I am proud of YOU!!!

She will not see this until tomorrow, but I want to say how proud I am of you Raquiyba! Man, I love the way that name is spelled...Raquiyba. YES! Ok, calm down Jahdai...breathe. Anyways, my wife-to-be and I are talking on the phone right now about our day, and she was telling about the product she returned at Sephora. This fragrance ring she bought broke and she went to return it today. While she was telling me this, I could feel on the inside that she had not bought anything. But not only had she not bought anything, she hadn't bought anything in the ENTIRE MALL! I am so proud of her!




For anyone who enjoys shopping as much as her to show that amount of discipline is a major mark of maturity. We just finished talking about being a 'preferred member' and how a lot of people would buy additional things just to be able to have that 'item of the month.' Really think about it though, the days of youth were filled parks, bad fashions and yes, Chuck E. Cheese!




Originally Showbiz Pizza, this place held wonder and magic for anyone who had enough tokens. And no the tokens did not grow on trees, and, even worse, a lot of times the tokens would not get you what you really desired until an additional trip to the Chuckster was made, or Mom & Dad forked over some more dollars to buy more tokens. And although riding the rocketship and playing skee-ball were fun, ultimately it was a childish pursuit, which they capitalized on with their motto, 'where a kid can be a kid.'

That is great and healthy for kids, but can really lead us into some unhealthy habits as adults. Trinket after trinket, "sale" after "sale," vivid colors and letter patterns are thrown at us with the intent of capitalizing on the child within. Well it is time to put childish things behind us! It is hard for to say this, because I enjoy shopping as much as the next guy. Wait, scratch that, more than the next guy. Nevertheless, it is time to put down the air hockey puck and join the real game of life. I for one, am beyond grateful for such an awesome teammate to embark on this adventure with. Life is moving whether we like it or not, don't get left on the merry go-round.

Why do I even do this?

It is a question I honestly ask myself sometimes...

Why write these thoughts out here for friends and others to see? Do they really even care? Have you ever had thoughts like these? I certainly have, and probably will again. Nevertheless, I don't ponder it for long because I already know the answer.

I was created as a creative being!

Though it might sound cliche, it really is a heavy statement when you think about it...all of mankind, from the crackhead down the street from where I work, to the soccer Mom wondering when her husband is coming home, to the widower who now has to adjust to the bed not being as warm without his lover, helpmeet and friend ever again to be by his side: they all are creative. Either the spark is within from the age of youth, or comes about through trial and tribulation, we are CREATIVE!

And so, when thought comes to my mind, I just take a second to think of the constant rate at which my mind goes almost day and night, and I realize that such actions are a gift. And I don't care to be an American giver, as one blessed with resources to benefit but ends up a whore to hoarding, but I would rather be a New Testament giver, giving freely not with concern to when and if it coming back; but with confidence that the same God who supplied me the thoughts and musings for the present is not only willing but ABLE to do it for the future.

Any gift I am given and whatever I have, I make it a point to live by my Mother's motto that she put into action one night at the dinner table while I was a pre-teen when she split a hot dog six ways...there is ALWAYS enough to share. She said it to me first more than fifteen years ago yet I can myself there at the table now. I see it in my fiance, (more on the status change soon!) who never mentions it in word, yet always exemplifies it in deed. Her silent reminders come right on time, and they take my love for her to a new level.

So these thoughts that go through my head are not merely for me. Neither are yours. They are for creativity's sake, to dream new dreams, love our neighbors as we love ourselves and provide light in the midst of a subtle, yet pervading darkness. In other words, the life I live is not my own.

I was bought with a price, and the sacrifice that was paid for me with the blood of Christ in the midst of scoffers and the ignorant was not just to free us from sin, but to live life and life more abundantly. A significant portion of that is our thoughts, so I try do my part by sharing the visions that the Father gives me.

I want to leave you tonight with this video, and remember stay creative no matter your challenge, situation and age!