folks that I know. If you haven't noticed already, this blog has begun to incorporate photography from amazing friends of mine: Lindsay Coleman, David Whitlow, Chris Molitor, and Yajaira Reynolds to name a few.

     If you have photography that you'd like to share with me and the world. Let me know. I'd love to include your expression in my blog post in the near future.


Wisdom's Knocking:

The way your eyes see, is valuable to me. 





Monday, April 11, 2011

Bye...OK...Bye...



     OK, you know how greatly I dislike talking on the phone. It's just awkward and a bit painful for me. But I can fake my way through a decent conversation. Note: If I've ever talked with you on the phone, I have a deep love for you. I just need you to know that.

     But what adds to the awkward event of talking on the phone, at least for me, is when people don't know how to close the deal.

     You know, those people that don't know how to end a phone conversation, so you spend about 30 seconds preparing for the round up, and then another 30 seconds of "OK, Bye...Yeah...OK... (Overlapping one another as you both almost say the same things, but out of rhythm) Well...OK...Yeah, Bye..."

     Today, I think I just hung up on someone as they were hitting that third "OK". I just couldn't take it anymore. And I decided to put us both out of our misery.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Timing is everything.



Know What You Right



     I had this fun play on words last week, in a post titled, "Right What You Know". And no, I didn't misspell the word "Right". I was going for something evocative. Not quite sure if it actually worked. Ha.

     But I wanted to briefly revisit this fun topic of "Our Choices" and what we choose to believe. Or more specifically, what we choose to say "No" or "Yes" to.

     This blog thought, once again stems out of my own current life predicaments. To give you a bit more context, and to get you a bit more invested in what I have to say, I'll share a bit of this "context":

     I was in the midst of having a crush on a particular individual. He had no intentions towards me other than friendship, at least from what I could gather. But while I'm crushing hard on Guy #1, another guy, yes, Guy #2, swiftly rolls up on the scene and begins to pursue me a bit. But I had no romantic interest towards Guy #2 at all, my eyes were steady on Guy #1.

     Guy #1 was still my "Yes". Guy #2 was clearly my "No". I spent a bit of time in prayer asking God about Guy #1 and our possible future together, but never felt complete peace about it.

     And in prayer, my heart began to soften towards Guy #2, in a real way. I SO resisted at first. For real. But before I knew it, in prayer, bearing my heart before the Lord, Guy #2 became my "Yes."

     God, you're so wonderfully sneaky.

     How much of our beliefs are grounded within the context of our own limited experience and/or what we've previously lived through. Even more so, how much of our "Yes's" and our "No's" spring up out of us because of fear.

     I'm not advocating that we become a people where are words mean nothing. I want my "Yes to be Yes" and my "No to be No". But I am advocating growth and maturity, grounded in humility.

     I want to be rooted and grounded in true love and faith.

     God: I know that Your ways are Higher than our ways. Continue to align me with what You see as Right and True and Yes.


Wisdom's Knocking:

Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you Shall find. Knock, and the door Will be Opened to you." - Jesus


Tender Mercies


Photo Credit: Nicole LeBoeuf

     I am experiencing a personal revival of sorts. It feels lovely. And the more I make myself vulnerable in the context of this personal revival, I feel full of life and peace.

    Do you have those days, when you can feel people praying for you? To some of you, that may sound like absolute Sci-Fi craziness, but it's not a foreign concept to everyone.

     I get into these seasons of life, where I become very aware that I am not able to carry the burden of expectations, dreams, desires, etc. all on my own. And it's as if a gust of wind blows the heaviness of my own thoughts away. It's grace in true operation.

     I can feel the prayers of loved ones over my life. Especially today.

     It's also amzing to me, that we will most likely never meet all the people that have taken the time to lift burdens off of us through the power of prayer. I have no doubt that someone is praying for you today, with a love and passion straight from heaven.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Prayer changes things.


Friday, April 08, 2011

Right What You Know


     It's Friday. And no, I'm not going to start commenting on Rebecca Black. OK, I kinda of just did. But never you mind that.

     I was just going to comment on our ability to be swayed into a decision. I mean, how does our resolute "No." Become a "Yes." Of course I have theories. Such a leap doesn't happen automatically--it's bridged by the ever so subtle and powerful "Maybe."

     Have you gotten conned into doing something that you know you didn't want to do in the first place? But then somehow, you found yourself fully subscribing and promoting the very thing you thought you didn't want to spend energy and time doing.

     I'm not one to be easily manipulated, but I do like to look at things from a variety of angles. I'm also painfully aware that I am not the master of the universe, nor do I know everything that is to be known from hence forward throughout eternity.

     With that said, I am open to suggestions. Perhaps your suggestions are better than mine. But at the end of the day, I'm not trusting in my knowledge or your knowledge. I'm trusting in the One who made knowledge and Whose understanding goes beyond definition, space, and time.

     Yes, it is important to stand your ground and have a foundation. And personally, I'd like to be one, whose foundation is on solid ground.

     Each day we exercise faith in little and big ways. Sometimes oblivious to us, but yet faith is being exercised still.

     My pastor's motto about faith and love is truly inspiring and powerful. Love fuels faith.

     Let that seep in for a minute.

Love fuels faith.

     So we may not know the outcome of all our decisions, but knowing that we are making decisions based in and on Love (Love is patient, kind, etc.) and not in fear, already puts us on solid ground.



Wisdom's Knocking:
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts though faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." --Ephesians 3:17-19

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Before and After


     I like how some people just know you. They get you. They understand your soul without the need for frivolous talking.

     I am so grateful to have friends that have a great sense of humor. They don't take themselves too seriously, nor do they take me completely seriously. But at the same time, the pendulum is not swung towards the temperature of odd familiarity and disrespect among us.

     No, it's quite the contrary. Instead, it's a sweet sort of awe and honor. As I look at my friends and their perseverance and accomplishments, I am inspired. And as they approach the tender plains of my heart, they hold my moments with steady hands and with complete focus.

     And in these moments of being in the Middle, they have been with me in the Before and they have laid out their hearts plans, to be with me during the After.


Wisdom's Knocking:

Love is always closer to you than you think.

Fast Times

 

     Today, I woke up exactly where I left off last night. I was trying to process this new information that I had recently received. Getting this new information makes me doubt my discernment a little bit. A lot of things are unanswered. I let someone in, and perhaps they are not at all who they showed themselves to be.

     Yes, this happens all the time. But there are those special circumstances, that really affect your heart deeply. Because, you almost dared to dream. You almost believed the promise had arrived. You were just about to swan dive off that cliff...But then after jumping, you realize...You have no parachute, and there's actually no water down there.

     Divine Intervention Come.




     My mind is racing, and I just want things to slow down. Like slo-mo. I need to gather my thoughts, but they are running all over the track. They are no longer headed towards a visible finish line, but instead, they are frantic and possibly running in the opposite direction.

     It's easy to have  fast running start, but to sustain such a speed may prove dangerous. I'm praying for things to slow down--just so that I could understand. So that it can all be understood.

     Divine Intervention Come.


Wisdom's Knocking:

May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. -- Psalm 119:169



Tuesday, April 05, 2011

I Heard That You're a Pervert

Photo Credit: Yajaira
     

     What do you do with the news you hear about folks and the dirt they do behind the scenes. Oh, and of course, I'm not suppose to know any of it. This should be interestinggg, especially because I've turned into a pretty bad liar over the years. I mean, do I say something? Do I act passive aggressive. Duh, of course not. But you get my thought process at this point. I'm just like, "Yo, somebody break the ice already!"

     I'm just not sure how to fully handle all of this info at this point. But what I do know is, the truth will eventually come to light. It always does.

     And when the truth comes out, in all its unrefined glory, hopefully I'm mature and loving enough to embrace compassion rather than give it the stink eye.



Wisdom's Knocking:

Everything done in the dark will eventually be exposed by the light.


Monday, April 04, 2011

Could You Be Loved

     Honestly, I just wanted to title a blog post with a Bob Marley song. The past couple of weeks, I've been hearing a few of my favorite Bob Marley songs in the most random of places at the most random of times.

Photo Credit: Dakota LeBoeuf
 
     Does that ever happen to you? A song plays on the radio or in a car driving down the street that is more like the music score to your current life situation, rather than some random sound in the atmosphere. Somehow, I constitute that as a miracle. Really I do. I mean, what are the chances. And yes, you may be able to pull out an amazing mathematical formula, to show me the odds of such a miracle happening. But I will continue to answer the questions that these songs conjure up when I hear them.

"Could You Be Loved...And Be Loved?" Yes, I could. Yes, I could.


Wisdom's Knocking:

God communicates to us in a variety of ways.



What. Are You Trying to Be Sexy?

Photo Credit: Lindsay Coleman
    

     It just seems that when you are trying to put forth the energy of being sexy and desirable, it comes off as strained and uncomfortable. I bring this point up, because, once again, I was looking through an array of Facebook photos, of friends and myself.

     The premise of Facebook allows the usually subdued narcissistic behavior of our species to be fully out in the open. And with that said, I get to see your interpretation of what you deem as sexy and desirable, by merely looking at your profile pics.

     Unlike the pictures that friends and co-workers randomly tag us in, our profile pictures are those photos carefully and methodically picked out by us.

     I know you're like me, and you spend at least 10 minutes thinking about which photo is profile pic worthy. And not only do you think about which one makes it to the ever-so-glorious profile pic position, but we also think of the reasons why it made the cut.

Some Possible Reasons Our Profile Picture Made the Cut: 

1. The picture may be indicative of our personality, or how we would like our personality to be perceived.

2. The picture may parallel our current mood in life, or...

3. The picture may show us off to people in our best possible lighting, making us look cool and sexy at the same time.

     With that said, your beauty is not confined to a state of "Sexiness". Your light far shines beyond such a notion. But instead, when you are truly free and comfortable in your own skin, you'll find yourself bringing sexy back in its purist form, without even trying.


Wisdom's Knocking:

Your best lighting for a picture won't always come from an external lighting kit, but instead from the brightness that you bring. 



Look Who's Talking...

     Photo Credit: Yajaira

     Have you recently been in one of those conversation, where a person just keeps talking and talking and talking. It's as if they love hearing the sound of their own voice. And on top of that, you don't get a meaningful word in edge wise beyond the occasionally, "Mmmhmm" and "Yeah."

     The art of conversation is not merely in the talking but in our ability to listen and to respond from that place.

     I have to watch myself at times. I have to make sure that I'm not just trying to pummel through a whole array of information, just because it's on my mind. Instead, I want to be sensitive to the person and subjects that we are addressing.

     And in the best case scenarios, when you and a friend are simply sharing your hearts and talking about nonsense, don't forget to listen. Not just "hear" and move on to your next point.

     Yes, our words carry weight and are far more meaningful than we often realize.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"Say Less. And mean every word that you say." -Joyce Meyer


Childlike

 Photo Credit: Stephanie

     I love how the presence of children changes an atmosphere. I know that the presence of children can make some folks uncomfortable. But then, I think why?

     When children are around, I'm reminded of innocence, of awe, of wonder. When children are around, I find a lot more things to laugh about. When children are around, I'm reminded of the kindness and protective strength of God.

     Many times children are a ball of unrestrained energy. But at the same time, they are not yet overcome with useless insecurities. They are always trusting the best in people. Much like Love does.

     But there's something about being around children, that makes us as adults want to become better people. And to me, that is one of the most extraordinary things that the presence of children ushers in.


Wisdom's Knocking:

Childishness is synonymous with immaturity. But Child-likeness is synonymous with freedom.