Rattler and Tiger Throwback

So I don't remember the exact date I published this. I wrote this in the middle of the 2014 football season. I wrote it as sneak peak before the launch of my blog. Didn't even have an estimated time for the blog launch lol. You can still see the growth in my writing in this piece compared to Check Mate and Spring Cleaning. I pray you enjoy. 

Lions, Idol, and Crowns...OH MY!!!

It's been almost a year since I told y'all the reason for this blog. Here's a refresher.

January 30, 2015

 

Lions, Idol, and Crowns...OH MY!!!

So in my bio I mentioned God told me to start this blog over a year ago. Why the wait?? Let’s take a look back into summer 2013.

I was an editorial intern at The Gadsden County Times in Quincy, Florida. Just completed my sophomore year at FAMU. Devin Taylor and Brandon Hepburn were both drafted by the Detroit Lions and Candice Glover won American Idol.

What does that have to do with me? Well, Devin and Candice are classmates and we all graduated from Beaufort High School in Beaufort, SC. And Brandon graduated from FAMU. His wife was actually my life group leader for Every Nation Campus Ministries lol.

Where does that leave me? Just a girl trying to support other people.

Release the Dancing Machine: Isac Gaitan

Everyone meet Isac. He's like a little itty bitty brother to me. Haha he's a young adult. Recently, Isac has choreographed a dance routine and asked me to promote his video on my Instagram page. I wanted to do more than just post on IG. People will always need a reference without scrolling through weeks of videos and photographs. So I eagerly asked if we could collab his video with my blog. Thankfully he replied, "Of course!"

Spring Cleaning: Blog Anniversary

So it's my Blogversary!!! Wait. Is that a thing to say in Bloggers World lol?!? Well today makes one year since I posted my first blog post "Check Mate".

I am extremely thankful for all my supporters. It means much more than words can express. The texts, comments, and shares let me know that God is truly working. There are times when I doubt people are thoroughly reading my entries. I'm sometimes leery about being transparent. Then the support comes rolling in. I've been asked by people to continue blogging. It's like really? You really want me to keep writing? You actually like what I write? I'm thankful that God is using me to reach others.

Moving forward, it's Transformation Tuesday!!! This entry is about change. I have been doing some spring cleaning. Some clothes, shoes and books have got to go. Negative thoughts have got to go.

A Detour is Not a Dead End

Happy New Year!!! Yes I know it's not the first but it's my first entry of 2016. We usually spend a few days or even weeks in December and January collectively reflecting over the year. It's a time when people make new goals or resolutions. During reflection, we're happy about the goals we accomplished over the year. You may have a goal or two or maybe fifty leven (yes fifty leven lol) that were not accomplished in 2015. Shoot you probably don't have goals completed from 2013. Well you know what?

A detour is not a dead end.

Remember everything works together for the good of those who love the Lord. This doesn't mean everything will be good but everything will work for your good. I want to share a few examples from Genesis. Please bear with me.

Ishmael and Isaac - Even though Abraham and Sarah took matters into their own hands, God's word still proved to be true with the birth of Isaac. God was even able to use the descendants of Ishmael to fulfill another purpose.  Ishmael married a woman from Egypt and was lacking nothing. Now don't go purposely creating Ishmael situations in your life. We don't want to take advantage of God's forgiveness.

Jacob, Leah and Rachael - Not your ideal story. Although when I would watch Love & Hip-Hop (NY and ATL) I would refer to the love triangles as JLR situations. I'm not encouraging being a sidechick or waiting on a married man but we know the JLR story. Despite the detour of her husband marrying her sister first and not being able to bear a son for sometime, Rachael gave birth to Joseph. With the sister wives competition the 12 Tribes of Israel came into place.

Transparency Tuesday: Crushed

I've been told other young women can benefit from my story. There are times when I'm trying to figure out what is my story. I do know I have thoughts in my head. Keeping the baggage to myself isn't helping me or healthy. So I'll share my thoughts so I can free my mind and possibly help someone else.

Crushed is what I become when my mind wanders to the past. My past two boyfriends broke up with me. The next thing you know their girlfriends are pregnant and then they're married. Now the first of the two wasn't such a bad situation we both had moved on. It just stung a little. Like wow didn't we talk about marriage? But hey we were in high school so it's whatever lol. But that second one is what really crushed me. How easy was it for you to replace me and give her what I wanted? So I guess we didn't mean anything? Was I that sassy? Was I that bad? Was I super rude? Too caring? Intimidating? Ugly? Too dark? Too short? Like what was it?

Pulling Back to Push Forward

January 2, 2014 - My boyfriend for the past 2.5 years broke up with me.

January 6, 2014 - I started a new semester of school taking 15 credit hours in order to keep my scholarship. Within this semester I joined two new organizations and my work hours per week for my on campus job went from 10 to 20.

Summer 2014 - I was a Peer Counselor for incoming freshmen taking summer classes.

August 24, 2014 - My ex-boyfriend tells me he's beginning a new relationship. It's been like a love triangle since we broke up in January. I had been trying to "win him back" for months.

August 25, 2014 - Another 15 credit hour semester begins. This was my first season working with the football team. Might I add we had a game the first week of school. Of course practices start during the summer. Matter of fact within a week of finishing the summer counseling program I began working with the team. My campus job transferred me to another location and I began working the evening shift 10 hours a week after practices.

January 2, 2015 - I received a text about my ex being married. I had just found out after Christmas that his girlfriend was pregnant.

I Can Do All Things: My Silver Jubilee

So I recently met a young lady who created a 30 Before 30 list for her 29th birthday. She wrote a list of 30 goals she wishes to accomplish by the age of 30. I am working on 25 Before 25. I'm currently 22 years old so I have some time to accomplish the goals on my list. I wrote them down to keep them in my sight. Like Latoya Early says we must "Write the Vision."

Now I'm taking a huge step by sharing my goals on my blog. I chose to share them on the premise of certain scriptures from the Bible; both the Old and New Testament.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 NLT

2 Then the Lord said to me, "Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. 3 This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

Matthew 18:19-20 NLT

19 "I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them."

Woo. Just writing the scriptures gave me some motivation to keep pressing forward towards my goals. I ask that you come in agreeance with me as I ask God to help me reach my goals according to His will. Also I'll agree with you as you make your list. Whatever age you choose. I shared my list with my mom and she along with her best friend are going to do a 50 Before 50 list. I'm not going to get myself in trouble by telling you how many years left they have until they're 50. What I found interesting is we have some of the same goals. It shows that no matter the age, people have common interests. So share your goals with others so they can help you and keep you accountable.

 BreAllyse's 25 Before 25

* I decided to write a little blurb explaining why each item is on the list. It's great motivation to keep in mind when I make certain decisions. I think to myself is this helping or hindering my goals. They are listed below in no particular order.

1. Photoshoot with Erick Robinson Photography
 -Erick and I attended middle school together in Quincy, Fl. This young man has amazing talent when it comes to photography. God has blessed him to work with the likes of Tiffany Evans and LisaRaye. Even Nigel Barker from America's Next Top Model has complimented his work. For my 21st birthday I wanted to do a photoshoot with Erick had it planned out and everything but it didn't work out on my end. But as long as both of us have breath in our body and we're mobile I still want this photoshoot. I think a photoshoot just because is a great idea. I'd actually feel very official. And why not support people from your hometown?

2. Buy a car
-It would be so much easier for me to get to church and around the city. I used to want a car for my own selfish desires but now I just want a car so I can serve Jesus and help people serve Jesus by giving them rides to church functions.

3. Get an apartment
- Another selfish desire that turned into wanting to help God's beautiful people. Some people from church hosts potlucks and movie nights. I want to do the same. When family and friends come to visit I want to help save them money from a hotel. Lastly, there have been great angels (my friends and family) in Tallahassee who have allowed me to stay at their place for free. I want to pay it forward. (Yes I'll pay them when I can however I can lol.)

4. Graduate from FAMU
- I love my university but it is time for me to go. FAMU has taught me well and it's time for me to show what I have learned. It's been a long road here at Florida A&M University but I am an overcomer!

5. Go to a Pinky Promise Conference
-Well this one is pretty much settled. I already had a young lady tell me I was going even if she had to pay for me to attend the conference hosted by Heather Lindsey. I was against it for awhile but how am I going to grow if I don't attend anything that will help me grow.

6. Start Graduate School
- I wish to attend Belmont University to study Sports Administration as well as the Art Institute of Tennessee-Nashville to get my diploma in culinary arts. What can I say? I have a thing for sports and food. My friends joke my husband will love me because of my love for sports and food. God has him in waiting somewhere over the rainbow lol.

7. Move to Nashville
- Three things. Music. Food. Sports. Need I say more? Nashville is a beautiful city.

8. Meet Oprah
-I have a collection of O, The Oprah Magazine covers. I wanted to be like Oprah when I was growing up. Now I still have some goals that align with Oprah but I have grown to understand that God has an individual plan for each of us. Growing up the joke was if you appeared on The Oprah Show AND Sesame Street you made it. But The Oprah Show is no more. I still want to meet her of course. I also love that she is an HBCU graduate. Shout out to the Tennessee State University Tigers.

9. Go to an NFL game
-It's football. Enough said. Though I'm a Navy Brat I spent a majority of my time in the South and we know football is very big in the South. Now I rather watch sports in their respective arenas instead of sitting at home on the couch. As I'm writing this I long for the season to start. Some of you know I work with the Rattler Football Team and practice is starting so soon. I'm excited!!! #RealWomenWatchFootball
 
10. Travel Outside of the U.S.
 -Spain and England are at the top of my list. The Cheetah Girls are definitely the reason I want to visit Spain. I would like to see, what I consider, the other melting pot so England is on the list as well. My passport will not be limited to these two locations. How can Africa not be on the list? My beloved Guam is a US Territory. I spent 4 years of my life there and want to go back for a honeymoon and/or vacation. So let the adventures begin.

11. Start the BreAllyse Vlog
-Hey I like to talk. I have to work my way up to a talk show somehow. Since I didn't get interviewed by Oprah on her show hopefully I can interview her on my show.

12. Have a dance recital
-While living in Guam and Washington State, I collectively took ballet, tap, jazz and twirling lessons.When I see others dancing it inspires me to take lessons again. I want to participate in a recital for my family and friends.

13. Learn to swim
-Swimming is a must. I believe my water safety is important.

14. Go to organizations' conferences
-I am heavily involved on campus. My organizations will stick with me until I die. Again how can I grow if I don't attend their conferences and workshops to make me better for life and the organizations. The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Iota Sweethearts Incorporated, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the National Association of Black Journalists are just a few of my organizations.

15. Visit Marion, SC
-My mother was able to trace her paternal grandmother's roots all the way to Marion, SC. Before the search we knew we were the Sweets and Carrolls. We found some information about the Sweets. Rev. Gospero Sweet traveled from South Carolina to Gadsden County, Fl. Fun Fact about him, he is the great-great grandfather of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind. What else can I learn about my family?

I Said "Yes"

So yesterday July 19 was a huge day for me!!!  I said "yes" to being fully committed to God. I said "yes" to fully walking in my purpose. 

I officially became a member of Engage Church where the goal is to Engage God, Engage People, and Engage Culture. Can you believe it?!? After years of church hopping I found a church home!!!


I want to share the symbolism behind me joining a church. I believe this will open new doors for me. I feel like I fully committed to God with this step. There were times I would look around and see people receiving the blessings I asked for. The blessing I prayed for. The blessings I fasted for. I thought I was committing my actions to the Lord like it says in Proverbs 16:3. So why aren't my plans succeeding?

"You can't even fully commit to me so how are you going to commit your actions to me?" ~God

Ouch!!! Okay Lord I hear you.

Use to Develop not Develop to Use

Hey y'all!!! Today's topic is using your gifts. Many times as Christians we tell non-believers they do not have to "get right" before turning their lives over to God. Turning to God will get you right. It's the same with our gifts God has given us. We don't have to master and sandpaper our gift before using it for God. Using it for God will cause it to be mastered and sandpapered.

I received this revelation attending Bible Study at Engage Church. The topic was stewardship and Dave Plettl did a great job speaking. He came out of 1 Peter 4:10-11.

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

~1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT)

He pointed how the scripture said use and not develop. You do not have to perfect your gift before you use it. Just use it. As a journalism student I have been told several times the only way to get better at writing is to write. As hard as using your gift may seem it's just that simple use it. Ask God to direct you and He will show you how to use your gift. If you don't know your gift. Ask God to reveal your gift to you.

Another thing about your gift. Use your gift before it is taken away from you. After Plettl spoke we broke up into small groups focusing on the Parable of the Three Servants in Matthew 25:14-30. Many people know it as The Parable of the Talents.

One servant received five bags of silver, another two bags, and the third received one bag of silver. The servants with five bags and two bags of silver both doubled their bags. The other was afraid to lose his bag and buried it in the ground. No matter how big or small you think your gift is; use it.

We don't let our cars, appliances, or food sit without use 24/7 365. Once that happens they become no good and we have to throw them out. Think about what happened to the servant who did nothing but bury his bag of silver. He was thrown out. 

Check Mate

So some young ladies and myself have been reading a chapter a day of Jeremiah. Honestly, I missed a few days. But any who yesterday we read Chapter 7 and everyone shared their thoughts. I want to focus on one of my points.

When God told Jeremiah in verse 16 He wouldn't listen to him if he asked God to help the people of Judah, it showed me some people just have to touch the stove and maybe lose their hand or something to know it's hot. No matter how much begging, telling and pleading you do to and for them they just have to get burned.

When I made that point a young lady said, "YES!! Right!! I"m learning things that aren't in my control I can't worry about or it may not be in 'my control'!! So I simply step back and watch GOD."

I replied, "Step back and watch God while I'm eating popcorn, sipping tea, and hollering check mate."

 

I became ecstatic saying "OMG life in the spiritual realm is like a chess game!!! We make a move then Satan makes a move. Then we start "checking" each other. But because we're with God we get to say "Check Mate. Game Over." God has the final say."