Friendships

Greetings and Blessings!!! 

Having a relationship with God is one of the most important relationships that one will have. But another big and important relationship that we will have is friendships. Having friends and developing friendships with people are a big part of life. The benefits of having friendships are you get to hang out with them, share things with them, talk to them, and they can be there to support you during tough and difficult times. Making friends is never easy and at times they can be a pain (lol) but once you do you can develop the most unbreakable bond. It is important that people in general but especially young girls and women develop friendships with other women. Even though these reality shows are for pure entertainment purposes it never really shows women genuinely supporting one another. It always seems to be about some crazy and foolish mess and they always end up fighting each other. Why is it so hard for women especially women of color to support one another? What are you gaining if you are talking down, name calling, and fighting with your sister? What is there to prove? Who are you trying to impress? Who are you trying to look good for? We already live in a world where if we don't measure up and conform to the ways of the world then we are looked down upon. 

Why does it seem that it is becoming acceptable to act and treat each other in a disrespectful manner? Where is the love, the uplifting, and encouragement between one another??? I am only 28 years old and it is so mind blogging seeing or hearing the negativity of women displaying to other women. We have to lead by example especially for the younger generations to come. It’s not about being perfect because none of us are but it’s about learning and showing respect for another. Everyone that we encounter may not like us and that's okay but it doesn't mean we have to dig down to their level and show any type of disrespect towards them. 

As women and children of God, it is important that we show love to one another and be there for one another. It may not be easy but we must pray to God to show us how to love on a daily basis. Building and developing friendships is an important part of each of our lives. Recently, an organization that I came across on IG posted a study of Naomi and Ruth on their website. I learn from reading that study the importance of having and building strong, godly relationships with women. I learn that even though it may appear that we don't need one another we actually do. There is strength in numbers and it shows when we can all come genuinely together. So I encourage you to find local or out of state organizations that are geared towards supporting, uplifting, and empowering women!!!

Be Blessed

Christina 

Declarations

Greetings and Blessings!!!

Hope you all had a blessed and good weekend! Yes, its Monday and I know some people don't like Monday's (lol) But let's be thankful that God allowed us to see another day. This new day is filled with new promises and new mercies. It's the beginning of a new week so let's start of the day with positivity that sets the tone for the rest of the week. Sometimes we have to encourage ourselves and speak life over things that are happening in and around us. So let's start by making declaration(s) by speaking God's Word over our lives! Whatever it is that you want to declare write it down whether its in your journal, notepad, post-it, etc along with the scripture in which your making your declaration about. The mind is powerful and we have to tuned out anything negative and focus on the positive!


Be Blessed


Christina

Quote Of The Day

This quote speaks volumes for me because I have the tendency to let things or people run my day. If I was a good head space or in a good mood then all of a sudden....BAM someone or something comes along and just ruins it (lol) So then I go from being in a good mood to being in a I don't want to be bothered mood! We all have had this happen to us at some point in time. Don't let anything or anyone run your day for you! You have a choice to be happy or to be miserable but the amount of effort for both is the same. If something is troubling you, talk to God about it he is there to listen always. No matter what is going on around you, embrace the day and welcome the challenges. Everything that you go through is for a reason and there is a purpose for your pain. Life is too short to let things whether big or small run your day. Don't let anything come between you and your piece of mind. Have a great weekend!!!



Be Blessed

Christina

Self-Reflection Is Good For The Soul

When it comes to self-reflection it is good for the soul. Self-reflection consists of mediating or giving serious thought to one's character, actions, and motives. In self-reflection we take a deeper look into correcting our mistaken thoughts and actions and learn from them. Self-reflection is a way of fine tuning our minds like a needle point on a compass that redirects us not only mentally and emotionally but also spiritually. There are challenges that we face daily in and around us in this world. It is important that we take the time out and reflect and get back in tune with ourselves but also with God. Sometimes we lose track of ourselves by trying to fit in with others, trying to be a people pleaser, and so on. But we have to come back and consider is what I'm doing or saying pleasing to God and if not then why am I doing or saying such things. Yes, the devil will use people or things that can cause us to get distracted or lose focus but we can't give in to that. Just because someone was rude or mean to you doesn't mean you have to be rude right back. Of course, your initial reaction is to tell them off and cruse them right out but you don't know what storm or circumstance that person is currently going through. We have to be mindful of how we interact and speak to people because you never know they can be an angel in disguise. Also, I've learned and read that God does test us to see if we will stand and do the right thing and be spirit led or fall into the temptation of our flesh taking over. Whatever the outcome of the test he may give to us....God still loves us!!!

There is power in self-reflection when we can look and learn from our past and let go of any attachments that may be hindering us from moving forward. It is important that we learn to incorporate time alone or mediation in order to reconnect with ourselves and reconnect with God. If we can make time and put forth an effort for anything else then we can set aside some time alone for ourselves and God.




Be Blessed


Christina

God Is In Control

Greetings and Blessings to you all!!!


I thank God for his grace and mercy for without him I am nothing. I thank him for the good and I thank him for the bad. For I know that everything that happens is only to prepare me for what is to come. Life is short and it is important that we cherish each and every moment. It is important that we take time to enjoy the simple things in life and not try so hard to just brush things off and be done with the day. God gave us this life to enjoy and it is important that we do just that. Yes, there will be difficult times that we must endure but we can't let that stop us from going on with our lives. We can't let things big or small stop us from giving God praise. We can't just praise him when things are going right and all is good in our lives we have to praise him when things are not going good and trust and believe that our faith in him will see and carry us through. We have to praise our way through every situation and every circumstance. We have to remember that God is in control every step of the way! He knows what is best and we have to just trust him and not say that we trust him just to be saying that but actually do! So whatever it is that you are going through just know that God is in control and he has a plan for you!!!


Be Blessed

Christina

Quote of the day

As much as we want things to happen when we want them to God has his own way of going about things. No, he doesn't want us to continue to suffer through our struggle but we have to learn how to endure and be content with what is. Everything that you've gone through has not been for nothing. Yes, it does get hard and sometimes your just like okay when will this come to an end. But you have to praise your way through every situation and through every storm. I have learned that there is a blessing in every lesson and that God is just prepping us for what is to come next!  The devil will use every tactic (family, friends, co-workers, car trouble, etc) he can to keep us down. You can't give in not even for a minute! Your time is coming you just have to wait on God for he knows what's best! Happy Sunday!!!!


Be Blessed

Christina

The Six Basic Essentials

Good Morning,

So I had the idea of coming up with an basic essentials list but didn't know how long it should be (lol). So many things ran through my mind but I ended up with six basics essentials. The two most important basic essentials in life that we need to survive are food and water. But I feel that there are other things that are needed as well. And this is what I came up with.......

1. Developing A Personal Relationship With God
   Developing and having a personal relationship with God is so incredibly important in our lives. We can not survive living in this world without him. God is the source of everything. One thing I have learned is that we have to be open in genuinely wanting to have a relationship with him. God looks at our hearts and he knows our true intentions when it comes to doing and thinking things. We don't have to be "perfect" when it comes to having a relationship with him. He will meet us where we are and work within us to become the person he knows we can be. Yes, there will be obstacles that we have to face and overcome but during those tough times he is preparing, shaping, and molding us for what is to come after the storm. Being in a relationship with God is the best thing ever!

2. Being Intelligent Is Sexy
  Don't believe the hype that you have to dumb yourself down in order to be accepted or liked by people. Being intelligent is the sexist thing ever! Whether its pertaining to a certain group of people, a guy, or a position within a certain job field, DON'T play down your intelligence. Be proud of the fact that you hold special intellectual skills. It's not about showing off or appearing to be better than other people but more so of being confident of who you are and being able to hold an intelligent conversation. If they don't like you for you then you shouldn't allow them in your life.

3. Personal Hygiene 
  As young girls and young women personal hygiene is very essential. Our bodies go through many different changes and it is important that we are aware of those changes and take proper care of ourselves. Good personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways that we can protect ourselves and others from illness. When it comes to body odor, body smells are caused by a number of factors and it is important that we are aware of anything that may seem off when it comes to this. If anything seems weird go and see your doctor!! Every woman should keep at all times with her extra pads/tampons, pocket-size deodorant, feminine wipes or spray, pocket-size baby powder, body spray or perfume, hand-sanitizer, and extra pair of underwear. Whether you carry it within your purse or have a different bag for it these are essential items to have to keep fresh throughout the day. Also, hand-washing is very important. I have been in public restrooms and there have been times were people haven't washed their hands. That is very uncouth and unsanitary. Make a habit of washing your hands regularly.

4. Positive Vibes Positive People
  No one likes to be around a Debbie downer or a negative Nancy. There's only 365 days within the year (366 for leap year) and only 24 hours in a day. Yes, we all face and deal with hard times and times of feeling overwhelmed with the daily challenges of life. But we can't let those challenges get the best of us. We are allowed to break down or have a moment but we can not stay there. It is important to create positive vibes within our environment. Whether its listening to music, going for walk, reading, praying, writing, etc. We have to encourage ourselves and give God thanks for it all no matter how hard things may be. It is important to be around positive and uplifting people. Being around positive and uplifting people can be a blessing during your time of difficulty but it is important to be a blessing to others. You may not know what others are going through but by being a good listener or speaking words of encouragement it not only blesses them but it blesses you as well.

5. Follow Your Passion
  What are your goals, dreams, aspirations? What is that you're passionate about? During the many different stages of life you will go through phases of trying to find out who you are and what you want to do with your life. You may have one or several things in mind in terms of what you want to do with your life and then there are others (family, friends, etc.) who may not fully get or understand were you are coming from and have their own opinion of what they think is best for you. There is nothing wrong with others voicing their opinion but it is important that you follow your heart. If God gave you a vision then nothing else matters. No one is going to understand your vision because he didn't give it to them he gave it to you. Yes, there will obstacles and challenges along the way but you have fight your way through it. Keep a notepad or a journal and set goals for yourself short-term and long-term. It is important that you do what makes you happy and not settle for something that feels like work. If it is a career that you love and you wake up every morning excited about it then it wouldn't feel like work.

6. Have A Killer Wardrobe
  I am such a lover of fashion!!!! I don't believe that you have spend a whole lot of money to look good. But hey everyone is different and to each its own. Some of my favorite stores to shop at would be Forever 21, Ross, WetSeal Plus, and Consignment shops. These are just a few of my favorite stores but I have also have seen beautiful, comfortable, and affordable clothes from Fashion to figure, Ashley Stewart, and G Stage just to name a few. I love wearing big purses (can fit any and everything in there lol), rings, earrings, and necklaces. Shoes are a girl's best friend and I love my wedges and sandals. I'm a sucker for a good pair of jeans and since its summer time maxi dresses and dresses are my favorite things to wear! Wearing what you love and wearing it with confidence is the best feeling ever. I don't believe that we should bare all or show everything that God has blessed us with! But keeping it simple, classy, and leaving some things left to the imagination is the way to go in my opinion.

This was just some of the things that I felt that were essential and I like I said there were so many things that ran through my mind so I may do another basic essential list (lol)


Be Blessed


Christina

I Do or I Don't

Good Afternoon,

So there is this commercial for a new show that I have been seeing for the past few weeks. It's called, "Married At First Sight". The show is taken from a Danish series where the premise of the show is the same which is, following singles who are ready to get married but they haven't found the right match. Instead of signing up for a dating website or any other avenues, they decide to participate in a social experiment with arranged marriages. They meet with four different experts in helping to set them up with their perfect match but the big twist is they don't see each other until their wedding day. Now, when I first show this commercial it was very mind-blogging because I thought who in world came up with this idea for this kind of show. And why on earth would anyone would want to sign up for something such as this. But then it dawn on me that these people are just wanting and longing for companionship just like anybody else. But why go to this such extreme measure in trying to find the right or perfect match?

After reading about the contestants who are going to be on the show and why they are looking for love. It appears as though they haven't worked out their own past personal or relationship issues. How can you want to be with someone let alone marry them and you haven't dealt with your own past relationship or personal issues. WARNING SIGN: YOU MUST WORK ON YOURSELF AND HEAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO JUMP INTO ANOTHER RELATIONSHIP! Yes, we all long to have this connection of companionship and be with our mate. But we have to let God work on us, heal us, and prepare us for this person. We can't go into something new and take our excess baggage and try to mask or hide it because it will eventually come to surface. Hey, I admit that I kinda would like to date but I don't feel that I'm ready for that. I know I need to continue to work on myself and let God continue to heal and mold me into the woman that he knows I can be. If I want my man or future husband to possess certain qualities I know I should possess those qualities as well. I feel that this is what is wrong with this generation today, they go from relationship to relationship and don't take the time to heal from their previous relationship. There is nothing wrong with taking time out for yourself and reconnecting with God. Its needed! Let him find you your mate he knows more then we will ever know and I am beginning to understand that.

Personally, I don't believe I will be tuning in to watch this show because I feel like they are playing with the sanctity of marriage. Even though I am single and hope to be married one day, I take the sanctity and the meaning of marriage very seriously. Marriage is not something to be played and toyed with. I feel as though a lot of people whether they are celebrities or not are just so quick to get a divorce and not put in the time and effort to make their marriage work. I feel as though all the time and effort one puts into planning a wedding they need to put that same time and effort into their marriage.


Be Blessed

Christina

Identity Plan

Good Afternoon,


Hope you all are enjoying this beautiful day that God has given us. It's been raining here in Houston for the past few days. But I am still thankful for the rain because I know there is sunshine among the clouds. I came across one of the Bible app plans called the Identity Plan. It is a four day plan that contains videos of three individuals who can give up there identity for a brand new one. The choice was left up to them to choose which identity they wanted. They can either obtain this new identity in order to fit in and be liked among their peers or they could keep their God given identity. I enjoyed reading this plan and I enjoyed watching the videos along with the scriptures for the plan. It got me thinking that it is important that we know and understand who we are and but most importantly know and understand who God says we are. In this world today, it is so easy to fall into what society says in order to fit in and be liked. But we must fight that off daily and keep what God says about us in our minds as well as our hearts.

It is important to get to know yourself before someone tells you who you are. We all are created in the image and likeness of God. But he created us different from one another and I'm sure he didn't want duplicates of us in the world. We all hold different and unique qualities that sets us apart from everybody else. Why would we want to be just like this person or that person in order to be liked by people. I rather have a few good God-fearing people in my inner circle and I am thankful that I do then have a bunch of fake people pleasing people in my inner circle. There is nothing wrong with being different, it is a beautiful quality to have. Don't let this world tell you who are and who you should be. Never let the opinions of others get to you. Know who you are and know who you are in Christ. We have to look within ourselves and look to God because the only opinion that matters is his and his alone.


Be Blessed

Christina

It's A New Day

Good Morning,

Thank you God for this beautiful new day that is filled with new promises and new mercies. We are now into the second half of the year!!! Thank you God for bringing us this far for without you we wouldn't have made it. The year seems to be flying by and before we know it we will be beginning a whole new year! The morning devotional that seem to always be on point every morning (lol) was titled He Makes All Things New. Reading it was so refreshing and just what I needed because it reminded me that no matter how hard the situations or circumstances that I have been through, God makes all things new. That what the devil meant for my harm God has turned it around for my good. Each day I get to wake up and see another day is a blessing in itself! I may not be where I want to be but I know I am on my way there. I know I had to go through what I went through in order to be where I am at now. Because I know my blessings are coming, I don't know when (lol) but I can feel it! I have learned and grown so much and I pray that I continue to do so. No matter what day of the week it is, it is important that we wake up each and every morning with a new mindset. We can't let what happened yesterday or worry about tomorrow distract us. We have to keep our focus on Jesus.

Since we are now in the second half of the year, I pray that we all strive to achieve whatever it is we want to accomplish. Whether it is getting closer to God, volunteering, applying for a new job, etc. Set out and make it the best rest of the year! We can't let outside noise hinder us from doing what is set out on our hearts. People are always gonna have something to say whether good or bad. We can't sit in self-pity and wish things were different. Everything happens for a reason and we are were we are for a reason. Whatever it may be pray about it and seek God's guidance about what is set on your heart to do and listen for him to speak. God doesn't want us to be in the same place he wants us to excel. We have to speak and declare that God is making a way for us no matter how bad things may seem. For he is making ALL THINGS NEW WITHIN US AND AROUND US!!!

Be Blessed

Christina