"Don't get mad when God blesses your neighbor..."

On Saturday, I received a text from my dear friend with some really exciting news. Actually, what she sent was a picture with details of a major accomplishment. I saw the picture and immediately started crying. It wasn’t that I was surprised by what I was seeing; I’ve been connected to her journey, fully aware of the hard work she had put in, the prayers, the accountability etc., Here’s what got me teary eyed…

Last year, this friend took some time out to write her goals. But she didn’t just write them, she prayed about them and remained committed and accountable. One of her goals was to leave her full time job to pursue her passion in real estate, and she did that. I have to make this clear though: late last spring (2015), this friend was having reservations about whether or not she should leave her job and some folks around her were telling her to just pursue her passion on the side but she decided to trust God and completely walked away from that job in August of 2015. So as I looked at the picture, I couldn’t hold back the tears because God’s work was in front of me. My friend sought God for direction, was obedient with her finances, and what she believed God would help with was manifesting.

One of the goals she wrote and committed to last year was to become a top selling realtor with her company. Well the numbers are in and on Saturday I saw that God went beyond, beyond – totally exceeding expectations. Honestly, I think God may have chuckled a little at the goal she set for herself and decided to ‘flex’ (For those needing a little help, per the urban dictionary, flex is a phrase used by an individual to state their dominance over another).  So naturally, the tears flowed heavily. Remember the Halle Berry cry at the Oscars? Yes, that type of cry. After I got myself together (or so I thought), I called my dear friend. As soon as she answered, we both started screaming and alas, the tears started flowing again. And in between more screams and cries I let her know just how proud I am of her and as I extended heartfelt congratulations I was reminded of something Pastor John K. Jenkins said a few years ago at a revival, “Don’t get mad when God blesses your neighbor, it means He’s in the neighborhood!” I said to her “Girl, He’s in the neighborhood!” and then the tears flowed, again.

Congratulations to my dear friend Arnita Greene, my September 2015 Purpose Driven Woman. Click here to connect with Arnita.  

From Dubai, with love.

Today I prayed as I sat in the window of the Burj Khalifa on the 125th floor.

I didn't go over to the window to pray, I went for the amazing view and to take pictures but I felt the urge and decided to be obedient. It is a moment I will never forget.
I don't take these experiences for granted because I realize just how short life is and in one moment your entire life can change.

I've been in Dubai with friends for a few days now and on Dec.30th as we solidified plans for New Year's Eve we thought it would be best to stay closer to the Burj Khalifa. As my friends and I considered hotels, I suggested 'The Address'. I knew it was a great property, across from the Burj, and the price quoted online was a steal compared to typical prices. However, I kept scrolling and saw that another one of my favorites was listed for a better price with availability for the night of New Year's Eve, so we went with that one instead.

We left our hotel on NYE around 9:30pm to make our way to the Burj Khalifa for an event. As we approached the Burj, I saw flames and said to my friends, "that building is on fire". Another friend thought it was some type of creative lighting for NYE but unfortunately it was indeed a fire.
An hour or so later, it was announced that the building that we saw on fire was The Address Hotel. The hotel that I had suggested less than 24 hours prior was now emersed in flames. It gives me chills just thinking about it. And I have tears as I write this post. We could have been in that hotel but instead we were safe, away from all harm and I am eternally grateful.

Today, my prayer from the 125th floor of the Burj Khalifa was a prayer of thanks. I did not ask for anything, I just thanked Jesus for blessing me abundantly.

2nd Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."

A little sister for Christmas!

In August of this year I reconnected with my little sister. It’s a long story, full of details that don’t matter so I’ll just skip to the good part.

I grew up wanting a little sister mainly because I wanted someone to dress-up and boss around. I thought about what it would be like to wear similar outfits, paint each other’s nails, have movie nights, etc. I prayed and prayed for years, hoping for a little sister. I doubled up often – asking Jesus and Santa! Instead, my mom gave me a set of twin brothers that completely rocked my world.

Growing up with my younger brothers was a lot of fun – maybe that’s not the right word. They taunted my friends, hid my belongings, and called me Angelica (yes, from the Rugrats). I love them dearly, they are remarkable young men, and I’m truly proud to be their big sister but growing up I imagined yelling at my little sister for wearing my clothes, copying my style, and listening in on my phone calls.

But by the time I got to high school, I was over it. There was no way my mom was having another baby and I would have looked at her sideways if she did. As a junior in high school, I tutored and mentored middle school students so some of the girls became my adopted little sisters. This continued through college and well into my adult life and I now have a few amazing little sisters; a good majority of them drive me crazy but I love them.

However, nothing could have prepared me for the bond and connection between Rai and I. She came to visit last week and I didn’t want her to leave. She asked me a million questions, fell in love with my closet, had me out in the boonies looking at Christmas lights, and up late eating Chinese food and talking. It reminds me of how I felt connecting with my older sister Shaundea after growing up without her; I asked her a million questions, had her up late, etc. except this time I’m the big sister. And I’m loving every minute of it. As the girls in my mentoring program say “I’m here for all of this.” She’s promised to never miss a birthday and I’ll never leave her side.

God’s timing is perfect. My childhood prayer has been answered, I’ve received a little sister for Christmas! This year, I’ve been blessed to connect and form stronger bonds with siblings on both sides and I’m extremely grateful.
 

Merry Christmas!
 

(1 John 5:14-15) And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. (ESV)

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