Get Over Yourself!

There is nothing that I could have done or planned that has gotten me this far. Did I see my life as is it now...Definitely Not! I had a completely different sketch for “TricaB”. I didn’t think that I would be divorced, no kids and have taken many different career paths. The past week has been an “eye opener” more like a divine revelation of the truth. “Trica you control nothing, so get over yourself”.

I am not that smart, talented or not that pretty without God living inside of me. What I am trying to say is this, when you make your mind up to give God 100% control of your life, like handing over the title and deed to your success. God does just that and he keeps his promises. The only thing that is required of you is to be open and be prepared to move when it is time. In my mind, I thought that if I just give God a little advice or if he would do it “my way” it would turn out better. Not realizing that he doesn’t need my help. All he wants is for me to trust him! Trust in the lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding, in all the way acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path- Proverbs 3:5

Religious thinking can block & destroy your destiny. If not careful it can kill you. People perish because of lack of knowledge- Hosea 4:6.  This way of thinking can sabotage your happiness and true freedom in God. The brain is programmed to think one way and God is trying to expose another way. People can sometimes get stuck in a box, triangle, or circle and refuse to move because they feel this is the right or only way. Instead of asking God is this the right way for me?  His word says: I am the way the truth and the life- John 14:6. If want the right way God is the only way.

For me change can be challenging and if it is not conducive to my logic I sometimes freeze up. When I freeze I can’t hear and then I block Gods voice. My “will” is entirely different from Gods “will”. The lesson was learning to “let go” of my “will”. God is always reminding me I created you, I am smarter than you and you promised me your life, “Get over yourself Trica and let me do this”.

Tell pride, ego, religious thinking or whatever you want to call it to disappear because those triplets will demolish you. When I caught the “Rhema” of that it freed me and I began to fill a sense of serenity come over me. I have to admit human nature and being slightly OCD can sometimes get in the way but, I encourage you “you can do this”. God knows right where you are. Trust is often hard when all you see is darkness. That thing can scare you half to death sometimes, but the bible is an instant “Fear Chaser”.

If I were so smart and so logical I would have fixed the situation the moment it presented itself. But I am not! If you allow “Life” to humble you it will do just that. It will set your behind down somewhere and teach you a thang or two. My mom tells me all the time “You are not all that boo, humble yourself!” Oh the power of humility.

What keeps me centered to the ground is knowing that there will always be someone smarter than me, prettier than me and can sing better than me. In a snap of a finger life can change and no one will ever remember you existed. I have been through enough to know that I have absolutely no power over what happens, but as long as I am “in” Christ I can survive anything. I die to flesh daily, allowing my talent and intelligence to be used by God. And if I get out of line you better believe he checks me… “Hey Trica Get over yourself!!!”

If you are dealing with a situation and wondering why it is not changing, step back and look at it. You might discover that it is “YOU”. God is telling you to do it his way and you refuse to. Too stubborn to just trust God and listen. What are you thinking? Do you not think God can handle it? Not trusting God is like slapping him in the face. Pretty much you are saying, “God I am smarter than you and “my way” is better. Why do you pray to him and ask him for direction if you are going to take matters into your own hands.

Not to offend anyone but I must say this. Do yourself a favor go ahead and do what you want to do. Quit praying and wasting the Lords time and your time too. As a matter of fact stop asking me, the pastor, prayer partner, mother, father, deacon board, mother’s board etc to pray with you for direction. And leave the dog alone too, stop complaining to the dog about “How rough (ruff) LOL it is!” Had to throw that in there, yeah I know it was corny but I thought it was funny.

Ladies and Gentlemen, you are nothing without God wake up and “Get over yourself”, let God do it, trust him, listen to him and move on it. Yes, it will be uncomfortable but just trust it! What is “smart” is allowing God to do it! Quit being a block head and do it Gods way. I guarantee life will be much smoother and that situation will change. Let yourself out of the cage and be free.   

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet and minister to some phenomenal people and because I chose to “let go” of pride, ego and religious thinking. I was able to receive an abundant harvest. Words can’t express how enlightened I feel. The key is to be “willing” to receive and “accept” the move of God. Daily, I am learning to “Get over myself” and let him to do the “great work” in me. God moved and the stage for my empire is already in preparation.

My Prayer: “Lord keep me in the center of your perfect will not my will but thine will be done. I might not understand or even like it but help me to adjust to it and stay strong because your will is design just for me”.

How can leave this out! We had the privilege of witnessing my pastor being ordain as Bishop in Fremont Ohio! This was such an awesome and refreshing experience. I was honored to be a part of such a powerful moment in history. Congratulations, to the Bishop Kurt H. Jackson and First Lady Michelle Jackson!  Proud to know you and serve under your leadership. Love you both!

Special thanks to (my grandfather) Dr. Pastor Milton Oliver and Bishop Robert and Pastor Joyce Jones for allowing me to minister to the people! It was an honor and a privilege to be in the presence of greatness.

Enjoy some of the pictures from Springfield, Illinois (Regional Evangelistic Crusade C.O.G.I.C) and Fremont, Ohio (Rivers of Living Water International Ministerial Conference)

Peace and Blessings!

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Trouble-Free Life!

The last couple of weeks have been interesting. Three days out of two weeks I’ve managed to endure two hospitals, 2 IV’s, 3 shots, pain meds, test galore, over a dozen of blood samples, x-rays, 2 bags of sodium chloride, and a congregation of bruises. My arms look like the road map to Idaho. And through all of that I managed to still keep my sense of humor and calmness. My confidence was in God. Not one time did I allow fear to keep me company.

I knew something was wrong when food no longer became appealing and pain was louder than thoughts. There were no words to describe the pain and discomfort I was feeling. Doctors and nurses were puzzled because they could not understand what was going on. First, it was a Kidney infection, and then they said Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and a “cousin” of the flu and on and on.  It was as though they were determined to diagnose me with something. And of course a grocery list of medications. Needless to say all of us were baffled. Because of my confidence in God I refuse to accept any of the results. After all the drama my conclusion was simple a “demonic attack” from Satan himself.

These past several years Satan has been on a campaign to afflict my body and being the stubborn woman that I am I refuse to give into it. Sickness is not a companion I want to keep around. When you commit your body as living sacrifice holy unto god it angers the devil. That is when his plots are so-called executed. The secret to winning these battles is to be COMPLETELY PERSUADED that you win. The weapons may form but they have no triumph!

So, I began to analyze this thing and my thoughts began to spill over. Just because you see a person smile, or act content does not mean they are exempt from drama. Be careful of jealousy toward others…You never know what he or she has had to endure. Their shoes might look cute but in reality they hurt like heck.

I believe that extremely gifted, talented and chosen individuals experience the highest level of unexplainable “Life” episodes. In others words there is always a BATTLE or WAR to fight. Why because, “darkness” does not want “light” to prevail or reign supreme over the world.  No disrespect, but the average person could not and maybe never understand this.

Fight is a word that I’ve had to adapt as a lifestyle. The day I was born I’ve had to fight. Nothing that I have obtained has been given or has come easy. Of course I am not voiding out Gods Favor that is on my life however, I’ve still had to fight. Just thought I would clear up any preconceived notions of a “trouble-free life”. There has been a hefty price that I’ve had to pay and still paying. And guess what, I didn’t get any change back.

That is why I don’t believe in jealousy or the desire to want another person’s life. That is foolish and dangerous. In most cases those people would say “I almost died or lost my mind etc.” Not that I was looking for another testimony but I would be a part of that group of people that would say “Yup I almost died and almost lost my mind”... I am always asking God “do I really need another testimony I’m good I promise”!

I had to realize that I was born extremely talented, unusual, a warrior, consistent, and a woman with an “over the top” sense of humor. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb” – Psalm 139:13. Needless to say that there has been much blood lost and weakness to overcome but I made it. The price of the “gift” is costly but it is worth it! Those who read my blog have heard this before.  My prayer: “Lord keep me in the center of your perfect will not my will but thine will be done. I might not understand or even like it but help me to adjust to it and stay strong because your will is design just for me”.

Thank God I am back to myself and back to my weekly scheduled program. However, the power of “NO” is a wonderful thing! “If Gods not in it I will not attend it”. I just kept going and going and pushing my body to the limit. Being sick was also a buildup of stress and not listening to my body. There were signs but I did not listen, because again part of my makeup is being consistent. I learned to take care of “Trica” and prioritize the things in my life. Stress build up is no joke!

Take a breather, step away, shut it off, rejuvenate and allow yourself to hear your own heart beat. Not telling you what I heard but what I did! You might be surprised, but your brain cells will thank you. Don’t do what I did and end up in the hospital “No Bueno”

Peace and Blessings! 

I’m too Busy…

We have evolved into a world that only thinks about one thing? “MYSELF” or “It’s all about ME”. Not pointing any fingers but I am guilty of saying this all the time. Before I analyze this I want to make clear that there is nothing wrong with having pride and self worth but when it turns into selfishness and self-absorption then we have a problem. All I am saying is to be cautious of it. Not all of the time are we going to be selfless but just be aware of not letting selfishness’ take over your life.

Do we realize what is happening? Becoming so busy where we miss out on the little and big things in life. Self- absorption/Selfishness can be as contagious as the flu or even a common cold. We don’t even have time to evaluate ourselves. People in your life pass away and never notice how beautiful they were. Then at the end of their life you stand behind the microphone, tears in your eyes with regret and remorse because “self-absorption” got in the way. Trying to justify why you didn’t take the time to say “Hello, or Just thinking about you”.  I’m too busy, I don’t have time, or I will call them back later says most of the world.

The other day I was in line purchasing some gas and we all know that the gas stations are a real headache because everybody is in a rush to get gas and get gone. I am standing at the counter and out of nowhere this man jumps in front of me with items he wanted to purchase. For about five seconds I just stood there in shock. Immediately I thought this man has lost his mind. So I looked at him and asked “Do you not see me standing here”. I know I lost a lot of weight but I am still visible. I haven’t completely disappeared. And when I asked what his problem was he had the nerve to look at me like I was speaking a different language. WHAT!?! So of course I had to play the sesame street number song in my head 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12. Then I try to pull out of the gas station and someone decides to block me in. Literally parks right in front of me. Instead of parking in the designated parking area they obviously thought it would be smart just to leave their car right there. Jesus take the wheel, by this time I have had it.

While having lunch the other day I noticed a lady in the car smoking with an infant in the back seat with the windows rolled up. I mean this lady was puffing away as if she was the only one in the car. So of course I thought maybe she had a stressful day, maybe she lost her job, and maybe she is homeless. Who knows?!? “But excuse miss there is a gorgeous little person in the car with you that is inhaling poisonous air from that cigarette, so do you mind putting that out. Thank you!”

This form of selfishness just made me cry and grieve for the baby. I was so disturbed by what I was saw. I actually stopped eating and said a prayer for that baby. Stuff like that just messes me up every single time. This is when self-absorption/selfishness becomes scary because another life is involved. All the woman cared about was that cigarette. The infant deserves a chance to have healthy lungs. If you want to smoke that is your business but please don’t involve a baby.

It is a scary thing to get SOOO wrapped up in “your world” where you don’t notice anything, or anybody. That is disturbing. I thought to myself selfishness is everywhere?  Self-absorption and selfishness is a touchy subject. But I will conclude that when it comes to others and yourself it can be detrimental.

My prayer: Lord help me to be cautious of when or how I do things and help me not to get so wrapped up in my world that I fail to notice the people and things around me. If I mess up forgive me and help me to be consistent in being “thoughtful” with the people in my life. Don’t allow selfishness and self- absorption to get in the way of me enjoying a great and fulfilling life.

² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. - - 2Timothy 3:2-5

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This is "A Celebrate"....

Happy Anniversary to “TricaB World”! One year on this day on my mi mi (mother) birthday I started this blog. “Happy Birthday mimi!”  Can you believe that it has been 1 year of blogging!?! Whoop Whoop! Yes I know that is corny but I am so proud of myself. Who would have thought “Trica” of all people would invite strangers into her personal space?!? Only God could do that! LOL…!  I have a long way to go but this blog has brought a lot of joy to my life. The feedback has been unbelievable and for that I say “THANK YOU”! As long as you live there will always be something to learn. 

Take at look at my VERY first blog post here! 

This one year of blogging has allowed me to get a closer look at “Trica”. Daily I discover things about myself and the things around me. I do not regret one minute of exposing truths about my life.  “When exposing truths about oneself it frees you”-unknown

My goal is to inspire through “words” & things I “enjoy”.  There is so much negative energy been thrown around I refuse to be a part of that. Though skeptical, I challenged myself and took the wisdom from my mother and she was right! I did not see the vision but obviously it is much bigger than me. Now, that I am embracing what is to be done I look forward to great success. So I invite you to continue to explore “TricaB World” there are great things in store.

Celebrate Celebrate Celebrate mi Famila! There are a lot of March birthdays this month in my family… If there was a thing as ODing on birthday cake this would be the month! But hey “Birthdays”are beautiful! …I love them dearly, so this post is dedicated to my mother (mimi), grandmother (lil G), brother (lil big bro) and lil cousin (chicken lil). “Happy Birthday Family”! As you may already know I adore my family and most of the things that I have accomplished could not have been done without them. “Life support” would be an excellent way to describe them. 

“Family where life begins & love never ends.” – Unknown

Thank you for supporting “TricaB World” none of this could have been done without you!

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See Neon

It is officially “Spring” but Mother Nature did not get the memo, Snow?!?! I shouldn’t be surprised this is the “Windy City” and all its bipolar tendencies.  No matter what I love my city!

Want to bring some neon to your wardrobe just get that imagination into gear and work it! It’s spring so have fun with color. The earrings I discovered at a consignment shop while traveling. Believe it or not I used the earrings to coordinate the entire outfit. My suggestion is have fun with it and don’t be afraid to try something new!

“The fashionable woman wears clothes. The clothes don’t wear her”- Mary Quant

Make-up & Hair: TricaB

Top & Skirt: Thrifted

Accessories: consignment

Hosiery: Torrid 

Peace and Blessings! 

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Love with Jackets

This winter I’ve been obsessed with Jackets. #LOVE The “go-to” garment when I can’t think of anything else to wear or when my body does not want to cooperate.  For me it’s all about the cut, color and style of the jacket that makes it work. Not every jacket is for every “Body”! “Try before you Buy”…

Make-up & Hair: TricaB

Clothes & accessories: TricaB Closet

Peace and Blessings! 

The Power of Choice

For those that believe in the Power of Choice I dedicate this to you!

I woke up on Sunday morning edgy and off balance. Which is unusually, Sunday’s are my favorite day of the week. It’s been a few weeks that I have been on “Nurse Duty” so most of my focus has been on my mother. However, there is no excuse to wake up “edgy and off balance” on Sunday morning. The real reason is I just did not want to be bothered with people or make myself put on a “FACE”…Was not really interested in pretending.

I had no intention of going to church on Sunday, but it worked out where my father was able to relieve me of my duty. There was a small voice that insisted “GET UP TRICA YOU NEED TO BE AT CHURCH TODAY”. Of course I argued and tried to negotiate with that voice but it was not working.  For those of you that have already concluded that I am a perfect little church girl … “NEWS FLASH” -à I’m NOT! Just like the rest of the world I get tired and things get on my last nerve. 

I am not afraid to admit that sometimes “TricaB” can be a mess in a half. Still a work in progress! Began to get ready for church and every negative thought that was possible began to rise in my head.  Prayed, quoted scriptures, and sang songs, nothing worked. I really struggled inside and could not seem to put my finger on it.

There are times when I feel like am I the only one that is really passionate about God. Many times I get made fun of or even talked about but it doesn’t matter. People automatically assume that I am being “deep” because I chose to put GOD in everything .  So what is wrong with that? I am in love with God, it’s just that simple. Would you call it “deep” if you talk about your “Boo” all the time?  No I don’t think so. When you are “In Love” with something or someone you want the whole world to know about it. His/Her name is frequently spoken out of your mouth. As a matter of fact they are always in your head. So again, I ask “What is wrong with being in Love with God?” 

Please forgive me I digress!

Had a conversation with someone wise and they made it clear that “the gift is not for yourself, it is for the world so use it”! You will wake up many mornings emotions will take over and “putting on face” will not be an alternative.  Have you ever had one of those days where you could not find a “face to put on”?

The entire time in the car I was praying because I just knew if somebody says anything that is off the wall I might have to go back to the altar. Like for real “TricaB was not having it”! It sounds funny but this is exactly how I felt and meant every word of it! There is no need to pretend sometimes, it helps to just be honest with yourself. I call it self-assessment.

The word had taken place and I began to feel a lot better. The pastor spoke on “Choices”, we as individuals are responsible for our own success. There is no need to blame the world for things that have not happen in your life. Earlier that week I had already been discussing this exact same issue.  As the day began to progress there was a powerful moment that took place around 1:50p.m at church. Those that were present know exactly what I am referring to.

So, I sat back in the seat and humbled myself because I knew something extraordinary was about to take place. It might sound crazy but I felt it! It was my turn to speak and “the gift” began. Before I knew it words of life began to pour out of my spirit. Tears began to fall from my eyes and of course the room was filled with love. My eyes scanned the room and tears were in everyone’s eyes.

There was a real sense of freedom and release for those that were present. I began to see how important “the gift” is. Being present Sunday was ordained by God. It had nothing to do with me; it was about The Power Choice.

The Power of Choice is fascinating to me because one simple act can change an entire room of people. All I did was respond to the voice of God, because I chose to override my feelings. It was hard but well worth it. Many confirmations were made about what was spoken and it made my heart happy. It spite of all the negative things that were running around in my head God knew where my heart was.

This gave me freedom knowing that I could be a blessing to someone. But in reality I was blessing myself. You never know what individuals are praying. My prayer is “Lord keep me at the right place at the right time”. There are a lot of hurting people out there. In ministry it is SO important to be sensitive to the needs of people. ßStill learning! I am guilty of NOT wanting to humble myself in order to hear. I always come up with creative excuses not to listen to the voice of God. But end up paying a price for it. We want God to hear us immediately, so what is the problem? We all have The Power of Choice so I invite you to choose Life!

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. – Deuteronomy 30:19-20

We must believe in free will, we have no choice. - Isaac Bashevis Singer

Peace & Blessings! 

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