Friday, April 29, 2011

Question of the Day: What's the craziest thing you've done for love?

We've all done it.  We've all been in those shoes.  You know the ones that makes you do all sorts of crazy stuff for that man/woman love. 

So what was it? Did you spend your last dime on him and you were left with nothing?  Did you sell your soul to the devil? Did you turn your back on your family?  Did you get that tattoo?

Whatever it was, share it with us.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Question of the Day: What's Your Definition of Beauty?

A few weeks ago, I overheard a few of my girl students discussing beauty tips and what they perceived to be "pretty/beauty."  I listened for a minute, then I told them that beauty is everything.  It is whatever one see for themselves as beauty.  Also, I told them that we should not entertain foolish talk about what somebody else deem is beauty and define beauty for themselves.

It is on you KT readers.  What is your definition of beauty?

Ways To Boost Girls Self-Esteem


As a high school teacher, I see on a daily basis the many challenges teens face.  From peer pressure to attempting to fit in, what parents view as being nothing may be a big deal to a teen.

Self-esteem isn’t something that girls wake up with one day. With a variety of images (negative or positive) in the world, it is the adult in that child's life responsibility to fight off any feelings of self-doubt with love. If you sense that your child may be on the road to developing low self-esteem, give these helpful hints a try.

Be an example.  As women we (mothers, sisters, etc. ) are the first line of defense against unrealistic images. We have the power to change how these images are viewed by the young women in our lives. Girls often emulate the women in their lives so make sure you are setting a good example for the girls around you. This involves displaying good habits in every aspect of your life. You never know who is watching.

Be a fan.  What girl doesn’t want someone to love them, recognize their beauty, the good they do and treat them like the princess that they are.  Take every chance you can and encourage the girls in your life.

Be honest.  Be the voice of realism by uncovering the truth behind the images they see. All girls are not going to look like that model in the magazine or on the videos.are not perfect. We don’t have the power to erase our flaws and create or eliminate curves, but we do have the power to embrace every inch of the body we have.

Choose words wisely.  The words we use or the way we act have a great amount of influence over the younger girls around us. Think twice about commenting on somebody’s appearance, whether in a positive or negative way. Negative comments invite young girls to create an unhealthy sense of beauty.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

David's Bridal Metallic Platforms

For high school students, the biggest night of their high school career is just days away.  That's right prom season is here! 

Dance the night away in this sparkling platform slingback. Featuring a rhinestone embellished crisscross vamp and fashion forward wrapped platform. An adjustable buckle gives you a custom fit.

You can find this and other fashionable metallic platforms at David's Bridal.

TBS Announces Third Tyler Perry Sitcom

The talented Tyler Perry has gotten the green light from TBS for his third sitcom, "For Better or Worse."  Based on Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? movies, "For Better Or Worse" will follow "the ups-and-downs of married life for Marcus and Angela, characters who originated in the features Why Did I Get Married and Why Did I Get Married Too?"

In both movies, the pair was played by Michael Jai White and Tasha Smith, and based on recent reports, both actors will also star in the upcoming TV series.

Production is scheduled to being this summer at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.

What are your thoughts on this new addition?  Are you excited to see more black sitcoms come to television?

Monday, April 25, 2011

Morning Motivation: Take Your Medicine

Happy Easter a day late!  I know...I know...it is not morning anymore for some of you, but I couldn't resist the temptaion to post and empower somebody today.

FYI:  I have taken on more than I could handle, therefore Morning Motivation will be posted on Sundays (Beginning of the Week Motivation) and on Wednesdays (Mid-Week Motivation)...you know like church.  The change will begin this Sunday, May 1st and the motivation will come from my newest virtual friend, Jocelyn of Science of Marriage blog.


Here's today's motivation:

Yesterday was Resurrection Sunday! Whew! I could shout just by saying that, but…

I got up early so that I could beat the “CME” (Christmas, Mother’s Day & Easter) crowd to church and unfortunately, I had to sit in the back of the church. Anyone who truly knows me knows that I ab-so-lute-ly HATE sitting in the back of the church. So I made the best of my setting arrangement and began to get involved in the service. The pastor had a word just for me, “I am in for a surprise.” (That’s a post for later.) After church, I went to brunch with my family and then home. My daughter and I baked and decorated cupcakes and I watched my Celtics sweep those Knicks! Also, I spent a great bit of time with my tweeps on Twitter.

I was so into enjoying my day that the things that usually occupy my thoughts such as marital issues, finances, responsibilities, and concern for family had not even attempted to enter my mind. It was at that very moment that I came to understand a simple truth that can help and heal us all of the toxic feelings of worry, fear and anxiety.

Being immersed in what you love makes you forget about the things that aren’t right in your life. It erases your worries and allows you, if only for a moment…to be free. It’s like the serum to personal freedom. It is a feeling like no other…one that we should be intentional about making happen in our lives on a regular basis.

Worry, fear and anxiety are the illness. The antidote is immersing yourself in what you love. Get health. Get happy. Get whole.

I challenge you to set aside some time to immerse yourself in that hobby, that project, that class….Take that trip…Spend time with that person…Whatever it is for you, make it happen, if only for a moment, and watch how you will be almost instantly alleviated of the day to day woes that often plague your heart and your mind.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Morning Motivation: All Things Work Together For Good

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28

As I thought about what I would say today to motivate my faithful readers (while it was storming in one aspect of my life), I couldn't get one of my favorite Bible verses out of my head. All week I had been whispering "…all things work together for good for those that love God…" to remind myself that in the end, it will all work out for my good.

This is a verse that I have held onto for as long as I can remember. During those times when it seemed like the world was falling down around me...“all things work together…”

When I was hurting (physically or emotionally)...“all things work together…”

When the month lasted longer than the money...“all things work together…”

When my family and friends seemed to have all left me..."all things work together..."

When I didn't feel like praying, I whispered..."all things work together...”

In the moments of my life when things were the darkest, my emotions were swirling and my head was spinning, it was and is only by faith that I could say through my tears, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

As I look back, I know that God had His hands turning that which satan meant for evil into His glory and my good.

Is it storming in any aspect of your life? I assure you that even though it is storming now, it will all work out for your good when the sun does shine! Be blessed and have an awesome day!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Discussion: Is 12 Too Young To Get A Bikini Wax?

Always under the eyes of the paparazzi, Kim Kardashian does not take getting glammed up lightly.  In a recent interview with US Weekly, Kim revealed her obsession with her body hair...well the lack of, but...

A few of her grooming habits left me feeling some kind of way.  She says she gets her baby hair on her forehead lasered.


"If you look at pictures of me from even three years ago, I had like two inches of baby hairs on my forehead. But they weren’t thick enough to slick back, so they were permanently down and I would wax them all the time and now I lasered them and now they don’t come back."
And on getting her a bikini wax.
"Literally at twelve years old I had a bikini wax," she says in the video above. "I had an appointment once a month...we'd go and get the inside of our brows waxed and a bikini wax."
Luckily, Kim is a spokesperson for TRIA Laser systems and I'm sure she gets a HUGE discount.

Okay KT readers, Is twelve too young to get a bikini wax?  If you have daughters, would you let them get their bikini line waxed?

Morning Motivation: Do Not Be Afraid

From pressures at work and/or school to what we see on the news and what we see our family and friends go through, it is easier to be afraid rather than trust God.

Our lives will have tough times, but we can face these times without fear.  The key is to remember God is always with us giving us His strength and nothing can ever separate us from His mighty hands.

From today forward, do not be afraid when you are faced with a hard time or you are going through a bad situation.  Trust God and watch the difference it will make.

Mike Vick Offers Chris Brown Advice

In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Michael Vick offers Chris Brown some much needed advice.

From his dog fighting past, Vick knows first hand what it feels like to fall, to be an outcast and rise above it all.  With Chris Brown's recent meltdown on GMA, Vick's advice couldn't come at a more perfect time.

The advice that I would give to Chris Brown is to put your faith in God. Don’t worry about what people say about you. Words will never hurt you. You know, the things that people say out they mouth can cut you deep and sometimes your tongue can be sharper than a knife. But at the same time, you should never allow that to push you or get you over the edge. You should have more self-control. You control your own destiny. You’re still admired by so many people…and I think he just has to see that and he’ll be okay.
Chris Brown is going to be very successful. I think he just needs to let time heal everything.”


Mike Vick's advice is touching and I hope Chris Brown receives this advice.  After watching this video clip of the interview, I have a new found respect for Michael Vick and how he allows his faith in God to lead him.

I often pray for God to send me examples of successful  marriages to serve as mentors for my husband and I and I hope Chris Brown's team solicit people like Mike Vick to serve as a mentor for him.

What are your thoughts on Mike Vick's advice to Chris Brown? 

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

BET to air new sitcom, "Reed Between the Lines"

BET recently announced a third addition to their sitcom lineup, "Reed Between the Lines," starring Tracee Ellis Ross (Girlfriends) and Malcolm Jamal-Warner (The Cosby Show).

Ross will play a psychiatrist, mother and wife to Malcolm, who will play an English teacher.  The series, scheduled to air in October, will join "The Game" and "Let's Stay Together," the popular comedies which have both been renewed.


Source:  LATimesBlog

Reminder: Today is McDonald's National Hiring Day


Last week, I told you about McDonald's holding a National Hiring Day...today is the day.  If you or someone you knows need a job, tell them to go by a local McDonald's and apply.  Many restaurants are doing on the spot interviewing and hiring.

Morning Motivation: Celebrate!

In today's on-the-go, nonstop world, it can feel like you are constantly rushing. You may find your focus is on achieving one thing only to have to complete another goal and then quickly move onto the next thing. This can create a feeling of lack. You may find yourself asking, "Why do I feel unfulfilled when I have been actively achieving some wonderful goals?"

The answer...You haven't been celebrating.  Take a break to celebrate and appreciate your achievements. Even the simple little joys that make up your daily life deserve to be celebrated.

Taking time to celebrate allows you to recognize the personal growth you've experienced during the goal process and you will sense more fulfillment in your life.

Ladies, Are You Ready To Wear Turbans?

 Celebrity stylist, June Ambrose has launched her very own line of head wraps and turbans.  Her line features 11 different styles, each with their very own name and prices range from $120 - $150. 

For those of you who are extremely fashionable and make sure you are decked out in the latest styles, June gives an in depth tutorial on how to tie a turban in the May issue of Ebony.


Source:  BrownSista

Monday, April 18, 2011

No Time For Breakfast?


Over the weekend, I spoke with a friend whom I haven't spoken to in a while and as we chatted and caught up, she informed me that she had lost a few pounds by accident.  I know you guys are saying on accident...but she said she lost the weight by not skipping the most important meal of the day.  After our talk, I began researching ways I could do this and not be late for work and found the following tips over at Good Housekeeping.

Even if you're rushed in the morning, there's still enough time to fuel up in a healthy way. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute nutritionists have come up with 10 quick and healthy low-calorie mini-meals — ones you can eat at home, at the office or even in the car — so you have no more excuses for skipping the most important meal of the day.

1. Get Out of a Rut: Swap your regular breakfast of coffee with cream and sugar and a buttered roll for a large skim or low-fat latte and a small whole-grain roll without butter plus a banana.

2. Make It Portable: If you love cold cereal but don't have time to sit down to eat it, you'll love this idea: Find a big mug that's tall and deep, then fill it with a serving of high-fiber cereal topped by fruit such as dried cranberries, raisins, or blueberries or a tablespoon of crunchy flaxseeds or minced nuts. Add fat-free milk or calcium-fortified soy milk and you're ready to go.

3. Get Big Taste from Your Freezer: Buy frozen pancakes, French toast, or waffles the next time you're at the market. Simply heat one serving and top with a 4-ounce cup of applesauce or fruit blend and 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts.

4. Put a New Spin on an Old Favorite: Instead of topping your English muffin with butter and jam, add a tomato slice and a slice of your favorite reduced-fat cheese to each half. Broil until the cheese is melted.

5. Have a Snacky Breakfast: Hate eating breakfast? Have a nutritious snack instead. Microwave a 12-ounce mug of low-fat chocolate milk and chow down a small bowl of grapes or berries.

6. Warm Your Tummy: Hot cereal is a great comfort food, plus it fills you up. Mix 1/2 cup of Post Grape-Nuts with 1/3 cup of low-fat or fat-free milk and 1 teaspoon of honey in a bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds.

7. Make It Snappy! When you're running late, the microwave can be your friend. Zap an Amy's Breakfast Burrito — a whole-wheat tortilla filled with tofu, tomatoes, onions, and beans — for about two minutes and enjoy with a small container of calcium-fortified vegetable juice.

8. Get Crazy for Crackers: With a little imagination, crackers can make a great morning meal. Top a serving of low-fat Triscuit crackers with 1 ounce of part-skim mozzarella and some grape tomatoes.

9. Eat Leftovers: Consider feasting on foods that aren't typically associated with breakfast. Try a bowl of soup or some of last night's chicken or tuna stuffed into a small whole-wheat pita.

10. Drink Up: When you haven't got time to dawdle, a fruit smoothie is a quick and satisfying breakfast option. Combine in a blender 3/4 cup fat-free plain yogurt, 1 cup of fresh berries, 1 teaspoon honey, and 4 ice cubes. Pour the mixture into a thermos and you're ready to roll.

Tax Day Freebies


 


To help relieve the stress of tax day Monday, many businesses are offering special deals and freebies.

Bally Total Fitness is offering free workouts at all of their clubs today. For new member they also have a special Tax Day deal with a two-Year membership for $418, a savings of $61 from the usual price. For current members, the Tax Day deal is a free Personal Training session, you just need to sign up before Thursday.

Office Depot is offering free copies of your tax returns today for free . The limit is 25 pages. Or you can bring in 5 lbs. of your personal documents to be shredded for free. Click here for the coupons.

HydroMassage will provide free massages today to help eliminate the stress of tax filing . Click here to print the coupon and for a location nearest you. 


Cinnabon Tax Day Bites. Today from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., participating Cinnabon bakeries will give away two free Classic Cinnamon Bites for each customer. Click here for more details.

P.F. Changs is offering a 15% discount off take-out and dine-in orders.

Chilis has a printable coupon for a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of one entree.

Morning Motivation: It Ain't Over...Until God Says It's Over

Are you going through anything today? Does it seem like as soon as you can finally see the sun after one storm, another storm is coming? You may want to quit due to the various situations and trials facing your life, but God has blessings for you. Just because things don't work out exactly how you planned, does not mean that God is not at work in your life. No matter what your situation is saying, I can tell you that God is at work in your life at the moment. Don't give up, yet!

Yesterday at church, the praise team sung Maurette Brown Clark's "It Ain't Over." It was my confirmation that my situation was not bigger than God, but God was bigger than my situation and that in the end it will work out for my good, because of God! Watch/Listen to the video below:

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Kimora Lee Simmons Addresses Starvation Rumors

Kimora Lee Simmons has fired back at reports she's starving herself to stay thin. The former model is outraged by rumors that she's dieting and insists she'd never take dangerous steps to look good because she'd be setting a bad example for her kids.

In a statement released via her blog, she writes, "I just wanted to take a moment to address a story about my recent weight loss that began circulating today. This story led people to believe that I shed 25 lbs by not eating, which is completely ridiculous.

"I am a mother of three young children, two of whom are girls and I'm trying to raise them with a healthy body image. It's taken me almost a year to lose close to 25 lbs and I did it through healthy diet and exercise. So yes, I'm a bit smaller, but still curvy and 100% healthy and proud of my body and the time it has taken me to undergo this personal journey for myself.

"I'm not one of those 'superstar moms' who lost all their baby weight in a week. So, yes, I'm upset about the innuendo because I just can't win. In the past year there have been numerous rumors about my weight - first I was attacked for being a size 10, now I'm anorexic?

"I'm a real woman and I represent real women. I believe that people are beautiful at any size, color or weight. The way this article was promoted is unfortunate - what a silly way to sensationalize a story, especially when you know young people will be reading it. There must be more accountability in reporting, especially considering the far reaching impact on girls and young women who are exposed to this kind of misleading information on a daily basis. What kind of example is that setting for them?"

Friday, April 15, 2011

New Video: "Shame" by Jill Scott & Eve

The talented Jill Scott has released her latest video, Shame, the first single to be released from her upcoming “The Light of the Sun” album. Joined by The A Group and rapper Eve, Jill goes old school, mixing her love of R n’B and classic hip-hop, Special Ed's "The Magnificent," to come up with a concoction fans are sure to love.

Morning Motivation...

...will return on Monday! In the meantime, view previous Morning Motivations or if you want to be empowered by strong women, visit EmpowerMoments.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Morning Motivation: Keep Your Eyes On God


"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest." - Corrie Ten Boom

Random Things I've Discovered About My Marriage

After being married for almost six years, I've learned a lot...

My husband is my best friend.  I know a lot of people will not agree to this, but he knows everything about me.  If something goes down, he is the first person that I go to and I tell him all of my secrets.

Marriage is the hardest thing I've ever done.  It takes a lot of hard work and I'm enjoying every minute.

I'm not the biggest fan of my mother-in-law. I'm going to move on to the next one.

The best advice I've ever received about marriage is to keep God in and family and friends out.

Divorce isn't an option, even though I've bluffed a time or two.

My husband drives me most places and the most driving I do is to and from work.

After all of these years, I've learned that my husband and I aren't compatible, but we deal with our incompatibility well.

Prayer has been my weapon in our marriage.

I'm thankful for my husband, because he does a lot of things that he doesn't have to do, such as laundry, dishes, etc.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Morning Motivation: Live Life Without Regrets

Today's Morning Motivation is a poem I stumbled across and thought I would share it.  Have a blessed and wonderful day.

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
Love the people who treat you right.
Forget about the ones who don't.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.
Nobody said life would be easy.
They just promised it would be worth it.

-Anonymous

Friday, April 8, 2011

Jill Scott & Eve Goes Home to Shoot New Video

Philly natives Jill Scott and Eve came together last month at Cecil B. Moore Rec Center to shoot the video for “Shame,” the first single to be released from Jill’s upcoming “Light of the Sun” album. As for Jill’s album, a release date hasn’t been set yet, but rumor has it Warner Brothers is looking to release it in early June.

Jill and Eve both look great in the photos.  I can't wait for Jill's album.


 Photos:  Wireimage via Brown Sista

Morning Motivation: Hustle Hard

You've heard every rapper under the sun rap about it and in fact all of us are natural born "hustlers." Every hustle is not obtaining money in an aggressive manner or dishonestly. A hustle is whatever you do best to make money, so that you and your family can survive in a world ruled by money. Whether you're styling hair in your dorm, selling Avon/Mary Kay, cleaning houses, or doing whatever keep hustling hard and don't let anyone knock your hustle.

For your entertainment, I have posted the video for Ace Hood's "Hustle Hard." Enjoy.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Elle Celebrates Women in Music


Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Willow Smith, Nicki Minaj, Gwen Stefani, and many other women artists will be featured in Elle magazine's "Women in Music" issue.  Elle explores the influence of women from different genres of music on pop culture.

This issue of Elle is due to hit newsstands April 12th, but you may view excerpts and images below.

Aretha Franklin On wardrobe options for her tour: “I am going to rock this [size] 16. Sixteen probably sounds large to girls who wear 10s and 12s, but I love it, because it looks good on me.”

Jennifer Hudson On performing in gay clubs when she was younger: “In high school I was like, ‘Well, these are drag queens lip-synching, and I can really sing; why can’t I go up there?’ I would win all the talent shows.”

On the changes in her life: “My surroundings and my lifestyle are different, and it’s like, what part of Jennifer is the same as 10 years ago? The only thing I have to hold on to is my voice.”

Willow Smith On her full length album: “It’s going to be a party beat. I think you’re gonna like it!”

Nicki Minaj On being a rapper: “I always wanted to play with the boys. I didn’t want to be a pawn in their game or have a sidekick role. I wanted to be more of a lead character – a superhero.”

Read more about Women in Music over at Elle.

McDonald's National Hiring Day

McDonald's will hold its first national hiring day on April 19th.  They plan to fill 50,000 positions nationwide at its restaurants nationwide.

The company says it is making a concerted effort to add staff as its business improves and more of its restaurants stay open 24 hours a day.

McDonald’s is hiring restaurant crew and management for full-time and part-time jobs. The company’s hiring goal translates to between three and four hires per restaurant.

Those who are interested now can apply in stores or online. Some restaurants will hold events and interviews on April 19.

Morning Motivation: Be Anxious for Nothing

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. - Philippians 4:6

So many people are worried and anxious about our current and future circumstances. We are living uptight and are filled with frustration and concern. In our minds, we have good reason for stressing ourselves out, but God doesn't want us to live that way. He wants us to live in peace. We can find peace in knowing no matter what is going on in our lives; God has His hands on us.

Today's Challenge: The next time you're tempted to worry or be anxious about something that's going on in your lives, remember this Bible verse. Take all of your worries to God with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving and watch Him move.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The Do's & Don'ts of Wearing Leggings

There is an epidemic sweeping the streets of the fashion world and it seems like it is affecting everyone.  What started as a fashion trend, leggings have become a dreadful wardrobe options for many.

Do wear leggings under garments that are long enough to cover your butt.  Tunics or oversized shirts are great choices.
Don't wear leggings with short tops. Think of them as tights, not pants.

Do keep it simple: Solid neutral color leggings are a good choice.
Don't choose leggings in bright colors or wild patterns.  Neutral shades are much more sophisticated and flattering.

Do make sure your leggings aren't sheer or see through.  If so, do not wear them with just a shirt alone.
Don't wear leggings that show your under garments.

Do try them on when buying them.
Don't just pick out your normal size and leave the store.  Some brands run smaller or larger than others.

For more tips on wearing leggings properly, read the newest issues of fashion magazines. 

Morning Motivation: Take a Chance

Ofte times we get so caught up in what we don’t want to happen that we forget to accept and embrace what we do want. This usually happens in two major areas, our work and our love life.

We may be at a job that makes us miserable as hell and we find every reason under the sun to stay, as if the fact that we are miserable isn't reason enough to leave.  Sometimes when we hold on to something like a miserable job, we don’t allow room for the new amazing job, investment opportunity, or new business venture to come into our lives. We are so fixated on our circumstance that we can’t see the other awesome possibilities that are all around us.

The same is often the case with love. We say we want this wonderful, honest, good looking, and hardworking mate but when we meet that person, we are suddenly scared. We are scared to be hurt or disappointed or we begin to feel like it must be too good to be true. Don’t you know that you will get what you ask for if you believe that you will receive it? But keep in mind that that goes both ways. You may be with that person now, or you may still be waiting. If you are waiting, prepare yourself now to be ready for what you asked for. If you’ve never had it, it will certainly take some getting used to. If you have it, don’t sabotage it by not believing that you deserve it, or waiting for something to go wrong. Savor every moment and receive the blessing that you’ve been praying and asking for.

I challenge you today to take a look at your love life and work and determine if you are going to complain or make the necessary changes to make them both better.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Motivation: Keep The Faith, Keep Driving

“Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was calm. And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.” – Luke 8:22-25

In the above scripture, the disciples find themselves in a midst of a storm, how often do we find ourselves in the same position in our lives. Recently, I found myself in a storm.

Last night, my daughter and I were at the beauty salon until about 11:00 p.m. As we were leaving, I told the stylist, "Yes, we made it out of here before the storm." Little did I know, I would drive into the hail, lightening, heavy rain, and strong winds. While driving through the storm, I whispered a prayer of safe travels, but the heavy rain was making it impossible for me to see. I contemplated pulling over until the storm passed, but something told me to keep driving. I kept driving without looking back and before I knew it I was pulling into the garage out of the storm.

I have learned through life experiences that it is so easy to look at your current situation and get stressed out, worried, scared, angry or depressed. Whether it be because of finances, relationships, work or any part of your life that you may be challenged with, it is easy to react out of emotion. But what I do know is that throughout whatever storms may come my way, God will deliver me through them.

If God can get it to you, He will get it through you! May God bless you through whatever storms you maybe experiencing!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Question of the Day: Are You A Huslter?

Hustling is a word that usually carries a bad connotation. When most people think of the word, they think about dealing drugs, conning people, or doing something unethical. But hustling isn’t always a bad thing; many entrepreneurs have succeeded because they are hustlers.

In an economy that is just starting to take a turn for good, there is nothing wrong with doing whatever it takes to succeed, as long as what you are doing is ethical and legal.  For example, I started an in-home tutoring business and score standardized test online to supplement my income.  Don’t let anything stand in your way and be proud of what you go through to succeed.

Are you a huslter?  If so, what is your hustle?  If not, take your gift or hobby and turn it into your hustle.

President Obama Announces Re-Election Bid

President Obama launched his reelection campaign early this morning with a web video. NBC News reported that he would file his campaign papers with the Federal Election Commission as Monday morning.

Recent survey found 47.4 percent of voters approve of performance in office, 46.6 percent disapprove.

Morning Motivation: Wait On The Lord



"Wait on the Lord!" - Psalm 27:14 (NKJV)

Have you ever had to wait on God? Not always an easy thing to do, is it? Sometimes, it seems like doing things for yourself is easier than waiting. Who knows how long God's going to take, right? If you're not careful, Satan will convince you to take matters into your own hands. It is important for us not to entertain Satan and his devious thoughts. Resist him and he'll  have no other choice but to flee.

There are two examples of this in the Bible that I've been studying - one of someone who didn't wait and one who did.

God had promised Sarah that He would bless her so that she will be the mother of nations. He promised that kings of peoples would come from her. Unfortunately, Sarah got impatient and gave Abraham her maidservant, Hagar, so they could have a son through her. The thing is, God promised Sarah that He'd make her mother of nations, not Hagar. Sarah's impatience cause a lot of unnecessary heartache.

David was a young teen when Samuel anointed him as God's replacement of Saul, the king of Israel, but he didn't see that promise come to pass until years later. Those years weren't exactly easy years either - he faced a giant, dealt with Saul's murderous attempts, went against huge armies, lost his best friend, was always on the run from his enemies - but David kept waiting. Even during his reign, he waited on and trusted God, proving that he clearly deserved the title, "man after God's own heart".

You have two choices: You can grow impatient and take matters in your own hands like Sarah, which will more than likely yield disastrous results; or you can wait and trust God like David, which can earn you the title "a woman/man after God's own heart".

Friday, April 1, 2011

Thought of the Day: Change How You Think About It

Morning Motivations will be starting Monday, April 4th, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to inspire someone today!

If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.

While attempting to figure out a solution to a situation I have been dealing with for some time, I realized that the solution lies within me.  I have the power to change any situation! I wrote a post about this same topic about a year ago and I'm sharing it again.

My day started off in a bad way. My husband decides he doesn’t “feel like” being a parent today. He wants to alter the routine and not help get the princess ready for school. I’m a person of routine and rituals and if my day is altered in anyway, then I’m no good. So you know this threw my morning routine and time management for a loop. At first thought, I wasn’t going to say anything to my husband about his remark, but something (I know it was Satan, but I don’t want to give him any credit even when its credit for something bad) moved me and I entered the bedroom and began this long tantrum. In the end, I got our daughter dressed, grabbed whatever non perishable item for breakfast and was out the door. I mumbled under my breath about the entire ordeal all the way to work.

Once at work (the place where I feel I have reached my peak in the classroom and feel my place in education is outside of the classroom, but that’s a different post), I rush in just before the tardy bell rings for the students. I begin class as usual and administer the nine weeks exam to my first two periods and then it’s time for dreadful homeroom. I absolutely dislike my homeroom and we have been having homeroom twice a day for the last two weeks due to the graduation exam remediation. Again, I was ready to be mean to them on purpose and make them sit and be quiet or do some work for another class, but that wasn’t God’s plan. As I began my daily speech, one of my students says, “Hey Mrs. C., where did you get that poster?” I said, “What poster?” He says, “That poster that says, “If you can’t change it…change how you think about it.” I said, “I’m not sure I’ve had it for about eight years.” He says, “I like it, that’s fire.” I smiled and immediately returned to my desk without continuing my speech and sat at my computer and began to write this post. The students quietly talked among themselves.

All of this time I thought my homeroom class was a bunch of loud mouth annoying teenagers, but one of them made me realize that I need to think about situations differently.

“If you can’t change it…change how you think about it,” is going to be my new motto for the remainder of the school year and I am going to apply that to my non-work life as well. From now on I will just look at life and things differently with a different attitude and mindset.

 
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