Growing up in church and reaching adulthood, I came to understand the importance of being happy for others who are being blessed. Just this week alone I have heard wonderful news from a few close friends receiving new jobs, promotions, financial increases etc. and it was like I was the one receiving such wonderful blessings.

Rejoice with those who do rejoice and who are blessed. When the enthusiasm for someone else’s rewards is sincere from you to them, it should only encourage you to know that your time is coming soon too. I already know that what is coming my way is going to blow my mind to the point that only God can do. Naw I’m not getting all spiritual on ya, I just can’t help but to acknowledge where ALL my blessings come from and the blessings of the ones dear to me.

So to those of you that I know of and don’t know of who are receiving great things in your life, I rejoice with you in your increase. Congratulations!!!!!! 

Have a great weekend and enjoy this beautiful weather because guess what? Summer is almost over

Even though you may work hard every single day and the evidence of your labor has not yet manifest itself, does not mean that it won’t. Circumstance will change but cannot change without patience and hard work no matter how things may seem. Make sense? In other words, as my brother reminded me this morning, learn to be content where you are because where you are is not where you will always be. Mental note, being content and being stagnant are two completely different things. Be content BUT do not become stagnant.

Your diligence will indeed pay off and make room for you and your gifts. In God’s timing it shall come to pass. This may not always be an easy path to follow, but it works because God knows what’s best for us all. Funny thing is, this is probably more for me than for anyone else. I’m learning to encourage myself.

I have focused so much on circumstance that I lost sight of the bigger picture. It doesn’t mean that I stopped pushing forward or praying until something happens, it just means that I’ve become anxious in my own time and impatient with God’s time. I see that, eventually all that has been promised to me will be. I have to continue to do what I need to do to move forward and the doors of blessings and opportunities will open wide for me. I can no longer focus on circumstance (a temporary state of events or mind).

My loved ones and even my enemies will be blessed with and by what God has prepared and planned for me. So I say the same to you, forget about where you are or what you don’t have (a true test of faith and one that tries to test my faith daily). Remember where you’re going and whose and who you are - God’s greatest creation.  

Blessings to you. Look out for another post on every Thursday and Tuesday. Until…

Tonight is the night that I’m throwing a 70’s & 80’s Bash to celebrate all of the hottest music from back in the day. We’re also stepping it up a notch and folks will be laid in their gear to represent when the bell bottoms, big collar shirts, platform shoes, overalls and headbands were in style. If you don’t have the gear, still come out and have a great time with us.

This event is also a fundraiser to help raise money to go towards my summer book tour that is already on the way. July 10th I’ll be in NYC and the weekend of July 16th I will be in Philly performing and selling books at the Jazz Festival. So please come out tonight, bring a friend and show your support. Cover is only $10 and we’re going from 8pm to 12:30am at NFuszion, 23 Montello Street in Brockton.

Trophy tonight for the best dressed 70’s & 80’s gear and trophy for best soul train dancer. Come show us what you’ve got!

Operation P.U.S.H.!

Today I’m faced with sadness in heart that not every friend will remain in my life for always. It’s hard to imagine that differences of opinions or disagreements would cause up close and personal to now be, distant and silent. I too realize that some things are just too difficult for me to deal with and believe me, I wish they weren’t.  I also understand that love doesn’t have to change, but the interactions have to in order for me and the “friends” I have lost to remain happy.

Pruning season is far from easy, but it can be very necessary. I’m just so grateful that healing eventually does take place in the heart, the mind and the soul.

For those friends I have lost, I love you still. Some things aren’t meant to last forever. That is truly a hard lesson to swallow especially when it comes to those you love, but now at this stage in my life…I finally get it!

Operation P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens)

The story is dear to my heart even though it’s fiction. Throughout my existence I have come close to ending my life because of personal struggles and not loving myself AT ALL. I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror, my body frame, my hair…just basically I wasn’t too fond of ME. Also being a Pentecostal preacher’s kid I have seen how many people get treated because of their differences. I’ve seen people hurt over their sexuality, not having on the right attire, not smelling their best etc. and it was hurtful seeing it come from “Christian Church folks”.

I’m not saying that all churches or church goers are bad people, but we can be some of the worse ones to inflict uncessary pain on others different from us. I have to say though, I’m grateful that I never witnessed that cruelty from my father who is still an active pastor and bishop. His compassion, understanding and love showed me how I wanted to be. He stood, and still does, firm on his beliefs but he never judged. He simply showed love without it being mistaken for condoning bad or unfamiliar behaviors.

As a result of wanting to end my life on more than two occasions and being hurt from church folks, I had to literally turn to my only source of help, God. Now today I can say that I’m growing and happy even though I’m still healing and learning. I have favor over my life that I never thought possible to have. This is what prompted me to write, Self Rigteous Hypocrites (Church Folks). We all just need to learn to show compassion and love at all times. There is life and death in your tongue so watch what you say to and about people.

Well that’s enough of the serious stuff, again please read the story and spread the word to others about it. Also leave me a comment to tell me what you think. Feel free to ask me questions about it as well.

Below is just a taste of Self Righteous Hypocrites (Church Folks). Enjoy!

S-Factor

An S-Factor Short: Self Righteous Hypocrites (Church Folks)

by admin on May.17, 2010, under S-Factor 

SILENT Turmoil 

I keep staring at the bottle of sleeping pills next to my bed and the only thing I can hear at a steady rhythm is my heart even though the television volume is up. I’ve been sitting here at the side edge of my bed for about an hour, smelling the aroma of straight Hennessey that I poured in a greenish blue cocktail glass. While remaining emotionless, I pick up my wallet to look at my driver’s license to observe how different the person in the photo is from the person contemplating taking a final breath. The state of Massachusetts is written across the top portion of the plastic ID in blue writing and my name is typed in black as, Prestine, April D. As soon as I realize that the same day I took that license picture was another day of unanswered questions and depression, I took a large gulp from the glass. I squeeze my eyes tightly together and when I open them, a tear slides down my cheek. I’m not exactly sure why since I haven’t been able to cry for weeks. Liquor is the only logical reason why water has seeped through my tear ducts. 

As I sit here I begin looking at the pill bottle again and decide to pour its contents on the nightstand. From the looks of it there are at least fifteen white pills in front of me that appear to be a permanent remedy for my soul’s pain. One by one I begin popping them in my mouth, chasing them down my scratchy throat with Hennessey. I have relived this day repeatedly in my head, but I honestly didn’t think it would come. I figured that it would always be a vision in my mind that I would be too scared to really follow through with. Well I was wrong …

I’m especially excited about my upcoming book tour that will begin in June 2010 – August 2010. Team Tre Alee will be hitting some of the hottest states and cities on the East Coast. Places like, New York, New Jersey, Chocolate City DC, Chi-town and ending the tour in ATL. Those are just a few places that we will be stopping through to promote my novels, Straight with Options & And So Shall You Reap.

Hit me up to find out if I’m coming to your state/city so we can meet and maybe you can tell me where some of the best places are to visit. Of course I love to eat so point me in the right direction.

If you haven’t bought the book yet, you have got to get it! Log onto Amazon.com or come out when I’m in your town and purchase it from me personally. It will be great seeing you and meeting you. I will keep you posted on the exact dates as they approach, but in the meantime spread the word for me.

Operation P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens! See you soon.

I’m pleased to announce that we were able to give the American Red Cross $2,582 to help assist in Haiti’s upbuilding. To some that may not seem like much but to a people who are suffering, that means a great deal. 

There is always a blessing in giving so please continue to give not just to Haiti, but to anyone you see is in need of financial support, love, a hug or just a listening ear. Every little bit helps to change lives.

We all know what Haiti has suffered and the magnitude of the damages. Unfortunately, they are a long way from recovery which is why this event, like so many others, is important.

If you come out to Tamboo, 252 Main Street in Brockton on Sunday, March 21st at 5pm, I promise you will enjoy a great concert. It only cost $10 to get in and if I were you, I would get there early. The concert will begin at 6pm and we are going to celebrate Haiti.

If by chance you are out of state or just can’t make it out, please log onto Ustream.com at 6pm EST to this link: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tre-alee-benefit-concert and watch LIVE. You will also still be able to donate through trealee.com to the American Red Cross.

We have a great line-up of music and poetc word from: REZIZTANZE, Sheena, Poetic Devotion and yours truly. I hope to see you Sunday. 

Remember, don’t stop helping others in need of your service. Blessings come from giving!

Please take the time to log onto trealee.com, click on S~Factor, register and that’s it! Let me know what you think of the story and share it with your friends. It is my plan to grow this site into a launching pad for other aspiring poets, singers, writers etc. to show what you can do. I will keep you updated on that as we get closer to developing the “Artist Showcase” of S~Factor.

So again, take the time to check out S~Factor and read, Meantime…, the first of many to come. I’m already working on the next one which will really make you say “Oh no she didn’t!” Until…enjoy!