I Was Pregnant: The Reason Why I Blogged Irregularly After August 2021…

Hello World,

Back in September, I posted this editor’s note at the beginning of my blog post Is Gospel Singer Kelly Price Missing Or Not? Lawyer Says ‘No’ While Sister Says ‘Yes’ Plus Secret Marriage Details…See below…

Let me start with the obvious: I know your girl has been gone a minute…like over a month. I’m not going to go into a long explanation, but I will say that I’m going through a life change that warrants a rearranging of sorts. This life change does include getting back into blogging, but it may or may not be regular depending on a host of factors. But I do hope you can rock with me nevertheless…And at the right time, I will share more my dear readers…I promise…

Well, the right time has come: In the beginning of August 2021, I learned I was pregnant after years of undergoing fertility treatment. At the end of August 2021, I learned that I was pregnant with twins which was crazy because that was not a part of the plan…at least my plan…!! And on “Twos”day,  February 22, 2022, I gave birth to my identical twin girls Michaela, 4 pounds 2 ounces, and Mattison, 3 pounds 14 ounces, at 4:42 and 4:44 p.m. at 33 weeks plus three days pregnant. In fact, had my pregnancy continued to full term, I would given birth to the twins on Friday, April 8 so it’s fitting that I chose today to tell y’all what’s been going on with me and why I’ve been neglecting my humble corner of Al Gore’s Internet…

I tried blogging regularly, but each time I tried, I just didn’t have the energy to sustain my efforts which perplexed me because I’ve been  blogging since September 2008, when I wrote my first blog post…However, last week, it occurred to me why I just didn’t have the energy for it: All of my creative energies were devoted to creating my twins…And a lot of energy was required as I endured morning sickness which truly happened any time of the day, and as my pregnancy progressed, it was even triggered by showering. Yes, I allowed myself to get a bit funky to avoid being in the shower. LOL! I had food aversions and cravings. There were headaches. And a general feeling of malaise most of the time. Lower back pain some of the time. Heartburn from the pit of hell. (I learned that heartburn means that hair is being created. My girls have to thank me one day for being born with plenty of hair!) Many nights I had to sleep sitting up so the acid reflux wouldn’t be as bad. Lots of swelling, particularly from the waist down — so much so that  I was only able to wear one pair of my shoes, sneakers, and by wear, I mean jamming my feet into them and leaving the laces pretty much undone. And by January, my blood pressure started fluctuating. By February, those blood pressure fluctuations turned into severe preeclampsia and there was concern about my platelet levels. And that led to an emergency C-section on the perfect day to have twins!!

Let me take a moment to shout out the entire Labor & Delivery Team at Piedmont Hospital Atlanta where I gave birth to my twins girls. In fact, it was ladies night (really ladies afternoon) as not one man except for Handsome Hubby from my Ob-Gyn, to my anesthesiologist, to the nurses (and there were at least 15 or so women there as each baby was assigned a team) was in the room where my main doc, who also has my same name although spelled Jacqui, delivered the twins. Additionally, as it was a high-risk pregnancy due to my age (48) and the fact that I was pregnant with twins, I have to thank Georgia Perinatal Consultants because their care also contributed to the healthy delivery of the M&M twins (our nickname for the girls).

My mother told me that once I would delivered by twins, I would forget all that I went through in order to give birth to them. My mother is right about most things, but I didn’t forget. However, I will say this: It was worth it. My handsome hubby and I ABSOLUTELY ADORE our twin girls. Right now, my handsome hubby and I are feeding them every three hours so we sleep when we can which is not a lot, but we are enjoying getting to know our twins especially since they spent three weeks in the NICU before they were released! Since they are preemies, according to our pediatrician’s advice, we are slowly introducing them to the outside world. And since you are my dear readers, I am introducing you to the M&M Twins. See a few pics from our journey below…

Just a few days before we celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary, we discovered we were pregnant! This is us hiking on the grounds of Montaluce Winery & Restaurant in Dahlonega, Georgia where we celebrated our anniversary. I’m working on getting back into those shorts now. While I can slide them up my hips, I cannot zip them up yet, but in time, I hope to do so 🙂

By Thanksgiving, I looked pregnant and I felt it was the right time to announce my pregnancy…Praise God from whom all blessings flow…

My favorite photo from my maternity shoot in February. It’s amazing what hair and makeup and a darn good photographer will do…Thanks to my hair stylist Venet Charles, my makeup artist Ashley Means and James Hill Photography!!! I had no idea that just a couple of weeks or so later, I would be giving birth although I absolutely felt ready to pop at that moment…

The M&M Twins stayed here during the first week on this earth. Those are their two beds. They were eventually elevated to their own private room as they progressed…

This is Handsome Hubby holding them for the first time…I hated seeing them hooked up to various monitors, but such is the path of preemies…

We took this picture of them shortly after they arrived home…No wires!!! Praise God!!!

This is just a few days ago on April 1. I imagined they had the below conversation…

Mattison: Sister, what you think about slap-gate?
Michaela: Zzzzzzzz
Hello April 👋…The deadline for slap-gate discussions has now passed…😁😆🤣… #MandMTwinsChronicles

Handsome Hubby and I feel as if we entered into our personal Promised Land…

So…regarding blogging…I’m back…I’m literally brimming with creative energy now that my body is my own again…However, for the time being, my time is not my own (these twins and their feedings own it)…so dear readers…I’m asking and praying that again you will still rock with me as I try to get on my regular blogging schedule (Sundays and Wednesdays and sometimes more and sometimes less) because I LOVE blogging the cross section of faith, relationships and pop culture!!!

And so there you have it…The Reason Why I Blogged Irregularly After August 2021…

Ain’t God Good?! Won’t He Do It?!

This Bible verse comes to mind this morning as I blog:

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,  to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

And if you please, please pray for the twins…

Any thoughts?

 

Author Tiffany L. Warren to Release ‘A Favorite Son Christmas,’ Sequel to ‘The Favorite Son,’ Now a BET+ Original Movie…

Hello World,

Earlier this year, I interviewed author Tiffany L. Warren, about her how her faith-based novel ‘The Favorite Son” was made into a BET+ movie that premiered in May of this year!

Read that informative interview HERE! 

And below is the synopsis of the original novel….

Do family, faith–and fame–go together?

They’re handsome, smart, and musically gifted. Brothers Camden and Blaine Wilson have put their talents together and founded a gospel group. The quieter one, Camden is the songwriter, while charismatic Blaine is the performer. At first, their Reverend father is against the idea–until Blaine, his favorite, wows the congregation at a church revival. Sure enough, once the reverend witnesses their effect on the crowd he wants them there every Sunday. But he may have set the stage for trouble. . .

As the group’s popularity grows, so do the groupies–and promiscuous Blaine is more than happy to share his love. Gigs across the country, meetings with music execs, a chance to sign with a major label, and a sexy new band member bring new connections–and dangerous new temptations. Soon, a slew of rumors and a shocking betrayal threaten to destroy the group–and the brothers’ relationship. But one event is going to rock their world forever. Do they have enough faith, forgiveness, and brotherly love left to find harmony once more?…

Well, now she is set to release a sequel, a novel entitled “A Favorite Son Christmas” any day now. That’s all I know as of today so be on the lookout on your favorite online book retailers for the release!

Any thoughts?

 

Bishop T.D. Jakes Honored for 45 Years in Ministry TODAY!

Hello World,

There are a myriad of words to describe T.D. Jakes: Pastor. Global leader. Best-selling author. Filmmaker. Real estate industrialist. Conference producer. The senior pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Jakes blazed the trail in bringing a message of hope to millions around the world through any mode of communication, never being limited to just the pulpit. He has counseled several U.S. presidents and been the guest of numerous leaders around the world. Jakes will be honored for his 45 years of ministry at a special worship service on Sunday, Sept. 26, at The Potter’s House beginning at 9 a.m. CT, set to feature special guests and tributes.

Jakes began his ministry in West Virginia at the age of 19. Now 64 years old, Jakes has reached the masses through his various ministries and enterprises. Since starting The Potter’s House in Dallas in 1996 with 50 families, more than 30,000 members now attend the megachurch’s multiple campuses, with millions more attending online around the world. The Potter’s House mission is carried out through global humanitarian outreach, inspirational conference series, media and entertainment venues, and thought leadership forums.

Key international events created by Jakes include:

Woman, Thou Art Loosed!
What began as a Sunday school curriculum turned into a cornerstone of Jakes‘ ministry. Now a conference, a book, a play and a movie, Woman, Thou Art Loosed! reaches into the souls of women and catapults them into the confidence to live as God intended. The first Woman, Thou Art Loosed! conference was held in Atlanta in 2004, hosting approximately 45,000 women. The conference continues to attract thousands from around the world.

International Leadership Summit
Jakes‘ leadership in the religious arena has led him to host an annual leadership conference for people of faith. Drawing in more than 10,000 leaders globally, the International Leadership Summit has featured industry leaders like Tyler Perry and Denzel Washington to teach others how to succeed in their areas of work.

ManPower
This conference for men began in 1993 to help men of all races and backgrounds address specific needs, hurts and struggles from a biblical perspective. The conference grew from 2,500 to 20,000 attendees.

MegaFest
Combining Jakes‘ conferences and the International Faith & Film festival into one, MegaFest is considered one of the largest faith-based international conferences in America. In 2015, more than 91,000 people attended to hear from a wide array of international speakers. In 2008, the global gathering was held in Johannesburg and contributed more than 60 million South African rand to the local economy.

Tapping into the digital world to further Jakes‘ message, the Bishop‘s Village offers on-demand subscribers unique, behind-the-scenes insights into the workings of the T.D. Jakes “machine.” Viewers are treated to videos and other online content, including (but not limited to) worldwide speaking engagements, conferences, business seminars, meeting preparations and sermon notes that are not available on any other Jakes platform.

Other Key Milestones

  • 1993: launched a weekly TV broadcast on Trinity Broadcasting Network
  • 1994: began weekly TV broadcasts on Black Entertainment Network
  • 2000: named one of the Top 10 Religion Leaders by PBS’ Religion and Ethics Newsweekly
  • 2001: named America’s Best Preacher by Time magazine and CNN
  • 2009: delivered the morning service for President Obama’s inauguration
  • 2016: debuted the “T.D. Jakes” talk show
  • 2021: premiered “Kingdom Culture with T.D. Jakes” (a weekly sermon and conversational series) on REVOLT, the leading Black-owned-and-operated multimedia platform servicing content 24/7 across digital, linear and live media channels

Books, Film, Comedy and Music
Jakes is a New York Times bestselling author and has published more than 40 books. His 2014 book Instinct is one of his most successful, spending 16 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. His latest book, Don’t Drop the Mic, which gives insights into communicating well, was on the New York TimesUSA Today, Amazon and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists.

An accomplished film producer, Jakes‘ movies have grossed over $500 million and catapulted the faith-based film industry. His films include: A Dog’s Way Home (for Sony Pictures) starring Edward James Olmos and Ashley Judd; Miracles from Heaven, the follow up to Heaven is for Real; the made-for-TV-film Faith Under Fire (for Lifetime); On the Seventh DayWinnie MandelaBlack NativityJumping the Broom; and SparkleJakes‘ film projects continue to redefine and reimagine the ever-evolving “faith-based” genre. Stories about real people and experiences often are oversimplified with a traditional faith-based lens. Jakes‘ ability to translate stories about real people with real experiences into sales, streams and support is unprecedented.

Jakes‘ “A Time to Laugh” is a touring comedy show and concert featuring some of the hottest up-and-coming artists and comedians.

Dexterity Sounds is responsible for some of the most innovative expressions in Gospel Music today. Receiving numerous industry accolades, including Grammys for “The Storm is Over” and “A Wing and a Prayer.” Dexterity may be best known for the fan-favorite album Sacred Love Songs II, which featured music inspired by the film Jumping the Broom. The label is also known for its award-winning worship experience DVDs and the all-female contemporary gospel group, Grace.

The Potter’s House charter is to extend a “hand of help to the needy, a heart of compassion to the hurting, and a message of empowerment to the disenfranchised.” Jakes has led and lived this mission each day in his ministry.

Any thoughts?