Menu for Success

“Menu for Success” ~ Sandwich - Thrills of Challenge I enjoy a good challenge. Especially when it’s something, I have no knowledge of or unfamiliar with the thing or concept. Many of us have had many, many, many challenges in life that are not thrilling. With all sincerity, they can become stumbling blocks; if we don’t lose heart and give up! For example: I signed up years ago to tutor adults who are illiterate. (I never did get to tutor anyone; whereas, the student I was assigned to tutor could not meet at the scheduled times due to her work schedule; whereas, I started back to school to complete my Associate’s Degree). I was wondering why we had to go through training, and after doing so, I found out that many of the persons wanting to learn how to read hid their illiteracy all their life. And now their dream of learning to read was approaching; many, not all, became fearful of losing others respect. So how do you gain the trust of someone who already has a lo...

I pray many of you understand the concept of “Menu for Success”. Here is a review of the appetizers to refresh and stimulate your mind to: ·          Be Ambitious to read the bible ·          Have a good Mental Attitude towards others who are struggling ·          Knowledge  of who you are and whose you are ·          Discipline  yourself to receive spiritual food daily ·          Obtain Aspiration to work towards in your spiritual growth ·          Dream big ·          Have Objectives in mind ·          Establish Self-Respect ·          Become Confident to step out and find out ...

Level 1                                                                           Does he believe in God?                                             Is he saved?                                              ...

Just this morning I wanted to listen to the podcast at my local church and went into my parents spare bedroom, turned up the volume (with the door open) and began.  In the midst of trying to listen to the pastor’s sermon, the TV in the living room was on with a Hallmark movie, and the TV in my Father’s room had CNN on about politics I could not focus on the sermon. I was hearing both of the television programs at the same time, but not really listening to what they or the pastor was saying. So I got up, closed the door and “Oh Wow”, the outside noise was immediately muted. I sat down to listen to the sermon again and it was amazing how I could hear it loud and clear, without any distractions. I soon had a revelation of how, we as a people, have a vision or goal, and get off the beaten path with distractions (unexpected pregnancy, served a judgment for a credit card bill you thought was forgiven, or your business has gone bankrupt). Some menial, and others major...

Is your life a peaceful one? Hmm! I know the answers will be diverse; and many of you would say “yes”! I’m not sure you are aware what it is to have “peace” and to be “peaceful”! I can tell you first what “peace” isn’t! It is not full of gossip, covetousness, or self pity. So when all hell breaks loose (per say); we sigh, become frustrated and discouraged and ask yourself (why you sit in the middle of the floor crying), “Where have I gone wrong?” We seek others who lives are definitely not in order, or run from ourselves because deep down, we know if we had to be alone to evaluate ourselves; we will not like what we see! There are things in our lives that happen, in addition to our worldly thoughts and ways that do disrupt our peace. Such as; the loss of a loved one, or your house catches fire and burns down; whereas, the load is too heavy for us to bear! If we do not understand who we are and whose we are, we will fall ~ apart! How do we rest, when our lives and...

# 13 Good Appearance – proper dress and hygiene My Grandmother would get so upset with us if we were going to an event and did not dress up. She would tell us, “You are representing this family and if you think you are going anywhere with me looking like that, you’d better think again”! And by all means shower and wear perfume (if you are a woman) and cologne (for men). Of course bathe first! She would even say, "Even if you go to the gym to work out, your perfume should be your signature smell ~ always"! Think about it ~ we all remember a fellow student in school we knew by their smell  - now didn't we? We didn't even have to turn around, they could be just in the vacinity and we knew they were there! That statement and the habit of making sure I look nice, even if I’m going to get groceries, was instilled in me at a young age, and I constantly hear her words in my head that, many times, I have turned around and changed my clothes.   So ma...

I do understand that people who are addicted to something can be hard to deal with and they are severely hurting inside, in addition to the devil having a stronghold on their thoughts. Most of the time, we go out of the way to help, even to the point of making ourselves run down, sick, or even depressed; because we are trying to do what only God can do. If it’s not the way we feel it should be done, (Quick, fast, and in a hurry); we become frustrated, disengaged, and even hard hearted. We say, “What’s the use; or “I give up”! Well, DO NOT give up ~ on prayer, because it changes thing and it changes people. We will not always have the final decision, God does; but we have the opportunity to present our cares to Him. There are many of our loved ones who have addictions who do not overcome their affliction, but there are many who do and in turn; reach out and help others who are fallen comrades. So before we exalt ourselves with the power of healing, helping an...

Was that an accident or did you intend to go out with your bottom showing? Noooooo, I want to believe it's a mistake. Well if you did, can I please give you a few tips on proper attire? It hasn’t been that long ago when people left the house, especially women, with class. Their hair was styled, their clothes were ironed, their shoes were shined and polished, their clothes did not show any tears or dirt on them, and they smelled nice. ( ALL WOMEN ARE NOT BUILT THE SAME, SO WEAR CLOTHES THAT COMPLIMENT YOUR SHAPE) As a child, it didn't matter what time of the day, what day of the week, hot or cold; you never saw Mr. Deacon Jenkins in anything else but a suit, white shirt, tie, and hat. (Picture above is not actual person) Now I know many of you are taking this literally. No one would work out in a suit; but there are locker rooms to change once you get there (smile) Or you would not wear a dress and heals to play softball. But to put it in perspective, we should...

“Ok, I need a new bed and mattress, a couch, and I want a new cell phone. Once I get these things first, then I’ll work on getting some of these bills paid down”. I have heard so many people get a new job that pays even more than what they were currently making. It is liberating to know we will have a bigger paycheck; however, when we are still doing the same thing with our money and have not learned to make sacrifices in our lives that in the end will lead to prosperity; the increase will not benefit your household. Watch out though; because it’s a set up from Satan who knows that you are weak in your thoughts; especially when it comes to money ~ when we get it, we have no self-control. (This is one of the fruit of the spirit) Most of the time, God doesn’t give us increase when we want it because He already knows that you will soon be back to where you started from ~ in lack! It’s not about how much you make, it’s about how you utilize what God has giv...

God is not concerned about your profession, where you live, or how much money you have. I’ve heard so many people say, “Oh they live in this neighborhood, or oh, they work at this place making $9.00 per hour”.  I have to chuckle because we cannot store up earthly treasures here on earth and take them with us to heaven. No one should hang their head low because of the jobs they do, where they live or how much money they make. Yes we need money to live in this world, but it should not be at the discretion of others to obtain it; or we should not seek financial wealth to impress the world. I’m going to be happy with whatever it is God has allowed me to do and do it well. I recall working at a casino about 9 years ago and there were several women from Jamaica who worked in the housekeeping department ~ you talk about excellence. These women would come in and get together and sing a spiritual song to start their day – They sang so well it was like listening to song bi...

# 12 Self-Esteem - the good opinion of oneself Our actions prove; whether we want to admit it or not, that we do not value ourselves enough to take care of our well-being. As a woman, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and friend, society has taught us to take care of our family and friends first ~ which is definitely true. However, we do not take the time to care for ourselves.  So we feel the leftovers is what we deserve ~ eat our children's left over food, deprive ourselves of sleep (because we have not learned the skill of organization), or letting our hair become damaged and shabby, because, again, our finances are out of balance. All women, who get their hair done professionally, feel good about themselves; and being able to look nice straightens your spine, and boosts your attitude about you. But the number one thing we don't do is seek God on a daily basis. eat properly, get at least 8 hours of sleep, and exercise about 3 to 4 times a week.  Why do you...

I was out shopping at a consignment shop, about 2 weeks before Christmas with my granddaughter.  An employee approached me and asked me if I would purchase a pair of glasses for him. He went on to tell me that they are not allowed to purchase any item at the store or he would lose his job. I was not ready to leave and still had some shopping to do; however, I would do it since he was leaving at 1 pm I went to purchase the item; with a cart full of other things and the cashier said, “Are you ready to check out with the other items?” I said, “I am not done shopping.” She had a puzzled look on her face and when I went to take the item to the young man, he told me I had to give it to him outside and away from the store. By then I was getting frustrated. I took my granddaughter out the door and away from the store to hand this young man the $1 pair of glasses. I proceeded to shop and truly did not shop well after that, so I checked out with what I had and left. Af...