Friday Findings

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

Habari Ghani?
Nguzo Saba Kwanzaa Principle #4

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.

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you.

Habari Ghani,
Nguzo Saba Kwanzaa Principle #3

Ujima (oo-JEE-mah)
Collective Work & Responsibility

"To build and maintain our community together and to make our Brother's and sister's problems, our problems and to solve them together."

The Third Principle is Ujima which is a commitment to active and informed togetherness on matters of common interest. It is also recognition and respect of the fact that without collective work and struggle, progress is impossible and liberation unthinkable. More over, the principle of Ujima supports the fundamental assumption that African is not just an identity, but also a destiny and duty, i.e., a responsibility. In other words, our collective identity in the long run is a collective future. Thus, there is a need and obligation for us as self-conscious and committed people to shape our future with our own minds and hands and share its hardships and benefits together.

Ujima, as principle and practice, also means that we accept the fact that we are collectively responsible for our failures and setbacks as well as our victories and achievements. And this holds true not only on the national level, but also on the level of family and organization or smaller units. Such a commitment implies and encourages a vigorous capacity for self-criticism and self-correction which is indispensable to our strength, defense and development as a people.

Wednesday Word

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] - Philippians 4:13 

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?

These are questions of history and culture, not simply queries or questions of personal identity. More profoundly, they are questions of personal identity. More profoundly, they are questions of collective identity, based and borne out in historical and cultural practice. And the essential quality of that practice must be the quality of self-determination.

"To answer the question of "Who am I?" correctly, then, is to know and live one's history and to practice one's culture."

"To answer the question of "Am I really who I am?" is to have and employ a cultural criteria of authenticity, i.e., criteria of what is real and unreal, what is appearance and essence, what is culturally-rooted and foreign."

"And to answer the question of "Am I all I ought to be?" is to self-consciously possess and use ethical and cultural standards which measure men, women and children in terms of the quality of their thought and practice in the context of who they are and must become - in both an African and human sense."

Practice Kujichagulia every day!

Tuesday Tools

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

Habari Ghani,
The First Day of Kwanzaa (December 26)

On the first day of Kwanzaa the black candle is lit in the Kinara. The black candle represents the first principle – Umoja (oo-MOH-jah): Unity. To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

The person who lights the candle might make a statement about the first principle and its meaning. Sometimes a passage or poem is read relating to what the principle means and how it relates to their life.

Then the Umoja (Unity Cup) might be filled with fruit juice and shared among those gathered. Each takes a drink and passes to the next.

Some families prefer to use a Unity cup for each member, or the cup can just be left in the center of the Kwanzaa table.

After the sharing of the Unity cup the candles are extinguished till the next day.

Monday Motivation

Good Morning, 

Grace and peace be unto you!
Tuesday begins the celebration of Kwanzaa. This celebration will begin on Tuesday, December 26th and conclude on Monday, January 1st with a celebration with family and friends.

Friday Focus

Good morning, 

Grace and peace be unto you! 

I just want to share a bit of wisdom with you as you get into this busy Christmas weekend

 Make sure that you keep first things first. Don't get so stressed out about the weekend that you miss the moments with your friends and family that won't happen, this way, again. 

Wednesday Word

Good morning,

Grace and peace be unto you!

Wow, What a week!  I just want to remind you and myself to hold on to your faith. I don't normally give you this many scriptures, but I want you to grab on to the one that helps you. 

1. Isaiah 43:2 "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you."2. Psalm 37:5 "Commit your way to the Lord. Trust in Him, and He will act."

3. Romans 8:18  "The pain that you've been feeling, can't compare to the joy that's coming."

4. Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed in strength, and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."

5. Joshua 1:9 "Be bold. Be brave. Be courageous."
6. Ecclesiastes 3:1  "There is a time for everything and a reason for every activity under the heavens."
7. Isaiah 41:10 "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
8. Isaiah 66:9 "I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born, says the Lord."
9. Psalm 91:4 "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."
10. Psalm 62:1-2  "My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him, He alone is my rock and my salvation."
11. Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength."
12. Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

No matter what it looks like it is not over until God says its over. Keep pushing, scratching, borrowing, but just don't give up. 

And as always remember to...live Blessed!

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

Have you ever had a glitch in your computer and you take to an expert and they say, that's easy to fix you just need to reboot. In other words your system needs to be shut off and restarted so it will work properly.  Some of us are experiencing the drama that we have because we need a reboot. We need to disconnect so that are juices can be rekindled.
Know that a reboot does give you new equipment it just your old equipment work better. So, it is not that we have throw everything we know out its just realigning our thinking to what we truly have the power to control and change.
I realized that I have no control over anything that happens outside of me but only over myself and my reaction.
As we get together with family over the next few days know that..
1. It very possible that you will need to reboot when you get back home. Family is a blessing but the wrong combination can put you back into places of guilt and shame. Family members can, if allowed, can put you right back at being that 10 year old kid again. Reboot and move forward.
2. I challenge you to sit down and think of the things that you try to control but are truly outside of your realm. Versus the things that you truly do have control over.  It will set you free.
3. The third, and final thing for today. As you go into the holiday don't get so consumed by the commercialism yhat you miss the moments. Times you can snuggle or stay in your jammies a little longer. Be aware of your surroundings and the people you encounter. Life is not by happenstance but rather designed by God who is the master artist. He created you a tapestry that looks like no other. Glogirl, glow.

And as always remember to...live Blessed!

Tuesday Tools

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

As we get close to the holiday I want to share a tool to help you combat stress. It is laughter.

Laughing is an excellent way to reduce stress in our lives, and can help you to cope with and survive a stressful lifestyle.

Laughter provides a full-scale workout for your muscles and unleashes a rush of stress-busting endorphins. Since our bodies cannot distinguish between real and fake laughter, anything that makes you giggle will have a positive impact.  You do not need to be happy or have a sense of humour to benefit from a good laugh.
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. - Proverbs 17:22

Take time to laugh. Find people that will make you laugh.

Monday Motivation

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

What is your why? If you understand why you are doing what your doing it will help you stay focused.

Going doing the journey called like there are so many opportunities to become side tracked. Every time something goes wrong the tapes of the past immediately begin to play. Reminding us how failure and disappointment are a constant.

But I want you to go back to your why. Why are you doing what your doing. Who are you supposed to bless? How are you supposed to make the lives of those around you better? What is your why? Once you know it don't let go of it!

And as always remember to...live Blessed!

Friday Focus

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

It is Friday Focus and all I can hear is... It's My Winning Season. While I am on my winning season everything that is attached to me is going to win. You might want to link up.
As we go into this new year know you don't have to go alone. Let us help you accelerate into 2018.Go to the link and register today. Dont delay there are only 15 spots available. http://bit.ly/2A2vaNZ

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

The fears that we dont face become our limits. What are you afraid of? What great adventures are you allow your fears to keep you from?

Wow,any of us can look back over our lives and recognize something that we allowed to slip by because of fear. Sometimes that fear was what will people say about me? Who will turn against me?  Other times its that we feel inadequate for the task. Yet there are other times when we look at our bank account and opt not to invest this time.

How many opportunities have been passed up because of fear. Fear of the unknown. What will happen if I... Yeah, what might happen? You might find out that you like it. You might find out that you have skills you didn't know we're in you. You might find out that you are a good writer or speaker. You might find out that what other people called bossy are the skills that propelled you to the top.

Don't let fear limit you. Fears, like limits are just an illusion. Don't fall for the trick mirrors. You have everything you need to be successful. Be blessed!

And as always remember to...live Blessed!

Wednesday Word

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:39-42

I just want to remind you that during the holiday season don't get so caught up in the doing that you forget the reason you can do. Without him we could do nothing.
Mary and Martha are great examples of how our worship should be.

Jesus comes in and Mary sits at his feet and takes in every bit of everything she can get. Meanwhile, Martha is so worried about what it looks like until she missed the opportunity that is right in her living room.  Too often this is us. We are so worried about unimportant things so much that we miss the blessing sitting right in front of us.

Jesus help all of us to get focused on the important and let you work out the details. We trust that you have our best interest on your heart and will not allow us to fall. Let us gleen the wisdom we need, at your feet. Help us to worship you inspite of the business. Help us to stay atuned to your voice. Let your voice be louder than the noise of the crowd.  In Jesus name.

And as always remember to...live Blessed!

Tuesday Transformation

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

As we transform our minds and hearts we must set boundaries to ensure we stay whole and happy. The holidays are times that boundaries become even more important because others can and will demand your time if you don't set boundaries. It is not rude to say that you can't attend an event if you are feeling overwhelmed. It is not rude for you to refuse to go to events that have alcohol if you are in recovery. It is not rude to say you cannot come if your children are not welcome. It is likewise not rude for you not to invite children to your event, you are the one paying for it.
You must decide what is important for you and your life. Don't allow others to force you into doing what they want while you are miserable to whole time.
Remember, setting boundaries is not always easy but it is necessary.

And as always remember to...live Blessed!

Monday Motivation

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

Wiw, there are only 20 days left in 2017. Time is truly flying by. Don't let it get by with you being prepared for the new year.
It is so easy to get caught up in buy Christmas gifts that we loose sight of the real reason for the season.

Anytime we can share time with friends and loved ones that is a holiday. We don't to go in debt trying to impress people that don't care. As we accelerate into 2018 let's do it with a plan. A road map to our future. Every great adventure has a plan. Every great house has a blueprint. Every great individual needs a plan to the future.

Join us for Accelerating Your Future 2017 register here: http:// bit.ly/2A2vaNZ

And as always remember to...live Blessed!

Friday Focus

On morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

This morning I want to remind you to get your seat for our upcoming event entitled Accelerate into 2018: Next Level Readiness

This will time with other ladies that all ready to kick start 2018. We will examine our stuck places, our victories and future plans. You will not want to miss it. Give this as a gift to yourself.

There are only 15 VIP seats available so don't miss out.

Register at this link: http://bit.ly/2A2vaNZ

Thursday Thoughts

Good Morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

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And as always remember to...live Blessed

Wednesday Word

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

Psalms 27: 1-6
Light, space, zest— that’s God! So, with him on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.When vandal hordes ride down ready to eat me alive, Those bullies and toughs fall flat on their faces.When besieged, I’m calm as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I’m collected and cool.I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet.That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic.God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I’m headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I’m singing God-songs; I’m making music to God.

Wow! I love when the word is so good that feels like it's jumping off the page. What are we afraid of?
I remember having cousins who were scared of the dark so my grandma would leave the high on in the hall, until she got a night light. Isn't that just like God? We are groping around in the dark and he shines just the amount  of  light we needs to make it.
Because he is the greatest provider I am going to sing praises. I don't know about you but there are times when my happy meter is full and there is a song on my lips and a praise in my heart. These are the easy times but it is essential that this occurs even in the bad times. Praise is constant because keeps on doing great things for us.

And as always remember to...live Blessed!

Monday Motivation

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

What are you going to do with your new month in this last stretch of 2017? Just a few weeks left to make some big moves. What goals do you have? How will your moves impact your 2018?

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed! 

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

Wednesday Word

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

Wednesday Word takes us to LUKE 8:17,
For there is nothing hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come out into the open.

With everything that is happening right now we need to sweep around our own front door. Make sure that your good can not be evil spoken.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed!

Monday Motivation

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

It's time for an alignment.
I don't know about you but sometimes while I'm driving certain songs will come on the radio and you have to take your hands off the steering wheel. You know that song that either males you clap or makes you groove. Anyway, for a bit the car is steering itself. Now, of your front end is aligned well this is not a problem.
You can jet straight down the street for miles before it goes across the line. However, if you have hot too many chuck holes, curbs and other objects you will out of alignment.
As we draw to the end of the year it is super important that we get correct alignment. You don't have time to be in anybody else's lane. You don't have time to be a distracted driver. You must have ample time to celebrate your victories and groove when necessary. Life is too short not to have fun.
Ladies get yourself aligned with people that are pushing you to greatness. People that have your best interest in mind even if it's not what they want. People that will hold you accountable to your dreams, goals, and visions. People that don't mind dropping everything and grooving to the beat. People that keep you in your lane. People that are aligned with the plan God has for you.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Wednesday Word

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

I would like to share some scripture with you this morning.  Psalm 9:1

I will give thanks and praise the Lord, with all my heart; I will tell aloud all Your wonders and marvelous deeds.

It is so easy to take our lives, families, and well being for granted but we are not promises any of this. Flip threw social media and you will see people that have lost their jobs.  Loved ones that have passed away. People that are sick. Friends that have been in accidents. Every morning you ought to get up and just say thank you.

No matter what you do or not believe in there is someone bigger than all of us making this work. I choose to call him God and praise Jesus for shedding his blood so that a I could be a part of the body of believers.

Don't take your family for granted. They could be gone any moment.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed!

Transformation Tuesday

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

Whatcha know about that? Ladies, you can not have results and excuses at the same time. Yes, I know the holidays are coming up and we all have an excuse as to why we need to get off our regimented schedules to be able to enjoy the holidays.
Growing I was told that excuses are cousins to lies. So, stop lying to yourself and others. You put a routine in place for a purpose, stick to it.
If you want to get results you cannot make excuses and expect results.

Monday Motivation

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

It is so important to evaluate what you are thinking about. Everything is created twice. First, in the mind and secondly, in the earth realm. With this in mind, it is imperative to think about what you are thinking about.  There are some things that are in your mind that you truly don't want to manifest.

And as always remember to ...live Blessed!

Friday Focus

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you!

As you prepare for the holidays here is something to think about... butter vs margarine.

Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed the turkeys, the people who had put all the money into the research wanted a payback so they put their heads together to figure out what to do with this product to get their money back.

It was a white substance with no food appeal so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use in place of butter. How do you like it? They have come out with some clever new flavorings....

DO YOU KNOW.. The difference between margarine and butter?

Both have the same amount of calories.

Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams; compared to 5 grams for margarine.

Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study.

Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other foods.

Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few and only because they are added!

Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors of other foods.

Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for less than 100 years .

And now, for Margarine..

*Very High in Trans fatty acids.
*Triples risk of coronary heart disease ...
*Increases total cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol)
*Increases the risk of cancers up to five times..
*Lowers quality of breast milk
*Decreases immune response.
*Decreases insulin response.
*And here's the most disturbing fact... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING!

Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC... and shares 27 ingredients with PAINT.

These facts alone were enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing the molecular structure of the substance).

Open a tub of margarine and leave it open in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will notice a couple of things:

* no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that should tell you something)

* it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional value ; nothing will grow on it. Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will not a find a home to grow.

Why? Because it is nearly plastic . Would you melt your Tupperware and spread that on your toast?

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed!

Thankful Thursday

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you!

If we look at where we are and where we came from we must give thanks to God.

Wednesday Word

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you!

Wow. Don't you just love the message bible?  Proverbs 12:1 If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it— how shortsighted to refuse correction! -

Too often we want the blessings of what we are gaining without understanding that some of our biggest lessons come through our times of correction. It's easy to praise when we are on the mountain but can we give that same amount or more when we are going through those seasons of chastisement?

Something to think about.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Transformation Tuesday

Good morning

Grace and peace but unto you!

I just want to remind you, on this transformational Tuesday, that change is not your enemy. Too often when it is time to make a change we make an excuse. Excuses as to why we can't and why it's not the right time. It will never be the right time. You are never going to have it all together. Just do it. 

There are some moves that I have wanted to do in expanding my business and I was finding excuse after excuse but I was posed this question. What are you afraid of? Success, that you might actually be as good as people tell you, that things will be different. All viable concerns but excuses none the less.

Only when we surrender our excuse can we embrace what is the start of our a new beginning. I can't have both water and coffee in my cup. Either the water surrenders to the coffee or the coffee to surrenders to the water, but they can not both exist in their original form in the same cup. It is going to take some giving up of somethings to get what you desire. If you want to lose weight you cannot eat cake all day and expect for that to happen. If I want my waist to shrink I have to shrink my caloric intake. I might also have to exercise which is going to cause me to reproportion my time. 

Really simple but yet so hard. If I want to change I have to go for it! It is only when I turn that corner that by new beginning can take place. 

And as always remember to...live Blessed!

Friday Focus

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

As the holidays and the shorter days approach please be mindful of your mood. I will be a bit transparent this morning. I have fought with seasonal depression for a few years. It generally begins toward the end of November and can end around February or maybe March depending on the weather.

Seasonal depression is just what it says, it is a depression that is brought on by the change in the season, namely darkness. See the fall brings on shorter periods of light and for me that is a trigger. I understand this now so I have to put thibgs and people in place to help me combat it.

What helps?
* Sleep- Setting keeping a regimented sleep routine.
* Supplements- Making sure that my body is getting nutrients especially vitamin D and K.
*Sunshine- I get outside every chance I can during this time. I open all of the curtains and sit in sunny spots when I am out.
*Spiel - You have to have people that you can share with that know you well enough to know when your off. Getting a coach  or counselor during this season is a helpful.

The biggest things to remember is you are not alone and you are not crazy. Don't feel bad about reaching out.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed!

Toastmaster Thursday

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

Today is Toastmasters and I am pretty excited. I think I'm going to do a demonstration speech.

I remember the first time I did one in college.  OMG! I was so nervous. I'm not really sure why because I talked in front of people at church, but this was different. These were not the people that love and/or tolerated me.

These people were complete strangers. People that I bumped into once a week. People that I gathered with just to meet a requirement. Not the people that loved and/or tolerated me.

But these people didn't mind my demonstration speech because it came with a tasty treat at the end because what better to demonstrate that a tasty treat to people that were not the people who loved and/or tolerated me.

The person in the back who always looked asleep. Wow,  he's sitting up. I'm sure someone would have been on their phone but these were bcd  (before cell days). Lol, When I started pulling out the ingredients people started looking to see what I had brought. Remember these are not the people who loved and/or tolerated me. 

As I talked and mixed their eyes begin to fill with delight and anticipation at the great wonder that was happening before them. These people that gathered with once a week. The people that did not know me and we're not the people that loved and/or tolerated me.

To their great delight was a favorite of my aunts a cherry fluffy delight that thrilled the whole crowd. Pillows of fluffy delight. A buzz of acceptance from these people that I gather with once a week that doesn't know me. They were not the people that loved and/or tolerated me but they cheered me just the same.

Find someone to cheer today.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed!

Wednesday Word

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

John 14:27 says, Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] - AMP

In our society right now we need peace. There is so much negativity floating in the atmosphere that if we are not careful we get sucked in. So I encourage you to let God's peace surround and overtake you. Challenges are going to come. The question is how will you deal with them? Push to peace.

Transformation Tuesday

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

What a powerful statement. You are powerful beyond measure but power untapped is of no use. I can have power all day but if I don't turn the lights on eventually I will be in the dark. 

Brothers and sisters it is time for us to tap into the light and energy that Christ has placed on the inside of us. Stop with the negative thinking and talking. We are transforming our minds day by day. 

Meditate on this today. What are you afraid of and why are you letting it hold you back?

Monday Motivation

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

Too often in our present society we hear people saying they didn't accomplish a task because they didn't feel like it. Success comes to those that work through the blah days. It comes to those that push themselves past the limit. Don't stop because you don't feel like doing something. That is the time to push harder. Babies come through lots of push through the pain. Birth the vision God has placed in you. 

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed! 

Friday Focus

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

Wednesday Word

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

John 14:26 But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.
27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]

In this absolutely crazy world we all need peace. Seek peace and find it. On e you find it, protect it.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed!

Transformation Tuesday

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

So if transformation is more than skills, resources, and technology, it's your habits.

What habits have you formed and are those habits moving you to your destiny? Brothers and sisters we have too many habitual things in our lives that produce nothing in our lives. We wonder why we are always tired and drained. It is simply that the habitual things in our lives that are not producing are draining. 

One year my husband and I were out buying tomato plants and we saw one with a good sized tomato on it and decided to buy it. In our mind it was steady producing so it must be good. When we got to the line to pay an old farmer said take that tomato on there off so the plant will grow strong and tall. We were both confused. He said all of the energy is going into growing that one tomato right now, which is cool cause it's planted but you want the whole plant to grow. 

Those bad habits are robbing your destiny and keeping it from growing.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed! 

 Dr. Vanntastic the Dream Activation Coach

Monday Motivation

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

Glitter wherever you are today

Thankful Thursday

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

It is so easy to be negative in our country, these days but I challenge us to find things to be thankful for.

Everything in our lives might not be peaches and cream but could be worse. Because of our constant negative news cycle, negative is not hard. The POSITIVE has to override everything else.

Searching for the positive will get our minds focused and push out everything else. What are you looking for?

Wednesday Word

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

The wise will hear and increase their learning, And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth], - Proverbs 1:5 AMP

Today's word admonishes us to acquire wise counsel. Just because person is chronologically yiur senior does not always make them wise. It says seek wise not old counsel. This wise counsel will help to steer your course so that you and I can get to the thing most of us don't want to hear. Truth.

Truth can sometimes hurt but it is the only way we can increase learning and straighten our course. Even painful truth is much more acceptable when it come from someone we respect and have relationship with. Nonetheless it is important for us to get to the truth and allow it to cleanse our hearts and minds.

None of us are on an island alone.  There generally, is  nothing that you are going through today,that God won't send someone who experienced the same to help you through. Accept the coaching and guidance so that you come out as more than a conqueror. I don't know about you but I like to know what I am supposed to learn from the lesson cause I don't like repeats.

Be blessed today. Find a wise counselor that can speak works of life, love and truth to you today.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Transformation Tuesday

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you !

Transformation a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. How have you transformed in 2017?

The interesting thing about this definition is it doesn't tells us which way the change occurs, positive or negative, just that a change occured. So as we come to the last 69 days of this year let's evaluate our level transformation.

Where the areas that need to realigned? What do I need to add or take away to create the stability needed to move forward. It is so easy to get and stay comfortable but we can get so comfortable that we are stuck it the chair of I'll get to that.

Yes that's right. There are only 69 days before we walk into the year of new beginnings. Just like that caterpillar changes to that beautiful butterfly you and I must go through the metamorphic process to begin to express the person that God has on the inside.

Monday Motivation

Good morning, 

Grace and peace be unto you!

At this time of year, so many of us start to think about setting goals for the new year. This is a very natural way to end one year and begin the new. One of the biggest hindrances to our progress is that we get sidetracked by the time it takes to accomplish our goals. 

I can remember when I was going to school with two small children my husband would tell me every day that I was one day closer to graduation. While it was true there were many days that it felt like I was swimming upstream. 

My sisters, I just want you to know that you too are one day closer to your goal. While it may seem a distance nothing worth getting comes too easy. Keep pushing to your goal (grab opportunities at last)

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

As I sat in a session yesterday on race and the social determinate of health, I realized that as far as we have come we still have a long way to go.

It is totally shameful for brown neighborhoods to be so devoid of basics needs specifically healthy food, safety and quality housing. These are just for the stresses that continue to make black babies born at lower birth weights and bet against them that they won't make it to age 1.

We have got to do a few things to chance our story. 
•learn to de stress
•learn and utilize the resources that are available
•Use contraception to babies are not being produced in situations where they are not wanted
•reduce cortisol in our belly
Just a few but powerful things to move forward.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Focused Friday

Goodmorning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

Have you ever noticed that your front windshield is larger than the rearview mirror? Focus on what's ahead not what's behind.

That is shouting ground for someone today. Stop looking back to the past when there is so much future.

Why do we look back? It's comfortable,  familiar, predictable, and habitual. If you are going to receive all that you have been called to have you have to let it go.
I know that sounds hard but you can't get new when you are filled to capacity with the old. 

Take some time to pray and truly ask God what are things and who are the people that I need to release before I go into my new year. No bad associations or communication will spring forth from me. Moving toward a place of peace and tranquility. Go with me. Have a phenomenal weekend.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed!

Wednesday Word

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

I Thessalonians 5
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Wow Paul is giving the church a very tall order. Pray without ceasing. I don't know about you but there have been seasons of my life where praying an hour seemed like a life time and he is saying pray without ceasing. What?

Relax my sisters. Yes you need to have a specifically devoted time to talk to God but praying without ceasing is a little different. It is the prayer that you should have rolling over and over in your spirit all day. The prayer that leads and guides you into all truth. The pray that makes you avoid the pitfalls of the day because your in tune with the spirit.

When you have been in his presence and have received guidance all day it's not hard to give thanks. When I have been with Jesus even circumstances that don't always look good can be thanks worthy. For example,  I didn't want to loose my job but it got me a better one and God knows I would not have left on my own.
Seemly a bad situation that was thanks worth.

It's not always easy but if we can begin to refrain our situations with thankfulness it will change our outlook and attitude in which we go through life.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed!

Transformation Tuesday

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you!

Transforming our lives this Tuesday.
What are you doing to attract the success you want? Success is not going to come grab you, you have to grab it. 

The question is, how bad do you want it? Enough to stop partying and start studying?  Enough to stop being a consumer and not a saver? 

My sister, success looks different for every person so you need to take the time to truly define success for you. Don't let anyone define it for you otherwise you spend years chasing stuff that was never yours. 

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed 

Monday Motivation

Good morning,
Grace and Peace be unto you!

Today's motivation. Keep your face to the sunshine. Too often we are so caught up in the grind that we don't take the time to just sit and let the sun, shine on our face and renew us.

Our society is vitamin D deficient and much of that is because we don't go outside and absorb the rays of the sun. Recently I was sick and barely been able to get out of the bed. However, my little fur bundle Bella needed to go out. So, I drug my achy body down the stairs and to the patio door. While there I felt the warmth of the sun and decided to sit outside for a while. To my surprise, I began to feel some strength in my body and was renewed during this time. If I had not experienced I would not have believed.

Ladies, I just encourage you to get out of your office or home and take some time to let the sun, shine on your face.

And as always remember to ... live Blessed

Friday Findings

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you!

October is SIDS awareness month. Do you know of an expectant mom or one that has just delivered? Do they know about safe sleep for their baby? Have you heard of sids?

Sudden infant death syndrome is defined as the sudden, unexpected death of an infant younger than 1 year of age. It typically occurs associated with a period of sleep. SIDS is rare during the first month of life. Risk peaks in infants 2-4 months of age and then declines.

Sedgwick county has one of the highest cases of infant mortality in the country. African American babies are dying at an alarming rate. We must stop co-sleeping and putting our babies in situation that may cause them to suffocate.

Make sure that your baby is on their back. That the crib is free and clear of everything but them. No blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or other people. You have to be your child's biggest advocate. Go to the link below for more answers about SIDS.

https://www.medicinenet.com/sids/article.htm

Thankful Thursday

Good morning
Grace and peace be unto you!

On this Thankful Thursday the lyrics to this song came to me.

I am Grateful for the things That you have done Yes, I'm grateful for the victories we've won I could go on and on and on About you works Because I'm grateful, grateful, so grateful Just to praise you Lord Flowing from my heart Are the issues of my heart It's gratefulness.

As we look at all of the things that are happening all around us we just have to stop and say thank you Lord. Everything might not be the way want it but it could be way worse.  If we will get into a mind of thankfulness versus complaining our whole attitude will turn around.

What are you thankful for?
And as always remember to. . . live Blessed!

Wednesday Word

Good morning,
Grace and peace be unto you!

Today is Wednesday Word and this is the scripture that God laid on my heart.

Joshua 1:3-6King James Version (KJV) 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

So my question today is are you claiming territory or are you just marking time? See in the military that have a command that is mark time mark, which just basically means march in place. You are not going anywhere but you are marching.

Too often people in the body of Christ are going through the motions. Looking deep and keeping up with calesthentics workout and just be marking time.

In this last quarter of 2017 it is time to start claiming territory. That means you will have to break out of your comfort zone and walk in some unfamiliar territory. Sisters don't settle for the okie doke. You deserve all that God has destined for your life.

Watch for me today. I will go live during lunch.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed