CHLOE ~ No Frames No Frames

I’m ending the year on a funny note. I love to laugh. This is one of my favorite videos. I watch it often because Chole makes me laugh. Enjoy.



Cookies For My Sister ~ Merry Christmas

Growing up our Aunt Eddie always made cookies. Thinking back, I'd take those cookies as gifts any day. I truly wish those recipes would resurface. As I thought about what to do for my sister, for the holidays, I thought, "Hmmmm how about some Mexican Wedding Cookies?"  I was going to Servatti's because they have thee best variety of small cookies. I can see the case, filled with varieties, right now. Then a still small voice said, "Find a recipe and make them yourself." So I searched online and found a recipe. I thought I can do this. I had nearly everything I needed.

One of the items I needed was sifted flour. I didn't own a sifter and purchased one at Kroger's. Immediately I thought about the scripture that says satan desires you to sift you as wheat. Can I tell you this, I don't think I've ever sifted wheat. I did notice that the flour was finer though. I think that's going to be a whole nother blog.

Tonight I sat all of my ingredients on the counter and began this process. Cream the butter and the sugar. Add vanilla. Add sifted flour. Add the chopped nuts. I was scared and excited. I rolled them into balls and put them in the oven. When they came out I was still apprehensive until I rolled them in the powdered sugar. Lol. At that point you couldn't tell me nothing because the gift I had envisioned in my mind sat before me.

I think my sister will be surprised and happy. I think my Aunt is looking down proudly knowing that after 30 years since her passing she's still honored.



I hope Marlene enjoys them. I enjoyed making them. So much so that I might just do it again but sooner than Christmas.




Final Friday 2017

It's the Final Friday of 2017 and I am up cleaning and trying to convince two little people to go to sleep. It's not working out the way that I saw it in my head but then neither has the year of 2017 and you know what? It turned out better than I could have ever imagined. It didn't end like it started.

Sometimes you can have the best plan conceived for yourself and it's just not what God intended for you. And if those intentions are not in His will it not only can't work out, it won't work out.

I hear many people talk about cutting people off and how next year it's gonna be better for so many reasons. I just want to thank God on this Final Friday of the year for making my year awesome. For showing me that what I have wanted for myself pales in comparison to what He wants for me.

As soon as the distractions left. My mind got clearer. My credit score went up. My nails and hair got stronger. I'm thankful for the year 2017. The number 7 is the number of completion. All of the hell that tried to take over my life got shutdown and wiped out.

To that I say amen. He will truly perfect those things that concern you.

Merry Christmas ~ Be At Peace




Gifts or no gifts. 
Tree or no tree. 
Celebrate in a way that feels good to you, for you. 💞
Celebrate your family and the love of the season. 
And for those struggling through this season take this moment 
to celebrate that gift that is you 
that continues to press on in spite of. 
#bemindful #bepresent #beyou #begentle 
Be at peace.



Arlinda Christine Ministries ~ Working, For His Love, For His Purpose

What an amazing year this has been. Earlier this year Arlinda Christine Ministries was registered as  a non-profit with the state. The logo was created. Last week The Confide Workshop became the 5th event planned by ACMinistries. Business cards were created and ordered this past week. After the cards were ordered I began to think that we needed a tag line. A phrase that shared what Arlinda Christine Ministries is truly about.

As many people know my favorite scripture is Romans 8:28. So I sat one night and jotted some things down. I even called my mom for input. It was weird that as I sat and tried to come up with the right wording, it honestly didn't come to me until I was up walking around the house. When I heard the words I immediately began to search for a pen and a piece of paper.

Romans 8:28 reads, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

Recently my pastor was preaching and he asked the following questions.

Do you love God?
Are you called according to His purpose?
If you answer yes to both, then it all works together.

My prayer is that ACMinistries continues working for His love and for His purpose.

ACMinistries



 



This November



Photo Credit: Tres Belle Cakes

Isn't this cake beautiful? When I first saw it on one of Tres Belle's social media sites I thought about how wonderful it would be to have a similar cake to celebrate my birthday later this month. While I'm at it let me say Happy Birthday to my cousin Lora aka Loopy. lol For 15 days each year we are the same age. I have always loved that fact about us.

This November I'm anticipating great things to happen in my home, in my spiritual walk and with my family. October was definitely one for the books. The newness of a new season is all you need to let go of the disappointments of last season. Maybe Summer wasn't all that I had hoped and wished it to be but October wiped all of that disappointment out. In a  recent post by BrokenToPeace she shared this statement, "God says, "In order to receive what I got for you, you have to let go of what I never gave you!"

This November continue to enjoy the harvest of those seeds that you have sown. This November continue to let go of all that doesn't treat you well, that's not beneficial to your growth. Be at peace. Be mindful. Practice self-care. Most importantly be true to self.

Sanctuary




On Tuesdays I love being here.  
Sometimes I like to go and find the path of the sunlight. 
It's so beautiful. 
So peaceful. 
Sanctuary 



The Ministry of Michelle Prather

This morning at our church we were introduced to the ministry of Michelle Prather. The worship experience was, from start to finish, a move of God that I know I needed. Here is a Facebook post from this morning's service. I hope that it blesses you. 



Powerful Anointed Dynamic
 
 
Photo Cred Wendell Gibbs
 





Broken To Peace

I don't know when I began to follow Broken to Peace on social media. Though I know what probably happened. Someone reposted her ministry and I was so moved to follow her and that is exactly what I did. What has happened as a result is both mind boggling and a true testament of how great God is.

Back in February I began a journey that impacted my heart and my mind. One day on that path I read a post of her’s and it blew me away because it spoke directly to my situation in a way that awed my friends and me. I was moved to go to her page and look for posts beginning on February 14 and sure enough her posts were following my journey with words of encouragement and to be honest some real talk. That was nothing but God using social media to bless me.

At one point I reached out to her and that interaction was an unexpected and honest dialogue that I treasure. It finally got to a point where I selected to be notified when she posted. From February til recently I needed every form of encouragement that I could find.

For the longest time I thought to myself, "What does broken to peace mean?" I now know for me it means that I was so hurt and so broken that all I could do was to call on God and He provided peace in my heart and in my life. I have come to realize that I was broken to peace. My favorite posts are when she  includes the words, "My prayer for you tonight..."

My heart is blessed. My heart is filled. My heart is at peace. I thank God for the ministry of Maribel Cintron

What's The Sense In Trying To Live Right?


A series of recent events had put me in a funk this past week. I remember texting a good friend, "I'm ok, but to be honest I want to write about what is the sense in trying to live right." I just see so many people walking in their purpose and doing all of the those things that uplift and edify others and it seems like the other team is winning. The team that just lives any kind of way, that does whatever they want to do and yet it seems like all is well with them. Please note that I just noted that I've used the term "it seems like" a couple of times.

I know somewhere in the Bible it mentions to everything there is a season. I get that but God has called some angels home and to be honest it has hurt like hell. I want to scream. I'm mad and I know God is like, "Let me know when you are finished." She had been through so much, I just wanted her to pull through. Every Sunday she was smiling, working at church and getting people to come back and now.....

On Tuesday I threw my hands up and just thought why even try to live right. What is the benefit? Just like always when I have my mini fits I fell into an immediate sleep. I promise you, I think God lays hands on me at these moments and puts me to sleep. On Tuesday night a member came to church that I had been thinking about and I was happy because I got a chance to have a friendly conversation. The following morning God placed this on my heart, "Do you ever wake up and get excited about the possibilities of things occurring?"

That when I received the answer to the question, "What's the sense in trying to live right?" It's because of the possibilities. The possibility of getting back in touch with others who need help and prayer on their journeys. The possibility of seeing those things manifest that you've prayed for. The possibility of seeing a beautiful light gone but not forgotten. Just maybe I was able to see Ms. Eola happy and working in ministry and that will infuse me to continue to try and live right so that I can see the possibilities and just hopefully I'll impact others the way she did me and so many others. 




Breakfast Time

When I was in elementary, junior high and high school my mom worked 3rd shift at a local hospital. We attended school on the west side of town which meant we caught two buses to school and two buses home. Our days were pretty long. I remember mornings waking up to the smells of breakfast flowing up from the kitchen. Recently I thought about how my mom worked from 11 p.m. to 7:30 in the morning and still managed to prepare a meal for us. On Wednesday I awoke at 5 in the morning and I heard a still voice say, "If your mom could cook for her children after working all night, surely you can cook breakfast after sleeping all night." Ouch.

So, I got my cute self out of the bed and prepared sausage and scrambled eggs, with extra cheese because that is what they like. Tyler stumbled into the kitchen and upon seeing him I asked, "How did you know I was in the kitchen." He told me that the smell of food woke him up. He preceded to get dressed and for the first time ever he set the alarm on his phone to wake him up by 6:20 a.m. for future mornings. Goodness, is that what a warm breakfast does?

After cooking I went to the back of my home to prepare for my day. When I stepped out of my bathroom I was floored my the scents that had welcomed me awake in my youth. I didn't think I could do it but actually for the rest of the week I have gotten up and prepared breakfast. I even knew the night before what I would prepare the next morning. Yesterday we had grits and bacon and in looking in the cabinet I decided I needed a waffle iron and some items from Kroger's.

I honestly don't know what's going on with me. Each day brings out a part of me that I never knew existed.





Dollhouse Dreaming

When I was a little girl my parents bought my sister and me the coolest dollhouse. It had light fixtures with working electricity and beautiful wood furniture. Since then I have always loved dollhouses and one of my dreams is to own a dollhouse collection. So I sift through websites and I even have a board on Pinterest.

Recently I purchased my first dollhouse and it's a loft, which is also a dream to own in real life. I'm so excited. Unfortunately finding the furniture is proving to be a task being that Target has sold out of nearly all of the furniture and no other stores carry the brand.

Last week I stepped into Target and went to aisle E10 and saw this dollhouse and got overjoyed with emotion like that little girl on Christmas Day many years ago.


 

Not Yet 30

On Saturday I attended the Celebration of Life of LaDevon Kenny. I learned of his passing when a friend called me last Sunday evening. I remember sitting on the phone with my friend feeling completely numb. It was definitely one of those moments of pause and reflection. I immediately thought about his mother and how her heart had been broken and his sister who along with him had blessed so many with their gifts of ministry and infectious happiness. When I was in their presence it was always fun, always laughter. 

I arrived early to New Prospect because I tend to be an early arriver and I had a feeling that I wouldn't find a spot if I arrived on time. I'm there a half hour early and the line was already forming out of the door. I sat through that service of praise and worship and I learned that worship is who he was, not just what he did. LaDevon knew what it meant to trust God and to share his gifts unselfishly. I honestly tried to hold back the tears but as the choir sang and the remarks were made, I looked around at the standing room only sanctuary of hurting people that he had impacted and the tears fell as I thanked God for this young man who was not yet 30.



Tasha Cobbs & Pastor Jonh Grey Lakewood Fill Me Up



Today was filled with so many things, by the end of the day I simply said, "God, I feel depleted. Fill me up.” I pray that my next post will be a sharing experience of my moment of depletion.

Crown: An Ode To The Fresh Cut by Denene Millner

 
Crown

When I saw Denene Millner's post I immediately thought about how over the years we have created a system of when my sons get their haircut.

On payday. I started that when Alex was younger and now it's the "thing" to do. When I get paid, the barbers get paid. Now that my oldest is an adult he completely understands it. #freshcutfriday

Tournament weekend. I love that they play, or played well, but they will not hit that court looking tore up. Being fresh is a standard.

A "good" cut does something for one's confidence. When they come home from the barbershop I'm always in awe. I can't wait to bless our home and other young men with Crown.

God I Want To

God I want to see
     Like I never saw before
I want to hear
     Like I've never heard before
I want to do
     What I've never done before
I want to speak
     Like I've never spoken before
I want to be
     Who I've never been before

Before You created me in my mother's womb
     You knew me
     You shaped me
     You predestined me
     You equipped me

I want to be her
     Before it's too late


I wrote this on September 15, 2017. I had spent quiet time with God and the words just seemed to fall from heaven.

Bear With Me

I started blogging in 2008. As I look at the blog archive, this year has the lowest posts of previous years. Since 2015 I stopped writing, stopped working out and stop pursuing my dreams. I keep screaming to myself, "WHAT HAPPENED!!!!!"

Maybe I'm coming back, maybe. The scale is moving in a direction that makes me high five myself and I have been writing more. Timeout for nonsense, I have to get back to the goals I had before.

So, I'll ask you to bear with me because I plan to write more, share more and do more. God hasn't gifted me for me to be idle. Greater works shall I do.

In All Things Be Blessed
Arlinda

It's Harvest Time

Nearly every Sunday Morning I listen to Empowerment Temple's 7:30 a.m service. Yesterday I must have lost track of time because Pastor Jamal was well into his sermon. As I'm preparing for my day Pastor Jamal preaches:

The seeds were your pain.

The water for your seeds were your tears.

You're about to reap in October for the good you did in April.

Oh, I received all of that!!!!!

I encourage you too, get ready for your harvest. Get ready for the "eyes have not seen" and "ears have not heard" moments.


 
 
It's Harvest Time
 
 
 


One-derings Lavender Farm

On September 9 my son and I jumped on 71N to travel to Clarksville, Ohio to visit Onederings Lavender Farm. If I could describe the visit it would be peaceful and informative. When we arrived and opened the car door the scent of lavender filled my soul.

The owner was preparing Lavender soap when we arrived and she offered us lavender tea as she spoke to us about the farm. Amy was so gracious to us and if you know me and my love for lavender I was in all kinds of heaven. We visited the rooms where the soap is dried and where lavender is dried and stored in bunches. I was all teary eyed at the site of being surrounded by my favorite scent.




I asked her about the name of the farm. She talked about the oneness of God and the farm is designed to walk through, or wander in. Needless to say on this day I sipped lavender tea as I wandered through the lavender farm with the sun shining on me and my gospel music playing.





At Onederings I definitely felt the peace that passes understanding.


From The Inside...... All I Want

On Wednesday I went looking for the "Headwinds" sermon by Pastor Sarah Jakes-Roberts. I found the entire service online and I tried to fast forward to her preaching. I bypassed her sister praying, the music ministry, all of it to get to where I could hear this incredible message for the 3rd time. As soon as I see her, I select play but what happened when I pressed play blessed my life. Before Pastor Sarah begins her message she says, "I believe God wants to do something in this place that has something to do with our insides." Then she asked Maranda Curtis to sing "Let Praises Rise".
 
Earlier this week God spoke to me and He simply said, "You've allowed the wrong people to get inside of you." I kept thinking about what it meant for the negative energy and negative words that I have allowed to invade my space. The key is that, while I'm learning to be gentle with myself, I allowed it. I allowed it to happen even when past experiences told me that pain was a possibility. In allowing that I put my heart in the way of hurt. What I was allowing on the inside manifested on the outside. Self-doubt, low self-esteem, brokenness.
 
Lately I have been spending quiet time with God daily and allowing Him to speak to me. In my heart I believe He sent me to find this song because after I heard it I found it on YouTube a couple of times. Though it was when I saw Maranda's video I stopped, bought it on i-Tunes and searched for the lyrics. I thank God for loving me so much that He would direct me on the path that gives me what I need at the moment that I need it.
 
Some of the words just grab at my heart. There's a set of lyrics that end with the word "inside" and the more I listen, the more I want this for myself. I want His praises to rise, I want Him to be delighted, I want my life filled. Oh, and yes, I want to be on fire from the inside.
 
Let praises rise from the inside
May You delight from the inside
Come fill my life from the inside
Set me on fire from the inside
 
Lately at work we've been pushing changing mindsets and being mindful. In this present moment I want to change self-doubt to hope, low self-esteem to high self-confidence, brokenness to peacefulness.
 
Cause all I want
is for You
For You to be glorified
For You to be lifted high
 
Now, that part of the song. It weakens me to the point where I realize that all I want is for God to be glorified and lifted up in what I do, in how I live my life, in all things. So now that some things have been moved out of the way, I simply want God to:
 
Fill my heart till they all they see is You oh Lord,
Glorify Your name.
 
No matter where I am. No matter what I'm doing, I need God to fill my heart to the point where when I show up there He is.
 
Cause all I want
is for You
For You to be glorified
For You to be lifted high

Faith Builders Cory Coco Brother Condrey: Come On....Really???


He Left Nothing........ Our Ramundo's Pizza Experience

I'll start this blog my simply sharing that my child does not eat crust. Like never!!! Lol
 
Yesterday Tyler had an afterschool activity and I had the task of figuring out what to do until practice, which mind you is 30 minutes from home. I knew if we went to my parents to wait... See, that's not a good idea. They have this Lazy Boy chair that kidnaps me every time that I visit. So, no. I needed another plan.
 
He was hungry and I decided to begin our travel to the other side of town and eat in the area. I knew there was other restaurants in the area. We travel up Beechmont and we get ready to turn into Wendy's and a sign caught my eye. "Ramundo's Pizza By The Slice" I looked at Tyler and he looked at me. Oh, there would be no chicken nuggets and a frosty tonight.
 
I drive over and yes, I'm captivated by the outside décor. We walk in and our eyes lit up. This place is so nice inside and clean and full of sunlight. Can I be honest? With everything going on in America, I thought, "I hope that we are not treated badly because of the color of our skin." With that thought going through my mind the employee at the counter greeted us and asked what our order was. That made me feel so much better.
 
He explained the pizza by the slice concept, Tyler had no clue. He truly wanted pineapples with his pizza. Tyler ordered two slices of sausage pizza. I asked how big the slices were and I believe he said, "We cut it from our 22 inch pizza." Ummm... I'll just have one veggie slice please.
 
 
 
 
While we wait, Tyler gets a drink and writes on the chalkboard. I pull out my phone and start taking pictures because this place was all kinds of awesome. I knew this was simply a blog waiting to happen. Once we receive our order, we go to the car. I'm thinking Tyler will eat a slice now and the other one later. Nope, that was not the case. He was so happy and incredibly cute as he tried to figure out how not to drop the sausage with his second slice. We sat in the car, eating our delicious pizza,  and just when I thought he was done with his pizza, he did the unthinkable, the "are you serious'? He ate the crust and I about passed out. Remember, my child does not eat crust.
 
As I begin to pull off he says, "We coming back right?" Of course we are, possibly every practice.
 

This restaurant is too cool...

This oven tho'

This is really cute for little kids. I think Tyler dropped the eraser container on accident. #sigh

My Favorite Pic
 
 
 

Indestructible



As a new journey begins I have to reflect on the one that ended. I’ve used the words heartbroken and shattered soul to describe what I experienced within the first half of this year. It seemed to begin to come to an end when Mary released #strengthofawoman I remember the last conversation he and I had and I remember getting my phone out and blasting this song and that is when I really listened to the lyrics of Indestructible. I was living this song word for word.
While I am far from perfect, the words that he said to me hurt deeply and I questioned myself for days and weeks to come. I had to reflect on my value. I had to sift through my hurt and figure out where I was. I was missing, I went to dark places all because he didn’t know how to deal with his pain, so he tried to put it all on me. But it wasn’t my load to carry.

It’s been nearly two months since that day and while I am healing, I pray that God keeps my heart covered and that I don’t go back to that place. The hardest part is knowing that he is battling a terminal illness but even that doesn’t give him permission to do to me what can’t be undone.

God sent a squad of angels to gathered those shattered pieces of my soul, to pray over me and to simply let me fall apart and cry in their arms.
Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.

This morning I woke up a happier person and then I saw the scripture for the day was Romans 8:28.

Joy has come.

For that I’m grateful.
Think about how valuable you are. Don’t let what he put you through cause you to close your heart. #indestructible #maryjblige

Sidenote.. I actually wrote this late Monday night but for some reason when I woke early Tuesday morning I deleted it off my Fb notes and I heard a voice say, "Blog This!"

In A World Of Paper Plates Be Fine China




Is it too early to talk about trash? Well, how about paper plates? We use them generally for large gatherings because after we use these plates we can discard them. We just pile all of the paper plates in a garbage bag that eventually gets put outside. See, if I wanted some paper plates I could send my son to UDF or Family Dollar, a convenient store. It’s just up the street.

Convenient store?
Not far away.
Easy to get to.
Paper plates?

Cheap.
Convenient.
Easily thrown away.

But let’s just say I wanted fine china. I love my son but I’m not sending him for this purchase, there are too many decisions that have to be made. I’m going to pick the dishes out myself. It won’t be a convenient trip. I’ll need to travel to go and purchase this item. I’ll have to go to Macy’s or Dillard's. Once I get there I’ll be met with beautiful selections. After I make my purchase I can’t just throw the dishes in the trunk. No, fine china is packaged differently. It’s boxed and often has material in between the dishes so that they are not easily broken when transported. I don’t know about you but I’m packaged different. I brag different. #thatwillpreach

You have to start asking yourself how are you allowing people to treat you? Like paper plates or fine china?

Fine China?

Valued.

Expensive.

Treasured.

It has to be handled differently.

Paper plates vs. fine china, convenience vs. being valued, trash vs. treasure, Family Dollar vs. Macy's. It’s time to put folk on notice. You are not to be easily discarded, just thrown away at one’s convenience.  You are God’s chosen. You are royalty.  In a world of paper plates be fine china. Be valued. Be treasured. Be that good and perfect gift.

Now if you encounter a person, or people, who only want paper plates, simply say to yourself, “If that’s all you want.” Then proceed to throw up the peace sign and keep it moving. God has more for you. He has better for you. Nothing against paper plates but desire that exceedingly and abundantly that God has predestined for you. Surround yourself with people who value you, who are good friends to you and desire for you to be happy. Time out for the paper plates.








I Just Want To Run From It

We often teach that if you are struggling through something 
That is a good thing
Ummm….. I really don’t want to hear that right now
I just want to run from it
Though running from it won’t aid me in growing through it
But running from it will help me avoid
Rejection
Coming out of my comfort zone, even if it’s not too comfy right now
Avoid
That feeling that sometimes creeps in of not being good enough
Even when I know I am more than enough
 I really want to run away through some lavish lavender fields
To a beautiful cottage by a lake
Like in the storybook I read in my youth
But it’s not a storybook
And I don’t know where any cottages are
Let alone a lake
And the lavender fields have bloomed and been sold
So where do I run to?
Do I run?
Should I run?
It could all be so simple
But it’s not because
I have learned that if you don’t go through your experiences 
And get the lesson
You end up repeating the lesson until
You stop running
And simply allow the lesson to unfold
The most interesting thing about this lesson 
It’s patient with me
It teaches me constantly
It encompasses me with a strength that’s protective
It guides me
It supports me
Yet, I want to run from it
Because
There’s this theory that if I run
Disappointment will never have a chance to set in



For Your Glory (feat. Calvin Nowell)

I saw FreeWorship on The Word Network tonight for the very first time. This song instantly spoke to my heart. I simply ask that you press play and allow this song to minister to you.



Guess Who? 2K17 ~ This One Is On You

This I dedicate to Mr. Ridgley.....
I pray that all things work out for you. 

Remind me again why you returned to my life?
No, seriously entertain me with your answers. 
How many times can you crush my heart?
Attempt to drown my spirits?
Exactly how many times?
You’ve done it 3 times.
The last was the charm.
Did you really pack up and tell me you were going back?
Dude… Seriously?
The last 10 months of this?
Part of the almost 20 years of this?
And this is how you rock with me?
I've sat in ICU praying over you. 
I've held your hand on the cancer floor.
Listening to your heart cry.
Wiping away the pain, the anguish.
I’ve been there as you deal with tubes, scars and uncertainties. 
And you decide that I don't treat you like a man. 
That once again the hell with me and you go back?
Again… Oh, and leave you alone. Don't talk to you. 
You know what? You're real smart, quite the intelligent soul. 
I gotta question for you.
Do you know whose daughter I am? Tsk...
You know I'm a King’s kid? Right? Please don't get it twisted me and my Daddy tight. 
He don't take kindly to the mistreatment of his own. 
Especially when they are anointed and created on purpose for purpose.
Dude....
I ain't even gonna hit you with "you gonna reap what you sow'. 
Nah, that's too easy for you.
How about the enemy will be made your footstool?
Or remember how quickly you got up through….Submit to God, Resist the devil and he will flee. 
As I draw close to Him, He draws close to me.
You're double minded
Unstable
Not even realizing that the favor that rested on me was falling on you.
You ever wonder why the doctors were amazed at your recovery?
You were anointed and prayed over daily.
But you... With your selfish unappreciative self.
You leave carnage on your journey and you don't give one damn about anyone but yourself. 
I'm gonna do you a favor. 
Imma pray really hard because you're gonna need it. 
The price you're about the pay…
For the pain, hurt...
Man… You got your out
but the repercussion for this?
You may just have to pay with the very thing you're fighting for.

My Friend Matthan



Matthan and I met several years ago at our pastor's house. It took a while for us to warm up to each other but once we did we realized we had a lot in common. We both love God and our birthdays are in November. When we initially met he was going through some life changing situations, one was changing his name. I remember when he told me what he was changing his name to.... Matthan. Hmm... Not to long passed before I came up with the phrase, "My friend Matthan."

One of the things that I love about him is his sense of style. This brother always has cool accessories, socks, ties, you name it. I remember seeing him with some bracelets on one day. I was so drawn to them that I asked for them. Yes, I did. He told me no while he also told me where he bought them and what they meant. So I pushed, well go buy some more bracelets. It could all be so simple. lol I don't remember the day but one day he gave me a set of bracelets similar to his and I was so happy.

Possibly what I didn't know was how much they would mean to me. I wear them a lot and I don't care if they match my outfit. They mean more to me than being coordinated. There is a certain peace that I receive from wearing them. It's that same peace I receive from my friendship with Matthan.

I've been on a journey lately and he was one of those people that checked in on me almost daily and that meant a lot because we are all busy with our lives. So, if someone just takes the time to say, "Hey, you ok?" or "How are you?" that means that friendship is based on something solid. Within the past weeks the journey has taken a different turn and he has been there and I've worn those bracelets almost everyday. I have them on now. Peace is so important to me. 

On this past Sunday I dragged myself to church. Like literally. It was rough. I saw Matthan up front worshiping and I was glad because I didn't want him near me. After worship he walks to the back and he sees me.... I pretty much fell apart in his presence. He let me cry on his shoulder and he prayed over me and encouraged me. It brings me to tears as I reflect on that moment right now. I kind of knew that would happen. I probably needed that to happen. 

I thank God for him. I thank God for taking us through our storms and differences, it's made our friendship stronger so that we can be supportive of each other through the good and bad times. There are so many cool things happening for him and that are going to happen for him. I'm so appreciative of God for blessing me with my friend Matthan.

Friends, how many of us have them... Ones you can depend on. 

Early Morning Prayer With Pastor John F. Hannah


Last Tuesday I awoke early in the morning. For some reason I was led to Instagram. One of the first posts I came across was the one above from Pastor John F. Hannah. I had to rub my eyes. Did his post really say that he would be praying at 4 in the morning? Yes, it did and it was in a matter of minutes that I received the Periscope notification that Pastor Hannah was live. I thought to myself, I guess he's going to pray for the people.

Yes, I selected the notification and what I experienced at five in the morning here, 4 in the morning there was... well an experience.... an encounter. One that almost a week later is still on my mind.



I think what I found most surprising was the amount of people in the sanctuary. It was a lot, more than I anticipated. I began to wonder, what has driven this many people to come to pray at four in the morning. That's just one pic, it was nearly 500 or more of us online. To God Be The Glory. You mean to tell me that I wasn't alone? That I was amongst people who were in need of prayer? And pray he did!!!!


I don't even know if I made it to the end of prayer service but whatever had me vexed in my sleep had disappeared and I slept through the rest of the night. It was a peace that came over me that I had desired and fortunately for me it showed up in my IG news feed.

Arlinda Christine Ministries ~ Check Out My Logo



I saw Ms. Robbie's work when I organized my first Women's Worship Encounter. I knew one day I would have her design something for me. Well.. four events later I finally did it, it has literally been 4 years since I initially emailed her. I guess everything has it's perfect timing.

It includes colors that I absolutely love, lavender and gray. The font is so Arlinda, kinda cute and sophisticated. As I looked at the design I had to ask Ms Robbie about the meaning. It's a dove surrounded by wings, you're ready to fly.

Hmmm... I wonder if a certain friend could design a t-shirt for me.


#shessoofficial




I Did All Of That.... Now What?

I'm in the second week of summer break and I feel a sense of blah. I’m having a hard time sitting still and being content with life. The past 5-6 months have been filled with family, church, work, grad school and other really cool activities. I hosted small group at my home. I joined a national teaching sorority. My son completed the 5th grade really well. I incorporated my companies. The school year ended well for the students at the program in which I teach. For all intents and purposes I should feel a sense of accomplishment. Right? Nope.

Even my 11 year old noticed it last week when he told me, you seem bored when you’re not in school. Ugh!!!!! What is wrong with me that I’m at my best when I am busy beyond belief? Or at least I seem to be anyway? Maybe being busy keeps me from dealing with the one thing that I brush over the most. Me. 

Two years ago I lost 65lbs and unfortunately I gained most of it back and I’m only in the dumps about it when I put on some of the really cute clothes I bought last year, and they are a tad snug or I look at items that have not been worn since last summer just kinda hanging in the closet. #sigh #nowwhat

Maybe I expected more. Losing the weight and achieving all of my accomplishments were supposed to be this magic key to unlock this place of contentment and happiness that I thought I was missing as I looked at what everyone else was enjoying. It almost seemed as if I didn’t fit into some spectrum that I thought being smaller and more accomplished would put me in. Heck, check the date, I have not blogged in forever. I’ve even been scared to write my truth. Talk about avoidance. 
Now I have to pray and make next steps that benefit that woman God brought to earth and my parents named Arlinda because I did all of that and I did it well….. Now what? 



Morning Mannah ~ In The Same Gang






Preparing for Morning Mannah is always such a challenge for me. Last night I waited for a sign, the voice of God or something to help me with preparation. Then I saw an Instagram post and then I knew the direction that I would go. You see, I’m uniquely put together. I can recite a hymnal and Fred Hammond. I have a love for rap and learning righteousness.
In 1990 a single was released by the West Coast Rap All Stars to promote an anti-violence message. That song was entitled, “We’re All In The Same Gang”. This song included many top West Coast rappers who simply wanted to say that we’re all in this together. Mind you just two years prior the single “Self Destruction” was released by East Coast Hip Hop Artists.
So, first we hear “Self Destruction”, then we hear, “We’re All In The Same Gang”. Two different coasts yet one message of unity. You see we are all different people at Light of the World but our God has one message of unity. That message is to love one another.
Mark 12:31 tells us
The second is this, “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
1 Corinthians 13:13 tells us
And now these three remain, faith, hope, and faith. But the greatest of these is love.
This year our pastor preached a series entitled, “Game Changers”. Game changers are people who simply changed the game. Think about Michael Jordan, think Kobe Bryant, think about yourself. You’re a game changer. Our pastor told us in this series that a God size dream requires a God size team. He also told us that extraordinary moves of God begin with ordinary acts of obedience.
Recently Pastor Mike asked us to be obedient by simply asking us to sign up for tee shirts for Resurrection Sunday. Now, when I saw the shirts, I didn’t get it. At least not until Enjoli shared the notion of baseball shirts?..... teammates?...... Ummm #gamechangers? Lol Hey, I’m slow but I’m worth waiting for.
So, last night I see Pastor Mike’s post on Instagram and I look at pics posted by members on social media and it hits me. We’re all on the same team. Many of us have self-destructed in areas of our lives but somehow we found our way to the Showcase Movie Theater after the marriage failed. We showed up at U.C. when church hurt set in, we came to Colerain Avenue, Colerain High School and it’s only fitting that at an elementary school that has baseball fields that we suit up and declare that we’re #allin this together.
On the day that we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, Light of the World, we’re all in the same gang, on the same team and we’re about to change the game in our homes, on our jobs, in our communities and within our church. For it’s in Jesus’ name that we play and pray.

Why Not Show Your Wounds On Facebook?


image obtained from Pinterest

Yesterday I'm sitting in a meeting and we are talking about all of the things that have happened over Spring Break. One of the big topics was the tragedy at Cameo Night Club. My friend shows us a picture of one of the shooting victims. In his post he spoke about how his day had began fine and ended in a way never imaginable. The picture was gruesome. To be honest I don't even know what I was looking at besides his bloodstained tattoos. Then I heard my friend say something to the extent, "Why would you show your wounds on Facebook?" Immediately I said, "That'll preach!" 

I got out a piece of paper and wrote down the title given to me from my friend, whom we both love to get on each other's nerves. Then our other friend told me I had to put a scripture to it. I jumbled over it for a minute. lol For His wounds.... By His stripes.... Then she said it.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 KJV

I can't even begin to imagine what this man was thinking as he lay bleeding from a gunshot wound not intended for him but in his post he gave thanks to God. It got me thinking about my life and what I post. If you know me, you know I love my sons, my church, Jesus, and to dine out when I'm out of town. You know that my favorite scripture is Romans 8:28 and that the Capital Grille is my favorite restaurant. Why can't I tell you that I'm hurting, that my heart was recently shattered and some days it's hard to deal with? Why can't I tell you that on some days I'm hurting so badly and if it wasn't for these beautiful sons of mine and my constant, and I mean constant, cries out to God I don't know what I would do.

Why can't I share my wounds? I never want anyone to think my life to be perfect and awesome on a daily basis. Truth be told some days I'm a hot mess. On those days I need my Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond songs to worship me through. Now, I get it. There is the school of thought that there are somethings that are not to be shared on social media. I counter that with then why share anything at all?

Just this week I've read about women, who I don't even know, committing suicide. They had families that loved them and everyone had echoing posts, "If anyone needs helps or someone to talk to, just say so." Sometimes social media is that vehicle for some people to cry out for help or in the young man's case to share his experience on how good God is.

That post with over thousands of likes is going to bless someone, send someone into worship and let them know that if God protected and kept him then He will do it for me too.

Sending prayers to heaven to all of the lives directly impacted by so much tragedy in our city this week.  


Congratulations To Tyler McKinley On Scoring 1,000 Points!!!!!!!!! 💙💚

On Tuesday, January 30 during Winton Woods vs West Clermont, Tyler McKinley scored his 1,000th point as his teammates, family and friends lo...