Grace of God!!

Good Late Evening all...

It's been a trying past few days and yet, through all the difficulty...God's Grace has kept me!! 

This song is an amazing confirmation , sung by Ms. Sherri Jones-Moffett this morning during church service for our annual Women's Conference. I don't feel the need to share my recent trials because I have made the decision that it will no longer bring me down, no longer steal my joy and will not have authority of the dreams and visions god has placed in my life. Though we may face difficulties, God always brings us through. Thanks to his grace, we can have hope that we will OVERCOME!!!

I/WE can conquer ANYTHING! 

Romans 8:37-39 (New King James Version)

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Grace is God's love freely offered to us. We do not do anything to "earn" it. 

What a wonderful feeling when you can open your mouth and speak God's word into your own life. Life has many seasons which include times of difficulty and isolation, but these can serve to stretch us in a positive way and not crush us with discouragement when we make the most of them.  God wants us to be encouraged. He has given us the means to encourage ourselves in Him.

Psalm 103:2-5 (New King James Version)

  ² Bless the LORD, O my soul,
         And forget not all His benefits:
 ³ Who forgives all your iniquities,
         Who heals all your diseases,
 ⁴ Who redeems your life from destruction,
         Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
 ⁵ Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
         So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 

God is on our side, and has come with answers to any issues you may have. Encourage yourself and know... God's grace will keep you. 

Blessings! :)

HOLY SHNIKES BATMAN... it's a Pumpkin!

Every October, people can’t resist the pull of the pumpkin. Carvers go to work on their hand-picked gourds, eager to transform them into something spectacularly scary, or just plain spectacular.

Of course... there are pumpkin carvers, but then...there are PUMPKIN CARVERS!!!

Ray Villafane is an amazing artist. He’s twice trounced competing carvers on TV on “Food Network Challenge: Outrageous Pumpkins.” Not bad for a guy who's allergic to pumpkin. Check out his website (here).

SN: I think he may have a slight obsession with tongues... what do you think?!

Amazing, right?!?! I'm no PUMPKIN CARVER.. but i've done my share. 

 

I have no special remarks or inspirational quotes to say this evening. 

Enjoy your night and don't forget to SMiLE!

Count it all joy...

James 1:2-4 (New International Version)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

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I have nothing....

:) Nighty-night!

National Latino AIDS Awareness Day

Today, October 15th is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day! Hispanics have a ratio of 25.0 per 100,000 population. In the United States, every 9 and a half minutes, someone is infected with HIV.

As a sister to a brother living with this disease, I urge you...DON'T be another statistic. GET TESTED! KNOW YOUR STATUS! Find a testing site near you at http://www.nlaad.org/

Going to The Chapel...

And they're gonna get married!!

What a busy weekend I have ahead of me. 

First off... Dad is home and doing well. We brought him home from the hospital Tuesday evening. He's on a strict diet and exercise program and had his follow up Dr. appt today. The Dr said everything should work out as planned and Dad will be able to start taking the medication to help with his cirrhosis. I can't hardly wait to be able to get my dad's health back in order so he can enjoy the simple things. :)

Onto all the lovey dovey stuff... 

I have a wedding for my cousin to attend tomorrow evening. Following that, a bachelorette party for a very long time friend . And Saturday evening... her wedding. I still haven't decided what to wear to either wedding and the hours are only counting down. I NEED SOME HELP!!!!!! I just cleaned out my drawers, closets and bins and donated all the things I don't use to charity. Now.. i'm stuck with a closet full of clothing with tags still attached and i can't make up my mind...

I need to be up in less than 6 hours and I need my beauty rest (*laughs)... Buenos Noches to All!!! Wish me luck...

*I AM SUPERWOMAN*

So....its been a long 4 days. Dad got admitted into the hospital after coming to the ER Thursday evening. [*SiGH...] I wish there was something I could do for him. I'm a Daddy's girl... and i'll gladly proclaim it.

I hate that he's sick...
I wish I could take away the pain, the sickness and everything that is involved in it.

Alicia Keys has a song titled "Super Woman" ...



There are days I wish I had super powers...and I truly believe we all have SUPER abilities, but there are those days, the days when your spirit feels defeated. Where even the slightest emotion of crying seems too hard to handle. People think I'm rude and mean. Along with any other word you can conceive in your mind. In all reality...I'm too busy taking care of my family, that it gives no time to  give in to the influence of back-biting, backstabbing, gossip, etc. My life consists of assisting with the health of my Father and my brother, all while trying to keep mom sane. In no way am I  trying to gain sympathy...I love that I am able to take care of the people who mean the most to me. I have an amazing family and I wouldn't change it for the world.

When I feel that life has got it's best of me, I simply remind myself that...

I AM SUPERWOMAN!!!!!

We are not Losers...We are Lasers!

I was so excited...i just had to share!

No more petitions, stop the protests... we finally have a release date. March 8, 2011...Lupe Fiasco's oft-awaited 3rd album will finally be ours!! First single to be released, Tuesday, October 26, 2010 via www.lupefiasco.com!

If you havent experienced the lyricism of the Chicago born Rapper...you're missing out.

As stated by Lupe himself:
"Lasers are the opposite of losers. Lasers are shining beams of light that burn through the darkness of ignorance. Lasers shed light on injustice and inequality. Losers stand by and let things happen. Lasers act and shape their own destinies. Lasers find meaning and direction in the mysteries all around them. Lasers stand for love and compassion. Lasers stand for peace. Lasers stand for progression. Lasers are revolutionary. Lasers Are The Future. We are Not losers...We Are LASERS!!!" -L.F.

I can't control the excitement. :)

Blessings to a Lasers filled day! FNF-UP!

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The Colors of Change

We all enjoy the colors of autumn leaves. The changing fall foilage never fails to surprise and delight us. Do you ever wonder why and how a fall leaf changes color? Where do the yellow and orange colors come from? WHY DO LEAVES CHANGE COLOR?

I began to imagine our lives as those of leaves. We (humans) have the same sort of changing process and in it is a beautiful scientific reasoning. Change is needed to become better. And God made us for better.

We live in a culture bent toward self-improvement. We spend a lot of time analyzing ourselves and trying to figure out how to make the bad, better. From time to time, we all notice areas in our lives that we struggle with; Areas we wish could be different.

We fear people knowing the "bad" part of us... because in all reality, who wants to be known as the "mean, angry, snobby" woman/man? However, if we try to hide the unacceptable parts of our personalities, we can rapidly lose touch with who we truly are. 

Occasionally, I struggle with my thoughts as previously read. I dont confide much in others and I rarely shed a tear. We often have little choice regarding the people and circumstances God brings into our lives, but I have come to learn (slowly) that I am becoming the person God wants me to be. Not who my coworker, church folk, family, friends, or acquaintances want me to be. But, that in which God created me to be. 

The leaves flow with the process that God designed. The only limit to change in our lives, is the degree in which we don't reveal ourselves. 

John Powell said this:

"We think we have to change, grow and be good in order to be loved. But rather we are loved and we receive His grace so we can change, grow and be good."

I hope you are all in good spirits. Enjoy this beautiful Autumn evening... :)    

Devotions...in a sense...are MAGICAL!

As you've read, I've been struggling with the fact that I worry too much, And am allowing myself to become confused with this whole "life" thing as we know it.

I've always known that God created me for a purpose. The dreams he implanted in my spirit are to be flourished. The strength he has instilled in my body is needed to overcome. And the trust he has placed in my heart comes to my rescue in times of perseverance.

I was reading my daily devotion this a.m. and it truly spoke to my situation. Here's an excerpt:

"...you may be frustrated because you feel God's plan isn't working in your life. But never fear, God is arranging all the pieces to come together to work out his plan for your life. Don't grow impatient. Don't try and make things work in your own strength. When its God's timing, all the forces of darkness can't stop him. In due season, God will bring it to pass."

Adversities and hardships are opportunities for us to go higher. What an amazing confirmation.

I may not have all the money, beauty, or brains in the world...but the comfort in knowing my God will NEVER forsake me is enough to fill any void.

.b.

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I think i'm a rehabilitating worry wart...

I was told today that i rarely do any posts... It's true.

But, lately I've been so busy... I barely have time to sleep(about 3-4 hrs). I guess it's a good thing to be busy, but some days.. it's too much to handle.

Truth be told... my time-less life is not as bad as I make it sound. Some days God gives a little more "umpf" to my day and I feel like I can't control it. I literally feel insane... my brain goes on overload and I tweak. I understand worrying is a normal human function, but I yearn for the day where worrying is no longer in my vocabulary. I want,  I crave, I desire, I NEED to NO longer worry.

I'm learning: Worrying accomplishes NOTHING. Worrying is a mental burden and sometimes causes us to become physically sick. Worrying pushes you in an entirely different direction then that which you are supposed to be trekking. AND... Worrying is the opposite of trusting God.

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:6-7)

Life is about how we choose to see things. Even in the difficult times, when it seems like no one cares, I can put my trust in knowing that God cares for my EVERY need. I'd like to spend my time more wisely and enjoyably...

How do you deal with worry?? I'd like to know.

Blessings to all! :)

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.

(Matthew 6:34)

S.O.S.

Confusion is defined as the inability to think with your usual speed or clarity, including feeling disoriented and having difficulty paying attention, remembering, and making decisions.

I feel like Atlas...carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders. And still, I push, grind, persevere just to get over the mountain. Some days I feel I can't continue. I WANT to give up. Take the easy way out. I'm no quitter, but it seems as if that's my only option. To throw in the towel. Wave the flag. 

Then...Jiminy Cricket...my conscience speaks to my soul: Why should I count myself out when God still sees potential in me?

I'm stuck pondering these words.

Psalm 145:14 (The Message)
God gives a hand to those down on their luck, gives a fresh start to those ready to quit.

It Gets Under Your Skin...

This weekend I was able to visit the controversial "Bodies:The Exhibition" with the BFF. I was simply amazed! We never stop to think how intricate our bodies are. With the functionality we are given to walk, run, sit, chew, and even think ... how are we able to state that there is not a God? It baffles me. I was completely and utterly awed. 

If you get the change to visit this exhibition... i urge you to. Beware, there are a few rooms that are disturbing(even for me). 




I would continue my post and complain about this and that, but I would rather change the situation I am in so I am able to report my overcoming. May God continue to bless you all!

Autumn song...

Autumn Song  

by: Katherine Mansfield

Now's the time when children's noses
All become as red as roses
And the colour of their faces
Makes me think of orchard places
Where the juicy apples grow,
And tomatoes in a row.

And to-day the hardened sinner
Never could be late for dinner,
But will jump up to the table
Just as soon as he is able,
Ask for three times hot roast mutton--
Oh! the shocking little glutton.

Come then, find your ball and racket,
Pop into your winter jacket,
With the lovely bear-skin lining.
While the sun is brightly shining,
Let us run and play together
And just love the autumn weather. 

 

Finally... Summer is coming to it's end. Truly, i am more than glad. I am not a fan of summer, though the times spent with friends and family are more than life itself. I'd rather have a fire burning, bake cookies, wrap tamales and spend time with family/friends while creating new memories and i can't forget the SNOW, sweaters, boots, pea coats, gloves, scarves, etc.. 

Fall and Winter are the seasons i look most forward to. And on this early September morning when I should be sleeping.. my heart is w-i-d-e awake, yet full of dreams. Brother and I have been putting this business deal together and were are just getting our toes wet. Can't wait for the final break through. DREAM...DREAM...DREAM!!!! 

Speaking of... I've always had an inkling to attempt "crafty things." And decided that Mom and Dad needed a little something for the house.. with it being the beginning of fall and all. SO-o... i oiled the old gears and put my mind to work... thus creating...

Beginning stages

Ending of Day #1

My favorite touches

Finished Product

I'm pretty proud of my FIRST attempt to create a wreath. And, it'll look fabulous over the fireplace mantle!!

It's time for me to say farewell...

Keep dreaming and take the steps necessary to complete those dreams.  

Until next time! :)

GRADE: F

As you all know, i had begun the Daniel's Fast last week, and was doing better than I thought I would for my 2nd year around... and then... IT happened. I woke up Thursday Morning feeling weird, by Thursday night... the flu bug had set in. It's always times when i make the decision for change that something comes and ruins all the fun. Despite pleas from the parents and Dr. I continued the fast until I couldn't step 1 foot out of bed. SOO-o... if you didn't get the post by now.. I had to abruptly discontinue my Daniel's Fast and was told not to retry the fast until my (energy)levels and body were up to par. Thus ruining my attempt at Daniel's Fast year Numero Dos. 

I'm still not 100%, but I forced myself to go to work yesterday and today. And ready for what life has to offer. I learned a lot in the few days of fasting and i intend to continue this journey to a new "ME"...so to speak.

Keep me in your prayers and my Daddy too. He has surgery on Monday morning.

Blessings to all!

Here's a little picture of Leila and I... she doesn't seem to enthused.

P.S. please excuse the messy hair-do!

Daniel's Fast: Day #1

Yesterday began the reckoning of a new Me! My focus is set on what God's plan for me is...thus beginning a transformation.

Daniel's Fast:Day #1

My mission:

I choose to walk in victory, which begins by telling my flesh "NO!" when it rears its ugly head, demanding to be fulfilled.

Next, lies that I've believed, sometimes for years, must be replaced with the truth of God's Word.

Finally, and most importantly, I will seek the Lord above all else every single day because I can't walk in freedom without Him.

Dinner was a Whole Wheat Garlic Lemon Spaghetti w/ broccoli and mushrooms + a side of green beans. Some days, i like to boast on my cooking...this is one of those days.

 

I also get to enjoy one of my favorite snacks...

Tomorrow i will post on Day #2.

Blessings and Peace to all!

The Truth...

Aww... It's rare that you find a song to explain what your heart feels.

My life hasn't been this good until you became a part of it again!

I love you!!!

Happiness is...?

Happiness is: a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure or joy.

 Find ways to make the mundane EXCITING! Relieve the stress and tension with HUMOR! Soften the sadness and pain with SWEETNESS!

Keep an eye on your happiness. If someone enters your life, dont let them leave with it.

(: WELCOME TO HAPPINESS!! :)

What makes/keeps you happy?

They Light Up!

Remember those light up shoes when you were a kid? I do. And I also remember Dad thinking they were the stupidest invention EVER...And unfortunately, I NEVER got a pair.

BUT...Check these out:

Jimmy Choo Neon Light Up Heels

Can you say gorgemous?! These black patent-leather and suede, open-toe Zappa sandals have a five inch high neon-yellow heel and a one inch neon-pink platform which lights up. It is powered by a non-chargeable battery embedded in the shoe, which lasts for approximately 100 hours of continuous use.

I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE!! AND...I WANT!!

Jimmy Choo, you just made this grown woman extremely happy!

And this time... I don't need Dad's permission. Although... they do sell for some $2,495.00+... break out the piggy bank!!!!

Blah,,, It's Monday!

Good Evening Purpose Filled people! I hope your weekends went well. For me, the weekend was a blur, but a very relaxing blur. Saturday Morning i awoke to the smell of French Toast...Thanks to my Daddy...he never forgets what his little girls favorite breakfast is!! [SN: i finally learned his recipe!!!] the rest of the weekend was all around... calm and relaxing! 

I've had a lot on my mind as of lately... And I tend to stress over little things that are literally of no importance. Often times I find myself struggling to maneuver over the mountain...a mountain that serves no purpose, or so i think. When all our struggles leave us winded, gasping for air an unable to speak...it is then that we are at long last able to stop and listen to God's voice breaking through the clouds of adversity. And it is so refreshing to know that he always has my back! 

On a less serious note... I wanted to share all the LOVELY food I(and the family) indulged in this weekend and this evening. =0) Remember to wipe the drool afterward...

Crunchy Munch

Cowboy

Good 'ol California Roll(bottom) and Tuna Roll(Top)

Fried Catfish w/ Roasted Potatoes

Fire Grilled Trout w/ Grilled Corn and Roasted Potatoes

Sesame Duck

Posole

Lemon Bars

I'm Sure you can tell which dishes I prepare, as they aren't as fancy, but they are tasty all the same! 

Tomorrow we have a potluck at work and I'm headed to the kitchen to prepare some Stuffed Strawberries... wish me luck!! 

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I leave you all with my prayer...

God, help me to remember your success is mine. My fear is disabled by your presence. I will wait on you, for things that are worthwhile don't... come instantly. In due season, we shall reap.
[Psalm 27]