eyeInspire: Rise & Shine

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. - Matthew 5:14-16

Have you ever taken out the time to think about the phrase "Rise and Shine" and its meaning? Many times in its context, all it means is get up, get to work or school, or to jump-start your day. But, if you really think about it, and break those two words down, you'll come to the understanding that rising is mustering up the strength to start again. And to shine is to be a light even when the sun isn't shining.

Today, I encourage you to take whatever dark situations you may be in and trust that God will see you through. I ask you to not be dispirited by things you can't control. However, eyeInspire you to let your light shine. Be the speck of light at the end of someone else's dark tunnel. If you let the Son within you shine, you have no idea how much you may brighten someone's day!

Spread Love,
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eyeInspire: Change the World

If you could describe the word worship, as pertaining to spirituality, how would you do so? Many think of worship as being in church dancing, singing, shouting, etc., but true worship is given by the ways of our lifestyle. Listening to William McDowell's album As We Worship has opened my eyes to many different things on a spiritual level. He speaks about submission, faith, and changing the world.  Another gospel artist who makes it a point to let us know that we (each one of us), have the power to change the world, is Israel Houghton. If we all had the mentality that we - on our own - along with God's strength could change the world, the world would change. One of the most powerful statements that he made was this:

"We're not powerless, we're not without authority, but we're His agents in the earth. We are the generation. Change is not going to happen if we don't do it. If nothing changes with us, nothing changes. That's why God said,

'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.' - 2 Chronicles 7:14

When we get this, the world will change. See we're brought into the mentality that the majority rules and we can't do anything by ourselves. But we don't live in a democracy, we live in the Kingdom. God and us are the majority! We can change the world!"

Imagine yourself being someone who could change the world. If you don't think it's possible, think again! God didn't put us here on earth to be stagnant; we're on this earth with purpose. I used to think that the things people saw in me were too great for me to ever accomplish, but the beauty of that is that they are. What's even more beautiful is that God did not create us ill-equipped for anything we were called to do. If a stranger can look at you and tell you that you're going to do something extraordinary, you better believe it, because that's what God created us for. We're not just meant to live in this world, but we're here to change it. Be the change you want to see!



Download the As We Worship Album today, eyeRecommend it!

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QOTD: Room For Improvement

"Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself." - William Faulkner

Remember, the biggest room you'll ever walk into, is the room for improvement.

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Yes You Can

How rich would we be if we were paid $1.00 every time the word "Can't" came out of our mouths? Rich enough to do anything we wanted to I bet. Although that shouldn't be the case, we are easily discouraged and let that word become the death wish to our dreams. Let's drop the apostrophe "T" from that word starting today. Here's a poem by Edgar A. Guest entitled "Can't". Happy reading.

_Can't_ is the worst word that's written or spoken;
Doing more harm here than slander and lies;
On it is many a strong spirit broken,
And with it many a good purpose dies.
It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning
And robs us of courage we need through the day:
It rings in our ears like a timely-sent warning
And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.

_Can't_ is the father of feeble endeavor,
The parent of terror and half-hearted work;
It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,
And makes of the toiler an indolent shirk.
It poisons the soul of the man with a vision,
It stifles in infancy many a plan;
It greets honest toiling with open derision
And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man.

_Can't_ is a word none should speak without blushing;
To utter it should be a symbol of shame;
Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;
It blights a man's purpose and shortens his aim.
Despise it with all of your hatred of error;
Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain;
Arm against it as a creature of terror,
And all that you dream of you some day shall gain.

_Can't_ is the word that is foe to ambition,
An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;
Its prey is forever the man with a mission
And bows but to courage and patience and skill.
Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying,
For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man;
Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying
And answer this demon by saying: "I _can_."

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

The Journey = The Success

"Success is a journey, not a destination." - Ben Sweetland

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eyeInspire: Think Fast

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise…”- 2 Peter 3:9, NIV

Do you realize that as a believer in Jesus, you have a tremendous advantage in life? The Creator of the Universe is not only fighting your battles, but He is lining up the right people, the right breaks, and the right opportunities to move you forward. You may be facing a situation right now that looks like it’s never going to turn around, but I believe that you’re going to see some changes quicker than you think. You’re going to come out of debt quicker than you think. You’re going to accomplish your goals much quicker than you think. That relationship is going to be restored quicker than you think!

Remember, God is not slow in keeping His promise. I believe we are entering into a decade where we’re going to see the hand of God move like never before. He is going to open up doors that no man can shut. He is going to turn impossible situations around and take you places that you never dreamed. It’s time to get ready for more of God’s favor because that breakthrough is going to happen quicker than you think!

Agree? Disagree? COMMENT!
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elleELLEeye Recap

365 days, 991 posts (and counting), 95 followers (and counting), 1146 Facebook friends (and counting), 553 Facebook fans (and counting), 6 interviews, and a zillion eyes (and counting) later, who would've thought that elleELLEeye would be what is today? Honestly, I'm not surprised. I've been a humble and modest individual my whole life and for the first time this blog has been something that I've started on my own, and has opened (and closed) a lot of doors for me. I've had the opportunity to work with, meet, and interview people that may not have crossed my path otherwise; and for that, I am grateful.

I'm happy and proud to work with a staff that continues to grow. Although I go blog crazy at times, they have been played significant role in the number of posts, topics, and writing that you see on the blog. And for the person who coined the phrase, "There's no I in team"; let me introduce you to the eyes in mine...

Kareema Bee - My buzy bee who is doing so much and still makes time for elleELLEeye. You're an extremely talented person and I'm glad to have the pleasure to know you as a friend and team member. You bring a lot to the table, along with constructive criticism that I take in and digest, advice & a growing expertise in the "business" world. I'm sure with you on the team, elleELLEeye's buzz will soon become....ummm....a bigger buzz?!

Aliciia - My little Fashionista, if I never knew one before. You know it was only right that you joined the team, I mean with a tattoo that says "Be inspired", how could we not have asked you to?! You've been a great help and I'm glad to have seen the growth of your writing before my own eyes. Keep on "Zoin' it" and Stay Couture!

Perlita - Thank you for what you have contributed. I can't wait until you have more free time on your hands so the elleELLEeye world can see more from you. Keep it HOT Perlita =)

Basquiat - You're the newest addition to the squad, and you've already become a force to be reckoned with. I appreciate your writing and your opinion on the different topics you choose to write about. You know, those "things that make you go hmm"...Looking forward to what the future has to offer you and us as a whole!

DANiE - You've been there before DAY 1! When I was testing out graphics, trying to figure out a name, to when I finally started publishing, you were elleELLEeye's #1 fan. You commented and made pictures for me, and it was only right that you joined me in this quest. You're the Kelly to my Beyoncé, the Bleek to my Jay-Z, the branch to my Michelle, and the Deuce to my Ace. You've had some crazy ideas that I've hated, and said "okay" to, and some that were great, but just didn't work out for us. The ideas of "FASHiON FiGHT", "WoRD UP", "ToP THiS" started with a thought from you, and now they're some of my favorite things about elleELLEeye. You've dealt with me being nervous as ever on our first interview with Shanelle Gabriel; which turned out great, and countless other worries. Without you, elleELLEeye would still be here, but would be missing something that it has today... Love you sis!



A special thank you and appreciation goes out to those that have associated themselves and their name with elleELLEeye; Skye Townsend, Shanelle Gabriel, Ayindé, the Oxymorrons, Iran Ortiz, Parlé Poets (Kevin Benoit, Kesed, and Marcus Wright) and all of our readers. For those of you who read, comment, share and enjoy or dislike the blog, thank you! I appreciate everyone that was and is a part of this process. See you next year ;-p


...and to think, it all started with this post, "Welcome to elleELLEeye"...
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eyeInspire: Deny Deferment

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." - 2 Chronicles 15:7


Are you someone who is striving to achieve a goal? Do you have a list of things you want to conquer? Do you have dreams to be the greatest at something? These are the things that make us who we are and without them, what are we really living for? Sure, it's easy to give up when times get hard, but when we're discouraged, we let negativity and doubt get the best of us.


What God wants us to know is that our work never goes unrewarded. So many people expect blessings and don't realize it when they receive them. Yes, you may have worked extra hard to win that talent show just to come in at 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th place. But you shouldn't look for a trophy blessing, someone being moved or inspired by what you did is a blessing within itself.


Langston Hughes once wrote, "What happens to a dream deferred?" Don't answer that question, let it be and let us deny deferment. Let's put off the putting off and instead ask, "What happens to a dream pursued?".

Get out and make something happen today or the talent God has blessed you with will soon become obsolete. Don't allow your blessings go to waste, instead be motivated, keep dreaming, and once you wake up, work hard at it!



Agree? Disagree? Comment!


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eyeInspire: Release the Old & Embrace the New

“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins.” - Mark 2:22, NIT

Are you ready for increase? Are you ready to go to the next level spiritually, physically and emotionally? In today’s verse, Jesus is basically saying that you can’t go to a new level with an old way of thinking.

Many people often hear the truth that God has more in store for them, and something resonates on the inside. Their spirit comes into agreement with God. But often times, their natural minds will try to talk them out it. Thoughts come like, “It’s not going to happen for you. You’re not going to have a great year. You know what the economy is like.” Or, “You’re never going to get well. You saw what the medical report said.” “You’re never going to get married. You’ve been single too long.”

Those are the old wineskins that you have to get rid of. This is a new season. What’s happened in the past is over and done. You may have been through some disappointments, you may have tried and failed or things didn’t work out. That’s okay. We serve a God of restoration. It’s time to get a new vision for your life. It’s time to open yourself to a new way of thinking so that you can move forward and receive all the blessings God has in store for you!

Agree? Disagree? Comment!
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eyeInspire: effFOCUS on Better

"I am not the best, but I am better than I was before. It is all about progression." - Tiffany LeFever
Are you someone who has always been a person that likes to have your hands in many things? This person is sometimes referred to as, "Jack of All Trade", and there's nothing wrong with that, but what you must do is find balance in your life. Balance is very important. At one point or another you will come to realize that you can't do it all, so focus on one thing that really makes you happy, somethat that you're good at.

You may not be the best at that one thing, but what you will come to see is that you have come a long way from where you were. When you focus on one thing you're good at, you create space to become better. Success is not defined by monetary means, but by how you have managed to outdo yourself by accomplishing yet another goal. Don't live to be better than those around you, live to be the best you that you can be, and the rest will fall into place. To be the best, you must first be better. Progress.

Agree? Disagree? COMMENT!

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eyeInspire: Move Mountains

“…you have stayed long enough at this mountain…” - Deuteronomy 1:6, NIV

Let me ask you, do you go out each day knowing that favor is already in your future? Or, have you gotten stuck in a rut staring at a mountain of disappointment, setbacks or difficulty?

That’s what happened to the people of Israel. They were headed toward their promised land. They had big goals and big dreams, but along the way they hit some setbacks and had some disappointments. They got so discouraged that they gave up on their dreams and just settled where they were. One day God said to them, “You have dwelt long enough on this mountain.” He was saying, “It’s time to move past this and embrace the blessing in your future.”

I believe God is saying that to each one of us today. You’ve been where you are long enough. God is saying, “This is a new day. Get your fire back. Where you are is not where you’re supposed to stay.” If you’ll be determined to move past your mountain, He will lead you and empower you to live in favor and blessing in every area of your life!

Agree? Disagree? COMMENT!
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Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
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"A Walk Through Brooklyn"

A good book is hard to find, but once you find one, it expands your wanting to read even more. Author Rashaun J. Allen writes “A Walk Through Brooklyn”; a collection of nineteen poems that express the black experience from a vivid point of view.

The book's perspective is that of an African American man who has experience growing up in American society without a father, and losing a loving mother. “A Walk Through Brooklyn” covers a range of topics such as self-motivation, love, friendship, abandonment and loss - all things that elleELLEeye value. His poems attempt to ask and answer questions such as: How does self motivation lead to success? What’s the difference between love and lust? Can a friendship be repaired? And how does a parent’s addiction affect a child?

Be sure to keep up with Rashaun as he does book signings around NY. You can see him on March 27th at 12pm for a Book Signing for "A Walk Through Brooklyn" at:

Market Block Books
290 River Street Troy, NY 12180
www.marketblockbooks.com.

But if you can't wait until then...
PURCHASE "A WALK THROUGH BROOKLYN" NOW!
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Dream Chasin'

I'm in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day spirit, so let us talk about dreams. Dictionary.com defines DREAM as an aspiration, but I define a dream as something that a person deeply desires to accomplish and without that thing being accomplished - something is missing. With that being said I give you my personal tips to achieving your dreams...

1. TRY DIFFERENT THINGS: Many times, people like a lot more things than they realize. The more things you try, the more likely you will find something that you'll LOVE. And who doesn't want to do something that they love?

2. LIST ALL OF YOUR DREAMS: Make a list of everything you want to do from the most important to the least important. This way, you have your priorities in order!

3. RESEARCH!: Get online or open a book and find out the basics to reaching a specific goal. For example, find out about the schooling, certifications, programs, etc. that are necessary for doing what you want to do. Also, find out about different people who have had similar goals and learn the steps that they have taken to get to the top of their game.

4. SET REALISTIC TIME GOALS: Time goals help because they will help stop procrastination. Also, you will be A LOT more organized. Set goals for small tasks as well as large tasks for the best results.

5. NETWORK: Networking is a great tool in dream chasing; it allows you to talk to people who can explain to you how to reach your goals quickly and efficiently.

6. DO NOT GIVE UP: Things can't always come easily. There will be times when you want to give up but just put on your TUNNEL VISION and GO FOR IT!! If things don't work out exactly how you want them to, at least you gave it your all!

Stay Couture, Aliciia

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Be effFearless

Three Steps to Overcome FEAR

No matter what point we come to in our lives we all have something that shakes up our world a bit; leading us to become scared. There are many ways people try to overcome their fears; from silly antics to avoidance. But the best way to face any problem in our life is to consult with the person who has the best advice in the world...God.

1st - When faced with a fear you should humble yourself and accept the fact that you need God's help. 1 Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time."

2nd - Make the decision to cast all of your anxieties, worries and concerns, once and for all on Him and trust Him to teach you what you need to know in order to change fear into faith. 1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you."

3rd - Take a stand and choose to believe in God, accepting everything He said as truth! 1 Peter 5:8-9 says, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings."

When you stand, God will stand with you. When stay grounded in God's Word, you will become immovable and determined through Jesus Christ.

Still scared? COMMENT!

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S - T - I - N - G

It doesn't matter if you're a 12-year-old being told to clean your room - or a corporate executive that needs to write up a business proposal, we're all affected by it...procrastination. Here's a solution to this problem; turn your procrastination into action! I know what you're thinking, you've tried it all, right? Wrong! One technique that you may not have heard of is called the "STING" method. This is a fairly new method of addressing procrastination, and it's an acronym that stands for:

S - Select one task.
T - Time yourself.
I - Ignore everything else.
N - No breaks.
G - Give yourself a reward.

Select one task you've been putting off. Break it down to just one small piece if it's complicated. For instance, if the task is cleaning the kitchen, reorganizing a drawer is just one piece of the larger task. Time yourself. Use a kitchen timer so you don't have to watch the clock and give the task one full hour. Children might need to reduce that time to just 10 or 15 minutes. Ignore everything else that needs to be done. No breaks allowed!

Give yourself a small reward when the task is completed (a few minutes on Twitter, Facebook, a piece of chocolate...whatever you need).


Everyone's attention span is different, but it may be wise to I set a timer for three 30-minute increments with 5-minute breaks (depending on how much you have to do), exit out of your email and Internet explorer and go into your own personal space. The beauty of it is ... it works! I hope it works for you!

Spread Love. Live Life. Be Inspired.

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Proud supporter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
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