Happy New Me in 2023

Recently our Youth Pastor gave an awesome sermon at our church. He reminded the congregation, at any age, we ALL have a purpose. It was such a powerful message for me. Throughout my life I've always had goals; graduating from high school, going to college, having a media career, falling in love.  However, after having children, my life was all about them. Somehow over time, I kind of lost myself. The only thing I focused on was helping my children achieve their dreams and making sure they had the physical and financial resources they needed. I don't blame my children. The onus is really on me for forgetting who I was and putting my dreams on hold. Anybody else feeling that way?

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm your; plans to give you a future and a hope".

If you are 25, 47, 63 or 90, don't lose hope. Keep making plans. No, matter your season in life, you still have value. It's never too late to go back to college, write that book, start that business. Remind yourself, everyday, you have a lot to give!

Faith Over Fear

After graduating from Clark Atlanta University, with a degree in Communications, my first job was working for CNN (Cable News Network) in Atlanta, Georgia.  The most exciting job I've ever had! Hearing about news all over the world every single day. For me, it was the ultimate way to begin my media career. I loved it. I still consider myself to be a "News Junkie" today.

Unfortunately, for some family members, hearing the daily news is the absolute last thing they want to do.  Wars, Crime, Celebrity Gossip. Most days it's just too much for them to take in. And I understand. Many of us may struggle to stay positive by hearing stories that appear to be hopeless.

How do you balance your life, hold onto your faith and not let the negative news of the day get you down? 

Isaiah 41:10 says, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Think about what our ancestors had to endure; looking at their lives during slaving, Jim Crow, fighting for Civil Rights. If they hadn't held onto hope, we wouldn't be here today.  The news may change, but our trust in God should not. Let's hold on to our Faith over fear.

Number Your Days

Is it only me or does it seem like almost everyone is in a hurry? We have ways to cook our food faster, drive faster even communicating faster. People are racing through life. What's the rush? Many years ago a popular song titled "Stop and Smell the Roses" was symbolic for slow down and enjoy your life.  And when we slow down we might see a person in need. That person may be closer than you think. When is the last time you spoke to a friend; not just sent a text. Have you checked on that neighbor who lives alone or is a senior citizen? Did you call your Mother this week? How much quality time do you spend with your spouse, not just talking about the children or the bills, but really listening and reconnecting?

Proverbs 12:25 says, Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Make the most of your time. Special memories with your family and friends. Learn to number your days.

The Next Chapter

Recently, I started reading this amazing book entitled ROAR Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late). It's written by Michael Clinton.  The word ROAR is actually an acronym for R - Reimagine yourself; O - Own who you are; A - Act on what's next; R - Reassess your relationships. What makes the book so refreshing is it's target audience is people 40 years and older.  Most books I've seen with a theme of "planning for the future" rarely include people of  that age. We're categorized as getting ready for retirement, not reimaging ourselves.

 ROAR doesn't just focus on your next job, but what you want to do to fulfill your true purpose in life.  Playing with the grandchildren is great and having that weekly yoga class is fun. But, why should the year of your birth dictate when opportunities have come to an end? You can still move to a new city, find love or learn a new language.

I believe your story isn't over. No matter your age, it's never too late  to write the next chapter of your life.  In fact, it could be the best one yet!

Member of Your Family

I grew up with the most adorable black poodles.  We first got Lady as a puppy, she was gorgeous and so smart. After she had a litter of puppies we kept one of her daughters; we named her Penny. These poodles slept in our beds, they traveled with us, they had special diets, sat in the grocery cart when we went shopping and they went to the groomer every month; coming home with painted toe nails and a bow in their hair. They were the true definition of Fur Babies. I loved them so very much. Even though they passed away many years ago, it still makes me sad that they aren't here anymore. Now we have a male, cream colored poodle named Chase. We love him too.

Dogs may not be for everyone. But according to the American Kennel Club, there are science-based benefits to having a dog. Dogs make us feel less alone, are good for the heart and they help us with our stress.  Maybe that's why animal shelters have had so many customers during the pandemic. 

Genesis 1:25 says, And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Pets can be a blessing for your heart and for your health as long as you make the right fit. Visit your local animal shelter to find the newest member of your family.

Better Than It Appears

Have you ever had an eye floater? It's like having spots in your vision. When you try to look at that floater directly, it seems to get further away from your view.

Life can be like that too. You can see that new job, loving relationship or rewarding opportunity in the corner of your eye, but when you turn your head to get a better look, it goes out of focus.

Romans 15:13 says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.

Keep reaching for that goal, that dream no matter what it may look like. Stay positive and stay strong. Because your vision may be better than it appears.

A New Name

There are two well-known brothers in my community whose last name is Wise. And that name fits them perfectly. One is a Pastor of a large church; the other is a talented Musician and College Professor. Their children and grandchildren are just as gifted. That Wise name really represents who they are. That made me think: What does my name say about me?

Genesis 17:5 says, God told him, I am changing your name. It is no longer Abram (Exalted Father) but Abraham (Father of Nations) for that is what you will be. I have declared it.

Maybe you don't need a new car or a new wardrobe to define who you are. Maybe you need a New Name!

 

Keep Moving Forward

Walt Disney was an American animation pioneer. Disney was also a film producer, voice actor and entrepreneur. And of course, he was the master mind who helped design Disneyland.

Disney was known for the encouraging words, “Keep Moving Forward”. But that was just a portion of his quote. The entire message was: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths”.

One scripture that mirrors Disney’s message is Job 17:9 which says, “The righteous keep moving forward and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.

We all have a purpose. Don’t let anything take you off your path, even the detour of a Pandemic.  We’ll get through this crisis, if we Keep Moving Forward.

Watch Your Words

Hi Moms:

Do these words sound familiar?:  "No one appreciates me!"; This situation will never change!"; "My children are so bad!" There is power in our words.  When you use negative words, you get negative results.  So watch what you say and know God has the ability to change any situation.  Change your words to:  "I am loved!"; "My life is getting better!"; "My children have a bright future!" Wait for changes to happen as you watch your words.

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Take a Breath

Hi Moms:

Have you ever had a bad day; you blow your top at the children, break that special crystal vase that belonged to your Grandmother; burned the roast. Just remember - Nobody is perfect, not even Moms.  We all have days when things don't go as we planned. But hang in there. Tomorrow is another day and it will be a better day. So many people have faith in you. Learn to have faith in yourself too.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time

Identify Yourself

Hi Moms:

As women of faith, many of us enjoy wearing Christian paraphernalia or having a faith-based bumper sticker on our car, and that's great.  But there are other ways to identify ourselves as Christians.  You shouldn't have to blast Gospel music from your cubicle or carry a huge Bible into the workplace lunchroom so people know you are a Christian. We can show our faith by the way we live, the words we use and how we treat others. Does your lifestyle make Christ smile?

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

My Brother, My Friend

Our family continues to grieve the passing of our Brother, Lamont Barton, who died suddenly  a week ago today.  Lamont we miss you and love you. We pray one day we will see you again.

Have a Great Day!

Have a Very Happy Easter!

Building our Village one Mom at a time!