The Gorgeous Inside Challenge

This year my 25th Birthday was extremely special! There weren't any material objects that I craved for whatsoever. I am so content in my portion that everything added and taken away is a blessing at this point. The first half of the day my family and I went to bless others around the town.  25 Random Acts of Kindness for every year of life! Now giving is NEVER about who knows or ANY type of reward that a person can give you back. Giving is about genuineness with a cheerful heart, knowing that your reward is in heaven. I only share this with you all just in case you all ever want to have a unique birthday celebration! You are blessed to be a blessing! Never forget that!

Throughout this journey of Holy Spirit filled stops and detours there was one idea that punctured my heart in the best way to start something brand new! 

The Gorgeous Inside Challenge

How often do we see people emphasizing external beauty? I mean it's every where. From the media to our facebook pages. And do not get it twisted, there's nothing wrong in looking and feeling beautiful, however it becomes an issue when we focus more on things of the flesh as opposed to our inside: our spirit. 

With this challenge I am encouraging women to leave a note on a public restroom mirror or facility reminding others that the mirror will always be too fickle to reflect their true beauty! Or just simply leave a word of encouragement! You can get as creative as you'd like! It's your love note leaving a little sprinkle of love to whomever finds it. 

Please TAG #GorgeousInsideChallenge on Instagram, facebook and twitter with your love notes! You seriously never know who needs a word of encouragement and reminder of God's love! I mean how many times have you been having a bad day and felt blessed by a kind word or deed right on time?! 

I look forward to seeing them!

Here is an awesome example left on a gym mirror in Jupiter, Florida by one of our sisters in love!

(To friends and family who have stayed loyal to the blog even when I haven't posted much, THANK YOU! I will get better! There's so many things that will share with you all soon! 2014 is already awesome!)

Stay In Your Own Lane

There's so much going on and readily available for us to view almost instantaneously through social networking. We would be liars if we said we didn't occasionally look to see how others were doing. And while others can influence us and motivate us, I want to remind someone that NO ONE CAN BE YOU BETTER THAN YOU.

I'll be very transparent and use my own experiences as an example. My purpose, condensed, is writing and encouraging people. Often times quotes come without thought to me. These are the gifts I've been given from God. But my writing style isn't traditional. It's to the point and raw. What some people may take paragraphs to write or say, flows through me in one sentence.

Here's my point. I admire many authors and contemporary people truly making a difference. But I find that when I share their work, say or do something as they would, it doesn't nearly have the same affect as when they did/said it initially.

So I stay in my lane. I am not graced to speak on finances, so I don't go there. I am currently not married, so I won't touch that. These pipes of mine sing best in the shower and unashamedly during praise and worship, but I bet you'll never catch me trying to record the next 'hit' with auto-tune. You see, I stay in my lane.

Although staying in your own lane sounds like a restricting term, it can actually make one limitless. It means that one knows the gifts that they were birthed with, and they can take the time to perfect them.

Again, THERE'S NO ONE QUITE LIKE YOU.

But let's be clear. Just because you're not great in a certain area doesn't mean you should never touch it whatsoever. But it does mean before hoping from one project to the next, from one area to another, perfect your craft or simply just be you.

No one has walk, talk, talents, experiences, swag, vision, assignment, grace, purpose just like yours. Walk in THAT authority. That you can never be a carbon copy because you are too busy being an original. SO what if they hate on you?! People often mock what they can't jock. Be who God created YOU to be.

Are you having trouble finding out what you're purpose is? You find that out on bended knees.

Through experience and trying to silence my purpose for so many years, I can tell you this: Your purpose is that vision that keeps coming upon you no matter how many times you try to ignore it. Your purpose is you doing that thing and hours passing with it feeling like a second. Your purpose are those visions so great that they keep you up at night. I can't tell you your purpose but I can tell you it's waiting for you and I am waiting for you to bless us all with it! 

  

Don't Get Caught Up In The Hype

We live in a cut throat world. Just as soon as we think we have the hottest, latest phone or pair of shoes, a new one makes it 'cold' two weeks later. We just can't keep up. Why waste time trying to? 

Contemporary society says cars, bling and more material things are representative of our success. Although those things are awesome, they are not the only representation of success. Americans are buying more than they can afford to impress people who don't really care.

You want proof? According to Nerd Wallet, just check out the American Household Credit Card Debt Statistics latest information

U.S. household consumer debt profile:

• Average credit card debt: $15,257

• Average mortgage debt: $149,782

• Average student loan debt: $34,703

You don't want to see America's total debt numbers. And you can blame the government all you want, but each of us have a responsibility for our own well-being. Don't get caught up in the hype. People may have a lot to 'show for' but nothing saved up in the bank for their future. People may have some nice cars in their drive way, and feel utterly empty inside. 

That is why it's so important to be rooted on solid ground. It's not what other people see that defines you or makes you successful, it's what is going on within you. Are you living your dreams? Are you surrounding yourself with positive people? Are you spending more time on instagram than you spend with God? Are you happy, forreal?

You can settle for the show, or you can invest in the background work first. Have a solid root that lives beyond all seasons and grows larger than a naked eye can fathom. It's not just about what others see, it's what's going down behind the scenes.

#LetsKeepItAuthentic 

X-Out Social Media X-perience Social Life

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to participate in a Social Media Fast. It didn't take a lot of thought to know that the Lord was compelling me to be a part of it. I had done a semi fast from Facebook before but really didn't have anyone to hold me accountable so it was a little easier to "slip up".  I challenged my children to be a part of it as well.  We fasted from Facebook, instagram, twitter, games, as well as limited t.v. and radio. 

Day one was rough! I found myself going to my phone almost as natural as I picked up a cigarette and smoked before God delivered me. Without even thinking about it, it was so easy to start something and then get distracted by Facebook before. Honestly, I had to delete the whole app off of my phone and deactivate it. That evening my middle son and I had gotten into an argument because I had asked him to turn off the music he was playing. I was beginning to enjoy the quiet, with four kids that is simply rare.  I was able to expose the stronghold that  cell phone music had on him because of his reaction. 

Almost every night that week we read either a chapter out of the Bible or a devotional, talk about it and then we pray. Our usual 15 minutes lasted an hour. I was elated!! I even asked the kids  if there was anyone at school that was in need of  prayer and they came up with quite a list! It was awesome for them to be able to see all the people around us that are in need. 

That Friday, an Ice cream shop called Sweet Frog was having a Father, daughter "Princess and the Sweet Frog night."  I took my daughter because her father doesn't live here.  It was quite busy, there were lots of  pretty little girls dressed up in princess dresses with Tiaras. We had to wait a little while for a table but once we got one I noticed a dad holding his daughter,  trying to feed her too.  I offered him to come sit at our table. He gladly accepted. When he sat down I began to reach for my phone so I could  "hide behind it" so to speak. BUT I was fasting, so I pressed passed that awkward feeling and asked him a few questions.

Its amazed me how we were in deep conversation about life. His young daughter showed me pictures of herself, her mommy and  her daddy on his phone. It was great. I thought 'wow, this little girl is so proud of her daddy. (Isn't that how we feel about our Heavenly Father?)' He shared how he had just got off of work and rushed her over here to get ice cream.  I wondered what MOM was doing home alone for that little bit of free time too. 

Well, as we got ready to leave I was waiting for my little ones to finish up, I paused and looked around at all the little princesses and their daddy's. I then noticed that out of about 7 dads, 5 of them were on their phone, not even talking to their daughters as they sat there eating ice cream. My heart began to physically ache and I thought wow, look at all these little girls sitting "alone" entertaining themselves with ice cream as daddy plays on his phone. 

I walked behind one man and saw that he was playing Ruzzle. :/   I instantly began to pray and ask God to forgive me for anytime I may have made it seem like my phone was more important than talking to my children. It took me all the way back to my childhood, having parents that were there but not there if that makes any sense. It made me ill to think that we have come to a place where we hide behind phones, text messages and social media. We don't TALK to each other anymore. 

I'm so grateful that God allowed me to fast and see this for myself. I got so much accomplished this week and was able to focus on the more important things in my life. I would encourage anyone to try it for yourself and see what you have been missing out on!!!

Meet Tabata~ You can email her at here

I am so full of joy just to be loved by Jesus. I have a heart for children and making people feel special, valued and loved. I think every woman should know she is BEAUTIFUL, I'm still learning that for myself.

A Spirit of Excellence

I listened to this sermon by Joel Olsteen the other day about the Spirit of Excellence. Before I get into the message, can I just say that Joel Olsteen is THAT dude?! Only Joel can give a puncturing Word of God slap in your face, still keep a huge smile on his, while not offending anyone. haha

Anyway, the message talked about having a spirit of excellence in our PRESENT situation.

We may not have our dream house but what are we doing to take care of the house we were blessed with? Are you keeping it titty and everything neat? Are you taking care of the grass or just letting it grow all out of control? 

We might not be graced with a husband of wife that we want, but what are we doing to make ourselves better and where are we looking? Are we all up in the ratchet club expecting to meet a graceful partner? Are we carrying ourselves with respect and dignity?

 We may not have that job or promotion but what are you doing to excel in the one now? Are you clocking out 15 minutes early? Going on facebook, twitter AND instagram every chance you get or are you putting in that extra time, going above and beyond when no one is looking, and still preforming to a tee when your boss is on vacation?

You see, God isn't going to bless us with our next, until we appreciate our now.

Casual Co-Signers

It's always nice to have a group of supporters and friends. Let's Keep It Authentic though, there's going to be times where it seems that no one is holding you down. All the plans you all had together continue to fall flat. They stop working out with you in your supposed to be mutual health spree. They stop shouting you out for your next event. They cancel that movie date you had together. They aren't as dedicated to the goal as you are.

That's okay though! Don't be offended (we're all grown folk with free will)! Don't stop moving! You don't have to wait on them! Keep working out. Go to that movie alone. Enroll in that class you have been wanting to try out. Start your next new project.

Walk alone in confidence, knowing that God is with you where ever you go. Don't block your blessings by not being open to change and tackeling those fears. He is all the back up you need when your back is up against the wall.

Each of us should be striving to better ourselves from morning to sunset as if we were getting paid!

We all appreciate support and shouldn't be too proud to ask for it when need be, but the beauty in your dreams/goals is that fact that you believe in them even when it seems no one else does. Wait on the Lord, not people.

Trusting In God's Timing

Trust in Gods timing. It can sound cliche it's been said to us so many times. I won't front. Sometimes its hard to understand why our hard work hasn't paid off yet. It seems as if every one else is getting promoted, all of your friends are getting engaged or married, or someone else gets their 'big break'. And you're just sitting there witnessing it all. You think God, "where's my promotion, where my husband/wife, why can't I can't my piece of the pie?"

  

 Would it drive you crazy to trust that God is never one second late? That promise He made to you may come to  pass in 5 years or one week. That promotion may have not come maybe because a year from now you'll get a greater one that will blow your socks off. Maybe your 'boo'  never proposed because he was never the husband God ordained for you. Maybe you were rejected because God knew that if He gave you the blessing then and there, you wouldn't have been able to handle it maturely. Maybe you're struggling just a little bit longer so that you learn how to grip a little bit tighter to Him.

Trust in His timing. Not because I am saying that it's always easy, but because it is ALWAYS worth it. That rejection may have just been for your protection. That closed door may just lead you to the best door. Trust Him. He is never one second late no matter how much our advanced clocks count the milliseconds.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A Time for Everything

3 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

² a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Love Others How They Want To Be Loved

Love others how they want to be loved, not how you want to be loved. Many present day relationships come to an end as fast as they came to be. In the end, it seems as if someone is always pointing the blame in the opposite direction. Although he/she may have been wrong, have you thought about the effort that you put in to love that person as they wanted to be loved?

We can be so selfish at times with our partner; majority of the time, not even realizing it. It’s only natural to have an expectation of love we receive with the same love that we give. For example, one may consider being left alone and given space when upset a form of love from their partner, while the other may want to be coddled when hurting. It’s so important to understand each other’s love language. Then you all can grow and teach each other, instead of rip each other apart from simple misunderstandings.

Take the time to truly get to know each other and challenge each other to love the other how they want to be loved, not how you want to be loved. After all, isn't love all enduring? Love cannot blossom to its full potential until it’s nurtured.

Just Fly Bumble Bee

Did you know that bees were never meant to fly; aerodynamically speaking?

According to the laws of science the bee’s body is too large and heavy for its frail and small wings to hold it. Technically speaking, the insect that has been found to have one of the most impressive and advanced species systems (such as creating honey, following their queen bee structure and carrying on the legacy of photosynthesis), should ONLY be able to crawl. Yet bees travel in packs into untold lands for a greater purpose. The bees never think “what if I fall?” They never stop and compare their wings to others. They just go. With their one weapon’s use costing their life, they fly against all measures with no fear.

The bee reminds me of all the limits we put on ourselves. It’s like the moment our faults are pointed out; we start to believe them too. Who says you’re not good enough to fly? Who told you that you can’t change for the better NOW? Who said you've got to be like them?

One of the most amazing things about God is that he uses some of the most unexpected candidates. Then He qualifies the one’s brave enough to look past the technicalities of the world. If faith can move mountains, will you let mountains move you? Or will you soar above the say so’s and supposed to’s and just go?

Sometimes I even doubt myself. But then God reminds me that this is a journey. Don’t waste your time wishing and talking as I have before. Just fly. 

A Poem For Your Children on Christmas

Let us not forget the Christ in Christmas. As our children frolic along in their innocence this season, let us never think they are too young to know the truth about it. I found this poem that I wanted to share with you all. Who knows, maybe parents will even benefit. ;-)

"Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.

JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

 

You have to wait in line to see Santa.

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?"

JESUS knew your name before you did.

Not only does He know your name,

He knows your address too.

He knows your history and future and

He even knows how many hairs are on your head.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO.

JESUS offers Health, Help and Hope.

Santa says "You better not cry."

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."

Santa's little helpers make toys.

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but.

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree.

JESUS became our gift and died on a cross.

Yes, from sin He sets us free!"

Hurt People, Hurt People. Be Free.

Goodness it's so easy to forget when caught smack in the middle of confrontation.

 No matter how wrong someone may be towards us, we've got to be mindful. In fact, we really may not know where they're coming from no matter what angle they're presently coming in. You may have no idea the abuse they've experienced or that the same actions that they're displaying are only the same principles taught to them growing up.

I am not trying to alleviate all responsibility because wrong is wrong right is right, but you never know what other people are going through internally...no matter how much their outward appearance may tell a different story.

If you yourself are hurting inside, God is the healer of all wounds not visible to the natural eye. Allow Him to heal you. The temporary ointment of the world won't suffice. The compliments won't withstand. The lust won't command...much of anything. Heal. Keep It Authentic with yourself.

And if I'm going to Keep It Authentic, the boldest thing I ever did was come to the alter and admit to Jesus that my heart was in pieces.

He will heal you. Because realistically, hurt people only end up hurting other people and themselves.

Today on Independence day be FREE. Free from the bondage and chains that have tried to maintain in your heart, spirit and mind. Be FREE of insecurities and judgement. Be FREE of distrust. Be FREE from lust. Be FREE from the feeling of abandonment. You are good enough. You are wonderful. You are healed. 

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” (Psalm 145:8)

Who Lied To You?

Who lied to you and told you that you had to be perfect to come to God?

A friend of mine once said "I am not ready because I'm not ready to live my life like that."

Like what?

There's this strong misconception that one has to COME cleansed but that is an upright LIE! The Lord says "come as you are!"

Allow me to tell yall what that means.

That means broken, broke, abused, addicted, boisterous, cunning, deceiving, fraudulent, hopeless, insecure, jacked up, killer, sinner, lustful, knocked up, liar, hurt, used, bruised, backslider, opportunist, drug dealer, prostitute, and everything in between.

You come willing and He will do the rest. Know that it's going to take work, and a surpassing faith but He will bring comfort, peace, healing and restoration to every area of your life and the lives of your family if you trust Him enough to say "I can't do this without You" and then obey.

What are you waiting for? There's no mess too big or no heart too broken for God.

It's not a sprint. It's a marathon. Keep Going!

Spread Your Wings Butterfly

A butterfly will never crawl again. It might take a rest depending on the seasons, but its wings will not fall off unless pulled by an inanimate object.  Stay clear and do not fear what’s in front or behind. Just FLY as much as you can and never trip over a small ripple, they are only thrown in to amp up your momentum! 

If something or someone today tried to knock you off your path just praise God for them and keep flying. No one ever said the path would be easy, but there's no feeling greater than flying with purpose. Which way are you going today? You are not the 'caterpillar' you once were! All those legs before and all along you just needed two wings. Fly butterfly, FLY.  

Date ALONE ???

Maybe this whole notion of being alone is natural to me since I was an only child. Do you know that there’s actually adults who fear being anywhere, but the bathroom, alone?  

They especially fear being seen in public alone, like say going to the movies, dinner or park. They think that gives them entitlement to 'creeper status' or gets them put in the same category as an elder alone that’s lost their spouse.

When we see an elderly person alone its actually quite sad if one has any type of heart. Some of us tend to associate ourselves in these positions and say “no, you’ve got to be a sad person to attempt to have fun (or fill in the blank) alone.”

I profoundly and boldly say: when you know and love yourself, YOU are your best company.

You see this world is so cluttered with mess, and texts, and facebook, and twitter, and boyfriends, and crazy girlfriends, fake people, work, bills, and a bunch of other things other than us.

How can one hear his or her own voice of reason clearly or talk to God when there’s so much noise? How can we truly appreciate the little things like our breath and absolutely invest our hearts in the moment? 

Because all we have is right now.

The people that don’t like to be alone many times get grumpy when there’s no company, feeling neglected by others when the truth is they’ve neglected themselves and their personal issues for so long that they just don’t know how to deal with them alone or without the validation and support of other worldly people.

I personally love those “Sunday mornings of life,” as India Arie calls them. Those moments to reflect and realize what I have to offer to this world and how important it is to put INVEST in me an equal balance for what I put OUT.

The truth of the matter is, the more time we don’t sit and let everything marinate; the harder it will be to deal with the future. Although it seems that the ones who are always in a hurry and anxious not to miss anything the crowd is doing are 'winning', they’ll eventually run into stagnation if they don’t take that time alone.

If it’s been a while since you took yourself on a date, I strongly advise you to do so. Turn off your phone and get lost. Stop at the cool little ice cream shop you look at every time you drive by. Go jogging in that park full of nature. Visit that museum that you cannot convince any of your lame friends to go to. Purchase a book and go into outer space.

It’s “sexy season” as my friend Stephanie Rosen likes to say. I’ll interpret that as, it’s time to take care of YOU!   

Just Like the Bear

Soooooo I haven’t posted in a while and I’d like to say that I was extremely busy, but I always have been so I cannot use that as an excuse.


A few weeks ago when I was posting consistently, the amount of love I got was tremendous and far beyond what I ever anticipated. I was connected with not just people in close proximity but people from all over the world sending me messages and commending me on my work.

I was so flattered. What would seem to most at an initiative to keeeeep writing, suddenly left me frozen. I started truly questioning myself and why I seem to run away from spotlight positions. Was I scared of my own possible success? Have other people ever felt the way I did?

In the world we live in today, there are millions of people who have that front and center mentality. Some will lie, manipulate, and mislead to get there. I guess I never wanted to be associated with these people.

I don’t want to be another trending topic just to be able to retweet that I was. I want to inflict that inspiration that will be “pending” inside of others hearts and levitate to the surface when they need it most. I don’t want to be successful just to tell others I was. I want the essence of my spirit to never be forgotten and to be passed down.

I guess I stop writing and reciting when it seems demanding. When I created this blog it was not supposed to ever run on a dead line. It wasn’t to write things to keep my readers interested but have no substance in what I’m saying. It wasn’t to build on my numbers or my brand. It was to touch just one because I knew that if my words touched one, then they would touch another.

Please forgive me for my inconsistency but just know that this blog will always reflect its title. I won’t go on command because of the demand of a crowd.

I’m not scared of success. I’m just scared of not keeping it authentic.

Bare with me because I will take those topics that people are scared to discuss or don’t know how to word out of hibernation. I will find those missing gems (of people) that have been hidden in the cracks.

Just like the bear I need my rest. My inspiration comes from those moments of silence, not the applaud of a crowd.

Love Re-Directed (Spoken Word)

For The Love Of Money?

What is this fad going on for the love of money? It’s causing people to be selfish and act in immoral ways. It’s tearing up homes, relationships, and trust. Since when does money love you back?


Instead of preaching “money is what I’m all about,” why not speak about the passion you have to use in order to get that attainment of constant cash? I know it’s easy to be blinded by the media and celebrities in their flashy life styles but how do you suppose they got there? By doing that something that they love; for the ones who got there off of talentless stunts, it’s because they were the first ones to do it, and we gave them our undivided attention. Now, many people are living fast and immorally to have money to take a picture with on their facebook for the world to see.

This facade is so discouraging to the young people. I spoke to this young man the other day and I asked him “what do you want to do when you get older?” He answered “I want to be rich!” When I asked him how he planned to get there he told me that he didn’t know but he doesn’t care what he has to do. He proceeded to tell me that he would rob a bank or sell drugs if had to. I know those statement weren’t technically literal but they said a lot.

The upcoming generations see fast money out of indecent and denigrating acts. They see the ultimate prize but they don’t see the legitimate struggle. They don’t see the work that it takes get money on a consecutive basis. They just see money. So how will they get it? That is not really the question. The real question is, how will they keep it?

I know most people are thinking “Paloma, you’re a fool for saying money doesn’t matter.” That is not what I’m saying at all. I am not ignorant, I have my own bills. I understand we ALL need that paper to stay afloat. But what I’m talking about is the kids or people who have the misconception that money is the “be all end all” to the definition of success.

Success is weighed not by the color of your bank card or the size of the rims on your car. Today, young people make the money just to be able to stunt. They work so hard for the things that true hard workers get with their play money. They aim for that fast money. To get to top in a flash, shitting on whoever gets in their way.

I just pray that you teach your children to not chase money but to chase their dreams. If they do that to the best of their ability, money will flow effortlessly. It’s NOT easy. But that’s what differentiates successful people from mediocre people…and most definitely selfish people. Aim for something that lasts…