Good morning family. On the road to the house. Li'l Cory's team played hard and we cheered hard but in the end they came up short, losing by one point. I'm proud of him and his dad because they truly have a heart for the game. As parents we have to teach our children how to win and lose. What I know for certain is that without experiencing loss we can't/won't become stronger people. Loss prepares us for life, it makes us appreciate our coming/future victories, makes us better prepare for our next challenge/for our tomorrow's. When we accept that it's okay to lose we breathe a lot easier. After all, it's just a game and God willing, we'll play again. TeamLiveToPlayAnotherDay. Bblessedloveyou.

Good afternoonfamily. Loving this Saturday. Still pumped up from last night's  praise and worship. "The devil is a liar" I will not be comfortable with/in sin. I love how God's word has laid out our life paths. We have to follow His path in order to receive our victory. I pumped my fist last night because I've come through so much but I still have a sound mind and a heart for all people. I hold no one accountable for me but me. Realizing that my sinful past warranted death I shouted in thankfulness for deliverance/peace. God has changed my name and I pray He's doing or has done the same for you. I fully understand that my life is not my own. I have been allowed to live so that I can serve others. Whenever I feel a waive of selfishness rising up I remember His saving grace and His precious sacrifice. I cry when I think about who/what I've loss but I rejoice because despite my losses I still smile. Praying that God continues blessing and changing me/you. I am not defined by what I own, I an defined by Who's I am. (Shout out to my Cousin Ronnie, be blessed, love you). TeamiAmHis. Bblessed.

Focus

Good morning family. Welcome to hump day. May the blessing of our Heavenly Father be on/with us as we move through our day. Thanking Him for another beautiful morning. Just breathing in His word and letting it fill our hearts will help us face whatever the day brings. AMEN. I have to confess, I was feeling some kinda way yesterday about a few things that I wasn't happy with. Mostly because I felt others should be doing more than they were. When I stepped off the elevator this morning I felt a deep conviction. Convicted because not having the assistance I asked for didn't hinder my progress, I just worked harder. Basically I didn't need the assistance, approval or support that I moaned and groaned about. Why are we like that? I say we because I know there are people just like me who have the strength, courage and ability to accomplish more than they do but because we/they are so focused on what someone else is/isn't doing, we power down or should I say "cower" down. This doesn't help our cause and certainly isn't going to get us promoted. Today I plan to move forward, use my resources and focus on what I need to get done. What about you? Will you sit around and wonder why the next man isn't doing more, will you sit around and complain because "such and such" didn't have to complete a task that you've been charged with completing, will you allow what "so in so" is or isn't doing to distract you? What I'm certain of is that life (personal and professional) goes on whether we participate or not and what you won't do, someone else will. We have to use our time/talent/gifts to the fullest, without selfish thinking, without holding back, looking through "spiritual" eyes. TeamFocused. Bblessedloveyou.

Free Will

Good morning family. Happy birthday to Simia Nicole, the best niece ever. Always thinking of others. Blessed to have her in our lives. Thanking God for life and favor this morning/every morning. Understanding that life is only as complicated and convoluted as we allow it to be. I remind myself daily that before I started making "my own choices", I had a clean slate. It didn't matter what my mother or father had done, I was given "free will". I remember standing next to my Grandma Ms Smith's hospital bed a few days before she passed. She'd heard that I was misbehaving, doing things that she had always talked against. She told me to remember what I had been taught, how I had been raised and to remember her guidance. During that moment I really didn't feel any convictions about my choices. As I reflect on my past I realize that everything she ever showed me/told me was for my own good. Making me sit on the front pew during service, attend choir rehearsal, Baptist Training union and even prayer/missionary meetings was preparing me for what I would face as an adult. I've been truly blessed to live this life even during times of distress/chaos. God is truly amazing and patient. I thank Him for allowing me time to get back to what I was taught. I'm far from perfect but I'm a long ways from what I used to be. Honoring Him this morning for allowing us to see another day, an opportunity to bask in His glory and to correct those things/ways that are not pleasing to Him. AMEN. TeamFreeWill. Bblessedloveyou.

Beautiful Day

Good morning family. What a beautiful day. I'm truly inspired to have a wonderful day just because I have a choice and I'm able. It doesn't take a lot energy to live when we remove those things that clutter our mind and block our view of the future. I've come to understand that independence comes when we accept responsibility for our results and work towards improvement (professional and personal). When our continued focus is on what's not working we consistently fail at anything we attempt, i.e. work, relationships, financial gain. Everything seems all wrong.  We have to look for the positives, get out of bed every morning knowing something good is going to happen. Stretch the possibilities we've been afforded in order to reap mental/physical/spiritual/financial freedom. Trust me when I tell you that letting go of what's held you back will release you from the stress and worry of life. Never allow yourself to be used/abused/taken for granted. God's desire is for us to be happy so let's get it in. TeamBeautifulday Bblessedloveyou 

Positive Communication

Good morning family. Spending a little quiet time before all the kids get here. Wishing Nadya Matthews a happy 12th birthday. Where has the time gone. Blessed to have such a smart young lady as a granddaughter. This morning I was reminded that we can't allow things to go left unsaid. Those unspoken words that keep us trapped, stuck on an emotional rollercoaster. People say "it's best I don't say anything". I say the best thing we can do is say something but say it right and for the right reason. We have to learn to have healthy conversations. Speak up when things are wrong, don't shut down. What I've learned about me is that I didn't know how to say things. I was so focused on having the last word/upper hand/getting my point across that my words became projectiles, cursing and accusing. They did more harm than good. I may not speak for others but as a woman I've always felt that I had to protect myself, be ready with a "slick" come back. Reading the word of God reminds me that I don't have to throw "stones or salt" to get my point across. What I have to do is speak in love, use the power of His words to move through and process those things I think are harmful to my being. Sometimes those simple phrases such as "I'm sorry", "I love you", "please forgive me" or "you're right" put us in a choke hold because we just can't seem to say them. We're afraid that we'll be perceived as being weak. I remind you as I remind myself, learning to speak in love can save relationships, can heal open wounds, can transform families. Life will never be perfect but we can make it better by choosing our words wisely and not allowing our pain to fester. TeamPositiveCommunication. Bblessedloveyou.  

Good morning family. What can I say about my weekend other than it was awesome. I enjoyed my family more than I can say. Praying that my family build stronger bonds and break any chains that keep us from loving each other to the fullest. Sometimes family is the last to forgive and accept their members. Always bringing up the past, pointing fingers and refusing to unite. I choose to love my family because they are God's blessing/gift to me. What I'm sure of is that two wrongs don't make a right so even when members of my family decide to "sit it out", I'll be understanding and avoid speculating/judging. We have to be more compassionate when it comes to "mending fences". Give more of ourselves instead of asking for compensation. Our future family structure is totally dependent on what we build now. Remembering that a family is only as strong as its weakest link. If you've made it in life, offer support (doesn't have to be financial) to the ones who are in a continuous struggle. Break the cycle. TeamBuildingFamilies. Bblessedloveyou. 2 Samuel 12-13