Sugar Rush: Love's Elevation (Blog Advertisement)

Four letters with one syllable is the driving force behind author Yolonda D. Coleman’s writing. “Love. It’s a noun and a verb that stands alone as a sentence, and readers answered it’s call,” Coleman said after receiving a call on April 6, 2008 from author Ryan C. Greene that her latest book, Sugar Rush: Love’s Elevation, ranked in the top 100 on amazon.com's best seller's list in three categories: Religious, Romance, and Missions and Missionary Work.

Released on March 30, 2008---the third anniversary of her mother’s death and the day before her birthday---Sugar Rush: Love’s Elevation is the continuation of Coleman’s first “lovella,” Sugar Rush: Love’s Liberation.

“A lovella is a fictional love story that inspires people to believe in the possibilities of those things that seem impossible---true love,” Coleman said.

Sugar Rush: Love’s Elevation is Coleman’s fictional response to help people heal from failed relationships, form healthier marriages, and rebuild their confidence and esteem by understanding who they are and “whose they are” in Christ. Coleman makes clear to readers from varied backgrounds, part of the book’s message, that holding fast to morals, values, and learning family traditions are important components to becoming a whole person.

“There is no coincidence that Sugar Rush: Love’s Elevation has main characters possessing strong, constantly tested, yet, oftentimes unwavering values based on their familial belief systems. The characters bring traditional values and inter-generational perspectives, humor, taboo and gamesmanship to the table to support and heavily influence how to address life’s ups and downs. This story will hit those hidden places in your heart and spirit, which reassures your basic understanding and awareness that this story has strength of character,” Ronald E. Carrington, broadcast/creative director said.

For more information about Sugar Rush: Love’s Elevation and other work by Yolonda D. Coleman, visit www.coffeedreamz.com/ecard or send an email to Coleman directly at coffeedreamz38@aol.com. Copies are available online at www.amazon.com keyword: Yolonda Coleman.

Super Legacy - By Paul Wilson, Jr.

The hype machine is being cranked up to a fever pitch. The players are antsy. The coaches are irritated. The reporters’ questions are getting redundant and annoying. All the TV commercials somehow relate their product to football. It must be Super Bowl Week.

For most football fans, Super Bowl Week is one of the best weeks of the year (maybe not the whole week, but at least the weekend), especially if you like pre-game drama. And this year’s game is no exception. The team picked as this year’s version of “Goliath” is 5-time Super Bowl winner, Pittsburgh Steelers. The role of “David” in this year’s football spectacular is being played by the Arizona Cardinals, who hadn’t won more than one playoff game in their entire history before these playoffs.

One of the most intriguing story lines is that of the coaches of the two teams. The coach of the Arizona Cardinals is Ken Whisenhunt, who was actually an assistant coach for Pittsburgh when they won the Super Bowl three years ago. The coach who will be on the opposing sidelines is Mike Tomlin, the guy the Steelers chose over Whisenhunt two years ago after then-head coach Bill Cowher retired. Wow, talk about intrigue.

There have been and will be many stories written about these two leading up to Sunday. So, I’m not going to regurgitate what others are already writing. Instead I want to discuss the legacy of the retired coach, Bill Cowher.

As you can see, the fingerprints of Cowher’s tenure are all over this game. His former assistant is leading one team and many of his former players (and coaches) are playing for the new coach of the other team. This speaks volumes to Cowher’s legacy of leadership, i.e. what he left behind after he retired.

It’s an incredible testament to one’s leadership abilities to be able to lead their organization to become the best in its league, country, industry, etc. It’s even more compelling when those left behind are able to rise to the top years after that key leader has gone.

Although the concept of legacy is often discussed when someone retires (or dies), I don’t think it’s talked about enough by those who are in the position and have the power to create a legacy now. In order to leave a legacy, you first have to live a legacy.

As you think about what your legacy might potentially be, here are some questions that you can ask yourself to see what is the current state of your “legacy-in-process”:
- Was the last organization that you departed from better off because you were there?
- How are you developing the people around you now to carry forth your vision?
- Who have you led in the past that is now leading his/her own team, department, business, etc?
- How are you equipping the people around you for their future success?
- What are you building that people will be talking about 10 or 20 years from now?

Personally, I didn’t put a lot of time into intentionally planning my legacy until after the death of my dad, Paul J. Wilson, Sr., about two years ago. As I absorbed the countless words of affirmation that were showered on him during that time by young and old alike, I had my epiphany about the importance of living and leaving a legacy.

That principle was driven even deeper in me when my father-in-law passed away about a month ago. Although they may not have been famous or rich, these two men left behind incredibly invaluable legacies as men of godly character. I have a high bar to reach to produce a similar impact with my life.

What about you? How often do you think about your legacy? Well, right now is the best time to start. What I’m about to ask you to do may sound strange. I encourage you to write your eulogy. Yes, your eulogy – all the things you want people to say about your life at your funeral. Once you have written it down, then purpose to live that way every day, so all the stuff that you wrote will come true (and they won’t have to lie or stretch the truth).

Don’t settle for what you have become. Strive for all that you can be. Leave a super legacy.

Thrive on Purpose,
Paul Wilson, Jr.

About the Author:
Paul Wilson, Jr. is the founder, President and Chief Inspiration Officer of Biznovations, LLC. They design innovative strategies and solutions that equip individuals and organizations to maximize their financial and social profitability. Paul also authors the blogs, Thrive B.I.G.! and Biznovations.net, leadership catalysts for those who want to live more purposeful, passionate, and prosperous lives. To learn more about Paul, visit www.paulwilsonjr.com.

What Kind of House Are You Building?

John Smith was a loyal carpenter, working for a very successful building contractor who called him into his office one day and said, “John, I’m putting you in charge of the next house we build. I want you to order all the materials and oversee the whole job from the ground up.”

John accepted the assignment with great enthusiasm and excitement. For ten days before ground was broken at the building site, John studied the blueprints. He checked every measurement, every specification. Suddenly he had a thought. “If I am really in charge,” he said to himself, “Why couldn’t I cut a few corners, use less expensive materials and put the extra money in my pocket? Who would know the difference? Once the house is painted it will look just great.”

So John set about his scheme. He ordered second-grade lumber, but reports indicated that it was top-grade. He ordered inexpensive concrete for the foundation, put in cheap wiring, and cut every corner he could, yet he reported the purchase of much better materials. When the home was completed and fully painted, he asked the contractor to come and see it.

“John,” said the contractor, “What a magnificent job you have done! You have been such a good and faithful carpenter all these years that I have decided to show my gratitude by giving you this house you have built, as a gift!”

In Numbers 32:23 - But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out.

What kind of life are you building for yourself? Is it one that is humble, honest presentation before God? Are you cutting corners or are you allowing God to come in and cleanse you from sin?


Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

ABC's for Life Change - Part 3

Here is part three of the series "ABC's for Life Change!"

Q – Quit complaining and start taking action. No one experiences a perfect life free from issues. Complaining doesn’t solve your problems. Identify a solution and implement it! Life is filled with learning experiences and growth opportunities.

R – Read more so you are able to learn something life-changing. A good book to start with is the Bible. There are also books that can help you learn a skill, or increase your intellectual knowledge.

S – Save more…spend less. Just because you make it doesn’t mean you have to spend it! In today’s economic times it’s extremely important to put money away for a rainy day. It’s now storming in the lives of many people and the savings have run out or are close to running out.

T – TAKE TIME OUT FOR YOU!

U – Use your available resources wisely. This includes people and finances.

V – Visit someone less fortunate than you. There are elderly and young people who have lost family members and would enjoy your company. Just a little time goes a long way in the lives of people!

W – Wait a little longer before making decisions. A lot of bad decisions can be traced back to not taking time to properly think through the potential results.

X – Exercise and get yourself back in shape both mentally and physically.

Y – YOU are special. YOU have control over how YOU let people treat YOU. YOU control your time and behavior.

Z – ZZZZ! Make sure to get plenty of rest.

Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

Workplace Topic of the Week - 1/26/2009

Married and Looking

There is an unfortunate epidemic taking place both inside and outside of the church. Married men and women are finding the need to seek happiness outside of their covenants, and others are being victimized or becoming willing participants as a result.

-Have you ever been approached by a married man or a married woman?
-Is there something adventurous about dealing with someone who is married?
-If not, how did you address the situation?

Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

ABC's for Life Change - Part 2

Here is part two of the series "ABC's for Life Change!"

I – Identify and understand that life is bigger than you. The center of the universe does not revolve around you and life involves a certain level of compromise.

J – Just do it…like NIKE advertises. Everything does not require deep intellectual thought. If you want to go back to school, then do it! If you want another career, then prepare yourself to do it! If you wan to lose weight, then do it!

K – Keep yourself on a budget for 2009. The economy is fluctuating so prepare yourself for potential life-changing events.

L – Love the special people in your life. Show them in small or big ways. Let them know how much they mean to you. Learn to love better. Learning to love is an ongoing process and can never be perfected.

M – Make a promise to do something special for you either weekly or monthly. Don’t allow life to consume you to the point where you don’t have time for yourself.

N – “No” is a powerful word that needs to be used carefully, but more often in certain instances. This is definitely the case for those of you who take on too much and allow others to take advantage of your time.

O – Organize yourself. Organize your home, office and your schedule. It’s difficult to manage your time when you don’t have an organized way to capture all of your activities. Better organization leads to less stress in your life.

P – Patience is a virtue that can minimize the stress in your life. Sometimes patience is the differentiating factor between you having a good day versus a bad day.

Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

ABC’s for Life Change - Part 1

We are approaching the completion of January 2009. Over the next couple of days I will provide you with a random collection of my thoughts about life according to the alphabet. Consider these as you proceed through 2009!

A – Admit the need for change in your life. Be honest with yourself and understand that life changes aren’t easy.

B – Be willing to give it your all no matter how tough things get. Resolve within yourself that quitting is NOT an option.

C – Communicate regularly with God through prayer and openly with others who can hold you accountable. You cannot progress in life on your own! Ensure you have a solid network in place to lean on during times of trial and turbulence.

D – Dream about the things you want to see manifested in your life. If you cannot create a vision of what you desire, then it will be impossible for you to achieve it.

E – Exercise in order to keep yourself healthy. Eat balanced meals to keep you energized during your life-journey.

F – Focus on the most important things in life. God, family and self is a great way to prioritize importance. Also, don’t get bogged down worrying about things you cannot control. Focus on the big picture and allow God to handle the rest.

G – Get a positive outlook on life. Your mind is oftentimes the most difficult obstacle you ever have to overcome.

H – Help others because life should be a demonstration of selflessness. Be willing to lend a helping hand and recognize you will be blessed in the process.

Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

Devotional 1/22/2009

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3 *NKJV)

Now true peace in our lives can be hard to find at times, but through our faith in Jesus Christ we can know peace even in turmoil. This is because; He Himself is our peace. (Ephesians 2:14)

Now our Savior Jesus Christ said, These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Therefore when you find that peace has left you, and you feel troubled; return your thoughts to our Heavenly Father and trust in Him with all your heart. Always remembering that; Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)

So always let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

Have a great day and may; The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, now and
always! Amen. (Revelations 22:21)

Workplace Topic of the Day - 1/21/2009

If I told you it is possible for you to experience 45+ years of happiness in marriage by sacrificing 182.5 days of sex during dating/courtship, would you be willing to try it?

Or is sex so important that you are willing to risk long-term relationship stability for it?


Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

Inauguration Day - January 20, 2009

What a historic moment we all just witnessed as a people! I'm excited that I was able to experience something that many of our forefathers fought so hard for. I have just been added as a contributor to the website http://www.rushmoredrive.com. Today they are featuring a blog of inaugural thoughts contributed by individuals, including contributors like myself.

Here is a link to the RushmoreDrive.com Inaugural Day Blog:

http://www.rushmoredrive.com/blogs/RushmoreDrivecoms_Inaugural_Day_Blog.aspx?blgid=5e7d8ff0-8d1d-4cce-9871-7bc29a6e1552

Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

Freelance Friday - 1/16/09 Choices of Life

We are just over halfway through the first month of 2009. Many of us have a renewed energy as we approach the conclusion of a year and head into the next. Prayerfully you haven't allowed yourself to settle back into the same routine you practiced in 2008. This week's Freelance Friday contribution comes from Kimberly Bradford who encourages us to be mindful of the choices we make. I pray you are motivated to action by Kimberly's blog entry.

*********************************************
The year 2008 seemed to fly by in many of our lives. In a way that’s a good thing due to the roller coaster ride of a year 2008 was for many. Nonetheless by the grace of God, WE MADE IT!

I had a conversation a couple of weeks ago with my friend/soror Gloria and she encouraged me to share this with the world. Our conversation was about how for the past month I have been in such a zone with working out and treating my body right. One night I had an epiphany: If I felt this good about the weight falling off, what would happen if I got rid of ALL of my dead weight? So I started revisiting situations where I know I had not completely let go. By doing so, it became such a liberating experience. Some situations called for me to reach out to people I hadn’t contacted in awhile, while other situations called for me to just give the benediction and let bygones be bygones. Nonetheless, I felt great! The last month has been a real eye opener for me. Although 2008 was by far been one of the roughest I’ve ever experienced I can truly say that I am at peace with many situations that I’ve faced. Most that have known me for awhile know how stubborn I can be and how even though I say I’m cool with a situation, somewhere deep down I let it simmer until it becomes like a pot about to boil over. I’m glad to say that part of my life has passed away. I’m in a happy place right now because I choose to be in a happy place. Now don’t get it twisted, I don’t have on some sort of rose colored glasses but I have come to this conclusion: I will pursue those things I have a passion for, I will handle situations that arise to the best of my ability and if things work out fine, but if not – learn the lesson and move on. Now this may not work for everyone but it’s worth trying if you believe it will help in your life. One thing is for sure, you can’t move forward until you stop treading water.

One day, I was sitting at lunch with my two nieces Danielle and Reilly. Reilly is the feisty 6 yr old and Danielle is the nonchalant 18 yr old. I was talking to Danielle and during our conversation she uttered “I can’t…” before I could offer a rebuttal Reilly sits up and says “Don’t say you can’t do something until you try!” It didn’t hit me then but on the plane back to Atlanta, it hit me… Out of the mouths of babes, Reilly was right! How do you know you can’t do something if you haven’t tried? Even better, Philippians 4:13 squashes the whole notion of "can't"! Goodness let me move on!

All I’m trying to say is it’s time to stop sitting on the sidelines and watching life go by.

Life is truly what you make it and it’s all about choices. I pray that you all choose to be happy, that you choose to love without limits or conditions, that you choose to take risks whether is starting a new career or stepping out of your comfort zone and that you all choose to follow your dreams and passions. Remember you’re the star of the show and God is the producer and director. So Lights, Camera, Action! The Producer is ready for His star to get out there and shine.

Make it happen in 2009!

Much Love,

Kimberly



Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

Thought of the Day - 1/14/2009

Lustful sex in a relationship is like a sedative that only camouflages the reality of pain and discomfort that exists beneath the surface. When the sex component is removed, you can deal with the true state of your relationship and make the adjustments necessary to experience success.

Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

Workplace Topic of the Week - 1/12/2009

How do you have a successful long-distance relationship(LDR)?

The other day, a friend and I were having a conversation and the topic of long-distance relationships surfaced. I was asked my opinion on this matter, but unfortunately I don't have much experience or points of reference to them. As a result, LDR's are the workplace topic of the week.

-Are you currently in a successful LDR? If so, how are you making it work out for both involved parties?
-How do you guard against meeting a person's representative versus the person they truly are?
-What are the most important factors in making a LDR successful (trust, honesty, planned time, etc.)?

Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

Relationships - Greenhouses and Cheerleaders?

Recently I posted a message on my Facebook page that stated women should be like cheerleaders and men should be like greenhouses. Let me now explain this statement further.

I recently had an opportunity to hear a message by Jimmie Evans (www.marriagetoday.org) who was discussing marriage and healthy roles for each spouse to play. The role associations given for success in marriage were that of a greenhouse and cheerleader. Initially this statement caused some confusion, but let’s explore in detail. The following is based on my interpretation on what was shared during Jimmie Evans’ message.


A greenhouse is a structure that provides a controlled atmosphere, gives shelter against outside elements and transmits a proper amount of sun and nutrients conducive for growth and bearing of fruit. Likewise, a man or husband should always provide a controlled atmosphere for a relationship because he has the ability to calm down situations that cause anxiety, and inject optimism into situations that seem challenging. Reflecting on my childhood, I always remember my father being the thermostat in our household. My mother, brother and I could be in the best of moods. However, if my father was upset when he got home from work, all of our moods were altered because of his lead. Conversely, my father also had the ability to bring happiness into an environment that seemed depressing or sad. A man should also serve as protection for his wife and family against outside influences and opposition. No matter what others are saying or what is taking place at school, a wife and children should always feel like the husband/father will protect or take up for them. Correction for inappropriate behavior or improper decisions may take place in the background, but no one outside of the immediate family should be able to attack (physically or verbally) a member of a man’s family without a fight (not literally). Finally, a man must provide proper nutrients and sunlight conducive to bearing fruit. This speaks specifically to a man’s ability to sow seeds into his family. If a man desires his family to grow and prosper, then he should sow continuous seeds of 1) Fear of God, 2) love, 3) integrity, 4) discipline and 5) wisdom.


As the helpmeet of a man, a woman in a successful marriage is called to be like a cheerleader. In a society where the pressure to protect and provide traditionally falls on the shoulders of men, a helpmeet should always be willing to cheer her man on to victory. All the independent women may interject at this point to offer a point of interest about their ability to provide for the family too. I do not object to this point because many of today’s women are able to contribute to the household needs. However, most men do not marry solely because a woman is able to contribute financially. Most men marry because they find a woman who they believe supports them wholeheartedly and encourages them to accomplish great things. A woman’s role is characterized with being a cheerleader because cheerleaders cheer no matter what is taking place during a sporting event. It’s amazing that when my Ohio State Buckeyes were losing in their football bowl game, you could still see the cheerleaders cheering even though the losing outcome had already been decided. Cheerleaders are charged to provide motivation when times get tough and the team feels like quitting. Cheerleaders celebrate when successes and victories occur, but also provide encouragement when things seem a little bleak. Likewise, women should do the same in the lives their men. Men are programmed to accomplish things and pursue goals and victories. Men need a source of encouragement when life doesn’t seem to be working out for them. Unfortunately, modern-day relationships have transitioned from being a support network to being a battle for position and attention. One of my buddies suggested that I blog one day about ways to determine if you are a helpmeet or a hindrance meet.

The truth is, a woman’s financial contributions are not enough to offset internal relationship discord. However, a woman’s support and encouragement is enough to persevere through times when relationships endure challenges. The last place a man wants to encounter opposition is at home. Likewise, the last thing a woman wants is a man who doesn’t protect and provide for her needs.
Men, work toward becoming awesome greenhouses and ladies, work toward becoming the best cheerleaders you can be. It’s an awesome result when the two roles come together as one!

Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

Desire or Obligation?

Earlier today I posted a statement on my Facebook page that caused quite a stir to those visiting my page.

I made the following statement...

"I believe that 65% of men get married out of obligation and not out of true purpose."

Do you agree?

Here is my rationale...

I have been doing a random sample analysis of men who have gotten married. Many got married because they have been with their significant other for a certain period of time and marriage is the next 'logical' step. Others have gotten married because they have children with a particular woman. Others got married they were pressured to take the step of marriage by way of ultimatum. Rarely have I asked a man why he got married and he responded with "I love my wife and I feel it was God's ordained purpose for us to be together," or " I love my wife and I want us to build a God-fearing family together." I'm not using this bring judgment to my brethren, but I do think it's important for couples to discuss the 'why?' upfront.

Someone asked me what the purpose of marriage is? This is how I responded...

Marriage is a God-ordained union between a man and a woman which achieves a greater kingdom purpose and serves as a living testimony to God's goodness. It embodies the ups and downs of relationships and exemplifies the true meaning of love, reconciliation and sacrifice.

Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

Workplace Topic of the Day - 1/5/2009

Happy New Year to each of you! This is the first workplace topic of 2009...

Is it possible to find your mate while dating multiple people at the same time? How can you truly learn about someone as an individual when you do not give them your full, undivided attention?

I dare declare that many of the unfit relationships we witness today are a result of people's inability to focus on the key characteristics in relationships. I know it is tempting to automatically associate this type of behavior with men, but women are also guilty of the multi-dating syndrome that exists today.

I'll throw this in as a bonus for the New Year...

Can a successful relationship be developed by someone who jumps from one relationship to another without taking time in between to purge the bad and implement lessons learned?

Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group

Are You Ready?

You have reached day two of 2009 and here are some questions that I'd like you to ponder. Are you ready? Are you ready to accomplish big things? Are you ready to live life to the fullest? Are you ready to forgive the past hurts that keep you in bondage? Are you ready to release people from your life who continue to hold you back? Are you ready to smile more and enjoy friendships? Are you ready to cross out items from your to-do list that have been there for months? Are you ready to live in total commitment and surrender to the One Who makes life possible?

Life is short...live it up!

Brought to you by Chat Kafe, http://chatkafe.blogspot.com

Subscribe to Chat Kafe

Email:

Visit this group