Inspirations: The Way You Make Me Feel, MJ!

Image courtesy of DrAjao

(Inspired to Praise)

The first time I heard my sons' cries, my response was exactly the same.
I mean, imagine that moment when a person doesn't exist and then the next moment they do, and they proclaim their arrival with a strong, wailing greeting.

Praise exploded from my heart at that moment!
Unrestrained and unrestricted praise.
I couldn't have cared less about the OBs, Nurses, Anesthesiology, Techs and others present
I actually couldn't help myself and I couldn't contain it.
Both were amazing moments.

From their first cries till now, my MJ still compels me to praise. I'm sure you know what I mean.

When we look them over...you know, tilt our heads to the side and look real close at their features...
How likened they are to us and/or our spouses?
Fearful at times at the resemblance?
I look at how wondrously they are made and again I am compelled to praise.
"My God! You are wonderful!"

What about how they surprise us at the intricate details and knowledge
That they soak up moment by moment, without our intervention?
We think 'How could someone so small be so smart?' 
When they say witty things, we wonder how this whole person could have come out from us!:
"I am actually a parent! Who would have thought? Thank You, Jesus!"

And when we look at how they are literally maturing before our eyes,
Becoming more handsome and more beautiful, and think 
'What a perfect blend of genes! LORD, You are amazing!

GOD is worthy of all this praise, for HE designed them specially to bring us joy in life.

So my dear children, my MJ, thank you for inspiring me to praise. 

For inspiring me to praise through my example to you. 

Praise through my love and service to you as your mom; 

Through discipline, as I envision the astute men you will one day be. 

Inspired to draw closer to the Lord so that I can teach you the things of God; 

The pleasures of knowing HIM in your youth, 

In being so near and dear to Him that he orchestrates your plans, 

Giving you opportunities that I didn't have

Praise through my work because all that I am today 

Is because you inspired me to do better,

You are the reason my life has changed today, 

Because you inspired me to get off my butt and get out the door to make something happen!

That's how you make me feel, my MJ,

'Cause as another MJ (2009-2013) said:

Oh I'll Be Workin' From Nine To Five

To Buy You Things To Keep you by my side

Enjoy this track with me as a tribute to the MJ we celebrate today.

I remember where I was this day in 2009, MM still in utero and Jojo only a dream

I'm grateful to have them both as a source of joy today.

I love you, My MJ.

06/25/13

Inspirations: Z is for Zaner SA

Image by DrAjao

(The SUPERS have resurfaced!)

You guys, this May marked A DECADE since I graduated from College! And although I have been in the field for almost 10 years, I was inspired by an exceptional young lady, the Student Keynote Speaker at The University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) 2013 Commencement activities for The School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.

Her name is Ms. Stefanie Anne Zaner, but pretty soon, the scientific world will know her well as Zaner SA. Well, actually, Ms. Zaner was first know as The Iron Kid of Darnestown who completed 13 years of elementary, middle and high school without a single absence.

Ms. Zaner became just as impressive in College, as she didn't just BS to get a BS! Having received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences: Physiology and Neurobiology this May, Ms. Zaner earned a University Honors Citation and has been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and the Primannum Honor Societies. She was the type of student who "camped outside her professors' offices," using all the resources available to her as a student who invested in her own education.

You would think she would forsake all else and face the studies as a "responsible scholar". Rather, she believed in the power and opportunity found in student involvement. She was President of the Charles R. Drew Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Society; Head Recruitment Ambassador for the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, and played the clarinet as a member of the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band and the Pep Band for all 4 years.

Student activity is great; but so is that moo-lah. Ms Zaner was a Teaching Assistant for Biometrics and Mammalian Physiology. She has been a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Child Health and Development. Finding opportunities to apply her book knowledge, she was also a Radiology Assistant at Washington Hospital Center.

Now she is going to complete a Post-Bac Research Training program, then off to Med School! She is impressive indeed! Ms. Zaner is living proof that busy girls get it done--and that they do it big!

So to all my Super Women out there excelling in life;

Skillfully managing spirituality, academia, career, family, service and self;

I salute you!

Zaner SA, I hope to hear more about you through your activities in science, research and medicine; and definitely in the media! You've truly inspired me that it is possible to do it all, and do it well. Congratulations!

Enjoy Zaner SA’s Witty Keynote Address on

The ABCs According to the UMCP Class of 2013

Based on evidence-based research: real student survey responses.

Genius!

Proverbs 31: Was there really a virtuous man?

Any time we refer to Proverbs 31:10-31, we assume that the woman described had a great husband by her side. But what if he really wasn't so virtuous?

Of course he could have been Mr. Money Bags, providing at will.

But what if he wasn't a provider in his home?...

And yet, she worked willingly with her hands and provided (vs. 13-15)

And, you know, he may have been an ample leader spiritually, financially and in every way.

But what if he wasn't a leader in her home...

Even then, she made wise decisions, invested and made a profit (vs 16)

He could have been rather strong with his toned abs, rippling muscles and ever-willingness to help.

But what if he simply appeared to be lazy...

Still she girded up her loins with strength and strengthened her arms. (vs 17)

On the same note, he could have been a hard worker all the time.

But what if it seemed like he slept all day, and played all night?...

Yet she worked hard all day AND her candle stayed lit by night (vs 18-19)

He could have lavished her with all that she could ever want.

But what if he didn't buy her expensive clothes and pay for the latest fashions?

Well, she laid her hands to the spindle and made her own clothes, lavishing herself with luxury (vs 21- 22)

He could have been an expert in tuning in to her feelings; being attentive to her longings

But then again, he could have never been there to hearken to her needs.

What if he never talked to her or made her feel loved?

What if he were a mean man, even abusive to some extent?

Yet still, instead of using biting and hurtful words, she opened her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue was the law of kindness. (vs 26)

He could have been the Ever-Present Man.

But he also could have been emotionally and physically absent from his family...

Yet she looked well to the ways of her household. (vs 27)

And even if he spent his waking moments doing aimless things,

She did not eat the bread of idleness (vs 27)

What if there were no virtuous man? Then the woman described in this passage was virtuous indeed! Despite the circumstances, she played her role excellently and her children and husband called her blessed and praised her. If this truly were the case, then her description as being clothed with strength and honor has greater meaning (vs 25)!

She is described as a woman who fears the Lord. Could it be that since she embarked upon her role so excellently that it was indicative of a true fear of God?

What if there were no virtuous man? Then wouldn't it be amazing to have so graciously have handled her circumstances and endured to reap the rewards at the end.

Even if her husband wasn't really that virtuous man, you won't ever know. She probably didn't complain to a bunch of her girlfriends or embarrass him in public. Rather, her husband was revered and honored; he was known in the gates because of her stellar reputation (vs 23). That's why we really don't know if there were actually a virtuous man!

So was there a virtuous man?

We will never know.

Lyrics by tia 2012
Original image courtesy of Tunji Sarumi

Beautiful You Are

This little piece is dedicated to all those lovely ladies that I've encountered through my ventures as a beauty consultant and now as a makeup artist. Thank you for the privilege of revealing your true beauty...

Beautiful You Are

True beauty lines within,

Revealed in places you’ve never been.

Shining forth for all to see,

Beautiful you are to me.

A form of proof, a tell-tale sign,

Is love and peace and joy divine.

So let your beauty shine through,

By just being you.

-Lyrics by tia 2011

The Proverbs 31 Diva

The virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 is like everything I've ever wanted to be! This piece was inspired when I was on maternity leave with my son. At the time, I would dream about the possibilities of being just like her through the opportunities presented to me as an entrepreneur. So here's what I think is an example of a virtuous woman in modern day times. I like to revisit it to remind myself of the goal.

THE PROVERBS 31 DIVA

Where are my Proverbs 31 Divas at? Her type is hard to find.
She is worth more than a brilliant multi-stoned diamond and emerald platinum ring.

Her husband is satisfied; he ain’t looking anywhere else.

She is a tremendous blessing to him. He doesn’t know what he’d do without her. She treats him like a king.

She shops for the best fabrics from the top retailers and gives them to her favorite designers to create her exquisite style. She ain’t lazy. She spends dollar time doing dollar work ever so willingly.

She travels far for business and brings back valuable lessons that impact her finances.

She gets up at 5:00am, makes sure there’s food for the family and organizes her day. Ya’ll, she’s got a maid and a personal assistant! She delegates to them and pays them well. She’s got her 6 most important things to do each day.
.
She knows a great investment when she sees it. She invests her money in worthy causes like her Mary Kay. With the money she earns she reinvests 60% and expects great increase.

She musters up courage to face her obstacles. She rolls up her sleeves and dives right in with no fear. She is productive and disciplined.

She knows her merchandise is top of the line. With confidence she works hard to make things happen. She’s up late workin’ it.

Her hands are busy with her money producing activities. She also enjoys reading books to develop herself, listening to motivational messages, and encouraging herself in the Lord. She contributes substantially to the finances of her family.

She pays attention to people who are in need. She doesn’t ignore them; she gives out of love and gratitude.

She ain’t afraid when it gets cold; in fact, her man and her kids are properly GQed and Divafied all year round!

Whether it’s Gucci or Worthington, she is original and on point and looks good all the time.

Yeah, you know her husband. He’s that sexy, supportive man that always has her back. He’s free to do whatever he wants and does good, making things happen. He takes his place among the leaders of the land.

She presents her merchandise with class and charisma. She sells big and delivers over and beyond with excellent customer service.

She’s that strong, dignified, tenacious-inspirational-active woman. She knows her future is great

She is wise. She is kind. She is so divine. She loves to motivate other women to be the same.

After God comes her family. She pays attention at home. She invests her time in productive things

Her children love and respect her. They are grateful for her influence and example
Her husband can’t stop applauding her

He says “Girl, there are good women and then there’s you. You are truly a step above the rest!”

Some people are liked because of their swagga, some because they’re just plain gorgeous but to have those plus the fear of God? Now that’s something!

Let her see the results of all of her hard work. Let her bask in the increase of her investments.

Amen.

Lyrics by tia
01/26/10

100% Pure-Archives

Yes, purity and holiness is still the standard.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

100% Pure

No lying no cheating
No glory it’s fleeting
No styling in front of men
Look modest in front of them
No raunchy or lurid talk
Calm down with that sexy walk
Look only to please the Lord
Let go of this filthy world
Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes
Pride of your life— boastings disgusted
Lean upon man no more My dear
Reclaim holiness loud and clear
Find joy in only serving Me
I gave you life abundantly
Don’t let the world put you in snares
Caught up in all those earthly cares
Choke up the Word I placed in you
Make you loose faith that I am true
In the end only the Word
Will stand above all that you’ve heard
Take heed to it each verse is true
Let it complete My work in you
To holiness I call you to
And righteousness is what keeps you
Purity is your end result
Hide these My words inside your heart
The end is near—they run in fear
Soon the world won’t even be there
To see you glorified by God
Dressed all in white and two feet shod
With angel wings to take you high
Above the rest, high in the sky

April 3, 2003 10:28am