As the old year ends and the new one begins, both transition seamlessly, one making way for the other. This silent passage beautifully reflects the continuous circle of life. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas from my family to yours!
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. ~Romans 8:26-27 NIV
If life is happening, then you’re capable of handling its demands. This is something I’ve learned to say to myself. Especially after what appear to be tough times.
I called an old friend yesterday. She’s going through exactly what I struggled with five years ago. I remember hitting my own low point and feeling completely defeated. She sounded weary when she picked up, hopeless and unsure of herself. The worst part was that all her anxiety stemmed from worrying about local gossip and how others viewed her—I know that struggle intimately.
It’s an interesting truth that the struggles my friend is facing now are the same ones I once went through, and someone else is likely facing them, too. It can feel incredibly isolating, which is often the intention of the “prince of this world” as he wants us to feel alone and blow aimlessly with the winds of persecution.
But God has a different plan. He wants you to stay steadfast, with your eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. While it is genuinely difficult to remain prayerful during such challenging moments, God knows exactly when to intervene powerfully on your behalf.
Trust the process. Remember that the rarest and most precious gems are often formed under the most difficult, unexplainable, and uncontrollable situations. Your strength is being forged in this moment. Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Lord, I surrender my heart to Your scrutiny. Expose any hidden corners, any anxious thoughts, any way that offends You. Fill the emptiness with Your transforming peace, that I might know Your presence fully. Amen
“I am bound to them though I cannot look into their eyes or hear their voices. I honor their history. I cherish their lives. I will tell their story. I will remember them for I am the result of the very love, struggle, sacrifice and journey of thousands.” Author Unknown
Good day from the beautiful lands of Colorado! Well! I never seem to post blogs I’ve written. Let’s see if this one will make the light of day.
A few days ago, I reached out to a second cousin on a genealogy website with what I thought was a simple question—just to find out which of her parents was connected to us. She responded that she couldn’t help because she doesn’t have access to my family tree. I wasn’t asking for much; I just wanted to know that one simple thing. That’s all I needed!
I told her I would grant her access to the tree I created for her and her family. I then clarified that I make a separate tree for each DNA match. I do this until I figure out how the person is related to me. This process helps me avoid errors.
Every tree will have errors, especially in the early stages of researching family history. And! I made several mistakes during my early research. Nothing frustrates me more than discovering such inaccuracies, only to have to pause my current research project. It is necessary to correct these errors, as leaving them unaddressed only deepens frustration and confusion.
My decision to deny access to my main genealogy tree instantly halted communication. I have since removed the pending invitation. This interaction reinforced a critical life lesson: Be selective about granting access to private spaces and data. People must be more intentional about setting these boundaries.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we ask that you watch over us on our journey to discover our family’s past. Amen
Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way. Proverbs 19:2 ESV
Making informed decisions usually leads to positive outcomes. Trust me, there are days when I’m not so insightful, but today, I’m feeling confident and in control!
About a week ago, I received the 2025 annual survey from E-470 via email. At first glance, it seemed simple, but my ten years of experience prompted me to proceed cautiously. I took my time to ensure my responses were well-considered, recognizing the importance of making informed decisions. While the survey appears harmless, I am intrigued by the potential changes it might bring and how those adjustments could affect me as an E-470 driver.
Do you tend to make quick decisions like my mother and me? Do you often regret not doing things differently afterward? You’re not alone. Many people make snap choices and later feel remorse. The key to overcoming this habit is to recognize your mistakes, learn from them, and continue forward without guilt.
God desires us to make informed decisions, but many of us struggle with this. Consequently, we often find ourselves in recurring difficult situations. This is a common experience for us all at times. However, we don’t have to live in ongoing storms. Such a life isn’t healthy, nor is it what God plans for those He loves and cares for. His hope is for us to enjoy our time on Earth and to help others do the same. Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Father God, today presents new opportunities for growth and blessing. We embrace the chance to make positive choices that honor You and bring light into our lives. Amen
To whom much is given, much is required! Luke 12:48
Greetings from the stunning Rocky Mountains of Colorado! I hope everything is going well for you. If not, I pray that God’s grace, mercy, and wisdom illuminate your path as you navigate your spiritual journey.
This is a reminder to remove garden hoses from outside spigots. Failure to do so can lead to plumbing issues, which can be costly to fix. Please go outside and detach the hose from the spigot promptly to avoid unnecessary problems.
Typically, I don’t cover my spigots, but I’ve noticed some neighbors who do. How much effort you put into protecting your spigots from winter freezing is your choice. However, removing the hose is the first step in preventing freezing damage.
Believe it or not, keeping up with your home maintenance can help you avoid violation notices from your Home Owner Association (HOA).
Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong. ~Ella Fitzgerald
Sigh. I have been occupied with negotiations with a contractor. Consequently, I overlooked composing a post addressing how African Americans can successfully navigate and prosper within Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs). Sorry!
It is the autumn season. It is time to inspect gutters, test carbon monoxide detectors, examine fireplaces, seal air leaks, clean gutters and downspouts, store lawn furniture, winterize sprinkler systems, insulate pipes, remove garden hoses from spigots, repair window caulk, seal gaps with caulk, check for drafts, test smoke detectors, inspect furnaces, replace furnace filters, plant grass seed, rake leaves, purchase clearance fertilizer, winterize lawns, and blow out sprinkler systems. I acknowledge that this is a lengthy list; however, it is essential that these tasks be completed. Your future self will express gratitude in the spring. Furthermore, due to your ethnicity, all eyes are upon you. So! Shine!
I recommend that everyone apply a winterizer fertilizer to their lawns. My favorite is Ferti-Lome’s winterizer, although I also use other fertilizers when they are on sale, such as Mountain States Weed & Feed, which I have purchased for as low as $1.70 per bag.
Outdoor maintenance is essential; therefore, it is advisable to create a weekend checklist. Please remember to work at your own pace to remain proactive regarding Old Man Winter and to comply with the Homeowners’ Association rules and regulations.
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” ~Amelia Earhart
I apologize for not posting on Friday. Unfortunately, I am having issues with a contractor. As a result, I spent the day drafting a message to him and his general manager, but didn’t send it. I plan to send it soon, carefully choosing my words to clearly express my expectations for their workmanship. I want to be concise and avoid verbosity when I finally send the message [sigh]. Oh! Well! So! Let’s talk about navigating Homeowners Associations.
In my community, there are two HOAs—something I only discovered after my HOA foreclosed on over 50 homes. As fate would have it, I, for once in my life, went through the mail. I saw I had several violation notices. I contacted the attorney’s office. The woman I spoke with was cold as ice. She told me I needed to sell my inoperable car and pay the fines.
My car was in the driveway and a tire had gone flat. I was planning on having the car fixed but I was taking care of my elderly mom. As a result, my income was affected by caring for her and I couldn’t get the car fix. But! I would put air in the tires when I noticed them on a flat! Sadly, the time I didn’t was flagged by the HOA.
Well, anyhow, after being told to sell my car, I called the HOA. I explained my situation. They waived their fees, but I still had to pay the attorney fees. I agreed to the terms of a payment plan. I consistently made my payments on time. I used any extra funds to settle the remaining balance. Eventually, I moved on, learning from the experience.
I now contact the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) at least four times annually to verify whether I have any outstanding violations. To date, I have received only one notice, which was a result of the addition of two security cameras. I addressed the issue by informing the HOA that my truck had been broken into. Regrettably, the only camera was positioned too far to clearly recognize the perpetrator, so I added the cameras. They acknowledged the violation, and no penalty was imposed.
SUGGESTIONS
Bookmark your HOA website
Put your HOA among your email contacts
Download and read Governing Documents
Download and read Policies and Resolutions
Download all forms
Set reminders to email your HOA four times annually, checking for violations
Get involved
Let’s pray!
Father God, help us in managing our lives with the professionalism of a business. Help us to assume the roles of CEO’s over our personal affairs. Amen
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— Psalm 103:2 NIV
Good day. I want to assert that I am an American. Society recognizes me as an older woman of color, and I proudly embrace this identity. The words of God affirm that I am His child. As my spiritual connection to Him keeps me steadfast in my growth and evolution on my spiritual journey. However, my husband reminds me daily that my personality is classified as type “A.” Until today, I had never researched the characteristics associated with this type. I must admit, I am pretty impressed—WOW!
Well, let us commence. I am committed to this series, as it addresses a vital issue affecting Black homeowners living in Homeowner Association (HOA) communities.
Firstly, I would like to inform you that HOAs are a means of land grabbing. And Black people aren’t getting it! We move into these communities with high hope that we are no longer “separate but equal. ” We soon realize our homes are constantly under scrutiny, as the figurative glass ceiling limiting home-ownership shatters around us.
NEW FLASH! Black Americans will never see a day when we are equal to anyone, anybody. Period! Now! Let’s discuss how to protect ourselves, our family, and our properties when living in HOAs.
You must understand these principles clearly if you live in an HOA. This is also important if you are planning to buy a home in an HOA.
If you struggle with discipline when it comes to yard work, an HOA property is not ideal. However, there are pros and cons of living in an HOA. And if you can help your children respect community spaces, they are less likely to be targeted. Maintaining personal boundaries is essential for parents and children residing in HOA communities. Now! Here’s the key to thriving in HOAs: ‘pride of ownership.” If you don’t have it, be prepared for ongoing fines and fees. And! Yes! And HOA can sell your home even if you are current on your mortgage payments! Let’s pray!
PRAYER
Father God, we fervently ask for the mental and spiritual strength to live in HOAs. Ignite in us the wisdom to understand the rules before we dare to challenge them. Unleash a flood of opportunities for living within an HOA as others seek to destroy us. Amen
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
It’s almost two in the morning, and I realize I must have fallen asleep early again. The house is peacefully quiet, and I want to do everything I can to not wake my family. So, I’ll settle at my desktop and write a little about why each new day fills me with joy.
When I was in my twenties, my mom essentially sent me into exile. She had no idea how her reckless decision, based on a lie, would impact me and my kids. My mom was aware that the world was a harsh and unforgiving place to navigate with a family. And she knew it’s even tougher without a support system. Yet, she still sent her child and grandchildren into it unprepared and unprotected. I remember crying a lot during this time.
Money was tight, and I had no clear career path, feeling like hope was out of reach. Without family support to guide me, I struggled to find my purpose. I was going through a string of relationships, searching for love, but often felt taken advantage of. That’s when God’s hand moved, and I was led into therapy.
Throughout my journey, I saw multiple therapists. One therapist stands out for telling me, “I don’t get why you’re so comfortable staying stuck.” In hindsight, it was heartbreaking—he didn’t realize that being mentally stuck felt like my sanctuary. It wasn’t until a decade later that his comment sunk in. And it was then that I began to make strides in changing how I moved throughout my life and the lives of others.
I made plenty of mistakes, but God’s grace was always there for me, each and every day. From the challenging life I struggled through, I learned about grace. I started sharing this lesson with my children. Grace became the reason why my children and I understood what family truly means. Let’s pray!
PRAYER
God, thank you for every day to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. Amen
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44. KJV
Why is praying for your enemies important? Well, before we briefly discuss the topic, good morning from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado!
I’m not sure about your perspective, but I don’t enjoy making enemies. I honestly try to avoid doing so whenever I can. Also, I often find myself trying to make others happy, becoming a “people pleaser” most of the time. It’s a role that makes me feel terrible when I know the person doesn’t deserve my kindness.
I think that creating a peaceful prayer environment involves letting go of any fears that hold us back. So, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to guide us in our prayers, as we truly need His support and guidance.
PRAYER
Holy Spirit, praying a peaceful prayer for our enemies can sometimes be difficult, but we thank you for guiding us. We invite you to join us as we speak with the Heavenly Father. Help us approach the Throne of Grace with sincere respect and gentle kindness, knowing your love makes all things possible. Father, God, you understand what my enemies need to draw closer to you. You know how they can find the peace their souls long for. We kindly ask you to enter their lives without delay, and your presence will be deeply felt by everyone. Amen.
Black Women Have It Going On 