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]

2 

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

    and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

3 

    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.

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. 

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?

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. 

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

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

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:

http://rross.jamberrynails.net/party/?uid=ebeea2ee-7501-4617-8274-eda8828b2575

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!