Make it Quick....

Listen, I love me some Quick Trip... Never a long wait either. Maybe that's why it's Quick Trip.. Lol

I normally swipe my card to get gas but I had cash on me this am so I walked inside. Boy did a few steps change my day. I walked in, as always the cashiers speak. When I arrived to the register, I spoke to the cashier and she responded, " Today is the best day of my life". First thing I thought, it must be her birthday, since I wasn't sure I asked, " is it your bday"? Nope, she says with a smile. You walked in!! I'm like the hell?! Yes, your presence made me smile today she said. 

Wow I thought, here I am hair looking a mess( getting braids this weekend), running around doing errands and I'm graced with such a sweet compliment. 

When I tell you it changed my entire perspective on this day, it did. 

So now I share it with you.. Make someone smile today y'all. It can be a quick smile, kind word or gesture. Just do it!! 

A Quick Trip, can quickly change your day.. Be quick but sincere the world is watching when we least expect it. Be kind and consistent, someone needs you.. 

Signed, Simply Cheneka... 

We Made it....

We walked into school this morning and was greeted at the sign in kiosk with "Happy Birthday"....

We made it!! The highly anticipated 5th birthday has finally arrived. Every year on my son's birthday I'm somewhat filled with sad emotions.. But today( no other day for that matter), I will not dwell on it!! 

Today, I'm grateful that together we made it to 5. Oh son, I love you more than you'll ever understand. Sometimes as parents, we make selfish decisions. At the moment we don't always see it but when we do, we grow from it and we move on. 

Today, baby we're growing!! Know and understand, everything Mommy does is for the betterment of your life and your sister. I know sometimes, you guys just want mommy to yourself but the nature of the business that has sustained our family calls for other little people to be around. The overnights and early mornings, they will all pay off. My long nights, I'm sorry. 

As you continue to grow into a wonderful "grown kid", I will forever thank God for the strength he's given me to raise you. I can't say it enough," But God". Strength when I wanted to cry, Energy when I wanted a nap, Love/ Understanding when I wanted to cuss/ kill, Peace during heartache. 

My prayer each year of your life, is that we continue to grow and love. I pray that everything your little heart desires, needs, want and even lack; I pray that God supplies. He hasn't failed us yet and I know that he won't now. 

As I wrap my mind around you entering kindergarten, tying your shoes and riding a bike without training wheels, I hope it comes easy just as writing your name, counting and reading has. 

Matthew Ashton, you son are a joy to know, love and raise. And you will be a successful MAN. You will contribute to society in ways that will change the course of living. 

You will excel in all of your classes and any sport you decide to play( right now it's football, I pray this year you can and will focus). My little Sonshine, I love you to no end!! 

Happy Birthday Son... 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka~ Your Mom

"I don't regret a thing, for having you, Thanks for my child" ~ Cheryl Pepsi Riley 

My Ears.....

I promise you, I could not stand a lot of noise. Once I became a mother, it became tolerable. It's crazy though because I've always taught, been in classrooms and worked with kids/ youth all of my life. The irony I tell ya.. 

As of late, I've learned to block out unsolicited NOISE. You know, the noise of judgemental people, the noise of discouragement, the noise of rejection, the noise of hurt and pain.. 

I've now incorporated welcoming the good noise!! My children's laughter, supportive words and encouragement, Joy, Peace and pure happiness. 

Today my Lovies, shift thru the noises in your life. Only YOU can decide which noise is good and which noise truly hurt your ears and even your soul. There comes a time in all of our lives where we just don't want to hear the "noise".... Remove it and continue on with your day, month and even year.. You decide... I got my ears wide open to hear the good noise and tightly shut to avoid the extra chatter... 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka~ " Listen to hear and then decide"CTH 

Patience

Well, today is Monday! If you follow my personal IG account ( neka_th), I tested your patience and sent you to my Blog IG!! Well, here goes!! 

Yesterday, after a much needed nap, I was ready to enjoy the rest of our Sunday afternoon. My son goes to an amazing PreSchool. Very community and family oriented. They have a partnership with our local Publix( supermarket) and they deliver baked goods twice a week. Matthew enjoys taking the bread but we rarely eat it. Sighhh 

So, I came up with the grand idea to feed the ducks. He was extremely excited.  Our first attempt was Roswell Recreational Park. He walked the trail, even saw water but no ducks. He played for a little while then we left. He kept saying, "Mommy we have bread in the car but we haven't fed any ducks". I responded, "I promise son, I'm going to find the ducks". 

We then drove to Riverside Park. I knew there would be ducks there. We parked and began the search for ducks. We walked the entire park and along the trail of the Chattahoochee River. We FOUND the ducks but they were on the opposite side of the River. A guy passed us and heard us talking. He told us the path to take to reach the other side. We hit the path. In the process, we stumbled upon a sacred garden. We walked thru the garden and I felt God's presence. We read the names on the different statues and my daughter said, "Mommy I feel like we shouldn't be walking on this ground because it's Holy". 

We were soon saddened. Once we reached the bank we could no longer see the ducks. By this time, the kids were over it and they just wanted to play at the park. I told them it was ok and to enjoy the park. However, I just couldn't shake not finding the ducks. So I began walking AGAIN! I was determined to feed the ducks!! I walked along the wooden path and as I reached the end, I looked down and the ducks were there!! Right there!! Finally! I tired calling my daughter's phone but she didn't answer. In solace, peace and quiet I fed the ducks ALONE!! It was in that moment I heard God's voice. "It's ok to go after ME alone", "it's okay to have patience", "I got you and you're going to have everything I promised you"... Trust ME!! 

Wow, God hasn't forgotten me!! 

As of late, everywhere I look I see God. I see/ hear him clearer than I ever have in all of my 37 years of life. I'm understanding what it is to trust him and believe him. 

My Lovies, I challenge you to continue having patience. Continue to seek what you know to be true and watch God make a way.. Patience is key!! 

As I returned to my children, I showed them the pics. Boy was son upset. He wanted to run back to the river and see them but they were already gone!! Don't miss your opportunity by being to fast. The best things in life take time.. And as always, I will patiently WAIT!! 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka... ~ they that wait, shall inherit the desires of their heart~ CTH 

Divine Connections~

...~When you stop basing your connections on who should be here and appreciate who is here, there you'll find your Strength~ CTH

I've been on my journey for quite sometime now. I've come to the realization, God will lessen the load if I tap into what it is HE would have me to do. I've tried to alter my life and just when I thought it was working, God reminded me what I've prayed( and still pray) what He's promised, what He's shown me and what he'll do once I let HIM be God.. The funny thing is, it's not that hard to let him lead, to bad it's taken me this long to realize it. 

For the last 2 weeks, God has been talking to me the same way I'm typing this blog. I'm no longer trying to talk my way out of it, I'm listening through it. And in the process, amazing people are guiding me along the way. 

I've always believed that family will never let you down, they'll be there indefinitely. I've had to learn a lesson or 2 about that. And in the process, I've made some divine connections, that I'll carry with me forever. I have only 1 biological mother( Mama I love you) but as of late, great women who are old enough to MA have reassured me that they support me and have the interest of me AND my children at heart. 

Friends also come a dime a dozen but oh when they turn family and they pray for you, cover you, cry with you, get you together and still love you?! That's nothing but divine. 

And JESUS!!! Whew!! If we take our eyes of religion and focus on him, He's everywhere and visible in all things!! Today I'm choosing to allow these divine connections to Bless my Life, I'm choosing to let God be God and I'm choosing to keep sifting through until my treasure is visible.. Yes, I am the treasure but there's a hidden treasure growing inside of me and you too. 

My Lovies, I challenge you to stand still and see the Glory!! It's there. Allow God's grace to carry you, trust  what he's shown you IS coming to past... This Time!! 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka ~I'm no Saint but a Sinner who's alive because of Mercy & Grace!! 

It's going to work, This Time~

~Sometimes you have to face the music and play by yourself~ JHud"Empire".... 

This morning as I sat to prepare myself to read from my Bishop's book, I didn't know what prayer to read. So I settled on page 37 because I'm 37. It's simply read "Mastermind"... God is the Master and I have the Mind.. #Catchit

Anyone who truly knows me knows that, everything has to make sense. You can't tell me something without backing it.. I live for clarity and understanding. A few weeks ago, I was visiting my parents' church in Huntsville, Ala and their Pastor spoke into my life. I sat there and held my son and dissected every single word he said. Some of it registered instantly while I sat there and some of it, I didn't see the  relevance until NOW. 

In close, his final words to me were, " Its going to work this TIME"... 

Earlier this evening as I reached my step goal and walked the park, I enhaled and exhaled BIG.. Everything I've been praying for all made sense and all I could hear was, "It's going to work this time". 

I've been uncertain about my next few moves( there are things I want to accomplish by 40) and today, I continued to hear, "It's going to work this time".. 

I instantly picked up my pen and started to write. I tend to write my best when I'm full and for once, I'm full. 

I'm full of life, I'm full of possibilities. And I believe everything is working. The good is becoming better and I'm just going to roll with it. The thing about life is sometimes, we have to see beyond the surface. We have to remember the prayers we've prayed, remember God's answer and understand that God cannot and will not lie. He can't, he's God!! 

Tonight my Lovies, believe in your dReams again. Believe that nothing is impossible. Find the strength and courage to believe in you.. The entire world can be against you BUT if God is before you, everything is possible!!! 

Because... 

It's going to work, This Time!!! #ForTheWin 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka 

New Beginnings..

There's something about midnight.. As I did my rounds in the dorm tonight( and met my step goal, 8542), I was intentional about looking at each piece of art displayed on the girl's hall. 

A few pieces truly caught my eye. But the one posted above was the absolute best. 

I live for new days, clean slates and new opportunities. Each chance I get to make things right, do them over or try another solution is absolutely amazing to me. 

At one point, I had myself fooled thinking I was always right. As I grew, encountered more people and searched my own soul, I soon found out mistakes are just God's way of allowing us to try again. 

My Lovies, I challenge you to Try your best every single day. And when you just can't seem to get it right, pray and hold fast in knowing ( if the Lord's will), you'll get a chance at a clean slate, tomorrow!  

I dare you to start something over, with a clean slate. It's going to feel so good. I'm thankful for the many clean slates I've been given. I live to grow, change, be better and Love harder. Accept what you're allowed to change and what you can't, be ok with knowing you've given it your all! Rest well my Lovies..

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka 

The Promise STILL stands..

Today my Lovies, remember whatever you've   been promised will come to pass.. 

Do you believe that the right music can change your mood and even your outlook on certain situations? This am as I drove my son to school "Better" by Hezekiah Walker played. While I drove my daughter to her doctor's appointment, it played again. After I dropped her to school, ole school Winans brothers and Anita Baker blessed me with, "Ain't no Need to Worry".. 

Just listening to those songs, my entire life was encouraged. 

The funny thing about Promises, they may not happen right when we want them or expect them. They will happen in perfect timing. As I reflected on some of the Promises promised to me, my heart smiled and I was reminded just as Rome wasn't built in a day, neither were promises made to happen in a day. 

Gosh, my soul is encouraged today. My pity has turned into a praise because my promises are enroute! 

I challenge you to reflect on your promises and remember the ground in which it was built on. It may seem a little shaky now but as you( we) become strengthened as will the ground!! I'm excited.. The Promises are on their way. Let's get ready!! 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka

The Strength of a Woman

I'm tired. I mean tired but when you're a Single Mom, business Owner, work outside the home and still have to find time to live just a little; you find that there's not enough time in a day. 

Today was a day used for lots of thinking, some tears and time with God. I'm learning to not only Pray but to just talk to Him to because he's always listening. 

My truth is::: I carry a lot stress. While I've learned to cover it up, sometimes I just have to get it off my chest. My biggest stress as a single mother is equally giving my time to my daughter and my son. 

Another issue I'm carrying well and hiding is this whole single life. It. Makes. Me. Sick.. 

It's easy for people in a relationship to say it's not all that it's cracked up to be but to an outsider it's everything. I believe in my heart that there are still a few things I must learn in this season and though it's hard, I'm trusting the process. 

Parenting::: oh it's hard. I love my babies to no end but sometimes, after I've been their ear all day, I need an ear too. I spent a good 2 years beating myself up because I have 2 children by 2 different men( it's a cycle that I pray will not repeat with my daughter and son. The buck stopped with me. If I have anymore children, HE will be my husband). I cried for a good year and then it registered, God did not put me in this situation to fail, I've had to learn it, believe it and take  the lesson and share it. 

As I walked( met my step goal tonight, 8500 steps), God reminded be, " Be still

And wait on me". I yelled a little, cried a lot and by the end of my 2 miles, I was at peace. 

I have various playlists that I listen to while walking. Tonight's playlist was everything my heart needed. "They that wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength"... "Go ahead and spread your wings"... Because, "You're Everything to me, Everything...."

My Lovies, tonight as we prepare to rest: Believe with everything in you that God has you. He hasn't left & he won't.  Just when you feel that you can't make it, he's already working it out. Rest well in knowing, he's he's protecting us. 

It's okay to cry, just know that when you're done, wipe your tears put your big girl panties on and keep it moving. It won't be this way forever. I hope my truths inspire you to accept your truths... 

Signed, 

Cheneka's Simple Truths 

God is Good, RIGHT?!!!

Growing up, I've always known God to be good. Old saints would say, " he kept my mind, kept me alive etc....". I didn't understand the trueness in that until I became an adult and developed my own relationship with God. 

I truly understand who and what God is TO Me... I'm sane, I'm alive, I'm safe, my kids are safe, we have a home, we have food, our basics are provided. While with the natural eye it may look like I'm making it happen but in all honesty, "God is Good" and he truly looks out for me. 

But as of lately, I hear God is good all the time. Pastors say it, R&B artists say it,  Rappers say it, politicians say it, drug dealers say, kids say it! Everyone

 says it!! Has it become a cliche' or has everyone truly caught the belief that he's absolutely GOOD? 

I know we all experience different moments with God and we all live different lifestyles but it's a good feeling to hear "God is good"... 

My Loves, I challenge you to truly allow, "God is Good" to be more than a cliche'. I dare you to truly sit and reflect on all that he does and is to you. He's good even when the odds are stacked against you. Trust me I know he's already working it out. He's good when your pockets are full of money, he's even good when your pockets are full of lint. You know why? He's already working it out. 

Today, allow God to be God and in the process watch he'll be good to you!! 

Signed, 

Cheneka simply trusts God!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾

The Southern Belle 🍑

It's Spring break 2016!!!! I've enjoyed this time with my family so much. Being with my mother for an extended period of time made me realize how much I miss having her closer( yes Alabama is about 3 hours but I'm used to us being a little closer, let's try 1.5hours lol). 

When I go to visit my parents, I try to make the stay quick as possible because I've programmed my mind to think Huntsville is boring. Maybe it's because I have a million and one things on my mind pertaining to my business, the drive back home etc... But this time I had no excuses, it was spring break, family was here from up North and I was scheduled to be off until Wednesday. 

I can honestly say, my relocation to the south( November will be 7 years), has been one of the best decisions ever. The first 2 years were hard as I became adjusted but now it feels like this is where I'm supposed to be. Last week I realized, the North is no longer for me. Life in the South is calm, peaceful, less stressful and carefree. 

I dated a true Sourtherner a while back and I never ever understood why he was so laid back. Now I truly get it. The lifestyle is different. While turnUp still has a place in me, it's now on reserve for when it's truly needed. (It reared its head slightly Monday morning but a little prayer a lots of wooooosahs made it better). 

Spring break 2016, helped me to clear my mind just a little, enjoy time with family and reflect on all that was, is and soon to come. 

And although the hustle commenced as soon as we returned to Georgia with a trip to 6 Flags and a staff meeting lastnight; the peace and serenity that Huntsville provided will always make me smile. Not to mention, we stopped over in Tennessee for a while and I also felt in my element there. Beautiful sights, beautiful people, nice weather. 

I've truly embraced my Southern Belle lifestyle and it feels so good. I no longer have run from this place to that place to appease people. I can stay in the comfort of my four little walls, go for mile long walks, go to the park, take long scenic rides and be at Peace. 

My Lovies, life is definitely what we make it. Who we spend our time with is a reflection of our truest being. Today, I chose to always be surrounded by truth, love, honesty and the ones who truly bring me peace. My son always reminds me that we're rich. He'll soon be 5 so I always "ASS"umed he meant financially until he said, "Mommy we're rich with family and Love".. Out of the mouths of babes I tell ya. 

I challenge you, to embrace Peace and Love. This Southern Belle finally gets it and I'm in my happy place.. 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka the 🍑