Go Joshua Go!

10 months, and my son is walking!!  It's an exciting moment since we know Joshua is advancing, but it can be a hard pill to swallow seeing your first and only child grow so fast!

Darnell, and I encouraged the walking since it was something he started doing on his own with the help of whatever was around to support him.  We saw him take about 3 steps a few weeks back, but one day we stood him up, and he took 20+ steps!!   In a way I am happy for selfish reason since we are one step closer to not having to carry him all of the time...he is heavy! :)

Here is a video Darnell and I took the weekend Joshua decided to show us his moves.  As you can see, he is super excited of his accomplishments as well.

Go Joshua Go!

SLAP! SLAP!

I haven’t forgotten about this blog for I have been creating postings in my headJ.  Now, actually sitting down to type out my thoughts is a totally different story.  I never want to discontinue this blog (unless they make me pay for it!), since I have found this to be an outlet for me to write, and reflect on things going on in my life.  However, I have realized that I may not be able to update as often as I would like, and I am ok with that. 

When 2012 showed its presence, I, like most, took the time to reflect on my life – where it has been, where it is, and where I would like for it to go.  For those that know me, know that I stay active doing numerous projects at a time.  I started to type that I “like” to stay busy, but I honestly don’t know if that is a true statement anymore.

Through my refection, I realized that things that were important to me in 2011 may not be as important to me today.  Ambitions that I once thought I wanted at this age were no longer significant.  Things have changed, I have changed, and my visions have changed, so my actions need to reflect those changes.

The 1^st Sunday of 2012 my Pastor discussed the vision for the church, and read Proverbs 29:18 which states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.” (King James Version).  The New Living Translation states, “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.  But whoever obeys the law is joyful.”

This scripture is one that I wanted to dig deeper in, and reflect on more.

Perish – to pass from existence; disappear gradually.

Divine – of or pertaining to God, devoted to God, proceeding from God.

This scripture is something that I needed to read, eat, pray on, reflect, and digest.  Especially, during a time where I was running around doing a lot of “stuff” (“…they run wild…”), but when I sat down to reflect on what I had really accomplished, it seemed to be nothing!  I had a long list of “to do’s”, and yes those items on the list did get completed, but…when I sat down to reflect on what I had accomplished, it seemed to be nothing!

Proverbs 29:18…no vision…perish…

At the time I didn’t have a vision, and I was beginning to perish.  WHOA! SLAP!

I get emotional just thinking about when I was in that place.

So, what I did was take the time to think about what was really important to me.  With 2012 staring me in the face at the age of 32, as a wife, and as a mother, what is the vision for Brandi?  What is going to be my main focus?  What will make me feel as though I have accomplished my vision when I sit down to reflect?

So, what did I do? I created a vision board!  Off I went to the store to purchase a large white board, collected all the magazines around my house that I never have the time to read, got scissors, tape, and a marker, and during my “me time” I went to work! Oooh yes, I was about to complete this extraordinary vision board that displayed all the things I felt were important, and what I wanted to focus on.  I would place my fabulous board somewhere I would be guaranteed to see daily, so I could always be reminded of my vision.

Proverbs 29:18 “…Divine guidance…”

If you noticed, there was nothing Divine about how I approached this situation.  I had the thought of creating a vision board, and I went directly to The Big G...Google to explore ideas of what should be on it, and how to design the board.  I then asked myself questions like:

·         What is important to me?

·         What do I want to accomplish?

·         What makes me happy?

and the worst of them all…

·         What do I want my vision to be?

Remember earlier when I mentioned the definition of Divine?

…of God…pertaining to God…proceeding from God…

WHOA! SLAP (on the other cheek)!

The vision board is actually a very good concept.  It did help me to filter out the clutter in my life, and allowed me to feel more relaxed.  However, there was still something missing.  God was nowhere in my vision.  Yes, He was the center of my vision board.  Right there is big letters, G-O-D, but I’m ashamed to say, I was still running the show.  All of this time I’m sure God was probably shaking His head at me!  This actually reminds me of something I recently heard Oprah say, “All along we are waiting for God, yet all along God has been right there waiting on us…waiting on us to get it.”

NOW, in my eyes there is no vision unless it comes from God!  That is where I want my vision to come from at all times!  I want that Divine guidance that brings forth joy, and happiness.  Was I sad, and miserable before?  No.  I recognize the many blessings God has given me, and for that I am thankful.  However, to know my level of happiness can be elevated to massive heights if I give God the full control to create the vision for my life, and that is something I want to experience!  That is something I want my family, friends, and everyone around me to experience!

What is funny is when I sat down after almost 2 months to write an updated post I had no idea what I was going to write about.  Of course my first thought was Joshua, then I thought about posting house updates, my plans for Joshua’s Birthday party, and even my enhanced hobby of photography, but this is what I was lead to post.

I by no means have the answers, for I am still seeking God for more direction for my life, but what I do know is any and everything that you set forth to do should always begin with God.  I’m trying to help you out here…those SLAPS can sting!