IT'S GAME TIME

     

     The other day I was really thinking about the NBA Finals. I normally don’t watch them because basketball seriously stresses me out. BUT this year the finals have completely moved me. Both teams fight so HARD until they reach the end of the game. Not giving up after the first quarter or even the first loss. It’s inspiring.
      You see the drive that these NBA Basketball Players have is very similar to the drive you need to have in life. For example, we all go through things obviously.. it’s life. Because of this we oftentimes feel like we are “defeated.” However, we fail to remember that the game is just getting started. We are running and running with our minds racing for answers and for solutions without looking for guidance from our playbook (the bible). We will then make decisions without speaking to our coach (God) and wonder why things are going left. We are then down at the second half but desperately want to win the game. We may feel like we are not good enough to win, we are not capable of winning or we don’t have what it takes. BUT WE DO. God did not make me nor you to ever lose. God made us for a divine purpose and with him we will ALWAYS win. No matter how far down you may feel you are capable of winning.
      Take a moment.. Tell your mind you need a timeout. Go consult your coach for your next move. I promise you he will answer you. Truly listen for his voice so that you really know what to do next. When you know for sure you have heard him step back into the game. Walk with your head held high, and your mind wide open. Take the next step according to your playbook and fight for the win. Who are you playing against you may ask? You are playing against the self-doubt, the struggles you face, the negativity placed over your life and in your mind. And you will win (and overcome). A scripture says that the light (God) shines in the darkness and always extinguishes it. So remember it’s comeback season and with God your comeback will be your testimony. The victory is yours. Lets WIN the game!

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." John 1:5

xoxo,

Morgan-Brittani

P.S. I hope you all were able to get something from this blog and enjoy the game tonight on ABC!

I ❤ the east coast: The Road-Trip Experience

    When I decided to travel up and down the east coast, I was extremely excited. Excited to really experience great cities and see even more great people.

“So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God.” Ecclesiastes 2:24

Dope Museum #1 : New York
Black Lake: Björk. This film was at the MoMa (which I visited while in New York). It really started off with a woman in a cave. A cave filled with darkness. However, she was crying out about her feelings and wanted to break free. There were two screens playing back and forth and we had to look at both. Really reinforcing the feeling of fear and confusion. As the movie went on we then saw her leave the darkness and come to light and begin to fly. Which is similar to the way we fly when we truly become ourselves. I loved this so much. It was truly beautiful to see someone else interpretation of what is beautiful and what is sublime in their eyes. I really encourage all in New York to visit the MoMa. It's definitely worth the money. Strange Fruit. At the museum, I also was able to see something else. This woman singing the poem "Strange Fruit" her voice portrayed a humble cry for those losing their lives for being a "Strange Fruit" it was truly beautiful to me.

Overall, the MoMa was amazing. I LOVE NY.

 

Good Eats #1 : Virginia Beach, VA
When in Virginia I really enjoyed myself I hit up this restaurant called "Citrus." This restaurant had a cute twist. Known for their tasty morning "citrus" drinks that is not all they have that is POPPIN'. They also have amazing food. I ordered the "Spanish" Omelette. It included some doughy toast, an omelette of course and some hash browns. Now I'm a southern girl so the hash browns didn't really get me. BUT THAT OMELETTE, magnificent. If you are ever in this area please stop by and get your "Citrus" fix in. 

Can still taste this meal

Good Eats #2 : Manhattan, NY
I ate my first "Lobster Roll" , "Crab Roll" and "Shrimp Roll." I'm not huge on seafood but it was amazing! My body was impressed!! Too good. I also ate a crepe and it was BOMB. Best crepe of my life. Where did I get all this food? In the plaza. Not just any plaza. "The Plaza" from "Eloise and The Plaza" which growing up was my favorite show/movie! It was amazing to even see the store with her couture. One day when I have a daughter I have to take her to see this amazing spot! The Plaza was lit! As well as Hell's Kitchen. Hell's Kitchen had SO MUCH FOOD. I was really digging it. I love food and I really LOVE New York. 

When I was on that "SeaFood Diet"

Good Eats #3 : Philadelphia, PA
Well I used to attend school in center city so I know a thing or two when it comes to good food. Philadelphia ALWAYS amazes me when it comes to their brunch menu. The Green Egg Cafe has always been my favorite. Every time I get something from there it never seems to let me down. Good food excites me and this food is clearly the best. The "Crème Brûlée French Toast" gets me every single time. Mixed with berries it truly is enchanting. As if that food wasn't enough, I got hungry again. So my BFF and I went to Sumo Sushi, I got my usual "Sweet Potato Roll" it was so perfect! Definitely missed that sushi spot.

Green Egg Cafe

Sumo Sushi (Sweet Potato Roll)

Good Eats #4 : Richmond, VA
The first night in Richmond I went Mama J's to eat dinner. I was excited from the start because it was a SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT and I grew up in Georgia (call me a southern girl). I got my usual Fried Chicken, Yams, and Collard Greens. I was delighted to see this restaurant has won quite a few awards. Then even more blessed to see such a unique set up in a good location. To top it all off the food was amazing and came with some yummy cornbread!! I hope to visit Richmond again and definitely sat at this amazing place.

Reunited : Nia And Morgan Take Philly

    When I moved to Philadelphia for school I was very afraid that I would not be able to make any friends. I thought that even though I was sociable people may not have liked me. Although, I was not able to see all of my friends while traveling. I got to see NiNi. I love her so much when I was in Philadelphia she did nothing but love, catch up and encourage me. I truly missed her and am so blessed to have her apart of my road trip experience. 

Treat YoSelf #1 : Philadelphia, PA
When in Philadelphia I had to visit my ORIGINAL nail lady. She always keeps my nails up to par. I completely missed her doing my nails. It's hard to find a good and reliable place to get your nails done. CoCo Blue Nail & Spa succeeds when it comes to getting good quality treatment to just release all of your stresses. This place is filled with God loving and sweet people!! This was definitely a highlight to my Philly trip.

Fun Facts: More about Morgan-Brittani’s Trip

1. When in Philly I walked the most. Probably because I was most familiar with that city. I walked over 5 miles when in the city.

My Uncle (Dad's Brother) died in the Vietnam war so his name is on the memorial wall.

3. I have a lot of friends that live up and down the east coast I found out.
Attended the "Broad Appetite Food Festival" and got to have a King of Pop Popsicle they are my favorite.

4. My grandma can still cook very well. Shoutout to her.

I love my life and God really has created a beautiful world.

*A lot of people have been to other countries but this summer I really challenge you to get to know the “Wonders of America.” I’m so blessed to live in such a beautiful country.*

This trip has given me A LOT of clarity on what I am suppose to do next. I’m super excited to share everything with you all soon.

xoxo,

Morgan-Brittani

P.S. ENJOY LIFE

JOYday: Keep the JOY.

                         “ Our hearts ache, but we always have JOY. ” 
                                          - 2 Corinthians 6:10

    We all go through things everyday. Sometimes these things make us feel alone, tired, stressed and maybe even overwhelmed. But just like the scripture above says, “we always have JOY.” How do I stay joyful one might ask? I listed some of the steps I take to help me stay on my happy track below.

HOW I STAY JOYFUL:

1. Stay POSITIVE.
Having a positive mindset can truly change everything. It’s like that concept, “look good, feel good.” Even smiling can help you feel happy.

2. STOP WORRYING & START PRAYING.
Everything that God has for you is for you. Whatever is going on is going to work out. I know for me I oftentimes worry myself silly. When you stop all of that worrying and start all the praying things change. Cry out to God tell him everything. Your heart will feel less burdened and you will start to feel more joyful than ever before.

3.  LAUGH MORE.
I don’t know about y'all but when I laugh I just feel so much better about life in general. Laughter is really the best medicine for me. Sometimes things get so serious in life we forget to just let go and let out a simple giggle.

4. EAT GOOD.
Eat food that is going to make you happy. I am so serious. If you don't do the food dance when you are about to eat then something is clearly wrong. Put healthy but yummy foods within your system and you will feel much better about life in general.

REMEMBER: happiness is a emotion but joy NOBODY can take that away from you. Joy stays around through the good days and the bad days. Happiness says I can do this until it gets tough and I’m sad. Joy says although everything within me hurts I’m still going to press on because God did not put me into a situation that I can not handle.

    Overall, don’t let your circumstances define or take away your joy. God gave you joy so that you could share it with others and inspire others to have joy too. I know sometimes it’s hard and I know some days are just bad days but you must keep the joy! Don’t give the devil leeway in being able to take that joy from you. You are so special. Never forget that. No matter whats going on hold your head up high smile and keep that joy. 

A PRAYER:

Dear God,

Although I am struggling right now God I know that you are with me. Continue to use me. Continue to strengthen me and help me seek joy and more of you. Thank you for allowing me another day at life and another day to be joyful.
I love you.

xoxo,

Morgan-Brittani

P.S. My whole life I have realized and constantly heard God tell me that my joy would help those who were feeling weak. Then a few months ago he shared with me, JOYday. JOYday is simply a day where I host an event at a given location for people to fellowship, love, and be joyful for everything in which God has done. My first JOYday was amazing, although, some could not make it my heart was consumed with love from the messages to the phone calls with words of encouragement that I had received. Thank you so much y’all! The next JOYday will be in August, I hope to see y'all there!

A Night at the Museum

     "The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off your souls. - Pablo Picasso"

     

      I was able to travel to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, last night. I knew it would be a good night from the beginning because it was FREE. For an artist such as myself going to museums always inspires me to continue to express myself through my work. However, the experience I had last night was so powerful I think I may even have to go back again to just take everything in.

Installation that is outside until November!

      Accompanied by my sister, Jaya, we started by taking a look at the “Coca-Cola Exhibition.” This exhibition really gave us a lesson in branding. In order to make a product recognizable I truly learned as a designer, you have to think about how you are going to make your particular design different from the other designs used in the world. Coke thought about all of these different aspects when creating not only the Coca-Cola Bottle but the later advertisements associated with the company. While walking around this exhibit I was just inspired in a way I hadn’t been inspired before. It’s a beautiful thing to see that in 1915, The Coca-Cola Company, was thinking about “... a bottle which a person could recognize even if they felt it in the dark and so shaped that, even if broken a person can tell at a glance what it was.”

THIS WAS SO AMAZING!!

     I truly did not think the museum could get any better after checking out the Coca-Cola Exhibition. However, it did. After taking the elevator up another floor I was able to step inside, “Gordon Parks: Segregation Story Exhibition.” Gordon Parks work was featured in the Life Magazine. Parks made the artistic choice to use color within his photography. Which is something we do not see used often in 1956. However, the way it was used benefited his work. Although, color can sometimes take away from photography if not used correctly Parks use of color made a more powerful piece. The message he was trying to convey was strong. It is so crazy to see where we used to be as a country when it comes to segregation. Although, some of the pictures we saw in the exhibition are resurfacing today as history repeats itself I know we have come along way as a nation. Parks captured his time period in a unique way and I am so glad he was recognized for it. 

     The next exhibition was in the main building and it was called, Imagining New Worlds. This exhibition featured work made by Wifredo Lam, José Parlá and Fahamu Pecou all three which are amazing artist. These three artist left a positive and powerful mark. I suggest you go see this exhibition yourself. It was so powerful I can not even put in words all the things in which my eyes were exposed to. I respect all three of them for the messages they were trying to convey. ESPECIALLY Fahamu Pecou!!! Please research him, he’s amazing. 

DOPE.

     They also had a jewelry exhibition which made my soul super happy. Jaya is a jewelry designer and it was so amazing to see her various reactions to the work of her fellow designers.
     Overall, I really LOVED this experience. I think I may even go back in a few days so I can really take everything that I saw in. I encourage all in the Atlanta area to check this museum out. It really has some amazing pieces. Sometimes you need to escape all the stress that comes with life and just enjoy yourself. By seeing the talents God has given people to help them be heard is a perfect way to step back and remember how small your worries really are.

xoxo,

-MorganBrittani

Je Suis Belle.

I have made so many mistakes in my life. I honestly feel undeserving of God’s love for all the times I have felt like I failed him. As I write my first book, I’ve reread some of my journals that have withheld my inner thoughts for all these years. All of the moments I wish I could forget lie between those pages. I have been hesitant to share my story with anyone because I did not want to be judged. However, I know that someone needs to hear it and I want to help someone get through their journey and tests.

MY STORY.

All of my life people in my family and around me have told me that, “I am going to be GREAT.” But, at only fourteen years old, I will never forget those dark months when I wanted to end my life. I remember calling out to God asking him why he would not just let me go. Why would he not just allow me to be with him. I did not see my light anymore. The darkness had taken that. I never felt as if I was enough. I felt less than for several reasons. I felt unwanted to the point where began to truly believe that. My friends turned their backs on me. I was completely alone. I would beg God to take me home but he did not. I was angry. 

It was Nerd Day. LOL.

Then that summer I heard God for the first time in a really long time. He told me, “I am not taking you from this world because I am not done with you yet. I have a lot planned for you and this pain is temporary. It is just preparing you for your future.” I wrote this down in one of my journals. I remember for a few months I felt changed. However, over time the thoughts of unworthiness came back. This lasted nearly all of the time that I was in high school. I was even told that I was depressed. For years, I felt sad on and off. I wanted to get out of my misery but it was like I literally could not. Sometimes I would not eat for days at a time. I would just go for a walk in the park and then go back to my room or outside to draw, paint, or whatever the case maybe. Recently (within the past year) my mom told me one of the paintings I made broke her heart. She asked me what the work symbolized and I responded me. It was a tree without branches. A tree trying to find its way when it felt like the world was caving in on it. Those were the hardest times for me.

My Mom and I when I was in HS. Yes, her hair is real! Inches!

January 2014 I found God, completely. You see I will not say there was ever a time when I did not believe in God. I have always believed in him, however, I was not ready to truly live for him. I felt him giving me joy, power, and restoring me of everything that I felt was taken from me. I felt at peace with not only myself but my life. Then, after going to a christian conference in New Jersey I learned that my cousin had passed away. The unexpected death of my cousin had really made it hard for me to keep the faith. I remember for days I would just scream and cry in my dorm room asking God, why. I remember how hard it was for me to understand the idea of having faith when feeling as if all faith was truly gone. I was broken. My spirit was crushed. My life was changed. I was changed. 

I just wanted to stop my life. I thought about dropping out of college. However, I did not know what I would do. I was lost. I would have these dreams where God would put me in situations where all he would tell me to do was trust in him. Eventually, I did and was able to receive the closure that I so desperately needed. 

You see something I am learning about myself is that I have desires. There are things I long for that I can not control. God knows my heart. With him those desires will be fulfilled. When I look back and see how far I have come I know that he is working on and in me. Every time I smile I remember all that I have been able to overcome with him. Yes, there is much more to come and more for me to work through, however, I know that each day I am growing. My light that I could once not see in the darkness is now being able to shine so bright that others can recognize it. I have gone through some things. Everyone does. It is what makes you human. It is what molds you into the woman or man that God has set you out to be.

"Beautiful,

Everything is okay. I know you want answers and I know you want to figure everything out right now but God is handling it. God knows everything that your heart desires. God knows who you long to be and he knows you. You are not a failure. Everyone makes mistakes that is apart of life. God has forgiven you. It is time that you forgive yourself and move forward.You are beautiful. You are smart. You are special. Even when you don’t think you are. In his eyes you are perfect. You have nothing to worry about. Sometimes your mind and body are not in tune with one another but just remember that God will always guide you when you can not seem to guide yourself. Sometimes the pain may feel unbearable but just know that it will get better. The heartbreak will end. There is a rainbow at the end of your dark tunnel."

xoxo,

Morgan-Brittani

2 A.M.

       I am going to be as transparent as possible right now. It is currently 2 o’clock in the morning and my spirit has been led to share this with you all. I have failed God numerous times. I have put my trust in people. Counting on them to lift me up and on them to encourage me. In my darkest hour, I have called my best friend instead of God. I did not find anything wrong with this. God sends you people to help you stay on track.. Right? This is true. However, with me its deeper than that. I call up a friend to clarify what God has already told me. I hear his voice but oftentimes don’t want to “hear” him. He has told me time and time again that what he has planned for my life I can only do through him. YET, I still look high and low for answers elsewhere.

Tonight I was going through my old poetry and found this poem I wrote when I was in the ninth grade:

REFLECTION

"Looking in the mirror.

Clearly searching for her way.

Certain things got destroyed,

Damaged along the way.

Simply beginning to cry...

Looking in the mirror

Asking "why"?

Her reflection began to bend.

All she could ask God was,

'When will it all just finally end'"

I searched for love in the wrong places and the wrong people because I wanted to feel the feeling I saw in movies and now on social media. I remember thinking, "Why am I so desperate for love when God gave his only son to save me from my sins? God has loved me when I did not even love myself." When I did not know if I wanted the life he gave me he still believed in me and loved me. He nurtured me and spoke life into me. I have to love myself before anyone. I need to love myself the way God loved me.

I share this with you all because I feel in my spirit the pain coming from people who feel inadequate and unworthy of God’s love for whatever reason.. God loves you. He loves you more than you love you. ALSO, you need to GUARD YOUR HEART. Your heart controls your life and you can not just give that away to anyone. Know yourself and know your worth. You are valuable. You are worth it. You are truly good enough. God just wants you and me to focus on him and allow him to work everything else around you into place. Don’t stress, overthink, worry, or overanalyze it. HE’S GOT YOU!!!!

Through prayer and faith I have come so far and have really began to value self love and God’s love for myself. It’s completely amazing to see how once you allow God to control your life how  many mountains he will move. I am still a work in progress but I am glad I am his work in progress and am no longer trying to do this on my own. Tonight God showed me all that he has brought me through. I went from clinically depressed to being able to smile without feeling like it was fake. I am truly JOYFUL. I give that up to God. I prayed for years to be restored and he is a healer. He heals you. And he is currently healing me. 

xoxo,

Morgan-Brittani

P.S. If you need prayer email me at morganbrittanidaniels@gmail.com. We can not do this alone. 

Made these:

Miss. Morgan-Brittani

 

   Valentine's Day is almost here. Some of us maybe feeling impatient and overwhelmed. Today I am here to tell you that there is NO NEED TO BE feeling that way. This week God has shared with me that he has handled everything that I think is challenging me in life. I am going to share today with you what God has told me in hopes to renew your hearts and minds.

I mentioned in my prior blog, I had changed schools. This transition has been both a fun and stressful one. As a new student, I had to go seek guidance from the transfer counselor about my credits when she told me that I maybe graduating earlier than expected. Some of you guys may say this is great news. However, it completely threw me off. You see I am a planner. Then, just like that God completely changed the plan. I was starting to feel overwhelmed by this and did not know what to do. I had started to doubt if I heard God correctly not only in the aspect of my life but other aspects as well. 

The other morning, while having my morning devotion my mind began to feel even more overwhelmed. I kept crying out to God saying, “speak to me, speak to me.” I was starting to feel confused and anxious. God had told me of his plans, however, everything that he said would happen had not occurred and some things have even changed. I was beginning to feel impatient. In this moment, God led me to open up my bible and read  Philippians 4:6 which says, “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” Then I continued to read Romans 12:12 (I encourage you to read this verse).

After reading the scriptures, I told God, “I trust in you. I know that you still have a plan over my life and that you are trying to teach me to be patient and not depend on anything of this world.”  The next day I went to the grocery store with my life in God’s hands. Walking down the aisles of the store I begin to see flowers. EVERYWHERE. Not only flowers but I also saw seeds. In that moment I realized something that truly changed my life. God has planted seeds within me. These seeds were planted within me from the day he decided that he was going to create a Morgan-Brittani. However, the seeds needed to grow. I need to be able to depend on him even when it hurts. No matter what the circumstances. 

In this moment, I began to see everything that I have been through with God by my side. I saw every tear he wiped away and every wound he healed. He nurtured me the same way you would nurture a flower you would want to grow. What he has planned for me can not be done without him. He has told me, “With patience and dependence on me alone I will turn you into one of the beautiful flowers you see in front of you right now.” 

In this season of your life, you maybe impatient for something that you feel God has promised you. Just know that God is handling it. The God we serve is a forgiving, loving and trustworthy one. God knows what your heart desires. He planted seeds in your life just like he did in mine. He wants you to be the most beautiful flower in the garden and that is why he is taking his time to put everything together. 

xoxo, 

Morgan-Brittani

P.S. Have a Valentine's Day full of love. Thank you to http://www.drenayeverettphotography.com for the beautiful photographs. Here are more.