Losing You, Solange Knowles

Solange is back on the music scene with an interesting video that really taps into the hipster/soul/indie vibe that has captivated so many of us Millenials. Check it out & let us know what you think!

-JW

A Great Reminder

 “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end — Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you.” Isaiah 43:1b-4 (The Message)

 

No Phone Zone – Operation Shut Down

A few weeks ago, I decided I NEEDED to turn my phone off. Sometimes we become so consumed with electronics that it leaves no breathing space. I was in an extreme want of some space. So easily accessible to the world (oh, it’s morning, let me check Twitter…not ok).

ARIZONA

The Butters ventured to Tucson, Arizona in August to celebrate Christina’s 25th Birthday! See some of our fave pics 🙂

Chilly Bey

This post is dedicated to one of my favorite poets, Brenda Connor-Bey, aka Chilly Bey. She was known to many as a brilliant, sensitive and beautiful author and creator. To me, she was my aunt and biggest supporter of my writing.

Back in the day, Aunt B expressed herself through modeling. Here is just one of her stunning photos.

Love you Aunt Brenda & thank you for sharing your gift of expression with so many..

-J

Below is an excerpt from her poem, Vyella’s Song. It was in dedication to our family that came from the islands of Turks and Caicos and San Andres, Colombia.

How2Study the Bible

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

Colossians 3:16 

For the past two Sundays I have taken a class called How2Study the Bible. The purpose of the class was to give basic instruction on how to Observe, Interpret & Apply the wide variety of principles in the bible. I’ve included a few notes that I wanted to share with you all to get you thinking about how you spend your time in the word of God.

A New Substitute: Tea

So a few months ago I arrived at the conclusion that coffee and chocolate tend to make me break out <so unfortunate>.  Feelings were genuinely hurt because I used to drink coffee almost every morning, and well chocolate…I love chocolate! Since coffee has pretty much  been out of the picture for a few months, I’ve fallen head over heels for different teas, both hot and cold. One of my favorite teas at the moment is TAZO’s “Calm” tea. Maybe I’m gullible, but after drinking it, I truly do feel peaceful and ready to take on the day. Occasionally, a coffee does re-appear, but for the most part, I definitely suggest giving tea a chance.

Still searching for a chocolate substitute…

W

A Little Advice from Michelle Obama

Thanks TJ for sending & ClutchMag for posting*

“Hand” it over.

I love working with my hands. Whether doing something as simple as straightening hair or painting, working with my hands is something that I have always enjoyed. When I turned 25, I told myself that I would start investing more time and energy into the things that stimulate my creative side. Recently, I have decided to take my interest in furniture restoration to the next level. The process of taking old furniture and recreating it into something fresh and new is exciting! 

Check out my first piece that I did almost a year ago. I’ll post more images as time goes on..

There’s Something about Music

From Brandy to the Rascal Flatts, for me, there’s no discrimination when it comes to someone taking my mind on a musical journey. If a song doesn’t take me back to a certain moment in time, I seem to have no problem creating my own future memory in my head (if that makes any sense).

This song is a jazz twist to Pastor Donnie McClurkin’s “We Fall Down.” These words always bring such inspiration. It’s so humbling to know that even with our shortcomings we can get back up again –“A saint is just a sinner, who fell down and got up.”

Hope you enjoy!

-W