Savoring the Blessings of 2014

Now that Christmas 2014 has come and said farewell, let's not forget all of the melancholy, peace on earth, goodwill towards men and the act of helping someone in need, which resonated as the holiday season began, start to fade away. Let us remain vigilant in avoiding the default switch that sends us back into the mode of short-term memory, where gratitude, goodwill and peace should be celebrated every single day of the year.

No doubt this has been a year of challenges, tragedies and victories for many people. With the New Year less than a week away, I learned to refrain from saying "I can't wait until the New Year begins." While there were lamentations we faced during our 2014 trek, there are still reasons for celebrating the burst of blessings along the way. All too often we focus so much on the perils that inflict our lives and do not savor the many blessings that should elevate our humble gratitude.

It is my wish, that we savor 2014 for the remaining days, minutes and hours left in this year. May we remember the days gone, but not be entrapped into complacency. Reflecting on the events of 2014, the people we lost, the children who were born, the achievements we made, the toxicity we exterminated, the unhealthy relationships we let go and the baggage we choose not to carry like a ball and chain into 2015, be the wind that elevates us to new heights of greatness. We cannot appreciate and anticipate wonderful things happening for the upcoming year, if we do not examine where we are and where we've been.

Cheers, Peace and Blessings!

Wings of the Wind for Yearround Poetry

Poetry spans across diverse cultures, genders and dialects. Wings of the Wind: A Cornucopia of Poetry, by Kym Gordon Moore contains 81 carefully chosen poems that are significant to the foundation of this collection and easy for readers to identify with. Included in this compilation is a metrical sample of a Pantoum, Limerick, Elegy and Haiku. This eclectic full-length collection of poetry depicts experiences illustrated through diverse forms of self-expression.

You can get your copy at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com or OutskirtsPress.com. Follow Kym on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Tumblr, YouTube and Pinterest.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Special Thanks to the Professional Services of She Reviews It!

Before you buy that special something, here is a review service that combs products and services for the best recommendations to pass on to consumers. I had the honor of using the services of She Reviews It for product recommendations, after a dear friend with a well-known company hired the firm to review some of their products. As everyone is aware of, reviews are a critical piece for those decision makers who want to hear what others have to say, before investing their money, regardless of the price tag. 

Like every other consumer, as a cost-conscious shopper, I look for reputation, dependability and recommendations in a product, before I buy. I am so grateful to She Reviews It for the 5-Star review the company gave my book of poetry, Wings of the Wind: A Cornucopia of Poetry on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. I sold many copies of this book, and this review is the icing that many people see before they buy, whether directly from me or online. I am honored to be in the company with reviews this company has done for corporations like Donna Karan, DSW Shoes and Thierry Mugler. Thanks so much for your services She Reviews It. I give you a 5-Star review in return.

You can check out their website http://www.shereviewsit.com/ for more information on how valuable this service can be to the dialogue and marketing element for your product or service!

Celebrating National Cotton Candy Day

Today is National Cotton Candy Day. This sweet, sugar spun, airy treat is typically found at fairs, festivals and the circus. The soft, fluffy texture simply melts in your mouth. Although this delightful treat is a favorite during the summertime, this day is celebrated on December 7. Cotton candy was introduced by William Morrison and John C. Wharton at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. Tootsie Roll of Canada LTD however, claimed that it was the first to introduce cotton candy at the 1893 World Fair.

Go ahead and get sugar-wasted today with some of that fluffy, melt in your mouth sugary concoction.

Happy National Cotton Candy Day!

A Thanksgiving Letter to A Grieving Friend

As I reflect on the song, "Its So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" by the group Boyz II Men, I still find it difficult to cope with the transition of a dear loved one. I met my friend J.B. through his wife who I worked with in an industry that enhanced the physical beauty of women. She was truly the epitome of beauty glowing from within and she knew how to encourage spiritual beauty through those she met and touched. I feel sadness for his pain since he just laid her body to rest a few days before Thanksgiving. For a moment, I think about the empty chair she will never sit in again or the plate that she will not eat from again. I cry because of the agony he is facing this first major holiday without her. I also think about the emptiness he must have felt that first moment he found out she passed on to her eternal life. I can't imagine that first day in which the sensitivity of loneliness finally penetrated his numbness that she, as he once knew her as wife, lover, friend and biggest supporter was suddenly and unexpectedly absent from her body. Such a realization is hard to imagine and fathom.

While I do not profess the gift of prophecy, which is not included in my personal realm of spiritual gifts, I am encouraged that J.B. will begin to elevate to an altitude of greatness that he teaches others to strive for. I'm sure however, he wanted to achieve that greatness with his wife by his side. He did achieve that greatness to a certain, but now his mission is one of greater dedication and urgency. Recently, I was reading a phrase I noted on a piece of paper years ago that said, "Some people come into your life for a reason, season or a lifetime." When we choose our life partners, it is not disclosed whose "lifetime" will be affected longer than the other. While we wish to grow old together, sometimes the predestined plan is to flourish and grow effectively with the time you've been given, and with purpose. After our loved one transitions, where does that leave us and what do we do? Quite frankly, the logical answers are not always comfortable, easy or reassuring.

My friend J.B. and his wife touched so many people's lives. They ministered and gave a lot to others. They showed others what it was like to love, using what you have, wherever you are, regardless of the type of day you are having or how much money you possess. This is the agape love we strive to lift up and spread to others that emits from the Light glowing from within us every day. I realize that the silence in the walls of his home are going to be deafening and agonizing for a while, but in turn will be the ultimate healing agent J.B. may need to show others that you can't put off love; because like an empty well when the water runs dry, the love of your life can leave this world in a matter of a heartbeat.

This morning 3 Carolina Wrens frolicked and sang outside my window on the rail of our deck. I sat for a moment listening to their sounds, watching the quick movements of their short, chunky bodies that amassed any hint of distractions for the present. I thought about J.B.'s wife and how she captured the attention and hearts of so many people who were touched by her singing. She was a songbird who didn't need a huge stage to command the attention of an endearing audience. Thousands were definitely touched and inspired by her singing alone. When I volunteered to visit a local women's facility, she was there to sing for the residents and encouraged them to overcome their adversity, simply through the heart of the words she sang.

Every day is Thanksgiving and the gifts God gives us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually are great blessings indeed. To my friend J.B., the road ahead is full of uncertainties, but they are also filled with the assurance that God has and always had your back. The strength you garner from your bruised and wounded spirit will be one that will give you the momentum to mount up your wings as a eagle and soar. Your greatest moments have not been unveiled yet.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day every day, we will be able to achieve a level of greatness that no one could imagine or even understand. Give thanks and reach for the great things ahead. What does not kill us will only make us stronger, even with the absence of someone we love and miss dearly. I may not understand the magnitude of your pain, but I am sympathetic of your heartache. Happy Thanksgiving J.B.

Celebrating Our Veterans

Thank You!

Happy Halloween

Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October

Celebrating Women of Achievement Month

Let's face it, through the years, women made many significant and monumental contributions to various sectors of our life for the betterment of humanity. Countless heroines became pioneers and trendsetters that contributed to many attributes, which improved our society. This month marks our celebration of the accomplishments, big and small of all women. September is Women of Achievement Month, promoting excellence, promotion and achievement women have made for centuries.

I am inspired by the incredible feats women made to our country and throughout the world. From motherhood to scientists, civil rights activists, authors, Pulitzer Prize Winners, inventors, entertainers, aviation experts, war veterans, athletes, educators to countless other professions, women continue to make amazing strides through innovative ways. 

Women made many significant and monumental contributions to various sectors of our life. Countless heroines became pioneers and trendsetters for many attributes in our society. This month marks our celebration of the accomplishments, big and small of all women. 

Our "Herstory" is our strength, courage and commitment to who we are, based on where we've been. When I created my Pinterest Board "Phenomenal Females" it challenged me to research women who made some monumental and positive contributions that impact our world, of yesteryear and today. Women made their marks in history and continue to become game-changers in the quest for respect, justice and equality. Feel free to pay homage to a woman you admire, whether you know her personally, professionally or historically.

Cheers to commemorating Women of Achievement Month!

Celebrating Constitution Day

September 17 is Constitution Day and it means exactly what it says...to celebrate The Constituion of the United States of America!

According to constitutionday.com, Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who, are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens. On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created. Celebrate Constitution Day through activities, learning, parades and demonstrations of our Love for the United States of America and the Blessings of Freedom Our Founding Fathers secured for us.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Click on the image of our Constitution for more details!

Today is National Thank You Day

In every language there is a word for "Thank You." It means so much, yet we sometimes use it so little. All too often, we run into people who feel they are entitled to gifts or certain acts of kindness, and fail to show their appreciation and gratitude.

I wrote an article 3 years ago entitled, "What Happened to the Meaning of Thank You?" I am reposting the link to it, as a reminder of how important it is to extend this common courtesy, when someone does something nice or special for you. I appreciate you stopping by my blog today and thank you for reading it.

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Happened-to-the-Meaning-of-Thank-You?&id=6327467

Thought for the Day from Vincent Van Gogh

Happy Labor Day!

It's Back-to-School Time

With the Fall season getting ready to kick in, students returning to school already kicked this cool season off.! Let's be alert and mindful as we travel on the thoroughfares, to watch our speed and look out for our children. The least small distraction could be critical to the life of a child or yourself. Let's practice safety out there.

Wishing all of the returning students much success during the next two semesters!

Celebrating the Birthday of Tennis Trailblazer, Althea Gibson

Image Credit: www.bet.com

When we examine our diverse gifts and talents, we have the ability and responsibility to use those gifts in a constructive and edifying manner. As we celebrate what would have been Althea Gibson's 87th birthday, I was amazed by her commitment and persistence to follow her dreams during a tumultuous time in our nation, where heightened racial tension was the norm.

Althea Gibson was an athletic pioneer and trailblazer crossing color barriers in golf and most notably tennis. She was born on August 25, 1927 and died on September 28, 2003. Gibson was born in Clarendon County, South Carolina. She became the first person of color to win a Grand Slam title (The French Open) in 1956. The next year she won the U.S. Nationals and Wimbledon. She won both titles again in 1958 and was voted Female Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press. Gipson won 11 Grand Slam Tournaments and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, as well as The International Women's Sports Hall of Fame. 

According to Wikipedia.org, in 1964, at the age of 37, Althea Gibson became the first African-American woman to join the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tour. Racial discrimination continued to be a problem: Many hotels still excluded people of color, and country club officials throughout the south—and some in the north—routinely refused to allow her to compete. When she did compete, she was often forced to dress for tournaments in her car because she was banned from the clubhouse. Although she was one of the LPGA's top 50 money winners for five years, and won a car at a Dinah Shore tournament, her lifetime golf earnings never exceeded $25,000.

Althea Gibson succeeded against all odds, like so many other athletes, actors, actresses, musicians and other entertainers who made a monumental mark in history, regardless of their race or gender. In her second memoir, So Much to Live For, she addressed the challenges she faced with her professional opportunities and endorsements, as well as the various obstacles that tried to cripple her over the years.

We are so grateful for Althea Gibson's trailblazing achievements, which paved many paths for athletes facing similar challenges who made historical feats.

National Peach Pie Day during National Peach Month

I am not a great baker and never pretended to be. My mother was a very good baker and unfortunately I didn’t inherit that culinary trait from her. I truly admire people who have a natural talent to throw down on some amazing cakes, pies and pastries. I found that many of my aunts had a non-scripted way of baking and cooking. They added a little pinch of this and a little dash of that. That type of recipe created some amazing baked goods.

Today is National Peach Day and the month of August is National Peach Month. The peach gives us some great beneficial gifts that makes us love this juicy fruit just that much more. Here are a few of those benefits:

• Peaches contain beta carotene, which is great for improving vision health.
• Great for skin care and filled with Vitamin C.
• Great for helping you lose weight.
• Contains fiber and potassium that helps to reduce kidney related diseases.

So why not indulge today in a slice of melt-in-your-mouth awesomeness! I sure did!

Happy Birthday Usain, The "Jamaican Lightening Bolt"

Image Credit: Wikipedia

Today is the birthday of the man nicknamed the "Lightening Bolt." In 2009, the world witnessed the first man to hold both the 100 metres and 200 metres sprinting world records, that had everyone sporting his famous lightening bolt pose. Usain St. Leo Bolt is a Jamaican sprinter who is known as the fastest person in the world. His awards include Track and Field Athlete of the Year, three time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, the IAAF World Athlete of the Year, winner of three gold medals during the 2013 World Championships and dubbed one of the most successful athletes in the 30 year history of world championship athletics. What an incredible achievement and feat!

Join us as we wish Usain Bolt a Happy 28th Birthday!

Beware of the LinkedIn Phishing Email Scam

With the success of the good, the bad cannot allow it to have all of the fun. In a recent article found on SPAMfighter.com, Experts Warned Users of LinkedIn of a New Phishing Email Campaign, the content is based on reports from Softpedia.com. I am including a link to that article for more information on how to protect yourself if you are a LinkedIn member.

Celebrating Amelia Earhart Day!

"Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction."

- John F. Kennedy

Today is the born day of Amelia Earhart. Though the disappearance of her airplane remains a mystery, the courage she garnered to take a solo journey as the first female to do so, is admirable and honorable in a multitude of ways!

Amelia Mary Earhart (July 24, 1897 – disappeared July 2, 1937) was an American aviation pioneer and author. Earhart was the first aviatrix to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She received the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross for this record. She set many other records, wrote best-selling books about her flying experiences, and was instrumental in the formation of The Ninety-Nines, an organization for female pilots.

During an attempt to make a circumnavigational flight of the globe in 1937 in a Purdue-funded Lockheed Model 10 Electra, Earhart disappeared over the central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island. She was declared dead in absentia, January 5, 1939 at the age of 41.

(Wikipedia)

When There's Nothing to Do!

When there’s nothing to do, what do you do? When there’s nothing to say, what do you say? When there’s nothing to write, what do you write? When there’s nothing to hear, what do you hear? When there’s nothing to touch, what do you touch?

Sometimes, or rather all too often, many of us still get caught up in the rigors and hurriedness of life. We’ve been through this before, yet sometimes we act as though these emotions are foreign to us. We are trapped in the spin cycle of life, until it flings us off without warning. Once we’re all twisted, limp and weak, then we wonder how we got this way.

Life "happens" and as long as we live on this side of life, there are many things we have no control over. Yet, we do have self-control by relinquishing it to a power much greater than us. I cry out to God often, not just when I am going through some crazy situations beyond my control, but when things are serene and during times when I do nothing. That is when I cry out to Him with thanksgiving, praise and worship!

Quite often we have to remove ourselves from pleading insanity, because someone or some things are trying to drive us there. We have to remember that everything has a season, time and purpose under the heavens. Sometimes during our seasons of life, we can’t do anything, no matter how much we try to burst our brains to produce something, just because society says so. 

In our quiet moments, when there is nothing to do, or say, or write or to connect to, it is then that we must listen and respond accordingly…simply by doing nothing. This temporary idleness is not forever, eventhough as the clock ticks we think it does. Nah, I say stop looking at the clock for a while and allow your spirit to float momentarily, and absorb the peace and nothingness that is not a bad thing in this situation. It’s when you make that nothingness habitual, which creates even greater dangers and menacing behaviors.

So when there are moments when you can’t do nothing, heed the signals and wait. Because if you do something, when clearly the signs tell you to do nothing, you could disrupt the order of things that could have turned your nothing into something magnanimous! 

Have a beautiful day!

Daily Meditation from Diversities of Gifts

Focus on what you have, instead of what you don't!

- Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit (2009)

Happy Father's Day!

Congratulations Class of 2014!

You will never forget the sheer excitement of hearing Pomp and Circumstance played, during your high school or college graduation. I know I certainly won't forget. This month is Graduation Month. Colleges and schools around the country have or will put commencement exercises in place for their graduating class of 2014. This is such a new and exciting time for these fresh graduates. Wishing you much success with your future endeavors! Congratulations to graduates everywhere as you begin a new journey in your life!

Congratulations to the Class of 2014!

Remembering our heroes on Memorial Day!

To forget what Memorial Day means would be a great disservice and injustice to our military soldiers. In the midst of your celebration this weekend, take a moment to pay tribute to the vets and fallen heroes, along with our active duty personnel, who continue to defend our nation with passion and honor.

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

Celebrating the Blessings of Easter

Image Credit: 123Greetings.com

Observing Maundy Thursday during Holy Week

Image credit: www.htacc.org

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, during Holy Week. This day is observed by Christians on the Thursday before Easter. Maundy Thursday (or Holy Thursday) commemorates Christ's Last Supper, as well as the initiation of the Eucharist. We remember this as the time Christ washes the feet of His Disciples, to remind them to love one another as He loved them and how to serve. What a powerful lesson to reflect on today!

In Observance of Holy Week

Some moments do not need words to describe it’s Power and Excellence! May you find peace, hope and gratitude during this Holy Week.

Celebrating Chemistry Pioneer, Percy Lavon Julian, PhD

Percy Lavon Julian, PhD
Research Chemist, Inventor & Pioneer

Today we celebrate the birthday of Percy Lavon Julian, (April 11, 1899-April 19, 1975) a U.S. research chemist and pioneer specializing in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants. Julian became a chemistry instructor at Fisk University. He received an Austin Fellowship in Chemistry in 1923, then enrolled at Harvard to complete his masters degree. In 1931, Percy Julian obtained his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Vienna.

Julian had to overcome the obstacles of segregation. As an African-American, he was denied opportunities to work for large corporations, but held more than 100 patents and received 19 honorary doctorate degrees. In 1951, he and his family moved to Oak Park, Illinois and became the first African-American family to live there. Although his house was firebombed twice, the community largely backed him and celebrates his birthday to this day as a holiday.

Despite his adversity, Percy Julian ascended to international notoriety. He was entered into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1990 and in 1993 the U.S. Postal Service honored him with a Black Heritage Commemorative Stamp. Happy Birthday Dr. Julian!

Life-Size Noah’s Ark is Built Based on Bible Dimensions

Following the proportions specified in the Bible, Johan Huibers, a carpenter at age 33, was inspired to build Noah’s Ark. The life-size ark, known as Johan’s Ark is 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 3 stories tall. The boat took 3 years to complete in Dordrecht, Netherlands. On an average, approximately 3,000 tourists visit this full-sized replica of Noah’s Ark every day on the Marwede River. You can learn more about the "Ark van Noach" by visiting http://www.arkvannoach.com/.

A Personal Reflection for National Women's History Month

Today would have been my mother's 87th birthday. When I think about my life, I realize that my mother could have made a decision that would not have allowed me and my siblings to be here. Thus, through her, the life God imparted in her for 9 months was birthed with a purpose, and that purpose charged me to breathe life to the future of others.

Although in history, March 15th is considered as the Ides of March (a day that became notorious as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC), for me on March 15th, 1927 this day marked a destiny to come 31 years later. That destiny was my beginning. Although my mom's physical self is no longer here, I often feel her spiritual presence often. I would not be who I am if it wasn't for the dedicated mother that she was.

March is Women's History Month which pays tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society. My mother was a green thumb at heart. It seems like any plant, bush or flower she touched flourished so spectacularly. She had an amazing talent for growing things and an incredible sense of creativity and spirituality. She left a piece of history in my lap, a jewel which no doubt has sustained me. So, I see so much of her in me. I love nature and I take being a good steward of creation that God charged mankind with, very seriously.

Celebrate that special woman in your life today. Without the amazing women in history who made a mark in the genealogical pool of life, it's scary to wonder where we would have been today if things were different.

Happy Women's History Month everyone!

Celebrating the Legacy of Johnny Appleseed

John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed
1774 - 1845

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated on March 11th, although his birthday is on September 26, 1774. John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed is an American pioneer nurseryman who earned his name by planting small orchards and individual apple trees as he traveled walking across 100,000 square miles of Midwestern wilderness and prairies. He introduced apple trees to large areas in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and many northern counties in West Virginia.

Johnny Appleseed was a dedicated and genuine nurseryman. He loved nature, the wilderness and his knowledge of medicinal herbs, his devotion to the Bible and his harmony with the Indians. Many people believe that he was a fictional character, but this very real man spent 50 years growing apple trees so that people can enjoy this delicious fruit. He lived a simple life. Many believed that he wore his cooking pot on his head as a hat when he traveled. Appleseed died on February 18, 1845 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

I don't know if an apple a day will keep the doctor away, but I do know apples make great pies! YUM!

Inspiring Change on International Women's Day

Today we celebrate International Women's Day! Women continue to make monumental strides for freedom, justice and equality around the world. This year's theme for International Women's Day, "Inspiring Change" encourages advocacy for women's advancement, challenging the status quo for equality and inspiring change. Today, there are more support networks for women than its ever been. 

How do you plan to celebrate International Women's Day today? If you would like to learn more about this global commemoration, click here to check out this website.

March is National Music in Our Schools Month

Music was always a part of our school curriculum and activities when I was growing up. In high school I was a member of the Bonds Wilson High School Cobras Wonder Marching Band, under the leadership of our band director, Mr. Lonnie Hamilton, III. While Mr. Hamilton was passionate about music, he was equally passionate about each band member learning, performing and being our best in music education.

Like many people, I found learning how to read and perform music helped me with other creative and developmental skills. The band was that outlet which gave me the type of discipline I needed which branched into improving my scholastic aptitude and garnering more pride in my work. Although I was a majorette during football season, we were still required to learn music and participate in the band. In addition, being a member of the Junior Choir in church was also a crucial part of my individual creative development and discipline.

Unfortunately, music programs in schools around the country are in serious danger, due to education budget cuts. I have great memories from my high school years in particular, participating in concerts, parades and festivals. It was such an exciting time and wearing our uniforms was a great honor. If our music programs are cut from the standard curriculum made available for any student desiring to learn and appreciate the theory of music, we will be losing a very valuable resource of personal development with our children.

I urge everyone, whether you’re musically inclined or not, to advocate for the art and music programs in your schools. Although I love athletics, I am convinced that music theory will go a long way for generations to come. Music is a part of every culture, locally, nationally and globally. People connect to music and the notes connect to the spirit. Think about this the next time you go to a movie and listen to the scores that someone wrote and performed. Think about music the next time you attend a play or go to a game. Think about music when you attend church worship services or a dance recital. Now, think about how it would be without music and how boring life would be.

Be sure to celebrate and support music in our schools! For more information on how you can get involved, click here and visit the National Association for Music Education website.

Music Is My Life!

Quote by Napoleon Hill

"Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success." 

— Napoleon Hill

Napoleon Hill

Author of the popular book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill was as American author who was one of the earliest producers of the modern genre of personal success literature. He served as advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1936. Many of the books he offered surrounded success through personal achievement, self-mastery, a positive mental attitude and peace of mind. He was born October 26, 1883 and died November 8, 1970.

Love throughout the year!

     

Susan L. Taylor, ESSENCE Magazine Editor-in-Chief Emeritus, autographed a copy of her book for me, "All About Love" when I was selected as one of the 2009 General Mills Feeding Dreams Community Champions for our area. This book is about relationships, actively caring, strengthening our familes and communities, and our commitment to personal transformation, wealth building and social change. After reading this book, Susan's dialogue of what love is all about, takes on a totally renewed perspective of what life is.

Although today is Valentine's Day, this book goes beyond just one day of celebrating love and encourages a daily habit to follow. Thanks Susan and Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Fighting Heart Disease on National Wear Red Day

Today we celebrate National Wear Red Day. Sponsored by the American Heart Association to raise awareness and advocacy in the fight against heart disease, this nationwide movement encourages everyone to wear the color red. Red is symbolic for this disease, the number 1 killer of women in the United States.

What are you doing to commemorate National Wear Red Day? Is there someone you would like to pay tribute to who survived heart disease or someone you want to recognize in memory of this fatal disease? Visit the Go Red for Women website and see how you can get involved in your community and for your family.

There are a myriad of conditions we can control that would prevent or reduce the risk of heart disease. Be proactive and do something before it's too late!

Door to My New Season

During those times when you need someone to minister to your spirit, and when there is no one around, you seek comfort and direction from God. I came across the following message that I received in my email this morning from Chuck D. Pierce, which he said The LORD spoke to him, entitled "Psalm 23: A New Path to Prosperity! A Worship Breakout of the Children at Global Spheres!" that spoke volumes to my spirit:

"Some of you have not had the strength to shut the door in areas that I have said, 'Shut the Door.' Therefore, doors remain open, and because of this you can't find the doors you need to open to access your future. Let Me put new strength in you that will cause you to shut one door from your past season. For grief still comes through, confusion still comes through, and holding onto something that should have been sent to another place, still comes through that door. Therefore, shut that door today. Receive the strength to shut the door that represents the last season, so I can cause your strength to multiply and you will be able to open the one new, fresh door to your new season. If you will come up to where I call you, in the midst of the test you are in, I will release a sound that you can see. For this is a day that sounds will open up your eyes, and what you couldn't see in the midst of your testing, I will cause you to see. And from that point I will release where and what you need to do." 

God knows just when to show up when no one else can or will! This message was right on time. Now off to my new season!

Celebrating the National Holiday Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

1929-1968

Martin Luther King Jr. (born Michael Luther King, Jr.) was a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement, pastor, humanitarian and activist born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He received many awards like the Nobel Peace Prize, the Congressional Gold Metal, Presidental Metal of Freedom and many others. He married Coretta Scott and from this union they had  four children, Martin III, Yolanda, Dexter and Bernice.

His famous and well-known "I Have A Dream" speech resonates throughout the world to this day. His untimely death on April 4, 1968, when he was assasinated in Memphis, Tennessee may have silenced his voice, but it cannot silence his message! Long live the "DREAM!"

Turning New Year's Resolutions Into New Year's Solutions

Turning New Year's Resolutions Into New Year's Solutions
By Kym Gordon Moore

With each new year comes the vow to change so many negative things in our life, in order to make them better. All too often, approximately three-fourths of the people who make a New Year's Resolution actually stick with it and see it through to completion. To avoid the inevitable failure of achieving these goals due to commitment issues and frustration, here are a few tips to help:

1. Eliminate procrastination. Getting started is hard, but sticking with it through continuous maintenance is worthwhile in the long run. Avoid anything that could get in the way of your progress.

2. Mentally prepare yourself for the goal at hand. You can't just name it and write it down. You have to visualize the process and the end result. You must take ownership of your plans and implement them in a timely and responsible manner.

3. Set bit-size and achievable goals within a reasonable time frame. Don't try to accomplish it all in a week or two. As you make it through each step, reward yourself in a manner that won't sabotage your success. Remember that the time frame someone else can achieve the same goal in, may not work for you. Set a pace that you can tolerate and stick to.

4. Keep a visible calendar of your goals to monitor daily progression. Get a calendar strictly designated for your goals/resolutions. By keeping this calendar posted in a place that you have to look at each day, it serves as a reminder to do something that day towards achieving your resolution.

5. Will something good or worthwhile come from these goals? Setting a goal should be made with a positive end-result in mind. It should be a helpmate and not a goal that could intentionally harm or destroy an innocent person maliciously.

6. Make solutions (resolutions) short-term goals with long-term results. One of the primary resolutions on practically everyone's list is to lose weight, eat better and get into shape. Do not try an excessive diet tactic or "lose it quick" trick. It is precisely that - a trick! You may get an immediate result however, yet without discipline, balance and focus, this tactic could backfire and leave you discouraged and worse than when you got started.

Motivation, commitment and accountability are factors that help classify your resolutions as inevitable solutions. Nine times out of ten, the problems did not instantly happen. Realistically, you can't magically change something overnight, which took years to compound. Set the goal at a pace you can tolerate and work with. Now, watch your resolutions come to fruition.

Kym Gordon Moore, author of "Diversities of Gifts: Same Spirit" and "Wings of the Wind: A Cornucopia of Poetry" is an award winning poet, author, speaker, philanthropist, certified email marketing specialist and an authority in strategic marketing. http://www.kymgmoore.com She is co-founder of Favorite Things for a CAUSE http://www.favoritethingsforacause.com and was selected as one of the 2012 and 2013 U.S. World Book Night Volunteer Book Givers.

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May Joy, Peace & Blessings fill your home as we kick off this

 NEW YEAR!