Lesson Of The Day: Crockpot Orange Chicken....

Keeping It Real:

Ingredients:
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced about 1/2-inch thick
2 large red or green bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
8 ounces orange juice concentrate
2 cups Mandarin orange segments or fresh orange segments
2 Green onions, chopped
hot cooked rice

Directions:
Put carrots, peppers, garlic, then the chicken, ginger, salt, pepper & frozen orange juice in Crockpot. Cover and cook on LOW 4 to 6 hours. Serve chicken on hot cooked rice. Top with orange segments and green onions, if desired. Serve chicken liquid in a gravy boat, if desired. Ya Dig?..

 

Lesson Of The Day: Blessed And You Don't Even Know It...

Keeping It Real: You may not drive what you wish to drive, but you are driving; somebody had to walk. You may not live in the house of your desire, but you have a roof over your head; somebody slept outdoors. You may even dislike what you ate today, but you ate; somebody somewhere is hungry and the saddest part, you're Blessed and don't even know it!. GRATITUDE opens up the door of MULTITUDE in God's own timing.

  If you feel too far from Him, guess who moved? Ya Dig?...

Lesson of The Day: Black Faces, Nooses Around The Neck, NOT FUNNY.....

Keeping It Real: We have a Black man in the White House, had Black Miss Americas, Blacks getting Oscars, Black Mayors, Senators, Congressmen, Blacks excelling in sports, non-Blacks wearing corn rows, getting their lips injected to have BIGGER lips, booty implants to have bigger asses, dying of skin cancer trying to get dark like ME and then we have the ignorant ones who want to WEAR BLACK FACES as a Halloween costume, dress up like a DECEASED CHILD KILLED for God knows what reason while the country has to sit back and watch his killer go free and to top it OFF, we have a BLACK HEFFA', yes, a BLACK FAT IGNORANT HEFFA' dress up as an old slave holding a bucket of cotton and let her white friends put a noose around her neck and then say, it's all in jest, funny, hahaha, a Halloween costume joke! WTF, there isn't anything funny about shit that happened to Black people in REAL LIFE, not made up movie shit BUT REAL SHIT and depicts us in a bad way, hmmmmmpf, please give me just 2 minutes with this heffa, just 2!! Really, celebs dressing up in Black face thinks this is not demoralizing and degrading to Black people? REALLY? WOW!!!!! This is part of our history and a very painful past! Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Cajun Dressing/Stuffing...

Keeping It Real:

6 cups crumbled cornbread
3 cups soft bread crumbs
1 lb. crawfish tails, chopped
2 cups cooked Andouille sausage, diced
4 Tbsp. butter
2 cups onion, chopped
2 cups celery, chopped
3 to 4 cups chicken broth
2 tsp. Cajun Seasoning
3 boiled eggs, chopped
3 eggs, beaten

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread and bread crumbs. Add the Crawfish & Andouille and mix together.

In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the onion and celery in butter until tender. Do not brown. Combine the sautéed vegetables with the bread mixture. Stir in chicken broth, using enough to moisten. Add Cajun Seasoning, chopped eggs and beaten eggs. Mix together well.

Spread the mixture in a large buttered casserole dish (we use aluminum pans, but up to you). Bake for about 35 minutes or until golden brown. Ya Dig?...

 

Lesson Of The Day: God Is Forever...

Keeping It Real: The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne (Psalm 9:7).

 

How long is forever?  Forever is defined as: without ever ending; eternally; to last forever, continually; always, an endless period of time.  So forever, is forever - would you agree?  Every 4 years, we elect a new president of the United States, and we also elect a new governor.  With those election, the offices may change, and those serving may have new ideas on what direction the United States should be ran. 

 

Change is not always favorable and it sometimes can bring on new laws that impede on our way of life.  But as a Christian our Leader never changes - God Almighty is the same today, yesterday and "forever" more.  He reigns and He rules over Heaven and Earth.  He can never be out voted, dismissed or denied. 

 

It is written: "As surely as I live, says the Lord every knee will bow before me; every tongue will knowledge God" (Romans 14:11).

 

So when the government shuts down, call on Jesus - He never slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4). Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day; Embrace ALL...

Keeping It Real: When we learn to live a life of peace and in harmony with our brothers and sisters of all races, we have peace in our own lives, and the Blessing of God. Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Blessing Bags...

Keeping It Real: I absolutely love this idea! Blessing Bags to keep in the car when you pass homeless people. Something special you can do with the kids to teach them about caring for others.

Gallon size Ziplock bags
chap stick
packages of tissues
toothbrush and toothpaste
comb
soap
hotel size shampoos
trail mix
granola bars
crackers
pack of gum
band aids
mouthwash
coins or predetermined dollar amount, say 5.00 (could be used to make a phone call, or purchase a food item)
hand wipes
you could also put in a warm pair of socks
a packet rain poncho
tampons (for women)
The ideas could be endless! and most can be picked up at your local dollar store!!!

Assemble all the items in the bags, and maybe throw in a note of encouragement. Seal the bags and stow in your car for a moment of good deeds! Ya Dig?...

 

Lesson Of The Day: Life Battle Scars

Keeping It Real: Our struggles in life gives us scars, but they also give us growth, strength, faith, and a passion for life to break through all barriers so when we make it to our destiny, we can look back and embrace who we've become. I am who I am, and I've yet to become who I will be. Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Fried Mozzarella Pepperoni Egg Rolls...

Keeping It Real:

12 pieces of string cheese
12 egg roll wrappers
36 slices of pepperoni
Oil for deep-frying
Marinara or pizza sauce

On top of an egg roll wrapper, place three pieces of pepperoni as shown in the picture. Place a piece of string cheese on top. Fold corners over cheese. Fold bottom corner over cheese and pepperoni and keep rolling until cheese is tightly sealed. Moisten corners with water to seal. Repeat with the rest of wrappers, cheese and pepperoni.

In a skillet, heat oil to 375 degrees F. Fry sticks, a few at a time, for 30-60 seconds on each side until completely brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with sauce. Ya Dig?...

 

Lesson Of The Day: Women Stand Up And Be A Real Woman...

Keeping It Real: 

 

I don't COMPETE with a man, instead I am a COMPLIMENT and a COMPLEMENT.

I don't NAG, I NURTURE.

I don't REBEL....I SUBMIT.

I don't Castrate...I SUPPORT.

I don't EMASCULATE...I EMPOWER.
...
I don't CONDEMN...I COMFORT.

I don't use my mouth to BREAK HIM DOWN him, instead I am mindful of my tone, and what I say to him in order to BUILD HIM UP

Because I made it a requirement for him to SECURE me...he knows that his future and legacy (children) is SECURE WITH Me.

Because I know it's HELL on those streets....I make sure there is HEAVEN in his Home...

In a world of TURMOIL...I am his PEACE

While he is dodging the bullets being thrown at his back...he knows that I HAVE his back....

Instead of being in an ALLIANCE with our common enemy, I have pledged my ALLEGIANCE to HIM. Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Short And Sweet....

Keeping It Real: Thank God from whom all blessings flow!! Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Presence Of God....

Keeping It Real: But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!" So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob." And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed" ( Genesis 32:26-28).

 

How important is your happiness?  How important is your future?  What are you willing to do to prevail?  The story of Jacob tells of a man who was sick and tired of doing the same thing day after day and getting the same results. He wanted and persuade change.  I can't speak for anyone but once you have experienced the presence of God in your life, there is no other place to be. 

 

Jacob recognized His dependency on God and refused to allow God not to bless Him - now that is determination.  Have you ever been so sick and tired that you just don't know where to turn.  God is there and He is always available.  He will change your life and give you comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. 

 

When God blesses you with change, there is no way to describe the conversion.  Your eyes are no longer blinded but open to the Love of God and all His manifold blessings.  God not only blessed Jacob but also changed Jacob's name, which meant swindler, to Israel, which meant prince with God or power with God.   Do you have some of those names that no longer describe you, and you are still answering to them?  God said no longer will you be called ?? but I will name you MY Child. 

 

You see, when we show our dependency, commitment and determination to be one of God's children, God will bless you just as He did Jacob. Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: 5 Simple Rules To Help You Be Happy...

Keeping It Real:

1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happens.

3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.

4. Give more.

5. Expect less from people but more from yourself. Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Bathroom Pictures....

Keeping It Real: Is the lights better in the bathroom? and is that why so many folks are taking bathroom pics now? or is it because of the mirror? Don't you have a mirror in the bedroom? and if you must take bathroom pics, 1. make sure it is clean, 2. take them nasty towels down hanging on the shower curtain rod, 3. make sure the mirror is clean, 4.if your shower curtains are missing some hooks and they are hanging in certain spots, move them all down to one side until you are finished!!! 5. Don't you have a mirror in the bedroom? Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Uh, No You Can't....

Keeping It Real: Just because you see some folks doing it, doesn't mean you can, just because you hear some folks say it, doesn't mean you can and just because you see some folks wear it, sure doesn't mean you can! What's meant for some is not meant for all!

I guess it is safe to assume some things are like American Idol auditions, even though you KNOW DAMN WELL it is NOT for you, you still do it anyway!! smdh Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Strawberry Margarita Jelly Shots...

Keeping It Real:

24-30 Strawberries
Margarita Mix
1 box Strawberry Jell-O
8 ounces Tequila
6 ounce Cointreau
Salt for garnish

Directions:
Strawberry Prep:

Cut the bottoms of the strawberry flat to get them to stand upright. When you do so, make sure that you do not cut off so much that there is a hole at the bottom. Use a huller or apple corer to empty out the strawberry. Once the strawberries have been emptied, use a towel to pat the outside of the strawberries dry. Check each strawberry and make sure there is not a hole in the bottom before you start filling.

Margarita Mix

Boil one cup of hot water in a saucepan, then add in Jell-o powder and whisk until powder is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Set aside. Measure out 1/4 cup of cold water and set aside.  

Combine tequila and Cointreau, in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Add liquor mixture to cold water and stir to combine. Then add cold liquor mixture to hot Jell-o mixture and stir to combine.

Pour final Jell-o mix into strawberries and chill overnight. Dip your finger in water or use a moistened brush to wet the edge of the strawberries, dip and rotate the strawberries in salt to rim. Garnish with cut lime triangles to finish. Ya Dig?.. 

Lesson Of The Day: Fathers Rights...

Keeping It Real: Do we ever think about how it feels when a man has to ask permission to see his child?, especially when WE gave him permission to CREATE the child! It's like asking permission to get a snack or something. Can I come see my child? Can I spend time with my child? As he waits to see if we will allow him to do so. We have become the disciplinarian over both he and the child. 

Do you know how it must feel to a man to humble himself and subject himself to what we as women view as "power?". I mean there is only so much a man can take! And no I am not saying for men to just give up, but we like to talk about fathers not being there for their children, but we don't want to have an honest talk about all the REASONS for fathers not being there, especially if it places the women in a less than favorable light.

A man might think what difference can I make four days out of a MONTH, when my child is with his mother being fed off her energy, thoughts, her values or lack thereof, is in an unhealthy mental, spiritual, and emotional environment, that could ultimately impact his child in a negative manner. How can he change the negative view that his mother has painted of him four days out of the month? What can he teach his child that will make an impact every other weekend especially if the child is at a crucial age in his development?

I know that there are fathers fighting over more visitation time with their children as well as custody, and I know it is a struggle. Sadly....in some cases a mother is only seen as unfit if she places her child in physical danger, but no one stops to think about the psychological danger a child may be in.

A man can have his freedom jeopardized, yet there are no constraints placed on her womb. Think about it! Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Action Speaks Volumes...

Keeping It Real: They say be mindful of the words that come out your mouth...Truthfully it's beware of your actions cause they speak louder than words!! A person can candy coat their words all day but the reality of it is your actions will tell just how sour your intentions really are!! Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: Sticks And Stones....

Keeping It Real: Oh how blessed we are!  We may not have everything we want but despite all my wants, I do have all that I need. Praise Him. Often times we think we are not successful because we judge ourselves on what others have - but in Christ we are complete! Stop looking at others and look to Christ.

 

A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Luke 6:45).

 

We need to be very careful of what we speak over our lives and the lives of others. Sticks and stones may break my bones but word will never hurt me - not true.  Words are very hurtful and some last a life time. But they don't have to. Christ came to give us life - He broke the chains of our distress.  Stop stressing and give it all to Christ. He is our LORD and He broke those chains --- leave those broken peaces on the ground and walk to freedom in Christ. Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: You Gon' Learn Today....

Keeping It Real: Keep talking about me, behind my back and God is going keep Blessing me in your face. Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: Dead End Relationships...

Keeping It Real: I've come to a conclusion that some relationships have an expiration date, and as much as it hurts we must let them EXPIRE...Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: Insurance Policies...

Keeping It Real: I know most folks have life, medical, auto & home insurance but what folks should know, you are always covered with the best policy when you have God in your life! He is more than Allstate, because you are always in good hands, he covers more than accidents, not only will He be a good neighbor but also a good friend, so State Farm can step aside,  Progressive could never keep up with his numbers and Geico, well, God wouldn't send an animal to help you out in your time of need! With God, you're always COVERED! His insurance is free, no premiums to pay, only premiums, are given out in Blessings! Ya Dig? 

Lesson Of The Day: Always....

Keeping It Real: Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God. Ya Dig?..

Lesson of The Day: Sometimes...

Keeping It Real: Sometimes we need to be hurt in order to grow. Sometimes, we must lose in order to gain. Sometimes, some lessons are learned best through pain.  Ya Dig?..

Lesson Of The Day: Thanks Father God...

Keeping It Real: Dear God, I did not sleep well last night BUT I woke up! My muscles are sore, have a few aches and pains, BUT overall, everything works! My wallet and bank account are not full BUT my belly is! I may not have all I want BUT I have what I need! My life is not perfect BUT everything is all good! I will NOT complain, Lord! Thank You, Jesus! Ya Dig?... 

Lesson Of The Day: Layman's Ten Commandments...

 Keeping It Real:

 

1]Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout the journey.

 

 2] So why is a Car's WINDSHIELD so large & the Rear View Mirror so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, Look Ahead and Move on.

 

 3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes a few minutes to burn, but it takes years to write.

 

 4] All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either.

 

 5] Old Friends are Gold! New Friends are Diamond! If you get a Diamond, don't forget the Gold! Because to hold a Diamond, you always need a Base of Gold!

 

 6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!

 

 7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems HE has faith in your abilities.

 

  8] A blind person asked St. Anthony: "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied: "Yes, losing your vision!"

 

  9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you.

 

 10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today's PEACE. Ya Dig?..

 

Lesson Of The Day: Y'all Feel Me?... Mmmm Hmmmm

Keeping It Real: Don't go digging around looking for Dirt if you are not prepared to get your hands dirty...Some things are buried for a reason...mmm hmmm, Ya Dig?...

Lesson of The Day: A Woman Fed Up.....

Keeping It Real: I'm tired of looking out of my window, seeing shadows of you, and I can't cruise around with my girls, because I'm constantly checking out my rear view. 

You calling, breathing all hard, like I can't hear you, and every time I hit the clubs, you just happened to be there too. 

All I ever wanted was to be with you, but when I needed you, I had to compete with the clubs, drugs, the streets, XBOX and PS2. 

Out all night chasing women with your weak ass crew, but I guess when you're in Rome, you do what the Romans do. Uh, they go home, alone, just like you, wishing they would of held on, just like you. Probably calling and playing on phones, just like you. I'm so thru dealing with weak ass brothas, just like you. See I done had a few brothas, just like you.

I had the ballers calling claiming they were coming thru. I had the CEO's bring me dough because he always had something to prove. I had the so called God man, that thought he could do everything God can, so he was closer to God than the church man. I had the meet me at the poetry spot down to earth man, I had the brotha from the club who was only good for a fuck. I had a street brotha who  kept claiming he was down on his luck. I had a player with no gold , no heart just game .I had the 24/7 brotha in the studio on his way to fame. I had a control freak that thought he could keep me on a chain. I had a brotha' that lied so much I don't even know his real name.

At the end of the night, they all made me feel the same. I had a million things to lose and not a damn thing to gain.

See I told you I need you and you hump shoulders and shrug, then I tell you, I'm leaving and you call my bluff. I say a million men want me, you say they can have you then, so when you beg for me to come back, I tell you I got a man! Who is not just my lover, but also my friend. He is the closet person to me so I call him my next of kin. 

I know you think you own this, but guess what he stepped up and in and represented for all men even those that act likes boys but we still call men and to think you're gonna fall back in and feed me bullshit, sprinkle it with game on it. When he hit it, he wrote his name on it, see I was committed when he put his brain on it!! He and I will parade these streets and I'll be damn if I let you rain on it.

Look I know you have your regrets and I'm not gonna throw it in your face, hell I wish the you the best BUT him for you, that's like more for less and I just can't do it; you had your chance and you blew it!

Deep inside I think you knew it was killing me, but silly me I couldn't see the forest for the trees and I didn't know I was cut so deep until I began to bleed. I guess they left out all the snakes in the story about the birds and the bees..

So you can cry me a river, cry me a sea but this is the last time I love a man that ain't got no love for me...Ya Dig?...

Lesson Of The Day: Ladies, If A Man Wants You...

Keeping It Real:

If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away.

If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.

Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior.

Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.

Stop trying to change yourselves for a relationship that's not meant to be.

Slower is better. (AMEN)

Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy.

If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't 'be friends.' A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend.

Don't settle. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is.

Don't stay because you think 'it will get better.' You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better.

The only person you can control in a relationship is you.

Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, Why would he treat you any
differently?

Always have your own set of friends separate from his.

Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up.

Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later.

You cannot change a man's behavior. Change comes from within.

Don't EVER make him feel that he is more important than you are...even if he has more education or in a better job. Do not make him into a quasi-god, He is a man, nothing more nothing less.

Never let a man define who you are.

Never borrow someone else man. Oh Lord!? If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.

A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.

All men are NOT dogs.

You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is a two-way street.

You need time to heal between relationships......there is nothing cute about baggage... deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship.

You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...look for someone complimentary...not
supplementary.

Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr.Right.

Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always knows where you are, and you're always readily available to him- he takes it for granted.

Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need.

Keep him in your radar but get to know others.

Share this with other ladies..... You'll make someone SMILE, another RETHINK her choices, and another woman PREPARE! Ya Dig?...

 

Lesson Of The Day: Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

Keeping It Real: October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month but to me it is an every day awareness. 

 I try to encourage my niece Keisha Lewis who is currently fighting this battle, my cousin Francene Ashley who had cancer cells removed from her both breasts, I think about my Mother, who beat it, my Aunt Florence Mitchell Henderson who had a breast removed and is a survivor. 

I think about all the friends, family and people I know, loved ones, gone from earth but not our hearts. 

Then I think about how GOD has covered me and kept me, I am humbled and grateful. Life could be and or could have been differently.  

So make Breast Cancer Awareness a 365 day awareness. Ya Dig?...

 

Lesson Of The Day: Easy Upholstery Stain Remover....

Keeping It Real:  Got some nasty stains in your car from kids and accidents? Here’s a home-made remedy that will get your car clean without a huge bill!

In a car, vacuum the seats thoroughly and pick any crusty or sticky substances from the upholstery surface. Mix 1 cup each of Dawn Dish Soap, white vinegar, and club soda together in a heavy duty spray bottle and shake lightly. Liberally spray the stained areas and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Take a scrub brush and scrub in little circles over the stains. Vacuum, let dry! Ya Dig?..