Confession #27 Jesus is the Reason for the Season

PMJ recently preached a sermon entitled "It's Not Your Birthday". I watch so many people stress about not having enough money to get gifts for others or get upset when they do not get what they want for Christmas. I used to find myself in that situation. Pouting because I didn't get what I really wanted or upset because I didn't have the money to get everyone something for Christmas. Now I find myself just thankful to even see Christmas.

This year, it's not gifts that I want. All I want is his presence to be with me and my loved ones. All I want is to reunite with my family and friends. For us to come together, love on one another, love on God, and celebrate the birth of Christ. Because had it not been for him, we would not be here today. And while Im still here, I will use every moment I can to worship him in his presence.

I pray that each of you have a safe, blessed, and favor filled holiday. And know that Jesus is reason for the Season!! Love you all and Merry Christmas!

Check out today's thirft pick, blazer and cream blouse.

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Confession #26 Celebrate Yourself!

A few days ago, I shared with someone close to me about the response I have been getting from my blog. I was expecting some kind of "I'm proud of you" or "Congratulations", and I got neither. Expectations will get you every time. The one person I seeked to please my whole my life is the one person that my expectations will always be greater than what they should be. See I believe God will heal our relationship and bring us closer together with a bond so strong that a "I love you" or "I'm proud of you" won't seem so strange and out the ordinary.

As I thought about what just happened after the conversation was over, I asked myself "Are you proud of you?" Looking back to where I started my year off in 2011 and the position im in now, I will not wait for the next person to pat me on my back. I am proud of me! I may not be where I want to be, but Im sure the heck far along from where I used to be. This year has been life changing for me. I'm able now to look past my failures and move forward while taking advatage of new opportunities God placed in my life. I'm able to look at the things that I go through, whether good or bad, in a greater light. No matter what happens, God has a plan that is being manifested. If I lose my job, God has a plan. If I lose my car, God has plan. If I lose my apartment, God has a plan. If I lose my sight, God has a plan. If I lose my boyfriend, God has a plan. If I lose my bestfiriend, God has a plan. If I lose my mother, God has a plan. For the race is not given to the swift nor to the strong, but to the one that endureth until the end. Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes EVERYTHING to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to HIS purpose for them.

And it just hit me while writing this post! Why am I living my life to get a "Job well done" from man? No matter who it is. Whether it's my mother, my father, my husband, or my boss. At the end of the day, God is my father and who I have to answer to for the work done here on earth. In everything I do, I will seek to please him and only him.

Conclusion, celebrate yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back. We all know that it's only because of God's grace that we made it. So celebrate yourself for making it this far and allow God to continue to direct  your path according to his will.

Check out today's thrift pick.

Hair by April; Wardrobe by Jamie

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Confession #25 The Power of Prayer

Prayer still works. Right when you are least expecting it and you think all your prayers are going unanswered, God will step in and show you that he is still God. A few months ago I was going through a very difficult time and was struggling with some major decisions. I prayed and I prayed and I prayed and I prayed, but it seemed as if God had my mic on mute. However, I kept praying. Eventually one door cracked opened and for me this seemed to be the perfect opportunity. I was so excited and told everyone the news before the door even fully opened. Guess what? That door closed.

So I said, ok Lord. Obviously that wasn't for me. So I kept on praying and praying and praying and praying. I was so eager to get out of my situation and became overly frustrated with God. What have I done to deserve this? Im trying my best to do right, shouldn't that account for anything? We as young people get so impatient, so lazy, and then walk around complaining like God owes us something. 

My pastor, PMJ, asked a question one day; What if God blessed you at the rate you blessed him? Wow. We willing to go spend hundreds on clothes and shoes and cars and jewelry, but not even willing to give him just 10%. We willing to go to the club and dance to Tony Montana, but come to his house (if that) and  sit as if you don't have the ability to move. We willing to go work a 8-5 Monday through Friday, but not willing to give him at least 2 hours for just 1 day a week.  We willing to take out time to read through posts on FB, call the gossip crew to be messy and blast someone else business, but not willing to go to God in prayer and blast your owns and ask for forgiveness of your sins. We willing to judge others efforts to a make a real change in their life but not willing to put ourselves in reflection to see what we need to change about ourselves. It's a shame that we are always looking for handouts from God but never willing to give back to God.

Later i found myself questioning, well am I praying for the right things? Is there something about my prayer life I need to change? What am I doing wrong? But one night, something woke me up out of my sleep and I immediately started praying. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. I knew that God was up to something and that is was working on my behalf. That night I prayed for just one door to open. The next day, before 12, three doors had opened. Later that day, 3 more doors had opened. I was in awe. Although neither of those doors I decided to walk through for what ever reason, Im grateful that he allowed me to experience his power. The mere fact that Im still here means God is not through with me yet

Young people, there is nothing too hard for God. I believe that  with all my heart and you should too. You can't expect something from God you are not willing to give back to him (Minister D. McClure). 

Check out today's thrift pick. Floral print shirt and belt rocked with some boyfriend cut jeans.

Hair by April, make-up by Jamie

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Confession #18 Sacred Heart

We have all heard the saying, anything worth having is worth waiting for. Being raised in a single parent home, I never had the perfect relationship or marriage to look up to in admiration; I lacked the love I wanted from my family. Although this may sound cliche, I looked for love in all the wrong places. I was desperate and wanted badly to be loved. I was naive to think that every guy I encountered saw the lack there of and would fill the gap with what was missing. I wanted so bad to be accepted, to be loved, and for it to work that I totally ignored every sign that was put forth that read every bit of "Liar, cheater, deciever, heartbreaker". In the process, my heart, my trust, and my aspirations for any successful relationship were ruined.

 Sooner than later, God did place a certain young man in my life. Everything looked good seemed good, but it was actually too good to be true. I allowed everything that I had been through to be a blessing blocker. My heart was saying make a faith move and love whole heartedly, but my mind was convincing me that he is no different than the rest. Here is a man that despite my flaws and my downfalls is willing to love me past the hurt and do whatever it takes to prove to me I can trust him wholeheartedly.

Young sisters, don't be so desperate to have a relationship that you accept the first thing and everything that comes running towards you with sweet nothings. Pray for discernment. Be Patient. Let God lead you. Follow your heart and not your mind. If God has your heart, you can't go wrong.

Heart: The center of total personality, especially with reference to intuition, feeling, or emotion: The center of emotion, especially as contrasted to the head as the center of the intellect. 

Below are a few pics of Sacred Heart Collections which is a new, trendy, and chic clothing line. They are known for styling stars such as Megan Good, Keri Hilson, Keisha Cole, the Braxtons, and many more. The blend of style, sexy, personality, and creativity makes this collection a must have. A friend of mine, Julie Causey (Wardrobe/Personal Stylist and Freelance Makeup Artist), is an Account Representive and works closely with the designer. Please contact her for more info regarding any of their pieces or visit their website.

Julie Causie
julie@sacredheartcollections.com


website www.sacredheartcollections.com
blog sacredheartcollections.blogspot.com

Here are some behind the scene pics of their recent runway show in L.A. from there most recent blog post. All of the ladies are gorgeous and the wardrobe is HotT!!!!

Photography by Kennedy DeSousa

Here are a few celebs they have styled....

Megan Good on the cover Black Woman..

Keyshia Cole rocking SHC silk chiffon "Nina" blouse on the set of her video Take Me Away

 

Model and Actress Eva Marcille with SHC designer..They are both stunning in this pic

Designer with Natalie Nunn from Bad Girls Club...

Teairra Mari spotted rocking SHC Carma Leo

Hope you enjoyed this post and that it be a blessing to someone. Again, please visit http://www.sacredheartcollections.com/ for more of the SHC!

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Confession #24 New Years Resolution

2012 is quickly approaching and this is normally the time everyone decides what their New Years resolution will be. When making those resolutions, consider the following things:

1.  What ever your vision for 2012 is, write it down and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2). My pastor, PMJ, has put up iBelieve posters around the front of the church where members are able to write what they are believing God for in the year 2012. This is only one of his many great ideas that I absolutely love. 
2. Know that the more you are believing God for, the more the enemy will do what he can to stop you. He will put something in your path to make you want to give up. So to defeat the enemy and make a liar out of him, you have to become more and rely on strength, wisdom, and power from God to keep pressing forward. If you want more,you have to become more.
3.  Be realistic.Some people be praying for stuff they know will never be theirs. Don't make the misstake of praying for something someone else has. You don't know what hell that person went through to get it. God knows what you are qualified for and he will never give you anything you can't handle (PMJ be on it!).
4. Don't let your past failures limit what you are believing God for. "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.' Romans 8:18
   If there is something you have been waiting on God for that has not yet come to past, keep PUSHING! People say the essence of stupidity is doing the same thing expecting different results. Well!   I'd rather you think Im stupid than me miss a blessing because of listening to simple minded people. "For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay." Habakkuk 2:3.
5. What ever your resolution is, stay focused! Do not procrasinate. Do not get distracted. Be like a horse with blinders on.

Check out today's thrift pick.

Hair by April; Make-up and Wardrobe by Jamie

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Confession #23 Shiny Things!

Ok. Not that I'm materialistic or anything, but I LOVE COLORFUL & SHINY THINGS! It gets me excited!

All I want for Christmas is.........

something shiny!!!

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Confession #22 Like an animal with spots...

My pastor, PMJ, asked a question a few sermons ago; Would you rather be the woman with the internal issue (Mark 5) or would you rather be like a leopard with spots? In plain terms, would you rather deal with your issues privately with God or would you rather the world to know about every battle you are struggling with?

I would rather be like the woman with the internal issue. It's not the world that can save me, so there is no need for the world to know what Im battling with. And it's crazy because you never know what the next person is going through. Im so glad and grateful I do not look like what I've been through nor what I'm going through right now.

SN while we are on the subject of issues. Be careful who you tell your business to because the wrong person may try to use it against you. Especially family. Why? Because they are the closest to you and know your past and probably know what you are going through. So they know the past you and have their predictions of the future you. It is so hard for people to believe that God, our Father, Abba, can come in to our life and change it completely.

I'm a witness that he can. Don't judge my praise until you know the story behind it.

Check out the latest thrift find. Scroll below to see how she rocks this tiger print jacket.

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Confession #21 This Joy that I have...

It's funny how the people who know the least about you, go out their way to judge you. It's also funny how the people that know the most about you, go out their way to remind you of who you USED to be. In either case, God is the creator and ruler over all things. It is he that I will face on judgement day. The bible says, In the beginning GOD created heaven and earth. Not your haters, not your pastor, not your boss, and not your family, but GOD.

There isn't anything FOLK can do to stop what GOD has planned for you. Don't believe me? Read about the Isralites and how Moab wanted them cursed in Numbers. Great story!

When you walk, let your light shine! Don't allow others opinions of you overshadow what God has called you to be.

Meet Hannah Montanna! No, for real, its just Hannah. Her spirit is so contagious and I love her! You can never tell what she is going through because she is literally always smiling and I love it!

Scroll below to see how she rocks this FABULOUS thrift pick! She looks absolutely amazing!!!

Hair by April, Make up by Jamie

Yes! Its Ball time! Let the thrift store be a stop when shopping for ball gowns because you never know what you will find!

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Confession #20 Celebration of Life

Life is never something that should be taken for granted. So many young people are losing their lives, but for some, we are alive but resemble a dead man walking. We live our lives in sin and not feeling any remorse for it and wonder why our life is the way that it is. We get so caught up in worldly things and what the world has to offer, that we loose sight of who we are, our true purpose in life and who the real provider is.

God only wants the best for us. He wants to see us succeed. He wants to see us happy. He wants to see us prosper.

John 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

But if you dont want better for yourself or do the work to get better, why would God bless you with better?

Matthew 25:23

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

I don't know about you, but Im enjoying every bit of life that God has blessed me with. The good and the bad, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, til death do us part. I will praise him for the small things for I know and believe the best is yet to come!

Happy 27th birthday Chinara! I pray that God continues to bless you more abundantly and that this new year of life is filled with nothing but God's favor!

Check out how she rocks her thrift picks for her birthday!

Hair by Vashia; Make-up and wardrobe by Jamie

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Confession #19 Makeup Madness

Make up is suppose to be fun, bring out your creativity, and be only a highlight to your natural beauty. It doesn't take putting on five million colors on your eye, on top of 5 layers of foundation on top of hot red blush, on top of bright lipstick to make you beautiful. Love and appreciate how you were naturally created and allow others to do the same.

Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well

But for those days you just want to look flawless, a make line I recommend is BH Cosmetics. Their products are simply awesome and at an even better cost! Check out their website http://www.bhcosmetics.com/

Here is what I have in my personal collection:

120 Color Palette 3rd Addition

26 Shadow Blush Combo Palette

 

10 Color Concealer Palette

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