We've all heard, "you can choose to be happy".  For some of us it is hard to believe, however it is really true!  I suggest you step outside of yourself and take the advice from yourself, that you would give a friend regarding any situation that is making you unhappy.💓〰 Mandy

A Reflection of Self-Worth

Keep a Smile on your face!

"Loving yourself can take time and effort for some people and I was one of those individuals, but I fought my way through pain and bad experiences, YOU CAN TOO"!!!

You're stronger than you think!  Find that inner zeal to invest in you! 💪〰 Mandy the Motivator

 

What Should We Do With Our Lives?

Hey Sister!

I hope this post finds you in great spirit and "living your best life"!  Speaking of life, I find it a bit intriguing how our lives begin with us having no awareness!  It is amazing of our lack of consciousness regarding the first steps of our developmental process.  As a result, our parents have the responsibility of sculpting our foundation.  It is not until we are able to walk and talk that our memory and our ability to reason bridges our ability to become conscious of our lives and the environment that surrounds us.

Most of us can account for times as young children that we are asked, "what do you want to be when you grow up"?  That one popular question which seems so innocent is powerful and is relevant to our life's work!  I believe our young lives take on interest and pass along signs that sometimes led us to discovering what should we do with our lives. I can remember a time in the late 70's, I was sitting at my dining room table watching my mom prepare breakfast when I picked up a small pamphlet from the table.  It was what I now know to be a "Christian Track".  Not being a over enthused reading for some reason I was drawn to it without a cause, however I didn't put it down until I read the entire thing.  To this day I remember the author's meaning, which was to make it clear to the reader that a good person could find themselves in what the Bible describes as hell.  I gathered that it took a more defined commit to the teachings of God before one could be apart of heaven.  Although, my mom was not an active member of the Christian faith, an I only was nine years old something pricked my heart and what I describe as a burning in my heart, it never went away!  After questioning my mother with a number of inquiries my life went back to normal. 

Fast forwarding the story I found myself heavily involved in the works of the Christian faith at nineteen years old.  Furthermore, I eventually obtained an undergraduate degree in Biblical Education and became a pastor's wife and a local minister.  I currently service humanity in various ways, which supports my theory that knowing what you should do with your life can most likely be traced by to childhood.  I honesty believe that my purpose was stamped on me the day I read that Christian Track and somehow life guided me to my aspiration in life.

Perhaps you are currently in the state of finding your life's ambition?  If so, I would like to encourage you  to think far back to your childhood for experiences and involvements that made an impact on you.  Let me warn you, the memory may not be one of joy and happiness.  Some of you may have had a rough childhood with trauma, but don't over look that experience!  You did survive!  Sometimes we go through bad situations for a much bigger purpose.  Good things can come out of bad circumstances, I can attest to that, but that would be another blog post.  Also, keep in mind that life purposes usually involve the development of humanity in some aspect or another.   Therefore, as you set out to seek the answer to, what should I do with my life, be inspired to discover or rediscover you unique talent that only you can bring to pass!  If you still need a little inspiration and guidance, I have attached a link below to a wonderful article entitled, "How to Find Your Purpose in Life".💓

How to Find Your Purpose in Life

Metamorphosis/Elle Capri

One of the most famous quotes regarding relationships is "people come into your life for
a reason, season, or a lifetime" and for the most part I tend to agree! However, I've
discovered an additional purpose for some people to enter another's life, I call it "mic-time"!
I'm sure you are wondering what does it mean, mic-time. It's quite simple, it's when you
meet someone and they are filled with words that speak to you through experiences and
involvements that can be shared to promote wellness and wholeness within another.
There are a small number of individuals that we come across in life that share artistic gifts
that can uplift, inspire, and purge us into a better version of one's self. Although, these
interactions are powerful they may not be there for a season, one particular reason,
or a lifetime....just a mic-time!

Recently, I met this remarkable and courageous young lady who is full of life in various
ways. She's striking in the areas of self-awareness and education. Meeting this
sister reminded me of some of the reasons why I started this blog. We (sisters)
are often described in negative ways such as "angry, bitter, and hostile", however we
are much more than that! We are leaders, nurturers, trendsetters,
survivors and the list goes on. However, despite the most difficult situations
that have been placed on us, we remain vital and an essential
fabric to the future of all humanity!

Therefore, I'm elated to introduce to you an author, educator, poet, and sister,
Ms. Elle Capri! Ms. Capri is the author of "Metamorphosis", which is "
a collection of poems in which she shares an array of her feelings,
thoughts, and emotions including happiness, sadness, bluntness, disappointment,
joy, love, resilience, and her undeniable faith in GOD." After several discussions
with Elle, I was overwhelmed with the sense of life, which resonates from
her soul. I gathered that her life has been full of amazing twist and turns
that fashioned and shaped her into a unique being. Enjoy the read!

Buried Treasure
By Elle Capri

Sunlight accented melanin, beams of heat penetrate my skin.

Flowing with elegance and grace, the look of pride upon my face.

Head shining like the moon, turning heads as I grace the room.

Strong and forceful I walk the trail, waiting for the moment I exhale.

I’ve waited for this moment to come, a beautiful depiction of were my ancestors came from.

The smile is forming, I feel my face.

Small tear drops I began to taste, flashes of color take over the screen.

As I feel my insides scream Wakanda!!

I can’t help but wish this place did exist, as I marvel at these beautiful images.

My breath is taking and so is my speech, I gotta pee but can’t leave my seat.

The 3D is amazing I feel like I’m there, just another black woman moving in her chair.

Here come the credits I don’t wanna leave, now that was a movie I’d pay twice to see.

Contact Information for Ms. Capri:

P.O. Box 491221

Atlanta, GA 30349

ellecaprithewriter@gmail

ellecapriproductions.org

God is Faithful.....Kevin Dunn with Dunn4U Ministries

God is truly faithful....

Approximately eighteen years ago I met a remarkable family that included a soft spoken and gentle

Kevin R. Dunn
Gospel Artist

young man.  Being the proud father of three and a loving husband were two of his titles in life.  He was also called son, brother, and nephew to the previous generations of Dunn's of Valley, Alabama.  His personality reflected a great up-bring and class. Shortly after meeting him I became smitten and elated to call him friend, as well as my brother in Christ. This man is known as Mr. Kevin Dunn of Dunn4U Ministries.

Kevin, as I so friendly refer to him quickly became a blessing to the ministry in which we were associated with.  The church was small and was in need of growth and development and Kevin became an important part of its expansion.  Kevin assisted by rendering his God given gift of psalms by leading the church's music ministry.  Needless, to say God was faithful with the work of the church and the ministry grew.  In addition, I believe because of Kevin's obedience and willingness to help grow God's kingdom, God spoke a word and gave clear direction for Kevin's future.

If memory serves me correctly, through the voice of God's leaders Kevin was encouraged to minister and sing more frequently and that he would one day create music for others to enjoy via CD's.  Therefore, I am indeed grateful that God allowed me to witness His faithfulness yet once again, towards a remarkable young man, Mr. Kevin Dunn of Dunn4U Ministries.

On March 11, 2018, Kevin release his third CD, entitled "Look at Jesus Lord of the Heavens".  Prior to this album God spoke through Mr. Dunn by way of two other CD's named "Introducing Kevin R. Dunn" and " Kevin R. Dunn Acapella Heaven".  God is truly faithful!

Once we accepted God's faithfulness, we must seek to accept what God has spoken over our individual lives as it relates to our gifts.  The second part of Proverbs 18:16 states, "a man's gift...brings him before great men"(NKJV).  "It is your gift that is the key to your success" is also conveyed to us.  We must strive to believe that our talent is embedded within us and it is fully loaded!  Therefore, I'm encouraging each of you to place on your daily agendas a goal to discover, maximize, and utilized your God given abilities!

Love,
Mandy

Paparazzi Kids

Hello Sister!

I am so excited about a stop I made this weekend!  Staying in line with the well-being of sisters of all ages, Sister Expressions found a gem of a place for young ladies from ages two to eighteen.  As we've once stated, cultivating a healthy woman begins very early in life and it details caring for the totality of the person.  Not taking away from the importance of being a deeply and soulful person on the inside, this location meets the needs of beautifying girls from the outside, it called Paparazzi Kids!

According to our findings the word paparazzi was inspired by "a news photographer named Paparazzo (played by Walter Santesso in the 1960 film La Dolce Vita) is the eponym of the paparazzi."  Therefore, as it is known today paparazzi can be viewed in many different aspects, depending on who you are talking with.  Paparazzi being independent photographers who are constantly on search for the opportunity to photograph high profile people in order to sell their work to high stream media organizations.  Nevertheless, if you happen to find yourself as one of their targets, it's beneficial to be looking your absolute best!  Giving the fact that high profile people are represented in all ages there is no question that having your young sister glamorized by the professional staff at Paparazzi Kids is the move to make!

This five star full service fashionable salon is located south of downtown Atlanta in College Park, Georgia. Paparazzi Kids in now in its third consecutive year of operation and growing yearly.  Founders Sunshine and Sasha are the geniuses behind this upscale beauty salon for girls!  From the services rendered, to the decor your girly-girl will find herself surrounded with sophistication and class as she is being pampered and gleamed for her encounter with the Paparazzi!

Mandy the Motivator

Paparazzi Kids                                                                Hours: Sunday - Closed
5611 W Fayetteville Road Suite 107                                 Monday -

Saturday 8AM to 6PM
College Park, GA 30349                                                           
(770) 703-8855

Glam Squad 

Glam Squad

Lights, Camera & Action

Beautiful Decor

Accessories Available

India and "Special K" Mason with Mandy

Feeling My Beauty Before Seeing My Beauty

Hello Sister!

Like many others, as a product of  the 60's I was automatically born into a world of challenges.  One of the main obstacles I was forced to deal was racism.  When we think of racism our first thought involves ethnic groups against other ethnic groups.  However, when entertaining the meaning of racism sociology, we discover that social racism is a term that "refers to racist attitudes within a society, and according to Carl E. James, "society is structured in a way that excludes substantial numbers of people from minority backgrounds from taking part in social institutions. As a result, without being directly taught we develop habits of forming judgments and thoughts of people based on physical attributes and social status.  Since the beginning of the realization of society those who are of a certain echelon is viewed as good and acceptable!  However, we are rapidly discovering that using that strategy or tactic is leaving us expose to higher levels of abuse.  As the "ME TOO" movement grows, we discover that our social ranks does not exclude our need to look for beauty from within!  Feeling my beauty before seeing my beauty is of the up most importance!  When in each other's presence it's the words we use to impact one another that should express what's in my heart.  It is how we assist those in needs and those less fortunate as ourselves that should exhibit who we really are!  Therefore, until next time I encourage you to allow others to feel your beauty!

Mandy the Motivator

Fashion "Savvi" Magazine Style

Personality is known as “the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character,” included in that amalgamation is one’s approach to fashion also known as personal swag.  This weekend Sister Expression was in the mix of fashion through the eyes of Savvi Magazine.  Savvi held a release party at The Ellis Hotel located in the heart of downtown Atlanta.  The party highlighted their February Issue Featuring Cover Model D Alonzo Clay, hosted by James “Jae Tea” Thompson, also known as the The Klasssic Man. 

Savvi Magazine displays the latest in fashion for everyone, models of all size both males and females can be found pounding the runway with designs by labels such as Pretty Plus Girls Inc., Carlos Wayne, ill Crew Clothing, and Wildlyfe just to name a few!   No matter what your style Savvi Magazine seems as though they can provide you with visuals you need to get your SWAG ON! www.savvimagazine.com 

What Gets You Through the Door?

Hello Sister!

As I meditated on life today I landed on the thought that from the very second we arrive into the world we are met with goals and expectations.  The doctor and our parents meet us with our first one and that is to cry and begin breathing.  From there the goals get more intense; therefore naturally we begin to form strategies and knowledge regarding how to maneuver through life and some of approaches take different paths.  Therefore, it’s important that as we grow we begin to ask the question, what will get me through the door?

For some climbing the corporate ladder is a primary goal, for others it may be growing a business, and for others completing a degree, but what will get you through the door?  I’m reminded of a popular saying, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and I totally understand the meaning and because God does use people to assist with His blessings there are times when are grateful to others, however ultimately favor and sanctions come from God!  Moreover, it is our job to understand what God is looking for out of His people in order to move on our behalf.  It is clearly stated that God finds pleasure in when we have spectacular goals, purposes, and ideas in life.  He clearly stated in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)   ^“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Therefore, no matter what our desires are, it is our drive and character that will promote us to the steps that we take in order to achieve the task at hand.  Let’s seek God’s ways to get us through the doors that leads to conquered goals, dreams, and ambitions.  Be blessed!

 

Mandy the Motivator💗

When a Motivator has to Self-Motivate

Heey Sister,

When you think of the life of a Motivator you probably imagine an upbeat person who is a ray of sunshine!  On the other hand you might think that their lives are just smooth sailing. Perhaps you envision them knowing the right strategies to their life challenges, and if so I would agree that most of the times they are able to stay focused through hard times!  However, we all know that trials and tribulations come knocking on every humans door, therefore as a motivator it's impossible to be in mint condition all the time!  So what happens when the Motivator is facing a challenge of some sort?  Does your expectations lead you to believe they remain  positive through it all?  Do you imagine them perhaps having a circle of supporters that guide them through?  Nevertheless, here's a glimpse into a day of challenge with Mandy the Motivator.

Recently, I hit a very tragic storm in my life, although this was not the first one, each one to this magnitude feel as though it's the most severe.  Everything that I worked so hard for in recent years was being questioned and finding the right solutions seemed so far out of my reach.  This situation brought on many emotions and mental challenges that weighed me down day and night.  There were many sleepless nights with thoughts of why is this happening to me?   In addition, when was it going to end?

Nevertheless, I learned several valuable lessons!  One in particular being, the process of going and growing through trails and tribulations cannot be rushed.  As a result, I realized strategies that work best for me.  I took on the stance of David and began to remind myself of what God had already done and if He rescued me before He would surely do it again!  I also allowed those closest to me to have my back.  Whether it was emotional, monetary, or a shoulder to cry on, I knew it was my job to ask for what I needed without shame!  Although, there were many other avenues that I had to take to bring me back to a place of healing, the most important was envisioning myself on the other side of through!  As you face battles and circumstances remember the words of our elders, "trouble don't last always!"  Amen!

Mandy the Motivator

Recognizing Our Purposes

Hello Again My Sister,

It's a pleasure growing and developing with you!  On my last post I discussed some differences between operating through our pleasures in life verses being influenced and led by our purposes.  Even though, the topic of discovering life's purpose is being preached and taught more and more freely, the number of people discovering their purposes are still dwindling.  In understanding what purpose is, we learn that it's simply "the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists."  However, how do we find our purpose?

As a believer in God and His existence, I also trust that He is the overseer of this universe and beyond.  In addition, I believe in His word!  According to Genesis 1:27, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."  Through this test many of us have heard sermons and teachings that informs us that our images mimic God's by way of the Trinity.  We've been taught that God has three beings, God, the Father, God, the Son (Jesus), and God, the Holy Spirit.  As a result, human beings consist of having a body, mind, and soul.  Moreover, I would ask you to consider, if that being so, would not our purposes be made in His image as well?  When we study the life of Jesus, we find out that His entire purpose dealt with the need and the necessity of others.  No matter what we do for a living our livelihoods depend on others!  As a singer someone have to purchase your music, or as an educator, someone must be in the need of your knowledge. Therefore discovering our purposes in life is simple, what gifts have God given to you that would serve humanity in an arena that God can be glorified?  What are you simply great at doing with little effort, how have you been called to serve humanity?   Don't be shy to share!

Mandy the Motivator

Pleasure or Purpose

Hi Sister!

It's always great having this time with you!  Recently, during my time of meditation I found myself pondering times in my life when I was living for simple pleasures versus the times in which I was purpose driven.  For those of us who are well into our lives and depending on life's circumstances, we can recall several hard and trying experiences that we felt as though we barely survived.  Nevertheless, often times when we find ourselves in the midst of a life crisis we focus on the pain, while missing all of the learning opportunities.  It is during these times, we have the chance to gain wisdom, make positive changes, learn lessons, and most importantly discover our life's purpose!

Given the fact that we are individuals, it's within reason to say our pleasures in life varies.  As a result, some seek to ease their pain with drugs and alcohol, while others choose a promiscuous sexual life.  Still others allow their pain to disfigure them spiritually and/or mentally. They slowly become products of their pain and it begin to reshape and mold their character and damage their moral make-up.  Nevertheless, neither of these choices lead us to suitable outcomes.

However, when we decide not to focus on the pain, we are left with propositions that can lead us to our next purpose.  When we become survivors of situations and conditions, we become professionals, so to speak!  We know what will work and what will not work to get someone else through that particular issue.  In addition, as we are forced to make changes our gifts began to evolve and develop.  It is at this point we discover talents that we never knew existed with us.  This evolution reminds me of Whitney Houston's come back album entitled, "I Look to You" and her single, I Didn't Know My Own Strength!  As I leave you today, I'm encouraging you to choose the path that leads to you purpose!

Mandy the Motivator  

Smart Girl

Dear Sister,

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit in on a class of second graders who were expressing themselves in art.  As I moved around the room, I noticed one student with a captivating photo of herself.  First, I was taken aback that she showed such poise and self-confidence in herself!  It was easy to notice, since the picture conveyed her exact skin color with an amazing smile that lit up the room, as it leaped off the paper at you (see picture below)!  Nevertheless, what was more enchanting were the words that accompanied her drawing.  "What smart girls love to do.  Smart girls love to do a lot of stuff, like read books, learn about human bodies, the weather, and mother nature.  The thing they hate is being bullied!"  Immediately, I thought of Psalms 8:2.... "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength...."  The strength and clarity of her words conveyed how we are able to acknowledge our talents and abilities at a young age, we are also capable of being curious about the things around us (our environment) and how we are connected to it, as well as individuals that are apart of our immediate community. Weather we are an adolescent or an adult, being bullied in any form aim to stunt our growth!  Understanding that bullying comes in various forms, it can be depicted as being a mean girl (woman), by way of gossip, pushing others into isolation, sabotaging one's relationship/career or causing mental or emotional anguish upon a sister.  Therefore, it is imperative that we seek out all opportunities to motivate, uplift, celebrate, and support the efforts of all SMART GIRLS AND WHAT THEY LIKE TO DO!  KEEP BEING YOU... YOU'RE THE BEST AT IT AND TELL ANOTHER SISTER SHE'S GOOD AT WHAT SHE LOVE TO DO!

Mandy the Motivator

VISION

Hello Sisters:

I hope this post finds you prospering and planning for your life's goals!  Recently, I listened to a message entitled "Vision" by Joel Gregory of Linked-Up Ministries, the sermon not only blessed me, but it inspired me!  Vision is define as the ability to be able to see.  Spiritually, vision adds the ability to see a supernatural goal that has been given to you by God but has not taken place in the natural.  Taking time to dream leads to creativity.  Creativity open doors of new opportunities, and new breaks create purpose!  Moreover, purpose provides living out your vision, vision experiences!  GO AHEAD ENVISION.....You have everything in you to be GREAT! 

Mandy the Motivator

God's Love vs. His Favor

Hello Sister,

As always, I'm writing to encourage and uplift your spirit as you navigate through life.  During my time of meditation my prayers rested on God's love versus His favor.  Many of us wonder if God's love can changed based on our choices and deeds in life.  Well my sister, please rest assure there is absolutely nothing we can do that will make God stop loving us!  We're made in His image and we are His creation.  As we all know God's love should never be taken for granted, but with all our efforts, we should seek to express our love for Him.  Moreover, God's favor works a little different!  Have you ever witness or observe a person that seems to have everything going on right in their life?  Many of us have.  Often times that person is experiencing God's favor, unlike love favor is earned!  It is through our obedience and sacrifice to the things of God that gets His attention, in which He chooses to show partiality towards us.  As a result, I'm praying that all our efforts are directed towards fulfilling God's purpose in our lives and He finds Himself pleased enough to SHOW US FAVOR!

Your Beloved,

Mandee Stone

Dear Sister II

Dear Sister,

You developed your plot, you picked your team, and put your scheme into action.  I imagined your ultimate goal was to destroy my career, my life-style, and my drive, but why?  As I lived through the challenges you wished and inflicted upon me, the answers became more clear.  HURT PEOPLE, HURT PEOPLE! You hated my fashion sense, my confidence, my ability to love and draw people into my cocoon of love!  You allowed envy and jealously to over flood your heart without giving thought to the outcome of your life. To be continued..... 

Dear Sister

Dear Sister,

Having you in my life started out as any other relationship, I was fully opened to getting to know you.  I look forward to times of laughter, fun, growth, and mutual support.  However, as time progressed something happened, although I wasn't quite sure of what!  I was even oblivious to the change.  Your behavior never displayed a difference. Why didn't you just communicate, therefore you choose to secretly hid your feelings until it manifested into HATE!  As a result, your hate turned into an elaborate plot to totally destroy me!  ..... to be continue.