Wisdom Pearl

Wisdom Pearl:

Closed hands neither give or receive

-sj

Wisdom Pearl

Wisdom Pearl


Purpose to Live Past Your Fear!

-T. White (Calvery Chapel Richmond)

Smoke & Rythm

You (life) may choose the music,

But I make up the steps

I dictate the rhythm I follow

The dance is mine and mine alone

It is my right

My responsibility

My purpose

-sj

Just A Glimpse

Just A Glimpse

So this Morning I was awakened to laughter coming out of my living room. Normally I would have smiled at this occurrence and thanked God for the joy in my house. However, it was 7:22 a.m. on a spring break Tuesday...who is up that early and does not have to be??? My son Myles that's who. Reluctantly I rolled over and registered that I was still in the land of the living, still a mom and one tired puppy. "Myles", groggily I called out..."Myles"..."yes mom"; "what are you doing?" "sorry I woke you up"..we proceeded with our regular morning conversation which eventually lead me out of the bed and stumbling into the boys room to check on Nathan.

Nathan is still in the bed temp 101.7 down with a virus...again.. second one in three weeks. I kissed his forehead which tells me he is feverish way before the thermometer does(nothing like a sick kid to bring you out of your fog); quickly I headed straight for the kitchen to load him up on Tylenol and his transplant meds. It was then I noticed that the oven and its light was turned on. Not only that but the contents of the oven were neatly laid out on a piece of aluminum foil. After administering meds to Nate I returned to the kitchen and began to question Myles who was peacefully watching cartoons. He very proudly admitted that he had fixed his own breakfast and turned the oven on! What a 'wow' moment! This kid who was unable to communicate because of his autism. Frequently expressed himself in horrible tantrums and was for the most part unreachable to his father and I.

Here we are 14 years later and not only is he speaking in clear, concise and thoughtful sentences. He has mastered independent skills for living: He has observered me making breakfast; he mimicked the steps right down to the correct oven temperature; he chose the appropriate cooking utensils and even went a step further by cutting the foil to fit his cookie sheet. What a milestone! A perfect glimpse into the greatness this kid posses! Super encouraging to me as I try to prepare him to navigate his world.

Every parent looks into their child and sees the potential that has not yet manifested. Every parent fully expects his/her child to make his or her mark on their world. Every parent celebrates levels of success that their child reaches. Parents of kids with special needs even more so (because sometimes it takes a lot longer for us to taste that joy)! Sometimes I get lost in the details and I can only see where they are not and not where they are. Mistakenly I view the glass half empty vs full. It bogs me down with unnecessary weight as I worry about their future-selves. Will they be able to manage? Will they be safe? Will they have friends and a peer group? Will they be accepted and praised for what they do?

God always reminds me that the future is 'His secret place', not mine. He has not giving me dominion over it.; but He has made promises to me as His beloved: 1. He will never leave me nor forsake me and 2. He had King David report with authority that he had never seen the righteous forsaken.

So I am comforted by the fact that Myles is being watched over. All of the children are watched over by Him who is author and finisher of our fate(s). I am also re-assured by this little glimpse of independence that Myles and his siblings will be more than I could ever ask them to be!

Profoundly Thankful!
sj

BOUGHT LESSONS OFFICIAL LAUNCH PARTY

Join Me at The Official Launch of My new Book:

BOUGHT LESSONS

Where: The ARts Community Center
             10179 Hull Street
             Midlothian Va 23112

When: July 15, 2017

Time: 4-6pm

Venue: Live Speaking & Streaming Event

Cost: Free Admission / Books available for purchase

Other: Light Refreshment Provided
            RSVP's available on Event Brite or Souljourner7howard@facebook

            16 and older please

            No Rsvp Necessary if you prefer to stream event * are you considering hosting a pod party??
            Contact me at : authorsjhoward@gmail.com by 4/30/17

Pod Party Update

Greetings Family and Friends!

My request for your help is still pretty new and already I have received some strong, positive, responses! Matter of fact a few of you have already committed to hosting my July event!

Wow and thank you!

I just wanted to provide a quick summary to help answer some general questions I have gotten. Of course if your question is not addressed just shoot me an email or message me on Facebook and we can work it out.

Please Note that the information that is * is subject to change but everything will be finalized in April 2017. Also if you are able to actually attend the event in person - Please do so! I would love to see you again or meet you for the first time.

Date: July 2017 (either the 8th or 15th)
Times: Slot 1) 12-2pm Slot 2) 4-6pm
Event: Official Bought Lessons Launch Party
Where (physical location): Bon Air Community Center (Free Admission and opened to the public)
Pod Locations Confirmed: Greenville, Il/ Richmond, Va (Various Spots)
Available: 12 hosting slots are still open
Cutoff: April 30th for hosting slots

What do you need:

• An internet connection and access to either: 1. Facebook or 2. Youtube
• Television
• A folding table or similar for presentation area
• Capacity to hold at least 4 people * if not don't let that deter you
• A block of time 
• A willingness to invite family and friends via personal invites I will send 
• Or if you are hosting a larger venue (church, community center etc) that is able to accommodate the public then you will need to distribute flyers.
• Also if you give me your area I will locate the community events page and post the event
• The ability to ship back requested items (I will provide return shipping label)

WANTED POD PARTY HOST(S)

Dear Family and Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. I have some exciting news to share with you! Before I do please accept my thanks for your support of my literary projects.

God is doing some GREAT and exciting things!!! I have been simply amazed at what God has allowed me to put on paper; His creative flow inspires and teaches me, while expanding the boundaries of my territory. (Prayer of Jabez)

We launched Journey's Unlimited in 2015 ironically thinking this was a one time thing...duh!! (lol) Now this thing is growing and I am or was struggling to keep up with the demand. Looking only at my hands and not the unlimited strength and resources of the Lord I found myself discouraged and overwhelmed.  Then He sent a Word to me and it gave me new direction and the insight necessary to continue in His purposes for me. 

However I can't do this alone. I need your help. Would you consider hosting a 'Pod Party' for me? This way I can bring my brand of clear speak to a variety of audiences all over this great country without visiting multiple locations. I mean who can afford to embark on 4 or more trips in year? I can't...not yet anyway but all things are possible!

If you agree to host a Pod Party for me I will supply you with everything you need for a small gathering of 25 people or more. I am not limiting you. If you don't want 25 people in your home then invite 3 or 4 other couples to the event. I will forward you a hostess kit and a complimentary set of my two published works.  

If you are interested just respond to authorsjhoward@gmail.com by 4/30. All I need you to supply is your time, an internet connection, preferably a Facebook page and an open home to welcome people to a free streaming event. 

Warmest Regards,

Souljourner

Mom/Sister

However you know me
*14 slots still available as of 3/16/17