Montana Fishburne: WE are to blame, just as much as Kim Kardashian

So many people have negative things to say about Montana Fishburne, actor Laurence Fishburne's daughter who recently moved out of her father's home to pursue a porn star career. She stunned the world by saying that she is following in the steps of Kim Kardashian, and using a sex tape to become a celebrity.

Many automatically lashed out at actor Fishburne, stating that her parents should be more involved in her life, and help her to get back on the right path. Many others jumped to criticize the likes of Kim Kardashian, as well as Paris Hilton for officially making "sleeping your way to the top" a believable dream. The last few days I have thought about this whole ridiculous ideal, and the question that burned up my mind was who is really to blame?

It's obvious Montana is old enough to make her own decisions about her life, and just chose to make some that aren't that smart, but I've come to the conclusion that not only is Kim Kardashian responsible for this mess, but us as a society as well.

When Kim Kardashian came out with a sex tape, think about how many people made it a point to watch it. The same applies for Paris Hilton. Instead of the world standing up and saying this is trashy and gives women a bad look, the world gave them both reality tv shows. What a slap on the hand! What's even worse is that not only did these girls that slept around for fame get tv shows, the world actually tuned in to watch and support them, giving them the fame they have today.We continue to tune into these tv shows, proving to our young sisters, daughters, and nieces that people that exploit themselves end up rich, famous, and adored by all. We put them all over magazine covers, and give them wax figures, then we wonder why our young ladies are starting to sleep around at earlier ages, and why there are so many unwanted teenage pregnancies.

The bottom line is this: We have noone to blame but ourselves for the misguided such as Montana Fishburne. Until we stop glorifying trashy women, our young ladies will continue to follow in their footsteps. Think about that the next time you tune in to "keep up" with the Kardashians.

Freedom from Competition-Joel Osteen's awesome!

I woke up today, excited about going to church, then realized I had nothing appropriate to wear, so I decide to watch the live stream of Lakewood Church, which the famous Joel Osteen pastors. It was very uplifting, and I was very happy that I did. He discussed many things, but most importantly to me, the freedom from competition.

Lots of times in our life, we begin to compete with others. We want to look like someone on a magazine cover. We want to dress like rich chicks. We want the big house on the corner. We want a waist like Beyonce's and so forth. The problem is we are trying to be like someone else instead of running our own race. We were not put on earth to compete with others, everyone was designed differently. Don't get upset when you can't lose enough weight to be a size 6 like your coworker or friend, when you're genetically designed to be a size 16. We spend so much time trying to imitate others that we stop ourselves from truly living up to our full potential. You have to be willing to accept that some people will be better in some areas than you are, because everyone is not running the same race. This is why it is important to only be in competition with yourself. It takes a really confident and faithful person to look at the rest of the world, and say "I'm not competing with you".

The "sizzle factor" Osteen discussed plays a major part in competition. We see the models on magazine covers, the celebs hopping off yachts and out of really nice cars, and we see the girls that bare all, and behave in promiscuous ways that end up overnight "celebrities" on reality tv shows, and we start to find things wrong with ourselves. We begin to think, without even realizing it, that we are less than them because of the glitz and glam. It may not be in your destiny to be on the tv screen, and gracing a magazine cover may not be what God intended you to do.

Often times, we see those around us doing big things, and accumulating success, and although we may pretend we are happy, inside we're sometimes jealous or sad. We begin to wonder why this is happening to others and not ourselves. It's important to loose that spirit of jealousy because it stunts our personal growth. You can't be all that you are designed to be while focusing on another person's fortune. Be happy that they are running their race in a successful way, because when you are able to celebrate others, that's when God will celebrate you. Stay blessed!

This Okeefe guy is too funny!

So I was doing my normal browsing of Youtube in my down time, and I came across a guy named Okeefe that does alot of mockery type skits and songs, which are extremely funny (to me, that is). I've been completely tickled at all these new dances the world has created for men to do, and always find myself thinking of gay men vogueing in an urban type way when I see certain ones. So this video really had me cracking up, because it's almost like a response to my thoughts:

Michaela Jackson wrote a final prayer before murder-suicide

Michaela Jackson, NY native, was found dead in her apartment along with her son, Kenneth Holmes 12, in what appeared to be a murder-suicide. This situation was definitely an unfortunate one, and seemed to come out of the blue. According to Kenneth's father, as well as family and friends, Michaela had just gotten a promotion at her workplace, and also was planning on going to Jamaica. No one saw it coming.

Those that followed her blog, however, should have known something was different when she posted this prayer, which ultimately ended up being her last entry before she took her own life, as well as her sons:

"I sincerely repent of my sins, and receive Jesus as my personal savior," she wrote on Its Micks World. "Now as your child, I turn my entire life over to you".

Normally a prayer like this isn't necessarily shared via a blog for the rest of the world to see, as getting saved is very personal, and usually not for show. This had obviously been on Michaela's mind.

Investigators believe that the stress of taking care of an autistic child overwhelmed her. The question that I have is this: Are parents with autistic children properly trained? This question is especially focused toward minorities and lower income families. Alot of the medication, training, and programs for kids with autism are considered unavailable or too pricey, and many families believe that they can do without. Autism is a serious condition, and requires special treatment that many have no idea of when their child is born. Could proper treatment and being well informed have played a part in saving this child's life,as well as removing extra stress from his mother's?

Cooking and Cleaning: Is this REALLY the way to a man's heart?

I've always heard that cooking and cleaning are the way to a man's heart from almost every female I've come across. This is what is taught to many daughters around the country, passed down generation to generation, and this has also become part of the desperate call of the "other woman". Now I understand that cleanliness is a great practice, because it's sanitary, it declutters your life, and it makes anything appear in a nicer way. However, does having a clean home really help you keep your man?

I know many females that are always bragging and boasting about cooking for men, or cleaning their houses because they're dirty. However, most of these women fall into two categories: They are either chasing someone else's man, or they are just a booty call to that guy and either don't know it, or won't admit it.

In my opinion, I don't think that either of those things will keep a man, or win a man's heart. I must say that my home can get cluttered at times due to having such a busy schedule, and not really favoring cleaning. I must also admit that I'm not the best chef, and after a long day of work, I would like nothing better than to have a dinner cooked for me already, which is why I tend to eat out more than in. However, the lack of being an expert in cooking and cleaning has never stopped me from a successful relationship. As a matter of fact, my significant other of 8 years knew my faults, and loved me past them. If he can do it, so can others.

I think that women need to stop singing the same old anthem of "I cook, I clean, I sex you real good". If cooking and cleaning were SO important to a relationship, then why are so many women that do so still single? Why are they chasing men that don't belong to them? Sure that man is coming over to get a meal, and sure he's going to give you something you can feel later, but after that what happens? More than likely, he won't even be spending the night. Ladies, stop boasting that you're someone's maid. Stop allowing your domestic qualities to control you, because if a man doesn't want you like that, you'll just be the jumpoff with the clean house where he can go to get a good meal. Just sayin.

We know who you are, don't fool yourself!

I remember back in middle school and high school when I used to walk around always using the phrase "in real life", to really relay a message about something that's really happening. It was my way of saying "in all actuality,", "Really,", or "honestly," just to give a good idea of how I used this phrase. I have realized over time that there are some people that really should use this phrase when they're talking to others, so that people know when they're lying or not.

This is a topic that is loooooooooooong overdue. Too many people are walking around pretending to be people that they really aren't. This is especially true on social networks. Apparently, social networks seem to be some people's outlets or escape doors into the world of their dreams. There are people that lie about whole lifestyles, from pretending to hit every hot celeb party, all the way to lying about making 6 figures and/or being married.

At what point does one stop and realize that there are people out there who REALLY know who they are, and what goes on in their life? If you are lying to half the people on your facebook or twitter page, do you ever stop and think about the other half that knows you are miserable, alone, broke, and obviously filled with self esteem issues? I mean, honestly, do people really think that they can inform everyone that they work at the mall or as an attendance clerk in a school district, and then post pics every week wearing a different pair of "Christian Louboutins" and "Karen Millen" designer clothes?

The truth is people know when others are trying to put on like they have a glamourous life, and it goes without saying that if you do have such a great life, you would not have to broadcast every little thing you buy, or do, in order to get approval from your social network "fam". My advice to those living lies out there is to:

1. Find something to do with yourself and your time. If you are busy doing productive things, you won't have time to make up unnecessary lies to tell others.

2. Start improving your life day by day in order to achieve the life you really want to lead.

2. Be honest with YOURSELF, because if you can't even begin to really come to terms with what's going on in your life, you can't begin to change the lies you tell using that second or third personality of yours....."in real life".

Alicia Keys......ummmm did you forget?!!!!!

I must say I'm pretty torn with Alicia Keys. I love her music, she's a very beautiful woman, and glows even more now that she is with child. However, I can't seem to get past the hypocrisy. Honestly, here you are, always empowering women, always talking about superwomen, and proving that real women do exist, just to end up snatching up somebody's husband and getting knocked up. I found myself in awe and disgust at the same time when she gave her awards speech and shouted out all the superwomen in the world.

It doesn't stop there. Alicia, did you forget you got a whollllllllllllle baby in your tummy?! As a mother, I have to say that she was very reckless up there on that stage, although I enjoyed the performances. From the Dolce & Gabbana mini dress that all but bared her cooter, to the sky high YSL pumps (red at that, sorry, I don't get the idea of matching that with purple) she wore walking seductively around stage. Does being knocked up make you feel sexier?And if so, why didn't I feel that sexiness when I was pregnant?!

Her "Adore" performance took the cake though. When is it EVER okay when you're 6 months pregnant to climb on stuff?! Not just climbing but rolling around! As my grandparents, parents, and any other old school folks would say, "Get somewhere and SET ya ass DOWN, Alicia!" Now is the time to get back behind that piano and just sing and play!

Here's the Prince tribute performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV_Qn3fT4N8

What do you think?

Breakthrough Moment: Chris Brown

I know that I wasn't the only one going through many different emotions last night as I watched the Michael Jackson tribute. One minute I was sneering and making fun of Jermaine Jackson's hair (which he obviously paints on with a sharpie marker), the next I was tweeting @chrisbrown telling him "Dont be nervous, God is with you" right before he hit the stage, then I was stunned and in awe at how brilliant the tribute was. Chris Brown's moves are almost just as good as Michael's! See the performance for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIvLGi2_mjQ

I honestly feel that Chris was extremely overwhelmed with this being his biggest performance since the Rihanna incident. I think it was a combination of all kinds of mixed feelings, from mourning his idol Michael Jackson, to mourning the loss of the world's admiration for a mistake, all the way to feeling the present love and forgiveness being gained in that one performance. People can say what they want, he is not the first nor the last celebrity that will put their hands on a woman, and although he has made a terrible mistake, forgiveness is long overdue for any of us that claim to be christians. I sincerely believe Chris Brown is back, still EXTREMELY sexy, and will not let his fans down. Team Breezy all the way!

Im sorry, are you important???

Ok, clearly some people just don't like to go unnoticed. Of course we all know that the Saints have made the superbowl, and we also know that where there's a professional athlete jersey, there will also be at least one of the Kardashian sisters. So it comes as no surprise that Kim steps up to the plate, since her man will be participating this year. However, she apparently feels that she is SO important that she has rented an armour vault limo with bulletproof windows and a luxurious interior. This decked out ride (which looks very similiar to a long Brinks truck) can hold up to 28 people, and is rented out at a whopping $8000 nightly, $150,000 if you would like to buy it outright.

I find myself asking why Kim feels that she needs more of a protective vehicle to be transported around in than the freaking team itself. smh Can we say attention seeking? I'm sure everyone in Miami will be dying to rush Kim Kardashian, she's of such an important caliber! smh This isn't your time to shine, Kim. Let your man enjoy his moment. I'm sure the very tight and short dresses you always wear to showcase your backside you paid so much for will get you the attention you die for. Just do a couple of backside photos like you always do. Now excuse me while I (ahem) go make some calls to rent out a tank for myself for the weekend. :)

Sideline hos gone wild (extreme money wasting inside)

Ok, so this story was definitely hilarious, although I feel very bad for the wife. Apparently Charles Phillips, president of a very well known company, Oracle, has been having an affair on his wife with this chick named Ya Vaughnie (interesting name) for--get this--8 years!!! WHO DOES THAT?! Anywho, he decided to FINALLY start doing right by his wife, and break it off with this tramp, and instead of walking away with dignity, she decided to do what most sideline hos do when they get dumped, only times 100!!!

Ya Vaughnie decided to take intimate pictures that she and Charles had taken over the years , and put them on huge billboards in the three main cities that Charles and his wife go visit, New York times square, San Francisco, and Atlanta. This apparently cost her close to $250,000, hopefully it was his money, or else she's not only lacks self-respect, but also makes very dumb investments!!!! These billboards would be a very romantic gesture......if it was him and his WIFE, not the sideline bimbo!!

I can't even imagine how his poor wife feels. This is truly a very embarrassing and hurtful thing to do to someone. I hope his wife leaves him and takes everything he has! He could do nothing but fess up to his affair after the billboards appeared, so we'll see what happens to his marriage shortly.

This chick Ya Vaughnie has no one to be mad at but herself. You deal with being someone's other woman for 8 years, and you have the nerve to get upset when he doesn't want you anymore?! Women set themselves up for failure believing that a happily ever after will come out of a relationship built on a lie. I have no sympathy for her or her disgusting way of trying to ruin this man because she was rejected. Have some class about yourself, you've been acting with no self respect or dignity this whole 8 years, the least she could've done is bowed out of it with grace. Instead she blasted this man and her own business to the world. What she doesn't realize is.....this kind of behavior wont get you a man of your own sweetheart. Although this was a funny story to read about, it shows men lots of things about this woman: poor money management, no self respect, naivety, and evil ways. I hope this makes men think a little harder before they cheat on their woman. This by far, tops every Affair scandal, including Tiger Woods nonsense.

Cute girl, but a psycho bitch.

Has the topic of child abuse and murder gone cold?

As I flipped through the channels the other day, my attention fell on CBS news, as I saw that another toddler has been harmed, and my heart fell into the pit of my stomach. Aveion Lewis, a beautiful little 2 yr. old is apparently missing, and the cops know that he is dead, although the cops have not been able to find his body. For those of you that haven't heard, here's the rundown.

Brandon Lockett, from the Roanoke area of Virginia, called the cops last Thursday and stated that his step son, Aveion Lewis, had been kidnapped from his home. He stated that three unknown intruders beat him, took Aveion, tied his sister up, and then left a note asking for $10000. He even went on the news pleading for his step son back, with both eyes blackened.

Now he is admitting that his step son was already dead for some time before he contacted authorities, and that he made up the kidnapping story. The cops still have not found Aveion's body, however Lockett has been charged with improper disposal of a human body, child neglect, and obstruction of justice. The mother has been questioned, but not charged with anything. There is however lots of proof, including burns on both legs, that this child was abused in the home.

This angers me for so many different reason, but my main concern is the media. Why is it that the media shed so much light on the Shaniya Davis story, bringing lots of attention to this child abuse matter, but now that it is happening again, there is not nearly as much media coverage? I understand that there are other serious matters such as the Haiti earthquake that killed hundreds of thousands of people, but at the same time, this child abuse and murdering that is continuing to go on in our country needs to be emphasized as much as possible. Why do things like this become trending news topics: one minute it's all they talk about on the news, and the next minute, its a passing story between the obese woman that crushed her boyfriend, and dog twitter pages. We have got to do better at bringing issues like this to light. There are too many children being hurt and killed to not discuss this a lot more than the media does. What if these children were your children, or family members? RIP Aveion Lewis

What is UP. "Dr" Phil??!

A woman named Shirley Dieu has filed a lawsuit against TV's well-known Dr. Phil, stating that he acted inappropriately during their therapy session. Shirley claims that he forced her to remain in a room with a completely naked man, and was blocked from leaving when she tried to eliminate herself from the situation. She also stated that Dr. Phil touched on her breast during the session. She reports that these events emotionally and physically abusive to her. Wowzers!

If these things did occur, then my question is .....what the heck is wrong with you, Dr. Phil? Thousands of people trust that you are accurate in what you say or do, following your psychological advice, as well as wisdom on everyday life, and is this the kind of thing you do to let the people down?

I also read that he may not even be licensed to practice in California, and that he may only be considered a TV expert. I'm not trying to take away from Dr. Phil's wisdom and or fame, because he does make valid points, and reach people in a way that not too many can. However, if these events did happen to Shirley Dieu, this matter should be magnified, and exposed for everyone to see. Inappropriate situations such as these need to be stopped.

Check out these Fab shoes Alicia's wearing in her new video!!

Can't wait to see the finished video and look, Alicia!!!! Those shoes are BAD!!!!!

Shame on you, Sheila Johnson!!!!

There have been articles on the net about Sheila Johnson, the co-founder of BET, mimicking Democratic Creigh Deeds on his stuttering problem. Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGJE7NyIk9Q

She has since expressed her apologies for this behavior, but am I the only one who feels that this was embarassing and pretty low of her to mock someone's speech impediment while addressing an audience? Who does that?! I guess Miss Sheila does!

We have got to get it together! This is the same woman who created "Teen Summit", the same woman who decided that she was done with BET, due to the shows and videos becoming unsettling for her spiritual nature. So with professing her purity all over the net, and in speeches to kids across the world, how can she later go on to make fun of someone's stuttering in front of anyone that was willing to listen? Talk about RUDE!!!!

Tila Tequila: Can we say ATTENTION WHORE?

Ok, so we all know about this silly female that is willing to exploit and degrade at any chance possible just to get some cameras in her face, or a somewhat famous person into her bed, but lately her antics on Twitter have been just extremely ignorant. She turned her Twitter account into a huge racist rant full of stereotypes, and then claimed that she was going to kill herself:

Check this mess out (thanks MTO)

And I'm guessing she thought she would get a sympathetic reaction, but a lot of people actually began telling her to do it, and that no one believes her. Now I am normally a believer that one should always be taken seriously when they say they are going to commit suicide, but Tila Tequila tried this same nonsense two weeks ago. It seems anytime she can't get enough attention she begins talking about killing herself.

To make matters even worse, she is referring to herself now as one of God's Chosen Ones. She is saying that God told her He needs her up in Heaven, and that shes been revived back to life on more than one occasion. Come on, now! Do you REALLY think that God would choose a suicidal, attention seeking, highly promiscuous chick that does ANYBODY and ANYTHING for camera time as His Chosen one?! I don't like this heffa. She's no better than the so called "ignorant, uneducated, welfare-having" african american people she's putting down on her page. Not to mention, she has some of her followers (who knows WHY she even has as many followers as she does) saying that they'll commit suicide with her. What kind of person starts a suicide trend? Why is this cool? It's time we start ignoring the ignorance of attention-seeking sluts, and maybe we wouldn't have so many of them!

(TAKEN FROM TILA's Tweet page )

I totally give up on tryng to save the human race. They are not worth saving anymore. I agree with God. No wonder he wants da world 2 end.about 4 hours ago from web

Yaw lowlives complaining about how u have it so bad in ur life..who fault is that? YOUR OWN! Get a fucking education & stop bein lazy!about 4 hours ago from web

I am going to kill myself cuz I do not want to live in a world where its filled with IGNORANCE! Which majority of you ARE! & racist!

U dont believe me cuz are just little rats in this world. I call you "FILLERS" to keep it moving. But me & a few others R the chosen ones,about 6 hours ago from web

I know exactly how the world is going to end and when it will happen. I know everything about that. God told me and showed it to me.about 6 hours ago from web

of things. When the docs brought me back to life. I never saw the world the same again. Im telling u now. I am God's Messenger.about 6 hours ago from web

When I had my death experiences, I actually died twice and saw the light. My life never been the same since..I saw God & he told me lots

I know more about God than any of u. I had 6 near death experiences and died a few times N docs brought me back 2 life I seen the other sideabout 7 hours ago from UberTwitter

Lady Gaga on SNL (Saturday Night Live)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxjeioNi5Ao&feature=player_embedded

For those of you who doubt this magical, extremely talented woman, her performance should shut you guys up. I hear so many people saying that Lady Gaga can't sing, because they only hear her pop, catchy songs on the radio, but the truth is, the girl can sing, dance, and put on a FIERCE show. I really enjoyed this performance on SNL, and think that it shows her creativity, as well her excellent piano skills, and vocal range.Check it out!

RIP Derrion Albert

Funeral Services are being held for 16 yr. old Derrion Albert of Chicago, an honor student who was fatally beaten after school by a group of teenage boys, four of which are being held without bond. Members of the NAACP, including President Benjamin Todd Jealous, have been expected to attend.

It really breaks my heart to hear about the senseless, ruthless beating of an honor student, with such a promising future. I think that it's really sad how teenage violence has so drastically gotten out of control. It terrifies thinking that this is the type of world I am raising my 4 yr. old son in, and how bad things could possibly be by the time he becomes a teenager.

I can only imagine the hurt and anger Derrion Albert's family feels. They are in my prayers, and will continue to be. We have got to start doing our part. Anyone can sit back and say "Those aren't my kids", and "That would never happen to my boy" but the truth of the matter is that we all play a part in this unecessary violence that is such a deadly extracurricular activity nowadays.

What happened to the days when kids played sports after school? What happened to socializing with your friends, and just hanging out? What kind of a world do we live in, where kids sit around and fight, and not just with their fists, but with BOARDS?

We have to start helping get these kids out of the street, and involved in positive things.

You get what you go looking for

Ok, we've all heard about the saying's "you always find what you're looking for", or "you catch what you're chasing", right? Well, why is it that we continue to ask ourselves (men and women) why we never seem to find a good match or partner? Here are some tips on reeling in a "good catch" in the future.
When thinking in comparisons, the dating game is like a pond, or river, ocean, etc. Everybody always refers to the single life, as testing the "fish in the sea". Well, this analogy is accurate, and that's what we'll use to discuss this crazy thing called dating. The most important thing to take into consideration is figuring out where you want to select this potential partner. This is important because the location you find the person of interest in can be very representative of their lifestyle. For instance, if you find a guy of interest while you're out at a nightclub, you must make a mental note that this guy does like to party, and has somewhat of a night life. It's always hilarious to hear people complaining about their partner being in the club too much, or that they wish their partner would be home more. If they were clubbing when you met them, you have no right to be upset if they continue to club once you are officially a couple. This doesn't apply to everyone; there are some people that tone down or cease their night life altogether eventually, whether it be due to getting to feel too old for the scene, or just simply to make their partner happy. PLEASE DON'T BE FOOLED, however about the location you meet a person at. There are plenty of people that know the tricks and trades, and will post up at places like the library, grocery store, and sadly, even the church in order to come across as a good guy, or try to find a "good girl". So focusing exclusively on the location of where you find a potential mate can be deceiving, but it is a good thing to pay attention to.
Next, you want to be real with yourself, and decide exactly what kind of guy/gal you really want in your life. So many people automatically go for the most handsome or most attractive person, which is fairly normal, since physical attraction is what appeals to most people first upon first contact. However, you want to make sure that you keep an open mind, and check out other attributes, such as personality. You could miss out on a good thing, or even the perfect mate, by just overlooking someone because they may not have more muscles or a greater smile than the next individual. This would be a perfect time to point out the people that are only interested in looking for men or women that are wealthy. Although it's always nice to have gifts given in a relationship, searching for a partner for materialistic reasons never really turns out as it should. Not only that, women are definitely looked upon in a negative way for this behavior, as well as men. And we don't need a world full of golddiggers, groupies, and/or hopeless male moochers, do we?
Keeping what kind of partner you want in mind, this leads me to my next point. If you want to appeal to a certain type of person, you need to dress to impress. When you go in for an interview at a job, you dress accordingly, so why can't that be applied to the dating game? It is important to always try to look your best, because this not only makes you look good, it also makes you feel good, and appear approachable by others. No one wants to be around someone that looks like they just jumped out of the bed, no matter how much a guy says that a girl is her cutest in sweatpants and things like that (the line has to be drawn somewhere!). How you dress can affect the type of person you attract. Ladies, if you are always dressed provocatively, don't be surprised or upset when the attention you get is negative and always sexual. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with being sexy, but sexiness can be achieved in many different ways that don't involve your cheeks hanging out of your shorts or dress, or wearing shorts that fit like underwear. There's a difference between sexy and skanky. This can be applied to my fellas as well: if you are always in raggedy tennis shoes, dingy white tees, and things of the like, don't expect to find a woman that is well dressed and manicured, or a business woman. It has nothing to do with a woman feeling like she's too good for the next man; if you find yourself always saying that a woman is stuck up or snobby..it may be time to evaluate your appearance and demeanor.
It is extremely important to represent what you want in life, and who you want in your life. The way you carry yourself and maintain your appearance can speak a thousand volumes. And like they say....you catch what you fish for.

Haters..think thats what we call them!!

A hater is someone that is jealous andenvious and spends all their timetrying to make you look small so theycan look tall.
When you make your mark, you willalways attract some haters... That'swhy you have to be careful who youshare your blessings and your dreamswith because some folk can't handleseeing you blessed...
It's dangerous to be like somebodyelse... If God wanted you to be likesomebody else He would have given youwhat he gave them.
You don't know what people have gonethrough to get what they have... (Theproblem I have with haters is that theysee my glory, but theydon't know my story...) If the grasslooks greener on the other side of thefence, you can rest assured that thewater bill is higher there too.Most of our haters are people that aresupposed to be on our side. How doyou handle the haters who you at leastexpect to have your guard upagainst? You can handle your haters by:
1. Knowing who you are & who yourtrue friends are2. Having a purpose3. By remembering what you have is bydivineprerogative and not human manipulation.
Purpose does not mean having a job. Youcan have a job and still beunfilled. A purpose is having a clearsense of what God has called you tobe. Your purpose is not defined by whatothers think about you.
You will always be trying to get stuffbecause the more stuff you have willimprove what others think about you,but what others think will last aslong as the stuff last.
When God gives you favor, you can tellyour haters, "Don't look atme...Lookat who is in charge of me...
Remember, it isn't about you, but it'sall about God.
Watch out for the haters!!

Eyes on the Prize...or Path?

Growing up, I was told time and time again to keep my eyes on the prize. Everyone seemed to emphasize on the end results of working hard, and winning the ultimate prize. But now that I have gotten older, and evaluated things in life a little bit more, I realize that it's not about the prize......it's about the race, or the pathway leading up to the prize. I think that we should stay focused on the hard work that leads up to the win.
Let's think about things in literal terms. If we were to keep out eyes on the finish line only, then how would we stay in our lanes, and not get tied up in possible obstacles? In other words, if all we're going to focus on is the reward we're going to get when we're done, then it could be easy to overlook the hard work and discipline we put into achieving the end result. That hard work is the most important aspect to me.
Prizes come in the form of money, trophies, ribbons, etc. All of these things can eventually fade or disappear at some point in time. Trophies tend to gather dust , ribbons are usually put away and forgotten about, and money, of course, is spent. So why do we put all this emphasis on the prize? Everyone wants to be able to say that they earned this, or won that, but it's the blood, sweat, tears, and determination that makes winning worthwhile.
This is why, when some people cheat, their reward or prize is taken away from them. Think about those athletes that were found guilty of using performance-enhancement drugs such as steroids. When this information was uncovered, they were stripped of their medals and so forth, because they didn't earn them honestly. How you complete your race, makes you who you are.
There are many awards that I won growing up, and I couldn't begin to tell you what some of them are. However, I can still remember the grueling hours of practice I spent singing to prepare for the State competition, or how I used to write "practice" stories and poetry during all of my free time, even when others would make fun of some of the things that I would write about. Many entertainers can tell story after story of how they would be in the studio all night, writing or recording, leading up to having chart topping albums. This is what counts. Other artists brag about all their nice cars, all the money they have to throw away, clothes, status, and sometimes that can cause a misunderstanding as to what life is really about....the hard work put into success....or the success itself? Which one really defines who YOU are?