Boys play games...Men take Responsibility and show you RESPECT

As I look out on the young ladies today, I often think about the song...... "No Pain, No Gain." As she stated there is a time for everything ........she said "be a cook in the kitchen, a lady in the streets, you can't show your stuff to every guy you meet...it's alright to be a little a sweet, be a Momma with the kids and you know what in the sheets...No Pain, No Gain...." Although it's a little much. It is right on point. We have many roles and many hats to wear and we have to know when to wear them. If it was one thing Mom taught me it was how to be a lady despite what anyone else was doing.

In some ways there are times when we have to adjust our lifestyle to the mess we create, but there is still a time for everything. I have learned that people are going to come and then they are going to go. It is best they leave when it is their time to go or you create an even worst problem in the end. One man's junk is a another man's treasure. If he can not bring out the best in you and you in him it maybe best to move on. As the Bible states there is no guarantee that you will change them.

Sometimes we endure for the greater good but if the situation is making you someone you are not and allowing you to lose your self respect, then you have to ask yourself is it really worth it? We always have to evaluate who our decisions will effect and of course make sure it is worth the loss for all involved. I often heard "you need to save yourself in my marriage." However, I knew he needed saving as much as I did. We were so young and we both came from similar backgrounds, therefore, I was more accepting and tolerant and so was he. However he always showed me respect in ways one could expect and he was there through the pregnancy and the delivery of each of his children and although we had to work on the stable job. He was willing to make the necessary changes and work three jobs to support his family.

What I am basically saying is we have to truly evaluate what we want long term; especially when we are making adult decisions that are going to effect us for the rest of our lives. We all get weary in marriage and we either press on or we walk away. My recommendation for you young girls is to evaluate whether you want to be in your situation for most or the rest of your life? You are not insecure when a lack of peace arises. You have to be willing to evaluate why those feelings came about. Unless there is something you have done to trigger that insecurity your insides are crying out to you for a reason. God truly equipped women with intuition so follow your insides.

If you can't reach them look within

It amazes me the number of people who approach me in Christ that expect you to respond to gossip. There are children dying, and people hurting who are seeking a better life. Yet we turn them away everyday because the dollar is so mighty in our sight. Is it really about winning them to Christ? Please don't be offended if I tell you I don't have time for the foolishness. I have worked for Judges who were more humble than the average man I meet who believes they are better than those who are hurting.

God said "How can you say you love me?" 1 John 4:20...when you basically can't love the flesh I have created that stands before you....Our pride makes us believe we can not reach them because there's something wrong with them. However, it's time to look within. God is more concerned about the people than he is about "the stuff" because you can't take the stuff with you. Wake up before we lose a generation that belongs to Christ!

Matthew 17-20 This scripture is normally referenced to the person who is struggling with their unbelief but it was the disciples that Christ was rebuking about their unbelief. We have to take more responsibility as Disciples of Christ. Be the light you were created to be!

London Riots hit home!

My heart goes out to those in London ( I have family there so it hits home.) I knew a time would come. As I listened to Darcus Howe being interviewed about how authorities are going after young black men. I understood their frustrations, while I am saddened that the events have taken such a turn. How long do people believe young African American males will be able to accept the obvious mistreatments they face each day?

My children are so sheltered but I decided to allow my son to take the UNC bus recently to the college to allow him to grow up, he was attending a meeting with his ELMP family. He had an awesome time among friends. However, my son was so hurt when he came home and revealed that when he asked the driver if he was on the right bus he was repeatedly ignored. He finally got off the bus because he did not want to lose more time going in the wrong direction.

He kept saying Mom "why wouldn't he answer me?" I thought baby in our society that is just the beginning. He is so use to me demanding an answer, that he does not realize we face it as women too just not so publicly. He was truly broken hearted. I told him if he really wanted to do something about it, don't be sad call his supervisor. The reality is we lose African American men everyday over senseless ignorance and things that can be avoided. The difference is in London they have finally said enough is enough. This father of four Mark Duggan did not have to die. I hope this will make the world reevaluate how you treat God's children this day because they do belong to God.

Excited about my miracles!

I took the time to post on Facebook that Tuesday my sister was the vessel that called with a natural remedy. She advised me to wrap my foot in a paper bag that had been soaked in vinegar. I spent time thanking God for my healing that day. On Wednesday early I awoke and there was still pain. I laid back down and the second time I arose the pain was gone! Isn't it just amazing what God has done! I Am the Healed! I went to church and I walked and I praised God and all is well!

I'm fighting and believing to the end! Our miracles are here!

This week has been quite fun, yet challenging. Anything that could have come against me has. However, I have found that in the face of trauma there is always VICTORY! I have been advised family members have been hospitalized with cancer and other illnesses but I continue to know there is nothing too hard for my God. As I woke up this morning I could not walk on my foot. It was as if I was walking on knives. I heard something pop when I was receiving a foot massage and I overlooked it recently. However, as I realized I was in true pain I thought God I will continue to believe you. As I step out in faith knowing that God will meet every need.

As my children return to school to register, they faced classes being closed and I was upset that they were not on campus at 7:30 am to register. However, I trust that God will open doors no man can shut. I trust God to heal my foot so that I may keep it moving. Most of all I trust that God will meet every financial need for my children as well as the other mother's who have contacted me regarding scholarships. We trust you to do the miraculous Oh God!

This weekend just keeps getting better and better!

I am excited about the amazing things God is doing. I have to "Be Grateful" for God blessing me through my sister on Saturday. We attended the Carribean Festival at the Metrolina Expo. We could not stay long because I had to get the children to basketball practice but I am grateful for the time I had to share with my big Sister and my children. My sister was such a blessing, she treated her nephews and neice to icees and we took inventory of the festival. She even treated her baby sister to a Pina Colada (no alcohol of course) lol.

It did not stop there, as we went back to the cars, my sister further blessed my daughter with a new curling iron and blow dryer with a comb attachment. I told no one her curling iron had broken just the day before. I said to Taylor "let's get a new one." However, I didn't have time so we were using the flat iron and kept it moving. I know it may seem minor to some but I know God touched my sister's heart with just the right items. I had not taken time to go get the curler or the blow dryer which needed a new comb attachment. My sister came with the exact items she needed. (I had just privately thought okay it's past time to have 2 of everything). She even blessed me with a new cooler on wheels. She didn't know I had returned one 2 weeks ago because my hubby said it was too small for an event.

I had been running for the last few weeks to 4 destinations getting up at 5 am and starting at 6 am every morning until 9 am back and forth across town....... then running errands, managing the household and I was exhausted and swollen by the end of the day...... when the routine had to be repeated. Yet I was just grateful the family was doing exactly what I was praying for.

Therefore, it meant so much to me that my sister didn't say "girl you need to get my neice such and such." No she took it upon herself to discern a need and just met it. I am extremely grateful for people in my life who take time to be a blessing even in what some may see as a little blessing...I see it as so HUGE!

It made me think of the gift of water I received from our overseer of an event I participated in this month. Some would say it was just water? However, it meant so much to me because God knew just what I needed, I had been swelling abnormally again and I basically could not be on my feet long. I was just pushing myself. I had been advised to drink more water but I had "set my need aside again." However, it was the gentle reminder I needed to start drinking more water again. Isn't God "Simply Amazing."

Last but not least my son is enjoying a few days with his ELMP family at Busch Gardens. I am extremely grateful that they give the boys the opportunity to sell raffle tickets to teach them responsibility, it teaches them a skill in approaching people and networking. I was truly excited for my son who had never been out on his own selling raffle tickets. He is very laid back and does not like to have to approach people so this was development for him. He sold some tickets. He paid for part of his own trip and dad matched what he paid. So it was an awesome experience all around. It was an absolute team effort. I am truly happy for him having the opportunity to be among friends and for his time away to celebrate. Thank you friends and family that purchased tickets to support Edwin...and just for the overall support of this family for it is TRULY APPRECIATED! :-)

If God be for you it doesn't matter who comes against you

In all that I have been through, the one thing I know for sure is that when God is for you it does not matter who or what tries to come against you. I was recently in prayer and I just heard that in my spirit so clearly. I thought you are so right God, what manner of love is this? God has been by my side throughout it all. There were so many miracles. He has shown me that he can touch the hearts of anyone. Sometimes we simply need to pray for them. God has truly been my rock.

I was thinking back on when the road got rocky. It was when I wanted to be in agreement so badly with my husband. It was interesting because growing up it was easy hearing God's leading because Mom would always say "follow your first mind." It is your God mind. You see when God gives you a command he is the original. It is the afterthoughts that are usually not of God. So when you can listen within it is easier. However, when it gets difficult is when you have to agree with one another. You have to evaluate between the two and make a compromise. I had difficulty because I am somewhat bossy and I have been known to be a little spoiled. So it was hard to submit to the thought that it had to be "our way."

Even this morning on my way to drop the children off, I got quiet and I could sense clearly I needed to take another route because we did not leave early as we should. If I had not listened and changed my route I would have missed it and I would not have realized there was a much shorter route. Just seconds before I arrived I said "be ready because your bus is there" to the children and as I pulled up she had arrived and the children had to make it on quickly.

My point is it is important to hear from God because it is God and God alone that will matter most in your times of tribulation and in your every day life. He is the great I Am and when he is the anchor you can't help but win!