eyeInspire: Fill Up

No matter what seems to be missing from your life, be it a much loved person, a special place, an activity of great value or a feeling of well-being, release and let go, knowing that God is right now filling your need.

God’s love and goodness will always fill every need in your circumstances, every hunger of your heart, every longing of your soul for peace and assurance, every good desire for the expression of eternal life and well-being. Many times we rely on things and people who will eventually disappoint us. But, if we rely fully on God to fill the voids in our lives, then we will realize that his filling is permanent and will sustain us.

How many times have you been brokenhearted and felt as though you needed another person to fill up your time and give you what you THOUGHT you needed? Right...that temporary state of happiness is not what God intended for us. Try having real joy and look for a long-lasting satisfaction.

If we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33

There will sometimes be a sense of doubt when it comes to putting our faith on someone we can't see, but if you truly trust that God will supply your needs, then He will! Faith comes by hearing...not by sight! We need to stop always seeking the tangible and be filled up on His Word, peace, love and things that no one can physically touch; because God has filled up from within.

Why ask God for more money, clothes, a new this or that when He can provide you with knowledge, guidance, understanding, faith, healing, support or whatever else is needed in your life. Whatever your life experience appears to be, you have, at this moment, an opportunity to let go personal striving and let God move in you and through you to fill every need. Not saying that He won't provide us with money, clothes, and important people, but He will give us the right things versus what He knows we'll take and manipulate.

Today, eyeInspire you to think of a situation or void in your life that you're looking to fill. Then, take a moment to pray and ask God to fill you with Him and take away the desire to fill those voids with things of the world.

For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world." - 1 John 2:16

Next, leave that prayer there, seek things that can sustain you. Let Him fill you up and anytime you feel like you're on E, I can assure you that His gas prices won't rise.

Spread Love Always,
♥ t i f f a n y

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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eyeWatch: Crushing Hard

A phenomenal woman, that's who she is, but it doesn't stop there. She's an advocate for lupus awareness, a singer and a great poet. In honor of National Poetry Month we want to reintroduce you to Shanelle Gabriel.

If you love a good poem on relationships and love, Shanelle's got you covered. No matter who you are, it's safe to say that you've had a crush before. I've had a few and when I heard this poem I felt like I wrote it. If you haven't experienced a crush, maybe Shanelle will be able to illustrate what it's like in her piece "Crushing Hard". Check it out, leave your thoughts and feel free to share it with others. Happy watching!

Video Link

Check out our past interview with Shanelle here

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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I Will Wait...For You

In honor of National Poetry Month, I'd like you to meet Janette...itz. She's a poet and lyricist from Los Angeles California, and has been buzzing all over the web with her latest poem "I Will Wait...For You". The poem focuses on one of the largest aspects of a relationship, sex. What I love most about Janette...ikz is how she works her spirituality and relationship with God into her poetry. The poem is real and her delivery draws you in.

In a world where sex is put in the forefront for young people, it's important that the message of abstinence and celibacy is heard. Nowadays, young ladies and teens think that waiting for "The one" is impossible; but they need to hear this message and maybe then, they'll be able to understand how great waiting is. Happy watching!

Video Link

You can check out more from Janette...ikz and other poets taking part in the Passion for Christ Movement at www.P4CM.com.

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

ToP THIS: Healthy Relationship

If you’re in a healthy relationship, you know it. In fact, you and your mate likely worked hard to get to that point. However, it’s not always a clear when we’re NOT in a healthy love relationship. Why? Well, we usually carry on relationships in ways that we learned from others—and to us it seems normal. We may not realize that smiling, happy couples have problems behind closed doors. The healthy relationship signs below are meant to open your eyes to what healthy relationships are all about. It’s not all smiles and kissy-face; but it’s real. Happy reading!

A healthy relationship is when you can be your true selves with each other. You feel comfortable sharing your deepest thoughts, fears, and emotions with each other.You rarely lie to each other, but you also refrain from being brutally honest.

You respect each others’ privacy. You give each other space and/or “Me time.” You make it through rough times as a couple without splitting up.You and your mate completely deal with your problems, refusing to leave them unresolved until resentments form. You both listen without interrupting. You don’t tell each other what you should or shouldn’t think/feel, but in case you do, you forgive each other for mistakes. 

In having a healthy relationship, you must have a strong friendship.You speak each others’ Love Language, even if it’s different from your own. You willingly make sacrifices for each other. You share mutual interests and activities. There is mutual trust and dedication.

You treat each other the way you would like to be treated, not necessarily the way you feel you’re being treated at the moment. You respect each others’ individuality and make the most of your differences. You act as each others’ backbone, providing loving support without guilt. You share spiritual beliefs or a spiritual connection. You show sensitivity to each others’ needs. You discuss and negotiate instead of fighting. Each partner takes responsibility for their own thoughts and feelings.

In addition to loving each other, you genuinely like each other. You don’t judge or force your opinions on each other. You take quality time to nurture your relationship. Both partners maintains his/her own set of boundaries and respects the boundaries of the other. You are both attentive to the needs of yourself and the other. You enjoy physical contact (hugs, kisses, cuddling) together. You show appreciation for each other. You communicate openly and meaningfully with each other.

Hardship, uncertainty, and disagreements are accepted as a part of life. You agree (or genuinely agree to disagree) on financial matters. There is equal power between you and your mate. You keep your expectations of each other in check. You genuinely apologize to one another when feelings are hurt.You and your mate speak up assertively instead of expecting the other to read minds. You both eliminate passive aggressive behavior (ignoring, silent treatment, eye rolling, stomping, hanging up the phone) as much as possible. You have a strong sense of interdependence (mutual responsibility) to each other rather than dependence or co-dependence.

Most importantly, you CAN live without each other, but you choose each other over every alternative choice.

Every relationship has its challenges. Instead of using the signs that you’re in a healthy relationship as a way to judge yourself and your mate, use them as a guide to growth. After all, relationship success is a part of self-improvement success.

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Taken directly from: Source

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How Do You Rate on A Date?

I was running through the Metro newspaper on my train ride this morning, and I came across this tidbit about dinner date etiquette. I find it interesting how things such as these natural acts can warrant a "How-to" manual; but then again Barnes and Nobles sells a "..For Dummies" book for just about everything imagineable.


In retrospect when in dire straits, I can see the benefit of dating tips. Consider that crucial moment where you go blank and can't remember to a tee what your plan for success was. There is a "How To" that can help. When was the last time you met that person whom you deemed "The One"; dropped the ball when it came time to go out on a date? If you did, this is for you. Now I can't guarantee that a second chance is in your future, but if it is, TAKE ADVANTAGE! This time around follow the blueprint and you too can be a dinner date success:

1. Never sit next to each other on one side of a table unless you’re being filmed for a reality TV show. Be adults and sit facing each other. The romance of staring into each other’s eyes over a candlelit table should be enough.


2. Guys, don’t order for the woman. She’s an adult: She can make up her own mind and speak for herself.


3. Don’t order “just a salad.” This tells your date you’d rather count calories than embrace the date and all its pleasures, including the gastronomic ones. But don’t order the lobster, unless it’s been clearly established that you’re paying.


4. If you have to use the powder room, just say, “Excuse me, please.” Your date needn’t know specifics.

5. No cell phones at the table, please, even if you’re dining at Denny’s. (Good manners don’t discriminate against even the tackiest of eating establishments.) If you absolutely, positively must take a call, keep your phone on vibrate, but don’t whip it out. Wait for an appropriate pause in conversation to excuse yourself from the table to take the call. However, it had better be an emergency.


6. Don’t start eating until your date has also been served. Don’t touch your silverware until his or her dish has made contact with the table linen. Even if your date insists you go ahead.


7. Discussing the etymology of “The Dirty Sanchez” is unacceptable dinner conversation — save that for the bar.


8. Don’t gesture with your silverware.


9. Do not ask to sample your date’s plate unless he or she offers first. Some people are funny about that. On the other hand, if your date is clearly suffering from entree envy, consider offering a trade.


10. Be courteous to the wait-staff. Never snap, clap, cry “Waiter!” or worse, “Garcon!” Wait until you catch your server’s eye, then nod, smile or subtly raise your hand. If you’re rude to the service industry professionals, it tells your date that you have the potential to be rude to anyone. And finally, if you’re picking up the bill, then tip 20 percent unless you want to look like a cheapskate.


We all know first impressions are lasting, and presentation is paramount. Quality time is like an intereview when courting. Don't kid yourself by assuming that you know everyting about the intricacies of dating. An old dog can learn new tricks; everyday of your life is an opportunity to do better than before. Ever wondered why your love life never improves? The reason is, YOU NEVER IMPROVE. Here's your chance.


Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Tips are courtesy of MetroNY- March 9th 2011

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eyeInspire: Reach Out & Be Used

God breaks into a life in a spectacular manner, and sometimes conversion is a quiet experience.

But what exactly is conversion? Something that Saul came to know very well. Conversion, by definition, is a change in character, form, or function; or a spiritual change from sinfulness to righteousness. In the story of Saul and Ananias, it became clear that Saul was on the road to becoming an evil man, but God chose to use Ananias in the process of converting Saul. Ananias questioned God when it came to this, but in the end did what God told him to do, and that was go to Saul (who was blinded) so that he could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes we assume that people are beyond God's reach. But NOTHING is too big for God. Think about the people that testify about how bad they were or how far they were from God's will. When these same people give testimonies, they're witnessing how great God's grace and mercy is.

Saul's story challenges those assumptions, as should we. God blinded Saul in order for him to see again, but when he was blessed with a new sight, he was converted through God. We have to embrace those who are far from God, because they can be converted through us. As God wants to use us as instruments, just as he did Saul. Jesus said "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name..." Acts 9:15 We never know how God will chose to use us or those around us.

Remember, every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. eyeInspire you to reach out to those around you and let God use you.

If you don't know the story of the Saul's Conversion, read all about it in Acts 9:1-19.

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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The Little Things We Learn in Life

If you haven't met Tha Lady Blogga (Tamika Frye), then you must not be into the social media scene. She's an entertainment blogger, and has now ventured out to become the author of the three book series entitled, “The Little Things We Learn In Life”. Book one, “Matters of the Heart", takes the reader on a myriad of journeys through various relationships. Relationships that are affected by some of the same things that are dealt with in real life. Mistresses, occupations, Social Networking; but it also gives the other side: Love, Happiness, Togetherness. 

The objective behind the book is to help the reader see beyond their own situation. Reading these stories gives insight, direction and knowledge beyond what might already be known. Aside from entertaining, the stories are gritty, real and some of the readers may closely relate. I personally cannot wait to purchase and read my copy to tell you all about it. You can expect books 2 & 3 “the Grind” and “the Fam” up next, but for now, spread the word that "Matters of the Heart" is currently available for purchase!  Make sure you support and order your copy today. Happy Reading!

PURCHASE “The Little Things We Learn In Life”  NOW
or purchase on Amazon.com

@ladyblogga, ThaLadyBlogga.com

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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eyeInspire: Build!

"...Keep a sharp eye out for competent men—men who fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible—and appoint them as leaders over groups organized by the thousand, by the hundred, by fifty, and by ten." - Exodus 18:21 (The Message)

Whether it's a church, blog, family, sports team, or small business, in order to ensure growth and success, a team is needed. Sometimes the word "team" scares people and I can see many reasons why. How many of us have trust issues when it comes to building a team? How many of us just prefer to get everything done on our own? Who has the dependency issues? Who's tried to build a team, but saw it fall apart before your eyes?  I raised my hand a couple of times, but I've come to learn that having a team builds you and your character.

When building a team, it's very important that you build a team that is capable of accomplishing what your purpose is. You also want to build a team that is willing to share the burden with you. Build up a team who cultivates kindness - those who pursue what is good. Be willing to give yourself to others. Philippians 2:1-4 illustrates giving ourselves to one another without another selfish ambition or conceit. We should see  others higher than we see ourselves. Make yourself available to meet and help each others' needs.

Build a team around you that is like-minded, and share the same purpose. Find people of integrity, who are trustworthy: people who don't slander, don't harm other, who honor God's word and his followers, make firm commitments, who are honest. When we live like this, we live in the spirit of God. This makes it easy for people to trust us, as they trust God. Communicate openly: be open & honest with one another. Invest in one another: give your time and effort in helping others develop to their fullest potential. There's nothing like a team who works hard for one another. Who give without intention of getting something in return, and share resources. Once you have a team like this around you, you'll be able to accomplish anything you .

God puts a lot on us sometimes, but His plan isn't for us to go through life alone. You can get a lot done on your own, but imagine how much you can do when you build an empire. Remember, there's no I in team - unless it's an eye ;)

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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ToP THIS: My Cheap Valentine

Valentine's Day. What's the BIG DEAL? I mean, it's a day where people waste their money on pink and red things. Teddy Bears and chocolate. Ballons and flowers. This might be your view on it all, but let's be real, it does feel nice to have someone that thinks about making you smile on that day.So the dilemma becomes, how can you have a heartfelt valentines day, without crying over empty pockets? I wont promise that these suggestions will be free, but they wont break the bank. Class is now in session, let Ms. King school you.

Anyone can write something sentimental in a card, but how about a "Top Ten reasons Why I Love You" list. This is something that you can do together or create on your own as a surprise. Be creative: use big paper and pictures, construction paper and markers. You'll have a great time going through pictures, reminiscing !

Go out for dessert. Nothing says I love you like food, so pick the sweetest food you can think of. Some of my personal favorite places are Tonnie's Minis, Coldstone,Crumbs Bake Shop and The Cheesecake Factory... YUM


Create a scavenger hunt! Hide a series of riddles and personal messages that will lead your loved one to the ultimate prize. You can start with a short personal message and then write a riddle such as "The next clue is under something that has four legs, two arms but will never walk". That clue should lead that special someone to look under the chair. Be fun and creative. The personal messages should be heartfelt and if you choose, leave a Hersheys Kiss at each clue for a little reward. But remember its a hunt, so hide those kisses well!

Create a drink together. Have fun mixing all kinds of flavors, fruits and syrups until you create the perfect concoction. When your'e done, give it a name. It will be something that will be special to both of you and you can include the drink during other occasions you both share.

Happy Valentines Day
Ms. King


Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.

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Something Sweet 4 Ur Honey

Love feels good when it is made just right, doesn’t it?

For the month of February, I thought it would be nice to search for recipes all of you fellow BizzyBodies may want to try for Valentin'es Day.




Strawberry Cheesecake Minis!
Get recipe and nutritional facts here. Look out for more recipes throughout the month!

Urstrulee,

KareemaBee
Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired. 

Source: Taste of Home

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ToP THIS: Dealing With a Break-Up

Who loves relationship break-ups? Anyone? Yeah, I didn't think so. As much as we might not like them, the fact is that break-ups are a part of reality. Browsing the web, we found some awesome tips from sheknows.com for the women out there. We'll share them with you and, of course, add our elleELLEeye flare.

She says:
REDIRECT YOUR NEGATIVE ENERGY
Trade male bashing for some sweating -- we mean glistening, for us ladies...
We say:
Exercise not only stimulates your body, making it feel better, but you will soon see the benefits of your hard work. This will turn that messy break up into a new reason to go shopping :)

She says:
TAKE TIME FOR EXTREME SELF CARE
People tend to beat themselves up after a breakup, says Heidi Frei, life coach of Heidi Frei Coaching & Consulting...
We say:
Listen, what happened, happened! You can't change the past. All you can do is reflect on what happened, and work on how you will make things better the next time you're in a relationship (and trust me, there will be a "next time").

She says:
LISTEN TO YOURSELF
Frei notes one of the biggest problems women have after a breakup is not putting themselves first. To resolve this unsettled feeling, she recommends beginning a journal...
We say:
Not only can this journal give you a chance to get out all the feelings you might have had bottled up during the relationship (as She mentions later in the blurb), but when you write down your true feelings, you can keep them as a reminder of WHY the relationship is over. This will help you from slipping into the "sick cycle" of breaking up and making up.

She says:
TREAT YOURSELF LIKE A KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR WOULD
If you can't treat yourself with love, how will someone else? Frei says it's important to "treat yourself like you want your ideal partner to treat you." ...
We say:
Enough said!

She says:
REDISCOVER YOURSELF
Relationships are often filled with many compromises. Create a vision board: cut out pictures and words from magazines that are meaningful to you in a relationship, (or print your own) and paste them to a poster board. This constant visual reminder will fill your mind with positive energy and remind you what can be achieved each day.
We say: Sometimes when you're "caught up" in a relationship, you forget exactly what it is you said you wouldn't stand for. "Write the vision and make it plain". We encourage you to always keep this board up as a reminder while you're in your next relationship.

She says
TAKE TIME TO GRIEVE AND START WITH A CLEAN SLATE
People heal at different paces. Allow yourself time to feel, cry. "Clear up reminders," says Frei, by purging things in your living space that remind you of the person. Don't get involved in a new relationship too quickly, which may transfer feelings from your old relationship to the new one...
We say:
And as you grieve (because break-ups are a loss) be mindful that there becomes a thin line between getting your feelings out and a pitty party. Feel! Let it all out and then get active. Even if you don't feel like it, getting active is the best way to avoid depression. Spending some time with GOOD friends and family also help. So please take time to grieve, but please be healthy as you do so.

She says:
ENRICH OTHERS THROUGH VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering is a great way to achieve self-actualization while helping others. You may not feel like volunteering. Regardless, Dr. Trent believes "actions dictate feelings, not the reverse. When we begin to take actions that are positive...that generates positive feelings. Not the opposite."...
We say:
Volunteer, help a friend, help a family member, just put yourself out there to spread love.

Have any experience with some of these tips
or have any other tips you want to share?


She.com Article found by
♥t i f f a n y
elleELLEeye twist added by
DANiE

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.

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Bad News Bears

eyeAsk, How do you break bad news to a friend?
They say a real friend should always be able to tell another friend the truth, albeit right wrong or indifferent. Does everyone agree? In my man experiences I have come to realize that whether or not the friend appreciates it, I must keep it real for lack of a better term. Hating me or not, I would rather be able to hang my hat on the fact that I am straightforward with those whom I really care about. At this point I realize that it is not the easiest thing in the world, but it has become the most proficient.

I recently had to break some disturbing news to a friend, at the same time telling them about themselves and their ways. TOUGH love I called it; and it's definitely what I want in return. Anyone can be idle and watch, waiting for the so-called "I told you so" moment, but if you never mentioned anything how can it be?

As I grow, mature, succeed, fail, or remain status quo, I am trying to rest on my morals and be able to conquer one of the hardest things in the world - sleep comfortably with myself at night.

Do you not want the same? Leave your thoughts in a comment.

- Basquiat

Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

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eyePoll: Dating & Religion

For this edition of eyePoll, DANiE thought we should take a chance and see how you all felt when it came to dating and religion. From the time we first start dating, religion may or may not be a factor, but as you come to terms with a more serious relationship, it can be something that will make or break a relationship - or determine who you are willing to have relations with. So, we asked:

Would you date someone who had different religious beliefs than you? And here were the results:

How did you vote? Why did you vote the way you did? I'll leave my reason in a comment, as should you ;)

♥ t i f f a n y
Spread Love. Live life. Be Inspired.
Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society