The Lessons Dorothy Taught...

For the past ten weeks I have played the part of 13-year-old Dorothy in the stage play “The Wiz”.  Dorothy’s only desire was to escape the crazy land of Oz and return back home to Kansas.  She meets interesting characters on her journey, but finds out more about herself than she ever imagined.  I, too, have learned lessons on my journey and so to culminate the ending of the extended run of the show here are the top ten lessons I learned:

1. Never underestimate the power of water and sleep.  There is no secret remedy to good vocal health.  Drink half your body weight of water a day* and GO TO BED!  (I have the hardest time with the second part.)

2. Don’t pray and worry.  Either pray or worry, but not both.  They each take the same amount of energy, but one is manifested by faith and the other by fear.  Choose.

3. God wants to bless you and see you prosper (II Chronicles 16:9).  He’s looking for ways to show himself strong on your behalf.  Just let Him!

4. You have more lovers than you have haters.   When you focus solely on those who support you, you have no energy to give to those who don’t.

5. Do what you can and God will do what you cannot.  You can only be you, but be the best you at all times and watch God make-up for the lack.

6. Believe in yourself!  Everyone has something uniquely their own, commit to perfecting it and everyone around you reaps the benefits!

7. All you need is right at your disposal.  Stop looking for the “secret” and realize you have what it takes to realize any vision or God-given dream.

8. No one "makes it" alone.  Everyone that has encouraged you along they way, whether it be in word or in deed, is just as much responsible for your success as you are.  No one has ever done anything worth while without the help of someone along the way. (thx Ameer)

9. A rested BODY is a rested MIND.  Enough said.

10. Home is a state of mind.   It’s the place where you are centered with the Creator and therefore centered with everything else.  It is the freedom to make mistakes, cry, apologize, start over, and fall again; all without forgetting that His love ensures that you are right where you are supposed to be.

Thanks Dorothy,
B. Landi

*adding lemon, honey and apple cidar vinegar to your water can relieve you of sinus issues. Warm it up, drink it, and then go to bed! :)

p.s. All those not pictured are in my hearts, including: the extended cast, Ms. Harris and Ms. Rain (my Middle School English and Science teachers), Ms. Cheryl Walker (my Elementary and Middle School music teacher), Mr. Erwin (my high school theater teacher), Cydney Perkins (the inspiration behind my version of “Dorothy”), my parents (real and adopted), my church family (TCOC, BTC, and MDC), and of course new and old friends who took out time to support me.  I love you ALL!

p.s.s A special shout out to my mom, Sissy, God's Chosen, and my Bio who held me up in prayer and encouraged me the whole way.

Supplementary Scriptures:

Psalm 1:1-3

Matthew 9:23

How “the best” Found Me: A Paradigm Shift

I actually did it.  
In 2009, my sister told me to write down 100 characteristics that my ideal mate would possess and I actually did it.  Some were non-negotiable like “3. Pays tithes” while others were frivolous like “78. Wears tennis shoes.”  Though it seemed like an impossible task it really wasn’t hard coming up with 100 things. I just had to realize that a few (or a little more than a few) were simply preferences, not a make or break, like “92. can beat me at Scrabble.”

As the years passed, I decided to become the person my ideal mate would be, or at least as close to them as possible, because someone that “16. liked to workout”  would probably want to be with someone that liked to workout.  To the gym I went.  And someone that “8. prayed often” would probably want to be with someone that prayed often.  On my knees I prayed. I wasn’t becoming them for the sole purpose of attracting them, but I was becoming them because they would ideally possess all the characteristics that I considered to be the best.  So if I wanted “the best,” I figured I should pursue becoming “the best.”

3 years later “the best” found me.
Tears come to my eyes as I think about the faithfulness and perfect timing of God.  God proved that not only is He able to give me the desires of my heart, but He is also able to make me who I need to be, in order to receive His blessings.  While in constant pursuit of becoming the best I can be, I became less concerned about receiving validation from others.  I turned my attention away from being found and toward finding myself. I saw my insecurities.  I saw my inconsistencies.  I made a note of my strengths and determined to do better.  Then, out of the clear blue, in front of me stood “the best.”

I couldn’t check off my list of 100 things immediately, because many of them had to be proven over time.  However, you know what they say, when you know...you know.  I am still in the process of being pruned and developed, but I see now more than ever that when you put God first He will take care of the rest. Even “the best” man will never be able to complete you the way God can.  Once you submit to that, being found will become the least of your worries.  Don’t settle.  Don’t give up.  Seek to become all God has called YOU to be and watch Him work!  So what’s on your list of 100?

- B. Landi

Supplementary Scriptures
Matthew 6:33
Luke 12: 30-32 

The Journey Home Ends by BELIEVING You’re Already There...

For the past 5 weeks I have been busier than ever as a cast member in The St. Louis Black Repertory Company’s production of  “The Wiz,” which is an African-American adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz.”  I play the part of Dorothy, who, after a tornado blows her and her home into the land of Oz, meets a number of characters who teach her the power of believing in oneself.  The characters include a Scarecrow, a Tinman, and a Lion, all of whom have a desire to be made complete by the magical powers of the Wiz.  Without spoiling the plot, together they embark on an arduous journey just to find what they thought they lacked was in their possession all along.  The principle of the play is realizing that no matter what you are in need of, it is accessible when you believe.

Believing can be such an overused word.  What really is believing?  Believing is accepting the truth of something and having surety in that truth.  It is not having proof of its existence, but deciding to act on what is believed outside of its tangibility.  God has required us to have this kind of belief in Him.  This is what we call faith, and without it, it is impossible to please Him. There is no situation that requires more faith than the faith required first to believe that God is and that He loved us so much that He would give His life for our salvation. 

Believing in the redemptive love of Christ, is then the first and most important step to believing all other things.  If He is able to redeem us, He is also able to restore us.  He is able to lead and direct us, and guide us into all truth.  Doubting then, does not nullify His power, but limits how we will experience it.  We must believe in Christ and in believing in Him we choose a life where all things are possible.  Where myths are dispelled, diseases are cured, the lost are found, and the crooked made straight.  If only we believe.

Home is a place where burdens are laid down.  It is a place where love overflows and hearts are mended.  As believers we know this place is heaven, which has been prepared and is simply awaiting our arrival.  Though we are subjected to live in this sin-sick world, we are given the power to experience heaven on earth through fellowship and communion with our Savior.  We need not live in fear or torment, but are called to live abundantly because of the grace of Jesus Christ.  What are you in need of?  Can you believe it’s already done?

 The Black Rep’s production of “The Wiz” will continue through June 30 at The Grandel Theatre (3610 Grandel Square). For more information, call (314) 534-3810 or visit www.theblackrep.org.

Supplementary Scriptures

Hebrews 11:6
Romans 8:32

April, the month of Discipline

During the entire month of April I committed to eating only oatmeal, grains, meat, fruit, vegetables, water and almond milk.  I am a lover of all things delicious but my desire is not only to be thin, but to sculpt my body.  My love of bread, potatoes, rice, sugar, and all things delicious prohibited that.  So for thirty days I worked out 3-4 times a week, ate every three hours, and tried to go to sleep as early as possible, which was usually a little after midnight.

I learned a lot during this process:
1.  If you want something bad enough, you will do what it takes to get it done
2.  Sometime results do not come immediately
3.  Everyone will not understand or agree with your vision, so sometimes you MUST go alone
4.  Temptation is EVERYWHERE
5.  Accountability is key so share your struggles and victories with someone who supports you

The first week was tough....you can find my thoughts here...

Week TWO thoughts:
So since swearing off of starches and sweets I’ve noticed that I am overeating healthy foods.  On any given day I would not normally eat three meals plus three snacks.  But I’ve food myself stuffed to capacity (shameful, I know) on fruits and vegetables.  It’s almost like my mind tells me to over indulge since I am sacrificing so much!  This is not a good idea on many levels but mainly because not only will you be bloated, your abdomen will protrude and all the workouts will seem worthless.

Week THREE thoughts:
I have been introduced to myfitnesspal.com.  It is really cool. You can put your age, height, weight, and goals in and it will compute what your calorie intake should be in order to achieve that said goal.  I've learned through this process that although fruit is good for you, it is high in sugar (yes, natural sugar, but still sugar) and sugar will not aid in my intended results.  MUST CUT DOWN ON FRUIT INTAKE!

Week FOUR thoughts:
Now I'm just simply counting down the days.  I am committing to never go back to eating 4 pieces of bread a day and meat with every meal is no longer a necessity.  I am convinced that overeating can still be a problem even when eating healthily.  So discipline is a necessary skill no matter what.  I was weighed at the gym and my final weight after 15 workouts and four weeks of eating disciplined is 114.6 (4 pounds lighter than my first weigh-in).  My BF is 17.6%.

I have another 9 workouts before my final weigh-in but the real test will be ab definition and overall body sculpting.  Although I am as close as I have ever been to achieving the muscular frame of my dreams, I am incorporating breads and some sugar back into my diet.  This may result into longer and more strenuous workouts, but honestly bread is worth it. :)

Here are some of the meals I prepared while on my diet:

Chicken and Vegetable Stir-fry...be careful not to use too much sauce...

 

Cabbage and Chicken soup (made in crockpot with added veggies)

 

Tuna salad (no mayo) over salad with veggies

 

Salad topped with veggies and fruit

 

The dressing I put on just about everything lol 

(check out nutritional facts and serving size before indulging!!!)

Don't Stop Believing!

I was sinking. 

It was the end of my sophomore year in college and I found myself surrounded by my professors who expressed their concern about my progress in the music program.  They were unimpressed with my vocal maturation and asked if I was teachable.  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.  After years of being positively affirmed, for the first time in my life my greatest strength had been described as a weakness. I ran to my dorm room and cried until my eyes could no longer produce tears.  I had no idea what to do.

When confronting failure, the most natural thing to do is to succumb to a state of pity and regret.  I regretted going to Spelman.  I regretted being a music major.  I regretted not working hard enough.  I felt pitiful and had no plan to combat the rejection and fear.  It was during this time that faith in God made all the difference in the world.  He would either lead me in another direction or strengthen me to continue.  I didn’t at that time know which would occur, but I knew I had to look to Him.

Peter said if you are the son of God then call me to walk with you on water.  Jesus said “come.”  Peter went.  After defying the rules of gravity Peter, noticing the tumultuous waves, began to doubt, and subsequently sink.  He could have surrendered to despair and drowned, but he instead called out to the Lord for help.  Jesus, though disappointed in his lack of faith, reached out and grabbed him.

Believing God can seem like an impossible task, however the hardest part about believing is not so much the initial step but the continual decision to keep believing.  With so many distractions and reasons to doubt, the measure of one’s faith is the ability to look at the obvious and yet believe the impossible.  I, like Peter, had to get past the hurt and shame, and believe that God was the same Savior in whom I believed before the failure.

God is God in victory and in defeat.  When faced with defeat look to Him, not your circumstances.   Look to Him, not what surrounds you.   Look to Him, not to others.  He works everything for our good if we love Him and are the called according to His purpose.  One of the signs of loving Him and being the called is trusting Him and choosing to believe Him, even when believing seems harder than giving up.
  
- B. Landi

Supplementary Verses:

Matthew 12: 22-33
Romans 8:28

The 24-day CHALLENGE!

I’m inspired!!

In preparation for leading Saturday workouts at my church I decided to commit to a strict dietary and workout regimen for the entire month of April and May.  What does that mean? Well at first I had no idea, so I decided to do some research. 

I found the 28-day challenge by Robert Brace, which outlines either 28 workouts back-to-back or 28 workouts over a designated period of time.  In addition to the workouts is a high protein, low carbohydrate, low fat, low sugar eating plan that includes, meats, green vegetables, fruits and oatmeal.

I chose this plan because it seemed straight forward and with so much going on in my life, the less I have to think about food and exercise the better.  I decided I would exclude bread, rice, potatoes, candy, desserts, and salt from my diet during the first month of exercise (April) and then slowly but surely reintroduce them back into my diet during the second month of exercise (May).  I’ve committed to 3, 45-60 min, exercises a week, which decreased the “28-day challenge” to the “24-day challenge.” Hey you know me...I gotta mix it up a bit!

So welcome to my journey! I will post meals and workout tips that will hopefully inspire you to be the best you.

DIET LOG

Week One (April 1-7):
(I had a variation of these meals everyday)

Breakfast: Fruit (apple, orange, and/or banana), Oatmeal, or Honey Nut Cheerios (serving size amount) with Soy Milk

Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken Sandwich with portabella mushrooms and lettuce as a bun (pictured below)

Dinner: Grilled Chicken salad, Salmon salad, side of Carrots

Snacks: Unsalted Cashews, Popsmart popcorn, Fruit, Yogurt

WORKOUT LOG

Workout #1 (April 2): 45 mins 1.5 miles on elliptical, 1 mile run (treadmill), 20 lb dumbbell curl ups, various gym machines, various plank styles

Workout #2 (April 4): 50 mins 1.5 miles on elliptical, 1 mile run (treadmill), 20 lb dumbbell curl ups, various gym machines, various plank styles

Workout #3 (April 6): Outdoor workout (2 mile run, jumprope, 15 lb dumbbell curl ups, plank styles)

Workout #4 (April 7):
I didn’t plan this ahead of time but decided at the last minute to go to the Zuumba class at Club Fitness and also walked a mile on the treadmill with an incline of 7.

End of Week ONE thoughts:

I can’t believe I’ve gone without bread for 7 days!  It was actually easier than I expected.  I was offered twizzlers (MY FAV!!!) and I turned them down.  I went to church three night this week and each night the kitchen cooked fried wings and french fries, which filled the entire hallway with the aroma of grandma’s kitchen, but I prevailed!

I have learned to never leave home without a snack and although eating healthy makes one very gassy (watch out for those mushrooms), my workouts have been easier, I feel lighter, and have already lost 3 pounds.  More updates to come!!!

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN ME?!!

- B. Landi

Are You Judas or Peter??

A few days ago my co-worker mentioned the theme of her church’s Resurrection play.  She said it was written by the pastor’s son and its objective was to uncover the similarities between Judas, Peter, and each of us.  I was immediately intrigued.

As much as we would hate to admit it, we are either one or the other.  Yea you.  You are either Judas or Peter.  Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus for 30 shekels of silver, or Peter, the one who declared his undying love for Jesus and soon after denied Him, not once, not twice, but three times.  Hard pill to swallow huh?

The descriptions of the men above are hard to read and even harder to liken ourselves to, but the reality is we are either Judas or Peter.  I remember being in high-school and being so ashamed to admit to my friends how often I went to church (which felt like everyday!).  I would often claim I had “something else to do” when they invited me places, knowing if I told them I was going to church again they’d consider me wack. 

Whether it’s being ashamed to bow your head at a restaurant or telling a blatant lie, we have all sinned and denied God in some way, and in most cases, knowing what we should do we did the complete opposite.  So we all are either Judas or Peter.  The difference between these two characters was their response to sin.  One (Judas) was filled with guilt and shame, so much so that he decided to take the law in his own hands and kill himself.  The other (Peter) was also filled with guilt and shame, but left the law in the hands of Jesus, repented, and realigned himself with the purpose of God.

We have all fallen short, but deciding to move forward is what empowers us.  I choose to be Peter.  No, I am not what I should be, but I refuse to allow the devil to trick my mind into believing I have nothing to offer.  The death of Jesus gives us all the opportunity to acquire righteousness through His perfection.  We are given the choice then to receive His grace or to reject it.  The argument is not whether we have sinned, but whether we will receive His forgiveness and grace.

The power of the cross allows us all to be Peter.  Which one do you choose to be?

- B. Landi (Peter)

Supplementary Scriptures
Matthew 26
John 21:15-17

Transparency: Ask the question.

Transparency is tough.

When you’re raised to know what is right, sometimes the hardest thing to be is transparent or honest.  Everyone expects you to not only know right, but to choose right, and sometimes neither are the case. 

I remember sitting in class wanting to ask a question so bad, but feared looking dumb.  Had I fallen  asleep?  Why does it seem everyone knows what’s going on except me?  I would often jot down the question in my notebook to later figure it out on my own. Why couldn’t I just bite the bullet and ask? My fear of judgement stifled my learning, but was just a reflection of what I did in other areas of my life.

The fear of judgement often bridles our tongue, preventing us from spiritual and even natural development.  None of us want to feel less than a Christian or less than saved, but if one has a struggle, it will only be overcome by first uncovering and then addressing it head-on.  People often try to diagnose and heal themselves, but our weaknesses are prolonged in secret.  The moment it becomes common knowledge we are free to grow and learn from the strengths of others. 

When we are transparent we are humbled and reminded of our dependency.  We were never meant to live in a vacuum, but in community, where we not only serve but are served.  There’s a tendency to want to be the best.  To never need help or assistance, but the greatest people are those who realize no one has all the answers.  We all need counsel.  We all need to raise our hand every now and then and ask the question everyone in class has been wanting to ask.

If you are having trouble with being transparent:

1.  Pray and ask God for a friend that loves Him and you.  Share your struggles with that friend.

2.  Start a journal and jot down your thoughts concerning your struggles in life.

3.  Be a friend to someone else and offer your help in their struggle (even if it’s simply prayer).

4.  Make a commitment to be as honest as possible when addressing God, so that He can be given the opportunity to work on your behalf.

- B. Landi

Supplementary Verses:
Ecclesiastes 4: 8-12
Proverbs 24: 6

Choose THIS...not THAT!

Life is about choices, but who wants to choose healthy all the time? Exactly...no one!  Sometimes I feel like a good ole Snicker.  Sometimes I feel like a bacon, bacon, cheeseburger from Jack in the Box (my sister and I actually ate these faithfully in high school).  But more than all of these urges I want to feel and look healthy. (Click here to see why)

So what does one do when a craving comes?  I say choose this...not that:

You crave salty?
Choose peanuts w/sea salt













You crave sweet?
Choose fruit (God’s candy)

Here are my favorite substitutions:

My “Banana Pudding”                                                                     

 

     

Actually graham crackers and a banana

______________________

My “Snickers”

 

Actually dark chocolate with almonds

____________________

My “Sour Patch Kids”

Actually a nectarine

(any fruit will do)

I understand cravings, I really do, but I do not want to pay for them in the gym.  By that point, I’ve forgotten how delicious the cheeseburger was. I often ask myself “Is it worth taking two steps backwards?”  Normally I answer “no,” but to be honest, every now and then I say “what the heck...live a little!”  It’s okay to cheat every now and then, but a “treat” is only a “treat” if it happens rarely.  Be smart.  Choose this...not that.

- B. Landi

WHY?

Why is this happening to me?

I can live without the answer to “when” or even “where,” but I need to know “why.”  I remember asking my parents “why this” and “why that” and the answer “BECAUSE I SAID SO” was just not acceptable to me, but often times, that was all I was given.  Pouting, mumbling under my breath, and stomping away did not change their response.

These days I find myself, not pouting, mumbling under my breath, or stomping away, but still being very much unsatisfied with not knowing “why.”  Sometimes the “why” is for myself, like “why am I not more successful at my age?”  And other times it’s for others, like “why would God allow this to happen to them?”  More times than not, I hear nothing.  I hear no great revelation and get no glimpse of the mind and reasoning of God.  But what I do hear is my asking.

No Answer, but I'm still Asking

My asking means that I believe someone is listening.   My asking means someone is there.  My asking means someone has answered before.   I have realized that the knowledge of the omnipresence of that someone, is exactly “why.”  God promises never to leave nor forsake us and it is only in calamity that we question this.  Therefore only through calamity can we prove our dependence and belief in Him and in His promises.

Things happen to good and bad people for multiple reasons, but we must remember that God is always in control.  The proof of our remembering is in our asking.  Not just simply asking “why,” but asking for strength and courage; asking for faith and reassurance. It is in our asking that we are able to prove our unwavering faith and limit the sifting of the enemy.

Don’t stop asking “why.”  But if you don’t get a response, don’t get discouraged.  Know that God is there and that he cares.  Know that He will empower you to endure any and all things and you will come out as pure gold.  And then maybe in hindsight you will ask “why not?”

- B. Landi

Supplementary Scriptures:
The Story of Job
Matthew 7: 7-11

5 Steps to Getting FIT!

So summer is around the corner and for some reason people often interpret that to mean it’s time to get fit.  Well, hey, I say whatever excuse you need to use, use! Now here comes the big question...HOW?

Step 1:  Write at least ten reasons why you want to get fit
This list will serve as a reminder the day you skip a workout to sleep-in.

Step 2:  Define success, by specifying a target weight or size
I always wanted to be 115 pounds.  I remember weighing 119 in the 6th grade! I was one of the biggest girls in my class.  I felt horrible because my best friend was taller than me but weighed less than me.  It’s funny how some things stick with you over the years.

Funny enough I have not grown much taller since 6th grade so I knew 115 pounds was a reasonable weight goal I started at 135, and now I stay between 114-118 pounds.

Step 3:  Make a Workout schedule
At least 3 days a week for 30 minutes, either in gym or at home.
(click here to see my home workout for inspiration)

Before having a membership, I started running up and down my street.  Eventually I invested in 8 and 15 pound dumbbells for a more holistic workout. Weight training has to be a part of your regimen for the best results.

Step 4:  Make a commitment to eat as healthy as possible with one cheat day a week
Since fruit is “God’s candy,” in my mind that is my candy fix for the day.  Meat is not a necessity everyday so sometimes I go without.  I also incorporate fasting for spiritual and natural purposes.

Step 5:  DON’T GIVE UP
Many of days I find myself in the candy aisle, wondering what I’m doing there.  Instead of downing myself I buy twizzlers which are less fattening than other options or dark chocolate, which is better for you than milk chocolate.  I know some people say “If you’re going to do it, do it.”  But I say “If you’re going to do it, do it smart!  Be nice to yourself and start each day fresh!

I Kissed Kissing Goodbye - Part II​ "To Do and Not To Do, That is the Answer"

I tried to fix me

But nothing worked.  I remember, in years past, making a conscious decision to try and live holy, but the boyfriend I had at the time was just not on the same page.  Yes, he was saved and yes, he said all the right things, but in the heat of the moment and in the dark of the night, he changed.  And regretfully I did too. 

​

No, we did not fornicate, but I have always been convicted about sexual activity that leads to fornication.  This includes, but is not limited to, kissing, touching, and speaking inappropriately.  So I decided I had enough.  I spoke to him about my convictions. I wrote a plan of action which included going out in groups, respecting a midnight curfew, and reminding each other about the commitment when the other seemed to “forget.”  This worked for a while, but I soon found myself back in the same rut I had turned away from.  Huh?  How could this be? 

​

So what’s the cure?

For many of us we’ve heard this all before. We’ve all tried to fix ourselves.  Tried to find ways to cure: laziness in seeking God, gossiping, walking in fear, overeating, disobedience, impatience, doubt/unbelief, sexual immorality, apathy, etc. The answer to all of these issues is complexly simple.  It is not just a matter of “not doing,” it is also, and more importantly, a matter of “doing.”  Just making up in your mind not to do something is not enough. You must replace what you are not doing with something to do.  Simply “not doing” is in fact doing nothing, which is something.  And that something introduces you right back into what you decided not to do.  However, when you commit to “doing,” it replaces what you are not doing and gives no space, void, or opportunity for the Devil to deter you.

Let’s make a pact

My freedom came years later, when I realized in order to “not do” I had to read more of God’s word and seek Christian fellowship for accountability.  I dug into the scriptures, searching for answers on how to live a disciplined life.  I read about Job, Daniel and his friends, and took note of what helped them overcome temptation. I joined a bible study and volunteered to lead discussions knowing that I would have to study in order to prepare.  This gave me even more of a conviction to “not do.”

​

So let’s make a pact to “not do” something by replacing it with something to do!  Maybe yours will be not staying out past midnight. You may decide that everyday at midnight you read a scripture and write how it applies to your life or maybe you call a friend to tell them about your day; that way when the clock strikes twelve you are not just “not doing” but you are “doing.”

​

To experience true freedom from sin, or even just bad habits, we must commit to DOING what’s prescribed in the word of God and “NOT DOING” will take care of itself.
 

- B. Landi

Supplementary Scriptures:
I Peter 2:9
Galatians 5:16-21

My Natural Enlightenment from Oprah Winfrey

Oprah’s Advice to Me

Okay, okay, okay it was advice to me and many others at Spelman College, during their 2012 commencement weekend, but it felt like she spoke directly to me. 

May 19, 2012, on center stage in Sisters Chapel, I was afforded the opportunity to sing with the Glee Club (yes I graduated over 5 years ago, but once a glee clubber, always a glee clubber...hmph!) and sit on the first row (next to Latrice Pace of the Pace Sisters whoop! whoop!) during a question and answer session with the one and only Oprah Winfrey.  She spoke and gave advice on just about everything, such as education, growing up po (can’t afford the last two letters), spirituality, and weight loss.  The one thing that stuck out to me was her connection between being physically healthy and being spiritually aligned with the one she called “the source.”

Oprah:  It’s all about your connection to the source.  I’ve started to lose weight again and it’s excited, but exciting because for me the path this time is not about the diet.  I get up in the morning and exercise for an hour.  You have to.  For years, I believed I could get away without it.  You just can’t.  You may when you’re 18, 19, 20, but it will catch up with you.  You’ve got to put in the physical hours but the physical hours aren’t enough.

So what I now know to be true is that any problem you have, any disagreement with your external is all the dysfunction within your internal self and it’s all in direct proportion to how you are connected to the source...

It [the lack of connection] shows up in your health, your inability to sustain balance that is required to be a solid human being.  It will show up in your life, it will show up in your work if you are not working from the core...

My greatest advice to you is that when you do and do and do, and do not allow enough time to be, eventually you will not be able to sustain it.  Because life is about the being. And about using the being in order to further the doing but first you have to be. There is no advice greater than when you’re in trouble ‘to be still and know that I am God.’  You have to get still in order to hear it...

So, sustainability to me is in direct proportion to how connected you are to the source of all things and your ability to sustain - whether it be in your work, your health, your caring for your value in the world - its all about being connected to that part of you that knows really truly where you come from.

Need I say more?!

The woman has spoken!  Does this mean if you are not as thin as a pole you don’t know God?  Heavens no!!  There are many thin heathens! (I kid!...kinda) It just simply means that if your relationship with the Lord is intact ‘everything will be added unto you.’  Good health will be added.  Financial security will be added.  Love will be added.  He will lead you in all truth concerning your natural and spirit man.  There is no area left untouched when God is the center.

This page is not to encourage you to get thin, it is to encourage you to be all God has called you to be.  And as my good friend, Oprah Winfrey put it, life is about using your being to further your doing. So lets strengthen and build our being so that we are of good use to our source, Jesus Christ.

B. Landi

“I Kissed Kissing Goodbye”

 So I Met a Guy

Totally unsolicited he found me...on facebook...and told me how impressed he was with my ministry.  Flattery at its best.  He had seen me at a local church and asked if he could take me out, after much thought and rummaging his facebook page, I agreed.  We went to see a movie and I’d say we had a pretty good connection.  We talked, laughed, and laughed more.  He was a man of God or at least a man in pursuit of God and just so happened to be an NFL player. Yes, you read right.  I’ve often inquired if it was a prerequisite to be fine before joining the NFL. This man furthered my belief.

 

Weeks passed, our meet ups became more frequent, a friendship developed and so did my suspicion.  We held hands and hugged, but never did he seem interested in anything past that.  Was I not his type?  Was he simply trying to lead me on and play with my feelings out of sheer boredom?  What was the deal?

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Kissing Was My 2nd Language

I’ve been kissing since I was 13 years old.  My first boyfriend was the love of my life and I just knew we’d be together forever.  Though I was raised in church and saved at a very young age, I always believed as long as you didn’t engage in the big S word, you were okay.   It was okay with God that you went all the way to the point of no return unless you didn’t return.  He would be impressed with your ability to walk the tightrope of sexual immorality and not fall miserably to your demise.  He would laugh at your close encounters and stick out His chest when you barely stumbled out of dark corners or empty car lots.  This, of course, is sarcasm at its best or worst.  I never questioned my actions with guys.  They, more often than not, were saved and sanctified just like me, so they knew everything I knew.  They knew all was fair until...well you know.   So far I had been successful.  I had reached the ripe age of 26 and though I had a few close encounters I had managed to remain in the V-club.  I thought highly of myself.  I was making God proud! Go Me!

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Who Does That?

Back to the story.  Did I mention he was an NFL player?  Yeah, well he and I were going strong, as strong as a 3-week relationship could get, when I decided I would confront him about our lack of physical intimacy.  Yes, it had been a whole 3 weeks and I just knew something was either wrong with him or wrong with me.  I confronted him and he told me he was definitely attracted to me but wanted to respect me and get to know me before moving into uncharted territory.  HUH!?  Who SAYS that?  What sappy documentary was I unwillingly apart of?  I didn’t buy it.  Of course I told him that he was sweet and that I respected him for his stance, but I didn’t buy it.  We kissed for the first time that night.

 

What was wrong with me? Had I forced him?  What did he think of me now? How ironic that a minister of music would corner a NFL player into kissing. The drive home was long and dark. 

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A week later, he invited me to a game night with another couple who were newly engaged to be married.  They were the cutest couple ever.  Definitely in love.  We played Taboo and watched football, naturally, and ate pizza.  At some point the couple mentioned that they did not kiss.  Not necessarily that they had never kissed, but that they had made a commitment to not kiss until they were married.  Their wedding was a little less than a year away.  I was amazed.  HUH? Who DOES that?  And where in the heck was the camera man hiding?  I was stunned but dismissed the idea.  I couldn’t imagine not kissing until I was married.  Marriage seemed so far away and how cruel would it be to deny myself of at least the joy of kissing when other things were obviously off limits.  We kissed that night.

​

Although our kissing never led to second or third base I still drove home feeling much less fulfilled than I ever had.  What was wrong with me?

​

The Blog The Opened My Eyes

  After our relationship fizzled I started to really think about my obsession with kissing.  Why did it mean so much?  Why didn’t it make me feel better after I had confronted him? Why didn’t  I feel better after he conceded and kissed me?  I let the questions dissolve internally and decided to move forward.  Soon after, I stumbled upon a blog by Heather Lindsey.  She is most known in the social network world for her stance against premarital sex and pursuing relationships with “randoms” that are clearly unordained by God.  (Check out her blog here www.heatherllindsey.blogspot.com) I read and read and read.  When she met her husband they decided from day 1 not to kiss, or engage in any other sexual acts, before their wedding day.  Again I was amazed. The more I read the more I saw myself.  I saw my insecurity. I saw my need to feel loved and wanted.  I saw my lack of belief that I was worth waiting for.  Yes, even for “just” kissing. I realized that every close encounter I had ever found myself in started with an “innocent” kiss.  It started and continued to grow until sex was the only thing left to do.  Only God had kept me from resorting to this last and final stage of intimacy.

 

I needed to learn discipline.  I needed to review the expectations God had for my life and finally make a decision to adhere to them.  I opened my bible and began to see myself for who I really was; an insecure child that never really knew her true value.  So lost that I would confront a man in pursuit of pleasing God to believe if he didn’t kiss me that meant he didn’t like me.  What tomfoolery! What deception!  God’s plan is for us to exercise physical restraint and discipline in all areas of our lives, which includes, but is not limited to, diet, prayer and fasting, and sexual intimacy.
 

My Last First Kiss

God used Heather Lindsey to open my eyes to what I should have discovered long ago.  I am a royal priesthood, a chosen generation, called out of darkness into marvelous light to show forth the praises of God.  Who am I to make up my own rules of holiness? Who am I to ignore God’s desires for me to present my body a living sacrifice?  What makes me think God will bless the mess that I continue to entertain?  Why would I want to push the envelope of salvation and risk dying in sin?  I am very slow to coerce others to be convicted about things that convict me, however I challenge you to ask God how to be more like Him.  I challenge you to search yourself and seek to be healed from all insecurities and deficiencies. Whether it be sex, kissing, lying, cheating, or overeating, I challenge you to allow God to make you over so that you too can be a new creature in Him.  Old things, desires, wants, needs, and hang-ups are passed away; behold all things, your lifestyle, relationships, and ministry have become new.

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I kissed kissing goodbye.  Not until my wedding day, which is unknown at this time, will I experience it again.  And I am assured that it will be more fulfilling than it ever was. To God be the Glory.

​​

- B. Landi

Supplementary Scriptures:
Romans 12:1-3

"WELCOME TO TheNewMeBlogger.com"

​​​​​​​“That’s just the way I am”

So it’s the summer of 2010...something just went DOWN and I got ALL in my feelings.  I mean ALL in!  Of course now, it being 2013, I have no idea what that something was. Typical right?  However, I do remember being disgusted by the way I was handling the situation.  I thought to myself “well that’s just the way I am. I’ve always reacted to things this way...hmph!”  I soon realized that was the poorest excuse for having a bad attitude I had ever heard.

The Salvation Process

At the age of 5, I was baptized and a little over a year later I received the holy ghost (for more information concerning salvation email me from the Contact Page).  Since that day I have been in the process of what is called sanctification, which prohibits me from using that tired excuse.  No longer can I lean on the crutch of simply “being me.”  According to II Corinthians 5:17, I am a new creature in Christ Jesus; old things, habits, and attitudes are passed away, all things have become new.

The New Me

When this scripture came to my memory I decided from that day forward I would utilize the spirit in me to become more of a reflection of Christ and less of a reflection of me.  This was not just a spiritual conviction but also a natural conviction.  Christ made us fearfully and wonderfully, but leaves the maintenance up to us.  Therefore eating healthy, exercising, and being mindful of daily habits are all ways to honor the way we were created and will even add years to our lives!

After recording a number of Youtube videos challenging my old ways (to view click HERE) I decided to broaden my approach by creating this weblog/website that would challenge and inspire as many that are willing to forget those things which are behind and reach, strain, and press toward the things which are before. ​
​
So come on this journey with me as we become more of who God called us to be.  Every week I will post my thoughts about the process of becoming new.  Topics will cover both natural and spiritual challenges.  Please be sure to check out the Guest Corner, which will feature people who inspire others through their passion, whether it be through natural or spiritual means.  The Guest Corner, as well as, Art & Inspiration, and Hair & Fashion will be updated monthly.  Just poke around, leave a Prayer Request and Testimonial, and lets be NEW in Christ! ​

​
-B. Landi​
​
B. Landi, my pen name, reminds me of my purpose to not only live for myself but to live so that others are encouraged, enlightened, and inspired. So I charge you as well to B. Landi: ​Be a Legend and Inspiration.

Below is a video I recorded in 2010 discussing IMPATIENCE...watch and SUBSCRIBE!

"WELCOME TO TheNewMeBlogger.com"

​​​​​​​“That’s just the way I am”

So it’s the summer of 2010...something just went DOWN and I got ALL in my feelings.  I mean ALL in!  Of course now, it being 2013, I have no idea what that something was. Typical right?  However, I do remember being disgusted by the way I was handling the situation.  I thought to myself “well that’s just the way I am. I’ve always reacted to things this way...hmph!”  I soon realized that was the poorest excuse for having a bad attitude I had ever heard.

The Salvation Process

At the age of 5, I was baptized and a little over a year later I received the holy ghost (for more information concerning salvation email me from the Contact Page).  Since that day I have been in the process of what is called sanctification, which prohibits me from using that tired excuse.  No longer can I lean on the crutch of simply “being me.”  According to II Corinthians 5:17, I am a new creature in Christ Jesus; old things, habits, and attitudes are passed away, all things have become new.

The New Me

When this scripture came to my memory I decided from that day forward I would utilize the spirit in me to become more of a reflection of Christ and less of a reflection of me.  This was not just a spiritual conviction but also a natural conviction.  Christ made us fearfully and wonderfully, but leaves the maintenance up to us.  Therefore eating healthy, exercising, and being mindful of daily habits are all ways to honor the way we were created and will even add years to our lives!

After recording a number of Youtube videos challenging my old ways (to view click HERE) I decided to broaden my approach by creating this weblog/website that would challenge and inspire as many that are willing to forget those things which are behind and reach, strain, and press toward the things which are before. ​
​
So come on this journey with me as we become more of who God called us to be.  Every week I will post my thoughts about the process of becoming new.  Topics will cover both natural and spiritual challenges.  Please be sure to check out the Guest Corner, which will feature people who inspire others through their passion, whether it be through natural or spiritual means.  The Guest Corner, as well as, Art & Inspiration, and Hair & Fashion will be updated monthly.  Just poke around, leave a Prayer Request and Testimonial, and lets be NEW in Christ! ​

​

-B. Landi​
​
B. Landi, my pen name, reminds me of my purpose to not only live for myself but to live so that others are encouraged, enlightened, and inspired. So I charge you as well to B. Landi: ​Be a Legend and Inspiration.

Below is a video I recorded in 2010 discussing INSECURITY...watch and SUBSCRIBE!