Jack of all trades, master of none??

I've heard this phrase many times growing up and it always came with a negative connotation.  It repeats many times in my head while trying to figure out my next step in life.  I've been stuck in the valley of indecision for the last two years trying to figure out what that will be? Event designer? Caterer? Mother? Interior designer? Stylist?  I've chatised myself for being "flighty" as my mother would say or unfocused and wayward.  Afraid my husband would say "oh boy! what's the new idea now?"  And yes while it can be dangerous to juggle too many projects without completing any, I know that there's nothing wrong with being talented in several areas.  I know its a blessing but the enemy has convinced me that it's a curse.  Fear has stood in the way of my decision to whole- heartedly choose anything because I'm afraid it will be the wrong one!

But I heard Bishop T.D. Jakes say something today that resonated with me:

"Don't let people put a period, where God has put a comma".

In other words, you can do everything God has given you the capacity to do. For some its one thing i.e, Tiger Woods and golf. For others its multiple endeavors i.e, Bishop Jakes and minister, author, movie producer. If you have a passion inside you for a host of things- do it ALL and let history define it! If it's in God's will he will make your paths straight. Just get MOVING!

I'm listening Holy Spirit, I'm listening...

For my Fine Hair Sisters...

Eureka!! I finally found the right combination of products to thicken my hair strands.
I've always been frustrated by my non-predictable hair. Sometimes it would look thick and healthy but other times I've had the dreadful "see-through" scalp which most recently got worse because of stress. So I purposed to give my hair some TLC. Through web research and hair care books I learned that curly hair needs a steady diet of Moisture & Protein. Washing my hair regularly with mild non-sulfate soaps, deep conditioning it with a raw egg (protein) and a creamy conditioner, and greasing my scalp with castor oil noticeably thickened my hair. Yay!

Everyone's hair is not the same but I'm spreading my newfound knowledge. What good is anything if you don't share it?

Whatever doesn't kill you.

This is my first post since last fall... My mom passed unexpectantly and it took the floor out from beneath me. It is the worst thing I've had to deal with in my life thus far, but it's been one the best gifts I've ever received as well.

Crazy right? How can something like that be a gift? Because it's given me a new outlook on life that I would have never received otherwise.

King Solomom writes "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man, the living should take this to heart". (Ecclesiastes 7:2) 

For the first time I was really hit with the reality of my mortality. Losing a parent will do that to you... it's something about losing that connection to your birth that reminds you death is sure to follow. And with this knowledge comes fearlessness. What's the worst that can happen? I'm going to live my life to it's fullest capacity. If I'm lucky, I have another 35 years left so let the countdown begin! Life without regrets. Well done good and faithful servant. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved your fellow man. My mom's legacy is not her career but the love she had for her family. Her self-lessness. Her humility. Her love for God. I am her legacy.

And I am stronger. I survived losing my first best friend, my Mommy. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

Looking for less Bacchanal at your Bachelorette Party??

Bachelorette parties are traditionally a time for the Bride to let go of her inhibitions and get wild. But not all brides are interested in bar hopping and confessing that they dated their bridesmaid's boyfriend before she met him! Or maybe your afraid of how your cousins Cee-Cee and Lo-Lo are going to behave if there is "fire water" around.

Well there seems to be a new trend with Bachelorette parties- THE GYM!
Yup you read right, the bridal party meets at the gym for a work out (aerobic, pilates, yoga, whatever) then head out for mani/pedi's and a late lunch or early dinner. Don't believe me? NY Times wrote about it:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/20/fashion/bachelorette-parties-move-to-the-barre-from-the-bar.html?_r=1&ref=weddings

It sounds like alot of fun to me. Imagine the jokes during the yoga poses or the aerobic dancing to 80's songs. (That reminds me I have to order that TIME LIFE Magazine Easy 80's CD Collection I saw on late night TV. Ya'll know how I love my old school!!!)  But I digress.. it sounds really cool. Forget the "SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS!" and that slimy stripper. Uuggh!

A MUST READ!

I learned a long time ago that if you want to change your life, reading motivational books are the best way to start. I would have never had the courage to leave my desk job if it wasn't for books like "Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow" or "Listen to Your Life". But taking that first step is only the beginning. Staying motivated is a whole other animal! So I keep increasing my library with books and I hope to inspire you to do the same- if you haven't already started.

My latest fave is "7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness" by Jim Rohn. He is a leader in personal development and was a mentor to countless others (he passed away in 2009). He breaks down in simple terms the most important principles to follow in order to succeed in business and in life. I know the title sounds corny but he's the real deal guys! There are alot of wanna bees out there but if you do your research and cross reference authors against who they recommend, you'll find some really AH-MAY-ZEN books out there! My first suggestion though would be to hit up Amazon or B&N - not Tyrone on Fulton and Nevins Street LOL.

Check it out, its only $10.00 boo-boo...

http://www.amazon.com/Strategies-Wealth-Happiness-Americas-Philosopher/dp/0761506160

The Conclusion of the Matter

I struggled with what to say on my blog today. I wanted to say something inspirational so was trying to pull from my experiences this weekend, but some unsettling things happened in church that I can't seem to get off my mind.

It's not the first, nor will it be the last time that I question God re: his church, doctrines etc.  I thank him for creating the Bible as our manual because if we were left up to our own opinions we'd be in real trouble.  BUT even though we all read from the same book we don't agree on everything. What is truth? Is it relative? I'm not ashamed to say that at times I feel confused but I love those times because they catapult me into deeper Bible Study.

"You know.. life is really something else", as my mother would say. I've always been a seeker of knowledge. I've always believed there is an answer for every question and a solution for every problem. All of my deepest conversations with God have been centered around the question WHY? WHEN? HOW? Sometimes I get so frustrated I'm tempted to buck it all and let indifference set in. But then I think of Solomon. The wisest man in the world. He asked God for a discerning heart to govern his people and to distinguish right from wrong and God gave it to him. I live by Solomon's Proverbs. But today I am reminded of his last thought in Ecclesiastes:

Now that all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear (revere and worship) God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

(Eccelesiastes 12:13-14)

NUFF SAID.

As promised Part II

I just love candlelight!! If you're on a tight event decor budget candles will always give you the most bang for your buck. All you need is an outdoor event or a room with light dimmers. We surrounded all the centerpieces with votive candles for this event and I used hanging votives for the buffet table arrangements. It was a nice to see the candles glow as the sun set in the evening. Enjoy!