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During this time of year, many of us spend our days counting down to the end of the year with a myriad of thoughts about what “could have been.” You know how it goes: the blaring reminders on TV, radio, and even at holiday parties that you’re single, couldn’t afford the best gifts or the pricey plane tickets to fly across country to be with family.

What I’ve learned over the years is that no matter who is not there, what money we may not have, or how far away our families may be, there’s something bigger that we can always rely on to give us the love we all desire.

There are many clichés about the holidays and the “real reason for the season,” but in its truest essence, God’s greatest gift to us is the unconditional love that remains available every day of the year. God’s love for us is real, tangible, and everywhere we go. He tells us in Romans 8:37-39:

Yet amid all these things, we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  How great His love is for us! It surpasses all heartbreak and deficits that we have encountered throughout the year.

A shift in perspective keeps the most perfect love of all at the forefront and teaches us to lean on the blessings we have. Enjoy the holidays and feel the
love from the one who sacrificed the most for us!  All the best to you in the New Year!  Cheers.

During this time of year, many of us spend our days counting down to the end of the year with a myriad of thoughts about what “could have been.” You know how it goes: the blaring reminders on TV, radio, and even at holiday parties that you’re single, couldn’t afford the best gifts or the pricey plane tickets to fly across country to be with family.

What I’ve learned over the years is that no matter who is not there, what money we may not have, or how far away our families may be, there’s something bigger that we can always rely on to give us the love we all desire.

There are many clichés about the holidays and the “real reason for the season,” but in its truest essence, God’s greatest gift to us is the unconditional love that remains available every day of the year. God’s love for us is real, tangible, and  everywhere we go. He tells us in Romans 8:37-39:

Yet amid all these things, we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.  For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  How great His love is for us! It surpasses all heartbreak and deficits that we have encountered throughout the year.

Don’t have that special someone to shower with love and gifts? Consider showing love to those in need who aren’t as fortunate as you.  Money is tight and can’t give gifts? Bake some cookies or other sweets, bag them up, and share with friends and family!  Can’t get home for the holidays?  Use Skype to see the bright and shining faces of those you love!

A shift in perspective keeps the most perfect love of all at the forefront and teaches us to lean on the blessings we have. Enjoy the holidays and feel the love from the one who sacrificed the most for us!  Cheers.

Everyday should be a day where we pause to give thanks and enjoy the gift of giving,nhanging out with family, and our friends.  During this season of giving thanks and giving to love ones, I wanted to take another moment to share some of the things I am most thankful for.  I realize the reason for the season is not about what gift I can give and Santa but the birth of “my” savior.  I never want to lose sight of that because I realize that everything I have belongs to him and that I am nothing without him.  For that I am SO grateful!

1. Family/friends

I am very thankful to share the holiday season with my husband and our children, my dear mother and sister and of course my nephew and only niece.  This year despite wanting to spend the Christmas holiday someplace warm we have
decided to stay put and take a New Year’s get-a-way if schedules allow. Needless to say I will enjoy this year’s season shopping, eating and catching up with my closet friend and sharing love. I am naturally a giver but I am very glad that
I realize that all gifts don’t cost money such as love, grace & mercy!  I would take those three things over anything money can buy, how about you?

2. Health

Sometimes I play superwoman, against my better judgment.  I don’t always get as much rest as I should, and the inability to slow down has left me super-sick several times.  Last year was filled with many challenges, personal growth, and major life changing decisions, time to sit still and heal in many areas of my life. I am so glad I was blessed to take time to take care of “ME” realizing that if I am un-healthy I am no good to anyone.  I now embrace good health, exercise, healthy eating habits and beauty that is within.

3. Accomplishments

Like many I get so caught up on focusing on what I want to do and haven’t done yet, I forget about all the things that I have. This month as I sat with the vision board and list of resolutions I created earlier this year and circled all the things I had actually done.  I am blessed to have a published book (Sistership) that has been available for over 6 years and doing well, a website (Sistahology.com) doing very good!  I had an opportunity to work on the political front this year and have an impact and bring awareness to issues in the community in which I live.  Turns out, I’m farther along than I thought.  You probably are too!

4. Failures

No one lives a life where “All they do is win”.  We all have ups, and yes, unfortunately downs.  We usually beat ourselves up over them, but there’s another way to look at it.  Failure could be an opportunity to learn a lesson, build our character and try again.   You’re only failing when you fall down and stay down. These are words of wisdom and I
live by these values daily.

5. Self-esteem

I’m a listening ear for lots of people who are trying to work through dilemmas in their personal lives.  The root cause
of so many of them is hurt.  People who build their confidence hurting others, and people who don’t have the confidence to walk away when they encounter the former.  I didn’t always know when to say when, set standards, or identify flags early on.   Now that I can, I’m living a much better life, and very thankful for it.

What are you most thankful for?  What non-monetary gift are you giving during the holiday season?  Cheers

Every crisis is temporary.  No matter what the challenge, God is the answer, No matter what the need, God is the fulfillment.  I promise myself to always remember this, he hasn’t failed me yet!

As I look forward to another birthday, I have grown in so many ways.  I have enjoyed some time off from my daily routine a time to sit still and breathe and deal with matter’s of the heart.  What a blessing that was for me at this stage in my life.

One of the joys of getting older is gaining wisdom and confidence.  I promise myself to be accountable and responsible for who I am and all that I still want to become. I know that no matter how much I grow and accomplish there is always work to be done, and I am not perfect.

I realize life is good everyday that I am blessed to wake up and embrace it!  For that I am so grateful.  Cheers!