NCredible Blessings

So Will I (Do It Again) - Cross Worship feat. Osby Berry

You Did More Then I Ever Expected - Praise Break

Reckless Love (Official Lyric Video) - Cory Asbury | Reckless Love

There is so much to be thankful for in this season. I'm so thankful for a sound mind. For having peace during the process and for the love that's been showered on me so much that it overwhelmed me at times.

Jesus Culture - My One My All ft. Chris McClarney (Audio)

Today makes two weeks since I had a loop recorder implanted in my chest to monitor my heart rate. To provide some comfort I was told that the procedure could be done in my hospital room. They came later than I expected but when they came in all I saw was a sea of blue. I asked the doctor if I could play my playlist. My worship playlist on Tidal has gotten me through so many things.

Once they were prepared and ready for the procedure there was a person in charge of checking on me as I was prevented from seeing the actually procedure. His name was Doug. He was so kind to me.

When the doctor began his incision this song began to play. Those tears were warm and flowed heavy. Doug just stayed with me as I sang this song. I was comforted by the kind words of everyone in the room and as soon as they left my room my nurse and PCA were coming in to check on me. They were my angels.

Every time I hear this song I think of that moment and I think of the first time I'd ever heard this song. I was at Woman Evolve in Denver. God already knew. He prepared me for this journey. For that I'm thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving

There is so much to be thankful for this year. I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. Take a moment to pray for families who are mourning, for families who have lost their home and for families who don't know where their next meal is coming from.

I'm mindful that my circumstances could be way different than what it is. 

In all things give thanks.

It’s Really Not Supposed To Be This Way

It was Tuesday, November 13 and I had received an email from Proverbs 31 Ministries that celebrated Lysa Terkeurst's latest book It's Not Supposed To Be This Way. I looked at the cover and thought about my current situation and thought, "It's really not supposed to be this way."

On Saturday, November 17, my nephew brought the mail in and gave me an Amazon box. I looked at the box curiously because I had not ordered anything. I opened the box and saw the book. Of course I knew it was the book from the email earlier that week. I knew I had not ordered it though. I called Amazon. I logged on to my Amazon account. I sifted through the pages of the book and found not one clue about the identity of the sender. 

I sat with the resolve that I needed the book and it had come to me in my time of need. However, I have a curious mind. I called Amazon back asking if there was any way that I could find out who sent it. I even downloaded the Amazon App and tried to scan the bar code. Just pray for me. Inquiring minds wanted to know and I wanted to thank my angel. Receiving this book was huge for me. 

Later that night in my alone time I read a scripture. Proverbs 11:25 NIV.

A generous person will prosper, whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

After reading that scripture, I immediately knew the sender. Quiera. 

I am so blessed to have wonder friends who are in tune to those things that God desires for me. Thank you Quiera for always being an awesome friend to me. You always provide the hard prompts for me to answer and the encouragement to go forward and process through adversity. 

While I think that what I'm going through is not supposed to be this way we both know that God's plans are perfect. God works all things for good. 

Namaste

Self-tember

September was really good to me. I'm calling it #selftember I tracked my self-care for the entire month. This month saw me let my hair breathe and allow the barber to free me up some. It saw me increase my ear piercings, just because I wanted to. 😉 

I've read Bible Apps, mindful magazines and all kind of books. I've cooked more from scratch, fasted, prayed, organized , decluttered, drank lemonade from crystal wine glasses and taken baths at sunrise, sunset and for no reason at all. 

On Sunday I had an organic pedicure that consisted of a product that contained aloe and ground walnut shells. I'm living my best life taking care of self. #beAtpeace #betruetoyou #selfcare #ineedsomemetime

If that was Self-tember then I can't wait to feel the self love of Self-tober. 

Lavender Sugar Scrub ~ Thank You Ms. Rita

I received this gift weeks ago and I didn't open it in a timely manner. Why? Well, one it was so pretty. I wanted it to stay like it looks in this picture and two, I needed a special moment to use it. I'm pretty weird like that.

If you really know me you'd know that lavender is my favorite scent. It's my absolute favorite scent. Even our toilet paper is lavender scented. Couple that with some sugar and a cute mason jar, I was in awe.

This past Saturday was a tad stressful and I needed something that would make me feel really good. Aha! The special moment had arrived. I filled my garden tub with warm water and I scooped out my lavender sugar scrub. I started with my feet. Chilleee!!! The warm water and the scents of lavender brought on an immediate sense of peace and serenity. After I applied it to my feet, I applied it to my hands and then my arms and legs. I was felt like a lavender scented princess.

My skin was so soft and smooth and the scent filled the bathroom. Yeah, it was definitely a moment of heaven on earth. The peace that I needed for a slightly stressful Saturday.

I remember reaching out to thank Ms. Rita for making this scrub for me. Now, I want more and I am wondering if peppermint sugar scrub is an option.

Thank you Ms. Rita for your gift to me. The scents and softness of my skin blessed my soul. To be honest after writing this post I've decided to go and use it before I turn in for the night. I definitely added your lavender sugar scrub to my self-care regimen.

Jonathan McReynolds - God Is Good

Woman Evolve 2018 From My View

See how much Woman Evolve 2018 impacted me? I'm just now able to post all of my images. The Potter's House in Denver was such a beautiful and welcoming place for women, who came from all over. If you follow me on social media or speak to me about my Woman Evolve you know that I had the best time and an incredible life changing experience.

I hope you enjoy some of the images that I captured. If you want to experience some of the excitement subscribe to Woman Evolve TV.

We were met at the door with the prettiest images. 

This was the first main session.

We all received this cute bracelet. I promise you that I wear it almost every day. 

All of the backdrops were so beautiful.
 

Even our program booklet was cute. They left no stone unturned.
 

Wild Woman

My niece Ryan and Trish. We had so much fun and tissue time together.

 

Opening Session with Pastor Sarah Jakes-Roberts.

 

 

There were so many pretty spaces at The Potter's House.

 

 

The bookstore was filled with so much fashion, books and Starbucks.

 

 

This was probably my favorite room. I love chandeliers.

 

 

I love my new journal and ink pen.

 

 

This session on mental health was EVERYTHING!!

 

Uber/Lyft Pickup

 

 

The weather was beautiful in Denver.

 

 

Now, I'd be remised if I didn't shout our the Woman Evolve Team. They were amazing!!!!!!

 

 

OMG!!! I got to hear Angela Rye live. It was so dope. And Cora Jakes-Coleman is hilarious!!!

 

 

I love technology and for the most part I sat near the media hub. They were beyond busy all weekend.

 

 

Pastor Sarah Jakes-Roberts Book Signing. I sat and watched it grow and grow.

 

 

Now, I really loved being in Denver and Pastor Sarah. To sit a row for the First Lady of first ladies was a dream come true that I never envisioned. First Lady Jakes was so humble about her childhood and motherhood. To sit and watch the two of them together. More tears. More tears.

 

Today I'm In A Happy Place

Today I just wanted to write
And I had no real topic
No cute image
I just wanted to write
Because
Today I'm in a happy place
And I know it didn't happen by mistake
(Yeah, that Make Room CD is everything)
I don't know if it's the lost weight
The intake of more water
Being in God's word and presence daily
Or my rotation of healthy greens being cooked weekly
Filling my home with the aroma of home cooked meals from my childhood
Maybe it's the intermittent fasting and the consistency of me working out
That's assisting with letting go of so much from my past
Then maybe it's the nightly notes I write in my gratitude journal
Or, my cute little self-care calendar
I'm just trying to see why at this moment
I see heartbreaks as lessons learned
I see rejection as protection
I shop more in the outer aisles than the inner ones
I am up seeking Him for real
Like
On a daily basis
Why I put my disappointment and confusion aside
For the ones that caused it
Because their hurt is more pressing
This place right here didn't exist last year
This woman right here didn't exist last year
This place right here, I'm not willing to trade
My peace
My serenity
My love for self
Whatever doesn't edify me
There's no space here
I made room
Room for happiness
Room for a healthier life
Room for true friendships
Room for me
My dreams
My goals
Just maybe
In those mountains
Over the summer
In Denver
I truly
Did
Evolve

Irresistible - YouVersion Reading Plan - LifeChurch.tv

I’m

Just Where I Am

Where I am in my life is quite interesting. I have been a believer in God for years. I've been practicing mindfulness for a couple of years. This summer I began a keto eating lifestyle and I feel really good about that. I am entering in my 4th week of a self-care challenge and I am realizing a couple of things about myself. 

One, is that I am not stressing over things that are not stressing over me. Well, what exactly does that mean Arlinda? I'm glad you asked. My energy is mine to have and mine to give out. If I give that energy out and it's disregarded or taken advantaged of, I'm now inclined to take my energy back and distance myself from what does not make me feel good about myself.

I had someone recently tell me that I need to let people know when their actions make me feel some kinda of way. I guess that's a good idea but that's not where I am. It's better for me to distance myself, process what happened and keep it moving. I'm just not here for having the same conversations over and over. How often have we heard, "If you can't change the people around you, change the people around you."? Change is necessary.

The second thing is this notion of "fitting in"? In my self-care challenge it has been magnified that I've constantly had my hand up yelling, "Look up at me! I can do this! I can do that! Pick me!" Whether it's in ministry, at work, in friendships or in potential relationships. I know my skill set, I'm quite aware of my resume, I know my worth and I know who God has called me to be. It's time out for trying to fit into social circles that don't edify me and uplift my gifts and talents. Plus I absolutely refuse to dumb down for anyone. Again, my resume. 

So, if anyone notices a difference in how I operate, in how I am no longer concerned about whether or not you pick me, that I'm cool with being not so busy trying to please others, it's just where I am. I'm just taking care of myself.  

Namaste

Beautiful Zen Music, Relaxing Music, Calm Music, Stress Relief Music, Pe...

Jesus Culture - My One My All ft. Chris McClarney (Audio)

Woman Evolve 2018 ~ I Didn’t Think I Had That Many Tears To Cry

This is my first blog about Woman Evolve 18. I've posted on Fb and IG but it has taken me a while to get my thoughts on paper. Hopefully I'll get all of my pics and videos up soon. What started as me listening to Pastor Sarah Jakes-Roberts' podcast, ok I had only listened to one. After listening I subscribed to her website and that is where I learned about Woman Evolve. On July 12 I traveled to Denver knowing that God had something in store for me.

There were so many takeaways. Two were really huge. Like really huge.

During the Second Session on Friday night we were looking forward to the Pajama Session. Imagine over 1200 women dressed in their pjs worshipping and making new friends. It was super cool but before the Pajama Session and after Praise and Worship something happened. I promise you the tears are forming as I reflect. We knew the Jakes family was in the building but....

This video plays with clips of Woman Thou Art Loosed, Pastor TD Jakes with Pastor Sarah Jakes-Roberts and then footage from Pastor Sarah speaking at the morning session. I was outdone from the morning already. My heart was beyond full. The video basically showed how Woman Evolve was birthed out of Woman Thou Art Loosed and then Pastor TD Jakes took the stage.

Hold up!! I didn't sign up for this level of excitement. I'm 48 and Pastor Jakes has been that figure that I watched on TBN, CNN and The Word Network for years. He's told me that if people want to leave, let them go. He's told me to get ready, get ready, get ready, get ready. I had never heard him live and now, I couldn't contain the notion that God thought enough of me to send me to Denver. I'm standing there with tears just streaming down my face. One of the points I remember Pastor Jakes saying was, "You could have stayed home to go to the next level you came to Denver to go to another dimension." Honestly at that point my summer was complete I was in the mountains with the Jakes family. Lol.

Now about those tears. There were 4 main sessions and during each session I cried and I cried. It became so bad that I had to buy some Motrin because my head was hurting so bad. Just when I thought I go it all out at one Main Session the next one had me looking for tissue. I honestly didn't know I had that many tears to cry. I didn't realize that I was still carrying hurt and disappointment. I didn't realize how much I needed to be alone in Denver while attending Woman Evolve.

Pastor Toure' Roberts said something on that Saturday about evolving. He stated that when you evolve you are returning to the original purpose God has for you. With tears I can tell you that the impact of Woman Evolve blew me away. Those tears that fell have been held back for various reasons, some I'm not even aware of, but through that experience the course of my life has turned right back to the Creator. He knew me before I was formed in my mother's womb. He knew my journey and the outcomes of my decisions. He knew that I would get to the point where I would throw up my hands and surrender and He was there as He has always been. He knew I would return to Him evolved.

 

Todd Dulaney - Your Great Name (Extended Version) - Live in Orlando

Butter In My Coffee

We were at Bone Fish prior to Memorial Day and my niece, Ryan, mentioned that after the holiday she was going two weeks with no sugar. I'm always down for a "no sugar" challenge. The day after Memorial Day we began our journey. Each day we would send a list of what we ate for the day. It was Day 3 that she included bulletproof coffee. It was a "needle going across the record" moment, well for those in my age group anyway. Lol. I immediately asked what bulletproof coffee was and I Googled some information. 

Hmmmmm....

If I could describe it in my words, that I received from the internet, it's a power drink that gives you energy and curbs your appetite. June 2 was the first day that I had it and around 3 p.m. I wanted to text Ryan about the benefit of bulletproof coffee. A still voice says, "Arlinda,  it's nearly two and you have not thought about food." Oh...

I followed a simple recipe online. 

8 ounce cup of coffee

2 TBS of Kerry Gold Grass Fed Butter

1 TB of Coconut oil 

Sweetener to taste

After I make the coffee I simply mix it all in the blender. 

I thought life was grand until Ry and Stephanie introduced me to Keto Coffee. Now, I didn't have to blend if I didn't want to I could simply add 6 - 8 ounces of water. Look at God. Though I still like to blend my warm power drinks because they are fun and I feel all domestic and stuff.

I'm drinking this for nearly a month only to realize that the way of eating that I have incorporated is called intermittent fasting. I mean really? I've been fasting most of the summer and didn't even know it. It was a super cool moment to realize that. 

If anyone has doubts about my journey I simply say, "You have to find what works for you. This works for me." I am perfectly fine making keto coffee and shopping for Himalayan salt, Erythritol, whipping cream, and other items to create my keto fat bombs. 

I began this journey on June 2. Today I'm down 28lbs. I tell my family that I'm in my happy place. Their response, "Go ahead and be great." 

Shall I proceed. Yes, indeed.

Y Sabemos ~ And We Know

 

 

I think that everyone who knows me knows that my favorite scripture is Romans 8:28. For so many years my focus and has been on "it works together" and "it works for good". I mean it does work. A couple of weeks ago I was reading a Spanish Bible and I immediately went to this scripture and when I read the first two words I stopped and began to dig and do some research.

 

In Spanish there are two words, that I know of,  that are used for "to know". Saber is used to talk about facts or learned skills. Conocer is used to express familiarity  or acquaintance. I looked this up because to be honest I'm more familiar with the word conocer.

 

Tonight I begin to think about how I shout out to the rooftops that even if I got hurt or something didn't work, it still works together for my good. Seldom do I say, "And I know." I just tell people it works, I don't tell them how I know it works. Often people will tell you that you shouldn't post certain things on social media or tell people about your life. Though it says in the Bible that we overcome by the word of our testimony. Our testimony comes from what we know, that's actual and factual. It comes from some learned experiences that can honestly bless another person get through a similar situation. We are blessed to be a blessing.

 

When I teach to and speak with women I come from a stand point of "I know". Your husband left you? "I know." You going through a divorce. "I know." You raising kids alone? "I know." Your money funny? "I know." You need to seek counseling? "I know." Some of your friends stop rocking with you? "I know." Sometimes your faith waives. "I know."

 

What I also know is, that if God brought me out, He's going to bring you out too. Whatever He's done for me, He will do the same for you. What I know is based on my experiences, it's based on my relationship with God. Some days to be honest, I didn't know. But now......  Y sabemos.

 

 

 

 



 

Fwd: J. Bolin's Newest Collection Is Here!

Last week at Woman Evolve in Denver I saw J. Bolin looking in the bookstore. I went up to him to shake his hand and he gave me a hug. He was so friendly and nice. On Saturday I went to a session where he discussed finding your style. He's incredible!! His latest line dropped on Friday, check it out here https://www.shopjbolin.com/