And yet I'm THANKFUL...

I'm sitting here blogging( go figure)!! I'm going over my life this year, I welcomed a new little one into my family( my son Matthew Ashton), I left my job and started my own business( KISS, Kid Inspired Sitter Services). I shed some tears, shared some smiles.. Lost a few aquaintances along the way and gained some TRUE friends & Love has found me after I decided to stop searching. I've found my HAPPY. My Confidence has soared to new heights. I believe I've accomplished alot with room to keep growing.

I've come to appreciate my circle and my family has become my strongest support. Have you ever just sat, looked and said "Thank-You"??

I'm THANKFULL( yep, full) for God loving me unconditionally
I'm thankful for life
I'm thankful for my family
I'm thankful for my hardships, they taught me what I can and can't bare
I'm thankful for trials, because they make the journey easy
I'm thankful for No's, because they help me to appreciate and cherish the Yes'
I'm thankful for all the doors that have been closed, they made room for the ones I'm walking thru now..

If anyone would've ever told me how my life would be at 32, I would've never believed them. But, I'm thankful that I've been here to witness it and live thru it. 33 has so much more to offer, and if God see fit to let me live, "World, you ain't seen NOTHING yet"...

"Nobody told me the road would be Easy, I don't believe HE bought me this far to leave ME"

Giving from the Heart...

" Young lady, you really made my day today.. I'm going to cherish this card forever. Thank-You and please come back.. I love You"...

During the last 3 weeks, the children and families who make up KISS have been making and collecting cards to distribute to various Senior assisted Living facilities. Well, today was the big day!!! Some very special little girls and I loaded up and distributed over 100 plus cards to some very awesome men and women.

To see the faces of both the kids and the seniors warmed my heart. The Seniors were so happy, some said they couldn't wait to get back to their rooms to put their cards up. Some even asked could they have 2 cards!!

As we gave the cards out, I stood back and watched the girls interact with the seniors. They were asking, what were their names, how old were they, what schools they go to etc.. I just smiled. You know how you get that lump in your chest when something just feels so right that you want to cry? Yep, I had that feeling today.

As we walked back to the truck, I asked the girls how were they feeling? My daughter replied, I feel great Mommy and my "niece" other little one responded," Ms. Neka I feel like I'm making a difference".. That was my reminder that this is what it's all about.

As we drove to our next location, I listened to the girls as they talked and my daughter said, " my grandparents are old but they don't live in a place where nobody goes to visit them". Her friend replied, " Yeah, because you all love them". I thought to myself, "Wow".

We arrived to our next location and the receptionist at the front desk actually cried as I introduced myself and the young girls to her. The seniors at this location were amazing and spunky!!! They were happy to take pictures. They were in the dining hall having Christmas Eve lunch. They didn't want us to leave and they made me promise to come back and visit them again. I told them we would for Valentine's Day...

Alot of us have become consumed with purchasing the perfect gift. This year was the 1st time I've been touched in this manner. I amaze myself daily. The old Neka has surely become more appreciative over the last 5 years and today was a definite reminder that it doesn't cost to smile.

So, today I challenge each of you to make someone smile. It's not about the dollar you spend but your TIME!!!

Merry Christmas All!!!

It's not what YOU get but what U give...

When you walk into my house, the first thing you see is our Christmas tree. It's huge and we actually have a real one this year. One of my clients, donated it to us( what a blessing because I was surely about to pull that fake one out the closet).. The entire corner is full of gifts. This year, I didn't have to spend alot of money because my daughter's Nana( she's close to 80), her grandma and great aunt sent me cash to do ALL of her shopping. I was beyond thankful. Around black friday, I always budget out what I'm going to spend. now that I have 2 children, I'm a tad bit more mindful.I must admit, I had no idea or clue as to what to get my son but I think I did alright.. lol

As Christmas approaches, my children are receiving more gifts in the mail( from family members far and near). Reality hit when my daughter said, 'Mommy I would get you a gift but I would have to ask you for some money and I know you already spent enough money"..
From the mouths of babes I tell ya.

So, lastnite my business KISS was able to sponsor a family alongside my sister girl( Author Lina Banks, "How to Save a Life") in collaboration with Five Eights. While in Walmart picking up various things that were on the list, some players from the Atl Hawks were inside as well with over 50+ kids they too had sponsored. As Lina and I walked through out Walmart, it was evident the spirit of Giving Back was in the air. I said to her, " Lina this is what it's all about". A feeling of calm rested over me soul. It took my mind back to when my brothers and I were younger and people would give us extra things just because my mother was a single parent.

I must openly admit, I really wasn't in the mode to buy this year. With having started a business, it's not as easy as people think it is. It doesn't mean I always have money because I don't. But, I have lots of time and energy to give to parents on the go that just may need a little break.

I'm slowly grasping the meaning of Christmas on my terms. Yes, I will buy a few gifts because its just what you do.. BUT, my efforts will now be to give a little extra to someone else. Yes, I would love to open a gift or two but if I can't I'm okay with it. I want the children to be happy. I picture little sweet baby Jesus laying in a manger. All of the inns were full and the only place able to provide space was the animal stable.
I'm already dreading my 2 possibly having to share a room for a little while so just imagine your newborn being in a stabl with ANIMALS??!!
I can just imagine how Mary was feeling. If she's anything like women today, she was a bit vexed that she had to give birth in a stable. But, deep down she was appreciative. I mean, I would've been feeling some kind of way but once those labor pains kick in, all you really want to do is get that baby OUT!!!! LOL I definitely would've opened my doors, heart and home to sweet little baby Jesus.

My home is a safe haven for anyone in need. I don't have much but what God has BLESSED me with I'm willing to share with someone else. It's a great feeling to be in a place to make others smile and to ME, thats what its ALL about.

So, I've already given myself the peep talk, " Nek, it's not about you but your babies and the wonderful KISS babies you serve".

Make it a gReat Christmas everyone. Look beyond the gifts and find a meaning worth sharing!!!

It's Not wrapped BUT I'll take it...

.."And your gifts shall make room for you".. Proverbs 18:16


I love my children. They make me cry, they make me smile. It's a mandate upon me to raise them to be GOD fearing individuals with a relationship with God, Me, their Dads and families. Since my children do not share the same father, I thought it would be hard explaining to my daughter( she's older)the difference but she understands more than expected at her age.

This holidays Season has been truly amazing thus far. This past Sunday, My Pastor said, " This will be your BEST Christmas yet"( He also said this last year and it was).

My daughter's grandmothers, great Aunt and her grandfather have shown so much love towards my son that my heart is overwhelmed. You know, sometimes, extended families only care about the child or children that are related to them. And, with being a stepchild, I totally understand that stance and respect it... As I've grown and matured in "Mommyhood", I've learned to separate my experiences and help my children live through theirs unbiased. It's easy to put yourself in their shoes when you feel like you have to go into protective Lioness mode.

I consider myself to be a good person, I'm caring and I go above and beyond when the situation warrants my involvement. I LOVE children, love them so much I started a business to help parents with theirs!!( Crazy huh) Growing up, my mom was a single parent, leaving my brothers and I to spend time at the community center and with aunts and uncles( and sometimes NOT blood ones). They helped to nurture us, they cared and gave of their time to us. Because of their care, I care. Someone took time with and for ME. so, I give back. I was their gift and I'm now sharing that gift!!!

When I think of gifts, blessings and favor: I have to remind myself that sometimes I won't directly recieve them but it will trinkle down to my children. My children are both so LOVED and to me, that's more than any gift, any toy or article of clothing money could buy.

1+1 definitely = 2 but love mulitplied 100 times over is what matters the most. It's not always the store bought gifts but the ones from that heart that we'll take and cherish the most!!

Simplicity..

Simplicity

Im the epitome of a normal Woman.
Never understood the joys of being a daughter until I became a mother,
.
Never understood the importance of Motherhood, until I looked into the eyes of my children and heard the words "Mommy"
My children are my life, without me there is no them.. without them my smiles are few

I never understood the importance of being a sister until I became an Aunt & other women revealed they look up to me.


Simplicity,
It's not being at every event happening in your area,
Nor running behind people who will never acknowledge you..

Simplicity,
Is taking 50cent and adding to it til you have a $,
It's understanding that life has snarls and tears, Ups and Downs..

Simplicity,
Is understanding,
I may not have my name on billboards or in flashing lights.

But,
My LIFE is simple and it works for me.

I will make a difference
BECAUSE,
I am the difference..

My Normal"ness", will win the hearts of everyday people because
I live what they live and I understand their plight..

Simplicity:
Be Loving
Be normal
Be True
Be YOU!!!

Mic Check, is this thing On~~~~

So, Friday my daughter came home super excited about their penguin egg project. Weekend homework consisted of decorating a box, bag etc, to house your egg for the entire week!! WHAT??!!

My daughter barely cleans her bedroom without her arms getting tired or her getting tired( where does that happen, its your mess you clean it). So, I watched her with anticipation prepare this egg living space. She was beyond excited. Took one of MY shoe boxes to give to an EGG??!! Really?! Bump..

I love seeing the excitement in my daughter's eyes. She's very determined and she's growing into her own. I'm learning that each child is different and they require to be treated as such. I'm also learning that,I have to watch what I do and say in her presence. Prime example, I have a BAD habit of hanging up when people put me on hold. I was talking to my mother on Saturday and she asked me to hold on. I didn't. My daughter says to me," grandma put u on hold huh"? I said yes why. Because you hung up. She then proceeded to say, so it's okay for you to hang up on them mommy but you want them to hold on for you? I just looked. Then she said, but if they hang up on you is that's okay because they are only doing what you do? I had to kinda try and laugh it off but she checked me and she was right. so, I called my mother back and apologized. This was NOT the fist time she observed something I did and later questioned me on it.

I'm working really hard at raising well rounded children. So if it means I have to continously CHECK myself so she won't have to question a not so positive adult like action then I will. If it means, checking my attitude, smiling more, saying NO more and being stern about it, then I will.

Now, back to this egg thing.... The eggs come home today and I will not be a GrandeggMommy.. This is a school project and will be treated as such. Hmmm, she think cleaning her room is enough, wait til I have her bring that egg in the bathroom with her because she need to keep it in HER eye sight!!!!! Hahahahahahahahahhaaaaaa

are YOU hearing Me?

I honestly believe I have selective hearing. It's probably not a good thing to admit but it is a TRUTH. I have a habit of hearing what I think I heard, and RUNNING with it. Don't get me wrong, I listen intently but sometimes, INTENTIONALLY I just don't hear you. I've become a pro at blocking out what I feel isn't good for me, while what's good, its take a minute to register so it placed into the reserved listening part of my brain( don't laugh or judge, we ALL have it, for some its laying dormant).

I've recently experienced an "Aha" moment. When I first moved to Atl, I was speaking to my grandparents on a more consistent bases. Just to check in and share and keep the line of communication open. One of the most vivid conversations, was when I was sharing with my grandparents, my relationship with god and how I had to move from what was comfortable and step out into my destiny. We were sharing scriptures back and forth and my grandfather( who is a Bishop) asked about my line of work. I told him I was working at a school and still writing grants for non-profits. He spoke to me that," I hadn't seen anything yet and that people are gong to come to me asking me my prices and NOT to sell myself short. That the amount I speak, will determine how I value myself and my work. At that moment, I responded "Yes, Lord". He also gave me to read 1 Corinthians chapter 2 verses 9-15..(But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that LOVE him....)He told me his message that Sunday was" God had a word" and that the words he shared with me were words from the Lord for ME.

Let's fast forward 2 years later. I'm now a BUSINESS Owner! Yep, stepped out on Faith and decided my work was more than what I was being paid hourly. It's not happening over night but clientele is steadily building and KISS( kid inspired sitter services) is becoming a household name. As the parents give to me, I'm giving back to them and others.

But, the most shocking call came this past Friday. I was settling the KISS babies and my hair stylist called me. Hey Baby momma( she says my son is hers too), you busy? I responded no.. She cut right to the chase," Neka I need you to do marketing for my salon, come up with some ideas, etc,etc... I've set aside a budget, let ME know what YOU charge( AHA, that conversation I had with my grandfather)and let's make In The Now Hair Studio POP"!!!

I can't even began to tell you all how I felt at that moment! How stoked I was and how the tears began to stream... Now, my gifts are making room for little ole me.. The high places are coming down, falling into my hands and I'm using it to my glory and benefit.

I joke alot and I may even say some off the wall stuff(I'm a work in progress) BUT my relationship with God is real and sincere. I've been blessed in more ways than one... So, while my hearing is selective: Those words came back to remembrance for this time in my Life...

I challenge all of you who will read this post to just LISTEN... Even if it's not fitting your life at the moment, but those words in that reserved hearing box and go back to it at a later date. I'me sure there'll be some relevance!

so Yes GOD I hear you speaking to me in regards to my life. I see the provisions YOU are making and I thank YOU.. My motto has become, " I want to leave my children a LEGACY and not debt" and slowly but surely its going to come to pass and blow my MIND....

you Ain't GROWN..... or ARE YOU??

"You have voted America, tonite XFactor will be saying good-bye to Rachel Crowe"... Lawd Jesus, that baby broke down crying and in pain. "You promised Mommy you promised"...


How many times do we make promises to our children and for some unforeseen reason we are not able to follow thru? Because our children are not grown, they are not able to fully comprehend what's going on.. I know for a fact, everyday I sacrifice for my children. I'm a recent SAHM/Business Owner. I was working a job where it cost more for my children to be there than the actual money I enjoyed from working. A decision had to be made and FAST... I knew I was going to seek new employment but I did not know I was going to go from punching in for someone else to punching in for MYSELF.. A dReam became a though, a thought was put into action, thus producing KISS( Kid Inspired Sitter Services, check us out on FB for more details).

My children will never understand the choices and decisions that are made to keep them smiling. I used to spend money on myself daily, just because. I wanted those shoes, "Charge it", I wanted to get my hair done: booked an appointment( weekly at that), wanted a Gucci Bag: took MYSELF to Copley Plaza and got one( and not always sale ones either).. Now, my spending choices are more thought out. I have two little people with needs, so now trips to the salon are twice a month, high retail bags are purchased twice a year and buying for MYSELF has resulted to "sale racks".. To me, its called," making grown up decisions so my children won't have to take care of my debt".

Lastnite's episode of XFactor broke my heart. I laughed at alot of my friend's on FB statuses.. We all had something comedic to say but ultimately, Rachel was/is a 13 year old baby, who took a shot at singing her little heart out for her own bathroom, to be shot down by America's votes and lack of voting. Her childhood was put on the back burner while she went up against 60 year old LeRoy and Melanie Amaro, who was not able to see her Madda and Fadda.

We all have stories, we all come from something that's made us stronger and someone who counted us out. My point is, being grown for some is a situation forced upon them because they made decisions as children that were out of their leagues, while others mature into the position and play it well. We cannot put a 5 year old ( these days anyway) into the kitchen and have them assist us with preparing for tonite's dinner. Children these days are forced to be more than what's required at such a young age. I vow to keep my little people LITTLE for as long as time allows. My daughter will play with American Girls, til she can't( not won't)anymore. My son, will enjoy race tracks and blocks til he's able to use a computer. KIDS are to be KIDS and until we take back our rightful spots as parents and NOT friends, superiors and NOT equals; we will have to remind them that, "you ain't Grown", now go sit DOWN....

" Stay in your lane, know your League, a child is a child so don't compete with me" Baby I'M GROWN( does running man but not by choice) LOL

One of those Days...

I've been trying to come up with something to elaborate on all am.. I now have a headache because rather than taking the advice that was given, I just kept trying to type something. But, sometimes when the words are not there, maybe just maybe use that as a sign that you're human and its okay not to have anything to say...

So unlike me though and it's killing me.
Nek has nothing to say
Nek has nothing to say
Nek has nothing to say... Uggghhhhh, this can't be...

It's not even that I don't want to be bothered either! All of my KISS babies are happy and smiling. Most of my bills are paid, my hands are moving, I was able to walk down the hall, woke up late but baby girl still made it to her bus. I opened the freezer and took something out for dinner, I have a cabinet full of various juices I CANNOT drink because I'm drinking more water and less fattening stuff so I can get rid of this BELLY FAT..

I was able to look with my own eyes and pick out something to wear( although it seems I didn't take alot of time doing so bc I don't match).. I've been able to laugh and shared a hug with a friend who lost a family member( which by the way, it made me feel good)

My mind isn't drawing a blank either.. I guess, this is just some set aside time to just reflect..

I'm reflecting on my year. I gave birth to a beautiful little boy who's added life to my daughter and I, My daughter had all A's on her report card and completed a wonderful cheer season, I went from having a job where I clocked in, to working for myself and helping single moms, I'm so close to celebrating my mom's 50th birthday next week. And, although my family isn't perfect and my mom had to struggle alot raising my brothers and I, we still have her with us, she didn't give up and there's an ABUNDANCE of LOVE..

Wow, seems like I may not have alot to say but there's a ton to be thankful for.. As I reflect, I've made 2 years in Atl!!! Yay me!! It's been hard, still finding my path but I'm making it!!

There will be plenty of days where the words are NOT there. But in that moment sit and reflect and the thoughts will come to you and these words will leave your lips... " GOD, I'm THANKFUL"

Jesus' Birth.. Modernized Version, retold by ME~

As most of you know, I LOVE to shop! I must admit, shopping splurges are not as frequent as they used to be but they still happen!

As I rushed out early on Black Friday morning, I thought to myself, "How many of these people out here know the real meaning of Christmas"..

If we don't know the true meaning do our children really understand? I was talking to my daughter about Christmas and she asked, "Mommy, if its Jesus' birthday, why don't he get gifts"? I sat there and gave her the blank stare.. I had to make this sory come alive to her. So, I thought of what we enjoy doing MOST, "shopping" and used it as my way of bringing Jesus' birth to life..

Please, do NOT judge my retelling, I did what worked for my daughter and I..

We arrived at Perimeter Mall. One of our newest fave malls in Ga.. I had already told Li, we have a budget and we must stay within that range.. She responded, "I know mommy, you have to pay bills".. I smiled to myself, she's way older than a 6 year old and she understands.. I try my best to keep our life real in her eyes.

So, we started out in Nordstrom.. She saw boots that she liked for me and said, "Mommy, I want to buy you these".. I said really, let's see how much they are. We looked on the bottom and it said 628.00! I said, " whew, Li these are out of our range".. The look of excitement on her face changed, she was sad.. I was sad, and thought to myself, this is how Mary felt.. So, I say Li, you know the same way everything is expensive in this store, this is how Jesus' mom felt when it was time to have him. She asked,"how mommy"?
Every place turned his mommy and daddy away because they couldn't afford it.. Wow mommy, but it was Jesus, wasn't his parents rich? Not at all sweetie.. We continued thru out the mall, we passed Macy's, she asked could they afford this store? Nope, and we walked away..
We passed GAP and I shook my head no, we passed Children's Place and I shook my head no, we passed Stride Rite and I shook my head no.. There was one last place I knew we could go.. We left the mall empty handed and headed to the car.. She said, "mommy we have nothing, I told her I know but we have one last place we could go too".. We arrived at the Goodwill.. She looked at me and we walked inside. The first thing she noticed was the smell. She said "Mommy, Jesus was born in a place that smelled like this"? I responded, baby it smelled worse.. While the goodwill has very nice things( not my choice of places to shop) its second hand stuff.. It reminded me of the stable where he was born.. All types of animals lived there.. Just like the Goodwill, all types of people donate and shop there.

I explained, this was the only place that Jesus' mommy and daddy could afford to stay.. So, they took some of these nice covers that people didn't want in their houses anymore and they made a comfy space.. Like, what I use when I camp out in the living room? Yes, Li just liked that!!

Wow, mommy! I'm sad that is mommy and daddy didn't have money to have him somewhere nice.. I agreed but also told her, but bc he WAS born, we now have the choice to go to all those stores we couldn't afford.. Really mommy? Really Li, Jesus' birth is the reason we live a comfortable life...

She picked up a few books in the Goodwill and we paid for them.. We exited holding hands.. And she said, mommy I'm going to wrap these gifts for baby Jesus'.. A warm feeling overtook my body, she understands.. My baby understands!!

While we"re out trying to buy them the world, let's remember, its the simple things that matter most..

Enjoy the season, but do NOT forget that baby Jesus is the reason for the Season!!

Don't Count ME out, Just yet.....

The rule in my house is, no animals on legs that will require me to do more cleaning on top of what I already have. My daughter had a hermet crab named Sebe, but he died within 3 weeks of moving in with us. So, NOW we keep it simple and go with Beta fish. Extremely low maintenance and can go days without being feed( I'm sorry, don't call PETA).. Well, I cleaned Kandi's( ok, so we have a cousin named Cookie, so my daughter said well since Cookie is my cousin, can Kandi( from RHOA) be my Aunt.. I know, xtra) little humble living quarters on Sunday. Since, cleaning it out, she's been swimming towards the top and looking real deathly. I mean, her body was doing that death bend and she just looked lethargic( weird talk for a BETA but it's true). Lastnite I told Mooda, "looks like Kandi is on her way out", she said " I know mommy. Let's just flush her now". I said, "no, let's see what happens. Behold, Kandi is swimming like she now has a new breath of fresh air, a NEW take on life. ( True Story)

I started to think about life and how we count people out. I know people who were drug addicts. When I'm able to sit and listen to them tell their stories I'm amazed at their resiliency to survive. Family members walk out on them, society turns their noses and consider them low lives and the down trodden. Once you realize you've had enough, you find a piece of you that you lost and you FIGHT against ALL odds and come out on top.

No, I'm NOT a recovering drug addict but I've lived through and unhealthy relationship. Your eyes cannot see the negative effects until you're finally fed up and YOU're ready to make that change. If you have children, they become the voice and power you use to do better. It's a good place to find YOU and leave the mess where it is. My downfall during that unhappy place was to eat. I've never openly admitted this but I was at an all time FAT HIGH. I was wearing a 16/18 and tipping the scale at 200lbs. I was MISERABLE. One day, a light went off and I fought for ME and my daughter.

I takes alot to find your voice especially when you're fighting against the hurt, pain and people talking about your situation vs helping you. A smile can mean alot, especially when you've learned to fake it and make it.

5 years later, I'm Kandi this morning. I've fought and now I know I have the strength to fight through it. Losing it all to gain a new insight on life and BETTER relationship with GOD is a reward worth gaining all over again.

So, as Kandi lives to see a new day: As do I and all the people who have been counted out. We're down but only for a while. We carry the strength to SURVIVE against all odds!!!

" I Shall Swim to see a New Day"

My Ship has come In...

The smallest things make me happy!! When you've suffered enough hurt, you tend to appreciate the small thing.. I'm reminded of this book, Mondays with Mr.Morton( I think that's it). It's a man's personal account of meeting with an older man every Monday.

I'm not meeting with the person, but I talk to her EVERY week. Some would look down upon this conversation and person because for so long, she's been catergorized as a trouble maker. Our weekly conversations have been going on for the last 3 months. She brings joy to my life and for once, I'm feeling like I matter. You ever heard the saying, " the last shall be first"? Well, I'm finally understanding it.

Our conversations will start something like this, "Hey, how are you and the little people".. What's new, what's going on, you guys okay? You know I love you.." And THAT makes me smile!

As human 1st, I tend to hurt and ask why alot? A broken heart, an argument, bad convrsations.. They all tend to do something to our mental psyche.
As a Christain, I check myself because I know I'm human and flesh makes mistakes, I always want to be in a place of forgiveness and moving forward. God has done entirely to much for me to be miserable.
As a woman, I check myself because I want to always been seen as a rolemodel for my daughter, female cousins nieces and my mentees. I want my image to be one my son look to and smile. I would'nt want his wife to be just like me, but embody some of my characteristics..

Well, my ship has come in. It took for me to leave the comfortable, enter into my own wilderness to find my way. I'm happy, I'm content and I'm growing. Probably not in the direction some people would have for me but following the plans GOD has laid for me.. I'm leading the line: MY LINE and it feels good!!!

In the words of my Pastor.." I got my joy back, I got my Peace backack, I got my SWAG back( how you might ask?) I TOOK IT BACK...

Seasonal Wear..

Living in Georgia has taught me that, some seasons last longer than others. For example, we're still experiencing some 70+ degree weather when back home( originally from Boston) it's freezing cold by now. Mornings are cold of course, but by mid afternoon all you need is a jean jacket.

I have a favorite chapter and it reads, ( Ecclesiastes 3)
"To EVERYthing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which was planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down and time a time to build up...
But the verse that stands out the most, " A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away.."

I quickly thought of being in Walmart on yesterday. I passed through the clothing department. There were tank tops for $2.00. My mind said get them for next year but my pockets said, now isn't the time. Thinking of life and it's ups and downs, I'm reminded that somethings we just have to cast away. There will be a time for each of us to harvest all that is set up for us, IF we have properly sown. And I'm not necessarily referencing sowing to money, but if we have treated others fairly, been thankful, said thank-yous, helped others, no bad mouthing of others. All of that, plays apart if you will reap good things or bad.

Seasonal wear, as I type I'm wearing yoga pants and a tank top. The temperature is fairly warm sitting in the 4 walls of my home. But, if I were to walk out, I know for sure I'm going to need a few more layers to be properly dressed for outside.

In life, we were faces according to the situation. If we walk into something that's bad we clam up, just like winter: It's cold we layer up. Let's not always allow the SEASON to be the REASON we miss out... Hmmmmm, think I may go back and grab some of those tanks.. Because, as it's cold right now, in a few months I'll be needing them!

Let's always be in a place of thinking ahead and not always for the moment~

This is your LAST warning...

Life has a way of flipping upside down in order to get us to heed to warnings. Is it that we're afraid to move out into the unfamiliar or have we become to comfortable and complacent with where we are and what we have? I look at it this way, if I'm working a job paying me 20.00 an hour, and there's an add for the exact same position making 32.00 an hour: If I'm already working that position skillfully, why NOT step out on FAITH and apply?

I've learned, there's only so many times that the door will be opened and readily available for us to walk through with no worries. Those other 999 times, there will be heartache, hurt, mountains, rivers, people, lies just standing in the way BLOCKING..

I remember having to search deep down in my soul and find the strength and courage to walk through the door. It wasn't easy but my body was tired of the same ole MESS!! If I didn't grasp the opportunity when I did, I'd still be miserable and wandering.
I sit back and do Nek evaluations(that's right, I grade myself, I'm my own worst critic but for a reason), have I accomplished all set before me for the month, have I made someone outside my immediate smile, have I said Thank-U, am I paying kindness forward?

Blocks are placed in our path as a test. Are you going to find ways to move it and past it or are you going to call and talk about it?
Sometimes, the answers/solutions are right there but fear keeps us stagnated. We will either rise to the occasion or sink like a bad batch of yeast.

I'd hate to be in a situation where it was my last warning.. I challenge you;If the door is open RUN through it. You've crawled and walked enough. Lace up your Air Max and get to booking( remember that back in elementary school? I was Booking).. I watch my son crawl, he's 7 months and making huge strides. If he keeps moving at the rate hes going, he will skip walking and RUN!!! Let's RUN.. Run with the intentions of never looking back, it's behind us for a reason, Right??

your Card has been DECLINED......

I was standing behind this woman in Marshall's last night. She had so much stuff it was ridiculous. I was just standing there rolling my eyes. Her total was 309.88! My eyes bucked out my head. I was like, " Well dang".. So, she pulled out a credit/debit card. She told the cashier, " Charge it".. He swiped the card and waited... waited some more...and some more... then a beep, "DECLINED"... He politely told her," you're card has been declined". She looked embarrassed( as I would have been 2)and replied, " Can't be, there's no limit on that card"..

How many times has this happened to you? You just knew without a doubt you had money available until you went to use it and BAM declined...

Or what about when you're driving? Your doing a steady speed, in your zone then you hit a standstill in traffic or better yet, a speed bum. There's nothing worse than having to slow down. Not only were you already being cautious but NOW you have to start all over again..

I'm so glad GOD has not set a limit on who I am and what I'm capable of becoming.. People will give us limits but not God. I remember as a child, my mother would take my brothers and I out every Friday to either McDonald's or Burger King in Central Square in Cambridge,Ma. Afterwards, she'd take us into either the Dollar Store or Woolworth to get a toy and she gave us a limit( and I quote), "It's 4 of yall, so you each have $5.00, have fun".. I think about it now, what could $5.00 really buy? A bunch of little toys or activities that ended up in the trash.. In the trash, the same way some ppl value others and what they've been given. We trash it, with our harsh words and unappreciative actions.

Thank God, there are no limits on HIS:
blessings
love
grace
mercy

Where people fail, God prevails! so, decline my card if you must.. I serve a God with platinum unlimited "FAVOR"
Serve him and get yours today... Call 1-800, I need your GRACE!!!

Just a Reminder....

Is it just me, or does anyone else hate when time is prolonged? There's nothing else to say, nothing else to do but you're still holding on?

Let this be a Reminder..

I'm Strong,
Built ford tough,
I've seen enough to know, this to shall pass!

I'm confident and Secure enough to know,
That I can make it,
I just have to continue putting one foot in front of the other.

I've been knocked down enough to know,
That if I position my self and stand firm,
When my feet push down on this hard ground,
I'll stand tall and strong!!

Remind your past,
It's there for a reason,
Let yesterday's memory push you to gReater tomorrows and towards your future.
As it shines bright as the SON who's leading you...

Just a Reminder,
That even during my weakest moment,
There's something happening in the atmosphere far more gReater than my eyes can see!
So, just because I'm not physically grasping it right now,
Doesn't mean, there's nothing out there for ME~~

Just a Reminder,
I'm going to think straight and go left..
Just because they're going right,
That's not the path set for me..
I'm standing out so I can stand Apart..

Just a Reminder,
If I gotta fight I will,
There's nothing and I mean NO Thing..
Greater than Me just being ME~~