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Thursday, November 1, 2012

Experience: Words are Powerful



This election year has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. Being inundated with several phone calls and friendly faces at the grocery store asking whether you've registered to vote. The process get sort of long and drawn out, but the following clips stood out to me. 

As a marketing professional, I am always criticizing commercials and their effectiveness. The following two commercials are the best so far, in my opinion. President Obama and Jay-z political commercials are the most effective political commercials I've seen in a long time. 

Honesty and compassion goes along way...



Jay-z for Obama for America...

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Experience: Not Feeling It Today

Have you ever woke up and your spirit wasn't right?

I woke up this morning - thanked God for blessing me to see another day. As I laid in bed, I felt something strange in my spirit. I can't describe it but I felt it. I prayed that the feeling would disappear - go away but it's midday and I still feel this strange disposition in my spirit. Maybe I'm blowing it out of proportion, but I can't ignore it. I'm asking God to remove this spirit from my soul today. I prepare for the worse and expect no expectations.

God has sustained me through worst times and feelings. I want clarity and peace to ease my mind. God, I'm asking, I'm seeking your guidance today. Please speak to my heart. I need you more now than ever.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Experience: The Blues



Mid 30's Crisis or "The Blues"
by: Nadia Sweeting


I must say what's on my heart. Here it goes......

Feeling confused and slightly frustrated with my thoughts and position today - more explicit, my position in my life. I am extremely thankful to god for granting me another day on this beautiful place we call Earth. I woke up this morning all confused for the lack of a better word. Confused about WHY, WHAT, WHEN. 

Why do I feel this way? 
What am I doing? 
When did this feeling start? 

The constant tug of being a single mother, career woman, sister, daughter, girlfriend and friend is ....not sure of the word here.  I love my life and all the people who support me and why do I feel this way right now. I am exhausted and feel as if I've lost my passion and I'm searching for a path back to ME and what makes me happy. I was out of work (transitioning) for 8 months and during that time, I made it a point to build up my professional skills. I recently started a contract position with a Fortune 500 company and all is great, but why do I feel jumbled? I CAN most certainly do the work and is up for the challenge, but why do I fee jumbled? I am exhausted and blurred. 

Whatever I'm feeling, makes me want to breakdown and cry. Totally dislike feeling this way. I am not depressed because I have faith in God that things will soon turn around. I have so many things to be thankful about - an amazing daughter; awesome significant other; great family and supportive friends. This is all on ME. I remain in constant prayer and know that my god is walking with me during this time. 



Maybe it's mid 30's crisis who knows! Is there anyone else experiencing what I am feeling?

Changing my name to Blues Clues today 



Wednesday, October 10, 2012

God's Allowance: Experiencing time in the Valley


Lessons From The Valley
by Nadia Sweeting


For the past two weeks, I had the priviledge of listening and learning the true meaning of "the valley" as taught by my pastor, Arthur Jackson of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Miami Gardens. Here are just some of my notes from the past two weeks...Lessons from the valley!

The pastor mentioned how there's both VALUE and POWER in the valley. The valley represents a low point in your life; a depression; uncomfortable situation. God put us in umcomfortable positions (valleys) in effort to force us to look up at Him for guidance and strength.  Life is a balance - Peaks and Valleys. Valleys are surrounded by mountains and on the climb up, one must rely on God's guidance and path.

God gives us victory while in the valley. One must continue to praise God while in the valley. He still deliver His promises, despite our vices. According to Pastor Jackson, here are 4 reasons why God give you VICTORY while in the valley:  POWER of the VALLEY (2 Chronicles 20:13-17)
  1. Manipulate your perspective (2 Chronicles 20:16)
    1. Valleys place you in a lower perspective which forces you to look up (v.12) The situation is forcing you to look up! Eyes not on the situation, but on GOD!
  2. Manufacture some patience
    1. God requires more from our lives; God requires us to hang in there to the end of the valley. One must ask...do you have enough trust to hang in there to see to the end? When one get to the end of the valley, you must stand there and BE STILL and WORSHIP HIM! The God that stations you, is the same god that sustains you.
  3. Manifest His presence (2 Chronicles 20:17)
    1. You have to see all sides of god. In the valley, you experience god's hands. In the valley, god put you in a situation for you to share your testimony with others about god.
  4. Magnify your praise (2 Chronicles 20:20-22)
    1. Jehoshaphat teaches us about praising god
      1. Preparation for praise - they praised early in the morning
      2. Place for praise - real praisers pray anywhere
      3. Priority of praise - make pray/praise your priority
      4. Power of praise -  praise god before the situation; god moves before your situation.
 Victory teaches one how to receive God; Vision teaches one to see God; Value teaches one how to pray and rely on God! While in the valley, one must realize the VALUE in the Valley (Psalm 23).

We've all heard Psalm 23 and have memorized the passage. My pastor explained this passage in such a way that I was blown away. David spent time in the valley(v.4). God gave David 3 things: Green Pastures, Geniune Peace and Godly Path

One may ask...how do you get out of the valley? According to Pastor Jackson, one must:

  1. Keep moving through the valley
    1. Keep moving forward. God has equipped you with everything you need to move forward
  2. Manage your fear in the valley
    1. A shadow denotes interference of light; something in the way of light. Your valley can't kill you!
  3. Keep your mind on the feast after the valley
    1. God has something waiting for you at the end of the valley. Keep your mind on what's at the end of the valley. Like a distance runner, you must equip yourself with the proper clothing, shoes and gear in efforts to keep your mind on the finish line. No matter how rough the valley appears or may be, god has something waiting for you.
The final lesson here is in Psalm 23,
God was...BEFORE David (as his shepherd) while he entered the valley (v.1-3)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.


God was WITH David while in the valley (v.4)
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.


God was BEHIND David out of the valley (v.5-6)
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.


Take the time today to thank God for the small things as well as the big things. Thank God for your valleys and struggles for you know that victory is waiting on you at the end. I thank HIM everyday and all day for the victories and trials.




 
 

Friday, October 5, 2012

Experience: Being Sick!

Today, I'm not feeling so good. I am exhausted and have no energy.

I thought today was Saturday...just a day off. 



I must retreat back to my bed for rest. No appetite, just gummy bears.

 

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Enjoy: Technology is Key


CONGRATULATIONS TO MY BEST FRIEND AND MY SISTER
MAKEBA DARDEN



Today, my best friend and sister, Makeba Darden was featured on the front page of the Miami Herald newspaper. Makeba, a graduate of University of Miami and current MBA candidate at University of Phoenix, is a Mathematics teacher at Norland Middle School in Miami Gardens, Florida. She's passionate about teaching students in the critical shortage area of Math. Makeba discussed how she move her students despite the lack of technology in the classroom. Makeba has maintained high standards when it comes to preparing her students for Florida's controversial Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).

Makeba Darden, Mathematics Teacher,
Norland Middle School

This article discuss how there's a lack of updated technology in Miami-Dade County Public School system and teachers uses antiquated technology to instruct students. On November 6th, Miami-Dade County residents will have the opportunity to vote on a spending plan for $1.2 billion bond issue. "Every Miami-Dade classroom would also get some kind of interactive device, like a SMART board, under the preliminary planMany educators say the digital boards make class more visual, allow multimedia-rich lessons and keep the attention of students, who can touch and manipulate the screen."

Again, congratulations to Makeba Darden!!!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Experience, The WedTin Experience!


Are you a bride? Know a bride? Are a Maid of Honor or Bridesmaid and you're looking for a wedding day emergency kit? If so, continue reading!  A new and exciting product just hit the web just in time for fall wedding season. The wait is over Chicas...welcome the WedTin™ Experience!!!!



Nadashi Marketing is so excited to announce the launch of their newest product, WedTin™ Bridal Emergency Tin.

What is WedTin ?

Whether it’s a safety pin or stain remover, turn to your WedTin, so your wedding can go off without a hitch. WedTin contains the most critical and common emergency tools to rescue a bride and her party on her WedTin day.the day.
No more are the days of dumping your maid of honor's designer bag or ransacking the hotel room for a safety pin or scissors. Turn to your very own WedTin Bridal Emergency Tin for all of your wedding day needs. 

 Order your WedTin Today!

WedTin Bridal Emergency Tin
Content
How much for Gratuity? ...TinSense Tip

WedTin Bridal Emergency Tin also come with what we call, "TinSense Tips." Let us enhance your WedTin experience with a few tips on the multiple uses of the content. Example: TinSense Tip# 1 - Vaseline. Can be used as lip gloss.

Every budget savvy bride would appreciate the tips...and if you have any additional tips that we could use love to hear from you.
 
Order your WedTin Today!
 

WedTin™ is the first product launched by Nadashi Marketing. WedTin was created based on the needs of some of our clients which may include brides and recording artists.
Recently, while planning a family member's wedding, the creation of WedTin was born!!!
My daughter came up with the name not bad for a spunky 12 year!!! If you haven't notice, WedTin is a play on the word wedding. I told you she was spunky.

For more information on WedTin Bridal Emergency Tin, visit our site www.wedtin.com or send and email for more information, info@wedtin.com.







 
What an experience...a WedTin Experience!!!



About Nadashi Marketing
Created by Miami-born sisters, Nadia and Natasha Sweeting, Nadashi Marketing was launched in the fall of 2010.  Nadashi Marketing is a rare combination of talents merging to create a dynamic business awesome-ship. We’re a marketing and branding boutique firm poised to assist businesses and entrepreneurs as they rise to the next level.
 










































 

Thursday, September 20, 2012

EVOLVE: National Association of Professional Women Newest Member: ME!!!

Evolving into the Professional Woman God made me to be
By: Nadia Sweeting

As of September 19th, I was accepted into the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW)!  What an honor it is to be accepted into such a wonderful organization. As a NAPW member, I will enjoy the benefit of meeting other professional women, exchange ideas, attend webinars and the enjoyment of promoting my business, Nadashi Marketing, that I share with my sister-preneuer, Natasha.

I see big things in our future and being associated with such a great organization is a blessing. Stay tuned for what's on the horizon for Nadashi Marketing!

Check out my profile - Share this Profile


Evolving into a professional woman feels GREAT!

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Experience & Evolve: MY BOOKSHELF...Produced by Faith by DeVon Franklin

What to do when you experience a career transition...read Produced by Faith
by Nadia Sweeting
September 13, 2012

Being unemployed is discouraging, having faith in God is ENCOURAGING!

As of September 9th, it made 7 months of being out of work. I like to term my situation as "transition" opposed to "unemployed" because I am in transition of a new career. I must admit I get pretty down and hard on myself with this area. Over the past 4 years, I've been unemployed 3 times...not a good stat!

After I apply for a position, I log it down on a Word document. I took a look at the amount of pages I have saved and it was starling. I have 97 pages worth of job postings that I've accumulated since July! I've applied to hundreds of jobs since being let go from my last position in February. This is so disappointing considering I am well-educated and experienced.  I apply for positions within and outside of my field and I am either over qualified or under qualified. To be honest, I am so confused. I've done all that was "required" of me....attend school obtain an education; work to provide for your family, but somewhere down the line I feel that I've crossed over to the wrong path. This path has led me to unemployment, layoffs and failed commitments. I am unsure whether it's my location, South Florida or my experience.
 
I approach each interview with positivity, great attitude and interest. I know that an interview is a 50/50 chance and when an employers view my resume, they interpret one thing opposed to reality. It was never my intentions to "job hop" as it has been mentioned to me, but my intentions were always to grow and prosper. If that's what most view as "job hopping" then I apologize. It's very hard for me to open up about my transition trials, but I know that I am not alone. I pray every day,all day that God make a move on my situation and in my favor.

I am single mother of one and I am her role model. I must continue to provide for her needs as well as mine. Today, it's an employer's market, not an employee's market. I thought about returning back to school to learn a new skill, but I have over $100K in school loans and it's not feasible for me to obtain another Master's degree. I am discounted from positions based on my education, so obtaining another degree would make it worse. I've had employers tell me that my experience is greater than what they are looking for...as a Marketing Coordinator and less than Director of Marketing. How do I process that information. I guess I became so immune to the excuses and results. Looking for work is a job, but I am in search of a career.

In the midst of the heartache and disappointment of not landing a job, I must continue to believe that this is all God's plan. Maybe I'm supposed to develop a new skill which I wouldn't be able to do while working...who knows. I want to work in order to be the provider for my child. She's an aspiring volleyball player- the next Destinee Hooker, Olympic Champion. It serves me heart good to see her participate in something she loves. Her passion inspires me to get up every morning and search, network, apply for jobs and follow up.
 
Produced By Faith
DeVon Franklin
During this transition period, I read a great book, Produced By Faith by DeVon Franklin. I highly recommend this book to everyone who's in "transition" between jobs. Franklin colorfully illustrates how your "spiritual career" journey parallels the steps involved in developing and producing a movie. "Career should be a spiritual pursuit, not just a physical or financial one." (page 15)
 


 
This book has opened my eyes to see that in spite of my setbacks and difficulties in my "spiritual career", God is ALWAYS in control when it seems as if we're out of control. As one receive the proverbial "pink slip", God is there to hand you favor. "The more you trust God to lead you to glory, even through layoffs and setbacks, conflicts and failed ideas, the more success and joy you will find." (page 18).

I pray daily that god continues to bless and guide me and my career. My sanctuary is the bathroom - this is one of the only places (besides the beach) where my connection to God is at its greatest.  The bathroom is the place where I hear God speak to me as clear to my heart. Franklin mentions how "we should stop, quiet our minds and listen to God's voice speaking to us." God whispered to start a business, Nadashi Marketing, with my sister, Natasha. During my transition period, trusting God's plan to leap into a venture with his favor and blessings, is imperative. It's imperative that everyone take the time to read this book and your bible.

All of my fellow Career Transitioners listen up!  During my transition period, God has been my rock. This book was my reassuring to me in respect that it's OK to be in "transition." Majority of successful people experienced "transitions" and bouts of unemployment.  I wanted to share a few highlights from Produced By Faith. I am an avid highlighter when I read and I've taken the liberty of pointing out some pages for you to pay attention to:

Pages: 47, 99-101
Pages: 115-119, 148-149(I wrote all over those pages)
Pages: 177-8, 187, 212, 214
 
  
 
CHAPTER 14 - You, The Sequel- is the most important and direct piece of writing.







 
 
JUST READ THE ENTIRE BOOK!!!

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Enjoy: Feeling Funny


Today, I wanted to post some of the most underrated funny movie scenes. I gravitate to the most obscure and find the smallest and unnoticed scene as funny and memorable. The following clips are just a few of millions that I feel deserve a spot on my "Feeling Funny Movie Clips"!


Movie: Mr. Bean
Scene: Flipping off- Hilarious