Many Hats

How many hats do you wear?  No, I am not talking about actual hats.  I am referring the many hats you might wear in your everyday life.

I am pretty sure that we all wear many hats at the moment.  Just looking at myself only, I am a husband, father, son, provider of our home, entrepreneur, IT manager just to name a few.  Whether you believe it or not, each of those are different hats that I have to put on daily, even at the same time.  Is there even a such thing as having just one hat to wear in your lifetime?  Do you know who really worn many hats = JESUS!  Think about this for a second, He wore the biggest hat of them all as the son of GOD.  There are not any hats bigger than that!  Jesus knew what His purpose was and that was to die for our sins, even though He did not commit any sin.  He helped many people along the way through prayer, healing, opening blind eyes, being a role model, and much more without a blink!  Could we have done the same thing already knowing what our end is in the natural?

I remembered when I was a young teen that I would ask my parents, why do you wear so many hats?  I know how hard my parents work and what they had sacrificed as well.  In my view, I saw them tired, sometimes struggling and it played with my mind at that age.  This is what my mother told me at the time:

As you get older, you will have much greater responsibilities than what you see as a young boy.  I wear many hats because I am supposed to just like our Lord and Savior did.

Trust me, I understand that now with my very own family.  Is there a such thing as wearing too many hats? It can be, depending on what you have going on in your life.  You do not want to wear so many hats that you have no life, no spare time, no “me” time.  That is not the life that God wants us to live!  That is not his design purpose for our lives to overcrowd yourself having many different things going on in your life.  When will you have time for Him? 

If you have time today, sit back and evaluate the many hats that you are wearing.  Figure out does each hat you wear serve a purpose in your life and how much do you hold accountability for it.  I guarantee that we all have many hats and also have too many hats at the same time.  If there are things that you have no business doing, get rid of that hat.  And vice versa, if you know you do not have a hat assigned to a role in your life, add it!  At the end of the day, this is being accountable and responsible day in and day out. 

Let’s be like JESUS and become the very best we can be in each hat that we wear!

There is more to this Referral

How many can say that every time you refer a customer to a company, that company sends you a check for $100-$200?

Well, my hubby and I can! For every customer, we referred to Vivint (and they signed up for service)… Vivint sent us a check for $100 – $200. Now, I know you are wondering

HOW??

I will tell you how. My husband and I are independent business owners with the largest Direct Seller of telecommunications, energy, and essential services. In our business, we are partnered with some well-known companies like Vivint, DirectTV, AT&T, Verizon, and a few others. And whenever we refer someone to get their services through us with one of these companies, we get a percentage of our customer’s bill as income, in addition to monthly bonuses.

I know what your thinking, this is Network Marketing isn’t it? I have to sell something, I’m not a salesperson??? I have tried network marketing before… Yeah, yeah, yeah. I said all the same things you are saying.

But, here is the caveat. I’m not a salesperson either and have no desire to be one…what I can do is make referrals. Matter fact I do it all the time, and so do you! Sometimes subconsciously… let me give you an example. You eat at a really good restaurant.. and then you tell all your friends and family that they have to go to this restaurant. A few of your friends go, they eat there and love it, and because you referred them the restaurant sends you $100 –  plus they give you 10% of every referrals bill. Sounds good right!!!  Well, that’s exactly what we are doing but not with restaurants, we are doing it with services we use every day like cell phone, gas, electric, TV, and home security.

I have come to the point where I realize this is more than just a referral. I have to share this opportunity with as many people as I can because this can change someone’s life. I just saw a post the other day that said there was a time a family could live off of one income. The man worked, the woman took care of home and the children (which is a job as well), and they lived comfortably. Fast forward to today, and one income is almost detrimental to a family household. Even two salaries are not enough in most cases. An additional stream of income could make the difference in losing or keeping your home, paying for college tuition vs. student loans, going on vacation vs. staying home… and the list could go on and on.

So, your last question is why are you doing this? I’m doing it for a few reasons. The first reason is the most obvious, and some may find generic, but I am doing this for my sons. I want them to have a future that is financially sound. I don’t want them to worry about student loans, having to borrow from others or just the feeling of them not knowing how to pay for things.

Second, I am utilizing this additional income to further my dreams of becoming a doctor. I am currently pursuing my doctorates degree, and I see myself independently creating programs that educate on health and wellness in poor communities across the country.

Lastly, I desire more time. I know that one may seem strange but time and money go hand in hand, you need one to obtain the other. And, in most cases, you desire more time with family and friends… more time for volunteering and vacationing, more time in church and more time to just DO WHAT YOU WANT! But where is your time, it’s in your 9 – 5, for some its the midnight shift, and others may even work weekends.

This is more than just a referral, this can, and I have seen it –  change people’s lives.

I am ready to give you this referral and let’s watch our dreams and desires become a reality!

What a Difference?

Wow! What a difference a day makes? Have you ever heard that phrase used? Or how about change starts with day one or One day at a time.

All very popular phrases; all having different meanings to different people. But I truly believe that within 24 hours changes occur… I mean the obvious is that we go from day to night, the weather either goes from cooler to warmer or if you live in MI from cold to freezing cold (OMG… so cold in the “D”).

I have been contemplating posting this picture on my social media for weeks now. I mean you can clearly see a change – but me personally it seems like is it enough change. Its the same outfit, similar hairstyles, clearly the same person but a significant change in weight loss. I am not going to lie, I have not dropped 100 lbs. And realistically that isn’t even my goal. The picture dated 2015 was taken in November – I knew I had gained a significant amount of weight but I was just living with it. I was not taking my health that serious. I went thru 2016 starting and stopping different diets, plans, suggestions and recommendations for true weight loss but I wasn’t taking it serious.

The picture dated 2017 was just recently taken on December 24, 2017. Early in the beginning of 2017 I had a reality check. I looked at myself and I said self… GET IT TOGETHER! In my career I am a health professional – daily I write, discuss and assist with programs that teach on healthier lifestyles. I felt like a hypocrite because here I am educating others but not following the plan myself. I had decided no more diets and fads I really wanted a lifestyle change and that is when I birthed “Making Healthier Choices”. That motto is for everything, not just diet and exercise but mentally, physically and spiritually my goal is to make healthier choices… and it takes time – “One day at a time”. I quickly began meal prepping every Sunday (this works for me and my family); when I know what we are eating each day it helps us avoid fast food and junk food. We have a planned meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I began exercising daily, even if it was just a lunchtime walk around my building or at the nearest park. Since then I now exercise at least 3 to 4 days out of the week and my meal planning includes several nutritious healthy meals. Mentally, I started pouring into myself – posting self motivating quotes, following positive speaking people like myself; people that were taking their time toward a healthier lifestyle. Spiritually, I read my bible more, increased my listening to more spiritual music and podcast that promote positive thinking.

My desire is that “Making Healthier Choices” becomes a huge movement. In all aspects of life we can make better choices whether financially – save a dollar and donate a dollar, socially – be kind to others, you have no idea what someone is going through, physically – move people; even if its just 10 minutes at a time, environmentally – be nicer to the world we live in – recycle, reduce your carbon footprint. And spiritually – get a closer relationship with God. All of these things – TO ME, make up a healthy lifestyle.

I feel better now.. the picture is out there.. WHEW!

Share some steps you are taking in order to “Make healthier choices” in 2018!

More in store @ 34

34 isn’t really a milestone birthday but in this time we are living in, every birthday you reach is a milestone. As I reflect on this day, My Birthday I am grateful for all God has done. He just gave this to me “More in store @ 34!“

Even at a young age (34 is not old) I have been tried in the fire. I have been thru sickness, loss, frustration, anger, jealousy, more loss…I just have been thru, but these last couple of years God has pulled me thru to the other side and I am coming out as pure Gold. My latter will be greater.

He has taught me plenty and he is still teaching me. I have learned patience, humility, steadfastness and long-suffering. I mean look what all God has blessed me with, not one but two degrees, a Bachelors and a Masters. I am a wife to the same man for 11 years on 9/9/17. Two handsome sons, and the doctor told me that I wouldn’t conceive  (Man, if I could just visit that doctor now). And a career in my field at one of the largest health systems in MI. Please believe, I am not bragging, I’m just overwhelmingly grateful.

And now God is saying I have more in store. A closer walk and relationship with him. He wants to use me as a vessel to spread his word. He is stirring up a gift in me that I have tried to keep buried. More in store, he has more in store.

Joel 2:25 – 29 AMP

25 And I will compensate you for the years
That the swarming locust has eaten,
The creeping locust, the stripping locust, and the gnawing locust—
My great army which I sent among you.

26 “You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied
And praise the name of the Lord your God
Who has dealt wondrously with you;
And My people shall never be put to shame.

27 “And you shall know [without any doubt] that I am in the midst of Israel [to protect and bless you],
And that I am the Lord your God,
And there is no other;
My people will never be put to shame.
The Promise of the Spirit

28 “It shall come about after this
That I shall pour out My Spirit on all mankind;
And your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
Your old men will dream dreams,
Your young men will see visions.

29 “Even on the male and female servants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

Ain’t nothing new under the sun

I think this generation (I won’t say millennial because personally I get tired of that label) sometimes get a bad rep because we come off as we know everything and we sometimes don’t seek help.

Have you ever heard the phrase “Ain’t nothing new under the sun” or “History repeats itself”. What we are going thru in this country and encountering individually; the generations before us have already seen that, done that and most conquered that. This racism we see is not new, yeah we thought it died because it was in our history books but it is very much ALIVE (unfortunately). When I think about myself being a mother, wife, and career woman – my mother been down this road I’m on. She can tell me how to manage all three and avoid pulling my hair out! My endeavors to invest, save and start my own business – my father has succeeded in these areas. My father is wise with finances and he started his own small business.

See…..we want to be so innovative and take a different road, which don’t get me wrong being innovative is GREAT but don’t reject wise counsel about what you are undertaking. Wouldn’t you rather have some direction of where the bumps and pitfalls are located on the path your taking. Absolutely make that road creative – it should look like you but don’t be so high and mighty you don’t ask for help or listen to those that came before you. Those very ones that came before us can instruct us not to make the same mistakes they have made.

I challenge you to get a mentor, get under someones wings that have accomplished what you are seeking to achieve.

Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed. Proverbs 15:22 MSG

 

 

FastPass is a God-send…..Whew!

Thank God for FastPass…..Whew! If you don’t know what I am speaking about, I am referring to FastPass at Walt Disney World. This feature allows you to enjoy attractions quicker without waiting in line for a long period of time! We were able to bypass a few lines with this feature but oh! when it was over….what an experience!

Our last vacation of the summer was a visit to Orlando, FL where of course we had to go see Mickey Mouse at Magic Kingdom Park. It was absolutely amazing but I have truly learned a new lesson on patience. At the most wonderful place on earth everyone is on edge, anxious and impatient….especially the CHILDREN. It was a constant “Momma, it’s taking to long”, “Aunnie (that’s what my nephew calls me) are we next?”, “Honey (oh, this was hubby, he’s not a child…or is he! Lol just kidding) what time is it, is it time yet?” OMGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!! Several times I thought for sure I would EXPLODE but I kept my patience. Someone had to be the level head in the bunch. Patience is truly a virtue. What does that mean? I did some Googling (Good Ol’ Google) and this was the definition I liked the best; patience is the ability to delay gratification and wait for things to happen in their time. And virtue is defined as goodness that creates more good. So, your waiting creates goodness.

Patience doesn’t come automatically; it’s certainly a learned, practiced behavior.

So much goodness came out of my patience and I am grateful. This trip gave me a chance to reflect how truly blessed we are; and that is where I drew my patience and strength from on this vacation. My husband and I were able to take our two sons and our youngest nephew to the most wonderful vacation in the USA. To see the excitement in their eyes and hear the enthusiasm in their voices was well worth their impatience.

Where do you draw your strength when you are growing impatient? Or do you do nothing and continue to murmur and become frustrated. Next time your patience is thin think about how God waits on you – and his patience far surpasses what we can obtain. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and he will strengthen your heart. Next thing you know GOD will be giving you your FastPass to VICTORY! He may not always come when we want him but he’s always ON TIME!

Cheap Fun before Summer’s Gone

OMG! Summertime is coming close to an end. In just a few weeks the children will be returning back to school and if you are like me you want to get every fun activity in before that time. Back to school means money, money, money will be spent on school supplies, shoes, clothes, and book bags; your last few fun activities need to be at the LOW, LOW COST OF FREE.

I have put together a short list of activities (5 to be exact) you can do for the end of summer that are FREE or really, really cheap. (The activities listed are limited to residents of Michigan, particularly for those in the Metro Detroit area)

• Splash pads – there are several parks around Michigan that feature splash pads. What is a splash pad? An outdoor play area with sprinklers, fountains, nozzles, and other devices or structures that spray water. My personal favorite is located in Farmington Hills, MI at Heritage Park – it is completely free and it also features a playground, sandbox, snack bar (this is not free and bring cash because it’s cash only) and plenty of green space for a picnic, soccer or just lounging around. Check out their website for hours of operation and further details here. If this location is not close for you click here for several other splash pads around MI (please note some of the splash pads featured are not free and may come at a cost).

 

• Kids bowl free – if you and your family like bowling you will like it even better when it’s FREE. When school ended this past year our son’s teacher gave us a card in order for him and his brother to bowl free all summer. Go to https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/ and register your children (must be 15 and under) to bowl 2 free games any day of the week for the remainder of the summer (please check the open lane hours for the bowling alley you choose). Besides paying for shoe rental the bowling is FREE and parents can join in on the bowling at a cost. I plan to get some bowling in before the summer ends. Let me know how you do? I smell a TURKEY before summer end.

 

• Enjoy the ARTS – the Detroit Institute of Arts is featuring special in-gallery tours designed just for kids and their grown-ups! Tuesdays – Saturdays at 11am you can go on a free tour. Each day features a different gallery. Check out the DIA events page for more information.

 

• Let them PLAY ALL DAY – Well not all day but definitely wear them out! At Jungle Java the Adults are free and you pay a small fee for the children. What I like best about Jungle Java is that it caters to the Adults – there is room to just chill, there is free wi-fi and a cafe’ to grab a cappuccino; you just sit back and watch the children run themselves silly in the play area. There are 3 locations in MI; located in Farmington Hills, Canton and Clinton Township. Visit their website here for admission prices.

 

• Let’s Go to the Movies – All around Oakland County you can check out a free movie feature outside. Bring some snacks, lawn chairs and blankets and watch a movie under the stars with your family. This great site has a few locations listed; it may also be worth a Google to find out if there any others around you.

 

 

This was a short list but there are a ton of other things you can do for the LOW COST OF FREE (I like saying that). Check out your local library for activities, search PINTEREST for free, fun activities to do with the family (don’t get to consumed though) and as always you can depend on Good Ol’ Google. Enjoy the rest of your summer, I hope you get some fun activities in before its too late. Please share more fun (FREE) activities.

Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog Conversing with the Coakley’s is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.

REMOVE THE LABEL

I am sure you have noticed the label on your mattress that reads “Do Not Remove Under Penalty of Law“. Hopefully, I am not the only one but I have always wondered why is that message on the mattress. After doing some Google searching (Good Ol’ Google) I discovered that this was put in place as a safety to consumers. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s manufacturers would stuff mattresses with used or recycled bedding materials. Of course the government said you have to tell people this is what your using and if they choose to purchase than fine.

This got me to thinking even further about all the labels that are placed on us in the world. Labels such as incompetent, helpless, loser, winner, hypocrite, cheater. We get stuffed with so much garbage and carry it around with us forever. 

I am so sick of labels and I am ready to remove them. Years later the government changed the label to read”Do Not Remove Under Penalty of Law Except by the Consumer.” Yeah, thats right, You bought it, its yours, You have every right to remove that label. When Jesus went to the cross he purchased our salvation. When you gave your life to Christ you can rest assured he removed all those hurtful labels that you have encountered so long – labels like liar, fearful, abuser, victim, enemy, hater. God never saw you as those things in the first place and once you find his love those labels can be erased.

 If any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

I had been thinking on this subject of labels for quite some time and then on Tuesday July 18th, I read the daily devotion in the “Our Daily Bread” and the devotion was titled “Beyond Labels”. It was simply put that God’s grace defies labels because it is rooted in his love, not in our self-perception (nit how we see ourselves) . How we think of ourselves is no where near how God thinks of us. I’m sure there are a few of us that say “I’m ugly” but how can that be, you and I were made in God’s image and everything God did was and is beautiful and Good. Or here is another one that I’m sure you have run across “I’m a failure” – this one is actually impossible as there is NO FAILURE in God. 

You try it!!! every negative thought and negative label can be easily negated thru God’s word and Love. So go ahead REMOVE THAT LABEL!

 

It DOESN’T Fit!

Do you remember when you were a kid and they stuck the shape peg board in front of you. You in turn had to put the shapes in the correct peg hole – circle with circle, square with square. You get my drift. But you didn’t always get the shapes right, You always tried to put that triangle in the circle peg and it just didn’t fit.

As I get older I feel like I am that triangle piece and those around me are circles and it just DOESN’T FIT! To me if you have to try really hard to fit in then you really don’t fit – why force it. It’s like trying to fit into those jeans from highschool – you know you can’t wear those jeans anymore (I mean a little exercise, maybe you can, but that’s another topic). 

You would think this is something you think about as a pre-teen or an adolescent but not as an adult. But I am finding that as an adult I just don’t fit in with those around me. I mean I do have some commonalities – wife, mother, career woman however these are obvious. But, I am not particularly into going to the club, I don’t participate in male and/or husband bashing, cursing, and I am definitely not fond of negativity. It’s truly time to separate myself which can be a challenge. I am looking for something deeper that I have in common with others – I desire people that our striving to be closer to GOD, people that want to build something of their own – entrepreneurship, those that want to make a true difference in this world – Game changers. 

It seems that when GOD is preparing you for greatness he separates you from those you thought you fit in with. He has to pull you away, not necessarily alone but closer to him – he wants you to FIT IN with him. Once you have that relationship you will be able to draw more people to you. Others will be attracted to the good works that God has provided to you.

But as for me, it is good for me to draw near to God; I have made the Lord God my refuge and placed my trust in Him, That I may tell of all Your works. Psalms 73:28 AMP

 

Gimme some of that Old School

I am so old school y’all. I mean I think I am. Now I know you are saying…HOW?

Well when it comes to relationships I still live by the old school standards that the man

does certain things and the wife does certain things and there is no mixing… only in extreme circumstances. Ok, I’m not to bad, I don’t think that all the woman should do is cook and clean while the husband works..this ain’t the “Steford” wives. (plus my husband is an awesome cook, I don’t want to miss out on that good eating).

I do believe that the man is the head – Ephesians 5:22 – 23 AMP reads Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as [a service] to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as Christ is head of the church, Himself being the Savior of the body.

Those scriptures teaches us our roles as husband and wife. I am taking it so lightly when I say certain things I think the man should do around the home. I mean if something breaks, fix it or call the repairman. I used to think only the man should take out the garbage but my husband said that is DEAD!!! Lol The husband manages the finances, mows the lawn and shovels the snow. WOW… I am old school – this is how I saw it in my home though so can you blame me and I did watch a lot of the “Cosby Show” – thought my family was like the Huxtables. WHAT? Its not a bad family to model after for your own family.

I know you are thinking I am small minded but what is wrong with living this way. Some women have ruined the old school standards. We want to be so INDEPENDENT. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with independence but if you have a man let him be the MAN!

I’m done apologizing I want some of the “Old School” – open our door, wash our cars, take out the trash and pump the gas. it’s all out of love – Ephesians 5:25 AMP reads Husbands, love your wives [seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love], just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.

When your not around we do it but you do it so much better and we know it’s because you LOVE US.