Refuse to Worry!
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life"
(Matthew 6:27, NIV)
Are you worrying about something today? To worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again. God doesn't want you to live worried or anxious about anything. He knows that worry steals your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life. Have you heard the saying, "Don't worry yourself sick?" That's because worrying affects your physical body. It affects your sleep. You won't ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you'll lose precious moments that you can never get back again. The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry. It starts by making the choice to trust in Him. When you cast your cares on Him, He will give you His peace.
Decide today to put an end to worry in your life. Choose to feed your faith and fill your mind with God's promises. As you focus on God's Word, you'll drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and expectancy; and you'll be empowered to move forward into the life of blessing He has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, today I choose to put an end to worry in my life. I choose to feed my faith by studying Your promises and declaring Your Word over my life. Help me to totally trust in You today and every day. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Healthy Living - Low-Calorie Summer Drinks
Summertime is here and let me tell you, I love a good Margarita or Mojito on a regular!
Unfortunately, they don’t like my waistline!
Since I am not going to stop drinking them, I decided to look for ways to make low calorie versions so I can keep my small waistline but still enjoy my summer favorites.
I found these tips at Shape.com and I want to share them with those of you who indulge as I do.
These low calorie alcoholic drinks will let you indulge without ruining your waistline.
Frozen Strawberry Margarita
What's in there: 564 calories, 16 g sugar in 12 oz.
Just because there's fruit in the name of this one doesn't mean it's good for you. Most restaurant or club versions are made with sugary syrup that can be detrimental to your waistline. I read that just one of these slush delights has more calories than two bags of Skittles.
Make it healthier: Order a plain margarita (oh no!) on the rocks to save up to 300 calories. Also ask for one with no salt! That dusted rim may provide more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium, which is nearly your entire daily allowance. Want to mix up a batch at home? Skip the sugary mix and use fresh lime juice instead. If you are like me and you love strawberry margaritas, skip the restaurant versions and whip up some at home by making it with plain margarita mix, but add fresh strawberries and whip cream. Blend them together in a blender with ice and enjoy. So delicious!
Mojito
What's in there: 242 calories, 25 g sugar in 8 oz.
This Cuban cocktail (a blend of rum, sugar, mint leaves, lime juice, and club soda) can harm your waistline and sap your energy, since sweet drinks may up your risk of having a hangover.
Make it healthier: Ask the bartender to cut back on the sugar by a third and add a few extra splashes of club soda to lower the calorie count.
At home, swap the sweetener for a low- or no-cal one, like stevia or use raw sugar. (I am not a big fan of artificial sweeteners, so I would use raw sugar instead)
Why not try one this weekend during your Memorial Day celebration - I sure will!
Happy Memorial Day!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Hola!
Since I have been away for a few weeks, I decided to put up some more updates of my natural hair journey. I wanted to show those of you who are natural or who are thinking about going natural how easy it is to go from kinky to straight without the use of harsh chemicals. The dates don't coincide, but this is how my hair looks after it is pooed. The latter pictures are the finished result of a good blow dry and flat iron.
At first I decided not to straighten my hair that often, but lately I have been flat ironing it twice a month. I am going to color it (need some sometime sprucing) and rock my curly afro for a while and I will post pictures of the results later. (Whether good or bad - Let's hope good)
Since I have been away for a few weeks, I decided to put up some more updates of my natural hair journey. I wanted to show those of you who are natural or who are thinking about going natural how easy it is to go from kinky to straight without the use of harsh chemicals. The dates don't coincide, but this is how my hair looks after it is pooed. The latter pictures are the finished result of a good blow dry and flat iron.
At first I decided not to straighten my hair that often, but lately I have been flat ironing it twice a month. I am going to color it (need some sometime sprucing) and rock my curly afro for a while and I will post pictures of the results later. (Whether good or bad - Let's hope good)
Happy Hair!!!!!!!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Today's Scripture
Increase More!
"There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want"
(Proverbs 11:24, AMP)
In the book of Genesis, God set up a system of seedtime and harvest. Everything God does starts with a seed. The Bible also tells us that He gives seed to the sower. In other words, if you are a person who has a desire to bless others and sow seed, God will make sure you have plenty to give. Notice in today's verse what happens when we generously sow seed—we increase more! Just like planting a seed in the natural brings an abundant harvest, planting a spiritual seed brings an abundant harvest as well. You can't out give God. The scripture says that He will pour out blessings on you that you can barely contain.
God's blessings go way beyond the financial realm. He wants you to have blessed relationships, good health, and a happy career. Why don't you take a step of faith today and look for ways to start sowing. What do you have in your hand? Can you start by giving a smile and sowing joy? Do you have five dollars to help someone else at the gas pump? Choose to be blessing and watch how God brings increase in every area of your life.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, today I choose to be a sower and a giver. Help me to see the people around me the way You see them so that I can bless them the way You want to bless them. Thank You for Your faithfulness in my life as I stay obedient to Your Word. In Jesus' Name. Amen
"There are those who [generously] scatter abroad, and yet increase more; there are those who withhold more than is fitting or what is justly due, but it results only in want"
(Proverbs 11:24, AMP)
In the book of Genesis, God set up a system of seedtime and harvest. Everything God does starts with a seed. The Bible also tells us that He gives seed to the sower. In other words, if you are a person who has a desire to bless others and sow seed, God will make sure you have plenty to give. Notice in today's verse what happens when we generously sow seed—we increase more! Just like planting a seed in the natural brings an abundant harvest, planting a spiritual seed brings an abundant harvest as well. You can't out give God. The scripture says that He will pour out blessings on you that you can barely contain.
God's blessings go way beyond the financial realm. He wants you to have blessed relationships, good health, and a happy career. Why don't you take a step of faith today and look for ways to start sowing. What do you have in your hand? Can you start by giving a smile and sowing joy? Do you have five dollars to help someone else at the gas pump? Choose to be blessing and watch how God brings increase in every area of your life.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, today I choose to be a sower and a giver. Help me to see the people around me the way You see them so that I can bless them the way You want to bless them. Thank You for Your faithfulness in my life as I stay obedient to Your Word. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
BR Monogram - Banana Republic
I was in the mall last week and I went into Banana Republic. I had not been in there in years and let me tell you I was really impressed. They have this new line called BR Monogram and it is really nice. The clothing is moderately priced and the selection is great. The quality is much better than before and I even snagged a few pieces while I was there (thanks to my sweetie giving me his Banana Republic credit card).
Easy, summer dresses are all the rave right now and Banana Republic has captured that fesh look within this new collection.
Check them out at www.bananarepublic.com
I've listed a few pieces that caught my eye!
(may go back for this one - above)
Easy, summer dresses are all the rave right now and Banana Republic has captured that fesh look within this new collection.
Check them out at www.bananarepublic.com
I've listed a few pieces that caught my eye!
(may go back for this one - above)
(I bought this one)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Today's Scripture
This One Thing.......
"…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead"
(Philippians 3:13, NLT)
Are you determined to forget the past? I know many people don't fully understand what that means. They wonder, "How can I forget something that's happened to me?" But one definition of the word forget is to disregard intentionally or to overlook. In other words, you have to choose to disregard your past so that it doesn't keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Sometimes our past victories keep us from rising higher as much as past failures. If we don't let go of the old, we'll never be able to embrace the new.
It doesn't matter what's happened in your history, it's time to forget what lies behind. Make the choice today to look forward. Trust that God has a better future in store for you. Trust that He's working behind the scenes on your behalf. As you forget what lies behind and press forward, you will see the abundant life the Lord has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, I choose to forget the past today. I don't want anything to hold me back from the good future You have prepared for me. I choose forgiveness and ask that You help me, by Your Spirit, to press forward in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
"…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead"
(Philippians 3:13, NLT)
Are you determined to forget the past? I know many people don't fully understand what that means. They wonder, "How can I forget something that's happened to me?" But one definition of the word forget is to disregard intentionally or to overlook. In other words, you have to choose to disregard your past so that it doesn't keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Sometimes our past victories keep us from rising higher as much as past failures. If we don't let go of the old, we'll never be able to embrace the new.
It doesn't matter what's happened in your history, it's time to forget what lies behind. Make the choice today to look forward. Trust that God has a better future in store for you. Trust that He's working behind the scenes on your behalf. As you forget what lies behind and press forward, you will see the abundant life the Lord has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, I choose to forget the past today. I don't want anything to hold me back from the good future You have prepared for me. I choose forgiveness and ask that You help me, by Your Spirit, to press forward in every area of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Finally!
Twist out
Graduation Day HairHello all! I want to take this time to apologize for such a lack luster blog for the past couple of months. As some of you know, I was attending college full-time and working full-time. Well, today is "GRADUATION DAY!"
I am making my strut across the stage at 2pm today and I am so ready!
I took five classes and I really had to put the medal to the pedal and study my butt off (literally)! I had Sociological Statistics and Research Methods this past semester and I could not fail. Well, I passed (3 A's and 2 B's) and I am receiving a BA in Sociology with a Minor in Criminal Justice. I am also receiving Latin Honors (cum laude) with a 3.4 grade point average. This is why my blog had to be set aside for a moment. :(
So, now I have time on my hands again and I will be back with some great tips, fashion, updates, and reviews to keep you coming back for more. Above are just some updates on the natural hair process.
Happy Graduation!!!!!!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Today's Scripture
He's Working in You!
"…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 1:6, NIV)
Sometimes when God is doing a work in our lives, things can get a little uncomfortable. We may encounter people who are hard to get along with or have circumstances that seem beyond our control. When this happens, instead of complaining, getting sour, or trying to change everything around you, why don't you look deep inside and say, "Lord, thank You for doing a work in me." See, I've learned that God is more interested in changing me than He is in changing my circumstances. If I choose to stay sour because I'm not getting my way or discouraged because things aren't happening on my time table, that's going to keep me right where I am.
If you want to see change, if you want to see God open up new doors, the key is to bloom right where you're planted. You can't wait until everything gets better before you decide to have a good attitude. You have to be the best that you can be right where you are. When you bloom where you're planted, you're allowing God to work in you, and He will be faithful to complete what He's started in you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for doing a work in me. I choose to align myself with Your plan by blooming where I'm planted. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be an example of Your love and life everywhere I go. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
"…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus"
(Philippians 1:6, NIV)
Sometimes when God is doing a work in our lives, things can get a little uncomfortable. We may encounter people who are hard to get along with or have circumstances that seem beyond our control. When this happens, instead of complaining, getting sour, or trying to change everything around you, why don't you look deep inside and say, "Lord, thank You for doing a work in me." See, I've learned that God is more interested in changing me than He is in changing my circumstances. If I choose to stay sour because I'm not getting my way or discouraged because things aren't happening on my time table, that's going to keep me right where I am.
If you want to see change, if you want to see God open up new doors, the key is to bloom right where you're planted. You can't wait until everything gets better before you decide to have a good attitude. You have to be the best that you can be right where you are. When you bloom where you're planted, you're allowing God to work in you, and He will be faithful to complete what He's started in you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for doing a work in me. I choose to align myself with Your plan by blooming where I'm planted. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be an example of Your love and life everywhere I go. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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