The North Star Group for Women

North Star's New Web Location

2011-02-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

Please note the blog has moved to the following URL:

http://northstar4women.posterous.com/

Whitney Houston - I'm Every Woman

2011-01-30T11:23:00.000-08:00

Living in the Divine Flow...

2011-01-29T16:04:00.000-08:00

Consider SLOWING DOWN & CONTINUALLY placing yourself in the flow of divine, life-sustaining energy to actualize your TRUE potential. When this choice is made, we feel truly free! Unencumbered by the negative spirits of fear, worry, doubt or regret, results in a joy that fills our soul, blesses our own spirit, as well as others around you.

::My Activities that Foster Living in the Divine Flow::

1) Listening to positive, life promoting music (lyrics matter!)
Life and Death, Blessing and Cursing is in the power of the tongue....(Proverbs 18:21)

2) Prayer & Mediating (sharing inner most thoughts with the spirit of God, the Creator& active listening**)

3) Spending time in nature/natural settings** (favorite: parks & lakes)

4) Alone time in complete silence**(turn off the phone, TV, labtop for at least an 1hr p/day)

"...sometimes you gotta be still.
It take some time to rejuvenate. Be still.
Take some time to clear your space. Be real.
Chaos isn't good for your health..."
~ India.Arie

5) Studying different spirtual proverbs/laws & finding commonalities

6) *Yoga

7) *Being active in physical fitness & proper healthy diet selection

*not currently active in
**areas I need to grow within/key challenges

What helps YOU live in the divine flow OR closer to the spirit of God, the Creator?

Please share your current activties!

bilal_isthislove_web

2010-11-22T10:35:00.000-08:00

bilal_isthislove_web

Women Are Apples, Men Are Tree Climbers...

2010-11-20T16:36:00.000-08:00

I just “stumbled” across this awesome analogy about dating on the web. It really speaks to self-confidence, patience and perspective. I’m dedicating this one to all the single ladies out there. I found this inspirational poem here. Believe it ladies. Every. Single. Word.

No reaching downward ladies. 1st) Hold your heads high. 2nd) Be productive with your life. 3rd) Strive to be ALL God designed you to be and the right one, who will complement you, will have NO problem working to earn your trust & affection (i.e. Women Are Apples, Men Are Tree Climbers). Okay? Love ya!

bilal_isthislove_web

North Star Group 100% Supports "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf"

2010-11-07T05:16:00.000-08:00

The movie is based on Ntozake Shange's play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf." Unlike the original play that featured only 7 women known by colors, performing the collection of 20 poems (e.g. Lady in Blue's visceral account of a woman who chooses to have an abortion & Lady in Red's tale of domestic violence). Each of the poems deal with intense issues that told from each woman's perspective. Furthermore, the poems deal with rape, abandonment, domestic violence, rape, abortion, etc. embodied by each woman's story. This is a surprisingly well done, thought-provoking film on what it means to be a female in this world & overcome. Each one, truly must teach one with love - fierce love, starting with self...

Harriette Cole interviews Ntozake Shange:

Film Trailor:

North Star's Rating: 4 out of 5

When Keeping it Real Goes (Very) Wrong....Black Marriage Negotiations

2010-10-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

Just a little satire to make you laugh out loud OR out of your chair. Enjoy!

Thanks NF!

Empowerment Never Felt So Good!

2010-09-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

No matter your ethnicity or ancestry, please share this video with children in your life about the use of "Nigger/Nigga" from a historical perspective. First, consider watching the video yourself. Second, watch the video with a child(ren) in your life. Lastly, embrace their questions. Researching answers makes for great quality time! Learning empowers everyone.

Children of African decent would find a renewed sense of purpose and vision in their own lives as they grow to understand what their ancestors overcame (Molefi Kete Asante). In addition, other children would have a deepened understanding & budding curiosity of what African Americans & other people of African decent endured. Overall, shallow accounts of Black history would no longer satisfy history seekers - no matter the age. Ladies, let's continue to raise our children with self-respect and/or respect for others.

Educate a Woman, Educate a Nation!

Video desciption:
Jarrett Mathis is a man on a mission. The Brooklyn native and Dartmouth alum created an interactive workshop to empower black youth, reduce violence in the inner-city and uplift our community. He then turned it into a 75-minute documentary, which you can view online at http://empoweringourselvesnow.com/ .

Answering the Call for Haiti in Your Own Way...

2010-01-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

We’re all aware of the devastating earthquake that has hit Haiti, so here's where Ujima (collective work & responsibility) comes into play. For those who wish to actually DO SOMETHING and help our brothers & sisters in Haiti, here is a list of resources & information:

NEWS:
NY Times Lede Blog-
http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/gleaning-information-from-haiti-online/?hp

NECESSITIES:
Cash donations
First Aid
Hygiene
Bulk medical supplies
Clothing & shoes (adult, teen, toddler, infant)
Canned & dry foods
Cleaning products
Cases of water
Blankets and linens
Flashlights
Batteries
Candles
Matches

TO CHECK ON FAMILIES: US STATE DEPT. HOTLINE:
888-407-4747

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE BELOW:

(1) PRAYER
We all know that prayer changes things! Lift up those currently in Haiti as well as those here in the US with relatives and loved ones there. Also pray for those who are and will be working as a part of disaster relief missions. If you are not a praying person, then please send positive thoughts & vibes, meditate, do yoga and ask for donations in support, or just spread the word!

(2) EMPLOYER MATCHING FUNDS-
Inquire from your employer if they will be offering matching funds. If not, and you want to encourage them, that would be great also.

(3) CHURCHES/RELIGIOUS HOUSES-
Your church may raise a collection, if not, see if they can. (Faith without works is DEAD!) Also, you may want to think long term & collect funds to sponsor hospitals, community centers, schools, etc.

(4) TEXTING CAMPAIGNS-
Donate through Wyclef Jean's foundation, Yele Haiti. Text "Yele" to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization. http://www.yele.org/
AMERICAN RED CROSS Text “HAITI” to “90999″ to make a $10 donation.

(5) REPUTABLE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS FOR DONATIONS:

Haiti Support Project HSP One of the legitimate sites to donate money too. An organization that has a connection directly to the people
http://www.ibw21.org/

UNICEF has issued a statement that "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF. www.unicef.org

U.S. FUND FOR UNICEF 125 Maiden Lane New York, N.Y. 10038 (800) FOR-KIDS (367-5437) www.unicefusa.org

Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles. Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

AMERICAN RED CROSS 2025 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 (800) REDCROSS (733-2767) www.redcross.org [A note about the Red Cross: A donation to the Disaster Relief Fund does NOT necessarily mean that it will make it to Haiti. If you make a donation to ARC, call the number and specifically state that you want this to be used for the Haiti Earthquake Relief. Also, please know that a percentage of every dollar will be used for administrative overhead so for every dollar you donate, around 89 cents goes to the disaster fund (again specify Haiti)].
AMERICARES 88 Hamilton Avenue Stamford, Conn. 06902 (800) 486-4357 www.americares.org

MERCY CORPS Dept. WP.O. Box 2669 Portland, Ore., 97208-2669 (888) 256-1900 www.MercyCorps.org

OXFAM AMERICA Haiti Earthquake Response Fund, PO Box 1211, Albert Lea, MN 56007-1211 (800) 77-OXFAM (776-9326) www.oxfamamerica.org

THE SALVATION ARMY 615 Slaters Lane P.O. Box 269 Alexandria, VA 22313 www.salvationarmyusa.org

SAVE THE CHILDREN Haiti Earthquake Children in Emergency Fund
54 Wilton Road Westport, Conn. 06880 (800) 728-3843 http://www.savethechildren.org/countries/latin-america-caribbean/haiti.html

Partners in Health (Paul Farmer's organization) - Zanmi Lasante (“Partners In Health” in Haitian Kreyol) is PIH’s flagship project – the oldest, largest, most ambitious, and most replicated. http://www.pih.org/where/Haiti/Haiti.html

A.M.E. Church - Since its founding 28 years ago, AME-SADA has demonstrated the implementation of its mission, Helping People Help Themselves, by providing essential assistance to those in need through health, micro-credit and education programs, as wells as emergency humanitarian aid in Africa and Haiti. www.ame-sada.org/

WORLD VISION Haiti Earthquake Relief P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, Wash. 98063-9716 (888) 511-6548 http://www.firstgiving.com/HaitiRelief

CARE 151 Ellis Street Atlanta, Ga. 30303 (800) 521-CARE (521-2273) www.care.org

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS USA/MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES (MSF) 333 7th Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10001-5004 (888) 392-0392 http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org

The Haiti Project is a fundraising and awareness project led by The Global Syndicate. The organization supports existing non-profit organizations that provide lifesaving education, healthcare, and economic development services to Haitian men, women, and children living on the island – a majority of which survive on less than two dollars per day.

Please consider helping The Global Syndicate's Haiti Project in two ways:

1) Donating to http://www.theglobalsyndicate.org/get_involved.html. All proceeds support relief efforts of Project Medishare and Yele, two partner organizations that have robust structures in place to help on the ground: Any amount is huge!
2) Become a volunteer/leader of The Global Syndicate in order to provide long term sustainable development and help mitigate risk of this happening again in our life times! Email info@theglobalsyndicate.org to pledge the most valuable resource: your time. They really need your help now!

(source: Adapated from Ms. Fritz's blog with additional information from Ali.)

Let's give Haiti immediate & LONG term attention!!!
Hopefully, we will all answer the call in our own way!

A Brand New Day (2010)

2009-12-28T18:58:00.000-08:00

A new year is coming! Can you feel the brand new day (*ode to one of my most favorite songs from "The Wiz"*) ?! Wishing all PEACE (beyond understanding everything), a RENEWED MIND, a REFRESHED SPIRIT & GOD'S FAVOR!!!!! *MUAH*

Whatever doesn't kill us CAN make us stronger; it's up to each of us! Be faith-filled, be more grateful (for hard lessons), be bolder (2 Timothy 1:7), be honest (self included), be loving, be wiser...Let your fierce little light shine brightly without compromise! We are blessed with another year & another day...

Victoriously Overcoming: The Deadly Silence of Emotional & Verbal Abuse...

2009-11-08T16:57:00.000-08:00

Before the North Star Group gathers to view & discuss “Precious”, I want to offer my personal experiences as a survivor of abuse, thoughts to victims of abuse, offer a bit of guidance for supporters of the abused, and a few signs. Although my experiences were not the exact same as the character “Precious”, I speak out because they were my own and I offer a Christian view of this type of deadly abuse, which many people are silently suffering. It’s my belief that women need to share, not necessarily the details of who & how, but details of how to overcome, signs,& information to people supporting the abused or the suspected abused. Yet, some women simply need SIMPLE spiritual encouragement to come out & stay out of the relationship!

I must confess, I used to think victims of verbal abuse were weak. It was my view of ‘I wish a man would talk to me any ole kind of way?! How dare someone!’ However, I began to view it differently after my experiences with it. I learned sometimes you don’t see it coming & you can get stuck if you allow yourself too. I am a strong woman. But for the record, if it was not for the power of the Holy Spirit, I would not be living an abundant life & experienced a sense of renewal. I would have wanted to hide in shame. I would still be tempted by his advances. I would have gone back. I would not have stepped out of it & remembered everyone’s definition of love ain’t the same. Ultimately, you have to love yourself, treat yourself accordingly, & forego the hate of your former abuser! If I didn’t break lose and forego the hate, the enemy would have totally devoured me from the inside out!

What does one do if you’re in a seemingly healthy, thriving relationship with someone for a considerable amount of time & the parents & familes of both sides approve...then a catastrophe happens? You stand by his side, of course! However, your partner seems to misdirect ALL his anger & sorrow on you. Couple that with the development of a mental disorder. It’s UNIMAGINABLY challenging! Suddenly those sometimes rude comments & behaviors, which were previously viewed as mere flaws, FLY into total belligerent abuse (emotional and eventually verbal). As more time passes it becomes worse & dangerous. You can't decipher between the grief & the abuse; it seems to be one. So you mislabel it all as grief. As time goes by its cystal clear, his abuse is just as natural as his grief. My "Imma hold you down" mentailty had to go for reasons of self-love & self-preservation. I realized that a healthy spirit would have appreciated my unwavering support & love. However, a true miserable spirit usually is a master of disguise and loves company to mask it. The abuser must face the REAL issues at hand or the enemy will totally devour them from the inside out, as well.

Victims
Disagreements develop from time to time in relationships. On the other hand, emotional abuse is not mere disagreements. It is a whole pattern of consistent behaviors used by one partner to establish and maintain power and control over the other. I‘ve come to realize the importance of the quote below:

The ultimate measure of man/woman is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. ~ MLK, Jr.

Moreover, one will see a person's true colors when they are going through the greatest challenges. So victims may sympathize with the partner & endure some misdirection because you know their history & can understand where the abuse is derived from. We can play Dr. Phil all day & the fact remains emotional and verbal abuse regardless where it stems from is NOT what each of us deserves!!! Make no mistake; the abuse WILL wear on you emotionally. If not dealt with, it will cause you to lose your ENTIRE spirit. The enemy has taken your partners joy & used them to steal yours, as well. But we MUST remember the length of your suffering depends on you. We ought to praise God for He is a mighty source/giver who has the perfect ability to provide new resources/gifts. So, worshiping the gifts & NOT the giver (i.e. Jesus Christ) gets us nowhere fast.

Christ does NOT want his children to endure this type of suffering for a lifetime nor does he want us to get comfortable with being defeated. Have unwavering faith and hold on. Consider Job, God did not forget Job. However, Job certainly did not stop praising Christ through his terrible trials. God will make good on His promises (Job 42:10).

Sisters, please read the word daily for strength; it will be your comforter. Perhaps, you can start with Romans 8:18-31.

Supporters (Family/Friends):
Family & friends of the abused persons need to offer them acceptance, strength, and freedom from fear. As a society, we are still quick to judge. Not understanding the full picture of what the victims live through each day. Our society as a whole should be educated on the cycle of abuse, what it is, and how to detect the signs before it is too late. Usually emotional and verbal abuse are the precursors before physical abuse because respect boundaries have been violated.

Abusers often overly play the 'victim' card; as if they do not have any power. They try to convince you and anyone that will listen, that they are in fact the victim SOLEY. This can be extremely frustrating to the people that support and accept the manipulation of an abuser. This will allow him/her to continue to play the 'victim' role. I believe that abusers can be a new person IF TRULY renewed in Christ, so that is 1 reason why I would advise the friends & family of the victim and even survivors to NOT hate the abuser. As Christians, it is our duty to forgive (Matthew 18: 21-35)…so we must. However, that has ABSOUETLY NOTHING to do with trust! . As Christians we are called to a higher standard of living …but its just NOT an easy practice. Hurt people hurt. So everyone is undergoing some amount of hell. Remember @ every minute that no matter how strong the survivor is he/she must be encouraged, renewed & rejuvenate with the love of Christ, family & friends in order to help resurrect the damaged sprit.

Speak up if you suspect domestic abuse to a loved one... BUT THERE IS A PARTICULAR WAY TO DO SO!!!

DO:
*Ask (if you suspect trouble)
*Express concern in a non-judgmental way,
*Listen and validate,
*Offer help and support
*Be objective
*Email, mail prayers

DON'T:
*Wait for her to come to you
*Judge or Blame
*Pressure her
*Place conditions on your support
*Excessively bad mouth the abuser

Signs of an Abuser:
Overall, I think it’s extremely important that young people are made aware of the signs, esp girls. It's our job as survivors to educate young women and men about what domestic violence is and does to people. For instance,

(1) A “Gee, he wants to spend all his free time & mine." Might mean their excessive control of time is that they want to monopolize and control your time for insecure reasons, as well as reasons of dependency.

(2) Seriously not getting along with family members may not simply mean “they never saw eye-to-eye”. Rather investigate the origin of their brokenness & why it hasn't been repaired yet.

(3) A “WOW, he’s really open because he’s told me his past experiences & where he went wrong”. Might mean, he initiated telling you 45% (of the truth) and throw in some details to make you think he is disclosing more honest details than he really is. What is he hiding? It may be the rest of the 55% of the truth that reveals his true character.

(4) Extreme Jealousy. (A couple of examples: (1) Having a normal conversation with his former college friend after a 4.5 hr car ride (in my car) ought NOT cause a man to be upset/mad espically when the conversation was about professional development. (2) NO ONE should get mad and ask you to end a phone call simply because you are talking/ joking on the phone with your good friend's husband (also a good friend of over 10 yrs!) to give directions. These cases are ALL ri-damn-diculous yet true!)

The above mentioned are signs. The only ways to know if people have reformed (if they disclosed a dicey past) & to know the full character is time, observing them in a variety of situations, and asking yourself questions. Are they close to family? & Why not?, Do they have a spiritual practice? Are they friends with ex-partners? When is the last time they were single? What is the longest time period they have been single? With whom are they truly close?, What is the character of their best friend(s), etc.?

We must empower young people to stand up for themselves, respect themselves and love themselves as to not fall prey. We CAN help reduce this damaging cycle with awareness. I’m also thankful for those God given gifts of mature, well seasoned women who taught me to be a strong woman - that is a woman who endures life’s storms yet maintains the virtue of her good nature. And I give God the total glory for helping me safety navigate my way out of that situation.

We're ROYAL, so ROYAL!!!

2009-10-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

North Star Woman's Group celebrates EACH of you & your unique inner beauty. Let's SHINE brighter!!! (smiles)

New Graduate Fellowships in Science, Mathematics and Engineering

2009-10-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:(202) 586 -4940

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Secretary Chu Announces up to $12.5 Million in Recovery Act Funding for New Graduate Fellowships in Science, Mathematics and Engineering New Funding Highlights the Administration's Commitment to Empowering Students to Choose Careers in Science Washington, DC - U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that up to $12.5 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be awarded in early 2010 to support at least 80 graduate fellowships to U.S. students pursuing advanced degrees in science, mathematics, and engineering through the newly created Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Fellowship program. The goal of the fellowship program is to encourage outstanding students to pursue graduate degrees in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering, and environmental and computer sciences - fields that will prepare students for careers that can make significant contributions in discovery driven science and science for national needs in energy and the environment. "Training the next generation of U.S. scientists and engineers is critical to our future energy security and economic competitiveness," said Secretary Chu. "This Fellowship is part of the Administration's effort to encourage students to direct their talents towards careers in science and our nation's next technology revolution." To be eligible for the Fellowship, applicants must be U.S. citizens and currently a first or second year graduate student enrolled at a U.S. academic institution, or an undergraduate senior who will be enrolled as a first year graduate student by the fall of 2010. Applicants must be pursuing graduate study and research in the physical, biological, engineering and computational sciences. Interested students can apply online at: http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/SCGF.html Each fellowship award will be $50,500 per year for three years to provide support for tuition, living expenses, research materials and travel to research conferences. Fellowships will be awarded on the basis of peer review. Applicants may begin submitting applications on September 30, 2009. Completed applications are due November 30, 2009.

North Star Group: Movie/Dinner Discussion Night 9/11/09

2009-10-11T16:25:00.001-07:00

I have a love/hate relationship with Tyler Perry's movies. I love the messages of emotional & spiritual growth in Perry’s (TP) movies, but outright HATE the amount of exaggerated coonery and buffoonery in most of his films and plays (NOT ALL). For example, the elders recreationally smoking weed in “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” was just “EXTRA”! I don’t find elders getting high funny. No, I don’t need my entertainment to always be conscious & self-righteous, but filled with tomfoolery -No, Thanks!!! Yes, he shows Blacks in some of our splendid diversity (socio-economic classes/education, complexions, interests, etc.). I appreciate that because we are indeed a diverse people (with various ethnic groups that TP will surely highlight soon-hopefully).

My problem. Correction. My HUGE problem is that many times I feel I am watching a BAD satire about the black working class. There are exceptions, such as Cicely Tyson’s character in the “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”, but again it’s Cicely Tyson (Shouts outs to St. Kitts & Nevis)! (Click on link to better understand, Ms. Tyson, the actress, humanitarian, activist, lecturer & overall BAD sista!)http://www.morehouse.edu/newsroom/2009/commencement/pdf/Cicely_Tyson_Biography.pdf Moreover, Shamar Moore’s character in the above mentioned movie is another great exception. However, TP must do better than “Meet the Browns” & Madea the character.

Ironically, I appreciate how Madea addresses tough topics in his/her (see, that’s the other HUGE problem) way. I won’t describe my frustrations about the cross dressing thing, I will let Dave Chappell sum it up about Black males, cross dressing & taking a stand about emasculated images:

(And yes TP cross dressed previous to Hollywood, but the impacts of an emasculated black male is dangerous to the psyche just as much as the overly hyper-masculated black male. These unbalanced & unrealistic images are an annoying thing to me & thousands of others. Why aren’t there more Denzel Washingtons getting a break in Hollywood?! TP hire them! I know Spike Lee does…

At any rate, due to positive audience reaction of Perry's previous movies, I'd figure our North Star Women Group should organize to see “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”. So we gave this one a try. Afterwards, we debriefed and discussed the positive messages over dinner.

My overall rating of the movie, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, is a 5.5 out of 10. Having said that, I will explore the saving graces of the film & why the numbers were NOT in the negatives. Reason #1: I’m sure it will facilitate positive self-growth (i.e emotional, spiritual, educational, etc.) in people, especially women. Reason #2: The topics were necessary for women to face & discuss (e.g. forgiveness, self-love, abuse of self (i.e. drugs), settling in a “relationship”, abuse of children, etc.). My # 1 concern with ‘I Can Do Bad All By Myself’ is that April went straight from an (emotionally) abusive man to the next. Sure the latter man was a great guy. But couldn’t the movie highlight her actually ‘doing bad all by herself’ before marrying this awesome man? She also was abusive to herself and had little self love. She needed some healing time! That is simply not realistic to be immediately healed after these things.

So, I’m not mad that I supported it, but I didn’t walk off having my life changed either. However, there are other movies that spoke directly to me, such as “Family Reunion, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, & Why Did I Get Married?”. So there is something for everyone; I am not mad at that. I simply want TP to be more sophisticated with his writing & character selection while still highlighting various experiences within the Black community. Is that asking for too much?

"FALL FORWARD" to a season of changes...

2009-10-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

Awesome Autumn!

Encouragement: Take in the Awesomeness (is that a word?) of each Season! Are "negative" changes occuring? What's the rush (to move to the next season)? "To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1

Autumn Splendor!

Encouragement: The rare & seemingly impossible CAN happen! Keep the faith!

20 Things Every Woman Should Cross Off Her List Before Getting Married...

2009-08-02T23:22:00.000-07:00

(source: Adapted from Wendy Atterberry's post on 'The Frisky' )

-------

This is ONLY for women who are interested in building a healthy, complete self before entering marriage with a healthy, complete man. Feel free to add on more items in the comments section! Enjoy :)

-----

(in no particular order of importance)

1. Live by herself for at least a year.

2. Live with roomate(s) for at least a year.

3. Sucessfully recover from broken hearts-(emerging as a wiser, optimistic risk-taker).

4. Find your own spirtual path/development.

5. Vacation with a group of girlfriends.

6. Luxuriate in a queen-sized bed by herself (e.g. during an ALONE vacation).

7. Get her finaces in order (make finacial goals with time/dates).

8. Volunteer (often).

9. Find respected, wise elders to listen too! (often)

10. Learn it, know it, love it - her body (often).

11. Pay off as much on credit card debit and/or student loans.

12. Spend way too much on something frivolous (while single and/or child-less).

13. Establish her preferred execrise routine.

14. Travel Oversees (often).

15. Establish a strong inner circle.

16. Forgive her parent(s) for not being perfect.

17. Have at least one night she can't remember (with trusted friends!).

18. Save at least 6 months of expenses.

19. Find hobbies that fulfill her.

20. Have at least 1 major birthday celebration.

AFFIRMATION FOR WOMEN OF PURPOSE SET ASIDE FOR GREATNESS

2009-05-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

I am the beloved of the Lord. A daughter of the King, greatly loved and desired by God. Before I was conceived, He knew me. Before my mother met my father, He loved me. When tiny eyebrows sprouted from my forehead, He had already charted my course. When small fingernails were forming at the tips of my hands, He had already established a perfect plan for my life. Before I cried for the first time, He was intimately acquainted with the sound of my voice. Before history began, He laid the foundation and opened up the way for me to live in a loving, thriving, relationship with Him. He has plans for me. I am a woman of worth. He fully intends to bless me and make me wealthy within. To fill my cup. To give me inner abundance. To restore my soul. To give me joy unspeakable and full of glory. To banish the anxiety and fear that plague me and to make me perfect in love. He is my greatest advocate, able to crush each enemy under my feet. God is my constant ally. He had placed within my grasp,
everything I need to excel. He has given me all things that pertain to life and godliness. He is always thinking of me. More are His thoughts of me than the number of grains of sand on the sea shore. His love for me is earnest and ardent – it will not fade or grow fickle. I am not His second choice. He is drawn to me, awaiting my uninterrupted attention in prayer. He is as interested in me as He has always been. I have His attention. He yearns for me. Considers me precious. Knows my worth. Is intimately familiar with my potential. There is no God like Him. And He has not created another woman like me.

Written By: REV. KANYERE EATON
Emmanuel Baptist Church
Brooklyn, New York

Woman, Take Care of Yourself First!

2009-04-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

Aim(s): (1) The focus is to get women to put themselves first despite their many responsibilities. (2) Giving yourself the proper 'me time' allows you to give better service to another. (3) Create your No Compromise List.

While waiting underneath the hood of a dryer at my Harlem salon, I read O Magazine’s article on Michelle Obama then contemplated on a previously read chapter entitled 'Unexpected Crisis' [from Death of a Parent-Transition to a New Adult Identity]. I analyzed points from both pieces & thought:

Women, we, really need to take care of ourselves. Despite all our responsibilities, we need to put ourselves first. If we are not giving ourselves the proper ‘me time’, then we suffer & our output suffers.

Below are several statements from both pieces that reveled points that we typically forget:
Point 1: Women typically marry older men

Point 2: The death of a man typically precedes the death of a woman.
Point 3: Women usually bear the emotional burden of most matters & are typically well equipped to do so over time. But, it's not healthy to constantly take on your burdens and other people's burdens.

Point 4: Although, all working people report they are suffering from more stress related to balancing responsibilities at work and at home, the greater burden falls on women.

We we need to habitually do things that are ‘just for me’! These things should not be done just on ‘special days’, as a birthday, weddings, parties, or holidays. As Michelle Obama stated she wants her children/her girls to see their mother taking car of herself (i.e. exercising). The First Lady stated, " I realized that my happiness is tied to how I feel about myself. I want my girls to see a mother who takes care of herself, even if that means I have to get up at 4:30 so I can do a workout." Her point is extremely important! The First Lady’s actions model what her girls need to do to live in an excellent manner.

Women typically live just to survive, help others and not fully LIVE and in an EXCELLENT manner. Moving forward, make personal promises to yourself to take care of yourself first. I made a ‘No Compromise List’(NCL) that is to remind me of my action plan (to take care of ourselves). My NCL has daily, weekly, & monthly tasks that I will NOT compromise on.

Final Words:
When God is leading the way, survival is not in question. So, it is one of my personal goals to live fully and in an excellent way just as the spirit of God intends for us….

Live Freely, Love deeply, Laugh Loudly. “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

*Woman, Take Care of Yourself First will be the topic for May's mtg.*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIwzRp0P1vc

Woman's Health Symposium - Newark, NJ- May 16, 2009

2009-04-17T15:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.sendspace.com/file/2l0yof

Excellent Living Women's June Event

2009-04-17T06:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Sisters,

I hope you are having a wonderful spring! I just want you to know about an upcoming event that you may want to attend.

The Excellent Living Women's Event 2009! is Saturday, June 6th from 10 to Noon....at McLean Bible Church. (See link for flyer). Yes, that means you have to travel to the Washington, D.C. area for this, but it will be a wonderful, refreshing time in Christ for you to enjoy. Invite a couple of friends, jump in the car, and have fun traveling to this event. There are a few great shopping malls in the area that you can visit while in that area. You will have a great time of fellowship going and coming.

If you cannot attend, please forward this information to a friend or family member who lives in the Washington, D.C. area. I promise it will be a blessed time of fellowship, prayer, and renewal.

http://www.excellentliving.org/ELEvent09flyer.pdf

Using Our Natural God Given Gifts for His Assignment: Our 1st Women's Monthly Group Topic

2009-04-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

2/28/09 Aim(s): (1) The focus is to start or actively continue living & using our natural God given gifts; and (2) plan how to work toward full-filling our God given potential/assignment without compromise.

First, we asked ourselves 2 questions that helped satisfy the day's aims.
(1) What are my God-given gifts? (women decided to share aloud)
(2) How do I go about the process of full-filling my God-given gifts?

On 2/28, we listened to an excerpt from Excellent Living (http://www.excellentliving.org/). The broadcast talked about how earnest, genuine humbling prayer facilitates the process of full-filling our God-given gifts/God's assignment for our lives. After we listen to Excellent Living we filled out a comprehensive goal sheet (see attachment: 2009 Goal Sheet).

2009 Goal Sheet: http://www.sendspace.com/file/kj58pe

P.S. Check out some other great audio at the following website: http://www.excellentliving.org/index.phpfile=cr_listenonline.php

*The North Star Group for Women*

North Star's New Web Location

Whitney Houston - I'm Every Woman

Living in the Divine Flow...

bilal_isthislove_web

Women Are Apples, Men Are Tree Climbers...

North Star Group 100% Supports "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf"

When Keeping it Real Goes (Very) Wrong....Black Marriage Negotiations

Empowerment Never Felt So Good!

Answering the Call for Haiti in Your Own Way...

A Brand New Day (2010)

Victoriously Overcoming: The Deadly Silence of Emotional & Verbal Abuse...

We're ROYAL, so ROYAL!!!

New Graduate Fellowships in Science, Mathematics and Engineering

North Star Group: Movie/Dinner Discussion Night 9/11/09

"FALL FORWARD" to a season of changes...

20 Things Every Woman Should Cross Off Her List Before Getting Married...

AFFIRMATION FOR WOMEN OF PURPOSE SET ASIDE FOR GREATNESS

Woman, Take Care of Yourself First!

Woman's Health Symposium - Newark, NJ- May 16, 2009

Excellent Living Women's June Event

Using Our Natural God Given Gifts for His Assignment: Our 1st Women's Monthly Group Topic

The North Star Group for Women