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!