Saturday, November 22, 2014

34...

I just looked at the date of my last post, and it was almost a month ago. 

Let's see what has transpired during that time. I've turned 34...celebrated with friends on amazing life milestones...fallen in love with pomegranates...resisted the urge to play Christmas music until I have a slice of turkey on the actual day of thanks....already celebrated Thanksgiving...taught Chunk's how to say how old he is....finally gave in to Coco and cut her ponytail....and I think the crowning moment would have to be I've really accepted where I am in my life, and those I'm doing life with. People come...they go...the special ones hang around for a while, and life still has a way of being the same but different. 




My prayer has really been that I do not miss the specialness of each day....OR, as I heard it so quaintly put...don't wish for the sunset while watching it rise. 

So...that's what's up on this end. Still pausing. Not moving. Being still. Being quiet. Trying so very hard to not miss the beauty in the little things...and trying even harder to not whine too much...lol.  

Until next time... 



Sunday, October 26, 2014

Holy Pause

So...I have pulled this page up numerous times, wanting to share an update, what I have found funny, what I'm learning in my Bible study and quiet time, and all that jazz, but nothing comes to me when I try to write.  NOTHING.

Writing comes very naturally for me.  It is my preferred method of communication.  It's where I am uninhibited, free, transparent, and it's the only way that I can keep up with my rapid moving thoughts.  I don't necessarily write for anyone to read this...in fact, if you read this, we don't have to talk about it.  I just know that I have read some amazing blogs, and perhaps someone, somewhere can pick one or two things from my blog, and you know....contribute to world peace!

But anywho, the other day, I read something, and it resonated with me completely.  You can read the article here:  http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/why-i-quit-depending-on-my-own-plans/



A holy pause.  Which surprisingly, sounds a lot better than waiting.....ha!

I feel like I can do 1000 things, but don't have the 'release' to do any of them.  I feel like the Holy Spirit has shut down every bright idea that I have tried to come up with.  Things that I know God gave me to do originally, but in this season....I have to be still.  And that friends is hard for me.  I like to get things done, contribute, tirelessly serve, but in this season, all I can do is work...but the most important thing I can do during this time, what I've been called to do if you will is get in the word.

And enjoy this holy pause.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

90 Day Biggest Loser Contest Day 1

Happy October 1st!! It's been forever since I've last posted, and I'm back with a fun personal challenge!  

Today I started my 90 Day Biggest Loser Challenge by replacing one meal a day with our yummy ProFit protein shake, and eating clean and mean for lunch and dinner (minus the tablespoon of Nutella....transparency right?!?). I needed extra energy today, so I had two servings of greens! 





Body pump rocked my socks off today, and I'm feeling great! Tonight for dinner I made PF Changs Lettuce Wraps!


Photo credit: Damn Delicious


I'll be back tomorrow with more updates, and things like that!  It's not too late to join us....we'd love to lose with you!

<>

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Beauty for Ashes

Have you ever felt like something was coming?  Heart racing....eye twitching....kind of anxious...like prom night..butterflies in your tummy...seeing your favorite person on the planet walk through the door something was coming?

I have had this feeling all week, and I can't shake it.  I have no rhyme or reason to feel this way.  My quiet time is still riddled with unanswered prayers, but this time it just feels different.  Something.is.coming!

And I hope it's good.




I read the final sessions of my James bible study this week.....I started January 1st, but when I cracked open that book for the first time, I knew that I would take my time.  I would really meditate on the lessons, and if I knew I wasn't in a place to really inhale and ingest the lessons, I wouldn't force the issue.  You can do that when you are studying alone.  I loved every bit of it.  Every in your face, uncomfortable, love for the poor, love for the weak, love for the sinner, examine your heart, examine your motives minute of it.

However, about the last couple of lessons in James, I could feel God asking me what I would do next.  Which lesson I would embark upon....what I would slough off of myself for the next ...6 months....ha!

I started feeling like getting my house in order...cleaning out closets, drawers, organizing, really taking a good look at my finances, and cutting off the fat, saving more (seriously, who am I), and just getting free.....

So I set out to find the perfect bible study for me.  But more importantly, I asked God to show me what He wanted me to do.  And in true Saviour fashion...He did not disappoint.

I've never really had a scripture that I lived by, read all of the time, have everywhere in my home, but in late 2013, God started showing me that everything that I thought I had lost, He would give it back to me.  It was in my dreams, thoughts, the theme of most scriptures I read...it was a real word that I needed, and still need.


Isaiah 61:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

The Year of the Lord’s Favor

61 
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,[a]

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—


to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,

the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.
Little did I know that Beth Moore has an entire study on those very precious verses to me, Breaking Free.  I am so happy, and so excited to see what God will do through me as a result of what I learn.  So happy to get rid of some baggage, junk, mess, stuff, just ugh!  I can't wait to get rid of it!!!


So, I'm starting this new journey, with an expectant heart, knowing that something is around the corner. Whatever it is.....I know it will display His splendor.



Monday, June 9, 2014

He Loves Us...

Sometimes I forget that God really cares about the things I care about. Today, He went out of His way to speak to this ole heart of mine. 


He spoke clearly, gently, and with timing that even had me wondering if I had picked up the phone and actually used one of my lifelines. 

Then, I happened across a Facebook post tonight that a couple whom I've never met is expecting twins after years and years of infertility and failed adoptions. Isaiah 61:7....

Double for your trouble and shame. That's what He promises. My heart is encouraged. I know that my story will blow me away, and I can't wait to be a part of it. 

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Life Lately...

I love pictures....I love seeing what people deem necessary to freeze in time with the click of  button....

Here's what has been my life lately!

I did my second Jamberry manicure with my loot I earned from the party I hosted.  It was SO much easier with the heater.  And I LOVE how they came out....I'll just get better with time!

 Sweet Coco after her last grooming session.....I just love this dog!!!

Have you ever heard of these?  They're called Curlformers.  And they do just that- form a curl.  I got the knock off brand from Amazon called Vakind, but I watched a video that compared the original brand to the knock off brand, and felt confident in purchasing. LOVED the way my hair turned out, HATED the night's sleep.....it was uncomfortable to say the least.  I'm going to have to figure out another plan on doing my hair with these.


Seriously the BEST snack ever.  Gluten free, and the ingredients are only Apples and Cinnamon!  So good...sweet with a touch of tart!  You can find these at Wal-Mart!

So...what have you been up to?

Monday, March 31, 2014

Just one touch...

I remember as a child, watching everyone go to the altar at the end of the church service. I wish I could say that it moved me to tears, and that I 'got it' from the very beginning, but that's not the truth.


The truth is I would often want to hurry that part of the service along so I could get to what I thought to be better things...like dinner, my pager (seriously...why did I need that), whatever book I was reading at the time...you get it. 

Oh, but today! I don't know if it's because I realize the high cost for which I've been bought, or because I've prayed ceaselessly for my loved ones to accept Christ, but today, the altar call is my most favorite part of the service. 

I imagine how nervous they are...heart beating outside of their chests, feet shackled to the floor by sin, pain, and fear...battling the lies satan is whispering in their ears, {you'll never change, God doesn't love you, who do you think you are} but then...it happens...a small move toward the aisle, and before you know it, a friend takes their hand and walks with them on the greatest journey one can ever take. It moves me to tears every single time. 

Because all it takes is just a single touch. One touch from the creator of heaven and earth, and a lifetime of struggle, hurts, and disappointments are washed away. Can you imagine that...?

I've been seeing a ton of posts about friends and family members who have recently accepted Christ, and no matter how rushed I think I am...I say a prayer for them. That God would protect them, strengthen their heart, and they will never return to their old 'wine skins' again. 

I, like many of you are praying for people to stop running, and to surrender. And my heart is encouraged every single time I hear of the 'one' coming back home. 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

BRAVE!

Pink Defying Gravity, Inc.'s next conference is themed BRAVE....and I want to know from a woman's perspective....what makes YOU BRAVE?

When have you ever been brave?

What does bravery mean to you?

Can anyone be brave?

Thank you for helping me with my research for the opening session...

You can either comment below this post, or e-mail me at jarvis@pinkdefyinggravity.org with your answers!

Oh, and if you're local (or not so local), and would like to present a session, and bring some girls, you can visit our website for more information.

www.pinkdefyinggravity.org


Friday, March 21, 2014

These are my confessions...

I'm linking up with A Blonde Ambition today and participating in her Confessional Friday blog link up.

So...here goes nothing!

1.  I have a nagging bad habit of counting things....especially in sets of 3....it drives me nuts, but I can't help myself!

2.  I've become a little obsessed with YouTube lately.  There is a video for EVERYTHING...wanna know how to apply masacara, YouTube it...I mean everything under the sun.  I think I'm in the very beginning stages of having my own YouTube channel one day.  You'll be able to say you knew me when...lol!

3.  I am obsessed with my dog.  I love her.  I'm not a huge fan of other dogs though...just mine!

And that's that folks!

Have a great weekend~
<>< J

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Hair, Skin and Nails Products REVIEW!!

Well hello blognation!  How the heck are you guys doing?!?


Things are all gravy over here, and I have some awesome pics to share with you of my hair journey to natural hair thus far.  This post is a review post of sorts.  Recently, I have been trying different products to help with certain areas regarding my Hair, Skin, and a fun new twist on cute Nails!

HAIR:

Before I post, I'd like to offer a disclaimer.  Right before I began taking the Hair Skin and Nails supplement, I had a light trim.  I have been wearing my hair in protective styles, so my ends are never out.  I use a moisturizer daily, and deep condition about once a week since I'm really working with two textures of hair.

It has taken everything in me to not cut my ends, but I wanted to see the growth after another week or so on the HSN.  Needless to say, I have been blown away!  If it weren't my own head, I really wouldn't believe it.

So without further adieu....

CrAzY right?!?!?!  And this is after 18 days.....unbelievable!

So now, I can retrim my ends and layers, and photo journal of course....at the rate my hair is growing, I'll be all natural by the end of the summer...

You can purchase this product from my website: www.JarvisWraps.com and search for Hair Skin and Nails under the SKIN category.

SKIN:

Another thing I did this weekend was try a new product for my skin.  I have ALWAYS had stubborn clogged pores along the bottom of my chin, and on my right cheek near my nose, and NOTHING, I mean nothing has ever worked.  

I have tried numerous masks, oil cleansing, everything...and to no avail.  Until I ran across this product on Pinterest.


It literally pulls the gunk out of your face, and turns those areas dark black....yuck!  But...it's super pricey!!  I would definitely suggest going to Sephora and getting a sample first!


I learned this weekend that while masks are good, they only do the work while they are on your face.  Once you rinse it off, it stops doing its magic.  So I asked the lady what I could do about my pesky pores, and she introduced me to this heavenly, amazing, has my utmost respect for life product, Picture POREfect by Derma Doctor.


Trust me when I say this....nothing is this good!  I have tried everything, and I truly feel that this product, along with my Hair Skin and Nails supplements, has my skin in the best condition it has ever been!  The wonderful ladies (or gentlemen) at Sephora can hook you up with a sample for this as well!!!  I will forever sing its praises.  My pores are looking smaller, things are clearing up...I'm all smiles!

Nails:

Now, this is a fun part!  My long time friend Rebecca Ross just started a new, fun venture as a Jamberry Nails Consultant.  This product is made in the USA, free of all the things nail polish and the like brings, and comes in over 350 fun wraps for your nails and toes.  There's even a Juniors line.  

The possibilities and combinations are endless, and you can check out my online party by clicking this link:


Check them out...you won't be sorry!  

I've got these beauties headed my way, and I can't wait to try them out and do a review for you!



Well....what do you think?  Are you wanting to give any of these products a try?  Let me know in the comments!!!  Have a great day!

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Spring Break 2014...

I commit to write more!  I have so much to say, and Jesus and I have such sweet moments, but sadly, the majority of them are tucked away in my journal…

This SB is super low key.  I'll be traveling to Killeen/Cove tomorrow for a One Team One Mission which is a presentation my amazing company puts on.  I am so excited about that.  Network marketing has changed my life.  If you have not truly done any research on legitimate network marketing companies, and if you desire to create wealth for generations to come…..may I suggest a couple of books for you to check out.  These are in no particular order, but amazing books of the field.







But enough about that….I wanted to talk to you about something my church is doing.  We are opening a new campus in Katy, and are just in a major phase of REBUILD…which is actually our 'theme' of this year if you will.

This made me so happy because around the end of October, beginning of November 2013, God kept giving me the word RESTORATION…(read: Psalm 90:15, Isaiah 61), so I was excited to learn more about the story of Nehemiah, and his work on the wall, and just the faith that he showed during that time when he was doubted publicly.

At first, I was like well what are you 'restoring' Lord?  Well, it turns out, plenty…a lot….more than I imagined…ha!

There are so many things I'd like to share, but it won't make sense, and some things aren't write aboutable…lol yet, so I'm sorry if I sound cryptic.  But, our entire church family is undergoing a 40 day fast.  It's not a total water fast (hallelujah), but it is pretty hefty by my Chuy's and sweet tea measuring stick.  But y'all, I am so excited about it.  I have very specific spiritual goals.  I am so ready to see what God will do during this time.  How my faith will grow, how prayers I have prayed for months, even years will be answered.  It just makes my heart leap.


We have a prayer call every day at noon.  I missed today's, but I have set my alarm to not miss another. Oh, and one more thing…remember how I told you that I'm studying James in this season??!  WOW---talk about conviction, slicing through my flesh, and pride, and just cutting me deep on how I treat others….it's getting ugly y'all, but I love it.  It has always been my favorite book of the Bible, but I am seeing it in a totally new light.  I am enjoying traveling the pages alone, just me and Jesus…taking my time.  Marinating…not rushing trying to meet a group study deadline…it's been great!


If you are looking for a challenge, and to be called to the carpet over and over again, I highly recommend it. 

Finally, I am going natural with my hair!  I have begun the transitioning process, and my goal is to not do a big chop!  Mostly because my hair is no lie, the longest it has ever been, and I have a decent texture of hair, and there's no need to chop it all off.  I have healthy relaxed hair.  I am transitioning because in case you haven't noticed, I am pretty much all natural anything I can be, and also, I think it will be cute…lol…don't judge me!  

Like most things I do, I am all over studying the best way to transition, the best products, the best hair vitamins, and the best regimen…I am so excited!  We have a great store in Houston called Tendrils and Curls, and I visited her and she was able to point me in the direction on a couple of products.  Other than that, I have just watched a zillion YouTube videos.  

I am also going to record my own journey and post it on YouTube…just because I want to always remember this time.  Lucky for me my company has our own hair vitamins, and they are top notch.  Here's a pic of my hair growth after 6 days of taking the vitamins.


I am going to use flexi rods tonight, and lots of cute headbands!  Stay tuned to see how this plays out!

Well, I have talked about a million things in this post.  I'll be back with more to share….after all, 40 days of fasting and a laundry list of things to cover in prayer are destined to bring a new something….I can't wait!

Later gators!!!  <>< J



Friday, February 28, 2014

Blog Review for Little old ME!

Please take a look at Jenna's product review of the skinny wrap!


Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Lately..

I have not posted in a while, and I've been up to some pretty awesome things.  I HATE how long it takes to upload pics from my phone to my computer for blog posts, so I got the awesome idea to load them on my blogger app, then add text later....Aren't I so cool?!?  So, sorry if my pics are out of wack, but at least they're here!


A couple of weekends ago, I went home, and it just so happened that my Dad had my Granny with him.  Well, we always go out to dinner when I'm home, and we took Granny to Seoul Garden, a Korean cuisine restaurant....she was a good sport, but I doubt she'll ask for it again...lol.



Earlier that day, I was in Waco, and went to lunch at my FAVORITE place of all time....Amelia's. which is now Sironia Cafe'.  Sooooo good, and I could drink the poppyseed dressing....sooo good!




A couple of weekends before that, my company had our annual conference, Freedom Conference!  Here I am with my team member Crystal, and our Ambassador Diamond leader Ashley Sinclair.  #8 money earner in our company.



Here we are with our Double Diamond leader, and my friend who introduced me to the biz, Beth, along with my team members Cyrstal and Vanessa!



Because I've been jet setting (ha...not really), I hadn't seen Chunks in a while, so we met Sunday!  I missed him so!  He missed me too...lol!




My sweet baby boy!!!  Love him so!  He is such a joy!!!

Well!  That's my past couple of weeks!  Life is crazy, fun, and has days where I'm asking God a million questions, but as long as I keep my eyes on Him, it's all GOOD!  Later gators!  <><

Thursday, January 30, 2014

1.30

Hey, hey, hey!!!  In my last post, I mentioned that I had started two posts, but didn't finish them.  I wondered why that was (to myself of course), and then I realized that it was OK.  I have given up cable during this season, so Jesus and I have had some amazing time together.  And I think from that time, came a quietness in my spirit, because He is moving. 

I am not in a place to 100% share what has been going on for the past two week...NOTHING is official, and I definitely don't want to speak out of turn.  But, I can't wait to share the back story with you.  It really is neat, and it is only something that God could have done. 

I asked God to show me the beauty in my greatest fears yesterday, and I cannot wait for Him to reveal that to me....do you understand what I'm asking?  I want Him to show me Himself in my fears.  Because it is only when that happens, that I will be able to get over them and myself, and have true freedom.  And freedom is where I want to live!

Pray with me for that please.  And also that I do not grow weary in waiting for the promises He so graciously promised.  Have a great weekend friends!  I hope I can share this little secret soon!

~J

Monday, January 27, 2014

Truth vs. Lies

It has been a while since I have posted, and it's not because I fell off the face of the earth.  I have started two separate blog posts, and haven't published them.  I don't know why....just wasn't feeling it, they didn't feel finished....heck, I don't know!

I started reading The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson a while back, and WOW!  It is just that.  I highly recommend it.  It's nothing like you would think...somewhat of an easy read, and totally interesting. 




One of the things that rings in my mind all of the time since I began reading the book may seem trivial and like duh to you.  But, I can easily fall into the trap of telling myself lies, and allowing myself to believe them.  I'm not an outwardly negative person, but when it comes to me, my life, and my view of how I'm living it, I can be super critical of myself.  In fact, if you're ever in my presence, and are wondering what I'm thinking about you....chances are not a darn thing...because of the inner conversation I'm having with myself about  myself. 

I've come to realize that this tactic is from the enemy, and quite frankly, it gets me every.single.time.  So today, I took out a legal pad, and wrote down every lie that the enemy was leading me to believe about myself, prayers I had prayed, and things I desired.  I'm telling you, when I looked down and saw these things on paper, they were laughable.  I dare you to do it.  Especially if your struggle is the mind.

Now, I'm sure I seem absolutely mad, or like a nutcase, but oh well...those who understand understand, and those who don't struggle with this struggle with something else that makes you look foolish...HA!

I am so glad that God shed a little light on this for me, and allowed me to get over myself, and to stop this destructive behavior.  This is a win folks....believing lies can set a sistah back!  Can I get an Amen?!

Saturday, January 4, 2014

This year...




ÑI want to laugh more than I've ever laughed. Travel more. Experience more even if I date myself, and love people right where they are!


Bring it on!

Thursday, January 2, 2014

2014!!!

Well guys….we made it!  2014 is here, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to have a fresh start, to turn the page, and start anew.

2012 and 2013 were valley years.  I learned a lot, enjoyed kicked and screamed through months of pruning, and prayed several prayers that I felt never made it past my ceiling fan.  But around September 2012, God laid a word on my heart, wrote it on anything that would stay still long enough for the ink to dry , and even had a dream about it over Thanksgiving…..RESTORATION!!!  Isn't that an awesome word!

While I haven't seen much restoration yet, I am faithful.  My faith is strong.  I know what it's like to pray and worry, and I choose to never venture that way again.  As I said goodbye to 2013, and hello to 2014 last night at church, Pastor J spoke on REBUILDING from the book of Nehemiah, which is where our first sermon series will come from.  What joy my little heart felt to know that what was on my heart was also on God's.  (As if He didn't give me the word to begin with).

I have spent so many years trying to juggle what I know God was calling me to do, and pleasing others, wondering if they approved of my actions.  But it doesn't matter to me anymore.  The only thing that matters to me is that I have a heart and life that pleases God.  That my steps are ordered by Him.  That souls come to know Him because I was obedient, and not playing it safe.  Even as I type these words, I know that there will be some things that happen, and people will judge me; sadly those that are the closest to me, but I have trusted that the Lord will perfect that which concerns me, and that is more than enough for me.

Jesus is real folks.  His love for us is real, and His commission for us is of great importance.

I love quiet times, and I love a good bible study to accompany my quiet times.  It's no secret that James is my favorite book in the Bible, and Beth Moore has a study on James!  So, guess what I'm starting 2014 off with…..yep!  JAMES!!!!  So excited!  Oh, and not to mention that it was time for a new journal….fresh starts all the way around!  I love it!!!  I have a little nook in my bedroom that I have made special just for my quiet times…I'm so proud of it.  I'll post more pictures when it's just right!  I can't wait to plaster the walls with scriptures….yes yes YES!!!



I posted in Instagram last night a little short video of highlights of 2013.  I cannot WAIT to see what 2014 holds for me.  I know that it will be exceedingly, abundantly, more than I can ask or think, and that makes me SO HAPPY!!!



Happy New Year Friends!  May His perfect will be completed in all of us this year!