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 ~