sweet sundays: God is in control

As great as life is (& mine really is, thank Jesus), it just isn't always perfect. There are bumps and and sometimes mountains along the way. Sometimes it is easier to give up and throw in the towel when things aren't panning out as I expect. This is when I turn to God. After all He is in charge. He is directing my life.

If I'm not the only person with a seemingly impassable mountain, then maybe these words can encourage you (as I encourage myself).

Looking up from the bottom

It seems like a long way to go

The mountain's dark and steeo

The climbing is oh so slow

Your body aches

You're out of breath

Your're ready to give in

But don't give up

You've got the strength

To make it to the end

You can pour on the power (mighty power)

And pull that mountain down

You can pour on the power (mighty power)

And claim that higher ground

You may think you're at a wall

But it's just a door, that's all

'Cause you ain't seen nothing

Until you pour on the power

excerpt from the Lyrics of Pour on the Power (sung by Sandi Patty)

I am getting on my knees...I'll be praying hard and leaving it all in God's hands. That way, whatever comes, it will be his will. I hope you can do the same. Accept the peace of mind and comfort that will come from casting all your cares on Him who cares best for you.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

sweet sundays: confession is good for the soul

Sometimes I am embarrassed to say or do things because they aren't popular or aren't the most positive. No more. Life is too short to waste it being insincere. I don't mean you should be rude. Never. I just mean, you have to be true to yourself. I think Oprah says something like that. Live your own truth.

Some of my confessions? Read at your own risk.

1. Blood is not always thicker than water. I don't care what your chemistry teacher said. I've experienced it, so I know it. Sometimes people related to you can be the most poisonous. Give them wide berth.

2. Being cool among "friends" is overrated. I have always been the old fogie among my friends. I relish that. Boring to you, yes, but interesting to someone else. Be you. It is essential.

3. Know-it-alls irritate me. If everything you say and believe is correct, go write a book. I love a good debate or conversation but I don't want to be lectured. I already get that at school.

4. Everyone isn't perfect. I sometimes have too many expectations of people & myself. I have my faults: miserable, opinionated, and sensitive, yes. But I'm also friendly, honest, and kind. Give yourself and everyone else a break, Shumpy!

5. I laugh at people (& often these are inappropriate times to laugh). Yes. Especially when they've been mean and karma is biting back. Or even if they are just having a bad time at it LOL. I don't laugh at kids. Well, to their faces.

6. I abhor weirdness and weird people to the point that I don't care if I'm rude, I don't want to talk to you, see you, or be near you if you're weird. Yup, it is the plague.

7. I love the handful of friends I have like they were sisters of my own heart. Sometimes I downplay the depth of our friendship but that's me being stupid (insert miserable Shumpy here) and fearful of being hurt (insert sensitive Shumpy here). I value them and love them dearly. The handful of them. I've been blessed.

8. I give off the impression that I'm a cool, calm, and collected gal but I'm quite emotional and can be touchy (ask those who've lived with me for any period in time). I also have a stunted range of emotions. Very limited. If you step on the wrong toe, one of three things will occur: cold silence, anger, or tears. Take your pick.

9. People who feel entitled. Not entitled to fair and decent treatment. Entitled to other people kissing their arse and bending over backwards for them. Ewww. No. Me no likey. Those people can take their entitlement and stuff it.

10. I hate bubble busters. Dream killers. This world is dark enough without them. They start talking and I tune out. I belong to team YES I CAN. If you have heart, will power, and God. Yes, you can!

& bonus: I watch to stupidest, most brainless crap on TV sometimes. It's a wonder I have any brain cells left (think Bridezillas (WE TV), Cut Off (VH1) and Real Housewives (BRAVO)).

Feel much lighter now. Wonder if that'll translate into pounds for my summer challenge....your turn to unload!

*Now that you know me (& that I may at one point have laughed at you as you tripped or wobbled in the heels you know weren't made for walking hahaha), you can choose to hang around on polkadots at your own risk ;)

sweet sundays: My mother

I never have words for my mom. I can't. I don't know how to express the overwhelming feelings that swell through me and to the center of my being when I think of her, who she is in general, who she is to others, and all she means to me. If I could bundle it all up and throw it out, it would result in instant world peace, end to starvation, plus rainbows and hearts a-plenty. Basically, overwhelming love, respect, and admiration.

Devon House, Kingston, Jamaica mid-1980s

I'm not saying she's perfect. But she is perfect for me. We don't always agree but somehow we always settle on level plain. I think it is because she loves me so much. Not to be presumptuous but I imagine having a child at 24 years of age in the early 1980s in a fairly traditional culture couldn't have been easy. Not even if you happen to be an educated, strong, modern thinking, and highly opinionated woman (and boy, is she ever opinionated! haha). I like to imagine she determined that despite the unknowns, her little Shumpy would exist, be the apple of her eye, and she has always made me feel that way. Yup, even after the mango of her eye (her true fruit love) and the papaya of her eye (another fruit I know she loves) came into the picture - my sibs won't appreciate the description.

my 21st birthday. my mother, the consumate party planner.

My wedding day, Dec 2006. my mother, my rock & support.

I am 27 and am yet to be weaned off my mom. Of course physically we've been living in separate countries for 10 years, and I can totally physically manage day to day living without her - I have always enjoyed my own company, and manageable bursts of others. But that's because I have her love and support bolstering me...I am yet to become emotionally independent of my mom. I think of her everyday, and I remain content just knowing she is breathing and safe somewhere (though I'd like for it to be closer to me).

Let's take a break from all the soppy crap. My mother is a remarkable woman. She is an active and advancing worker. Never settling for mediocre and always demanding excellence from herself and her staff. She went on to achieve her masters degree after having a child (that would be me), and has since continuously advanced in her field. She continues to seek knowledge, participating in conferences and seminars internationally. Further, she is well rounded. She is an active participant in her church community, and gives back to society everyday. Not only by raising semi-normal children (no criminals, all sensible, and caring persons - quite a feat in todays day and age), but also by being a great wife, aunt, sister, daughter, and friend, and by giving of her time and efforts to the community. But don't count her out! She is no staid old woman. My mom not only looks young and is fit (still competes in foot races on the beach with her kids *smile*), but also has rhythm, plays a decent game of monopoly, an impressive game of scrabble, can cheer on her alma mater in sporting events with the gusto of a teenager, has the most refined taste in clothing and accessories, and still knows how to kick it back in the country with a pan of mangoes. She does it all with effortless elegance and style. From the boardrooms of Kingston, New York, Toronto, and London; to churches, rural and urban; to Ivy League institutions; to squeezing 7 into my little one bedroom before my wedding; to stylish hotels in Europe; to Disney World with her kids; to cutting it up on the dance floor of a family wedding; to good ole Sligoville. She is the epitome of an international super mom.

My mother is the best example of nurturing I know. Yes, I had to get back to the sentimental. She is so good at taking care of her children I cannot imagine the day we will need to take care of her. I wonder if I'll be as good at it as she was. I sure hope so. She deserves it. For all the support, understanding, and love she's given me. Allowing me to share good news, vent, laugh, yell, hug (aka squeeze the life outta her..it can get violent), kiss (she and I have a kiss-bite on the cheek hybrid), and just be myself with her (even when she doesn't agree) has helped me become the woman I am today. As long as she lives I know I'll always have a champion in my corner.

& that's all I need.

I'll never be alone as long as I live because of who she is.

She has always held my hands in love & support, and always will...

I love my mommy.

--Happy Mother's Day to all the fantabulous moms out there--

sweet sundays: sunshine

Summertime is upon us. Doesn't the brightness that greets you in the morning lift your spirits? God is amazing. Enjoy nature. Go out in the sun and soak in the wonder of it all. Take a deep breath.

I know, I know. The cancer risk etc. but hey, your body needs a little vitamin D sometimes :) I'm an island girl so I apologize for my disdain for sunblock. I know our bodies need it but I'm a regular ole' sunflower.

______________________________

"A day without sunshine is like, you know, night"

Steve Martin

sweet sundays: the path less taken

Sometimes our baser human instincts take over in emotional situations and we react poorly. I hate when I overreact and have to backtrack, and apologize or I feel bad like if I saw the person at church or work or they turned out to be a family friend I'd be embarrassed. I'd much rather do it right the first time but since I'm not perfect, that does not always happen. When it does, I feel so much better about myself. There's an important lesson in knowing we don't have to be rude or crass to stand up for ourselves.

Something that happened last week reminded me of this. It's a Raf story. He doesn't want his pics on here but at least I can blog about him lol. For months he'd trained with this company for a position that he's wanted for sometime now. Finally, the training was completed and he began to work with the company. At the outset he explained that although he is willing to come in on Sundays, he would not be avail to work every Sunday. This is totally fair since he works Mondays-Fridays. In addition, it isn't required to come in on Sundays. However, one of the supervisors (a particularly rude one too that consistently gives employees grief) decided that he'd disregard that and every Sunday, he calls Raf. Oh, and even though Raf's requested less work on Sunday so he can get home at a decent time, he's been working past sunset on Sundays, then heading in early the next morn. Last Sunday, Raf decides he isn't going in. He's had a number of 6 day work-weeks in a row and needs a break. So as a courtesy (not required) he calls on Friday to inform them he's not available on Sunday. The particularly rude supervisor passes the phone to a colleague because how dare Raf not come in on Sunday when there's work to be done? The colleague is pleading for Raf come in but Raf can hear the other supervisor in the back ground complaining in a very argumentative manner that he MUST come in, he HAS to come in. Threatening, yes? I think so too.

Now, do I need to tell you about Caribbean males? Let me not stereotype widely. Jamaican men are VERY proud, and they don't take being disregarded or disrespected lightly. It would not be a stretch for Raf to put him in his place. Trust me. He can be rough...well, used to be. But he wasn't and I am so proud of him. What he did was drop off the equipment and company vehicle, call the administrator, and respectfully leave the position (she didn't want him to go but he explained the situation completely). Come Monday, he is being called repeatedly by said supervisor. When he finally speaks to him, supervisor apologetically asks him what happened and if there's anything they can do (yeaaa, act like you don't know). When Raf says no because he can't seem to have a decent conversation without being talked down to (even tho Raf's complained of this before). Supervisor's like "you know you can talk to me" and basically begs him to come back in so they can work out any differences amicably and with respect. So, Raf is back on the job. Supervisor is now mindful of his manner when dealing with Raf (if not other employees - can't expect too much now). & as usual Raf has a 100% IVR (ranking/rating system). Go babes!

Sometimes, people make it so hard for us to exhibit character traits that are attractive. They just push us to respond with our baser instincts. But thank God, sometimes, we hold on to our temper and take the higher road.

Be gone bad-man-isms! Be gone probably-you-neva-heard-a-mi!

I say choose the path less taken this week & the rest of your life...sometimes the results may not be desirable but if you walk away with your character intact, then what did you lose? Nada :) You in fact gained a world of dignity, self respect, and the admiration of those around you.

sweet sundays: growing older

This weekend we celebrated Keri's birthday. She's all of 27 (yes, I put her on blast...she doesn't look it so she won't mind). We went to church, then had lunch, and then followed that up with a visit to a club. Yes, a club. Does that make any sense:? None at all, & since I'm a sensible girl, it won't happen again. I mean, it's about time I walk the walk, huh? Well, it wasn't supposed to be a club but it turned out to be one and what was I to do? Just say no :) But it's my LeeLee (soft spot). Anyhoo, we had fun hanging with each other (& can I insert some sop here? I'm glad my hussy's my dance partner for life - nothing makes a woman feel better than a sweet guy and he was oh, so sweet yesterday and last night. K, so back to regularly scheduled program). It was a bunch of her friends from high school, college, and med school. She looked hot, she had fun, and that's what matters at the moment. Oh! & she looked fab doing it!

I wish you could see the shoes but alas, such is life.

What's so good about growing older? Each day we grow older is a blessing...some people stay young (a.k.a. don't age. a.k.a. die). What's even better? Growing older as friends.

Happy Birthday my darling friend & sister

sweet sundays: no more negative Nellie

No matter how positive I am most times, it's funny how I can be the hardest and most negative about the people closest to me. I think sometimes we judge our parents, partners, children, and even ourselves too harshly. Yes, there are things we all need to work on but come on, most of us are pretty good people.

I sat down 2 weeks ago reading a blog written by a single lady immediately proceeding her divorce and as I read the piece I realized I never had to give up any dream when I married. Yes, there is compromise and I'm no professional married person (only 3 years in) but I think I've had my fair share of marital woes. However, this should never prevent me from seeing the great things about my spouse. As a seemingly professional student, I can say I've never been discouraged from pursuing whichever academic program was in my sights. I can just imagine how at odds that would be with my viewpoint on the importance of education. I'm still getting my potential successfulness on :) Also, I attend a seventh-day adventist church and have all my life. However, I'm not a traditional seventh-day adventist...I actually consider myself a plain ole Christian (trust me, this is revolutionary to some in my church). Nothing more. I'm a follower of Christ. I'm sure there are a lot of SDAs who would look at my nail polish and pierced ears askance. Further, some of my eating choices leave plenty to be desired in terms of SDA eating standards. Trust me, a traditional SDA Christian couldn't live with me, lol, but thank goodness he never tries to discourage me and allows me to express my spirituality in a way that is true to me.

Do you miss the brightness in life by allowing the negative and trouble spots to cloud your vision? Make an effort this week to think of the good and positive in those around you. It will increase your appreciation for those around you and brighten your week. It may not be easy but you won't regret it!

Next step? Learning to forgive those who hurt us...but small steps, people, small steps.

sweet sundays: Happy Easter :)

I love fresh flowers

If you celebrate, I wish you a wonderful weekend. Let's not focus on technicalities, we don't know when He died and was resurrected BUT we know he did and that's what really matters in terms of our salvation.

This weekend a group at my church sang this Kurt Carr song and it was a blessing. Hope you find time to click and enjoy.

Oh, yea. I embraced the yellow. This dress will def make another debut this spring/summer. Thanks Vicky for the prod lol.

sweet sundays: balm for the weary

Taking time out for friends & family - people you love and trust, people who love and trust you - is sweet relief in this world.

Our current society is such a dog eat dog world. You never know people's real motive, you're always going going going like an energizer bunny just to stay afloat, and no matter how many hours are in a day, you feel like nothing gets accomplished. Well, except exhaustion.

STOP

Drop the book or magazine, close the work or school document, drop the vacuum, turn off the computer. Give a friend or family member a call, snuggle up to your honey and watch a comedy, have dinner at the abandoned dining room table, or even send a "howdy" text message. Always make time for the people around you who mean the most to you. The ones who show up for you, not because they have something to gain or prove, but because they want to support you. Being around people you love & trust is the best food for the soul. These are the things that really matter in this crazy, messed up world. If you spend time doing that this week, you would have gained something invaluable - a connection with love - you would have gained a bout of good, positive energy that no amount of work, cleaning, school, or surfing the net could accomplish.

~Have a blessed week~

sweet sundays: having faith

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

That is something I used to recite almost weekly at my home church. I thought I knew what faith was. Believing in God, an essence, a being I could not see. I mean, of course that is a part of having faith. But as I grew older and life seemed to slip more and more out of my control, I learned the true essence of faith. I learned that to have faith is to believe there is a divine plan for my life and that God was in charge of it, not me. The less of life we can control, the more of it we have to place in the hands of our Father.

Friends, family, and loved ones have disappointed me, I have times of self-doubt, and even the everyday motions of life sometimes are hard to handle. It is at these times in my life I see human limitations and God's amazing ability. I never knew I'd be one of those persons who could testify that I literally did not know how I'd survive the week or day, or a difficult life situation, but I learned to let go and I'm here aren't I? It is truly amazing what God can do and what he can take you through! Life's still not quite a walk in the park but I continue to rely on His plan for my life and worry no more.

I encourage you to leave the situations that distress you the most in God's hands, knowing that He will take care of you. I don't guarantee it'll be an answer you'll love, but I do guarantee that if you stick with Him, whatever He has in store for you will only make your life better. He knows what's best for you!

Sweet sundays will not always have a religious topic (but there's nothing sweeter than my daily decision to make Jesus my choice!)

the bandwagonist

Yup, me ::blush::

In the great blog tradition of wordless Wednesdays and Mcfatty Mondays I am starting a few blog series on here to highlight my interests:

word love - weekly window into an important piece of my heart. I love words: book excerpts, song lyrics, poetry, quotes, etc. This will really help me to reconnect with oldies but goodies, and expand my literary horizons. I can't wait! I plan to publish word love on Wednesdays but the first installation is coming out Saturday in honor of another word lover, my sister & friend, Renz.

sweet sundays - weekly inspiration, life lessons to encourage me & you throughout the week. Aim? To put a smile on your faces (& mine).

girly fridays - make-up, hair, shoes, clothes, relationships, the female body, all things girly.

I hope you check in on the series. I know I'm excited! & as always, I welcome suggestions. Email me :)