Lifestyle – A Blog, A Magazine. It's JustsumInspiration!

Wanna Hang Out With Me Tonight?

Published on July 18, 2019September 4, 2019 by Roshonda B6 Comments

Photo Credit above by rawpixel.com from Pexels

Hey, Everybody!!

Okay, so it’s evident – I miss my blogging community. Like for real, for reals…..I ain’t gonna lie about it. Do I have new content? Well, not really…lol…you would think me being gone for this little period of time that I would have at least a journal full of topics but if I can be very transparent – I DON’T! ( I know, shame on me =()

I’ve been busy for sure, working on my business baby and trying to show it as much LOVEEEE as possible and in between doing that, holding down the singles ministry, coming up with content for my new business page (more on that in a jiffy) all while holding down a 9 to 5 (and did I mention parenting?, Yeah that too!), so it’s been a little challenging trying to come up with appropriate, well I hate to say that because it sounds like I post inappropriate content on just about anything – however, you would think I’d have some new content to come back and WOW you with, but nothings been coming to me.

Anywho, maybe by the time I grace the blogging stage again, I’ll have a little somethin-somethin for ya. Speaking of busy and business – I have a new facebook business page (still working on the website) for my new business Roshonda B Creative! For those of you that may be new, I took a little break from blogging to try and build up my brand (that still sounds funny to say) but it’s a writing and creative design company in where I create flyers, social media handles, writing content, simple websites, logo’s and I even do book reviews, I do a little ghostwriting as well for businesses and so much more.

I just felt the urge of God pushing me into this venture, I mean don’t get me wrong, I’ve actually been doing this for about 15+ years as a hobby. This is just the first time in history that I’m actually going full blast with it. (Pray for Me!) So on my Facebook page I post creations that I created for clients as well as do shout-outs to businesses that I’ve used or that maybe someone else could use because we’re all helpers one to the other, right?

On this page, I also give business tips (no, I’m no master or business guru) but when I see something or learn something, I want to share it with everyone else and that’s what I’ll be doing tonight, soooooo would you like to hang out with me? I’m going to go live at 7:30 pm EST tonight to talk about a recent business experience I had and how it may or can help us become better business parents. Whether you’ve been in business 30 years or just started one this year or last week. We could all use some refreshers!

So, if you want too – I’d love to see you tonight on my FB business page! It can be sorta be like a hanging out session in where you get some good information while you’re there. I’d love to see ya and have you aboard!

The link to my FB page is here: https://www.facebook.com/roshondabcreates/ 👈

I hope to see you and if you can’t make it – no worries, you can click on the link and watch the replay. Hopefully, you’re doing very well!

I’ll see you around, Ciao My Friends!!

How To Remain “Positive” In A Negative Environment

Published on October 11, 2018April 18, 2019 by Roshonda B17 Comments

The photo above and all others below courtesy of pexels.com

In Lieu of October – I thought I’d write about “Positivity” – did you know that October was Positive Attitude Month? Uh, Yeah – it really is….in which is something we should all have regardless of the month, correct?

But not so, sometimes it’s extremely hard to keep up a “positive” image and smile in the midst of chaos or adversity and it’s even harder to always try to search for that glimmer of light in the midst of so much darkness – but guess what! You really can…

When you go into a dark room and cut on the light, it makes everything within that room visible. Light has a way of shining on the darkest situations and circumstances especially if someone is having a bad day or if things aren’t quite looking UP as we sometimes would hope or think. Darkness is allowed in some cases such as when nightfall comes, that’s a darkness that is a must because after the sun has done it’s days work and sets in the evening, darkness comes to take over its shift, to allow people to retire for the night and rest but that’s how our solar system works.

So, what about the light and darkness we hold on the inside of us? You see, we all carry a light bulb within us and no matter how our day may go or play out, we have a sure responsibility to handle that day appropriately. We have the ability to turn our light on or leave it dark; it’s a choice that can only be made by you, whether to let positive rule the day or allow negativity to destroy it.

I’ve been told that I’m a very positive person and have had people to come to me when they either want to smile, talk or need to be uplifted from a dreadful day. So I share the light that’s on the inside of me with them. But, sometimes after I’ve given out so much light, there comes a time when my light gets dim and even dark sometimes.

That’s one of the downfalls to being an encourager – you’re the one that people call when they need to be lifted or consoled or just want to vent. But when it’s your time, you hear crickets! I guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles…..

However; Listed below are a couple of strategies that help me and maybe can help you too when your positive light suddenly stop working or begin to go dim.

PRAY!

Now, I don’t know your religious affiliation and that’s okay, but when people are mean or have said something to me or about me that’s untrue and has totally shifted my light from bright to dark – Prayer is the first step I take. It’s a meditation route that not only relaxes your mind but calms your spirit; it brings you back into focus and allows you to think before you speak and say something that will dim someone else’s light.

TALK TO SOMEONE

Another way to stay positive is by talking with someone else who has a positive mindset. I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve felt down in the dumps only to talk to someone to vent and they start talking about their negativity. Choose your circle of friends wisely, because if you don’t have anyone that is able to listen to you or be there when you need a re-charge, then you might need to regroup and think about your circle. You’re there for everyone else, make sure you have someone that can be there for you too.

AVOID NEGATIVE NEWS

I almost can’t tell you how dreadful it is to turn on the news and see negative things – It’s not only depressing but discouraging. Not to be naïve’ to the news or the things that are currently going on in the world today but there are times when you need a break. That’s when I turn on some positive tunes on the radio or pop in a CD and sing. Reading positive things and/or positive quotes are also re-chargers to having a positive day.

DON’T CHANGE YOUR STRIPES

If you are a naturally positive person, don’t change who you are all because someone else chose to not turn their light on and have a bad day. Everyone is not going to be positive and smile like you do, but that shouldn’t stop you from being who you are when you change to accommodate a negative energy it makes you negative. People are People and everyone is definitely different – But don’t allow their difference to keep you from making a positive difference in your life and the world.

It’s not easy sometimes to maintain a positive disposition in a negative world; but if you keep your focus and remain true to yourself, you will have a light that will continue to shine inside of you and just may serve as the source for helping to turn someone else’s on too.

“LOOK UP, LOOK AROUND AND LOOK WITHIN, BECAUSE THERE REALLY IS POSITIVITY IN EVERYTHING” – BY YOURS TRULY

Weekly Announcements! – Book Review Time…

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#Sunday’s Thought: My Time vs. HIS Time

Published on March 11, 2018March 8, 2018 by Roshonda B3 Comments

Okay, so first let me start off by saying – this is definitely not a post to make anyone feel bad about their current “God” status because we all have fallen, made mistakes, still trying to get it together and so forth, however; there might be a couple of tips within the post that could help you pencil God in on your daily schedule….so, let’s go….

Now I know it sounds funny to say “We have to pencil God In” – because in reality I guess we really shouldn’t have to do that or feel as though that’s an awkward comment to say about the “creator of the universe” but unless you’re totally unplugged from the world and the things that are going on in it, then finding a time to pencil God into your busy day, doesn’t sound so bad at all. Let’s face it, we’re all busy and have a ton of things going on as well as a whole bunch of appointments to keep in mind that we all have to make it too.

Sometimes life for me can get so busy with the everyday mundane until all I can do most days is give God a quick “Thank you Lord” in the morning while rushing out the door or going down the highway to work or gym class. I always propose to spend time with him at night, but by the time I get home from a long day – cook, clean, sign a bunch of papers from school, entertain my kids conversations and check homework it’s already 9pm! I get in the bed with every intention on at least reading a scripture but always get stung by that sleep bug…..every….single….time…

Soon, something had to give – It’s not like I don’t realize how important God is in my life and yes, I do love him but….I just couldn’t find the right time in the day to spend the most valuable time with him, outside of going to sleep or having any and every other busy thing to get in the way. I never had a problem with making time with friends whom wanted to do lunch or even going to the gym; I even make time every week to have a fun night with my two kids, so what was missing and how come I couldn’t seem to find the time to do this with God? That’s when I suddenly had an epiphany….I need to put God on a schedule just as I do everything else….I have to be honest though, I really never liked doing that because I always felt like God wouldn’t value my time because it almost felt like I was “giving” him a specific time with every other busy thing in my life but I knew that if I wanted to get that time in with him, I had to come up with a solution to get it done.

So, listed below are a couple of tips that I use to get that valuable time In:

1. Set A Good Time:

Set a time aside for God when you’re energetic and energized. This totally depends on the time of day, some people are morning people and some are night owls – choose which time of day works best for you and stick with it. My time of day is the early morning hours (4:30am – 6:30am) because that’s when I know I can give God my best.

2. Have An Agenda

Plan your work and work your plan! You want to have a set system when you go into God’s presence, I’ll elaborate…You wouldn’t enter a boardroom to give a presentation off the top of your head and you sure wouldn’t go into it unprepared, it’s the same way with God, knowing what you’re going to do is great, in other words – will the first 15min be prayer? 15min of worship and the last 30 minutes will be for reading/studying? The last thing you want to do is sit there and pray, only to fall asleep.

3. Don’t Be Selfish – Pick A Topic

Trust me, God already knows your need, desires and wants and yes, it’s good to share those things with him but you don’t want your whole time to be about YOU! Think of the many things that are going on in the world today, pick a topic to pray for and focus on it, you don’t want to get overwhelmed with all the concerns of the world. God may lead you to pray for the sick children and their parents whom are in the hospital at this time, so allow that to be your prayer focus. You might have a different topic the following day.

4. Turn Off all Devices

In this tech savvy world, I know that’s a difficult thing to do in most cases but hey, look at it this way – if you were eating dinner with one of your favorite celebrities and it was a once-in-a lifetime opportunity that you were only going to get once; would you be on the phone talking, tweeting or so forth? Just as we give our time and attention to people we feel like have value, that’s the same attitude we must have for God. I once told my Sunday School class that Jesus was actually the first celebrity to grace the earth = )

5. Start Small and Work Up!

I think the number one thing that trips people up is the fact that they feel like they have to spend an hour to 15 hours with God; let me tell you – it doesn’t take all that and it’s not necessary. Think of the widow woman in the bible (Mark 12:41-44) that only had two cents to give to God, while every rich person came around and was giving out of their wealth, she gave what she had – which was from the heart. Her two cents became more valuable than those that put in much. It’s okay, you may not can do an hour or two and don’t be intimidated by people whom tell you that, that’s what they do – Do you and do it from the heart because that’s what God judges anyway…the more time you spend with God, the more you’ll enjoy it and increase your own time.

To Sum it Up! Whatever you do, you want to make sure you give God your best YOU which is your offering to him…did you know that the book of Malachi was about this very thing?, For years I always thought Malachi was about tithes and offering because the only scripture I ever heard and read from Malachi was (bring your tithes and offering into the store house) in which is a preachers delight message…wink, wink..lol…

While in church one day my pastor made it known that Malachi was more than about tithes and offering it was about people and their dealings with God and their “not so good” sacrifices they presented to God – Malachi 1:6-14. These people were presenting anything on the altar to God – from blind animals, to ones that were crippled and diseased – I mean, would you fix a bad dinner for a royal and expect them to eat it? I think not, we would go out of our way to make sure they get the best of the best, even if it cost us our last…why? because as a people we are more eager to please people we don’t know and don’t have our best interest at heart as opposed to someone who does and that is God.

Do you set time aside for God, When you go before his presence, are you putting your best you on the altar before him? If not, then say this simple prayer…

God, forgive me for not giving you a part of my day. You deserve more than the scraps of my life. You deserve more than the crumbs that I throw at you. You deserve ALL of me. My mind, body, spirit but mostly MY TIME belong to you! Help me to give place to you before I give that time and space to anyone else. Amen

Because, You Make Time For The Things You Love

Roshonda N. Blackmon – Creator of A Blog, A Magazine. It’s JustsumInspiration, Author, Speaker & Encourager

Poem: I Am Thankful

Published on November 16, 2017November 10, 2017 by Roshonda B2 Comments

When I read this poem, it really stirred something in me and also made me realize the many “small” things in which we miss to give thanks for daily and the people who make giving thanks worthwhile. The bible says “In Everything, Give Thanks!” (1 Thess 5:18). No matter what situation or circumstance we may face, while it may be hard to do given the situation; We should be thankful for all things GREAT and small.

I AM THANKFUL

Author Unknown

I am thankful for the wife who says it’s hot dogs tonight because she is home with me and not with someone else.

For the husband who is on the sofa who is being a couch potato because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because that he or she is at home, not on the streets.

For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I’m employed.

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I’ve been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am able to walk and that I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.

Finally, for too much email, because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

** ** **

While there are lots of negative things we can complain about; the news displays those things everyday – there are even more wonderful things to be THANKFUL about!, as the poem above so graciously reminds us of all those “small” things everyday.

Wishing you and your family a very blessed and safe Thanksgiving!!

Roshonda N. Blackmon – Creator of A Blog, A Magazine. It’s JustsumInspiration, Author, Speaker & Encourager

Let’s Live Well, Laugh Loud, Inspire Often & Love Hard!

Monthly Series: An Attitude of Gratitude – Challenge #2

Published on November 8, 2017November 14, 2017 by Roshonda BLeave a comment

photo above courtesy of quotesgram

Happy Wednesday! today is the second day of our Monthly series – Attitude of Gratitude. Just in case you missed the November Vibes post, Every Monday and Wednesday for the month of November, I will be posting questions in regards to being grateful. I will answer these questions myself but my hope is that you will answer them too and leave those answers in the comment section.

Some questions may have us digging a little deeper within ourselves to answer them, but in the end – my hope is that you will feel more empowered and begin to see yourself and even your life differently and not just for the month of November – but for every month of the year. You can choose to start a journal if you want but this challenge as you may say, is not just about us writing things out and leaving it in a little book to store it away and go back to it when we’re reflecting on our life but the challenge is to show it!! so as an extra bonus after every question regarding yourself will be a question in which will relate to the world around you, it’ll be called “Our End of the Day Question” – you don’t have to write about it here, but it’ll be something that you’ll just ask yourself everyday at the end of your day. While writing out what we’re “grateful” for is half the battle, showing gratitude for and towards others is the KEY!

So, let’s do both – reflecting and showing….(by the way, the passage above will be in every challenge post to start off, however; a new question will be at the bottom of each post).

What risk are you most grateful for taking. (My response)

I would say the risk that I am so grateful for taking is starting this blog – I have to say, the idea of starting a blog came to me late 2014. I really can’t explain it but I was on my computer and this word-press ad came up and here my hand to God, it was like something said “start a blog” – At first, I thought “It was myself relating this message to my brain.” You know how you feel like something is just you? – but this stuck with me. Now, I have to be honest – I didn’t start when it was given to me at that point in which was about September, I didn’t get started until March of the following year!!

I remember it like it was yesterday, It was a Friday and I had just gotten paid and that unction within my spirit came back even stronger this time and said “NOW!!” I knew what it was referring too, so I answered the call and started the blog that day (March 13, 2015), it was a free blog at first but then I later transitioned to a paid one. I can’t say that it was easy and that everyday has been on the up and up but I will say when I look back, I am so grateful that I started – I wondered at first like, “What would I talk about?” “Would people really listen to me?” and if I could really do it. Well, here I am almost 3 years later – DOING IT! The only thing I knew at the time was that I loved encouraging people and while I didn’t know exactly how that was all going to pan out – Once I “finally” put things in God’s hands, I gave him the keys and allowed him to drive. Since that time, there have been many bumps in the road and I’ve felt like giving up MANY, MANY, MANY TIMES! But, I’m still here, trusting him and not the likes or the comments (because that can get’cha) but allowing him to guide my hands, thoughts and heart on what he wants me to say. When people do respond to a post and say how it’s changed their life or caused them to think differently or do things differently – that let’s me know that God has me on the right track and for that, I’M GRATEFUL!!

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