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!

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!

From Lamb To Lion

This is a true story as recounted to me by my mom.  It really demonstrates that true courage is present in all creatures........even a lamb.

Last week on a whim, my mom purchased a lamb.  Not rack of lamb, but a real live, cute cuddly woolly lamb.  My mom named her Julia.  Reason for buying Julia?  Well.  Let's just say that Julia may  have been destined for babacue sauce at some point.  More on this later....

Anyway, Julia somehow escaped her enclosure and was reaping havoc on a near by vegetable garden.  The little lamb was out of control. 

And having a ball.  

Well, my mom eventually got a few men to corral the lamb so she could return her to her enclosure but alas, miss Julia wasn't having it.   She sidestepped the men and off she went.  Well after this happened repeatedly, the big gun was called to the site.  Enter Grover.  My aunt's Verna's mammoth size dog. 

With the command "sic em Grover", he was off. He charged full speed at Julia but Julia had a surprise for him.  She held her ground and then suddenly charged full speed at him!  Grover promptly did an 180, tucked his tail and ran as if his life depended on it with Julia hot on his heels.  It didn't help that he was howling as he ran.  Poor grover.  He jumped straight unto my aunts lap.  Only then did Julia stop chasing him.  

Needless to say, Grover has permanently ruined his macho reputation and Julia....well she will not be on anyones plate any time soon.  Lol, this lamb is a soldier.  I made a deal with mom deal to buy her freedom.  Long live Julia!

Cherio

It's All About Me

I used to think that to focus on oneself was selfish, arrogant.....egotistical.  That to do so was a not so slow march towards narcissism.  Eventually. 

It took a long for me to get here, but  I no longer think this way.

You see, I have a natural affinity to care for others, some may even call it a gift or talent.  Whatever it is, at the very least it is a nurturing spirit.  I want to heal the broken, take away what is hurting, and above all, help in whatever way I can. Sometimes I can, and sometimes unfortunately I cannot....but man do I try!  Somewhere in the middle of this though, I've learned to put my own emotional well being on the back burner.  Sure, I took care of everything else over the years, work, family etc., except this one area.  

Why?  Because I believed to do otherwise would be selfish.

 I was wrong.

Truth is, even a gift can be like a curse if not managed properly.  

Case in point. For as long as I can remember, anyone with a problem seemed to be drawn to me like a moth to a flame.  And when I say anyone, I do mean that.  It is not unusual at all for me to meet a complete stranger and have them pour out their life to me in a grocery line.  No kidding.  The point is, I love to help hurting people and they love me right back.  Unfortunately as with any thing that is wounded, one must exercise caution. The same is true.  Hurt people, hurt people.


Over the past year I have learned a lot about myself.  I know that we are all instinctually what God created us to be.  I know that I will always be a nurturer at heart but there has to be some changes in my life. After all, if I am upset, frustrated and sad, what help am I to anyone else?  For this reason, it is indeed all about me! 

 I choose to focus on being the positive glass half full gal that I am and take time to nurture myself and the things that are dear to me.  Only then will I be able to give anything back....that is worthwhile.  

Cherio!

Keep Calm And Carry On....Within Reason

Lately, I have really been struggling to keep it all together.   I am sure you can identify.   There is work, home, family life, friendships, studying and maintaining my faith, my sweet little blog and projects for my fashion line...it never stops.  

And I keep going.  

And going.

Part of me wants to just stop and BREATHE for a while. So I do sometimes.  

The old me would have never EVER taken a break but I have learned the hard way that there is no healthy substitute for a good night's rest if you are tired.

What is more important than your health?  A dear friend once said to me “It is kinda hard to achieve your dream when you are six feet under or lying on a hospital bed”.  It was a very sobering thought, one I never forgot.

Today just like any other day, my to do list is very long. I have made up my mind though that I will get it all done within reason.  If one or two things are left for tomorrow, so be it. Today, I will stay calm, carry on and just enjoy being ALIVE. 

Cherio!

Thought For Today

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!

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.