November 10: Thankful for my boyfriend

November 10: Today I am thankful for my boyfriend, Joey Sanders. Since Joey isn't on Facebook, twitter, or Instagram, I'll have to email this to him (old school) haha. However, that is one of the very reasons I am in love with this man. Joey is not the ordinary guy. I thank God that he was raised by two God fearing parents who taught him how to treat a lady. I am thankful that he has yet to veer from that. I often hear women complain about there being a shortage of "good" men. Well, first of all the word "good" is very subjective. My definition could be totally different from yours. However, I am quite certain I have a "good" man. And by good I mean one that stands by his word & puts my own feelings/interests before his. That my friend, is what I call a good man. 

Never in a million years did I think I would find a guy who loves me just as much as I love him! I know I get on his nerves every.single.day but he never complains. Joey always seems to find the best in people , which can be a blessing & a curse haha! I have watched the way he interacts with his mother & his sisters. If he continues, there is no doubt that he will be an awesome husband & father to our future children. (yes, I'm speaking it into existence). By the way, his family shows mad love as if I'm one of their own and that's a blessing!

So today I am thankful for my loving & compassionate man. My man that has not one, but 2 degrees. My man that has a stable job & knows the value of hard work. My man that never let's a day go by without telling me that he loves me. Joey, today I'm thankful for you! I am so glad God saw fit to place us together. I can not wait to see what the future holds. 

November 9: Thankful for Fridays

November 9: Today I'm thankful for Fridays. Ahhh relaxing :) enjoy your weekend. HailSTATE

November 8: Thankful for my mama!

November 8: Today I am thankful for my mother as she celebrates 50 years of life!  If you have met my mother, you know she is truly ONE.OF.A.KIND. As a child I watched her cook, clean, and take care of basic household duties without one complaint.(well sometimes haha)  As a teen, I was able to see what parenting was all about.  Between my hormonal teen age years and the birth of my baby brother, she was probably ready to pack up and move to Alaska...but we made it!!! And as an adult, I am able to reflect on the childhood memories and really appreciate the sacrifices she made.

I'm sure things weren't always easy, but you better believe we never knew it.  My sister and I were WELL taken care of and I salute her for that.  I have watched my mom take care of several family members in their last days.  I often wonder why God places her there, but I think I fully understand now.  My mom has such a genuine spirit.  It's something about her presence that literally calms you instantly.  And for those reasons, I do believe God is strategic when he calls our loved ones home.

Mama,
These past 24 years of my life have been nothing short of amazing.  I am SO thankful that God chose you to be my mother...and I know you're glad to have a daughter like me! LOL!  You have been the perfect example.  Sometimes I wish each young lady could borrow you just for one day so they can experience all this greatness!  Thank you for the many sacrifices you made to ensure that ALL of our needs and WANTS were met! We don't tell you enough, but you are definitely appreciated.  Thank you for instilling in us morals and values that we will forever hold true to.  Thank you for fussing at us on Sunday mornings, making sure we made it to Sunday School on time.  Because of this, we made the personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.  Thank you for the countless nights you rushed home from World Color to check on your "baby girl" and her aching stomach.  Thank you for attending each basketball and football games, as well as cheer competitions.  You are truly our #1 fan and it makes all the different to look into the stands and see someone you love cheering for you.  I'll thank you for the many football, soccer, baseball, and basketball games you attend for baby brother as well! I know he appreciates it (even though he forgot your bday was today).

You see, these are all things that you did simply because you are a mother. However, these are all things that we appreciate, cherish, and we will NEVER forget.  Today is your day, mama! Let the top down. Live it up! 50 never looked so good!

Love your baby girl, 
Toy

November 7: Thankful for safe travels

November 7: Today I am thankful for safe travels.  I have been on the road (and in the air) a lot lately.  I am loving each experience because I am able to learn so much and bring my knowledge back to Mississippi STATE University.  However, with travel comes fear.  I've been on 50000000 planes and I STILL get nervous each time.  I'm probably paranoid, but I always pay close attention to the flight attendants to make sure they aren't alarmed or suspicious about anything.  I also try to see if I can spot the Air Marshal (but that's a whole different story).  So today, I thank God for watching over me these past few weeks and I ask the same for my upcoming travel!

NaToya Rae

November 6: Thankful for my President!

November 6: Today I am thankful for my Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama. While standing on the bridge of the Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, I was able to witness President Obama accept the charge to move this country forward for four more years.  Chills ran through my body as I looked into the crowd; such diversity!  I do believe President Obama has Americas best interest at heart heart; no matter your background.  Yes, times are and have been difficult for many, but it takes two.  WE have to do our part as well.  I look forward to another wonderful term with OUR First Family, The Obamas!

November 5: Thankful for my freedom

November 5: Today I am thankful for my freedom. On the eve of one of the most controversial presidential debates in American history, I have the pleasure of sitting in a Las Vegas conference room listening to astounding presentations on diversity & inclusion as it relates to faculty and staff at the university level.  I find myself often reflecting on the past. Not the past in reference to oppression, but in reference to my freedom. I am not one to fall victim to my circumstance, nor do I live in the past. However, I do acknowledge my past and I am proud of it. Many of my ancestors fought (literally) for MY right to vote and that is something that I do not take lightly. I am so thankful for my freedom. I am able to choose my own religion. I am able to choose who I date/marry. I am even able to cast my vote to help elect the President of the United States; that's huge to me. I am SO proud and SO thankful and I take every advantage of these opportunities. Although I am in Vegas, I did cast my absentee ballot. I hope each of you reading this will be at the polls tomorrow to exercise your right.  Our nation has come far, but we still have a lot of work to do. I am so blessed to be in my field of work. I can't change a person, but perhaps I can get he or she to look at things from a different perspective. 

What are you thankful for?

"Liberty and Justice for ALL"

November 4: Thankful for MSU

November 4: Today I'm thankful for my Alma Mater & my current place of employment, Mississippi State University. I've written a post on MSU before so I'll spare you the details. Click here if you would like to see the post. 

In August of 2006 I stepped foot on the best campus in the nation. I was a little uneasy as any normal freshman would be. I feared not being able to make friends. I feared not making the necessary grades needed to complete a degree. I feared failure. However, over the next 4 years that fear was completely erased. My tenure as a student at MSU was exceptional. I was giving unique opportunities that I will forever cherish. Upon my graduation in 2010, I moved to Jackson, MS to start my career. Little did I know, God had something else in store. In 2011 I applied for graduate school at MSU.  I was not admitted to the program because my GMAT score was not high enough. Devastated. Confused. Worried. Depressed. All these were feelings I felt after taking thr GMAT 2x and receiving thr same score both times. My family assured me that God had a plan and encouraged me to continue trusting in Him. In June 2012, I became the Recruitment, Retention, & Program Specialist for the Office of Diversity& Equity Programs at MSU.  I am now enrolled in the graduate school with hopes of obtaining a Master of Counseling Education with a emphasis in Student Affairs. Oh, did I mention im getting a second degree for free because I am an employee of the University? Ain't God good??  There is not a day that I take my job lightly or my position for granted. I am 24 years old and I work for the best institution in the nation. I've always wanted to work for a university but I had no idea it would be the university that is near and dear to my heart. Thank you God. 

You see, things do not always go as planned. Sometimes we have to be still and wait on God to place us where He wants us to be. If you're struggling with your next move, I encourage you to be still and wait on the Lord. Trust me, I know it is not easy but the reward is far greater. I am so thankful that I fully surrendered to God and let Him take control of my life. I'm happier than I've ever been. So, thank you God for 4 wonderful years as a student at MSU. Thank you for allowing me to start a career that I love with MSU. I promise to give you praise everyday for this amazing opportunity. 

What are you thankful for?

Xoxo T

November 3: Thankful for growth!

November 3: today I am thankful for growth. Im no heathen, but oftentimes it's hard for me to keep quiet when I feel as though I'm being mistreated. I will start by saying this...I am a firm believer that all should be treated with dignity and respect. I am so glad that my parents instilled this at an early age. I have yet to understand why we as humans treat others like dirt on the ground. I guess when I figure out the answer I'll be a millionaire. Yesterday I ran to a local store near my apartment. In a rush to finish packing for my trip, I decided to go and get a few last minute things.I quickly approached the check out line & politely placed my items on the conveyer belt. After the cashier announced my total, I pulled out my handy dandy MSU check card and proceeded to pay. For some odd reason, my card would not swipe. Now, don't joke me because it was NOT declined...the card simply wouldn't swipe. So after a few attempts, the cashier stated "Well, I guess the machine just doesn't like your card." I let out a nice little chuckle and asked,  "Well, can you type in the number?" She informed me that this was not possible. By this time I'm steaming hot because 1. You can't tell me she couldn't type in the number and 2.why couldn't she move to another lane and try that register? It's because she didn't want to. I was not worth her time. So, I had no choice but to leave my 5 items because I only had about $4 in cash. Don't ya know she held her hand out as if saying give my items back!...like I'm a thief!

After leaving the store I made my way to the ATM to check things out. Guess what? My card worked just fine. So, I headed to another local store to continue my shopping. Guess what? My card worked just fine! After thinking things over, I had my mind made up that I would go back to the first store and give that lady a piece of my mind. How dare you treat me like a peasant?! Would this change things? Of course not, but it certainly would make me feel better. A few minutes later I arrived at the store. Once I stepped foot inside I saw that the cashier had switched lanes and the card machine that worked just fine prior to my coming, was now down. Hmmm, what a coincidence. I was ready to bless this lady out! Instead, I walked around the store thinking about a respectful way to approach her. Deep down inside I knew I didn't have to say a thing, but a part of me wanted her to know that my feelings were hurt. So I proceeded to the checkout counter and she began to reach for my bag of unpaid items. I asked "Is your card machine down on that register?" She replied, "Yes, it is. I'm sorry do you want to check out?" Now. Is. The. Time. Let her have it Toy. Instead, I said "No, thank you. I bought items at another store where my money is valued & accepted." I could tell by the look on her face that she felt really bad. My intention was not to belittle her, but to allow her to see what she had done. She stereotyped me. She treated me less than because she felt as though I had nothing. I am not where I need to be, but I am thankful that the Lord is working through me. 

You see, growth doesn't mean always doing or saying the "right" things. Growth is taking steps forward and not backwards. Growth is when you realize that sometimes silence is the best answer. In my case, growth meant acknowledging the mistake or misfortune, and addressing it in a respectful manner. Growth my friends, is essential. You know the phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" we'll, Jesus probably would have let the situation go without addressing it. Perhaps I'll do that next time...He's not done with me yet :) 

Thankful for my baby brother, Braxton Avrie Curlee

November 2: Today I'm thankful for my baby brother, Braxton Avrie Curlee.  On October 1, 2003 at exactly 6:43 p.m. a handsome 8lb 11oz baby boy entered this world.  Words can not express the joy we felt to have a new baby boy in the family.  On October 6, 2003 our lives drastically changed.  We then became the legal guardians to this precious little boy.  There are no words to describe how we felt at this time...pain, sorrow, depression...then there's joy because we have a little brother. It wasn't easy, but with the help of God and literally the entire town of Corinth, we made it through this tragedy.  

It has been 9 years and we still don't know why God chose to take a loved one from us, but we find peace in knowing that He makes no mistakes.  There are days when I completely break down and I think that's perfectly fine. I'm not one to keep my emotions bottled in...plus it's not good for you :) I know there are days when my mom looks to heaven and asks Kim whey she had to leave because Braxton has set up some trap around the house! But through it all, I can now say we have peace. We will never understand why, but as Christians our job is to have faith that all things happen for a reason...no matter how bizarre those things may seem.

So today I am thankful for my baby brother. Sometimes I hate living away from him because I miss out on sooo much.  Other times I'm content because we would probably kill each other!  These past nine years have been full of love, fights, tears, bruises, and many firsts, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Baby brother, please stop growing for just a few years so I can catch up with you! I want you to know that you have brought us so much joy.  I wish your mother was here to see all that you have accomplished in just nine years, but I know for a fact that she is smiling down from above.  I pray that you grow into a God fearing gentleman who always acknowledges Christ as the head of your life. I pray that others see the love of Christ through your actions. I pray you treat everyone with dignity and respect, knowing that God made us all equal.  Never take a day for granted, for we know, that tomorrow is not promised.  Mama Kim would be SO proud!

I have loved you since conception and I always will, 

Your big sister

Homecoming 2009, MSU

"You play for the Philadelphia Eagles? Can I have your autograph?"

We see ya, Matt Kemp!

Say hello to the next Jordan!

Oh hi David Beckham!

"No Toy, I did not eat your birthday cake!"

Silly baby boy!

First swim lessons

Toy Story 3D!

Thankful Thursday

I woke up this morning and realized it is already November 1st! Like seriously, where did time go?? Next month will be December and then it will be 2013...oooh my gahhhh this is cray! With November comes thanksgiving! Yummmm I can already taste mama's dressing! I can.not.wait.  I like November because it is a time to reflect on those things or people that you are thankful for.  Then, in December, you are able to show just how much you appreciate the special people in your life.

So, today is November 1 and I am thankful for a loving and faithful God.  I will TRY to right a small paragraph each day letting you know what I am thankful for. I encourage you to leave a comment and do the same.  My God has NEVER failed me.  There are times when I thought He had forgotten about little ole NaToya, but he always shows up just in time.  Over the years I have learned that it is so much easier to hand your problems over to the One that can make all things perfect.  God is practically begging us to give Him our problems and what do we do?...we continue (or try) to solve things on our own. Well Mr. & Mrs. Hardhead, continue doing things your way...you'll soon convert!

There may be someone reading this that is unsure about the love of God.  I want to assure you that he most definitely loves you.  Wanna know how much? So much that he sent his ONLY Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. Tell me that ain't love?

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

What are you thankful for?