Awesome

 Don't relinquish major decisions in your life to others especially those of a personal nature. One should make a conscious decision to not do such. Why? Often times disappointment is yours to bear alone not to mention the intention of others is not always in your best interest. An abundance of challenges may be a good sign that you need to set boundaries regarding who you allow in your personal space. This may prove to be true to anything important you expect in your life.

~Never stop pursuing that which you feel is the true expression of your life. For this reason we reach toward those things that is the guide to that purpose.

Being an elder in a family should come with wisdom and the ability to resolve. The absence of truth in a family is the makings of true-false parables and riddles. What good is that to anyone? What sayeth thee in that regard?

~A personal touch goes a long way and a written note is sure to make the heart smile~

Have you ever paid a compliment to someone? I have many times. It's very common to do verbally. But have you ever stopped to think what a compliment is or what’s offensive? I'm willing to bet we don't think much about it. Most people don't associate compliments with knowing who a person is because it viewed as something external for the most part. From that perspective compliments would seem superficial right? My immediate thoughts were yes. But after careful thinking I realize that for deeper more meaningful compliment if you will, we use the term honor and several other adjectives. Well if you honor someone you have to know something about them; you move past the superficial and get to the substance. Hmmm We honor people all year long. But I want to challenge you and the next time you do stop and have a conversation to go a bit deeper and truly seek to find out about the person behind the name. Why would one do that? I often make a point to build relationships or exp...

Well the day has finally come and it's time to open presents and celebrate. But at 6:00am I have a confession to make. I haven't wrapped one gift. OMG. That's okay, I talk about being understanding with yourself during times like these when you've been busy. So I guess today I'm taking my own advice. It'll get done though. With that being said, I wanted to Wish you a Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

A stretched out hand who looks not like you but sees the good in you is a friend-an on-time blessing indeed. It's very hard to go through the holidays without thinking about times that make them special or reminiscing about those things or people that have shared precious moments in your life. Often times we think of blessings coming from a familiar place. However, the ones that aren't ordinary have a lasting impression. You can't fake them, re-script them or do a replay. Why, they're so authentic and hard to falsely capture the details. Many of you may know what I'm talking about. For those who do, let's together do something special in honor of the memory. If you've never been acquainted with such, I hope you can experience that kind of goodness in your life at least once.

We live in a word where the art of communication is all but lost. Be clear on your message and you'll navigate through this season well into the new year with a  joyful song that can be sung and embraced by all. Do something different this weekend, see how others are celebrating this holiday season. You may find something exciting to add to this year’s holiday function a new fact or idea. Peace be unto you all...

During this time of year there are lots of images on display, on TV, in movies, as you move throughout the season. I for one love Christmas and all the festive displays of yuletide greetings, giving and gift receiving. I love caroling, and singing and the fact that we associate this time of year with love and joy. Even with the entire holiday put-on one can still find time to figure out "what this season means to me".  In fact I encourage you to. It’s the perfect time of year to reestablish who you are. You may not have a dime to your name but you have love and your presence to share with others. This is one time of year that having a group of people be on one accord can make for a glorious time. It really can. In November I talked about losing yourself in the chatter. It's very easy to do as the holiday can be overwhelming and downright depressing for some. This is why true family togetherness and friendship make for the best time and occasions. Seek to find that place...

Okay, is it just me or does it seems all but too fast that 2012 is a few short weeks away. It really is unbelievable. As unbelievable as it sounds it's approaching and I hope you take some time to speak good thoughts in the atmosphere about your next year. Now trust that life will be filled with those things.

Boldness, is not abrasive, it’s fearless but not abrasive. It’s not about being scared or the absence of concern it’s about having the inner strength to make secure. Men wonder how a woman knows that something is wrong, extremely off- kilter. It’s when you don’t reach out your hand. It’s not about romance it’s about what you know you supply. When you don’t express the words to make it right, the right you know God expects of you. It sends a startling message that either your inner core is troubled or something is terribly wrong. This is not the case for everyone. It’s for those who want to impact, press in and touch the spirit of others. It’s for those bold souls who profess an uncommon love. There’s nothing sadder than the tears of a clown but there’s nothing more tragic than great strength without inner beauty. When you forget to make it right that becomes the building block or foundation of your legacy. So men you want to give a lasting gift this season… give her the gift of alway...

True or false: Having to alternate routes increases your ability to be resourceful... Let's talk about it. What do you think?

Love yourself from within and you'll have the outward comfort to be who you were purposed to be. You'll find that harmonious relationships have longevity when you are in this space. To do otherwise is to seek definition from the unfamiliar.

During difficult times the love you've shared flanks your side, you look forward to the future and you recognize the strength of your rear-guard. The beauty of a shared life is you can combine the positive friendships and relationships of those who support your love while starting anew and charting your purpose-driven course- yes this is a blessing. There is a reason that the sacred text says that a man and woman are to cleave to each other. It is for the building of a strong foundation that cannot be broken. It is during this time of year that people can celebrate and share the hope, dreams, and wealth that they've built together because they believed in the greater-agape love. Work and love are two verbs that have to lean on each other sometimes to make it through. With that said, we have to remember the latter for ourselves, during difficult times, as I am doing for me at this very moment, when your love is being challenged .

During Christmas you see an abundance of color. I was looking at the Christmas tree with my younger cousin she's only 2 and she went through each color. What's this color...what's that color...what do you call this... She even noticed the red bows I had on the tree.  Although I had specifically chosen the colors we would use on the tree I was surprised that she actually made a point of identifying each different one. I didn't have to prompt her or draw her attention to it. I was actually excited! Then it hit me color is visible even to the smallest and most quiet of them all. It was hard to tell which ornament was her favorite not that it mattered. Sometimes we think as adults we're the only ones who see. On the contrary color matters to us all . Such a basic observation but it spoke volumes to me. Hmmm you learn something new every day.

Live life on purpose with purpose.

You know the holiday season moves so fast. And we're trying to keep up with it. That means getting and keeping our Holiday Cheer. That may be easier said than done. Today I looked up and thought Christmas is just two weeks away. Can you believe that? Two weeks away. Well get your list out if you haven't started shopping, prepare that mailing list for those you will send greetings and don't forget to call. Call friends and family and give them your warm wishes. It's practical and simple but often times we forget to give that added personal touch of saying I care. What are you doing to this year to get in the holiday cheer? Let us know we'd like to hear from you.

I usually avoid this type of commentary but after a lively discussion couldn't help but think that we're approaching a place where very little matters anymore. When we've eroded away principles to the point that it has little value it's a sad day; a realization that should evade one's contemplation during this time of year. We must ask ourselves this question again; is ignorant bliss? What do we really honor? No need to impose a specific topic just think on whatever you choose. Please don't be so quick to answer. Take a little time and see what your heart tells you.

... and I still love ~ Even the lava from a volcano gives us beauty for ashes

~ It is the strength of the past and the promise of the future that keeps me centered in my present life ~

From Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and any other social haven we see more conversation electronically than ever before. The question I have is-are we losing the ability to form "real" and "intimate" relationships platonic or otherwise? Some may take me to task on this but I think we have. What about the tangible world is it overrated? Do we still allow ourselves to be up close and personal with the people we can touch? I think we are not fostering relationships the same and consequently young people miss out on the real emotions that go with how we affect one another. Now don't get me wrong I think social media is great but I also have personal relationships of 20+ years to balance it all out. I can say with certainty I have first-hand knowledge of someone's character. I think our young people are missing that component. Perhaps it's not just them. I'm a child of the 70s and we are heavy in technology just like the next group. I know I’ve asked more ...

My family and many of you with children probably use the term “use your words” when speaking to the little ones. It has become our way of encouraging them to exercise use of the English language and to become comfortable speaking and expressing themselves. The question becomes, are we doing the same thing? I come to challenge you to make sure that you are. Our foundations of understanding determine the foundation of truth we speak-or does it? It should but surprisingly that’s not always the case. Like children, adults when they are not sure of themselves or if they are not honest in their speech will recline from “using their words” or engaging in honest talk. No way! Yes it is so. It’s a bit of a humorous twist that can pervade into relationships if you let it. Don’t do it. Don’t slip into a form of communicating that is timid towards embracing real dialogue. Hence I’m not talking about the spats a couple may have which results in keeping conversations minimal on purpose. I’m talk...

So I didn't make it to the stores at the wee hours in the morning and it has somewhat become a tradition for us however I had no regrets about passing up the crowd this morning. Well for starters I was a bit tired, more than usual, and got the word that customers were lined up outside at the stores at 9:00pm yesterday. So I opted out of my usual routine. I used most of the day to get some work done. Remember we're still pressing toward end of the year goals. Boy did it pay off. I got some things completed and headed to the stores 10 hours after all the excitement. I was shocked to find no long lines or huge crowds. What!! I couldn't believe it. We got our Christmas decorations and took our time strolling around to come upon some unique finds. So you know that I am a happy camper to say the least. The moral of this story, I may have missed the Thanksgiving rush but with confidence that there would still be something left over for me; I still discovered some golden surprise...

I once heard a man say "Thank God for the good" and have a flagrant disregard for all else

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Tis the season to be thankful. This is a time a fellowship with the ones you love. Value-added relationships help sustain families and friendships. This is such an important time to foster that connection and create an environment that promotes unity and love. Make no excuse or let no one influence your decision to be around the one (s) you love. If a hand has reached or reaches out to you grab hold and walk along in unison.

Enjoying and cooking for your family should never be what I call a "chore" by all principle purposes it should be effortless and a joy. The minute you think that a relative, sibling, child etc. has the wrong mindset about what family is about is when you need to take the first opportunity to discuss it and be firm about your position. Managing family can be a challenge and yes drama, let's face it. But you should never feel compelled to do anything. Why am I talking about this? The holiday can be stressful for some because you are cooking, and running errands, and jumping through all other loopholes for children or loved ones who may not appreciate it. That should never be. I learned and am learning the older I get that you are free to do more when you are appreciated. At least that’s what my grandmother said. And guess what she was so right. Do you know when you are appreciated you find the time even when time is stretched to the max to add an extra dessert or dish. I ...

Okay, we are on the count down. Thanksgiving is just a mere 4 days away and already I am feeling a bit anxious about our cooking schedule. I think I may actually want to start on Tuesday. What do you think; is that too early? I am sharing the kitchen with others. I think I'm going to actually see if we can agree on a schedule. This is so exciting.  Yes, the holiday season is in swing. Notice I didn't say full swing. That'll start the day after Thanksgiving. Oh and just a gentle reminder be mindful of your environments and false speech. The tales of the tongue have no cure so I'm told (lol). But seriously this is an exciting time to enjoy but we do want to be just a wee bit more alert. I almost feel as if this should be a year round caution but because of the holiday season I think we should have increased awareness of our surroundings. With that happy cooking and join me in the day count down to Christmas. Wow!

There is no love like that of the one who can not only say I love you but can show their love and be there for you in times of joy and sorrow. Oh what blessing it is to know love in that way. I just watched the end of a Holiday film, plates were chiming and lots of chatter in the air and it all came to hush for the family toasts. It was the perfect movie scene to close your eyes to see and listen. Life comes with a lot of value and there is nothing like being able to freely express your sentiments to one another.

Getting together for the holidays can be trying but I like the idea of pot-lucking right in the home. Okay it's not exactly pot-lucking but it's similar and it gets everyone in your household involved during the holidays. Most everyone in our home will make a dish-teenagers included. It doesn't take long for a tradition to start and everyone to find out what their signature dish is. When this happens everyone becomes part of the event. You can even let the youngest (who I presume may not be cooking-but they make excellent taste testers) pick out something they'd like to have at dinner. Again everyone gets involved and will have a part in the sharing of the holiday festivities. What ideas do you have to bring all your family together and get them involved? Hey I don't mind you sharing. Sound off right here!

I love questions that make you stop and pause and examine your inner self. Today’s question is what represents normalcy in your life? It’s a combination of atypical experiences mixed with a balanced life that includes but is not limited to joy, excitement and peace. Speaking futuristically I would say something like “Sweet Heart, make sure that whatever excitement you bring it makes sense or at least fits our personalities, a mix of spontaneity and solid thinking that maintains committed and sound living.”

  The comfort your presence brings makes all the difference, so don’t frustrate the love you have. You have a dream to be married one day and the love of your life comes along, yeah, hoo, hoo!!!! There's only one problem, rather than see your love as part of your life, as someone you want to share your accomplishments with, you try to work them in to your plan. That's surely going to cause problems. So figure out if you truly want to share your life with someone or if you just want a hit and miss relationship? If you want to share your life invite them in so that together you can help each other along the way as you believe for the best in the rest of your lives. What do you think? Let's talk about it.

When you've become one with your purpose the earth will make a way to provide you with what you need.

The word friendship can take on different terms but what's important is that each person is clear about what it stands for. God touches us through the lives of other people. It is with this understanding that we learn to value our relationships. I don't waste time playing games with people I love I use that time honor their presence. Let not someone who dislikes you take up free rent space in your mind. Time spent in the presence of a friend is spent in good company.

The heart of two...and a posture of romance as we say thanks and be merry. I never give someone outside the relationship the power to determine my happily-ever-after. I love him because together we love each other.

He who provokes thought, contemplation and one's inner reflection is worthy of esteem. I've been doing my morning reading and after several articles in this thought repeatedly came to mind. We should endeavor to do better when we know better and avoid justifying wrongs because of formality. Using formality for the good is worthwhile; even if you have to question what's good. However using it to harm the very human spirit of people is an act against humanity. If you look at the fabric of history we find that the legacy of such acts is wrought with painful historical account. One we spend a lifetime trying to make amends. It's a controversial topic- I know but, one that would probably lend itself to robust discourse in a leadership class of mature individual thinkers who may agree or disagree. The question becomes-how can we become better communities while trying to leverage right against wrong when formality challenges our moral "compass"? There are some thin...

I have an assortment of hat and scarf sets. I've collected them for years. I use to keep all my sets together and then one year, little by little my colorful collection dwindled. However rest assured each year I always seem to replenish-although not the main point I'm trying to make, it was and still is always enjoyable to have several winter accessories to look at. The main point being winter or should I say leading up to winter I always get my garbs out and arrange them like so and put them somewhere I can find them to wear. While keeping with my own tradition this year an idea came to mind. If you find that you have something of a bit of a collection perhaps if you can (depending on the collection) pass one along to your child or someone near your heart or that you are fond of. I believe little legacies start with such acts as that. I remember when my grandmother gave me a cuff bracelet. I still have it and have been wearing it for years since along with others I've co...

So here's the thing... I've been talking about this lately because when you have school-aged children around it comes up but the holidays often conjure up family rifts if they go left unsettled. I know families that have gone decades with unresolved issues and some that never got the closure they should have- the result, family ties were severed and if truth be told the family becomes scarred because of it. Over the years I've talked with my mom and dad about family rifts and it's always interesting. It is jaw dropping stuff and usually I'm covering my mouth in unbelief. The after-shock of family disputes always seems to come alive at Thanksgiving or Christmas. There's a missing person on there's tension in the air. Loneliness and depression increases during the holidays and so as uncomfortable as it is to have difficult conversations it's worth it. Of course to avoid arguing you have to put the real issues on the table. You have to go to the root of t...

I never confuse romantic or platonic love. It either is or isn't. Ask me and I'll tell you which it is. I write no substitution trying to exclaim a different story. That would deny me the opportunity of having found love, being vulnerable to it and enjoying every minute of it. The best love is the one where his presence brings comfort and his absence creates a longing for his return. Three's a company for these type feelings, that's why the vow is between the two. Sure family is an extension but don't put love through hell trying to discover something the two knew was already there... His love is the fresh breeze in the summer's air, a beautiful blanket of warmth during a cold winter morn. Yeah that's what is. I suppose I should ask him his description. And yes, you should have kissed me when you had the chance instead of making me wait all this long :-) A short story in the making or a love story... I don't know you tell me?

You may be wondering why I keep emphasizing partnerships and collaboration. It's because I truly believe that there is something special about sharing your life with someone and with others. But here's another reason why. I get the sense that we live in a world where there's a lot of pressure to sacrifice your life and I don't agree with it. I've probably been watching more tv over the last 15 months than I have over the last decade or so literally. And drama tv has presented interesting stories and concepts of which you find a lot of shows on what I call sacrificial love. Don't get me wrong parents do it all the time. But remember the saying that is not only wise but a blessing also to leave your children and your children's children an inheritance? The end result of sacrifice should be improved lives. If not you're asking for strained relationships at the very least. That's why I heavily promote sharing and collaboration because you get the mos...

Monday starts the beginning of the Holiday Season. After Halloween we'll be full swing into the last two major holidays of the year. While everyone is putting on costumes and other acts often time the masquerade begins and many go on forgetting and losing themselves, lost amongst the crowd. That's why this is a good time to know the difference between the act and what's reality. I find myself thinking on these few statements. Perhaps you'll grab yours and take them into the holiday too. "You are a royal diadem in the hands of the Lord"... Yes I remember me!

Pretense, pretending, putting on facades or any other ingenuine demonstration is never the road to wholeness in relationships especially when it comes to family. I've heard that some people will go to the end of the earth trying to avoid having "real" talks or getting to the very grain of an issue is extremely hard. For this reason you have to assess what's in the best interest of the whole. I see why removing yourself from the equation is sometimes necessary. I also know why taking the very hard step of addressing tough issues is paramount. The bottom line is you have to weigh them out and determine your course of action. Here's one thing I know, when relationships are on the line and people still want to avoid setting the relationship on course it may be an indication that there is nothing left of the relationship to salvage.

Everything starts with a seed-not literally but figuratively. It could be a seed of moral goodness or deception. But the key is to examine the seeds that have taken root and sprouted.

Honesty and trust are two of the most essential components of a family relationship keeping it strong. However a breach of such can cause irreparable damage destroying relationships that may never be salvage.

Only endeavor to be a part of that to which you know the cause, intention and purpose.

Parents don't be afraid to parent your children hence your title would suggest the obligation of doing so. Of course if you are ole school than you take the liberty of including matriarchs and elders. One of the most valuable forms of parenting is being able to direct your children when they are getting off course. Contrary to the thoughts of young people this doesn't take away their ability to grow into independent adults it helps them along in that process. Most teens don't know that maturity is a major attribute of independence or at least being independently happy. Sometimes you have to establish or set aside downtime for your children. You do it on purpose to help them clarify goals, discover who they are and provide direction. It's guaranteed that they will not like it but in years to come they'll thank you for establishing a process in their lives of direction and self-discovery. Your family should all be able to say at least one major thing that they ar...

When Fred Astaire put on the Ritz it was a dazzling show. Dove-tail Tuxedo's a cane, spats, and a hat to match. No mistaken those syncopated beats, a cadence of steps and three-quarter turns. However, wonderful and exciting it may have been it's important to make sure that we're not always “putting on the Ritz” in our lives to the point that our stories feel so contrived. What am I saying, when you sit down and have honest talk with family don't try and dazzle the truth with unnecessary fabrication be candid and sincere because that is truly the place that people will know you and it is also the place where lifelong lessons are learned. I can remember having these heartfelt talks with the elders in my family it kept me grounded. Moreover I didn't have to pretend in my own life. When you give your children that you help them discover who they are and take a lead role in their own lives.

Keep your family a sail. Just as you plan goals and work to complete them do the same for your children and a family as a whole. You'll find that when you're family has a vision you're always working toward a known goal that can be shared together. Even if the goals are individual discussing them with one another if nothing more allows the family to encourage and celebrate your vision. This type of continuous positive activity breeds success in families.

I don't care what creed, nationality, career or religious background everyone should make space and time for love.

You will never get to truly know a person if you are constantly reading into everything they do.

I'm not sure if this is the case for all school children but Fall Break started this past Friday for us. For those who had New Year's resolution/goals this is a great time to push forward to complete any short term goals that you had planned to do so by the end of the year. So if you're in Fall Break (or starting one soon) fall forward in other words use any special time you have to increase your momentum to finish projects by this coming December. Who knows you may find that you finish ahead of time.

And she said of him,  come yourself and see about me.

Last year during the holidays I created a fragrance called Love Noir. Some have wondered the story behind it's title and creation. It was made with this in mind: When the light of my soul can bounce off you and illuminate even the very air we breathe, now that's a love noir anything else isn't defined by this kind of love.

I've always had a "keep your head up philosophy" because you can see where you're going when you are looking straight ahead. A down-trodden approach hinders forward movement and if nothing else limits visibility. Try driving a car with your head down. For this same reason, I believe the affairs of business should be done much the same knowing exactly what you plan to do, why you are doing it and looking in the direction of that goal.

Fall is really here. For those of us who have been basking in this beautiful weather enjoy it while it last. While you're out though, don't forget to look at the leaves and see the change in color, if you see those burnt orange, copper and golden-wine leaves you know you've spotted the seasons changing however subtle it may be. Fall also signifies the end of the year. Yep we're in the last quarter of the year; Thanksgiving is around the corner and Christmas not too far behind. But much like a cold winter's morning fall is a time of quiet reflection as well. With a cup of your favorite soup sitting in front of the computer working a quick glance out the window and your thoughts can drift away. You know what I say keep a notepad handy for quick thoughts that you can ponder on fully later.  While I was cooking soup and listening to some music these were the fleeting thoughts as I stood cooking a pot of comfort soup. Love yourself in your wholeness and as you make all...

While away at a conference I got a chance to see a relative I hadn't seen in a while. It was nice to have lively discourse and conversation with my cousin. Somehow we ended up on topic of secrets. It was really funny and we found ourselves laughing about the matter. I wanted to bring the subject matter to you and see your thoughts. It is always interesting to see how initial perceptions can be formed depending on information. The initial thought that provoked the conversation is that if you have knowledge of something its not a secret. But I shared a different point of view. I defined a secret as knowledge not shared purposely to another individual. The reasons can vary but for the sake of this conversation the idea is to conceal the fact that some wrong or transgression had occurred. To help illuminate the understanding I said this: You may know two people, both of whom you are close with. That does not mean that you know those two individuals did something out o...

If you find that someone has developed a chronic issue for playing games that don't honor the relationship learn to put some space in between because it can become toxic.

Don't use all your grace and strength in one place you will find yourself restless and drained after doing so.

To be friends is to genuinely have the others best interest, to have found a soul that you have shared many talks over the years and still manage to do the same in the hereafter. Friendship begins at a point of peace. The sincere friends of this world are as ship lights in the stormiest of nights. Giotto di Bondone

In my reading this week I learned that they are looking to pass or have passed legislation regarding cyber bullying. I think it’s great but I want to talk about bullying in general not just on the internet. Unfortunately bullying makes its way from the classroom, to the school yard, to the internet and out in society. Some schools have become proactive in putting up bully boxes around the hallways and corridors so that children can address the matter privately if they are fearful. Growing up I was taught never to indulge a bully and so I didn’t. The reality is this friendship doesn’t have to be a painful situation. There are times when friendships will develop out of conflict but more often than not the path to a becoming a friend is an enjoyable process. I can say that with certainty. When you are clear about what friendship is and how it feels then you can have the right perspective about bullying. The intent of bullying is usually humiliation and intimidation. Often these issues are...

Sometimes we have to tell ourselves to just complete the darn thing and perfect it later. Some of the best "works" considered may be awaiting the arrival of our “works” to sit among them as suitable rivals and playmates.

Don't think so little of yourself, or listen to the ramblings of others about what you can or cant attain or the blessed relationships you can form to do so is like a cankerworm in your flesh eating away reminding you of how bad you should feel about where you shouldn't want to be. No press beyond such thinking and know that God has a purpose for us all.

Your dreams should mimic that of a lighthouse. A destination that you can see afar off in the night as it stands high above the hill; it still can be seen even during stormy weather.

What makes one engage in social networks but avoid being social amongst the public? I don't know the answer but I have several guesses. However a more sufficient look at the question is what I'll be doing over the next few weeks.

When doing something different, start the day early it allows for you to plan for any mishaps.

So I think we're in to the swing of things. Children have an idea of teacher's expectations are and teachers have done a few assessments on their students and where their strengths and weaknesses allow. You're past the back to school jitters and have begun to actually build on the learning and education you received last year. This is why this post isn’t really amount the traditional aspect of education but about character building. I know it's a sensitive subject at times but it's time to observe and correct our children in terms of behavior. For those of you who don't have to do it it's wonderful you've probably done a great job in those early years and it's second nature for a student to think about their behavior and how they represent their family away from home. If I can digress for a minute, growing up that was a big conversation piece at our dinner table. We were always told when you walk out that door you represent our family. I don't ...

A friend once told me "Don't always focus on what it looks like, close your eyes and focus on what you feel and what your spirit tells you". It's always a good thing to start the morning out with quiet intimacy and a oneness with God. And to add song to that it fast forwards your day into the right direction. It's amazing how quiet intimate moments opens your thoughts to higher more positive thinking. I think the energy was helped along in part due to an added practice on my part. I've learned that when you meditate you can focus better and your thinking becomes more clear.As I was listening in song and reflection I made sure to keep my eyes closed and focused on the words and what I was hearing. This was the right thing to do because now as I prepare to go about my day, I can sift out the positive and negative.  I see why people say meditate for an hour each morning as it allows you to block out unnecessary and negative energy. How do you start out your ...

In most families when kids go back to school there's a shift in activities. Kids are at practice, games, school, doing homework etc....And the summer routine is reluctantly put aside until next year. The summer way of life is coming to an end but most children don't view it that way. It's important to get back into the school routine. These are practical things but we often forget them because we're still winding down from the summer honeymoon too. It's better if you get back into the practice of things and help those in school by setting clear expectations. In my household growing up it was clear that summer life and the school year was different. We were clear on the expectation so after a while we knew the routine without too much prompting and easily transition into the new schedule. If the beginning of this routine feels like rocky roads here are a few practical things to do Be clear of the time schedule- Curfew for games, parties, hanging out at a bu...

I make sure that my motives and actions are genuine so that when conducting business I am free to bring the full expression of who I am to that endeavor~ T.G.

It would not be wise to be around someone who thought so little of you that they couldn't honor the relationship with the truth.

I had thoughts of starting the day off with early morning reflections regarding 9-11. But I decided to wait a minute and see what my thoughts were at the end of it. I did this because sometimes letting your thoughts linger will allow them to crystallize. 9-11 was tragic there's no doubt about it. But how do you turn such an event around in your heart to reflect the light of the lives of those who were lost and those affected most deeply by it. It's really hard to pen one thing and probably because there is no one thing that we do to acknowledge a day such as 9-11. So I thought my day was appropriate to not only start with prayer, but to fellowship with family and meet or talk to someone that I didn't know. I look at September 11th as a day when the lives of so many people, people who didn't know each other came together in more ways than one could imagine. Some would help each other and remain lifelong friends, some would see the face of someone they didn't know fo...

People may not like you for your ideas or vision. It could be a difference in lifestyle or the fact that perhaps they really like your ideas and the way you think but don't know how to express it. In this chaotic world of the good and ugly one of the reasons you dream and have goals is to keep focus on things that are good which is a wonderful distraction to the ugly world we unfortunately experience at times. So cast your thoughts into a net of wonderful streams of positive possibilities and believe that it will produce something equally wonderful. ~ Thoughts on the importance of goal setting and why we believe

When you talk about focus and forward thinking you also have to talk about vision. Some people happen upon opportunities and that's great but most of the time we are working toward something. For example there are people who have vision boards. You may not have time to create a vision board but you should take the time to write your thoughts and visions down on something. This will allow you years from now to go back to the framework of your original ideas and build upon them. It is also a snapshot of what you are working towards. It may change or stay the same through the years but the main thing is that you have picture of which you desire and desire to accomplish.

You always make attempts to better yourself, be forward thinking, and aspire to something, the next level, the next project, a better you etc... In this development that you can also become instrumental in doing things that are helpful to others. But one should always look to improve and move forward. Just think of stagnant water and use that as your motivation.

Effective communication within families is so important and when lacking is a severe disadvantage and disservice to one another. When choosing to not communicate you are ultimately expressing thoughts that you do not regard one another's needs and possibly making the choices that say "a family isn't a priority. ~ Thoughts on relationships and important leadership practices in the home

I've said this before and I'll say it again. It is so important to be present in your own life. Just as school students prepare for classes and the school year we should do the same. We should be preparing for the year and making plans and decisions to meet short-term and long-term goals. This is not something you want others to do for you (maybe with you) but you should take part in the excitement of planning for the wonderful things you want in your life. We do this becomes it gives us something to look forward to.

Sometimes the question isn't why, because the answer is in the meaningful conversation.

The beauty of photography is capturing the beauty in others. I was looking through some pictures and realized that anybody can take an ugly picture. The most beautiful person in the world can. The art of photography is not so much that you compose beautiful pictures or you make people look like something they’re not because yes, you can do that, it is when you capture the beauty of a person in a particular moment. After all we are attracted to the beauty in all of us. Rarely ever do we desire to see the side in a person that doesn’t reflect the light of their soul.

At the end of the day you have to stay focused on the thing that you are purposed to do that will speak of your presence here on earth.

If you find that you have lost your way, stop, refocus, and make the necessary changes to re-direct yourself toward the path of wholeness.~ thoughts on readjusting your life

In a world where everything can be watered down and is hit or miss real love will show itself. It is present, genuine and true, when everything around isn't and fades away. It can be both difficult and easy to determine  so in the midst of waning and fair weather emotions seek that which is true and don't be afraid to learn when it is not.

I don't know if this is back to school advice or just advice in general. However courtesy and politeness goes a long way. I can remember it made the difference in me getting a scholarship in college. To that end, I say parents teach your children and young people that when they enter someone's house and there is someone home to always greet them warmly. It does make all the difference in the world. To this day when teaching a class, when I enter a room full of students or the presence of others who were there first I say hello.

Men who are married, in love and soon to be married, head over hills with that significant other or confident in the love that God has sent you it's important to be in tune with your mate. Listen when she speaks and don't be too proud to talk and communicate with her. Don't underestimate getting to know her it makes all the difference in staying power. Sometimes we are taught that when you have the bird in the hand perhaps it's worthy to let it go to get the bird in the bush after all you do have one right, but what happens when you lose both. Well love is that way and you have to know when to hold on to it.~when something is precious...

A few days ago I posted this comment...Being diverse in your readership is always worthwhile. Growing up I was always made to read. It didn't matter what it was, an article, comics in a newspaper, a novel, a magazine but something. It was a long held belief of my grandmothers and one that no one I mean no one got out of. Yes Saturdays was full of good smells of any one of these delights- grits and salmon, hot biscuits, blueberry muffins, or pancakes among other things. But one wouldn't guess that we also had to write reports. I know it's hilarious. We laugh about it today. But my grandmother's belief in reading was well versed in her understanding of wisdom and knowledge. She said during slavery the thought was "put it in a book" and negros wouldn't read it. And because of it at 5 years of age I was able to read a short book novel and a book of poems. And won't you know my toddler nephew loves his books too. I'm just ecstatic! That being said, I...