Many people are eagerly awaiting the holidays with joy. They are excited and preparing for the holidays with cheer. But for some people, the holidays are not a joyous time. Some people dread the holidays and understandably because they have lost loved ones and for some this lost occurred around the holidays. Feelings of grief each year during these times may be inevitable. Other times people dread the holidays because they do not have the things they need or want for the holidays. And sometimes, people experience the holiday or seasonal blues because of mental health struggles, their environment, feeling overwhelmed and burned out from constant stress, or other forms of grief and disappointments.
No matter what the reason is, seasonal blues or holiday blues is real. Many people experience seasonal blues around this time because the days get shorter and there is less sunlight. And many people deal with holiday blues which is sadness, loneliness, or other myriad of emotions duting the holiday season. Healing is a continual process and overcoming the blues does not happen overnight but here are some things to help you get through the holidays and Winter season.
Check out the latest video on holiday/seasonal blues.
Autumn a.k.a Fall is now my new favorite season!!!!! I love the rich colors, the Fall Season staples like pumpkin spice, Apple Cider, Apple and Sweet Potatoe Pies, and warm sweaters. I also like the sunny, brisk weather. I also like the transformation of nature that reminds us that change can be beautiful and letting go is crucial at times.
Here are some photos of my Autumn season so far. Some of my fall looks, fall foods, drinks and places I have experienced so far.
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving now!!!!
While you check out the photos, I also have videos up on YouTube.
And I also want to know what is your favorite things about Fall?
Note: All photos taken by me except one. Tannika Nikeya
With the current economy, I know most of us are all feeling the financial pressures. Property taxes are high. Food costs have increased, and just overall, the cost of living. Even in my own personal life, things have been financially tight, debt piling up due to the cost of living, unforeseen circumstances, and issues that arose last year that we are still recovering from.
Financially Healing
However, I am learning about my relationship with money and learning to overcome certain mindsets and mismanagement. Not only am I on a healing journey, but I am on a financial mend, too. I am financially healing. Financial healing is a process of addressing and remedying unhealthy money patterns and relationships with money.
Some of the things I learned before and implement prior to us getting our home years ago helped me clean up my credit card debt and save money. So, I look forward to implementing these strategies again and applying such discipline this time around.
Discipline
One of my disciplines was to pay back debt one at a time and at least one debt paid back a year. The word of God says owe no man nothing, except love, and I would be happy to repay each debt and become debt free.
Word of advice: Never take out a personal loan and don’t have too many credit cards. Remember, credit cards and loans are borrowed monies, and they thrive on interest rates. So, if you are looking to get credit cards, one or two are all you need. And repay any amount spent each month in full.
Another thing I do is to pay the smallest to the greatest debt. Paying the highest interest rates I do not favor. Why? Because you see more of a progress with the smallest amount versus the highest interest rate, and that does something for your heart and morale when struggling with debt.
The second thing I am reimplementing is a budget. I have always used an Excel sheet as my budget tracker to map out my bills, expenses, and so forth. But after learning from a financial advisor that you have to create a budget that suits your lifestyle and not just your bills, that has been a game changer. And I pray to stick to my budget because I don’t, especially when using my debit card. So I plan to budget and try my best to stick to it.
I am not new to sharing on my platforms great products I have come across and use in my everyday life, but now I get to share them and earn a commission. I value your trust above everything else, and I want to be upfront with my new endeavor. I’m in the Amazon Associates program, and some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and buy. But I promise I only recommend products I truly believe in and think will add value to your life.
Dave Ramsey
I also plan to go the Dave Ramsey route and use cash more. Using my debit card or credit cards, it is easy to over exceed your budget and not stick to it.
Trust God
Another thing I plan to do is work on doing the homework to mend my finances. I have also been working on investing more or diversifying. And eventually, I want to start a garden. Lastly, I plan to trust God and try not to let the current economy crisis worry me. My God shall supply my needs according to His riches in glory.
Stand on Business
Now, for some other financial tips, try to save an emergency fund, save for retirement, and also get your affairs in order like getting term or life insurance. I know no one wants to think about these things or dont always have the wriggle room to save like they need or want to but start somewhere. As adults, we have to plan ahead, be responsible, and be good stewards.
Reflection What are some changes you are looking to make to better steward your finances?
Disclaimer We, at Fruitful & Fabulous/Tannika Nikeya, are not certified financial planners or financial advisors. We do research and reference the sources that we use within our writing. The information provided should not be used as financial advice; it is used to promote financial literacy, financial literacy based from the Bible as well as discussion. The views, some of the experiences, and opinions on this site are that of the authors. Any suggestions or investment advice should be reviewed by a financial professional before acting on them.
This website will never share your email address or any of your personal information with a third party for any reason. We are excited to encourage financial literacy and health but it is your choice whether or not you use the information provided and at your own risk.
It started with introducing my first self-published poetry book, Setting The Captive Free, as well as sharing my journey of faith, growth, and writing.
It later expanded to also wanting to further my writing skills and experience.
It allows me to share my writing, new and old, from poetry to feature articles. From words of encouragement to skits. From sharing learned lessons to moments to remember.
4. To encourage others to take one day at a time along their journey of life and healing.
6. To get used to using my voice.
5. To remind myself and others who struggle with anxiety or even depression to rest, persevere, and hold on to God to get you through the fight.
7. Lastly, I blog because it allows me to let my hair down a bit. And whether I am blogging about beautiful moments in nature and around me I have taken with my camera or blogging what I learned from spending time reading my Bible while sitting down to a cup of hot water, honey and lemon, I can express it freely with my writing.
I had not seen any promos about the film, so I did not know what to expect, and I didn’t even look up who produced it. I just knew it was a Christian film. I had attended one or two other Christian group film viewings before and have enjoyed it, so I had hopes I would enjoy this one.
Today, my nephew and I joined some of the members of my church and other sisters and brothers in Christ to see TheForge at a neighboring Marcus Theater. We were able to purchase our tickets as a group in advance. Prior to the start of the movie, our group was met with such a kind gesture and blessing: a fellow minister paid for our group’s popcorn and drink. A great kick-off to our afternoon and great group event.
Eight years after War Room, the Kendrick Brothers brought us another powerful movie called The Forge.
And must I add that the Kendrick Brothers once again did not disappoint. Some of the characters from War Room appeared in this film, but this is not a sequel to War Room.
The Kendrick Brothers produced another film with quality production, great acting, laughter, power, and impact. As Mr. Moore, played by Cameron Arnett, mentors Isaiah, I realized that his nuggets and advice about life and becoming a man was not just for Isaiah but for the audience, and I like to think moreso for young men. I was glad that I got a ticket for my nephew, and he was able to hear the same advice Isaiah was hearing. One of the questions Mr. Moore asks Isaiah is what type of man he wants to be.
The Forge is a film in which Isaiah, played by Aspen Kennedy, faces the challenge of steering his life from being irresponsible with a chip on his shoulder due to disappointment and hurt. His mother, played by Priscilla Shirer, doesn’t just challenge him but prays for him and even gets help from more prayer warriors. In The Forge, we are also reminded that the prayers of the righteous availeth much.
This film was embraced with hand claps on victorious moments, laughter, and some tears from me, and I am sure some others.
There are moments in the film that gave a Miss Clara and Elizabeth Jordan moment but also with the men. This film is a must-see for every Christian and also for those who are not. I definitely encourage men to go and see this film, too. I think it really did a good job showing scenes and moments of encouragement, brotherhood, mentorship, and fortitude for men as well as discipling others.
My nephew says he, too, liked the film. He says he even liked it better than WarRoom.
Just the other day, I had an impromptu Bible study with the kiddo. I have been inspired recently to study about Joseph and needed to get back to reading about him, so I also invited the kiddo to join me in my Bible reading. As we read about Joseph starting in Genesis 37 leading up to him being placed in Potiphar’s house in Genesis 39, some interesting revelations popped out to us, leading me to praise God for enlightening us with His Word.
Something that stood out, but not a new understanding, is the fact that Joseph had the favor of the Lord. According to Gotquestions.org, the favor of God can be described as “tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord.”
Genesis 39:2-3 states The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.
I believe the favor of the Lord contains the grace of God that allows a person to experience success, guidance, God’s strategies and wisdom, and God’s influence.
Note: Having God’s favor doesn’t exempt you from disappointments or hard times. However, God’s favor allows you to walk with faithfulness, consistency, wisdom, grace, and God’s faithful love. Joseph had the favor of the Lord. Genesis 39: 21 But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.
If you reread Genesis 39:21 again, it starts with “But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison.” It is a testament that God is with us through it all. The highs and the lows. How many times have we endured someone who has left us in our times of need or are just not capable or able to give us the care, attention, and strength to endure a season of turmoil in our lives. But God. He is a present help in the time of trouble. He is not like man that He should lie. And He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He is consistent and faithful. He will never leave us nor forsake us. His grace is sufficient.
Lastly, this last revelation sent me into a smile and praise. Joseph understood his assignment. What do I mean about this? After Joseph was sold by his brothers to Midianite traders, he eventually was led down to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of the king of Egypt. Soon Joseph, with the favor of the Lord and God-given leadership ability, led Potiphar’s house with much success and order that it pleased Potiphar. However, Potiphar’s wife had her eye on Joseph. Joseph was fine and had a nice body. The Bible says handsome and well-built young man. And she tried to catch Joseph, but he got out of there so quickly that he left his coat. She cried rape, falsely accused him, and got him put into prison.
But while she was trying to catch him up, it was something that helped me realize that he understood his assignment. And more importantly, he knew who he was. This allowed him to understand his assignment.
Genesis 39:8-9 But Joesph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. “No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.”
So, you see, Joseph was not about to risk his position, his integrity, or relationship with God. He knew who he was and whose he was. He understood his position and assignment.
Originally posted July 31, 2018. Updates have been made.
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We have made it to August. Many families are getting ready to take road trips with necessities, fears, hopes, excitement, anxiety, goals, and dreams to college campuses all over the world. Your child made it through high school and is now about to step foot on a college campus to pursue their careers and dreams as well as develop more independence. So, how do you prepare your child for his/her big day? Here are ten ways to prepare your child for his/her move in day at college:
Have all of their financial aid for school worked out. This doesn’t just apply to four-year schools, but two-year schools also. But I always tell my students that the first stop you make when you are moving on campus is the financial aid office for a follow-up. You want to know everything is clear, what monies are coming in and going out, or how much money you have to pay out of pocket regarding your tuition and fees. Moreover, months prior before starting school, have a FAFSA professional or your child’s high school counselor help you review your child’s financial aid award letter to make sure you and your child understand it. If you and/or your child are pulling any loans, make sure you have completed the Loan Entrance Counseling (studentloans.gov) as well as understand loans and how they work. You don’t want any financial stress added to his/her first year of college, through college, and even after college.
Make sure your child actually applied to the school and has gotten accepted. I know this is a no-brainer. However, you would be surprised how students say they are going somewhere only to not have applied or read through all of their college mail and follow through their next steps.
Attend orientation. If orientation is scheduled prior to move-in, please try your best to take advantage of this and go with your child. This is not only a very crucial informational session but a chance to settle any matters prior to move-in. It may also be a chance to get a tour or final tour, get met with a warm welcome, and be greeted with a kick-off celebration just for incoming freshmen and their families.
Have a heart-to-heart, transparent talk about some issues that can arise at school and how to use effective problem solving. Give scenarios and talk about any mistakes you have made in college or during your teen and young adult years. Discuss your expectations, their expectations, their fears, etc.
Teach him/her to not be afraid to ask for help. Also teach him/her how to be resourceful if he/she isn’t. A lot of students do not know how to navigate the campus for help and resources. Students can go to their school’s wellness center for counseling, advisement and dean’s office for issues with classes, their Dorm’s R.A. (Resident Assistant) for roommate issues, the financial aid office to sign up for work study and to inquire about scholarships and financial aid.
Pay the housing fee. And make sure he/she gets to know his/her roommate via phone and/or social media. The schools have things set in place for your child to safely contact and get an overall sense of who his/her roommate may be. Your child also may have the opportunity to suggest or pick his/her roommate if a student he/she knows will be attending the same school and wants to roommate with that particular person.
Make a list of items needed to move in for the first year of school. Have important documents pertaining to your child’s school in a special folder and handy. Obtain proper ID and parking passes if applied. Get and request gift cards if you prefer to buy necessities at a Walmart near or in the town of your child’s school campus when your child moves in and to have on hand when settled. Sometimes, this is less of a hassle than having to rent a truck or load lots of luggage in the back. See at the end of this post also for some great products. See this site for an example of a college packing list. https://www.society19.com/10-things-to-do-before-college-move-in-day/
According to society19.com, you should also review school policy and guidelines with your child.
Make a list of things you need to do before you all leave. And spend quality time with each other. Your child would want to spend time with friends too so make room for that.
Pray with and over your child. Cover them with the blood of Jesus. Your child will be miles away from home but God is omnipresent and omniscient. He can be with you and your child at the same time. Trust in Him to never leave nor forsake your child.
Lastly, congratulations to all the 2024 GRADUATES (high school, college, kindergarten, apprenticeship programs)!!!!!!! Celebrate your accomplishments and thank God for giving you the grace to press through. I am so proud of you all. May God guide you, protect you, and may you trust and abide in the One who created us with love and purpose.
I am not new to sharing on my platforms great products I have come across and use in my everyday life, but now I get to share them and earn a commision. I value your trust above everything else, and I want to be upfront with my new endeavor. I’m in the Amazon Associates program, and some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and buy. But I promise I only recommend products I truly believe in and think will add value to your life.
Tannika Nikeya 