June 2016 – Page 2 – Life Lessons

Dads Do The Most

Dirty clothes, dusty boots. Harry face, nappy roots. Ashy elbows, peeling hands. Everything I love about a man. But what I love most, other than one who works hard, is the man who doesn’t end the day without at least acknowledging his kids. A man who works sun up to sun down does not have much leisure time, but his children sure feel his presence and love when he tucks them in at bed time. Consequently, I call him dad…

Daddy, you don’t have to be in love with mommy to love me. I understand. Some things just can’t be worked out. Relationships are not promising, but your time for me should never be compromised. Any man can father a child, but only a real man can bear the weight of responsibility.

A father is the man responsible for giving children their genetic makeup. A dad does the latter and takes full responsibility for raising the child. The two are not interchangeable because one plays a more important role. A dad can father a child, but a father does not automatically become a dad. He has to earn that title. Men, you should never want to be classified as just a father because you are depriving yourself of some good years.

To all men who have stepped up to the plate and live up to their responsibility, you are the most prominent male role models of society. This includes step-dads, uncles, coaches, mentors and anyone who plays the role of a daddy.

“You are the kings of the nations, the cream of the crop, the gift that keeps on giving, and the bow that sits atop.”

“I know there’s a lot of pressure, but keep doing what you do. Your seeds will become blessings, and your kids will honor you.”

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

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Do It Now

If there is something you really want to do, don’t wait until tomorrow. Do it now. One day, I was having a short conversation with one of my best friends. The conversations with her were always short because she worked one full time job, one part time, and attended school full time, while raising two young girls on her own. Nevertheless, she made time to chat with me while in route to or from one of her jobs or school. Thinking about a typical day for my friend sparked something in me. I thought to myself, “If she’s able to work two jobs and take care of two little girls and still go back to school, what’s stopping me?” At the time, I had only one full time job, four kids, and a husband to help me out. I had so much down time at work that I found myself on social networks, browsing the Internet, and shopping. I knew I could have been making better use of my down time, but I just didn’t know how. Thus, I left a message for an enrollment counselor at the University of Phoenix to call me back. I didn’t receive a call back the first time, so after a second attempt, I was able to reach someone. The enrollment counselor asked me a few questions before explaining my options. He had me all pumped up and excited but nervous at the same time. I had been out of school for a while, and the last time I was enrolled, I failed terribly.

Prior to speaking with the enrollment counselor at Phoenix, I was denied financial assistance the last time I attempted to go back to school in 2004. I think I had sort of given up at that point because I knew I could not afford to pay out of pocket. One rejection set me back by four years because I didn’t fight for it. Anyhow, my goal was to start back in the spring of 2009, but the enrollment counselor talked me into starting right away. At first, I was kind of mad that I let him talk me into starting right away, but I was grateful in the end. I probably would have come up with a million and one excuses as to why I could not start in the January 2009.

On September 30, 2008, I became a college student once again. On June 2, 2012, I became a college graduate! Walking across that stage was one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced. I have absolutely no regrets! So what are you waiting for? The right time is now! I could have been still sitting in that cubicle at work on social networks and shopping, but instead, I used that time wisely and pursued a degree online…while on the clock. That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made at the expense of my employer. So whether you want to go back to school, start a business, or buy some property, don’t procrastinate…do it now!

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topics suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.

Photo. Flickr. There are times of QC failures by Markus Bahlmann

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The Marriage vs. The Wedding

Would you want a marriage or a wedding? The two are not interchangeable. A wedding is just a ceremony, but a marriage is a testimony. Sometimes we make decisions or commitments based on our status quo. Such commitment made out of anything other than love is not a marriage. So before you fasten your elegant dress sandals, just remember that the pain produced out of empty love is worse than the pain you will feel after dancing in those heels all night.

In a marriage, memories are created out of love, laughter, and living up to one’s expectations. Happiness comes from knowing you can trust and depend on your mate through the toughest times. Joy comes from knowing you are loved the same, no matter how much your looks might change. You accept that your mate is not perfect. But you relish in the fact that he or she is committed to pleasing you at all costs. You never feel lonely in a marriage. You never feel left out in a marriage. You never feel torn in a marriage, but you can become scorn when you find out all alone, you just had a wedding. Now this doesn’t imply that marriages are problem free. It’s just that people who are really in love with each other don’t let storms become disasters. You can’t always predict the weather in a marriage, but you can get a clear forecast in a wedding.

In a wedding, either one or both persons are not in love. Most of the time, it’s just one. It’s rare that two people who are not in love would even consider marriage. The person who is not in love has another interest(s). There are a number of reasons why a person would enter such agreement, but financial security, pregnancy, loneliness, religion, and acceptance are the top five on my list.

“If he has a lot of bling, marriage might be a good thing. Since I’m already with child, marriage fits the lifestyle. I’d rather have someone hold my hand than be alone in the stands. I don’t want to be judged or have bad luck, so I’d better stop shacking up. All my friends are married, so I better act now. I’m tired of standing out and living foul.”

Don’t get caught up in your feelings and insecurities. Instead of chasing money, seek a career. If your baby won’t be born into a loving family, then marriage won’t fix your problem. If you are lonely, join a social club. If you were so holy, you wouldn’t have been shacking up in the first place. And if your married friends don’t want to hang out anymore, find a new hobby or some new friends. If you go in with cold feet, you will come out with blisters. Therefore, don’t let anyone pressure you into getting married. When it’s your time, you’ll know it. If he is the one, he’ll show it. Marriage is easier to get into than it is to get out, so choose wisely.

When that time comes, don’t let money stop you from marrying your soulmate. The biggest weddings tend to have the biggest break ups, and the bigger the ring, the bigger might be his expectations. Don’t let the size of the wedding or the ring itself determine the strength of the love. The happiest marriage can come out of the smallest wedding. Trust me. I know firsthand:)

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topics suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.

Photo: Flickr. Shoes, legs, & just a glimpse of… by Jlhopgood CC

Something captured your interest? Don’t be selfish. Share with your friends!