Double Portion Inspiration

One of my favorite movies is "Why Did I Get Married?"  Even though it came out seven years ago, I still watch it every chance I get.  I can recite most of the lines in the movie so you know I was thrilled to see it playing numerous times this weekend on the BET network.    In the movie, there's friction between the couples and they are forced to think about, "Why did I get married?"  During one of the conversations between the husbands, they make reference to an "80/20" rule.  There's a thought that you will only receive 80% of what you need from your marriage.  When someone comes along offering the 20% you're not receiving, it's easy to think that the grass is greener on the other side.  Some will find it easy to leave the 80% even though they will only receive 20% of what they need in the new relationship.  Watching the movie's reruns this weekend sparked a conversation between me and my husband.  ...

If you are reading this it means that you are alive.  If you are alive that means that you are faced with choices .  Just like the air we breath, we get the opportunity daily to make choices in our life.  In fact: You are the sum total of the choices made yesterday! What will you choose today? clarity vs confusion late vs being prompt sickness vs healing sadness vs happiness building vs destruction frustration vs fortune victim vs victorious life vs death "See, I set before you today life  and prosperity,  death  and destruction".   ~Deuteronomy 30:15 Knowing that you have choices should cause us to stop and live life with intention.  Spend time daily figuring out what you "intend" or plan to accomplish everyday.  If you have no plan or vision, you perish.  In other words, when you don't set goals for yourself you exist in this life instead of bursting forth towards purpose and fulfillment.   Making ...

In some parts of the country, school has ended and the official Summer fun has begun (June 21st is the official kick off to Summer ).  What is it that you crave about Summer ?   I celebrate Summer as the most stress free time of the year.  Winter brings Christmas spending and snow.  Fall brings back to school and the monotony of routine and schedules.  Spring brings rain showers and cancelled outdoor plans.  But Summer brings the HEAT with long days and spontaneity. Here are a few reasons I crave Summer : Longer days & more sunlight HOT temperatures Beaches Sunsets Family reunions Late nights playing with the boys Spontaneous plans No school No schedules July 4th - Independence Day Outdoor grilling Sleeping in late Road trips Sports - World Cup/Summer Olympics Bright colors & white pants Send us a comment and let us know why you crave Summer ! (Posted by Roslyn)

What a woman of elegance During the past week we learned of Maya Angelou's passing.  On our Facebook page, we posted a photo from the 90's with her.  It was such a pleasure to meet her.  She was truly a living legend.  She is a poet, writer, performer, teacher and director.  To say we love her is an understatement.  She was full of grace, beauty and wisdom.  God blessed her life tremendously and she shared that fact in so many of her appearances.  We couldn't let this week pass without honoring her in our blog.  A few of my book collection authored Maya Angelou I've read her books, recited her poems, and listened intently when she read "On the Pulse of Morning", at the inauguration of President William Jefferson Clinton.  This was a memorable election for me because it was the first time I was of voting age.  To honor her I decided to share a few of her quotes from "Words of Hope & Courage".  Enjoy! ...

MOST WANTED - MY KID'S ATTENTION If you have in any way raised kids, then you know exactly what I mean by the above statement.  That cute little bundle of joy that counts on you for everything, doesn't want you to leave him at daycare and stares at you with wild eyed amazement soon sees you as a money and feeding machine.  The number one question in my house is, "Mom what are we going to eat" followed by "Mom I need a new pair of something." The tables have turned as the boys get older.  You see them physically drawing away from you, thinking that friends, girls, food and video games are more fun than being with parents. In no way do I doubt the LOVE my boys have for me (looking forward to Mother's day).   The love is just expressed differently these days. I stayed home for seven years as the boys were growing up and spent so much time at play dates and museums.  This day and age there is so much more to capture their attention .  You see kid...

Last week was horrible.  It really tested every emotional fiber within me.  I am sure you know exactly what I mean.  Of course there was plenty to celebrate - life, health, family, safe travel, etc.  But event after event kept happening and I found myself on Saturday emotionally drained.  The faith tank inside of me seemed close to depleted. My honest feelings are just to encourage you.  One of the life lessons from last week was - what we focus on grows in our minds.  If an uncomfortable event happens in your life, find a place in your mind to focus on thoughts of peace, stability and God's grace.  Our mind can take us to places unknown, even in the midst of a crisis. Mama Duck & her ducklings At some point last week I saw a duck and it's ducklings.  The mama duck waddled around while her babies stayed close by her.  Because I felt so stressed that day I thought about what it would be like NOT to worry.  These ducks h...

Our view this weekend! During the spring our evenings are filled with track and t-ball.  Each weekend Alton and I head different ways.  Normally I'm on the track and he's on the t-ball field.  If Hannah has a track meet, Alton quickly leaves the t-ball field and heads to her meet.  I'm so blessed to have a husband who desires to play a big part in our children's lives.  I wasn't sure if he would make it this weekend because unfortunately he hurt his back and traveling two hours would prove painful. Up until the last minute, we didn't know if he would make it.  Hannah didn't vocalize any disappointment in not having her dad there but I know she enjoys having him there.  Much to our surprise, he drove the distance to see her.  Unfortunately he missed her first event but arrived minutes before her 800 meter dash.  We are so thankful for his sacrifice . Tyson Gay-Olympic athlete visited the trac...