Author: Geri Mason

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Living The Life I Built

This past weekend I did one of the things that I truly love, and that was rent an Airbnb out of town and do some writing. It was so refreshing because it has been a minute since I did an Airbnb for the sole purpose of simply relaxing. Of course I went out to eat with a friend at my favorite restaurant in the area, and I went to my favorite thrift store, where I only purchased blouses for work and shorts for the Summer. When you no longer have the upkeep of a home (because you are house sharing), then you don’t really need to buy anything. In all honesty, I rarely needed to buy anything when I did run a complete household, but for some reason I was convinced that more is more. Oh what a relief to learn that less is more!

Nowadays I spend my time hanging out with family and friends, working part time, and traveling, which is what I prayed for. Recently I decided to have guests over for various gatherings, especially since the weather has finally kicked up a notch. Unfortunately my first gathering got canceled because my body decided not to cooperate, and I wasn’t able to clean or cook for several days leading up to the event. However, we will reschedule in a few months because next month is already booked with Mother’s Day and Memorial weekend.

All and all life is still good and I’m still pinching myself because I’m so tickled with my decision to become a minimalist over a year ago. Not only has this decision afforded me the opportunity to do many of the things that I only dreamed of, it is less stressful with the current economy, and it has also allowed me to be a blessing to others. I hope I am making God proud in all that I do with these last years that I have left. Obviously He’s not done with me yet, and I’m so glad, because I still have a few more amazing goals that I want to reach.

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Finding Focus in a Busy Mind

These past two months my brain has been all over the place. I don’t know about anyone else, but most days I forget what day it is. Between moving to a new place at the beginning of the year, the snow storm that lasted two weeks, and working sometimes 10 to 12 days in a row, I’m not sure which way is up. Trust me, I won’t complain because there are so many people right now who would trade places in a heartbeat. I praise God every time I open my eyes in the morning and before I close them at night.

Everybody is going through something no matter how much they smile in your face, how they show up on social media, or how they tell you that all is well. When I survey the landscape, I can’t think of anyone that I’ve talked to lately whom I would like to trade places with. Not saying that everyone is having a hard time, but what I am saying is, I’m okay with what’s on my plate! As the world turns, (pun intended), peace is my main focus while I continue to enjoy my life to the fullest (whatever I decide that means for me). I have more time behind me than I do in front, so when you see me taking risks and doing things that I thought I would never do, it’s because I waited so long to live life for myself rather than man’s protocol. I am extremely excited about the upcoming months and what my calendar looks like, other than work. To God be the Glory!

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Don’t Leave a Crack in The Door

There will always be doors opening and closing in your life. It is your job to decide how much emphasis you will place on the closed door versus the new one that is opening. If you continue to look back and wish that things were different or second guess yourself on why things happened the way they did, please know that the new door cannot swing open as wide. When you look for someone or something to place the blame, the universe cannot give you what you really need. It is not good to take the negative energy of what didn’t work out in the new door that is about to open. This the hardest principle to follow in life, but it is a necessary one. As women we want closure in all areas of life, not just relationships. We want to know what went wrong so we don’t make the same mistake twice. You did not make a mistake. Life is opening you to a new possibility by way of someone else not accepting who you are. Even if you had done things differently, you would still be preparing to step through another door. So do not beat yourself up! Of course it’s hard to remain calm when it always seem that you are the problem. Sometimes you ask God, why can’t another door open because of something someone else did? Why does it always seem to be about what you did or did not do? You get comfortable in places and show your real self and the relationship changes. Do not get mad with other people. Be thankful that God sees the future and your move may be His way of avoiding a disaster, because there is something more in line with your character. It will be hard to see this while you are trying to leave a crack in the door, hoping that something can be done to change the circumstances so you can go back. God is moving you forward, so stop looking back. Focus all your attention and positive energy on the new door that is staring you in the face.

Photo by Dima Pechurin on Unsplash

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Divine Disturbances

When my Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell preaches on Sunday I always take notes and do my best to apply whatever he brings forth. There are times when the message is so powerful that I feel the need to at least share the gist of it. Well, this past Sunday was no different than usual as I sat in anticipation of ‘thus says the Lord.’ Considering I hadn’t attended services in a few weeks, I prayed before leaving home and told God I truly need a “word,” and a “word” was brung!

God will use you and me to deliver some disturbances and He will confirm it through the following ways:

  1. Unexpected Sources – sometimes there is a major gift among us that we don’t even recognize because we are so busy looking for our blessings to come from a different source.
  2. Unpleasant Side Effects – when you show up it will ignite the insecurities of people who think they deserve your blessings. It is not about who YOU are, but your presence reminds them of who they are not!
  3. Unwavering Safety – God will reroute you sometimes in a dream although you don’t know the danger. When God uses us for divine disturbances, we will be protected by Him. If God sent it He will secure it. What God has birthed in you has to live!

Scripture: Matthew 2

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Grateful While Going Through

“Grateful While Going Through”

Excerpts From a Sermon! (Rev. Dr. Joshua L. Mitchell – 31st Street Baptist Church – Richmond, VA)

  1. Stay grounded in God’s grace because gladness is not based on what’s going on around you.
  2. Be intentional in your intercession; pray on purpose, with purpose.  Stop dumping in prayer (telling God everything that needs to be fixed), and start dreaming in prayer! Share with God your hopes and dreams.
  3. Continue walking in God’s will because gratitude is our choice!  God gives us what we do not deserve or earn.

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It’s a Party Over Here!

It’s a Party Over Here!

When you finally realize that you have more years behind you than you do in front of you, life starts to take on new meaning.  I don’t know why it took turning 70 years old before I decided to make drastic changes that would allow me to enjoy life the way I always wished I could.  At the time of this writing, I am laying across the bed in an Airbnb that I booked for two days, although I just finished throwing myself a 40-year Breast Cancer Anniversary Party, all expenses paid by me, in addition to doing a Girl’s Trip two weeks ago out of town (we drove), at another Airbnb for the weekend.  I keep telling everyone that I am living my best life, which I am, although I have no idea what my life will look like three to six months from now.  Nothing in my life is written in stone!  That’s the way that I planned it back in January when I gave up my apartment to move in with strangers (a family).  I signed a six month lease, which ran out in July and is now month to month, so basically I could move with a 30-day notice.  So far I have committed myself to stay through Christmas, because I’m about to purchase a small Christmas tree for my bedroom.  But after then, who knows what I will do?

Part of my reason for moving was to travel, eat out more, and stop driving Uber, in addition to several financial goals.  So far I am booked for Lexington, VA in November and Fort Lauderdale, FL in December.  Haven’t decided where to go or what to do in January, because that’s my birthday month.  But you know I’m working on it!  Sometimes the not knowing is crazy, then other times it is quite enjoyable and mysterious.  It definitely keeps me on my toes and alert to what’s going on in the world and my immediate circles.  I just love watching God work things out and continue to surprise me!  Oh well, I’ll see you on the other side.

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The Side Affects of a Shift

These are excerpts from a Sunday Service! God is about to shift and transform our impact, not just in the church house but also in your house. Transitions can be tricky and change can be complicated. Here are three side affects of a shift:

  1. You need to make peace with the fact that you are not “most!” There are people in your circle, people in your family, and people in your life whose journey is not like yours. And even though your journey may not look like your family, your friends, or your peers, remember that their journey is not going to take them where your journey is taking you.
  2. You need to do something without all the details! When God is shifting you all the steps may not be right in front of you. God says, “As you go I will show.”
  3. You need to have the willingness to wait! When we get ahead of God it can cause significant damage to us and others. We end up trying to fill a God promise in a human way. And it just doesn’t work like that.
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Disagree Without Being Disagreeable

I have almost finished reading an amazing book, “The Courage Solution,” by Mindy Mackenzie. It is a powerful tool for business when it comes to telling the truth with your boss, your peers, and your team. Although I am no longer working a 9-5 job, I found that over 80% of the tools could be used in my everyday life. This blog is a paraphrase, not a copy of what’s in the book. The three ideas on how to disagree without being disagreeable are the main parts of the book that stood out for me, which are: Like, Concern, and Suggest. There have been many times in my life where I’ve felt the need to agree with someone in order to keep the peace. After reading this book, I have put to memory a new way to respond. I will explain to the person how or why I like their idea, but rather than outright disagreeing, I will state my concern for what they are saying, and lastly I will suggest a better way to get the end result of what they want. Hopefully this isn’t confusing, but I wanted to share this in a way that does not copy the author’s words, or give away my personal situations. Consider checking out the book for yourself, especially if you are currently working a 9-5 job. I can’t wait to finish and give it to my daughter.

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Living a Minimalist Life

When I decided in January 2025 that I no longer wanted to acquire things, in addition to giving up my own place and moving in with strangers, I had no idea what life would be like.  I must say that these past seven months have truly surprised me, in that I have ended up being more comfortable than I imagined, especially with three German Shepherd dogs.  Now I’m not saying that I want to spend the rest of life living with dogs, which I do not, but God has shown me what is possible when you change your perspective about things and be opened minded.  I don’t hate dogs, but I do prefer cats.

When I made the decision to minimize, I also told God that I wanted to stop driving Uber, save money, eat out whenever I pleased (within reason of course), help others financially, and travel.  I have done all of the above, however the biggest accomplishment that I am most proudest of is, I’ve been able to double my payments on my vehicle, which means it will be paid off in six months.  As I look towards my next move, I am being patient with myself and seeking God every step of the way.  Unless I hit the lottery, which I rarely play, then my next move will possibly include more downsizing or be somewhat minimal depending on where I end up.  I have a few irons in the fire but nothing written in stone.   

There are days when I enjoy the uncertainty and then other days I miss knowing, however I don’t miss my old place at all.  The financial freedom that I experience on a daily basis makes up for all that I gave up.  I don’t believe in being house rich and penny poor!  This is definitely a faith walk like non-other.  God has never failed me yet, so I have high expectations for my future as usual. 

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Boots on The Ground

First of all I take no credit for what I’m about to share, even though I’ve thrown in a couple of my own elaborations. When I tell you! I have never seen any preacher do what this man does every single time he steps up to the pulpit.  I thank God for my pastor, at Thirty-First Street Baptist Church, who stays relevant and brings the word of God in a way that can be quickly applied to our everyday situations.  He reminded us on this past Sunday, that as we watch what’s going on in the world today, we all need to put our Boots on the Ground!  Yes, it may not affect you directly, but we have a responsibility to our fellowman to get out and do whatever we can, because we all have someone in our family or neighborhood who will be affected, or we know someone who will be. (Sermon Scripture: Numbers 32)

There are three ways that we can put our Boots on the Ground:

  1. Fight Fatigue – no matter how tired we are, we can’t afford to sit this one out!  I know you tired.  You tired of marching, tired of protesting, tired of voting and it doesn’t seem to make a difference.   
  2. Pull From the Past – we have seen God operate and come through for us before.  He’s made a way out of no way too many times for us to grow weary now.
  3. Vet the Voices – there are noises all around us with social media, the news, family, friends, etc.  Make sure you are listening to the right voices, because some things are put in place just to make us doubt God.

If we all decided to do a little it would add up to be a lot in the long run.  Rome wasn’t built in a day, so let’s not give up the fight. Keep pressing. Keep pushing, but most of all, keep showing up!