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.

A New Beginning!

Can you believe it's 2022?  When the Covid 19 Pandemic started at the end of 2019, who would have thought we'd still be in this journey.  All of us have been through a lot. I'm ready for the New Year!   As we begin this new opportunity, what are we going to do with it?  How will this year be different, better, more productive?  What is your goal for 2022?

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, But forget all that, it is nothing compared to what I'm going to do! For I'm going to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Don't you see it? I will make a road through the wilderness of the world for my people to go home and create rivers for them in the desert! 

2022 is another chance to do something you haven't done before. Begin this New Year with anticipation, excitement and purpose. Enjoy the journey into a New Beginning!

 

Make Parenting Fun Again

Hey Moms, are you feeling overwhelmed during this Coronavirus Pandemic? We’re Mommy, Wife, Teacher and Coworker. Some days it can make you want to scream. In fact, go ahead, let it out!

Being in the middle of a pandemic while the children are home all day long can become a perfect storm for conflict. But since it looks like we’ll be here for a while, let’s find ways to enjoy the togetherness.

Psalms 127:3 says, Children are a gift from God.

So take a break from homework and virtual meetings to bake some chocolate chip cookies or make some crafts out of construction paper. Let’s make parenting fun again.

I Survived!

Have you ever experienced a "Why God" moment? It may be a medical challenge; a financial struggle; a relationship that is on the decline. In those moments, it may be hard to think about the future. But now that it's over and you've made it through that situation, it feels like nothing short of a miracle!

Singer Gloria Gaynor's Grammy winning song "I Survived" is not a gospel song, but it could be the anthem someone needs to hear to make it to the next level in their life.

Matthew 24:13 says, But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

As the world experiences the Covid 19 crisis, Praise God now, knowing you WILL say "I Survived"!

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.

Truly Appreciated

Hi Moms:
All  of us have days where we don't know our value. No one said thanks when you served breakfast. Your boss didn't praise you for your outstanding presentation. Your children didn't help wash the dishes after dinner.  But Proverbs 31:29 says: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Your value isn't measured day to day; your value is forever!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Girl's Night Out!

Hi Moms:

There is nothing like being with your Girlfriends! I mean the ones you can trust, tell your secrets to; those friends that have your back forever! To paraphrase John 15:13, there is no greater love than when someone will lay down their life for a friend. What friends do you love? Find ways to show love to them today.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Take a Deep Breath

Hi Moms:

Let's be honest. Life can cause us to lose our temper! Bumper to bumper traffic, Bosses, Bullies! Everything isn't perfect and real people have real emotions. So when those emotions happen - take a walk, count to 100 or eat some chocolate. And when the issues are more serious, talk to your Pastor, see a Counselor or talk to a close friend. Find a way back to your peaceful place.

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.