VIDEO: Black Folks DO Get Married…And We Look So Fly Doing It!

By Team BLAM

Enjoy touching moments of love and tenderness from the weddings of black couples. Black folks DO get married. We DO exist….and here is some beautiful proof. These images are stunning and inspiring. Sit back and enjoy another one from our sister friend of the EbonyLoveAndMarriage channel over on YOUTUBE. Check her out when you can and tell her BlackLoveAndMarriage.com sent you. 😉

Clip 2: Ayize & Aiyana Ma’at To Release FREE CD & Audio Download “Marriage Is For Grown Folks” On Black Marriage Day (3/17/2013)!

What’s up Fam,

If you hadn’t heard–we’re excited! Why?  In honor of the 10 Year Anniversary of Black Marriage Day (March 17, 2013) we are releasing a FREE relationship inspiration audio program titled “Marriage Is For Grown Folks”.

As of March 17th you will be able to instantly download the single for free or purchase the CD online. The first single on the CD will be released on March 17, 2013. The full 3-CD set will be released in April 2013. But, we are releasing a clip each day leading up to Black Marriage Day. This is clip 2.

This audio is for anyone who is married, thinking about marriage, wants to know what it takes to be married, or wants to feel good and inspired about their marriage or relationship. You’re gonna feel good after listening to this. You’re gonna want to re-commit to your love after listening to this. You’re gonna want to kiss and cuddle after listening to this. Remember…Marriage Is For Grown Folks yall….and in this audio we’re gonna take you on a journey so you can experience what being in love and being married is all about. Check out the audio clip below…and see why we say “You Should Never Ever Have To Question The Love Of Your Spouse!” Don’t forget to come back tomorrow for Clip 3….that clip is really good….if I must say so myself! 😉

CLICK HERE TO HEAR CLIP 1 

“Marriage Is For Grown Folks” is an audio program that sheds light on

 

many of the common areas that couples deal with in marriage.

 

Everything from parenting, communication, and managing conflict to

 

sex, quality time, and dealing with marital finances is explored

 

through the eyes of one of the most transparent marriages in America.

 

Ayize and Aiyana Ma’at combine personal experiences from their own

 

marriage along with tips, humor, and funky beats in their signature

 

down to earth and “keep it real” style. This is Relationship

 

Motivation at it’s best.

 

 

 

Ayize & Aiyana Ma’at are the Co-Founders of the personal development

 

and relationship education firm B Intentional,LLC. They run a private

 

couples & family counseling practice and impact more than 50,000

 

people on the world wide web every month through their popular Video

 

Advice Column “Ask The Ma’at’s” and cutting edge website

 

BlackLoveAndMarriage.com. Ayize & Aiyana Ma’at have been featured on

 

and in The Oprah Winfrey Network, Dr. Drew’s Life Changers Show, The

 

Michael Baisden Show, The Final Call, Empower Magazine, Roland

 

Martin’s Washington Watch, The Matt Mcgill Show, The Jennifer Keitt

 

Show, & Essence Magazine just to name a few..

 

 

 

Clip1: Ayize & Aiyana Ma’at To Release FREE CD & Audio Download “Marriage Is For Grown Folks” On Black Marriage Day (3/17/2013)!

What’s up Fam,

We’re excited to announce that in honor of the 10 Year Anniversary of Black Marriage Day (March 17, 2013) we are releasing a FREE relationship inspiration audio program titled “Marriage Is For Grown Folks”.

As of March 17th you will be able to instantly download the single for free or purchase the CD online. The first single on the CD will be released on March 17, 2013. The full 3-CD set will be released in April 2013. But, we are releasing a clip each day leading up to Black Marriage Day. This is clip 1.  This audio is for anyone who is married, thinking about marriage, wants to know what it takes to be married, or wants to feel good and inspired about their marriage or relationship. You’re gonna feel good after listening to this.  You’re gonna want to re-commit to your love after listening to this.  You’re gonna want to kiss and cuddle after listening to this.  Remember…Marriage Is For Grown Folks yall….and in this audio we’re gonna take you on a journey so you can experience what being in love and being married is all about.  Check out the audio clip below…and see why we say There Is No Back Door! Click here for Clip 2!

 

“Marriage Is For Grown Folks” is an audio program that sheds light on

many of the common areas that couples deal with in marriage.

Everything from parenting, communication, and managing conflict to

sex, quality time, and dealing with marital finances is explored

through the eyes of one of the most transparent marriages in America.

Ayize and Aiyana Ma’at combine personal experiences from their own

marriage along with tips, humor, and funky beats in their signature

down to earth and “keep it real” style. This is Relationship

Motivation at it’s best.

 

Ayize & Aiyana Ma’at are the Co-Founders of the personal development

and relationship education firm B Intentional,LLC. They run a private

couples & family counseling practice and impact more than 50,000

people on the world wide web every month through their popular Video

Advice Column “Ask The Ma’at’s” and cutting edge website

BlackLoveAndMarriage.com. Ayize & Aiyana Ma’at have been featured on

and in The Oprah Winfrey Network, Dr. Drew’s Life Changers Show, The

Michael Baisden Show, The Final Call, Empower Magazine, Roland

Martin’s Washington Watch, The Matt Mcgill Show, The Jennifer Keitt

Show, & Essence Magazine just to name a few..

 

Stop Playing. Start Pushing.

Take Time To Get To Know And Enjoy Yourself And Your Life

By Lana Moline

It’s easy to start this by saying I’ve made some mistakes and then walk you through the lessons learned and wisdom gained.  While that may be true, this is not one of those.  This is one of the times during the year when my introspection is on full speed.  I think about all that I have accomplished and where I am and even what I want the next phase of my life to look like.  I think about my family, my husband and how my kids reflect every single dream and desire I have inside of me.  I think about how even within my serious projection, I find humor and laugh to myself.  I realize that it’s okay being me just as I am.  I love the nuances that color my persona such as calling my kids by fruit/sweet names like apple pie or honey bun or even how I trash talk in any game I play even if I am loosing.  Truth is, it took me a while to get here but I have to tell you how good this feels.

At lease once a year I do a total fast and by that I mean not only food but electronics, tv and anything that can truly wait.  I spend time reading the bible, writing and sleeping.  During this time I get to know myself even more intimately and take the time to let go of the things that just need to go.  If the weather permits, I spend as much time as I can outside and listen to what God is saying through everything around me.  That’s an amazing experience and when the end comes I always wish for one more day.

I share this because I was told that reading my site is like reading a page from your journal.  I am grateful to God for trusting me with this gift and every time I sit down to write, I desire to please Him in honor and truth.  I encourage anyone who is reading this to take some time to really get to know and enjoy yourself and your life.  There is no certainty as to the amount of time we have left to make an impact.  It is important that we decide how we can stand where we are and shine our lights.  I’ve never professed to be profound and if you’ve ever had a conversation you can agree that I proclaim quite the opposite.  My mission stems from yielding to the Master, closing my eyes and following His promptings.

As I end this page of my journal, I offer to you my birthday mandate.  For this entire day, find the joy in everything and celebrate with me.   Then each day that the sun rises again promise me that the celebration will not end and that you will enjoy the rest of your days with you.

Peace and blessings,

Lana Moline is an integral part of the Blackloveandmarriage.com writing team, freelance writer and poet who lives in Ft. Worth with her three kids and husband Emile. Married 11 years, both media professionals have vowed to maintain integrity in all aspects of print and broadcast journalism.Visit her at Lana Moline Speaks.

Don’t Resist Change. Life Is About Evolution

By Dee Gibson

If you truly want to be a person of influence you first have to embrace evolution. Wisdom will always let you know that fighting change is definitely a losing battle so it is imperative that you move towards being a more evolved enlightened human being. One of the great principle of life is stated this way; “Freedom and happiness are found in the flexibility and ease with which we move through change.”

If you truly want to transition or transform from someone who moves through life unconsciously to a person who becomes the wealthy individual who’s completely aware of and completely at ease with all things around him or her then you must embrace change. It doesn’t matter at all where you are from or what you’ve done in the past, you’re never trapped in any circumstance, relationship, cycle, or situation unless you say and/or believe you are. It’s always better to take each and everyday and treat it just as it is; a new day with new opportunities to do what’s right.

If you’re at a point in your life where you realize you’re going in the wrong direction which means you’re producing the wrong results then simply in most cases do the opposite of what you’re doing right now. Trust me this will make a world of difference and you’ll almost see small and/or big result quickly. I know this is easier said then done but when you add courage and persistent practice to your constant thought pattern that’s saying “it’s time to make the necessary changes” then I’m absolutely sure you’ll make great progress in living a more happy and fulfilled life.

Dee Gibson is a person that loves to empower everyone on how to become better. Visit him at imperfectchristians.com

The Ma’at Children Say “I Know I Can”

VIDEO: As adults we get in the way of ourselves and impose parameters on our potential. If we sit still for a moment and watch children we can learn to reconnect with our inborn optimism and go after those once forgotten dreams. Listen in as the Ma’at children remind you that YOU can accomplish whatever you put your mind to.

3 Tips To Get From Where You Are To Where You Want To Be

If you find yourself stuck in a rut wondering how do I get from where I am to where I wanna be …. relax. Trust me—you are not the only one. Contrary to what some of us may think…there are no “chosen” ones or “special” ones in life that are more favored than others or have it easier than others. However, there are some “great” and “successful” people who study other “great” and “successful” people and do what they do. Here are 3 quick tips that successful people use to move themselves along when they find that their wheels start spinning or they feel as if they are stuck in a rut. If you are determined to be one of the great and successful ones then you’ll try these very necessary tips and let them work for you.

Keep Climbing Your Mountain No Matter How Hard It Gets

At one point or another we all experience some type of bull shit in our relationship.  You know…times when you want to throw up your hands and say “what the hell is going on?”  You could be butting heads over where you live, how many children, how you’re being talked to, sexual inadequacies, drug addiction, unwillingness to get a job, etc. etc. etc.  Yup, unfortunately the list could go on forever…The good news is that the problems you are currently experiencing in your relationship don’t have to go on forever…..that’s all up to you.  Whatever you’re experiencing in your relationship has been placed at your feet for a reason.  The question is….are you gonna STAND UP, or sit down.  Truthfully, I believe you have the ability to climb your mountain no matter how hard it gets.  Just keep moving and eventually you’ll get to the other side.

God, Grant Me Patience…. And I Want It Now

By Richard Vegas

Are you facing a difficult time in your life? Do you feel like a fish out of water? If today was a fish, would you want to throw it back in the river? If this is your situation, make no negative destructive decisions. Be Patient. Know that time can perform many miracles.

Quicker Than A New York Minute!

Yeah, I wish. But, unfortunately every time I have moved that fast it went from riches to rags. Truly, patience is one of the major ingredients that lead to consistent success. You must develop patience if you are ever going to be successful in dealing with life’s problems.

Patience is not a popular subject for our, “I want it now” microwave society. Patience conjures up all kinds of thoughts like, “I might not get it”; “It might take too long”; “I might forget it”, even worse. Ah, but patience is a major factor in making our dreams come true.

As I have given patience a lot of thought in my own life, here is what I have discovered. See if this pattern seems familiar to you.

Sometimes I get what I want right away.
Sometimes I get what I want days, weeks, months, and sometime years later.
Sometimes I don’t get what I want but what I really needed, much later.
Sometimes I don’t get what I wanted, or what I needed, but got what was best for me, much later.
Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day!

Well, every time I get what I want right away, I’m just a little taken back by it. I always seem to “expect” to wait for some period of time. It just seems to be the way the universe deals with us. When something comes right away, we forget that triumph very fast and are on to the next deal.

The absolute optimum way to live would to be able to control the timing of every thing that happens to us. But, we can’t. On the other side of the coin, if every thing were to just fall on us like ripe apples off a tree, we would be running all over town trying to avoid being knocked out by all the falling apples.

You’ve heard it said before, “God’s delays are not God’s denials”. I believe that’s true. Patience has character building power within it. Patience takes the impossibilities of life and turns them into realities. Patience can also make you feel like taking a long walk off a short pier sometimes.

Waiting Always Lasts Too Long!

That’s the part of patience I want to help give you a different perspective on. Patience was designed to help us grow; to help us develop compassion and empathy, and make us strong. Not, to tear us down, to destroy our dreams, or make us wonder if our goals and objectives will ever be realized.

If you look at patience like this it might help: It was not meant to make life hard on you. Of course life is hard, that’s why they pay you the big bucks. :>) Patience is part of our lives because God’s timing is always better than ours. Now think about it. If you had your way, how many times would you choose to wait for something you really wanted or needed?

Your timing would always be, “I want it now”! And, if it was something that’s not desirable, your timing would be to wait, and wait, and wait. So, the universe comes on the scene and says, “Wait, you’re moving too fast”. And we say, “No I’m not, you are moving too slowly”.

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part!

And since the universe always has the final word, we find ourselves, waiting! And, because timing is so crucial to every thing in the universe, we tend to have a hard time understanding what good it is doing us, “waiting”.

Here is why waiting bothers us; because we don’t know exactly what’s on the other end. It might turn out to be something better than sliced bread, or, I might find myself between the devil and the deep blue sea.

The first thing we do is, think of all kind of possibilities that would help us, improve our lifestyle, bring us happiness, reduce aggravation, if only this project would give in to my commands.

As soon as all those wonderful possibilities run their course through our thinking, then all the undesirable outcomes take their turn and start playing the “what if” game with us.

“What if you don’t get that pay raise”? “What if you don’t get that promotion”? “Be careful, or you’ll poke your eye out”; and, all kinds of junky thoughts.

Now, being careful, in your ways, is fine and good. But, understand something; those thoughts are not coming to you to help you become a safe responsible person. Yes, you should. But, those thoughts have a different agenda. And, that is to inject fear into you to cheat you out of your dream.

I promise you this; the very moment you recognize the real intent of those thoughts, you will not shirk your responsibilities and become a reckless person, you will feel the inner power you’ve been searching for to accomplish that goal, and you will do so in a very responsible manner.

As Luck Would Have It!

I personally believe that if patience was not part of the God’s way of helping us grow, we would just let the chips fall where they may.

Since we would not have to wait or resist, why bother caring what happens? It’s the struggle, the fight that makes this thing personal to us. Something is trying to beat us, and we take that personally. When unemployment is trying to take your possessions, your dignity, and your self-esteem, you will take it personally!

Life Never Leaves Us With No Way Out!

Patience was not intended to be a destructive force. The lack of patience has caused much damage. Without patience there is a higher and better good that would not be possible in your life. And, that is the power of faith and hope.

Without patience you would have no hope. Everything you wanted would just fall on you. Without patience you would have no faith. All your dreams would materialize instantly. Now, don’t get excited, that would really not be good for any of us. Not in this world anyway.

Richard Vegas is a popular recording artist and internet marketing professional. He invites you to subscribe to his FREE weekly ezine “Wing-Tips” Teaching The Success System That Never Fails, at: http://www.1-work-at-home-based-business-opportunities.com.

Try A Different Kind Of New Year’s Resolution This Year

By Margaret Paul PhD

There are two kinds of New Year’s Resolutions:

1. What you are going to do to accomplish your goals

2. Who you want to be

Many New Year’s Resolutions are of the first kind:

* I’m going to lose 25 pounds this year

* I’m going to exercise every day

* I’m going to learn self-discipline

* I’m going to double my income

* I’m going to learn to fly

* I’m going to take piano lessons

And so on….

I’m not at all diminishing these kinds of resolutions. It is often very helpful to set these kinds of goals for ourselves.

But perhaps this year, you can add another kind of New Year’s Resolution – the who-you-want-to-be kind.

WHO YOU WANT TO BE RESOLUTIONS

What if your primary resolutions had to do with your thoughts and actions toward yourself and others? What if these resolutions centered around being loving rather than achieving something? What might these resolutions be?

* I’m going to become aware of my judgments toward myself and others and how I feel inside when I’m judgmental.

* When I’m angry, I’m going to go off by myself and take care of my own feelings rather than dump my anger on others.

* I’m going to stop taking others’ behavior personally and instead embrace the loneliness and heartache I feel when others are uncaring.

* I’m going to remember to be grateful for every small blessing rather than complain about what I don’t have.

* I will make being loving more important than avoiding the pain of rejection.

* I will attend to the painful life feelings of loneliness, heartache, heartbreak, grief, sorrow, and helplessness over others with deep compassion for my self rather than turning to addictions to numb them.

* I will keep my heart open to learning about what is loving to me and to others rather than close my heart to protect against the pain of life.

* I will be warm, kind and respectful toward everyone I meet, even if I don’t personally connect with them.

* I will take loving care of my body, the house of my soul.

* I will allow my higher self to guide me in what is in my highest good and the highest good of others, rather than allow my ego wounded self to be in charge of my thoughts and actions.

* I will take the time to be with those I love and express my love for them.

* I will remember to stay connected with my inner guidance, my feelings, so that I can take full responsibility for them.

* I will choose to love, even when I am afraid. I make love more important than control, than being right, than winning.

* I will attend to what brings my joy.

* I will be true to myself, neither giving myself up to others, nor expecting others to give themselves up to me.

* I will support my own highest good and the highest good of others, never deliberately acting in ways that harm me or harm others.

* I will be honest and trustworthy with myself and others, never compromising my integrity as a soul.

* I will constantly keep in mind what I want to contribute to others rather than what I want to get from others.

I’m sure you can think of many more who-you-want-to-be resolutions. Why not take some time right now to write them out?

Imagine the world we would have if each of us made loving ourselves and others our highest priority – higher than fame, higher than fortune, higher than being the best, higher than winning or being right, higher than avoiding the painful feelings of life.

Imagine the world we would have if we learned to love as God loves, to be the unconditional love that is God.

Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is a best-selling author of 8 books, relationship expert, and co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding® process – featured on Oprah. Visit her at innerbonding.com.