tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67527404865449779952024-03-05T03:49:29.912-05:00The Other Side of the BlessingWhat better way that I may tell our story about our journey to our baby blessing? Thanks for being Here with me.
This is our journey of faith to fertility!The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-75675180624581470152019-11-18T11:37:00.002-05:002019-11-19T15:09:22.445-05:00Dance Like No One is Watching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img alt="Image may contain: 4 people, people smiling, people standing and wedding" height="400" src="https://scontent.fcae1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/74617645_10162688151565220_2190684447697797120_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=AQmVWAAFXxdt4efs4N8ezxkDMTytszgbTQ3ykD4h9o5POUDOJPUnwLsKAEjNsh2ZSkQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fcae1-1.fna&oh=8da6cd607912a8c70cdf018b093d3ccb&oe=5E536143" width="300" /></div>
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Braylen never ceases to amaze us. Even in some of the best and worse situations her little light shines and we begin to realize even more that she truly is a gift from God. If you know Braylen, you know she is extremely shy when she's around people she's not quite comfortable with. Once she has warmed up... well there's no stopping her from asking questions or entertaining you with her 'knock knock' jokes that aren't quite funny yet because she is learning how to tell jokes then it's funny it's own way.<br />
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These past few weeks my husband and I witness Braylen's socialization growth. She is now introducing herself to others and telling funny stories or recounting what happened in her world "yesterday."<br />
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Last week we witnessed in "awe" as Braylen stood in her uncle's wedding as a flower girl. Hubby and I were a little nervous because we weren't sure what to expect. Would she cry and say that she didn't want to walk down the aisle? Would she see us and make a bee line to where we were sitting? Would there be a meltdown and cry fest? All these things ran circles in our heads over and over again as we anticipated the start of the wedding. As <i>"Brown Skin Girl"</i> played in the background, our sweet 3 year old made her way down the aisle with other beautiful flower girl waving at the guests in between tossing rose petals down the aisle. We were so proud. Hours later this same "shy" girl took to the dance floor and danced like no one was watching. Such a free spirit, caring less about who was watching her and who was dancing with her.<br />
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I don't know if we will ever get that moment back. I don't even know if that spontaneity can even be replicated. What I do know is this little girl has taught me to enjoy life. Enjoy time with the ones we love. Enjoy music and the peace it brings as well as simply ceasing the day.<br />
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In the words of my dear friend Willie Nelson, III "Celebrate Life! You only get one of them!"<br />
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Thank you Mr and Mrs. Damien and Kearsen Seabrook for creating this moment for us to celebrate!<br />
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<img alt="Image may contain: 2 people" height="200" src="https://scontent.fcae1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/70707612_10162688150685220_6580639764402143232_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_oc=AQm71P9KqkkpBzNuTUF3u4LLKvKuuJ64rHFvpRZ54OHfOmfvP51AAKRI41GkzyxybkA&_nc_ht=scontent.fcae1-1.fna&oh=737deb1a828f2ac7e5b1a0bdc9c7727b&oe=5E4460F8" width="150" /> <img alt="Image may contain: one or more people and wedding" height="200" src="https://scontent.fcae1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/74283600_10162688150900220_8481332074723147776_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_oc=AQlQcS1ezOViRsxeziv8KUw-mxF3vz9hp9Mtu09qRDTv9-CSQzraweUOSy0o5Uxt5Jc&_nc_ht=scontent.fcae1-1.fna&oh=3a5340c9b32153d1e5fae23e69c2015b&oe=5E5148D0" style="text-align: center;" width="150" /> <img alt="Image may contain: 2 people, including Jarrett Washington, people smiling, people standing, wedding and flower" height="200" src="https://scontent.fcae1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/78085346_10100773176340447_2991062976380796928_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_oc=AQlCgJLDtR5gSVMsu8jt54t-FfBXiqtOKqBedk0U_4iJKsl8KRgBnenFfFeUVqemCp4&_nc_ht=scontent.fcae1-1.fna&oh=896cb38a6655fc4196f5d21a78eef934&oe=5E52EB32" width="150" /> <img alt="Image may contain: 2 people, including Kearsen Etheridge, people smiling, people standing, people sitting and wedding" height="200" src="https://scontent.fcae1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/71532201_10100773177443237_6095909759670550528_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_oc=AQkLDDufE_e6YiqFvTygCJmzrD1PiXRIH5gNXaT2WL2420ejw6uAmj04Ck-Z-VSGijA&_nc_ht=scontent.fcae1-1.fna&oh=29dc641ac38c40e41ac693ef345aa422&oe=5E48ED3F" width="150" />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-46404314751926509942019-08-14T10:24:00.001-04:002019-08-14T10:34:25.481-04:00First Day of Pre-K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jarrett and I have been on the count down for the last month or so anticipating today. Not sure what today had in store for us. Today is the first day of school. I am beyond grateful to the teachers and administration at her school who have been beyond amazing from the application process, interviews, home visits and everything they have done to ensure a successful first day.<br />
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So beyond the congratulatory and well wish messages we have received, the common question has been "How are the parents holding up?" or "Did you all cry?" I was so proud of our big girl and all that we have taught her including, being kind, strong and just a good human really showed today. She consoled a crying toddler and was in a place of happiness. The tears fell as I walked in the hall not that I would be leaving her but I began feeling the joy and gratefulness of knowing <b>We Did THIS!</b> We prayed for this!!! We anticipated this!! I left knowing that my daughter is not only covered by God but she would be a caring shining light.<br />
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EVERYTHING we taught her shined through this morning and it left no room for me to doubt all that God has in store for her today.<br />
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Happy First Day to you Baby Girl!<br />
Mom and Daddy Love you to life!<br />
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<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-18064537896020848222019-06-27T13:51:00.000-04:002019-07-01T10:21:05.541-04:00Keeping Us on Our Toes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1K_TVM9YhfB5uq9Lo0OV-5dngJ7uQdPvjRebueHFgsrt8V8znkmFqkqVLEEQWqLpmq_LE3d0q1jmO_0rNgwxj81I46LjFmxhugdxJYwS77kp4rzR9ErX6XsPlGK55q2meff97HtnpE4_/s1600/74d60afb9cb541a78a2cb9e2c0405680.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1K_TVM9YhfB5uq9Lo0OV-5dngJ7uQdPvjRebueHFgsrt8V8znkmFqkqVLEEQWqLpmq_LE3d0q1jmO_0rNgwxj81I46LjFmxhugdxJYwS77kp4rzR9ErX6XsPlGK55q2meff97HtnpE4_/s400/74d60afb9cb541a78a2cb9e2c0405680.jpeg" width="307" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This little girl.. the one we prayed for, cried for and believed for... has kept us on our toes for three years! Whew what a ride!! This last 365 days we've noticed growth in so many areas of her life from her speech and holding full conversations, her reasoning skills and how she takes instruction and is learning in all areas of her life. What was a mumble during prayers have become a distinct "Thank you Lord for food in Jesus Name AMEN" or an audible, "Thank you Lord for Mommy, Daddy, Jaxson and everybody we love."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year we saw a crying little girl who didn't want to leave her parents' side to go into dance class to a poised girl teaching us ballet terms like, <i>arabesque, coupe', demi plie', or tendu. </i>We are so grateful for the milestones she has reached and the fact that she is more social with others and knows how to take constructive criticism well. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we prepared for her recital we enjoyed not only the process of seeing her blossom but also realizing our baby wasn't a baby anymore but growing and coming into her own. This sassy then 2 year old shocked us when we interviewed for schools and was the most polite soul introducing herself to teachers and other students. On our toes we found ourselves again. Inviting everyone she loved to her dance recital with the correct date. Yep on our toes! So we excitedly celebrate her and all she's doing. We are grateful!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are videos as we prep and attend the Kelly's Dance 2019 dance recital.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Click here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edXgttLs0uw">Braylen's Dance Recital</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Enjoy</span>The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-35777848484236702792019-02-13T11:52:00.001-05:002019-02-13T11:58:52.412-05:00I Never Thought It Would Be Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">It's been awhile since I wrote. In all
transparency, I have had writer's block and was contemplating what to write
about that would leave a lasting impact like the other blogs did. It appeared
that my job and the schedules of my husband and daughter were honestly my first
ministry and priority. I felt that my “blog” ministry these last six or so
months were now being converted to prayer calls, mentoring women doing through
the process and keeping some of the “faith to fertility” stories private and
not really use the hashtag on social media as much as I had been. This came
partially after two ladies who I had just celebrated because they were pregnant
abruptly had failed pregnancies. I later realized it was the devil trying to
silence the blessings that God had over our lives and how people were being
delivered by our testimony.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">So I write! I write knowing that God will
continuously get the glory in all I do. Ironically during this time of having
writer’s block, God sent one of his vessels to encourage me to write. I was
totally honored yet I was more concerned about the quality of work that I would
produce. So I wrote! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">I am grateful that so many women are being blessed by this
blog. I never thought it would be that God used to be a mouth piece sharing our
fertility story. I never thought it would be me who was once ashamed believing
that my womb was barren and now speaking life to many who are facing what my
husband I faced seven years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">Since he has decided to use me as his conduit I am committed
to continuing this journey with my sisters and brothers who are trying to get
to “The Other Side of the Blessing.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-34764654448813605642018-07-26T12:45:00.001-04:002018-07-26T13:07:53.951-04:00"I Feel Like the Bottom Fell Out"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Often times on this journey called life we are completing our
day to day tasks, going from here to there, working, brunching and lunching,
dancing and skipping and then we are faced with a moment that we have no
control over. We cannot press the pause button and we do not have the ability
to ask for an instant restart. It feels like the bottom simply fell out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yesterday evening, I was faced with a question that took me back to a
place I thought He had already delivered me. The question came from a fertility
friend that said, “<i>I feel like the bottom
has fallen out. How do I keep moving?” </i> This question was a throat punch and blow to
my stomach. It took me back to the place where I felt like Alice in Wonderland
falling down a rabbit hole not knowing when I was going to hit the bottom. Was
there a net, a friend, my husband or someone there that would catch me? There
was no choir singing, <i>“I won’t let you
fall if you lean on Me.” </i>It was
simply what seemed like a never-ending fall and nothing to grab and hold for
safety nor security.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On this road to fertility or the road to the blessing you
desire, we have to realize at that very moment when we feel the bottom is
falling out that this is the TEST! This is the point where God wants to see if
we will trust Him with the thing that we desire most. Will we be faithful to
Him when we get it? What is that He is building in us through the process? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The worst thing about the bottom falling out is everyone
believing you have it all together yet you are hurting and in despair. Everyone is looking up to you
but no one is ever seeing you nor your pain. What happens when you are a
successful person but you are going to doctor appointment after doctor
appointment getting NO after NO and people have expectations for you to simply
be you? No one is aware that you need them to be there for you. No one knows
the pain you are feeling. You are at the bottom and it is lonely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So what happens when the bottom falls out? What happens when
you feel this faith walk is more like falling in a rabbit’s hole with no end in
sight? You simply pause and reflect on the promises of God. You realize that
this is all for your good. You pray that God removes the scales from your eyes so you are able to know that where I am now is not my final destination! You ask Him to remove the shackles from your mind and your imagination so you are able to realize God can trust you! He placed you on
this journey because He knows you will give him Glory after this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-57438657797375289342017-12-31T20:15:00.001-05:002017-12-31T20:15:30.798-05:00New Year.. New Things...Better Me<i><br /></i>
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<i><br /></i> <i><br /></i> <i>"Tomorrow I want you to go get pampered..." </i>Those eight words were music to my ears. Simple words that meant so much. Those words spoken by my husband meant he knew I needed time for myself and I in return knew I deserved it. <i>"What is it that I'm going to do?" </i> My husband looked at me sarcastically and told me to get a manicure, pedicure and anything else I needed to make me feel good all at his expense. I felt like I hit the lottery!!! It was then that reality hit me that I would have 2-3 hours of alone time to focus on me. It was during this time I could relax, regroup and reclaim my time.<br />
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During the last year, I managed to sneak in some time to get my hair done or a quick eyebrow waxing on my lunch break but I can honestly say it wasn't like my every two week pampering that I was used to. I am a mom, a wife, a new staff member in higher education, business owner, etc etc.. I didn't have time for that. If it wasn't served to me via take out, drive through or simmering in a crock pot, I felt like I just didn't have time for it. Everything had to be timed precisely between my new work schedule, daughter pickups from my mom's or dodging rush hour traffic in Charleston.<br />
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As 2017 began turning the last pages of its chapter I had a great epiphany. I knew it all along but I vowed to listen to my heart, my husband, and my gut. I declared that I would carve out time each week simply to take care of me. It could be something big or something small but I was going to take care of me. My husband has done a great job complimenting me when I get dressed on a daily basis or mentioning to our daughter how pretty mommy looked but I honestly think he didn't really understand that waking up every morning at 5 am to make sure I was ahead of him and my daughter was taking a toll on me. I mean, literally in order for me to look like someone I was showering and applying makeup at 5 am before they woke up. Listen, despite Beyonce's song, I didn't "wake up like this."<br />
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I made the conscious decision that I would change it up in 2018. It was time to do something a little different for me. I booked Henry Smalls with the <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OSalonNorthCharleston/" target="_blank">O'Salon Charleston</a> </span>to give me a new look. After close to 10 years of having natural hair I decided it was time to relax my hair and do a major cut again. I made an appointment with Kira Middleton, <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/slayedbyladykay" target="_blank">Amplified by Kay</a></span> and I was ready to walk in 2018 with new goals and a better me. During my appointment, I remembered feeling so overwhelmed with gratitude that I kept thanking them for making me feel pretty. When I arrived home my husband and daughter LOVED my new look. My daughter kept saying "Momma Hair?" I felt so good!!!!!<br />
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So in 2018, I'm encouraging all moms, wives, friends to reclaim their time and take time to pamper themselves. Take time to eat that Symphony chocolate bar or to enjoy a glass of wine uninterrupted. Pamper yourself with a bubble bath, spa day or your favorite venti-sized Starbucks drink. You deserve it!!!<br />
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<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-30177656381845827632017-04-24T23:31:00.000-04:002017-04-25T08:24:02.120-04:00"She's Busy Being a Great Mom"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">"She's too busy being a great mom..." </i>These seven words cut so deep when I read them in a Facebook comment in regards to me scaling back on my business in order to focus on what took priority in my life after God... <b><i>MY FAMILY! </i></b><br />
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As a first time mom who had difficulty expanding our family, I wanted to make sure I devoted as much needed time with my family as well as to myself. I mean it does make logical sense doesn't it? In the hierarchy and order of my life it is always God, Family and then business and other things.<br />
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After allowing these words to pierce my feelings, I used them to allow myself to heal and to be an even better mom, wife, entrepreneur and Business Professor. During this time I was able to support my husband, regroup, launch my daughter's hair bow business, restructure my tshirt division of Legacy Graphics and Designs, LLC. (<a href="http://www.legacygraphictees.com/">www.legacygraphictees.com</a>) and become a better a me.<br />
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Becoming a mom requires lots of organization, a whole lot restructuring, several mess ups and a whole lot of balance. This road is not for the faint at heart but it's definitely the most rewarding.<br />
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<b><i>Things I learned on the "She's Busy Being a Great Mom" Road</i></b></div>
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1) You don't owe anyone any explanations on why you are doing what you are doing.<br />
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2) It's okay to prioritize and realize what's important.<br />
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3) If they aren't offering to help, work for you or take things off of your To Do List, they are really insignificant. (Sounds harsh but true.)<br />
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4. Enjoy the time with your baby and family.<br />
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5. When the time is right engage your baby and family in things such as family business, cooking, etc.<br />
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6. Keep your baby on a good Schedule!!!! (IT WORKS!!!)<br />
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7) Laugh!<br />
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I pray this blog allows you to look at life a little differently.<br />
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Song: She's a Bad Mamma Jamma <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QIw1BQIvT4" target="_blank"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QIw1BQIvT4</a><br />
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<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-66057832222592424472017-02-28T09:09:00.000-05:002017-02-28T09:09:00.864-05:00Another Answered Prayer... #FaithToFertility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No one will ever know the joy that my husband and I feel when someone who we prayed for calls us to tell us they are PREGNANT! Honestly it feels like 11/11/15 all over again. It was on 11/11/15 that I found out we were with child. The joy we feel when a couple has endured what we went through.... you know the waiting game, the tests, the failed fertility treatments, seeing God answered the prayers of others and trying to be patient as we wait on Him to answer us.<br />
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I can't tell you exactly what we say to God concerning the people we pray for because that's an intimate conversation we have with Him based on our conversations with the couples, but what I can tell you is that our prayers are beyond specific and we pray for everything imaginable concerning the conception, the pregnancy and delivery of a healthy baby who is created to work in the kingdom of God.<br />
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Over the last few years it has been our honor to pray for couples who have been having difficulty expanding their families. In fact we were praying for couples while we were facing our own challenges. We are often reminded that if you pray for others to receive blessings God will turn around and bless you because of your selflessness. We also remember the times that it were too difficult to pray or when we felt like God wasn't hearing our faintest cry nor was he going to answer by and by. During those times we knew someone else had to have been praying for us.<br />
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So today I rejoice in the answered prayers of over 20 couples we have prayed for that have conceived and delivered or conceived and waiting on their blessed babies. One day we will all gather together with our blessings and proclaim that it was nobody but God.<br />
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I speak your name! I speak your names in prayer!!<br />
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Song: The Struggle is Over <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZDlLLyNOuM" target="_blank"> Click Here</a>The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-12435051321317991692017-02-08T10:49:00.000-05:002017-03-06T08:33:37.125-05:00And On Wednesdays We Wear Pink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"And On Wednesdays We Wear Pink" </i>is a famous line from the movie Mean Girls when they discuss what fashions they as a group wear during the week. Many people compliment or wait to see the fashion that Miss Braylen and I wear on Sundays to our worship experience or what outfit of the day (OOTD) she wears during the week. Some have even asked do I go out intentionally shopping to ensure that we have matching outfits. Braylen and I have both been blessed with a wardrobe that had similar clothing or colors where for the last 8 months we were able to coordinate our outfits to some degree on Sundays.<br />
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WHY????<br />
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No one will ever know what it takes for moms, especially new moms, to get to a place called Here every day. When I was overcoming Postpartum Depression my way of ensuring I "<i>Got Up</i>" and faced the world everyday was dressing Braylen and making her my human doll baby. However, I forgot about me. On Sundays I decided that we would dress alike and literally enter His courts with a HAPPY yet fashionable praise. (LOL) I would plan our outfits and take the time to look in my wardrobe to see if I had something similar. Surprisingly, we've gone through 32 Sundays dressing alike. I even started looking through Jarrett's ties to ensure he was coordinated as well. This entire process involved me ensuring our clothes were laid out and packed on Thursday nights so that we had no excuses for being late on our hour and 1/2 commute to Hemingway. This also ensured that I enjoyed doing something for me. Even when I was on maternity leave I felt like I had something to do besides change diapers, nurse or pump every 2 hours. I began feeling better about myself and coming out of this PPD.<br />
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Though I've kicked PPD's butt, this habit has literally become a part of my weekly routine that I enjoy and probably will continue until our wardrobes run out of matching outfits. I started a routine where I also lay out our clothes for the week, make baby food for the week and ensure I'm okay during the week.<br />
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So why this blog? There are many women trying to fight PPD and are looking for a way to get to their HAPPY place. No matter what anyone says or the unsolicited advice people give, I want to encourage moms to do what it takes to stay at a happy place. Whether that means dressing like your little one or if that means dinner for one and enjoying your favorite expensive chocolate and a glass of wine in your favorite glass that you've been holding on to for that perfect moment. You don't owe anyone any explanations for why you do what you do! When fighting PPD it's perfectly normally to fall but you have to remember you won't always stay there. So find your way of "<i>Getting Up</i>" and find your way through your own routine that works for you.<br />
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Over the last few months I've encountered moms who were on this journey with me that have battled and beat PPD. Those of us who were on this journey from faith to fertility often didn't understand why we felt this way but this is another hurdle we overcame!!<br />
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If you are reading this blog and know a first time mom please hug them, tell them they are doing an amazing job and offer to just be there for what they need you to do. Don't tell them what they should be doing but just be there for them.<br />
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LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE!<br />
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"It's taken you awhile to get to this place called HERE so don't let anyone take you THERE!"-- Deronda C. Washington<br />
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Song: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE-kaEgALvA" target="_blank">So Happy Being Me </a><br />
<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-20749668149540984292016-11-15T11:15:00.001-05:002016-11-29T11:31:28.503-05:00Now We're Giving Her To The Lord<div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember being asked while I was pregnant what I was looking forward to most upon the arrival of our sweet baby girl. Many asked would it be holding her for the first time, seeing who she looks like most, or dressing her up in the all the cute clothes everyone bought her. While all of those were important the one thing that I looked forward to most was dedicating our sweet baby back to the Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Her baptism was so important to us because we made a promise to God that when he blessed us with a child we would dedicate her back to Him to be used for His glory and service. In everything that we do, we ensure that her life is filled with love and her knowing that she is truly a child of God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In prepration for her baptism, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I literally spent hours and days if not months on Pinterest looking for the perfect baptism outfit. I think I pinned outfits before I even knew the gender of our baby. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jarrett ensured the most beautiful baptism invitations were designed and printed. Braylen's Auntie Carmelita had already purchased her baptism bible and delivered a beautiful baptism bib while Auntie Benita sent baptism shoes. I'm so grateful for my former student, Tiffani Hodges, who crocheted her the most beautiful baptism gown. I even added a personal touch from our wedding day. I am so excited that the day I prayed to God for is finally here!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A special thank you to her Godparents: Dr. George and Phoenicia Flowers and Mr. Jerome and Ladonna Davis for agreeing to help us ensure she matures spiritually and that she understands the way of the Lord. This is no easy tasks. Though she has us as parents to guide her, there may be times that she needs a better understanding from her godparents. Dr and Mrs. Flowers, thank you for being positive role models for us as well as showing us and example of a positive couple in ministry. To Jerome and Michelle thank you for being with us for every step of this journey from before we were even on our faith to ferility walk. Braylen is blessed with amazing Godparents!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jarrett and I are blessed to have so many wonderful people who shared in such a special day. </span></div>
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A few pictures from her baptism. Professional pictures will be posted later.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braylen's amazing GodParents</td></tr>
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<b>Scripture:</b> 1 Samuel 1:28 Now I am giving her to the LORD, and she will belong to the LORD her whole life." And they worshiped the LORD there</div>
The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-89836630123101018512016-11-13T03:11:00.001-05:002016-11-13T03:11:08.461-05:00A Letter to Braylen Jael on the Morning of her Baptism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear sweet Braylen Jael,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />Today you will become a Christian.<br /><br />A white gown will be worn. You will be baptized with holy water sprinkled upon your beautiful hair by Godfather Flowers. Your family and friends are gathering to celebrate, and your life will forever be marked by the promises of God that we will witness together.<br /><br />Today is a most important day. My head is filled with so many thoughts and prayers for you. Today is the day dad and I make good on the promise we made to God. We prayed so many times that if He would allow us to have a child we would dedicate that child back to Him for service. I'm not sure how emotional I will be today but just know if you see tears on my face it's simply because I'm in awe of God's work and I'm so happy He chose me to be your mom.<br /><br />My prayer for you today is this: Do not take your baptism for granted and do not be a casual Christian. Spend some good amount of your time and your life trying to figure out who God is and who you are and why it all matters.<br /><br />Your own calling on your life will emerge gradually over time, but your story begins in a new way today. Baptism is new birth and a promise of life that reaches even beyond death.<br /><br />My dear, sweet Braylen, faith is a gift I cannot give you. Today your father and I along with your Godparents will pledge our hope and our love and our promise to raise you as best we can in a life of faith. We cannot hand it to you as simply as we might wish. We can only plant a few seeds, step back and pray for rain and good sun.<br /><br />Before you were my child, you were God’s. When we were having difficulty expanding our family we knew God had you in heaven with Him waiting on the perfect time to bless my womb. So today we will seal that truth with a sacramental sign. The church waits to welcome you.In this broken world in which we live, there are few things more beautiful than that. May your heart always hold some memory of the peace you know today, the joy we will know today, and the love we will have for you always.<br /><br />In peace, joy and love of Jesus –<br /><br />Mommy</span></div>
The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-53894526626963214232016-10-16T06:39:00.001-04:002016-10-16T06:40:06.286-04:00You Are Doing A Good Job<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the last 3 months, 12 days, 4 hours and 14 minutes of being a parent to this sweet little lady, I have learned a tremendous amount about her and myself. I can finally recognize what her different cries mean from when she's sleepy to it's time to up the dosage on the amount of milk she intakes in her bottle when she's not nursing or when she simply just needs some attention. This was definitely no easy feat. I finally know what the old folks mean when they said sometimes you had to drink your own tears.<br />
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There were times when I thought getting her on a daily schedule and routine wouldn't come to fruition but through consistent days and timing for feedings, naps, and play time, we are in a good place. (Thank you to my sister in luv Christine Washington for the advice with the Moms-On-Call schedule. This schedule gave me life! Literally!)<br />
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In the last 3 months, I've learned a lot through trial and error. I've mistaken an "I'm sleepy" cry for an "I'm hungry" cry and wasted 4 ounces of liquid gold and thought the world was slowly coming to an end.. and then I get a text from my a special sister friend that simply says....<b>"You are doing a Good job!"</b> How in the world did she know I needed to hear that right then and there!?<br />
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There were days when sweet Braylen and I didn't see eye to eye on some things and it made for a long rough day that resulted in both of us laid out on the couch for a 4 hour nap. I recall days when she hated her car seat and my driving skills because she screamed loudly just as soon as we were midway to our destination and too far to go back home. This would send me into straight panic mode and I would have to do the <i>"One Arm Mommy"</i> dance to ensure I didn't wreck while she holds on to my pinky finger for comfort while I drove. I remember being at a red light and lady must have been watching and witnessing this moment and got my attention to say <b>"You are doing a Good Job!"</b><br />
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My husband Jarrett often tells me <b>"I'm proud of you. You are doing a good job!" </b>He's even learned to score extra brownie points when he arrives home after work with my favorite Oil of Olay Shea Butter body wash or a box of Ferrero Rocher candy.<br />
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Recently, I returned to work and I was undoubtedly ready to get back in the swing of things. I truly love Braylen and love the time we spent everyday but duty called. My mom has been doing an amazing job keeping her while I'm working. The first day I picked her up from my mom's house my mom just looked at me and smiled. She then said six words that I've heard before but it meant so much more because it came from my mom... <b>"You are doing a good job!" </b>She then began to recount their day and all that Braylen did to make her smile. She went over the schedule I left for and told me how helpful it was or when she had to deviate from it. She expressed to me how much of a good baby she was and how much joy she gets spending time with Braylen and then she said those words again...<b>"You are doing a good job!" </b> She rambled on a little more about some things they did and how she was ready for the next day with her Grand Baby Girl. I honestly couldn't hear much of what my mom was talking about at this point. My heart was just so filled because my mom, my first Wonder Woman, and amazing example of a Christian woman told me how proud of me she was and that I was doing a good job! I think my chest stuck out so proudly beaming with pride!<br />
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Motherhood is not for the faint at heart. It will test your faith, your patience and your sanity but it has been the best 3 months, 12 days, 5 hours and 6 minutes of my life. I love the smiles Braylen gives me when she sees me in the mornings or the content face she has when she's asleep and holds my hands. In her own way, my sweet angel is telling me, <b>"You are doing a good job!"</b><br />
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I've learned during this I can not allow anyone to question how I'm raising my child because <b>"I'm doing a GOOD job!" </b> So when you see a mom in the hustle and bustle of your day, take the time to stop them and simply say, <b>"You are doing a good job!"</b><br />
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<b>Scripture: Nehemiah 6--- I'm doing a Good work</b><br />
<b>Song: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1wOK9yGUYM" target="_blank">I Feel Good by James Brown </a></b>The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-56439818471010897552016-09-25T06:44:00.000-04:002016-09-25T06:44:19.915-04:00Oh What a Difference A Year Makes...................<br />
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<i><b>"For this child we have prayed and the Lord granted me what we asked of Him." 1 Samuel 1:27</b></i></div>
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Today makes a year since the day I thought I lost everything. It was on September 25, 2015, when we were in the final days of the SC Annual Conference of the AME Church. If you recall the blog, We've Got to Get Out of Here, I was on the verge of a breakdown. <a href="http://theothersideoftheblessing.blogspot.com/2016/02/weve-got-to-get-out-of-here.html" target="_blank">(Click here to See Blog: We've Got to Get Out of Here)</a> I literally felt like I was losing everything. This included but not limited to, my peace, my faith, my marriage, my sanity, and I even felt like I had lost me.<br />
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It was on this day the doctor had given us yet another "NO" letting us know we weren't pregnant from our last and final fertility treatment. It was on that day we were told our options for treatment were maxed out with three tries and we would have to go a more expensive route with only a 5% chance of it working.<br />
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Who knew that at this very moment when I felt like all was lost, He was literally stirring my womb and preparing it for Baby Braylen Jael? Who knew that exactly three days later while on vacation we would conceive one of the most precious miracles ever? My husband often says, <i>"If we lose everything, if we have Jesus we have enough to start all over again!" </i>And that's what we did! We prayed like never before and we rejoiced knowing that even if we never got pregnant, never bore any children of our own, if we had Jesus and each other we had enough to start all over again.<br />
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Today I rejoice! I rejoice knowing that even when I thought all was lost, God loved me so much that He began putting me back together again and in doing so, blessed my womb.<br />
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One year after falling apart God has put so many things back together again because of Baby Braylen. Through her, He has restored my faith where I have been able to transparently help hundreds of women who are going through difficulty expanding their family. He has made me fall in love with my husband all over again. I also see how family relationships are being restored and made stronger.<br />
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I recall, the day in which we shared with our Hopwell AME Church family, we were with child. One of the associate ministers, Rev. Brenda Blackstock prophesied to my inner man on that Sunday. Paraphrasing her, she explained how God in the Bible had to shut Hannah's womb not to punish her but she surmised that the Lord shut her womb to prepare her for the great Samuel who would be her son. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+1&version=MSG" target="_blank">1 Samuel 1: 1-20</a>). She prophetically spoke to my womb and the seed that lie there that this child would be great, a prophet, a strong carrier of the Word of God! I believe it!<br />
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So today I love on our baby girl even more! For this is the child we prayed for and God answered us! Her name is Braylen Jael... Jael is the heroine in the Bible who killed Sisera to deliver Israel from the troops of King Jabin. She is our heroine because she continues to show us the true meaning of love and faith!<br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Exactly a year after doctors gave us a no... we are smiling with our gift from God because He always has the final say!</span></b></i></div>
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#faithToFertility<br />
#BraylenJael<br />
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Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:27<br />
Song: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDnrYaDPcig" target="_blank">Made A Way</a> by Travis Green<br />
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<i><br />"Made A Way"<br /><br /><br />You, made a way<br />Don't know how but you did it<br />Made a way<br />Standing here not knowing how we'll get through this test<br />But holding onto faith you know best<br />Nothing can catch you by surprise<br />You've got this figured out and you're watching us now<br />But when it looks as if we can't win<br />You wrap us in your arm and step in<br />And everything we need you supply<br />You got this in control<br />And now we know that<br /><br />You made a way</i>The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-77209621003577660902016-09-13T16:59:00.000-04:002016-09-14T03:29:23.113-04:00Postpartum What???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>**Disclaimer: In my 'About Me' section of this blog I stated early on that I would be as transparent as I desired. I also noted that some people will say I reveal too much or I don't reveal enough about this journey. This post is very candid and transparent and I am writing in hopes that I continue to help others along the way.**</b><br />
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I had heard the phrase Postpartum Depression prior to conceiving. I had heard it several times on television, mommy books and forums but no one in my inner circle really talked about it. I thought Postpartum Depression (PPD) was used to describe women who cried all the time, who resented their babies or who sat in rooms with the blinds and curtains closed. So what I felt weeks after delivery was not Postpartum Depression.... at least that's what I thought.<br />
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I actually didn't know I had any symptoms of PPD until a few mommies who didn't know each other ask me the same questions. "How are you?" "Are you getting enough rest?" " Are you eating and taking care of yourself?" So I answered these questions...<br />
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<b>"How are you?"----- </b>I'm great!! I finally have the blessing that I've waited so long for. I'm really great!!!! My baby is beautiful and my husband is amazing! I'm good!<br />
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<b>Are you getting enough rest? ---- </b>I'm getting enough rest as expected. We were blessed that Baby Braylen began sleeping through the night at about 6 weeks of age so nights were not as tough as they were weeks 1-3.<br />
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<b>Are you taking care of yourself?--</b> I had no answer. Am I taking care of myself? This question hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized I wasn't taking care of me. Braylen was well taken care of. She was fed, bathed and dressed to the nines everyday. What happened to me? This is when I had to take a step back and reevaluate where I was.<br />
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At that very moment I felt like after June 28, 2016 at 1:25 a.m. my world stopped. I felt like I was put on pause while everyone else went on with their lives. My reality was everyone had options of what their days look like except me. My reality was I just got blessed with a newborn baby who needed and only wanted me for everything. I loved being around this sweet little girl and loved playing dress up with her everyday but I forgot about me. How do I get me back? Was it even necessary while I was on maternity leave? Did I really need yoga and meditation like I needed it before? Who needs manis and pedis and days at the hair salon when you have the most gorgeous baby girl God blessed you with?! Me!! I needed it.<br />
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My form of PPD involved me resenting everyone who had a "normal" life and I didn't. I remember getting upset with my husband who was able to shower, lay out clothes and leave for work everyday. When my girls had busy schedules where they couldn't meet for breakfast nor brunch I remembered and longed for the days where I too had committee meetings, sorority functions and days sipping mimosas with my friends planning the next event we wanted to host. Going out and grabbing something to eat was an event. I had to pack an overnight back with all of Braylen's things and once I was dressed, face beat with makeup and ready to go out, her crying once put in her carseat made me really want to cancel the trip and grab my favorite lactation tea and cuddle with her with my feet propped up.<br />
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When I mentioned PPD to some of my girlfriends who had babies around the same time I did, and to my relief and sanity, they too were experiencing what I was feeling. We committed to sincerely being there for each other motivating each other to take time for ourselves.<br />
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After having a heart to heart talk with my husband I had to let him know exactly how I felt. I don't think he got it at first because he assumed since I was on maternity leave I could handle all that came with being a mom. The fact was, I couldn't. I wanted to feel relevant beyond being Braylen's Mommy. He realized it and made sure I felt important. He even hired a stylist to come to the house to doll me up as well took me to work with him one day to help with getting the church database completed. I felt like myself again.<br />
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So what did I do to make sure this mild case of PPD didn't get worst? I had to remember what made me happy. Whether that meant not sleeping when she slept and taking a long hot bubble bath and eating a hot fudge sundae with a brownie. I did what made Deronda happy. I also invoked my creative side again. My husband and I own a Graphics and Designs firm, and I began thinking of creative things I could do with Legacy Tees (<a href="http://www.legacygraphictees.com/">www.legacygraphictees.com</a>). This brought back so much joy and my clients were happy that we were back in business. I began working on Braylen Jael's tshirt line that she will be debuting in the Fall. I danced!! It felt good to dance and move again! Any chance I got, I danced. I began spending intentional time with Braylen. Intentional? Yes beyond nursing, changing diapers, getting her dressed or napping. I planned outfits so that we were dressed a like and coordinated. This ensured I got dressed beyond wearing yoga pants and a breast milk stained tshirt. I read to her and made faces with her because I realized I would be headed back to work soon and I would truly miss these moments.<br />
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Taking care of Braylen has been the most joyous roller coaster I've ever been on. I'm beyond grateful to my sisters Gretchen Morgan, Tomekia Lennon, Ebony Webster Joy Stoney and my sister in luv Key Jenkins for being there morning, noon and night and not wanting anything from me but to be well to be able to take care of Braylen and be who I needed to be. You ladies are beyond amazing and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. A HUGE shout out to my Mother in Luv Lorraine J. Washington who babysat while I got my hair done and finds so much joy being with her granddaughter.<br />
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Why was I so transparent in this blog? There are so many women talking about it in their inner circles but no one is speaking up about it. Some women are dealing with severe cases of PPD and have no one to talk to. I'm grateful that my mild case of PPD will be able to help someone along the way.<br />
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What's next now that I'm soooo happy?!!? lol. My goal is to find joy in every poopy diaper., satisfaction in every smile, happiness in each 3 am feeding and understanding when all seems to be out of control<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Live, Breath Laugh</span></b></div>
The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-22237168514478837692016-08-23T17:39:00.000-04:002016-08-23T18:03:15.225-04:00What I Know For Sure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After giving birth on June, 28, 2016 a lot of attention has been placed on baby and how cute she is or how she is growing and even who she resembles most. Often times mom and dad fade to black and become nonexistent. However, Jarrett and I are thankful to those who have brought a meal, sat with Braylen so that we could nap, to our moms who cooked, cleaned, organized and were simply there.<br />
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In these eight weeks of parenthood, I have learned a lot about myself as well as parenting. I never knew I could be so strong and so weak at the same time. I know this sounds like an oxymoron but it's true. I'm convinced our baby is one of the sweetest babies ever. When she was first born (first 2 weeks of birth) the feedings every 2 hours were a beast. I even had an app that set an alarm to make sure Braylen didn't miss a feeding. (Let's say I deleted that app week 4) lol. The first 2 weeks of life broke us down only to build us up.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Here is What I know For Sure:</span></b></div>
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1) <b>It's okay to Ask for Help</b><br />
I thought I was SuperWoman until Miss Braylen came along. Even after she came along I felt like I still had to answer every phone call, respond to every email, do laundry as soon as I saw clothes in the hamper. I couldn't do it! It was virtually impossible. I had to tell my husband when I needed him most and to also let family and friends know when I needed them most. Be specific in what you want others to help you with i.e., wash dishes, load dishes in washer, bring over a meal, fold laundry.etc.<br />
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<b>2) When Baby is born you become an overprotective Monster</b><br />
Okay so maybe not quite a monster but a bear. lol. We never shared publicly with anyone other than family, but the first week of Braylen's life was spent in the doctor's office EVERY day. She had jaundice and every day we had to get her levels checked. She slept under a blue light for a week to get rid of the jaundice. We are very protective of our daughter because she is the gift that we prayed for. We don't want to risk her little body getting attacked with big germs.<br />
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<b>3) Watch what you say to new parents</b><br />
After only 2 hours of sleep with a baby whose sleep pattern is off, changing 88 diapers in 2 hours, or trying to put on the cutest outfit only to have her scream bloody murder, the last thing that a new parent needs is your cynical comments or slick comments concerning how they are raising their child. I was in a local baby store and Braylen was crying and I was attempting to soothe her and settle her. A lady walks up and said, "<i>Awww what's wrong? Mommy doesn't know what she's doing?" </i>I honestly could've punched her when she said it. Not only was it inappropriate but it was also very insensitive to a new mom.<br />
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<b>4) Do What Works For You</b><br />
Jarrett and I have worked out a schedule and a system that works for us. Whether it means one of us puts her to sleep while the other showers or not getting her dressed until we arrive to church on Sunday mornings. Every child is different and every parent chooses to parent their child the way in which they choose to. Hence the reason God gave that child to you. He knew you would raise that child the way He desired you to.<br />
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<b>5) There is no such thing as too many pictures</b><br />
Braylen has changed her look about 1,000 times since she was born. When she was born she looked like a round faced Asian baby with straight hair. Eight weeks later she looks like her mom with long fingers and toes and a head full of curly hair. I try to make sure I capture those moments as well as pictures with others. Shortly after she was born I took her to see my godmother/and childhood neighbor. Braylen brought her so much joy and I was certain to capture the moment. 5 days later she passed away. I'm so grateful I captured that moment with the two of them.<br />
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<b>6) Nothing really matters</b><br />
No matter what kind of day I'm having or what what my house looks like, everything seems irrelevant when I look at this sweet little girl's face. She makes our days so much brighter and I love the joy she brings to so many we come in contact with us.<br />
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Thank you so much to everyone who called, texted, visited or helped out in anyway. Here are a few pics....<br />
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<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-79920862256100267382016-07-17T11:46:00.002-04:002016-07-17T14:24:37.393-04:00Introducing Braylen Jael -- "Will You Always Be My Love?!"<i><br /></i>
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<i>"Never felt this way about love!" </i>I heard Brian McKnight and Alicia Keys sing these words but I've only felt like this once in my lifetime until now. The first time was my wedding day. I've so enjoyed the last two weeks and 5 days.<br />
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This morning after spending time with Braylen, I looked down at the face of our sweet angel and was totally overcome with emotions. Today was her original due date but she was more perfect on June 28 than she could ever be on today. From the pictures we posts on social media, comments are always made of who she favors most or how angelic she is with tons of hair. I just stare at her and realize that it doesn't matter who she resembles because she's truly our answered prayer.<br />
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I've learned so much from this angel in two weeks. She's mainly taught me to have more patience and to be swift getting her out of a messy diaper. Lol. More importantly, she's taught Jarrett and I the true meaning of LOVE. It automatically reminded me of Holley Maher's song, "Always Be My Love"<br />
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Our lives are forever changed!!!!<br />
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Enjoy these pics:<br />
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Introducing Braylen Jael---<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf6aL01M6n4" target="_blank"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf6aL01M6n4</a><br />
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<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-61195641584409190992016-07-10T07:29:00.002-04:002016-07-10T08:58:16.674-04:00A Christ Centered Covenant Pregnancy and a Supernatural Childbirth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-align: center; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On June 28, 2016 at 1:25 am, the lives of my husband and I changed forever. At that exact time we welcomed into our lives one of the many promises of God and looked into the eyes of our daughter Miss Braylen Jael Washington. I can remember how the atmosphere in the delivery room changed immediately after Dr. Gleaton placed her on my chest. The room was completely peaceful including the cries of our baby girl. That sound was peaceful as well because it was a sound I was longing to hear for almost four years. After the umbilical cord was cut, a few pictures were taken, measurements were noted and I shed a few tears, Jarrett came over to us and immediately starting praying and praising God for our answered prayer. This was our first prayer as a family unit. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">During our pregnancy we received an amazing book entitled, <i>Supernatural Childbirth,</i> and it's complementary book of prayers. We decided that God was able to do for us what He had done for those in the book as well. We prayed for what we later named a <i>Christ Centered Covenant Pregnancy </i>and a <i>Supernatural Childbirth. </i> We prayed for our pregnancy to be filled with peace and no complications. We prayed for people to bless us through prayer and to not tell us horrific stories of their pregnancy nor childbirth. We prayed for God to surround us with positive individuals who reminded us of our promise. And He did just that. For our childbirth, we prayed for a pain-free, successful childbirth that resulted in a healthy baby girl. And He did just that.</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our Labor Story:</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I honestly didn't know I was in labor on Monday, June 27. The night before I was extremely restless and didn't sleep at all. My husband woke up around 4:00 am and was concerned that I was still up. He asked if I was in any pain and I responded that I wasn't. I just felt weird and uncomfortable. I told him something private and he asked if my water broke and I told him I didn't think so. A few hours later he left for work only to return after a half day because my water had in fact broke. This "a-ha" moment came after I ran errands to Walgreen's, Publix, Stella Nails and had cut an entire watermelon to enjoy with my lunch. It was showtime! I'm grateful my bags were packed and ready. This took some of the pressure off of my husband who was extremely nervous. He even cried tears leaving our subdivision. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We arrived at the hospital and were double and triple checked to ensure I was actually in labor. IVs were started and we waited for the fabulous Dr. Gleaton to arrive and give us a summation and her thoughts on when she thought we would deliver. She was convinced this would be a sunrise baby arriving around 5 or 6 am. So we wait............ at least we thought we would. I'm grateful for an amazing husband who during my labor read scriptures from my Scriptures for Childbirth cards. After about 9 hours of contractions, that felt more like mild menstrual cramps, it was action time! I had dilated from 4 cm to 10 cm faster than anyone expected. The nurse came to simply check on me and she was surprised to see how quickly I had progressed. We looked at the clock and it was 12:45 am. Baby Braylen was on the way. The nurses began preparing the room for delivery. Jarrett was by my side. Dr. Gleaton arrived and it was show time! Time to push!!! Seven minutes and 9 pushes of <i>Supernatural Childbirth (pain-free, anxiety-free, complication-free childbirth) </i>Miss Braylen Jael entered our world singing at a 1st soprano octave. Oh the Joy that flooded Jarrett and my souls<i> </i>when we saw her face. Ironically, Pastor Telley Gadsden had prayed the week prior over my womb and declared, "Pain free! Easy childbirth!!! Healthy baby!" She knew in the spirit without us saying what we wanted God to do!!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">They placed the most precious gift from God on me and I fell in love with this promise of God and the little jewel that was growing in my womb for the last 9 months. After allowing her to have an hour of skin-to-skin contact with me, they wisked her off to be measured, weighed and to get her first shots. Jarrett went over to take pictures of her and be by her side. This is when I lost it and began shedding tears. <i>"Braylen, I'm your daddy! Do you know how much I love you little girl? I promise to be the best daddy ever!"</i> The first man Braylen will ever love expressed his love for her only hours after her entry into this world. When he walked back over, I caught the sweetest picture of the two of them.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm so grateful for my labor team (Teka Coaxum and Lorraine Washington) who sat with us until we entered active labor. I'm thankful to Dr. Gleaton and the amazing staff of St. Francis Hospital. Last but never least in my life to my AMAZING husband who was the greatest support to me and Baby Braylen. He is so smitten by her and he's wrapped around her little pinky.</span></div>
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<b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Advice for expectant mothers:</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Despite what anyone says, believe God that you can have a amazing pregnancy and delivery!</span></div>
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<b><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Enjoy these pictures</i></b><b><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></i></b></div>
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The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-30776299159017966802016-07-04T10:40:00.002-04:002016-07-05T07:30:42.668-04:00What's in my Hospital Bag?!The Other Side of the Blessing: Bags Packed!<br />
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I can't believe it's been a week now that I actually went into labor. I had no idea and no pain as many told me I would be in. This time last week I was walking around Walgreens and Publix with no idea that something was different with my body and Baby Braylen was on the way. I'm so happy my bags were packed and ready to go. Lol<br />
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Enjoy this week's blog in the form of a video. Oh the irony that I recorded it last Sunday.<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/aW7LF_B3HKU">https://youtu.be/aW7LF_B3HKU</a><br />
<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-89141242737543581862016-06-26T07:47:00.000-04:002016-06-26T22:59:37.929-04:00There Shall Be Showers of Blessing<div style="text-align: center;">
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One of my many favorite hymns is <i>"There Shall Be Showers of Blessing."</i> The song written by Daniel Whittle in 1883 says:<br />
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<b><i>"There Shall be showers of blessing;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>This is the promise of love;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>There shall be seasons refreshing, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Sent from the Savior above."</i></b></div>
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I know this sounds very churchy and AME but I never realized how this hymn would mean so much to me. I hummed the song and realized that over the past few months God sent angels to shower Little Miss Braylen with so much love in so many forms. My husband and I are forever grateful because as new parents we really didn't know what we needed for the new baby. In fact we were stumped adding items to the registry after adding the Baby Travel System and onesies. My sister in love who just had a baby a few months prior stepped in and gave me some pointers and so did a good sister friend. Thank you Christine and Amie!<br />
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God poured His blessings upon us when He sent his angels in the form of sorority sisters, family and friends, church sisters and coworkers who planned amazing baby showers for Miss Braylen Jael and I. During the showers God reminded of the scripture found in Psalm 126:5 that says, "those who sow in tears will reap in joy." He reminded the tears I cried over the last four years were truly preparing us for our blessing. At each shower I remember thanking the hostesses and guests for being so thoughtful and considerate. What I do know along this journey called life is that people don't have to be nice. They don't have to do anything for Braylen nor do they have to make their presence known. I was reminded by someone after one of the showers that God had already seen my tears but because of my faithfulness to the process this is an example of what it looks like when He said, "I will open up a window and pour you out a blessing that you won't have room enough to receive." She then reminded me of how we never became bitter or jealous in the process. I began weeping silently and realized how at one point 10 family and friends were expecting babies and I felt so barren yet I still rejoiced. <br />
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As I think again about the hymn "There Shall Be Showers of Blessings" I reflect on the promises of love and this beautiful season of refreshing we are in that was only sent to us from above. What does that mean? God all by himself sent earthly Angels to be a blessing to us like only He could to prove yet again that He is a provider and sustainer. <br />
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I'm so grateful to each and everyone who showered Miss Braylen Jael with love, prayers and gifts. There were even individuals who anonymously sent gifts to our home with well wishes sand prayers. She's truly a blessed little girl. I said to all of the attendees at the showers that people don't have to be nice. They don't have to bless our lives with gifts or items as we anticipate the arrival of our blessing but I'm so honored they did.<br />
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Thank Yous---- <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alison.parson.7/posts/584636297861">https://www.facebook.com/alison.parson.7/posts/584636297861</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Sorority & Line Sisters Gathering </i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>(We Love you Braylen Gift and Book Shower)</i></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lwdyCk9upHU2yXdZd-IAVGhyphenhyphen55bLWbetsTe1WFw0kWzN3d3NvwnYPz3jnBC4x11iTBddLQZlxwH1Upq-RVs38EHELKQRC3lMVhf19XfbNWfQGNUiaDu8HHvpaADdyC49hhkaA52vGSnO/s1600/IMG_4484.JPG"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lwdyCk9upHU2yXdZd-IAVGhyphenhyphen55bLWbetsTe1WFw0kWzN3d3NvwnYPz3jnBC4x11iTBddLQZlxwH1Upq-RVs38EHELKQRC3lMVhf19XfbNWfQGNUiaDu8HHvpaADdyC49hhkaA52vGSnO/s320/IMG_4484.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMNlFRbCwyFdRREln3oKV5Hffa8c5nbpr9gY0s3XDGaX6X5D_floyLdkqhHlH4dWCcPieU0bRH6Wafv7cF4EIQ8IIhUfUEA9Yaa2vIP8nyJBvtAQdric_3RBB2tnTfmZb7OF-R3i9_tZn/s1600/IMG_4486.JPG"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMNlFRbCwyFdRREln3oKV5Hffa8c5nbpr9gY0s3XDGaX6X5D_floyLdkqhHlH4dWCcPieU0bRH6Wafv7cF4EIQ8IIhUfUEA9Yaa2vIP8nyJBvtAQdric_3RBB2tnTfmZb7OF-R3i9_tZn/s320/IMG_4486.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvi6t-bQrssF1f6bnkMSzl3Htr59BFIq9X4W41xSDQZ7Qde-ayM_3qQGd8eBXFqGQy-Z_xbHT-NFL3kZ-fot_dXrWnaL7bCoabtUlphQNbXzlglEpWyaKoYu6n_Ik8nPFjbfNd9VZr_RDs/s1600/IMG_4489.JPG"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvi6t-bQrssF1f6bnkMSzl3Htr59BFIq9X4W41xSDQZ7Qde-ayM_3qQGd8eBXFqGQy-Z_xbHT-NFL3kZ-fot_dXrWnaL7bCoabtUlphQNbXzlglEpWyaKoYu6n_Ik8nPFjbfNd9VZr_RDs/s320/IMG_4489.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEiIEsn4WiZBgrRfivGZzAAVe7xI9NQ6MMf8IZyRI7cZzCthxgLKJXl8Hk2V27oU0q3v4mOHbW4XAz1veYxWZaLwKcXV-bD11bFURR09r2fLK4X79oKHABtHEP_hN3_GHslbCPgFaNf5H/s1600/IMG_4491.JPG"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEiIEsn4WiZBgrRfivGZzAAVe7xI9NQ6MMf8IZyRI7cZzCthxgLKJXl8Hk2V27oU0q3v4mOHbW4XAz1veYxWZaLwKcXV-bD11bFURR09r2fLK4X79oKHABtHEP_hN3_GHslbCPgFaNf5H/s320/IMG_4491.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1o8j5qQ0AiJwrtlciZtWL-n3Kba4i4rulMUarS_zemx9UL5Qjf8lW_nbLnpobPc8cUH8zDkL6GJPpKB3Ni5ZOO4_W10X6Gunflx1dCzsiZ_iv8XtvfHHVv7N9baO1MURp6qZ7M9gYeQNR/s1600/IMG_4496.JPG"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1o8j5qQ0AiJwrtlciZtWL-n3Kba4i4rulMUarS_zemx9UL5Qjf8lW_nbLnpobPc8cUH8zDkL6GJPpKB3Ni5ZOO4_W10X6Gunflx1dCzsiZ_iv8XtvfHHVv7N9baO1MURp6qZ7M9gYeQNR/s320/IMG_4496.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kKJOrUMJoEFptrcU8N7rZTq7ngWjM5bksTAuimnviru989sVqXjJI15gov40HrkZUsZQQR08i6UfuMx9dLmZF8DQLmG9qq2AtIY9sEeY6Es2739OTwjqZoYhpJIIgQpHNNUrcfp4w-6n/s1600/IMG_4503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kKJOrUMJoEFptrcU8N7rZTq7ngWjM5bksTAuimnviru989sVqXjJI15gov40HrkZUsZQQR08i6UfuMx9dLmZF8DQLmG9qq2AtIY9sEeY6Es2739OTwjqZoYhpJIIgQpHNNUrcfp4w-6n/s400/IMG_4503.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Family and Friends Gathering (Love on Braylen Day)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eZXzM-0_mEF7jQ37HSw_y7GzYZNOwkLyAHHfjxP2OFro01AJGn9eEbwAfm2T7yAejffwz51Rzmi0SKL9RIsIomwnIliZoPOf2q4YS-kDz8OOVguPudX_DEOANqs5nwjHPPOyJNbjMcN_/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eZXzM-0_mEF7jQ37HSw_y7GzYZNOwkLyAHHfjxP2OFro01AJGn9eEbwAfm2T7yAejffwz51Rzmi0SKL9RIsIomwnIliZoPOf2q4YS-kDz8OOVguPudX_DEOANqs5nwjHPPOyJNbjMcN_/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjij03x6x9VIhBgRUxL-ngCu3GQ6e1ezedICyzSAWJCe-L4_WRejylJ5XiWOOiDsET1rfxZr8Wxjit2rIZGu9ElJvjI8-E22oEC5dcf_kHCpyB84gu-7gpzaboYXyooMfWkGXa3j0O9uK/s1600/IMG_4794.JPG"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjij03x6x9VIhBgRUxL-ngCu3GQ6e1ezedICyzSAWJCe-L4_WRejylJ5XiWOOiDsET1rfxZr8Wxjit2rIZGu9ElJvjI8-E22oEC5dcf_kHCpyB84gu-7gpzaboYXyooMfWkGXa3j0O9uK/s320/IMG_4794.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKAu3RMNLP8evTDs77RhQ1e-RJUZOm_ZSJ53vkOhfT5ptjPGoSX0Cic2M7lWsYRRYxfrFlVGCiT280E_RmhkEf7BGMCjhpB1AghUqhAb4vopFnwOH6RujZzMcIdTu5ypDDz28AK2wPNnB/s1600/IMG_4791.JPG"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKAu3RMNLP8evTDs77RhQ1e-RJUZOm_ZSJ53vkOhfT5ptjPGoSX0Cic2M7lWsYRRYxfrFlVGCiT280E_RmhkEf7BGMCjhpB1AghUqhAb4vopFnwOH6RujZzMcIdTu5ypDDz28AK2wPNnB/s320/IMG_4791.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ4cCnJaspiWRpXEx3yqu0EFzTbHonT7bdnNz8X4WEQ3cmgS4WNwK9BfUCpWUuXR8y2UpQE4_c2qIplmqlPena3r7BMoQoitajMckGeNYDmPujsrfga1efFZX1f8R6UYFeYGMiqHECFWT/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJ4cCnJaspiWRpXEx3yqu0EFzTbHonT7bdnNz8X4WEQ3cmgS4WNwK9BfUCpWUuXR8y2UpQE4_c2qIplmqlPena3r7BMoQoitajMckGeNYDmPujsrfga1efFZX1f8R6UYFeYGMiqHECFWT/s320/IMG_4787.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKCqIGBpmYhVa2rKBgvorJIPBHZI357F2EB2Mr2IqHSTntwc-fCJDuRd9RGOEjaTAuysJxLbTbisCelloOobRYZYeo6U-1-gnLwie-PWcDXHxBi_QcidiOOGJ_YLFMQFEijrUjIeo_Dpw/s1600/IMG_4782.JPG"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKCqIGBpmYhVa2rKBgvorJIPBHZI357F2EB2Mr2IqHSTntwc-fCJDuRd9RGOEjaTAuysJxLbTbisCelloOobRYZYeo6U-1-gnLwie-PWcDXHxBi_QcidiOOGJ_YLFMQFEijrUjIeo_Dpw/s320/IMG_4782.JPG" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjmev7itkUqmm9YSNJ9HMyb8TT8qd27eqxLCI0nDUU0mYcHZbqfhgLA9XF7rtI-aqfsRvABU7FX0qnYXRka4zKfBob6PLYKvLwjOq_KqPubRyEpPVsppylEnkf5Svn41Yt3VVFVT5NlQ0/s1600/IMG_4781.JPG"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjmev7itkUqmm9YSNJ9HMyb8TT8qd27eqxLCI0nDUU0mYcHZbqfhgLA9XF7rtI-aqfsRvABU7FX0qnYXRka4zKfBob6PLYKvLwjOq_KqPubRyEpPVsppylEnkf5Svn41Yt3VVFVT5NlQ0/s320/IMG_4781.JPG" width="240" /></a> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77fWGcKil8EcURKq4n1xQgiJDScOE8ka-rLC7fbGJKGfDZDtahsXqxphQ6ZafiO5EEggP1rtmY7VPWhPyAhoPF0IZQu27Ver4YdPCpEQjX2l8695eWxMCoeuioKC9u_ngoOKFXVIHkfRA/s1600/IMG_4783.JPG"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77fWGcKil8EcURKq4n1xQgiJDScOE8ka-rLC7fbGJKGfDZDtahsXqxphQ6ZafiO5EEggP1rtmY7VPWhPyAhoPF0IZQu27Ver4YdPCpEQjX2l8695eWxMCoeuioKC9u_ngoOKFXVIHkfRA/s320/IMG_4783.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xbptrGjry5w-GwT2Lt1QeXl6dnRojpipNnBtrbtKlWKxygUJ3Dyv5RYArpfqDHFz6DQ2dRzcWOLVyfsgJ5Htfb_tUEWLIm3uQBAui10dcQev0T2_kTw_wT5MUNK_EZAKA2nlepGtju_0/s1600/IMG_4786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xbptrGjry5w-GwT2Lt1QeXl6dnRojpipNnBtrbtKlWKxygUJ3Dyv5RYArpfqDHFz6DQ2dRzcWOLVyfsgJ5Htfb_tUEWLIm3uQBAui10dcQev0T2_kTw_wT5MUNK_EZAKA2nlepGtju_0/s1600/IMG_4786.JPG" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Hopewell AME Gathering </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">(It's a Girl Braylen Jael Shower of Blessings)</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKOh4FpZ-wgylc1Qory7mDQ4Fns5sX51lMC4jLMaIS71oTIiC_daO7_yyq64-Rx028f4XkcLHY95TGGFywQVBoNa5LG93eNdWtAjxtyVeBOoqTqI39Bbl9pqyx6LTlpihyphenhyphenj6PC85cSoVy/s1600/IMG_4860.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKOh4FpZ-wgylc1Qory7mDQ4Fns5sX51lMC4jLMaIS71oTIiC_daO7_yyq64-Rx028f4XkcLHY95TGGFywQVBoNa5LG93eNdWtAjxtyVeBOoqTqI39Bbl9pqyx6LTlpihyphenhyphenj6PC85cSoVy/s320/IMG_4860.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9Dq4p2H0Z0e_C9yA_zlJHKDOSBGXr9u2k6Z0oYCvhCgUX3IradsTWAJUasMo457fhPxW-ubhyphenhyphenu1_FXwFRArJB1v8Q6_3lbSTVDP1N3zxtfJXYOQ4wUcU7AFL9CiaZB1j79fW4nvNmDwW/s1600/IMG_4861.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9Dq4p2H0Z0e_C9yA_zlJHKDOSBGXr9u2k6Z0oYCvhCgUX3IradsTWAJUasMo457fhPxW-ubhyphenhyphenu1_FXwFRArJB1v8Q6_3lbSTVDP1N3zxtfJXYOQ4wUcU7AFL9CiaZB1j79fW4nvNmDwW/s320/IMG_4861.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7RpQKFppK7pP6rvYmoDWmsv4ZadV1z7NI_WaV9KnNPwfJ7trh9ZvSS7KsScjJkkkn_Ez5EaJftNkgERBCGH1fzdCx3fCohCmVz7gyFdV5kF5s8GoAfQcrolIB4nlMXbP4eiqvhjbIaGo/s1600/IMG_4866.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7RpQKFppK7pP6rvYmoDWmsv4ZadV1z7NI_WaV9KnNPwfJ7trh9ZvSS7KsScjJkkkn_Ez5EaJftNkgERBCGH1fzdCx3fCohCmVz7gyFdV5kF5s8GoAfQcrolIB4nlMXbP4eiqvhjbIaGo/s320/IMG_4866.JPG" /></a><br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Work Gathering (#TeamBraylen)</b></div>
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<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-86920406425566687242016-06-19T05:43:00.000-04:002016-06-20T10:42:50.649-04:00"Excuse me if I get a little Giddy or maybe even strange"---- It's Father's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuIa0HBTwsJmV21nj8zqv2UmxsHdDYxCSJ17c8UpWkYgAdOmNX67J6mUvMnwxM7tnNcAcr7Rqw7VS4U4IeqmzG3mrj7HGpPzNQHB0cxqM0M2MQbJ8Ay8nZzUnngjufD7lXDc6ALfsu8R0/s1600/j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuIa0HBTwsJmV21nj8zqv2UmxsHdDYxCSJ17c8UpWkYgAdOmNX67J6mUvMnwxM7tnNcAcr7Rqw7VS4U4IeqmzG3mrj7HGpPzNQHB0cxqM0M2MQbJ8Ay8nZzUnngjufD7lXDc6ALfsu8R0/s400/j.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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<i><b>"Tomorrow is Father’s Day! I am so very happy because this Father’s Day is so much different than any I’ve experienced in the past for this in fact is my first Father’s Day as a real life dad. Yes, as a Pastor, I’ve always received messages, cards, and even gifts on Father’s Day simply because of the calling over my life, but this one is totally different since we are actual parents…Look where God has brought us from. So if I’m a little giddy, can’t stop smiling, or overwhelmingly emotional tomorrow, please let me have that time, because guess what…..my baby’s having a baby, and I’m a daddy!!!! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/braylensdaddy?source=feed_text&story_id=10154273066832241">#BraylensDaddy</a>"--- Facebook Status of Jarrett Washington</b></i><br />
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I read his status on last evening and my heart melted. I recall Father's Day 2012 as if it were yesterday. My father was delivering the Father's Day message at the first church we were assigned to. As my husband got up to introduce him, he thanked my father for being an amazing father in love and a few other sentimental words. He then said words that I've never forgotten. He said, <i>"I'm wishing the Ole Man and all the other father's an amazing Father's Day. I may not be one this Father's Day but next Father's Day I will be a father!" </i>That was four years ago. During our fertility journey my husband never gave up on remembering God's promise to him. </div>
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For years I've seen him wear homemade Dr. Suess hats reading to kindergarten students, cheering at football games, helping with essays, teaching boys how to tie a tie and even allowing our godson to have our home as a haven with no rules... sliding down banisters and even saying yes to him when his parents said no. Last summer I witnessed him cry at the airport when he saw one of the youth from our church off to California not knowing when she would return. I've witnessed him stand with a little boy at Easter who forgot part of his speech to give him support. I've seen him hold my hands and felt him dry my tears as we waited for God to expand our family and I saw how he fell apart on April 17 and again on September 25 when we received the news that our fertility treatments didn't work. That was then..... This is now. If you TRULY knew our story you would understand our celebration and praise. </div>
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A few weeks ago at one of our baby showers everyone witnessed the joy that he felt of being a dad when he promised to only open one of the many gifts we received because there was an abundance of gifts and blessings. Instead of opening one gift......let's just say my husband enjoyed himself and rightfully so. He opened every gift that was presented. </div>
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I have a few tricks up my sleeves today as I celebrate my husband on his first of many Father's Day. As I turn 36 weeks today, time is winding down and he will have lots of work to put in.... lol! I'm so grateful that God has blessed my husband and I to truly celebrate our own Father's Day. He deserves it! He was faithful over the few things and God is blessing him with his own. This was no easy journey and the road was far from smooth and easy but look how God has moved. My husband is going to be a daddy............ He is a daddy. He's our furbaby Jaxson's human daddy and Braylen's daddy. If you see my husband is giddy today, please praise and celebrate with him!</div>
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Happy Father's Day Jarrett Britton Washington!</div>
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Scripture: Psalm 127: 3-5<i> "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court"</i></div>
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<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-84334930885086634722016-06-13T11:26:00.000-04:002016-06-13T14:14:00.720-04:00It was Necessary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend I was able to view a video by recording artist Fantasia Barrino. This live recorded video is an impromptu worship with friends that went viral in a matter of hours. As I meditated on the words of the song I thought about the journey my husband and I took to get to <i>"The Other Side of the Blessing."</i> I went into worship of my own. The words of the song simply says:<br />
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<i><b>"I am who I am today because God used my mistakes. He worked them for my good like no one else ever could........... It was necessary."</b></i></div>
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I immediately thought about the roller coaster of the path we took to get to a place called Here and I realized like never before that God allowed us to be on this path so that we could witness to others who were on the same journey to expanding their families. When we were on the journey I remember crying out to God that I didn't want to be anyone's testimony. I wanted Him to bless me indeed and enlarge our family. I didn't want to wait. As I look back on this journey I can say boldly, <b>"It was necessary!" </b>As I minister to and pray for those ladies and families who are having difficulty expanding their families I am able to tell them of our journey. I truly wouldn't have been able to minister to them if I didn't go through the process.<br />
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<b><i>Jarrett and Deronda being broken to their lowest point.-- It was NECESSARY!</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Being told we only had a 5% chance of having a child---It was NECESSARY!</i></b><br />
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<b><i>3 Failed Fertility Treatments--</i></b><b><i>It was NECESSARY!</i></b><br />
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<b><i>People constantly asking when we would have children</i></b><b><i>--</i></b><b><i>It was NECESSARY!</i></b><br />
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<b><i>4 years of testing and doctors' appointments</i></b><b><i>--</i></b><b><i>It was NECESSARY!</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Praying for others more than we prayed for ourselves</i></b><b><i>--</i></b><b><i>It was NECESSARY!</i></b><br />
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These things all worked for our Good!!! We never gave up in the process. We never stopped praying. We remained humble and are forever grateful of how God blessed us for our faithfulness. I am forever grateful that my husband never gave up on me in the process. There were many days I didn't feel like I was the best me that I could be.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">It was NECESSARY!!</span></b></div>
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Click here to Listen to Fantasia: <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS4dD73QWKY" target="_blank">Necessary</a></span><br />
<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-82633819851428565452016-06-06T12:12:00.000-04:002016-06-06T12:29:11.369-04:00The Elders of a Community Are The Voice of God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is an African Proverb that says, "<i>The Elders of a Community Are The Voice of God." </i> I believe I've always known this but it's amazing how God has confirmed this so many times in the past few days. During this last few days I was able to visit a senior neighbor in my childhood neighborhood who is just like a grandmother to me, sit at a baby shower for Baby Braylen in front of the Senior Mothers of our church and read a card confirming how wise our elders are.<br />
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A few years ago during our difficulty expanding our family, I was tossing and turning in my sleep and very restless. My thoughts kept going back to the promises of God and when He would answer our prayers. Suddenly I saw a silhouette appear in the bathroom door of our bedroom. For some reason it didn't startle me because I could see the shape of the silhouette and the smile on the face and recognized it to be the spirit of my deceased grandmother, Anna Mae Corbin. She was smiling so brightly and simply said to me, "<i>I'm so proud of you. God is doing a magnificent work in you. You even became a Missionary. You are making me so proud. Look at my grandbaby girl.... My baby girl is going to have a baby girl! Isn't that something?!" </i> As fast as she appeared, she disappeared. That night I got the best sleep and rest that I had had in a long time. I will always remember this spiritual visit from my grandmother and will hold it dear to my heart.<br />
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This week I had the opportunity to visit my childhood neighborhood and literally received prayers and blessings from the eldest neighbor. She decreed and declared blessings over Baby Braylen's life and how brilliant she will be because God took extra time in forming her. I was so overwhelmed by the prayers that I had no doubt that the prophesy she spoke would come forth. There is just something about having God speak through the elders to you.<br />
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On this past Saturday our church family hosted a beautiful shower for Little Miss Braylen.<i> (Baby Showers blog coming soon) </i>In the midst of the fellowship and opening gifts I read a beautiful card that had these words:<br />
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<i>"Back in the day the old folks would gather around a newborn. With hearts full of hope, they'd take turns holding the precious little one close. Then, softly, sweetly they'd whisper, "Are you the one? Are you the one to dream exciting new dreams, the one to soar to amazing new heights to live a life of limitless possibility?"</i></div>
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After I read the card, I looked up and realized that the organizer of the shower strategically had a reserve table for the Senior Mothers of the church that was placed directly in front of my table. Though these mothers didn't say much during the shower, they occasionally nodded and smiled as the younger ladies played games and enjoyed each other's fellowship. Before the shower came to an end, I made sure to hug and thank the Senior Mothers for attending as well as thanking them in advance for their wisdom and knowledge I know they will share with me for Baby Braylen.</div>
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None of these events that transpired within days apart of each other were happenstance. I believe God, as He always does, was reminding me to not only honor my elders but to remember they have wisdom and can share so much with me. I'm sure Braylen will be resting in one of their arms during worship experiences really soon and being poured into spiritually. </div>
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I'm so blessed to have a wonderful "village" that will help in the maturation process for Braylen and even my husband and I. I know there is a lot to learn and I, as a "new age" mom, will need to sit at their feet many days to learn. </div>
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The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-79286434073216937182016-05-30T06:51:00.000-04:002016-05-30T06:51:35.647-04:00..........And Bless Baby Braylen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Throughout our journey from Faith to Fertility we knew undoubtedly people were praying for us. We knew that people were calling the names of Jarrett and Deronda in their prayers and on days when we were too weak to pray, we felt the prayers of the righteous and we saw them avail and manifest into something greater. </div>
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Sunday after Sunday the altar at our church, Hopewell AME Church in Hemingway, SC, becomes full with parishioners desiring prayer, interceding for others and simply coming to lay their burdens down. This particular Sunday was no different except the wonderful experience took place before the the altar was open for prayer. In fact it happened during the Children's Sermon. As usual our Children's Sermon Messenger gave an inspiring message to about 20 youth standing at the altar with her. I love how every Sunday she ties in a treat with her sermon and offers the most amount of treats to the youth that closes the sermon with their own prayer. I believe the incentive for this sermon was an entire bag of Dum Dum lollipops. The hands of all of the children began waving in the air when she asked who wanted to pray. And here is when my soul got happy. After selecting the young girl to pray and her requesting us to bow our heads I heard one of the most sincerest prayers. This sweet child prayed for her family, her sisters, her church family and then I heard this, <i>"Father bless our Pastor Washington, First Lady Washington, and bless Baby Braylen and cover them in your blood and keep them safe! Amen!" </i> I was literally moved to tears because out of the mouths of babes this young girl prayed for our sweet baby who she had not met yet.</div>
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I wasn't surprised at her prayer because this is the same sweet girl who hugs me every Sunday and waves at my belly saying <i>"Hey Braylen!" </i>From this Sunday forward I noticed that the children of our church prayed and called Baby Braylen by name in their prayers. I laugh because sometimes they forget about pastor, me or their families but they never forget about Baby Braylen. For that, I am extremely grateful.</div>
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Ironically, either a few Sundays before or after we discussed having Childlike Faith in our Church School lesson. During our journey I asked God for that child-like faith. Children are almost always specific when they pray. They believe! It is that simple. So Jarrett and I never stopped believing! We have daily discussions of what we desire Baby Braylen to be and we ask God in our prayers to let it be so. </div>
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Somewhere between childhood and adulthood many people have lost the art of asking. Perhaps it seems presumptuous, selfish or a waste of time. Whatever the reason, God is not offended when we ask in childlike faith. Some of the most sincerest prayers I've heard comes out of the mouths of babes. I once heard a child pray, <i>"Dear God, it must be super hard to love all the people in the world, especially my sister. I don't know how You do it." </i>Talk about laughter. Some were serious like, <i>"Dear God, mommy says my granny has Old Timers (Alzheimer's) disease and she may not remember me or certain things soon. God I love my grandmother but will you always help her to remember how much I love her?"</i></div>
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Whether the prayers of children have greater impact or not, they have a direct line with the Father, and they ask without qualifying their petitions. We need to pay attention. We too often allow our doubts to seep into our prayers. Not kids.</div>
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I am forever grateful for everyone especially the children who have added "..............<i>and bless Baby Braylen" </i> to their prayers.</div>
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Song: Mississippi Children's Choir: I'm Blessed </div>
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https://youtu.be/bCSE9XKBXIk</div>
<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-63577045702191934382016-05-21T06:43:00.002-04:002016-05-21T15:09:40.121-04:00This Guy Is Gonna Be A Daddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've never seen him change a diaper. I've never seen him feed a baby. I've never even seen him rock a baby to sleep but I know my husband is going to be an amazing dad. From the time I told him I was expecting our first child until now, I've seen my husband morph into a totally different person. After I told him I was pregnant one of the first words he uttered was, <i>"I am going to be a daddy!" </i> The sound of those words made me bite my bottom lip to keep from crying. I instantly corrected him and said, <i>"You are going to be an amazing dad!"</i></div>
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During the course of our journey I've seen lots of ups and downs but the blessings of the ups outweighed the downs. I was ever so happy that he never missed any of my doctor appointments whether it be in person or through FaceTime. The joy on his face with every ultrasound or hearing of her heartbeat is indescribable.<br />
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On the evening of February 18, 2016, the day our niece was born I saw a totally different side of my husband. When we got the news our niece made her grand entrance into the world, my husband jumped up as if he was a fireman hearing a siren and started yelling, "<i>Let's go!! My niece is here!!! I'm an uncle!!! My brother and sister made me an uncle!!! Yes God!!!! Deronda let's go!!!!!!" </i> He drove to the hospital I'm sure not obeying the speed limits to visit our new family. When his brother came out to talk to us and tell us about the birthing experience my husband listened intently and with so much excitement. It was reassuring watching their interactions. He began dreaming and declaring how he wanted our daughters to grow up as bestfriends and cousins and how much fun he and his brother would have raising their children together. A few months later I saw the excitement he had in planning a small 3rd birthday party for our our Godson CJ. He left no stone unturned and got so much satisfaction when all went well.<br />
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One of his many prayers throughout our fertility journey was that we would be able to raise our children to be close in age with family and friends. Boy did God hear him and answer those prayers. He blessed us with a niece on February 18, 2016, a nephew through our bestfriends on March 30, 2016, Baby Braylen is slated to arrive July 2016 and another of his childhood friend's wife is due in November! I can't wait to capture a picture of all of them with their children.<br />
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I never knew what type of dad my husband was going to be until I saw the love and energy he put into preparing for our baby girl's arrival. Dressed in his <i>"This Guy Is Gonna Be a Daddy" </i>tee and up early on his 'day off', I fell in love all over again with a man who loved his unborn daughter so much. My husband was never a handy man. In fact, he'd rather pay someone to to do the repairs and handy work around the house. (I don't blame him lol) However, this man got so much joy in putting her crib together with his bestfriend and he single-handedly assembled her dressers and chest of drawers, changed her air vent covers and just worked hard to ensure all of her needs were met. During his "Bob the Builder" escapades I could hear him mumble, <i>"Braylen, daddy isn't taking any shortcuts putting these together. This has to be put together right!"</i><br />
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For years my husband has been a father to many in his congregations attending their basketball games, awards ceremonies, graduations, soccer games and even court hearings but this time it's different. <i>"This Guy is Going to be a Daddy" </i>to a little girl who he prayed for and waited for. I'm 100% sure she is already loves him too because she leaps in my belly every time she hears his boisterous voice preach or talk to her. I love how everyone also sees how much of an amazing dad he is going to be.<br />
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Jarrett Britton Washington, is going to be a daddy...<b>An Amazing Daddy! </b>I never knew how much I loved Braylen's father until I saw how much he already loves her!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jarrett and Clinton putting her crib together</td></tr>
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<b>Scripture: Psalm 127 3-5</b><br />
<b>Song: Daddy by Beyonce: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UIUcPyLT8k" target="_blank">Click here to Listen</a></b>The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6752740486544977995.post-71468248142012921992016-05-17T08:44:00.000-04:002016-05-17T13:38:24.662-04:00May I Add You To My Prayer Wall?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"May I add you to my prayer wall?" </i> Those are words that I've spoken a lot in the last 6 months. These words were said to women who were desirous of children and were having difficulty expanding their families. Some were hoping and praying for natural conceptions, while others were praying their fertility treatments worked. There were a few that desired their foster parent status changed to full adoptive parent status. There were also a few praying for God to bless them to start the direct adoption process. Whatever their desire, I wanted to add them to my prayer wall. </div>
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If you recall this is the same prayer wall in our prayer room that my husband and I went to during various parts of our day either together or separately to sit, kneel or lay prostrate and simply speak to God. This room was also designated as the room of our unborn child. This was the same prayer room that housed the prayer wall we went to every time we had a failed fertility treatment or received bad news from the doctor, yet still this was the same room we praised and thank God in for our unborn child. My husband and I are both convinced that this room was where God met us and our miracle was created. </div>
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To this day we aren't sure of how many people prayed for us during the time we were desiring a child but we are appreciative those prayers sent up to Him were answered. For this and so many other reasons we continue to pray for those who are on their journey from <i>Faith to Fertility. </i>Why do I specifically pray for those who are still on the journey? I feel it is my responsibility to intercede on their behalf because I remember the times I was so broken that I could not pray so I know someone had to have been praying for my husband and me. Even after we conceived, we were in constant prayer that all would be well. We prayed against Down's Syndrome, heart abnormalities, and all other things associated with an <i>"After Age 35"</i> pregnancy.</div>
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I don't care whether it's morning, noon or night, I get so happy when someone whom I've been praying for calls, texts, emails or posts on social media that the prayers that I've been praying is answered. I love posting on social media the status, <i>"Another Prayer Answered!! #faithToFertility". </i></div>
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We were riding home from church one Sunday afternoon and I showed my husband a Facebook status that one of the angels on our prayer wall received her blessing. She and her husband were blessed with a beautiful baby girl through adoption. He looked at me and said, <i>"Wow, your prayers are really being answered for your fertility friends! Praise God!" </i> I sat quietly in the car almost brought to tears by simply thanking God for their blessings. Then I thought about the prayers I prayed for others even when I was feeling empty and barren and God still heard my liquid prayers (tears) that went up. I remember crying out to God saying, <i>"God if you just do it for them I know you can do it for me!" </i>At that instant I realized I started saying, "<i>God you did it for me!! Now can you do it for __________________?!? (inserting the names of those on my wall) </i> I prayed for their husbands as I know what it was like to see my husband go through this process with me! </div>
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Eight simple words.................. <i>"May I add you to my prayer wall?" </i> My post today is not to boast in the power of my prayer life. It is simply a testimony of the fact that God is answering prayers of those who I've prayed for. It is also to give hope to those who are still waiting on God to answer their prayers. </div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">"May I add you to my prayer wall?"</span></b></i></div>
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<b>Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:27</b></div>
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<b>Song: I'm Praying For You by William Murphy <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1laNuIF_AGY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1laNuIF_AGY</a></b></div>
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<br />The Other Side of the Blessinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05716578603940337988noreply@blogger.com0