Where is the Love??

"Man In The Mirror"

 

 

Michael Jackson got it right when he wrote the heartfelt lyrics to "Man in the Mirror." Rest in peace lyrical genius...

"I'm gonna make a change for once in my life... I’ve been a victim of a selfish kind of love... it’s time that I realize…I'm gonna make a difference gonna make it right... I'm starting with the man in the mirror...I'm asking him to change his ways...if you wanna make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make that change..." (Lyrics aren't in order)  

    (Photo source: Pinterest.com)

 

As I drove my kids in the car this morning, the profound hit song played on the radio during The Steve Harvey Morning Show. I listened intently, pondering each word. My soul jolted. My heart raced, while my spirit wept. The powerful message written gave me a new outlook on life. Although I love hard and try my best to treat people the way I want to be treated, I realized I must do more. Let's face it. The only One who can judge anyone in the way they choose to live is God. But, we are all guilty of such behavior. 

      (Photo source: Jamiffer.blogspot.com)

My Pastor's message at church on yesterday was about purpose. Loving on purpose. Being obedient on purpose. Living Godly on purpose. It's not a hard task to fulfill. It's really quite simple. We just have to want to do it. How many of us accomplish the things we put our mind to? Each of us who decide to hit the ground running. It's called persistence. Loving and treating others with respect and dignity is no different. It's a choice. It take effort, which we all are capable of.

(Photo source: thegreatergood.berkeley.edu.)

 

Steve Harvey said something this morning that resonated with me. He said, "the things you do tomorrow will follow you today." We may not all agree with him, but it's true. Our choices will shadow us for the rest of our lives. People may forgive, but they never forget. So the question remains, what kind of person will you choose to be? How will people remember you once you depart from this world? Will you be remembered for negative or positive energy left behind?  Take a look in the mirror. Are you happy with the reflection you see? If your answer is unclear. It is time for change in your life. Some may not like, want, or accept change, but it's inevitable if you are a child of God striving to reach the pearly gates and enter heaven. 

        (Photo source: The Odyssey online)

 

Senseless acts of terror in our great nation. Innocence lost. Why? For living! Man, shouldn't be allowed to take matters into his own hands, killing people who thought a night of fun with friends was living their lives in peace, pridefully. The color of someone's skin shouldn't determine how he or she is treated. If you don't agree with the way someone lives, don't go around them. My grandmother Ruth taught me that if I don't have anything nice to say, keep my mouth shut. Speak when spoken to. Love others and treat them with kindness. Do unto others as I would have them do unto me. My other grandmother Melissa Lubertha taught me to pray for people even when they do me wrong. I thank God for both women. I miss them dearly. Their teachings are a part of me making me the woman I am. I push daily to be better knowing they are shining their lights down on me. 

   (Photo source: Google.com)

Today, our nation is shaken, enraged, grief-stricken. The Orlando nightclub shootings that occurred days ago is proof we are in a world where being ourselves isn't enough. Where who we associate with or call friend is considered wrong. Where who we love can get us slaughtered like animals. In fact, animals get more love and respect than human beings. Where a celebration turns into a bloody massacre because someone carries hatred in their heart using a gun to carry out a hate-crime which will leave an impact on our nation forever. (But, you also claim to love God.) We cannot love God no matter what religious preference we live by and carry hate of any kind in our heart. Anyone who believes otherwise is sadly mistaken! I hear people say "it's paying time" or "it's time to start praying". When is there not a time to pray? I pray daily. I pray when things are good and bad in my life. It works...try it!

    (Photo source: npr.com)

            (Photo source: Al Jazeera.com) 

Love isn't hard to do. It isn't an incurable disease that will turn us into zombies. Love is God, and through God's love, we can overcome any obstacle big or small. There is nothing love cannot provoke a positive reaction to. Love doesn't or shouldn't see race, color, religion, gender, class, etc. wake up people!!! God isn't pleased and is on His way back. Don't get caught in ungodly acts or with matters of the heart that will lead your soul to spend eternity in the pits of the abyss. Start today with change...

To all the victims, their families, friends, and loved ones, may God grant you peace. May you find comfort and strength to endure such a tragic time knowing He is with you. Look to the hills from which cometh your help. Amen.

             (Photo source: Google.com)

 

Until next time Be Inspired, Be Encouraged & Be YOU!

Purple Hugs, 

KeKe Chanel

Happy Release Day Elle Wright

 What's  up everybody?

It's Release Day for my fellow author and dear friend Elle Wright! I'm super excited because the wait is over. Yes! *applauses* LOL My favorite characters are back! *grinning*

Hello Elle, welcome back to Kickin' it with KeKe. You are one of our favorites. Here are a few questions I'd like to ask for the inquiring minds out there.    

Thank you for having me! You have been so supportive on this journey and I can’t thank you enough for being a friend to me!

Will this be the final book in the Edge of Scandal series?

I’m actually working on a Christmas novella that will tie up some loose ends for the series. I don’t have anything planned for a full novel in the Edge of Scandal series, though. But the characters may turn up in future works. You just never know. I love these characters. They’ve been such a huge part of my life for so long. I believe there is more story to tell.

What's next for you?

I’m working on two new contemporary romance series as well as a women’s fiction. I’m hoping to bring new work to readers very soon.

As a fellow author, I have certain things I do when writing a novel. What are some of your antics when writing a novel?

For me, the first thing I always do when I’m starting a novel is to create a playlist. Music is the most important thing to me when writing a book. That soundtrack is plugged in through my entire process. I also plot a lot during my commute to work. I get most of my ideas in the car, with my music blasting. In fact, I spend a lot of time plotting before I even sit down to write. So long that once I finally sit down to write, it goes pretty fast because I have a ton of notes from my plotting sessions.

What advice would you offer aspiring and fellow authors when it comes to the writing industry?

The best piece of advice I can give an aspiring author may sound cliché, but it is so true. Keep writing. Even if it’s just a sentence, write something. And Google is your best friend. There’s so much information out there on the web. I spent a lot of time researching publishers, learning publishing terms, reading forums. Research is a very important part of this journey. Other than that, I’d say to have fun!

Thanks so much Elle for allowing us to be a part of your special day. I wish you continued success and longevity. You are always welcome to drop by anytime. Before you go, I';ll let you in on a little secret. The Edge of Scandal series is on my list of favorite book series. Girl, you up there with Brenda Jackson and Eric Jerome Dickey for real!

 

  RAFFLECOPTER

 To enter for a chance to win a free copy of Elle's new release click on the link below:

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26635ce2321/?

ABOUT HER KIND OF MAN

 

When Mr. Right is oh so wrong

 

I'll never let you go . . . Allina had always dreamed of hearing those words. But when her fiancé, Isaac, utters them, it isn't a promise-it's a threat. Scared and confused, with only moments before the wedding, Allina knows what she must do. Forget walking down the aisle; it's time to run. Back to Michigan. Back to Kent.

 

Kent has loved Allina for longer than he can remember. Out of respect for their friendship, he's never crossed the line, but when she turns up on his doorstep wearing her torn, tearstained wedding gown, the fire inside him ignites. He'll do whatever it takes to make Allina feel safe-like the beautiful, desirable woman she is. But as Kent and Allina grow closer, and their passion pushes deeper, it's clear that something bigger than a botched wedding still lingers between them . . .

 

To buy Her Kind Man click one of the links below:

 

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/26jAjfW

B&N: http://bit.ly/1WhdTHF

iBooks:  http://apple.co/23NY7Kh

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1r4fZz5

IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1WhecSK

Goodreads:  http://bit.ly/1SAyxCY

 

ABOUT ELLE WRIGHT

Born and raised in Southeast Michigan near Ann Arbor, Elle learned the importance of reading from her mother. It was also her mother who, later on in her life, gave Elle her first romance novel:  Indigo by Beverly Jenkins.  From that moment on, Elle became a fan of Ms. Jenkins for life and a lover of all things romance.  An old journal she wrote back in college became her first book (which she still wants to publish one day).

 

Website: http://bit.ly/1WhehWo

Facebook: http://bit.ly/23NYAvS

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1XMDHtU

 

ABOUT FOREVER

Website: http://bit.ly/247MdaF

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1ROTBj0

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Vdc9Pk

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1U8DN0M

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/25IQt20

 

HER KIND OF MAN by Elle Wright

Forever / On Sale: April 26, 2016

Release Day Blitz Excerpt

Allina got up and carried her dishes over to the sink. She turned on the faucet and filled up the basin with water. “I’m going to clean up and get ready to go to the store.”

He finished up his plate and joined her at the sink. Not thinking, he dropped his mug into the dishwater, splashing the soapy water on Allina. She screeched and stumbled back. He reached for her, sensing she was getting ready to fall. Instead of preventing her fall, she ended up pulling him with her and they both landed on the floor, her on her back and him on his side.

“Ouch,” she groaned from her where she lay on the tile. “That hurt.” She wiped her face and pushed her hair back, leaving a few suds on her face.

He chuckled. “That was . . . clumsy.”

She laughed then. “It was crazy. How did I fall? There was no water on the floor.” She pointed at him. “It was your fault.”

He grabbed her finger. “It was not my fault you can’t stay on your feet.”

She flicked some remaining soap on him. It was a running joke with their crew. Syd was dramatic, Cali had no filter, and Allina was clumsy as hell. It didn’t matter where they were or what they were doing, Allina always seemed to get hurt.

Before he knew it, they were both laughing in earnest. She turned to him. “I needed this.”

He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. “Glad I could help. I’ve never met anyone who is more accident-prone than you.”

She grinned, her eyes gleaming. “Hey. Don’t say that.”

He stood up and held out a hand to her. When she placed her tiny palm in his, he pulled her to her feet.

Brushing off her clothes, she murmured, “My body is al- ready sore from that run. Now my back is throbbing.”

“Maybe you should go lie down for a little bit before we go to the store,” he suggested. “I have a heating pad some- where if you need it.”

She waved him off. “I’m good.” Peering up at him, she smiled again. A wide grin. “I need to keep moving.”

Kent observed her. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes dancing and he found himself inching closer to her. A piece of her hair was stuck to her forehead and he pushed it to the back.

“I must look crazy,” she said, smoothing a hand over her hair.

One of the things Kent found so attractive about Allina was her sultry, deep voice. She talked like she was singing a lullaby. It was low, even, and sexy as hell. And what made it even better was she had no idea it could have an effect on a man.

As if he had no power or control to stop himself, he leaned closer. She peered up at him and froze. Instead of retreating, she stayed where she was, her eyes on his.

The air changed in that instant. He brushed her cheek with his thumb and she gasped. Their noses were almost touching. He knew he should step back, walk away, but he couldn’t. His body had a mind of its own.

His nose bumped into hers. Her breath still smelled like the honey from her tea. It was warm against his skin. He wanted to kiss her, more in that moment than ever before. Then her lips brushed against his. It wasn’t a full-on kiss, but enough to make him want more. He framed her face with his hands and kissed the corner of her mouth, enjoying her sharp intake of breath. She squeezed his biceps, her nails digging into the sensitive skin.

“Kent,” she whispered. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Do you want me to?” he asked, unable to keep his eyes off her mouth. It was amazing how one simple touch had opened up the box that labeled them “very close friends.” He imagined how it would feel to really taste her, to feel her tongue against his, to touch her the way he wanted.

But then where would that leave them? Confused and awkward around each other? Allina wasn’t just any woman. He couldn’t do her first and ask the hard questions later, be- cause she deserved better than that. They had never really talked about sex with each other before, but knowing her the way he did, he figured she was careful about who and what she did. Being with her, or even kissing her, was a game changer. But, damn-it, I want to.

Sighing, he stepped back. He scratched his head. “I’m sorry. This isn’t right. We better get going.”

Then he left her standing there in the kitchen.

  

Let's make sure we support Elle. Check out the first two books in the Edge of Scandal Series.

You won't be disappointed!

 

I haven't read Her Kind of Man yet, but my review will be posted as soon as I do. I cannot wait to dig in. I know it's going to be amazing like the others. 

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged & Be YOU!      

Purple Hugs & Kisses,

KeKe Chanel 

You are Never Alone

Real friends don't have to speak to or see each other daily to remain in each others heart always...

        

I know today is Monday and I usually talk about BOOKS, but something else was placed upon my heart. With everything going on in this world, I feel like someone needs to hear this message.

Often times I wonder where I would be if I didn’t have the people I have in my life. We don’t always agree or talk or see each other, but I do know that when I need them, they are right there. Many times we go through life feeling isolated like we don’t need anyone; being alone when we don’t have to. As soon as we face it, we all need someone, the better our life will be. Now I’m not saying we cannot do things by ourselves or that we cannot make it through life without others, but it’s a known fact that God created Eve because He witnessed how lonely Adam was. Companionship is normal. Wanting and having companionship is human nature. It is God’s will for us all. There is no fighting it, no matter how hard we try. It’s okay to need others. It’s okay to be needed or wanted. It’s okay to be around people who love and care about us. Don’t ever feel like you have to face challenging situations alone.

My friends and I were having this conversation about a week ago. A few of us felt like we would be a burden or bother to the others for reaching out during our time of “darkness”. I say darkness because, at some point in time, we all face some form of darkness whether it be, a breakup, blow up, or simply life beating us down. It happens. We all experience it. And those of you who have never gone through “darkness” please let me know your secret.

Let me just say, I truly love my circle of friends. Before our conversation was over we came to an understanding that no matter what we are going through, feeling, or how busy life has us; we are never too busy for each other. We may not talk daily, weekly, and sometimes monthly, but we can always count on each other. I find it therapeutic spending time with people who truly want what’s best for me, and I try my best to reciprocate the gesture. Don’t take for granted the people God has placed in your life. 

I have friends who saw a natural disaster happening in an area where I live, and called or texted me to see if my family and I were okay. People I haven’t seen or talked to in quite some time, people I love dearly whose friendship I cherish deeply. They didn’t have to make time for me, but they did. I am overwhelmed with joy knowing that they did. They are my family and I love them very much. How many of you know that family doesn’t always share the same DNA? God gives us people who become our family along our journey. Those are the relationships that last a lifetime. If you are blessed to have people like this in your life, tell God thank you. They are the rarest of gems! Treat them as such.

Feeling alone can open doors to other ailments such as depression, anxiety or stress.

Depression is real! It creeps upon us when we least expect it. We try to avoid it, but it refuses to listen when we tell it to go away. I am a survivor of depression. That time of my life was some of the worse moments ever. The only thing that helped me, besides God, was finally realizing I was never alone. What I found out after my battle, during a conversation with one of my best friends, took my breath away. We were talking. I confided in her. She begins to say “Jesus” “My God” and “Thank You God for the spirit of obedience”. She told me how every Sunday at church she was led up for prayer, to stand in the gap for someone close to her. She didn’t know who it was. She certainly didn’t think it was me. We had never talked about my depression. The more I revealed to her, the better I felt knowing she had my back when I thought it was against the wall. I immediately began to cry. My heart was touched in a way I still cannot understand fully. Thank you, God, for deliverance!

I tell you these stories to say, even when you feel alone, think you are undeserving of friendship, or should endure pain and suffering due to something that happened in your past; you have never been nor will you ever be, alone. Like one set of footprints in the sand, God will carry us even when we don’t realize it, thinking we are walking alone.

I pray this post blesses someone on today. I pray it gives you peace, encouragement, and revelation.

Until next time, be inspired, be encouraged & be YOU!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

There's a Miracle called friendship that dwells within your heart, and you don't know how it happens Or when it gets its start. But the happiness it brings you always gives a special lift, and you realize that friendship is Life's most precious gift.

     

Let's Talk BOOKS...

Hey Yawl,

It's Monday! I'm doing something different on my blog today, as will I on each following Monday. This day will be solely for discussing books. I want you to know what authors I'm reading and let you know book selections, and such. This will keep the literacy flowing out in the universe. Don't you agree? And please feel free to let me know what you all are reading. I'm always looking for new authors and great books to read. #READINGROCKS

What's everyone been doing? I took the month of February off. I've been busy working diligently to finish up my newest book project. Not quite there that, but I'm getting there. It's a paranormal suspense, and I'm super excited about it. I cannot wait for you guys to read it. It's called Silence.

Here's the synopsis:

April Rose was abducted from the Milledgeville County Fair when she was only eight years old. After searching for several months, all hope of ever finding her alive vanished. Her body was never found. The town grieved the loss of such an amazing little girl, yet someone knows what really happened that day. When April Rose returns, she isn’t quite what the people she encounter imagines. She isn’t the sweet, cheerful, happy little girl they once knew.

Seeking revenge on the town’s residents for not protecting her and finding out the true identity of her abductor is the only way April Rose gains any sense of justice and peace. Will she solve the misery of her death so that she can finally transition or will her spirit stay trapped forever? Will the town of Milledgeville still exist once her mission is complete or perish before making good on the oath, that was taken centuries ago?

As April Rose unleashes her wrath, secrets  of Milledgeville meant to be kept hidden forever are exposed. Total damnation lives in the woods surrounding the quiet, close-knit town. It is up to the remaining founding-family members to keep the deal made by their ancestors intact before destruction wipes them off the map.

Listen to the warning signs of the goosebumps that chill your core, pay close attention to the shadows lurking in the distance everywhere you turn, and lastly, beware of the total silence.

What are your thoughts based on what you've read?

As the release gets closer, I'll do a cover reveal. I can truly say, it's awesome! Go over to my website to check out an excerpt from Silence. www.thekekechanel.com. Click on the ABOUT section.

What's the last few books I've read? 

So nice of you to ask. LOL

Both books were great!! Check them out when you can. I promise you won't be disappointed. 


What am I currently reading?

So far, it's interesting! The sexual tension between the two main characters is a bit annoying becasue they don't seem to notice it when they are in each other's presence, but I'm anxious to see how it all unfolds. Farrah Rochon is a Louisiana girl like me. For more information about the author, visit her website: www.farrahrochon.com.  

There you have it, Yawl! This is what I've been reading and up to. Until next time, be inspried, be encouared, & be YOU!!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel