Touch the Heart of God

Good Morning everyone! I hope you had a great holiday.

I listened to this song on my way to work this morning titled "Deeper Righteousness." I poured out tears the whole time. Why? Because while I was listening to it, I just felt myself desiring to touch the heart of God. During our quiet times of meditation and prayer, there can be a level of intimacy with God like none other that we have felt. Our righteousness is as dung compared to the righteousness of God. YET, this great, big God wants to commune with us. That makes me feel good all over.

I don't have the right strategic plan to make everything broken in my life whole again...I don't have all the answers to the puzzling questions in my mind...but I know that I can steal away and journey to the heart of God and touch it with my worship, my praise, my love. This brings a smile to my face.

As we approach the turn of a calendar page-a New year-let's seek to touch the heart of God.

Blessings today on your day,
Aurellia

Christmas Eve

Today was a good day. It was a day I sought to make the people in my life happy. I waited until Christmas Eve to shop for my Christmas gifts this year. Was it intentional? Umm...maybe not but it felt intentional. I guess my lateness in shopping had something to do with not really feeling the commercial feel to Christmas; I lagged. But then, I was the one at Toys "R" Us at 6:30am and was at the town mall at 8am purchasing gifts for the ones I love. And while I was in these stores purchasing these gifts, I had this bliss feeling all over me. I talked to a few of my girlfriends and just had a good morning.

Then, I had a business brunch regarding the company, Hidden Gem, and left full of food and inspired with thought. Still was a good day even though my brunch-business partner called me a "prude." But that is ok. I will be a prude. Still a good day though.

while I slept the afternoon away, it was still a good day...and so did not feel like Christmas Eve. The kids were playing and having fun but it just didn't feel like a Christmas Eve. It felt just like any ordinary day. But as this Christmas Eve is coming to a close, I still can say it was a good day. Mostly because my heart is full. My heart is full of the knowledge that I am loved by God. The Creator of the Heavens and Earth absolutely adores me and desires to continue this dance we started when I was 5-years-old. And you know what? I accept.

Ladies, have a great Christmas. Remember that Love is nigh and wanting to ask you to join in the dance.

Blessings...Merry Christmas,
Aurellia

Complete Surrender

Hi Ladies. Have you ever just been angry and just had to up front with God about it? I mean, you would just vent and say "I am so angry." I have. Just the other day on my way to church. I think about my circumstances that are not immediately changeable (according to human standards) and just get angry. And then, I am at church and the Word was so loud and clear: Surrender.

During Worship time through songs and my Pastor's bottom line message in the Sermon, the Word of God for this season of my life is Surrender. Gosh, what does that look like? Well, for starters it means lay down all the concerns I have that make me so angry and just give them over to God. When Peter encourages his readers to cast their cares upon God, he meant it because he knew that God really did care for all of us human beings (1 Peter 5:7).

Second, it means to follow the way of the Cross. When Jesus began his public ministry (from what we read recorded in Christian Scripture), he asked for disciples (followers to learn from him) and simply asked them to follow. Some did right away. Others hesitated. Eventually, they all followed the Way that would eventually lead their teacher to a death by crucifixion.

Complete and total surrender means seeking God's wisdom through the Scriptures and through prayer. It means giving up all of my right to the final decision on a matter. It means getting rid of behaviors that are not godlike in the least. It means laying out a plan with the PowerPoint presentation and being ready to rip it in half because the Spirit has another plan.

Radical, yes. Hard, yes. Impossible, no. With God, complete and total surrender to the Will of God is possible. Key is to be so in tuned with the Spirit through Prayer, Fasting, Scripture.

My prayer to you Ladies as you continue the rest of the year and getting ready to embark on a new year that the Lord God would comfort your heart, strengthen your spirit so that you may completely surrender your Will to God's perfect Will for you life so that God will be glorified and the world may be edified. Amen.

Blessings to you Wonderful Ladies,
Aurellia

Seasons

Hi Ladies. I hope you are all well. I am in a season of transition. Transition in job, family structure, and ministry position. One thing I know for sure is that life is full of seasons. The writer of the biblical book of Ecclesiastes pinned it (and there was even a song written after it) when he/she mentioned that "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Jesus spoke indirectly about seasons changing when he was speaking to his disciples at the table of his last meal with them. In the biblical book of John, he mentioned that his time would be ending soon on earth so that another season with the Spirit of God could come. Seasons change, and whether we like it or not, we change with those seasons.

It is imperative to know which season you are in. Every season will have inherent instructions to follow. For example, in seasons of transition, it is wise to not make hasty decisions. Nothing is stable and so very sensitive in seasons of transition. In seasons of declaration, it is crucial to make sure you are strong and courageous. In seasons of endings, it is necessary to remain focused and clear so as not to abort the process of ending. I could go on, but you get the point. Make sure you know what season you are in so you can gather the right instructions. Seek the wisdom of God and allow the Spirit of God to lead you to the right people for earthly wise counsel.

Blessings,
Aurellia

Random Thoughts and Reflections

Hi Ladies. I just thought about something: We have to make sure we laugh a lot. During our day we have to make sure that we find something or someone to lift our spirits with laughter. I work in a profession where it might be considered rude to be laughing. But on my way to work, I was talking to a girlfriend and just laughed. I had lunch yesterday with a colleague and we laughed. Gosh, those endorphins just gave me the boost that I need to start and continue my day.

Gem of the Day: Ladies, find a way to get some laughter in.

Another thought of mine this morning came when I reflected on yesterday morning's conversation. Something I told my friend resounded like a loud cymbal back to me: Be Clear and Free. Clarity on my desires, my powers, my goals, my weaknesses will bring the freedom necessary to walk out this next phase in my life. In business, we can get so convoluted that we forget the purpose and mission of our company. In our relationships and families, we get so bogged down by societal norms that we forget the purpose and mission of our households. Being clear about our purpose and mission in our lives will aid in keeping us free from the weight of all sorts of indiscretions. God has one purpose in mind. Clarity will bring the Freedom necessary to walk it out.

Gem of the Week: Ladies, be Clear and be Free.

Blessings as we walk this journey together,
Aurellia

My Soul was Refreshed...at a Soccer Game

I have this girlfriend who I just adore. We went to college and graduate school together. Well, we are both now Clergywomen and have led a similar life in certain areas. Well, yesterday we talked for a bit while I was at my son's soccer practice (don't worry, there was clearly no neglect for he was very OK with me not watching him practice). I can definitely tell you that as a result of the laughs and sighs, my soul was refreshed.

How many of you ladies out there are like me and are just overwhelmed and exhausted finding it hard to be refreshed? Sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day to even squeeze in a little conversation but it is such a must. But let me full warn you that this conversation needs not to be daunting. It should provide rejuvenation and inspiration. That is what my Sister-Friend's call did for my lil' ol' soul.

Blessings,
Aurellia

Gratitude & Growth

Growth & Gratitude

As I am sitting on the train watching the sun rise, I start thinking about this past week. My car is getting fixed and I have been using alternate methods to get to work this week from car rentals to trains and buses. It definitely was a sudden change in plans, both financially and schedule wise. The plan definitely changed and I had no choice but to readjust. Readjust my brain to think of a new strategy and quick to get to work. (Did I mention I commute?) Readjust the plans for my work and home schedule.

Gratitude fills my heart at the ability to have something to readjust to. I think that is why I wasn't so freaked out at the mishaps. I found myself being grateful to have a job to readjust FOR. Having resources to aid in readjusting.

Gosh, talk about amazing growth! Where did this growth come from? Age? Not hardly. Experience? Nope, don't think so. Personally, I think it came from a change in character from the Spirit of God. Gosh! What a wonderful change! Baby steps, right? Mustard seed sized faith, right?

Blessings to you,
Aurellia

Morning Commute Flubs

Hi Bloggers. This morning I don't have any special anecdote to give or some warm fuzzy feeling of a story. I just wanted to share such a hilarious morning I had.

My car is sick and is at the doctor's. While she is being looked at and worked on, I have had to use alternate methods to get to work over the past two days. I rented a car yesterday and today I took the train. The commute on the train was most interesting. I got to the train station about 10 minutes before the train was scheduled to leave. I got on the train but had no idea which one I was to get on. I asked the attendant and I swear she thought I was an idiot. She begrudgingly told me which car I was to be on to have a smooth exit once we got to our destination. While on the train, I noticed the driver (as he is called) stopped. I am wondering why he stopped. Then I noticed the driver was backing up the train. I asked a gentlemen who was standing near the driver why we were backing up. He said it was because there was construction on the route he was heading. I was like, huh? He didn't know this prior to boarding the train. Sigh.

So we are backing up and heading in a new direction and on our way. It is a pretty smooth ride. I had a nice conversation with the gentlemen who helped me out early. He wound up being an employee of another railroad company (he was helping out for the day since it was a new route). All is well. Then I did the dreadful thing of looking at the time. I was going to be late for work. Great. My first train commute ride and I'm going to be late. Well, as I exited the train (having no idea where I was headed), I noticed, I was on the street. I'm asking another attendant where is the train station. She tells me this is it. I'm like huh??? But then I looked ahead and saw a building. Let me go check it out, I told myself. Lo and behold, it was the train station. See, I am looking for the bus schedule and stop. The train counter person told me that the bus was going to be here any minute and to hurry. I hurried outside thinking that it was coming and nothing. I look at the schedule and it was not the bus route I needed. So I started walking.

Thank God for cellular phone GPS. I mapped where I was and found out that I was a few blocks from the Main Bus Station. And I arrived right as the bus I needed was pulling up. I get on the bus, get to work and breathed.

I don't know what all this was about. Don't know if there is a lesson in it (I'm sure there is and I'll hear it once my heart stops racing). But what I do know is that there is such joy in my heart. That is a huge change from years before when I would have been just fussing all over the place. I'm so cool right now. Why? Because things happen. I know it's just a commute mix-up and I will be getting home later (which I'm so not happy about), but it speaks volumes to the way in which I have changed.

Blessings,
Aurellia

Passion to Purpose

Ok, so I am at Starbucks sitting here crying. Why am I crying? I just had an encounter with 2 young Black boys (one 11 years old, one 16 years old). I was standing in line at the Starbucks in my neighborhood when these boys walked in. My female, fashion eye did the immediate quick glance over. Didn't think twice and turned my head back to the counter. In my head though, I was saying I have got to tell him about his pants. Ugh! It's just a pet peeve of mine. So, I stepped back and asked him why did he have his pants almost all the way to the floor and he had a belt on. His response? With the shyest bright grin, "I don't know, I always wear them like this." Well, sweetheart why don't you pull them up and tighten your belt. It's one thing to be fashionable and it's another to just not get dressed in the morning. He nodded his head and said, "Ok, I will pull them up for you." Hey, it didn't matter why he did it at this point; I just wanted them up.

But if you know me, you know it didn't stop there. When it was my turn at the counter to order, I asked the boys if they wanted anything. They just said they were here to get water. I told them to go ahead and get something. It took about 2 minutes before one of them did realize I was legit and order a hot chocolate. I told the Barista to add that to my order. I told the boys I went to the neighborhood high school and told them to make sure they graduate high school. I then gave them my business card.

I went back to my seat in the corner and just felt a wave of emotion come over me. The Barista brought me my hot chocolate. She wanted to thank me for that. (Even now I am tearing up.) I just simply told her, "If we don't, then who will. They're our kids." And again, tears to my eyes.

Why? Because I am saddened by the state of my babies in my 'hood. I grew up in an urban area in Northern Sacramento where drugs and crime were normal. I moved away for college and grad school and moved back. Now, every so often, I will run into a young, Black kids who just "look" lost: appearance unkempt, hygiene less than standard, and bright eyes. Then I will run into those other young, Black kids who just "look" lost: Coach attire & Gucci cologne, latest iPhone, and sad eyes.

There are sooooo many ways that those of us who have "arrived" can help: Time, Talent, Treasure. Give yourself so God can use you to bless those who are in need. Your heart trigger may not be youth; it may be the poor, it may be the elderly, it may the illiterate. Whatever is your passion, that is your purpose in this life. While it may not be your career, it can be your hobby and volunteer effort.

Seriously, your purpose on this Earth is so much more than to inhabit it and breathe.

Blessings,
Aurellia

What Do You Want?

Hi Ladies. I am asked all the time what is it that I really want. It seems like a simple answer but for me it's not so easy. I have to go through so many filters before an answer formulates in my head. Then, if I am OK with the answer to be known by the public, I will share it. Gosh! Why is that so?

You  know why? Because there are those of who live too much for the audience. If you were to ask me what is it that I really want now, I will tell you a whole bunch of things that would surprised many of those who know me. But I don't care anymore. I am going to want what I want and dream what I want and ANTICIPATE for it to come to reality.

What do you really want but are too ashamed/afraid/confused/fill-in-your-blank to dream it? Well, permission is granted today to dream fully and dream big. Of course be wise and ethical but do YOU. In the words of my cousin, DO YOU!

Want what you want and life your life in the fullness of God's joy!

Much love to you,
Aurellia

PS: What is it that I really want? Well, one thing I really want is to have frequent visits to the beach. I want to be a stay-at-home mother with a whole bunch of kids (lol--or maybe 2). Have a women's Bible Study in my home. A convertible. Ooooo, that would be really fun. And the list, yes, goes on and on...lol...

What Do Women Need to Hear?

Women, what do we need to hear? We need to hear on a consistent basis that we are amazing. We need to hear that we are worth it. We need to hear that we can do it! Why do we need this? Because we get so much negative crap (yes, I said it) thrown at us from the media and from those around us, our minds get infiltrated with garbage that we start to pick up and adopt as our own way of thinking.

I know this all too well. I, growing up in a secure and loving home, picked up garbage thoughts in my 20s that has been so hard to shake. No bueno! Negative messages not only come in the form of words but actions done towards you.

So who do we need to hear this positive affirmation from? Those whom we value. It won't work if they are from those who mean nothing to us. We need to surround ourselves with those who mean a lot to us. We need to surround ourselves with those who speak words of life for us so that we will grow. If there is someone who's message and mantra are exactly what you need to hear...then surround yourself with their work (music, books, etc.). It's simple. Environment breeds everything.

Much love,
Aurellia

Getting Involved with God

I remember my first Old Testament class in Seminary. It was Introductory to Old Testament with Hebrew scholar Ellen Davis. She wrote a book, Getting Involved with God: Rediscovering the Old Testament. The approach to this book was to introduce a new way to approach reading the Old Testament Scriptures in the Christian Bible. Instead of reading it as a precursor to the Story of Jesus or a History lesson or a moral compass, she implores that the reader of the Old Testament as a way to become intimate with God. I am rereading this book because lately I have been feeling a pull to know God on a different level.

The premise for this book is that God is very much involved with us a persons. That God's life is " bound up inextricably with ours" (Davis, 1). That God is involved with us human beings. That should bring comfort for the woman who feels that God is some extraterrestrial figure many many moons away. No, no. God is very much present and involved in our daily lives. God cares for us. That is why the New Testament writer encourages us to "cast our cares on [God] for [God] cares for us" (1 Peter 5:7).

Since God is involved in our lives, wouldn't it beneficial to get involved in God's?

Blessings,
Aurellia

A Private Moment revealed...

A song that I listened to at Christmas season 2010 was "Winter Snow" by Chris Tomlin f/Audrey Assad. I remember vividly letting go into the Spirit of the moment...Read the encounter below...

December 24, 2010... I closed myself in the bathroom to steal away to be in prayer. I felt a pull on my heart to meet with Him. I put on my favorite song of the day, "Winter Snow" by Chris Tomlin and Audrey Assad. After listening to the song for a while, I slowly went down on my knees and buried my face in my heads and just cried out to the Lord. Tears were there but thy were dry. Then suddenly, I noticed by body get off the floor and stand up lifting my hands. Before I knew it, my body was swaying back and forth to the rhythm of the music. Then my hands dropped from the air to wrap themselves around my arms. Still swaying back and forth, the dry tear were now very wet and warm. I heard a whisper in my soul say, "I love you. I want to dance with you forever. I'm going to show you I love you." And then I closed my brain and ego off from thinking I was crazy and started to lose myself to he music and my dancing partner. Back and forth, side to side went the sway of our two but one worlds for He is inside of me.

What I gathered from this encounter? When God summons for you to "Come", go. Let go into the Spirit of God.

Blessings to you Lovely Ladies,
Aurellia

A Woman's Heart...inspired by Jonathan Butler's arrangement of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry"

Hello Hidden Gem Bloggers. It's been a while. I've missed connecting with you through my words. It's been a good time in my life since I last addressed you. Today, I want to connect with you about your heart. It's so precious. It's so rare. It's a woman's heart. Her heart is so strong yet so fragile. Just look at Leah in the Bible. Just look at Tamar. Just look at your mother. Just look at yourself.

You can face the dangers of life but you continue to persevere...you continue to pursue. You realize the mistakes you have made and the foolishness you've carried on over and over and was able to admit your mistakes and foolishness...and restore. All of this is the burden in your heart: to break and heal, to love and live, to fall and stand-up.

"Everyting is gonna be alright, Everyting is gonna be alright!"

My Sister, this is the day that God created for you to rejoice in. You are riding the waves of life well...don't get sucked into them and not paddle to get back on shore.

A woman's heart is where life begins and life ends. Explore the depths of your heart and you will discover that life comes full circle in a woman's heart.

Blessings to you,
*Aurellia

Hidden Gem Launch

OK, if you were there you had a chance to experience a beautiful and exciting show. The models were stunning, the music was electrifying, and the ambiance was just right. So, you already know there is something more that I want to blog about. In like fashion, let me comment on my own introspection and self-reflection.

I was so frazzled. Time had ran out on me and So much had gone wrong that I wasn't sure right existed. With various mishaps in planning and last minute changes, I had questioned whether I should continue with the Launch as planned. I resolved early on that I would not cancel but after the urging from others, I had began to think that cancelling might be a wise decision.

So then that leads me to the question of when it's considered quitting because of doubt, fear, etc. and when it's called using Wisdom. Divine wisdom begs for a knowledge that is outside oneself. It requires for a release of conventionality and depends on a relentless trust in the Heavens to guide all decisions. Wisdom-Divine Wisdom-relies on the basic principles of God (Love, Peace, Joy).

I still stand by my decision to continue on as planned; there was a greater purpose to this Launch than pretty girls in pretty pink pearls. It was about my unrelentless desire to see the manifested strength and call of God.
The Gem learned by me to give to you? Rely on God's Wisdom at all times. Do not listen to fear. Do not listen to doubt. Allow for God to troubleshoot because as with any calling, there is a deeper purpose lying underneath.

Blessings to all you Dreamers out there,
*Aurellia

Beautiful

It's funny how two little girls can see the same image and think two completely different thoughts about themselves. I asked a Sister friend a simple question: "Do you think you're beautiful?" She replied back with a very vibrant "Of course." Well, in the traditional Aurellia fashion, I followed up with another simple but very intrusive question: "Why?" and "Have you always thought this about yourself?" Her answer was profound but exactly what I wanted I knew to be true: "Yes because I was told I was but also because the images of what was portrayed as beautiful looked like me." This young lady saw images that looked like her in the media that were considered beautiful.

Interesting at how I saw those same images as a young girl and thought just the opposite. I wasn't told by the public or society (indirectly) that I was beautiful. My family told me but hey, they're supposed to say you're cute, right? So then who can we say is to blame for my distorted view of myself? The media, my family, or God?

I know a lot of women who have struggled with self-image well into their adulthood because of the lack of positive reinforcement of their beauty from others and eventually themselves. The work that my company Hidden Gem Co. commits itself to do is tell women they are beautiful...no matter what they look like physically, no matter how much money they have. Hidden Gem Co. recognizes that it starts young. It starts with the images girls see and the value placed on those images. It begins with the words they are told and who is speaking. There is a young brother-friend I work with who says his girlfriend is beautiful because she "holds [him] down" (his words, not mine). I inquired further as to what that really looked like. He said it was her loyalty and trustworthiness. That's enough to make any woman swoon but in all honesty, it takes a woman who is secure in her own beauty to be able to be that loyal, trustworthy partner.

I know, can't fix all the self-esteem and self-worth issues of every girl in the world. And I sure can't fix all the words of wounds I heard about my own beauty. But I know for sure there is a message to continue and I am that mouthpiece to speak it.

Blessings all,
Aurellia

Hidden Gem: Yesterday was a hard Day

Hidden Gem: Yesterday was a hard Day: "Yesterday was a hard day. It was a really hard day. I saw the UPS man. He had a delivery to my office. As I am signing for the package, tear..."

Yesterday was a hard Day

Yesterday was a hard day. It was a really hard day. I saw the UPS man. He had a delivery to my office. As I am signing for the package, tears came to my eyes. He looked at me and had no idea what was wrong. I told him that every time I see him, I think of my grandfather. I just then broke down into a laugh cry. See, this UPS delivery man is the neighborhood delivery man. My grandfather has since passed for almost 15 years. But I still miss him.

I also had to follow-through on legal matters concerning my family. The drive to the appointment was so painful and so difficult, but inevitable. The wind blows in a direction of its own; it has no concern for our desires or even will.

Yesterday was a hard day.

I was reflecting on all that are in my hands and the lives I come in contact with each day; there is nothing in my life that is small. There is a purpose to everything about me and in my life. So then, I stop to think about what God has given me to create, to oversee, to nurture. No small task, but it is mine to see it through.

I am in no shape or form perfect. I don't have it all together. Not all the way healed from emotional wounds. But the words that write, the words that I speak, are true nonetheless. Right is right; wrong is wrong. It doesn't matter if I have or have not mastered the art of peace; peace should be obtained. It doesn't matter if I have or have not mastered the art of trust; God is still to be trusted.

Yesterday was a hard day. A really hard day. Gosh, but there was a light inside constantly that kept shining in my soul that kept a smile on my face and a pep in my step. So when the Gem of the Day says to remember your purpose, remember it. There will be hard days but if you are solid on who you are and what your role is in life, it will be all OK.

Blessings,
Aurellia

The Voice of God

I have a dear Sister-friend I met at a youth Summer Camp last year. We have remained email buddies, praying for one another. Well, she had a prayer request...well, not really a prayer request. I made it a prayer request; she considered it a resolve of a desire she had that had not been fulfilled. She assumed it was not God's will since her desire had not come to pass. Something in my spirit would not let me believe this was the destined outcome for her. I continued to just believe God would bless/answer/manifest in due time...God's time.

Sure enough I received an email this morning from her letting me know that her desire came to be. Tears just started to flow from my eyes for dual reasons. Yes, I was happy for her but also of the reminder that I do hear from God and that I am connected to the Spirit.

Ladies, the Lord does speak to you. Listen and trust the voice of God...in you.

Blessings,
Aurellia

Keep it Alive

I have so many friends and family members who have big dreams. When I say big, I mean BIG. You know, those types of dreams that are almost nearly impossible. I am among those who have big dreams. As I encourage them, I encourage myself: Don't give up. Like Gospel singer Yolanda Adams sings, "Keep the dream alive, don't let it die."

How do you keep it alive? Keep it always in your view. Write it down and post it around your living space. Always speak positively about your dream: "I am going to (fill in the blank)."

All I ask is that you don't quit. If it a righteous and good desire, don't stop until it is your reality. Don't let yourself or others get in the way of fulfilling the promise. This is what I know for sure.

Blessings,
*Aurellia

Wow! It has been a worldwind ever since Hidden Gem Co.'s 1st Journey Lunch. I have been so excited about that Hidden Gem Co. will have to offer ladies everywhere. There are great things in store for each of us as we really discover the gems hidden inside of us.

I wanted to take this blog to share with you a few things. There are so many women everywhere of all ages who have deep desires to be more than what they are. There are skinny women who want to be "more volumptuous". There are overweight women who want to be "more thin". And you can see where I'm going. I was one of those ladies. Heck, I AM one of those ladies. However, in the pursuit of your goal, PLEASE embrace what is great about who are right now!! Don't give God a slap in the face about how you were created. Remember, you are who and what you are for a reason and a purpose.

Blessings my Sister,
Aurellia

Self-Reflection and Disclosure

At the end of the deepest longing of my soul, there was God. Not a particular set of rituals or religious order but the purest form of God...God's Spirit. My soul has been yearning for the longest for the rest that Augustine described in Confessions. Our soul's are never truly at rest until they find themselves in the inner chambers of God. And the thing about this indescribable incomprehensible God is that God is just IS. And the more I search for God, there is God just being. Just being.

So then why do I long for things other than God? Because I am human. It is human nature to long for what our soul's desire. Not bad, not good. It just is. So in my longing and yearning, I recognize that it is so and remain a pure passion for soul's true home.

Blessings to you on your journey,
Aurellia

The Journey of Passion

I love February...the month to celebrate LOVE and PASSION! Are you passionate about your life? I know I am. I know I am passionate about what I've been created to do. A dear sister-friend of mine posted this on her Facebook page:

"I believe God has made me for a purpose...What gifts has God given you...Use those gifts boldly..." (Leah Albright-Byrd)

I add to that, "Use those gifts boldly [and passionately]..." It is the passion that burns in our souls for something or someone that makes great change in the world. It is a desire, an interest that burns deep...you can't stop thinking about your passion. Let's have a journey of passion. Let that journey lead to world change. Let your passion be a world changing passion where lives are touched and healed!

Take this Journey of Passion with me!

Blessings,
Aurellia

Hi Friends!

Hey there everyone. It has been a while since I last blogged. There has been a LOT going on with the company Hidden Gem. We are getting ready for our very first event "The Journey Lunch". This is going to be an amazing time where us ladies get together and get inspired and empowered to propel into our purpose. This event was created from a desire of mine to get together with friends and just enjoy some good lunch and great speakers.

I truly believe in the sacredness of girl time! There really is a need for us sister-friends to get together and just enjoy whatever is going on in the space we're in. I LOVE it! Can you feel my enthusiasm?!

Hidden Gem Co. is dear to my heart. Not just because it is my first real entrepreneurial venture but because it comes from a lady who has had to hide her femininity in order to be accepted. Hidden Gem Co. has been birthed out of my own tears and triumphs. I want every woman-young and old, rich and poor-to be inspired and empowered to live HER best life with purpose and Truth!

Let me tell you that I love you and believe in all that is hidden within you.

Let's continue this journey together.

Blessings,
Aurellia

New Year, New You

Simple Question:

What is your #1 Goal for 2011?

Let's talk about it!

Blessings,
Aurellia

A Shift

Today is the first day of a new year in the world. It is the first day of a new decade in the world. And I feel that a shift took place in the atmosphere of both my own personal world...and the world at large. There is something welled up in my belly. I can see it in the front part of my brain. I can taste it and it just brings tears to my eyes. There is a shift that took place yesterday. Can you feel it?

Readers, this is your year to lay hold of everything you see in your heart and fear in your mind. This is the year. Let me be the lady that encourages you to grab onto and don't let go of EVERYTHING you know to be true about you. I feel it for both you and me.

Hidden Gem Co. is the company I began in 2008 and it is now manifesting itself in the public world. Why did it take so long? Fear. I completely understood what was in my heart but I didn't believe it in my mind. I let fear take over. But a few months ago, I said, "Go!" and I went.

There are more things in your world that went on in 2010 that you are separating from, that you had to leave in 2010, that couldn't shift with you into 2011, but the Word I received at church 12/30/2010, it can't go. There is a shift in the atmosphere of your life.

TwentyEleven can be what YOU want it to be. SPEAK the Word and it will come to pass.

Blessings to you this day, this year, and this decade!
*Aurellia