Tuesday, July 21, 2015

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - DAY 13

Day 13 - Top Of My Bucket List

Hey Everyone!

PARIS... Paris would be at the top of my bucket list and if I could, I would explore all of Europe. That would be a dream come true. In my mind I've visited the "city of light" many times.

Here are some links worth checking out...

Rick Steves Europe - Paris
Samantha Brown Passport to Europe - Paris
Christophe Roussel - Chocolatier



There is so much rich history in Paris. The Nazi's bombing France and seizing Paris as a trophy and symbol for the beginning world dominance, plundering and killing needlessly only to have Britain retaliate under the leadership of Winston Churchill who said in so many words, "I was born for this time", matter of fact there is a documentary on Churchill that it called "Walking With Destiny". If you ever get the chance to read his bio, you would probably agree.

But it wasn't until after our own country was attacked at Pearl Harbor that President Roosevelt joined allies with Britain to overthrown Hitler. We know this as WWII (6 years of war). Why is it that evil men want to take over the world; Alexander the Great... Ghengis Kahn... Napoleon... I didn't mean to turn this into a history lesson. Why couldn't I have been this studious when I was in High School? I deplored history and geography with all of its dates and so on, now I devour it with pleasure.

Ester 4:14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (NKJV)

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (ESV)

Proverbs 20:14 A man's steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way? (ESV)

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (ESV)

Until Next Time... Love & Blessings xo

Saturday, July 18, 2015

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - DAY 12

Day 12 - My Earliest Memory

Hi Everyone!



Around 3 or 4, I can remember my mom sitting at her vanity combing her hair. I'm standing around her in total admiration, just watching her and knowing in my heart she is someone important to me, someone very special. There was a specific item on her vanity that peaked my curiosity; a spray bottle of perfume. There must have been countless times that I watched her use it because on that particular day, I sprayed some of it in my eye. My eye stung and I cried, she came to my rescue... soothing and cleaning my eye. This is the memory that I hold close to my heart.

Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.


Until Next Time... Love & blessings xo

Thursday, July 16, 2015

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - DAY 11

Day 11 - 15 Favorite Things!

Hey Everyone!

I'm a simple girl. I very seldom wear perfume; almost never and as of lately my skin has become sensitive to the body washes, so I don't use that anymore. Maybe juicing and detoxing has something to do with that. When it comes to make-up, it's just lipstick and eyeliner. I've been wanting to try Bare Minerals, but they're kinda pricey. Do you have any suggestions for washes and make-up?



1.   Nutri Bullet - Magic Bullet
2.   Nutra Ninja
3.   Juicer
4.   Ipad - Reading only.
5.   Desk Fan - 4 seasons girl... gotta have my fan.
6.   Oyster - Books galore
7.   Netflix - Inspirational and Documentary Junkie
8.   Pinterest
9.   Visine
10. My Dad's Cap.
11. Comfy Throw.
12. Vaseline & Olive Oil - I don't use lotions because of the perfume and dyes.
13. Black Cardigan Sweater
14. Black Flats
15. My Bible - I would be lost without the word of God.

Five years ago, my list would not have looked anything like this. Wonder what the next fives years are going to look like.

Until Next Time... Love & Blessings

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - DAY 10

Day 10 - My Best Physical Feature

My Smile...

Hey Everyone! Hope your week has been a good one. The first half of my week has been spent babysitting my nephew. Collin is 20 months old and 2 hand fulls, his brother will be 13 this year (big gap there). I love my nephews. Oh! and Collin talks (gibberish) in his sleep, too funny. He's a happy toddler, full of energy, he has his cheeky ways with an adorable smile.



I didn't always like my smile, but I get the most compliments for my smile. Who doesn't need a smile?

Proverbs 31:23-27  Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Psalm 119:135 Smile on me, and teach me your laws.

Psalm 4:6 Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, LORD.


Job 9:27 If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression, and smile,’

Until Next Time... Love & Blessings xo


Tuesday, July 14, 2015

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - DAY 9

Day 9 - Worst Habit

Hey Everyone!

My worst habit is.... PROCRASTINATION!!! I call it "the lazy spirit". Anything can fall under the umbrella of procrastination and it usually does, shame on me, always putting off for another day. I know that I'm cable of accomplishing much more than I do in a day, because I've done it many times before... checking this and that off of my TO DO LIST before noon was not difficult.



My friend tagged this to me, it was just what I needed. 10 THINGS I DO THAT MAKE MY LIFE EASY by Shanel Cooper-Sykes  My failure stems from not letting God set the day for me. When I sought God first in the morning, my day had order and a sense of purpose, my day was more defined and I liked that. Hearing from God and being obedient to what His Word and Spirit was saying to me made life easier.

It's funny how doing nothing wears you out more than doing something. Making the best use of my time takes wisdom and discernment (time management) not only in earthly matters, such laundry, dishes, cleaning, writing, blogging, cooking (ha ha), whatever home or work things that need my attention, I must also use my time wisely to do Kingdom things as well, such as... loving my neighbor, meeting other peoples needs if possible, studying and obeying the word of God, praying, donating to Christian outreaches (whether it's a dollar or more, we must contribute according to how God has given to us).

God's presence in my life will manifest more when I make Him relevant. Faith in action is what my fellow man or woman needs to see; they also need to see that whatever I do is done in Christian love and not for self-recognition, my deeds should always be for my Heavenly Father's Glory.

How well do you manage your time?

Psalm 39:4 “O Lord, make me know my end  and what is the measure of my days;  let me know how fleeting I am! 5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,  and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah (ESV)

Until Next Time... Love & Blessings xo

Monday, July 13, 2015

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - DAY 8

DAY 8 - What's In My Handbag?

Hey Everyone!

 

This is what I had in my bag today, which was not much.

Sweater - I try to keep a light sweater in my bag, some places can be really cool.
Eye Drops
Wallet
Keys
Mints
Water Bottle
Vaseline - I prefer it over lotion.
Pen
Ipad - It was my annual visit to the doctor, so I needed something to read.
Ipod
Eye Glasses

What's in your bag?

Until Next Time... Love & Blessings xo

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - DAY 7

Day 7 - My Pet Peeves!

Hey Everyone! My Pet Peeves… We could all easily throw out a list of irritants... empty toilet tissue role, toilet seat left up, popping gum, smacking while eating, blah blah blah, never on time, why are you yelling, yadda yadda yadda, it was your turn to do this, that and the other. Whew! It takes too much energy to be bothered with other people's bad habits or them not doing something the way I thought it should have been done. I try not to let my insignificant mole hills become mountains, there are a lot more pressing issues in this world that we should be concerned about. Like human trafficking, poverty, abuse, this is what needs our attention. But I will play along.

I’ve already mentioned earlier this week that I don’t like Sarcasm. Sarcasm to me is an underhanded, sometimes cheeky way of dumbing people down; making them feel stupid, humiliating others so you can rise above them; making them the butt of your off-color jokes. Not cool. Sarcasm is for television only.

Another would be young girls exploiting themselves or their parents exploiting them. They are highly sexualized in dress and dance and some grown folks think this is cute.... this is not cute.


Another would be… girls calling one another B*TCH as if it’s a term of endearment. Do they not know  they liken themselves to a female dog. And guys calling each other N*GGA and then have the audacity to try to claim ownership of the word, Oh and get fighting mad because some people in white society want to fly the Confederate Flag.

Now of course, I believe no State building should fly the Confederate Flag that was something that should have been done away with a long time ago. It represents slavery, oppression, dehumanization, white supremacy and inequality to all people of color; it is not something to be proud of. I’m glad to see that there is more solidarity than division on this issue. Let me be clear about this, it is the symbol that I hate, not the people that bear it. Some of these people are in our communities and they will go above and beyond to give a helping hand if needed. Our country only needs one flag… the American Flag. Our country also needs to turn to God.

My main concerns are for the Kingdom of God and being all that I can be for His Glory. I do realize that there will be things that happen in this world that will affect us all on different levels, but we must trust in God, do what is right in His sights, and be Salt and Light for this world. Let us all have the love of Christ in our hearts.

Until Next Time… Love & Blessings xo

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - DAY 6

DAY 6 - My 5 Senses Right Now!

Hey Everyone!

Wow! this is a good question. How often do we pay attention to our senses, as I type this, there is so much going on that I would't have given any mind to. It would have all been buried somewhere deep within my sub-conscience or just a blur, if that much. Let's start with SMELL: I can smell my coffee next to me and sweet peas steaming on the stove. HEAR: The oscilattion of my fan, the clicking of the keyboard as I type, the television in the other room, and Ludovico Einaudi 's "Berlin Song" on my ipod. SIGHT: I can see that my bedroom needs tidying up, my vine plant is standing tall and green with flowing vines. The photos on my laptop dropbox is open. TOUCH: My hand on my leg, the cool air of the fan, the hard plastic of the keyboard, I can still remember how the butterfly felt on my finger; tickly and powdery. TASTE: The dark bitter taste of my coffee (which I prefer black) "cafe bustelo", the tingling in my feet as I sit Indian style on my bed... time to stretch these legs.

Click on the link: Jesus and His Word through Senses.



As I explored my senses, I'm reminded of how much I take for granted. The gift of sight, hearing, touch, tasting, and smell. With each passing day I go mindlessly through every second, minute and hour, rarely if ever, giving thanks for any of these gifts, it's all happenstance until you or I should lose one of these abilities. There are a lot of things (material) I can go without, that only requires some mental readjusting, but my senses; I don't ever won't to have compensate for any of them. I'm so blessed to still have these gifts functioning in my life. Thank you Jesus.

Ludovico Einaudi "Berlin Song" Live or Visual or The Royal Albert Hall Concert 2010


Unity and Diversity in One Body

1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into[c] one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. (NKJV)

Until Next Time... Love & Blessings xo

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - DAY 5

DAY 5 – 10 Songs I Love Right Now! 

Hey Everyone! What I'm listening to right now is all things Ludovico Einaudi, he is an Italian Pianist and Composer, you can learn more about him here. I came across Ludovico while watching a film on Netflix entiltled "Moving Art: Forests" there are also two more on there called "Moving Art: Oceans" and "Moving Art: Magic Flowers" and they're all by filmographer, Louie Schwartzberg. 


As you know, no film is complete without the music composition, after all it's the music that sets the tone for any film, it's the music that makes the characters relatable and gets our hearts bumping with anticipation. In this case, Nature is the Leading Lady... God's beautiful creation.

If you have Netflix, be sure to check it. His work is so serene and breathtaking, but you don't have to take it from me, after all, I'm an odd duck. Guess, it's just a new phase of life for me, I need serenity and peace... the simple life without all the complex anxieties. Give me classical music, modern piano or violin, no words needed, I just want to lay my head down and rest in our Lord Jesus.

1 Samuael 16:22 Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.” 23 And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. (NKJV)


Click the links above to see what you've been missing. Enjoy!

Until Next Time... Love & Blessing xo

Monday, July 6, 2015

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - DAY 4

DAY - 4 What Am I Afraid Of?

Hey Everyone, I’m back with another blog challenge. I’ve given a great deal of thought to this. We all have fears, right... some people have phobias which can be pretty extreme, there is fear of going to the doctor, fear of heights, commitment, the loss of a parent or child is a frightening thought, even the loss of a job can conjure up fears. I honestly try not to give much thought to my fears, mainly because they are debilitating. Straight away I give my concerns to our Lord.

Throughout the day, our enemy Satan is constantly throwing his fiery darts at us, trying to get us to lose focus of what is truly important. He knows that we can't walk in faith if we are in constant fear of what "might happen" or "has happened" for that matter. Fear keeps us from being our all and giving our all for Christ. If I thought on it long enough, I'm pretty sure I could give you a list of 20 or more things that I'm afraid of, but I'm not going to do that to myself and you shouldn't either. Instead, let us put our trust in our Lord Jesus, He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He has a purpose and a plan for our lives; so whatever your fears or concerns may be, give them to God. 


The only fear Christians should maintain is reverential fear... love, respect and honor to Almighty God.

Psalm 23: 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (NIV)

Psalm 27: 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? (NIV)

Psalm 34: 4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. (NIV)

Psalm 118: 6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (NIV)

Matthew 10: 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (NIV)

Romans 8: 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ""Abba," Father." (NIV)

Ephesians 6: 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (NKJV)


1 Peter 3: 13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." (NIV)

Until Next Time... Love & Blessings xo

Sunday, July 5, 2015

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - Day 3

Day – 3 My Fave Quote

“DO WHAT GOD SAYS DO AND LEAVE THE CONSEQUENCES UP TO HIM”
- Dr. Charles Stanley

Hey Everyone, I’m progressing right along with these blog challenges. I know it’s only Day 3, but that’s pretty good for me. Well, this quote is only one of many quotes that encourage me. I'm reminded to keep my faith in our Lord Jesus, He's got my back, no matter what, as long as I stay true to Him, He will keep His promises to me. What is one of your favorite quote?


John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep[d] My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. (NKJV)


Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Until Next Time... Love & Blessings xo

Saturday, July 4, 2015

31 DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - Day 2

Day 2 – 20 Facts About Me

Hey Everyone, here a few quick facts about me. Enjoy your holiday weekend.


  1. SADE…Her music has stood the test of time, very poetic. She is it for me.
  2. Classical Music, I’m not an aficionado… I just like it. Piano, Violin, Orchestra.
  3. I watch Ballets on YouTube… Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, etc.
  4. Documentaries, Swamp People, shows like that and Inspirational films.
  5. I crochet… mostly scarves and beanies.
  6. Anoushka Shankar… An amazing Sitarist.
  7. I have two adult children: My son is 22 and my daughter is 21.
  8. Never been married, but people always assume I’m that I am married.
  9. Started drinking Black Coffee 3 years ago... just because.
10. As of April, I read one book a week. I have an Oyster account.
11. My desire is to be a published author. So I need to finish the book I started.
12. I don’t like to cook. I was never very good at it, maybe love is the secret.
13. Magnolia’s, Weeping Willows, Gardenias, Wildflowers, Sunflowers, Gerberas.
14. Rainy days are the best.
15. Don’t like sarcasm.
16. Goodwill is my place to shop.
17. Most of the time, I prefer to be by myself.
18. Must have lamp on when I sleep.
19. Must sleep with a fan on year round. Oscillating sound & air circulating.
20. I’m a school bus driver.

Until Next Time... Love & Blessings xo

Friday, July 3, 2015

31-DAY BLOG CHALLENGE - Day 1

Day 1 Into & Recent Pic

Hey Everyone, I came across this 31-Day Blog Challenge and I thought it might be fun… well not at first. As I read through the questions I felt slightly intimidated---you see, my mind has been wandering aimlessly as of late, I’ve been unfocused and forgetful… way more than usual, which is, a little disturbing.

“A man's mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will, bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind.” 
― James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

This challenge will be kind of like the show “Brain Games”. Have you seen it? I tried watching it the first couple of times it came on. It gave me a headache, talk about sensory overload, it was just too much stimulation for me---my brain couldn’t take it. But now I think I’m up for it, two seasons of “Brain Games” is on Netflix and I’m determined to watch it.

New Glasses and shorter hair.
What’s challenging about this challenge? Well, it forces me to roll through my rolodex of memories, yeah I’m old school. This challenge is going to push me out of my comfort zone and make me more transparent and relatable. I believe my creativity will begin to flourish and that I will gain more confidence as I write. I really like writing--- I just don’t do enough of it. With this challenge I’m also compelled to meet a daily deadline... okay confession--- I’m already two days late. Eeek!

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind (NKJV)

I have another confession; I like writing because I have a difficult time expressing myself verbally. I know what I want to say, but my thinking gets all jumbled up and I wine up butchering my words to death; trying to relay a thought can be a real struggle at times and it’s embarrassing. The final thing about this challenge is to have fun with it… and I will.


If any of you are up for this challenge please feel free to join in, leave a comment below or on my FB Page. 

Until next time… Love & Blessings xo