THE SOCIETY WE LIVE IN TODAY...

Did you know that it's all about ME?

What are you going to do for ME?

When can YOU come over and help ME?

I gotta look out for ME!

What did you buy for ME?

Why didn't you buy something for ME?

Are you going to take ME out?

I want all eyes on ME?

Look at ME!

If I don't look out for ME, who will?

There is nobody in my world but ME!

When was the last time you called ME?

Did you buy ME something for my birthday?

That's all you're going to give ME?

Hey...you better recognize it's all about ME?

You better give ME what I deserve!

Call ME!

Take care of ME!

Help ME pay my bills!

Don't you see ME?

When you will recognize it's 100%  ALL about MEEEEEEEEE?

Answer Question - tell me the truth...

Truth is something that has two sides, it's factual and sincere, but many don't appreciate or like it. Truth causes anger, frustration, defense and even fights...how can something so good have the ability to make a person react in an angry way? In my own personal experience there was time when truth was a hard reality to face. However, as grow and learn, I've come to a place in my life where I appreciate truth more and more...I know it's cliche` but the truth will always set you free. I've actually learned more about myself in the past several years through truth and reality.

When someone gives you constructive criticism...how do you react? Many of us are unconscious of our actions or feel that we are absolve of wrong doing. However, when our loved ones tell us something that makes us take a good look at ourselves, why is it so unappreciated for some? Is it because of pride? It is embarrassment? Shame? I know what truth means to me, but what does truth mean to you? If someone saw you spiraling downward, should that person avoid saying anything? If you are behaving badly, should it be ignored? If you are coming off angry and snap at people, should it just be tolerated?

Please school me!

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.

The best revenge is success...

There's a saying that I've heard many times "the good guy always finish last". Over the years when we give of ourselves and people treat us badly, our natural inclination is to believe after a while that it's not worth it to take the higher road...instead we want to see our offender hurt. We tend to get cynical about family, friendships, co-workers and potential suitors because of our past experiences. After you've been disrespected, lied to, stabbed in the back and denounced by people that are oftentimes close to you, it's natural to lose hope. There was a time when I believed that, but as I watch this presidential election play out, my whole perception has changed.

In watching this campaign, I'm impressed by the way Obama handles the lies, slights, blatant disrespect and indifference being levied against him. Imagine being accused by a large number of people of being a terrorist or "palling around with terrorists," having your character questioned and constantly being told you are not qualified to run this country because of the color of your skin! Oftentimes in the past he's been accused of not being aggressive enough and not fighting back. When you really think about it, Barak's calmness makes sense. Every time I see him he's always composed and sticks to the issues at hand. During the debates, Obama is always respectful of his opponent...often agreeing with him on issues. Even though McCain and his people have made the worst insinuations about Senator Obama, he still keeps his composure and is genuine in his greeting and departure...he refuses to allow another person to pull him out of character.

The Higher Road will sometimes entail enduring some difficult times. However, if you act with decency, respect and remain calm, you would be amazed at the outcome. Take this campaign for instance, the polls are showing that keeping your fight above the waist is a better strategy. Republicans are stunned and cannot understand how Obama is steadily gaining momentum. People in general are tired of fighting, they want to see a new face, hear a new voice and have someone running this country that they can respect...someone who CARES about helping the general public. We live in a very COMPETITIVE and SELFISH world which is largely contributing to the demise of this country and many others around the globe!

I've learned that revenge is a waste of time and energy. If someone has an issue with me or treats me with impunity, I pray for them because the problem is not mine, it's theirs. So the next time someone hurts you, go ahead and take the "higher road" because like Senator (Soon-to-be president) Barak Obama, that road may lead you to a much higher purpose.

The best revenge is success!

Have a blessed week.