Friday Findings

Happy Friday,
We have come to day 5 of Kwanzaa

PRINCIPLE 5.  SERVICE AND MISSION-DRIVEN

NIA (NEE-AH) PURPOSE:  To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
The fifth day of Kwanzaa is a day for reviewing our purpose for living. Each family member should examine his/her ability to put his/her skill or talent to use In the service of the family and community at large. Take time to reflect on your expectations from life: discuss your desires and hopes with family and friends. On this day you should try to determine if this purpose will eventually result in positive achievements for family and community.

Explanation

The Nia principle asks each person to be services or mission-driven on the behalf of their family, school, and community. The core concept and practice of the value Purpose is service.  Service to others, family school, community and the nation is what defines who we are and our possibilities for developing communities that provide the context for families and children to thrive and flourish. Each member of the family, school, or community is asked to examine his/her skills or talents and determine how he/she will put forth those skills or talents in the service of the family, school, or community.

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning, 
Today is Day 4 of Kwanzaa

Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) Cooperative Economics
"To build our own businesses, control the economics of our own community and share in all its work and wealth."
The Fourth Principle is Ujamaa and is essentially a commitment to the practice of shared social wealth and the work necessary to achieve it. It grows out of the fundamental communal concept that social wealth belongs to the masses of people who created it and that no one should have such an unequal amount of wealth that it gives him/her the capacity to impose unequal, exploitative or oppressive relations on others (41). Sharing wealth is another form of communitarian exchange, i.e., sharing and cooperating in general. But it is essential because, without the principle and practice of shared wealth, the social conditions for exploitation, oppression, and inequality as well as deprivation and suffering are increased.

Wednesday Word

Good Morning we are on Day 3 of our Kwanzaa Celebration. 

Ujima/Collective Work & Responsibility: Day Three of Kwanzaa

A Celebration of Family, Community and the Common Good
Collective Work and Responsibility/Ujima To work in a cooperative manner to strengthen our families, understanding that the well-being of our families is connected to the well-being of our neighborhoods; that everyone must be concern with the overall health of their family and neighborhood; and that the well-being of our families and that of our neighborhoods are bound together
Perspective on Collective Work and Responsibility
The principle collective work and responsibility is best captured in by the African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This principle teaches that family members must recognize that their own well-being is derived from their family’s and community’s well-being and that they must be the concern with the overall health of their family and community. In addition, the principle instructs that the lives of each family member and that of the community are bound together and that the success of any one their lives is an aspect of and dependent on the goodness and health of the community as a whole. And finally, there can be no private accounting of the success or failure of their individual lives one by one. The community and the families which make up the community are responsible for the success and failure of the community in its totality.

 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Tuesday Tools

Habari gani ( what's the word)

Kujichagulia (koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah)
Self Determination

"To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves."

The second Principle of the Nguzo Saba is self-determination. This too expresses itself as both commitment and practice. It demands that we as an African people define, defend and develop ourselves instead of allowing or encouraging others to do this. It requires that we recover lost memory and once again shape our world in our own image and interest. And it is a call to recover and speak our own special truth to the world and raise images above the earth that reflect our capacity for human greatness and progress.

The first act of a free people is to shape its world in its own image and interest. And it is a statement about their conception of self and their commitment to self-determination. [Frantz] Fanon has said each person must ask him or herself three basic questions:

       1.  Who am I?
       2.  Am I really who I say I am?
       3.  Am I all that I ought to be?

Monday Motivation

Good morning
This week we will be celebrating Kwanzaa. Today is day one. The principle is Umoja  (oo-MO-jah)  Unity stresses the importance  of  togetherness  for the family and the community, which is reflected in the  African saying, "I  am  We,"  or "I am  because  We  are." 

Friday Findings

Good Morning, 

It is almost Christmas, but I wanted to share with you about the Kwanzaa celebration that will start on Monday. If the commercialism of Christmas is not your thing, maybe Kwanzaa is. Yes, I know that everyone is not of African decent. However, the principles and family time is important no matter your background. Merry Christmas

And as always remember to...live Blessed

MADISON OBERMEYER

mobermeyer@wichitaeagle.com

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Fifty years after a struggle for freedom motivated Kwanzaa founder Maulana Karenga to create a celebration of the peoples affected by the African diaspora, the Wichita community will observe Kwanzaa’s golden anniversary.

The Wichita Griots Storytelling Institute and the Wichita African American Council of Elders are holding family-friendly events on the first and fifth days of the holiday.

The Council of Elders will host the sixth biannual Enstoolment of New Elders from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday at the Urban Preparatory Academy, 2821 E. 24th St. North.

Later in the weeklong celebration, the Griots will hold a Kwanzaa concert from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 30 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, 7202 E. 21st St.

Kwanzaa was created in 1966 “to create, re-create and circulate African culture as an aid to building community, enriching Black consciousness and reaffirming the value of cultural grounding for life and struggle,” according to the Official Kwanzaa website.

The website says the nonreligious holiday lasts seven days, from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, emphasizing the values of Nguzo Saba, or the Seven Principles. Each night, a candle on a Kinara is lit to symbolize one of Karenga’s seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

The Griots Storytelling Institute will relay traditional stories, personal stories and folklore around the seven principles of Kwanzaa, using dancers and singers, which give the event its energy, according to Jean Pouncil-Burton, a member of the Griots council.

“We have put on a concert celebrating Kwanzaa for years,” Pouncil-Burton said. “It’s important for us to know our history. It’s important for us to know the seven principles. We should apply these principles year-round, not just during Kwanzaa.”

The Official Kwanzaa website states that the word “Kwanzaa,” originating from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” translates to “first fruits” and traces its roots back to African harvest festivals. The second “a” in “Kwanzaa” stems from the original seven children who wanted to be represented by a letter in Kwanzaa, and thus the “a” was added.

Although Kwanzaa is not celebrated in a uniform way, each celebration typically includes songs, dances, storytelling, poetry readings and a large traditional meal, according to History.com.

KWANZAA IS A CELEBRATION OF MY PEOPLE. AND IF YOU DON’T CELEBRATE YOURSELF, PROBABLY NO ONE ELSE WILL.

Tasleem Muqtasid, member of the Wichita African American Council of Elders

The Wichita African American Council of Elders Facebook page calls the organization “an advisory board, offering guidance and leadership on issues affecting our community.”

Elder Tasleem Muqtasid said that the Enstoolment of New Elders is done every two years to bring in new elders, ages 60 or older, whose purpose is to guide the community.

“It’s a circle of men and women that are African-American or African descent whose mission and purpose are rooted in the seven principals of Kwanzaa,” Muqtasid said. “They serve as a spiritual and ethical conduit for the black community by building on its historical legacy of its African history.”

Muqtasid said the council tries to preserve the history, traditions and contributions of people of African descent by instructing, supporting, counseling and guiding parents, youths or any community member or organization who asks.

A communal Kwanzaa feast will follow the Enstoolment of New Elders. Guests are asked to contribute to a Kuumba, or creativity, salad by bringing various salad toppings.

Muqtasid said it’s important for the children and community members to hear remembrances and lectures about African heroes and “sheroes,” reminding them of where they came from and what they have now.

“Kwanzaa is a celebration of my people,” Muqtasid said. “And if you don’t celebrate yourself, probably no one else will.”

WICHITA AFRICAN AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ELDERS

What: Enstoolment of New Elders

Where: 1-4 p.m. Monday

Where: Urban Preparatory Academy, 2821 E. 24th St. North

Admission: Free

Info: Contact Fran Jackson at 316-617-0141 or Tasleem Muqtasid at 316-684-7126.

KWANZAA CONCERT

What: Annual Wichita Griots Storytelling Institute’s concert

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 30

Where: First Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, 7202 E. 21st St.

Admission: Free; donations accepted.

Info: Contact the church at 316-684-3481 or Jean Pouncil-Burton at 316-682-1909.

Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/entertainment/holidays/article122279264.html#storylink=cpy

Thursday Thoughts

Good Thursday Morning,
There are only a few shopping days until Christmas but I don't want you to allow that you make you anxious. There can be great pressure attached to the holiday but my sistah I want to give you permission to sit down and breath. Don't allow the holiday hustle and bustle get to you. Gift cards are great gifts and at the end of the day, we all like cash. A new thing to think about is buying stock in a particular company. Your child has 100 pairs of tennis shoes why not invest in the company in a way that will start to pay you money.  If the shopping thing is too overwhelming, stop and go a different direction. The holiday is supposed to be fun family time. Maybe it's time to rethink the traditions that we have. Don't allow the media or anything else dictate how you celebrate with your family. Relax and enjoy time together. You never know how much of you will have.
If you can't be with them; call, skype, facetime, or something.  Come together and share the love.

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Wednesday Word

Good Morning,
Today's word comes from Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
When I look scripture I get excited because it gives me great hope of what my savior can be in my life. 

First, a son is given. God gave us his most perfect gift, his son. One of the most awe-stricken times in the life of a parent is the day that their new baby is born.  It is with great joy that they look into the face of this baby dreaming about what their future will be like. How much greater this awe must have been for the creator of all things to look into the face of the child that was going to bring salvation to his people. A baby born to die. Born to a father that is Everlasting. We will never outgrow his love and care for us. 

Next, he is a wonderful counselor. If you have ever been in a situation where you need great advice and a listening ear you totally understand that there is value in having a wonderful counselor. The best part is you can share your heart and will never hear it again. He bottles up every one of our tears and sends us the peace and comfort that we need. 

 Which is why he is the Prince of Peace. When we get into his presence we can be overshadowed by an amazing peace that can not come from any other source. (Yes I know this one is out of order) The peace of God will help you get such clarity and guidance in your life. During this Christmas season, we definitely need Peace. 

Finally, he is a mighty God. Wow, he is mindful of us that even when we yet sinners he saw fit to forgive us. We were not and are not worthy of his love and forgiveness but he loves us so much. During this time of giving let's be mindful of sharing the love of God through our deeds. Take time to bless someone that you would not normally encounter. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Tuesday Tools

Good Tuesday Morning
I want to share a tech tool with you today from Torin Ellis. If you have high schoolers you definitely want to check  this out. I don't believe that our kids can be over prepared for life. Check out METHOD 1518

https://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/12/prweb189139.htm

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Monday Motivation

Good Morning,
Whether you choose to celebrate Christmas, Hannukah or Kwanzaa, please take the time to make positive memories. I know that we don't all have the pleasure (lol) of being with our families but make sure that you love those around you. Find someone who might be spending the holiday alone and invite them to a cup of coffee or a light meal.
Use wisdom, we can't bring everyone to our home but find a nice public place to share with them. Go by and give a little gift basket to an elderly person.

And as always remember to ... live Blessed

Friday Findings

Good Morning,
Hope your weather is better than ours. Ugh misty and cold but it could be a lot worse.
I wanted to share a new finding with today.
Nulyric is a creation by Natalie Rolfe and Priscilla Brown. They are two super talented young ladies that mix a blend of gospel, jazz, soul and sheer goodness.
Below is a link to their dope new track. I would love for you to support these talented young ladies.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-promised-savior-single/id1185544256

And as always remember to ...live Blessed

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning,
Do you know the plan God has for you?  My spirit is very disturbed by the amount of 20 somethings that have passed away over the last few days and deaths period.  I am just asking God what is going on? What are you trying to tells us that we are not listening to?
I now in every generation we hear that God is coming back and it has not happened for us so we ignore it. No, it has not been the great gathering but if you die right now the world ended for you.  Let's just be ready, and stay ready. You don't know when you number will be called.  I promise you.  Nobody that died woke up that morning and said well today is my last day so let's do the darn thing. 
Get ready and stay ready. NO TIME TO PLAY!!!!

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Wednesday Word

Good Wednesday morning,
The Scripture for Wednesday Word is
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Wow, let's consider where our heart is this holiday season. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying not to buy anything for your loved ones but don't be so caught in the pursuit that you lose focus.

After Christmas is over your regular bills will still be there along with the new ones you are creating. Stay focused! So little Ray Ray didn't everything on his list. So what it's a lesson in self control. We don't always get everything we want, when we want it.

Stay focused on where you are putting your treasure. It is attached to your heart. Be aware of why you are spending and on what. It will tell you alot about what is in your heart.

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Tuesday Tools

Good Morning,
Today I want to share another tool to add to your financial arsenal...
http://www.blackwomenbuildwealth.com/-revolution-blog/

We can never have too much information or too much help.

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Monday Motivation

Good Morning,

My sister, take heart. No matter what you are going through and how bad it might feel right now, God has got you. He has never and will never leave you or forsake you. You are the apple of his eye. Too often when we are in the midst of the storm we can not see the sun that exists just beyond. I promise it is coming. The sun will shine and from this present storm, a garden will grow.

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Friday Finding

Good Morning,
Just want to share a few tips to help you during this holiday season. These tips come from Dr. Lisa Young Published in the Huff Post Sleep+Wellness

10 Tips to Supercharge Your Health This Holiday Season

1. Plan your day.-Part of the reason we overeat is that we do not pay much attention to what we are going to eat. We forget to eat, wait till we are famished and then overeat, or just grab whatever we can find when on the run. I suggest trying to map out your day in the morning and thinking about some of the healthy food choices you can make. For example, if you are going to a dinner party, plan for a healthy snack an hour or two before you go so that you are not starved when you arrive. If you are going out to lunch or dinner, view the menu in advance so you can get an idea of what you may want to order.

2. Eat healthy most of the time. This is not a time to begin a diet. Or to ban your favorite foods. My suggestion for this holiday season is to pick a few foods that you absolutely love and legalize them, that is, allow yourself to include them, sans the guilt. The key is not eating them all at once. Plan for one treat a day and this way you will have something to look forward to.

3. Downsize your portions. What I love about practicing portion control is that you can still eat what you love, just less of it, which will help you trim calories. You also do not have to say no entirely. For example, if your family is going to your favorite steakhouse, instead of not joining them, allow yourself to share a steak and order an extra portion of vegetables. Instead of saying to yourself “I need to cut out all alcohol,” allow yourself to include an occasional glass of wine with dinner. I offer additional portion-control tips here and here.

4. Swap and substitute. I am a big fan of swapping out unhealthy foods for healthier ones. As a nutritionist, instead of telling clients not to eat this or that, providing them with healthy options helps to empower them to make smarter choices. Healthy substitutions allow you to give something up while including something else so that you do not feel deprived. Swap out refined grains for whole grains instead of cutting out grains entirely. For example, choose quinoa over white rice, if possible. You can also incorporate smart substitutions at home. Try using Greek yogurt or applesauce to cut some of the butter in your favorite recipe.

5. Drink more water. Drinking water regularly will keep you hydrated. So often, we think we are hungry, but we really are just thirsty. I recommend including water, seltzer or herbal tea to keep you hydrated. Fruits and vegetables, along with vegetable-based soups also count toward fluid. Skip the soda and juice, and go easy on alcohol and caffeinated beverages. I suggest keeping a water bottle on your desk or in your briefcase. It will serve as a great reminder to drink up!

6. Spice up your favorite dish. I love recommending spices for several reasons. Spices offer up a multitude of health benefits, ranging from containing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to acting as antioxidants and warding off disease. Also, when you incorporate spices into your diet, you tend to use less sugar and salt, which is a good thing. Spices are simple to keep on hand and don’t take up much space. Instead of adding sugar to your coffee, try using cinnamon; instead of sprinkling salt on your eggs, try turmeric.

7. Include a fruit or a vegetable at each meal. Many of us fail to eat enough produce. Fruits and veggies contain lots of fiber as well as vitamins A and C, folate, and potassium. They are also relatively low in calories. Make an effort to add fruits and vegetables to your meals and snacks. Add berries to your yogurt, choose a salad with lunch or order a veggie-based soup, munch on baby carrots as a snack, and include a colorful assortment of veggies at dinner. Engage your kids and make a smoothie as an evening snack. The fruit and veggie servings quickly add up. And here’s an added benefit—when you eat plenty of fruits and veggies, you tend to eat less junk food.

8. Keep moving. Even though this is a busy time of year, trying to incorporate some kind of exercise will really help you to not only keep your eating—and weight—in check but also to help you stay centered. Go for a swim or a run in the morning to get you going or go to a yoga class to help you slow down and be more mindful. Weather permitting, it’s great to exercise outdoors in nature. Call a friend and go for a walk in the park.

9. Practice gratitude. Being grateful for your life and all of the good things going your way is so important. While things can always be a bit better, it is so important to take time out and have a grateful heart.

10. Enjoy the company of family and friends. Last but not least, instead of focusing on food, nurture your relationships. When getting together with family and friends, savor their company, and enjoy catching up with them. At a dinner party, take a portion of food, grab your loved one, and focus on filling each other in on what has been going on in your lives.

And as always remember to ...live Blessed

Thursday Thoughts

Good Morning,
My thoughts for this morning.  Some of us have so much yet we give so little. How about giving some of your time this holiday season. Volunteer with an organization that is doing all it can to help those in need. Here are two places that I know are looking for help, immediately.

Kansas Food Bank 

"This is an urgency, because we make our last distribution to the Hutchinson area and up in there, on December 19th, and at this time, we don't have enough product to meet that need," said Larry Gunkel, Food 4 Kids Manager with the Kansas Food Bank.

They're currently short 80 pallets or about 20,500 food packets. Each week they need 24 pallets. Gunkel says right now their inventory is similar to living paycheck to paycheck. They're barely keeping up with demand.

"I've managed this program for 13 years and this is the first time that we every really had a call out for urgency or desperation for volunteers," said Gunkel.

The Food Bank can normally accommodate up to 25 people on one of their lines. They've now made a second line available allowing 50 volunteers to help.

Questions about volunteering can be made at (316) 265-3663.

Everyone else can just show up Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the warehouse on Douglas.

Again, they need to have more than 20,000 packets ready to ship to Kansas kids by December 21st.

Operation Holiday- Contact person LaVeta Noble

This could be a great teambuilding activity or church/civic group project!

Distribution Location: 1802 W. Second, between Seneca & Meridian.

Distribution days: Thursday, December 15, Friday, December 16 & Saturday, December 17

Open Shifts: Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00, Friday 8:45 am – 1:15 pm or 1:00 pm – 6:00 and                                            Saturday 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm    

This task is super easy all you need to do is check people in for their goodies & give them their gift card. You will be seated at a table with a buddy to complete the tasks at your assigned notebooks. We need 12 volunteers for each timeslot. You may invite friends and family.

And as always remember to ...live Blessed

Wednesday Word

Good morning, 
Our word for today comes from Isaiah 60:1
“Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord]; for your light has come, And the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 
Friends, it is so imperative that we rise from depression to new life. I know that many of us have difficulty when it comes to the holidays. These are times when we begin to question God about why he allowed some of our loved ones to transition from this life. These are times when we begin to question why our financial situation is the way it is. These are the times when we are angry that we don't have a significant other to spend the holidays with. All of these questions, along with the whispering of the enemy, will push us into depression if we are not careful. 

But I want to challenge you to let your light shine. I have seen numerous post about some paying for their coffee or food at a fast food line. There was a young man that took peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the homeless. Instead of allowing the dark cloud of depression to engulf you, turn on the light. Darkness/depression can not exist in the same place as the light. When the light comes, darkness has to flee.  You be that light to someone. I don't know about you, but when I see a smile on someone's face because I was able to bring them joy, that in turn brings me joy. Let the light from inside you shine so bright that people come to see it. 

Be encouraged today. Fight the good fight of faith. Your light might be just what that person needs to make it through the day. You are blessed to be a blessing. 
Love you. Have an awesome day. 

And as always remember to ...live Blessed

Tuesday Tools

Good morning,
I want to share with you a cool new tech item that I found on twitter. They are little bursts of power. I could have used one of the yesterday.
If you, like I, have issues with using your phone and forgetting to charge, try it . Didn't see if it was only for apple. Great gift for the hard to buy for.

Monday Motivation

Years ago, I remember reading an article that tried to put a monetary value on motherhood – it is well over 100k – and lists all these things that moms do. The cleaning, counseling, driving, cooking, teaching, and more and gives it an arbitrary monetary value (If someone would love to pay me that I’ll gladly accept). But despite those high claiming numbers of how much we’re worth as moms it is very easy to lose our motivation in the day to day. Trust me, I know. We have all wished for the, I dream of Jennie days, when we could nod our head and everything was done. However, this is not our reality. We need to stay motivated – in motion.
A few things to help.

Get organized. I know this one seems really hard, but this is where a good girlfriend or grandma comes into play. Take a few hors and organize your space. Clutter create frustration. We have done little unofficial experiments. Clear open space that is organized helps bring calm.

Use a large family planner/calendar.  This will help keep you and the family more organized about what will be going on this month. Planning is more and more crucial as the family expands and gets older. Knowing your schedule will help to bring peace into your day.

Family meetings-  Call whatever you would like, but these are a weekly time to come together to celebrate the family.  What we accomplished,  what we need to pray for, and what activities are coming up all happen here. Communication is key to staying motivated.

You time- Don't ever forget to have you time. This a time for you to recharge your battery.  If you serve without replenishing you will get burned out and be frustrated. Figure out what gets you going. Remember,  to block off the you time on the family planner. The family needs to know not to bother you during this time.

Get your kids involved- kids love to help, especially when they are young. Get them involved in laundry, doing the dishes. I know, yes it takes longer and it's not exactly like you want it, but they have to learn. The younger they are the easier it is to get them motivated. Show them how they contribute to, and not just consume from their family. These are life long memories you are making. It is always interesting the perspective our kids have as they express the things that meant the most to them. They grow up really fast.

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Friday Findings

Good Morning, 

Today is NATIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATION DAY

National Special Education Day is observed annually on December 2nd.

Special Education Day marks the anniversary of our nation’s first federal special education law which was signed by President Gerald Ford on December 2, 1975.   This law is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

IDEA made education available to all American children and this day honors the progress that has been made in special education.

HOW TO OBSERVE    Use #SpecialEducationDay to post on social media.

HISTORY  National Special Education Day was first celebrated in 2005 which was the 30th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

There are over 1,200 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day with National Day Calendar!

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning,
Today is December 1st. You have exactly 30 days from today to get your plan in motion. What plan? Your life plan. For all of you that just said, I got a plan it's right here in my head.  Think again. Until you put it on paper with dates, and a specific ways in which you are going to pursue, it's a pipe dream.
Stop dreaming and take action. You have drifting long enough. If you want a practical guide to getting started. Hit me up. iasisjmv@gmail.com

And as always remember to... live Blessed

Wednesday Word

Good Morning,
I was reading through and commenting on facebook posts last night, and came across an interesting one, from a friend.  I won't go into the details but it was a video of a celeb singing gospel. This Celeb does not happen to be a gospel singer but has chosen to add it to each of her sets. I recall her saying it was important that she shares what keeps her grounded.

To that I say, What if God uses her to be the one thing someone hears that night that keeps them from committing suicide? What if that song is what drives them back to God? What if she told God, If you get me out of this I will always give you praise? I know of at least two women that are ordained ministers that still sing secular music to pay the bills. Both of which said God told them to stay.

I then began to get convicted. How often have we as "the church" condemned people and thrown them away because they did not do "church" like we wanted them to? God challenge me. How many people have you mentally thrown away because they did not fit into your box? Are you the master carpenter? Do you  get to make the boxes?

Now, are there some basic tenants to salvation? Absolutely, but there are a whole lot of things that have been placed on people that have nothing to the word of God. People have decided that this or that fits within the box they deem as their religion.

I love the Lord and church with all my heart, so don't think I am saying it needs to go away. I am saying that we need to seek God for clarity. We need to seek for understanding of his word. We truly need to be our brother's keeper, not his judge, and jury.

Have you every found yourself in error? I have and in those low times, I am so glad that God never cut me off. He loved me back into alignment. He wooed me with his compassion for me. Honey is a lot more attractive than vinegar. Lord drench me in honey.

And as always remember to...live Blessed

Tuesday Tools

Good morning,
Today is giving Tuesday. If your looking for a place to share your time, talent, and/or treasure with I have a few.

Iasis Christian Center 1914 east 11th, Wichita, KS 67214- The Center, as it is called, is in the middle of a big building project that could use more funds and in the near future could use men with skills. This gymatorium will be the hub activity for the community and you will want to be a part of changing a culture, that will create a better community. Contact Pastor Bill Vann 316-619-2497
billandmichelle.weebly.com

Urban Young Wichita.  wichita.younglife.org
U YL is a great group a young people that meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays @The Center (hence the urgency for the gym). The high school aged group is an international ministry to unchecked yiuth. Our goal is to meet students were they are and help them understand the need for a relationship with God. We don't push them toward any particular church we make them hungry enough to seek a place they fit in.  Contact Charles Ellison chelliso316@gmail.com. We always looking for leaders, drivers, food providers, and those that will give a monthly donation.

Finally,  Sistahs can we talk.  We are always looking for bright talented women who are interested in making a difference in Wichita and the surrounding areas. Our healthy me initiative expands into all aspects of life, mind, body and spirit. If all three are not working in harmony,  chaos is the outcome. Check out our website.
sistahscanwetalk.weebly.com

So those are my three places you check out on Giving Tuesday.

Monday Motivation

Good Morning,
On this Cyber Monday, I would like to give you a little motivation not to overspend.
Use Cash. That's right. Use Cash.

If you can't do it with cash you need to evaluate whether it needs to be done. Studies show that people spend more on the same item simply by using credit versus cash. Cash is more difficult than credit and any barrier to spending will help you to spend less. If you want to go into this new year with more money than bills, consider cash only over the holidays.

Wednesday Word

Good morning,
Give thanks.  Take time to communicate with your friends and family. Life is so short. Take every opportunity to express your love and appreciation.

Psalms 139:1-3 Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!” Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.

And as always remember to... live Blessed

Tuesday Tools

Good Tuesday morning,
I want share with you a picture I saw on a friend's page.
Don't get in debt for Christmas,  especially this year.  We need to start saving and not consuming.  At the end of the day, most of us have more junk in our house then we know what to do with.  We what we want when we want it. So, why do we spend the next year paying for a holiday?
Why do we cave to the peer pressure?
These holidays put us in debt and help retailers make their bottom line.

So, I want you to considering the following,  as you shop. Something they want, something they need, something they can wear,  and something they can read.

I really want kids and adults alike to consider what are, have you been reading? If the answer is nothing, there's your problem.  Everyone should be reading. That should be each of our resolves for the new year... read more. Knowledge is power. Our first business was started by reading library books. Invest on yourself and your family.

And as always remember to... live Blessed

Monday Motivation

Good Morning,
Have you ever been around someone that you came to encourage and their light and love encourages, you? I want to admonish you to be the encourager. It is easy to walk around and be negative, it is what the world gives us a constant diet of, choose to be the light in someone's dark day.
To change your outlook you might have to change the way you start your day.  Starting in the word and listening to uplifting programs will help to change your outlook. I know my days are very different when I rush out without getting light charged. Without that charge, my light will not shine. Get charged up and share your light with this dark world.
And as always remember to ...live Blessed

Friday Findings

Good Friday Morning, 
What a difference a day makes. It is pretty chilly today, makes it feel a bit more like the holidays. Speaking of the holidays just a few more days until Thanksgiving.
There are a few things you might want to figure out pretty quick...

Food to Make Ahead for Thanksgiving

1. Rolls: Rolls can be made weeks ahead and frozen after baking, then warmed gently in foil just before eating.

1. Cranberry sauce: Cranberry sauce can be made a week ahead and refrigerated, or several weeks ahead and frozen. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

1. Turkey stock and gravy - I like to make a batch of turkey stock using wings and legs weeks ahead of the dinner, then use it to make a batch of backup gravy. Homemade turkey stock is also essential for good bread dressing, in my opinion. (But then, I'm obsessed with turkey stock.) Freeze any gravy or extra stock.

1. Appetizers: Choose pre-dinner nibbles you can make ahead. For our menu, we suggest making gougères a few weeks ahead and freezing them. (You can bake them straight from the freezer.) You could also make a batch of roasted nuts and store them in an airtight container.

1. Bread Stuffing/Dressing - I make my bread dressing one to two days ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked. I bake it at the last minute before serving

Also, make sure that you have enough seating and activities for the kids to do. Bored kids will get on everyone's nerves. LOL (you know it's true)