CELEBRATING AFRICAN QUEENS ON THE BLOG TODAY!

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. how are y'all doing today? I hope you are having an amazing day today and are not letting anyone steal your joy. Welcome to Maryam's Joyful Life! Today is a beautiful day!

So, I love being around confident women. It is an empowering atmosphere to be in. I have always been a pusher of self-confidence and accepting of whom you are regardless of what anyone thinks about you.

I have grown to believe that the best way to live your life is to live it the way you want to, not paying attention to what others think about you whether good or bad. Here's a clarification. If you base your actions off of what people think, there will always be this subliminal desire to always please people and they will expect you to please them ALL THE TIME! That's a messed up way to live because you can NEVER satisfy another but yourself! However, when you live your life doing what you think is right before God and on your own terms, your actions are not dependent on what people think, say or do!

Queen Hamamat is a Ghanian international business woman bringing jobs to the population of her village in Ghana. She's just assisted in creating a Shea Butter Museum in Ghana.


I grew up in a community where bleaching your skin is normal because the dominant belief is that light skin is beautiful. That's a belief that works for those who believe it. I have since learned that dark skin, chocolate skin, brown skin, caramel skin, any type of skin is as beautiful as the one who beholds it or accepts it. Every skin type is beautiful. I can not ignore the fact that there's always been this stereotype around women like me who have rich, dark brown skin.
Before I became more enlightened, I refused to think that I was less beautiful because of my skin tone. It broke my heart to see women hurt themselves by bleaching their skin so they could feel beautiful.

Beauty is everyone's natural state of being as long as they allow it. I have sisters who bleach but I have never had the desire to bleach my skin. I love my skin and want every dark skin Queen to love their skin also. Your success and happiness are not dependent on your skin tone. God, the Creator didn't make a mistake when He made you. You are truly masterpiece. I say this because I have seen your essence. Quit letting people define you. Society doesn't have the right to put a label on you!
Start right now,  decide right now that you will embrace and see the beautiful masterpiece that you are!

Here are some Queens who are breaking boundaries and giving beautiful dark skin girls and women an example of success to look at. They let you know that you can be dark skin and happily successful!

Bettinah Tianna is a Ugandan TV host; she's pictured on the right. Nandy is a beautiful model; pictured on the left.

Lupita Nyong'o a Hollywood decorated Kenyan actress.

Nikki Thot is also an example of a beautiful Queen.

Finally, Queen Maryam is also an example 😍

You don't have to damage your god-given beauty in other to feel accepted or loved. Anyone who does not accept your skin is the type you don't want in your life. You don't owe ANYONE an apology for how you were created. Right now, walk in fullness of your QUEENDOM, sweet lady, sweet girl. You deserve all the success and happiness in the world!

I hope this post inspires you!

Until next time.
Maryam💕

10 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE MORE CONFIDENT

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. How are y'all doing today? I hope you all are having a great day today and are not letting anyone steal your joy. Welcome to Maryam's Joyful Life. Today is a beautiful day!

What is confidence and why is it so important to have? Well, for starters; confidence is what helps you feel like you are a person. It is the foundation of your achievements in life. The reason it is important is because you can't be anything or anyone of worth without it. You need to believe in yourself. Confidence is a combination of belief, acceptance, work and expectations. It can be difficult sometimes to achieve if the person in the position doesn't believe that they are worth it.

I did a live broadcast earlier and shared 10 things to do in order to boost your self-confidence. Most of the people didn't get it. That's why it was easy for me to come up with a blog post for today. I'll be sharing the same 10 things here.

10 THINGS TO DO TO IMPROVE YOUR CONFIDENCE

1. LOVE YOURSELF
You can't be confident in yourself if you don't love yourself. Loving yourself means that you accept all of you. Not the you, you think people see or the you that others think but the real you. All of you! It doesn't matter your physical flaws or mistakes or imperfections. You just love you! When you love yourself, it is easy for you to deal with whatever challenges come your way.

2. DRESS UP
Yes, a good outfit can boost your self-confidence. Try it and thank me later. Put on a beautiful outfit, fix your hair and stand in front of the mirror, you'll notice the difference in how you feel.

3. EXERCISE
A simple exercise can change your life. Not only does it improve your health, it also helps you feel good. The release of oxytocin during exercise helps you feel good for no reason and that's good.

4. STUDY
You need to read your Bible and other self help books that teach you about how you work as a human. The more you know about you, the better you feel about you. You are God's highest form of creation. You have amazing gifts and talents that the world needs to benefit from. Cultivate and use them! Study more about your field of work until it becomes your second nature.

5. MEDITATION/VISUALIZATION
You need to learn to spend time in the quiet with God. Pick a particular verse in the Bible and focus on it alongside your goals or desires. Ask God questions and be silent to hear an answer.

6. IGNORE THE HATERS
People are gonna say crazy stuff about you. It is what it is. Don't dwell on it or worry about it. You just focus on your goals. Even after you die, you'll have haters. The hearts of people are possessed by satan. Don't worry about the haters. Focus on you!

7. CHANGE YOUR NEGATIVE SELF-TALK
What you say to yourself matters! If you're the type who calls yourself stupid, dumb, horrible, ugly etcetera... You NEED TO STOP THAT! Your life is a combination of all your negative self-talks. Change your words about you and watch how you start feeling good about yourself. Everyone makes mistakes but that's not a free ticket to beat yourself up!

8. HAVE FAITH
Faith is the opposite of fear. Instead of dreading the possibility of good things happening to someone like you, start expecting them to happen to you. Even if you miss it, God has better and greater plans. Believe God at His word. Faith is the currency of heaven.  You have been given a measure of faith, use it!

9. YOU DESERVE IT
You deserve to be happy and loved. Don't ever feel unworthy of good things because you're worthy of good. God loves you and there are people who love you out there. Be receptive to the good things that God wants to pour into your life.

10. ALWAYS SMILE
Learn to smile at yourself in the mirror and smile at others too. Don't take life too seriously. Serve God wholeheartedly and live life with joy and happiness everyday. God truly is good and cares about you. You don't need to be afraid of anything or anyone. Talk to your Heavenly Father about everything!

I hope that these 10 points help you improve your confidence and live life to the fullest each passing day!

Until next time,
Stay blessed!
Maryam💕

AT WHAT POINT WILL WOMEN QUIT SEEING THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT THEM

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. How are y'all doing today? I hope y'all are having an amazing day today and are not letting anyone steal your joy? Welcome to Maryam's Joyful Life! Today is a beautiful day!

I often get relationship questions from women around the world and one recurring theme is that the women blame themselves when something goes wrong with a relationship they hold dear. When a man breaks up with them after years invested in the relationship, for no apparent reason, they think it's their fault. Hey sis, it's not your fault! Sometimes, it's time to move on! Especially, when you've done everything to make it work!

I had this discussion with a lady, who had given all of herself to a man she thought was going to follow through with their wedding plans, only to wake up one day to the man breaking up with her. She had asked him why the sudden change of hearts, he said he didn't know. The next thing this sweet sister would ask me is, what are the signs of a spirit husband? The implication is that she thinks it's not normal and that she must have some spirit laying claim over her, which could've been the reason for her fiance's sudden change of hearts toward her.

I asked her if she'd prayed about it and waited on the Lord, she said yes but it didn't seem to work because her ex didn't change his mind still. My final advice was to let him go! It may be hard at first, but let him go! You can't force someone to be in your life who doesn't want to be in it. God may be saving you from a worse future and preparing you for that special man who would love and appreciate you; all of you!

Most times, women limit themselves from their true love and happiness by holding on to what is not meant to be, in the first place. We create most of our heartbreaks by convincing ourselves to accept or stay with someone, who God has clearly shown us is not worth our time of day. I believe that if we make seeking God's guidance in our relationships a priority, we will save ourselves from a whole lotta drama and pain.

To listen to a guy's perspective on the topic of relationships and more, please watch this video of my husband's opinion to crucial topics:

In closing, I'd like to remind you that you're amazing and worth more than you think. Don't ever think for one second that a guy is the prize because that's NOT true! You are the prize and always will be! Recognize you, accept you, embrace you and live it up!

Until next time, sweet, amazing and lovely friend.

Have a blessed week!
Maryam💗

HOW HAVING A NEW HAIRSTYLE REALLY MAKES ME FEEL

Hello, wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. How are y'all doing today? I hope that you are all having a great day today and are not allowing anyone steal your joy? Welcome to Maryam's Joyful Life. Today is a beautiful day!

So, it's been a few days since you all last read a post from me. I apologize for being MIA. Anyways, I'm back now. Since, I have been gone, a few things happened and I'm going to share one with you all, on this post.

I HAVE BRAIDS!! WHAT?!😮🙈😁 Well, it's no news to those of you who have already seen pictures on my Instagram and my YouTube video😊. So, if you are not already following me on Instagram or YouTube, make sure you do.

It had been FIVE solid years since the last time I had braids. Towards the end of last year and beginning of this one, I go a new hairstyle. This style is a mohawk with the intentions of braiding the top when my hair was long enough. I had wanted to get it done a month earlier but didn't know where to go get it done at, until I remembered a lady I used to go to the same church with, who is a very talented hair braider. She's absolutely amazing. I gave her a call and she agreed to come home and do it for me. It made me so happy when she told me she was coming to me.

Y'all mamas who have toddlers know how hard it is to take your babies to a hair or nail salon right? It's hard because all you'll be doing is chasing your kids down and making sure they are safe and in sight. You pretty much would have a difficult time getting your nails or hair done with your kids all over the place. Well, for me the best thing I thought was to have my stylist come home. The home is safe and the kids can run around and play without me panicking. That's what I did.

My sister Grace was so patient with me whenever I needed to feed the kids or give them a snack. The hair took a little longer than it should've because of the many breaks to attend to the kids but over all, I'm very happy with the result.

I feel brand new 😊😊😉. 

I like having these braids😻.

 I look different from my regular short mohawk look and I like it. The complements I have received have been good too and so many. A lot of people who couldn't imagine how I'd look with braids are pleased with the look😀. 

Now, I am not a woman to do things for attention. I have always done things that please me. Although, there are things I want a lot of attention for, such as my work in the community, my business and my books. Getting attention on those would be amazing. I'd like to say thanks to those of you who have been showing me some support. Y'all are amazing!

So here are  my new e-books:

These books will bless your life. Make sure you get a copy of each today. A lot of love, prayers and commitment were poured into each book and the content will bless your life.

Before I go, please comment below and tell me how you are doing.

Until next time,
Stay positive!
Maryam💕

I HAD A GREAT WEEKEND AND MY HUSBAND WAS A HUGE PART OF IT

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. Hope you are all having a great day and are not allowing anyone steal your joy? Welcome to a new week! Today is a beautiful day!!

I have to be honest with you guys, while I write this post, the kids are watching one of their favorite shows: "Bob The Train," while also waiting on me to take them to the park.

I promised and I have to keep my promise else, someone named Le'Veon; will be upset with me😊. I'm very careful to keep my promise because my precious child will hold me to it.
Man, I just love being a mom and having kids to love on, each growing day. Do you have kids? How do you spend time with them? I'm very curious to know you and hear your stories.

Let me go into my exciting story for the day. My sweet man made us lunch yesterday(Sunday) and it was really good. WHAT?!! Is this really my life? LOL! Honestly, I didn't expect much out of the food, when my husband decided to go on a spice rampage on me LOL. I was supposed to be giving him cooking instructions,  until he decided to add his twist to the food.
Watch the video of my husband's cooking👇

I posted a video of my reaction to his decision to add his own twist to the food on Instagram. If you're not following me on Instagram yet, please do. You'll love my content. Here's my handle:Instagram.com/theshumatesjoyfullife. The food turned out great!

I spent the weekend enjoying my family as always. What even made the weekend more awesome was the fact that my sweet man took off work on Saturday to spend time with us. We couldn't be happier for such dedication to us.

By the grace of God, I stay grounded and open to all that God has for us. I am learning each day that God is near a family that lives in harmony and love with one another. With this in mind, I prepare to forgive and let go so I can spend my days in peace and joy and prosperity.
This blog may be all over the place today, lol. It's because I'm also trying to hurry up so my kids could go to the park😊before it gets too hot.
How is the weather like where you are? Hope it's not scorching😩. It's been crazy in Georgia. But we are making the most of it. We've been swimming A LOT! The kids think they should be allowed to live in the pool... LOL! I'm still in awe of their love for the water. Because they didn't get it from me. You know, someone is very happy that the kids love the water so much. That someone is my sweet man💖.

Well, y'all! It's been amazing touching base with you. I hope your week is very productive and enjoyable.

With love and many blessings,
Maryam💕

THE KIDS EXPERIENCE AT THEIR FIRST VACATION BIBLE STUDY

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely people. Hope this post meets you well.
 Today is a beautiful day and I'm coming to your screens a little late. Although it's been a very hot day in Hampton, Georgia, we are so thankful we get to experience another beautiful day😊.

So, the kids participated in Vacation Bible School this year and I was one big proud mama. Le'Veon was so well-behaved, that he was commended as the most well-behaved kid at VBS😊. Zoe on the other hand, was the most interested in joining the choir😅.

One very notable experience during the kid's VBS is when Le'Veon refused to say this particular line the pastor taught them. After every "God is good," they were asked to say "Yee Haw." Le'Veon said "no," that he it's wrong to say  "Yee Haw," because that's what a Donkey says and he didn't see a Donkey but a pig and a cow behind the pastor. That was his reasoning for refusing to say it. I tried to convince him that it's a different sound but that didn't work. My kid was over there correcting me and refusing to follow everyone else. It was so funny and amazing at the same time. My kid is very smart and won't follow what the crowd is doing, if he believes what's been said or done is wrong. I LOVE THAT! It makes me so happy that I am doing something right.

I participated in all of the activities with them and it was so much fun.  You know, I kind of think that I had more fun than the kids did 😬😬.
They learned about Jesus,  and what He suffered to bring us salvation. They also learned a few new songs and did some crafts.

It was such a blessing watching my kids learn about God in a Cowboy themed VBS, alongside other kids. My heart was so full of joy and gratitude to watch my son; Le'Veon, act in such a well-mannered way. It was so awesome that I almost shed a tear of joy😇. Zoe was so into the music, so much so that she was dancing and choreographing along with the choir and everyone else. It was such a beautiful sight to see.

I can't thank the church crew at Lovejoy Family Church enough, for organizing such an amazing event that my kids got to be a part of. It was truly a blessing to experience with my kids.

I filmed a little bit during the weekend. Here's the video:

Thank you for reading this to the end. I hope you made some fun memories with your kids also.
I have added a few more pictures from the event below.
Thank you for being a part of my world,

Sincerely,
Maryam

MENDING THE BROKEN PIECES

Hello wonderful, amazing, sweet and lovely friends.

Hope this meets you in great spirits. Yesterday, I did a live broadcast and the message was written before the broadcast. I wanted to share it here with you. I believe it would benefit you.

The Book of Genesis 1:1-3 says:

"1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."

No matter how chaotic, dark and empty your life may be right now, God can and will make a way for you out of it. In fact, He's already made a way!

Have you ever been in a place of total shutdown due to a dashed hope, an unexpected disappointment? Or has someone you gave your heart ever lied about you and left you for the dogs? Have you or are you currently in a place of abandonment, a place where it seems like you are isolated, feeling broken, rejected and in complete despair?

Has something ever happened to you, that spiralled into multiple negative things happening all at once, that it left you feeling helpless, alone and like giving up on yourself?
If you have experienced any one of the above mentioned, you are in great company. It's time to let it all go!
 The Book of Romans 12:1-2 says:

"1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

The above scripture tells us to offer our bodies as living sacrifice to God. It encourages us to renew our minds daily in order to be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.
What you may currently be going through, is not God's will for your life. God's will is for you to prosper even as your soul prospers(3 John 2). You've got to shift your focus from looking at your struggles to looking at what you desire.
You may be feeling rejected, alone and disappointed right now, but please, DON'T YOU DARE GIVE UP!
Don't give up on yourself or on God. Someone once said "as long as you've got a pulse, God's got a plan!" You matter to God and you matter to me. As someone who has always been a spiritual warfare fighter, I encourage to hold on to God. You already have the victory!

The Book of Psalms 34:19 says "many are the afflictions of the righteous but God delivers him out of all of them." God's got a plan to deliver you. In fact, your deliverance is already established but you've got to take it!
You need to know that each time you dwell on your hurt and pain, you're giving it power to multiply and increase. I want to encourage to stop showing love to your pain and hurt. Start looking up. Start by focusing on what you desire and I promise you, that your life will change dramatically for good!

You may be experiencing an illness today, I want you to start focusing on good health. You may be lonely and desire to be married, I want you to start acting like you're planning your wedding.
Make a decision today to put the enemy to shame by rising above his tricks. The pain, rejection and despair you feel are all his tricks.

Start speaking life into yourself and your situation and watch your life change right before your eyes.

Here's my encouragement list:
1. Start your day praying to God. Thanking Him for the good in your life and asking for those things that you desire. Study the word of God and memorize it!
2. Reject what you don't want.
3. Speak and prophesy what you desire into your life.
4. Get up and go for a walk or take a shower or watch a feel-good movie. Whatever you do, don't look at the problems long enough to lose hope. Introduce your BIG GOD to your problems through prayer and speaking the word!
Research shows that whatever you get emotionally involved with will begin to manifest itself in your life. Be determined to be happy and live life to the fullest. Stop watching scary movies and negative media. 

As you do these, I pray that the Lord causes His face to shine upon you and your household. I pray He elevates you above and beyond your biggest dreams in Jesus Name. Amen!!!

To your peace and prosperity,

Maryam