Thought to End The Day...

“Keep us, Lord, 

so awake in the duties of our callings 

that we may sleep in Thy peace 

and wake in Thy glory.”

SIMPLY BLESSED...Prayer for your mate

Prayer for each other is the greatest gift we can give to someone we love; especially if that person is your mate. We often take the person closest to us for granted...and forget that their love, their respect and their devotion is blessed by God; so prayer for our loving relationships is essential.

Dear God, grant that I and my mate may have a true and understanding love for each other. Grant that we may both be filled with faith and trust. Give us the grace to be with each other in peace and harmony. May we always bear with one another's weaknesses and grow from each other's strengths. Help us to forgive one another's failings and grant us patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of self.  May the love that brought us together grow and mature with each passing year. Bring us both ever closer to You through our love for each other. Let our love grow to perfection. 

Amen. 

Thought for The Day...Falling in Love

“Love is just a word until someone 

comes along 

and gives it meaning.”

SATISFIED SATURDAY: How Do You Know it is Love?

Sometimes, we develop a particular fondness for the person we’re dating. We just can’t stop thinking about him/her, even after many, many hours savoring his/her company. We are left in a quandary about our feelings, and certain queasiness pervades our days. Then we ask ourselves the question: have we fallen in love with that person?

Love is indeed a wonderful thing. But it is something that we should be certain about, least we spend many sleepless nights in deep thoughts and confusion. Sadly, determining the veracity of love is not always easy. Sometimes, a deep infatuation is equated with the same. 

So how do we know that it’s love… real love that is? What could we be sure that the other person is not only the object of our thoughts, but the object of our hearts as well? Here are some signs that would help us say that what we’re feeling is indeed love.

1. When, at the beginning of the day, you are already filled with thoughts of the other person: what he/she is doing, how he/she looks, what you could do to make him/her smile today… when something good or nice happens to you, you always think of how you must share this with him/her, be it a funny story or a moment of your triumph. You always wish that he/she would be right there with you, but even if he/she isn’t, it’s okay because you know that soon you will be together and you anticipate that. No moment, no matter how dull it seems like simply watching TV together, is ever a wasted moment. Every minute counts when you’re with that person.

2. You become selfless. And you start thinking more about what would be good for the other person, than what would be good for you. Your ultimate happiness is to be able to make that other person happy, whether it is with you or with another person. You take care of him/her and you keep looking out for him/her. Be reminded however that making the other person happy does not include inflicting or causing harm to yourself or being untrue to yourself. You don’t ask that person to do sacrifices for you either, such as doing stuff you asked them to do just to prove their love to you. 

3. You start to think of how it would be to be with this person forever… and you relish that dream or feeling. The thought of spending the rest of your lives together is not seen as being stuck with another person, but is considered to be a very wonderful idea. 

4. Even if there are other people who are more beautiful or attractive, you still choose to be with this person. This means your commitment to this person is absolute. You have fully and undeniably decided to be with only him/her no matter what. It is not only love, but also devotion.

5. There is passion and fireworks, even after the infatuation period of six months. If you have been together for such a long time now, but aren’t bored out of your minds yet and can still feel the fire burning – simply because you keep it burning (and this requires dedication and effort), is a clear indication that love is still shared between two people. 

6. There is a desire to understand each other, even at the biggest of arguments. You continue to communicate openly and do not harshly judge each other. You accept each other’s faults and shortcomings. For example, no matter how fat she gets and no matter how much he drools when he sleeps, you still stay and love the person. Also, you stay true and honest to that person.

7. There is a great deal of respect, admiration and trust for this person. And she/he has earned it well.

8. When you argue or disagree, you don't intentionally push each other's "buttons", you don't fight "dirty" or "hit below the belt" because your desire is to find a SOLUTION rather than exacerbate a problem.

9. Do you want what's best for this person, or do you want what this person can do to help you? For example, if your mate has the chance to get a wonderful job in another city, are you willing to pull up stakes and move, or will you expect the job opportunity to get tossed aside for you? Love means putting the other person's needs ahead of your own, even when that involves sacrifice. While blind agreement to any difference of opinion is unrealistic and unreasonable, a thoughtful discussion of what is better for each of you individually as well as both of you as a couple needs to take place.

10. Are you friends? Companionship lasts much longer than ardor, generally speaking. People in their 70's, 80's, and 90's may lose some of their physical spontaneity, but they maintain a quest for fun and a shared life until the end. Do you laugh together? Enjoy similar activities? Share each other with friends and family? Or do you expect your perfect mate to spend all free time with you exclusively?

Loving another person involves self-sacrifice and compromise. If you are attracted to someone for whom you are unwilling to be patient and to share all parts of your life, you may have a lot of work to do or disappointment to deal with after the wedding.  Take time now to assess your relationship with these and other factors to see if you can make a life that could last fifty years or more with the person of your dreams. Because when you wake up, your mate will still be there.

Friendship Friday: The Perfect Houseguest

Every year around this time, people start to visit their friends and relatives during summer vacation.  And every year, hosts around the world say "never again" and guests say "what was I thinking." To avoid the old adage:  "Guests are like fish...they start to stink after 3 days."

Here are 8 Steps to being a great houseguest...so you get invited back!

Step 1
Be useful. While you're staying with others, you are using their electricity, their water, their heat and more. Most hosts won't mind, but show them that you realize and appreciate their kindness and their inconvenience by contributing what you can. Whether it's money or just doing the dishes and making your bed, be sure to not only say thank you, but show your gratitude in meaningful ways. Better than doing the dishes or making your bed, why not offer to cook your hosts dinner or make their beds.

Step 2
Show your hosts respect. While you are enjoying their hospitality, it's not a time to show your differences of opinion or habit.  Save the controversial discussions and actions for some other time. If you see things headed down those paths, simply laugh, and say, "I'm so glad we're able to be such good friends and still have the differences that make life interesting." Then change the subject to more neutral ground.

Step 3
Don't disrupt their lives. Adopt the schedule and the routine of the people who are nice enough to share their home with you. Sure, you can have fun on outings together, but be sure you don't ask them to put off important or routine things in their life to entertain or accommodate you. If your host gets up early, make sure you rise and shine with them. If they sleep late, don't make noise or commotion happen until they're ready to start their day. Likewise, if they have different sleep schedules, or if you know you'll be out late and past their bedtime, make sure you know how you can cause the least inconvenience or disturbance when you return.

Step 4
Let everyone have their privacy. Just because you're visiting doesn’t' mean daily life and other personal relationships have changed. Be sure you spend at least one hour every day doing something on your own away from your host's home. If you sense that you or your host needs more than that, take the opportunity to find somewhere else to be for the day. Make sure you won't be needed or that others will have to spend time waiting for you while you're gone.

Step 5
Try not to use things that aren't yours. Let your host know if you need something, but do so in a polite way that doesn't require more of them than they are already offering. Saying, "Can you tell me where I can buy this?" or, "Where can I go to do my laundry?" is a better way of allowing your host to offer without putting them on the spot to give something they cannot afford or do not want to share.

Step 6
Clean your bathroom. No one likes to clean up the bathroom after others. You should definitely do this at least the day you leave, if not every couple of days in between. Keep your bathroom and toiletries in a bag in your room or suitcase between use. Otherwise, ask if there is a corner of the bathroom counter that you can use to keep your personal items, and keep it neat and clean.

Step 7

Don't mess around with the heating or air conditioning settings while you're there. Putting on a sweater if you're cold or lighter clothing if you're warm is a simple way to avoid annoying temperature wars in the house while you're there. Let your host decide if they have enough room in their budget to alter the settings.

Step 8

When you leave, be sure you leave behind a good impression and a hope that you'll return again. A simple gift of a flower and a hug with a big warm "thank you" is probably enough, but let your conscience and your pocketbook be your guide. It is also a nice idea to leave behind an envelope with a bit of cash to help pay for anything you have used during your stay, or as a way of treating your host to a dinner out once you're gone. It takes a special person to open their home to you and offer hospitality. No matter what, say "thank you" to the wonderful people who share their home with you while you're away.

The adage about the fish and the smell may be crude...but it is often true.  The number one thing to remember is that the general rule of being a houseguest  is to stay a maximum of three days. Anything longer than this is likely to start wearing the welcome mat thin, and good houseguests would never want that. Three days of entertaining out-of-town friends or relatives is about all most people can take. End your visit while your hosts are still enjoying your company.

Thought For The Day...Hosting Guests

“To be a successful hostess, 

when guest arrive say, ''At last!'' 

and when they leave say, ''So soon!''”

Wonderful Wednesday: Joy of Miracles

God is never tired of 

Giving the same message 

Over and over again to humanity: 

Never give up!

My dear friend is recovering by leaps and bounds...and it is nothing less than a miracle.  This is for her!

Daily Miracles

by: Eliza Maria de Lima Oliveira

I can gaze at the beauty of the oceans,
Listen to the music of the falls
And find magic in a virgin forest.

I can see the colors in the gardens,
Stare at birds day by day as they fly
And look at the magic in the sky. 

I can watch the sun's rest on a hill,
Slowly escaping from my limited sight,
Bringing me the magic of the night.

I can taste the flavors of the trees,
Smell the flowers, touch my gorgeous land 
And feel daily wonders through God's hand.

Thought For The Day

“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." 

(Psalms 30:5)

Thought To End The Day...

“JUSTICE and POWER must be brought together, 

so that whatever is just may be powerful, 

and whatever is powerful may be just.”

Tuesday Triumph: The Supreme Court...

“Presidents come and go, but the Supreme Court goes on forever.”

Extending blessings to The Honorable Judge Sonia Sotomayor...another glass ceiling broken.

Thought for The Day

Learning to dance with each other allows you to anticipate your mate's moves. It's romantic communication at a higher level. 

TUESDAY TRIUMPHS...Letting a Man be THE Man

Confession...

I'm a control freak.  I like to be in charge of all aspects of everything that I'm involved in.  That works just fine when it comes to keeping up with my finances, seeking to improve my communication skills or planning the perfect vacation; but it sucks when you are involved in an adult relationship.

I believe that it is every woman's secret desire to want someone in their lives that can take the reins of life and just run with them.  Every woman I know really does not want to have to think all the time about everything; yet it is very difficult for this woman who is "free, black & grown" to take the back seat.  And I know that I'm not alone.  We're so used to fending for ourselves and defending ourselves...when we have a man in our life who is strong enough to take that role in our lives...there is fear that we somehow will lose our power.  But, I've been getting better.  

Recently, someone in the media was rude me...and someone who cares about me...defended me...and I let him.  It felt good.  

We we're young girls, we all learn to "dance" at some point at some party.  We girls usually start off dancing with each other because boys are too goofy to know what they're doing at that age...so we get used to "leading."  As we grow up, boys become our dance partners; but as we mature, hopefully men will take their place.  

If you have a man who can dance...then let the brother lead.  The song you hear just might be the one you need.

Thought for The Day

“For today and its blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude.”

Thought for The Day

"Regardless of what happened in your life yesterday, today is a new day...just think of the possibilities!"

Thought For The Day

“To receive honestly is the best thanks for a good thing.”

Thought For The Day

“True leadership must be for the benefit of the followers, not the enrichment of the leaders.”

-Robert Townsend

Thought For The Day

“To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well.”

John Marshall

Thought to end the day...

“I've learned that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.”

Thought For The Day

"The WILL of God will never take you 

where the GRACE of God will not protect you." 

MENTOR MONDAY...Nurses

Doctors are brilliant, but NURSES...these women and men are true angels walking the earth.   

One of my dearest friends is facing a serious health crisis and in spending time with her and her family over the past week, I cannot begin to tell you how much we have depended on and garnered respect for the nurses who have cared for her every day.  I just want to thank Nurses on behalf of the families of patients who would not heal without their helping hands.

The Gift of a Nurse 

God took one pair of angel wings,

One halo heart of gold.

Two eyes that hold compassion

For others, young or old.

Two hands to offer kindness,

Always putting others first...

He wrapped it up

With tender care

And called this gift a "NURSE".

~Author Unknown~

Thought For The Day

“Worry doesn't help tomorrow's troubles, 

but it does ruin today's happiness.”

Thought For The Day...Happy Mother's Day

“God could not be everywhere 

and therefore he made mothers.”

SIMPLY BLESSED...Thanks

TODAY IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE

...REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!

Lord,

Thank you for the blessings that you have brought into our lives this week. We've had some trials and tribulations...but we have had blessings beyond belief.  You have shown mercy and brought about healing. Bless the doctors who are in charge of caring for my sister-friend through this health crisis. Guide their hands so they can use all their God-given skills to help her heal.  I offer these prayers of thanks based on your word  (1 Corinthians 2, Matthew 5 - 6, Hebrews 12)

Lord, there are marvelous things that I do not know, nor can I comprehend. 
Lord, things that happen in my life, and things that happen in my friends lives.
Lord, I desire to be thankful, to appreciate everything that comes across my path.
Lord, so often life hurts, I get angry -- upset, I do not understand, yet Lord You ask me to be thankful for everything, and have faith – thank You.

Lord, help me to be thankful, when the rains come on the just and the unjust, that You care so much about me, that You chasten, to build character and godliness in me, to be a mirrored reflection of Your Son to reach others.

Lord, I thank You for mercy, for the hunger for righteousness, for forgiveness, for purity, for providing for my needs.

Lord, I thank You for prayer, That I can come before You and call You Father.
That I can cast my burdens on You.
Lord, I thank You for my heart, the treasure and light You placed in there -- the Holy Spirit.

Lord, help me to endeavor, to be thankful for everything.
Lord, it seems most of the time, what happens is about me.
Lord, I thank you that You gently remind me that the things are not about me, however, my life and what happens is more about You, Your will, and Your Kingdom.

Lord, I thank You, I praise You. Lord, in You do I find strength and courage to go on.
Lord, I thank You for the author and finisher of my faith – Jesus Christ and that in You is hope everlasting.

Lord, I thank You for the blood of Jesus, Your precious lamb.
Thank You Lord God!

God, you have really brought miracles to life this week.  I've seen it happen with my own eyes and felt it with all my heart.  Thank you for sparing the life of my sister-friend.  Thank you for her husband's love and devotion. Thank you for her family and friends that have surrounded her with love.  Gracious God, my heart is ready to burst with joy. I feel like a flower wanting to push through the dark winter soil to display its beauty to the world. I want everyone to feel the wonder of life that I feel at this moment. Let my wonder and joy shine so that those who are under a veil of sadness this day, may find their sorrows lifted, if only for a moment. I ask this for the sake of your love. 

In Jesus’ name, amen.

THought For The Day

“Continue in prayer, 

and watch in the same with thanksgiving. 

(Colossians 4:2)”

Thought For The Day

“To the world you may be just one person, 

but to one person you may be the world.”

Wonderful Wednesday: Focus on Health

It is often said that as long as you have health the rest you can buy. It is true to the certain extent – good health is a basis of our normal life.

Your health is important, and a key to staying healthy is scheduling and having regular screening tests for cancer and other health conditions.

Screening tests can help find cancer in its early stages, or even detect pre-cancerous abnormalities before they spread. Finding cancer early improves your chances for successful treatment.

Another key to your health and the health of your loved ones is to have an adequate supply of blood available to hospitals. You never know when you or someone you love may be faced with a medical emergency and the need for blood. Give the gift of life and schedule a blood donation reminder.

To help you remember to schedule your regular screening tests and blood donations, the College of American Pathologists encourages you to sign up for an e-mail reminder today. You can choose any date you like, and a message will be sent to the e-mail address you specify reminding you to schedule your screening test and blood donation appointment. 

Blood donation reminder Cholesterol test reminder Colon cancer screening reminder Diabetes test reminder Mammogram reminder Pap test reminder Prostate cancer screening test reminder

Remember that taking care of yourself and the ones you love is all that really matters.

Thought For The Day

“He who has health, has hope. 

And he who has hope, has everything.”

Thought For The Day

“We can live about forty days without food, 

about three days without water, 

about eight minutes without air, 

but only for one second without hope."

My Best Friend...

A Best Friend!

A friend that really cares!
All my secrets i can share!
There when i need a hand!
There to understand!

When i cry!
She will be by!
If i am away!
She will call me day by day!
If i need her at all!
She'll be there to stand tall!
Anything i say will be heard!
She will listen word by word!
If I am late! 
She will open the gate!

As she looks in my eyes!
The sparkle she realize!
She is the one that cares!
And the one thats there!

That's a best Friend!!

Thought For The Day

“A friend is a hand that is always holding yours, no matter how close or far apart you may be. A friend is someone who is always there and will always, always care. A friend is a feeling of forever in the heart.”

TUESDAY TRIUMPHS...Healing

One of my dearest friends in the world is facing a tremendous health challenge, but she will TRIUMPH over this illness with the help of Christ.  Her family and friends are here by her side and we will see her through.

Jesus is Lord!  He can work miracles.  I know it.  I proclaim it and I have seen it come to pass!

Thought For The Day

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. 

(Colossians 4:2)”

Lord, I thank you for the blessing of healing that you've ALREADY promised.

SIMPLY BLESSED...Prayer for Healing

One of my dearest friends in the world is facing a serious health challenge. We, the children of God ALREADY claim the blessing of the restoration of her health.  Please pray with all of us who love her that the manifestation of her healing be realized soon.  For we know that the "prayers of the righteous availeth much."  

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. " James 5:15 

Let us Pray...

Lord God, we come worshipping you today with grateful hearts that you are our keeper, the one who continually cares for us.  We come praying today specifically for your child and servant that YOU know by name.  We pray for the doctors, nurses, and all staff at the hospital who will watch over my dear friend.  We pray for the other patients here at the hospital and their loved ones.  

Divine Physician and Healer of the Sick, we turn to You in this time of illness.  Dearest Comforter of the Troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with Your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden.

Dear God, we place our worries in Your hands.  We ask that You restore Your servant to health again.  Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge Your holy will and know that whatsoever You do,You do for the love of us.

Father, hear the spoken and unspoken prayers on the hearts and minds of all of us who are gathered for one purpose...to THANK you for your healing power.
 
Great Physician, we ask for the healing of body, mind and spirit.  Reveal any hindrances to this healing and give us courage to trust in your Divine generosity and mercy.  We give you thanks for hearing our prayer.  Into your hands God we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, love, grace, and protection.  Amen.
 

---

I cannot make the sparrow fly, 

Nor can I understand 

What makes the clouds hang in the sky,

But I know One who can. 

I cannot make the ocean waves 

Dash forth against the land; 

I cannot help the soul that craves, 

But I know One who can. 

I cannot hear the humble prayers 

Of those of foreign clans; 

I cannot ease their wants and cares, 

But I know One who can. 

I cannot lead the erring ones 

With mine own trembling hand; 

Nor yet restore the hope that's gone, 

But I know One who can. 

I cannot see the broken hearts 

That long for joy again; 

Nor can I mend the broken parts, 

But I know One who can. 

I cannot heal the many ills 

That come so oft to man; 

I cannot give the joy that fills, 

But I know One who can. 

I cannot know why trials fall 

Within our life's short span; 

But my God understands it all, 

And He's the One who can!

SIMPLY BLESSED...Charity

“A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog.”

-Jack London

Thought For The Day

“The real friend is he or she who can share all our sorrows and double our joys.”

Thought For The Day..Mistakes

“People will listen a great deal more patiently while you explain your mistakes than when you explain your successes.”

-Wilbur N. Nesbitt

Friendship Friday: Look toward your Future

“The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created--created first in the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating.” 

It's May 1st...the last day for students across the country to get their college applications in for next semester and this of course, brings back a lot of memories.

Thirty years ago (damn, I'm old)...I had already been accepted in the school of my choice, The American University in Washington DC because come hell or high water...I was going to major in Justice, go on to law school and be that lawyer that I had been planning since I was 8 years old.  

Pretty much all of my girlfriends who were graduating with me had big goals...doctors, judges, senators, professors, scientists, astronauts, bankers, engineers and a whole host of varying careers. Interesting enough, not one had the goal of being a "video ho."  Not one planned on "dropping it like it's hot" on the web for all to see.  And not one thought that baring one's breast, booty or crotch would be the way they would advance in life.  

I'm sorry folks, this week just blew me away on so many levels.  First, I read yet another story about yet another young woman who sent nude photos of herself to her boyfriend, who of course is no longer her boyfriend...so he posted them all over the web and she killed herself. Then I read about the "Craig's List" Killer who is alleged to have targeted women who advertised "professional services" on Craig's List and then went to meet this freak alone with no "wing girl or guy" there to have their back...and ended up dead or assaulted.  Then I got a legal update on the two NY cops who now face charges of allegedly participating in the rape of a woman so intoxicated she couldn't get herself out of the taxi that her friends put her into so she could get home which of course made her incapable of consenting to sex, much less able to fight off an assault.  And then finally, to my utter disgust, I received an email photo attachment that was posted on some website of a beautiful young lady in a series of provocative and suggestive "stripper" poses who purported to be a member of my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. I love my affiliation with AKA and am proud to be a member; so as Richard Pryor used to say:  That's when I put my hand on my knife!

Enough ya'll!

I am absolutely dumbstruck by how women continually allow ourselves to be exposed to danger, harm, risk, peril, jeopardy and uncertainty at every turn when we don't use common sense.  When will we stop focusing on, enjoying and lapping up the instant gratification of the immediate and start to plan, plot and strategize for our future?

All those years ago when I was planning for college, yes...I wanted to get my complete party on. But I knew if I decided to get pissy drunk at parties, sleep with "Lottie, Dottie and Everybody" on campus and as my grandmother would say "show my behind in public" (not really...but you know grandmothers!); I would derail EVERYTHING that I had planned for my future.

What makes a girl...a pretty girl no less...open her legs for a crotch shot unless she is a straight porn star or stripper ('cause they need love too)?  Is that the "look" now? It is as if they are saying "I'm fine, with a fly body, so let me see just how whoreish I can look."  Not how classy I can be...not how elegant I can act...but how skanky I can appear to be.  Why is this on my mind this week...well I'll tell you.  

One day...in the not too distant future a lot of the young women who are applying to college on this the last day to put your applications in, are going to grow up and mature and look back on the dumb decisions they made when they were young; and they are going to regret those decisions when they are the doctors, judges, senators, professors, scientists, astronauts, bankers, engineers and a whole host of varying careers they have planned for the future.  

You don't think so?  Well, today it was announced that President Barack Obama is going to get to appoint a new Supreme Court Justice when Justice David Souter retires at the end of this court term. I just ask you one thing:  look forward 30 years from now, when you're 47 like me. Imagine that you're sitting in the position of being nominated by the President for that seat on the Supreme Court and the Justice department "googles" your name, writings, images, etc.  Do you really want that website crotch shot or topless spring break girls gone wild video to be broadcast on CNN during your confirmation hearing?

I'm not perfect.  Far from it. Just read some of my "google" entries.  I've made some dumb decisions in my life...some I wish I could take back; but none that I can't defend with my head held high.  

You all know how much I admire Michelle Obama.  We actually met many years ago while we were young women just entering adulthood.  One of the things that I find so fantastic and inspiring about her is that I believe that even our First Lady, with all her dignity and grace at some point in her life had to make decisions on the kind of woman she wanted to be, so she made conscious choices in her present, to insure that her past would not adversely affect her future.  

You want a role model...there is one right there.  Start creating the future you want today!