Thought Of The Day

Hope you are enjoying your day.  If you are not, remember to believe in God first and the person he created you to be....have faith and BE BRAVE!

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You Versus You? - Guest Post by Shanda Neighbors

What motivates you?  No, I mean what really motivates you? I've been asking myself this question in an effort to make sure my actions are pure. I hate the idea of doing, or not doing anything based on something or someone else. To me, that's control, and I'm not in habit of handing control of my decisions over to others. Go ahead, call me a control freak. I'm OK with the label.
I'm not saying that I don't appreciate good advice, or sound counsel. I do. I just try not to live in the bondage of another person's expectation, or action. I'm free. The hallmark of freedom is a pure choice. It doesn't have to be the right choice, just an honest one. For the most part I have been able to practice this. I try to choose the things I HONESTLY want, not what others want for me, or what others are doing. My motivation comes from me. I'm not trying to be like anyone else, and I'm not in competition with anyone but me. It's me
verses me. That's the way it should be....or so I thought.




I just read a verse in the Bible "but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2 Corinthians 10:12.
That verse shifted my focus back to the fact that it's not always "me versus me." There is a MUCH standard higher than my own. God's. Turns out He and I are often divorced in our views. When it comes right down to it, I can never do what He does, or did, but I'm supposed to be more like Him. That means that my actions though performed by me, should look more like Him/His. Not easy, considering He said things like "love your enemies, and do good to them that hate you." Lots of things come to mind when I think of an enemy, but I assure you "love" isn't high on the list! I've got a long way to go before 
I can get excited about doing "good to those who hate me."

Anyhow, all that to say that I'm trying ever so hard to take a backseat in my life, to get out of my way and over myself. I still conform to my "you versus you" mantra in certain areas where it naturally applies like finances, fitness,etc. It' not an all together bad idea, and I truly don't need to impress or satisfy anyone outside of myself. I'm just trying to keep in mind that there is more to this equation than me. While it may feel good, and even right to say, "I'm going to do the best I can" if I'm honest I'll say, "God do the best YOU can with me." It's a surrender to a standard higher than my own, which also happens to be the "best" for me.

Cherio!

One Craft A Day Keeps Boredom Away

Hello lovelies!

I"ve been working on some new prints for my etsy shop.  I love these two if I must say so myself.  What do you think?

Power Print

Jesus Print

Cherio!

Inspiration For The Day

This Print now available on Etsy .

Cherio!

A Hot Minute

Sooooooo, it's been a hot minute since I last blogged.  Truth be told, I needed a break.  Time out.  

To Pause

 Rewind.........

and here I am again.

Refreshed

Invigorated and ready to go!

Again.

To be perfectly honest, it was good for me to step away from everything for a while.  If you need time out.

Take it.  


Life for me in the last year has been a world wind.

Ups

downs

turn-a-rounds

relocation

separation

divorce

and all that goes with it.

Important, life changing stuff.  And so with that being said, I move on.  Happy in the knowledge that I emerged like a butterfly from a cocoon.  Beautifully and wonderfully molded from the intensity of the struggle.

Wiser

Stronger

Determined

But most of all,

Winning!

Break Every Chain - Tasha Cobbs

This song is ministering to me right now.  I hope it encourages your spirit as well.  There is nothing too hard for God!

Cherio!

From Strength To Strength

Last year was a year that came wrapped in challenges and surprises.  Some of them good and some of them I wish I could forget.  Along the way though, I have grown stronger, wiser and that much more grateful, especially for the little things. Little things like watching the sunrise or watching a movie with my dad and son.  In actuality, these are not little things at all but the real substance of life and our most cherished memories.

My Dad (left) and Brother

 When My father fell gravely ill the latter part of 2013 I finally understood how precious and fragile our lives really are.  We are all here but by the grace of God.  My dad is doing better now but I am forever changed by his near death experiences and stories.  I am convinced that there are lessons to be learned in everything, even in the painful moments that are hard to get through.  It is because of those moments that we can appreciate happy moments and joyous occasions.  This year I will savor the good times,.... and when bad times come I will take away whatever I can learn from it.

Happy 2014 lovelies and all the best for the new year!

Cherio

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

There is only one word that describes last week.  Unpredictable.

When my father suddenly became critically ill, I found myself thrown into a world wind of activity and life and death decisions.  Everything was coming at me at warp speed. In the midst of this, my bestie, Pauline who was trying to reach me unsuccessfully by phone sent me a beautiful package in the mail.  (she lives in Florida and I in Atl)

The angel is inscribed "Be strong and courageous for the Lord

 your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:4

Amidst all the caios this wonderful package arrived with the most fragrant exotic tees and lovely thoughtful gifts. (most of it not pictured here)  It really touched my heart especially considering what was going on in my life at this time.  A lovely reminder that someone was thinking of me.  Ride or die does not come close to describing this amazing woman. Thank you so much my friend and thank you to everyone else who called or prayed.  God bless you all.

Cherio!

Angels Surround Us - Guest Post

Lately, my prayers have really been answered.  I've seen miracle after miracle, and I feel my faith increasing to the point where I pray for things I never would have prayed for before.
Today, I was standing in line at the Dollar Store.  There are so many people here who have fallen on hard times...so many unemployed.  The Dollar Store is a very busy place now, and there are lots of sad faces.  
As my things were being rung up, I looked at the customer being rung up in the next lane.  Her face was sad and drawn and looked gray - like she was sick.  She looked defeated and heavy with grief.  I did something I've never done before.  I asked my angels to wrap the stranger in love and lift her up, to hug her and kiss her and make her feel delightfully happy and as light as a feather.  I asked them to fill her with joy and make her laugh.  I also asked them to heal her of whatever was making her look so gray.  I imagined the angels surrounding her.
Right before my eyes, the corners of her mouth started to lift!!  I quickly looked away so she wouldn't see me looking at her, and then I heard laughter!  LOUD laughter!  I looked, and it was her!  She was positively beaming, and she said to the cashier "do you know what I'm going to do?  I am going to go out to eat!!"  She then practically skipped out of the store.  As she passed me, I saw her skin was healthy and pink.  I watched her drive away, beaming with joy, and I prayed that her angels would keep her wrapped in love and fill her with faith that everything will be alright.
My grandmother told me that every one of us has a whole host of angels from heaven surrounding us, and they will do what we ask.  I believe it is literally true!

By: fffarmergirl@gmail.com 

Cherio

Happiness Is A Choice

A few days ago a very dear friend of mine called me and we had a great time laughing and catching up as we always do.  One would never guess by listening to the cheerful banter that my friend just a few weeks earlier had lost her sister to cancer.  After our conversation it hit me.  Even the day after her sister passed she was still focusing on the positive, choosing to remember the happy times.  Choosing to stay positive.  My friend has always been this way, she is like a ray of sunshine.  Her smile and attitude  is infectious.....it is one of the qualities about her that I admire most.

Happiness is a choice.  My friend Pauline is a great example of that.  We can crumble under the pressures of life and walk around depressed and anxious or we can choose to not let ANYTHING beat us down.

I remember when my sister-in-law lost her 16 year old son in a tragic accident.  When the police delivered the news of her son's death, even though she in was extreme emotional pain, she prayed that God would give her the strength to not let this cause her to be bitter but that somehow something good will come out of her tragedy.  I was there and it was one of the most powerful things I have ever witnessed.  At the funeral she got up and spoke to other young people encouraging them to listen to their parents. She let them know that their life is precious and to live it well.  Today my sister in law is one of the most jovial persons I know.  She is choosing to be happy.

There will aways be something to worry about.  Somebody to tick you off.  Debbie downers to bring your spirits wayyyyyyyyy down.  But, we can choose to focus on the things that make us happy.  We can dwell on the things that makes us grateful to be alive. 
 I think this scripture best sums it up:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 I say AMEN to that! Cherio!

Everything Has A Place

If there is a poster child for stubborn, yours truly would definitely be it.  Am a big girl now so I can finally admit that.  When I dig my heels in, it is over......like no use talking to me anymore, forget about it over.

Well, now that I am in business for myself, I can truly say that being stubborn is a good trait.  Sometimes.   Case in point.  About 10 years ago received an idea that I know for sure was God given for a business.  I have worked on it since then but never felt in my heart/gut that I was ready to launch it until two weeks ago.  In this case my stubbornness paid of.  Now, I can see the level of maturity in my work compared to where I was years ago.  All of the struggle and pain I endured to get to this point has made me a better designer, a better person.  I am more determined and focused than I have ever been.  Ever.

It is so ironic that the catalyst for all of this great introspection and change came from something bad. Well it did.  I have been going through a health battle for almost a year now and it got to the point where I wondered if I would even be here to accomplish any of my dreams.  That was a really low point for me. Fast forward to 2013, to my healthy diet plan, fitness, prayer and other positive changes I made in my life.....changes that made all the difference.   I am feeling better, much better.  I had dug my heels in again and vowed that with Gods help I would get well and do Everything that he called me to do.  This is a promise I plan to keep.  I will keep you posted as I start my journey in the Christian fashion world.  I am sure there will be many challenges along the way but I know that I am not alone. I have the support of so many beautiful people, friends, family, and of course my faith in God and his plan for my life.  The word of God inspires me every day.

              This scripture especially has encouraged me through it all... 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Hmmmmm, maybe I am not stubborn at all.  Maybe, I am just steadfast.  Ha ha, o-k-a-y, but steadfast does sound a whole lot better.

Cherio!

The Challenge - Guest Post by Shanda Neighbors

Yesterday I did NOT want to go to church, which is precisely why I went. I've found that on the days I don't feel like going, it does me the most good to go. I was not wrong. The message was interesting. I haven't been able to get it out of my head. It was about the power of complaining. We were challenged to go one month-no complaints! I have to admit my first thought was, "this is no challenge for me." I tend to be more internal with my junk, so the whining/complaining thing didn't phase me, well not until later. I got to thinking more about it and realized, I'm more of a baby than I acknowledge. Maybe I don't whine, but I do critique, correct and....ahem...nag. Apparently my family knows it well. Too well. The hubby and kiddo were smiling, giggling and throwing knowing glances my way. After NOT much thought, I concluded that they were absolutely right. 

I'm going to do this. Challenge on! In the month when we celebrate being grateful, this seems a fitting undertaking. The preacher's point: "it's hard be thankful one day of the year, when you spend the whole year complaining." He wasn't talking solely about imposing self control on the tongue. He was encouraging a change of focus. It was a call to turn from self, and all the ways I'm offended (not getting my way) to the only one great enough to put me in my place, God. Yesterday I barely made it out of church before I noticed that I was doing it again, complaining.  Hmmm... one month huh? This is gonna be a long, rough one.

Song of The Week - Sanctus Real, Lead Me

This song is simply awesome.  Take a listen and you will agree with me.  I love the video for this as well.....enjoy.

Cherio!

Growing Pains.....bah humbug!

If I had to describe this week in one word, that word would be

C-R-A-Z-Y

Crazy schedule.  Crazy emotional.  Crazy exciting.  Crazy tiring.

Now I am totally exhausted, like lay on the couch eating cheetos tired.

With all of the stuff happening around me though, I was forced to do something I had done only in part before.  That would be, surrender all to GOD.  I mean everything, and leave it!  As you know, if you are a believer, this is easier said than done.  There is a part deep inside of all of us that want to fix things, situations and even people....for some of us especially people.

As I grow and mature spiritually, I am realizing that I do NOT have to figure everything out myself.  I don't even have to understand it when bad/painful things happen to me.  I just have to believe and trust that GOD will work it out and that he knows what is best for me.

And so, for all of you chronic fixers and problem solvers, let go and let God.  Honestly, there is no better way to live.

Cherio!

Easter Inspired - Craft Of The Week

Happy Easter everyone!  Hope you are enjoying your weekend and celebrating what it is all about.  This is such a special time, especially for believers. As a believer myself I am always looking for a way to use my creativity to showcase my faith.  And so, I did just that.  Here are a few digital collages I put together in commemoration of Easter.

Blessings to you all!

Cherio!

Joy To The World!

Christmas is by far my favorite holiday.  There is a wonder, grace and beauty about this season more than any other.......and there is a joy that is  truly as undeniable as it is infectious.    

One of my absolute favorite things about Christmas though, is the nativity scenes and vintage paintings depicting the birth of Christ. Although these are steadily being replaced by more commercialized or "politically correct art", this is what warms my heart and makes me feel like it's Christ-mas.  

So without further ado, here are some of the paintings and nativity scenes I am in love with at the moment, enjoy!

 

Cherio!

Be Still My Soul

I have always loved this song, it has never failed to touch my heart and bring healing to me emotionally, even if it's just a good cry.  Today was no exception.  I got some really bad news about my dad and it was so hard to process, I was floored.  My dad is in the hospital due to a sudden illness and we, his loved ones are just waiting to see if he pulls through.  For those of you who have been there, you know how torturous the waiting is.  Unbearable.  As I sat there praying though, I heard this song in my spirit, then I started to sing it. 

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end...

As I sang it, I began to feel encouraged.  I am not alone, God is with me, my family and my dad.  Be still my soul. Be still.  

Love Conquers All

I LOVE JESUS.  I say this with pride during this Easter season because I want to be the kind of Christian who is not spiritually "in the closet".  Jesus died for me, the least I can do is serve and acknowledge him openly.  


To my bothers and sisters from other faiths and beliefs, welcome, know that I love you too.  We are all equal in God's eyes.  He created us all.  He loves us all.  


L O V E  is what the Easter season is all about.  Jesus laid his life down because he loved us. 


Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.  John 15:13 

No higher expression of love could be given or experienced. Life is is our most valuable possession; and when someone is willing to lay that down for their friends or their country, it is the ultimate sacrifice. 


I encourage you to remember the real reason we celebrate this season.   Enjoy the candy if you want but know that the death and resurrection of Christ was absolutely Easter bunny and Easter egg free.  Angels.....but no bunnies. 


Many blessings on you and your family during this holy season.  Have a happy EASTER!.

Enter The Dragon......fly

If I had to choose a creature that I feel most connected to, it would be the dragonfly. I don't exactly recall how it all started but for as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with them.  As time passed, I started noticing very peculiar behavior and occurrences involving my little friends.  I'll explain.  Generally I am a pretty happy person but occasionally I have bad days just like everyone else. On those days, I kid you not, the dragonflies would show up in abundance.  The strange thing is, they would appear on my door step, fly into my home or quite a few of them would just hang out in my yard.  Never the neighbor's, just me.

flickr

Wild Delaware

There are two incredible incidences involving dragonflies that I will  never forget.  Three years ago I had had a very beloved family member pass away and naturally, I was heart broken and really sad.  The day after the funeral, I went outside to walk my dog and I was in shock at what I saw.  There were huge colorful dragonflies everywhere, my dog was so confused, he couldn't figure out which one to chase.  There were hundreds of them and they were flying all around me.  I am sure this will probably be the first and only time I experience something like this.  The other incidence was eight years ago when I was going through a very hard time financially.  It was so stressful that I had headaches almost daily. I am a praying person so I clung to my faith and belief that God would help me get through it all.  One day I began to hear a insistent buzzing sound coming from my bedroom.  I went to check it out but on further inspection discovered that the noise was coming from inside my jewelry box.  Since the box has a lock on it I was a little perplexed as to what could be in the box making a sound like that.  I figured it had to be a phone or something mechanical?  Well, eventually curiousity overcame fear and I opened the box slowly............ and I literally almost passed out.  Inside the box was a huge blue -green iridescent dragonfly.  Time froze, I  stood there in total shock for quite a while.  Finally when I had collected myself a little, I asked my son to release him back into nature.  To this day I think about that.

Dragonfly Symbolism

Pacific Weddings

On my covet list.

I often joke about my heritage because its so varied and rich.  I am Bahamian (from the Bahamas), Jamaican, African and Native American.  Above all though I am a child of God.  I honestly believe that if God knows how many hairs are on my head surely he knows am crazy about dragonflies.  Perhaps its just his way of doing something that he knows will speak to who I am as a person. Something just for me.  So, every time I see a dragonfly its like a little message from God.  The message is always the same, "You are special and loved!"

Rosenberry Rooms

I love this pillow!

Fashion Conscience

How gorgeous is this bracelet!! Lol, Its on my husband's "honey do" list.

Sew Grown

Luv!!!!