3 Things Everyone with A Dream Can Learn from Cheescake Factory

Today as you may know is National Cheesecake Day in the U.S. I was randomly browsing online, secretly wishing (not much of a secret actually) that they had a chain here in Canada. I'm sure they would make some good money. 

Nonetheless, came across an article about how the company got started, and instantly got inspired, and of course I wanted to share :)

Not much of an original

Did y'all know that the original recipe wasn't even "original"??? Evelyn Overton, the Detroit homemaker whose recipe is now a heavily guarded secret, actually got the recipe from a newspaper!! All she did was follow the recipe and because everyone loved it, her family was smart enough, and business savvy enough to capitalize on it. 

Ladies, there are so many ideas out there that have already been invented. We get discouraged at times listening to peoples' opinion that the market is oversaturated. So what? Yes, "everyone" does and sells hair. Yes, "everyone" sells graphic Tees. And yes, "everyone" is a blogger. You need to realize however that you have something unique concerning a non-unique opportunity. You just need to believe in yourself enough to dare pursue it. 

Started from the bottom (literally) 

Ms. Overton started her business in her basement kitchen! I'm sure when she started she never dreamed of how big the business would grow. But guess what? You don't need to have it all figured out to get started. I've quoted Tony Robbins before saying this, but it deserves repeating:

"It's not resources, but resourcefulness that ultimately makes the difference" 

If you need to run your business from the garage, do it. Heck, I've even seen some very functional offices in a closet space! I'm telling y'all, we are too full of excuses. Start where you have to, but please, START.

Used the last of their savings

Now once you've actually started and you notice that you've got a hold of something that could actually take off. You need to have the guts to put your money where your mouth is. If you've ever watched Shark Tank, one of the questions they always ask is how much money the owner has invested themselves. You can't expect somebody else to invest in you if you're not willing to do it yourself. 

Investing can be many things, it could be an online course, learning how to use a camera class for dope pictures, it can be renting a space or facility, or perhaps attending a conference for learning and networking purposes. Whatever form of investing you come across, trust me, to get to the next level you are going to have to invest something.

I hope this inspired you to take the plunge and go pursue your dreams. Who knows, you could be the owner of the next big franchise. But we'll never know unless you try :)

Let me know below what fears you think hold people back from pursuing their dreams.

Love & Bless Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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Get Started - Journey to Your Life's Purpose

Happy Friday beautiful people!! Praying that your week was amazing. Heading into the weekend I want to encourage you to continue to keep a clear vision of what it is you want and begin to make actionable tasks towards achieving those goals.

This week I'm seeing 2 visions come to life from 2 different people that I just want to quickly share and I hope this encourages you to pursue your dreams. The bible says:

"Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin..." (Zech 4:10)

Realize that everyone's gotta start somewhere. No one starts off being great. Allow yourself the grace to make mistakes, to learn from those mistakes, and to grow along your journey. Enjoy your journey!

CreateHERStock

The above image is actually from one of the visions I mentioned in my intro. Neosha Gardner is the founder of CreateHERStock, a company she started as she saw the need to fill the void of stock photos that catered to and portrayed women that look like her, women of colour. She's actually launching today!! Follow the hashtag #CreateHers on Twitter at 8pm EST today to catch the scoop. You can also check out her website (linked above), and if you are a female blogger and/or creative of colour, and want access to her database of images, sign up!

Generation One

Bringing it back real quick to Lamar & Ronnie Tyler, founders of BlackAndMarriedwithKids.com. Their movie, Generation One, launched on July 14, and had a live screening in DC last night. From what I heard it was a HIT. I talked about it in more detail in a previous post, which I encourage you to check out, but I wanted to bring it up again because tomorrow the national wealth discussion surrounding generational wealth takes place on social media using the hashtag #GenerationOne.

Get Started By Being You

The 2 visions mentioned and launching above are of different nature, and the businesses may be in different phases of their existence and journey, however both are doing what they felt called to do. Know that there is space for you and your vision because no 2 people are alike, and so even if someone does what you want to do, no one can deliver it like you. Does that make sense? Don't be intimidated by other people's successes and think that you missed the boat, that it's already been done. NO - Whatever's pressing on your heart to do, the world's waiting for you to bring it. So please, live by the purpose and design that you were created to be. 

Comment below what you think is holding you back from getting started, or if you're doing what you feel called to do, please share how you got started.

Love & Bless Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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Ask & Act - And Accomplish Your Goals for 2015

Happy New Year everyone!!! I pray that you all entered the new year in great health and joy. It truly is a blessing and a privilege to see another year unfold. 

With that said, what are you going to make of this year? I know new years resolutions are notorious for being nothing but hype and therefore pretty much a waste of time. But what I'd like to suggest is that you perhaps just plan a week or month at a time. 

As I mentioned in my last post, intention is a game-changer, and it's hard to set out your intentions unless you know what it is you want to accomplish. My pastor said yesterday, by leaving your year, your life for that matter, to "whatever happens, happens", you'll accomplish little to nothing. 

So this weekend, or whenever you have a free minute, just jot down what you want to accomplish for the following week. If you do this week after week, before you know it, you'll have written the vision for the month, the year. "Write the vision, and make it plain" (Hab 2:2) Don't make it more complicated than it is :)

Ask & act - I heard this phrase today and found it to be quite profound. Asking is as simple as a prayer. Writing your vision is a form of asking God to fulfill what you've declared. 

Then there's the act. Again, as stated in the previous post, you won't get anything accomplished without it. It's important to ask beforehand though because that's when you might hear God saying "Don't act". How will you know if you don't ask? Having asked, you'll be more susceptive to the spirit (your gut) directing you.

I believe if we can do these simple things; Ask (pray, plan - write the vision) and act (putting the plan into action while being led by the spirit), I think we're well on our way to making this year spectacular. 

I genuinely pray that you all have an amazing year :)

Love & Bless Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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Work With What You Got 'til God Gives You What You Want

Today I had the pleasure of attending Joyce Meyer's conference here in Toronto, and it was awesome! So for today I thought I'd share my 2 takeaways with you guys. 

The first one was what she referred to as " sitting on the shelf". Those moments in your life when you feel like you're doing nothing. She shared the story of when God called her into ministry and she quit her job, only to spend the following year doing "nothing". 

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I've personally been there, actually sort of am there. Feeling like I'm stagnant, not progressing, not really regressing, just am. It's not a pleasant feeling, especially when you feel you can't, or rather are waiting on God to move you to the next step.

What I learned is that is during this time, on the shelf, God is busy working on us, in us. This is when we need to seek God and truly be sensitive to His voice. Don't let your frustration of not going anywhere cause you to act/move prematurely. Because if God's not done working on you, He'll simply have to do it somewhere else. We can't rush God, and if we try, the lesson just might hurt that much more. Patience!

My other takeaway, which is something I'm sure you've heard (but doesn't hurt to be reminded of) is to be faithful in the little while you're believing God for the BIG. It can be your little house, your little business, your little money, etc. Be a good steward of the little you have. Keep your house clean, be diligent in your business, whether you have 2 clients or 200. Tithe! Regardless if your income is $20 or $20,000. The logic that it's easier to tithe when you have more money is false, cause first off if you can't give $2 you won't give $2,000. 10% is still only 10%. Secondly, if you're not a faithful tither of $20, you'll never get the $20,000. Remember The Parable of the Talents? (Matt 25:14-30) The man who got one talent had that one taken from him. Work with what you have and where you are right now. It's the only way to get to the next level. "Whoever can be trusted with very little, can also be trusted with much..." (Luke 16:10).

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The reason these 2 messages spoke to me is that for reasons outside of my control, I'm currently not working. I've always been a worker, and being in this position felt like I was handcuffed. I've come to realize though, that for whatever reason, I'm not supposed to be working right now. And whatever it is that God wants and needs to do in me, I'm willing and open to receive. As far as being faithful in the little, that all has to do with my blog. I've been inspired by quite a few bloggers who've successfully turned their blog into a business and I felt that I too could do this. However, you've witnessed my slackness. How can I ask God to turn this into a business if I can't even stick to a simple posting schedule? Today's message has therefore lit a fire in me and I'm going to be faithful with my "little" blog and believe that God will turn it into whatever He has in store. I know it's all working together for my good :)

Hope this encouraged you today.

Bless & Love Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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Are You Ready To Be Blessed?

It's literally 11:44 PM and I'm determined to get this post up. My little one just went to sleep (I haven't quite managed to put my 5 month old on a schedule... I know, not good. I don't know how some of you mothers do it, y'all have your babies on the clock, lol). 

Speaking of parenting, it's a task in and of itself, however when you're trying to simultaneously hustle on building up something so that you can leave a legacy for the next generation, tough doesn't even nearly describe it. Determination is the only thing that can keep you going. 

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Someone told me today though not to be too harsh on myself, and that everything happens in God's perfect timing. Don't mistake this for an excuse to slack off though. Yes, God knows the time and the hour, however we need to be prepared for that appointed hour. 

In a YouTube video I saw, from one of my favorite christian life coaches, Bronzegoddess01, she spoke of a girl who wanted a shout-out I believe, and Bronzegoddes asked her, "Are you ready to be blessed?" The girl didn't quite understand, and BG (as Bronzegoddes sometimes refers to herself as) went on to explain, if she does the shout-out, is she prepared for all the business coming her way? Are the business cards printed? Do you have sufficient inventory? Do you have the time? Etc.

So while we work hard, hustling, praying and waiting, just you wait. The discipline it takes to get there, is the same discipline it'll take to stay there. So never think it's for nothing, you're gearing yourself up to be blessed!! 

I really want you guys to check out the video because it's real good, and I believe it will bless and speak to some of you guys.

Love & Bless Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious
Peace

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Thank God it's Monday...wait What?!

Thank God it's Monday! Yes, you heard me right, lol. I up woke feeling some kind of ways (emotionally), and after my morning prayers asking God to move on my behalf, I took to social media and came across a tweet about Eric Thomas, aka The Hiphop Preacher. I'd never heard of him before today, but after watching his YouTube video, he got me pumped and motivated :)

Source

In the video he hit a nerve when he spoke of how people want and want change, but are "cruising" in life, are too complacent, or down right lazy to do anything to bring about the change they so desire. Most of us have been there, where we lack the motivation to kick us into gear. But trust me when I say, all you need to do is ask God for it and get to work. As I mentioned, I was feeling 'meh' about a few things and just sick & tired of being sick & tired. But God spoke through a stranger and I'm going to do what's in my power to do to bring about change. It will require you to actually DO the work, but God will open the doors, and what previously seemed like an uphill battle, will be a molehill in hindsight. Things are never really as bad as they seem. So do your part so God can do His.

What motivates and keeps us motivated is different for everyone. But if you'd like, give Eric Thomas a shot. Find him on social media under +etthehiphoppreacher. (He's the one I got TGIM from, cause why shouldn't we be grateful for a new day and a new week where God has the chance to show up, and show out)

Love & Bless Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious,
Peace

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How I got out of an abusive relationship

Hey ladies!

I just read a tweet from Ruby Wives™, they retweeted that "most problems don't require prayer. Problems require decisions." This reminded me of something that I meant to post earlier today. I felt the urge this morning to share a bit of my story and I really pray that it's God's urging as I don't talk about this ever.

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What sparked it was my dream last night and the picture you see to the right. I used to be in an abusive relationship and for years I prayed and prayed that things would get better. Being married I didn't want to become a statistic, and what I believed to be alcoholism was in the picture so I kept telling myself that when He doesn't drink things aren't that bad. If only He'll stop drinking... Well, what do you do when seemingly the answer to your problem and the key to your happiness is in someone else's hand? 

The truth is, it's never in somebody else's hands. It's always in your control, either through a change of thinking or through some much needed action. In my case I had to leave the relationship, not only to keep my sanity, but to spare my life. How you ask? By deciding that keeping up appearances didn't matter and realizing that it takes 2 for a relationship to work.

Domestic abuse should never be taken lightly and sometimes prayer alone (you should always pray about everything, good and bad) won't do it. In my case I learned that I can pray from a distance. I'm not advocating divorce at all (just to take the easy way out, cause there was nothing easy about my situation and if I'm talking to you, you know). You have to walk away if that's what your gut, your spirit is telling you to do. Coming from a Christian I might get a lot of slack for this but hearing similar testimonies/stories from other Christian ladies confirmed to me what I already knew. The spirit of discernment is HUGE. Pray about everything and ask God to show you clearly what your next step is. Then when He shows/tells you, don't ask Him again just because you didn't like the answer or are too afraid to act on what He told you. He'll carry you to your expected end.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jer 29:11 KJV)

My happy ending is that my ex realized that he had to do something about his problems (ladies, only God can "fix" him, we can never fix or will for a man to change, regardless of how much you love him) and God allowed me to marry my prince charming, my happily ever after :) A believer that God does bless marriages, and a member of the Happy Wives Club®, I'm grateful that I cared more about my life than what "church folks" would have to say about it. God's opinion of me is the only one that matters.

I hope this helped someone. 

Love & Bless Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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What's Your Purpose?

Hey guys!

I haven't been on here in ages. Keep putting it off and my spare time lately has been spent catching catnaps ever since I had my baby. Yup, had another little one 2 months ago :)

I started out this year as part of a 2014 blogger challenge. I was hoping that it would inspire me to blog on a more consistent basis. It worked for a while too until the topics just didn't fit or suite what I believe my core audience wants to read about. 

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I then said I was going to "journal" a meditation journey that I stumbled upon. I was hoping to be "more in touch" with myself and know precisely what it is I'm supposed to do with my life. Well, after about 2 sessions, I might have done 3, I came to the conclusion that it wasn't what I was hoping it would be and left it alone. 

There's nothing wrong in trying out different things in order to find out what works for you. Nothing to feel bad about or beat yourself up over. Simply leave it a lesson learned. At least we now know what doesn't work. Through process of elimination we're bound to find out what does eventually. 

I read that a similar approach is needed when trying to realize our purpose in life. It's easy enough to sit and think about what you think you'd love to do for the rest of your life, cause I know that's how I eliminated a number of options. But to truly realize your purpose, (notice I say 'realize' and not 'find'. It's not something that's lost out there, it's within you as it is a part of you) you need to DO. If you believe you're called to be an aerobics instructor, give it a try. It's the only way to confirm of refute it. You'll either love it and feel more fulfilled than ever, or you'll realize you prefer being part of the class as opposed to teaching it. 

I hope we all realize and live out our God given purpose. For those of you that are, know how blessed you are. For us still figuring it out, we're blessed to have to want it and that the opportunity is still there. It's never too late. 

Love & Bless Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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Find What You Want on the Other Side of Fear

Oh dear blog!! Why is finding a good, consistent posting schedule so challenging??? Do any of you other bloggers struggle with this? If you've found a method that works for you and enables you to post content on a regular basis, please do share. I sure could use the advise.

That aside, I've been hearing God telling me to be fearless lately. Particularly when it concerns how other people view me. For one reason or another, others opinion of me have limited me in terms of what I share and how transparent I am. I have a tendency to put up a facade that I've always got everything together. My reason for having reservations on being completely open is the fear of being judged. I know my life's a testimony of God's goodness, however where do I draw the line of privacy? There are things in my past that I'd much rather forget, but I don't want to be sitting on something that could possibly encourage somebody else. 

Something that's been made known to me is that my life (the struggles, the joys, the success) is not for me and my benefit alone. God's vision is so much bigger and to think it's all about me is simply being conceited (and not to mention narrow minded). 

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So here I sit, signs of spring finally appearing (which has me all smiles), wanting to take this, my life, my purpose, this blog, you name it, to the next level, and realizing I can't get there without digging deep. I'm not sure where this journey will take me, what I'll end up sharing, but I what I do know is that it's gotta get done. 

To start me off I've joined with Arianna Huffington's 21-day "On Becoming Fearless" meditation journey. For my siblings in Christ, know that this is not an incense burning, buddha stance type of thing. There are plenty of scriptures that encourage us to meditate; "I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways (Ps 119:15), "May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD." (Ps 104:34), to name a few. And hopefully God will allow this to be a positive starting point in this new season.

The journey starts tomorrow and I plan on blogging my way through it. Feel free to join me if you like :)

Thank you for all your love and support. 

As always, Love & Bless Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace.

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Life is Short... Eat Dessert First

Hello my beautiful readers! I hope everyone's well and enjoying some well deserved spring weather. Heaven knows I'm personally DONE with winter, lol. 

The one good thing that comes with winter (other than Christmas of course... oh, and my birthday) is comfort food. I LOVE food! I really do, and I'm fortunate to be able to eat to my hearts content. Never been on a diet, and never plan to :)

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More than food though, my weakness is dessert. Pastries, cakes, ice-cream, you name it, I'm eating it, lol. I probably sound like a gluttonous fat kid, lol; I'm not, promise. Just like the cherry on top of that yummy ice-cream sundae is the finishing touch, the best best part; dessert is my "pièce de résistance" of any meal. 

So referring back to my title, we have a mentality of saving the best for last. I'm not quite sure why that is. And although that strategy has its merits in certain aspects of life (and food may actually be one of them), it shouldn't be applied to everything. 

Nobody knows what tomorrow holds and what opportunities we'll be presented with or robbed of, so whatever that thing is that you've been putting of, waiting for the perfect time; quit procrastinating! There's no time like the present. 

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I further believe that there are opportunities that won't present themselves until we've exhausted our present resources. What you're holding off on, thinking it's you're trump card, may only be the tip of the iceberg in what life has to offer you.

In closing, the bible says that man should not live by bread (or cake) alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matt 4:4). Stand on this word, step out in faith and feast on what life has to offer. The world's your oyster darling, Bon Appétit!

Bless & Love Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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The Possibility of Dreams Coming True

Hey guys!!

Hope everyone's had a fabulous day. Here in Toronto it is freezing! We had 22 cm of snow fall down today and my poor hubby had the pleasure of shovelling our driveway. 

With 'cave in' weather like this, cozying up with a good book is the perfect remedy. And great books is the topic for this weeks 2014 blogger challenge.

My book recommendation to y'all also happens to be actor Will Smith's favorite book. The book in question is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho.

The book is about a boy from Spain who sets out on a journey to Egypt in pursuit of a dream. While following his dream he encounters a number of events, people, and challenges that all contribute to his personal growth and allow him to realize that his dream was right at home in Spain. It's however the journey and what he learns during this time that is
most profound. 


I love this book for all that it symbolizes, and it doesn't hurt that it's quite a quick read (the book isn't long at all). 

Why I recommend this book to everyone is simply for us to realize the value in pursuing our dreams. Fear of failure and any other excuse that we can come up with why not to chase our dreams is cheating ourselves out of life. 

We all owe it to ourselves to live life to the fullest and take any and every risk that that entails. You'll never know unless you try, and you never want to live with regrets. Just like the book showed me, it's not about the destination, it's all about the journey. 

So do yourself the favour, if you're looking for a good and quick read, pick up The Alchemist, you won't regret it :)

Bless & Love Y'all!

Stay Pretty  Precious, 
Peace

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He Will Do a NEW Thing in You!

Watch! I'm about to carry out something new! And now it's springing up - Don't you recognize it? I'm making a way in the wilderness and paths in the desert. (Isa 43: 19 ISV)

This scripture, or actually a song based on this scripture came to me the morning of Dec 28 while I was in the shower. It hit me so strong that actually began to cry. 

As part of the 2014 blogger challenge this post is about New Years inspiration. I'm hoping this word can encourage and inspire you as it did me. 

2013 has presented its fair amount of challenges I'm sure, but guess what? You're still here. You're still standing! I know I've been through wringer but through it all God's been faithful. 

Credit: Pinterest.com

For 2014 I'm looking forward to so much that I'm believing God for. I'm setting up goals, not ones that I can do in my own strength (and maybe therefore not S.M.A.R.T goals) but I don't care. I'll do my part and believe that God will do the rest. 

The lyrics to the song I sang this morning say "I will do a new thing in you, I will do a new thing in you. Whatever you ask for, whatever you pray for, it won't be denied, says the Lord." How amazing is that? It surely encouraged me to come before His throne boldly. Ask for something "difficult". Why not? When it comes to pass there's no denying that it was by His grace alone. 

It's a new year folks. Make it count :)

Love & Bless Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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Who Dictates Your Decisions?

Hey guys! How's your Wednesday going? All well I hope. Personally haven't done much today. One of those days I guess, feeling mellow. Did take some time out to meditate and pray and was reminded to include God in everything I say and do. 

Courtesy of Pinterest.com

So often we think and react on our feet based on how we feel at the time. Being quick on one's feet isn't always bad however at times a delayed, but calculated and God-inspired response is much more effective. 

As believers I think most of us know to include God in the big decisions that we have to make: house purchase, car purchase, potential spouse, etc. However we need to remember to include God in the smaller decisions and actions we take as well. It can make the world of a difference in terms of how you get to your desired end results.

So if you don't already, try and make it a point to pray every morning and commit everyone in your family to God and ask the Holy Spirit to remind you to include God in everything you do.

Bless & Love Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious,
Peace

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Keep your Dreams Alive

Good-morning everyone! Hope y'all are doing wonderful. We've got a new day with brand new opportunities before us. I sure hope you make the most of it, and as the say, seize the day :)

Courtesy of Pinterest.com

There's not one day that's ever wasteful, it may feel so at times, but everyday we have the opportunity to create, build, expand or further pursue our dreams. Everyone started somewhere so never despise small beginnings. It's your persistence and endurance that will pay off. 

Regardless of how things may appear, never give up on your faith. I've been guilty of feeling "defeated" and that x,y,z will never happen. But then something inside of me refuses to resonate with that reasoning. It will come to pass! Just like He said it would. So be of good cheer people and have a terrific Tuesday :)

Bless & Love Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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Trusting God

Courtesy of pinterest.com

This has been my testing-Tuesday. Honestly I have no choice but to trust God in everything. Got some challenging news today which I have to commit to God. Whenever something is too big, too hard or too confusing for us to comprehend or otherwise handle, we have to 2 choices: Either cry, stress, and be anxious about it, or trust God that He will work it out. 

The latter approach may seem passive aggressive or nonchalant, as if you can't be bothered. However there are those instances when we have to be still and know that He is God (Ps 46:10). It's not that you don't care, it's simply that you care too much to interfere with what God has planned. You know your own limitations and therefore surrender it all to God. 

As long as we're in this world, we're gonna get tested. We'll go through our ups and downs, but through it all, we can't give up on our Lord. Everything has a purpose, even if we don't realize it. So just stand stedfast. I know it's easier said than done, and at times I certainly feel that I've had my fare share of the less pleasant things life has to offer. But what choice do I have? Give up on life and the promises of God? I don't think so. So trusting God, I simply keep on going; and so should you :)

Today's Take Away Thought: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding" (Prov 3:5 NIV).

Bless & Love Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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Back In the Saddle

Hey there ladies!!

As you've noticed I haven't been around much lately and as much as I may have tried to justify it, God told me in a kind way that enough's enough, lol. I need to put my personal issues and feelings aside and get back down to business. So without further ado, I'm back! For real this time, lol. 

Thank you to those who've been checking out the blog while I was absent and I appreciate you all for not giving up on your girl. 

What I came to realize in my absence is that this blog is truly God's will and part of my purpose. I may not have a job, but a I have a duty, and I need to do my part so that God can do His. 

We know that faith is the substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1) and with that I know my future has great things in store. I can't afford to lay down, give up, be depressed over circumstances that God has allowed, cause for all I know, this all had to happen for me to get to my next chapter. 

Going through transitions in your life is not always easy, but it's a process. It's not a state of being, and therefore you have to walk it out in order to come out on the other side. Like any other process, you're changing from one state or condition to another and at times it will hurt. That's not to say that the outcome is a state of pain. 

God is too good and too gracious to let you (and me) suffer in vain. There's no such thing, as all things work together for our good (Rom 8:28). A word that came to me as I was writing a piece for a guest blog spot (more about that later) is that I can't give up on God for He hasn't given up on me. 

I never gave up on God, but I think part of me gave up on myself, and in ways that's giving up on God's plans for me. 

No matter the circumstance, you can never ever give up! You've come to far to turn back now. And if you've found yourself in a dormant state (like I did), pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back up in saddle and never look back :)

Today's Take Away Thought: Never stop believing in yourself and your God-given purpose, regardless of what the circumstances look like. 

Bless & Love y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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Life's A Journey - Finding My Way

I'm baaack... I know I've been gone for a while and I felt the need to take some time for me to just regroup and sort things out in my head. In the week that I've been gone I've actually lost my job, and though logic says I now have more time to blog, I just wasn't finding the interest (honesty for you). Not that I don't care about you my lovely readers, but it simply wasn't there.

I want to encourage and uplift you guys and at the time I needed that myself and didn't necessarily know, or didn't feel like putting on the "be positive" hat. This clearly goes against what I believe and have heard, that if we always did what we "feel" like doing, we won't do much at all. I know much in life requires discipline and the maturity to keep doing what you believe and know to be true and necessary even though you don't feel like it at the time. Consistency is everything. 

So I'm back now and I'll be blogging here as I continue my journey to figure out what exactly I'm supposed to do with myself. I always knew there was more to me than a 9-5, and no one truly "makes it" working a 9-5 alone. I just thought that my departure from the corporate world would be on my terms and not someone else's. 

Courtesy of livingoutsidethestacks.com

At the end of the day I know that God has a specific plan for each and everyone of us, and I proclaim that all things work together for my good. It's just an adjustment to be out of work when I've pretty much been working since I was 16. Due to certain circumstances I can't return to work for some time and so I'm left to figure out what to with myself and my time. 

Yes I have a one year old that I can now stay home with, but I've always known that I'm not a homemaker alone. Not to say there's anything wrong with the women who are. However those that are have and feel a sense of completion, that they are fulfilling their purpose staying at home and managing all its affairs. I on the other hand don't have that sense of fulfillment and know in my soul there is something more that I'm meant to do. Trying not to stress about though as I know in time all will be revealed. Trusting in His timing is all I can do :)

Bless & Love Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious,
Peace

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Your Path, Your Destination, Your Dreams, Your Life

Your path is unique to you. That's a reality we all have to come to grips with. It's so easy to wish that our journey mirrored someone else's, that we could have it as "easy" as they do. Truth be told, we don't really have a clue about how "easy" someone else has it. And even if we do, they are not you, and that's how God intended it. 

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Whatever your path looks like, don't be dismayed or discouraged about how things appear to be. You're too focused on the destination, allowing frustration to get to you and annoy you because all you want and see is the destination. (Just preached to myself)

What actually makes your life is the journey. That is where you'll see the goodness of God, His mercy and His grace. Don't despise it, the lessons you had to learn, the experiences you had to endure. Just know that it all works out for your good in the end. 

Being goal oriented and focused is not a bad thing. It's good to have a focal point, however not at the cost of you hating everything about the present. No one has all the answers as to why this is your path. All we know is that it is. And as they say, you've got to play with the cards you were dealt. Fair? Probably not. But there is no limit to where God can take you if you allow Him to be your true focal point. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matt 6:33)

Bless and Love Y'all!

Stay pretty & Precious,
Peace

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Trust & Believe

Most christians would say that they trust God and that they believe He has our best interest at heart. This is not only founded on the word of God but also through past experiences. I'm sure everyone can testify of a time when God came through for you in a bind. 

So why is it that when trouble strikes again we shake in our boots, or we begin to doubt, become worried?? It's funny (actually it's sad) that the same Lord we praised yesterday for answering prayer, is the same Lord we now doubt.

Courtesy of facebook.com

What is it about these struggles we face in life that we forget where we came from? Know how we hardly ever remember the past for what it was? Mediocre times are remembered as the time of our life. Horrible times are remembered as not so bad. After all, we made it through right.

Well I want to remind you that regardless of what you're currently facing, we still serve the same God. He never changes. We might, but He'll never. 

Build your faith back up and know that if He did once, He will do it again. God will not bring you to what He won't bring you through. You can and will overcome whatever mountain you currently have to climb. "... if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'move from here to there', and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." (Matt 17:20)

Bless and Love Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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A Leap of Faith

Trusting God that He will direct your path requires not only faith, but courage. Let me explain. Fear of the unknown is a very normal emotion because as humans, some sense of predictability is reassuring. That's why we schedule darn near everything. Watching an episode of "Parenthood' (really good show by the way), they even scheduled love making with a "funky town" calendar entry. We're so busy too that if we don't schedule everything we're afraid we might miss something.

All that said, going an entire day, let alone a month, a year, and not having any predictability is scary. That's why I say that putting all your trust in that God will, and already has directed your path requires courage.

It's one thing to have faith that it will be alright, but in the back of your mind you're racking your brain on how to fix x, y, z; how a, b, c, needs to get done in order for 1, 2, 3 to fall into place. It's nuts, and worse yet, it's a waste of time!

If God said it, He will do it. For some reason we feel the need to "help" God. Who are we to help?! Lol. He knows the best and most efficient way to bring about your destiny. He knows what road you need to go down so that you pick up 'this' skill or 'that' trait; so that you connect with 'that' person, bless 'this' person and are blessed by 'that' event. 

We're on a need-to-know basis. As time goes on and passes by, God will reveal exactly what you need to know, need to do, to make it to the next phase in your journey. "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase" ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not against planning, research, education and anything else you can do to prepare yourself and set yourself up. However we need to know that at the end of the day God has it all figured out, so when things don't pan out according to your 5-year plan, don't freak out. Be brave, cause faith will give you peace, and trust in Him will guide you through.

Bless and Love Y'all!

Stay Pretty & Precious, 
Peace

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