Prosperity

When we hear the word, “prosperity” many people immediately think money. Don’t get me wrong some prosperity is financial, but God has the ability to prosper you in all areas of your life. You can prosper in your health. You can prosper in your mentality. You can prosper in your perspective. You can prosper in your relationships. You can prosper in your spirituality. My prayer for family and myself is that God would prosper us. I want success in my friendships. I want joy in my kids. I want peace in my life. I want rest when I’m weary. I want God to prosper me. I want to be the blessing he created me to be. I want to give of my time, my tenth, and my talent. I want to share my wealth. I want to exude purpose and promise.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Chemistry

Chemistry is often overrated. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying attraction isn’t important, but its not what makes a relationship last. I used to think that I needed that spark to connect with someone. Over time, I’ve learned to value common beliefs and mutual respect. I value partnership. I value someone who can encourage me when I’m down. I value someone who can grow together with me. Chemistry is definitely a factor, but its not a deciding one.

Outgrown

Kids outgrow shoes and clothes faster than you can buy them. People outgrow relationships. People outgrow circumstances. People outgrow things. It can be hard to navigate when you outgrow people you hold dear. It’s not like someone has hurt you or wronged you, but you are in a different place, a different mindset. If you remain, you will stunt your own growth. Unfortunately for those who have not matured, they might not see it that way, and that’s okay. You can always choose to love and support from afar. Don’t let people and relationships hinder you from where you know you belong. Accept that you’ve outgrown that relationship, but you still love the person. You are making a conscious decision to put you first.

Collective

A collective is a group of entities that share or are motivated by at least one common interest. People with like minds. Ants are a collective that work toward the mutual benefit of each other. There is a lot we can learn from ants; Their sense of teamwork, and their work ethic as well as their ability to plan ahead. Ants prepare for famine. They understand the "we" mentality. We must learn to form collectives with each other. We must find common ground. We must find what benefits our community as a whole. Forming collectives have the ability to help fortify our community both socially and economically.

Don't Settle

Don’t settle. It is just as simple as that. You did not come this far to settle. You did not wait this long to settle. You deserve the best. You are better than this. Don’t settle. Don’t get caught up in everyone else’s stuff. What is for you is for you. Wait for it! Trust me it’s worth it. Don’t give up. Don’t fret. It’s still yours. It’s coming. Just a lil’ while longer.

Blessed

Today is my mother's 70th birthday. Despite everything my mother has endured, she is here. Life is a gift that is meant to be celebrated daily. It's easy to get distracted by headlines and hashtags. It's easy to take life for granted. It's easy to forget the daily blessings God continues to provide.  If you woke up this morning, you're blessed. If you have clothes on your back and food to eat, you're blessed. If you have a roof over your head, you're blessed. If you have a job and money in your pocket, you're blessed. If you have a degree of health, you're blessed. Be blessed and know that today is a blessing. 

Community

What does your community look like? Who is on your list to call when things go wrong? Who is on the invite list when it’s time to celebrate? Your community is everything. They are the people who you choose to share your life with no matter what. They are the shoulders you cry on and your cheerleaders in the stand. Make sure that your community is filled with truth tellers and wisdom seekers. Your community should be filled with people who can shine a light on your places of darkness and speak to where you are going. Your community should be filled with people who know the real you and love you anyway. Your community should be filled people who know where you are have insight into where you are going. I’ll ask again, what does your community look like?