New Blogs Coming 2011

Life has been a little hectic these past weeks. I haven't forgot about blogging just priority shifts. New Blogs coming soon.January 2011! Thanks for checking in on BROWN SKIN BIG DREAMS!!

"Dear 27, Here is my Thankful List."

Why do we get so amped up about that one day of the year that marks us a year older?  A birthday can have so much significance to some and less to others.  I usually look at my birthday as a day that I become a year older, wiser, and of course I do something special....I remember when I turned 25. I flew to Atlanta and my friends greeted me with a pink and green birthday cake baked and designed by them.  I was so happy with my little homemade cake because my friends took time out of their schedules/lives especially for me.  When I turned 26, I had a party at my house.  My family and  friends came over with food and games and we partied the night away.....It meant so much to me just to be around people who love me unconditionally

All of these moments have love, happiness, family, and friends written all over it.  I am so thankful that I have the people in my life that want to spend my "born date" with me.  There are people in this world today that will probably never celebrate a day like this as I have.  I realize how fortunate I am.  

This upcoming birthday, Lord willing marks my "27th" year of life (November 14th).  All I can say is WOW! I was a premature baby weighing only 2lbs at birth and here I stand today healthy,ALIVE and blessed.  When I think about my birthday now, its kind of bittersweet for me..I am thankful for life and yet sadden because my younger cousin was killed 2 days before my birthday in 2006 and 4 days before his own.  Its hard to celebrate a birthday knowing that he didn't get to live past 16 and here I am at 27.....I won't question God why but I always think about, "what if I didn't live to see__(insert age here____".

This brings me to why I wanted to post.  All week I've been thinking about things that I am thankful for.  We all have things we complain about but do we really stop to look at all the blessings around us? Have you used a birthday as an excuse to set out parties and buy lavish gifts or have you simply stopped to look at what God has given you before that birthday?  I wrote down "27" things that I am thankful for in honor of my approaching "27th" year of life..I am not saying we shouldn't celebrate our birthday etc but we should be more thankful and take time to really look around at our lives.  

Here is my list (although there is more, I wrote "27" things I am thankful for....(well you should know why by now)

1. Mom and Dad. Without them I wouldn't exist
2. Family. We have our good and bad days but I love the comfort of being with them and support.
3. Friends. I have a few true friends. Our bonds are unbreakable. They say what I need to hear and not what I want to hear....
4. Fred Meijer (LOL)...Meijer was my 1st Job.  I learned work ethic and how to provide for myself at the age of 14.
5. My Grandfather (RIP) He instilled a lot of my Christian values and beliefs at an early age.  I have a greater respect for why he would pick us all up for Sunday school on that church bus..LOL I miss him.
6. High school experiences.  Now that I'm older, I appreciate it more. Being an adult is not fun at times.
7. Having a place to live.
8. Food Supply without having to go to soup kitchens or meal sites.
9. Clothes. I have more than I can ask for and some people don't have any. I am thankful.
10. A running car. Although its a luxury to have my own, i'm thankful it gets me where I have to be time and time again.
11. Attending Western Michigan and graduating. I've met some of my closest friends that I'll always cherish AND a Bachelors.
12. My job. Its not exactly where I wanted to be when i first started but its where God wanted me to be.
13. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. This sisterhood has taught me so many valuable lessons.  Its a lifetime sisterhood and I'm glad I've met some of the most wonderful women and mentors.
14. My Church and Pastor. It keeps me spiritually grounded.
15. My Good Health
16. Education.  People had to fight for education and it was available to me without the fight.
17. My youth group (Ivylettes). I am able to listen to them, tell them things I know and learn.
18. Having finances available to me.
19. Going to South Africa.  It was a life changing experience.
20. Traveling. I am able to travel freely and there are others who don't have that opportunity.
21. Graduating with my Master's degree this year.  I thought I wouldn't make it.
22. A right mind.  There are so many people in the world today that have lost their minds literally.
23. Past mistakes.  It has only taught me what to do or not to in the future.
24. Past hurt.  It made me forgive and learn.
25. LOVE.  I have it all around me.
26. Another Day.  He has granted me day after day to try again.
27. GRACE. If it had not been for his grace, I don't know where I would be.

This is my list and I plan to continue to add to it. I hope that this sparked your thoughts to think of things that you  are thankful for. We sometimes forget how blessed we truly are...EVEN on our birthday!!  Cheers to another year of being stronger, wiser, better, and THANKFUL....Much Love to you ALL!!

Happy Birthday to ME!! AND Preston too!! lol

BROWN SKIN. BIG DREAMS.

What is keeping you in Egypt?

I've mentioned previously about my priorities shifting and entering a new season in my life...and might I add it's definitely a different season. I've built stronger bonds and relationships that only God could put together. One person in particular has been my most encouraging person. Whenever I need to vent, pray, cry, or laugh this person has been there for me. I love the fact that the relationship is mutually beneficial yet we both can learn from eachother. I truly thank God.

I recently have been in talks of my season and what God wants for me. I'm currently reading a dynamic book called "One in a Million: Journey to your promised land" by Priscella Shirer. It's eye opening and focusing on us as Christians wanting the abundant life that God has promised us. It's the journey of God's people leaving Egypt in search of Canaan. Egypt is described as dry and a place of bondage. Canaan is described as the abundant life we hope for. There was a question that came up as "What's your Egypt?" or should I say What is holding you back from receiving the abundant life that God promises you? Things that can hold us back are in the forms of bad relationships/friendships, job, finances,holding grudges,staying in your comfort zone, your faith etc. I know that there are a few items holding me back but as of this week, I let it all go...I'm ready for my abundant life!

I encourage you all to think about what is keeping you to remain in Egypt? What are some things or people you need to let go or add? I challenge you all today to start now...fast...pray and ask God what you need to do to have your abundant life?

Im thankful for my season and the people God has allowed to stay in it with me. My good relationship with that one person I spoke of earlier has enriched my life dearly...let's all try to have these type of deposits in our life.

BROWN SKIN. BIG DREAMS.

National Black MBA Conference....

Happy October!  Time is flying right past us.  In just 2 months we will be ending our 2010 year!!!  Just to catch you up on my whereabouts and blogging, I've been slacking.  I was so happy and excited to start this blog and then a entered a different season of my life. My focus changed and things around me changed as well but just know God is moving honey!! 

Last month I attended the National Black MBA (Master of Business Administration) Association Conference in Los Angeles, California.  Can we say FABULOUS?!  I had the best time.  The conference was definitely informative and inspiring.  It was so great to see all of the professional BROWN SKIN men and women networking and looking for career opportunities.  It touched my heart and I was definitely humbled by the experience because God surely made a way for me during that trip.  It was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center and MBA's came from all over the country to attend.  I felt like I was freshman in high school trying to find my way on the first day of school.  I was nervous and a little anxious but once I walked around, I was fine. 

The National Black MBA Association has different chapters all over the country.  The organization caters to people of BROWN SKIN with higher education degrees looking for continued education on how to succeed with their degrees. Its also a way to network with individuals on many different levels.  Although I went to LA for this conference, I did have time to tour the city and what it has to offer.  I also had a chance to visit family in Costa Mesa and see the coast line...BEAUTIFUL and peaceful.  Overall, it was a good experience and I am sooooo glad I made time to attend.  Learned alot, seen alot, and will cherish more opportunities such as this one. If you ever have an opportunity to attend this conference, you should definitely attend.  Next year it will be in Atlanta, GA....

BROWN SKIN.BIG DREAMS

A Phenomenal Woman: Lady MaLinda Prince Sapp

I've been a little behind on posting....priorities shifted and that was IT.  The past few weeks a lot has been going on but I'm not going to complain because things could be a whole lot worse.....

On September 9, 2010 a very GREAT woman was called to be with God.  Her name was MaLinda Prince Sapp.  Many of you may know her as wife of Pastor Marvin Sapp but I knew her as a woman that I truly looked up to.  She had the smile to light up a room, presence to make you stare, and a dynamic love for God. 

When I learned of her passing, I stood right in my tracks. I was in disbelief.  I thought about how her passing would effect her family, church family and the community.  She was a pillar in our community and wanted great things for us.  Lady MaLinda was very humbled with her blessings and just wanted to help others...but God had different plans for her....

I remember first meeting Lady MaLinda at a chapter meeting for our sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.  She had a question about something that we were discussing at the meeting and she fought her dear heart out to back up what she was saying. I thought in my head "she's the bomb, she's not holding anyone up"..LOL... after that meeting we worked together for different things, and she remained the same Lady MaLinda through it all....DOWN TO EARTH as most would say..She always made sure it was done the right way, the youth were taken care of, and lending her hand which ever way possible......

Her passing has made me think about many different things especially things that she stood for. I struggled and asked God what do I need to take away from this? I now know.....A woman of God first and foremost, helping woman see their potential and uplifting individuals through the power of tongue.  I reflected on how Lady Malinda would put these things into ACTION and I said to myself "Fallon, you have to do better."

I can go on and on about the GREAT person Lady MaLinda was (but like she would say "Keep it movin people").  She will be missed dearly.  I now know what I have to do to keep her legacy alive.  I'm only one person but just one person's action can cause a major reaction.  This is evident at the many lives that were touched by MaLinda Prince Sapp.

To a woman of God, my Soror, inspiration, sister in Christ, teacher, and motivator..."Hey Beautiful, I will see you again." I love you and thank you for touching my life Lady MaLinda Price Sapp.

Let us not forget to continuously keep the Sapp and Prince family in our prayers....



WHY say yes?!

A recently had a conversation about relationships and marriage.  Just like any other conversation we discussed real life scenarios and tried to figure out the WHY part.  The "why" part is in reference to why do people get into relationships or get married when they're not ready???  I don't know about you but I've asked this question several times looking for a clear answer and have received different ones each time. 

There have been many who've gotten into relationships with someone and have cheated on their mate.  I'm sure you have heard stories or maybe have had personal experiences with this (I'm not pointing anyone one out).  The cheater (so I've been told) has looked for a another piece of excited, more satisfaction, or just didn't care because technically they aren't married...."Do right" man/woman?!  Why even bother adding that title if you know your going to cheat?  Usually there is one cheating and one faithful..or both, heck I don't know.  Why do people waste each others time, energy, and emotions if they know that they will not hold to the commitment of that relationship? This mind boggles me...

Marriage is the for SURE stamp on a commitment.  Many people dream (especially most women) of their wedding day with the white dress (hopefully not for some LOL..joke) and walking down the aisle to meet the love of their life.  When its real LOVE it makes me happy to know people are really trying to do things the right way.  When its not about love and just for "show" or to prove a point (whatever it might be) that's not cool.  I truely believe that when people get married for the wrong reason, it never lasts and becomes a big ball of mess.  If you know that you're going to cheat, just save the money, time, stressful planning, and DON'T DO IT. Plain and simple.   Hey readers...why do you think this happens more frequently now?  I love to hear about relationships and marriages that are solid.  Of course I know that every day isn't a cake walk but come on people..we have to do better! 

Lets discuss your views....I'd love to read your comments.

Yours Truely,

BROWN SKIN. BIG DREAMS


www.twitter.com/iLoveFallon

The Super Ex-Boyfriend | Clutch Magazine: The Digital Magazine for the Young, Contemporary Woman of Color

Here is an article I found on a online magazine website called Clutch Magazine. The article talks about after a relationship ends, its okay to remain friends with your "ex". I thought it was interesting and figured I'd share with you. I'm sure many of us have been in this type of situation....Click on the link to read the whole article...


The Super Ex-Boyfriend Clutch Magazine: The Digital Magazine for the Young, Contemporary Woman of Color


BROWN SKIN. BIG DREAMS

Follow me on Twitter: @iLoveFallon

Encourage Yourself

A few weeks ago I was on facebook and had come across my younger cousin's page.  She had a posting of a video that she had recorded of herself singing.  I must say I didn't know that she could sing as well as she did until that day.  The song was called "Encourage Yourself" by Donald Lawrence.  I've heard the song many times before at church and from others but watching her sing it was different.  I watched it a few times, listening to the words, and realized how young she was.. singing these words of encouragement.

I thought to myself, sometimes you just have to receive information from a different form to actually understand it. I needed a word to uplift me that week and it just wasn't coming to me.  This is when the video came to me and I said "that's RIGHT..Encourage Yourself".  I think we often look for encouragement from others and it really has to start with us first.  People can tell you to do this, try that, read this, but if we don't start with our self..we end up nowhere (does this make sense?).  I'm not saying that we shouldn't ask others to help us, pray for us, or encourage us etc...I just think we need to start believing in ourselves more.  We can be our own worst critic or enemy. 

I challenge you today to start encouraging yourself.  I will also do the same. We must speak VICTORY over whatever situations that we go through.  The TONGUE is a powerful tool. Use it wisely.  I'm not preaching to you I promise.  I just want to spread more positive energy because in this day and age its becoming more corrupt by the minute and people are corrupting themselves.  So I want to say THANK YOU to my younger cousin for singing that song. It helped me more than you'll ever know..
If you don't have "Encourage Yourself" by Donald Lawrence on your ipod playlist...DOWNLOAD it NOW..LOL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGpBG7VfRq4&feature=search

BROWN SKIN. BIG DREAMS

follow me on twitter: @iLoveFallon

Grand C.I.T.Y. Sports: Young Men with a Purpose

This past Saturday I had the pleasure to spectate the 1st basketball camp held by Grand C.I.T.Y. Sports.  This is a nonprofit organization commited to reaching the youth and community in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.  It was started by a childhood friend of mine, Chris Sain whom I also look to as a big brother (since I am the only child).  Other members of the organization include his brother Preston Sain, Eric Malloy, Carlton Brewster, Terna Nande, and Aaron Johnson just to name a few of many young African American men. All of the young men are all in their mid/late 20's...YES, NOT ALL BLACK MEN ARE STATISTICS. These young men are giving back to their community with the talents they were given at young age.

The basketball camp featured two semi-pro basketball players (both from Grand Rapids) Marcus Lancaster and Jakari Johnson at Seidman Center.  The kids were shown many different basketball skills including watching a game between the seidman center youth team and the Grand City members.  There was a total of 88 children ages 6 through 13 in attendance.

Although the fellas put me to work (I had to serve lunch:-)) it turned out to be a great event.  I was very pleased to see all of the children engaging in positive activities and being mentored by these young men.  There was also a raffle for school supplies that was given to 25 lucky winners. 

Overall, it was a good day for children of Grand Rapids.   I'm sure there will be more to come from Grand C.I.T.Y.  There are positive events going on in Grand Rapids more than people actually know. Big props to the BROWN SKIN young men with BIG DREAMS of making the community great. If you want more information about this organization, check out Grand C.I.T.Y.'s website at http://www.grandcitysports.com/.

BROWN SKIN. BIG DREAMS.

 

follow me on twitter:  www.twitter.com/iLoveFallon

Please Welcome "BROWN SKIN. BIG DREAMS".

Hello World!   This is a very exciting venture for me because most people who know me, know I'm not a "writer".  I thought this blog would be interesting for me to explore writing, share my views, and interact with others in a different way.  Let me start by introducing myself to you....

My name is Fallon. A BROWN SKIN woman with BIG DREAMS.  Ok now we're introduced! LOL (Laugh Out Loud) for the non-social media, text message people.  I'm usually the laid back type of person that observes others and goes with the flow..sound boring huh? I've never been the loud woman, seeking attention....that has never been my style.  I'm more of the lady who walks with grace, making sure everything is in place, and the smell of a clean fragrance.  Sounds bougie but I'm far from that. I was always taught to look presentable at all times...I took that lesson and RAN with it.

Each and everyday I'm learning more about LIFE.  The experiences that I go through are nothing more than God's pattern for my life and also lessons for others.  You may look at me as if I have it going on but like you, I deal with the trials and tribulations of life (no one is perfect).  Every day is NOT candyland but I will not let anything steal my joy and happiness.  This point brings me to my BIG DREAMS.  It may not be big dreams to you but any dream that comes into a reality for me is a BIG DREAM. I someday want start a business for families adopting outside of their race, who need cultural education and hair care services (I have the business plan already done). Its almost setup like home care but instead we'll come to the home for the consultation and set up of services. This is just ONE of my DREAMS...I'm in my mid 20's and have accomplished quit a few things like graduating with a Bachelor's and MBA, no kids out of wedlock, traveled to many places including South Africa, and I have a pretty decent job...not bad under statistical speculations for my BROWN SKIN.  I say these things to encourage others to follow their dreams and show them (especially my culture) that you can do ANYTHING you want to if it's in GOD'S will.  As we have all heard it before "Dare to Dream".

In this blog I will post as often as I can and try to introduce new people I come across, places, ideas, stories, and whatever else comes to my mind at that moment in time...So bare with me, its all new to me (shout out to all the bloggers out there, especially BKNOWN. I hope you'll enjoy the ride with me.... Please Welcome "BROWN SKIN. BIG DREAMS."

Follow Me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/iLoveFallon