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Sunday Morning Coffee Musings: In Season. Summer.

Have you ever thought of taking the time to align your life with nature and the seasons? It’s important to pay attention to what is going on in nature as it can be a cue, a clue, and a solution to what is going on in our own lives. I mean we do it automatically by switching out our wardrobes . We know to put away sweaters and to pull out shorts and short sleeved shirts for the summer. We know to stay hydrated with water. We know how to seek out shade. We schedule our vacations for the summer. It’s the optimum time for family gatherings and reunions. We go swimming. It’s summer. More sunlight. Longer days.

But what about aligning your spiritual life, your soul, your life to the TIME and SEASON? What should you be doing in the Summer season? What a wonderful time to ENJOY life. What a wonderful time to TAKE IT EASY. Yes. Relax. Rest. Recuperate. Enjoy the fruit of your labor. But summer is also ENERGETIC. It offers the most energy. So, it’s the time we are mostly on the go. So many things to do and places to go. Concerts in the park, farmers markets, travel, family, etc.

Spiritually speaking, the SUN representing the symbol of many things and many gods to certain people or religions, is high in the sky during the summer. Think of it as a time to really, really, pay attention to HOW you serve your chosen religion. No religion? Take note of how you serve HUMANITY. Who and what is guiding you? Who and what is motivating you? Are you driven by rewards and accolades? Are you driven by social media posts? Are you driven by religion meaning, this is what WE do because this how we have always done it? What if YOU don’t want to do that anymore? What if it’s time for a change? What if it’s time to move on from that position in Church or on the job? The sun is saying to you, eyes on me (YOUR SOURCE). Spend time with me (YOUR SOURCE). Spend time in me (YOUR SOURCE). What about me (YOUR SOURCE)? What about what I am calling you to do? What about the book? What about the flower shop? What about opening your own practice? Not only with your God, but what about you? Steal away this summer into some ME time. Sit on the porch in the early morning with your coffee and without your spouse. Get in the hammock and take a nap. Dream about the things you want to do. Write out a plan or ideas. Immerse yourself in your favorite hobby alone. What about God? What about You? What about God and You?

See the sun. See through your routine and remember your commitment to God and Self.

Let the sun shine within to illuminate the lost things within. Let it shine a light on your calling, dreams, and purposes.

The sun is giving you TIME to do some things for you but, also to do some things with other people. Call an old friend. Spend time with a friend. Make a new friend. Spend some time with each child alone. BONDING TIME.

HYDRATE. So important to get WATER in the summer. Your grass needs water. Your plants need water. YOU NEED WATER and more of it in the summer. Especially, if you are active.

HYDRATE YOUR SOUL and MIND with a book. Hydrate your soul with meditation. Hydrate your soul with exercise. Hydrate your soul with prayer. Hydrate with stillness and mindfulness. Hydrate with intentional living and actions.

~Nikki

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What Wednesdays: Hesitant to Walk Out My Calling

I was listening to Abraham Hicks and she was talking about ACTION without effort or resistance. She also talked about knowing your hang ups, blocks, snares. I asked God to show me where my blocks were and what exactly were they. Well, let me tell you, one of my blocks came as a surprise but, I could see how that was the case.

I have done the work in the past to uncover my authentic self. I have been on a journey walking in, getting comfortable with my authentic self. However, Spirit revealed to me that I was too busy trying to PROVE that I fit in by SHOUTING that I don’t fit in BECAUSE deep down inside I want to be accepted by the Christian population and peers. It’s TRUE I said as soon as it was revealed to me.

I thought I was forewarning people so they wouldn’t be shocked or think I wasn’t “saved” or a believer because I didn’t think like them or look like them or follow the rules. I have questions about the Bible. I have disagreements about the Bible. God let me know that it was no longer necessary to announce or to explain ANYTHING about OUR business and WHO I AM as one that believes in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. But, also one that gravitates towards spirituality (worshipping Him in SPIRIT and TRUTH). I tend to like, and I am drawn to the deeper things of God. The superficial, egotistical driven side of Christianity really turns my stomach. I often say to God, can we just meet at the ocean every Sunday and you bring a message and I go home or into the world? That would be great. Maybe some music. Maybe some teaching. But, I am just not into “religion” and “theology” and positions. I don’t like the politics. I don’t mind a prosperous church. I don’t mind a small church doing work in the community. I just don’t like all of the fat. I’d like it trimmed. But that’s not my call. That’s not my business or my ministry.

When I look back deeper into my life, I can see where I developed the need to announce I am different. One, I was told something was wrong weird or different about me as a child by a parent, siblings, and family. I was told by peers. I stood out as a red headed black child. It was made known from the day I was born I was different. So, I guess I begin to let people know that I was different BEFORE they could tell me. And I can see how announcing, “I am not traditional or religious” before I get ready to speak or post or blog is a way of wanting to be accepted in spite of my thoughts, ideas, truths, beliefs NOT lining up with tradition. No one likes a rule breaker. And my Christian peers can be quite judgmental and gossipy. I don’t so much mind the others but, not the people I chose to be part of. I have come so close to being done with CHRISTIANITY and just flowing with God.

Anyway, I can no longer be hesitant about who I am. I have to be the Nicole, inspired by John the Baptist mixed with some David and Peter with the fashion flare of Lydia (the seller of purple cloth that had ships coming in and was a businesswoman and believer). I have to accept I will be denounced, talked about, and shunned by many. But as long as I am loved, accepted, and cherished by the Creator, all is well.

~Nikki

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Sunday Morning Coffee Musings: A Call to Community

In my new/old neighborhood there has been an increase of “foolishness” and violence. So much so, the Neighborhood Watch has been activated to deal with it. I remember as a child going to the same neighborhood watch meetings and being incredibly bored. However, we were kept up to date on what to look out for and instructed to tell a neighbor or call the police. This neighborhood, that I moved back into, has been for the most part, safe and quiet. And that is due to neighbors that care about each other and the community.

I wish every community would take an initiative to root out crime and to preserve as much as possible in their own environment. However, I know it is easier said than done. Sometimes there is a risk for your life and others if you decide to CHANGE the course or to improve the conditions. I say call on your representative to assist in the changes when it comes to violence and crime. I think even if you can’t start with crime start with community involvement to get rid of trash, debris, and run down homes. Advocate for a youth center to have activities and trips for the children in the summer. These things alone can improve a neighborhood and give people a sense of pride and direction.

If your community is crime free and problem free, then you, too should be involved in the preservation and improvement of that community. Also, expanding your concern and involvement in some productive manner can help. We must realize that we are all connected in neighborhoods with other surrounding neighborhoods, with our “section” of the city and as a whole city. It all matters. It all affects us. Helping others to advocate for themselves or being a voice for them when they cannot speak out is a special call. We all can do something, big or small for our neighborhood. Our community. Our city. Vote. And answer the call to your part.

~Nikki

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Whatever Wednesday: What’s the Matter With Your ROOT, ROOTS and ROOTS?

Amazing Tree Roots


“For there is hope for a tree,
When it is cut down, that it will sprout again,
And its shoots will not fail.
“Though its roots grow old in the ground
And its stump dies in the dry soil,
At the scent of water it will flourish
And put forth sprigs like a plant. -Job

I heard that you were cut down. I heard that you were feeling a bit down or maybe it was that you were having some major trouble and issues. It could be manifesting physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually or all four. Well, as Job said there is hope for a tree (you, a situation). All you need is a scent ( A little, a thought) of water (information, knowledge, hope, faith, a word) and you will flourish (grow, make a come back). You see a little hope, faith, information, etc. will start the process of growing again. It will help you solve your problem or get to the ROOT. Although, you may be in a place or state of mind that you do not wish to be in, you still have roots in the ground. It’s not over for you!

If you think back to your ancestral roots, they may have been plague with some of the same fears, situations, troubles, that you are facing today. They may have been facing some major financial trouble, some mental health issues, some family struggles. Did they overcome them? Even if you don’t know or they didn’t, YOU can. You can look back as a reference and this is the “scent of water”, the knowledge and wisdom that will help you to flourish! Is this some family issue that has been passed down? You need to know so that you can grow and change the course and give options to your generation. Also, to the ones that are coming behind you.

The root chakra, is energy that inside of you (because you are energy) at the base of the spine. Did you know the spine is the first thing formed and it grows from the bottom, the root, upwards? (check neural tube). Therefore, think of the root chakra, represented by the color red, as the house of energy that holds the ROOT of who you are. Think of it as the foundation and the formation of the body you are living in. Now, if the foundation or the formation (how you were treated, raised, the things you encountered growing upwards, the things you did or were done to you, the things that you were taught or not, family (including ancestral roots (ways, culture, ideas positive or negative, right or wrong)) is not firm or needs work or even ripped up and replaced, that’s a problem that can be resolved. The foundation and formation makes for stability or instability.

Perhaps what you are dealing with creates stress, anxiety, sleeping problems, fears, and nightmares. Well, here is your “scent of water”. What was said above is some information for you, if you choose to take it. Also, here is some more water (information), MEDITATION will help ground you. It will aide in your stability. You’re already meditating on the negative and creating fears, doubts, worry, etc. Meditate on the scriptures and references of your religion that give you stability. Find affirmations or quotes that you can “meditate” or focus on. You can actually do a meditation sitting in your chair or on the floor with a YouTube mediation video or your use your phone as a timer. You can focus on nothing or you can focus on a positive outcome. You can sit and repeat your affirmations or scriptures that are related to your situation.

Below are affirmations from Shawna Freshwater, PhD to help with ROOT issues:

I feel centered
I am home
I am connected to my body
My body is my home
I feel safe and secure
I stand for my values, truth, and justice
I have what I need
I am kind and compassionate to myself
I am infinite possibilities
I am grateful for challenges because they make me stronger
I am fearless
I trust myself
I love myself
I trust true source which is universal divine mother providing for my basic needs
I nurture myself with healthy food, clean water, clean air, exercise, relaxation, and connection to nature

From my own religion that I identify with, Christianity here are some I chose to share (hence meditating on the Word day and night type of thing:

God is my Source

God will provide all of my needs according to his riches

I was created by love therefore I am love and I am loved deeply by the Creator

I am guided into all truth and the truth will give me freedom

I am standing on the promises of the Word of God and the words of God spoken directly to my spirit

I hear the instructions of the His words and I do them. I am laying a solid foundation.

One thing I like to repeat when I don’t know what to do is this: I know what to do even when I don’t know what to do. Why? Because it brings me the solution quickly and it helps to stabilize my mind and root(foundation). It can come in the form of money, instructions from a spiritual being, a book, a dream, a thought, etc. because I have no concern with how it gets to me or who brings it. I am relying on a God that has no limit and can choose to use whatever and whoever.

~Nikki

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Sunday Morning Coffee Musings: Rooted, Roots, and Root

Yesterday, I opened the curtains to the kitchen window and I saw a cardinal. I didn’t think much about it with the exception that maybe it was a sign from a loved one. My oldest brother that passed away in February. I went on with my day and I decided to put on a red shirt. Then I took it off because it’s a shirt I wear often but, no other shirt seem to fit right or look right or was wrinkled. I said to myself, red shirt it is. Red is the color for the day I said aloud.

I went on to the grocery store and as I was on the aisle looking for a good salsa. I’d given up because I didn’t know what to pick since my favorite changed it’s recipe. A man that was on the same aisle said to me, “If you want a good salsa, this is the one!” He handed me the bottle. Bright red salsa. I went to my next stop and a woman, with red hair introduced me to a few of her favorite things she buys from there. I don’t know why but, I went with it. When I got home for the day, finished the things I needed to do, and settled down all of this dawned on me. RED.

Let me listen to a meditation about the root chakra. Let me read something about the root chakra and this red color. Oh, the scripture, 6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 1 Colossians 2:6-7

I TOTALLY got the message for me on yesterday. I do know how many have been taught to forsake things we really don’t have to forsake and to only read a list of books approved by their church and to be afraid of anything that is not of your faith…yeah…weird. BUT, in all my getting I like to get an understanding. I also like to think for myself. In doing the meditation I could see how I was blocked. In reading the article, I could see how I was stagnate and I could also see scriptural references from my own faith. Hence, 1 Colossians 2. In that same article, I saw the link between my ancestral roots and family roots and the importance of knowing and understanding them.

As I have decided to dive into this, linking my faith with an understanding of spiritual things, I am going to leave you with the article I read. I hope it blesses you real good.

1st Chakra Root Muladhara

~Nikki

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Whatever Wednesday: Money and Mindset

Backyard Sky View

Let me explain: I was blessed with a $2500 debt cancellation. Last Friday, I was paying bills and I started to get upset about so much money leaving my account. I remembered that I did RECEIVE the services or goods that I am paying for. SO, I tried to get into GRATITUDE while paying bills. I usually do this whenever I pay bills, “Well, thank God I have the money to pay the bills. I pray and thank God that I will receive 100 times or more or God’s perfect will of what goes out.” Or “Money never runs out. There is an abundance of money available to me.” Something like that. Sometimes I feel good about it, and sometimes like FRIDAY I struggle with it.

I am so open to however money shows up, I do expect it to drop from the sky and grow on trees BUT, I also expect to CREATE. I use to think poverty thoughts more than abundant thoughts. When I start feeling the poor thoughts: I’ll never have. This is so hard. Don’t dream that. OR when I start to get upset because of what I CANNOT DO RIGHT NOW, I breathe. I step back. I get into GRATITUDE by thinking about HOW RICH and WEALTHY I already am. AND NOT ONLY with money but, with love, compassion, family, friends, food, shelter, sight, breath, hearing, etc.

I take the pressure off put on by society or myself to CATCH UP or to make up for lost time. I am where I am and I am never too old for the manifestation of what I desire. One can always change their desires, goals, and dream NEW dreams. I think about where I have come from and how much I have grown. I ask to help or bless somebody in whatever way I can. CHANGING YOUR THOUGHTS, your mind is A CHALLENGE you have to accept if you want to change your life or circumstances. I am not where I want to be financially, spiritually, etc. BUT you can count on the FACT that I will continue trying until I leave here. AND THAT IS THE VICTORY. I can feel good about actively trying along with affirmations, prayers, a grateful heart and the manifestations that do occur.

~Nikki

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Sunday Morning Coffee Musings: There Comes A Time Again and Again

My granddad holding my daughter. A precious memory.

“There comes a time” and that time will come again and again in your life if you choose to GROW and CHANGE. It will also come whether you choose to accept things or not. There comes a time when loved ones transition and transform. You either accept it or not or fall in between. That time will come again and again. There comes a time, you may have your heart broken or break a heart. That time comes again and again for some.

I have chosen to grow, develop my higher self until I choose to leave the Earth school, and to change for my good. My current “there comes a time again and again” is the fact that I am becoming aware of what a love for yourself and others can do when it comes to choosing or accepting a mate. When you embody love, or even attempt to embody a deep love for self and others, it’s difficult to accept unloving behavior in your own personal space. Therefore, if it’s not love, if it’s not love reciprocated, in your own personal space, it falls away. I’m speaking of a romantic love. Eros.

When you understand the importance and the depth of equally yoked, of being in synch, being on the same page or at least in the same book, it’s almost impossible to accept or remain in a relationship that is vastly a contrast to what love looks and feels like for you. For me, it’s not perfect but, it damn sure isn’t habitual cheating and lying. It definitely isn’t 80% hell and 20% peace. It isn’t stale or a settling. There is no chase for me but, a meeting up. A linking of energy and chemistry. It can happen quickly or it can happen over time. I like a steady pace. There is acceptance and likeness when it comes to spirituality and religion. There is an atmosphere of “team work” and making dreams work. There are disagreements to be expected but, no one is ready to jump ship for rain or storms. And prayerfully, the storms are far, few, and in between.

I’m still in this evolving, “there comes a time again and again” when it comes to love and I am starting to think (Okay. I know.) it’s a HUGE part of my journey and evolution. Some days I willing accept the assignment and other days, I rebel.

~Nikki

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Sunday Morning Coffee Musings: Toxic Masculinity in Christianity. Examining the BEAM.

Plant Name: Hustle n Flow

Yesterday (Wednesday), I had a yellow plate, eggs, and lemon cream yogurt chosen without thinking. I said to myself, once I noticed, I must be eating for the solar plexus. For my fellow Christians, it’s the place where we say “I felt that in my belly!” or the place where you get “butterflies”. Little did I know I would have to assert myself today. It’s the place of personality, ego, and identity, as well as personal freedom, choice, and authenticity. You see God and I have this language, when I say, “God, let them do this or let xyz happen and I am going to say what I really think or want to say.” I can tell you that 99% of the time, God doesn’t let it happen. On the rare occasions that it does, I have learned to say what I need to say tempered (controlled) and direct. Most times. Today, I had to assert my personality, my ego, my identity, my personal freedom, my choice and my authenticity in DIVINE ORDER to one that is considered a leader in ministry. This toxic masculinity in Christianity must go and will go.

There is something to be said, that I won’t say, about people that only have something to say when they disagree with what you say or have something to say behind what you say when you are a woman in ministry. For one, there is something wrong within when one has a argumentative spirit. A critic spirit. A spirit that seeks out an opportunity to argue or to show off their knowledge (puffed up is how the Bible refers to them). There is an ill skill to the manipulation of another person’s words and to use your knowledge in such a way to dominate a conversation in such a spirit of negative ego. It’s the equivalent of over talking or yelling and feeling like you have “won” when there was nothing to win. The Bible speaks about adding and taking away from the Word. I don’t like it when people add or take away from what I say. Furthermore, I don’t like it when people tell me what I meant by what I said. ASK for CLARIFICATION before you ASSume. 🙂 I also don’t need a male counterpart to “second guess” or to explain what I say or my ideas or my philosophy. I’ve seen it over and over and again on social media. A male minister/pastor says something outside of the box, either other male ministers celebrate or approach with reverence for further clarification. WOMEN in ministry do the same and they come like a brood of vipers.

This “I know more than you” or this need to assert authority in places it does not belong has been something that has “irked” me from the beginning of my journey as one considered a woman in ministry. This need to control or monitor women is so unlike the God and Christ I am associated with. It is toxic. I was not created to be your personal assistant, maid servant or child. I was created to create. I was created with the intellect, too. I was created with a purpose, too. I receive dreams and visions, too. I know how to research, search, go to school and the same education you get, too. I think Jesus, in my religion, leveled the field. I’d appreciate it if some of the men in ministry would come off their high horses (pride comes before a great fall) and into the field. The harvest is plentiful but, the laborers are few.

~Nikki

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Whatever Wednesday: Decorating The New Home Update; The Bathrooms

Before

When I found out how much it would cost to demolish the tiles in the bathrooms, I quickly decided to work with the tile instead of against it. Yes, I could paint the tiles but, I have heard mixed reviews and once again, budget matters. So, here are the updates and today, thanks to some Home Depot gift cards, I have purchased some new light fixtures to be installed.

Before

At this time, it was cost effective for me to decorate working with the existing tile and color. I am pleased.

~Nikki

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Sunday Morning Coffee Musings: Middle Ground

Picking Greens Before Coffee

When you are healing or getting over a situation there is a middle ground. A gray space. A partly cloudy with a chance of rain. In this rarely talked about space, you can see sunshine and then clouds. You can see a beautiful sunrise and sunset and then out of seemingly nowhere, heavy rain. Here is the comfort: You are almost there. You are almost to the closing up of the wound. You are almost to the healing phase. You just have to rest and keep moving.

In this middle ground, this gap, do you know what you need? You sincere, specific, meaningful prayer, meditation, and affirmations. Stand in the gap of this moment. This where you go in deep. This where you stand in the corner and pray. This where you lay prostrate and wail if need be. This is where you lose your self in the silence of meditation.

This is also where good flows in. The sunshine, the sunrises, and the sunsets. This where light comes into the cracks. You get ah ha moments, deep revelations, vivid visions, and waves of goodness. It’s where nature speaks and heals. It’s where messages come from the strangest places and things. Embrace it with your whole mind and heart.

May the Lord (the Law) bless you. May the Lord (the Law) keep you. May the Lord (the Law) make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord (the Law), lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. The Bible, Numbers 6:24-26

~Nikki