True Happiness
Years ago I had no idea how strongly God felt about giving to others. Before that, I lived a selfish, me-first life. I struggled and strived constantly to find happiness for myself, but I always found myself worn-down, stressed-out, and definitely unhappy.
However, God taught me a thing or two about true happiness. Once I figure out that happiness is by-product of doing something good for other people, I began to adopt a lifestyle where I intentionally look for ways to help people, every day.
The Bible says in Acts 20:35, In everything I did, showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to recieve' (NIV).
That's amazing. Giving brings more happiness than receiving? On the surface, that doesn't make much sense. We live in a world and a culture that's obsessed with receiving. So many times, we look at people who have a lot of stuff and think, 'They must truly be happy.'
But true happiness comes from a lifestyle of giving to others. Now, that doesn't mean you have to give away millions. All God asks is that you give what you have.
I don't ever want to be the kind of person who just says, "Well, I'm doing enough. I'm satisfied." In reality, that will never bring satisfaction. No, I want to help as many people as I possibly can.
Today, find someone you can give to. No matter how big or small your gift, whether it's money, time, or encouragement, just give what you have. Experience the true happiness that comes from giving.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Material Girl Collection
OK, I must say that I have a new favorite collection ... And the winner goes to Madonna and her daughter Lola's collection "Material Girl"! I absolutely love the items they have in Macy's and more so, I love the PRICES :) Below I'm wearing one of their jumpers and Jessica Simpson shoes. Do You Like?
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
I'm into floral at the moment so the next item on my wish list is the item below. The price of this is $29.99 and yes, it is in juniors, lol! How ironic is it that she is rocking the jumper with Jessica Simpson heel as well ... NICE :)
  |
Material Girl Jumper, Sleeveless Printed Harem Pants
Web ID: 658665
Product Q&A
Be the first to ask a question.
Reg. $42.00
Sale $29.99 Sale ends 7/8/12Pricing Policy
Sale $29.99 Sale ends 7/8/12Pricing Policy
Qty:
add to wishlistColor:Floral Bubble
Plato's Closet
If you are in the Roswell/Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area I would strongly recommend you stop by the store location on 6627 Roswell Rd.
Peep the pics below on some of my great finds :)
.JPG) |
All of these shirts were under 10.00.JPG) .JPG) |
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Making the Most of Your Time
Time really does fly, doesn't it? On the other hand, in some situations, it may seem like time crawls! No matter how fast or slow it feels like time goes by, each of us only has a certain amount of time on this earth. With that in mind, I want to ask you, what are you doing with your time?
Time is such a gift from God! I see every day how He takes His time to make us what He wants us to be. And then,in his mercy and grace, He gives us time to get in agreement with what He's doing in our lives so we can experience His goodness. What a loving God!
So, ask yourself, "Am I in agreement with what God is doing in me? Or, am I struggling and fighting, impatiently trying to do things my way?"
I can assure you, if you're struggling with God, you're just wasting your time, but if you're in agreement with Him, you're using your time for great things.
Remember, God is gracious. He takes His time. We might think He's taking too long when, in His goodness, He is just waiting for us to line up with the work He's doing in us. He won't rush. He is patient. Our struggling only delays our progress.
So maybe this is a good time to change your outlook and start looking ahead to a new way of doing things, a new vision for life, a renewed faith and trust in the One who is always at work in us, and always for our good.
My encouragement to you is to trust God and spend your time getting in a agreement with what He is doing in your life. Let Him define your purpose. Know in your heart that He has great plans, and no matter how much time He takes, He loves you, and He always has your best interest at heart.
Time really does fly, doesn't it? On the other hand, in some situations, it may seem like time crawls! No matter how fast or slow it feels like time goes by, each of us only has a certain amount of time on this earth. With that in mind, I want to ask you, what are you doing with your time?
Time is such a gift from God! I see every day how He takes His time to make us what He wants us to be. And then,in his mercy and grace, He gives us time to get in agreement with what He's doing in our lives so we can experience His goodness. What a loving God!
So, ask yourself, "Am I in agreement with what God is doing in me? Or, am I struggling and fighting, impatiently trying to do things my way?"
I can assure you, if you're struggling with God, you're just wasting your time, but if you're in agreement with Him, you're using your time for great things.
Remember, God is gracious. He takes His time. We might think He's taking too long when, in His goodness, He is just waiting for us to line up with the work He's doing in us. He won't rush. He is patient. Our struggling only delays our progress.
So maybe this is a good time to change your outlook and start looking ahead to a new way of doing things, a new vision for life, a renewed faith and trust in the One who is always at work in us, and always for our good.
My encouragement to you is to trust God and spend your time getting in a agreement with what He is doing in your life. Let Him define your purpose. Know in your heart that He has great plans, and no matter how much time He takes, He loves you, and He always has your best interest at heart.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Guarding Your Heart
Proverbs 4:23 says to guard your heart "for it determines the course of your life" (NLT). Think about that. Whatever's in your heart is eventually going to show up in your everyday life. Whatever's inside will eventually find its way out, where anyone and everyone can see it.
That alone makes it extremely important to monitor the things we allow to shape our hearts. I don't want something nasty, sinful, and selfish finding its way out and damaging my relationships with others, and I doubt you do either.
A large part of guarding your heart means learning how to control your thoughts, your words, your disposition and your general outlook. What you think usually comes out in what you say. What you say affects how you feel, and that shows up in your overall attitude.
In the course of everyday life, this is what determines how you handle your circumstances, whether you'll have peace or fall apart in a stressful situation. It governs how you respond to others, either with compassion and understanding or with judgment an arrogance, especialy when you disagree with them!
You can try and keep your inner thoughts from altering your words and attitudes, but I find it's much easier to have godly thoughts to begin with. Spend time in God's presence, and let the Holy Spirit fill your heart with His goodness.
Proverbs 4:23 says to guard your heart "for it determines the course of your life" (NLT). Think about that. Whatever's in your heart is eventually going to show up in your everyday life. Whatever's inside will eventually find its way out, where anyone and everyone can see it.
That alone makes it extremely important to monitor the things we allow to shape our hearts. I don't want something nasty, sinful, and selfish finding its way out and damaging my relationships with others, and I doubt you do either.
A large part of guarding your heart means learning how to control your thoughts, your words, your disposition and your general outlook. What you think usually comes out in what you say. What you say affects how you feel, and that shows up in your overall attitude.
In the course of everyday life, this is what determines how you handle your circumstances, whether you'll have peace or fall apart in a stressful situation. It governs how you respond to others, either with compassion and understanding or with judgment an arrogance, especialy when you disagree with them!
You can try and keep your inner thoughts from altering your words and attitudes, but I find it's much easier to have godly thoughts to begin with. Spend time in God's presence, and let the Holy Spirit fill your heart with His goodness.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Breaking Bad Habits
You can break up with your bad habits just like you can break up with a bad boyfriend or girlfriend. Bad relationships are one of the hardest habits to break, but if we choose to end them, we can spare ourselves a lot of trouble and pain. Let me explain.
For years and years, I had a habit of getting upset every time I didn't get my way. Maybe that's not your bad habit. Maybe you gossip or cuss or drink too much coffee or watch too much TV or spend money on things you don't need. Whatever your bad habit is, you can break it.
I'm not going to say that breaking a bad habit is easy, but it's God's desire for us to take authority over our bad habits. He doesn't want us to be "bossed around" by our emotions, He wants us to have victory.
Breaking a bad habit requires making a series of good choices, one after the other. Most of us will try to do that on our own without the help of the Holy Spirit. But eventually we figure out that we can't please God without God helping us.
The Amplified Bible refers to the Holy Spirit as our "standby." He's always standing by in case you get into trouble and need a little help. But He won't just show up uninvited. You have to ask Him for help.
Romans 12:21 says we "overcome (master) evil with good." That's one of the biggest secrets in the Word of God. It's a lot easier to make the right choice when you're focusing on God and your victory instead of the fear of failure.
Make the choice today to walk in the Spirit to overcome bad habits and live in victory.
You can break up with your bad habits just like you can break up with a bad boyfriend or girlfriend. Bad relationships are one of the hardest habits to break, but if we choose to end them, we can spare ourselves a lot of trouble and pain. Let me explain.
For years and years, I had a habit of getting upset every time I didn't get my way. Maybe that's not your bad habit. Maybe you gossip or cuss or drink too much coffee or watch too much TV or spend money on things you don't need. Whatever your bad habit is, you can break it.
I'm not going to say that breaking a bad habit is easy, but it's God's desire for us to take authority over our bad habits. He doesn't want us to be "bossed around" by our emotions, He wants us to have victory.
Breaking a bad habit requires making a series of good choices, one after the other. Most of us will try to do that on our own without the help of the Holy Spirit. But eventually we figure out that we can't please God without God helping us.
The Amplified Bible refers to the Holy Spirit as our "standby." He's always standing by in case you get into trouble and need a little help. But He won't just show up uninvited. You have to ask Him for help.
Romans 12:21 says we "overcome (master) evil with good." That's one of the biggest secrets in the Word of God. It's a lot easier to make the right choice when you're focusing on God and your victory instead of the fear of failure.
Make the choice today to walk in the Spirit to overcome bad habits and live in victory.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Post Birthday Feelings ...
.JPG) |
| *Home made cakes are the best ... Thanks to my mother-in-law :) |
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Look from the Place Where You Are
It seems that life always has its ways of bringing us to a place where we need to make a fresh start.
In the Bible, Abram found himself in that very place when his nephew Lot chose the best land in the area, leaving Abram with the less desirable land. But God didn't abandon Abram. Instead he showed up and gave Abram a bold new vision.
I like what the Lord told Abram after he and Lot parted ways. He told him, 'Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are.'
It's that phrase, "look from the place where you are," that stirs me. That's the point of a fresh start, a new beginning. God Himself will bring us to that point occasionally.
You might be there right now. Maybe you want to break a bad habit or revive a lost dream. Maybe you want to get a handle on your finances, start your own business, write a book, whatever it is, God could be telling you to get started right now. This could be your new beginning!
After God told Abram to look from that place, the next thing He told him was, 'Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you' (Genesis 13:17 NKJV).
God could be telling you right now to get up and get on with your dream or vision, your assignment, your life, because He is giving it to you. Your part is to walk it out.
Do what you need to do. It may not be easy. It might take some time. But trust God and go for whatever it is. Look from the place where you are right now-and go!
It seems that life always has its ways of bringing us to a place where we need to make a fresh start.
In the Bible, Abram found himself in that very place when his nephew Lot chose the best land in the area, leaving Abram with the less desirable land. But God didn't abandon Abram. Instead he showed up and gave Abram a bold new vision.
I like what the Lord told Abram after he and Lot parted ways. He told him, 'Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are.'
It's that phrase, "look from the place where you are," that stirs me. That's the point of a fresh start, a new beginning. God Himself will bring us to that point occasionally.
You might be there right now. Maybe you want to break a bad habit or revive a lost dream. Maybe you want to get a handle on your finances, start your own business, write a book, whatever it is, God could be telling you to get started right now. This could be your new beginning!
After God told Abram to look from that place, the next thing He told him was, 'Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you' (Genesis 13:17 NKJV).
God could be telling you right now to get up and get on with your dream or vision, your assignment, your life, because He is giving it to you. Your part is to walk it out.
Do what you need to do. It may not be easy. It might take some time. But trust God and go for whatever it is. Look from the place where you are right now-and go!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
I Feel, Want, Need, Wished, Watched, Am, Love, Hate, Hurt, and Hope
This was a very interesting post I seen and I decided to share it with you guys...
I Feel ... tremendously blessed and excited that I will be turning 25 tomorrow :)
I Want ... some breakfast right about now, lol!
I Need ... to stop procrastinating so much and get to business. I have so much that I want to accomplish and I really don't know where to start.
I Wished ... my mom could be here on earth, however she is in a much better place.
I Watched ... sister, sister this morning and it took me back to my younger days.
I Am ... not your girl next door, more like the chick down the street, lmbo!
I Love .. GOD, Family, and my wonderful boyfriend :)
I Hate ... liars, cheaters, deceivers, and heart breakers!
I Hope ... to be a blessing to others and successful.
I Feel ... tremendously blessed and excited that I will be turning 25 tomorrow :)
I Want ... some breakfast right about now, lol!
I Need ... to stop procrastinating so much and get to business. I have so much that I want to accomplish and I really don't know where to start.
I Wished ... my mom could be here on earth, however she is in a much better place.
I Watched ... sister, sister this morning and it took me back to my younger days.
I Am ... not your girl next door, more like the chick down the street, lmbo!
I Love .. GOD, Family, and my wonderful boyfriend :)
I Hate ... liars, cheaters, deceivers, and heart breakers!
I Hope ... to be a blessing to others and successful.
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
7 Ways to Practice Peace
Living in God's peace is vital to enjoying life. I believe that one of the keys to living with peace in you life is taking small steps toward peace every day. Hear are a few tips you can use to develop a more peaceful lifestyle.
1. Be selective with how you spend your time. You may be trying to do too many things and end up doing none of them well. Hurrying is the flesh trying to do more than the Holy Spirit is leading you to do. Be led by the Spirit.
2. Be prepared to say "no" nicely. Sometimes we take on things we shouldn't because we're uncomfortable saying no. Ask god to give you the words to say no when you need to.
3. Resist the spirit of procrastination. God's Word tells us to exercise self-discipline. Do what you know you need to do now so you can fully enjoy your times of rest.
4. Eliminate key distractions. If you know you are prone to certain distractions, such as watching TV, set some guidelines for yourself.
5. Set appropriate boundaries for interruptions. Life is full of interruptions, but you can learn to set boundaries that help you manage them in healthy ways, such as scheduling times when you are "off limits". Schedule time to give yourself a break.
6. Modify your life. Ask god to show you out-of-the-box ways to save time and trouble. For instance, when I don't have time to do the dishes, I use paper plates!
7. Pray and listen. If you can see that your plan is not producing peace, go back to God, pray for peace in the now, and for the wisdom to make changes that will benefit your life.
The bottom line is to make peace a priority, take practical steps toward it, and let God lead you every day into His perfect peace that passes all understanding.
Living in God's peace is vital to enjoying life. I believe that one of the keys to living with peace in you life is taking small steps toward peace every day. Hear are a few tips you can use to develop a more peaceful lifestyle.
1. Be selective with how you spend your time. You may be trying to do too many things and end up doing none of them well. Hurrying is the flesh trying to do more than the Holy Spirit is leading you to do. Be led by the Spirit.
2. Be prepared to say "no" nicely. Sometimes we take on things we shouldn't because we're uncomfortable saying no. Ask god to give you the words to say no when you need to.
3. Resist the spirit of procrastination. God's Word tells us to exercise self-discipline. Do what you know you need to do now so you can fully enjoy your times of rest.
4. Eliminate key distractions. If you know you are prone to certain distractions, such as watching TV, set some guidelines for yourself.
5. Set appropriate boundaries for interruptions. Life is full of interruptions, but you can learn to set boundaries that help you manage them in healthy ways, such as scheduling times when you are "off limits". Schedule time to give yourself a break.
6. Modify your life. Ask god to show you out-of-the-box ways to save time and trouble. For instance, when I don't have time to do the dishes, I use paper plates!
7. Pray and listen. If you can see that your plan is not producing peace, go back to God, pray for peace in the now, and for the wisdom to make changes that will benefit your life.
The bottom line is to make peace a priority, take practical steps toward it, and let God lead you every day into His perfect peace that passes all understanding.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Living a Life of Blessing
I believe that one of the greatest opportunities we have as Christians is to make a profound difference in the lives of others. Throughout my life of ministry, God has given me the opportunity to help many people who need guidance.
But I don't believe this is a special opportunity that God made just for me. Everyone, you included, has the ability to influence someone. When you take the time out to reacg others and invest in someones life, you are impacting the world .. yours and theirs.
Galatians 6:10 tells us to "be mindful to be a blessing" to everyone God brings across our path. We are called to be a blessing and build up others in their faith, to not be afraid to read out and to speak the truth in love.
I don't believe God wants us to be mere spectators in life. He wants us to be people who really love others and care enough to be willing to pour into their lives. We need to build up others in Jesus' name so they can grow and reach even more people.
Whether you know it or not, someones watching and looking up to you. People are influenced by the way you live and they need to see God's love in your everyday actions.
At times we'll make mistakes, and when we do we can thank God for His forgiveness, but we also have to realize that many times we may be the only evidence of God some people see.
I believe that one of the greatest opportunities we have as Christians is to make a profound difference in the lives of others. Throughout my life of ministry, God has given me the opportunity to help many people who need guidance.
But I don't believe this is a special opportunity that God made just for me. Everyone, you included, has the ability to influence someone. When you take the time out to reacg others and invest in someones life, you are impacting the world .. yours and theirs.
Galatians 6:10 tells us to "be mindful to be a blessing" to everyone God brings across our path. We are called to be a blessing and build up others in their faith, to not be afraid to read out and to speak the truth in love.
I don't believe God wants us to be mere spectators in life. He wants us to be people who really love others and care enough to be willing to pour into their lives. We need to build up others in Jesus' name so they can grow and reach even more people.
Whether you know it or not, someones watching and looking up to you. People are influenced by the way you live and they need to see God's love in your everyday actions.
At times we'll make mistakes, and when we do we can thank God for His forgiveness, but we also have to realize that many times we may be the only evidence of God some people see.
Featuring : "Kirby Lauryen"
OMG ... what a awesome singer I have discovered thanks to a friend on facebook. This girl is truly a gem. Her songs and lyrics are very catchy and easy to relate to as a woman. Check her out and support her music .. trust me you want be disappointed. Here are a few of my favorite below.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Follow Me :)
Where are all my IG users??? If you haven't already ... Follow me on Instagram>> @carlanaomi24 :)
... And if you are not following my blog already, shame on you! There is a link to the right that says, "Join This Site" ... Try it out! I'm people friendly. :)
ATTENTION ...
Isaac Carree - Chances
Why do I do things that won't bring me closer to You
No reason or excuse for most of them so I do them
Responsible for my part in pushing You away
And when I deserve to be left alone, You stayed
Couldn't help but notice something
That just keeps happening
Doesn't make much sense to me
But He does it again and again
Lord, I promise this is really the last time
(We've all said these words)
Sorry for not praying, it must have slipped my mind
(I never wanted You to hurt) .... (LyricsMania.com)
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
Boundaries Have A Purpose
Exercising self-control and self-discipline and establishing boundaries and borders in our life are some of the most important things we can do. A life that has no discipline is one that's filled with carelessness.
The Word of God establishes the necessary boundaries to keep us in God's safety zone. It tells us what we can do, and what we better not do, to be safe.
As Christians we can think it's kind of exciting to live life on the edge. We like the image of "Yeah! That's me! Living on the edge!" It's become a popular way of looking at life. But to be honest, God doesn't want us living on the edge, then we have no margin for error.
Highways have lines, one on each side and one in the center. These lines provide margins for our safety while we're driving. If we go over the line on one side, we'll go into the ditch. If we cross over the line in the middle, we could get killed. We like those lines because they help keep us safe.
It's like that in our personal lives, too. When we have boundaries, borders, and margins, we feel much better and experience God's peace.
The key is to go to God's Word, where He has laid out all the boundaries we need to live by. Let God direct your path every day.
Prayer Starter: God, I recognize the need for boundaries in my life. As I read Your Word, show me how to apply Your healthy boundaries in my life today.
Exercising self-control and self-discipline and establishing boundaries and borders in our life are some of the most important things we can do. A life that has no discipline is one that's filled with carelessness.
The Word of God establishes the necessary boundaries to keep us in God's safety zone. It tells us what we can do, and what we better not do, to be safe.
As Christians we can think it's kind of exciting to live life on the edge. We like the image of "Yeah! That's me! Living on the edge!" It's become a popular way of looking at life. But to be honest, God doesn't want us living on the edge, then we have no margin for error.
Highways have lines, one on each side and one in the center. These lines provide margins for our safety while we're driving. If we go over the line on one side, we'll go into the ditch. If we cross over the line in the middle, we could get killed. We like those lines because they help keep us safe.
It's like that in our personal lives, too. When we have boundaries, borders, and margins, we feel much better and experience God's peace.
The key is to go to God's Word, where He has laid out all the boundaries we need to live by. Let God direct your path every day.
Prayer Starter: God, I recognize the need for boundaries in my life. As I read Your Word, show me how to apply Your healthy boundaries in my life today.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Daily Devotion From Joyce Meyer
What Do We Do?
In the world we live in, we are going to have all kinds of problems, frustrations and difficulties. That's just life. So knowing this, what do we do?
We must remain steadfast and persevere. In other words, the answer is never give up! No matter what's going on in our lives, the victory is refusing to quit.
Keep in mind that in the heat of our struggles, the Holy Spirit is probably doing His greatest work within us. He is not moved by the circumstances. If you and I really trust Him, we shouldn't be either! He's not in our lives for good times only, but for the difficult times as well.
He will lead us through anything if we'll just hang in there and follow Him. This means being diligent in prayer, relentless in our resolve, unwavering in faith, and determined to stand firmly on God's Word and His promises to us.
So many times we can be sidetracked by how slowly things seem to be going. In fact, the enemy loves to point that out! But remember, that's when God maybe doing some of His great work. You see, its not all about you and me. The Lord's work in us is preparation for the work He wants to do through us..
I know life can be hard sometimes. But I also know that God will help us if we remain steadfast. Let's stand on Galatians 6:9: "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up" (NLT).
So let me ask the question again: What do we do? My answer is, "Never give up" Whats you answer?
In the world we live in, we are going to have all kinds of problems, frustrations and difficulties. That's just life. So knowing this, what do we do?
We must remain steadfast and persevere. In other words, the answer is never give up! No matter what's going on in our lives, the victory is refusing to quit.
Keep in mind that in the heat of our struggles, the Holy Spirit is probably doing His greatest work within us. He is not moved by the circumstances. If you and I really trust Him, we shouldn't be either! He's not in our lives for good times only, but for the difficult times as well.
He will lead us through anything if we'll just hang in there and follow Him. This means being diligent in prayer, relentless in our resolve, unwavering in faith, and determined to stand firmly on God's Word and His promises to us.
So many times we can be sidetracked by how slowly things seem to be going. In fact, the enemy loves to point that out! But remember, that's when God maybe doing some of His great work. You see, its not all about you and me. The Lord's work in us is preparation for the work He wants to do through us..
I know life can be hard sometimes. But I also know that God will help us if we remain steadfast. Let's stand on Galatians 6:9: "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up" (NLT).
So let me ask the question again: What do we do? My answer is, "Never give up" Whats you answer?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)