Chelle Ramsey's Blog, page 22

A Walk Back Into Her Past...

As my fifth anniversary of being a published author approaches (which coincides with my 14th wedding anniversary), I have begun reflecting on my first release more. Reflections of Promises was released June 28, 2012.

I have learned so much since those earlier days and I still have such a long way to go. My writing style has changed, as well as my opinions on a variety of topics. I initially pulled the novel from the shelves in 2015, but since then I've sent it to my Betas, and I'm preparing to send it to my editor. The cover design has completely changed, and I can't wait for its re-release in a couple of months.

I'm sharing a special piece from the novel today on #WriterWednesday. Check it out...
Excerpt...
Patricia realized she had let one of her secrets slip. She looked up at Terrence with tear filled eyes. “Please…don’t ask me that. I don’t want to lie to you, but I’m not ready to reveal my lies,” she stated.
 
He nodded his head encouraging her to go on. She found comfort in knowing he would respect her wishes.
 
 “One day I realized I would be throwing everything away, if I didn’t get up and handle my business and get my degree like I’d planned. I mean if I kept going at that rate, I was going to fail school. Then I would have thrown our relationship down the toilet, and still not have an education to show for it.” 
 
“You are one amazing woman. I think that I do owe it to you to admit that you were right. I truly don’t think that I could’ve remained faithful all those years, but I also don’t believe that you could have either,” Terrence confirmed. 
 
“Looking back now you’re right. But you couldn’t have told me that then,” she replied with a smile.
 
Terrence turned to the back door to go back inside the house, as the music once again became loud. The upbeat tempo of “Back that Thang Up” started playing out of the speakers and the teenagers began bumping and grinding. 
 
“Come on, let’s freshen our drinks. We can finish the conversation in the living room where it’s a little quieter,” Terrence invited. 
 
“Sure,” Patricia replied, following Terrance inside. 
 
Time seemed to fly by as they sat in the living room and caught up on old times over a couple of glasses of wine. They laughed and giggled as they reminisced on how silly they had been as teenagers.
 
Their relationship had spanned a time period of two years. Terrence had been Patricia’s only friend, during a very difficult and depressing time in her life. After she had gone through a rough patch he had been the one to inspire her to move forward and believe in herself.
 
He encouraged her to give her best even when she didn’t feel like it. He had even been the one to help her to apply for college and make out her five year plan at that time. So, it was no wonder that both of their worlds had been rocked when she left him without a word.  
 
“Terry, I knew that if I had kept in touch with you, the changes that I made to that five year plan wouldn’t have occurred. I know you,” she shared.
 
“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You would’ve made me remain true to myself. That wasn’t an option at the time. We’d known each other since third grade, and although we didn’t become romantically involved until sixteen, no one knew me like you did. Being back here with you talking like this is like being at home again,” she confided.
 
“You are home, girl,” he teased, lightening up the moment.
 
“No, Terry, you’re home for me. You wouldn’t have approved of my need to change. You knew me in ways that no one else ever did or would. I’ve missed that, and I didn’t realize how desperately until tonight,” Patricia revealed.
 
“Wow.” He cleared his throat and rubbed his hand over his head, clear signs to Patricia that he was feeling discomfort.
 
Changing the subject, she asked “So your…wife what’s she like?”
 
“She’s…I don’t know. She’s…my wife. Umm,” he cleared his throat again. “She’s very intelligent, beautiful, inside and out, and very hot tempered.  Did you ever consider getting married?” Terrance asked.
 
“How do you know I’m not married?” Patricia bristled.
 
“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to assume that you weren’t. I just noticed that you weren’t wearing a wedding ring.”  
 
Patricia absently looked down at her finger. She had left it packed in her suitcase, until she had a chance to tell her mother. She laughed to throw off the tension. 
 
“Actually, you’re right, I’m not. I guess I just don’t have time with my career and all.”
 
She ran her fingers through her hair and looked back up into his face.  Terrance had always been on the lean side. But over the years he had put a little meat on his bones, she noticed not without appreciation. He still had those dark brooding eyes, the cleft in his chin and that crooked grin that was so sexy, it could make a woman lose her mind. 
 
She ran a hand through her hair again to clear those thoughts, because she was a married woman whether he knew it or not. And he was definitely a married man, with a ring to prove it. Although Jared had probably run back into Lauren’s arms by now, she refused to stoop to that point. No matter how tempting the eye candy. Besides, what they had was something between two foolish kids. Yes, he had been a true friend to her as well, but they were two full grown adults now. 
 
“Is your wife a jealous girl, Terry?” Patricia asked, as she pulled her legs up on the couch underneath her. Terrance watched as her dress slid up just a little, exposing her thighs.   
 
“Normally, no, but she might be under these circumstances,” he confessed.
 
“Why?” Patricia asked, as she began rubbing his arm tenderly and staring into his eyes.
 
“Because you’re a very beautiful, tempting woman. A woman who…a woman who was my first love.”

He ran his hands down his face and kept his face hidden for a moment. Sighing loudly, he turned his head sideways, allowing his eyes to caress her.
 
“There’s more. Shawn, I don’t know how to tell you this, but…” Terrance held his head down in his hands and then looked up at Patricia with a sad look in his eyes. 
 
She reached out to rub him on the shoulder to offer him comfort. She was startled when he jumped back, almost as though her touch was venomous.
 
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you or offend you by—” 
 
“No, stop, Shawn. You didn’t offend or upset me in any way. Girl, I’m just having a hard time keeping my head clear around you,” he began. His voice lowered to a whisper as he continued to scoot closer to her.
 
“I mean, coming here today I didn’t expect to see you. Hell, Shawn, I didn’t even know you were back in town. When I stepped out on the deck this afternoon, you were the last face I expected to see. But…as soon as I saw your profile, I knew it was you. You’ve changed a lot, yet, the way that you sat and held your head was Shawn from way back. It’s like you being back has me questioning my life now,” he admitted.
 
Terrance distractedly began tracing a finger down her jaw line. As Patricia kept staring into his eyes, she found herself getting lost in the memory. Her heart began thrumming as she anticipated a kiss between the two of them. As their lips touched, she instantly drew back with a questioning look in her eyes. It wasn’t the fact that they were both married that had Pat’s head reeling. 
 
That little niggling thought that had been bothering her since he arrived, came back stronger. And she had to clear it out of her mind, and him out of her system. She stood up and walked to the other side of the living room to place distance between them. 
My Novels...
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Finding Peace...

The greatest self is a peaceful smile, that always sees the world smiling back. -
Bryant H. McGill
I try to make my mood uplifting and peaceful, then watch the world around me reflect that mood.
-Yaya DaCosta
Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.
-Ronald Reagan
Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment. How do you find peace? Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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Fab Friday Features, TM Brown...

Welcome to another Fabulous Friday where today's Featured author is T. M. Brown. Take a look around as you sample her inspirational stories, and find entertainment along the way. She's new to The Beautifully Inspired Blog, so please make her feel welcome. Read on...
This is the story of Georgie. She is a young black girl growing up in the 1940s in a small, rural town in Virginia. Life is hard and she dreams of better life. She experiences great loss and heartache. She loses friends and family, as well as the love of her life. And still, she remains strong. This emotional and inspiring story has a gritty dialogue. TM Brown's signature writing style is captivating. You will find it difficult to stop reading once you begin... You can purchase on Amazon here:
http://amzn.to/2jCWqO0

This is the Part 2 of Struggles of the Women Folk. Angel is Georgie's daughter who explains to you what occurs before, during and after her abduction. The story takes place during the turbulent 1950s.
Accompany Angel as she travels the world with Miss Emily Barker and her mother's husband Ricky, as her challenges are compounded by her coming of age experiences:

 "The silence of the house and the solitude of my secret were such a treat. I felt my body easily reaching climax and knew that at any moment I would be there. My mind filled with dreams of the day when someone, anyone, would be pleasing me and there would be no need for this substitution for affection. How I prayed for the day when a man would make me feel like this. I could only imagine how much more satisfying that would be." 

You can purchase this novel on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2k5jrGc

In A Life Not My Own, Tina shares her personal experiences of child abuse and neglect, her struggles as a teenager and in her young adult life.

The book started as a journal and was her attempt to address many of the secrets she had pushed to the back in her mind. As the memories continued to resurface, she was forced to address the issues that ultimately led to her sharing her past with readers around the world as a powerful force of inspiration. 
You can purchase this memoir on Amazon:  http://amzn.to/2jDKsna

T M Brown was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a graduate of Southern High, UMBC, and Regis University, holding a BS in Psychology and a MS in Systems Engineering. Tina is also the mother of two amazing people and the grandmother to the cutest little boy ever!
If you're looking for someone to showcase at your book club or social gathering, then you've come to the right place. Tina loves meeting new people and sharing her inspirational stories of encouragement. Tina invites you to visit her website at www.authortmbrown.com or contact her directly –
tm.brown35@yahoo.com

Please leave a comment below. Tina would love to hear from you!

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Writer Wednesday, Enticed Forever...

It's a Writer Wednesday and today I'm sharing a new release from fellow author, Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku. Her characters are always hot, her novels are spicy, and her book covers bring the heat. Well today is no exception, so please join me in welcoming her back and helping her to celebrate her new release, Enticed Forever...
Blurb...
~ An Attraction…so Irresistible ~

Millionaire bad boy, Theo Galanos has two things worked out. Women want anything money can buy. And he has no problems keeping them sweet as long as his heart is not involved. But when he hits a car and sends it spinning off the road, he meets Aize, an attractive woman in a figure-hugging dress who wants nothing he has to offer. Nothing prepares him for the body-popping tension which grips his chest and nearly sweeps him off his feet.
 
Aize must find the President of Galanos Holdings, get him to approve the all-important contract if she must secure the promotion she wants. But the mysterious man, rumoured to be Hampshire’s bad boy is hard to catch. When her car is bumped off the road and she opens her eyes on a hospital bed, the exotic-speaking and muscular man staring down at her sends shockwaves through her cleavage.
 
Faced with the sexy man who only gives a woman what money can buy, Aize is torn between giving up on her promotion and allowing her heart sway her head. Will Theo let go of his selfish desire?
Excerpt...
Middle of the night at 3 a.m.
 
Bang! Bang!
 
The crashing sound and Aize’s howling sent Theo racing down several flights of stairs, half-naked. His feet thudded across the carpeted hallway all the way to the guest room.
 
Out of his mind with fear, he pushed the door open.
 
The room was bathed in absolute darkness, so he stabbed on the wall switch. On the bed, Aize shielded her eyes with her right hand from the sudden glare of light.
 
Near the bed, one of the bedside teal-coloured table lamps was broken to pieces. ‘Jeez!’ he exclaimed. The table lamp must have received a hard knock.
 
As Theo stepped forward, his heart broke when he saw Aize’s face awash with tears. Getting into bed beside her, he crooned, ‘My God! Shish baby, I’m here. Don’t cry, you’ll be alright.’
 
Cradling her head on his bare chest, he ran his fingers through her thick, wavy hair, careful not to touch her plastered temple. ‘Calm down, baby,’ he soothed when her breathing remained rapid and shallow.
 
Her distress, quelled the tension in his groin.
 
‘I had a nightmare,’ Aize whimpered when she could speak. ‘It was terrifying.’
 
‘I’m here, okay?’ he assured her.
 
Suddenly, she scowled at the room and turned up her eyes to glare at him. ‘Where am I?’ she wailed, fright oozing from her voice.
 
‘You’re in my home and you’re safe. Calm down baby, I’ve got you in my arms. No one is going to hurt you.’
 
Aize pushed away from him and jumped from his lap, moving to sit at the other end of the double bed.
 
‘In your house? How did I get here?’ she asked, narrowing her eyes. ‘Why didn’t you take me to my own home?’

Download Now...
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06Y1QBTJR/
 
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B06Y1QBTJR/
 
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/717887
 
Okada Books: http://okadabooks.com/book/about/enticed_forever__a_bad_boy_romance/13744
 
Amazon US Paperback: http://amzn.to/2pnsCp1
 
Amazon UK Paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Enticed-Forever-Bad-Boy-Romance/dp/1543203175/
 
Createspace Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/6945767
About Stella...
I'm Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, the author of several toe-curling & heart-fluttering Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels consisting of Contemporary/Interracial and Historical & Paranormal Romance. There are 17 published books so far.
Just so you know, I'm a romantic freak, mother of two fun - loving teenagers, married to my gorgeous husband and we live in London, UK. If my teens had their way, they would fill our home with a dozen pets. Swimming on my back like a star-fish is one of my skills.
 
My stories are dotted with unexpected twists and are set in fascinating Africa, enticing Europe and enchanting America. An emotional spin is what you get when you read my books. Please write or connect with me on social media. I love reading from you. https://www.amazon.com/Stella-Eromonsere-Ajanaku/e/B004LXE09E/ 
Connect With Stella...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4538936.Stella_Eromonsere_Ajanaku
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flirtyandfeistyromancenovels?v=wall&ref=pdem
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106790524...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/eromonsereajana/
Blog: http://flirtyandfeistyromance.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Her Novels...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Stella-Eromonsere-Ajanaku/e/B004LXE09E
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stella-Eromonsere-Ajanaku/e/B004LXE09E
Okada Books: http://okadabooks.com/search?term=Stella+Eromonsere-Ajanaku
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/interview/StellaE1
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/stella-eromonsere-ajanaku?store=allproducts&keyword=stella+eromonsere-ajanaku
Website: http://www.flirtyandfeistyromancenovel.co.uk/

Please leave a comment below. Stella would love to hear from you!

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The Power of Woman...

There is beauty in being a woman. It doesn't exist in the way that we dress, the curves of our body, the makeup applied to our face, or the styling of our hair. The beauty of being a woman exists within our hearts, our souls, the power that we hold in being the best that we can be for someone else, and our gift of being nurturers and sometimes creators.

Children and men alike listen to hear what we have to say. They look to us for guidance within the family, and knowing what's necessary for living our best lives. We hold the power to encourage our sisters, our girlfriends, and our daughters. We are empowered to strengthen our men, our sons, and our brothers.

We have been beautifully molded and shaped in the image of Christ, and we are spiritual beings who show our love through our actions, words, and our ability to just be there when needed. Let your beauty from within shine today, and transform a world. We are the creators and nurturers, and the power to revolutionize our small circle lies within our hearts and souls.
“You are more powerful than you know; you are beautiful just as you are.” ~ Melissa Etheridge “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” ~ Diane Mariechild
“The power you have is to be the best version of yourself you can be, so you can create a better world.” ~ Ashley Rickards
Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment. Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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Fab Friday Features, LaToya...

Depression, healing, and forgiveness played a huge role in Anika Sims life. At first glance, you would think Anika has her life together. She is the CEO of Regal Publishing LLC. She has five New York Best Sellers and is the youth minister at her church. However, behind the smile that she always carries is a woman filled with pain and moments of depression. Anika's Story: will show you the importance of making peace with your past and forgiving those that have hurt you.

Download Now...
Sales Links
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
OneDrive
Kobo
Inktera

Blio

Scribd

Excerpt...
Dear Forgiven,

For so long I have been mad at you because you took something from me at a young age that I will never be able to get back. You took my peace of mind. You took my sense of security. You trampled over my trust in people. Because of you, I went through many stages of not being able to eat or sleep.

I carried so much pain on the inside that it became too much for me to bear. At one point I was planning how I would end my own life. But thank God, He stopped me just in time and reminded me that He had more in store for me. He did not make me to be broken. I was not made to be consumed by the pain from a dangerous man that I could not stop.

He placed some wonderful people in my life to help keep me together when I feel I'm falling. They taught me that to receive my true healing and to grow as it was time for me to let go and forgive you. I know that now you are locked up for another crime. At one point in my life, it gave me great pleasure to know you were unable to be free. Then I realized having that mindset made me no better than you. I knew that in that moment is was time to let go.

Nathan, from this day forward I want to let you know that I forgive you for everything. No longer will I allow you to have a hold over me. I will live my life, happy, free and allow others to love me like I deserve. I will use the past experiences to reach other to others that have gone through this type of pain or any hardship in their lives.

Today, I take my power back from you. I pray that while you are sitting in your cell you'll ask God to forgive you for your sins. May He give you a chance to receive Him as your Lord and Savior before it is too late. As I sit here and write this letter of forgiveness, I also want to share this prayer although I know you may not , I hope in some way it reaches you.

Dear Lord, I come to you as humble as I know how. First, thank you for allowing me to see another. For allowing me to share this experience with the world in hopes that someone will be saved and delivered from their pain. Most of all God, I come to you on behalf of Nathan Griffin.

Lord, you know his life and all the crimes he has committed. One being raping me, and who knows how many others. I, humbly, ask that you please forgive him and heal the sickness within him that caused him to hurt me.

Please do not allow him to leave this world without the opportunity to receive a much-needed healing. I know to some this may sound crazy for me to come to you like this. But, Lord I am your child and I know that for me to truly be the child of God that I say I am, I must come to you for forgiveness for both of us. Please forgive us so we can be free. In your precious and holy name, Amen.

Anika Sims

LaToya Murchison is a Woman After God’s Own Heart. LaToya was born and raised in Southern Pines, NC and started writing poetry as a junior in high school.

LaToya found that writing allowed her to be creative and eventually discovered her interest in becoming a published author. After graduating from high school and uncertain of her career path, she attended and received an Associate Degree in Office Systems Technology from Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, N.C.

LaToya is passionate about encouraging, helping, and building up others. She gave her life over to Christ 8 years ago and is the best decision she ever made. At the age of 18 doctors told her that she would not live to see the age of 25. On August 2, 2016 she turned 38 years old and she continues to give God all the thanks daily because she knows that if it had not been for the plan and the favor that he had set for her life before she was born she would not be here today. LaToya loves to spread the word of God everywhere she goes.

In LaToya created a Facebook Group named D.O.V.E Daughters of Virtue with a mission to unite women who strive to encourage and empower other women and members of their community. She created dove to promote unconditional love, peace unity and the importance of understanding and respecting women’s individual’s rights to choose a spiritual path.

LaToya serves as Media Director, Vacation Bible School Director, YPCL Director and Children’s Ministry Assistant at Love Grove Free Will Baptist Church. LaToya published her first book A Praying Heart on November 21, 2014,  her second book Poetic Expressions on May 30, 2015 and her 3rd December 31, 2016. She is currently working on her 4th book Moments of Reflections: Finding Peace within the Storm.

LaToya is the owner of Creative Expressions Literary Services. As a virtual assistant, she has assisted countless authors with developing their online presence. Services include graphic design, social media management, virtual blog tours, social media management, interviews and e-book fairs.

When LaToya isn’t working for a client or doing something literary, she enjoys spending time with family and working with the youth in her church.

Connect with LaToya
Facebook                Twitter               Instagram         Website

Creative Expressions Literary Services
Facebook              Twitter              Website
Please leave a comment below. LaToya would love to hear from you!

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Alternate Reality...

Lately, I've been working on several projects at once. One of these projects happens to be my first published book. Written in 2004 and published in 2012, I allowed this book to remain on the bookshelves for two years before pulling it.

Although the core of the story remains the same, I realized my writing style had changed quite a bit since those early years. I also knew that this story needed to be edited, something that I did not do when I first came out. It's currently in the hands of one of my Beta readers, and then it will go to my editor.

Sometimes the people that we're dealing with are not exactly who we think they are. Sometimes, the person we're looking at in the mirror is a different one that we present to the world. When we cannot accept our own deception, we create alternate realities, living two different lives. Here's a snippet of Reflections of Promises...I hope you enjoy this #writerwednesday with me. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
Excerpt...
Time seemed to fly by as they sat in the living room and caught up on old times over a couple of glasses of wine. They laughed and giggled as they reminisced on how silly they had been as teenagers.
 
Their relationship had spanned a time period of two years. Terrence had been Patricia’s only friend, during a very difficult and depressing time in her life. After she had gone through a rough patch he had been the one to inspire her to move forward and believe in herself.
 
He encouraged her to give her best even when she didn’t feel like it. He had even been the one to help her to apply for college and make out her five year plan at that time. So, it was no wonder that both of their worlds had been rocked when she left him without a word.  
 
“Terry, I knew that if I had kept in touch with you, the changes that I made to that five year plan wouldn’t have occurred. I know you,” she shared.
 
“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You would’ve made me remain true to myself. That wasn’t an option at the time. We’d known each other since third grade, and although we didn’t become romantically involved until sixteen, no one knew me like you did. Being back here with you talking like this is like being at home again,” she confided.
 
“You are home, girl,” he teased, lightening up the moment.
 
“No, Terry, you’re home for me. You wouldn’t have approved of my need to change. You knew me in ways that no one else ever did or would. I’ve missed that, and I didn’t realize how desperately until tonight,” Patricia revealed.
 
“Wow.” He cleared his throat and rubbed his hand over his head, clear signs to Patricia that he was feeling discomfort.
 
Changing the subject, she asked “So your…wife what’s she like?”
 
“She’s…I don’t know. She’s…my wife. Umm,” he cleared his throat again. “She’s very intelligent, beautiful, inside and out, and very hot tempered.  Did you ever consider getting married?” Terrance asked.
 
“How do you know I’m not married?” Patricia bristled.
 
“Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to assume that you weren’t. I just noticed that you weren’t wearing a wedding ring.”  
 
Patricia absently looked down at her finger. She had left it packed in her suitcase, until she had a chance to tell her mother. She laughed to throw off the tension. 
 
“Actually, you’re right, I’m not. I guess I just don’t have time with my career and all.”
 
She ran her fingers through her hair and looked back up into his face.  Terrance had always been on the lean side. But over the years he had put a little meat on his bones, she noticed not without appreciation. He still had those dark brooding eyes, the cleft in his chin and that crooked grin that was so sexy, it could make a woman lose her mind. 
 
She ran a hand through her hair again to clear those thoughts, because she was a married woman whether he knew it or not. And he was definitely a married man, with a ring to prove it. Although Jared had probably run back into Lauren’s arms by now, she refused to stoop to that point. No matter how tempting the eye candy. Besides, what they had was something between two foolish kids. Yes, he had been a true friend to her as well, but they were two full grown adults now. 
 
“Is your wife a jealous girl, Terry?” Patricia asked, as she pulled her legs up on the couch underneath her. Terrance watched as her dress slid up just a little, exposing her thighs.   
 
“Normally, no, but she might be under these circumstances,” he confessed.
 
“Why?” Patricia asked, as she began rubbing his arm tenderly and staring into his eyes.
 
“Because you’re a very beautiful, tempting woman. A woman who…a woman who was my first love.”

He ran his hands down his face and kept his face hidden for a moment. Sighing loudly, he turned his head sideways, allowing his eyes to caress her.
 
“There’s more. Shawn, I don’t know how to tell you this, but…” Terrance held his head down in his hands and then looked up at Patricia with a sad look in his eyes. 
 
She reached out to rub him on the shoulder to offer him comfort. She was startled when he jumped back, almost as though her touch was venomous.
 
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you or offend you by—” 
 
“No, stop, Shawn. You didn’t offend or upset me in any way. Girl, I’m just having a hard time keeping my head clear around you,” he began. His voice lowered to a whisper as he continued to scoot closer to her.
 
“I mean, coming here today I didn’t expect to see you. Hell, Shawn, I didn’t even know you were back in town. When I stepped out on the deck this afternoon, you were the last face I expected to see. But…as soon as I saw your profile, I knew it was you. You’ve changed a lot, yet, the way that you sat and held your head was Shawn from way back. It’s like you being back has me questioning my life now,” he admitted.
 
Terrance distractedly began tracing a finger down her jaw line. As Patricia kept staring into his eyes, she found herself getting lost in the memory. Her heart began thrumming as she anticipated a kiss between the two of them. As their lips touched, she instantly drew back with a questioning look in her eyes. It wasn’t the fact that they were both married that had Pat’s head reeling. 
 
That little niggling thought that had been bothering her since he arrived, came back stronger. And she had to clear it out of her mind, and him out of her system. She stood up and walked to the other side of the living room to place distance between them. 
 
“Terry, if you didn’t come over because you’d heard that I was in town, why did you come? Mama, didn’t tell me that she had maintained a relationship with you all this time. Hell, she didn’t even tell me that she had invited you.” 
 
“It’s not that. I mean yeah, your mom and I still have a relationship, but that’s not why I came today. I mean that’s not the only reason why,” he confessed.  

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That Little Thing...

Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace. Buddha
There have been many challenges and changes that have occurred on my job over the last several weeks. As the changes were nearing I realized that I had two options...1.) Embrace the change and flow with the state of things, or 2.) Resist the change and get run over by it.
Which one do you think I chose?
A logical, sound person would easily say number one. However, I am anything but. What I understood was that if I chose to go with the state of things, I would abide in peace regardless to if I liked or disliked the changes. I knew that at some point, I would get used to the way things were being done and I would adapt. That's not a problem in and of itself, unless of course you don't want to adapt.

I did not want to adapt, I wanted to be transformed by the renewing of my thinking and not conform to the ways of my environment. That is what I set out to do and purposed in my heart; however, my attitude did not undergo the transformation necessary to accomplish that.

Determined in my mind that I would let certain people know that I did not agree with the changes and that there had to be a better way, I chose to become obstinate and withdrawn. What did this do for my state of mind? It robbed me of my peace, joy, and happiness because I allowed it to. I embraced a bitter and negative attitude that was contrary to my normal disposition. Worse still, I proved nothing of essence to anyone.

I have had the opportunity this weekend, especially Sunday to reflect on my attitude. I had begun thinking about it over the last week and a half, but throughout the weekend, the Lord really ministered to me about it.
Then That Thing Happened...
You know that thing...the one where the Pastor begins to check you, boo, telling you all about everything that you've done and what all you gotta step up and bring your A game on. Yeah, that one. The one that has you peeking around wondering who went back and told Pastor all your business, or better yet, who was hiding in your closet since you hadn't told anyone.

Well, that's the little thing that I know is none other than Holy Spirit doing the checking. I can't even form my lips to began to say "Don't come for me unless I send for you." Yes, I can get that off with mere mortal, but when He comes...oh yes, your girl knows she has to get things in order. There's no time for laughing or joking when he pulls your card. Simply get it straight.

There is a humbling going on in my spirit right now and I welcome it with open arms. See, there's something else that I understand. The something else is when I follow His leading, He won't steer me wrong. Even if I don't understand, I know He's got me. With Him having my back...I know that I'll have peace. So no matter what rises up, or no matter what worries my coworkers and I have going on at work, when the Lord is on our side, we know He's going to work all things together for our good.

Regardless of what challenges and obstacles you face on this week, no matter how confusing or scary, know that the Lord has your back and you can't go wrong. Once you know that...then you'll have perfect peace that alludes you during the storms that you try to navigate on your own.

Push out all of the negative and resentful thoughts that you harbor towards situations and others. Move aside that pride, allow love to rejuvenate, restore, and replenish your spirit. Replace negative attitudes, with compassionate and positive ones. Then watch as the Son shines in your heart and brings great peace within.
Thanks for hanging out with me for this Motivational Monday Moment. Please leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you!

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Fab Friday Features, Selena...

Southern gal, Germaine Landry wants to become a writer in the big city of Washington, DC. She meets a privileged heartthrob, Angelo Pearson, who is used to having anything, and every girl he wants. A loner by nature, Germaine is not easily impressed with Angelo's bravado, but he eventually charms his way into her heart. This pair of opposites develops a friendship that catches fire. Their love is seemingly shatterproof until a malicious scheme leads them down a dark path that could end tragically.

Twenty years later, thoughts of yesterday still haunt Germaine until an unexpected encounter leads her to the pearls of truth. Germaine just may have a second chance at love or finally free herself from the memories of a long time ago.
Selena is a native Washingtonian who enjoys music, spirituality, basketball, and spending quality time with her family. As a young girl, Selena always had a vivid imagination, and would tell make-believe stories to her friends. As a teenager, Selena begin to journal her personal thoughts, and write poetry. Before long, her talent for writing was recognized by her high school English teacher, who encouraged her to write articles for the school newspaper. The articles motivated Selena to write many stories and essays, mostly as a hobby. After completing high school, Selena would major in English at Johnson C. Smith University, and the University of the District of Columbia.

Although Selena would ultimately end up working in the legal and financial fields, her love for writing never stopped. She continued to participate in many local writing workshops and community outreach groups, where poetry, short stories, and other creative pieces were read as public expressions, and as a way to bring hope to the disenfranchised.

In 2013, in between working full-time, Selena completed one of her life's goals by publishing her first novel, A River Moves Forward. In her debut novel, Selena tackles issues of poverty, race, abuse, and the family dynamics. She also infuses messages of hope, love, and forgiveness, which she believes are the qualities of true humanity.

The reception of A River Moves Forward continues to be favorable, earning 5-star reviews on Amazon, and progressively gaining favor of those in her community. The enthusiastic response has motivated Selena to write a sequel, Riding the Waves, scheduled for release in 2014.
AMAZON
BARNES & NOBLE
KOBO

Follow Selena on: Facebook   Twitter and Goodreads
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A Moment of Reflection

There were many graduations celebrated this weekend, tearful and joyful goodbyes, as the school year came to an end, and many face the fact they won't see some faces again, while others know they'll meet up again next school year.

Today is the unofficial start of summer, as families plan vacations, reunions, cookouts, and fun activities for the families to engage in. I pause to reflect on Memorial Day holidays when I grew up. My mother would buy new outfits for my brothers and I, and she and my father would pack us up and head to Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Stone Mountain.

We would anxiously await our cousins' arrival, as we planned what our first activity would be. Now that my husband and I have children of our own, we create new and beautiful memories with our own family. Just like other families, we're planning what our summer season will look like, as well.

In many ways some things remain the same as they did in childhood. We run to the grocery store picking up last minute items for our cookout, we look forward to connecting with friends and families, and we search for places to enjoy the fireworks displays.

The greatest difference in Memorial Days then versus now, is that my thoughts often venture towards our service men and women. Why? My aunt and uncle are both retired military and I also have a nephew who served in the military. When I was younger both my aunt and uncle served in the military, and at that time it meant nothing more than that I just missed them a lot.

I now understand that they were making extreme sacrifices to defend and protect what we oftentimes take for granted. Our Freedom. They were willing to risk their lives, be away from their children, experience and witness events they would not wish on their worst enemy, all so that we can enjoy what we believe is a basic right. So many men and women each day in the states and abroad, are taking a risk that we cannot begin to imagine, just so that we can have our freedom. This day and every day I salute them.

Enjoy your cookouts, your fireworks, your family, and your friends. Yet, don't forget to stop and remember those who have and are currently serving to protect this country. Keep them and their families lifted in prayer, and love freely with an open heart.

Thanks for joining me for another Motivational Monday Moment! Happy Memorial Day!
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