My husband and I have been financially responsible over the past few years. We understand that the money we earn is not ours. As Christians, we believe that God blessed us with financial privileges in the form of our multiple streams of income. But above all, we believe a portion of what we earn goes back in glory to Him. We always tithe to the church. In other words, we follow a biblically fundamental financial discipline in which at least 10% of income earned every month goes directly to the church…sometimes more but definitely no less. We pay the church first before our savings, before our bills, and before ourselves.
You know what is truly amazing about this practice? When we put God’s church before any other financial obligation, we never find ourselves in financial trouble. HE always helps us make ends meet. HE always provides what we need and in most cases, HE gives us more than we ask for. I’m not preaching the prosperity gospel nor do I guarantee God will bless you if you decide to give money to His church. I’m just saying that we give what is expected of us and walk by faith. Even when our eyes can’t see what is to come, our hearts trust that He will always come through whenever we need.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
It's All a Test
I believe life happens in God’s time. I’m now at a point where He’s blessing me with several opportunities to once again pursue some “dream jobs.” His timing is impeccable with His blessings. Now that Isaac is a little older, God is blessing me with a chance to find myself professionally with three big-time opportunities. It’s so exciting but overwhelming at the same time.
Within the past two weeks, I’ve been asked to use my talents and interest in sales and promotions for a local TV personality and wedding planning extraordinaire. Also, a former NFL player has asked me to help share his unique sports marketing concept to potential investors. Lastly, a former colleague has personally referred me for a position that demands my marketing/sales background to counsel non-profits in their fundraising efforts. These opportunities combined are basically what I’ve been searching for these past two years since I retired myself out of the corporate world. If I were to fully commit myself to any one, I think I might find great reward and fulfillment. But here is the catch…I believe these are all a test and so far, I’m not sure I can pass.
God has blessed my husband I with this beautiful, healthy baby boy. I’m a mother now and always will be…first and foremost. I would rather NOT put any other J-O-B in front of my motherly and wifely responsibilities. Just the other day I was feeding my son. Instead of cherishing the moment as another intimate bonding experience with him, I was more concerned about the business emails I had to write. At that time, I didn’t see anything wrong with being preoccupied in that sense.
I shared that incident with my husband, and praise God that I did although it was hard for me to admit to him. But my husband got me to see that being preoccupied with anything other than my nursing child at that very moment puts other “priorities” before baby. I didn’t realize that at that moment I was not being a mom first and foremost. So now here I am blogging with insomnia about that painful realization.
For just over three years, I had the dream job working in sports and entertainment. I chose to let that job take over my life. I let that job come over my marriage and family. I managed to make that job my life. As hindsight is always 20-20, I will be first to admit what a horribly self-centered and arrogant person I was when working at that job. It wasn’t my job’s fault. It was my choice to do it all for myself and no one else. Geez, I hate admitting that.
My baby boy is over five months old, and I’m approaching the last few months of breastfeeding. God willing, my plan is to exclusively breastfeed at least another two to three months. Motherhood has been amazing with all of the challenges and triumphs I’ve experienced with this phenomenal child. But with all of these opportunities to take my professional career to the next level, He is testing me to see what matters more, success in business or success in motherhood?
In my mind and in my heart, baby comes first. But in recent situations, that doesn’t seem to be consistent. So now I’m taking the time to do a lot of soul searching and praying. God always sends me signs and I know to ask Him to lead the way. I’m being the best mom I know how to be while realizing there is always room for improvement. I always question everything yet deny the solutions that are best. I LOVE being a mom, but can I be appreciative of the privilege I have to stay at home and raise my child? It’s definitely a test to see where my priorities truly are.
Within the past two weeks, I’ve been asked to use my talents and interest in sales and promotions for a local TV personality and wedding planning extraordinaire. Also, a former NFL player has asked me to help share his unique sports marketing concept to potential investors. Lastly, a former colleague has personally referred me for a position that demands my marketing/sales background to counsel non-profits in their fundraising efforts. These opportunities combined are basically what I’ve been searching for these past two years since I retired myself out of the corporate world. If I were to fully commit myself to any one, I think I might find great reward and fulfillment. But here is the catch…I believe these are all a test and so far, I’m not sure I can pass.
God has blessed my husband I with this beautiful, healthy baby boy. I’m a mother now and always will be…first and foremost. I would rather NOT put any other J-O-B in front of my motherly and wifely responsibilities. Just the other day I was feeding my son. Instead of cherishing the moment as another intimate bonding experience with him, I was more concerned about the business emails I had to write. At that time, I didn’t see anything wrong with being preoccupied in that sense.
I shared that incident with my husband, and praise God that I did although it was hard for me to admit to him. But my husband got me to see that being preoccupied with anything other than my nursing child at that very moment puts other “priorities” before baby. I didn’t realize that at that moment I was not being a mom first and foremost. So now here I am blogging with insomnia about that painful realization.
For just over three years, I had the dream job working in sports and entertainment. I chose to let that job take over my life. I let that job come over my marriage and family. I managed to make that job my life. As hindsight is always 20-20, I will be first to admit what a horribly self-centered and arrogant person I was when working at that job. It wasn’t my job’s fault. It was my choice to do it all for myself and no one else. Geez, I hate admitting that.
My baby boy is over five months old, and I’m approaching the last few months of breastfeeding. God willing, my plan is to exclusively breastfeed at least another two to three months. Motherhood has been amazing with all of the challenges and triumphs I’ve experienced with this phenomenal child. But with all of these opportunities to take my professional career to the next level, He is testing me to see what matters more, success in business or success in motherhood?
In my mind and in my heart, baby comes first. But in recent situations, that doesn’t seem to be consistent. So now I’m taking the time to do a lot of soul searching and praying. God always sends me signs and I know to ask Him to lead the way. I’m being the best mom I know how to be while realizing there is always room for improvement. I always question everything yet deny the solutions that are best. I LOVE being a mom, but can I be appreciative of the privilege I have to stay at home and raise my child? It’s definitely a test to see where my priorities truly are.
Monday, July 4, 2011
My sphere of influence part 2
I believe that whatever personal growth I achieve will be the product of my spiritual life, my home life, and my social life. So I must continue to make wise decisions in how and with whom I spend my time with.
I’ve reached out to several women and included those that intimidate me. Just being around these women forces me out of my comfort level. They push me to improve in the areas I know I’m performing subpar. With the help of their positive influence, I hope to become a more devout Christ-follower, a more loving and submissive wife, a more nurturing mother, a more strategic businesswoman, and/or a stronger woman of influence to those around me.
I plan to host my first women’s get together in the next week or so. I’ve only begun with my outreach. I hope this list of empowering women continues to grow. I’m blessed to know so many amazing and successful women. But for now, I am testing the waters with a select few and with every intention to reach out to the masses…God willing.
I’ve reached out to several women and included those that intimidate me. Just being around these women forces me out of my comfort level. They push me to improve in the areas I know I’m performing subpar. With the help of their positive influence, I hope to become a more devout Christ-follower, a more loving and submissive wife, a more nurturing mother, a more strategic businesswoman, and/or a stronger woman of influence to those around me.
I plan to host my first women’s get together in the next week or so. I’ve only begun with my outreach. I hope this list of empowering women continues to grow. I’m blessed to know so many amazing and successful women. But for now, I am testing the waters with a select few and with every intention to reach out to the masses…God willing.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
My sphere of influence
In an effort to use my time wisely, I had this random thought to reach out to some female friends who have made an impact on me personally and professionally. I'm trying to organize scheduled meet-ups for us all to discuss our triumphs, our tragedies, our concerns, and our doubts as we work towards our personal and career goals. I look to these women as a source of inspiration and motivation. Hopefully I can be the same for someone else. Each of the women I've approached meet the following criteria:
1. They are ambitious and/or influential among their peers.
2. They push me to achieve my personal best.
3. They are all gifted with talents and abilities.
4. We have worked together in some capacity.
I once heard somewhere that a wise person talks about ideas whereas a foolish person talks about people. Keeping this in mind, I don’t care to gather in a group of women and gossip. To me it’s a useless way to spend my precious time and it’s downright mean to slander someone behind his or her back. I’ve gained some perspective on this, as I’ve been the subject of floating rumors in certain social groups.
I prefer to surround myself with people who have big dreams and are the epitome of perseverance. I’m selective in how I spend my spare time since being a wife and mom keeps me plenty busy. I believe that if I’m to succeed in anything, I’ll need inspiration, support, and understanding from people who get what I’m trying to accomplish. And hopefully I can help or inspire someone else in her climb to success. So we’ll see how the first meeting goes. Until then, I’m learning to look at life more positively and constructively and encouragement from other like-minded individuals will surely give me a boost.
1. They are ambitious and/or influential among their peers.
2. They push me to achieve my personal best.
3. They are all gifted with talents and abilities.
4. We have worked together in some capacity.
I once heard somewhere that a wise person talks about ideas whereas a foolish person talks about people. Keeping this in mind, I don’t care to gather in a group of women and gossip. To me it’s a useless way to spend my precious time and it’s downright mean to slander someone behind his or her back. I’ve gained some perspective on this, as I’ve been the subject of floating rumors in certain social groups.
I prefer to surround myself with people who have big dreams and are the epitome of perseverance. I’m selective in how I spend my spare time since being a wife and mom keeps me plenty busy. I believe that if I’m to succeed in anything, I’ll need inspiration, support, and understanding from people who get what I’m trying to accomplish. And hopefully I can help or inspire someone else in her climb to success. So we’ll see how the first meeting goes. Until then, I’m learning to look at life more positively and constructively and encouragement from other like-minded individuals will surely give me a boost.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Are you depressed?
I heard a wonderful message in a sermon delivered by Pastor Ed Young, Jr. of Fellowship Church. He spoke about an emotional condition that affects so many people. For those of you who may be experiencing bouts of depression, heed these words.
The number one cure for depression is to go out into the world, find someone in need and help them. It’s as simple as that.
I believe that in doing so, you will find long-lasting fulfillment and joy in your life. Please consider offering a helping hand to someone in need. Not only will you feel good about putting someone else first, you’re also doing your part as God expects each one of us to do. When you give back you give glory to Him.
The number one cure for depression is to go out into the world, find someone in need and help them. It’s as simple as that.
I believe that in doing so, you will find long-lasting fulfillment and joy in your life. Please consider offering a helping hand to someone in need. Not only will you feel good about putting someone else first, you’re also doing your part as God expects each one of us to do. When you give back you give glory to Him.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
I have the most amazing readers!
There are several readers of this blog that have shared with me who they are. And I’m flattered. I can only pray that my anonymous readership grows with each post. I want to take a moment to say thank you to each and everyone of you that made the effort to write me your thoughts, your feedback, your words of comfort, and your praises. I have received text messages, emails, facebook messages, and out-of-the-blue phone calls from people I never imagined would care to read what I have to share. Each time I get a reaffirming message about particular blog entries, my heart soars.
I began this blog during one of the most trying times in my life. To be honest, I began this blog when my marriage hit rock bottom and certain people in my life decided to walk away at such a crucial time. If you revert back to my very first post and get further into it about a year ago exactly, you may realize I have endured a tumultuous era in my adult life. I knew no other way than to tackle my personal defeats in a creative form of therapy. In pursuit of self-discovery within my own spirituality and faith in Christ, blogging was an outlet to very publicly share how I overcome trials and how prayer has changed me for the better.
I began this blog on a positive note. I wanted to encourage readers to never be complacent especially when it comes to your spiritual relationship with Christ. Behind every one of my rants and raves, I intended to praise people to success despite the improbable hardships. I hope it’s understood that I believe people should never settle for anything less than their personal best in any capacity. I receive confirmation from readers that my attempt to be as sweetly honest with my innermost thoughts is productive. So to everyone who cares to read what’s in my heart, I thank you and appreciate you more than you know. Thank you for your confirmation. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for your sympathy. Thank you for caring.
I began this blog during one of the most trying times in my life. To be honest, I began this blog when my marriage hit rock bottom and certain people in my life decided to walk away at such a crucial time. If you revert back to my very first post and get further into it about a year ago exactly, you may realize I have endured a tumultuous era in my adult life. I knew no other way than to tackle my personal defeats in a creative form of therapy. In pursuit of self-discovery within my own spirituality and faith in Christ, blogging was an outlet to very publicly share how I overcome trials and how prayer has changed me for the better.
I began this blog on a positive note. I wanted to encourage readers to never be complacent especially when it comes to your spiritual relationship with Christ. Behind every one of my rants and raves, I intended to praise people to success despite the improbable hardships. I hope it’s understood that I believe people should never settle for anything less than their personal best in any capacity. I receive confirmation from readers that my attempt to be as sweetly honest with my innermost thoughts is productive. So to everyone who cares to read what’s in my heart, I thank you and appreciate you more than you know. Thank you for your confirmation. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for your sympathy. Thank you for caring.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Postpartum Pounds
This weekend was an emotional roller coaster for me. I had extreme highs after having experienced my first Mother’s Day. Then there were the moments I fell too deep into my own self-loathing insecurities. My husband did everything he could to cheer me up, but I decided it was never enough. It’s hideous of me to let my heart and emotions come down so low. After all, I’m blessed with so much: good health, a happy home, a loving marriage, and a beautiful baby boy. But believe it or not, my heart is still a volatile mess of emotions.
Right now, my biggest internal conflict is my postpartum weight issues. This blog is intended to share the sweet honesty of the reality I face. So here it goes…I currently weigh a whopping 152 lbs! I have NEVER weighed more than 130lbs on even my most bloated and miserable days, pre-pregnancy that is. My hips, thighs, and junk in this trunk are of gargantuan proportions. When I look in the mirror, I tell myself I look disgusting!
I’m blessed to have had a speedy metabolism and lean physique for all of my life. Then, I had a big baby boy and let my sweet cravings get the best of me. I did not discipline myself as much as I hoped to throughout the pregnancy and/or postpartum days. Granted, I am breastfeeding and my baby needs my calories. So dieting is not an option at the moment, but I digress. I caught myself looking into the mirror in a fitting room trying clothes that were my size but looked unflattering and straight up not hot at all! I’m a mom, and I ain’t tryin' to dress all hot to get attention. But I want to feel good wearing clothes that make me feel confident in this new body. I ain’t about to invest in “mom jeans!” I will do whatever it takes to avoid denim until I’m at my ideal weight. I already have this sluggish mom body and I refuse to give in to a less than flattering wardrobe just because I now have childbearing hips. In all seriousness, when it comes to my physique, it’s so hard to accept me for me at this present time.
My husband has been there for me, cheering me on with every pound I lose. He compliments me when I make the effort to do my hair. He tells baby that he has a beautiful mommy. Never once has my husband given me any reason to believe I’m physically disgusting. These dreadfully negative thoughts are all self-inflicted. And it’s now getting to the point where my negative opinions are superior to what anyone else says.
I can’t just say “thank you” when my husband says I look pretty. I’ve become so negative to the point where I allow my own perception of my physique to come before anything meaningful in life. I can’t look past the reality of having had a baby. I feel disgusting and in a sickly twisted way, I tell myself my feelings of disgust are the absolute truth. But it’s not the truth at all!
My husband has been my guidance counselor throughout postpartum. He got me to realize that these unreasonably self-centered, superficial insecurities about my outward appearance were once again letting the evil seep in. It’s another spiritual battle. Why would the “evil one” want me to be happy with all that I’m blessed with? Why would the “evil one” want me to recognize God’s greatest gift…my baby boy? Why would the “evil one” want me to be so spiritually high that nothing else matters? These questions all boil down to one simple truth. The “evil one” will work ‘round the clock to interfere with my recognition of God’s grace, His mercy, and His love. The “evil one” wants me to believe that it’s right to drown in self-hatred when it comes to my self-perception. When I obsess over my insecurities, the “evil one” wins.
It wasn’t until my husband and I had talked did I realized my dissatisfaction is crippling my spiritual well being. I’ve given in to the one sin from which all other sins arise…PRIDE. What is truly hideous is that I’ve become so engrossed in vanity.
Now is the time to get myself out of this rut. I must let go of the negativity that consumes me and hold firm to what is real and true. I should start by accepting the sweet compliments my husband gives me. Am I really disgusting? No! Do I have any reason to be unhappy with what I’ve been given? Heck no! I must squash any insignificant thoughts. It’s now up to me to let it all go and let God continue to work His way in my heart and into my mind.
Before I continue berating myself for my current full figure, I must understand my vanity is a sinful practice and no good can come of it. Not only is it rude to ignore compliments from my sweet husband, but it's also damaging to my personal worth and well being. What's the point of hating how I look? What am I really trying to prove? My self-worth cannot be measured by looks alone. It's time to be humbled and it's time to grow up. Looks aren't everything and placing my happiness/sadness on appearance is bulls!@#. Whenever my superficiality gets in the way of my happiness, all I have to do is take one good look at this beautiful, healthy baby boy that God gave me. Then nothing else will matter.
Right now, my biggest internal conflict is my postpartum weight issues. This blog is intended to share the sweet honesty of the reality I face. So here it goes…I currently weigh a whopping 152 lbs! I have NEVER weighed more than 130lbs on even my most bloated and miserable days, pre-pregnancy that is. My hips, thighs, and junk in this trunk are of gargantuan proportions. When I look in the mirror, I tell myself I look disgusting!
I’m blessed to have had a speedy metabolism and lean physique for all of my life. Then, I had a big baby boy and let my sweet cravings get the best of me. I did not discipline myself as much as I hoped to throughout the pregnancy and/or postpartum days. Granted, I am breastfeeding and my baby needs my calories. So dieting is not an option at the moment, but I digress. I caught myself looking into the mirror in a fitting room trying clothes that were my size but looked unflattering and straight up not hot at all! I’m a mom, and I ain’t tryin' to dress all hot to get attention. But I want to feel good wearing clothes that make me feel confident in this new body. I ain’t about to invest in “mom jeans!” I will do whatever it takes to avoid denim until I’m at my ideal weight. I already have this sluggish mom body and I refuse to give in to a less than flattering wardrobe just because I now have childbearing hips. In all seriousness, when it comes to my physique, it’s so hard to accept me for me at this present time.
My husband has been there for me, cheering me on with every pound I lose. He compliments me when I make the effort to do my hair. He tells baby that he has a beautiful mommy. Never once has my husband given me any reason to believe I’m physically disgusting. These dreadfully negative thoughts are all self-inflicted. And it’s now getting to the point where my negative opinions are superior to what anyone else says.
I can’t just say “thank you” when my husband says I look pretty. I’ve become so negative to the point where I allow my own perception of my physique to come before anything meaningful in life. I can’t look past the reality of having had a baby. I feel disgusting and in a sickly twisted way, I tell myself my feelings of disgust are the absolute truth. But it’s not the truth at all!
My husband has been my guidance counselor throughout postpartum. He got me to realize that these unreasonably self-centered, superficial insecurities about my outward appearance were once again letting the evil seep in. It’s another spiritual battle. Why would the “evil one” want me to be happy with all that I’m blessed with? Why would the “evil one” want me to recognize God’s greatest gift…my baby boy? Why would the “evil one” want me to be so spiritually high that nothing else matters? These questions all boil down to one simple truth. The “evil one” will work ‘round the clock to interfere with my recognition of God’s grace, His mercy, and His love. The “evil one” wants me to believe that it’s right to drown in self-hatred when it comes to my self-perception. When I obsess over my insecurities, the “evil one” wins.
It wasn’t until my husband and I had talked did I realized my dissatisfaction is crippling my spiritual well being. I’ve given in to the one sin from which all other sins arise…PRIDE. What is truly hideous is that I’ve become so engrossed in vanity.
Now is the time to get myself out of this rut. I must let go of the negativity that consumes me and hold firm to what is real and true. I should start by accepting the sweet compliments my husband gives me. Am I really disgusting? No! Do I have any reason to be unhappy with what I’ve been given? Heck no! I must squash any insignificant thoughts. It’s now up to me to let it all go and let God continue to work His way in my heart and into my mind.
Before I continue berating myself for my current full figure, I must understand my vanity is a sinful practice and no good can come of it. Not only is it rude to ignore compliments from my sweet husband, but it's also damaging to my personal worth and well being. What's the point of hating how I look? What am I really trying to prove? My self-worth cannot be measured by looks alone. It's time to be humbled and it's time to grow up. Looks aren't everything and placing my happiness/sadness on appearance is bulls!@#. Whenever my superficiality gets in the way of my happiness, all I have to do is take one good look at this beautiful, healthy baby boy that God gave me. Then nothing else will matter.
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