Having people who “don’t prefer you,” means you are living life as your true authentic self.
That you aren’t trying to make everyone like you or, “people please.”
When you, “people please,” you rob God’s handiwork in allowing others to be touched by His masterpiece…which is, of course—YOU.
Practicing self care, self love can also include simply being yourself.
Embody You.
Stay in your own lane—with God.
You will always be loved by Him and be safe.
He made You—on Purpose!
And He made You—for a Purpose!
Today’s blog post is dedicated to my Grandma, Norma Jean Vensel, one of the only members of my family to actually take interest in, and read my writing. She passed away this month at the age of 89; this one is for you, Grandma—thank you for always making me feel proud of who I am as a loved Child of God.
My past tells me there is nothing worse than family pain, but even worse than that is when it becomes public. I remember trying very hard (in the moment) to not say or do anything I’d later regret, to rise above, and to grant forgiveness even though it was never asked for, even when I was being dragged through the coals unnecessarily or when I felt completely wronged. I stayed silent.
I said nothing in response to the character attacks, to the assassination that was me… And I apologized for anything I could’ve done to deserve abandonment. And I stayed silent.
No one knew the truth. My truth. And I didn’t dare suggest it in order to not disrespect my family or out them in their privacy. Even though they ripped mine apart. I stayed silent.
In the end I apologized for things that I could’ve been accountable for, which were nill, but I did it anyway. I did it to reestablish the peace, not just for me, but for my household, the ones living amongst my pain and chaos. And then, I stayed silent.
After this was over, after I was forgiven, I never was afforded the same understanding. And I stayed silent.
It bothered me briefly, but I put it away and moved on…I stayed silent.
What I learned is that some people need to be understood in their own ignorance. That some people need left right where they are so that you can move on… Some people will never get the opportunity to grow because they can’t allow themselves to see fault or accept any type of accountability or responsibility for their part that they played in anything. And that is the true crime—the life that’s not lived. The stagnant soul. The one that refuses change. Change being the reason life’s worth living in the first place.
Everybody knows that the dice are loaded Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed Everybody knows the war is over Everybody knows the good guys lost Everybody knows the fight was fixed The poor stay poor, the rich get rich That’s how it goes Everybody knows
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking Everybody knows that the captain lied Everybody got this broken feeling Like their father or their dog just died Everybody talking to their pockets Everybody wants a box of chocolates And a long-stem rose Everybody knows
Everybody knows that you love me baby Everybody knows that you really do Everybody knows that you’ve been faithful Oh, give or take a night or two Everybody knows you’ve been discreet But there were so many people you just had to meet Without your clothes Everybody knows
Everybody knows, everybody knows That’s how it goes Everybody knows Everybody knows, everybody knows That’s how it goes Everybody knows
And everybody knows that it’s now or never Everybody knows that it’s me or you And everybody knows that you live forever When you’ve done a line or two Everybody knows the deal is rotten Old Black Joe’s still picking cotton For your ribbons and bows And everybody knows
And everybody knows that the Plague is coming Everybody knows that it’s moving fast Everybody knows that the naked man and woman Are just a shining artifact of the past Everybody knows the scene is dead But there’s gonna be a meter on your bed That will disclose What everybody knows
And everybody knows that you’re in trouble Everybody knows what you’ve been through From the bloody cross on top of Calvary To the beach of Malibu Everybody knows it’s coming apart Take one last look at this Sacred Heart Before it blows Everybody knows
Valentine’s Day has always been my favorite. Not just because of the candy and sweets, but because I always seemingly had a boyfriend when I was younger that gave me cool gifts and made me feel special around this time of year.
As I got older though, this obviously changed—hugely. I found myself depressed and disappointed in no longer receiving gifts that were met with surprise gasps and ahs, ones that were no longer secret and special, and ones that now felt forced and commercialized instead.
That’s when I decided to make Valentine’s Day MY holiday. And I was going to make it AWESOME.
Holiday School Treat Bags
I think one of my favorite things about being a mom is that you have full reign to make things what you want them to be for others and for yourself. You can, to a certain extent, create excitement, happiness, and joy within your home
Dunkin Donuts Brownie Batter Hearts
Maybe you didn’t get a certain tradition you wanted growing up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create heartfelt memories of your own once you become an adult…
Jetta can’t dance, but she sure can sing!
And in this house—we celebrate! Valentine’s Day has always been a special something for us here; we endorse love. And we get excited about this one day of the year that we can go over the top with it too.
We hope you and yours had a great day of love this year, and remember—love is everywhere, and it should be celebrated every day, not just on one day each year!
Heart Shaped Red Sprinkle Cake
Tell us how you shared Valentine’s Day this year! We’d love to hear from you! ❤️🥳😎
Party Gatherings 