Self Reflection Sunday; Bragging

Hi everyone, it's been a while since my last post and even longer since I've done a Self Reflection Sunday post.

Warning: I talk about my faith in God.

I've been thinking a lot about bragging or what some would consider bragging. Lately, I've not been wanting to share my blessings. What, I mean is the wonderful favor God has cast upon me. 2011 and 2012 have been the best seasons of my life. I was able to quit my job, go to school, travel to NYC with the only best friend I have, I created Funky Nails, I'm traveling again to NYC this fall or winter, I'm planning an international trip for next year, I'm looking into buying equipment for Funky Nails, I graduated with honors, made the Dean's List, I'm going to start a Non-Profit Organization in the future. I actually felt bad for all He's given me and I shouldn't, so, I'm not going to anymore. I'm in no way bragging, no, not all. What I'm saying is, we should never be embarrassed about the wonderful gifts God has given us. We don't honor God by hiding the grace and favor he casts on us. I'm not saying to go around boastful or high minded. No, be humble about it give thanks to God for his grace and favor. If you read Genesis 1, even, God, Himself, when creating the heavens and earth said, "...and it was good." So, let's never feel bad about the wonderful things we have and what we've accomplished. Instead, pay it forward!

Have a great day :D

Self Reflection Sunday

Hi everyone, I've been away too long! It's been a stressful week. I was studying for 3 finals, researching diseases and presenting power points. I did not think this week was ever going to end! Sadly, I did not make the Dean's list, but I'm am graduating with honors! WHOO HOO!

Warning: This post is kinda sad, but it's a little of my history.

Today's Self Reflection is about forgivenes. If you followed me over at Funky Frenchies you know my mom was a victim  survivor of domestic violence. I say survivor because my mom was and is not not any one's victim! Anyway, I didn't tell you all the details. So, today I'm going to briefly explain. When I was 2 weeks old my biological father shot my mom in the head. My mom had to undergo a lot of physical therapy and was in a hospital an hour and half away from the hospital I was in (I had pneumonia.) I had to live in the hospital for almost a year because my grandmother didn't have anyone to provide me with child care. I've said before, I don't think today that would be allowed. I mean, come on to have a normal healthy baby live in the hospital for that long, not gonna happen. If it were today I probably would've been sent to foster care. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to born in old school 1972! So, I didn't meet my father until I was 12. I mean I've always known his name, but not who he was. Just goes to show that children hear much more than we think. Anyway, back to forgiveness. I was watching Oprah's Master Class one night and Iyanla Vanzant was on talking about by honoring our parents, we honor God. I was like, well I certainly honor my mother and she's also my dad, but my biological father, that's a different story. I always felt that because of him I was every one's source of gossip. "There's Minnie, isn't that so and so's daughter?" All eye's on me and not in a positive way either. Just someone to gossip about. I thought I'd put all that behind me. I forgave him for all the things he did. I've meet some of his relatives and even like them. I even have a half sister whom I love very much. But, is that enough? Am I truly honoring the fact that he's the wordly father God chose for me? Honestly, I'd have to say no. But, in that moment I chose to honor him as the father my Heavenly Father chose for me. I thought once I did, it would be enough. But no, that's not the case. I was put to the test at Cinco de Mayo party. I always wondered what I would do if someone asked me about him. Well, a lady asked me if my mother was 'Margaret.' I knew what she getting at, but all I said no. Then she outright asked me if my father was 'so and so.' I politely told her yes, but Margaret was not my mother, that my mother is Teresa. Truth be told, no one knows me well enough to ask me such a personal question. A relative by marriage (my father's side) was there and decided to gossip. It brought back a lot of old feelings. I was tempted to tell her something else, but chose to keep my thoughts to myself.

At that moment, I knew that I truly did forgive and honor him.

Self Reflection Sunday

Hi everyone, I hope you all are having an awesome weekend! I was supposed to be experimenting with a new mica supplier, but I've yet to receive the micas :( Anyway, I'm so sorry for not posting much. School is really kicking my butt! The great thing is this is my last week! Yay!

This week's Self Reflection is about selfishness. I'm not a selfish person by nature. I love to give gifts and go way overboard with the amount of money I spend and the gifts I buy. If I could give gifts as a career, I would. I think it would be totally awesome to do that everyday. Anyway, having said. What I am selfish with is my time. This is something I've been working on for the past few months. I love my quiet life though. I think this comes from living in a hospital for almost the 1st year of my life. But, that's a story for another day. Earlier this week one of my classmates celebrated her birthday in class. I was in the library working on a project and was invited to participate. Well, I had plans to leave early that day. As I was walking down the staircase, I caught myself, turned around and went back and participated in the festivities. See, I am making progress :D Another reason I think I'm selfish with my time is most everyone I know do things at the last minute. And, if you know me, I don't like last minute. Most of my family and friends live 30 to 45 minutes away. It takes me an hour to get ready and then I have to drive all that way. Argh! Hey, what can I say I'm a planner. I know not everything can be planned, but I like being prepared and not feeling as though I'm being rushed. For example, my nephew had his first communion ceremony yesterday. I was just told the day before. Which is a great improvement, because sometimes I'm not told until the very day. What I've just learned and I guess you could say, I had an "A ha" moment while typing this. My family and friends are going out of there way by inviting me to celebrate in their happiness and thus creating memories that last a lifetime. So, from here on out I'm going to do my best to not be selfish with my time, because I'm only denying myself.

Have a great day! :D