REST

I don't think this is going to post the correct date, but today is actually June 30th. This has been in draft mode for like a week. As a result, I totally canned what I had written, but I could not go into July without updating my most loved outlet these days.

I just flew back to NYC from A-T-L-A-N-T-A-G-A this morning. I finally met my BEAUTIFUL and PRECIOUS Goddaughter Aydin. I thought it was going to be overwhelming and it was an emotional time, but honestly it was very serene looking into her eyes for the first time, holding her and recognizing that she's actually here. I have to admit that I have been a little nervous about being a good Godmother. I take this so seriously, and not in name sake only. My Godparents are the BEST EVER! Surrogates to me and my syblings and, they have been there for EVERYTHING and have always gone above the call of duty for the three of us. Big huge shoes to fill. But I had to realize that I'm not them, although I have their support and advice. My Godmother said that to love her unconditionally was the best and biggest thing I could do. I can't wait to go back to ATL and love on her some more :-)

I chose REST for this entry because it's exactly what's on my mind right about now...LOL! I got a little taste of sleepless nights this weekend with Ms. Aydin. But hardly what her Mom is experiencing. She's my new HERO. (Well kind of my Throwback HERO).

Last week was a Blessed Rollercoaster! :-) Last week, my pastor decreed a week of supernatural manifestation. Additionally, I heard many confirming words and messages that backed up what Pastor Dollar said regarding many things breaking loose in the lives of believers. This past week was MAJOR. By Monday, I had more than one offer to write songs with some great prodcuers working with Rihanna, Chris Brown, Timberland and more. I have to say I'm very proud of at least one of the new songs I wrote that I hope gets placed soon. Definitely that FIYAH! :-)

The logo for "The King's Daughters" is completed!!! I can't wait to unveil it - after it's protected of course. Last Thursday, I auditioned and joined World Changers Church New York's adult choir! The audition, the feedback, the feeling...all too powerful! Here's to singing, sangin, and singing some more!!! By Friday, I had my bags packed and was on cloud nine to head to my favorite region of the US...the SOUTH.

Last week didn't appear to leave much room for rest. I usually pencil in a nap during the week. I don't see the nap taking place this week either. No complaints though. I'm blessed to have a plate full of life blessings.

To resume about REST, I had a conversation with one of my Mary Kay leadership counselors and I told her that I don't really understand the meaning of rest, or resting in God. I just didn't get it. I always feel like I can be doing more, or I'm not doing enough and that continually keeps me moving. Recently, I read Proverbs 24:33-34 that says: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - an poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. My counselor told me that rest is different for everyone. Some people are not called to move at the pace that I move and vice versa. Some people aren't called to do as many different things as I do and vice versa. She also reminded me that in our own weaknesses God is made strong. So, I guess now I am resting in God, because my strength is a tad weak and to continue on, I'm solely relying on His strength. That's POWERFUL. Major Revelation as I'm writing this. And so that weak/week begins.

There are many more things I need to catch you up on, like the inspiring "Legacy of Homeownership Tour" sponsored by Chase Bank, that I attended two weekends ago for a day. It was Phenomenal! It reinforced that information is priceless and ownership is the legacy we MUST pass down. I'll be sure to invite you to my housewarming in no more than 12 months!!!

This weeks is JAMMED packed. I'll be SOB's tomorrow night for the Eric Roberson, Curt Chambers/Franklin Bridge and Fuzz Band Experience. Wednesday is Bible Study, "The King's Daughters meeting, and a celebratory Brotherhood-SisterSol farewell to Fabulous Kaajal Shah as she makes her transition to DC for New Beginnings. Thursday is CHOIR REHEARSAL! I can't wait. Friday, my 15 and 11 year old cousins from CLEVE-LAND come to visit for the holiday weekend. Time to get that second wind.

Be blessed this week! Good things are on the horizon as we continue to seek first HIS Kingdom.

Verse for the Day: 1 John 4:15

Lyrically Yours,

Kris

Better is Here and Best is on it's Way!

Recently, I received a divine knock at my door and when I answered it "Better" was on the other side. I told "Better" I have been patiently waiting for his arrival (Psalm 27:13), looking forward to his interruption. He said that he was here to stay for a while, until "Best" showed up, and he assured me that "Best" is on his way. Let me share with you what "Better" looks like. He's basically my perception's idea of perfection, above average and never mediocure. He's constantly opening new doors and presenting me with new and exciting opportunities that lead to my destiny. He's the most encouraging, uplifting and positive whisper in my ear. He never hesitates to challenge me to come up higher. He's very supportive and extremely creative. He always operates in abundance, never lacking anything and he shares it all with me! Some might say, it sounds like you just met Jesus and I did.....about 13 years ago. "Better" is all of the remarkable, mind-blowing revelations and changes that have occured in the few weeks as a result of a "Better" relationship with Jesus, myself, my family, my friends and my passions. "Better" is clarity in many critical areas of life. It's contentment with what is, and hope (joy, patient expectation) for what is to come....."Best."

The blessed rain began on around June 1st and just keeps pouring down on me. The weekend of my birthday (June 1st) started with a slammin 80's/90's themed party downtown hosted by DJ Greg-Nice. So you can imagine the MUSIC. It was refreshing to see people dancing to every song that was played. Later in the weekend, my business partner Candice and I had the pleasure of escorting her six and three year old cousins around Harlem and then to church. We played games with imaginary people, shopped at my favorite boutique in Harlem, Bebenoir, went to church and then had dinner. It was a great preview for what Candice and I can anticipate running The King's Daughters™. On Sunday (June 1st!) my roommate put together a beautiful birthday brunch (shout out to the best Roomie - Nyle!) with some of my closest girlfriends at Paradou in the meat packing district. It was the perfect way to start my BORN DAY. Afterwards we indulged in the mania that is "Sex and the City." This was the perfect bridge on a day with your girlfriends. Afterwards a few of us headed to dinner and then to another fellow, brilliant Gemini's birthday pool party at Hotel QT. Normally, I venture out of NYC and head to Miami or Chicago to be with family on my birthday. So, I was a bit apprehensive to spend it in New York City this year. Needless to say it was one of the best birthdays I've experienced! Cheers to NYC!

Last week was full of belated birthday wishes and meetings regarding both music and non-profit stuff. This past weekend culminated the week long celebration of birthday events with a party on the roof-top of the Dream Hotel (courtesy of my fabu roomie Nyle and bestest Toya). This time we kissed the skyline of NYC and lived "Sexy in the City." It was a celebration filled with friends, great music, great atmosphere and CAKE!!! Those who know me well know my fetish for birthday cake. I can eat it everyday! To all my fellow Gemini's I encourage you celebrate for at least a week or until the first day of summer. It's all about living life to the fullest! (Good lesson learned)

On this same glorious day, 06/07/2008 probably one of the most important events of my life took place as well - my Goddaughter was born!! (Rewind back to May Flowers post) Aydin Santiago was born at 6:44pm and she is beautiful and perfect and I can't wait to meet her! The joy of new life can't really be compared to much else. The new birth of anything blessed is amazing. New life gives hope for the future, and forces us to keep pressing forward because we are reminded that we have so much to look forward to. I've never been a Godmother before, and I am so excited to take on this lifelong responsibility. As part of her village, it's my job to pray for her everyday and endow her with a legacy of wealth. What a cool job!!!

On Sunday, my business partner Candice and I shot a commerical for The King's Daughter's™ in and throughout Harlem. (Shout out to Jarrell aka DJCEO, Ashley, and N'Keisha for helping us create a masterpiece)! We shot for 8 hours what will probably be cut down to one minute. lol But it was an awesome experience to create our vision with images and put it together. I can't wait to unveil the logo for everyone. It's almost done and I think it really represents our mission and vision for the organization. Last night, I had a meeting with a well seasoned A&R who's been in the music business for the past 15+ years about his artist and my upcoming contributions to the project. Lately, I've been focused heavy on songwriting. I'm reading Jill Scott's book of poetry. Wow! She's one of my greatest inspirations. One of the best to bless a microphone. She's so unedited. I love her honesty and vulnerability. Her throwback goodie, "Golden" is my theme song for the summer.

You can tell the summer is upon us: the pre-mature heat wave, the dance - riding in your whip music, the events. Right now, I'm headed to a networking event at N Harlem, a boutique uptown. Later tonight Omar Sosa, a highly acclaimed Afro-Cuban musician is playing at the Blue Note downtown. If my schedule permits, I may check out my fave Eric Roberson hosting the famous Sol Village at SOB's tomorrow night. He's also opening for Lyfe Jennings at the Apollo Theater on Friday night. Good music lives long and strong even if you have to be creative to find it. The newest underground changed above ground phenom making waves that I'm diggin is Santogold. http://www.myspace.com/santogold She's going against the grain and definitely operating stage left. Gotta love that.

Thanks for tuning in to the update. There are many, many new things musically and charitably on the horizon. As the summer unfolds "Better" couldn't have arrived at a better time :-)

Verse for the day: Hebrews 13:6

Stand Strong...Walk in love!

On Pitch,

Kris