Praise.

We had a really inspiring sermon Sunday on praise.
The premise was that praising God should be as ingrained as a reflex.
We should praise for what He's already done, doing, and will do.
God has given me so much and promised great things!
Today i praise Him for my husband, family, job, shelter, gifts and talents.
I praise Him in advance for children and freedom from debt!
Tonight Pastor spoke of us entering a new era in September.
I'm so excited I cannot sleep.
Start praising and see God move and your perspective change!

metallic manicure

So I am really loving my Monday manicure.
I have gotten lots of compliments.
High Roller really takes on different looks in to different lighting.
It reminds me of a true gold not too brassy.
But it's make me hungry for more metallics.
I need a good silver and saw this really nice copper well actually metallic set by Butter London.
I may just have to invest but first I have to use all my unused polishes.

monday manicure

So I'm still using Nailtrition as a basecoat and a throughout the week top coat.
I am still seeing improvement. When I started using it I had 6 affected fingers and yesterday when I took off my polish I only had 3 peeling nails.
But the interesting thing is that the 3 nails all had the NYX glitter polish on them and they were yellowed. So I'm going to lay off of the glitter for  awhile and see if that makes a difference. 
I used Ulta High Roller

 bare nails: left hand peeling on middle finger, right hand peeling on middle and pointer

High Roller pre cleanup. This was my first time using an Ulta polish. I like it easy to  apply. 

Monday manicure

I see some improvement with Nailtrition.
Not 100% sold yet.
I used it as a base coat.
Two coats of Nicole by OPI My Lifesaver.
And one coat NYX on two fingers each hand.

Toes the same except sparkle only on the big toe.

School days

So school is kinda kicking my butt.
I'm not used to getting up this early.
I did my nails Monday and wrote the post but have been too tired to add the pictures.
It sounds bad but it's way worse in person.
I'm beat.
Tonight I contemplated going to bed at 8!
School is going really well though.
Today I noticed the sun going through the motions of setting at 7:33.
It made remember that summer is fading fast.
They say you don't miss a good thing till it's gone.
I miss summer now but then again I have been at work for four days
So I guess it is GONE...

School

Today was the first day of school.
Summer just flew by.
Tomorrow we have another inservice day and Wednesday the kids show up.
There have been so many changes over the summer.
We have a new principal, assistant principal and several other staff members.
But it was good to reconnect with friends from other buildings.
There were some loses over the summer a teahcer died and another retired.
But God is good and it's going to be a great year.

Pampering

There is something so soothing about a salon wash.
The way they massage your head and all that.
But after having natural hair for almost 9 years, I really appreciate the whole salon experience, especially when it's a good one.
I don't have to do my own detangling, washing, styling, etc.
So after washing, deep conditioning, detangling, blow drying, trimming, and styling
my arms aren't tired and my nails aren't  in disrepair.

Nicole by OPI Yellow It's Me

Ahhh pampering.
I visited Alecia who is now at Ten Shades Glam Lounge in Beverly.
Great shop great experience and same great stylist.
My hair is amazing. I love it and the husband loves it.
Don't have time to post pics cause company's coming

small step: devour the WORD daily

Colossians 3
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.


Love is the bond of perfection. If we occupy the love of Christ then we are holy and beloved. We are the elect of God that means we are chosen. It means He's invested in us. It means all the characteristics listed above are more than attainable but expected and POSSIBLE! The peace of God, what more can you ask for? THe love of God aids in interactions with others and the peace of God aids in handling LIFE! Let the word of Christ dwell in our richly. It makes me think of letting the word spread and penetrate every aspect. It rolls off your tongue, it flows through your veins, it speaks in your sleep, etc. What a level of intimacy with the word! There are various passages that speak to the importance of praise and worship. This one brings it to the forefront again. there is something about praise and worship. Music has power; songs can move you. BUt when you sing a song that centers your heart, mind, and soul around all that is God it does something to you. It puts things in perspective, it makes you grateful, and it draws you in. So how do we do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. We need to have the love of Christ, peace of God, devour the word, and sing praises.

pink WEDNESDAY

My first pink Wednesday
I don't know if it will be regular because pink is not my top color.
And usually I do my nails Monday's and Thursday's.
But I got tired of looking at the blah Nailtrition.
And tomorrow is the day to remove it anyway.
So I adde Nicole by OPI You're an Angel
I really like it. They describe it as a strawberry shimmer which is fitting.

both no flash

outside with flash

small step: devour the WORD daily

Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- mediate on these things. the things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.


If you force yourself to think positively, does your outlook change?
If you praise and worship, do your trials diminish?
If you focus on all that God has done, does doubt shrink?


Above all focusing on the truth and rejoicing in the Lord simply put it all in perspective.
My problems are not bigger than my GOD.
There is no God like Jehovah.

random ramblings

Today's my last Monday off before school starts
This has been a fabulous summer
God has been so gracious
Every new school year brings new beginnings but this one especially
We have a new superintendent, principal, assistant principal, resource teacher, and several grade level teachers. 
But I'm ready to get back.
There's always a level of excitement (though it wears off quickly).
I'm thankful to have a job and a good working environment. 

small step: a new mindset

Philippians 2:7


Jesus made Himself of no reputation for my sake
Why am I so concerned about my reputation?
I owe everything to the Lord.
My reputation is of little consequence in the grand scheme of things. 

lack of monday manicure

So I have been wearing Nailtrition since Friday 
It seems to be going okay.
I had my first nail break of the summer though
It seems like the only time I break nails is when I wear no polish or clear polish
But this time it was my fault 
I was chewing on the nail and hit a weak spot.
It was one the peeling offenders

 It was the pointer finger on the above hand. 

So far things look fine but I miss color and am not sure if I see any difference.
But it's only been a few days. But I plan to follow the directions exactly for one week.
And then apply as a basecoat and top coat over color for the second week unless I am amazed with the results when week 1 is up.

Nails

So my nails have Been growing well this summer.
Keeping them polished has made difference.
I still have some peeling though and I'm not sure why.
I haven't had any breaks but I can tell the tips are weaker.
I thought the peeling would go away and it's still very much present.
There are 3 affected fingers on my left hand and three on the right.
It's my thumb, pointer, and middle predominantly.
The other two are generally fine.

This week I had to file down a couple nails and one more than once.
So I decided to try a nail treatment.
I ended up getting Orly Nailtrition
It says to apply the polish 2 times a day for a week remove and repeat for another week.
So I'm putting it to the test.

While I was at Ulta I finally cashed in my points and got 2 polishes
High Roller and Moody Blues

Never tried their polish but am looking forward to it.
I need to see if I can polish while using Nailtrition.

Day2

So today was a good day busy but good.
God always provides in the most timely fashion.
We've really experienced His grace and mercy this week.
Because of all that is, I have yet to discuss the consecration with my husband.
So today I watched a bit of TV some NFL network during lunch and a few minutes during dinner.
I personally don't feel like watching sports is watching TV because it's more about the bonding time than what's on and sports are much more neutral.
And lastly I don't watch any of it if he's not around.
But I plan to talk to him about it anyway because I think the whole household can benefit.

40days

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 NKJV)

We are doing a 40 day consecration in preparation for our annual Women's Advance in September.
Today I read this verse and it encourages me and focuses me as I go forward.
The consecration centers on entertainment. We are supposed to be uber conscientious in regards to what we watch, read, listen to, etc. This year's advance centers on purity. So the consecration aims for a purer existence.
So today is day 1 (kinda). I didn't know it started last Monday until today.
But today I didn't watch TV, didn't surf the net, read my Bible, and finished Tea Time for Traditinaly Built Ladies (book)
But plan to keep track over the next 35 days.
I just realized as I was typing that it's now Friday.
Day 1 was Thursday.

special delivery

So here's the contents of my package

A special delivery from Trace Face Philes
I ordered 4 polishes from her blog sale

I got Yellow It's Me, My Lifesaver, Daffy Dill, and You're An Angel
I'm in love
I couldn't figure out which one to use first
So here's my attempt at using all of them

I used french tip strips and tape 

*note* something is up it took me hours to get the pictures up

Love.

It was my anniversary yesterday!
I was planning to post before midnight but hey that's love.
I didn't have time.
The husband planned a lovely day.
Its been two years and God is good!
I also got a package in the mail will post on that later today!

Solitude

Today's service was wonderful.
I really felt the peace of God.
I read the 23rd Psalm this morning.
It really puts things on perspective.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
At this very moment I'm sitting on our deck reflecting on life.
I'm watching the wind gently blow ripples in the pond.
I am at peace. There's nothing like the peace of Jesus.
I want for nothing.
Its quiet except for wind chimes and the occasional plane or car.
God is gracious.
If it had not been for the Lord...

Fab free Friday

Today was fabulous
I had some adventures in freebies
First I went to Helzburg Diamonds to pick up my free anniversary present, some fresh water pink pearls. We bought our wedding bands from there thus the free gift.
Second I went to Chick fil A for free nugget Friday's.
Every Friday in August between 3 and 5 pm you can get a free 8 piece nugget. No purchase necessary.
Third I got my mailer from Ulta which has my point level and the free gifts I can chose from.
I love free stuff!

small step: devour the WORD daily

Romans 16:17-18
Now I urge you brethren note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hears of the simple.

Be alert and aware. Know who the trouble makers are. Be aware of the gossips and back stabbers and opportunists. Recognize there will be people who don't lie you. There will be people sent to get you off track. There will be people you have to distance yourself from. It can be difficult but some things are matters of life and death and where you spend eternity.

tape mani

So Monday I attempted a tape manicure and failed
Well I succeeded today

it wasn't perfect
I don't think I sealed the tape well on every nail.
I used OPI Start to Finish, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear White On, and CQ Passion Orange.
Two coats of White On, Scotch Tape, and one coat of Passion Orange.
I plan to have more adventures with tape.

music

small step: devour the WORD daily

Romans 13:14


But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to fulfill it's lusts.


This verse is deep.
A lot of us put on Jesus but we have a lot going on in the background.
We have back plans for our back up plans.
We try to act nobler than we are.
But this verse puts it into perspective.
Making provision for the flesh will most likely lead to fulfilling it, i.e. sinning.
But also show the lack of maturity in our commitment to Christ.
Why do I need a back up plan when Jesus is my provision?
Why do I date unsaved guys?
why do I compare myself with others that i know aren't on the right track?
why do I allow myself to believe biblical principles are just suggestions?
Why do I allow myself to be so heavily influenced by the world?
It seems that I put on Jesus and a little of the world.
And over time it becomes that I put on the world and a little bit of Jesus.
You cannot make plans to fulfill the flesh and succeed in overcoming it.
Examine your motives.
Understand why you do what you do.
If the flesh isn't' fed it starves and dies.
But daily provision keeps the flesh alive and kicking.

sermon Outtakes

John 10:27
Pastor Kevin Johns

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me

1. To know God is to be intimate or spend a certain level of time together.
2. To know God means to serve Him
3. To know God is to be able to discern His voice.
4. To know God is to acknowledge Him at all times.

Intrigued and want more

Visit http://www.faithcfm2.org/
Email pastorkj@faithcfm.org

monday manicure

Today's manicure
I started trying to do a tape manicure and was unsuccessful
That's part of the beauty of nail polish, nail polish remover

 I used OPI Start to Finish, San Tan-Tonio, and Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear White On

Two coats of each and then some dots