Blog memberships & Rings

I lost all of my links when I changed my template. ;-(
Now I have to find all the codes again before they start threatening to take me off their list for not listing their link.

This is just one of those things that make me want to scream...... but we keep moving forward because this too, shall pass.

How are YOUR business goals?
How are YOU?
Staying positive?
How do you stay positive in situations like the above? What are some of they things you do, or say to yourself when it seems like LIFE is against all you're trying to do? When it seems like something is trying to stop your progress?

Building blocks to your dreams

“Each new day is a building block for reaching your goals and dreams.”

Personal goals and dreams are not formed over night; they are built with
each passing day. It’s important that you do something each day toward fulfilling your
personal dreams. Every effort, no matter how small or insignificant, can make a difference.

All those daily “blocks” build on one another and, slowly but surely add up.
Be patient with yourself and never give up. Your tower will slowly grow and sooner than you think, you’ll be standing at the top!

Meditations for Women. All rights reserved.

This was taken from the Yahoo group "ATL_Sistagirls" on the web. Contributed by Staci

Imagine what you can do, if you trust….

My bestest sent me this yesterday when I was feeling down and had started to doubt some of my plans. Thank you MP

Come to the edge, he said.
They said they were afraid.
Come to the edge, he said.
They came.
He pushed them and they flew.

~Guillaume Apollinaire

Update; I keep…

I’m way off schedule with developing and launching my line of handbags. Got derailed in the house buying project and it has halted everything. But I’m still excited and staying motivated about next year and the plans I have for the year. As I stated, in addition to launching the CIYC line, I also intend to open the walk-in Boutique. Actually the house buying did hindered the launch but I see it playing a part in obtaining and opening the store. I’m positioning myself geographically and financially in a better position to do this.
1) I’m looking to buy in East Atlanta- by the East Atlanta Village where I intend to open the boutique
2) I am buying a house with equity, where I can take a loan against that to help open the store and help with inventory.
So all in all, it will work together. Although, I don’t see clearly it now, and it all looks sketchy I have the vision- a distant vision, but one no less….and really, that’s all you need; a vision!

Seeing What Others Miss

The purposes in the human mind are like deep water, but the intelligent[man] will
draw them out. - Proverbs 20:5 NRS

Being made in God's likeness gives us amazing potential. But sometimes ittakes
"a man of understanding" to recognize it and "draw it out." Toomany of us are
gifted at seeing the obvious. We're quick to label peopleas arrogant, quick-tempered,
or weak. But a person with spiritual insightsees beyond that to the hopes and fears
behind their behavior.

The people who knew Simon knew his tendency to shoot from the hip and be impulsive.
But Jesus saw something else. That's why He renamed him Peter,meaning a rock or pillar suitable for a foundation. Can you imagine thelook on the disciples' faces when Jesus said,
"You are Peter...upon this rock I will build My church, and...hell will not conquer it" (Mt 16:18NLT)? But Peter did become a pillar, a respected leader and founder ofthe church.
And all because of Jesus' ability and willingness to lookbeyond his surface-level qualities
to what was inside.

Today we need more: Parents who'll pray for their children, look beyond their flaws and
"draw out" their uniqueness; spouses who'll search forthe hidden treasure in their mate; business leaders who'll treat workers with respect and match their talents with their responsibilities; Christians who'll forgive the immature stumbling of young believers and
work to develop them; witnesses who see the lost through the eyes ofJesus and recognize
what His transforming power can do. So, ask God today for eyes to see what others miss.

Rhema Broadcasting Group
Taken from Julie Gaskins, a.k.a. "J"
http://profiles.yahoo.com/tremendousjewel
tremendousjewel@yahoo.com

When all else fail....

SCREAM

SCREAM

SCREAM

Then get back to work.

Keep the faith,

~Nia

ARE YOU THINKING TOO SMALL (of yourself?)

TODAY'S MOTIVATIONAL LESSON:

Years ago, a famous golfer, was invited by the king of Saudi Arabia, to play in a golf tournament. He accepted the invitation and the king flew his private jet over to the United States to pick up the pro. They played golf for several days, and enjoyed a good time. As the golfer was getting on the plane to return the United States, the king stopped him and said,
"I want to give you a gift for coming all this way and making this time so special. Anything you want. What could I get you?"

Such the gentleman, the golfer replied, "Oh please; don't get me anything. You've been such a gracious host. I've had a wonderful time.
I couldn't ask for anything more."

The king was adamant. He said, "No I insist on giving you something so you will always remember your journey to our country."

When the golfer realize that the king was resolute, he said, "Okay, fine. I collect golf clubs. Why don't you get me a golf club?"

He boarded the plane, and on his flight back home, he couldn't help but wonder what kind of golf club the king would give him. He imagined that it might be a solid gold putter, with his name engraved on it, or one encrusted with rubies and diamonds. The more he thought about it, the more excited he got,
as the King was rich from oil.

When the golfer got back home, he watched the mail daily to see if his new golf club had come yet. Much to his dismay, after several weeks he was disappointed, and figured the King had forgotten all about him, as the King has many other duties.

Finally after several more weeks, he had received a letter from the King, which he wondered, where was his golf club, the King must be sending a letter of apology, When he opened the certified letter, the King did indeed apologize for the delay, but told the golfer to rest assured he found him the perfect golf club.
Attached to the letter, was a deed in his name to a 500 acre golf club.

LESSON:
Sometimes people think "BIGGER" than you do!
EXPAND YOUR THINKING!!!!!!

Taken from SaySu of Something_Positive_Yes yahoo group

Shaped for the Extraordinary

This devotional was written by Leslie Snyder

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. — Acts 4:13

Jell-O is an amazing thing. It can be made into almost anything and comes in almost any
flavor. Despite its use in something as simple as Jigglers for an after school snack or as the
key ingredient in an elaborate dessert, Jell-O, at its core, is quite simple. The movie, My
Best Friend’s Wedding, even used it to compare a person who is rather ordinary to someone
who is more like the elaborate dessert Crème Brulee. Jell-O is even used to celebrate
special events. For example, my 16th birthday fell during the Lenten Season, which I was observing for the first time. I had given up sweets (a critical food staple for any teenager)
so my mom made me a Jell-O mold garnished with fruit and candles. Although it
didn’t hold its shape after the initial cut, it was a beautiful thing…the ordinary made extraordinary.

That’s how our lives are described when we spend time with Jesus. In the Scripture above, Peter and John are on trial before the ruling authorities of the day called the Sanhedrin.
Peter and John have been healing the blind, crippled, and sick and were basically stirring up quite a commotion among the religious leaders. However, when they stood in front of the Sanhedrin, the rulers noticed something very peculiar. These are common men, fishermen
to be exact. They have no formal titles and no formal schooling or training. Yet, they
speak and act with a boldness and courage that obviously comes from somewhere else –
or more specifically – from Someone else. Take a look at what they say: They took note
that these men had been with Jesus.

Spending time with Jesus has a way of turning the ordinary, common, everyday life into
one that is dangerous, bold and courageous. Just as Jell-O takes the shape of whatever
mold it is poured into, our lives begin to take the shape of the One in whom we pour
ourselves. In all honesty, we’re all pretty ordinary. But, when we regularly spend time
with Jesus, others will take notice, for there is no doubt that time with Jesus transforms us.

Today, maybe you feel like just another ordinary person living an ordinary life. The good
news is that your life has the potential of being extraordinary. Spend time with Jesus
and let him remold your life into something extraordinary.

Taken from the SistersNhomeBiz Yahoo group
Join: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/SistersNhomeBiz/join

The Will of God

The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
-- Author Unknown

Victim or Victor, You Choose

Taken from The BGP Gathering Space contributed by Shaunelle Curry

What is the difference between VICTIM and VICTOR?

Over the summer, I began to prepare curriculum for the awesome work of connecting with women in domestic violence shelters. One of the questions I asked myself in this preparation was, “What is the difference between victim and victor?”

I had my own ideas, but I perused Webster as well. It defined a victim as one that is injured, destroyed, or sacrificed under any of various conditions; one that is subjected to oppression, hardship or mistreatment. Victor, however, is someone that defeats an enemy or opponent: winner. Even still, victory is achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor
against odds or difficulties.

Both victim and victor imply some battle, some struggle that has taken place. But, while a victim’s story ends with the oppression, hardship and the subsequent wounds, the victor continues on toward mastery through overcoming the odds of what would appear to be her reasonable chances of success.

What is the difference between victim and victor? Two letters found at the end of each word. The difference is what happens in the end. Everything leading up to the ‘i’ and the ‘m,’ and the ‘o’ and the ‘r’ are the same. The beginning may appear to be out of our hands at the moment, but we choose our ending.

Going back to my classroom teaching days, we can use an acronym as an example:
VICTIM

Vile
Injustice
Causing
Tension and an
Injured
Mindset
------------
VICTOR
Vile
Injustice
Causing
Tension and an
Opportunity to
Rise

Vile Injustice Causing Tension can serve as our experience, the backdrop of our choice to
stay a victim or to rise to a victor. And yes, I do say our choice. The way in which our story
ends has little to do with how it begins. It has more to do with whether we settle for an
Injured Mindset, or we take our Opportunity to Rise. We choose this all day everyday in
both large and small ways.

I was telling a friend what a rough week I had last week. It was filled with tension, struggle
and strain. Most of that struggle and strain took place right inside my mind. As I
teeter-tottered between remaining a victim to inconvenient circumstances and rising
to my highest, I asked myself a question.

"How do I want this story to end? What do I choose?”

To read more of this article, click The BGP Gathering Space link http://thebgpgatheringspace.blogspot.com/

Shaunelle Curry is the founder of The Butterfly Garden Project and The BGP Online, a wombman’s wellness resource dedicated to elevating women to our inherent divinity
and power as co-Creators of a dynamic, harmonious, love-enriched Universe.

Visit The BGP Online later this week for a wonder-filled article entitled,
"Life Coaching: The new way to ignite your full potential," by Caroline Shola Arewa, international speaker and life coach.
You will have an opportunity to sign up for her free 7-day e-course on Creating Ease.

To be added to the The BGP Online mailing list and receive regular updates on
the happenings at The BGP Gathering Space, email admin@thebgponline.com and
type "mailing list" in the subject heading.

Words that spoke to me

Be still, and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10 NKJV
"Be Still"

Anxious soul, God is saying to you today, "Be still, and know that I am God."
And there's a reason He's saying it. Your activity, when born out of anxiety,
actually prevents Him from showing Himself strong on your behalf.
That doesn't mean you're to be passive or lazy; it just means you're to do
whatever He leads you to do without running ahead of Him in the energy
of the flesh! It also means you're to submit to Him first,then slow down and
wait! In other words, make sure you have a sense ofpeace to go along with
the ideas you believe He's given you. Ask Him to reveal to you His will in the
matter, then "be still" and acknowledge that He's God, He's in charge, He knows
what He's doing! Learn to trust Him without always demanding to know what
He's going to do, when He's going to do it, and how He's going to carry it out.

Jesus said, "I am the vine, and you are the branches" (Jn 15:5 NIV).
Until you really embrace those words you'll keep trying to do things that
only God can do - like blessing yourself, promoting your own ministry,
solving your own problems and answering your own prayers. Or worse,
you'll try to cover up for Him because you think He's not doing it fast
enough, or in the way it should be done. Give it up! Try less and trust more!
Jesus said, "I am the vine, and you are the branches."
All you have to do is stay connected!

Bible-in-a-year Reading: Eph 4:17 - 5:21, Jn 15:1-17, Ps 91, Pr 21:28-31


I received this in my email from one of my poetry groups.
This is what I needed to hear. BE STILL. Wait and lean back in his
comfort. I see there is real peace in knowing that I am not alone-
a HIGHER Power IS looking out for me. Not a mere human who can
fail me, but a HIGHER being who created me knowing that I would have
these issues, and created me knowing he would take care of me- he came
with answers and direction…..I just have to follow it.

My faith has enabled me to DO....

....when my head says, “I can’t”
A scripture I read last week has been haunting me.
In Luke 17, the disciples asked Jesus to:

“Give us more Faith…”
Jesus’ response was to the effect of ..(not quoted) ‘if you had Faith the size of a

mustard seed, you can tell a tree to move and it would up root and MOVE…’
…. what a powerful analogy!

Many things came to me, but I'll share two:
1) Do you know how small a mustard seed is? And
2) Some obstacles, aspirations and wants in my life are the size of a little rock
- but when I say “move” they are not shaken.
Should this give me an ideal of my faith in these areas? *

I am always amazed at God’s timing. His timing for everything.
Most recently, his timing for revelation and enlightenment.
I’ve known (memorized) this parable since I was a child.
I’ve heard many sermons on it. Had many ‘grannies’ repeat it.
However, it is only NOW do I understand and can relate it to my life.
And it is NOW that I (and maybe you) need to understand and apply it.
God’s timing is unmatched.

Anyway, I’ve been on the fence about a few of my aspirations…battling with
thoughts of “How can it be done?…” , “Will it be needed or wanted?”…
”Why, again, am I doing it?” ….
"Is it good enough?” …”Am I good enough?” and getting a bit discouraged,
and fearful. Many of life’s obstacles seem to keep interfering with the “smooth”
sailing I anticipated. –MY "perfect" plans are not being followed.
HOW DARE LIFE DO THIS TO ME? …lol…
This parable was JUST what I needed. The confirmation of the power I possess.

“MOVE TREE!!!!!!!”
In fact,…
“MOVE FOREST! GET OUT OF MY WAY- BECAUSE I AM DOING

WHAT THE LORD HAS CALLED ME TO DO.”

I know, without doubt, that I am called with purpose. A few purposes!
And I know that I can not live without fulfilling them. I just cant. I
t just WILL NOT happen.
I have made up my mind to DO- that which is my calling; regardless of
what may stand in front of me…and I need to reclaim my victory and begin.
There is no time for fear… no time for procrastination…no time for self-doubt.

No time for self-doubt!
…Why? Because my trust is not in myself- but in the LORD that dwells within me.

So this week, I am challenging myself…and all that believe.
Let’s exercise our faith and try to at least have it the size of a mustard seed…
if we can move a tree, imagine what we can do reaching our own small goals.

Peace & Blessings,
~Nia


*I know that some things(‘crosses to bear’) are placed in our lives to
make us in some way- so all that I want to move will not just up and move...
and this is no reflection on my faith.
But I’m talking about things I KNOW, would be allowed by God if I had more
faith in him working in these areas and not myself. SELF is afraid, and has
totally let ‘fear’ drive, hence my idleness….

God's Call

Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work.
- Jeremiah 1:5NCV

God's Call

There's a consistent pattern in Scripture of what happens in a life that God wants to use
and improve:
(1) There's always a call. God asks common people to engage in uncommon
acts of trust,
like getting out of the boat and walking on water.
(2)There's always fear. God has a habit of asking people to do things that
scare them: like
Moses who told God, "I'm not a good enough speaker, usesomebody else."
(3) There's always reassurance. Listen: "As I was withMoses, so I will be with you."
That's what God told Joshua, the newleader who'd just taken over.
(4) There's always a decision. Sometimes,like with Gideon, we say yes to God's call.
Sometimes, like the richyoung ruler who spoke to Jesus, we say no, but
always we must decide.
(5)There's always a changed life. Those who say yes to God's call don't walkperfectly, not by a long shot. But because they say yes they learn and
grow, even from their failures, and become part of His actions to redeema lost world.

Those who say no to God are changed too; they become alittle harder,
a little more resistant to His calling, a little morelikely to say no next time.

Is God calling you?

Maybe it has to do with your work, yourrelationships, your money,
or facing your deepest fear. God's call willgo to the core of who you
are and what you do. If you say yes to Him,you'll never regret it!

Bible-in-a-year Reading: Song of Songs 1-4, Jn 11:45-57,
Ps 78:32-39, Pr20:20-21

Rhema Broadcasting Group (c) 2003
Julie Gaskins, a.k.a. "J"
http://profiles.yahoo.com/tremendousjewel
tremendousjewel@yahoo.com

Got Faith?

What a time, we are living in! The state of the world is pure confusion and sorrow. So many of my friends are popping anti-depressants like candy……. many are at their wits end. Many are engaging in activity, potentially harmful and they don’t even know it. Lord, have mercy.

“What to do Lord?”

That was what I asked. “God, what can I do? I, myself, am just a bit away from snapping! How can I help? What can I say?"
But something MUST be done…
Then it occurred to me. Since I haven’t “snapped” yet-lol- I should be strong for us both!

Got Faith?

I have Faith enough in God to know that not only I can develop, grow and pull through the struggle but so can YOU!
Isn’t that why we have each other- to lean on?

I can’t stress enough that we ALL are created with a purpose. We all are created with the intensions of succeeding. Not success as we see it and know it, such as achieving these material things that can be given and taken…but spiritual and mental success.

We have the ability to pull ourselves out of these depressive states, in spite of what’s going on around us- in order to reach our goals. Fulfill our purpose. These emotional and mental attacks are on us for a reason- to stop us from reaching our goals. God’s goals. To stop us from having what God has offered us. Success. Peace. Joy.

But, we must have Faith! We must have faith and continue to persevere and not give up. Not give up mentally- no matter what our bodies are telling us. Train your mind, and the body will follow.

Have Faith, until you can, I will for you- because we are our brothers’ keeper.

Peace & Blessings,
~Nia

The Gift of Encouragement

While reheating my tea, for the second time- the Lord spoke to me.
We are all blessed with different gifts. God has equipped us with all we need to be productive people, but we do not take advantage of most of our talents. We figure if we can’t financially be a ‘blessing’ or support- than there is nothing else we can do.

One of the gifts God brought to my mind is the gift of Encouragement.
With a simple note, we have the ability to make someone’s day a little brighter.

I urge you in all your web surfing- if you see a site you’ve enjoyed just drop the owner a line, -leave a comment. Let him/her know that their hard work is not in vain. Their site is being viewed and was enjoyed.
Yes, many have site counters- but I’d rather get an emailed comment over 100 hits any day. I’d rather know that someone actually took time out to let me know that my hard work is seen. That’s what keeps me motivated. Not the number of hits, but is do someone walk away feeling better. Feeling empowered!
That’s what keeps me working harder to improve the quality of what I produce.

If you have the gift of encouragement, use it! You never know what your little comment could do- some are life changing, and some, life saving…

Peace & Blessings,
~Nia

JUST GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!

1. Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.
2. Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create
conditions in your life.
3. What you speak about, you can bring about.
4. If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.
5. If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.
6. If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen
or just stop operating.
7. If you keep saying you're always broke, guess what? You'll always be broke.
8. If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will
always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.
9. If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.
10. If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believein you,
our very thoughts will attract more experiences to confirm yourbeliefs.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positiveand power
packed with faith, hope, love and action.

Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.

taken from www.SisterPower.com

We're winners!!!

*All men are by nature equal, made all of the same earth by one Workman;

and however we deceive ourselves,

as dear unto God is the poor peasant as the mighty prince.

~Plato

This quote really touched me today. Sometimes we lose focus of God and start to look around us. We begin to look at other people, other businesses- and see that they are “flourishing”, growing or doing so much more than we are.

It seems as if, no matter how hard we try, we “can’t win for losing”.

I had asked God, “Why do you allow some to have more than others? Are they more special in some way? Is your favor on them, but not on the others? Is this JUST??”

God spoke to me.
Firstly, “His ways are NOT our ways…neither are his thoughts our thoughts” (in other words, “How dare I try to comprehend his justice and why he does things- I could NEVER begin to understand with my mortal mind”…)
Needless to say, that shut me up pretty quickly!! LOL

Secondly, we are ALL equal in his eyes. No one is greater. Actually- none of us really ‘shine’, when you get down to it. Compared to him, our greatest deeds and ‘best-of-the-best’ is like “filthy rags” .

Isa 64:6 “ But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;”

However in spite of that, God still loves us. His mercies keep us. Even when I feel that I am going backwards, not progressing-but losing in this game of life…

I’m not.

I am a winner in more ways than one. You may not see it- but I know it.
So are you! I may not see it- but God know it.
…Now isn’t that what truly matters?

Peace & Blessings,
~Nia

* Quote taken from Julie Gaskins, a.k.a. "J"
http://profiles.yahoo.com/tremendousjewel
http://authorsden.com/julieagaskinstremendousjewel@yahoo.com

Helen Keller Quote

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. "
Helen Keller

US blind & deaf educator (1880 - 1968)

"I AM PLANNING WITH PURPOSE....

".......... PREPARING WITH PRAYER,
PROCEEDING POSITIVELY IN PERSISTENCE OF MY GOAL."


There are four rungs of success:
Plan Purposefully, Prepare Prayerfully, Proceed Positively, Pursue Persistently.
-- African American folklore

In everything you do, have a purpose.
Make sure the quality of your intent is one of truth, honor and love.
Prepare to pursue your purpose with prayer.
Ask for guidance, protection and direction.
Ask that closed doors be opened and that the
purpose of those that remain closed be revealed.
Give thanks for your answered prayers by proceeding without any doubt.
Keep your purpose in mind, trust the guidance you receive, have faith in the ability to succeed and accept all that comes your way.
If your purpose is clear, your prayers backed by faith,
your outlook sure and positive, never, never look back.
You may meet forks and turns in the road, by your obstacles shall all be removed.

taken from "Acts of Faith" by Iyanla Vanzant

Post by: Crystal

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SingleSistahsintheCity

Taken from the Yahoo group ATL Sistahood

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/atl_sistahood/

I GIVE NO POWER TO FEAR

Taken from the yahoo group Atl Sistahood

By Crystal of Single Sistahs in the City; Atlanta

Before you run, check to see it the bulldog has teeth.
- Les Brown

Fear is a very natural and normal response to the challenges we face in life.
Fear tells us there is something we must be cautious about.
Fear puts us on alert and tells us there is something we must be prepared for.
Fear means something we know nothing about is about to come upon us.
Fear of change, the unknown, rejection, failure, and success are like the barking of a ferocious bulldog.
For people of color, the fear of being bitten, again, immobilizes us.
A history that has not honored our sense of worth and value supports our fear.
The best thing we can do to fear is confront it.
We must believe we can conquer them.
The next time the bulldog of fear is upon you, stare it down, open its mouth and check to see if the thing has teeth.

I GIVE NO POWER TO FEAR