A New Beginning ...

I have not been good maintaining this blog as much as I have been visiting the social networks, so here is another attempt at keeping you informed and to encourage reading.  I have come to the sad realization that we are strategically moving away from brick and mortar buildings, ink and paper-filled books, along with many other tangible items we have treasured for centuries.  It was with great reserve (reluctance) that I accepted my electronic book reader as a birthday gift, and have since become mildly (with the ability to correct it) addicted.

So with that in mind, I am working towards blogging either on Wednesdays, or possibly Tuesdays, where I can add my Two Cents.  Tell me what you think about Two-Cents Tuesdays or Humping Wednesdays.  I'm somewhat open and excited to be going along this part of the journey with you.

I am also willing to do some discussions for those of you who haven't read or are in need of In a House that Love Built, The First Step.

Happy New Year!!!
JW

Hot and steamy ...

I had the pleasure of attending a webinar entitled "Talent on Target," that enlightened me in several ways.  We may oftentimes think we know more than the average person, and yet, we have so much more to learn.  The difference between good performers and great performers is that extra effort that is put in.  I would go so far to say the same goes for writers and the stories they tell.


Ultimately, you are responsible for your results in life.  What you put in is what you will get out.  You may attempt to find a number of excuses, but they don't substantiate complacency.  We all may have challenges that are universal, i.e., job loss, weight gain, loss of a loved one, and financial woes.  Likewise, we may have some that are unique, i.e., caring for a sick or disabled loved one, homelessness, fatal diagnoses, and the list could go on for miles.  Even in this, we can either accept the challenges and rise above them, or just accept that there is nothing more we can do, and give up.


It was shared that water is extremely hot at 211 degrees Farenheit, but at  212° F , when the water begins to boil and chemically become steam (a gas), spectacular things can occur!  I was encouraged to crank up the heat in my endeavors.  And for me, this would make things hot and steamy.


What are you willing to do, to reach your goals?  Being proactive is good, but must be considered gravely.  I heard it described as, "the art of being busy" (without a target in sight).  Yet, being productive is, "the ability to have a target and measure activities towards reaching the goal.  Life should be results-driven."


If you have come into this year with plans that have been  seemingly commandeered by choices you made in your past ...  or if you have begun to undertake projects that have no real purpose (other than busy-work), take a moment to step back and look at what you are doing.  That moment can mean so much.  In another light,  just think ...  If the driver who ran the red light in the turning lane simply took a moment before slamming into the driver, who seemingly had the right-of-way at the green light, many lives could have been spared the hurt and agony made by a rash and selfish decision.  


Willie Jolley said it best when he shared what Dr. Benjamin Mays had to say: "I have only just a minute, only sixty seconds in it. Forced upon me, can't refuse it. Didn't seek it, didn't choose it. I must suffer if I lose it. Give account if I abuse it.  Just a tiny little minute, but an eternity is in it.


So, what are you going to do?  I'm about to be hot and steamy (pun intended).
JW

What's in a resolution?

There are a number of definitions for resolution, but I prefer the one which states: the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose.

Firmness of purpose ... This trait of being resolute has nothing to do with spontaneity or empty promises. I remember creating/composing resolutions in my younger years. Whether written for class assignments or personal reflection, I resolved to do a number of things. I must admit ... not everything I wrote down on those pieces of paper were achieved. However, when I discovered that the resolution police didn't exist and I didn't have to complete things in the 365-day time frame, I accomplished much more (90-95% fulfilled). I had seriously considered a firmness of purpose.

If one's purpose has not been defined, then abuse or misuse is almost inevitable. Don't take my word for it. Check out these examples...

Do you recall seeing Disney's "The Little Mermaid" and Ariel discovered the "dinglehopper?" This thing which human beings had used for dining was described by a seagull as a tool for grooming her hair. Although its prongs possessed a similitude to the teeth of a metal comb and could serve as an asset to cosmetology, that is not what it had originally been designed for.

Would you prefer to eat on a sewing table or dine with your family surrounding your nightstand? Or what about sleeping in your bathtub and washing clothes in your queen-sized bed? What about running around town in your refrigerator or trying to store perishables in your heated car? Everything on this earth and in the atmosphere has a specific purpose.

Ecclesiastes 3 (Amplified)

¹TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:

²A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted,^A)">

³A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up,

⁴A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

⁵A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

⁶A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away,

⁷A time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak,

⁸A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.^C)">

⁹What profit remains for the worker from his toil?

¹⁰I have seen the painful labor and exertion and miserable business which God has given to the sons of men with which to exercise and busy themselves.

¹¹He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

My hope for this new year is that you seriously take a moment to evaluate where you have been, where you are trying to go and how you can positively achieve your purpose. And be firm in knowing that if everyone were doctors, then we'd have no nurses, earth scientists and teachers. If all were chefs, we'd have no animators, bus drivers, and hairstylists. Each and every one of us MUST tap into our purpose, so that we can become firm in our resolve to make positive contributions to our families, our communities, and most of all to future generations.

Where would the Internet be without the telephone which was preceded by the telegraph? Have a great and prosperous New Year!

“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: "To rise above little things.”
John Burroughs quotes (American Essayist and Naturalist, 1837-1921)

Kwanzaa

This is the first year that I have actually participated in Kwanzaa activities with my family. I have been finding it rewarding and am looking forward to doing more in the new year, should the Lord allow. I want to share what I have been sharing throughout the week, and I will finish it out as the days progress.

Please take a moment to check into the sites that I have shared. They will truly be beneficial for you or someone you may know.
Peace~

+The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) of Kwanzaa are:

• Umoja (oo-MOH-jah): Unity

  Success starts with Unity. Unity of family, community, nation and race.

• Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah): Self-Determination

  To be responsible for ourselves. To create your own destiny.

• Ujima (oo-JEE-mah): Collective work and responsibility

  To build and maintain your community together. To work together to help one

  I have actually already done some of this and wanted to pass on the savings tidbits as we celebrate Ujima.
  

  www.rentedspaces.com

  www.rentedspaces.com

  another within your community.

• Ujamaa (oo-jah-MAH): Collective economics

  To build, maintain, and support our own stores, establishments, and businesses.
  

  Support your local radio stations. Call your representatives and make a difference. It affects the economy as well as your listening pleasure.
  

  Reality Radio

  www.realityradioonline.com

  The battle has been drawn. Hughes is waging a war against targeted members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) that is worth noting.

• Nia (NEE-ah): Purpose

  To restore African American people to their traditional greatness. To be responsible to Those Who Came Before (our ancestors) and to Those Who Will Follow (our descendants).

  Return To Glory: Concept

  www.returntoglory.org

  Highlight significant accomplishments of African descendants since the dawn of civilization, expose racist distortions and cover-ups of those achievements, analyze examples of African American success stories, and offer a process for individual healing, hoping and cross-cultural understanding.

• Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah): Creativity

  Using creativity and imagination to make your communities better than what you inherited.

  www.jamesloveless.com

  http://www.jamesloveless.com/

  "... from the largest selection of black art prints, framed art and original portraits."

• Imani (ee-MAH-nee): Faith

Believing in our people, our families, our educators, our leaders, and the righteousness of the African American struggle.

Faith In The Black Community - African American Culture

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art2...

Difficult times are not far and between, but close and often. Most African Americans have always relied heavily upon their faith. Whatever they may choose to practice. It is what got us through, gave us strength and encouragement. ...

+ Nguzo Saba was adapted from - http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/principles.htm

Summer is about to end...

With the days quickly heading towards Autumn, I have been reflective. Challenged to write when I want to read, and to read when I want to rest. Keeping up with old friends and embracing the idea of entertaining new friends and associates is more than a notion.

I am striving to make a difference wherever I am. And I hope that the difference I make will be a stepping stone for anyone as they approach my vicinity. As we are all on the journey to different destinations or stations in life.

Read, write, and be well,
JW

After Three Years

After three years, I have finally taken a moment to get to stepping on the road to success. Thanks to Business Plan Boot Camp (18-Hour Strategic Business Plan Workshop) We are preparing for an outstanding year!

Keep your eyes open for upcoming events~

In the HEAT of Summer...

I moaned and groaned about being homeless. I didn't forget to tell you, as if you didn't really know, but I had been praying all the while. I repented for my complaining. I knew God would show up in a mighty way, and he did. But I didn't know he would show off!

Not only do I have my own place, but it is a place to call home. We are happy to announce that things are looking up, and that you can smile and laugh with me, because I believe I have a house ... That love built.

Peace~