BREATHE......................BREATHE

Happy Blessed Wednesday Family,

Today's Mona Girl Blog is about taking a DEEEEEEEP BREATH.........

Over the last couple weeks, I have received quite a few Prayer Requests from our Mona Girl Blog Family. And it's evident from the type of Prayer Requests I've received, there are some who are going through their own personal *March Madness* (and I'm not talking about the NCAA basketball games). LOL!

The Prayer Requests have been for a desire to be free of some of life's challenges, to be able to relax while in the midst of stuff, to be able to BREATHE............despite current circumstances.  The Lord put on my heart that those who are seeking Prayer are overwhelmed and weary from the day-to-day details that are just a direct result of being human on this earth :)

*Testi-Mona Time*:  I know from personal experience that when I get into the "white knuckle grip mode" on life's roller coaster and I'm being tossed about as the ride radically shifts from side to side, plunging up and down.......I run immediately to My Heavenly Father.........I run as fast as I can, requesting His Strength, His Courage, His Encouragement, HIS PEACE!! And when I finally get still, REAL STILL, and find myself Resting in His Awesome Presence (which is one of my fave places to be), I feel/hear His soothing and calming Words and His direction/guidance on how to proceed.  How to face and conquer **whateva** is causing me to fret and lose my cool. I can finally BREATHE..............

"And the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)  A side note on this Scripture (which is one of my faves), the Apostle Paul wrote this Mighty Verse while in prison in Rome!  Oh Yeah!!  Now that's what I call the Peace of God!!!

So Family, as you go through the challenges, difficulties, trials and just the overall uncomfortable under belly stuff that life brings our way, I encourage you to get quiet, get still and seek Our Heavenly Father.  Talk to Him informally like you are chatting with a friend about what's going on and what you should do.  After all, He already knows the entire situation, He's already familiar with your current circumstances......and HE already has a Plan of Action for YOU if you take time to seek HIM.  Sometimes family/friends can give great advice and lend support but if you want the answer that promises to help you BREATHE.......the RIGHT answer..........I recommend dropping to your knees (or bowing your head if you're in public) and seeking Our Lord and Savior.  I can tell you from personal experience, HIS ANSWERS ARE ALWAYS THE BEST!! Now here's a little disclaimer (LOL!), sometimes getting to *HIS BEST ANSWER* is not always the most comfortable or aesthetically pleasing route but in the end, YOU will emerge a Victor and not a Victim of your circumstances!!

"The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties." (Romans 8:37)

As I close out today's Mona Girl Blog, BREATHE..........is the Word of the minute, hour, day, week, month, year!! BREATHE...........BREATHE.............Oh Yeah!!!  It brings PEACE to my soul just to repeat it over and over and over again........as I allow my mind to slow down, become still, release my "white knuckle grip" and Let Go and Let God DRIVE!! You will not only feel absolute PEACE but when Our Heavenly Father drives, we are guaranteed a safe route/path through our **temporary** trials/challenges to THE BEST.....HIS BEST ANSWERS to life's stuff!!

You all know me by now.  I ALWAYS have Scriptures in my heart and for the last few weeks, here's the Word of God that's been riding shotgun with me: And He said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)  Hallelujah!!  I LOVE My Lord!!

P.S. Family, keep those Prayer Requests coming.  YOU know I LOVE to Prayer with and for YOU!

Continued Success and Blessings!

SHAKE YOUR GROOVE THANG!

Happy Blessed Wednesday Family,

Today's Mona Girl Blog is about one of my FAVE things to do.........DANCE!!!  I've decided that this Summer, I will make it  **My Goal** to go out once a month and Dance the Night Away!!  Whether I'm on Fire Island at Low/High Tea, in The Village, Meatpacking District or Miami............that's one of my Summer 2015 Goals. Who's in with me!?! 

Yeah, *DANCING* is good for the mind, body and soul! It gives you FREEDOM and allows you to release and let your spirit soar, unfettered.  AND being an Old School House Music junkie, whewee!! When the D.J. gets into a groove......I'm good to go for at least 6-8 hours :)

Most of my adult life I lived in Chicago (The Home of House Music) and became a BIG Frankie Knuckles Fan! Awww my mind goes back to the MANY, MANY nights my friends and I set out for The Warehouse in Chicago at 11:00p and walked out the next morning around 6:00a as the sun was rising over the City. Yeah.......#GreatMemories!!

Frankie, born in The Bronx and moved to Chicago, was known as the 'God Father of House Music'.  He set the World on Fire with his music.......nothing but a Gift from God!!  He was truly Blessed and Talented. And when you listen to Frankie's music, YOU ARE INSPIRED.  You feel the passion and love he had for his craft......he was truly musically anointed and he left a deep and lasting mark on the Music Industry.

I say all this to say that *MUSIC* (whatever your Fave genre) is an Awesome way to break out of your comfort zone, leave the drama of the day-to-day, free yourself, let your emotions soar, enjoy time with family/friends, meet new friends and get a great workout :)

As I close today's Mona Girl Blog, I leave you with some of my Faves from Frankie!! And with the encouragement to join me in my Summer 2015 Goal to Dance the Night Away once a month :) Enjoy the Music and See you on the Dance Floor my Loves!!

"Dance is the hidden language of the soul." (Martha Graham)

Continued Success and Blessings Family!!

My FAVES & Yours! #Let'sShare!

Happy Blessed Wednesday Family,

Today's Mona Girl Blog is ALL about OUR FAVES!!  I'm sharing with you some of Mona's Fave Scriptures, Quotes and Pic Quotes.  After which I invite YOU, urge YOU to **Please** Share a Fave Quote, Scripture, Pic Quote, etc.  I look forward to the reads!! Thanks for sharing :)

Mona's Fave Scriptures:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

"I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line.  I'm giving it everything I've got.  No sloppy living for me!  I'm staying alert and in top condition.  I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself." (2 Corinthians 9:26-27, MSG)

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is a work within us..."(Ephesians 3:20)

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths or righteousness for His name's sake.
Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23)

Mona's Fave Quotes:
"Sometimes we see the end so we can endure the during." (Shellie R. Warren)

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.  Each one of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." (Albert Schweitzer)

"The most important relationship you can have is with yourself.  And if you can find someone who loves the YOU that you love.....well, that's just Fabulous!" (Carrie, Sex & The City)

"To be who you are and become what you are capable of is the only goal worth living." (Alvin Ailey)

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure....Your playing small does not serve the world.  We were born to make manifest the Glory of God that is within us." (Marianne Williamson)

"Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground.  Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it." (Wilfred A. Peterson)

"I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection.  Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business." (Michael J. Fox)

"It always seems impossible until it's done." (Nelson Mandela)

Mona's Fave Pic Quotes:

OK! Now it's YOUR Turn!!

Continued Success and Blessings!

*TRUE FRIENDS*!!

Happy Blessed Wednesday Family,

The last couple weeks, My Lord has REALLY been heavy in my ear and heart on "Friendship".  There was a song I used to sing as a camper at Camp Eberhart that went like this:

"Make new Friends but keep thee old,

One is Silver and the other Gold."

That song ALWAYS stuck in my mind, even now, so many years later.  The words ring TRUE to what True Friendships really are.  I have been soooo Richly BLESSED with Life Long Friends.  My crew and I go back to 2nd Grade Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Freshman Year John Adams High School, Family/Church Friends in South Bend, IN!  (I LOVE you Guys!!!) And even though we don't see each other all the time, we are STILL connected.....our souls are connected.  When we see each other or talk on the phone after several months.....IT'S JUST LIKE OLD TIMES!!  Oh Yeah!!  That's what *TRUE FRIENDS* are all about.  

In addition to my Treasured Life Long Friends who are like Gold, I have also been Richly BLESSED with New Friends.  These friends, are people who my Lord dropped into my College and Adult life for us to share our journey's together. We've been in the trenches together, experienced "life's stuff" together, weathered the storms together and enjoyed the fruits and blessings of walking out this thing called life together. So when it comes to Old or New Friends, if **YOU** are being a Genuine, Authentic and *TRUE FRIEND*, you will receive the same in return.  It's just that simple. "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)

Now, it's GREAT to have the Friends I've told you about but I could not pen this week's Mona Girl Blog on *TRUE FRIENDS* without a BIG SHOUT OUT to MY BEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WORLD.....My Lord and Savior, Jesus!  YES!! Jesus is my BFF, my ONE and ONLY TRUE FRIEND....My Ride or Die (as Bishop Jakes says). And as each tick of the clock passes, as each day passes, as each week, month and year pass, My Heavenly BFF and I become closer and closer and more intimately connected.  Whewee! There's NOTHING like having Jesus as a Friend!!!  He doesn't talk about you behind your back, He doesn't get jealous or hate on you when you have success, He gives AMAZING gifts, He provides godly wisdom and advice, He NEVER lies to you ("He is not man that he should lie" - Numbers 23:19), He's got a wonderful sense of humor, He embraces your uniqueness, He's an AWESOME secret keeper and He will ALWAYS LOVE YOU -- NO MATTER WHAT!!  There's a song we sing in church that describes this *Special* Friendship perfectly.  Here are a few of my fave verses:

"What a Friend we have in Jesus.  All our sins and grieves to bear.

What a privilege to carry, EVERYTHING to God in Prayer.

Can we find a friend so Faithful, who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in Prayer!

In His arms He'll take and shield thee,

Thou wilt find solace there."

I am Grateful for my Treasured Friends but OHHHH, I AM THANKFUL & BLESSED BEYOND BLESSED for My Friendship with My Lord. It is such a PEACEFUL and LOVING Friendship.  "I don't call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn't know what his master is doing.  But I've called you friends because I've made known to you everything that I've heard from my Father." (John 15:15)

In closing today's Mona Girl Blog, I urge you (if you're not already) to BE A *TRUE* (not counterfeit, not superficial, not phony, not "what's in this for me") FRIEND and You will be Richly Blessed with Treasured Friends.......New and Old.  AND most importantly,(if you haven't already), make it a **PRIORITY** to cultivate/develop a Friendship with Your Lord.  I PROMISE YOU, there is No One who's a BETTER BFF than HIM!!

"Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind.  

'Pooh!' he whispered.

'Yes, Piglet?'

'Nothing', said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw.

'I just wanted to be sure of you.'"

-A.A. Milne

Family, do you have any stories to share about your Treasured Friendships??  Would love to hear about your crew and what they mean to You.  Please Share in the Comments below  :)

Continued Success and Blessings Family!

PLAY BALL!!!!!! #LetsGoMets!

Happy Blessed Wednesday Family,

Wellllll, it's almost that time of year!!  I AM A HUGE Baseball Fan!! AND my FAVE Team is The New York Mets!!  YES.....I can hear some of you laughing but I LOVE my Metsies and I am sticking by My Team!  Only 40 days until Opening Day and as a loyal Mets Fan, I continue to have *HOPE* in MY Team each and every Season!!

We have a lot to be excited about this year.....our Ace and our Closer returning strong from Tommy John surgery, some seasoned Vets are back and ready to show their stuff, our young guys are eager to prove AND our Starting Pitching Rotation will hopefully pitch us into a Wild Card spot.  YES....I said Wild Card and not Play Offs (Baby Steps).  But I KNOW when we reach the Wild Card spot.......the next step into the Play Offs will be a piece of cake :)

In addition to being a Big Fan of the NY Mets, I LOVE all types of sports (my FAVE station being ESPN) and I enjoy attending Live sporting events, especially baseball games.  I've been BLESSED to have a ticket broker who gives me the hook up AND to have friends (shout out to Darrell/Scott and Dr. Bertie) who treat Mona to a game or two each season.  Matter of fact, my friend Bert has become such a fan (and we sooo enjoy going to games together) that a few years ago, Bert and I flew to Puerto Rico to see the Mets vs. the Marlins at the historical Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan......where they play the World Baseball Classic. Whewee!! #FunTimes!!

One of the main reasons I LOVE Baseball and watching games in person, is because the Baseball Stadiums are so PEACEFUL. My favorite games to attend are *Night Games*.........first pitch around 7:00'ish as the sun is setting, lights coming on in the Stadium, a cool summer breeze blowing through the ballpark, my FAVE team on the field, nice cold beverage in my hand, the company of good friend(s) and as the game nears the later innings - the Stars and Moon making their appearance to cap off a PERFECT night at the Ballpark. Even if my Metsies don't get a "W", NOTHING beats an evening at the ballpark.

Another reason I am a Big Baseball/Sports Fan in general is because I really admire the tenacity, focus, sacrifice, endurance of Athletes. No matter what level of Athlete (little leaguers, highschool, college, or professional), I get a rush watching a talented Athlete showcase his/her God-given Gifts at the highest level!! And I LOVE the fact that some of these Athletes perform at a high level of excellence ALL for the Glory of God!! "For God has bought you with a great price.  So use every part of your body to give glory back to God because he owns it." (1 Corinthians 6:20, TLB) .  

I grew up in a home where Sports/Athletics was on the Menu.  From my Mother being a gym teacher/cheer leading coach in her younger days as a school teacher to my Father being an avid and INCREDIBLE golfer to my Brother playing Hockey since I was in diapers to Mona coming out of the womb as a little league/ cheer leader/dance teacher to my Mother/Father/Me bowling on Church Leagues.......my Family was sports oriented.....which I know led to Mark and me being highly driven and competitive (smile).

As I close out today's Mona Girl Blog, I give a BIG Cheer to ALL the Athletes out there who LOVE what they DO and DO what they LOVE for the Glory of God!!  Our Heavenly Father Blessed you with these Mighty Gifts/Skills and BRAVO to YOU for honing your talents and continuing to Perform and Shine at a high level of excellence!! Shout out to NY Knicks Shane Larkin, whose tattoo reads: "To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required." (Luke 12:48)......Oh Yeah......#HeGetsIt!

YAHOO!!! Me Excited!! Are You?!?  "40 Days and Counting until Opening Day"!!  Besides the Lenten/Easter Season.....Baseball Season is one of my FAVE times of the year :)  And I KNOW that I KNOW that I KNOW My Heavenly Father is a New York Mets Fan!! AND how do I know this for sure?!?  Because Our Lord is a Believer and Rewarder of Long Suffering! LOL!!  

Hold On Mets Fans!  Our Day of **VICTORY & REDEMPTION** is coming very, very soon!!

God Luck to YOU and your favorite Baseball Team this year!! AND let me know in the Comments below who you route for. We can encourage each other this Season :)


Continued Success and Blessings Family!!

WHY? OK, I'M COOL WITH THAT

Happy Blessed Wednesday Family,

Today's Mona Girl Blog is going to be short and sweet and a bit all over the place but please hang in with me, OK?  For the last couple months My Lord, My AMAZING Shepherd, has had me sitting with Him viewing a *Mona Highlight Reel* of the past 3 1/2 years of my life in NYC.  As I sit with Him in absolute quiet and solitude (and in awe at times), He continues to lovingly show/speak to me WHY certain life stuff had to happen and WHY the stuff was essential for Mona's Growth and My Life Purpose.  Yeah!  Gives a whole new meaning to the Scripture "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10).  

Family, if you've never REALLLLLLLY gotten quiet with Our Lord (besides your daily meditation/Bible Study time) and allowed Him to do a little "Show and Tell" with you on your life, I highly recommend it. Whewee!  IT IS TIME WELL SPENT!

I read the following in a Powerful devotional message by Johnny Enlow on how God REWARDS His Saints when we are FULLY yielding to Him.  "This does not mean a life of no challenges - but it does mean a life of greatly satisfying fruitfulness.  You will strive less and accomplish more.  Less effort will bring about more fruit.  Simple obedience will trump leveraging capabilities.  You will learn to Rest, to Worship and to Love - and then repeat that cycle.  At the end of the day it is all about growing more in love and releasing more of that love."

Oh Yeah!!! Key Words for Me: "REST, WORSHIP & LOVE (repeat the cycle)"!!

Well Family, that's all I have for you today (told you it would be a short read).  I know today's Mona Girl Blog seems a tad scattered but my emotions are at full tilt......hence the uber peek into Mona's soul :)  I feel in my heart some of you are on a similar journey of enlightenment and can relate to today's Post.......being the main reason the Lord led me to share this specific, "connect the dots" message. LOL!!
The last couple months have truly been a time of "Why Lord?  OK, I'm Cool with That".  And what a PERFECT time to walk this out with Our Lord as we enter my FAVE time of the year...a time of "spiritual house-cleaning and enlightenment"....The Lenten Season with today being Ash Wednesday.

I leave you today with an AWESOME Poem by Elisha Freeman and a Scripture that have been riding shotgun with me over the last few days.  I feel these two *Confirmations* from God take all I'm experiencing and wrap it up in a nice beautiful box of JOY & GRATITUDE!!  For those of you who are out here with me......I hope the *Confirmations* encourage You, inspire You and bring You peace.

THY WORD

Lord, teach me what You want me to know

So that I will continually grow

To be all that I can truly be

Living a life that truly pleases Thee

May Your Word stay alive and active in me

May I trust and obey with no compromising

Your very Words are tender and sweet

Whether by way of milk or by strong meat

Each Word serves a purpose

Building me up to discern and watch with alertness

That shows I may have gotten off track

And You are only guiding me back

So Lord, whatever the Word You're speaking to me

I gratefully receive because I trust in Thee

-Elisha Freeman

13 Feb. 2015

-Isaiah 61:7

Continued Success and Blessings Family!

I'M A BIRD WATCHER............

Happy Blessed Wednesday Family,

Before we get into today's Mona Girl Blog, I've got a bit of housekeeping to do.   I did not realize that last week's post "Are You FAUX Real or FOR Real" was my 10th Post to Mona Girl Blog!! (Thanks Beautiful Westley for the heads up).  WOW! Time sure flies when you're having fun :)  THANK YOU to ALL of you who read Mona Girl Blog and for your AWESOME and HUMBLING feedback, encouragement and inspiration!!  Thank you for your emails and for your Positive Energy that fuels me to be consistent with the Lord's messages He has me Post every Wednesday!!  Mona Girl Blog is for YOU and I'm truly Grateful and Appreciate your continued interest and support.

OK...........NOW let's talk about Birds.  Yeah!!  I said **BIRDS**.  For the last several weeks, the Lord has been speaking to me through the Birds who hang out in the trees outside the window.  Ranging from Cardinals, Doves, Crows and my FAVE, Robin Redbreast.  It's been so cool to watch when each type comes, how many hang out, the songs they sing, how long they stay, etc.  I get tickled sometimes when my Robin Redbreast pops by and I am too focused on the work I'm doing on my laptop, he sings louder and louder until I look out the window!!  LOL!  Family, God is TRULY Awesome in how He speaks to us and how strategically He speaks to us.  And over the last several weeks, He's incorporated His beautiful winged friends into my line of communication with Him.

Sooooo being that I've always been the "what's the meaning behind this??" type of Girl, I did my research via Google on the various Birds that have been dropping by to chill with me and to my surprise found lots of articles on the Spiritual Meaning of Birds.  It's mind boggling the amount of information that's out there but I'm sharing with you some info I read on Beliefnet.com about the Bird Folks who've stopped by to visit Mona over the last few weeks......

The Cardinal:
The Cardinal tells you that you can handle it, and to believe in yourself.  It is important to be proud of yourself for your abilities or for the things you have achieved.  The Cardinal's bright red feathers and cheerful song call attention to him wherever he goes.  If you see a Cardinal, it may be telling you to stand up, lift your head high, and take pride in yourself.

The Dove:
The Dove reminds you to take a deep breath and relieve all tension and stress.  As a symbol of the Holy Spirit, let your sighting of the Dove remind you to reconnect with the spiritual aspect of your life; accept it as a blessing.

The Crow:
The Crow urges you to think outside the box, to examine what tools and skills you have at your disposal and to apply them in perhaps unconventional ways to achieve your goals.  The Crow also teaches you about change. Change is not to be feared; it is part of the natural course of things.  The death or end of one thing signifies the birth or beginning of another.

And lastly, my FAVE Robin Redbreast:
(The info on Robin Redbreast that I found on The Spiritual Centre.com is a tad longer.  But because it so fascinating, I'm sharing the entire read.)

With the coming of Jesus Christ comes the legend of the Robin Red Breast. It is said that in Our Lords hour of need it was the Robin that tried to remove the thorns, it was the Robin that stood guard and only allowed the light to come near. It was this act of heroic bravery that caused a splash of blood to stain his red breast. This motive is still seen today and is worn with pride by the Cock Robin.  Also the Robin can be found in every church yard but will only be seen once it calls to you.  And once seen, its unique character will become familiar to you as this sacred bird will visit you often whilst providing reassurance for a new beginning.  

The Robin is a visitor and as such should be appreciated as a welcome visitor bringing gifts.  It is for you to interpret the gifts it brings. Someone recently passed maybe showing you that you are being watched, maybe just letting you know that they still love you.  

Just as every human is different so is every Robin, so look at this Robin and identify its unique features.  It is no coincidence that the next time he appears, you will KNOW it is the same Robin.  He will stay around for as long as he is needed and will re-appear if called for.

The Robin is a solitaire, strong, silent, guardian, protector. Even when looking after its family, it is rare for it to flock with others, preferring to be solitary and heard when it speaks.  This beautiful bird is earth tied, meaning that it will stay on the earth.  Its duties include that of the escort, meaning it is willing to escort the spirit to a new beginning.  It is a part of the dawn chorus singing in the new day and it is a part of spiritual awakening, a gentle reminder of what has been and will be again.

What does all this mean you ask? It means when I think Our Father has taken me to a certain level in our friendship/relationship, He turns right around and tops Himself!!  Over the last few weeks, I am learning yet another way My Lord speaks to me.  I am really enjoying His messages of Inspiration, Encouragement, Wisdom and Confirmation that He's speaking to me through His beautiful winged creatures. I am enjoying watching how my new friend Robin Redbreast visits me now twice a day, once in the morning and then again in the afternoon.  Most of the time he comes solo (just like the text above states) but today he surprised me by bringing two buddies along with him to check-in/watch over me..........."3" representing The Holy Trinity.......The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.  Yeah God, I hear you loud and clear!! Thank You Lord for the PEACE........**THE PEACE** you continue to bring into my life that touches my soul!!

Family, I encourage you to slow down in order to be more aware and discerning of the many interesting and "out of the box" ways Our Lord speaks to us. AND it is no coincidence that back on December 3rd, when I wrote the Inaugural Post for Mona Girl Blog that I chose "Birds" as my Blog background!!!   YEAH!!! OUR LORD IS TRULY AWESOME!!

Continued Success and Blessings Family!!