Black Marriage Day Dinner- Hosted by Marriage Resource Center

Marriage Resource Center    You're invitied...   Black Marriage Day Dinner   Hosted by the Marriage Resource Center    Date & Time  Friday, April 9th at 6:00pm    Location Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 East Warren Avenue Detroit    Cost  $25/person or $45/couple if registered by April 5; additional $5 afterwards   Speaker Minister LaSandra Nelson~ Facilitator, mentor & motivational speaker   Dance Instruction Fast Freddy   Celebrate Black Marriage Day with an evening of dinner, dancing and enrichment.  The actual date of Black Marriage Day is March 28 but we pushed back our event to really celebrate!  This is open to anyone who supports marriage.  Hope to see you there!   RSVP by April 5th to receive the discounted rate    313-278-4400 www.mimarriage.org (registration should be available on the site this week) Forward email

Monday Motivation - "Click Refresh..."

Visit Our Website! Monday Motivation - "Click Refresh..." Greetings! One of my favorite functions on the computer is the refresh button.  According to Google, the refresh button allows a static page to update information that has been changed.  As Winter has folded into Spring and March gives way to April it's due time to click the refresh button on our lives.  Think about the things that happen when you click the refresh button on the computer... The current page will reload and the browser will look for an updated version of the page... New things appear and old things are gone.  Sometimes we get in such a stagnant place in our lives, that we only see that static page. We only see what is in front of us as it is, even if it's not the correct or most up to date information.  Let's take a long term relationship for example. You met your mate in high school or college and they were good looking, charming, popular and had all of the potential in the world.  Fast forward ten or twenty years.  You are still looking at what they were, when in reality, that potential was never realized and they are still living in and on their past fame and acclaim.  Do you want to see who you are really with and whether the two of you are on one accord?  Click refresh... Sometimes images don't load until you click the refresh button... Have you ever gotten to a page that should be full of colorful images, but all you see are empty spaces and red X's?  Well, when you click refresh, all of the images become visible and show clearly and vibrantly.   Let's liken this to our outlook, perception and mental health.  When you are depressed or caught up in that stinking thinking you step outside and you see trash, graffiti, dirt, bums, and litter. When you change your mindset and mood to a more positive one, you see a beautiful clear blue sky, a bright shining sun, and opportunity to help or minister to a person in need, and a city that despite the odds, remains resilient and has a plethora of hidden gems. Do you want to see these wondrous things? Click Refresh... Sometimes you can't transmit information properly until you click refresh...  Have you ever been trying to send an email or a tweet and no matter how many times you hit the send button, it just won't go through?  Sometimes when we're under stress or duress it directly affects our ability to communicate effectively.  How many times have you been having a bad day, or someone in particular got under your skin, then you go and speak to the next person you encounter in an unkind way? Sadly, often times it's the people that we love the most that get the negative talk, complaints and argumentative dialogue.  We need to dump that old information or situation that upset us, take a deep breath and treat every present and future situation as a new one.  Do you want to communicate with kindness and love no matter what? Click refresh... Do you feel that it's time for a positive change in your life? Click Refresh! Upcoming Events Where in the WORLD is Monica Marie Jones Now? Monica Marie Jones on the Cover of the Michigan Front Page Newspaper! Tuesday March 30, 2010 Cardio Kickboxing with Monica Marie Jones  Rhema Health Care 17800 Northland Park Ct. Suite #103 Southfield, MI 48075 6pm to 7pm Only $5 Wednesday March 31, 2010 Dancercize! with Monica Marie Jones  Rhema Health Care 17800 Northland Park Ct Suite #103 Southfield, MI 48075 6pm to 7pm ~ Only $5 For MORE Upcoming Events (Click Here) The Taste My Soul Audio Book/Spoken Word CD! Now Available! Taste My Soul by Monica Marie Jones on iTunes! I'm so excited to announce that the Taste My Soul Audio Book/Spoken Word CD is now available for download on several sites including iTunes!  Download your favorite poem, or the entire album.  The actual CD will be coming soon and stay tuned for details about the Official Taste My Soul Listening Party! TASTE MY SOUL is set up as a full, five course meal because it satisfies all of the senses. Once you open the book you will dip your sensory spoon into a savory soup filled with poetry, sprinkled with a pinch of prose and accompanied by a side dish of imagery that will take you on a mental expedition into the depths of the author's soul. As always I want to thank all of my readers and supporters.  This week I want to send a special thank you to Venus Mason-Thues of E3 Publications. They organized and produced an amazing event, The 2nd Annual Seminar for Aspiring Christian Writers at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. I had the privilege of not only presenting, but also being spiritually and professionally fed by amazing speakers including Pam Perry, Jillian Blackwell, Sylvia Hubbard, Jackie Moore and Kimberly Brooks. I want to thank all of these wonderful ladies for being an inspiration and a powerful force in the literary community. I also want to welcome all of my new subscribers this week! Thank you! Now...if you like what you read in my newsletters every week, please forward it to a friend using the Forward link below.  I appreciate you! Sincerely,   Monica Marie Jones "The Inspirationista!" The Literary Loft (Publishing) Inspirationista Ink! (Inspirational Speaking, Training and Consulting) Email: Monica@monicamariejones.com www.monicamariejones.com In This Issue Upcoming Events Taste My Soul Audio Book Featured Article: Walking In Your Purpose Saves Lives Quick Links Twitter: Follow Me Blog: Inspirationista Ink! Join My Fan Page Visit My Website Walking In You Purpose Saves Lives We were all placed on this earth for a purpose. Unfortunately many of us have no clue what that purpose is. Out of the small number of people that do know what it is, fewer still are actually walking in their purpose. I was inspired to contemplate these concepts when I heard a wise man say something to this effect, "Our purpose really isn't about us at all. It is about all of the other people that are supposed to be blessed by our gift." He then went on to say something so powerful that I don't even think he realized the impact of what he said until he witnessed the explosive reaction of those that were listening. He said, "Someone died yesterday because I wasn't doing what I know I was supposed to be doing last week." Read More... Swag by Monica Marie Jones Visit my Website to order your autographed copy TODAY! Click HERE to Purchase. FLOSS by Monica Marie Jones Paperback List Price: $15.99 Our Price: $9.54 Buy Now The Ups and Downs of Being Round by Monica Marie Jones Paperback List Price: $15.99 Our Price: $9.47 Buy Now Forward email

Replay of March "Money" Madness Teleconference

Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S.  March "Money" Madness Teleconferences & Webinar Series Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S. Presents:   Art of   Self - Care  Teleconference  Series   Next Call:  "Create Daily Routines & Rituals" - April 7 9 pm (EST)    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER          2nd Annual Spring Fashions in the Garden  Real Women Like Us - Redefining Our Beauty Fashion Show & Luncheon    April 25, 2010  Silver Garden of Southfield    "Women of Wisdom: Reachng Back for our Daughters"   Proceeds will benefit Alternatives For Girls Organization     MODELS NEEDED!     CREATING ABUNDANT STREAMS OF INCOME Thank you for joining our March "Money" Madness Workshop Series! We also want to offer special thanks our guests, Robin Thompson, Money Coach from WXYZ Ch.7 Action News and Gail Perry-Mason, Sr. Director of Investments at Oppenheimer & Co.   Your relationship to your money will be demonstrated by the way you utilize it. Treating money as if it is disposable, and never being accountable for your spending, will result in endless overspending and increasing piles of debt. Spending and consuming money on things you don't need is what has put many people in the financial crisis they are experiencing. Those who have learned to master their money and save, can truly begin to live debt-free and have their money work for them.   "Save your money and your money will save you"        ... Gail Perry-Mason   In addition to understanding the importance of your relationship to money, you must develop new habits that will allow you to generate more income.  Streamline what you are spending your money on by reviewing your expenses such as your insurance coverage, cell phone plans, cable TV, dining habits, etc. In addition to assessing ways to save on monthly household expenses, look for creative ways to save on your purchases using the Internet. These topics were covered in the workshops with websites provided that can help you save up to 80% on purchases, and pay you for using certain products you already use!!    Knowledge is power! Use these tools and be empowered financially about your money so you can retire without your money retiring.   Limited Time Offer! Receive the replay of the teleconferences so you don't miss out on this valuable information. Simply send your request to: marchmoneymadness@yahoo.com. Sincerely,   Kimle Mitchell (313) 402-4997  Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S. Self-Improvement Simply Takes Education Redeveloment & Sincerity  www.positive-sister.com Positive S.I.S.T.E.R.S.  was founded for the Empowerment of Women through Sisterhood.   By offering personal coaching, workshops and teleconferences, Kimle Mitchell provides a process for women to find their true purpose so we all help birth solutions for our communities. I look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals. Call for your FREE 15 minute Coaching Session Today!  313 402-4997. Share with your friends.

Love Language Minute: Learning to Listen

Learning to Listen I once saw a sign that said, "I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."  This happens in marriages on a daily basis.  Words are said, but thoughts and feelings are not understood.  Listening is essential if we are going to understand what the person is saying. How can you find out if what you think she said is really what she meant?  The best way is to ask:  "Are you saying that you want me to drop Mary off at school on my way to work?"  "No, what I'm saying is that Mary does not have school tomorrow.  She needs to be dropped off at my mothers.  Will you be able to do that?"  "On my way to work?"  "Yes."  Now you can make an intelligent response. What did you say? Talking and listening; it all seems so simple.  Yet, research indicates that the number one problem in marriage is lack of communication.  We miss-understand each other.  We read into their comments attitudes which the other person does not have.  One of the most helpful things you can do in a marriage is to learn how to listen. "Are you saying that you feel disappointed that I did not call you while I was away?"   "Well, I think it is more 'hurt' than it is disappointment."  "Explain your hurt."  "Well I just felt like you were not thinking of me.  You know how much I miss you.  I guess I just want you to miss me as much as I miss you."  Ask questions.  Clarify meaning.  That is genuine listening. Why didn't I listen more? Almost nine years ago, my sister died at the age of 58.  I have often wished I had spent more time listening to her while she was going through her struggle with cancer.  She always seemed so 'upbeat'.  To use her word, she was always 'fine'.  But I wonder what her thoughts were?  I wonder what she was really feeling?    I wish I had asked more questions and spent more time listening.  What about you, are you listening to the significant people in your life.  Or, are you like me, too busy to ask questions.  Listening is a ministry.  It communicates love.  When you care enough to listen, you validate another person's worth.  To whom do you need to listen? Is it time to rate your feelings? Rating your feelings is a good way to share information quickly.  It is a communication technique that many couples have found helpful. When you say, "on a scale of 0 to 10 how do you feel about.... (then you give the topic), you are asking for information.  The spouse can reflect, and give you an accurate reading.  What if one of you is a 2 and the other a 10?  Then one of you has an opportunity to practice love.  You now have information as to what would be meaningful to them.  Love is the giving of self. Adapted from The Marriage You've Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.5lovelanguages.com. Saturday, March 27: Dear Gary Building Relationships Radio Listeners have come to trust the advice given by author and speaker Dr. Gary Chapman. They've asked some interesting questions in the past few months about parenting, husband-wife interaction, dating, singleness, you name it, we've dealt with it. Coming up on the next Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, it's another Dear Gary broadcast. One of Gary's favorites because he has a chance to connect with you. Don't miss the next Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman.    Tune in to Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, the weekly radio broadcast brought to you by Moody Radio and Moody Publishers. Listen live online Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. CST at moodyradio.org,check your local radio station, or download free podcasts and get more information.   Join Us Join the conversation--get live updates, access exclusive photos, and give Dr. Chapman your ideas. Become a fan of Gary Chapman on Facebook. Get challenged, encouraged, and enriched with daily tweets from Dr. Gary Chapman.Follow Gary on Twitter. Be the first to get exciting updates on Gary Chapman's books, radio programs, and  conferences through this brand new online community. Visit the blog. View an archive of past emails. Give your feedback. © 2010 Moody Publishers Featured Book The Marriage You've Always Wanted Forward email