Introduction

Two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, the world received a very important gift. That's when Jesus came to earth to walk among us and save us from our sins. And that's what we celebrate every Christmas. For centuries, Christians have anticipated Christmas Day with a month-long observance called Advent.

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus and means "coming." The main event is the coming, or birth, of Jesus our Savior. As the saints of old anticipated the coming of Christ with great expectation, we, too, eagerly await His return.

The four weeks of Advent, beginning the Sunday nearest November through midnight Christmas Eve, represent the four great "comings" of Christ. The first is His coming of in the flesh, His birth, which we celebrate on Christmas Day. The second is His coming into the hearts of all who believe in Him. The third is His coming at the hour of death to the faithful, and the fourth is His coming at the final judgement. To symbolize this progression, Christians use Advent wreaths and candles.

Advent wreathes are designed using evergreen branches forming a never ending circle. The circle and the evergreen branches both symbolize the promise of eternal life through Christ. Four candles (three purple and one pink) are placed on the wreath, representing the four Sundays of Advent. Three purple candles represent the coming of Christ from the royal line of David. He is coming as the King of Kings. The pink candle is to remind us of the incredible joy that awaits us with arrival of the Christ child. A fifth candle, generally white and placed in the center of the wreath, is the Christ candle and is lit on Christmas Eve in honor of His birth. It represents that Jesus is the light of the World.

Advent is so much more than a holiday or a tradition of remembrance of memorial; it is a time of spiritual cleansing and growth in Christ. Since the early saints, it has been a time of penitence and fasting, a time of reflection and seeking the Lord. But in current time--in the hustle and bustle of school and church activities, shopping, baking, parties, and wrapping-- we tend to lose sight of why we what we do at Christmastime.

I hope that these posts in the coming days will bring you back to the a traditional way of worshiping God and celebrating the birth of His Son at Christmas. I hope that in observing these traditions your family will draw closer together and create wonderful new memories and lasting traditions to enjoy year after year. Most of all, I pray that this journey brings you deeper, more meaningful communion with our Lord Jesus, the One who came to save us all.

We begin this journey together on December 2nd starting with the purple at the back left, the candle of Hope.

MIA

Sometimes God’s Will is Finding True Love with God

The Best Friend

We have been friends since my second day on the job. She has been one of my best friends since the first time Chris walked through the door of my work. Why? Her firsts words when she saw him? “I’m having sex just by looking at him—Oh my God that’s your boyfriend?!?!” I have shared many laughs with her ever since.

But she isn’t laughs once she goes home. At first I just noticed the change in her when we would go to the mall or hang out with Hannah. Then the first time she stayed with me I realized that Mary Ann wasn’t just right. I love her like a sister. She knows I’m writing this I got permission.

Her Past

She has traveled the world like I have. We have been to some of the same exotic places, and then are some places we have been to that the other one hasn’t.  It became clear to me that she felt that her parents were against her. They shoved her in a private boarding school for girls and then during the summer let her vacation wherever she wanted as long as she could find someone to go with her. I noticed that there was distained in her voice especially when talking about her father.

She finally confessed that she hated how she was living. She knew that witchcraft bull wasn’t for her. She also confessed that she has seen at least different psychiatrists. Then everything started following into place. She always has huge bangles on her wrists or sports cuffs.

Help

I invited her to church because I wanted her to see me to shock my pastor. He leads the college group. His favorite Disney movie is Mulan and his favorite scene is where she has the climb the pole with the weights. He wanted us to climb the flag pole that didn’t have flag on it yet. I smiled because I wasn’t going to shock him the first week. Now there several guys that tried and he was giving us several weeks to prep to try. I finally stood up that night and told MIA (her nickname) my pastor blanched at me. I got a good grip and swung myself up and climb it almost effortlessly.  MIA was laughing.

No one was expecting innocent me to climb the pole that so many jocks and other guys had tried to climb. I did it in less than a minute. MIA was the first one to hug me when I came down. My pastor asked how I did that. I told him honestly and straight forth; I can pole dance. I do it for fitness and strength. He nodded. He didn’t even flinch. MIA was taken aback by how accepting he was of everything.

She started going to church even when I wasn’t there. She stopped smoking right after her birthday party. As for the drinking, we cleaned out her liquor cabinet and stocked it with wine. However, as much as I am around her I do have my own life. Her depression rises and the self-mutilation still happens. She is loud and crazy is social events. Home and quiet places she gets antsy. However….

Him

I have wrote about him before on blog. If you go to my Crohn's Awareness posts that’s where you will find him. Frankie is my boyfriend twin/triplet brother. They are identical (when Frankie shaves his beard.) He has suffered from Crohn's for six years now.

As far as his disease goes he has an amazing strength about him. Sure he doubts sometimes about finding the strength to go on. Many people can't put themselves in that situation of knowing that you will never be cured for the sickness that you have. Many of think well I'll go to the medical center and get a prescription antibiotic and bam cured. His isn't like that all. Doctor's don't even claim to have a cure for Crohn's. Frankie is literally in the top 25 worst cases in the world. Not the US, the world is where his name sits on that list. He has to be extremely careful with what he eats, what he does, and what even thinks about. Stress is the worst enemy for him.

Them

A crazy thought occurred to me about three weeks ago. Frankie was very upset about a friend of his and we had 3 tickets to see Breaking Dawn Part: 2 so I suggested he go with me and Mary Ann. They got to know each other a little bit better than they already did. Then the lovely night that I ran to think they talked together.

After that night while I was watching them. I seen a happiness in his eyes and hope in hers. He was grinning from ear to ear and she was blushing, something neither of them do. The next day at work I told her to take him either out to lunch or take him lunch because I didn't know if he was feeling out for the public. He wasn't in great health that day. She took him to Chikfila.

Then they spent that night in Chris' living room getting to know each other. He played her and entire concert and they made ornaments together. They were hilarious. He couldn't stop grinning and she couldn't stop blushing and giggling. They couldn't stay away from each over the weekend. The boys and I went to Tuscaloosa for Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the Iron Bowl game. She joined us in Tuscaloosa on Thanksgiving night to go shopping. Which was extra funny because she dared Frankie to buy her a pair of underwear in exchange for her paying for lunch. Oh and he did. A nice pair of black lacy cheekies.

They are still enjoying time together and they are taking things slow which I totally approve. However, I do love watching them gush about each other. They are waiting with baited breath for this weekend. Tomorrow he has a special date for her.and this weekend we are all going ice skating.

Movember

November ends in two days which means that the month that both Halo and Call of Duty came out is coming to end. That was only part of what many men were consumed about during this month. There was a good many concerned with something else which brings a smile to my face.

If you have noticed men a lot hairy this month don’t be concerned. In two days most will be cleaned shaven again. The reason for this is not because they have been so involved with video games, but to raise raise awareness of prostate cancer and other male cancer and associated charities

The US branch of "Mo Bros" (nice term huh?) have their own website even. Movember is the place where you go to register that you are "changing the face of men's health." I'm all about shedding light on more awareness besides women with breast cancer. Men struggle with cancer just like women do and often they go unnoticed.

Chris explained that a lot of guys don't want the humiliation that there is something wrong with them. The thing is they are still suffering. Chris was unable to participate in Movember this year being that he had a Navy conference this month. But this is a movement that is close to his heart because he suffered from cancer himself. He is in year 5 of remission. He is an adjunct to the Navy. He gets ranked and everything but he has his long hair. 

At first when Chris and I started talking and dating I didn't understand his obsession with his hair. I then found out he had cancer before he met me. He said women can wear wigs and people may never notice but men have it worse because when you have no eyebrows, no hair, and you can't wear fake eyelashes you stand out. My heart went out to him. I have learned to love and cherish is long hair since then.

I do have a friend Scott who is registered for Movember. He is dedicating all the money he would have spent on razor, shaving gel, and after shave to the charity. It's inspiring to see so many men come together to support one another. 

Another participate I know is my own pastor. He is a very young pastor. He warned everyone that he would be competing with a few of the college students (yep our class dared and challenged him.) So, we have a very hairy pastor at the moment. It's interesting to see how many guys do this. So women get your men on bored and men next year go hairy!

S. U. R....

I assure you that I am going to get all the posts done today but now:

Your Beliefs
Are you religious? If so, what's your religion?
I am, & I'm a christian.

Is it the same as your parents?
It is

Do you believe in heaven & hell?
i do believe in heaven & hell.

How do you feel about gay rights?
I don't agree with it. If the Bible states it's wrong then why allow it? It's like saying murder is ok. Life isn't about happiness it's about doing God's will.

Liberal or conservative?
Conservative

How do you feel about polygamy?
I don't agree with it what so ever.

Are you spiritual or religious or scientific?
I'm a mixture between religious and spiritual and scientific. If the scientist think the Big Bang theory happened who is to say it didn't, because God may have very well have let that happen.

Your personality :)
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Kind, Determined, and Soft

What do people usually think about you on first impression?
People think I'm quiet and naive

What is a really really good trait of yours?
That I determined about things.

What's something you need to work on?
I need to work on not taking things so seriously, I think.

Do you laugh a lot? Yes

Do you make people laugh a lot?
I seem to, yes.

Where are you happiest at?
My house, With my family, my friends & at church.

Who are you happiest with?
my family, my friends & church family.

What is the greatest thing you have ever experienced?
Unconditional love and acceptance

What is your philosophy on life?
Live it God's way and life really can be a fairy tale

What irritates the absolute CRAP out of you?
People who feel like they own others, people who think they deserve credit for everything, women who don't work, and

What is your biggest "7 Deadly Sin"?
Pride

What do people compliment you most on?
My eyes and figure

How do the people you hang out with dress?
Lol mostly preppy to a P. Lol

What celeb do people say you look like?
i don't know.

Are you tolerant of other people's beliefs and opinions?
With the exception of Christians saying LGBT is okay, I can tolerate a lot as long as they are tolerant of mine. Do I support it? No.  :)

Do you...
Smoke? Nope, I'm proud to say I don't. Smoking is so gross.
Drink? Yes do I get drunk. Once and never again on God's green Earth
Have sex? I'm a virgin in all ways
Sing in the shower? I most definitely sing in the shower all the time.
Volunteer to answer in class? Yup these days I do.
Party a lot? More than I used to
Compliment people a lot? Yes at least 5 people a day
Say "I love you" too much? No... I probably should say it more. Jackjack gets it the most.
Spend too much time on phone/internet? Um... YES. Lol 95% you can find me on Facebook/internet
Like to dance? Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it!!!!

Your school life
What stereotype do you best fit in?
Struggling to get through and over done with group. Lol

Do you like school?
I love college. I love the atmosphere. I definitely think it's better than high school.

Education-wise or the social aspect of it?
Both. I love the classes where they make it interesting. Social aspect I love it too for the networking.

What people in school can you not STAND?
The people who sit behind me and plan their weekend outloud. I do not care where you are going to get so drunk or how to make sure your underage party doesn't get busted.

Why do you love the teacher you love?
I like all of my professors. :)

What kind of grades do you make?
I'm at a 3.6 right now.

What is your pet peeve about school?
I have many.

How do you dress for school?
Most definitely comfy clothes and sometimes I wear my work clothes which makes me stand out.

What's your greatest memory of school?
Valedictorian =).

What do you think about...
Loners:
Stoners: A waste of time.
Goths: Seeing as how three of my best friends are that and one of my cousin is one I love them and respect them.
Emos: I don't know. I thought they had changed over to scene these days or is something new?
Hipsters: Ehh
Preps: They have more behind that prep style. Lol
Nerds: I love my category. We own the world. Or at least run it.


Opinion on...
Obama: I don't like him but he is the president & I can't do anything about it.
Justin Bieber: Overrated
Miley Cyrus: She's ok. MIA wears her music out
Lady GaGa: Some of her music is ok. Not a fan of her personally
Lil Wayne: Has some nice music to work out to.
Nicki Minaj: most annoying person in the world. <---- Couldn't delete this answer! Too perfect
Robert Pattinson: I don't think he is cute at all and finding out he doesn't like to wash his hair made me puke.
Kristen Stewart: She should smile some more and change her tone of voice some.
Daniel Tosh: Ehh
Ellen Degeneres: I love her show. I know she is a lesbian but she is hilarious regardless. I hate what she did to JcPennys though.
Tyra Banks: Shes gorgeous.
Taylor Swift: I'll say this: Her agent did a great job finding her a publicist because that chick is everywhere! Some of her music is okay.

Pushing Limits

I have recently lost weight. Was I wanting to? Not really. I have to say that dancing, yoga, and running have seriously toned my body up. Dancing stands out though because it’s using muscles that I don’t even use during yoga.

I finally have a trainer. Not he isn’t personal and no I don’t pay for him, my grandparents, who are all about fitness, pay for him. He explained to me that if push your body too fast that muscle will be bigger and if you push yourself slowly you get a leaner and stronger muscle. That statement alone made me feel great because I like doing that with my running.

I still drink lemon water in the morning which helps detox my body. I’m going to try Pilates in the summer. I already have the gloves to do it and some DVDs but my trainer explained to me that DVDs can’t see how far you’ve actually come.

So onto fashion, and this has become a huge part of my life in the last year. You may or you may not know that I have a family function with Chris coming up in just a few short weeks. The invitations actually white tie event. This man (not Chris but sometimes I actually wonder) has more money than I can wrap my head around. I actually have to get more dressed up than prom or pageants. I still haven’t figured out how I feel about that I’m going to be so out of my league. Chris has told me many times that we don’t have to go. I want/need to go.

Chris’ stepmom is lending me a dress for the event that she thinks will meet the man’s requirements. It’s brown with gold detail. I think I am going to wave my hair with S side wave. I haven’t completely decided yet. I’m very nervous. I love etiquette, but that high? Let’s all remember this is a girl that can rope a hog in the mud and not be ashamed to say she has cleaned out a chicken coop. I just hope all goes well.

So I have discovered some great shopping/fashion apps for the iPhone. 

Poshmark is a great! It’s actually a virtual shopping party! People with the same taste, sizes you are, and interest get together on a party. You can trade, shop, and browse for items of fashion. It’s great.  I love Kate Spade parties! 

Gilt is another favorite. Hello!!! I can hover over any color and it shows me items and clothing articles in the exact same color!!!

RetailMeNot (a website I seriously loved anyhow) is another go-to favorite now. Special codes to get discounts just from an app?

Pose is a fashion Pinterest app.  This is great because my most pinned board is My Style board on Pinterest. It’s really great.

Now to find the best health and fitness apps.

Linus

It’s Iron Bowl Day at Alabama! I love Iron Bowl well maybe except this year. I’m not a big fan of the fact that Auburn pretty much bites this year. I like it when it can go either way.  I’m not that worried about Auburn (perhaps there’s a slight worriedness that Auburn will find some kind of strength but I’m not betting on it.) Georgia who we will have to play in the SEC Championship is another story about being worried.

December is vastly approaching. I’m really going to start making sure these blogs are already started from now on because I like to keep all of you happy and reading.  I appreciate everyone who reads my life because honestly I don’t find my life all that entertaining.

However, Linus, our Elf on the Shelf is arriving tomorrow even though we are on vacation. I have a large group of friends that all have kids (or about to have kids) and we decided that our elves could join together for one big party. The guys have decided that each elf should bring a date. So the girl elves will have Ken and boy elves will have Barbies. It will be a wonderful Sunday morning. The kids will have a huge North Pole breakfast. All of the elves will bring letters reminding the kids of the rules and why the elves will be there every morning.

I have come up with several ideas for Jackjack's. Gene has also given me some ideas for incorporating the Bible in to the Elf on a Shelf. Gene also does Elf Magic at her house where the elves are suppose to tell the real meaning of presents.

Linus will be bringing Jackjack a Bible verse each day. Yes I know Jackjack is only a year old but it's never too early to start teaching children the Bible. It actually stays with them more as they grow up. I am really forward to the creative ways Linus will appear! Lol I promise to post pictures.

Speaking of pictures I will be posting a link to my instagram soon. Enjoy and Roll tide! 

Vherbal Holiday

I caught up with Vherbal again. He has released a Christmas snippet which brings us into the Christmas festivities on my blog. Starting next week on Fridays will be review day and Sunday will be religious posts. I'm doing this in honor of the Advent season. It will be a lot of fun and every night something new will be posted along with the regular post because I do enjoy Christmas and I want you to as well. Without further ado here is the latest interview with the Christian rapper, Vherbal;

What has happened since the last interview?

"Thugged out was awesome. Was one of the new ones."

Where do you gain inspiration?

"Everyday experiences"

Does the world events like other states accepting gay marriage affect your songs?

"Try not to dab my fingers in that. I don't want to offend anybody. There is a few things like the hurricane that came through though."

What can be expected in the next few months?

"A new little cd and see where my music can go like iTunes, hardcopy cds. A complete short cd. Defientely would love to do shows."

Where are looking for shows?

"Close to my surroundings. Funds are short right now but I would like to go further in the future."

What are your plans for the holidays? Musical and non-musical?

"Musical working on a Christmas song. Snippet was released today. Non-musical hangout with family."

Any charity events?

"Charity events are hard to get into. The staff has a mindset. As of right now not at the moment."

New merchandise what is available?And where?

"Unified movement. Jesus saved my life tshirts and bags can be purchased at Cafepress."

Are you doing a holiday discount? 

"Holiday discounts are available for the mailing lists."

Do you have a street team?

"No official street team."

Congrats on getting 50 Likes on Facebook. 

"50 Likes was a monumental moment for me. It was great to me. It took a long time to happen. The person that was the 50th like will get a snippet song. 100 like  would get like a tshirt or something. Follow me on Twitter as well." 

Saturday 7:34 on Livestream.

Website: Vherbal
Merchandise: Vherbal's Merchandise
Twitter: Follow @VherbalMusic1
Facebook:

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Today has a been a blessing!

1) I'm thankful I still have thriving little brother who isn't letting cancer stop him living.
2) I'm thankful for the family God gave me.
3) I'm thankful for the education I am granted in my life.
4) I'm seriously thankful for the freedom to go to church.
5) I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food in fridge.
6) I am thankful for opportunities that I have been given in my life so far.
7) I am thankful for the body that takes me places and keeps me alive.
8) I am thankful for the friends that stand behind me when something stands up to me.
9) I'm thankful for this blog because I am been able to express myself in a whole new way.
10) I'm so thankful that I became a bolder person this year.
11) I am thankful for a car that runs and has been a best friend to many times. (Come on I whine, gripe, complain, etc and it still does what I need it to!)
12) The internet I am thankful for because I also have information at my finger tips.
13) Hot tea I'm thankful for because it really does calm a person down.
14) I'm thankful for my new phone so I can connect a lot faster and easier.
15) I'm thankful for kids because they remind us of what life is really about.
16) I'm thankful for literature otherwise I'd be hooked on tv.
17) I'm thankful to have all of my senses still. I always hate the question what if I lost one.
18) I'm so thankful for the reminders that little things are the best from small smiles, candlelit, perfect baths, and sweet kisses.
19) I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn how to dance.
20) I'm thankful for the city I live in because everyone should be proud of where they live no matter what. If you aren't either move or change it.
21) I'm thankful for the endless trips to Disney World.
22) I am thankful for having a blessed Savior that no matter how much I mess up in life (even though I try hard not to), still loves me.

True Love

Happy Tuesday Night everyone!
Ok so it's only Tuesday and it feels like it has been a whole full week. It's crazy because I've only had to work a little bit so far this week. I am going to explain everything that has happened.

For starters, if you are a personal friend of mine let me apologize for last night. Last was extremely emotionally for me. Nothing really bad happened just my feelings got dumped on me.

My grandparents from my mom and first stepmom arrived to see me and my brother Jared and also Jackjack is home with me for good. So I was already emotional from that. My grandmother spent most of Sunday night telling me about my mother's habits as a young adult. It made me smile. We had a lot in common. She said that my mom was a helpless romantic. I know I am.

Anyhow, last night I was exhausted from school crap and everything. I barely had any sleep think like an hour literally. I was not in the mood for school. When he let us out early I nearly leaped from my seat. I was so ready for dance class... Or so I thought.

Chris has this favorite band that he has liked for a while called Enigma. It has become slightly more popular since it was mentioned in 50 Shades of Grey. Chris' favorite song is "Return to Innocence" and it has so much emotion in it. We are doing an contemporary dance to it. We were doing extremely well on it and everything struck me at once...

I have a perfect man. One that loves me and cares about me more than I do. My daddy said he was proud of me. Jackjack is getting better. My family of my mothers is in my life. My cousins are having babies. My mind kept returning to Chris. When the song was through I barely heard what our instructor told us and I bolted.

I'm not much by any means. I haven't done anything extraordinary. Why is God giving me this wonderful man? I made up my mind that I didn't deserve him. I drove and ignored my phone going off like crazy. I was realizing just how much I have come to love Chris. Yes he makes me mad but I love it when he throws his hands up in the air or I can give him a severe look and he starts laughing.

Chris even came and got me after he got someone to hack my GPS in my car. (Thanks a lot Courtney!) We had a really long and loving talk. I have to remind myself God has him in my life for a reason and I shouldn't question why or how.

Review: Bath & Body Works Lip Gloss and Holder

I know I wrote a post on EOS lip balm but those are easy to put in the bottom or a purse forget about them. However, I have found the solution for on the go with shopping or keeping up at Disney World. Bath & Body Works has the solution.

Anyone that loves Bath & Body Works knows about the PocketBacs, which in case you don't know, are the small anti-bacterial hand sanitizers. Many may know of the lip gloss but now the PocketBacs are not the only ones with cute traveling systems. You can now have lip gloss handy at anytime. Their lip gloss doesn't dry out your lips. 

The carry for the lip gloss is equally cute to the ones for the PocketBacs. I managed to get an owl (of course!) It was great while we were in Disney World. Having it and the PocketBac right there at my neck was awesome. 

In the top left corner you can some what see the size of the lip gloss holder compared to the the Pocketbac. The lip gloss I'm using right now contains Methanol in it or as B&BWs call it Mentha. I have the cinnamon flavor and it tastes and feels amazing on my lips. 

A friend of mine that's a guy said it looked like a creature from He-Man but then again he is a huge He-Man freak and walks around flexing his muscles yelling he has the power. However, I find the owl very cute. Depending on what style of lip gloss you get it can range from $7.50 to $10.00. And the carrier is $5-$8. I always go in to B&BWs if there is a sale or armed with a coupon. Sometimes the online store has amazing sales as well just use the Retail Me Not website and save major cash! 

Hope everyone's weekend has been great. Jackjack is doing great, my grandmother arrived this afternoon and I've ran two marathons this weekend! 

Black Friday and No. 2!

What happens after Santa arrives at Macy's, the turkey is gone, and the last piece of pecan pie is gone? Why shopping of course! Well this year that's halfway true. I will be napping after finishing up my plate at Erica's because we plan to be lined up at Belk's by 11:00 pm on Thanksgiving Night. Yep Night.

We started this tradition two years ago. We were dumb and young and went to the Galleria and Walmart. Those have been axed since that year. We are staying in Tuscaloosa and avoiding Walmart like the plague. Yes great deal but I don't feel like getting bruises or dying for them. Belk is bad enough with the bruising.

We are already planning our plan of attack because the so-called "leak" sales are out now. However, everyone knows to save up money and buy their own newspaper Thanksgiving morning. I have many places I want to go because I have lots of people to buy for this year. Some I have already started buying and hiding. I had to go ahead and buy my grandmother's because she arrives tomorrow.

I have to go to JcPenny's every year! This will be my 11th consecutive year of shopping on Black Friday in the States! We always came over here for Thanksgiving and I went shopping every year even the ones I had to work I managed to get the afternoon shift. The reason for going to JcPenny's is because they have the snowglobes which prove I have been going every year. I have them displayed on my desk this year.

Do I push and shove? No. I am going to get a few things for my family and friends. I like hanging out with my friends and family coming up with ideas to come back and get later on. This year being no exception because our family and friends have grown and continue to grow each day. I think God really has blessed us in this year. Many of them have gotten married and are starting families.

New stores come into play with babies on the way or babies that have been born this year. New stores also come into play because there have been stores that have been built this year or have reopened. It's a wonderful thing knowing that Tuscaloosa has rebuilt so much and keeps on building back stronger every week. CVS on McFarland and 15th Street should be opened by December! It's a wonderful thing knowing that it's coming back so strong.

I look forward to letting all of you know what deals I score that day. If you are in Tuscaloosa that day, I promise I'll be in Bath and Body Works during that day! I love that store and have a whole list of things to buy!

Oh PS.... Roll Tide! Bama's back at the number 2 spot!

Tithing

I realize this is another topic that Christians avoid having with one another. Tithing is controversial because some thing that the New Testament means we don't have to give tithes. Whereas, some people (like myself) realize that some things should be done as respect for God and for our church. Tithing is giving 10% of what you have or make to the church. Yes 10% of your paycheck should go to God.

I was brought up that way and it has been embossed in my mind. I am very straight about it. I do not see how people cannot give to God, but buy whatever they want. I have had some people tell me that the economy is low. Okay, it's low for me as well. My brothers give 10% of their allowance. The thing is God will always provide for you. Always.

There was story that my youth minister told us while I was growing up. A man barely made $30 a week in college. The man prayed with his minister that he didn't feel like that was enough to give God and they prayed. He gladly handed over the $3 dollars to God. As the man grew and his career did as well. He became uncomfortable with tithing as his paychecks grew with his job. The man went to the minister and told him that $1,000 a week was a lot to give God. The minister looked at him and said fine you can go back to giving $3 dollars, but that's because feels like you deserve to be on a $30 paycheck.

Don't short change God. The church is God's house. You need to speak up in your church if you don't like where the money is going. I have had that happen before with a church I was once attending in Tuscaloosa. I have spoke on this matter before with this church. They were spending it on multimedia and the building when they needed to be spending on the people of the church and people surrounding the church. I left. Also make contributions to Christian based organizations. For a little while I didn't tithe but I saved the money and did an AngelTree Child for Christmas.

I also believe that money and lust are the two biggest things that we put before God. Lust as in our partners or selfishness. Money is usually one. Tithing helps you remember that God is first in your life. Not the phone bill, house bill, cable bill, etc but that God should be. God will take care of the rest. People keep telling me well I prayed but God isn't answering. Quit listening to everything else. Make God the center of your life.

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
(Matthew 6:24 NIV)

 I was researching tithing to get other people's views on it. I was looking through Pinterest and I came across this ladies website Blue Skies Ahead. She had an interesting way of teaching children about tithing with skittles and/or M&Ms. They created tithing banks for their children. I have to agree with tithing otherwise you are looking selfish. Take responsibility and help out in the Christian community. Take the 10% out before  paying bills and also put it into your budget. I do. No sum is too big for God and don't short change God.

Blue Skies Ahead

Organized Me

So like I said in my Tuesday post this week has been wild and hectic week. I have a lot to think about and to plan. I have been thinking of several plans for this blog as well as my life in general. A lot of people wonder I how I keep everything under control. I have three methods and all of them are synced together.

To begin with I have my Google calendar. I love this product from Google. Many times I’m able to just simply click a button and it automatically links an event to my Google calendar. Google calendar lets me keep up with all kinds of appointments and reminders. Plus, if I want my Google tasks to show up there is a very simple way to do that on my desktop. I do wish that Google would make an app just for Gmail instead of it just being intergraded with the iPhone’s default calendar because it doesn’t have the color coding that I like and have set up for certain events in my schedule. Also with Google calendar I’m alerted with reminders with email and on my desktop I’m sent an notification in the right corner of my desktop.

A second way I keep up with everything is my manual planner. It is a very simple, yet fun planner from Erin Condren. I keep blog ideas written in there and mostly appointments. I mostly use my manual planner for school related tasks and events. I plan on the using my manual planner for everything soon. Especially to help with Jackjack’s check-ups and medicine I believe that my Erin Condren planner will be great. The planner came with great event stickers, cute personal stickers, a pouch for holding loose papers, cute paper clips, and bookmark that dubs as a place holder and ruler. I also paid extra for a pen holder. It’s really great with its vibrant colors and tabs to help keep things organized.

My last and final way of keeping my life running smoothly is my blog and meal planner print outs. When I moved to Huntsville back in May I wanted to be in control of my life. I searched on Pinterest and Google for printable planners. This was before I ordered my Erin Condren planner that I was in search for printable planners. I found many I liked but many referred to having a blog. At the time I didn’t have a blog, but now that I do. I like to have my blog plans and meal plans in the same place. It’s a great to plan out my week’s worth of blog posts and meal plans. I like using Pinterest for meal plans and it’s interesting to try new meals. I like to swap up each week and try a different journal that’s printable.

It’s not really a major thing like people think. Sometimes I do wish I had an assistant that was trailing behind marking things in a Smartphone. I dismiss the idea knowing I like to do things my own certain way. Having a Smartphone of my own might really change things for me. As of tonight I still do not have my new phone activated. I do plan on tomorrow getting it activated. With me getting a certain number so I can be grandfathered in to unlimited data which will be amazing!

Speaking of Smartphones, I have the new iPhone 5 and I would really like to know of any iPhone apps that people think are essential. The ones I’m already aware of and have already downloaded are: Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, Yahoo Messenger, Google +, Pinterest, Gmail, Google Voice, Google Chrome, Google, Google Currents, Google Drive, Youtube, Google Shopper, Google Play Book, Blogger, Yelp, Ustream, The Weather Channel, Netflicks, Remote, ESPN Sport Center, Amazon, Starbucks, Kindle, Good Reads, Etsy, Scrabble, Draw Something, Bejeweled,  MK3, Battleship, Instagram, and Weather Radio. If you have any apps outside these that you find essential I’d love to know! I’d really appreciate!

Chris' Meatloaf

I love comfort food. Thank goodness I found a man that can not only cook, but also can make food that helps cheer a girl up. His specialty is Italian food. However, one thing that he makes stands out above the rest. It is the best meatloaf I have ever had in my life.

There is only one meatloaf that comes close and it was at Disney World. However, they made theirs with gravy which was okay.  Chris makes his with this amazing glaze. He made it last night and it was delicious even today for lunch! I love it and I asked for it at least once every two weeks.

Below is his recipe that he uses and the index card that he has it wrote on is so worn out that I had a slight difficulty reading, but he helped me:

2 lb. ground beef

2 large eggs beaten

1 package meatloaf seasoning

1 box of Stove Top stuffing©

(Optional) 1 small can of Italian tomato sauce

Mix together and put into a dish that has been sprayed with cooking sprayed. Bake 45 minutes on 350⁰.

Mix ketchup and brown sugar for glaze (there is really no measurement for this just mix until it makes enough glaze to cover how much  of the meatloaf.)

About 15 minutes before done put the glaze on top and then finish baking.

Personal CG..

Everyone compares Chris to his mentor that he had growing up and Christian Grey. (His mentor is more like Christian Grey than Chris could be but anyhow.) The matter is true including that Chris is changing his ways in the desire for God and myself. He proved to be both himself and Christian Grey last night.

Yesterday in itself was wonderful. It was raining and I didn't have to go to work, therefor, I welcomed the rain on my windows. I slept much later and snuggled under the covers where it was becoming warmer. I knew I had to go meet my dad for lunch, but I wanted to stay all warm and cozy.

I eventually did get up and get ready. I picked up daddy and dropped off Jonah at Viv's house and drove on to Chili's. Dad and I were talking about Christmas and Jackjack when the smell of Ralph Lauren's Polo Cologne 2 hit my nose. There Chris was standing behind me and smiling at my dad. My dad turns to worse putty than I do. Chris sat down with us and ordered. We talked about getting our houses ready for Jackjack, for my grandmother to come stay with us, and Christmas.

They left together (after Chris paid) and I was left fuming. Not because they left together, but because this was suppose to be my treat for dad. Dad was laughing of course (didn't help my mood) and said "Wow I have kids fighting over who is going to feed me." I really hope some people don't take offense to this, but since my stepmom's passing my dad has been back to being happy and calm. He carved Jackjack a boat with the arthritis in his hands even!

I went about decorating at home after picking up a few things at Target. I spent the majority of the rest of the day making sure things were decorated for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Jackjack! I had to install the baby doors again. I assembled Jackjack's play pen. The entire I'm thinking about going ice skating and going to get something to eat in Huntsville....

Oh did my boyfriend have something else in mind. You know earlier I was discussing how he was like Christian Grey? Oh he is. He drove me to the airport instead of the skating rink and he flew us from Huntsville to Tuscaloosa. We spent the night with a driver in Tuscaloosa. We went to Outback, Walmart, the  University Mall, and the Cracker Barrel. It was fun and crazy. We finished up the night flying back to Huntsville and spent the night decorating his place.

Today I spent day thinking about all that and getting ready for Girls Night In and my dermatologist appointment. It's been crazy for me lately. That's why the blogs are post dated. I've been living a little bit. Well I will update ever one more on Friday. The other posts will be out by then. You can look forward to posts about homemade meatloaf (Chris' recipe), a mini update, how I stay organized, and tithing! So stay alert for updates!

Review: Basin Almond Hydrator.

I like to watch product reviews a lot because 1) It helps me with mine. 2) I find products to try myself. LisaFreemontStreet is someone's videos I look forward to weekly. She is fun to watch and listen to while she does great vintage styles (not just make-up and hair) and she has a movie review channel as well. She did a video talking about body butter. 

She loves the smell of almond like I do. I guess because it doesn't overwhelm in any kind of product and gives a smell that's nice. So she mentioned a store that she likes to visit at Disney World and I was instantly perked up and Googling the name and I found the store. It's called Basin and it's located in Downtown Disney. It does not cost to get into Downtown Disney yet it still has a Disney quality to it. The transportation systems of Disney (bus or boat) will take you from your Disney Resort and to Downtown Disney. 

I was expecting the price to be high. I'm sorry, but Disney is not for the cheap at heart. Especially when you really want something. I went into this store knowing I was going to use up most of the money I had saved up to spend on myself and oh was I right. 

They had everything thing a girl who likes to take a BATH (not necessarily a shower) could dream of buying! Huge bath bombs, bath fizzies, real sponges, bath brushes, pumices, and milk baths, bath salt (for just $5 and you got to pick as many different smells as you could put into the container), conditioner bars, shaving cream, spa wax, face toner, facial soap, acne soap,  shampoo bars, and made-in-store soap! There was also body scrubs, candles, body butter, and hydrators! 

Thanks to Ashley at LisafreemontStreet I sought out for the almond smelling things and she was dead on about this product! It smells so good and it enriches my skin. The ingredients are jojoba oil, vitamins E, C & D, and additional nourishing ingredients. It's not greasy at all. I love it because it's water based. It's a really great product. I was not impressed with their soap. I think it might just be the smell that I got with the soap, I also loved the bath salts. I will be buying more of their products in the future. Definitely check out Basin.

Unashamed in Grey

If you are a personal friend on my Facebook, if you follow me on Twitter, or if you follow me on Pinterest then you must know I have become obsessed with E. L. James' Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy. I realize many Christian people do not agree with these books. That it's like men watching porn. Honestly? I don't see where it hurts if the woman knows her husband is watching it.

Strange part of me reading this series? Chris and I read it together the first time. I would a chapter out loud and then he would. I loved that. I am completely a virgin and have been for a while. Come on, I didn't even realize gays and lesbians existed until the 8th grade, and on a side note I didn't learn about what you do during sex until the 6th grade. I guess what gets me is how I found how you have sex, reading! Which is ironic because that's how Chris learned so much about sex. I guess I just read vanilla sex books until I was junior in high school and then I got my first Cosmopolitan.

Did these books change Chris' and mine's relationship? Yes. For bad? No. We learned a lot about each other. He opened up more about his past and I opened up about mine. Then there was a revelation between us. The sex talk in our relationship. We have had several these that we want to wait until we are married, but this one was different as Chris held me and turned me around me asked about afterwards.

Not going to lie my conscience had a book moment.... "OMG! He REALLY wants to marry me!" I asked him what did he mean. He asked what about sex after I get married and especially if we got married. I was taken back. I always think of sensual but then I realize that the sex in this book wasn't always, if rarely, sensual. I told him that I was up for anything.... as long as I was marrying him. Which is the truth. If Chris is the man that is God wants me to give my virginity to then I have full trust in him. Even if he has some of the same issues as Christian Grey.

Chris isn't that messed up, but only border lining. He has warned me since the first night that he wasn't normal. I knew that much since Ridge and them talk about him all the time. So in the future I hope to be marrying my own version of Christian Grey. I personally think that if you take out the fact that the sex between them is not normal then it's your average romance novel.

And yes gray is a color and Grey is a name.

Remember...

I have been royally shocked this month. It started on Halloween. Chris wanted a radio station to start playing Christmas music and I spent most of my Halloween voting for Christmas to start immediately. I was appalled at people's attitude toward Christmas. I mean really how would you like if people didn't want to celebrate your birthday. Or better how about someone you love so much and they didn't want to celebrate your birthday how would you feel?

That's how it feels to Jesus. Before you get on your high of horse of nobody knows when his birthday was let's just he was a orphan that we have no records that parents adopt and they want to celebrate the child's birthday.

People have lost the meaning of Christmas. It breaks my heart. When I seen on Pinterest that talk about Jesus with Christmas I smile and I am refreshed to see some hope left in the world. After this past week I have just been completely shaken up. God is just warming up. America has willfully accepted abortion, homosexuality and the worship of the other gods of Baal. I just wish people would realize that God doesn't exclude things from His Old Testament. I'm sorry but just because Jesus didn't say anything about it does not mean that God isn't against it.

Yes God doesn't want hate, but he also wants you to help these people! Not help them keep sinning! Help them to stop sinning! Quit letting gay marriage be okay, because it's not. As for a abortion? I am COMPLETELY against it even if the person was raped. How would you like it if your life was stopped just because someone didn't want you or that you would have been a burden or a reminder? I guess honestly people are finding it okay to murder because that's what you are doing. That's not women's right in my opinion. If that's women's right then I don't see why men can't start killing and saying it's their right. 

There are options out there to save lives, don't kill lives! I get that you didn't asked to be raped, but that baby also didn't ask to be killed either. I can't praise God enough right now. I know I fall short of what I should. I just wish people would realize what's going on in the world. 

My world slightly fell apart Tuesday night. I honestly wanted to move back to France. However, God wants me here. I will not be like Jonah and run from God because I can't. People want to hide from God and not hear Christmas music because it makes them feel guilty. People are amazed because I speak openly know about a lot of things and quite honestly people make fun of a friend of mine because she had sex on top of a Jesus pillow. Okay so? She waited until marriage with her first husband who was killed in action. She also waited until marriage with her second husband. People got all up in arms about it, but honestly anytime anyone does it God is there watching us. 

November Awareness

October is over with and November stands between us and the Christmas month. However, while you are mashing potatoes, putting the green bean casserole in the oven, and putting the marshmallows on the sweet potato pies, and the turkey is getting stuffed remember there are those out there who don't get that kind of meal, can't eat that kind of meal, and those who are working for a better tomorrow.

I realize that a lot of things I complain about are petty. (Though I do notice that a lot of things other people complain about are petty as well.) I strive (though many times I fall short) on giving back to others as well.

First of all, every year Samaritan's Purse does the Operation Christmas Child. You send in $7 and either you or the company packs a shoe box filled with toys and hygiene items for the children to help them know God. I have read so many stories this year alone about how one box changes a child's life for the better. Things we take for granted every day. I read where a child was 6 years old and in her box was nothing but hygiene items but the thing that stood out to that child the most was her first toy in her life-- a tiny figurine of a horse.

Try giving a child here in a well off family a plastic figurine of a horse and see how well that goes over. But to this child it was a blessing. Someone cared enough about her to pack a shoe box for her. It took my breath away reading that story. Children getting PS3 or Nintendo DSes for Christmas and all that child got was a plastic tiny horse that had to fit in a show box and her was blessed. However, if you whole family wants to go even further Samaritan's Purse has a catalog that  has a place where you can order drinking water ($100), week's worth of hot meals ($7), blankets (urgent need but only $6), building needs ($7,500 but shared the cost as $75), etc. I highly recommend this for like a donation taken up during a family get together and putting the money towards a good use. Collection week for the shoeboxes are collected by various churches this year from November 12-19!!!! Click Here for Official Website

People who cannot have a child of their own and want a child have seen the joy in adoption. Foster care children are desperately seeking families that will love them and accept them for who they are and what past they have. It is not easy getting to know a child that has been thrown from one home to the next. They feel like no one will like them. They revolt rules because that feels like they aren't free to be who they want to be. Ask them what they want to do. Every year on National Adoption Day, thousands of adoption across the country are finalized. It's an open event, so you can show your support by attending a local finalization. These are children who need the love and support. Click Here for Official Website

Make sure your recycle this month and especially on the 15! Because it is National Recycle Day! With the involvement and enthusiasm by people, recycling is back! And so are thousands upon thousands of recycled products made from materials that would otherwise be piling up in our nation's landfills. It doesn't just make sense. It makes a huge difference to our environment, our quality of life and our country's future. Help Alabama or your state, or even your country become recycling conscience! Click Here for the Official Website

The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) supports, empowers, educates, and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for a chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved one. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of different diagnoses, different relationships and different life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers. They are committed to improving the overall quality of life of caregiving families and minimizing the disparities between family caregivers and non-caregivers. November is their month! Click Here for Official Website

I have four very close friends in the Marines. Marines are some of the strongest people I know. Abby Scuito in the first season of NCIS said it quite nicely, "Semper Fi, you rat, you fry." Marines are strong. They can be in total pain and they find a way to still serve no matter what is going on in their personal life or going on with their bodies. It's very invigorating to see how well they dwell under pressure and stress. I am all about helping soldiers who are injured during basic or in battle. Help them raise funds for Injured Marines and their families. Severely wounded Marines continue to fight battles here and at home and struggle to adjust to their injuries. This Organization provides financial support to injured Marines while they continue their long road to recovery, as well as aid for post traumatic stress disorder cases from war, and all branches of the U.S Military as the need arises. Click the picture below:

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

There are 20.8 million people in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease. I am one of those people. I am not a bad diabetic. I just exercise and eat appropriately. Even though I have it I am not pushing for others to be all about it. I am living with it. However, there are others that have it much worse and for those I'd loved to find a cure. Those that live off an insulin pump. Click Here For the Official Site 

Lung Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM) is a national campaign dedicated to increasing attention to lung cancer issues. By organizing rallies, distributing educational material, holding fund-raising events, contacting Congress, and speaking to the media, those involved in LCAM bring much-needed support and attention to a disease that each year kills more people than breast, prostate, colon and pancreas cancers combined. Every year, smokers across the nation take part in the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout¨ by smoking less or quitting for the day on the third Thursday of November. The event challenges people to stop using tobacco and raises awareness of the many effective ways to quit for good. Click Here for Official Website

Help the Troops in Iraq! The Project currently ships over 700 care packages each month to Marines stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their database grows daily as Marines send names of comrades who are not receiving mail or care packages. You can help get care packages of needed items to these Marines! My friend who has a husband in the Marines loves coming up with creative theme care packages to send him and his friends. I love watching her be so strong for both of them. I just love the courage and belief she has in him. I am all for this! Click Here for Official Site

The Alzheimer's Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For 25 years, the donor supported, not for profit Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes. Click Here for the Official Site

Every day 1 in 8 babies born in the U.S. arrives too soon. Premature birth can happen to any pregnant woman, and no one knows why. It is a serious, common and costly problem. The March of Dimes is leading the campaign to reduce premature births by supporting research and by educating the public and health care providers. Click for Official Site