A Day In My Life

Looking at the bigger picture.. This morning I was perusing my Facebook page and for the most part it is filled with funny quotes or inspirational stories or old pictures that make me look at times past and feel all warm and fuzzy.  But sometimes it has a story, video or article that highlight our fallen world and the brokenness of humanity. I would like to add my $0.25 to these posts. Video of Micheal Brown discussion gone bad: First my continued condolences to this mother because she has lost a son and the void left is irreplaceable. It doesn't matter what he did or did not do; or whether I agree with what he did. I don't believe his actions mandated his execution. With that said let me respond to the post on FB: The video that showed one person's reaction to an otherwise civilized discussion should not, in anyway shape or form be viewed as a poster child of African-American youth. This was one person and should be judged as such. There are so many excellent thi...

As many of you may already know Anthony and I have a daughter named Ehlissa in addition to the two boys we parent. We also have two other daughters, beautiful gifts, from Anthony's first marriage. I have not given up on having relationship with those two doves and hope to be able to report reconciliation to you soon. But that is not the point of today's blog. Ehlissa is an aspiring mechanical engineer who attends a private out-of-state college. She earned a generous financial award and will be completing her 3rd year in a couple months. She is smart, witty, sassy and drop dead gorgeous..really and I am not saying that because I am her mom. Okay maybe a little. However none of that mattered when she was harassed by a client's family member. Oh did I mention on top of being a superstar she also works with mentally challenged adults? Right she does, because she is awesome and wants to give back and learn as much as she can about this community so she can better serve her b...

Progress is foolishly measured at which the speed it is completed instead of the effort it took to persevere to the end of it. Or Progress is progress whether it takes a moment, a step or a lifetime to complete. Celebrate it for the pureness of the moment and your days will be filled with joy. -Sj

If thru broken lenses your life is viewed, then don't expect your reality to be truth. -Sj

Adam, Your needed to tend the Garden Your presence is desired in the home Your leadership is priceless Your example is our guide Your love is longstanding Your headship is radiant Your protection is strength Adam, You are desperately needed Do not forget us Your tribe Your loves Your future Will you leave us to fight alone -sj

Your cross is yours Mine is my own They are no less challenging than Anyone else's They are grueling At times I wonder if I can bear the weight It is crushing I have to fight for every breath It is a labor of love One that I wish I didn't Have to carry Do you watch your steps Littered with your sweat Slippery because of your tears? I do So never look at my cross Thinking I am more than you I never look at yours that way I think to myself what a strong woman And I press myself to go on You encourage me You model grace under wrath A Spring squall may rise But you are not shaken A hurricane may land But we are not uprooted I appreciate you You inspire me Sto, Steti, Statum -sj

when i was younger, my energy was wasted my path wasn't clear i didn't know who or whose i was so full of anger so determined to follow rebellion my time was wasted my days were squandered thankfully i survived i am now in midpoint of my life i have just decided which mountain to climb but everyday the view gets better and better no matter where on the mountain i am the joy of being at peace the price of contentment is worth the sacrifice of walking away from the familiar and facing the unknown with a smile and a leisurely stroll -sj dedicated to my dad L.Taylor

I have arrived! I am there I have succeded I have beat the odds I am a victor I am a champion I have arrived because I said so No longer am I fighting the Will of my Creator No longer am I ignoring my calling No longer are my days filled with turmoil Nor are my seeds falling on the ground unfertile I have arrived I am here I am bruised Scarred and battered But I still have my fight And that is enough I have succeeded because I said so I am a victor because He declared so! I have arrived, I have arrived! Peace is mine He gave it It is His promise I solely possess it I have arrived It is mine -sj

for so long i needed to prove that i was good; but i was always pushed to be better. for so long i just wanted to fit in; but i was driven to be in front. for so long i just wanted to do whatever it was that was me; but i was reminded that creativity didn't bring in money. now i am older. a little wiser. i now know who controls my drive. who directs my path. i now own the confidence to breath and wait before the next step. i now know it is okay not to know everything; that it is more fun to learn; spontaneity always lightens the mood while satisfying my need to stay pure. i now know that the pursuit is flawed...that is not everything; it isn't the answer. in and of itself it is empty and as vast as we tend to make it. i am changing the game..i'm taking myself on a journey with an expected end glorious and awesome because He says He knows His plans for me..to prosper me and not to harm i love my new friend and its name is contentment i will never go back ...

Sometimes it isn't about building a better mouse trap. Sometimes it isn't about having a  bigger house or a nicer car; being more accomplished; another degree or title. Sometimes it is simply being content with what you have. -sj

In our desire to acquire more In the push to do better Be stronger And jump higher We may have forgotten The most important part of the game Learning how to be content No matter where you are No matter what you have That is how you beat it all That is what sets you apart from everyone else That is what defines you as a victor The peace you have within -sj