Dream Builders. Dream Killers. Dream Stealers.

B shares her life lesson learned about Dream Builders. Dream Killers. Dream Stealers. ‪#‎shareifyoucare‬ ‪#‎silenceisgolden

$20 Hallway Table

It can be discouraging when you have champagne tastes while on a kool-aid budget (and no I don't drink) but you catch my drift. I wanted to find an inexpensive way to spruce up my hallway so I decided to look for a small accent table. As you can see my hallway was kind of blah....

I bought this cute little table from a local antique shop for only $20!

After thoroughly cleaning and wiping it down with my left over deglosser, I spray painted the table using Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray Paint.

And Voila! I have a new look for my hallway!

Noisy Quiet of Nature

TODAY IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!!! I have a ba-zillion topic ideas to blog about and several workshops to be planning but lately and for some reason whenever I sit down to write and plan, I go blank. So today I decided to clear my head by taking a nice stroll outside while my husband worked at clearing the leaves from our pond. And believe it or not, it was the noisy quiet of God's sweet nature that gave me the refreshing I needed to get back on track.

 

This morning God blessed us with a light rain and then a pleasant breeze this afternoon. The outdoor quiet was filled with the gentle rustle of leaves blowing in the wind. The sunlight glistened on top of the rippling pond water and the birds chirped lightly in the distance. It was all so relaxing and beautiful.

God used the quiet outdoors to loudly remind me of his simplicity. Some of his most beautiful creations can be found in the simplest of forms. Today, God reminded me to "keep it simple" and to stop overthinking everything. Today's world is filled with so much over-the-top vanity.

Still this world seems to be going nowhere fast. Imagine how productive we would all be if we remembered to "keep it simple". 

Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with wanting to go the extra mile. After all, it takes hard work to accomplish excellence and success. But sometimes productivity is halted because of our complex thinking. If God called you to do it then he will see you through it. For the times when you are feeling stressed and unproductive, take a moment to relax and enjoy God's creations. That's why he made them...because...YOU DESERVE IT!

 

Budget Friendly DIY Christmas Decor Ideas

Please watch and enjoy my video blog on Budget Friendly DIY Décor Ideas. Also be sure to drop Bath and Body Works and check out their Holiday Collection of Scented Candles. The hubby and I went candle shopping and had a wonderful time picking out the perfect Holiday Scent for our home! Merry Christmas!

Hickory Nut Christmas Decorations

My son picked a bag full of hickory nuts while visiting my parents one weekend. Little did he know, these nuts are perhaps the most difficult to crack. I decided to improvise and turn these meticulous nuts into Christmas decor.  The picture below is pretty self explanatory! Before you pay high dollar for Holiday decorations, check your backyard. You never know what you will find!

When it comes to your haters...Get MAD....

Coach or Michael Kors?

NEVER OVER EXTEND YOURSELF!

 

 

 

Should My Daughters Become the Next Nicki Minaj

No need to write much more. The picture says it all....

Mini Bathroom Haul from Ross Department Store

Check out my latest video blog on my mini bathroom haul from Ross. It contains great tips on getting started with saving for your dream home or next remodel!

Brittany Maynard's Suicide...Reasons to Never Give Up

My heart was saddened to hear of the death of Brittany Maynard. For those of you who haven't heard, Brittany Maynard is the 29 year old woman  who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer earlier this year. After she was only given six month to live, Brittany decided to moved to Utah where she would able to take her life based on Utah's  Death and Dignity assisted suicide law. It has been reported that Brittany took her life on Sunday and died surrounded by family and friends.
 

Her story caused much controversy between religious groups and activists. As a matter of fact, this blog post was motivated by the comments I've read on social media.

I do not condone suicide....for any reason. However, despite my bible based beliefs, I refuse to be one of those people who continue to post that Brittany is now rotting in hell. It churns my stomach to see so many people who claim to know God show cold hearted disrespect to her family in their time of mourning. While some people have noted that Brittany's story has inspired them to take control of their own destinies by deciding when and how they will die, I am inspired to work harder than ever to encourage others to trust God with their lives.

Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Bishop Harvey Bee said it best in his one of his sermons when he said "If you can see it. That ain't it." In the past four years, I have  become somewhat accustomed more than ever with the pains of life. There were many times when I could not see things getting better. It was my faith in God and understanding that he sees what I don't see. He knows what I don't know and he can change what man says will always be.

My husband and Pastor consistently teaches the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with God....FOR REAL. No more patty cake religion. No more Sunday lip service. No more CME (Christian, Mother's Day and Easter) Christians. No more once saved always saved, I was baptized so that means I'm heaven bound antics.

People like Brittany Maynard are all around us. They need for us, as children of God to comfort them with God's words of encouragement, wisdom and strength. They need to hear more about our testimonies of how we overcame. No disrespect but enough of the "We fall down and we get up." Nonbelievers don't take us seriously because every time they turn around, we have fallen. They deem us as being hypocritical weaklings. It's time we operate in the strength of God's Holy Spirit and spread God's hope to the hopeless.

I'm tired of hearing about the suicides. No one else should die because of fear and hopelessness. Not on my watch. I intend the "flip the script" on the platform many are trying to build from Brittany Maynard's death by encouraging people to choose life...Choose God....

Said in Love. Never in Hate

$20 Fall Mantle Decor

By shopping out of season, you can accomplish any look for more the half the price. Check out my video blog below to learn how I decorated my fireplace mantle for only $20!

No Good Deeds Movie Review...(Sorry First Post Was Accidentally Deleted)

So I literally just walked out of the movie theater after watching No Good Deed starring Idris Elba and Taraji P Henson. I was so excited about seeing this movie and my anticipation was well satisfied. Without giving any spoilers and keeping this short, simple and sweet here is my review...eh hem... This movie came jam packed with drama, action and suspense. Taraji P Henson's character was something fierce and gavel pounding proof that when push comes to shove there is nothing a mommy wouldn't do to protect her children.

Although, he did have a couple of slip-ups when speaking with an American accent (that Brit came out a couple of times Idris....lol) But HEY...that's okay because the hubby and I loved the movie! Idris Elba performed superbly and gave the audience a jaw dropping portrayal of a crazed psychopath.

Of course, I am falling into the role of what some may say is being a "Christian Prude" because we both give the movie 4 Stars. The four star rating come because of the mild profanity which includes two F-Bombs...Sorry but I wish that word would just die!

Still, I would recommend this movie for it's plot, unsuspected twist, life lesson moment and talented cast. If you have ever wondered why some good deeds are left undone...watch this movie!

Getting Back to You

Cake & Coffee Social

I am so excited about hosting my very first Cake and Coffee social this weekend! I am so thankful to God for guiding me on how to mastermind...excuse me..LADYmind this women's social which has been strategically designed to cater to the needs of every woman who is FINALLY ready to make her long time goals and dreams a reality.

 

From Depression to Deliverance

From Depression to Deliverance

I'm hot, sticky and sweaty from working outside in my yard but I had to take the time and give God thanks. My heart is full right now because as Travis and I were raking through the leaves and strategically planning where we would plant our flowers, hedges and next year's garden....it hit me...For the first time in four years, we are working in our very own yard!

Looking Homely but Happy :)

I plan to give more detail on our testimony in the book I'm currently writing but I will say this. In the past five years, my family and I have lost so much. We lost our home to foreclosure...(an illegal foreclosure that is). A lawsuit developed and our case was placed into litigation with the thousands of other Americans who suffered the same thing. The homeowners won the law suit but our celebratory bubble quickly burst when we received a $500 settlement check and an apology. They didn't even repair our credit! So Travis and I decided to move closer to his job and our church family. We thought this would be a new beginning but then my sister died and our families fell apart. And just when I thought things couldn't get any worse...our church family abandoned us. I didn't know if I could take anymore. My family and faith were all I had left.

While I do not condone suicide, I can understand pain that influences it. Many people were shocked to hear of actor/comedian Robin William's suicide. After all, how could someone who brought so much laughter to others be secretly living in so much pain? My own pain caused me to question my own existence and purpose. Sure, I continued to write and produce plays, post blogs and fulfill my speaking engagements but I was dying inside. Some days I would just cry...even though so many things were right in our lives; my heart carried the burden of all that was wrong. There were others in my family who were hurting and I could do nothing to take their pain away. When my husband was at work and my children were at school, the cloud of loneliness overshadowed my ability to function. My husband did all he knew to try and bring my joy back. Our children showered me with hugs and kisses but I couldn't seem to break away from the feeling of failure and despair. I was battling depression.

I knew how to put on my Cover Girl and act as if the world was my oyster...after all, Christians are supposed to be people of strength...not Debbie Downers.....Right?

Long story short...today I am rejoicing because what once felt like the breaking of me has actually become the making of me. No matter what you are going through..God can. Even though there are times when you can't see the light of day...God CAN and he DID!

Four years ago my husband and I lost a four bedroom, 2 bath 1600 square foot home to foreclosure. Today we are the blessed owners of a 3300 plus square foot, four bedroom, three bath home WITH an additional 800 square foot guest home ON five acres of land; lined beautifully with (my favorite) pecan trees PLUS my husband finally has his own fishing pond. Ain't God good!!!

Your days may seem dark now but they won't be forever. Sometimes trials are just a trying of our faith and sometimes we are reaping what we've sown but I've come to know without a doubt that as long as we lean on God ALL the time we will be victorious! He may not come when you want him but he is always on time! So hold on and never give up. There is a light at the end of the tunnel now GO FOR IT!!!

Joel 2:25

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Priceless Moments With Dad

So the other day the phone rang and it was my hubby calling to check in on us (like he normally does when he's on break at work). He asked me to put our son on the phone. Being the nosy momma I am..........I eavesdropped... :/ (don't judge me) tehehe...and then my heart melted from what I heard.
Travis: Son...
TJ: Yeah daddy...
Travis: Daddy was sitting here at working thinking about you. I have really enjoyed spending time with you. I've enjoyed our talks. Daddy is looking forward to spending even more time with you.
TJ: Me too daddy (with a big ole kool aid smile) ..

Spending an afternoon talking around the pond with his son...$0.00...

Dad calling his son to tell him how special he is...PRICELESS

Simplistically Cute Front Door Accent

I am REALLY enjoying our new home and I have a million projects that I am excited about completing. If you are on a budget like me, you have to be financially creative in your journey to spice things up in your home décor. Today I made a quick stop by Hobby Lobby to pick my "M" and a bundle of flowers. Total Cost $8.54. Came home, added a coat of Ivory spray paint (Rust Oleum) to my "M". Accented the bottom with a few sprigs of flower and bada-bing! I was done! A simple yet cute and eye catching way to warm up your front door. I pray this post has helped living your a little easier!

For Those Lonely Moments...BMW Quick Minute Pick Me Up

I have dedicated my entire life to motivating and empowering others but that doesn't mean I don't need encouragement at times too. God gave me this word of encouragement and I pray it blesses those of you who are in need a little "pick me up".

DIY Prayer Journal

James 5:16 says the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much...If you believe this like I do then check out my video on DIY prayer book. This will be a wonderful addition to your prayer life!

I'm Back With a Dining Room Chair Makeover

Hello Everyone!

I'm bacckkkkk!!! I've missed blogging and I am so excited about getting back on the saddle. My family and I have spent the past few months preparing for our move into our dream home and it's been quite an adventure! Now that we are settled in  I am ready to get back to work my  home projects! Below is a pic of the dining room chairs we revamped. My hubby and I found an awesome deal on our dining table at a scratch and dent sale at Turner's Fine Furniture. Total savings on table $300. The dining room chairs were given to us and needed some TLC.

We reupholstered the chair seat pads and gave the chairs a makeover using Rust-Oleum Spray paint in Oil Rubbed Bronze and VIOLA!!! By revamping the chairs instead of buying new we saved $500. Total savings for this project...$800!!!

It's amazing what you can do simply by "Putting a Little Paint on It"!

I have so many more money saving projects coming soon so stay tuned!

Don't You Dare...Stop

As much as I love motivating others, there were days when I struggled to remain encouraged and motivated to go on. Recently, God sent me a life changing word from a COMPLETE stranger..who...(get this) wasn't even talking to me.

 

I wanted to share these God-sent words of wisdom with those of you who may be experiencing the same thing. Please click on the video below and what ever you do...DON"T YOU DARE.... STOP!!!