"Why God Closes Doors"

This spiritual food was sent to me by a sorority sister on a different list serve. I felt compelled to post AND testify to my blog family.

When God closes a door, it is the best thing that can happen to a person. While we don't understand the reasoning WHY at the time, its best to heed to his will and not fight it. You are looking at a women who had MANY doors close (some simultaneously) and was trying to get clarity on the reasoning from God. Lol....but its not my place to question....for that is were my faith steps in.

Reflect and forward as you see fit family. Have a great weekend.

the orAKAle has spoken

" Why God Closes Doors"
JEREMIAH 10:23-24





A blockaded opportunity is a useful teaching tool. God's ultimate objective is to mold us into the image of His Son, and toward that end, He at times prevents us from doing or having something we desire.



- Closed doors prevent mistakes. Just because a path is clear does not mean it is the one God intends for us to follow. Sometimes we won't have the information we need to make a wise decision, so He bars the way either spiritually or physically. The Holy Spirit can see the whole road map for our lives, which is why we are to follow His guidance.



- Closed doors redirect our walk. Rest assured, God never leaves a willing servant with nothing to do. The alternate opportunity He has in mind will yield bigger fruit, more satisfaction, and greater glory for Him.



- Closed doors test faith and build perseverance. Waiting for the Lord to speak or act is hard, particularly when our desire has been denied. But we'll learn wisdom, patience, and trust by pausing prayerfully until He reveals His will.



- Closed doors buy us time. We are not always as prepared as we'd like to think. God may temporarily hold shut an opportunity for service until a believer is properly equipped for kingdom work.



In spite of the repeated use of "closed door" in this devotion, the real message is that God opens doors. He has created a perfect pathway for us to follow. Keep your feet on it, and you will walk over thresholds leading to service, satisfaction, and glory for your Lord.

Where Did Silky Go (a teaser)??

As you all are aware, I visited my first foreign country this past January. I have been meaning to post the link to my web album...but has been taking my sweet long time. Lol. Below is a teaser of some pictures I took...can you guest where I went....(those Silky Chronicle family members who know...don't break the game....lol)

The orAKAle has spoken.......

Inspiring Others w/my Naturality

Hey blogger family....just a quick post for you all today. Had something great happen to me at church yesterday, and I wanted to share with the group and hopefully inspire you as well :)

Yesterday, after church, a fellow parishioner stopped me to compliment me on my hair. Apparently, she has been noticing my uniqueness and versatility with hair styles (that I wear on Sunday) and felt compelled to speak with me. She mentioned that she had been talking about my hair for a couple of weeks now and finally her husband suggested that she talks stops talking behind my back (that was funny) and just ask me about my hair, regimen, etc ( isn't that interesting family).

She wanted to know what I do to my hair to have it look the way it does. See, she "tried" to go natural a few months ago and it didn't work. She only allowed herself to transition for like 3 months and then she gave up...again... She was intrigued by my style and wanted to know specifically what I am doing to maneuver it AND what products I used. It sounded like she was on the fence with deciding to try to transition to naturality again, so it was only fair to pitch the case for going natural :)

So of course I did a consultation..right there in the church pew. Lol. I spoke briefly about my journey and how you have to be serious to commit to changing your hair regimen (mentioning that shea butter is my staple product) and patient with letting your natural hair grow and develop. This is a life decision (well at least in my opinion) and you have to make sure you will commit to the changes your hair (and you pschologically) will experience. I gave examples of how I wanted to give up and how I had to have a "straight talk" with myself, my ego and my self esteem. Once I was able to accept myself (and all my fabulousness) it became easier to learn how to do my hair, look in the mirror and walk with confidence. I spoke about how those around you may not support your decision, but you have to remind yourself that you are doing this for yourself, not others.

I mentioned that you can't "run to the perm" when your hair doesn't look the way you want it to (like she did before). Doing this starts the transition all over again and really defeats the purpose of the transition. You need to accept how God made you and your hair, love it unconditionally and nurture it ALWAYS....remembering we were all created in his image. I also mentioned that you have to give your hair time to heal and in the end you will not regret your decision of going natural.

I ended the discussion on some economically, but effective store brand options to get her started. Also, I suggested some possible transitional/protective styles that she can do at home. Briefly (because I had to go) I mentioned the fact that transitioning is trial and error...you may do a style that doesn't turn out the way you want at first...but don't fret....the neat thing is that you can try try again :). We agreed to do a "check in" the next time I'm at service/get back into town. As her unofficial mentor, I plan to check in with her once I return from my week of travel. Lets keep our possible transitional sista lifted.

The reason for posting this.....you never know who is watching you and also how your naturality could possibly inspire others. I know the majority of us get regular compliments on our hair, the styles and probably our confidence as well. While this may seem a little annoying (super star status..lol), you never know why you are receiving the compliments. This is the third person who has inquired about my naturality AND has been inspired to transition to wearing their natural hair just by watching me and how I carry myself. To be honest family, that makes me feel really good inside.

So I ask all of my family on here....are you inspiring others to be all they can be (in general)? Are you carrying yourself in away that others will want to model the same POSITIVE behavior that you portray? These are the questions I ask and reflect on daily as part of my overall encouragement but also improvement family. Its nice to see that my intentional attitude/character development (behavior) is working not only for my betterment, but has inspired someone else to do better as well.

The orAKAle has spoken.........

February 4th - Officially Rosa Parks Day in MO

This is absolutely wonderful family! I just got word that our great Gov. Jay Nixon of Missouri has officially dubbed today as Rosa Parks Day! If you are not aware, today is her birthday, and if she was alive, you would have been 97 years old. Can you say WOW and MOTIVATION......for what you may ask.....to take care not only myself mentally but also physically and spiritually. We too can live just as long as she did (if not longer) if we are conscious of what we are putting into our mind, body and souls.

Take a look at the press release. Comments?

For immediate release Feb. 4, 2010

Feb. 4 proclaimed as Rosa Parks Day in Missouri by Gov. Nixon

Jefferson City – Gov. Jay Nixon has issued a proclamation declaring Feb. 4 as Rosa Parks Day in Missouri. A state law passed in 2006 designates Rosa Parks’ birthday, Feb. 4, as the date to especially remember and honor the late civil rights pioneer.

Best remembered for her refusal in 1955 to obey the order of a bus driver to give up her seat to a white male passenger on a city bus in Montgomery, Ala., Ms. Parks has been described as the “Mother of the Modern Day Civil Rights Movement.” Her refusal led to the successful boycott of the segregated city bus system, and is considered one of the seminal events of the civil rights movement.

“Rosa Parks serves as an inspiration to all Americans to stand up for what is right,” Gov. Nixon said. “It is appropriate that we honor her memory on this day and continue to work every day to ensure that the civil rights of all Americans are protected.”

Source: http://governor.mo.gov/newsroom/2010/Rosa_Parks_Day

Straightening the Hair

Hey all,

Just a quick post for you today. First, Happy New Year again ad I apologize for the absence but I am preparing for my international travel and work got me running. I hope you all can forgive me....:)

In case I didn't mention, I will be straightening my hair for my trip next week. Note - I have not straightened my hair AT ALL since deciding to go natural and stop with the chemicals, etc (over 17 months). I'm very excited about this and can't wait to see what my hair looks like blown out and straightened.

I plan to post pics of the straight hair after its done. Now, I am going to try my best to take them AND post before I leave, but you may have to wait until I get back.

Ok thats all for now. If you haven't done so, head on over to my Healthy Living Blog to get caught up on my recent cleansing and SOON pictures of weight loss success to date. Now I'm pushing it with trying to do all these blogs, posts AND prepare for my trip (lol), but I appreciate you all baring with me. Until next time.

the orAKAle has spoken.............

Handbook 2010

Hey Family,

I received this from a Soror of mine and thought I would share. While you don't have to forward/pass it along, I thought it would get you all thinking a bit today.......hope your having a blessed Happy New Year!

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minute walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28.. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change...
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.

50 Followers - Thanks to YOU family!

Happy post Christmas Family! I hope you didn't indulge to much for the holidays (well...I did...lol).

Quick post for you all, first - I plan to do the lemonade diet to cleanse my soul, body and mind for the new year. Take a look at my weight management blog for details, to follow and to track my progress here ===========> "Weighing In On Health"

Secondly to say CONGRATULATIONS to THE SILKY CHRONICLES blog! Why you may ask...well take a look to the follower count to the right and you will see! I hit 50 followers/family members on this here blog. I'm uber excited about this goal and want to thank YOU the readers for making it happen. I never meant for this blog to be even this much success, but I am so humbled and greatful for the love all of you have shown me.

I look forward to a great and prosperous year for ALL and hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

The orAKAle has spoken......

Its my Nappaversary!

( DUDE my fro is huge)

A year ago on this date (well actually it was more like on November 13th), I decided to chop my hair off and start over. Lol. After about 8 months of transitioning (which was suppose to be longer...but I digress), I removed my first set of braids and had at it (with the scissors). Lol.

When I think back to my first initial response to my new look, I remember having thoughts of doubts and even wanting to cry. "What have I done" is a phrase that I remember saying over an over. See like most newbies, I was not totally sure of what I was getting myself into, but couldn't turn back..not now. After the support and love of many of you who follow me AND have their own blog at that, the journey became easier and a very liberating decision. To this date, I don't understand why I even doubted myself AND my natural black beauty.

At first, my family was a little shocked. Some snide comments here and there and a lot staring. Fast forward to the present day...nothing but compliments (even from those none nappy headed lovers). I have even had family members asking me how to help their children hair be as healthy and soft besides using the relaxer/perm method.....for convenience, manageability and cost savings....HA....who would have guest that.

Its amazing how one person can spark a new appreciation of what it means to be black AND what is beauty. This right here is why I decided to let go of the chemicals and heat. To be a beacon of hope and inspiration to all my naturalistas (especially my 4 A/C divas); that its ok to let your TRUE beauty shine threw when it comes to hair AND that you don't need to have it straightened to be accepted.

This journey has been a humbling one for me, and I am so thankful and appreciative that God had me embark on this journey now at this age, versus earlier (or later). Below are more pics I took to commemorate my new hair, looks and length to you...my family.

( ok so I was in the car trying to motivate myself to go into Walmart to shop...it was crazy)



( this is my favorite look)

To each of you, thank you so much for your love and support of me. More styles to come for you family.....

12 Steps To Changing Your Prayer Life

By: Jennifer Kennedy Dean

1. “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” (Prov. 21:1)

If your thoughts wander during your prayer time, instead of trying to force them back into your pre-set agenda, try following them. Perhaps the Lord has another agenda.

2. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” (Matt. 6:5-6).

Set a time for daily prayer. Consider it an unbreakable commitment. Keep your set appointment every day for one week. For one solid week, let your scheduled prayer time be the centerpiece of your day: arrange everything else to fit around it.

3. "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)

Give God the first fruits of your day. For one week, give the very first 30 minutes of your day to prayer.

4. “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)

Find a place in your home where you can be alone and undistracted during your prayer time. Keep your Bible, prayer journal, pen, and whatever tools you use in that place so that everything is ready. During your prayer time each day, this is a sacred place.

5. “I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.” (Isaiah. 6:1)

As you start your prayer time, before you say anything, let your mind’s eye see Him, high and exalted, and yourself in a position of worship before Him. Stay in that inner posture until His glory fills your thoughts as the train of His robe fills the temple.

6. “But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.’ (Luke 8:46 )

Take time to become truly alive to His presence with you. Be aware that as you touch Him through prayer, His power is released into your life.

7. “O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.” (Ps. 78:1)

Read your Bible this morning with the awareness that you are listening to the words of His mouth. Stop at the first word, phrase, or thought that captures your attention and let the Father speak to you about it and let it shape your prayers.

8. “We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isa. 64:8)

This week, practice the prayer of pliability. Instead of focusing on what you want God to do for you, focus on allowing Him to shape your desires until they match His. Accept each situation in your life as His hand shaping your thoughts, character, and longings.

9. “Not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

This week, let these words be the only prayer you pray about situations that confront you. Focus on relinquishing every situation to Him to be a platform for His power.

10. “I will remember the deeds of the LORD.” (Ps. 77:11)

This week, try writing out your prayers. It will help you stay focused and will create a record of God’s work in your life.

11. “My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.” (Ps. 35:28)

This week, practice praying out loud during your private prayer time. It will make your prayer experience more concrete and will help you keep your mind focused.

12. “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; …talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deut. 11:18-20)

This week, try walking as you pray. Walk through your neighborhood or around your yard. You will be more able to keep your mind open to new thoughts the Lord might introduce. You are likely to find yourself spending more time with Him.

Hey all,

I received the below inspiration on a different list serve. I hope you get inspired as it did for me. Be blessed

Simply being

In just one moment of simply being, is enough unique richness to echo for a thousand lifetimes. Open your mind, your heart and your senses, and feel the warm, peaceful treasure.

Beyond desire, beyond need, is the beauty that is always here. Gently settle into the all-encompassing abundance.

There is a great fortune that is already yours. To touch it and make magnificent use of it, just be truly thankful for this moment you have in which to be.

What you are tempted to worry about is nothing compared to what you have and what you can do. The limitless abundance of being is here and now, today.

Feel fully the incomparable feeling of life in all its endless variety. Ride the delightful, refreshing waves of possibility.

In this beautiful moment, you are. Here, now, live your great fortune.

-- Ralph Marston

Daily Bible Reading - IT REALLY WORKS

For those of you who may not already know, I have started a 40 wellness plan with a great trainder out of the St. Lous area. In the next 40 days, I will be required to do certain exercising daily, logging what I eat and reading the new testament. The goal is to get threw the ENTIRE new testamentby mid October. Also, there is a 5k he is preparing us to run as well.

Even though I just started reading (in detail) daily, I had already incorporated listening to the audio bible on itunes in the morning before work. Now, I am dedicating 20-30 minutes twice a day to the Lord's word and its making a difference. How you may ask....

+ Stories that were explained or told to me second hand are now making more sense
+ There are valuable lesson that I can now directly relate to my everyday life
+ The Word has become so much easier to read and comprehend, versus having to read over and over again (KJV)
+ I have a sense of purpose more now than ever before
+ I'm not afraid to witness
(the list can go on and on really...)

I say this to you family because everyone falls short. No human is perfect at all! While I never thought I was perfect, I sometimes put myself a little higher than the norm (lol). Hate to admit it, but I did not know what I was thinking and what I was missing out on. My example is Christ, and that is who I want to live my life like. ...and I am willing to spend my ENTIRE life striving to be just that.

If your interested in following my journey in this program, please take a look at my blog "Weighing In On Health" here on blogspot. I really hope you will follow it and also be encourage to become healthier, get up and get moving AND read the bible on a regular basis. I promise you it will change your life :)

The orAKAle has spoken......

"Weighing in on Health" - new blog

http://weighinginonhealth.blogspot.com



Above is a link to another blog of mine, documenting the next 40 days as I embark on getting healthier for the Lord. This blog will actually include daily successes and challenges, along with what I am eating, what exercising I am doing and the supplements to aid in a healthy life.



I will still post on this blog, but will only include topics associated with my health journey above. I want to encourage all my followers to take a look at their life style and and themselves....are you fit to do the work that God has planned for you?



the orAKAle has spoken......