Double Portion Inspiration

Today, we are INSPIRED to honor and pray for those who are caregivers.  Technically speaking, a caregiver is a person who cares for someone who is sick or disabled.  It can also be an adult who cares for an infant or child.   Are you a caregiver ? If you are, today we want to encourage you to stay strong and healthy.  Here are a few lessons we've learned from you: You love unconditionally You endure countless hours of sitting in waiting rooms You unselfishly give of yourself You put the needs of others before your own  You understand a simple truth: We can't live life alone! There are so many times we forget that their are times when we must depend on someone else.  Think about those you might know who's caring for a young baby, an elderly parent or someone who is physically or mentally disabled.  God sees every effort you are putting forth.  Others might not stop to say it, but we pause today to say THANK YOU ! There w...

Roslyn at the Inauguration in 2009 It was exactly four years ago today I had the privilege of being in Washington, DC for the inauguration of our 44th President- Barack Obama .  My husband bought me the airline flight as a surprise Christmas gift.   Witnessing the first bi-racial person sworn in as president was overwhelming and humbling.  I knew on that day I represented my living and deceased family members.  I stood on the shoulders of my ancestors who died believing one day we could all be equal in the United States of America.  It was a historic moment for our country. The energy in the city was electric.  There was a unity within our country that was rare but welcomed.  I would sit on the train and enthusiastic riders of all races and colors would break out in song.  Before long the entire train joined in singing.  Most of the time the song was an old negro spiritual like, "We have overcome."  I listened at the Kennedy Cent...

It's hard to believe that we are eleven days into 2013.  Just a few short days ago, resolutions were made and possibly by now they are already broken.  I've never liked resolutions because in my life, they have a short shelf life.  I find it easier to commit to one word.  There's an entire community of individuals dedicating themselves to just one word of change.  Here are some thoughts to consider from the One Word website ( Oneword365.com ). One word. Because that’s easy to remember all 365 days of the year. Not as easy is the choice to live it out. To let it shape your year. To allow it to shape you . But if you’ll let it, your One Word will become the filter through which you see and live your life. It will steer your decisions and guide your steps. What do you want to focus on in 2013? It can be something tangible or intangible. It can be a thought, a feeling, an action, or a character trait. Your word will be a reminder, a nu...

Happy New Year! If you are reading this, that means you've made it to the first Friday of 2013.   Congratulations! A new year promises a fresh start, new ideas and tons of resolutions.  What do you want to accomplish this year?  Does your list look something like this: Lose weight Get out of debt Stick to a financial budget Spend more time with my family/friends Take a vacation Exercise 3-5 days a week Find a spouse Buy a home/car Save money Eat more fruits and veggies You might have already fallen off the "resolution" wagon.  We are only four days into the new year and our great resolutions can seem like nothing more than a distant thought.  Make 2013 the year you set goals and achieve them.   We believe in you! Leave us a comment and let us know your Top Resolutions for 2013! (Posted by Roslyn)

Is it already here?  The date on the calendar says it's Christmas Eve, but I am still in shock.  This has been the fastest year of my life.  You are probably feeling the same way.  Did you complete all of your holiday shopping?  This time of year can be full of anxiety.  We have so many tasks to complete without enough time or money. I look around while I am out and about and see so many discouraged faces.  Isn't this the most "wonderful" time of the year?  Many are pondering numerous thoughts:  how will I pay for these bills, how many gifts do I buy, how much money should I spend, what dish will I cook for the family dinner, or just the sheer hesitation of attending the family dinner.   Stress, anxiety and tension seem to characterize this holiday season as our society continues to move towards materialism.  Our kids have a sense of entitlement. Some children even tag along with their parents to make sure they buy the right gi...

Renee and I have been captivated and deeply saddened by the tragic events in Sandy Hook Elementary.  We have spent the weekend, like so many, with no words...just prayers .  This has been a hard subject to explain to my own children.  They have so many questions, and wonder if it is safe for them to be in school.  Our hearts cry out to understand how something so horrific could happen.  What state of mind must one be in to kill so many innocent people/children? In the days and months ahead many questions will be answered and some will remain.  Our prayers are with every family member and friend connected to this tragedy.  May God bring a swift breath of peace and wholeness for a community shattered into pieces.  Thankfully, God was not taken by surprise. May each of those tiny, bright and gorgeous faces not die in vain.  Our prayer is that we find a way to keep guns out of the hands of those with ill intent.  (Posted by Roslyn) ...

  Roslyn (left) & Renee (right) God blessed us to see another year and we praise Him for it.  If you are connected with us on Facebook, you've enjoyed us taking a stroll down memory lane.  If you missed out on the fun, visit  our Facebook page here .   For the past couple of days, we've shared some of our baby photos.  Several of you took a stab at guessing who's who.  It's been amusing reading the comments on how you made your "educated" guesses.  As promised, it's time for the big reveal.  The caption of each photo will share who's on the left and right.  We are so happy our mother was smart to write our names on the back of each of our pictures because it's even hard for us to tell each other apart in baby photos.  Renee (left) & Roslyn (right)  Congratulations to LaFern Batie who was the 1st Facebook friend to guess correctly on this photo! Roslyn (left) & Renee (right) ...