Monday Morning Mantra - 11/28

Good morning all!

I hope your Monday is off to a great start.

Lately I've been thinking about love and how it should feel and what it should do in our lives. This was reinforced last night when I read 1 Corinthians 13, and it answered so many of my questions. I thought we could all use a reminder about the true meaning of love so this week's Mantra does just that:

"Hate leaves ugly scars, love leaves beautiful ones." -- Mignon McLaughlin

This week, leave "beautiful scars" on the people in your life.

Have a great week!

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- Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/23

Happy Monday All!

Yesterday, my pastor talked about the origins of our church. He told us about how he applied for the head pastor position for churches all around the DC Metro area for 10 years, and no one would hire him. So, he decided to start his own church, and we will celebrate our 10th anniversary next year. He encouraged us to pursue our dreams and our passions even when things don't look like they will work out. It inspired me, and I thought this idea of determination should be our Mantra for the week.

"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination." -- Tommy Lasorda

You know how I feel about "The Impossibles" in our lives - those things that we consider impossible or that others have told us are impossible. I believe that they are only impossible because we think of them in that way.

This week, wake up with a determination to truly make your dreams a reality - no matter how crazy or far-fetched they may seem.

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Have a great week!

Nicole

All Teen Moms Aren't From Poor Homes?

The majority of American adults believe that teen mothers are usually from homes that fall below the federal poverty level, but new statistics from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy show that this is incorrect.

Click here to check out the study.

As a former teen mom who came from a two-parent, middle class home, I'm not surprised.

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/16

Okay, so it's more like, Monday "Afternoon" Mantra!

Yesterday the sermon at church was on being thankful for what God has done in our lives, which - when you think about it - is more than we can ever really grasp. It was a jump-start on giving thanks - something we'll be doing next week over sweet potatoes and turkey.

The sermon resonated with me so much that I thought this week's Mantra should be on gratitude and what an important role it should play in our lives:

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues, but the parent of all others." -- Cicero

As you approach Thanksgiving, begin to think about the people in your life who are often under-appreciated.

This week, write a thank you letter to someone who deserves your gratitude.

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Have a great week!

Love,
Nicole

Mondy Morning Mantra - 11/9

Happy Monday!

After loads of travel, it was so nice to have a laid-back weekend with my family and friends. I even managed to squeeze in a trip to the Smithsonian with the girls on Friday.

This week's Mantra reminds us of what maturity is all about:

"A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably". -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Maturity isn't something that we automatically acquire over time. It takes true effort to be the bigger person and it must be a regular exercise.

This week, work on your maturity and see the difference it will make in every area of your life.

Have a great week!

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox each week? Click here.

Love,

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/2

Happy Monday guys!

What an awesome weekend. Saturday Nerissa played in her AAU basketball championship game (they lost, but I was so proud of how hard they played!), we took the girls to Harvest Fest for candy and games at a nearby church, Donte and I watched Transformers: Rise of the Fallen (very good by the way) and I spent Sunday with my mom. I love weekends that are jam-packed with good stuff.

This week's Mantra is all about new adventures and what it takes to embark on them.

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." -- Andre Gide

Ever heard of the phrase "When one door closes, another opens"? Well, this quote is even better. Whenever you face a setback, think of it as a new adventure and remember that great discoveries only happen when we step away from the familiar.
This week, don't be afraid to "lose sight of the shore."

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Have a great week!

Nicole