Happy New Year!!

Recipe for a Happy New Year

Author Unknown

To leave the old with a burst of song

To recall the rights and forgive the wrong;

To forgive the thing that binds you fast

To the vain regrets of the year that's past;

To have the strength to let go your hold

Of the non-worthwhile of the days grown old;

To dare to go forth with a purpose true;

To the unknown task of the year that's new,

To help your brother along the road

To do his work and lift his load;

To add your gift to the world's good cheer,

Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.

It is never too late to be what you might have been...

“ It is never too late to be what you might have been. ”
George Elliot

People are reaching goals each and everyday. You don’t have to be young to accomplish all of your dreams. Think that you are “past your prime”? Think again. Always wanted to run a marathon? Start training today. Always dreamed of owning your own company? Start small with the resources you have, and work hard for it. Goal setting is a series of progressive sets. It might take days, it might take weeks, and it might even take years. But with the right attitude and a little bit of ambition, you can achieve all you dream. (unknown)

All the talents of God

All the talents of God are within you

How could this be otherwise?

When your soul

Derived from His Genes!

-Hafiz

Start Something Good

For there shall the seed produce peace and prosperity; the vine shall yield her fruit and the ground shall give its increase and the heavens shall give their dew and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit and possess all these things. Zechariah 8:12

Start something good in someone's life today. Sow faith for a healing. Sow hope for a restoration. A sincere compliment can sow confidence in someone who is starving for encouragement. Your forgiveness of an ongoing offense can sow a seed for a miracle breakthrough in that situation.

Pray for someone else's need, or make a special offering to start something positive in the name of the Lord. Remember, God won't ask you to sow anything that He doesn't give you grace to give. Enjoy the abundant harvest that is returned to your own life when you sow into someone else's life.

From Starting Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer

Welcome December...

We'll it's here. Seems very long in coming- but December is here.....which in many states means, WINTER is here. You wouldn't know it here in Atlanta though.

November had been so sweet. I had not felt so "held" and wrapped in the arms of God before.. I'm excited about December and my continued discoveries in Christ and his awesome plans for my life....

Welcome December..welcome Creator...

~Nia

In step with the Master...

Today I felt a bit of anxiety. I've been waiting on the "go" from God to do something I've been praying on for a while.
For some reason today, it seemed like all was perfect in the universe aligning things 'just so' that I should seize the moment....however, I still did not have confirmation form the Lord and the "go" I've been waiting on.....
The moment to seize felt rushed... I felt unsure... and not confident in God being IN this moment.
Me- being ME (human)... wanted to take matters into my own hands and run for the opportunity... hoping that God will either catch up or appear at the finished line granting me my reward...
For a brief moment I forgot who was carrying me through this race.

It isn't possible to do anything without God and have it to work out perfectly. When we pray for God's guidance and direction, we must totally embrace all that it may offer... even the waiting period- even when it seems you are stagnant, standing still and the world is going on around you..passing you by.
WE CAN NEVER MISS OUR BLESSINGS WHILE WAITING ON GOD.

After all...isn't HE the Bless-er?

Trust in God ?

Can we only say we trust in God when all is well?
When we know we are insured?
When we know we have thousands in the bank?

These questions came to mind when my life insurance agent was advising me to "up" my coverage. I'm sure her heart and intentions were in the right place- and the $15 extra I refused to pay to up the coverage IS really a small amount... but one thing kept coming to mind.... "Where is my faith in God?"

Now, don’t get me wrong- I do have insurance incase God calls me or my husband home... however I don’t feel I NEED to have an enormous amount- there will be no bills left behind already- and what we did get would provide him or I enough to take care of the girls but hey- I'm not expecting to get rich off his death!

When I say “God will supply our needs"- I mean this with all my heart. He has and he will continue WITHOUT my help. God did not say he will, until I get enough insurance or money saved in the bank. ... we need to LIVE like we know .

Does God need to slow us down?

One of my greatest fears is to be “slowed” down by God so that I can hear his words and walk on his path. I think my daily effort and prayer is to remain conscience of God. …and not only conscience of God but to remain aware of my (HIS) purpose and why HE created me.
This is hard, because in the midst of trying to do HIS will- my own ‘self will’ tries to take control and steer me in a different direction.

We all have goals- personal goals…some of which are goals WE put on ourselves and others are goal God has placed in our heart to fulfill his purpose.

How do we remember that we are created for HIS purposes alone?
How do we abandon some desires, and goals that may not be of God but self directed?
How do we release our lives, totally living and doing the will of our Lord?

Love Christ.
I have found in really loving him – I, we, will want to do as he instructs. We will WANT to do what pleases him.
Stay connected. Pray.
Read- love and yearn his word.
Love HIS love- no matter the form it comes in…

Peace & Blessings,
~Nia

Opportunities

"Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them. "

Ann Landers

Continue To Do Good...

"..Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
Galatians 6:9

It is very easy to grow weary with all that is going on around us, the many attacks on our lives- personal as well as in the world of politics. These surly can have an affect on our moods...our deeds...
But there is word on this and there is HOPE. We must stand strong, be of good cheer, be courageous and continue to do good - Gods Good.

....This, is what the Lord spoke to me…...

Be blessed,
~Nia

Fortune Cookies

..I love them. So much so, that I go to a Chinese resturant and purchase EXTRA....then try to eat them in hiding from my kids. lol..
Not that I live by them, but isn't it always good to read something positive, motivating and unexpected?

Here are two I keep on my fridge, enjoy.

1) Let your reach exceed your grasp.
2)Focus on your long-term goal. Good things will soon happen.

~Nia

Let It Go..

Let it go......By T. D. Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you:let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you,loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you.
I mean hang up the phone.
When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.
The Bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not forus. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued withus. [1 John 2:19]People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.
Let them go.
And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead.You've got to know when it's dead.You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something. I've gotthe gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me.And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.
Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains .....
LET IT GO!!!
If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth.....
LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you ........
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents
LET IT GO!!!
If you have a bad attitude.......
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......
LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him......
LET IT GO!!!
If you are struggling with the healing of a brokenrelationship.......
LET IT GO!!!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves......
LET IT GO!!!
If you're feeling depressed and stressed ......
LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are soused to handling yourselfand God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to......
LET IT GO!!!
Let the past be the past. Forget the former things.GOD is doing a new thing for 2006!!!
LET IT GO!!!
Get Right or Get Left .. think about it, and then ...
LET IT GO!!!

"The Battle is the Lord's!"

..Thank you Vennie for this wonderful reminder.

Today's thought is:

Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and dust doth corrupt, where thieves break through and steal; but lay up treasures in heaven ... for where your treasure is, there will be your heart also. --Matthew 6:19 21

The True Treasure

Consider the following story of misplaced priorities. While hiking in the wilderness, I met a man whose T-shirt carried the following message: "He who dies with the most toys, wins."
As I pondered those words, I was sure that the author meant the opposite of what he said. No one on his deathbed ever stated, "I wish I had spent more time at the office." We were put on this earth not to accumulate "toys," but to reap the gifts of the spirit. These gifts come to us when we dedicate our lives to something greater than ourselves - a path of service in the world, the raising of a loving family, the creation of beauty through art, or any passion that inspires one.
Having lived in this manner, you can look back over your life with a real sense of fulfillment. By following the path of peace, love, and joy, you will discover your true treasure - one that transcends death itself.
He, who dies, having followed his heart, wins

*source Unknown *

This really meant a lot to me today. It was confirmation to what I've believed and have felt all my life. I've always been one to "not follow the crowd" or to think radical - and more artistic than others. This has had me always questioning life and what it's all about.
Until I found Jesus, and made him my savior- my eyes were closed to who I was...and what I could do.
.. I've been freed, in more ways than one. Free to be me, and Free to do what will allow me to WIN in the in.....

Amazing

... God never ceases to amaze me. In the midst of the many life events and hardships, he continues to inspire me and give me new visions (goals)...along with bring wonderfully encouraging people into my life.

Be open to God using you to bless others..........a kind word will go a long way.

~Nia

Continue to reach your dreams..

We'll it's another month, another 4th of July- and I still have not completed my designs or launched my walk in boutique...Do I feel depressed?
Nope! ...... As long as I can breathe I will continue to work hard to reach my vision.

What has happened in one year?
What DID I accomplish?
Where am I going?

...These are just a few questions I've been asking myself, fine tuning my plans and making necessary changes to my foundation.....
great -lasting businesses did not develop over night, and the key is LASTING... I plan to be around a while and make CIYC a known name around the world....

Dream Big!

MIND POWER

"It is the mind that make the body." -- Sojourner Truth


When we are mentally strong and committed, we can do anything.
So how do we "bulk up" our minds? As with a muscle: by constant flexing with positive thoughts.
Professional athletes can attest to the necessity of psychological stamina.
Get the mind in shape and the body will follow.


~ AFFIRMATION~

On this day, I will take five minutes to relax and visualize myself accomplishing one of my goals.

-- taken from Black Pearls by Eric V. Copage
Also taken from the Atlanta Social Sistahs Yahoo Group

Gifts from God

by Max Lucado

A gardener gave a seedling to his friend, the orange grower. “Consider this a gift.”
An orchestra conductor presented a package to her favorite cellist. “Just because I appreciate your work,” she told her.
An artist thanked a plumber for his neighborliness by giving him a present.
And so the orange grower, the cellist, and the plumber unwrapped their gifts.
The orange grower planted the seedling, anticipating oranges. After all, he grew oranges, so this must be an orange-tree-to-be. But the plant spread into bushy, clustered branches. The orange grower couldn’t coax a single orange out of his grove. He sprinkled it with orange-tree fertilizer, sprayed it with orange-tree bug spray. He even poured orange juice on the soil. But, alas, no oranges. Tomatoes, yes. But oranges, no. He felt like a failure.
The cellist empathized. She has expected a cello. She was somewhat correct. The package contained an accordion. She treated the accordion like a cello, setting the base on the floor and running her bow across the keys. Noise came forth, but no music. She was less than enthused.
As was the plumber. He expected a gift of wrenches and hammers, but he was given a brush and palette. Puzzled, he set out to repair a leaky pipe with his new tools. But brushes don’t open valves, and a palette won’t tighten joints. He painted the plumbing and grumbled.
The orange grower raised tomatoes, but he preferred oranges.The cellist made sounds, but not music.The plumber painted the pipe, but didn’t fix it.
Each assumed the gift would be what they knew rather than what the giver gave.
Each year God gives millions of parents a gift, a brand-new baby. They tend to expect oranges, cellos, and plumbing tools. Heaven tends to distribute tomatoes, accordions, and paint supplies. Moms and Dads face a decision. Make our children in our images? Or release our children to follow their God-given identities?
God prewired your infant. He scripted your toddler’s strengths. He set your teen on a trajectory. God gave you an eighteen year-research project. Ask yourself, your spouse, and your friends: what sets this child apart? Childhood tendencies forecast adult abilities. Attend carefully to the unique childhood of your child. What S.T.O.R.Y. do you read in your children? Uncommon are the parents who attempt to learn—and blessed are their children.
From Cure for the Common LifeCopyright 2005, Max Lucado

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION

I am surrounded with resources and opportunities. My good
comes from unexpected people and places.

-- Jewel Diamond Taylor

Food for Thought

Watch your thoughts; they become words.

Watch your words; they become actions.

Watch your actions; they become habits.

Watch your habits; they become character.

Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Author Unknown

Friday Freedom

Say Su, does it again! Great quotes taken from "Something_Positive_Yes" on the web

Achievements: Michael Jordan Quote

I realized that if I was going to achieve anything in life I had to be aggressive.
I had to get out there and go for it...
I know fear is an obstacle for some people,
but it's an illusion to me.

Overcoming Failure: Michael Jordan Quote

I've failed over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.