Category: Uncategorized

Hershel, Maggie, Glenn, Carol, Rick, Carl, Daryl, Michonne and Negan of TWD, IYKYK

What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?

Based on a graphic novel, this post apocalyptic drama series captured my attention in 2010, the first year it aired. I was immediately taken captive of the storyline. Being an avid reader I purchased the graphic novels to get the gist of where the series was going. I watched every Sunday evening, that it was on, for twelve years straight. Even if I had to record it, I never missed one episode. My friends and family had attended many of The Walking Dead (TWD) parties that I hosted.

I had a hand full of die hard, that we communicated via text, throughout the episode each week. Only a couple of rules, during commercials only and no spoiler alerts.

We hardly ever missed The Talking Dead, a discussion show that aired immediately after TTD to dissect and attempt to predict what would happen next. It also included various actors, writers, producers, fans & other people in entertainment that would chime in, share their on set experiences and frustrations about the current episode. These TTD episodes only enriched the captivity the show had on many fans including myself. There was a common thing that would happen that if one of the actors would be on the couch meant they were up for be killed off the show. This made for a nail biter, wondering who was ousted next.

I found myself getting attached to the characters, obsessed with where the story would go next and always comparing and contrasting the differences between the TV series and the graphic novels.

What’s interesting about this obsession is I really am not a TV watcher. It took an apocalypse to get my undivided attention. People would ask me why I became so obsessed with TWD. I don’t think I was obsessed with zombies, well, because zombies are not real nor would I want them to be. What I found to be so fascinating was the fight to preserve humanity in the most inhumane environment imaginable. The desire each character had to try to define what their new normal would look like. The concept isn’t much different than what we go through in our personal environments. Instead of zombies, we have peer pressure, incredible, increasing debt loads, job stress, and long commutes to those jobs that feel like they are slowly devouring our most precious moments with family, friends and our home life.

What’s the “zombie” in your life? When are you going to fight to preserve what’s most important and valuable to you? What are those things that money can’t buy, that time you can’t ever get back and the broken relationships that need mending?

Insert eye roll here…

Are you superstitious?

The short answer? No. A little more detail? Fine. My mom’s side of the family was incredibly superstitious. To the point of it disrupting our lives. From black cats crossing our path to the numbers 13 and 666, they backed up from all of it. Actually, displayed fear in the confrontation of any of these superstitious ideologies. I can honestly say, I never gave these superstitions any power. Every time these adults shrunk back from broken mirrors that supposedly give you seven years of bad luck to stepping on crack will break your mother’s back, I rolled my eyes, like, “Here we go again.”

Can I just tell you that not one of these superstitions came to fruition. Not. One.

If you struggle with superstition, let me challenge you to inviting the supernatural into your life. The three in one package:

1. Believe God exists

2. Accept Jesus as your Savior from sin and death.

3. Invite the Holy Spirit in to guide and give you wisdom.

The real power is in the supernatural. They aren’t looking to trip you up at your first mistake. Nor are they waiting to dump curses and bad luck on you. They are available to give you life to the full. A life full of blessings and promises that are available to all those that believe. A life full of wisdom to all who ask for it. Faith, hope and love are waiting for you. I am a first hand witness that though the supernatural can’t be seen it can be experienced and it provides shelter, safety and direction for all that life throws at you.

Superstitions only have the power that you give over to them. The supernatural has power that they share with you.

If there is anyone wanting to know more about the supernatural power, feel free to contact me at: kelliann@fromthedepthsofkell.com

May God bless you and make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.

Never lose my roar

Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?

Life is funny sometimes. I find it hard to laugh though. I find myself always on guard, protective of my territory yet nurturing to my family and those that are in my circle. I am the King/Queen of my jungle. If you try to invade my territory it will be the last one you ever attempt. My roar is a warning to leave me alone, what happens after that is all on you. I am in solitude even in a pride of other lions. That solitude isn’t loneliness it is simply what brings me peace. Being alone isn’t a bad thing.

My creator is often referred to as the Lion and the lamb. I admire that imagery, it gives me something to reach for every day. I want to roar like a Lion when my life is in danger. Equally, as a lamb amongst its flock, I want to be a living sacrifice in obedience to my shepherd, knowing one day, my life will be laid down to rest. Understanding that, whether lion or lamb, my purpose is to be teachable, yet a leader, as well as a servant to the ones that represent my legacy.

I have some scars from battle but, in spite of them all, I never lost my roar.

What are you doing?

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.

Please, stop.

If I’m in someone’s presence, they are looking right at me and they ask, “What are you doing?”, irritates me more than anything. I think it bothers me for a few reasons. First, you’re looking at me and can see exactly what I’m doing. Next, you can see what I’m doing so you must think I’m doing it wrong. Lastly, you can’t think of anything better to start a conversation with than this. I get put immediately on the defense, in these situations.

Legacy name

What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?

My middle name is Jeanette. It was my maternal grandmother’s first name.

Not where you’d think

Where would you go on a shopping spree?

Zillow

If money were no obstacle, I would go shopping on Zillow.

These are 3 of my favorite things

What are three objects you couldn’t live without?

I like to think I’m pretty simple. I don’t need much to have joy and happiness, however, there 3 things/objects that I prefer to not live without:

1. My family. Whether they be blood or non-blood, I can’t go a day without enjoying their company. I love hearing what’s going on in their lives, their dreams, their concerns and whatever is at the forefront of their mind.

2. My Bible. I read my Bible everyday. It brings me peace, wisdom, direction and knowledge in perspective to what is going on in my life. I find myself in God’s presence each time that I read, study and meditate on the word of God.

3. My dog. He’s the most needy and demanding living thing in my house but he’s also the most loving, loyal and comforting little guy at the same time. He’s always excited to see me. He’s a lot like me in that he loves our family and gets so happy when they come over. He lays with me every morning while I read my Bible.

I enjoy many things as they come in and out of my life. These 3 favorites of mine are my constants that I would find hard to live without. I’m so grateful for God to give me so much in this small list of things.

My kids, my life, my reward

What experiences in life helped you grow the most?

I’m a girl mom

Having children has taught me so much about life. Each one of my girls brought their own set of lessons for me to learn. I thank God every day that He entrusted them to me. My eldest taught me patience, my next taught me peace, my third taught me joy and my youngest brought me a new perspective on my faith. I am so grateful for the sweet reward of being a girl mom.

Goodbye

Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.

The most difficult goodbye I ever experienced was driving to Kentucky, with my uncle, to my dad’s funeral at 9 years old.

“Old as she was she still missed her daddy sometimes.” Gloria Naylor

This was my first experience with the death of a loved one or death at all. My dad was murdered in his home. Allegedly, by some of his business associates. My dad was shot, execution style, point blank range to his forehead. Then put in a black garbage bag and tossed into a ditch a few miles from his home, according to the police report.

It was too much for a little girl to process. He had a veiled casket due to them not being able to fully reconstruct his face. I said, goodbye to my weekend visits, our bedtime calls and ever hearing my dad’s voice again. Nothing was really the same after that difficult goodbye.

Word.

If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?

Banning any word is not in my wheelhouse. I can choose not to use them but am against violating someone else’s rights to use whatever words they want. The audacity to suggest banning a word or series of words has the potential to only make people want to use it even more. May I introduce you to Adam and Eve & the forbidden fruit tree? In fact, I get quite annoyed (& probably eye roll too) every time we speak about banning something.

I think that we should focus on ourselves rather than trying to control others choices. In the south, we call that, “mind ya business” or “worry about your own self”. That’s exactly what I’ll continue to do.

Adulting is hard yet rewarding

What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?

In the next six months, I will begin my masters degree program and prepare my family for buying our first home together, as a married couple. My husband is adopting our youngest daughter. Let’s just say it’s going to be a busy year, for sure.

These things are challenging but the reward upon completion is beyond what I could have thought or imagined, for my younger self. All of the hard work, discipline, dedication and sacrifice was worth it to get here.

It’s hard work, to not try to keep up with our peers. We had to wait to do things that others have done for years. The dedication to the goal requires discipline and focus on the completion of the goals. We had to sacrifice many things that seemed like a need at the time but in reality those things were just a list of wants, that we did just fine without.

Challenges are opportunities to overcome, to grow, to lead and to wait on something better than what you initially had or wanted. I’m up for the challenges life brings my way. Are you?

Girl, you’re gonna make it!

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Me at 2 years old

Everything you’re about to endure is going to give you the tools to handle the challenges in your future. You are in training for the battle of your life. You are not a victim, you are a warrior, for such a time as this.

Keep moving forward no matter what is in front of you. Press on, press in and trust God with your whole heart. He will be the only relationship that does not let you down. Even in those darkest hours, when you feel as though God has abandoned you, I assure you He has not.

Don’t be afraid to take risks, make mistakes or try new things. Even if you mess up, God can use it and flip the script so long as your end goal is to serve Him and your faith all the days of your life.

You will hit many battles along your timeline of events but the blessings in between, your children and grandchildren will be what gives you the strength and courage to do really hard things.

Whatever you do hold onto hope, do not let anything steal your peace and do not allow anyone to take up free rent space in your head. Read your Bible, go to Church, serve every chance you get.

Save your money while you’re young. Educate yourself on the difference between needs and wants. Needs are water, food, shelter, clothing and a healthy, peaceful home. Wants are desires of the heart. Those wants will come in due time, nothing is as immediate as you think at the time.

Give yourself time to process for at least 24 hours on big decisions and big expenses. It’s interesting how giving yourself space between a want and the actual cost of your time, talents and resources will save you from buyer’s remorse.

Finally, girl, you’re gonna make it!

Love,

Your Future Self

If you’re bored, you’re boring.

What bores you?

I do not have enough downtime in my life to get bored over anything. Everything I choose to do brings fulfillment to my life in one way or another. That being said, I do not participate in things that would have the opportunity to bore me. However if I did, these are things that I have no interest in, whatsoever:

Watching golf or tennis. These are participating sports, in my opinion. Watching live is a better option but totally boring unless I’m physically playing them.

That’s about all that I can think of.

Java hits my soul

What is your favorite drink?

“I love you more than coffee, but not before coffee.” author unknown

There’s something about that first taste of coffee in the morning. It smells wonderful, tastes like heaven and wakes up my soul.

Could I live without it? Yes. Will I? No.

Family First but that dog…

Who are your favorite people to be around?

My family is the most important to me. I’ll start with my girls. I have four incredibly talented, beautiful, smart and daughters. I am so proud to be their momma. I have such a wonderful relationship with each of them. I am so blessed that God would allow me to be a part of who they are today. Being around them individually or all together fills my heart to the full.

Next, my grandchildren are my legacy’s future. Each one of them having their unique gifts and talents. I love hearing their laughter as we sit around eating good food, playing games inside or playing sports outside. What a joy each one of them brings to my life.

My husband is my safe, happy place, where I can be me. He rolls with the good, the bad and the ugly with me. There is nothing we can’t do together. Yet, we each have our individual stuff too but it doesn’t separate us, if that makes sense. Even when we’re doing our own thing, I feel close to Him.

But that little dog of mine. Who would’ve known that this little 14 lb dog would bring loads and loads of joy into our home.

My home is my favorite place to be and my family are my favorite ones to love.

Our newest grandson and my 2nd oldest daughter

No shoes no service

Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you.

All my life shoes have felt like a burden. I found that my toes sifting white sandy beaches are the best thing to ever wrap around my soul. Soles separate me from the warmth of the sand. Give me a beach where I can rest my weary head and sift all of my cares away. Let these bare soles take me where there’s no phone service and no shoes required.

It’s not what you think.

Share one of the best gifts you’ve ever received.

I remember the day He reached me on His mission to save me. I was 16 years old. First, I received a King James Bible, with my name inscribed on it, for my birthday. Mind you, I was not raised in a Christian home.

Next, I read the forward entitled, “Jesus: Man for All Time”. It blew my mind that nobody was talking about Jesus, at least around me. I became extremely sensitive to the words I consumed that day. I sensed a reverence towards this man, Jesus, of whom I knew very little about that day.

About a year after that, I was at a Hallmark store and saw a plaque with the poem, “A letter from a Friend”. I’ll include a copy of it at the end.

Jesus reached me through word, the Bible through revelation by educating me on Who He is. It was like I had this divine appointment on my calendar that I didn’t put there but somehow knew I needed to be there. Finally, through a poem on a plaque, in a Hallmark store.

How else would he reach a writers’ heart but through these means of communication. He was in relentless pursuit of me, while I was as far away as I could get from Him.

And that was just the betrothal stages 🥰

He sealed the deal with a Sermon Series on a Father to the Fatherless in 1989. This was so significant because my father was murdered when I was 9 years old. I learned that I was no longer fatherless, no longer orphaned but adopted into God’s family and I was never as alone as I often thought.

So, don’t, nobody, try to tell me Jesus isn’t who He says He is. He pursued me, when I needed Him the most. What a gift it is to know Jesus, deeply, intimately and intentionally.

A letter from a Friend

When your spouse is your BFF…

You get some great, amazingly fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?

This is us

No matter the news, my go to person is my spouse. He gets me. Sometimes, even more than myself.

Sports

Are there any activities or hobbies you’ve outgrown or lost interest in over time?

No longer in use

It’s not that I outgrew or lost interest it’s because I fell and broke my back. I used to play softball, volleyball, wallyball, dance and teach a dance class.

After I broke my back, all of those things became almost impossible to do or even if I could, I feared re-injury.

It’s challenging when my kids, friends or family members treat me like I have no clue what it’s like to be in a sport of any kind. I want to scream from the roof tops of what I used to be able to do. However, I find myself sinking into those thoughts and feelings because no one really cares what I used to do. They only care about what I can do now.

It’s like I’m someone I used to know, as if this new version of me is more like an antique and the old version of me is brand new. They’re both me. I need to accept that and just move in to the next season of my seasoned life.

Fun facts about my favorite candy.

What’s your favorite candy?

1. Father and son (Mars) are the M’s in M&M

2. The candy was inspired by rations given to soldiers during the Spanish Civil War

3. Were only sold to the military during WWII.

4. Didn’t have the “m” stamp until 1950.

5. There were no red M&Ms from 1976 & 1987 due to a FDA ban of the die FD&C Red No. 2.

6. They were the first candy to go to space.

7. The actual inventor of peanut M&M’s was allergic to peanuts. So he never got to have one (this is sooooo sad).

Citation Information

Article TitleSix Times M&Ms Made HistoryAuthorLaura SchummWebsite NameHISTORYURLhttps://www.history.com/news/the-wartime-origins-of-the-mmDate AccessedFebruary 8, 2024PublisherA&E Television NetworksLast UpdatedSeptember 11, 2023Original Published DateJune 2, 2014

My favorite candy has some interesting history behind it. Now that I’ve done the research, I’m craving them. Time to go get my sweet tooth satisfied.