Black Butterflies Speak….   About Getting To A Healthy Place…..In Life, In Love, In Laughter…..

Acts 1:8 (New International Version)

8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

I’ve been on a journey of late that was unexpected, yet obvious. It’s been far reaching and yet I’m marking time.

This scripture comes to mind and takes me back to a place where there was an awareness that contrary to popular opinion it was about me. Not to the point of selfishness, but to ‘have my finger on the pulse’ of that which requires me to give from the overflow. See I can’t do that if I’m not in the flow. Focusing on me also requires an acknowledgment that with out Him I am nothing, but with Him I can do all things. It requires an acknowledgment of the difference between responding and reacting and the consequences of choosing one or the other. It is pivotal in my motives that they not be for selfish gain.

So I’ve been focused on my ‘Jerusalem’. It was difficult, but not so much. Difficult because I had my own plans… it was someone else’s turn, didn’t matter who because I was trying to get to the ends of the earth. Then not so much because from day one I’ve been groomed to do what I do by the Potter himself. You know one of those.. ‘all things work together for the good’ collaborations. The difficulty was because I was looking beyond the answer to find the answer. When I realized it was there all the time, I was then in a place for revelation to take place.

The whole of me is the embodiment of deposits made by many along the way. The season is one for sowing. Think about it, plants have their season when their best taste is at peak, it was never intended to be produced year round. We’ve got winter squash and summer squash because the season brings forth its best taste. Once sowed, seeds germinate, roots search out nutrients, underground growth takes place, far from where the eye can see.  So it is with this season, there are some seeds to sow…. some unseen growth to take place.  ….when the revelation comes….

So in the hands of the Potter, even within the season, marring can take place.  A reshaping as it were to ensure that the proper shaping and inclusion of the right molding so that the unique image is presented.  It is the marring within the season that brings forth the revelation of the collaboration.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Sisters,

I have to change my out look on life and begin to put me and mine first. I have always done for others,which is not a bad thing. But often times I have forgotten to take care of me. I don’t often resolve to change anything when the new year rolls around but this year I intend to put me first. I intend take the year by storm and let my light blaze not shine. I want you to see me coming! I want to leave folk in wonder when I walk out of a room. Look for me flaming in 2012. I will be making moves and acting out!

 Chef Maria Rankins

Born Maria Antoinette Griffin.   

Devoted daughter of John and Lorena Griffin.

Favorite sister of  Anthony Griffin.

The best mother of one beautiful grown daughter, Morgan London Rankins.

Proud Auntie.

Grateful ALANONer.

 I am a chef.

 I am a cancer survivor.

 I am a Texas native.

I have trust issues.

 I am a military brat.  

I am the eternal student.

I am a Retired, US Postal Carrier.

I am eclectic.

I am an avid reader.

I am fearful.

I love everything about PBS.

I am a Patient Advocate.

I am a designated driver.

I am codependent.

I am into comfort.

I suffer from depression.

I love to travel.

I am overweight.

I am loved.

I am very passionate.

I am a  top notch procrastinator.

I love my family, fiercely.

I am grateful.

I love to cook.

I am divorced.

I am single. *wink

I love rings.

I love pretty things.

I love music.

I love water.

I am becoming shame resilient.

I recycle.

I have a temper.

I compost.

I love my dogs.

I love Austin, now.

I have completed a triathlon.

I believe in God.

I believe in equality for all. Period.

I believe one person can make a difference.

I have problems with forgiveness.

I yearn for peace.

I hold grudges.

I believe that man is basically good.

I trust that all will be fine.

My name is Terry Elaine Louie. The first born of Mary Lou Louie and Lee Arthur Clemons. My mother had me at the age of 14 years old. My dad and mother never married. I believe their age was the reason they never  married. I am the oldest of 4 girls on my mom’s side, 4 girls and a boy on my dad’s. I met my dad’s children when I grew up. I lived with my grandmother most of my life.  My mother was a junkie, she sat me down and told me that I had to be the responsible person in our family at 9 years old. I was stunned and had no idea how to deal with the situation. I did what I had to do to take care of my sisters which was to sacrifice my childhood so that they could have one.

I grew up married and became Terry Louie Russell. I loved my first husband but I went from taking care of my sister( Not really) to taking care of my husband.  I stayed in that relationship until I realized that my children were going to go way leaving me to live with this man by my self. I was scared to death.  That is such a long story that you all will have to wait for the book.

My children,Tremaine and Tandera Louie are my pride joy. They have kept me sane. I love them so much but I have spent so much time caring for those around me that often times I have over looked them. The beautiful thing about that is they do not hold it against me. They understood that was my mission in life.

I am a free spirit that has been caged by responsibilities of others. I am cutting the strings and spreading my wings. I am ready to fly and discover all the things in life I have missed. You are subject to see me on a stage spitting with the best of them. I am going to do the things I love to do for me.

My name is Terry Louie Hawkins. I married the man God sent me to make me whole.  I am transforming right before my own eyes and I like it! My heart is open and ready to explode. Look out for me because I have been set free.

It takes so much to be a support system for someone. I often wonder if I am always as dependable as I need to be for my sister circle.  I want to do so much for my friends and family but it tends to take so much out of me lately. I  recently learned that I have not taken care of myself as well as I should. Isn’t it funny how you can put your own life on the back burner for others. It is important to remember to do for yourself as you do for others. If something happens to you how can you help somebody else.

One of my sisters brought a me a Samsung Galaxy Tablet as a gift. I am now using it to help me do some of the enjoyable things that keep me happy. I have downloaded books and music to just chill with on my tab. This is something I used to do to bring me pleasure and help relax but I rush around so much taking of others that I put the nice little things like enjoying a good book to the wayside.

Being a support system is a real challenge for some people and nothing for others.  The problem I have with some sisters is  that you can become an enabler to them. People can depend on you so much they forget how to do for themselves or you.  You can put yourself in the position of being taken advantage of in the long run.

I will be taking more time for myself. I will also teach my girls do to more for themselves so that we can all be here to enjoy each other in the future.

This is an article I wrote 2008.   It is still relevant TODAY

WORK IT OUT!    I’ll admit it.   I look forward to a good stretch, sweat with a burn, and cool down more than most people.    I’ve always known the value and benefit of moving my body.

In my past, I considered workouts an essential part of good health but only fit it in my schedule, when I could.   After many doctor bills and pills, I began questioning and seeking a better way.    The answer: a lifestyle of a healthy diet and exercise.   Initially, schedule adjustments and food cost was a challenge.   But I came to realize, I was worth it.

I fell in love with myself and started putting me first.   Today, the only thing that keeps me from my workout is a dire emergency.     Everything else is arranged around that 1 hour and 15 minutes a day that I set aside for me.   It’s easier than you think.    And anyway, I’m worth it and so are you.

You should have a workout schedule that fits you.   Your competition….. is you.    Don’t ever compare yourself to someone else’s regime.    You will never succeed that way.     Be consistent, diligent, and progressive.   

Consistently changing your workout is important because the body has memory.     Your body knows you’ve been walking those same 2 miles, 4 days a week, for the last 6 months, and will adjust your metabolism accordingly; and not in your favor.  

Be progressive in your workout.   For example, if your walk usually takes you 45 minutes; try to complete it in 35 minutes.    Increase your stationary bike time from 20 minutes to 30 minutes.    Add 15 minutes of weight training 3 days a week.   Burn some fat with a dance class on a Saturday.   

Don’t be stagnant in your workout.   Continue making changes.   You will see the difference as your body starts burning those unwanted calories.

Can you target an area of your body to slim down?    Most experts agree that this is not possible.   

Heather Picken of  EzineArticles.com, say “You will see many program that say they target how to lose belly fat, slim down hips, and tone arms.  The truth is that you can’t spot reduce these areas.”   

One truth all agree on is the last place to gain is the first place to lose.  That’s why when someone has extreme weight loss all over; their face starts to look overly thin.  A slim face comes easy since most people have less fat in the face.   Belly fat usually appears first and is the hardest to lose.     So, pay attention to your body messages.

DIARY WHAT YOU EAT!     Keep a food diary for one week.  At the end of the week, reference a good calorie counter and see just how many calories you are consuming.   This is one I use.   www.nutritiondata.com.

Next, check out this formula to get a quick average daily calorie consumption to maintain your current weight. 

Your current weight times 7.   Example you weigh: 150lbs.  Multiply 150 by 7.   Result is 1050 daily calories to maintain your current weight.   Anything more than that results in weight gain.      

It only takes 3500 calories to equal a pound. A tasty 500 extra calories a day for a week and TADAH, you’ve just birthed a brand new baby pound.   Beware, that pound will soon be accompanied by more siblings each week unless you apply some protection.   PROTECTION:  Healthy eating, a consistent and progressive workout, and most importantly a mindset of this is for you.    Deciding that you are worth it is half the battle.

There are more scientific and precise approaches to determine your current body status; body mass index (BMI) and basal metabolic rate (BMR).    BMI is a relationship between weight and height that is associated with body fat and health risk.   BMR is the number of calories your body burns at rest to maintain normal body functions.   There are numerous websites to assist you; Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health.  http://nhlbisupport.com/bmi/; and,  http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/.   

MAKING BETTER CHOICES   My husband says I eat ‘bird food’:  nuts, water, fresh fruit, and more water; high quality 100% whole wheat lo-cal bread; low-sodium products; avoid white foods.  A hamburger is best enjoyed when it’s missing the bun (at least the top).   On days that I must have fries, I opt to get 5 or 6 from someone else’s platter.  

Choose water.   It’s a great supplement and finish to a healthy meal.   Try it with 5 lemon wedges or cucumber slices; artificial sweeteners; or add sugar free fruit punch flavoring to spice up your H20.    Break the crave:  Before heading to the vending machine for a candy bar, try walking around your office while drinking a glass of water.  You will be surprise how well this works when your mind is on YOU.

INVEST IN YOURSELF

Author Makeisha Lee of the book, “Why Black People Can’t Lose Weight”.   “There is a national epidemic of obesity, but research shows that the African American community has the worst track record. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 52% of Black women and about 30% of Black men are obese. This is the highest amongst all ethnic groups. “   http://www.whyblackpeoplecantloseweight.com/

We’re number one.  We’re number one.  My brothers and sisters, this is one area we do not want to excel.

Obesity is rapidly becoming the number 1 cause of death in America.   Scientist predict in the year 2015, 75% of Americans will be obese.   We start by treating our cute toddlers with that ‘sad meal’ called Happy.     As pre-teens, they struggle to get up the next morning because of the previous night’s sugar crash.   Those early learned bad habits are very difficult to break as teenagers head to adulthood and continue making bad choices.   The cycle of late night meals of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, followed by the soothing sound of your snoring has been passed down from generation to generation.   

Start today and break that cycle!  Encourage your family by suggesting a lighter earlier meal a few days a week, followed by a short walk.   After a few weeks of more restful sleep and a shrinking waistline, they will thank you and hopefully make a lifelong change themselves.

WARNING!  WARNING!   Beware of the ‘guilt-ease’ and those that question your newfound lifestyle.  There is already enough self imposed guilt in granting even a small sacrifice for ourselves.   Know that others will amplify your concerns and plant the label of selfish on you from their seat in front of the television after their usual unhealthy meal.     

In reality investing in you is not selfish at all.   Your entire family will benefit from the byproducts:  positive attitude, joy, and happiness because you dared to make a change.    Besides, you will look and feel better than you have in years.   Changing your mind about food and exercise shows respect for the only body you will ever have.       

The year 2008 promises new beginnings.   I challenge you to consider YOU this year.     When you see the difference your heart will remind you: You are Worth It!    Invest in You! 

Greetings to everyone! My name is Cynthia Crayton, and I am a woman of God, mother of two grown children, a grandmother to a precious 8 year old girl, daughter, sister, friend and employee. I would like to start by sharing a little information about me and what makes me a “Black Butterfly”.

I was born in Austin, Texas, and lived most of my childhood on the Eastside. I am a middle child, but the oldest girl in the family. I have two older brothers, and two younger sisters. Because I am a middle child, most of my emotional, psychological and social needs went unmet.

As a child, I always felt there was something missing in my life. When I reflect on this, I would say that it felt as though there was a hole in my heart. Something inside needed to be filled, but I just could not put my finger on it. As I matured into adolescence and young adulthood, it felt as though the hole grew larger and larger, and like most people, I tried to find ways to fill it.

My theme in life can be “relationships gone bad”! As I reflect on what that hole was and still experience at times, I realize that it was due to the lack of love, attention and guidance I felt I did not receive as a child. Children should receive unconditional love, acceptance, stability and identity when they are born into a family. When these elements are missing, more than likely a hole will develop.

I enjoy writing because it is therapy to me. When I am down or confused and just need to release, or missing my cousin more than usual, or when God places something on my heart to share, I write. Writing allows me to look within and to Christ for solutions that bring closure to my past.

My pain, as I share, is hopefully a word of encouragement or comfort to someone who has taken the time to read my story. It can give anyone hope that “If God is for you, He is more than the world against you”! You can start where you are and become the “Black Butterfly” God created you to be! I am still a work in progress who has not lost hope because I have faith in Christ!