BYE BYE JACKSON...HELLO TO NEW BEGINNINGS!

Before I begin, I would like to share two of my favorite bible verses:

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

1) I did not give up
2) I love the Lord  

I could start by telling you about these last couple of weeks and how some things have not gone as planned, however, I'd rather not focus on the negative.  Let's talk about how wonderful God is and how He has blessed me in ways I could never imagine!  I have been praying, meditating, and really relying on God to direct my paths.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

This is exactly what I have been doing! I put my complete trust in the Lord, knowing He would not lead me astray.  Now, it's one thing to say this, but it's another thing to actually believe it.....I had to reach that "believe" point.  Things are much better when you quit worrying and let God handle your problems.  I would pray each night and ask God to speak to me...to make things clear to me.  In the past I have questioned people, wondering how they knew when/if God was speaking to them.  Well, I got my answer...loud and clear.  It's like God was coming at me in all different directions! I had no choice but to listen.  Every scripture I read was tailored to my specific situation....every.single.one.  It's amazing yall....God truly works in mysterious ways.  Now I wonder why so many doors were never opened (in the past). God had a greater plan.  He knew what obstacles I would have to face and He knew exactly what to do to humble me.  It seems like He said "NaToya, I have all these blessings for you...all you have to do is accept them." Well, I'm happy to say I listened and say hello to your new Recruiter, Retention, & Program Specialist for the Office of Diversity and Equity Programs at MSU!!!!!! 

I am overwhelmed with joy. I seriously have no words...all I can say is to God be the glory.  I KNOW all of this is possible because of Him!  I'm so glad I opened my heart and let His will be done.  I encourage you to do the same! You WILL receive blessings, upon blessings, upon blessings...for this is HIS promise.

XOXO T

Behind the Scenes: NFL Draft with special guest: Jamar Chaney of the Philadelphia Eagles

In April of 2010, Jamar Chaney was 1 out of hundreds of young men anxiously awaiting the NFL Draft.  Nervous, excited, anxious...all of these words describe Jamar's feelings until he heard the words of relief from Roger Goodell; "Jamar Chaney, Philadelphia Eagles!"  It seemed as if the world stopped for a moment; all eyes were on Jamar.  HE, along with 254 other young men would be playing in the National Football League.  Out of the 327 men that competed in the NFL Combine, JAMAR CHANEY was drafted to the Philadelphia Eagles! Jamar still remembers the day as if it were yesterday.  Only now, he is approaching his third year in the NFL.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jamar during our tenure at Mississippi State University.  I have always found him to be a very respectable young man, and most importantly a man of God.  It is no doubt in my mind that these characteristics along with the support of Jamar's family, helped get him to where he is today. As the 2012 draft drew close, I began to think of Jamar.  I wondered what advice he would give these young men since he is now on the "other side".  So, I called him!...and to my surprise, he was eager to do an interview!  I am so thankful for this opportunity to interview my brother in Christ, my friend, my colleague...Mr. Jamar Chaney.

NRH: How does it feel to be on the "other side"?
JAMAR: It feels great!  Being on the "other side" means I'm now in the NFL.  I am going on my 3rd year.  Time really flies, but it's a blessing because on average, an NFL player only lasts 2 seasons.

NRH: What advice would you give young men anxiously waiting to hear Roger Goodell call their name?  This has to be a life changing moment, right?
JAMAR: Absolutely!  My Alma Mater, Mississippi State University, has 4 guys that are projected to get drafted; Fletcher Cox, Charles Mitchell, Vick Ballard, and Quentin Saulsberry.  I am always talking and giving advice to these young men.  I encourage them to make the most of this experience because it only happens once.

NRH: How would you describe your 1st year in the NFL?  Surely it's a lot of pressure along with the responsibility of millions of dollars; what advice would you give on handling that?
JAMAR: My 1st year in the NFL was more than I could ever imagine. The Philadelphia Eagles have the most passionate fans in the league.  Near the end of the season, I was a starting player.  I had the opportunity to help my team make the playoffs; that was an awesome feeling.  I would tell the guys to enjoy the experience no matter the outcome, and no matter the order in which you get drafted.  You constantly have to prove yourself. Being drafted is like the start of a track meet.  No matter if your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd, it is up to you to decide who ultimately wins the race.  As far as money...it's not guaranteed.  Most players leave the game in debt, so I would encourage all young men to be smart with their earnings.

NRH: What has been your biggest challenge playing for the Philadelphia Eagles?  How did you overcome that challenge?
JAMAR: Guys drafted in the 7th round usually do not make the team; I did.  You have to go in and prove to the coaching staff, as well as your teammates, that you are capable to play at your desired position.  I was a 7th round pick.  However, I did things no other linebacker has done (for the Eagles) in a few years.  This includes starting 19 games straight with 3+ interceptions within a year span.

NRH: What motivates you?
JAMAR: I try not to play for motivation, but rather by inspiration.  Inspiration to do my best not only on the football field, but in life and in my spiritual walk with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...inspiration to be a good boyfriend, and soon to be husband.  I think if you look at things from a different angle, everything else will take care of itself.

NRH: What is your life motto?
JAMAR: You're either getting better or you're getting worse (everyday); there is no staying the same.

NRH: What is the best advice someone has given you?
JAMAR: The best advice I have been given was to get to know Jesus.  My life has not been the same since.

NRH: What other interests do you have outside of football?  Any hidden talents you would like to share with us? Haha
JAMAR: Other interests..hmmmm..I just love spending time with my lady, my family, and my homies.

NRH: Is there anything else you would like to share?
JAMAR: I encourage everyone reading to keep God and His Word 1st and everything else will take care of itself.  Be Blessed.

I think it's safe to say that Jamar is one of a kind.  Congrats to him and his soon to be wife, Shamira Thompson.  I know he will go far in life as long as he continues to keep God first.  I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors and I'm so thankful that I call this man my friend.

Until next time,
XOXO
t.RAE :)

Know thyself...belive in God...dare to dream!

As stated in my previous post, my goal is to highlight young adults chasing their dreams and utilizing their talents.  Today's post is dedicated to my future (6 months to be exact) brother-in-law, Creston Burse.
Creston is currently employed by the State of MS as an IT Project Manager.  In his spare time (which is probably zero considering he's planning a wedding) Creston makes good use of his creative skill set.

"Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way"

With graduation quickly approaching, I feel somewhat obligated to let you in on a small secret.  Mr. Burse customizes graduation invitations, thank you cards, and much  more.  See the interview below for a glance into the life of C. Burse!

NRH: What motivates you?
CBURSE: Failure motivates me.  I truly believe I possess the ability to do anything I want in life.  Not utilizing that ability is my greatest fear.

NRH: What inspired you to do your own consulting work?
CBURSE: Freedom.  I've been working since I was 15.  I've been blessed with jobs since graduating college.  My ultimate goal is to be my own boss.  I have always been told that you can't make the money you want, working for someone else.  Consulting work gives you the freedom to control your own destiny.  It takes a lot of hard work, and lots of discipline.

NRH: What advice would you give someone looking to branch out and start their own business?
CBURSE: Well, technically I don't have my own business, but it is in the works.  I can only give the advice that I give myself...just do it!  Time is something we can't get back. Seize the moment and make it count.

NRH: What sets your work apart? Why should someone purchase business cards/invites/etc. from you vs an online site such as Vistaprint?
CBURSE: Creativity.  I am an artist at heart.  I see things differently.  I have the ability to take your ideas, combine them with my particular skill-sets and produce a product that is unique, original, and most importantly personal.

NRH: Could you describe your scope of work?
CBURSE: Right now, I am willing to do it all.  I've done invitations, flyers, logos, websites, project management, business cards, business brochures, you name it.  I enjoy new challenges, so I welcome all potential jobs.  I have an IT background as well, so my consulting work has picked up and allowed me to branch out into other areas.  It includes PC maintenance, network infrastructure, computer infrastructure, and diagnostics to name a few. 

NRH: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 yrs?
CBURSE: First, happily married.  Secondly, in 5-10 I should have several businesses in motion, as well as a more established and developed IT consulting firm.

NRH: Is there anything else you would like to share?
CBURSE: Yeap! Count your blessings and dream big! #HailState #teamLakers #teamPackers

NRH: Last thing, if you could sum up your life, thus far, in one quote, what would that be?
CBURSE: Know thyself, believe in God, dare to dream...and get at me @ www.cburse.com

As you all can see, Creston is making MAJOR moves and he definitely has a bright future ahead.  I can honestly say he does great work because I've used his services on several occasions.  I wouldn't recommend someone I didn't believe in!  So, if you need ANY of Creston's services, I suggest you contact him immediately before he blows up and starts doing consulting work for President Obama!

Please visit www.cburse.com for any inquiries!

As always...until next time...

XOXO

t.RAE :)