Taking inventory of your gifts and blessings

You'll probably spend some time this weekend thinking about the good things in your life and your loved ones. Before you do that, take a moment to just consider how lucky you are to be here in the first place. In the 21st century, we can experience more in a month than most people throughout history did in a lifetime. Instead of appreciating that fact, we usually just end up wanting to do and have more. We look at what's wrong rather than what's right. This is a perfect time to take a look at your life and priorities again. Can you make some extra time every day to just enjoy the moment and your loved ones? You've been given the gift of a lifetime of moments. Accept the gift and prove yourself worthy.

How to Love a Black Man Biblically

** I don't agree with the all of the items listed in the "Ten Problems that Black Men have with Black Women" but I left the article intact. Personally I think most of these qualities is actually what makes us STRONG BLACK WOMEN. But that's my opinion LOL

Song of Solomon 1:2
Matthew 26:47-48

The Ten Problems that Black Men have with Black Women:
1) Black Women make Black men feel unappreciated, unwanted, irresponsible, and regressive.
2) Black Women are too aggressive, and are impatient when it comes to waiting on a man to pursue them.
3) Black Women are too strong-headed and independent, which presents great challenges in relationships.
4) Black Women are masculine in that they are controlling and like to “run” the relationship.
5) Black Women expect too much. They are gold diggers who will not look twice at a blue-collar black man.
6) Black Women are hot-headed and have bad attitudes.
7) Black Women stop caring about their appearance once they are in a relationship.
8) Black Women are not open to other areas of intimacy. (paraphrased)
9) Black Women’s tolerance is far too low; they are not empathetic to the Black Man’s struggle in a racist society.
10) Black Women do not cater to their man as much as they cater to themselves and their child.

The context of Song of Solomon is that King David was going through a very small town and saw a woman who was working in the garden. She captured his attention by the way she worked. He returned to the palace, but could not get her off his mind. Consequently, he disguised himself and dressed like a peasant. He returned to the vineyard and won her over. Song of Solomon is a collection of 7 poems that talks about how they met: their courtship, engagement, wedding, honeymoon and the life they lived after.


Four C’s On How to Love a Black Man.

1. Cheerleader.
Every woman involved with a black man has to learn how to be a cheerleader. A cheerleader is of no consequence when the team is winning. When the team has scored a touch down, you can’t hear the cheerleaders because the whole stadium is ecstatic and excited. Cheerleaders are necessary after a tackle, a hit or an injury. Every black man yearns to have somebody on the sidelines who will cheer for him when he’s not making progress.

2. Conditioner.
a) Hair Conditioner. A conditioner is something that improves the quality of another matter. Every woman is supposed to condition, or improve a man’s quality of life. Most heterosexual men only use shampoo, while most women who take care of their hair use shampoo and conditioner. The shampoo is incomplete by itself. The conditioner is the sealant. Women need to understand that they are incomplete without men, and vice versa. When we connect, we seal and complement each other.

The conditioner does several things:
It detangles. A woman’s first assignment in loving a black man is to bring order.
The conditioner also stops breakage. The role of a woman who is involved with a black man is to stop him from having break downs.

The conditioner alleviates dandruff (signs of death in the scalp). Dandruff always shows itself at eye level, so you can see a man when he’s starting to die. Life no longer excites him. Therefore, to stop the death process, a woman has to condition him.

Conditioner also brings gloss. The role of a woman who is living with a black man is to help him shine. Don’t minimize him even though you make more money.

a) conditioner is also an acidifier. In order for a man to love a woman wholly, he’s got to be healed from what is in his head.
b) An air conditioner is an instrument used to change the environment. It produces both air and heat. Air conditioners do not produce the air, they recycle the air. The role of a woman in a man’s life is to be an environment transformer.
c)Fabric Conditioner/Fabric Softener prevent static cling. If you want to love a black man and have him love you back, you cannot have static cling.

3. Co-pastor
The man in biblical structure/order is the priest of the home. Unfortunately, in the Christian construct more often than not the woman is more disciplined in spirituality than the man. The woman in that relationship is assigned, or deputized, as the co-pastor.

4. Conspirator
The woman who is connected to a black man has to come up with a conspiracy for his success - setting him up for greatness in his absence.

SOS 1:2 “Let him …” This is very critical because Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, is advising sisters who love a black man to let him feel like it was his idea, let him believe that he was right. It says “Let him kiss you…” this implies that the woman has the authority, but the man can’t operate in that authority without her permission. The male ego is such a fragile entity. He doesn’t need to know all the things a woman has done on his behalf.

God’s conspiracy for man was to make him feel like “he’s the man,” but man didn’t understand it until God introduced him to a woman, the conditioner. Her role was to condition him for a place in God.

Regina's Family Seasons: Parental Training And Godly Foundations

Regina's Family Seasons: Parental Training And Godly Foundations

Ego.... I'm really digging this song!!

Ego lyrics
Songwriters: Knowles, Beyonce Gisselle; Lilly, Harold; Williams, Elvis;

Oh baby, how you doing?
You know I'm gonna cut right to the chase
Some women were made but me, myself
I like to think that I was created for a special purpose
You know, what's more special than you? You feel me

It's on baby, let's get lost
You don't need to call into work 'cause you're the boss
For real, want you to show me how you feel
I consider myself lucky, that's a big deal

Why? Well, you got the key to my heart
But you ain't gonna need it, I'd rather you open up my body
And show me secrets, you didn't know was inside
No need for me to lie

It's too big, it's too wide
It's too strong, it won't fit
It's too much, it's too tough
He talk like this 'cause he can back it up

He got a big ego, such a huge ego
I love his big ego, it's too much
He walk like this 'cause he can back it up

Usually I'm humble, right now I don't choose
You can leave with me or you could have the blues
Some call it arrogant, I call it confident
You decide when you find on what I'm working with

Damn I know I'm killing you with them legs
Better yet them thighs
Matter a fact it's my smile or maybe my eyes
Boy you a site to see, kind of something like me

It's too big, it's too wide
It's too strong, it won't fit
It's too much, it's too tough
I talk like this 'cause I can back it up

I got a big ego, such a huge ego
But he love my big ego, it's too much
I walk like this 'cause I can back it up

I, I walk like this 'cause I can back it up
I, I talk like this 'cause I can back it up
I, I can back it up, I can back it up
I walk like this 'cause I can back it up

It's too big, it's too wide
It's too strong, it won't fit
It's too much, it's too tough
He talk like this 'cause he can back it up

He got a big ego, such a huge ego, such a huge ego
I love his big ego, it's too much
He walk like this 'cause he can back it up

Ego so big, you must admit
I got every reason to feel like I'm that bitch
Ego so strong, if you ain't know
I don't need no beat, I can sing it with piano


© B-DAY PUBLISHING; ELVIS LEE MUSIC; EMI APRIL MUSIC INC.; EMI BLACKWOOD MUSIC INC.; UNCLE BOBBY MUSIC;

He’s Not Intimidated, He Just Doesn’t Like You: The Intimidation Doctrine

Ok people I just have to say it. For a long time I was willing to give women the benefit of the doubt, but no longer. As I enter the realm of my thirties being single and anxious about just where my life is going, I know there are jillions of similarly-situated women who feel the same way. I think most women who reach their thirties and are still single go thru a range of emotions almost daily. Sometimes we feel very liberated and independent, relishing a life full of opportunities unhampered by domestic obligations. Other days we are full of fear wondering if we will ever find a mate and enjoy the benefits of companionship.

Will we find someone to experience the bigness of the world with? Will we find someone to grow old and fat with? Although we enjoy our freedom, we know there will come a day when sitting on the couch at home with a bottle of wine and a dog watching Tivo just wont do it. We wonder if we will end up dying alone only to be found after three days by a home care worker who doesn’t speak English. But enough about me.

That being said, I want to address a lie that many of us tell ourselves about why we may be alone at this stage of our lives. And though I focus on my fellow thirtiers, this really goes for all women.

Because the “single” designation is such a source of anxiety as you get older, we oft find the need to justify our status. We have these little reasons that we tell ourselves we’re alone to make us feel better. And its time for it to stop. If I hear one more woman say that men are intimidated by their success and/or independence I’m gonna scream. I call this the Intimidation Doctrine. Other than Iraq having WMD, this is one of the biggest lies of our time.

When a woman is attractive, educated, financially independent and generally successful and STILL single, many of us start to believe that our success is part of the problem. When relationships don’t work out, we automatically go into the “well, he’s just intimidated by my success” routine. And its time for us to get real with ourselves.

We have to stop making excuses for our failed relationships. Too often these excuses lay all the blame on someone else. As long as we believe that most men are intimidated by strong successful women, we fail to look at ourselves for the reasons we cannot maintain successful relationships. The Intimidation Doctrine keeps us looking outward for fault. It relinquishes us of all responsibility. And I think its holding us back.

I must admit, I have never been a follower of the Initimidation Doctrine because I KNOW I’m fucked up and have issues. (I know I can be selfish, spoiled, obnoxious and a total smart ass, but I’m working on it) However, I see too many of my fellow mature sisters relying on this theory and I think its destructive. We must start to consider what role we have in cultivating our personal relationships and stop placing the blame on everyone else but ourselves.
Maybe its not because you’re successful but perhaps because you wear your success on your sleeve, because you’re arrogant, because you are sure to let a man know in the first conversation that you don’t NEED him or anyone else.

Maybe its not because you’re successful, but perhaps because you are arrogant, a know-it-all, a snob or intolerant of others who have taken a different path in life.

Maybe its not because you’re successful, maybe you are a cold bitter bitch who believes the world owes you something. You have worked hard and made it on your own without the help of any man so you don’t want a man thinking he is doing you any favors by his presence and you let him know this as often as possible.

Maybe its not because you’re successful, maybe you have turned into a hardened, disenchanted, cynic who is annoyed that fat broke women with two kids can get a man easier than you. And your anger oozes from your pores.

Maybe its not because you are successful, but because your success is all you have. You wield it like a sword. You are always looking and waiting for the fight so you can show just how fly you are and how a man should be happy just to have someone like you. You feel you are the only prize in this relationship.

Maybe its not because you’re successful but because you are just tired. Tired of dating, tired of it not working out, tired of the game. Because you’re so tired, you go into potential relationships with little enthusiasm or excitement and you’re just a general drag.

Maybe its not because you are successful but because you are afraid. Afraid to open up, afraid to be vulnerable again, afraid to lay it all out there. You use your success as a shield that you hide behind because you are afraid of being hurt, afraid of change, afraid of letting someone else into your tightly-controlled life. You play the role of successful bad-ass because you are afraid of just being a woman. Sometimes its hard to switch from being the boss all day to being a partner, a friend. Understandable. But still your issue.

Maybe its not because you are successful but because you are closed. Closed to real love because of any combination of the reasons above.

Sometimes men aren’t intimidated by your success, but turned off by what your success has done to you. The type of person it has made you.

We can’t improve ourselves if we keep blaming our failures on others. When you look at your lack of luck in the romance department first look, inward. Listen to the feedback you’ve gotten, those things you ignored because you thought the guy was just jealous of your success and wanted to cut you down because you made him feel insecure. Just maybe he was telling the truth. Maybe he wasn’t intimidated at all. Maybe you are a mean, intolerable arrogant bitch of a woman. It could be that simple.

Now will you meet men who will be insecure with your accomplishments? Maybe. But far fewer than you make yourself believe. Stop relying on the Intimidation Doctrine to explain away your lack of love life. Start listening and start looking inward at what issues you may be bringing to the table, ways you could possibly be a better partner, lover or friend.

Open your heart and your mind to whoever may come your way. Focus on what you both are bringing to each other’s lives. Its not a competition. Try being the type of person you are looking for. Recognize and appreciate what others have to offer and know that if you are the best person you can be, you cant lose.

By no means am I saying settle for less. Keep your standards high, go after the type of life and partner you want. Just make sure your high standards apply to you too.

So let’s put away the Intimidation Doctrine. Much like “hating” its become a term we use to dismiss criticism by just placing the focus on someone else. And just like “hating” it results in us missing the opportunity to learn and improve our lives.

So next time things don’t work out, don’t go to ole reliable “he’s just intimidated by me,” and really examine your role in what went down. You may be surprised, maybe he wasn’t intimidated by you. Maybe he just doesn’t like you.

Now enough of that, Ive got a bottle of wine to finish and a Golden Girls marathon is starting…

Peace people.

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Posted by jamdonaldson

TURN YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM ON!

TURN YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM ON!

A horrible thing happened to me today.....a thief broke into my house. It
happened shortly after I awoke this morning. I got up and began rushing
about. I had a thousand things on my list and was already running behind.
Quickly, I gulped down breakfast, took a shower and got ready for work.

In my rush, I forgot to turn the security system on at my house. It was just
about a half an hour later that the thief broke in. Of course, he didn't
make a sound. Just kind of snuck inside, not drawing any attention to
himself. In fact, none of the neighbors ever saw him.

But, I did.

You see, I WAS HOME when the thief broke in.

He naturally startled me, as I was unprepared for his visit. He, of course,
didn't announce that he was coming and I certainly had not invited him over.

And yet, I found myself face to face with danger and I felt so powerless. I
also felt so very stupid, because this whole incident could have been
avoided if I had just taken the time to turn the security system on.

You better believe I'll be turning it on tomorrow morning! I thought I'd
warn you about this guy, because he's still on the loose. Chances are, he's
in your area. Possibly even headed for your house.

His name? His name is Satan. You see, this morning when I jumped up in my
haste to get started on my busy day, I skipped my prayer time - opting to
"pray later today." In other words, I DIDN'T TURN ON THE SECURITY SYSTEM. My
defense wasn't on, my guard was dropped ..... and when the thief came into
my home to attack me, I was unprepared to do battle. He tempted me and I
felt powerless. Like I said, I also felt so very stupid, because I could
have avoided the incident if I had just taken the time to pray.

My friend, the thief has come to "steal, kill and destroy." And, as a Child
of God, you are on his "hit list." He'll probably pop over to your house
today. He may be lurking outside your door right now, just waiting to catch
you off guard.

Take time to pray this morning. Ask God to bind Satan from your very
presence, to protect you and empower you to do battle. In short ..... don't
forget to turn your security system on.

-- Author Unknown

Get Serious About Being Happy

This Week's Topic: Get Serious About Being Happy! :)

"...there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live." - Ecclesiastes 3:12

Dear Friend,

What would make you happier? I know, I know. It's a vague question, but think about it. What is within your control that would genuinely add to your level of happiness? Whatever it is, this week, I challenge you to do it. Why? Because happiness can literally prolong your life.

Amazingly, the effect of unhappiness on longevity is comparable to that of smoking, according to a recent analysis of 30 scientific studies on happiness. As a society, we all know by now that smoking is dangerous for your health, but have you ever considered that being unhappy could have health consequences? It's time to take your happiness seriously!

For years, I thought of being happy as a fleeting pursuit - a temporary state of being. Spiritually speaking, I believed a more noble aim was to have joy and be content no matter my circumstances. Of course, those are important, too. But several years ago, I ran across this scripture written by the very wise King Solomon in the Book of Ecclesiastes:

"There is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil - this is the gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).

In other words, be happy in the everyday activities of life. Find satisfaction in your work. Help others. It is a divine gift to be happy when life is a routine. Abraham Lincoln once noted that, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." If he was right, then happiness is a choice - an approach and an attitude that we choose to carry into our work, our relationships, and our lives.

As I listened to a presentation about happiness recently, given by noted sociologist Dr. Ruut Veenhoven, I was intrigued by his classification of four qualities of life that comprise overall happiness and well-being. Consider them (paraphrased below with my definitions and coaching questions) to help you determine the areas of your life in which you may have room to enhance your happiness and well-being:

1. Livability
"Livability" is about the environments in which you live, work and play. Does your environment nurture you or drain you? Do the circumstances in which you find yourself empower you to thrive or to merely survive? What would create a more livable and happier environment for you?

2. Life Abilities
Life abilities are your personal strengths, knowledge, preparation, flexibility and potential. They can be developed, explored and improved upon. Greater personal abilities often create more enjoyable opportunities. What talents and strengths are going underutilized in your life? What potential is going untapped?

3. Meaning
How is someone's life better because they cross your path? We find the greatest meaning in life when we live the purpose for which we were divinely created. And that purpose must be good for something or someone more than you. This element of happiness is about serving, helping, and making a difference.

4. Satisfaction
This is about your overall satisfaction with your life. Are you content with where you are? If not, what shift is it time to make? Dissatisfaction can be a catalyst for change, as long as you are honest about where you are dissatisfied. What aspects of your life bring you joy?

My challenge to you this week:
Get serious about being happy! Choose a joyful attitude. Do something that brings a smile to your face - or to someone else's.


Journaling assignment:
What would make you happier? How could you experience more happiness in the everyday activities of your life? Consider the four qualities of life: livability, life abilities, meaning and satisfaction. In which area(s) do you feel fulfilled? In which area(s) do you see room to grow?


Until next time ...

Warm wishes,

Because of who You are...

** I have been listening to this song for the past 3 days...

Because of who You are... Vicki Yohe

I worship you Lord.
Ooh thank you Jesus.

Mhmm. Thank you Lord, I love you Lord.

Because of who you are I give you glory.
Because of who you are I give you praise.
Because of who you are, I will lift my voice and say:
Lord I worship you because of who you are.
Lord I worship you because of who you are.

Because of who you are I give you glory
Because of who you are I give you praise
Because of who you are, I will lift my voice and say:
Lord I worship you because of who you are.
Lord I worship you because of who you are.

(You see, you're Jehovah)
Jehovah Jirah
(My provider)My provider
(Jehovah Nissi) Jehovah Nissi
(Lord you reign)
Lord you reign in victory.
(You reign in victory)
Jehovah Shaloh
(You're my prince of peace)
My prince of peace.
(And I worship you...)
And I worship you because of who you are.
(Just because, just because)

Because of who you are I give you glory.
Because of who you are I give you praise.
[ Vicky Yohe Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]
Because of who you are, I will lift my voice and say:
Lord I worship you because of who you are.
Lord I worship you because of who you are.

(You see, you're Jehovah)
Jehovah Jirah
(My provider)My provider
(Jehovah Nissi) Jehovah Nissi
(Lord you reign)
Lord you reign in victory.
(You reign, you reign in victory)
Jehovah Shaloh
(You're my prince of peace, yes you are)
My prince of peace.
(And I worship you)
And I worship you (not because of what you've done but just because of who...) because of who you are.(you are you are)

(Jehovah, Jehovah Jirah)
Jirah
(My provider)
My provider (Oh you made a way when there seemed to be no way)
Jehovah Nissi (Jehovah Nissi)
(Lord you reign, you reign, you reign)
(you reign in victory)
Lord you reign in victory
(Jehovah Shalo) Jehovah Shalo
(You're my prince of peace)
My prince of peace
(yes you are)
(And I worship you)
And I worship you...
(I was born to worship, I love to worship)
And I worship you...(Ooh you know the Jesus)... because of who you are.
(Oooh I love you lord, I love you lord)
Oh, nobody like you Jesus.
And I worship you because of who you are...

The Strongest Nails in the World

The Strongest Nails in the World
http://www.hutchcraft.com/

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Download MP3 (right click to save)

My friend Alan was working with a carpenter friend of his on a building project. Out of the blue, Alan sprang this rather unusual question on the carpenter, "Do you know what the most powerful nails in the world are?" The craftsman paused on his ladder for a moment and then he replied, "I don't know. U.S. Steel?" Alan said, "No. The strongest nails in the world are the three nails that held Jesus Christ on His cross." And then Alan just walked into the other room. A few minutes later, the carpenter called for Alan. He said, "Man, you've got to help me. Every time I drive a nail now, it's like I'm nailing Jesus to the cross." My friend responded, "Well, in a way, we did."

For some people, Jesus' death on a cross is just history. For others, it's a religious event. But to some of us, the brutal death of Jesus on that Roman cross is a deeply personal event. I hope it is for you, or soon will be.In Galatians 2:20, our word for today from the Word of God, there are two words that are literally life-changing. In fact, they're even eternity-changing. They're the difference between someone who has Christianity and someone who has Christ. Between someone who has a Christian religion and someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, these two words are actually the difference between heaven and hell.

Galatians 2:20: "I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." There are the two words, "for me." One of my associates was on a plane recently with a man in his 30s who talked pretty openly about his years of spiritual searching. He said that as a young man he moved beyond his boyhood church and began experimenting with a buffet of spiritual beliefs and experiences. But nothing satisfied the restlessness in his heart. Then one day he came back to visit the church he grew up in. Here's what he said: "As soon as I walked in the door, I saw something I'd seen hundreds of times as a boy - the cross at the front of the church. But suddenly I was overwhelmed with something I had never realized before. I said out loud, "For me. What Jesus did on that cross was for me." He said his search ended that day, and the hole in his heart was finally filled.

My guess is that you know about Jesus dying on the cross. You know He died there to pay for our sins. But you somehow may have missed that life-changing moment when, in your heart, you walk up to that cross and say those words, "For me, Jesus. What You did there is for me." When my friend said that in a way we all did help nail Jesus to the cross, he was right. Because it's our rebellion against God and His ways, all our "my way" choices that left us cut off from God and under His death penalty until Jesus came and did the dying for all of our sinning. And in reality, it wasn't the nails that kept Him on the cross. After all, He's the Son of God! No, it was His deep love for you that kept Him there 'till your bill was fully paid with His life.

If you have never had your "for me" moment with Jesus, that could happen this very day right now and right where you are. Would you tell Him, "Jesus, I'm taking for myself what you died to give me. You paid for my sin so I don't have to. You died for my sin so I don't have to. Now I embrace you as my Savior; as the driver of my life. I'm taking you for me."

He Works All Things Together

*This came right on time for me... God is SO AWESOME!

He Works All Things Together

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (Romans 8:28, NLT).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Everyone goes through things that don’t seem to make sense. It’s easy to get discouraged and wonder, “Why did this happen to me?” “Why did this person treat me wrong?” “Why did I get laid off?” But we have to understand, even though life is not always fair, God is fair. And He promises to work all things together for good for those who love Him. 

I believe the key word is this verse is “together.” In other words, you can’t just isolate one part of your life and say, “Well, this is not good.” “It’s not good that I got laid off.” “It’s not good that my relationship didn’t work out.” Yes, that’s true, but that’s just one part of your life. God can see the big picture. That disappointment is not the end. Remember, when one door closes, God has another door for you to walk through—a better door. Those difficulties and challenges are merely stepping stones toward your brighter future. Be encouraged today because God has a plan for you to rise higher. He has a plan for you to come out stronger. He has a plan to work all things together for your good so that you can move forward in the victory He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for working all things together for my good. I choose to release any doubt, any frustration, any confusion over my past, and I choose to trust in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Excerpts from the promotion of Steve Harvey's book 'Act Like A Lady,

Think Like A Man', Oprah's 2/27/9 show, where he was a 15-minute guest.
He said the book is the only thing he initially did for free, as a gift
to women. He did not expect in his wildest dreams that it would make the
'best-seller' list:

"Every man has a plan. A man does not lock eyes with you from across the
room or approach you just to talk, he has a plan. He saw something he
wants. This attempt at conversation is to find out how much it will cost
him. It is not only about money, but other things like how much time
must be invested, what does she want from me, what are her standards.
Because men will rise to the occasion, no matter how high the bar is
set, it's just that women keep lowering the bar, lowering their
standards. Women are complicated, they keep talking to each other, but
men are very simple. Men need only three things: support, loyalty and
the cookie."

He says if a man introduces you as his friend or just says your name,
with no title - you have nothing. Men are very protective, they mark
their territory. If a man loves you, he's willing to profess it. After
a while, he'll give you a title - his woman, his lady, his fiancé, his
baby mama, some title. If after three months he is still introducing
you by your name only, you have nothing.. The man who truly has feelings
for you will give you a title. This is his way of letting everyone
within the sound of his voice know he is proud of being with you and he
has plans for you.

Every man has a plan. He tells of one the times his father-in-law was
visiting and interrogated the boyfriend of one of his twins.. They had
dated four or five times and he asks what are his plan for his
granddaughter. After stumbling and stuttering, he finally mumbles out
that they are just kicking it. So Steve says, that's cool. Let's just
bring my daughter in now and inform her that she is just being "kicked"
- that you two are just "kicking it" and let's see if that's what she
just wants to do. They broke up the next day.

Steve says men are fishermen, either for sport or for food. Women must
determine which kind of fish they want to be. If you don't want to be
continuously hooked and thrown back, just for sport, you must present
your standards, you must stop lowering them, you must present your
requirements. Then if you are hooked, the man knows you are about
business. In other words, when you're hooked, he must know that you are
eventually going home with him, not back into the water. It is the
woman that is in control - of everything. The man cannot hold your hand
unless you let him, he cannot kiss you unless you let him and he
certainly cannot make love to you unless you let him. Now, with all that
power, why do you suddenly relinquish it, just because you want a guy to
accept you? Keep your standards where they are! Say to him, if you want
to be with me, this is what it takes. He can hook you, but he should not
be able to reel you in without meeting your standards.

A woman SKYPE's in via satellite with a question for Steve: "When
should a woman have sex the first time in a new relationship?" Steve
cites, as an example, when he once worked on the assembly line at Ford
Motor Co., where there was a probation period for new employees. Like a
lot of large companies, only after 90 days do you qualify for a benefit
package - before allowed to get dental, medical, get my eyes checked.
Within those days I was being checked out - whether I was easy to get
along with, to work with, whether I was reliable, showing up on time, if
I was worthy. Then, and only then, do you get the benefits. Why do
women, who possess the greatest benefits package of all, pass it out so
quickly to unworthy guys? Slow down ladies, you cannot run us off, if
we want you! And know that men are aware of the fact that you change
the rules - when you are desperate, when you think there is a shortage
of good men out there. And we play on it. We created terms like 'gold
digger' so you don't ask for money; the term 'nagging', so that you
don't badger us. We created these terms so that you will require less of
us. God has given all women this incredible gift called intuition. Get
in a guy's face, look in his eyes, use that intuition! 'Old School' is
not dead, chivalry is not dead, it is just not being required anymore.

Joke of the day LOL!

A winter statistic ......

98% OF AMERICANS SAY “OH D***” BEFORE GOING IN THE DITCH OFF A SLIPPERY ROAD.

THE OTHER 2% ARE FROM UPSTATE NY AND THEY SAY, 'HOLD MY BEER AND WATCH THIS'

A prayer to start the day!!

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day,
I thank You for my being able to see
And to hear this morning.

I'm blessed because You are
A forgiving God and
An understanding God.

You have done so much for me
And You keep on blessing me.

Forgive me this day for everything
I have done, said or thought
That was not pleasing to you.

I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe
From all danger and harm.

Help me to start this day
With a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.

Let me make the best of each and every day
To clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind
That I can accept all things.

Let me not whine and whimper
Over things I have no control over.

And give me the best response
When I'm pushed beyond my limits.

I know that when I can't pray,
You listen to my heart.

Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be
A blessing to others.

Keep me strong that I may help the weak....
Keep me uplifted that I may have
Words of encouragement for others.

I pray for those that are lost
And can't find their way.

I pray for those that are misjudged
And misunderstood.
I pray for those who
Don't know You intimately.

I pray for those that will delete this
Without sharing it with others
I pray for those that don't believe.

But I thank You that I believe
That You change people and
You change things.

I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member
In their households.

I pray for peace, love and joy
In their homes; that they are out of debt
And all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this
knows there is no problem, circumstance,
Or situation greater than You.

Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.
I pray that these words be received
Into the hearts of every eye that sees it
In Jesus' name. Amen!

God Bless ! ! ! !

Quote of the day!!

10 Success Commandments

 

 

1. Stop sitting on your assets, gifts and talents.   Procrastination is a thief.  Tap into your creativity, purpose, imagination, intuition, network and resources.

 

2. Stop worrying.  Action and faith speak louder than fear. Thou shall let go and let God. 
(Therefore do not worry and be anxious.- Matthew 6:31)
 
3. Avoid distractions, impatience and clutter.  Keep the main thing...the MAIN THING. Follow your list of things to do to remain focused, organized and productive.

4. Find a balance between encouraging and helping others in need and knowing when to distance yourself from "energy vampires" who drain you with their drama and negativity.
 
5. Do the math and count your blessings.  Praise God in the good and the difficult times.  
 
6. Develop the self-esteem and courage to say "no" or "yes"  when it is appropriate and necessary.

7. Be a good listener and observer.  Keep your eyes, ears, heart and mind open.  Blessings and breakthroughs can show up in unexpected ways.
 
8. Build strong character.  Serve others (family, community, employment) with integrity and best practices.

9. Continue to seek ways to grow in your education, faith, self-esteem, skills and personal growth.
 
10. Drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, stretch/exercise and take good care of your body.  Remain active. Remember a sense of humor is healthy.  A daily "laughsitive." moves out joy-blockages i.e. toxins, stress, anger and fear. 

 

Written by Jewel Diamond Taylor, an excerpt from her e-book, CD and keynote message entitled
 "The Trampoline or Cement: The Art of Bouncing Back from Setbacks"

 

Hater / By Maya Angelou

Hater/ By Maya Angelou

A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough!

When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters...

That's why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed...

It's dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right?

You never know what people have gone through to get what they have...

The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don't know my story...

If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too!

We've all got some haters among us!

Some people envy you because you can:
a) Have a relationship with God
b) Light up a room when you walk in
c) Start your own business
d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb (if he / she isn't about the right thing)
e) Raise your children without both parents being in the home

Haters can't stand to see you happy.
Haters will never want to see you succeed.
Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side.

How do you handle your undercover haters?

You can handle these haters by:

1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are *(VERY IMPORTANT!!)

2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled.

A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be. Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.

3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation.

Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live...when its your time to leave this earth, you 'want' to be able to say, 'I've lived my life and fulfilled 'my' dreams,... Now I'm ready to go HOME!

When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at me...Look at Who is in charge of me...'

Watch out for Haters... BUT most of all don't become a HATER!


'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'

Maya Angelou