So you’ve decided to go Natural, huh?

Kinda sorta, Maybe, We’ll see how it goes, taking it one day at a time, no true commitment, thinking about it, I don’t know…

Whoever said going natural was a walk in the park had to be out of their everlasting God-giving mind.  This “natural” hair thing is nothing but a process.  Maybe I would call it an emotional rollercoaster, which in many ways is just like my life so then I guess this is all a part of my process J.
So I’ve been on this pseudo mission to go natural for some time and although I had this small desire to go natural it was something I never really thought that I could ever do.  I’m such a pretty girl and I really do mean that in the literal sense.  I’ve always been told how cute I am and unfortunately our society and culture has caused people (me) to believe that hair makes you beautiful.  Honestly, I have at times began to think if I would somehow be less cute or less attractive because of the idea of being natural.  This may sound like ISSUES, but I speak the truth.  MY thoughts are my true feelings and in many ways things that others would think, but dare not say. 

I’ve toiled with the idea of, ‘What the Heck am I going to look like with no hair?  What does my natural hair even look like?  Is it kinky, does it have a twist or a curl, God forbid it’s a nappy black girl mess. LOL! I mean this in all seriousness.  These are all the questions that flood my mind as it relates to ME going natural.  But then I re member, there is no greater beauty than the real you.  The you that God created you to be.  Remember, God looks at your heart.  I desire to honor God whole heartedly therefore if being natural is something I want “to try” then just do it Tracy. 

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Ok so moving forward, I made a decision.  It wasn’t a firm decision because I didn’t think that I was ready to make the commitment, but I was going to see if I could actually do this.  The past year I had contemplated the idea of going through this process, but with many reservations and reluctance.  I wondered at the time why was I afraid to make this commitment to this journey of natural hair?? What was/is the big deal?  I told my mom and my sisters.  They just assumed this was just another day of Tracy saying she was going natural again for like the millionth time.  Mind you, I had told them repeatedly, time and time again about how I was going to be natural now.  It usually occurred when I had just gotten a perm. “Ok this is the last perm, I’m going natural” and needless to say eight weeks later when my “new growth” was beginning to take shape there I was again getting a perm and telling my mom and sisters  “Ok I promise, this is the last one”.  I cried wolf.  Over and over again.   Then finally I made a true commitment.  Maybe I should say promise to myself.  It still was: kinda sorta, we’ll see how it goes, taking it one day at a time BUT I took out the maybe and thinking about it.  I promised that I was going to attempt and make an effort to go back to my natural hair. 

When I made this new commitment I told a few people, but knowing me they didn’t think that I could do it.  Now if you challenge me I WILL do it.  So it’s been six months now of this process.  And it’s a day-to-day fight with my hair.  My hair doesn’t cooperate at all.  But it is interesting to see my hair make small transformations.  I’m liking it!  It still scares me and I still can’t believe that I’m embarking on this journey to natural hair. 

In addition to fighting with my hair, I’ve found people to feel quite negatively about black women choosing to go natural.  What the heck??  Don’t we have enough obstacles as black women!  Already, I’ve been confronted with “Why?” or “What you doing that for?”  or “You’re too cute to be natural” or “I wouldn’t do that if I were you?”  I pray that women learn to accept themselves for who they are because we sadly live in a world that is full of prejudices and narrow-mindedness.  They say being natural is liberating.  Well I guess time will tell.  In the end, going natural is a process.  The transition involves a lot of time, patience, and effort on your part. 

Last thing, I think I’m going to do the Big Chop soon.  Pray for me.  It freaks me out, but its time (maybe).  I mean, IT’S JUST HAIR!! 

♥ Tracy

Be Blessed!

My sister, Kelly who’s been natural before recently cut her hair off AGAIN. She looks so cute J!

Luke 10:27

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself" --Luke 10:27

No doubt it sounds strange, but in order to love God with all your strength, you have to admit you are weak. "I am weak Lord."  By doing this, you acknowledge God is the true source of your strength, and that in your weakness, he is strong. You become strong as you become totally dependent upon him, allowing his strength to work through you.

As you allow God to be your strength – to show his strength through you – you’ll find yourself doing things you never thought possible. God promises you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)

God is strong, and he wants you strong. He will change you in places where you cannot change yourself, and he will transform the broken places of your life in order to use them for his glory.

God doesn’t ask you to take steps of faith alone; God is with you in every step, filling you with a grace-charged strength. 

Simply put, this is what life is all about: knowing God and living for His glory. As Rick Warren said, “You were made by God and for God and until you understand that, life will never make sense.”

-Tracy :)

What are you THANKFUL for?

Although I know just how important it is to be thankful, I learned some years ago the true significance of it. I was presented with a challenge of writing out 100 things that I’m thankful for.  Initially I didn’t want to do it.  I mean, “I’m Thankful for EVERYHTING” that’s all there was to it right?!?!…or so I thought until I began to list item by item, piece by piece, thing by thing of everything that I’m thankful for. 

SO here’s my list (in no specific order)

1. Jesus Christ, My Lord & Savior: THANK YOU JESUS!!! I simply can’t say it enough.  Where would I be with your unwavering love for me. 
2. My Mom
3. My Dad
4. My Sisters: Wouldn’t trade these two for the world.  I love them!
5. My Friends: I know if I named them all individually from amazing acquaintances to true friends, I would be done with my list.  I  don't have a large number of really close friends, but I do know there are a lot of people, who I can count on, who care about me, and who want only the best for me.  I value them all and appreciate their presence in my life. 
6. Good Health: At the age of 31, I’m happy to say that I’ve never had any major health issues and above all that’s an incredible blessing. 
7. God’s Holy Word: The Bible
8. Being an American:  I think too often we take for granted the many luxuries we have as American citizens.  I love this country!  It may not be perfect, but what place is?  When you think and learn about other countries and cultures you realize just what how many freedoms we have every day.  
9. The Struggles: Oh MY! I’m thankful for all the things I’ve gone through.  Through all the tears all the things I thought I would never get out of, BUT God saw fit to bring me out and teach me some everlasting lessons.    
10. Gift of Sight: What an amazing gift. 
11. Hearing: The thousands of fibers that are found in our ears that allow us to have the sense of sound. 
12. The ability to Speak: What a tremendous blessing to be able to verbally communicate
13. Strangers: Maybe it’s just me, but I often times meet strangers that out of the blue offer a word of encouragement, unexpected help, or a smile.  I’m grateful for the kindness of strangers. 
14. People that just Listen: People that take the time to just listen.  They sit still and listen to me with all their heart as I pour out things that are heavy on my heart. Thank you!
15. Church Families:  I have been known to bounce around the last few years, but I’m thankful to God for the people that I have met that have inspired me and blessed me greatly. 
16. My Students (past, present, & future): It’s what I do and what I love.  Even in the midst of all the craziness (teachers understand), I love them to death. 
17. Laughter: In a nutshell, I love laughter.  Love to laugh. 
18. Home: Thanks for keeping a roof over my head daily.  I’ve never had to wonder where I would sleep.  What a wonderful blessing!
19. Water
20. Books:  For all the books from where I’ve gained knowledge and wisdom.  From textbooks, to fiction, to nonfiction, to magazines, to journals, ect…
21. Being able to Pray & Worship: Many other countries don’t have the same privileges as we do.  Thank God!
22. Technology:  Technology has helped us connect and have made our lives easier and convenient.
23. The Seasons: Summer, Fall, Winter, & Spring.  Something special about each of them.
24. Air in the summer
25. Heat in the winter
26. My Dog: China He’s getting so old and I love that little dog. 
27. God sending His Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins
28. The fact that we can conduct bible studies in our homes and in public places without being arrested or oppressed
29. Forgiveness: THANK YOU JESUS
30. God’s Grace
31. The Holy Spirit
32. My Nieces: Amaya, Amber, & Hannah.  Love those three to pieces!
33. My Job: A blessing to bless others every day.
34. Support
35. Accomplishing Goals:  I’m such a goal setter.  I’m thankful for God for putting direction in my life and allowing me to achieve many of the things I desire most. 
36. Holidays: Especially Christmas, Thanksgiving, & Easter
37. Blogs: Being able to connect with like minded people. 
38. Internet: Valuable resource
39. Oxygen: Every breath that I take
40. My Immune System: fights infection and sickness from my body keeping me strong & healthy
41. Generosity of people I’m blessed with
42. The sound of Rain:  I love the sound of rain!  It’s so relaxing and calming.  Perfect for sleeping.  Have you ever just walked in the rain?  You should try it J
43. Hot Showers: Who wants a cold shower??...not me J
44. The Ocean: I love the smell of it. 
45. Gospel Music:  And some gospel rap
46. Facebook: Who would have thought that this would have made my list?!?! LOL!
47. Moments of Silence:  Those quiet moments when its just you and God. 
48. Fresh Snow: I don’t like the cold weather, but I can appreciate it.  With that said, as ironic as it may sound I LOVE fresh snow.  Clean, white, & fresh.  Looks good, feels good and is actually quite beautiful. 
49. Helping Others
50. Being a nice person: I’m not perfect, but I’ve got a good heart.  Thanks to God.  I genuinely care and recognize the value in others.
51. Sushi: Okay so I threw this one in, but I do Love it!  So I’m thankful for it too!
52. Sunshine:
53. Rivers and Lakes
54. Teachers:  Some of the great people that have taught me things over the years.
55. Cameras: What a way to capture all those special moments.
56. The men and women who serve our country every day!
57. The ability to laugh at myself: it makes "awkward" moments so much more enjoyable
58. Reliable Car: Some would say it’s more than reliable, but it get me where I need to go all the time
59. A relatively orderly government: By no means is it perfect, but I think in comparison we have nothing to complain about.
60. Spring Break: WHOOO HOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
61. The power of prayer
62. Alone time with God
63. Sunrise & Sunset:  Beautiful to see.
64. Memories:  So many...good and bad
65. Girl’s Nights
66. Twitter
67. Club Fitness: The opportunity to be healthy and fit
68. A College Education
69. This Blog: A place where I can share my thoughts...
70. Moments when I just Cry:  I’m emotional at times... ok a lot of times.  LOL.
71. R&B Music
72. Premier Designs Jewelry:  My part time business.
73. Doctors, Hospitals, & Medicines.  Need I say more.
74. Health Care: Sometimes I wish I lived in Canada where all citizens have access to healthcare, because so many people need it and don’t have it. 
75. Clothes/Shoes:  My indulgence, my splurges...
76. Food:  Need I say more.
77. Cell phone: 
78. Cheering and Uplifting Others
79. Rainbows
80. Today
81. The fact that thinking of 100 things for isn’t hard: Blessing.
82. Systems of the Body:  Digestive, reproductive, nervous...can’t think of any other ones but they are all in working order...THANKS!
83. Private time with God
84. Peace
85. Close, personal relationship with Jesus
86. Daily Strength
87. Freedom
88. Friends I’ve yet to meet
89. Songs that I hear at the exact moment when I needed them
90. Old Friends: Wishing some of them I can reconnect with (miss them so...)
91. Bad Habits that I’ve overcome: Thankful that I can put some things behind me...I’m a work in progress. 
92. Financially ok during these tough economic times:
93. Homework time with my Niece:  Nothing like spending quality time with my niece Amaya helping with her homework.  We have a good time. 
94. Patience:  Word of my life J
95. Fasting Times
96. My Grandma:  She does so much and I appreciate it so much
97. Obedience
98. Setting Goals and reaching them
99. Being Me
100. I am just plain old Thankful for EVERYTHING!!!!!

I realized when I reached 100 that I could keep going easily.  I learned that making this list really put some things in my life into perspective. SO…I challenge you to start writing out 100 things you are thankful for and look at them every day for a while.  It will change your life.  Thanks for reading.  Be blessed!

Letting Go

What do you do when your memory drags the “there and then” into the “here and now,” immersing you in the same old pain, agony, and distress?

Your past can infect your present and influence your future unless you decide to LET IT GO.

Close your eyes.  As you close your eyes, I want you to do two things: (1) clench your hands together by griping them into a tightened fist.(focus and make it tight) (2) Imagine in those closed fists rest THAT THING that you need to let go of or THAT THING that you’re having trouble letting go of.  Those things that are so dominant in your life that if they are not released, the pain just continues.  The sadness continues.  That bad relationship continues.  Something you’ve wrestled with over and over continues.  Something that has caused hurt or pain.  That fight, that loss, that struggle, the sorrow just Continues.  It’s something that we’ve wrestled with; struggled with; battled with over and over and over.  You are now at the point where you don’t know how much more you can take.  LORD I DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH MORE I CAN TAKE…I NEED YOU!! 

In your mind you hold on to that thing that you really need to let go of.  And now is the time to release those things.  To let go and let God as the saying goes.  To be released.  Giving those things that we’ve been holding on to up to God.  Trusting and believing that whatever thing you are dealing with is now in God’s capable and loving hands.  And we can rest fore we know that God’s hands are the best hands.  . 

Jesus, in Matthew 11:28-30 says

“Come to me all you who labor and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

We need to learn how to respond to Jesus’ invitation to rest in him and experience the life that God designed for us and not the one we have designed for ourselves.  Rest is the place where one surrenders their life and all of its concerns to God.  I’m convinced (I know I’m right) that our biggest challenge is letting go and letting God and actually allowing this process to truly take place.  I’m convinced because I’ve lived it and I’m living it. We forget to check in with God as it relates to the plan for our lives.  And then we realize that the plan we had wasn’t really God’s plan or even close to His plan and NOW there’s a problem between shifting from your plan because this is what you know, this is what you’re comfortable with, this is what you wanted to do instead of allowing God to dictate the matters concerning you and your life. 

Letting that go and being comfortable with the road and the twists and the turns and the ups and the downs, that’s the journey that God is taking you on.

And that’s the journey that we all want.  Like the song that was sung many Sundays as I was growing up, “Nobody told me that the road would be easy.  And I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me.”

Do you have anything to take to God?


We take things to God, but we don’t commit to learning how we are to deal with it. We’ll take it and then we think that God is supposed to magically wave a wand over it, and it’s gone. It doesn’t actually work that way.  Looking at the scripture I gave in Mathew 11:28-30 Take it, learn and then rest in it.


Be Blessed!
Tracy
                             

What a Rally!

This weekend I went to the Regional Premier Designs Rally in Kansas City and had an Great time!   It was AMAZING!!! Inspiring, Uplifting, Spirtual, Joyous, and best of all they introduced the new spring/summer line. For those of you that don't know, Premier Designs is a direct sales jewelry company.  Jewelers (like me J) host home jewelry parties for friends, family, neighbors, ect.  But it doesn't stop there.  What I love about this comapny is that it's biblically based.  We believe in honoring God and serving people.  This weekend I soaked up lots of training and met lots of amazing women.   

This company is so over the top awesome and I'm so happy to be apart of it. I can’t wait to share a little more, but here are a few photos of the new jewelry.  Enjoy...