Food for thought: When things seem to be going wrong- don’t fret, God is making room for what He has in store for you.

It’s a new year and I’m sure many have made resolutions out the ying yang only to break those resolutions within a couple of seconds, minutes, hours, days, and months…

Well, like last year and the years before, I didn’t make any new year’s resolutions. I just allow myself to be open to being worked on all year round. In doing so, I’ve come to learn that I must take the good with the bad and vice versa.

A lot has happened in 2009, especially the last two weeks of the year. I found myself feeling uneasy about celebrating with a crowd of people at various events and opted to go to New Year’s Eve service at the chapel on base. I’m glad I went because the message was simple and I KNOW IT WAS A MESSAGE SPECIFICALLY FOR ME!

I won’t go into detail but the jist of it all was simply a reminder to me that when things seem to be going wrong just know that God’s making room for what He has in store for me.

As hard as it may be to accept initially, I began looking at the bigger picture. There’s a blessing that’s gonna come my way and your way too. All we have to do is one thing- go through in order to get to. It’s funny because I’ve had this saying for a while: “You gotta go through in order to get to (blessing).” I believe it whole heartedly but at times, I question myself, I question God and I question those around me: “How many times do I have to go through heartache and pain with my family, friends and men *clears throat* I mean boys?” OR “How much longer do I have to endure to receive what God has for me?”
*Before some who read this jump on the defense- I’m FAR FROM PERFECT and I’m not claiming to be when I say how long do I have to go through heartache and pain with others*
There’s no set answer for how much or how long you have to go through things to get to what God has in store for us. We just have to be available and willing to accept what’s for us when it’s presented to us.

We read Isaiah 43:1 at the NYE service but I’m gonna go up to verse four.
Isaiah 43:1
1 He who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. 4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.

In reading, we’re reminded that we who believe in Him have been redeemed. He’s here with us every step of the way- even when everything seems to be going wrong.

You ever woke up one day- and everything that could go wrong went wrong? Ever got into a relationship and everything that could go wrong, went wrong? How about getting a job, earning decent pay and STILL everything that could go wrong sure did go wrong?

I can stand and raise my hand and shout a million times on so many accounts of, ‘what could go wrong- went wrong!’

Oftentimes I find myself laying on my couch or in my bed or sitting in my parked car wondering and often crying, “When is enough, enough?!” Well, I think I’m downplaying it a bit when I say, ‘I said.’ I’d scream these words- WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH?!

While I’m laying or sitting there waitin on an answer- I’m sure God is just smilin and shakin His head saying the following: “You’re not ready for what you’re asking for in your life. In fact, I’m not done moving things around in your life. I gotta stir up a few more things before I can bring in what I have in store for you.” He’s still shaking his head and probably bouncin up and down like a preacher preaching at Sunday service and saying, “I’m taking you through some things to make sure you’re capable of handling what I have in store for you.”

While typing this, all I can do is smile because I know it’s true… Nothing comes easy in this world… NOTHING! Not in flesh nor in the spirit…

When we go through things- quickly, we attribute it to satan or being punished by God. It’s neither and for those who’re like me who believes everything that could go wrong goes wrong- is punishment, think again! It’s not…

I honestly believe there was a reason I attended that NYE service- it was to shake me three times, bam… bam… bam… and get my attention.

A revelation for the New Year is far better than a resolution in the New Year! Amen to that!!! With receiving and accepting this revelation for this New Year, I must say, it’s definitely gonna be a year of purging not only for me, but for you as well…

So, if you’re reading this, know one thing: When things seem to be going wrong- don’t fret, God is making room for what He has in store for you.

It’s our season and I will claim it and believe it. I’m not looking at 2010 as another year, I’m looking at it as a season- a good one at that!

Claim it with me.

Continued blessings and success

Vernishia Renee

Did Trey Songz really invent sex or did he invent the break up?

Okay, so I may be a day late BUT never a dollar short… I’m doing the UNUSUAL this morning at work. The UNUSUAL is searching gossip sites. Well, I believe I came across it via some Rihanna posting or something and then decided to search… I found some stuff on Mr. R&B crooner Trey Songz and Imust say WHAT THE WORLD! LOL

He’s got a cougar on his hands dontcha think?! Toni Braxton. No… Look again… Yep, sure is Toni Braxton… What’s surprising is that shortly after all of this foolish nonsense, an announcement of her divorcing her husband came up. *clears throat* Where they do that at? Then onto the next question,  did Mr. Songz have anything to do with this? I hear the two went out on the town after the Soul Train Awards. You think he may have shown her the “I Invented Sex” video? *smh*

It seem like yesterday NO ONE paid the lil dude no mind and now he’s givin kisses out to cougars! *coughs* well, good to know I wasn’t the only one drooling over the NEW Trey Songz! LOL Sorry, but I gotta go ahead and give it- *hi-five* Toni B! At least he didn’t grab her a$$ like Jamie did Halle!

At any rate, so since Trey claims to have ‘invented sex’ I wonder if he invented the break up between Toni B and her husband of eight years, Keri Lewis… *shrugs shoulders* Guess ya’ll older dudes betta watch ya back cause it may become a pattern the “Demi-Ashton” thing may become popular! Owwww!!!

Okay back to work I go! But in the meantime, check out the video!

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Never Forgotten: 9-11-01

Good day ya’ll… Today is the day where many take part in whatever ceremonies are taking place wherever they are.

I’m in Bahrain and unfortunately they don’t celebrate 9-11-01. Reason? They say because of our location.

“Hmmpphhh!” is what I say shrugging my shoulders and walking out the office when I found out yesterday.

So, today I’m going to do a bit of my own reflecting for the events of 9/11.

I remember the day as if it were yesterday. I was working on the mess decks (an area where we eat for you non-military types) and went up to medical to see a few of my friends during my break.

As I was walking through medical, I saw everyone crammed in the records office, sitting in front  of a television, yelling. I wasn’t sure what was going on so I walked over to the television.

“Oh shoot, a plane is going into another building!” one of the workers said.

Everyone screamed, “Nooooooooooo!”

I was still confused, I looked at the television, saw the Twin Towers and seriously thought it was a movie. I don’t watch much TV so I figured it was something I missed…

Next thing you know the news came on and said planes were hijacked and flew into the Twin Towers.

It was then, I realized it was real and my way of thinking and the military had been forever changed.

Somewhere around 3,000 people were killed that day.

Today all over the world where service members dwell, I know they’re participating in memorial services commemorating not only the anniversary and those killed that day, but they’re remembering the troops- their comrades who have died in  years of fighting a war that started because of that day.

Nine years ago… Nine years later… I still wear the uniform, safely completing a tour in Iraq and still serving overseas in an area once consider, “not too safe,” which in turn sent numerous family members back to the states, making Bahrain a ‘no dependent’ duty station.

Today, it’s a new day in Bahrain… they say it’s safe enough for dependents to come back to stay BUT it’s not safe enough to commemorate the events and the fallen from 9/11 events.

I don’t get it.

Oh well, I won’t let them keep me from REMEMBERING 9/11.

Dad, I’m sending this prayer asking for you to continue having a watchful eye on us and to keep us out of harms way. I thank you for all you’ve done for us, all you’re doing for us and  all you’re going to do. Please cover our President as he continues to command us as Commander in Chief.

For those serving in light of the events of 9/11 I ask you keep them in your hands and remove them from harms way as it nears them.

Please provide comfort for the families who’s lost a loved one on 9/11 or while fighting the war on terrorism.

I thank you in advance for what you’re going to do.

I pray this in your name, Jesus.

Amen

Vernishia Renee

Some random ish… I know- Once again, it’s been a while!

Hey ya’ll, what’s been up? A lot on my side of the world. Back in Bahrain for almost two months since my vacation to the states and I must say, I’ve become extremely homesick.

Lately, I’ve been worried at the fact I may not get the locations I’m requesting for my next duty station. I know everything works in God’s timing BUT the thing that’s limiting me and perhaps makes things not seem so promising is the fact that even though my primary job for the Navy is a photographer- since picking up the videography background and then the past four years almost, I’ve been in radio/television broadcasting.

Last month, I looked at the requistions and guess what came up when MY information was put in? Yes, you guessed it- overseas broadcasting detachments.

I can’t do it! I’m actually burned out with being overseas and I believe my time to return to the states is now.

Again, I know it’s all in God’s timing. Dad, I know you’re listening- please grant me this favor!

Other than that, everything is cool, a bit stressful at times. New responsibilities at work, school, and trying to devote more time to CUSP Marketing & PR are taking a toll on me a bit BUT I know it’s something that has to be done and I’m sure my Dad wouldn’t put more on me than I can bare- now would he?

The past couple of days have been kind of weird. I was sick last Wednesday with a really bad migraine. I hate them, geesh! But by time Friday came around, I was feeling better. The weekend was a drag, I had class and a handful of homework to do.

Now, I’m at work filling in as the host of The Afternoon Mix and getting my thoughts together for the upcoming work week. Man, my thoughts now are back on requistions that are coming out this week. (Requistions are released once a month for like ten days or so where folks pretty much put in requests/bids for their next assignment) I originally thought about submitting my application to White House Communications Agency- sounds very good BUT there’s a few things I found out that had me drop that thought- it’s a five-year assignment that isn’t really career enhancing, so that’s not an option anymore.

Changing subjects…

Last week, I downloaded Trey Songz’ third Studio album, Ready… Very nice album! I’ve been reading mixed reviews but oh well. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion and free to share it. My opinion is: IT’S A NICE ALBUM!

Man… I’m really bored. I had a lot of stuff on my mind to say here and then my mind goes blank… I really am putting too much thought into my next assignment I wish I didn’t worry so much…

Oh yea, so I hear there are a lot more people who’s lost their jobs recently. Man, I feel bad. Really, I do. I wish there were something I could do to help them. To be honest, I don’t know what I’d do if I lost my job. I know you just pray and hand it over to God- but human instincts kicks in and just drives you insane!

I really am  rambling on, but before I go I have to say I am grateful that God has allowed MORE positive people in my life… Even if it is via the cyberspace world! Thanks Dad for allowing one of your own created, gifted and beautiful child- Rodney to come into my life. His spirit is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo- I can’t even describe it! I pray that you continue to cover him as you are doing so now. I thank you for him, his spirit, the gift you’ve given him and in advance for everything you have for him.

Well, ya’ll I gotta go…

Until next time

Peace and Hairgrease

Vernishia Renee

It’s finally here! Ready, Trey Songz third studio album…

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Trey Songz has released his third studio album today, a day earlier than originally scheduled.

The suitably titled album, Ready features production from Troy Taylor, Johnta Austin and a few others including recording in the studios of D2 Music Studios, Atlanta. The album also features collaborations with Drake, Fabolous, Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy.

Trey Songz, a Petersburg, Virginia native claimed his fame for two singles “Last Time” and “Can’t Help But Wait,” from his sophmore album, Trey Day.

In 2008, “Can’t Help But Wait,” garnered him a Grammy nomination but not the actual win.

On his third studio album, a lot more maturity begin to show, his influences and inspirations are reflected and of course by this time, his new image and brand is now seen.

After listening to the album a few times since purchasing it less than five hours ago, I have to say, it’s definitely ride music and if he still needs to prove his talent to many of you, then something’s wrong. I LOVE IT!

Songz, who’s also known for his signature call (if that’s what you call it,) “Yuup!” found a creative way to make music fans aware of his path musically,  months, weeks and days, hours and even minutes leading up to the release of Ready, Songz gave away music  to include two full albums, Genesis and Anticipation.

Genesis was a mixtape-demo if you will that featured music recorded before his first album, Gotta Make It. While Anticipation gave a pretty good feel of what we could expect on this new album.

According to the twenty-something artist, Genesis was, “the beginning of it all…” He also credits Troy Taylor who’s his mentor, a producer and founder of Songbook Entertainment for helping him hone his craft.  Trey even goes on to say, “You will hear the immaturity and youth in my voice, you’ll hear me learning how to record. This is Trey Songz PRE – Gotta Make It…” This is definitely a star who’s continuously in the making.

The two full album mixtapes and random singles definitely had fans like me held over until the release of Ready.

To many, this four-year industry veteran isn’t receiving the accolades due, but one thing is for sure, with a hunger and drive to keep his fans entertained whether putting out studio albums or mixtapes, he’s undeniably the next best thing for the music industry.

I don’t know if I could borrow more thumbs, but right now, I give the album TWO THUMBS UP!

Oh yea, if you ain’t got Ready like, RIGHT NOW, you’re slippin!

Here’s an excerpt from the thank you section in his album *This isn’t to prove that I have it. Those of you who know me, know I was on it a long time ago! LOL*

MY FANS: For believing in me when no one else would, for debating with non believers, for calling radio stations, for watching me on ustream, calling my SayNow & uplifting me when u may not even know I’m down. For making me smile, for your posters, your drawings, your gifts, your long drives, for paying ticket prices to see me sing the same songs just because you love me, last but not least for listening to my voice. I love you.

Aww man, let me get back to work- I’m out!

Peace and hairgrease  

Vernishia Renee

Are you READY? I know I am!

Get 'READY' for Trey Songz as the time is approaching for the release of his highly anticipated new album READY, in stores and online everywhere Tuesday, September 1st!

Ya’ll know how I get about Trey Songz! It’s that time and I’m definitely sitting here impatient.

His new image, brand and numerous collaborations on the mainstream and mixtape front has definitely heightened my interest of his third studio album.

I pre-ordered it online BUT I know iTunes is about to get my money- I refuse to have anyone tell me about it!

So, are you ‘READY?’

Gotta get back to work

Peace n Hairgrease

Random Thought: Life or Love- Which Would You Rather Have?

Sittin at the computer- TIRED!

It’s 10:20 pm here and I should be sleep. I’m not ready to go to sleep yet, I wanted to post this… Hopefully I can go to sleep afterwards!

Lately LIFE and LOVE have been on my mind and heart and for some reason today, I couldn’t shake the urge to cry as I was driving to the mall. I don’t even remember what triggered it… Wait, yes I do! I was driving and if you’ve ever been to Bahrain or are living here now, you’d agree with me when I say they should ban the middle eastern folks from driving! You think Italy is crazy… you ain’t seen nothin! As I was driving I was in a zone listening to Toni Braxton, man I love that lady’s voice… but as I was driving, I was in my zone and ran a red light!

I couldn’t believe I did it. I slowed down and my stomach started feeling sick so immediately I said a prayer, thanking God for my life that very moment.

Over here when the light turns yellow to these folks, it means go! They don’t wait for the green light… So needless to say, I almost met death today…

After I said my prayer, I asked myself, which would I rather have, LIFE or LOVE? Yes, I thanked Him for my LIFE, but I didn’t care for LIFE, I cared about LOVE… It was His LOVE that kept me from experiencing death.

As I finally answered the question: I chose LOVE and I believe many would have chosen LIFE, but what good is it if you don’t have LOVE?

The other day, my best friend and I were talkin over email and she said something that let me know I wasn’t alone about how I felt. Even though I know and have faith that God will carry me through anything and that He’s my comforter, I still have thoughts that people DON’T care or love me. But the real question is this: why do I care if anyone loves me, He loves me and that’s all that matters!

I’m not sure if it was lack of love shown to me as a child that has me longing for love from others, but it definitely has bothered me over the years when I’d feel that others didn’t love me… But right then and there during my drive to the mall I realized, even though I want others to love me- I don’t really need them to love me… I have the LOVE of my Father

For me, LOVE from Him is all I need and yes, I’d love for a human to LOVE me that same way, but NO ONE can love me the way He loves me… NO ONE! His LOVE is unconditional… His LOVE assures me that even when I turn my back, He’s still there… His LOVE through His mercy and grace is enough for me.

Until now, I never really understood why I was so ‘infatuated’ with LOVE… Bu now I get it… lack of love shown as a child can do some damage! I’ve always been the one wondering who LOVED me and all that crazy nonsense! That incident today showed me that if it weren’t for His LOVE I wouldn’t be making this post right now.

There have been many days and nights where I’d just bust out crying… a lot of it dealt with being lonely, feeling as if I’m being misused, feeling like a failure, and most of all, fear other’s don’t love me… Again, why should I care who or if anyone loves me, when I have the LOVE of the most high- God! I’m sure some of ya’ll can agree with me when I say, THERE IS NO GREATER LOVE THAN THE LOVE OF GOD BECAUSE HIS LOVE FOR US IS FOREVER!

I’m about to get to shoutin’ up in here!

Thanks Dad for the opportunity to share this with everyone who’s reading

With that being said, which would you rather have, LIFE or LOVE?

***Ya’ll may be curious as to why I didn’t choose LIFE… to me, life without LOVE couldn’t be good at all! You’d just be miserable, right?! I’d hate to have life without LOVE… I don’t know… it’s just one of my crazy thinkin days but as always, a walking testimony!

Fred Hammond: No Greater Love

Okay ya’ll I’m out…

Peace n Hairgrease

Vernishia Renee

I’m back!

Hey ya'll!

It’s been a while, I know… I don’t know what kind of stuff I’m  on at times. At one time, I get this wonderful urge to continuously post and then I just stop!  I shake my head at my own self sometimes…

Well, I’m back from my wonderful vacation home. It was very much needed and I gotta say, I enjoyed every minute of it… I made it to every place I said I was going, except for Vegas or Miami- but I never bought those tickets, so I’m good…

I’ve been back in Bahrain for almost a month- and it’s like, I don’t even want to be here any more. I really want this year to go by fast! I think I’ve had enough of this overseas stuff! Don’t get me wrong, I love being exposed to different things but it’s the language barrier AND being away from my family that takes a atoll on me.

There’s nothin like trying to communicate and you and the person you’re talkin to don’t understand jack crap you’re saying! You guys should see me, I get so irritated that my girls laugh at me all the time! I’m already a loud talker, so when I get irritated, it’s worse! Again, I’m shaking my head at myself and laughing.

I’ve got a plan to help time go by fast, I started going to this art class which is very interesting. I go in there and feel at peace feeling like a kid in kindergarten trying to be creative. I’ve also pulled my goal book out the bag and checked off a few things like, enrolling in my LAST class with Coastline Community College to receive my Associates in Communication Studies. I’m also enrolled at University of Maryland University with three classes on my schedule toward my Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies as well. The advisor says if I go hard and take at least two classes for the next five terms, I’ll only have 1/3 left to go with my Bachelors degree. Sounds good to me! I’m anxious about it now. Once I receive my Associates, it would have taken me almost six years to receive it… A wonderful accomplishment for me!

Along with all of the above, I’m rebuilding my relationship with Christ. The wonderful thing about it all unlike humans, I know that I’m being accepted back into the arms of the one who really loves me and doesn’t bar me because I fall short. What an awesome God I serve!

Yesterday, on Facebook I posted a very sentimental note and got so much feedback from it. One thing about me is, my exterior may seem to be peaches and cream and the grass is greener on my side, it’s not. I’m here to really say, before judging me on by my exterior, dig in get to the interior to know who I really am…

Speaking of Facebook, last week, I posted my first words of encouragement on Be an Encourager, a FB page that sends out encouraging words to over 2000 people who opt to be a part of the group. When I say I was shocked to receive so much feedback on how much I’ve touched or changed the minds of those people, I was really shocked! I mean, I know I had good words BUT it really wasn’t me. I allowed God to speak through me to them. It just pumped me up to continue to do so. I realized then you never know who you help along the way, so step out and provide encouraging words!

Okay, so I’m sitting under the hairdryer as I type this and it’s about time for me to get from under here. I promise I’ll be back, Lord willing!

Catch ya on the flipside- plus, I got a mountain dew I need to reunite with!

Peace and Hairgrease,

Vernishia Renee

A piece of my vacation: Last day- actually down to my last few hours…

My twin caught me right as I was finishing this post! Oh man- this isn't good at all...

This post is for my  friends and family. Know that I love you and miss you all already and I haven’t even boarded the plane. I’m using this last hour to actually be alone. I’m in an attic, I should be taking a shower and packing the last bit of stuff I have, but I wanted to jump online real quick and post something that’s been in my mind and heart.

This morning I woke up and as much as I wanted to go run around with a smile on my face, I couldn’t. This is the hardest part for me, especially since I know this will be the last time my sisters and I will be together in one setting. Yesterday I mentioned my twin sister moving to Florida. I know it’s for the better, but it hurts that when I come home, someone will be missing. Guess I gotta get used to it.

Anyways, if you read this and somewhat expected to see me before leaving, don’t be upset. I can’t do it and it’s bad enough I have to see those closer to me before leaving. Yesterday I just wanted to get a room at the hotel and take a taxi to the airport. I HATE WHEN I HAVE TO LEAVE!

No matter how much I say I’m ready to leave the city, I’m still hurt… Anyways, here’s something I wrote… It may seem jumbled- but I hope you can decipher the message…

I love ya’ll and see ya next time… Sorry if I didn’t get to see you while I was here… There WILL be a next time- Lord willing that is.

these days are so long, my military duties keeps us apart, so hard to think of you.

my heart cries out for you, and silent tears fall, this pain i hold inside until our next meeting.

cold lonely dark days without a warm touch, i cry on my pillow and hold you in my heart inside a clutch.

pictures of you loom everywhere. my mind fills with memories of our last meeting.

no worries, i’ll try my best to be strong for me, you and us.

i have to because i can’t break down in public but i’ll keep it to myself as i continue missing you.

you’d think after nine years, i’d get used to it.

no matter how long i’ve been away from home, this is something i’ll never adjust to.

Well, gotta get ready…

Peace and Hairgrease

Vernishia Renee

Straight from the Sunset: Mumble Jumble…

Sleepy me!

In less than 24-hours from now I will be on a plane some many miles into the sky reminiscing about the best vacation I had over the past 26 days.

I can’t even begin to explain how happy I am that I got to see those I love and those who love me. I also can’t even begin to explain how sad I am that I’m leaving.

No matter how much I complain about wanting to hurry and leave home every time I come visit, it’s always a bittersweet moment for me when it’s time for me to leave.  I hate goodbyes and for some reason, this time around is going to be harder than it’s ever been before.

When I return next year, my twin sister and ‘Boyfriend’ will no longer be here in the city, my younger sisters and niece will still be here in the city but it won’t be the same- we will ALL no longer be together as one.

My cousin whom I’ve grown a bit closer to over the years is patiently awaiting my return well, she’s waiting on the outcome of where my next assignment will be and maybe we’ll end up at the same place, who knows…

Since I’ve been home, I noticed I’ve become a bit distant from my family as a whole. Not sure of the reason why, but I know that it’s not a good feeling. I was glad at the fact I took weekend trips EVERY weekend while home, it allowed me to get away from them. When I say my family I mean everyone outside my sisters and niece.

Right now as I type this, I’m not sure how I feel about this whole thing… Kind of confused right now. There were a few people who I wanted to see but didn’t get a chance too. Maybe it wasn’t in God’s timing we see each other this go round.

I’m not good with good byes so I’ll just slip away tomorrow in hopes that I don’t see many people…

Okay, I see this is all going in mumble jumble- so I’ll end, maybe I’ll gather the right words tomorrow when I sit in the terminal. I am going to go to bed now… My heart and mind can’t take this right now…

I’m out… Good nite…

Peace and Hairgrease

Vernishia Renee