Walking to a co-workers office recently, I glanced at a calendar and noticed the date said October 14. I knew what the date was as I’d already been at work for quite a while that day and had pressed “send” on many emails with the date prominently featured. I don’t know what hit me, or why, but seeing that October 14 sent me into a mini-meltdown on the inside as I realized that Christmas was just two months and two weeks away.

Let me declare that I love Christmas and all that it represents. More importantly, I love Jesus, the reason we all celebrate, (or at least the reason we should all commemorate). Anywho, seeing that October 14 made me realize that for the first time in as long as I can remember, I had not been able to start my Christmas shopping early, and definitely had not been able to finish it by now as I had so many years prior. That revelation did something to me.  It stung and scared me at the same time. You see, I’m a creature of habit. I like routine, structure, order, tradition, proactive and advance preparations in as much of my life as I can have it. I live for it, work toward it and thrive in it. It’s part of what defines my personality and that’s just the way it is. Having been thrown unimaginable curve balls since childhood, I’ve come to expect and appreciate the unexpected too, but I love a good ol’ dose of healthy habits. One of my healthy habits was early Christmas shopping, even having taught several classes on how to do it.

Seeing the date of October 14 triggered an inner “something” in me that signaled some overloads of communications in my brain that I had to quickly recognize and be rid of.  I went into a fits of fiscal woes and wonders that I probably shouldn’t have even entertained in the first place. I’m by no means destitute, or anywhere near it. I’m very blessed and especially grateful. God blesses me tremendously, but changed circumstances and matters out of my control are temporarily causing what comes in to go out to places not previously assigned. So my challenge isn’t with my financial status. I know Who my Source is. I’m actually just waiting on the big ta-dah when God shows me that this season was all an amazing blessing in disguise! My challenge is concern (notice I didn’t say fear) of not being able to give, go, and do like I want to for myself and others. That thought can be a serious headache (and heartache). So on October 14 my mind did a doozie on me! It asked me questions like:

• Why hadn’t I been able to do any shopping? And what’s next to exit from my routines?

• Was this the future of my finances?

• How had other things so effortlessly replaced my ritual of purposefully and frugally shopping for friends and loved ones so that I wouldn’t be stuck spending big bucks in December?

• Who stole my money (figuratively, not literally)?

• Who could I blame for the financial state I’m in?

• Am I an awful planner?

• Am I struggling and if so, how did I miss the memo?

• Have I not been a good steward?

• Will I ever have more to give more?

• Is this temporary to teach me some lesson I must not have learned years before?

• God, what’s up with my pockets?

As the wouldas, couldas, shoulds, what ifs, why me’s and why comes ran amuck in my mind and tapped dance on my tummy I had to stop and write this post. I had to honestly get out what I was feeling so that it could be replaced with what should be. I know you might be thinking, “Geesh, it’s only Christmas gifts. It’s not that deep.” For me it was that deep, because noticing that date and eventually walking into my “Christmas gift closet” and seeing nothing but a few left over gifts from last year signified a major change in something I took great joy in doing. That signaled a (temporary) new season of learning (again) to manage with less.

After the whirlwind of thoughts settled I sulked for a bit. (Just being real.) Then decided that this was not my first go-round at the “God Bless Me and Get My Mind, Money and Money Management Right” Rodeo. I’m praying and preparing for creative ideas, cost-saving tips, angels on earth, new insights shared from wise men and women, discounts in stores, good stuff to write about on this journey, favor, free stuff to get and give away, people to bless in the midst of having less, but I will not be deterred by this detour. I simply won’t!  I’ve now buckled up and am cautiously preparing for my ride to redemption deciding that tis the season to establish even newer healthy habits over developing unwanted headaches any day, or holiday of the year.

@AngelaMMoore316

(There’s a totally overused phrase that’s popular today in some demographics that says, “Turn Up! Turn Down For What?!?” In the genres which make it popular it expresses the need to be excited, have fun, enjoy life, celebrate and all that jazz and keeping things that way. That, ladies and gentleman is the pretense behind this post.)

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Let me just say taking the high road can be hard. Staying on the high road can be even harder.  I know I’m not the only one who feels as if some people and problems have been hand-crafted to yank me down to the lowly roads of “Don’t take my meekness for weakness/Let me tell you a thing or two/You don’t know who you’re messing with so let me show you”. But they’re not worth it.

Of late, loved ones and I have been collectively (and almost strategically)challenged with the task of trekking up the high road and doing whatever it takes to set up shop there. This has become especially evident with persons that seem to have been wired (or rewired) to misrepresent, misunderstand, or misinterpret us, our roles in their life, their responsibilities in ours, fact vs fiction and the list goes on. Wisdom, trial, error and eventual reward has taught me that these kinds of “crazy” scenarios are clear indicators that we’re on the right path to somewhere BIG and that it’s important to stay classy to stay there. But again, staying on the high road can be hard.

I’ll be the first to admit that I have a quick and seasoned wit.  Hunni, I can think of things to say that would shock you. They shock me often when they come to mind (especially because I’ve never been one to curse, so these aren’t a string of fluid “swear words”, but methodically put together put downs that would take out even the strongest of adversaries). Thankfully I’ve tremendously grown and try really, really hard to no longer let those words run amuck. However, sometimes it feels like my mind has a mind of its own. As quickly as I can think of an uplifting or encouraging post, when I’m challenged or a loved one is challenged I can also think of some seriously snappy comebacks and planned speeches to deliver to my nemesis. I have to purposely change my mind when those things try to come to mind. I have to choose to come up from where my mind might be leading my mouth so I’ll whisper in a loud internal shout #ComeUp! #ComeDownForWhat?!?!

@AngelaMMoore316

The catchy tune to one of my girl Whitney Houston’s song has been setting up shop in my mind this morning. I’m an early riser, so waking up to the lyrics “It’s not right, but it’s okay. I’m gonna make it anyway” at 4am in the morning signals to me more than just a song.

Ms. Houston sang (and strutted in her video) about an unfaithful lover that supposedly went out to eat with his boys on Friday night, came home around three with a receipt for two. (I just love it!) Her declaration to him, “It’s not right, but it’s okay. I’m gonna make it anyway.” Now, some other sneaky scenarios and wise words by Whitney followed, but this isn’t a “he or she did me wrong” post so I’ll proceed. This post is about any area of life, where we know it’s not right and what we have the power to do about it.

Sometimes life, or the people, situations and circumstances that come along with it just “ain’t” right. In fact, sometimes it can feel downright unfair. But I’ve learned that whether something is fair or not has never stopped forward motion, if we simply keep moving. Here’s my question, how many times have you dared to make a declaration to those things that troubled you, stood firmly by it, pressed through it and knew without a shadow of a doubt that you’d be okay? Whether with troubling money matters, dealing with parents or children with dire needs, with stress at school, coping with loss, desiring more money, recognition or stability from work, getting over past mistakes, handling health problems, battling spiritual challenges, dealing with family or relational struggles or anything else in between we’ve got to start taking a page out of this song book and know that “It’s not right, but it’s okay.” And we will be too. (Now let that little tune linger in your head as you move ahead.)

@AngelaMMoore316

I really, really like that! How many times have you heard those words from a woman walking by who said it about you, but not directly too you? How many times have you thought those words of another woman, but failed to let those words escape from your mind to your mouth?

Ladies, why is it sometimes so difficult to share our sincere compliments with other women? We are known for our ability to recognize all things esthetically pleasing, yet often can’t muster up the words to share what we’ve witnessed with the one wearing it, sporting it, speaking it, handling it, writing it, creating it or owning it. That “ain’t” cool! Being honest and encouraging another woman in an area you admire takes nothing away from you, but can add so much to her.

So, I’d like to invite you to join me in embarking on the “I Really, Really Like That” campaign with a mission to tell your fellow female the truth about those things that make her awesome. If you like something, let her know. If you admire her, say so. If you’d like to learn more from her, ask. If you’re amazed by her actions, speak up. If you’re inspired by her life, let it out. Ok? Now ready, set, go!

@AngelaMMoore316

(A 4:00am viewing of a popular reality show prompted this post.)

Ladies,

Don’t be that girl. What girl you ask?

The girl who:

1. Has to have her behavior explained all the time as, “Well, you know that’s just how she is.”
2. Is a “Debbie Downer” making the mood of the group go south with constant complaints and criticisms.
3. Is unapologetically, always late.
4. Is mean, mean, mean and mad, mad, mad all the time.
5. Is living miserably in the pains of yesterday.
6. Talks badly about men and other women.
7. Refuses to see the good, or God’s purpose in other people.
8. Can be heard long before she is seen.
9. Is known for throwing shade (and I don’t mean sunglasses or palm trees)
10. Is moody.
11. Presents herself in ways deemed unlovable (and makes it hard, very hard for people to love her).
12. Cares more about name brand purses than people.
13. Has mastered the art of Chameleon 101…changing to be whomever you think people want you to be.
14. Throws pity parties.
15. Is known for stealing the spotlight, and spoiling it.
16. Can’t celebrate others.
17. Keeps up more drama than a 1980’s daytime soap opera.
18. Doesn’t listen.
19. Can’t be trusted.
20. Spreads bad news faster than the flu in a kindergarten class.