Wow. “Mom & Me & Mom” by Maya Angelou reeled me in and would not let me go. It was an incredible read. I gasped for air at times, almost cried, and was left speechless at points. With the exception of 2 chapters, I read this entire book in 1 day. The book captures the journey of the relationship between Maya and her mother. Her mother sent Maya and her brother to live with their grandmother in Arkansas while Maya was only 3. They then reunited with their mother in California while Maya was a young girl. Over time, their relationship developed and blossomed into something extremely beautiful, delicate, and…
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BE THANKFUL
We all have those people that are always there, that understand us, forgive us, accept us. Everyone will not get us so we must be thankful for those that do. We’ll also have those that easily misunderstand us, nor do they forgive us. They may not even allow us the opportunity to express ourselves. Some people want us to be something we’re not. Some even think we are something we’re not. Sometimes we are exactly who they say we are, sometimes we’re not. We have to be thankful for those people that get us, understand us, accept us. We’re all imperfect creatures, yet we’re not always accepted. We have to…
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Feeling Stressed? Take A Break From The Day: 10 Tips!
Sometimes it’s necessary to take a break from the day. Some days are easy and smooth, yet others require so much more from us. So much goes on within a day- various decisions, roles, and daily responsibilities can take us on an emotional rollercoaster. Our days can get demanding with so much to get done. Some days make us cry, some days make us scream, and some days make us want to quit. We can’t give in though, we must press on. How do we do this? Take a break! Here are 10 Tips: 1. Stop and enjoy ice cream. No rush. Take a break. Enjoy. 2. Pray. Talk with…
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BOOK REVIEW: “9 Things You Simply MUST DO to SUCCEED in LOVE and LIFE”
Oh my goodness! This book is amazing! I am an avid reader, but some books are superior to others! This book is definitely above average: “9 Things You Simply MUST DO to SUCCEED in LOVE and LIFE” by Dr. Henry Cloud. It has me in awe! It’s made me cry, stop to digest the information, and practically tell everyone in conversation about how good it is! Yes it’s that good! A few key points: – Those who succeed in life cannot ignore their hearts, minds, and souls. – Take appropriate risks. There is very little growth and reward in life without taking risks. Avoidance of risk is the greatest risk of…
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The Last Shall Be First: Be Ok Being Last
Most of the time in our lives, we’re not where we want to be. We look around and think that others are much further in life than we are. They may have degrees, be married, have nicer cars, more money, and all that good stuff. Often times we think that we are last. We think that we could never be on top. Consider this for a moment… In the Bible, the disciples of Jesus were discussing who was the greatest. Jesus questioned them about this and they all kept quiet, not wanting to tell Him about their discussion. “And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them,…
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I Cried Today & It Was A Good Thing
I cried today, but not from pain or even sadness. Just the opposite actually. This evening I had to rehearse a speech at church for a children’s meeting that I’m speaking at. My daughter, Maraya, was also there and observed all of us practice. Afterward, she whispered to me: “Can I go next?” I asked our Pastor and she said yes so they introduced Maraya. She walked up so confidently and sweetly and said her name. She actually nervously repeated it just like I did. 🙂 She then began to speak about Jesus. She spoke of how we have to be obedient so He can bless us. She was so eloquent,…
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College is not easy: It requires sacrifice
It’s 12:40 a.m. and I’m still up and going. Today has been quite a day. College is not easy. I cried today. I prayed today. I meditated today. I was encouraged by my friends today. I started a good book today titled “9 Things You Simply MUST DO“. I also cried a little while reading it. 🙂 I came to the realization today that: I must setup something to remind myself of my ultimate goals. I need a reminder of my why. On tough days, like today, I need to be reminded of why I am sacrificing today. I’m sacrificing: sleep, money, time, relationships, enjoyment, relaxation. I am uncomfortable. Extremely uncomfortable. I need…
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Step Away
Sometimes we have to step away so things can work out. We have to quit working, and let God do His work. Sometimes a step back can move us a step further. Letting go can also mean gaining. Stepping back always feels like a loss, but huge gains often come after huge losses. Take a step away and rest. Rest your mind, your will, your emotions. Resting boosts productivity. Take a step away. Chill. Creativity is at its best when we’re rested. Not stressed. Step away and let it go. What God has for you will not change because you step away. Trust more, work less. Step away. What’s yours…
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Go After Your Dreams At All Costs!
Most of the time, our present doesn’t support us in reaching our dreams. We have to fight. We have to get to a point in life where we make the decision that we are going to go after our dreams at all costs. You must make a decision that you will go after your dreams at all costs! It’s important to stop, reflect, and prioritize in order to make effective decisions- Decisions that will move us forward. I don’t believe in stopping. We should be progressive, producing, striving, increasing. Sometimes none of our options seem great. We must think critically and make the less-worst decision. 🙂 I received my…
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We Are Producers!
As humans, we are producers. When God created us, He gave us the ability to produce. He gave us the ability to work, so that we can increase what we have. Matthew 25:14 begins the story of The Parable of the Talents, and in this parable the master left his servants with talents (a large amount of silver or gold) while he went away on a journey. While he was away, the servant who had the least was afraid to do anything with the talent! He hid the money. The servant who was given the most actually doubled his talents. He put his money to work! Upon the master’s return he…
