Preying money

The number 9 is a very interesting!

The number 9 represents completeness. It marks the end of the human gestation period and the end of a series of numbers (1-10), as well as a complete circle (360 degrees = 3 + 6 + 0 = 9). Christ completed his life and died at the ninth hour. Nine categories of people are called 'blessed' in the Sermon on the Mount. 9 is a complete number: if multiplied by any other number it always reproduces itself (3 x 9 = 27 = 2 + 7 = 9).

If this calculation is true, this leaves a lot of hope for the upcoming year. However, we still have to leave room for the unknown.

My husband and I brought in New Years at the watch night service at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem NY. During the Sermon, Our pastor preached about the importance of positive thinking and making time for family and friends as much as possible. He said something that really resonated with me and that is "we cannot serve two Gods!" Many of us serve the God of money, material possessions and so many of us spend so much time on the job that it becomes our alter of worship. When we don't have balance in our lives it throws off the natural cycle of our living.

There is no doubt that money is necessary to live and be comfortable in this world. Money allows us to have freedom of choices (where we live, eat, travel, work etc). Right now our economy is in turmoil and it's effects are resonating throughout the country and world. Many are in panic mode because there is currently a shortage in so many areas of our society. I get a bit apprehensive everytime I watch the news because of all the layoffs....there is no doubt that these are tight times.

Everyone is on a quest to find more money whether people are working or not, money seems to be a rare commodity these days. Recently I found myself thinking of all the ways I can make money. I have been taking on all sorts opportunities here and there, spreading myself thin trying to committ to everything. At the end of the day I felt myself overwhelmed and frustrated. I know a little about this and that but mastering very few things and it's not a good feeling. I've decided to make some changes in my life this year and focus on my true hearts desires and talents. But overall, my most important focus is growing my family.

In 2009 we have the opportunity to start over again and try to make things right. It's important to be realistic about your goals and try not to procrastinate; make sure you schedule your time effectively and you will see that balance of family, work and play is very attainable. This is a good year, but every year is a good one as long as our outlook on life is positive. That outlook also applies to the bad things. When bad things happen (and they will), putting them in perspetive is very helpful in keeping a positive outlook.

Worry less, Be more humble and grateful, stay prayerful and wish others well.....

God bless.

A new year is dawning

I've been encouraged by many to start a blog. Blogs are a great way to share with the people you care about and anyone who just wants to receive and share information. I hope this blog will serve as inspiration and enlightenment to whomever that reads it. I hope and pray that 2009 will be a year of great prosperity for everyone.

As we draw closer to 2009, I wanted to reflect back on 2008 a bit.

The presidential election was one of the most exciting times in history. For the first time ever (in my lifetime), I saw people of all ethnicities coming together for a common goal and the result is we now have an African American as our President...President Barack Obama! Even more, the power that Mrs. Michelle Obama and their children will bring to the white house is priceless! I feel so blessed and fortunate to experience a time like this in our history. This occurrence alone makes 2008 one of the best years in our lifetime! Sure there were hard times, the economy sucks and people are losing their jobs. The good news...those things are cyclical and temporary and I have no doubt the market will bounce back. However, a Black man becoming president is something we will all cherish for a lifetime!

Many of us have also experienced personal tragedies, losses and upsets and many of us have seen a year filled with hope, promise and prosperity, this is the natural rotation of life and we ALL have a balance of good and bad moments. Every year isn't going to be a great year for everyone, but I will say this, your outlook on life determines what kind of year you will have. I like to learn from my experiences and I'm always working on getting better. Every year of my life is cherished because the good and bad make me who i am and I wouldn't want to change that for anything. Every year I try to extend my reach a bit further and challenge myself a bit more. If at any point i failed to accomplish something, I continue to re-evaluate my goals and dreams and carry them over until they are accomplished. Some goals you have to let go and add new ones and some goals will take longer than a year, so be patient with yourself.

Going forward into 2009, it can be a year of prosperity for all if we are willing to stay positive and put in the work it takes to become successful! However, as I've said before, success isn't just material, financial or having what some will consider a "good job." Success has to do more with the energy that you give people, the friends lives that you light up, your willingness to give and help others and the respect and admiration you get from others b/c of the good person that you are.

If you walk around being negative, unpleasant and cutting, it's going to be very hard for people to gravitate toward you. If that is an area you are lacking in, maybe it's something you can work on in the coming year! Success means absolutely nothing if you don't have friends and family that wants to share in your joy. Sometimes it helps to take the focus off of self and put your focus into something of a worthy cause. Recently when I went to New Orleans to volunteer my time, it was one of the most invigorating things I've done in a long time and something i plan to continue to do!

Decide to make 2009 your year. Plan accordingly. Work out a budget and try to stick to it, write out your goals and plans, you will see that writing them and looking at them often will help keep you on track. Wish others well, it only benefits you and remember whatever you put out to others is what you get back. Try not to be too quick to judge because you never know what is behind a person's actions and you never know when you will be in a similar situation. Life has a way of throwing curve balls, so stay humble if you are enjoying a time of good fortune...NOTHING is guaranteed!

With that, I want to wish you and your family a very prosperous, healthy and productive 2009! Celebrate with your loved ones, pray often and have gratitude for all your blessings.

Peace, Love and Blessings!