Noisy Quiet of Nature

TODAY IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!!! I have a ba-zillion topic ideas to blog about and several workshops to be planning but lately and for some reason whenever I sit down to write and plan, I go blank. So today I decided to clear my head by taking a nice stroll outside while my husband worked at clearing the leaves from our pond. And believe it or not, it was the noisy quiet of God's sweet nature that gave me the refreshing I needed to get back on track.

 

This morning God blessed us with a light rain and then a pleasant breeze this afternoon. The outdoor quiet was filled with the gentle rustle of leaves blowing in the wind. The sunlight glistened on top of the rippling pond water and the birds chirped lightly in the distance. It was all so relaxing and beautiful.

God used the quiet outdoors to loudly remind me of his simplicity. Some of his most beautiful creations can be found in the simplest of forms. Today, God reminded me to "keep it simple" and to stop overthinking everything. Today's world is filled with so much over-the-top vanity.

Still this world seems to be going nowhere fast. Imagine how productive we would all be if we remembered to "keep it simple". 

Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with wanting to go the extra mile. After all, it takes hard work to accomplish excellence and success. But sometimes productivity is halted because of our complex thinking. If God called you to do it then he will see you through it. For the times when you are feeling stressed and unproductive, take a moment to relax and enjoy God's creations. That's why he made them...because...YOU DESERVE IT!

 

Budget Friendly DIY Christmas Decor Ideas

Please watch and enjoy my video blog on Budget Friendly DIY Décor Ideas. Also be sure to drop Bath and Body Works and check out their Holiday Collection of Scented Candles. The hubby and I went candle shopping and had a wonderful time picking out the perfect Holiday Scent for our home! Merry Christmas!

Hickory Nut Christmas Decorations

My son picked a bag full of hickory nuts while visiting my parents one weekend. Little did he know, these nuts are perhaps the most difficult to crack. I decided to improvise and turn these meticulous nuts into Christmas decor.  The picture below is pretty self explanatory! Before you pay high dollar for Holiday decorations, check your backyard. You never know what you will find!

When it comes to your haters...Get MAD....

Coach or Michael Kors?

NEVER OVER EXTEND YOURSELF!

 

 

 

Should My Daughters Become the Next Nicki Minaj

No need to write much more. The picture says it all....

Mini Bathroom Haul from Ross Department Store

Check out my latest video blog on my mini bathroom haul from Ross. It contains great tips on getting started with saving for your dream home or next remodel!

Brittany Maynard's Suicide...Reasons to Never Give Up

My heart was saddened to hear of the death of Brittany Maynard. For those of you who haven't heard, Brittany Maynard is the 29 year old woman  who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer earlier this year. After she was only given six month to live, Brittany decided to moved to Utah where she would able to take her life based on Utah's  Death and Dignity assisted suicide law. It has been reported that Brittany took her life on Sunday and died surrounded by family and friends.
 

Her story caused much controversy between religious groups and activists. As a matter of fact, this blog post was motivated by the comments I've read on social media.

I do not condone suicide....for any reason. However, despite my bible based beliefs, I refuse to be one of those people who continue to post that Brittany is now rotting in hell. It churns my stomach to see so many people who claim to know God show cold hearted disrespect to her family in their time of mourning. While some people have noted that Brittany's story has inspired them to take control of their own destinies by deciding when and how they will die, I am inspired to work harder than ever to encourage others to trust God with their lives.

Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Bishop Harvey Bee said it best in his one of his sermons when he said "If you can see it. That ain't it." In the past four years, I have  become somewhat accustomed more than ever with the pains of life. There were many times when I could not see things getting better. It was my faith in God and understanding that he sees what I don't see. He knows what I don't know and he can change what man says will always be.

My husband and Pastor consistently teaches the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with God....FOR REAL. No more patty cake religion. No more Sunday lip service. No more CME (Christian, Mother's Day and Easter) Christians. No more once saved always saved, I was baptized so that means I'm heaven bound antics.

People like Brittany Maynard are all around us. They need for us, as children of God to comfort them with God's words of encouragement, wisdom and strength. They need to hear more about our testimonies of how we overcame. No disrespect but enough of the "We fall down and we get up." Nonbelievers don't take us seriously because every time they turn around, we have fallen. They deem us as being hypocritical weaklings. It's time we operate in the strength of God's Holy Spirit and spread God's hope to the hopeless.

I'm tired of hearing about the suicides. No one else should die because of fear and hopelessness. Not on my watch. I intend the "flip the script" on the platform many are trying to build from Brittany Maynard's death by encouraging people to choose life...Choose God....

Said in Love. Never in Hate

$20 Fall Mantle Decor

By shopping out of season, you can accomplish any look for more the half the price. Check out my video blog below to learn how I decorated my fireplace mantle for only $20!

No Good Deeds Movie Review...(Sorry First Post Was Accidentally Deleted)

So I literally just walked out of the movie theater after watching No Good Deed starring Idris Elba and Taraji P Henson. I was so excited about seeing this movie and my anticipation was well satisfied. Without giving any spoilers and keeping this short, simple and sweet here is my review...eh hem... This movie came jam packed with drama, action and suspense. Taraji P Henson's character was something fierce and gavel pounding proof that when push comes to shove there is nothing a mommy wouldn't do to protect her children.

Although, he did have a couple of slip-ups when speaking with an American accent (that Brit came out a couple of times Idris....lol) But HEY...that's okay because the hubby and I loved the movie! Idris Elba performed superbly and gave the audience a jaw dropping portrayal of a crazed psychopath.

Of course, I am falling into the role of what some may say is being a "Christian Prude" because we both give the movie 4 Stars. The four star rating come because of the mild profanity which includes two F-Bombs...Sorry but I wish that word would just die!

Still, I would recommend this movie for it's plot, unsuspected twist, life lesson moment and talented cast. If you have ever wondered why some good deeds are left undone...watch this movie!

Getting Back to You

Cake & Coffee Social

I am so excited about hosting my very first Cake and Coffee social this weekend! I am so thankful to God for guiding me on how to mastermind...excuse me..LADYmind this women's social which has been strategically designed to cater to the needs of every woman who is FINALLY ready to make her long time goals and dreams a reality.

 

From Depression to Deliverance

From Depression to Deliverance

I'm hot, sticky and sweaty from working outside in my yard but I had to take the time and give God thanks. My heart is full right now because as Travis and I were raking through the leaves and strategically planning where we would plant our flowers, hedges and next year's garden....it hit me...For the first time in four years, we are working in our very own yard!

Looking Homely but Happy :)

I plan to give more detail on our testimony in the book I'm currently writing but I will say this. In the past five years, my family and I have lost so much. We lost our home to foreclosure...(an illegal foreclosure that is). A lawsuit developed and our case was placed into litigation with the thousands of other Americans who suffered the same thing. The homeowners won the law suit but our celebratory bubble quickly burst when we received a $500 settlement check and an apology. They didn't even repair our credit! So Travis and I decided to move closer to his job and our church family. We thought this would be a new beginning but then my sister died and our families fell apart. And just when I thought things couldn't get any worse...our church family abandoned us. I didn't know if I could take anymore. My family and faith were all I had left.

While I do not condone suicide, I can understand pain that influences it. Many people were shocked to hear of actor/comedian Robin William's suicide. After all, how could someone who brought so much laughter to others be secretly living in so much pain? My own pain caused me to question my own existence and purpose. Sure, I continued to write and produce plays, post blogs and fulfill my speaking engagements but I was dying inside. Some days I would just cry...even though so many things were right in our lives; my heart carried the burden of all that was wrong. There were others in my family who were hurting and I could do nothing to take their pain away. When my husband was at work and my children were at school, the cloud of loneliness overshadowed my ability to function. My husband did all he knew to try and bring my joy back. Our children showered me with hugs and kisses but I couldn't seem to break away from the feeling of failure and despair. I was battling depression.

I knew how to put on my Cover Girl and act as if the world was my oyster...after all, Christians are supposed to be people of strength...not Debbie Downers.....Right?

Long story short...today I am rejoicing because what once felt like the breaking of me has actually become the making of me. No matter what you are going through..God can. Even though there are times when you can't see the light of day...God CAN and he DID!

Four years ago my husband and I lost a four bedroom, 2 bath 1600 square foot home to foreclosure. Today we are the blessed owners of a 3300 plus square foot, four bedroom, three bath home WITH an additional 800 square foot guest home ON five acres of land; lined beautifully with (my favorite) pecan trees PLUS my husband finally has his own fishing pond. Ain't God good!!!

Your days may seem dark now but they won't be forever. Sometimes trials are just a trying of our faith and sometimes we are reaping what we've sown but I've come to know without a doubt that as long as we lean on God ALL the time we will be victorious! He may not come when you want him but he is always on time! So hold on and never give up. There is a light at the end of the tunnel now GO FOR IT!!!

Joel 2:25

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Priceless Moments With Dad

So the other day the phone rang and it was my hubby calling to check in on us (like he normally does when he's on break at work). He asked me to put our son on the phone. Being the nosy momma I am..........I eavesdropped... :/ (don't judge me) tehehe...and then my heart melted from what I heard.
Travis: Son...
TJ: Yeah daddy...
Travis: Daddy was sitting here at working thinking about you. I have really enjoyed spending time with you. I've enjoyed our talks. Daddy is looking forward to spending even more time with you.
TJ: Me too daddy (with a big ole kool aid smile) ..

Spending an afternoon talking around the pond with his son...$0.00...

Dad calling his son to tell him how special he is...PRICELESS

Simplistically Cute Front Door Accent

I am REALLY enjoying our new home and I have a million projects that I am excited about completing. If you are on a budget like me, you have to be financially creative in your journey to spice things up in your home décor. Today I made a quick stop by Hobby Lobby to pick my "M" and a bundle of flowers. Total Cost $8.54. Came home, added a coat of Ivory spray paint (Rust Oleum) to my "M". Accented the bottom with a few sprigs of flower and bada-bing! I was done! A simple yet cute and eye catching way to warm up your front door. I pray this post has helped living your a little easier!

For Those Lonely Moments...BMW Quick Minute Pick Me Up

I have dedicated my entire life to motivating and empowering others but that doesn't mean I don't need encouragement at times too. God gave me this word of encouragement and I pray it blesses those of you who are in need a little "pick me up".

DIY Prayer Journal

James 5:16 says the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much...If you believe this like I do then check out my video on DIY prayer book. This will be a wonderful addition to your prayer life!

I'm Back With a Dining Room Chair Makeover

Hello Everyone!

I'm bacckkkkk!!! I've missed blogging and I am so excited about getting back on the saddle. My family and I have spent the past few months preparing for our move into our dream home and it's been quite an adventure! Now that we are settled in  I am ready to get back to work my  home projects! Below is a pic of the dining room chairs we revamped. My hubby and I found an awesome deal on our dining table at a scratch and dent sale at Turner's Fine Furniture. Total savings on table $300. The dining room chairs were given to us and needed some TLC.

We reupholstered the chair seat pads and gave the chairs a makeover using Rust-Oleum Spray paint in Oil Rubbed Bronze and VIOLA!!! By revamping the chairs instead of buying new we saved $500. Total savings for this project...$800!!!

It's amazing what you can do simply by "Putting a Little Paint on It"!

I have so many more money saving projects coming soon so stay tuned!

Don't You Dare...Stop

As much as I love motivating others, there were days when I struggled to remain encouraged and motivated to go on. Recently, God sent me a life changing word from a COMPLETE stranger..who...(get this) wasn't even talking to me.

 

I wanted to share these God-sent words of wisdom with those of you who may be experiencing the same thing. Please click on the video below and what ever you do...DON"T YOU DARE.... STOP!!! 

 

 

BMack Enterprise is Continuing to Rise!

What I do in a nutshell....

Motivating the Motivator

If you are like me, you love what you do. Helping others reach their potential is perhaps one of the best feelings in the world. But lets be honest, it requires a lot of work and can be tiresome at times. Pastors spend countless hours studying the word of God for their congregations; Teachers constantly search for educational and creative ways to captivate the ears of their students; Employers work hard to keep their staff motivated and productive; and Mentors/Life Coaches are forever researching the best options and path plans for their clients. Each one of these professions require the person called to operate in them to give unselfishly and relentlessly.

But who's there to motivate the motivator?

Who's there to encourage you when you are out of ideas or simply tired of thinking? Support can be hard to find when the majority of the people you know depend on you. Most "motivators" feel guilty for getting tired and wanting to "get away from it all".

From one motivator to another, I wanted to tell you; it's okay to feel that way. My husband and I have been blessed with the distinct pleasure of serving under some of the most notable Pastors, we've been taught by the best of Teachers and we've worked for some of the best employers; all of whom poured mounds of love and wisdom into our lives. In our nearly 18 years of marriage, Travis and I have taken those nuggets of wisdom and applied them to our daily principles of living. Today, I wanted to share four of those nuggets with you...

It's okay to say "No".
Once people realize the value of your gifts and talents, requests will come in left and right. Some will try to extort your abilities but for the most part, there will be a genuine need for your help. It's important to remember this "You can't fix everyone's problems." Use wisdom when handling requests and don't over extend yourself. Overloading will only cheapen the quality of your work. I've found it easier to say no by also referring them to another business or agency who might be available to help. Don't let the fear of someone else stealing a member, employee or potential client keep you from partnering with others. No one person can do it alone. Besides what God has for YOU is for YOU, no one can take that away.

It's okay to take a time of rest.
I know this might sound a bit redundant but even God rested on the 7th day when creating the world and we are no stronger than he. The human body needs rest and the mind needs refreshing. This can be hard to do when your mind runs even while you are sleep...or attempting to sleep that is. Setting realistic goals and daily to do lists, will help you rest easier. Remember, you can't save a drowning person if you are too weak to swim. You perform better when you feel better. You've been given vacation time. Use it!

 Just because you are leader doesn't mean you stop learning.
Continue to study your respective crafts. Take a class, register for a conference, find a mentor or hire a life coach. Times and technology are constantly changing, the life span of your career depends heavily on your ability to remain educated on the "here and now". Also, you need an outlet. Find a mentor or life coach who specializes in your profession but has no immediate ties to where you work; this ensures you will receive unbiased advice in times of uncertainty.

And last but certainly not least, when all else fails, remember Galatians 6:9.
And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. God sees you and he knows your heart. Keep making a difference in the lives of others and you will be blessed abundantly.

Stay Motivated Motivators!

Low Grade Black People

That's it! That's it! That's it! I can't take this anymore!

My vision is to motivate and inspire people from all walks of life but as an African American woman I'm frustrated. I'm disappointed in the continuing growth of sitcom and reality shows that illuminate low grade examples of black people.

 I get it.....The primary purpose for television is to entertain..But where do we draw the line people? When do we say "Okay. Enough is enough! I'm not going to make a fool out of myself any longer for a dime and two coins." Real Housewives of Atlanta, Love and Hip Hop, Being Mary Jane, Scandal, The Tankards, Preacher's Daughters, Blood Sweat and Heels....all these shows; while entertaining to most, are epic fails in one important area...POSITIVE INFLUENCE.

None of them feature representations of strong hardworking black families who have morals and a high standard of living. These shows continue to cheapen our worth by portraying cheating, lying, manipulative and seductive characters.


There was a time when black characters where seen to be nothing more dancing fools with painted black faces and wide white lips. Although these characters appeared to be doors of opportunity back then, today they are deemed as offensive.

Society has become oblivious to the opportunistic painted faces now camouflaged behind the red pouty lips, Louis Vuitton heels and Giorgio Armani suits.

Green eyed logic says" It's only TV." However, reality clearly reveals the media's agenda to govern our way of living. Television influences how we dress, what we eat, how we talk, think and act.




And to make matters worst, the same celebrities you see fighting, cursing and throwing shade at each other through blogs and twitter are also the ones who are going into our schools, Boys and Girls clubs and even some churches to speak with our children.

On the other hand, you have to give them credit. After producing shows, music and movies loaded with cheating sex, drugs and lies at least they are committed to educating our children on the importance of remaining safe and responsible by making TV commercials that encourages you to know your status by marketing and selling HIV tests conveniently now available for you to use in the privacy of your own home. YASSS, don't you just love the conflicted messages they are sending??? "Go out and sleep with everyone you know. Just be sure to regularly take your STD test. You never know when your actions will catch up with ya!" (Yes, I'm being sarcastic)

And let us not forget their lukewarm "ligion". After providing us with all of those wonderful examples of adultery, fornication, lies and greed, they are always sure to thank God at the awards show for granting them the favor they needed to promote a sin filled lifestyle that will eventually send us all straight to Hell. #ChileBye!

I am raising my children to be Strong Positive Christian pillars in the community as well as in this world. I'm teaching them to never compromise their integrity or God's word.

Everything that glitters is definitely not gold. Especially if you have to make a fool out of yourself to get it.

No matter what color you are; it's not okay for our sisters to call each other the B word. It's s not okay for our brothers to "bust a sag" and demean women. It's not okay for adults to physically fight over "he said she said". It's wrong. It's classless and it poisons the minds of those who turn to TV for guidance because they don't have proper role models.

 As a child of God, I choose to promote his Kingdom. As a writer, I choose to pen life and as a Life Coach, my brand of choice is the Morally Empowered Lifestyle. I choose to stand out from what the media claims to be the new normal. It's time to Upgrade!

What's your choice?

 

As always, I'm not judging....I'm Standing!