Inspired By LOVE

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01.04.15

Published by esse11e

Dear Lord,

Thank you for bringing us through and into another year! As we continue to journey on, help us to live slowly enough to experience life. Give us longevity in this year, oh Lord. As we resolve to be better people, to learn more and to grow, give us the strength to endure challenges, confidence to work through them, and courage throughout the process. Help us to have wisdom and spirits of discernment that we may follow only the path that you have designed for us. Even as we pray, let us to be thankful. We don’t want only to ask for things, but to work toward them as well, so long as the work is pleasing unto you. It is so easy to become overwhelmed with goals and changes we desire to accomplish; give us peace; allow us to be mindful of our strides that we set attainable goals. Show us our supporters, too, Lord, that we may not always journey alone. Allow us to support those around us, to uplift and encourage, to be light in a sometimes dark world, to shake salt on the unseasoned in Christ.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen. ❤

Merry Christmas!

Published by esse11e

Hi guys!!! Okay. So, I want to apologize, not for the things I have been doing, but for those I have not. I committed myself to writing here regularly, but for the past week and some change, I have not… But I will say that the time “off” has been nourishing.

First and foremost, I was able to think, reflect, and write… A LOT! So I have tons to share.

Possibly more valuably, however, I was truly able to live ‘In The Moment(s)’… I spent time with my church, hung out with several friends, celebrated some birthdays, babysat, danced, and celebrated Christmas with family… Including special experiential gifts with my two first loves! 👪

Living in the moment, for me, is not just about saying I’ve done something, but truly experiencing it. I have realized that I actually have to slow down to engage with the world around me. “What memory can I have of something if I never spend time with it?” I ask myself.

I took my mother to Chicago on 12.26.14. The “purpose” of the trip was to attend The Joffrey Ballet’s presentation of The Nutcracker. This may have been the first time I’ve ever sat in a production where (besides the on stage happenings) I could have heard a pin drop in a large auditorium! What I loved about this was that it demanded focus on the stage; I lived in every moment of it! Understated, it was amazing! My mother also enjoyed it as much as I, if not more, and it was priceless to see her smile. Now, while the ballet was the “purpose”, we also wanted to experience the Windy City! So we did, by foot; and though we traveled fast as we walked, we stopped everywhere we wished to take in all of the city’s offerings that we had time for. The Art Institvte (huge!!!) was our first stop, we also found our way to the Skydeck @ Willis Tower, ‘The Bean’ & other things at Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and United Center… to name a few.

After we flew back, I had to settle myself enough to regain energy so that I could take my father to the Dallas Cowboys game, 12.28.14! We played against the Redskins @ FedEx Field. While it seems a little less extravagant, the same sentiment is shared. My father and I bond greatly over sports; his interests have strongly influenced mine! America’s Team has been having a great season (especially on the road), and it’s been good to be a fan this year! 🙂 Needless to say, the experience was unparalleled… Laughing and cheering with daddy, alongside a slew of other fans… We were even able to find pleasure in the four miles of walking that day, rain & shine!

Now I know, Christmas isn’t about gifts or trees, it’s about celebrating the birth of Jesus! I did that too! And in short here, I’d like to share what giving means for me… Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, he gave freely his life for us, that we may have eternal life through him, that we may not “suffer” (so to speak) for our sinful ways. He has paid the debt for our consistent shortcomings. “God is love”… In giving, I am not trying to buy tighter knit familial ties or closer relationships with friends; as I give, I always hope that it is an expression that I have paid attention to those around me, that I understand (or seek to understand) what is of value to them, that I care, that I share, and most of all, that I love them enough to contribute to their happiness even when they are full with joy.

Fall.

Published by esse11e

Fall:

1. to drop or descend under force of gravity, as to a LOWER place through LACK of support.

2.to become less or lower in degree, amount, quality, value, number, etc. to decline.

3.to succumb to attack

4.to succumb to temptation or sin, especially becoming unchaste to one’s innocence.

These are just four of numerous definitions that basically say the same thing, only one of which reads that a fall may be voluntary…. But let me be the first to say I ain’t tryna fall in love, no more. I did it before, have you? Tell me what’s good about falling? I mean, the fall itself typically hurts, half the time your knees hurt when you stand back up, everyone around laughs and you’re embarrassed after the fact… but most importantly is the lesson: you are extremely careful when faced with similar circumstances.

I can’t tell you all that’s right in love, but i CAN tell you a lot about what it isn’t, and my experience with such.

Have you ever been infatuated with something or someone so much that you engulfed yourself in it/them?… That EVERYTHING else took a back seat, even you? I have, and I came to believe that behavior was love, as verb. Have you ever looked back on such a situation and truly evaluated it? VERB was a proper adjective, but it wasn’t describing love in my life. My definition of love changed probably every day. In the beginning, it was the friendship, that’s why I loved… somewhere way too soon (because I’ve learned and accept now that any time before marriage is) it was also equivalent, no, too relative to ~~sex~~ … and then it was the experience that came along with it… laughing at different things and sharing our opinions…

but then we had to agree on everything, because autonomy and love couldn’t coexist… that was probably my fault, because when someone cheats on you, you l o s e respect for his|her behavior when it gains acquaintance with autonomy. But then you forgive because people make mistakes, and forgiveness obviously means you pretend it never happened and can’t expect change -EVERYONE KNOWS THAT. But then they cheats again, and again, and s|he be[lie]ve[s]. Actually, s|he doesn’t –

But that verb. So now love means acceptance, because if you didn’t nag about the past, these things wouldn’t happen to you. And so you know it’s all wrong, but you believe in the first date, not reality, and you believe that because you’ve given everything there was to give,

[because the gift exchanges made “love” more bearable too] –

money, clothes, all your time, AND ALL THAT WAS PURE ABOUT YOU, you don’t deserve anything better. Have you ever? Have you ever looked back on such a situation and truly evaluated it? Have you recognized that your definition of love had fallen from it’s intent, as God shows it with

SACRIFICE |&| BEAUTY

juxtaposed in perfect harmony

descent,
attack,
failure,
depression,
unchaste. . .

I can tell you everything it ain’t. I can also tell you a little about what love’s supposed to be.

If God IS love, then shouldn’t it be unconditional? And more than anything, shouldn’t he lie in between, above and all around it?

[There’s something that taught us that falling in love was romantic… but if I can be honest,

I just want to walk into loves arm, read to it and have it read to me, look it in its eyes and see God’s plan for me and love, in reality. And when it holds my hand, they shall mold one in another, forever, never to let go of its own or my dreams, passion, or individuality, because together, we encourage one another, inspire higher, and choose to love as the Lord has commanded us: me & love.]

So if love’s a verb, is its definition to be static? Is it the word that’s a verb, or the expression of it? I can’t tell you everything it is… but I can tell you that your actions must show love, even if they aren’t always enabling or supporting something. Love, too, is a choice. So, when it matters – you know, when you and someone else have decided to love each other in the covenant of marriage, for a lifetime – you won’t agree on everything, you may be very angry, you will make mistakes, but you have to choose to love, in spite of. And as for me, I’ll try not falling into anything, though if I do, I trust that love will catch me, and pick us up again. I will wake grab love’s hand; I will encourage and support his dreams; I will be an ear to listen, a heart to love, and a mouth to speak when necessary. After I’ve smiled as love enters our home each night, I will walk into loves arms, I’ll tell love something special, I’ll ask how things had gone that day, and I’ll bask in all that makes us different, because a million of the exact same puzzle pieces makes for one dull picture. And as love and I lay, we shall never forget to pray. I’m more than sure that each of our next days will prosper this way.

❤

Romans 8:37-39; 1 Corinthians 13; tons! lol

The Happiness of Pursuit x Chris Guillebeau

Published by esse11e

So this book, The Happiness of Pursuit , I came across after reading Guillebeau’s The Art of Non-Conformity.

This one is a bit different.

The Happiness of Pursuit encourages quests that are meaningful to an individual. It intertwines encouragement, advice and testimonials in introducing readers to endless questing possibilities. I can honestly say that I struggled to finish this book, not because the content was not good, but I kind of felt I got the point before it was over. Nevertheless, it was a good read. I especially loved its focus on acknowledging purpose in one’s life.

Give it a shot.

Happy reading!

POTENTIAL.

Published by esse11e

I was going to talk past, and I actually have a great portion of that post written. But then I began to consider how much of my past was stifled by a contingent, potential future. I love extremely freely, and I believe in people. I more than believe, I refuse to doubt the potential of humanity… But what about the present reality?

Have you ever tried to motivate someone in a direction they weren’t interested in traveling?

Have you wanted something spectacular for someone who was content with mediocrity?

I learned in the hardest way to stop nurturing infatuation with the idea of what someone can be. Unless the person honing the potential is also inputting valiant effort, it’s a battle you’re fighting alone, a battle you cannot win. No matter how much I believe in someone else and want things for them, they will never attain things they, themselves, don’t believe in, desire, or work for… For themselves.

I remember being truly inspired by the conversation I could have with one guy. He was so intellectually intriguing, I enjoyed talking about the world with him. He wanted a new job, a new home, a whole shift in his life, honestly… And I was infatuated with the vision he wanted to realize without ever having to actualize the work it would require. And before him, I was in love more with the potential of my ex than what he was showing everyday. There were countless empty promises of what he would do|be… In the future… Without much indication of his moving in that direction.

But it’s not all about relationships. Consider those you mentor; consider every point in your circle (your friends); consider all the dreamers who never reach to chase them. For me, it’s exciting to consider all that the world and its inhabitants can be. But let’s acknowledge a simple truth: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17).

I have no end all, be all words. I can only express my own experience. But I’d hasten you to be aware of what is present. I believe in expectation, I believe in hoping for the best of others… I also believe in careful reflection of the here-and-now.

Even more, don’t be so blinded by what you think of someone else that you stop seeing a future for yourself. Never grow complacent – FLOAT – while you’re still breathing. Your potential you can control! The possibilities of your future are endless, in your hands.

God CAN do the impossible, Do not wait for a future that shows no place in the present. Work, baby, and fulfill that potential!

Until next time,
❤ Sammie

12.7.14

Published by esse11e

Dear Lord, thank you for your strength, your sacrifice, and your selflessness. You reign over all of us, you are creator, you are mighty and worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.

We cannot win a single victory alone, Oh Lord. We NEED YOU. There is not one single challenge we can overcome without you. Guide us, Lord, help us to be dependent on you alone. You deserve all that we have, for we are NOTHING without you.

As this country faces so many challenges, I want to pray now that you help us al to act in love. Lord, even as race shows itself an issue in this century, help us to see past it. Help us to live as you do, and to recognize that we ALL matter. Help us to build strong relationships so that you may raise a nation of true believers. No one can do it but you.

As we are sometimes fearful of our next days, help us to have faith in you. You are more than able to do those things we cannot. Fill us up with you, remove all doubt and help us to embrace the challenges that face us each day. You never said it would be easy, but we know that you can do all things, and that ALL THINGS work together for the good. When all seems lost, let us remain grateful unto you.

Thank you for life. Thank your for love.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen. ❤

What to Say When You Talk to Yourself x Shad Helmstetter

Published by esse11e

This is another book that was recommended to me, and I have to say I LOVED IT! The premise, for me, seemed very similar to that of the law of attraction, so to speak… but deeper. From start to finish, Helmstetter (Dr.) drills in his readers’ heads the importance of thinking good thoughts. The idea that drives this entire work is that your mind will work exactly the way you program it.. and the rest of you will follow.

I’ll be honest, I’ve already adopted some of the practices shared, AND I’ve seen changes. There’s no doubt in my mind that as they become habitual, regular parts of my daily life, these changes will last just as long as I do here on earth. Plus, it’s helping me to believe in me and build my confidence. Nothing can stop me!

Thanking JC for the referral, I’m paying it forward and recommending it to the rest of you!

Happy Reading! 🙂

Court•esies

Published by esse11e

This week, I’ve had the privilege & pleasure of attending two basketball games! Yay!

Shoutout to my brother (Hi Vince!) for the tickets to UMD’s game on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014. They won! Aaannnddddd Keisha for inviting me to see koBAE & TheWiz on Wednesday, December 3, 2014. That was a no lose situation.

I’ll be more than rich, I’ll be wealthy with experience, by choice. Choose you, sometimes. Do something you love, love it, and be happy!

❤ Sammie ❤

IDK.

Published by esse11e

We’ve got all the pieces, why won’t they fit?

We have a plethora of technological devices that enable connectivity, why don’t we connect… Like relate?

I think abbreviations were supposed to work to our advantage, to offer simple ways of discussing concepts we already understood. When we learned the periodic table of elements, for example… But what good would it have done to know all of the abbreviations without having first learned the full names?

We are working backwards, and it isn’t helping. We are living in an abbreviated society. . .

One where kids don’t always learn to spell words because there are acronyms for everything; we text instead of calling… And may even text in the same room; we watch movies instead of reading books; we watch clips instead of reading full articles, we watch church online instead of fellowshipping in the Lord’s house, we have sex before we love…

Let me not be high or mighty. Let me admit that I have been a culprit. I could claim victim, but who but I can be responsible for me?

“I hate talking on the phone” – I told myself that for years! Now, I’d rather find a way to make it happen, at least about a quarter of the time I’m talking to those I love, those I even like.

Have you ever tried getting to know someone you never TALK to? We can say ANYTHING via text. We have time to formulate the picture of ourselves we want others to see, but we never have to work to BE that picture. And what good does that do you, or me?

I’ve been a stranger in a room full of people I spend almost every day with. I am a stranger in a room full of people I spend every day with.

I’m not suggesting we tell our deepest, darkest secrets in our first conversations –

…however, why would we adopt the “no new friends” philosophy Drake drilled into our heads [those of us who listen to secular music now and again]. I love my friends, the long lasting ones, the most loyal ones (Hi Taylor 2x!). Still, there’s a wealth of opportunity beyond our inner selves, and as much as we can create by believing in ourselves, it doesn’t hurt to be genuine, to make more friends, to be present in the world…

– I am asking that you listen for my response when you ask how I’m doing.

Friendship goes far beyond here, but let’s not abbreviate ourselves, for then we can only prohibit growth, relationship, and connection with the very people we desire and claim to love.

More to come on the abbreviated society, and on friendship. Stay tuned!

Love,
Sammie ❤

11.30.14

Published by esse11e

Dear Heavenly Father,

For we know that all seasons are yours, created by your hands alone. As December, and more specifically, CHRISTmas, approaches, we recognize that your season comes more to the forefront. As this occurs, may we remember to celebrate the birth of Jesus and acknowledge what that has meant for each of us. Traditional celebrations with trees and gifts are nice, fun, and engaging, but I ask that these do not overshadow JESUS who is ultimately the reason for this and all seasons. Lord, I ask that you would give each of us wisdom and discernment at this time. We often want so desperately to please those around us that we lose sight of you, and further place ourselves in unfavorable predicaments. Please allow love to flourish at this time, as it is the GREATEST gift of all. Fill our hearts with love and joy, allow us to share in laughter, and allow us to live with gratitude for all that you have given us already. Thank you for al that you have done and continue to do in our lives. Thank you, God, for sacrificing your only son so that we imperfect sinners might live more abundant lives. It is in the precious name of Jesus that we pray, with thanksgiving.

Amen!

P.S. Happy December! 🙂