What Will You Do?

While reading my morning devotion, I came across something very profound.

For those that have to squint like me, it reads..

Many times I've been frustrated by the zigs and zags of my life, thinking of the people I could reach if only.  Then God reminds me to look around right where I am, and I discover many who have never heard of Jesus.  In that statement, I'm reminded that I have a story to tell wherever I go, "for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.  For 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved' " (Romans 10: 12-13)

As Christians, we are called to spread the gospel.  There's a misconception that only members of clergy are to do so.  

And he said to them,

 "Go into all the world and proclaim

 the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15

I attend Beth-el M.B. Church in Starkville, MS. If you're ever in the area, I highly encourage you to visit! Pastor Brand is an amazing man of God, and he literally breaks down the text so you have no choice but to understand!  Each Sunday, we are encouraged to "tell somebody about Jesus".  

If you follow my instagram account, you know that I post daily devotionals from my bff Joyce Meyer. Sometimes I think to myself.."Hmmm I wonder if people get tired of these posts?" As soon as those wicked thoughts enter my mind, I receive a notification saying "Thank you, I really needed to hear/see that today."  Because of that, I will continue to tell somebody about Jesus! 

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the world and we lose sight of what's really important.  You don't have to stand on a mountain top or stop every person that you encounter. You can spread the gospel by sharing your morning devotion, inviting a friend or family member to church/bible study, or more importantly, you can share the gospel through your actions. 

What good is it, my brothers, 

if someone says he has faith but does not have works? 

Can that faith save him?

 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed 

and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them,

 "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," 

without giving them the things needed for the body,

 what good is that? 

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2: 14-17

Each day we encounter people that are lost. What are you doing to "tell somebody about Jesus"? Will you step outside of your comfort zone and speak of His goodness to someone on the elevator? Will you share your testimony with others? Whatever you choose, be sure that you are doing it to give GOD the glory...not man.  Have a wonderful weekend and remember to TELL SOMEBODY ABOUT JESUS!

DISCLAIMER: I am not perfect, nor will I ever be..but that's why God uses me.  I never want people to think "Oh here goes Little Ms. Holy trying to tell us what to do." That is not my intention and I hope that we all can rid ourselves of thinking that we must be perfect to spread the Word.

xo

RAEofsunshine

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE: 2013 Presidential Inauguration

This time last year I was in DC to witness the (2nd) inauguration of President Barack Obama. Ironically, the inauguration fell on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. It was such an honor to witness the inauguration of President Obama and celebrate the life and legacy of  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


Before leaving Mississippi, Keitra checked the weather so that we were able to adequately prepare for the cold. Needless to say, we could not have prepared for that cold--it was freezing! With all 5 people accounted for, we were DC bound.

The first day was used for sightseeing. Although everyone else had previously visited DC (even Braxton), it was my first trip. Therefore, I wanted to see everything and snap pictures every few steps.

Braxton and I 

Earlier in the day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s son and others were present at his memorial to lay flowers; such a beautiful sight.

This picture does the MLK monument no justice.  I am forever grateful for the sacrifices Dr. King made for our generation. I can not imagine what kind of world we would live in if it weren't for people like him fighting for social equality.  We are no where near where we need to be, but I thank God we have made progress. For his dying was not in vain because I, along with my siblings, consider ourselves  recipients of  "The Dream".  

Well hello there, Lincoln!

Of course sightseeing makes you hungry! So, we stopped for dinner at the famous B.Smith's Restaurant in Union Station. The food was dee-lish-us!

Creston and Keitra at B. Smith's Restaurant

Mommy Dearest posing at B. Smith's

While sightseeing, we came across newcasters from CNN. Don Lemon and a few more were covering the Inauguration.  We were ecstatic, partly because we thought we would be on tv.  We called daddy to see if he could see us....but um....I'm not sure about that. I am certain we were on tv. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

We weren't able to see as much due to the high level of security.  However, we were able to get right in front of the Presidential Reviewing Stand right before they closed off the street.  This is where the President and others sit to watch the Inaugural Parade.

This is definitely not the best picture, but you can see the seal!

Soon, the sun started to go down and baby brother started getting tired.  We headed back to the hotel to prepare for what would soon be one of the best days of our lives.

INAUGURATION DAY!

Fortunately my dad assisted us in getting tickets to go inside the inauguration. It was by far, one of the best moments I've ever experienced. However, I do not plan on EVER going to another inauguration...unless Braxton is President. In that case, I'll be sitting with the dignitaries and other notables LOL!  We woke up around 3:00 a.m. and headed to catch the train to the Capitol. Keep in mind, it's 3:00 am in DC--again, freezing. After an hour or less, we arrived at our "station". Your station depends on the color of your ticket. Since we had orange, our pass was to the lawn of the Capitol. We were early, but definitely not the first to arrive. Can't you see the excitement?

I'm not sure I've ever been this cold in all my 25 years.  We had to wait a few hours until they opened the gate.  Although getting up early sucked, I am glad we did because within an hour or so of us getting there, the line was literally wrapped as far as our eyes could see. Whew, dodged that bullet.  In addition, we were able to get a glorious view. As we walked in, THIS was our view.

After walking in to such a sight, I no longer cared about the weather...I was about to witness the 2014 Presidential Inauguration! (Note: I tried to convince myself that weather wasn't a factor...oh but it was)

The Inauguration itself was pretty cool.  If you consider hours and hours of former Presidents and other notables walking in and being seated "cool".  But again, I was there for my President {and Beyonce} so nothing else mattered!

I must say this shall go down as one of the BEST days of my life.  I am honored to have even been given the opportunity to be in the mere presence of President Barack Obama.  I am thankful for my mom, who has since our childhood, afforded us numerous opportunities to travel not only in the United States, but the world.  I can not remember one year that we didn't go on a vacation.  Whether it be 2 hours out of Mississippi or 24 hours out, we would hit the road (or air) to explore new places. It is because of this, that I am able to step outside of my comfort zone and thrive, even when faced with challenges.  Thanks mom:)  And even though Braxton was not pleased with this DC trip, he will one day be grateful for the experience. Witnessing the 2013 Presidential Inauguration has most definitely been one of the BEST days of my life.

DC, you were good to me. 

xo

RAEofsunshine

RANDOMOSITY

Hey Y'all! 

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Thank God it's Friday!

Work has been craaaazy in preparation for the 2014 Mississippi State University Women of Color Summit.  Although it's a very busy time at work, I am forever grateful for the experience.  

While today's post is suppose to be a trip down memory lane, I'll save it for Monday. In the meantime, enjoy a few random facts about me.  You may find them weird, and I'm perfectly okay with that.  It won't be the first or last time someone has referred to me as peculiar :)  I'm the person that always has a random fact during introductions. Well, here ya go!

1. I can smell freckles.  Don't ask me how or why.  Just know it's a God given talent.

2. When I see a flock of black birds I get chills--it seriously freaks me out.  I'm thinking about seeking help.

3. I despise odd numbers.  It's killing me to number these! 

4. I use lotion like it's going out of style.  Seriously, I should go down in the Guiness Book of World Records.  I can use a bottle (large) in a week..less than a week sometimes. 

5. I knew I would date Joey when I first met him.  I knew I would marry him when he told me his favorite movie was American Gangsta. (we straight thuggin like that)

6. I learned the alphabet backwards in 4th grade.  [Thanks to Amy Woodhouse]

7.  I gag anytime I hear someone say the word ......bologna. PLEASE don't use this against me.

8. I have OCD like a mug---meaning, I can smell germs. Again, another God given talent.

9. Some people say I have this strange accent that no one else in my family has.  Personally, I don't think I sound any different from the next, but I'll let you be the judge.  Either way, I take pride in my DiSTinct voice.

10. I can't hold my arms straight up besides my head (use your imagination) The furthest they will go is like near my eyes.  This is also hard to explain so if you catch me in public, I'll be more than willing to show you:)

Ok, that's all I have folks.  Have a great weekend and remember, never judge a book by its cover!

xo

RAEofsunshine

A Cup of Gratitude--Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

On this day, 101 years ago, twenty-two collegiate women took a leap of faith and founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on the campus of Howard University.  While I am not here to give you a history lesson, I would like to share with you MY experience in Delta.

Osceola McCarthy Adams, Marguerite Young Alexander, Winona Cargile Alexander, Ethel Cuff Black, Bertha Pitts Campbell, Zephyr Chisom Carter, Edna Brown Coleman, Jessie McGuire Dent, Frederica Chase Dodd, Myra Davis Hemmings, Olive C. Jones, Jimmie Bugg Middleton, Pauline Oberdorfer Minor, Vashti Turley Murphy, Naomi Sewell Richardson, Mamie Reddy Rose, Eliza Pearl Shippen, Florence Letcher Toms, Ethel Carr Watson, Wertie Blackwell Weaver, Madree Penn White and Edith Motte Young.

You see, these were not ordinary women.  These were women who were determined to persevere and defy the stigma of African American women in the early to middle 1900's.  These were women who were not afraid to step outside of their comfort zones and commit themselves to a greater cause.  Keep in mind, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is founded on Christian principles.  We truly believe that in order to be the change we wish to see in the world, we must stand firm on the Word of God.  It was only by the grace of God that these twenty-two dynamic women were able to use their "collective strength to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the undeserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities." On today I salute the twenty-two.  I am forever grateful for their courage and commitment to serving others.

On March 30, 2008 I was afforded the opportunity to become a member of the Nu Beta Chapter (Mississippi State University) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Words can not express the joy I felt while being inducted into this sisterhood.  You see, these women are not my friends, associates or acquaintances-they are my sisters.  When I celebrate, they celebrate with me.  When I hurt, they sympathize with me.  If there is ever anything I need, these ladies are always just a phone call away.

We celebrate birthdays together

We celebrate achievements...

Most importantly, we GRADUATE!

We invest in the lives of our future...

When I started college in 2006, I often wondered if I would find friends that were as "weird" as me.  Oh yes, in the spring of 2008, I found thirteen (13) ladies that were just as peculiar as NaToya Hill...and we are okay with that! I think there is a common misconception of sororities and I often find myself defending my reasons for joining.  I have finally realized that my decision is just that-my decision.  I know what my sorority stands for, and those are the same morals and values that were instilled in me at an early age.  To be willing and able to devote myself to a cause greater than me, is incredible. I served my community long before Delta, but I must admit, it feels better serving with a group of like minded individuals.  Delta Sigma Theta will always be near and dear to my heart.  It's not a college "thing", it's a lifetime commitment.

We attend National Conventions...

We fulfill our duty as God's children--we serve

On today, I celebrate the dynamic women that have paved the way for myself and sorors around the world.  I thank God for giving my twenty-two founders a vision to not only discuss issues affecting their communities, but the vision to act. Sorors, let us take today to reflect upon the principles of our illustrious sisterhood.
To learn more about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. please click here .

Thank God for the 22
RAEofsunshine

A Cup of Motivation

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 

Habit 2: BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND

-Stephen Covey

In August of 2012, I was given the unique opportunity to travel to Myrtle Beach, SC for the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 3-day training.  To say the experience was phenomenal would be an understatement.  Sure, being in Myrtle Beach was glorious, but the training was life changing...no kidding.  

After returning to MS, I used the information learned, to train Greek Leaders at MSU, Summer Bridge students (students majoring in any of the STEM areas: science, technology, engineering and mathematics), interns in the College of Education, and various organizations/departments on the campus of Mississippi State University.  Each time I conduct a training, I find one thing in common.  That is, MOST do not begin with the end in mind.  You must have a plan! "Begin with the End in Mind" means to begin each day, task or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination.  You may say, "Well, NaToya, I have no idea where I want to be in 5-10 years." That's okay! Start small. Make a 6 month plan...a 1-2 year plan.  Do what works for you. I'm not asking you to map out your entire life,but you need to start somewhere. Or else, you're going to wander around in circles for the next 3 years until you find yourself near the arctic circle with no jacket, chillin with the polar bears! See how crazy life can get?! That's why you must have a plan!

"Failing to plan is planning to fail"

I"ll give you 3 quick steps to help you "Begin with the End in Mind"

Step 1: Make a vision board. Simply put, a vision board is a constant reminder of your goals.  Click here to see a few examples. Here's mine for 2014. By no means is it the best, but it works for me. I have it hanging in my office.  It's a constant reminder of the goals I want to reach. Maybe you prefer not to make a vision board.  Perhaps you can write down your goals in a journal.  Do whatever works for YOU. I also encourage you to get a planner.  I use a Franklin Covey Planner, because it's what I received during the training.  It has seriously saved my life on numerous occasions.  You can find a few here.

Step 2: Create (and live by) a personal mission statement. Now, this does not have to be a book...it doesn't even have to be grammatically correct! Take about 5-10 minutes and just write. When you can't think of anything else to write...write some more.  When you're done, go back and revise it. Still, it does not have to be perfect. Your mission statement is just that...YOURS. You do not have to share it with the public, which is why I will not list mine here. However, I will tell you that mine is short and sweet.  Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Review books of quotations (or take a look at my quotes page as it is frequently updated), poetry and other literature for language that inspires you.
• Consider your morals, values and things that are important to you
• Read biographies or autobiographies of people to spark ideas for personal accomplishments or contributions you would like to make.

Step 3: Find your purpose in life.  This is probably the hardest step, as most people are well into adulthood before finding their purpose.  I encourage you to read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.  Discover your WHY. Why do you go to work/school each day? Sure, it's to make a living but consider the impact you want to make. I'm afraid I can't give a definite "how to" for this step.  It requires much prayer and soul searching.  However, I do know that if you are truly trying to find your purpose, God will reveal it to you.  Pray and be obedient.  Oftentimes we want to know our purpose but when God presents it to us, we turn the other way.  Listen closely, sometimes it may come in a non-traditional way.  

I have given you 3 steps to begin so now you have work to do.  There will never be a "perfect" time, so go ahead and start. You are the only personal responsible for your success. You have the power and control of your future. What will you do? What impact will you make? What legacy will you leave? I encourage you to not only think, but act.  And remember, real happiness is not obtained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. -Helen Keller

xo

RAEofsunshine

A Cup of JOY

I'm a certain many of you know by now that my oldest sister, Nakeitra, is expecting a baby boy. Actually, Keitra is VERY pregnant. Haha..she's expecting "any day now".  This blog is dedicated to my friend...my SISTER. I hope that one day my nephew (aka TT's baby) will look back and see just how much he is loved.  I'm not sure if it's normal for me to be this excited, but I can not wait to see his sweet face.  Babies are such a blessing from above.

In November of 2013, my family showered Chandler in our hometown of Corinth.  We played games and stuffed our faces all while giving the mommy-to-be advice for the coming years!  Needless to say, Keitra handled the advice well; as I'm sure it was overwhelming for a new mommy.

In December of 2013, Keitra's in-laws showered Chandler in their hometown of Jackson.  Again, games were played, food was consumed and advice was shared.  It was so much fun to shower a baby boy that we've never met!

We had such a great time at both showers.  I think I can speak for both Nakeitra and her husband Creston, in saying they are truly grateful for the tremendously outpouring of love.  As I look at these photos and reminisce on the days, I can't help but be in awe of God's wonderful creations.  A baby is truly a blessing from the Lord.  When I think about how they grow from conception to birth, I am truly amazed.  Nakeitra and Creston are anxiously awaiting their bundle of joy.

Keitra and I are four years apart.  When she graduated high school, I started.  When she graduated college, I started.  We are always right behind one another.  Our bond as sisters has truly grown over the last few years.  Believe it or not, we use to fight like cats and dogs (but that's a story for another day).  To see her become a mother fills my heart with such joy.  I have always looked at her as not only my sister, but a role model for women.  Not every woman is fit to be a mother, but Keitra, oh she was made for it.

To my SISTER I say,
Congratulations! You have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time.  There is no doubt in my mind that Chandler will be forever grateful to call you his mother.  I have watched you (even when you don't realize it).  I have watched how you handle adversity; your faith never waivers.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

I have watched how you handle success; you never boast nor brag.

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;

 a stranger, and not your own lips.

 Proverbs 27:2 

You, my sister, ROCK.  I thank God every.single.night for my family, but in particular I thank Him for YOU.  You praise me when I'm right and scold me when I'm wrong.  Tough love is not always easy, but at the end of the day, I know it's just that...LOVE.  I can not wait to see what blessings God has in store for you in 2014.  Grab a cup of brew and get ready for the sleepless nights...and remember, a baby has a special way of adding joy in every single day.

xo
RAEofsunshine

Brewed Awakening

"The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up." -John C. Maxwell

It is human nature to place blame on others rather than accepting responsibility for our own [mistakes].  I use the term mistakes loosely.  I truly believe each and every choice or decision we make, shapes who we are.  If I always made the "right" choices, I would not be where I am today. Which brings me to today's topic...It's time for a BREWED AWAKENING.

Life isn't fair and it sure isn't easy.  If I were to sum it up in one word I would say.....challenging. You know what's tricky about that? I hate challenges. I'm the girl who would rather say forget it and lose, than compete with someone for hours. Suduko? Nah...just not my style. However, life doesn't work that way.  Each day we are faced with challenges.  Life will get a little easier when you acknowledge that your life is your responsibility. You are the only person responsible for your success. No matter how hard you try to place the blame on others, each event in your life is the result of the choices you have made and the choices you are making.  It's time out for excuses. A wise woman once told me,

"Excuses excuses are monuments of nothingness.  

Those who use these tools of incompetence are masters of nothingness."

If you find yourself making more excuses instead of fulfilling expectations, it is time for a change! Which leads me to share a personal story...

I've always been a little hard headed. Yes, that's tough to admit, but it's the truth. I can hear my mom saying "Toy, you have got to grow up, handle your business and take responsibility for your actions." Sure, I listened...but the majority of the time it went in one ear and out the next.  Why? Because each time I "messed up" the parentals would bail me out. [uhh not jail--except for one time---ok let's stop there]. Their tough love came with many long text messages, hour long phone conversations and lots of scolding ::ouch::. It would be great to say "After 2-3 times, I learned my lesson" but that would not be true.  It wasn't until 2013, yes 2013 that I put my big girl panties on and learned to take responsibility for NaToya.  I know. I'm sure you probably have one hand in the popcorn bowl and the other scrolling with your phone trying to see what's coming next..but how dare you judge me:) because it's the truth.  I mentioned in a previous post that 2013 had it's ups and downs and that's exactly what I needed. 2013 gave me a rude awakening.  I finally faced reality.  Life isn't about me. It's about the ONE who created me. Life isn't easy, but it's definitely worth it.  Each time I think about 2013 and some of the obstacles I faced, Genesis 5:20 comes to mind.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

With no shame, I can say I am thankful for my rude awakening. I stand firm in faith knowing that by His grace I am saved and because of His mercy I have been granted another day to share his goodness. I am so thankful for the obstacles.  For without them, I would not have been able to see Him working through me.  If you're reading this I challenge you to make a vow today...stop making excuses for yourself.  If you fall short,(which you will) accept it and find ways to improve.  Set realistic and achievable goals.  Celebrate the small victories and remember, "I am not the product of my circumstance.  I am a product of my decision."

xo

RAEofsunshine

COMPARISON IS THE THIEF OF JOY

Each one should test their own actions.  Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else. Galatians 6:4

Sadly, it has become second nature for us (self included) to compare ourselves to others. Oftentimes we do it unconsciously.  "On my! I wish I had her shoes/clothes." "Awww, I wish my relationship was like theirs!" Sound familiar? Maybe not those exact words...but you get my point.  We often let society's expectations dictate our reality.  No two people are the same.  Take PRIDE in know you are exactly where you are suppose to be [at present].  I'll share a personal story.

Shortly after college I was lost and confused.  I felt as though I had wasted four years of my life with nothing to show.  Was this true? Absolutely not..but...comparison is the thief of joy. I found myself constantly comparing my situation to others.  Friends landed great jobs in corporate America. Others were granted admission to professional/graduate school.  Where was I? In my mind, I was stuck working at a job that I hated! In God's eyes, I was exactly where I needed to be [at present].  You see, I could not be content with my situation because I was too busy worrying and comparing myself to the next.  I remember asking myself "Why am I stuck HERE?" The answer is now very clear...because that's the path God chose for me.

We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves.  When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 

2 Corinthians 10:12

You see, I simply could not see the forest because I was too focused on the trees.  Through this period, I learned a lot about myself.  I learned to be patient.  I learned to trust God. I learned that if I fall seven times, I had better stand up eight.  I learned that God's timing is ALWAYS perfect.  But most importantly, I learned that by comparing myself to others, I was allowing the devil to steal my joy.  

Let's fast forward  three years.  I am content.  Am I were I ultimately want to be? Of course not...there is always room for growth and I will never stop dreaming! However, I am content with God's plan for my life. If you are struggling with anything [at present], please remember that God's timing is always perfect.  We may think we have it all figured out, but His WILL will always prevail.  Hang in there and remember that comparison is the thief of joy.

xoxo

RAEofsunshine 

2.0.1.4.

As the end of 2013 draws near, I begin to reflect. Year after year people either make new year's resolutions...or they don't. [By the way, I'm not too fond of those that say "Yea yea you're not going to change so stop with the resolutions.") 1. Who are you to tell someone else that they will [not] change? If you're not contributing to the betterment of that person, then your opinion of their life is probably not needed. 2. What's so bad about resolutions? Personally, I don't make them. But I never talk down about someone that does. My goal is life is to better myself daily. If it takes a new year for some to do that....so be it. Maybe the ones saying it should make a resolution to be a little more positive in 2014 :)   Thanks for hanging in there with me through all that gibberish ..now on to the good stuff.

As I reflect back on 2013, I can't help but smile. Will I continue to better myself on a daily basis? Yes! Is there always room for improvement? Heck, yes! However, I am SO proud of the woman I've become. Just as any other year, 2013 brought about change....and you know what? I'm perfectly fine with that. I can truly say I have grown tremendously over the past 12 months; with all credit going to God. I  am forever grateful for a forgiving Father who continuously blesses me although I'm not worthy.

As we begin 2014, I challenge you to LIVE. So many of us are alive, but we are not living. Take chances. Do not be afraid to make mistakes...just be sure to learn from them. Live each day to the fullest. We only get one shot at life...so what will you do with yours? Trust in God...at ALL times. Know that in this crazy, cruel world there is one thing that remains the same---His Word.

I enjoyed 2013 and to 2014, I say bring it on. For with faith, family and friends, all things are possible.
xo toyahrae