31 Days. 31 Photos. 31 Stories.

Stepping out of my comfort zone...

I've been keeping to myself a lot these past weeks. Good reason.

My fellow BLM Girl Beatrice is asking everyone to join her on this 31 days journey...

I'M IN!

http://www.inspiredbybeatriceclay.com/blog/2012/07/31/august/

Check out the above link to get more info on how to join in

Hopefully I can keep up :-/

Joyce Meyer: When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan

The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good. Notice Paul doesn't say that all things are good, but all things work together for good.

Paul also tells us in Romans 12:16 to "readily adjust yourself to [people, things]." The idea is that we must learn to become the kind of person who plans things but who doesn't fall apart if that plan doesn't work out.

Let's say you get in your car & it won't start. There are two ways you can look at the situation.
You can think, "I knew it! My plans always flop."

Or you can tell yourself, "Well, I can't leave home right now, but that's ok. I believe this change in plans is going to work out for my good. God is in control."

Allow God to be the glory & lifter of your head (see Psalm 3:3). He wants to lift everything : your hopes, attitudes, mood, head, hands, heart, your entire life. Remember, even when life doesn't go according to plan, He is good.

Joyce Meyer: Conquering the Wilderness Mentality

The Israelites wandered around in the wilderness for forty years to make what was actually an eleven-day journey. Why?

Once, as I pondered this situation, the Lord said to me, "The Israelites couldn't move on  because they had a wilderness mentality." The Israelites had no positive vision for their lives, no dream. They needed to let go of that mentality & trust God.

We really shouldn't view the Israelites with astonishment because most of us do the same things they did. We keep going around the same mountains instead of making progress, & it takes us years to experience victory over something that could have been dealt with quickly.

We need a new mindset. We need to start believing  that God's Word is true. Matthew 19:26 tells us that with God all things are possible. All He needs is our faith in Him. He needs for us to believe, & He will do the rest.

The Lord is saying the same thing to you & me today that He said to the children of Israel: "you have dwelt long enough on this mountain." It's time for us to move on!

Sophia Angeli Nelson: Be blessed & Be Resilient!

7 Keys to Living Resilient: Courage, Humility, Faith, Communication (ask 4 help), Focus, Self Love, and Patience. #SaturdayLove

Resilience means facing life’s difficulties with courage and patience – refusing to give up. #SaturdayLove

A resilient man or woman is one who has learned life lessons in the valley and now stands on a mountaintop-wiser-better! #SaturdayLove

STOP-PAUSE-REFLECT. So to be Resilient is to be able to endure being stretched, bent, hurt & yet COME back with POWER! #SaturdayLove

I am personally committed NOT 2 dwell in the depths of disappointments, losses, or setbacks. I am a RESILIENT woman of POWER! #SaturdayLove

What we give our attention to stays with us. What we let go of, will let go of us. #LetItGo #BeTheLight #BeResilient #SaturdayLove
Resilience is tenacity of spirit, a determination 2 embrace all that makes life worth living even against overwhelming odds!#SaturdayLove

Resilience is the ability 2 work w/ adversity in such a way that 1 comes through it unharmed or even better for the experience#SaturdayLove

What we give our attention to stays with us. What we let go of, will let go of us. #LetItGo #BeResilient#SaturdayLove

Thought of the Day: “Stop searching the world for treasure, the real treasure is in yourself.” #SaturdayLove

10. Lastly, living resilient encourages others, inspires others, endures with others, and lifts others. You can BOUNCE back! #SaturdayLove

9. Living Resilient requires self love & courage beyond your natural ability. You will need a spiritual strength 2 keep going.

8. Living Resilient means I have my life priorities straight & let no-one or no thing DISTRACT me from it. Purpose focused. #SaturdayLove

7. Living Resilient means I'm more like the Tortoise and not the Hare. I pace myself. I am patient. I stay focused on my goal. #SaturdayLove

6. Living Resilient means that I humble myself to my GOD, my needs, my wellness. I can't get out of a pit without strength. #SaturdayLove

5. Living Resilient means I take care of ME first. My oxygen mask must be firmly fit so I can breathe before helping others.#SaturdayLove

4. Living Resilient means being willing to face the woman/man in the mirror with honesty. I have to OWN my part in the mess.#SaturdayLove

3. Living Resilient requires that I not give into petty people, things or distractions. They pull me into pits of mud & mire. #SaturdayLove

2. Living Resilient requires you to have a positive & prayerful support inner circle #LoveCouncil that is 100% for YOU! #SaturdayLove

1. Being resilient means you have REFOCUS your VISION. #SaturdayLove

Let's break this down in to 10 principles of living a resilient life: 1. Being resilient means you have REFOCUS your VISION.#SaturdayLove

I think the reason we all love the Psalms so much is because they help us to heal. They call us to be resilient & courageous.#SaturdayLove

To be resilient is to be VICTORIOUS over tragedy, pain, hurt, loss, illness and the attacks of the enemy. It means you win!#SaturdayLove

So how does resilience look? A resilient person is a healed, transformed, and transparent person. Don't miss this. #SaturdayLove

Your greatest life lessons, & growth come from the valley. But there comes a time to live Resilient & walk out the valley. #SaturdayLove

Part of living folks is to have drama, loss, setbacks, suffer betrayal or worse. BUT Resilence says-I am okay-I am better. #SaturdayLove

This morning I want all of us all to STOP & focus on what is RIGHT in our lives. It's time to get out of the pit & depression #SaturdayLove

My Nana used to say that we should be kind to every person we meet because we are ALL fighting some kind of private battle.#SaturdayLove

First let me start off with Thanksgiving to the Lord 4 a new day of life. I am blessed despite my mess. As are we all. #SaturdayLove

The Metaphor For Love: The Provider & The Addict...

As most of you may know, I just got done reading this book. I'm now on book #5 I believe

Anyways, below is my response to that chapter 

(Chapter 3: The Man Who Didn't Believe in Love)

"...love is just like a drug, it makes you very high, but it creates a strong need. Just like a drug, you need your everyday doses."

"The one who has the biggest need is like the drug addict, the one who has a little need is like the provider."

If this isn't true. MAN! Like this really had me thinking. I know I can relate to it. I'm sure most can. We all know in the beginning of a relationship you're both wayyyyy into one another. But later down the line there's always someone doing more than the other person, or wanting more compassion...I know I'm not alone here lol...

Your thoughts???

Ps. Go read this book!!!

Joyce Meyer: Desiring More Than His Blessings

How many of us can actually say, "I am not jealous of anyone else or envious of what others have. If God gave it to them, then I want them to enjoy it?"

The Word says, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have" (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). I believe  God tests us to see if we will live by this verse.

There are times when He will put somebody in front of us who has exactly what we want, just to see how we will respond. Until we can pass His "I am happy for you because you are blessed" test, we are never going to have any more than what we have right now.

If you have asked God for something & He hasn't given it to you  yet, rest assured that He is not holding out on you. He simply wants to make sure that you rid yourself of jealousy & make Him your top priority.

God wants us to prosper in every way. He wants people to see his goodness & how well He takes care of us. But we must desire God more than we desire His blessings. 

Homemade Deep Conditioner [6]

I'm back on my DIY homemade deep conditioners!!!!

The items I used:

- Plain Dani greek yogurt

-Oils

- A half of an avocado (remove the pit/seed)

I tried to mix it well to get some of the chunks out without using my blender or mixer

Either way it turned out great!

I applied it to my clean hair, put a plastic cap on, got under the dryer for 45mins

& let me tell you, my hair was stiff, which I found out, avocados do have protein in them.

So, if your hair doesn't like protein treatments I would substitute the avocado for something else.

Overall this DC mask made my hair bounce back & more lively.

The protein of the avocado made a difference (strength wise).

The oils added shine & made my hair soft

Check out the last homemade deep conditioners I made below with avocado in it

very similar HERE

Share your favorite DC product (store bought) or homemade below in the comment section

Joyce Meyer: God Is the Only Lasting Source

As human beings we are created by God to be happy & to feel good about ourselves. As a matter of fact, we must feel good about ourselves, or eventually we will develop some sort of unhealthy, uncontrolled behavior to get the good feelings we crave.

Think about it. A person who is addicted to drugs probably began using them because his pain was so intense he felt compelled to get rid of it, even if only temporarily. The same thing is true of drinking, or using food as comfort. If we do not get good feelings from the inside, then we attempt to create them through outside means.

 God created us that way & He's the only one who can satisfy us. When we go to something other than God to make us feel good about ourselves, we're really just replacing something real with a cheap substitute.

Whatever your emotional needs are today, know that only God can meet them. He is the only lasting source of life. Go to Him today, He's the only One who can satisfy.

Make Me feel Good Music....

Joyce Meyer: Removing Distraction

One of Satan's more cunning weapons is distraction. He knows if we become sidetracked by the cares of the world that, more than likely, we will begin to neglect our time with God.

To keep us faithful & in close fellowship & communion with Him, sometimes God wants us to remove distractions that are separating us from Him, even if it hurts.

For example, if our career or desire for money or social status are more important to us than pleasing God, we need to get our priorities straight. Or maybe a relationship is keeping you from spending time with God & you're looking for that person's attention & approval more than God's. The bottom line is, any situation or desire in our life that keeps us from being led by the Holy Spirit or living for God is an unhealthy distraction that's not good for us.

God wants us to be moved by His Spirit, not by distractions, So today, set aside all of the distractions of life & purposely focus on God. When you seek God first with your whole heart, you will find Him. He's always there waiting for you.

Stuck in My SINGLE Emotions...

Hmmm, ever have those days where you're thinking about what's next? What does the future hold? When will I get married? Baby fever? Am I ready for a relationship yet? Maybe it's just me.

I've doing a lot of thinking lately. I'm a thinker anyways...by nature. But for the past few months I haven't been in my feelings like I've been lately, nor felt the need to evaluate this lol.

I think it's safe to say I love someone. Something vicious that could turn into "in love with..." again.
Being single isn't fun to me. It's not the fact that I can't be alone or I don't enjoy getting to know me better. It's just not fun. Dating is a little better than being single. Being in a relationship is nice. But I'm girl that can't settle. It's not in my blood.

photo credit

I'm at the point in my life about a few things where I go "what if?" There's a big chance if those what ifs manifest? The energy is out there. The actions just don't play a big part

Life is just going by so slow but so fast at the same time. I'm growing old quick but everything else is-at-a-slow-pace-that-can't-catch-a-break. Super sucky right?! I really try to make the best out of everything. I just can't be ok with being mediocre. I'm really learning how to live in contentment. I posted about this on my blog where Joyce Meyer discusses this...you can check that out HERE.

Joyce Meyer: False Evidence Appearing Real

There is debilitating fear that Satan tries to put on us everyday. I call fear False Evidence Appearing Real. It is intended to keep us from having the power, love & sound mind God wants us to have.

Sometimes we think of fear as an emotion, but it is actually a spirit. In fact, fear is one of Satan's favorite tools, & he particularly loves to harass Christians with it.

But Jesus said, "All things can be (are possible) to him who believes!" (Mark 9:23 AMP). And an on-fire, Bible-believing Christian who is fearless is the enemy's worst fear!

It has been said that fear is the opposite of faith, & that is true. We can't live in faith & fear at the same time. Fear paralyzes us & keeps us from receiving God's promises. It keeps us from stepping out & obeying what God has called us to do.

Fear must be confronted head-on with the power of faith. We must proclaim the Word of God & command fear to leave. So the next time fear knocks on your door, send faith to answer!

-Joyce Meyer

High Standards or Idle Time?

I'm the type of individual that has to stay busy but loves to have some "Me time" every so often. And since I've graduated from college (Fall 2010), I cannot stand this free time that creeps up every so often. Like, how do people do it?

I suppose it's normal to want to be busy majority of the time...being ambitious & wanting the best future possible.

When things don't go as planned, or life takes a turn or maybe it hasn't taken off it's very discouraging. Yeah, yeah be anxious for nothing...I know.

With me having the goals I have, therefore I feel the need to meet a certain standard. When I don't, I feel like I'm being idle. Not idle in the sense of doing nothing at all. That I cannot do. But idle in the sense of not doing what it is I WANT to do. Or should be doing.

I try my best to stay positive & allow my Heavenly Father to guide me. And maybe He's waiting on me to surrender. I don't know.

At times I feel like it's time to step out on faith when it comes to things related to my career.
Example one: Looking for positions out of state.

If someone were to suggest this to me 3 or 5 years ago, I would have looked at them like they were crazy! I love SoCal too much. I think what makes me not want to go out & look for positions away from "home" is the familarity. The unknown. I highly dislike NOT knowing what to expect. I guess you can say I like to be in control.

I guess I know what it is I need to do. Surrender to Him, and step out on faith. I can't always be in control. Possible not at all. Not on this journey. And that frightens me. Something I'm trying to beat with a baseball bat. Fear has no place in our lives. I'll be posting another daily plan from Joyce Meyer which she touches on FEAR. There's another one I posted called Throwing Fear Outdoors

It's said that fear & faith don't mix nor go together. So I have to give up one.

I choose FAITH over fear...

Have you allowed fear to take over your life? If so, how are you trying to deal with it? And if not, what are some of things, affirmations, scriptures that help you stay clear from fear? Share away I'm interested....

Joyce Meyer: Living with Contentment & Satisfaction

The Bible says that godliness accompanied with contentment is great & abundant gain. What I take from that is, a godly person who is content is in the very best place he can possibly be.

Joy doesn't come from having your circumstances in order & under control; it comes from what's in your heart. For example, the world is full of people who have what they think they want, & they're still not happy. In fact, some of the most unhappy people in the world are people who seem to "have it all."

Contentment is not about fame or being well-known, how much money you have, your position at work or your social circle. It's not found in your level of education or what side of the tracks you were born on. Contentment is a heart attitude.

There's nobody happier than a truly thankful person, a truly content person. The word contents means 'being satisfied to the point where nothing disturbs you no matter what's going on, but not satisfied to the point that you never want any change.'

We all want to see things get better. But where you are right this minute doesn't have to disturb you. You can choose to believe that God is working &  things are changed, & you will see the result of it in due time.

Life is ll about the choices we make, so choose contentment & satisfaction every single day of your life. You won't go wrong when you do.

Summer Reading: Book numero Four!!!

I've read the following books thus far...

Write it Down Make It Happen

Rich Dad Poor Dad

The Power of Positive Thinking

NOW... The Mastery of Love

I'm almost done reading this book, & will be reading a business related book next.

Super proud of myself & really taking in what I'm learning.

Check out my book shelf for different books to read, or just to see what's on my list

:)

Ready For My Closeup....My New Look!

Hey guys!

So, I've been debating for a year or so now about having my own site that's about ME, my life. Just a little insider of it. I've also been thinking about putting together a professional website about me. It seemed like the cool or right thing to do aside from my mentoring website (Mentoring Young Girls) & my beauty blog (GlamNoLabelz). But then I thought, what would I present? And I felt like I don't want something that shows JUST my professional side via Internet. My resume is enough. So the route I chose to go with is the not so professional, but fun side of it.

Changes

I've made my blog (soon turned into website) much more professional. I'll still share things regarding my hair journey, everyday life topics, fitness, products I love, etc.

I just wanted to share this with you all. So you're not caught off guard. I know this is like the 2nd or 3rd look I've had lol. This is something that will stay. I will be changing the domain name soon & turn it into a .com (hand clap). I really think it's important to OWN your domain name. Especially if you're serious about your writing/blogging. It just gives off that "I'm serious" & "professional" touch. So think about doing that if you haven't. And it's only $10 a year. Can't beat that!

I LOVE My President & 1st Lady...

<3

Congrats to NBA player Dirk & His New Wife...

[They got married in Africa. She's from Kenya]

Love has NO limits...

Inspiration :)

Working on My Fitness: My Ex's Are MY Motivation To Get FIT!

I know you maybe looking at the title of this post like, what?! What does that mean Ashley? Lol, okay, don't think I'm crazy & I kind of think this is common but most don't think about it or talk about it. But my ex's are my motivation to continue my get right (fit) & eat healthy on this difficult journey.=

photo from: 8tracks.com

Every time I think,come in contact, or something reminds me of one of them (The memorable ones) that is what instantly gets me up & going!

I want to be the WOW effect when/if they see me later down the line...

Yuppp you messed up.

Of course, physical appearance isn't everything, but it does play a big part for men

To think they COULD of had a smart, fit, loving, beautiful woman who also has goals on their arm still *lol*

Oh well, God has something better for me

 Until then, let me go get my work out on because I'm feeling REALLY motivated

:) 

Check Out My Beauty Blog Glam No Labelz & MYGirls...

Hey ladies, 

I wanted to remind or share with you that I DO have other blogs/websites out there. I know some of you that follow me here may not know that I have a beauty blog, as well as a website for my mentoring program MYGirls. Please check those out as well.

I'm currently working on a slew of things dealing with all of my brands right now.

I have a small beauty giveaway going on for GlamNoLabelz on Facebook

As well as preparing for events for MYGirls

Check those out when you get a chance...

Also, MYGirls is looking for guest bloggers...

http://www.mentoringyounggirls.com/