Transformation Thursday: 10 things I love about Spring!

I love the Spring! Flowers blooming, birds chirping, fresh smell of cut grass, fire flies light the dark sky, Spring is here!  Here are ten things in no particular order that I love about Spring.

1. Fresh fruits and veggies! I love all the seasonal fruits of the Spring/Summer.  Strawberries, Watermelon, and Plums oh my :)

2. Concerts! I am going to see Jill Scott and Maxwell on June 9, 2010 at the Toyota Center in Houston.  Need I say more? lol

3. Festivals!

iFest - The Houston International Festival

It's all about celebrating diversity and learning about different cultures. It's all about making our children, the future generation, global citizens. This year's focus is The Carribbean! I'm excited to go this weekend :)

4. Spring Cleaning! Time to give/throw away things I haven't worn in a year and purge those gadgets/electronics that are collecting dust.  I am not trying to be on Hoarder! lol

5. Shopping! I love to shop and get those bargins on winter clothes that are marked down 50% and higher.  Although its not tax free, shopping in the Spring is fun, I like to think I am putting my spring cleaning hard work to use by making room for new things :)

6. Outdoor activities! "I get paid for laying in the shade. To take pictures with a glass of lemonade" Lil Kim Well I ain't no Lil Kim, but would love to sip lemonade and get paid..ok! I love just chillin in the shade by the pool, running miles as the sunsets, and going hiking, canoing, or biking. 

7. Movies! There are many romantic comdies that are premiering this Spring.  Including my top two Just Wright premiers May 14, 2010 starring Queen Latifah and Common, and Sex and the City 2 premiers May 28, 2010 sequel to the SATC starring Sarah Jessica Parker and SATC cast.  I even have started a countdown on my blog for SATC2.  Yes, its that serious!  Both perfect date night movies with that somone special :)

8. Travel! I absolutely love to travel, and plan to see all the wonders this world has to offer, God willing, if money was not an object I wouldn't be sitting here typing this!  I plan to continue to my jet setting adventures continental, with trips planned to Virginia, DC, Maryland, New Jersery, New York City, Austin, Dallas, San Antoino, and even Mexico. 

9. RollerCoasters! With Spring here that means amusement parks will being to open.  I absolutely love roller coasters (Disclaimer: I used to work at Paramount's Kings Dominion in college during the summer and rode them all day everyday) and would love to travel and ride all the best coasters of the world.  I've been to Six Flags over Dallas, next up is Six Flags over San Antonio.

10. Dating! EMF Under Construction has come to a close, and I have some potential suitors in the line up.  One in particular has my attention and I am excited to see what God has in store for me as I embark upon dating with purpose!

What do you love about Spring?

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: He never sleeps

He Never Sleeps

He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. —Psalm 121:3

Giraffes have the shortest sleep cycle of any mammal. They sleep only between 10 minutes and 2 hours in a 24-hour period and average just 1.9 hours of sleep per day. Seemingly always awake, the giraffe has nothing much in common with most humans in that regard. If we had so little sleep, it would probably mean we had some form of insomnia. But for giraffes, it’s not a sleep disorder that keeps them awake. It’s just the way God has made them.

If you think 1.9 hours a day is not much sleep, consider this fact about the Creator of our tall animal friends: Our heavenly Father never sleeps.

Describing God’s continual concern for us, the psalmist declares, “He who keeps you will not slumber” (Ps. 121:3). In the context of this psalm, the writer makes it clear that God’s sleepless vigilance is for our good. Verse 5 says, “The Lord is your keeper.” God keeps us, protects us, and cares for us—with no need for refreshing. Our Protector is constantly seeking our good. As one song puts it: “He never sleeps, He never slumbers. He watches me both night and day.”

Are you facing difficulties? Turn to the One who never sleeps. Each second of each day, let Him “preserve your going out and your coming in” (v.8). —Bill Crowder
 
Keep the Faith!
 
Until next time,
~E

Mixing Monday: Week 10 Loc Updates

The end of week 10 of my locs went well. I was able to finally get them interlocked or latched which is a locking technique to intertwine your new growth with your locs.  I'm hoping my hair starts to look and bud faster now that they have been interlocked.

Here are some pics from this past weekend.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Bust that Flow Friday: Do you know what today is? 2 year Nappiversary!

In honor National Poetry Month and my 2 year Nappiversary I decided to write a poem, titled Hairstory.  Yes on April 9, 2008 I said no to the rest of my relaxed ends and cut them off, embraced the real, true beauty within me and rocked my fro.  On January 30, 2010 I began my loc journey and I am 10 weeks into becoming a loc'd beauty.  I will never turn back.

Picure of me at about 6 months natural

Pic of me at 23 months natural 1 month loc'd

Hairstory

by EMF

My hair

Your hair

Our hair

Its our crown and glory

Sit back take a seat let me tell you a story

God made us in the likeness of his image

Think about it.

He never wanted us to alter false advertise or dispise our lineage

Madam CJ Walker is known for the wrong things

You may think she created the straightening comb or relaxing cream

Wrong

She is best known for growing and maintaining our tresses

To me she truly was God send and a blessing

She taught our ancestors how to care for hair

So that we would appear more European and not have people stare

Why are we so concerned about relaxing weaving and pleasing

Real beauty begins within

Next time you see a sister rocking a fro or loving her locs

Respect the decision she has made

To be who God has called her to be

knowing that natural beauty is free

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: Lessons of Love

Its Spring March Madness is over...time for me to begin recruiting my new 5 star player line up (LOL I'm joking kinda).  I pondered on some lessons of love that I have learned so far in my twenty something years of existence.  I've only been in two "real" relationships, meaning that we seriously dated for more than 2 years, of course one was my high school sweetheart, and the other a younger chesire cat.  Both were meaningful relationships that I learned so much about myself and love (or what I thought love was).  I've also had significant dating experiences which have molded my thoughts on love and what I look for in a partner.  Love is a good feeling to have, endless thoughts, deep rooted feelings, stomach turning, mind blowing, but it is also an action word, and we must remember one of my favorite Oprah quotes "Love never hurts."

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

God should be first!  1 Corinthians 13:4-7 verse as many other verses in the Bible display Christ's love for us and the love we should have for each other here on earth.  I love these verses because they make it so plain and clear as to what kind of love you should look for in a mate, that God should be first in your realtionships.  This was really hard for me in my past relationships because I still was living in sin i.e. having sex in those realtionships. Christ defintely was not the center of my relationship, other things were, like sex. Nothing wrong with sex.  Sex is a beautiful thing that was created by God for married folk.  I eventually learned that being unequally yoked (or being in a relationship with someone who isn't a Christain) will not only lead to road blocks, but you may end up crashing.  Having the same beliefts, values, morals, will not only lead you down the road of holy matrimony, the journey and future is more bright with God leading the way in your relationship.  I.E. no adultry, fornication, and DIVORCE!!!  (I'm not saying that Christain people don't get divorces, it won't be as prone, if you are constantly seeking God, having a pastor to help you counsel, and supporting church marrige ministry to help through your problems.)

Communication is key!
Communication is the back bone of relationships.  Men are simple and women tend to take the things men say too deeply when its really simple. LOL  Both of my last two "real" relationships were long distance so constant communication is the glue that kept the mold together.  I remember many of times when things were blown out of porportion because neither body explained how they truly felt about the situation.  All of that drama could have been avoided if we both were honest with ourselves and what we wanted.  But remember text messaging doesn't always this count as communication. 
SO: "Hey whats up"
EMF: "Hey nothing much how are you"
SO: "I'm doing good urself?"
EMF: "I'm doing well..How has your day been?"
SO: "Good"
Pick up the phone sometimes, we like to hear your voice!
Learn to compromise!
Just as communication is key so is compromising. 
SO: "EMF what do you think about going to see Damon Wayans this weekend?"
EMF: "I actually wanted to go see Mike Epps this weekend."
SO: "I already purchased the tickets for Damon"
EMF: "How did you know I wanted to see Damon?"
SO: "I know you have already seen Mike Epps perform so I thought Damon would be something new"
EMF: "Thanks for thinking of me in your purchase yes I don't mind going to see Damon"

You get my drift it doesn't always go like that, but you have to learn how to be open and compromise or come to a common understanding even if its over something simple like a comedy show.

Never apologize for your feelings. If you are not happy then you shouldn't be in a realtionship!  So simple but its hard when other people's feelings are in your hands.  You don't want to lead someone on then break their heart, and of course you don't want vice versa to happen.  But, you should never apologize for the way you feel, even if you fall out of like, love should keep the realtionship going.

What are some lessons of love that you have learned so far in your realtionships?  Please add to these.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: You bess not touch...my hair

Sometimes you gotta go Foxy Brown (Pam Grier), Catwoman (Haley Berry), or just straight up ghetto black girl (EMF) when someone proceeds to place their hands in your hair.  Don't ask to touch my hair and further more don't place your hand near my hair.  Please and Thank You!!! LOL

I am in Toronto, ON for the National Society of Black Engineers 36th National Convention first International Conference.  So, excited to see some of my old NSBE family and my best friends from around the country.  NSBE is truly a big family and I love and vowed never to miss a conference.  Next time I go I plan to be a lifetime member :0)

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

"That's why you're single"

'

"That's why you're single" is what I've heard now three times sitting in at lunch with co workers conversing about why my 40 year old white male colleague is still single never married.  The first time I heard this was when he made an off the wall comment about women not needing to work.  The second time was when we were discussing women and babies after he had gotten up from lunch and walked out of the room, a female coworker said "That's why HE is single." The third time was today when we were discussing women and retirement. He stating that women shouldn't worry about retirement because they choose to work and really don't have too.  Huh? Is that why he is single? Because his viewpoints are different and he isn't participating in the "GROUPTHINK" matra Erykah Badu was relating to in her new video "Window Seat"? 

I sat there puzzled.  That they not only once but three times on three totally different occassions called him out for his singleness.  Its his choice to be single.  I'm sure in his 40 years of existence he has come close to marriage.  He just hasn't married.  Haven't found that parter to spend the rest of his life with.  Haven't walked down the aisle, jumped the broom (sorry I couldn't help myself lol), or sanitfied the union before God.  Maybe its him and his off the wall comments? Maybe its his views on women? Maybe he enjoys his singleness?  Maybe this maybe that only God knows.

But, then it had me thinking.  Pondering. Wondering what they thought of me and why I am single?  Would they call me out? Or is it a different perspective because they are older and people at 40 should be married?  Or is there societal differences in how white people view marriage rather than black people?  Why did they call him out on his singleness as if it is a disease to be white and single?   Have we been brainwashed to think that marriage is the end all be all? Why do we feel like we have accomplished a goal in life and checked off the box off the list when we get married?  Why do married people look down upon singles?  Why do singles envy married folk? 

My point wasn't to take up for my coworker, but just to address the fact that we have been brainwashed to think that being single isn't being whole.  Being single is a disease.  Being single means being lonely.  All the while marriage is the ultimate goal in life.  No, it is not and shouldn't be.  You should be happy in your skin as a single person and if someone comes along the way, so be it, but live your life as you only have one to live.  You should be accomplishing all the goals, dreams, and when you do get married accomplishing more goals, dreams together.  You should stand up for yourself in situations like that and not be bullied into thinking that marriage is the end all.  Its not!  This is why our divorce rate in America is increasing everyday.  You have to be happy in your skin before you can make someone else happy in theirs. 

My mind is in constant motion if you can't move with me, move to the side....and "That's why I'm single" LOL

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Black Enterpise Entrepreneurs Conference

Mark your calendars!

The buzz among black entrepreneurs around the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference coming to Atlanta this year has been steady almost since the 2009 edition of the conference ended in Detroit last year. So while it wasn't exactly news, it's now official: at a press conference held in Atlanta today, led by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and Black Enterprise CEO Earl "Butch" Graves Jr., the southern metropolis was officially named the host city of the 2010 Entrepreneurs Conference, the nation's largest gathering of African American business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. This year's event, now in its 15th year, will be held May 16-19 at the Atlanta Marriott Hotel.


As the nation's premier national conference for black business owners, the Entrepreneurs Conference annually attracts more than 1,500 of the nation's most influential business owners and decision makers, as well as the leading multinational corporations for which they serve as clients, suppliers, vendors and partners—led this year by conference host ExxonMobil.

"This year marks Black Enterprise's 40th anniversary, but it also marks the 15th anniversary of our Entrepreneurs Conference," said Graves this morning's press conference, held at Atlanta City Hall. "I can't think of a more appropriate place to celebrate that milestone than in Atlanta, Georgia. We are promising a spectacular event that will bring together talent, innovation and a vigorous spirit of entrepreneurship from across the country to begin the work of drafting a new chapter of African American entrepreneurship and financial empowerment."

"Since its inception, Black Enterprise Magazine has been a constant and invaluable source—better yet, a path to wealth creation in the African-American community," said Mayor Reed. "The information they have provided has enabled its readers to learn valuable lessons on financial literacy they may not have had access to otherwise. For we all know that knowledge is power—economic power—and this is exactly what Black Enterprise has offered over the decades."

"As the newly elected Mayor, I am looking forward to having this dynamic power conference come in May," Mayor Reed added. "It is a great fit for our city. In fact, the timing could not be better as our community focuses intently on empowering business in order stimulate new economic development and job creation."

Black Enterprise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Derek T. Dingle also delivered remarks at this morning's press conference. "Atlanta is fertile soil for small business, the backbone of African American entrepreneurship and—potentially—the saviour of our nation's economic recovery," said Dingle. "The most recent U.S. Census Bureau's Survey of Small Business Owners reports 62 percent growth in black-owned businesses in Atlanta. On the other end of the spectrum, Black Enterprise's 2009 listing of the most successful African-American-owned firms in the nation—the BE 100s—featured 14 Atlanta-based firms."

Among the features highlighted at this morning's press conference were a special $295 extended registration rate for Atlanta residents; the Teenpreneur Conference, a concurrent event teaching entrepreneurial principles to teens and pre-teens; BE Next panel and activities targeting business leaders ages 35 and under; and The Elevator Pitch Competition, which invites entrepreneurs to battle for cash and other resources for their business by giving their best business pitch before a panel of judges. Confirmed conference speakers include Motivational Speaker and Life Coach Lisa Nichols, FUBU Founder and CEO Daymond Johns, The CashFlow Founder Magnus Greaves, New Birth Ministries Bishop Eddie L. Long, Young, Black & Fabulous LLC Founder Natasha Eubanks and U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency National Director David Hinson.

Click here for more about the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference.

Click here for more about The Elevator Pitch Competition.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Mixing Monday: Loc Updates

I've been locd now for two months whohoooo. These are pics of my hair from this past weekend.
Enjoy!
Keep the Faith!
Until next time,
~E
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Bust that Flow Fridays: He'll take the pain away

He took the pain away from my Aunt Yvonne and he will do the same for you!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: Life is short!

Life is short to wake up with Health, Love they people who treat you right, Forget the ones who don't, Believe that EVERYTHING happens for a reason! 

Everyday I wake up and I thank God for giving me another chance to improve myself, praise him for all he has done and will do, and love on my family and friends.  Life is short!  On Tuesday my aunt Yvonne, my dad's eldest sister, he has 4 sisters total, went on to be with the Lord.  She had small cell lung cancer and told no one how serious it was, had a do not recesitate order, and was only 62.  Life is short! She leaves behind her only daughter, my cousin, Dovonte (DV), who not only has lost her father to cancer 5 years ago, but now she has lost a mother.  I can't even comprehend how she feels, having lost a father myself I can relate, but having lost both parents and not even being 30 yet, is unimaginable.  My mother told me the other day as my aunt's cancer took over her body that when my sister and I were younger she used to be extra cautious of what she ate, how she drove, and her surroundings for the fear of dying and leaving us without a mother and father.  Now, I look at my cousin DV and wonder if her mother my aunt Yvonne felt the same way.  Why didn't she let the family know how serious her cancer was and have a do not recesitate order put on her?  Did she not want us to see her suffer?  Did DV know how serious her mother's cancer was?  All I do know is that I serve a God who does things with PURPOSE.  Life is short! I know that God never put more on you than you can handle and I do know that my aunt Yvonne is in a better place and is no longer in pain. Life is short!  The sad part about it is that the last time I was home in December for Christmas I was suppose to go spend time with my aunt Yvonne, and never made it to see her.  I do remember seeing her for Thanksgiving and she was in good spirits, kissed me, had a smile on her face, and still called me "daddy's girl" as she was a "daddy's girl" like myself. 

Aunt Yvonne, I apologize for not visiting you over Christmas, but I am happy you are suffering no more. Please hug our heavenly father for me, kiss my daddy and tell him that I love him and miss both of you dearly.  I know that you like him will be my guardian angel watching and guiding me here in Texas.  I love you and so happy he took the pain away.

This is a poem my cousin F. Yvette Sanders wrote for my Aunt Yvonne.

Aunt Yvonne (Vonney)
You were a breath of fresh air
You offered so many care
You will be missed
Your bow legged walk
The joyful way you talked
That will be missed

Your name showing up on my caller ID
The way things used to be
Will be missed
The love that you showed
That everybody knows
Will be missed
Your desire to do for others
Showing concern like a mother
Will truly be missed

The gifts you made us from the heart
That couldnt be bought
Will be missed

I am at peace with GOD's decision
You're not in any more pain and I'm sure HE cleared up your vision
Even though you will be missed
I offer you now, this final kiss

Please pray for my family and for my safe travels as I journey back home for the weekend to celebrate my Aunt Yvonne's life.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Entrepreneurship Wednesday: Let's Talk Money

Written by LaToya M. Smith on November 16, 2009



The Homebuyers Toolkit: Let’s Talk Money

There may be grants to help you buy your home—if you know where to look

IDAs are set up through nonprofit agencies. The government provides these agencies with grant money each year and the agency fundraises for additional monies. To apply and find out more information about IDAs contact your local office by using CFED's directory. The program limits the number of applicants it can enroll each year. Call and ask if they are currently accepting account holders. Unlike HSBC’s program, there is no grant at the end but depending on the IDA you apply for, you can get as much as $4 matched for every $1 you save.

These funds can be used in combination with other programs and funding sources, like the first time homebuyer tax credit, which has recently been extended. Under the new legislation, an eligible taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2010, and close on the home by June 30, 2010. Taxpayers can claim the credit by filling out a 5405 form on either their 2009 or 2010 return.

The tax credit is a great reward for buying a home, but you can also get repaid for being energy conscious. Hecht explained that new and existing homeowners can file for the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit by filling out Form 5695 . This tax credit is for making energy efficient improvements to homes, such as adding insulation materials, energy-efficient exterior windows, high efficiency heat pumps, and air conditioning systems.

There is also a second tax credit designed to spur investment in alternative energy equipment. The Residential Efficiency Property Credit applies to improvements such as solar electric systems, solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, wind turbines, and fuel cell property. Generally, labor costs are included when calculating this credit. Check the manufacturer’s tax credit certification statement to make sure it qualifies before purchasing or installing any of these improvements. These services must be installed after December 31, 2008 and before January 1, 2011. You must claim the credit on the tax return of the year that the improvements are made. You can also use Form 5695 to receive these credits.

You should plan to spend a few hours each day researching how many grants and tax incentives you qualify for. As you can see, there is plenty out there. Your hard research will pay off in the end.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursday: Who Are You?

Who Are You?


Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. —Matthew 4:19

If someone were to ask, “Who are you?” my guess is that you would tell a little about yourself and what you do—“I’m an electrician” or “I’m a nurse.” But that’s not really who you are—it’s what you do. Which leads to the question, If what you do is who you are, who will you be when you stop doing what you’re doing?!

Who you are is found in your relationship to Jesus. And this sense of identity will drive your behavior. Take Matthew, for example. As a tax collector during the reign of the Roman Empire, his life was driven by greed. But everything changed the day Jesus showed up and invited Matthew to follow Him (Matt. 9:9). Suddenly Matthew had a whole new identity as a follower of Christ! And he wasn’t the only one. We also read about four fishermen in Matthew 4:18-25, Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who left their nets to follow Him.

Jesus is a compelling Person, and He is still looking for followers. He wants to make something of your life by giving you the identity of a follower of Jesus. It doesn’t mean giving up your career, but it does mean that you will do your work—and all of life—according to His will and ways.

So next time someone asks, “Who are you?” I hope you’ll answer, “I’m a follower of Jesus”! —Joe Stowell
 
Keep the Faith!
 
Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursdays: I choose me

.Sometimes it’s hard to move ya see?

When you growing publicly
But if I have to choose between
I choose me


Had two babies different dudes
And for them both my love was true
This is my last interview
Hey, that’s me


…I used to pray to God above
But now I’m filled with so much love
But even if the world can’t see
It’s still me

Me -Erykah Badu

They say people come into your life for a reason, season, and lifetime, the other day I realized that Spring is here and Game Over.  But I'm okay.  I received a text message the other day from this guy I was dating before I moved to Texas, lets call him Game Over, that said "I want to say that I miss you as my friend and I would love to have that back" 

Pause.
August 2008
Game Over and I dated, were serious, and kicked it before I moved down south.  For the majority of our courtship were in that in between zone, you know the one with no titles attached to it, but still exclusive.  At one point we had titles, until he acted like he didn't care, then those titles were quickly diminished.  That is when things started going south.  I knew I was moving to the Lone Star state after a few months of dating so we kept "kicking it" until I moved.  Basically he didn't know what he wanted, and wasn't honest with himself.  All along I knew that we would still be friends, and all I wanted was an apology that I recieved via text message. I forgave him, moved on, and choose to work on me.

Fast Forward.
August/September 2009
Game Over called me to tell me about a funny situation that happened to him involving my mentor from school.  To make a long funny story short.  My male mentor at school knew of Game Over through me, but never really met him.  Game Over met my male mentor by chance at a program my male mentor was facilitating about going to college for the summer camp Game Over was working.  My male mentor knew about our situation and I had recently told him I knew Game Over was dating someone we both knew very well.  Game Over proceeded to tell me of his interaction with my male mentor and made mention of this girl we both knew.  My male mentor laid into Game Over and told him about himself.  Game Over finally came out very reluctantly saying that he was dating aforementioned girl and that they were very happy.  After that phone call out of respect of him and his new relationship I fell back. I cut him off. I still considered him a friend, just from a distance.  Something I should have done a long time before, but this time there was no turning back.

Fast Foward.
December/January/February 2010
Game Over kept texting, emailing, tweeting, skyping me.  He was being nosey. I didn't respond.  I fell back.  He was cut.  The games were over. (Of course there is so much more to this story, but I know Game Over and he will read this blog)  I began recruiting my new 5 star line up. lol

Play.
March 2010
I responded back via text message saying that "I still consider you as a friend and to check your email no response needed."  In my email I honestly expressed myself about how I was treated and shouldn't even consider Game Over as a friend let alone an associate.  God only gives second chances, but I value building bridges not tearing them down and forgave him a long time ago. I wished Game Over well with his relationship and went on about my day.  He then responded to said email and said that he had been feeling the coldness from me, but it was to be expected.  Game Over said one thing that stood out to me

"...I would agree that you deserve to be treated better than the way I did and be truthful, I was not ready for the caliber of woman that you are at the time when we were dating" DING! Okay, now this is my rant. I realize that sometimes it takes people to get in another relationship before they realize what they had before was really what they wanted.  I understand. I get it.  However, what I don't understand is why aren't you honest with yourself from jump.  If you didn't know what caliber of woman you wanted maybe you should have taken more time out being single to figure that out.  If you weren't ready to be in a relationship then why be in one, just be single live your life.  If you wanted a friends with benefits situation just be honest about it and hopefully both parties will agree.  If you knew I was too much to handle and I was one of those Next Lifetime (cue Erykah Badu) married type/women then fine...I'll see you next lifetime.  I'm sure Game Over now realizes the grass isn't always greener on the other side.  Karma goes around and comes back around.  The moral of the story is to be honest with yourself and what you want from the beginning.  I won't go into the details of why this text message/email exchange was so random and out of the blue, but I do know that the Game is Over.

"Sometimes its hard to move you see. When your growing publicly. If I had to choose between. I choose me." ~Erykah Badu

I choose me!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Happy 101 Blog Award

Thank you to my girl D over at The D Life for this Blog Award.  Truly shows that blogging is a e-family :)

How does it work you ask? Once you get the award you have to do a three things:
1. Thank the person that awarded you this in the new post.

2. Name 10 things that make you happy.

3. Pass the award on to 10 other bloggers and inform the winners*.
*AMENDMENT It’s time consuming to put together a list of 10 bloggers and inform them and all that. I’ll say to the folks I am giving this award to that if you can’t do 10 blogs, do five and say something nice to or do something nice for five strangers this week. Let’s spread the cheer online and in real life, folks!

Ten Things that make EMF happy!

1. God (no really he is my everything)
2. Spending quality time with family and friends
3. Shopping (I kinda have an addiction shoes, bags, and dresses Oh My!)
4. Traveling to all of the most fabulous parts of the world
5. Reading (quite time by myself)
6. Strawberry Banana Renedezous from Cold Stone Creamery
7. A Different World/The Cosby Show/Living Single/90210
8. Music specifically R&B/Soul Music
9. Social networking (blogging/twitter/facebook) being nosey
10. Anything Chocolate (and I mean anything :)
And The Award Goes To…


1. NJ at the Complexities of NJ
2. Monique at The SoFull Sista
3. Mae at Natural Chica
4. KeetaRay at KeetaRay
5. A.Smith at Diamond Dust

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Lets talk about Sex (cue Salt and Pepa)

Lets talk about...Sex!  The forbidden topic of discussion in the church.  Mainly, in the church I grew up in.  All I ever heard and kept hearing throughout my adolesence was "Don't have sex before marriage", "you should never have sex", "Sex is bad", "Never fornicate", "Don't have sexual relations outside of marriage", "You can get pregnant from kissing and sex", "You will go to hell if you have sex outside of marriage", "Wrap it up", "HIV/AIDS/STDs", "Abstinence is the only way" etc....  Anyone out there grew up like this?  I never was told why backed up by biblical principles and reasons.  The only reason why I received back then was "because the bible says so", never a scripture reference or reason why I should remain sexually pure until marriage.  So, curiousity killed the cat back in high school and I gave into temptation. I've learned over the last few years that sex is a gift created by God only for husband and wife.  Just read Song of Solomon in the Bible it will describe the essence of what sex was created for.

Song of Solomon 1:2-4

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens love you! Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.

Sex is a great thing and I am happy to say I have been given a "second virginity."  I decided last year to the date that I would refrain from sex until I was married.  So, yes it has been one year of celibacy.  I would say that it was hard, but actually it wasn't at all.  Mainly because I wasn't romantically involved with anyone where the temptation would have presented itself.  I know that holding out is a constant struggle of the mind, body, heart and will power at its best.  I will continue to ask God to keep my heart on him and remove any sexual frustrations and lustful thoughts from my mind.  I know that I will be tested whenever God sends along that knight in shining armour, and I will continue to refrain with God's help.

I have also been single for 2 years now, and for once on this journey of singled-om I can say that I am happy and content with my singleness.  Not pressed, not sprung, not worried about staying single forever.  I am happy with me, being by myself, being alone but definitely not lonely.  I'm still being purified like Esther for my king, and thanking God everyday for giving me a second chance.

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Bust that Flow Fridays: Love is by Nikki Giovanni

From yesterday's post, Dating with Purpose, here is a tribute to love by Nikki Giovanni.

Love Is by Nikki Giovanni


Some people forget that love is
tucking you in and kissing you
"Good night"
no matter how young or old you are
Some people don't remember that
love is
listening and laughing and asking
questions
no matter what your age

Few recognize that love is
commitment, responsibility
no fun at all
unless
Love is
You and me

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursdays: Dating with Purpose!

"So, I'll try my best and pray to God, he'll send me someone real, Real Love, I'm searching for a Real Love" Mary J. Blige Real Love

In the last 5 months I have been "Under Construction" letting God take the wheel in my life.  I've come to the realization that I need to start dating with a purpose.  My purpose for dating is to be in a committed relationship headed toward marriage.  I rather go on quality dates with men who are of character, integrity, and have morals and values that are backed by their beliefs in God, than to go on dates with randoms.  I'm not worried about quantity.  I can't and won't waste my time.  I've learned to approach dating as a fun evening with good company and enjoy conversation rather than interviewing my candidate to see if we are compatible beyond date one. I've also gotten out of my comfort zone and done the hitting on. Yes, I mean going up to guys (My G is like that) and starting conversations.  This has built up my confidence and self esteem and I recommend all females give it a try just once. 

In the last 5 months I've embraced my singleness as wholeness and have learned what I really want in a partner. I truly believe you have to know yourself and become a whole person before you can be with someone else.  You don't want to go into your next relationship as two broken souls, but as two whole individuals adding value to each others lives. You have to be happy with who you are inside and out before you can be happy with someone else.  It took me sometime to get this way especially after my last relationship and other failed relationships/friends with benefit situations.  I had to learn to relinquish control and take down some of the bricks surrounding my heart.  It would not be fair to the next knight that comes along in shining armour for me to still be carrying baggage.  I also learned that I had to forgive myself for my past in order to live in the present and ask God to control my future. Talk about a burden and load lifted. I realized that I owe it all to God for revealing to me my self worth and my own strength. Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, renew a right spirit within me. He did exactly that made my heart clean and open to love again while giving me the power of the holy spirit to comfort me.

I've enjoyed my single life for the last two years, and I'm ready for a serious relationship leading to holy martimony.  I have marriage on my menu. I know it may seem strange especially because I don't have any star players in the line up. But I'm ready for dual incomes (yes I said it), coming home from work to spending time with my best friend, someone to be vulnerable to, someone to hold me accountable, to love, to hold me, to make me laugh, to have deep discussions/conversations with, who understands me, but most importantly someone who loves God and seeks him first in the decisions we make as a couple. To me marriage is a business partnership backed by God's grace and mercy with love as the motivation to keep the business running.  As my six months "Under Construction" comes to an end next month, I plan to begin to date with a purpose knowing that God has something "AMAZING" in store for me. I'm like Esther getting "purified" for my King, or like Ruth waiting for Boaz to find me. :0)

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

MAKE ME OVA!!!!

Look who got a make over!!! Yay! I've been wanting to change my blogger template for a while, but now I think it is a true representation of EMF :0)

Hope you enjoy the new site!

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

Transformation Thursdays: Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month and I celebrate one of my idols Sojourner Truth.

“If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these together ought to be able to turn it back and get it right side up again” Sojourner Truth

2010 Theme: Writing Women Back into History


2010 will be the 30th anniversary of the National Women’s History Project. When we began mobilizing the lobbying effort that resulted in President Carter issuing a Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980 as the first National Women’s History Week, we had no idea what the future would bring. And then, in 1987, another of our successful lobbying efforts resulted in Congress expanding the week into a month, and March is now National Women’s History Month.

The overarching theme for 2010 and our 30th Anniversary celebration is Writing Women Back into History. It often seems that the history of women is written in invisible ink. Even when recognized in their own times, women are frequently left out of the history books. To honor our 2010 theme, we are highlighting pivotal themes from previous years. Each of these past themes recognizes a different aspect of women’s achievements, from ecology to art, and from sports to politics.

When we began our work in the early eighties, the topic of women’s history was limited to college curricula, and even there it languished. At that time, less than 3% of the content of teacher training textbooks mentioned the contributions of women and when included, women were usually written in as mere footnotes. Women of color and women in fields such as math, science, and art were completely omitted. This limited inclusion of women’s accomplishments deprived students of viable female role models.
Today, when you search the Internet with the words “women’s +history + month,” you’ll find more than 40,500,000 citations. These extraordinary numbers give testimony to the tireless work of thousands of individuals, organizations, and institutions to write women back into history. Much of this work was made possible by the generous support of people like you.

We are inviting other women’s and educational organizations as well as women’s history performers, authors, historic sites, and museums, unions, military units, universities, and women’s history programs and parents, grandparents, and interested individuals to join us in recognizing the importance of women in history.
Now, more than ever, the work of this movement needs to continue and expand. Each new generation needs to draw information and inspiration from the last.

What are you doing for Women's History Month?

Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E