Designer's Original

Psalm 103:1

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:15:00 +0000

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:02:00 +0000

"Now may the God of hope fill
you with all joy and peace in believing,
that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit."
(Romans 15:13)

Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:14:00 +0000

I had a great Thanksgiving. We did not do a lot, but the idea of spending time with my family eating a gourmet meal and enjoying a funny movie or two is good enough for me. As far as my children are concerned, they love eating food, especially when they have a delicious feast spread out right in front of their eyes. I wanted to share my menu (what I cooked) from yesterday with you. I should have taken pictures. I might still do that, since it's plenty of food left over.

Yesterday's Thanksgiving Menu

Sweet Potato Corn Pudding (recipe from Foodnetwork.com)
Homemade Stuffin'
Green Bean Casserole w/Parmesan Cheese
Candy Yams
White Rice w/Turkey Gravy
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Yellow Rice
Cabbage
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Deep Fried Turkey (Courtesy of my DH)
Apple Butter Sweet Potato Pie
Peach Cobbler
Regular Sweet Potato Pie

My children and hubby had a favorite from the menu.
Ketirah - loved the cranberry sauce, macaroni cheese, and dessert
Michael - loved the turkey, macaroni cheese, and green bean casserole
Jonathan - loved the corn pudding, stuffin', and green bean casserole
Hubby - corn pudding (which he now prefers over the stuffin) and the apple butter sweet potato pie
Mine (of course) was the cranberry sauce w/the turkey. Love my turkey fried!!!

If any of the food on my menu interest you, please let me know. I'll be happy to share the recipe with you. I pray that everyone's Thanksgiving was a happy and (belly-filled one). :) Also, I would like hear about your Thanksgiving feast and your favorite thing to eat yesterday.

Blessings to you all!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Free Twitter Backgrounds

Free Twitter Backgrounds

Twitter Backgrounds

The Walk of Faith (Pt. 4) - The Conclusion

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:08:00 +0000

The conclusion of my "Walk of Faith" Series will be about faith that can move mountains. "Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says," (Mark 11:22-23). The mountain in this scripture can symbolize a stronghold, a situation, a circumstance, or an obstacle that is trying to hinder and twist your faith in God, which is what the devil wants. The devils come to kill, steal, and destroy our hope, faith and trust in God.

Without faith it's impossible to please God. "But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him," (Hebrews 11:6). Without faith it's inpossible to speak to that mountain in your life and tell it to be removed. Without faith it's impossible to have eternal (everlasting) life. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes (have faith) in Him should not perish but have everlasting life," (John 3:16).

Your mountain can be anything like a financial need, marriage on the brink of divorce, children becoming unbearable, a mean and disrespectful boss, getting laid off, and etc. But when you first encounter your mountain, you may be caught off-guard or even become overwhelmed, which is perfectly normal. However, before you react to your current situation, take your eyes off your mountain for a brief moment and pray to God for help and to erase every ounce of fear and doubt in your heart.

Fear and doubt can throw a monkey wrench in your faith. Fear is your faith being distorted. It's not God will for us to fear our mountains in our lives. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind," (2 Timothy 1:7). He wants us to stand up and speak to our mountains and to be removed and cast it out into the sea. As for doubt is concern, you cannot be unsure of God's Word and the faith you have in Him to make a way out no way.

Your walk of faith in God can take you many places and open up many doors that you thought was impossible to open. Remember, it doesn't take a lot of faith, but a little bit. "...if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you'," (Matthew 17:20). Just like the old cliche' says....A little bit goes a long way.

Father in Jesus' name, I pray that our walk of faith in You will increase. If there is any doubt or fear in our hearts, please remove it. We know that it's impossible to please you without faith and we want to be pleasing in your sight. We have faith in you. We trust you. No longer will we lean to our own understanding, but acknowledge you, so that, you will direct our paths. We walk by faith and not by sight. All praises and all glory belongs to you. Great is thy faithfulness. Amen!!!

Your Sister in Christ,

and

The Walk of Faith (Pt. 3)

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:14:00 +0000

"So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20)

It's amazing how a little bit of faith can make things happen. Even if you just have a small amount of faith (the size of a mustard seed), that's better than exercising no faith. Jesus was letting His disciples know that even a little bit of faith can move mountains. There is great and miraculous power in little faith, especially when you believe in God to make a way. If nothing is impossible for us, when we put our little faith into action., imagine if we put a large amount of faith into action. The devil will be in trouble for sure. He'll probably be shaking in his boots.

But the key thing is that (small or large), we must put our faith into action. If you are in need of a job and believe in God to make provision for one, you don't sit home all day and not go out and apply for a job as if you're waiting for a job to fall in your lap. After you pray and believe in God to give you a job, then you put your faith into action by going out to look for one. In addition to that, God will prepare the way for you. Again, you must put your faith into action. "...Faith without works is dead...," (James 2:26).

Look at it this way. A mustard seed is just a seed if you don't do anything with it. A seed cannot produce a harvest, if you don't put it into action. When you take a seed and sow it into good ground, God takes that seed and transform it into a plant. Of course with some watering and nurturing, in time that plant (which was once a seed) produces a great harvest. It's almost like cause and effect. Because you plant a seed, the effect is that you reap a harvest.

When you take your faith and sow it deep into your heart, you are putting it into action. As a result, your faith will grow and come very much alive in you. All the while you must remember to nurture your faith seed through prayer, fasting, reading God's Word,....."this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting," (Matthew 17:21).

Then at the appointed time set by God, you will reap the harvest from your seed faith. "And let us not grow weary while doing good (exercising our faith), for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (if we do not nurture our faith) ....." (Galatians 6:9; with emphasis added mine)

If you believe in God for something, start putting your faith into action. Call it forth. Speak it into existence right now. Activate your faith in the name of Jesus!! Search God's word for scriptures that will line up with your requests or desires of your heart and begin the growing process of your faith. Because in due season you shall reap if do not lose sight of your faith.

To be continued.......

Blessings to you always!!

Your Sister in Christ and

The Walk of Faith (Pt. 2)

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:13:00 +0000

The walk of faith is a glorious process of becoming increasingly hopeful and confident in Christ. "NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, [a]the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]," (Hebrews 11:1, amp).

From reading this scripture, I understand faith to be my title deed (ownership) and confirmation of everything God has promised me. And faith is my evidence of so much more to come; blessings from God that has yet to be manifested. Furthermore my faith is about not seeing in order to believe.

The greek word for faith in Hebrews 11:1 is pistis (#4102), which means conviction, confidence, trust, belief, reliance, trustworthiness, and persuasion. All these words in this definition represent faith. If you rely on God, you are walking in faith. If you are fully persuaded that God will do just what He said He would do, then you are walking in faith. If your belief in God is strong, meaning that you don't have to see anything tanglible, in order to believe the intangible, then you are walking in faith.

"Blessed [are] those who have not seen and [yet] have believed," (John 20:29). When you walk in your faith, you walk closer and closer towards your blessings from God with Jesus is interceding on your behalf. This promise is one of many promises He has in store for you and me. And one of the ways to tap into God's many blessings and promises is to take ownership and confirm your blessings before they are manifested.

In a nutshell, faith is believing not seeing. "For we walk by faith, not by sight," (2 Corinthians 5:7).

It's time to take a pause for a moment. Process what you read.

Until then.....To be continued.......

Your Sister in Christ,

The Walk of Faith (Pt. 1)

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:31:00 +0000

Walking in faith gives us the opportunity to trust God to fulfill His Word, to trust in His Character and to believe what the bible teaches. Following God is an exciting journey of faith. When you walk in faith you are believing without a shadow of doubt that if you don't have the strength to walk Jesus will carry you the rest of the way.

"And those who know your name will put your trust in You. For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you," (Psalm 9:10). In other words, trust and confidently believe in the Lord that He will never leave you or abandon you. Faith is believing.

According to the Webster's Dictionary, faith means belief and trust in and loyalty to God. So, let's break this down a little bit more.

What is belief?

Belief is a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing. Your belief in God depends on your state of mind. When it in comes to trusting in (walking in faith with) God, you cannot do it with any ol' mindset. You must have a renewed and transformed mind. Otherwise, satan can easily try to eaves-drop in your thoughts to distort your mindset in Christ, which in turn will distort your faith. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God," (Romans 12:2). One of God's will for us is to walk in faith and have a state of mind in which our trust and confidence is placed 100% in Him.

What is trust?

Trust is assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone. Whose character should we rely on? Whose ability to make a way out of no way should we rely on? Whose strength should we rely on? Whose truth should we rely on? And the answer is...........nobody but God's.

"For the word of the LORD holds true, and everything He does is worthy of our trust," (Psalm 33:4).

"It is better to trust the LORD than to put confidence in people," (Psalm 118:8).

In other words, it is better to have assured reliance on God's character, ability, strength, and truth than anyone else's.

What is loyalty?

Loyalty is the state of or being loyal, which is unswerving in allegiance; as a faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign. Walking in Faith is not being move by your siutations or circumstances and is being faithful and standing on God's Word. When you exercise your loyalty in God, you showing that you are not double-minded. You not swerving from God's Word and His promises. You are steadfast and immovable. Most importantly, you do not compromise your relationship with God to fit your standards.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord," (1 Cor 15:58).

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong," (1 Cor 16:13).

To add some emphasis: Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong, and be loyal.

I pray what you read so far is a blessing to your spirit. I will continue on this series (The Walk of Faith). Just allow what I have posted at this time marinate into your spirit. Until then.....

Your Sister in Christ,

Commit Everything To The Lord

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:57:00 +0000

"Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." (Proverbs 16:3)

Commit - [Hebrew-galal; #1556] - To roll, roll down, roll away, remove, roll your works in God care

"Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed." (Proverbs 16:3) amplified

When you roll over or commit your works to the Lord, they will succeed and come to realization. "Commit your work to the Lord and then your plans will succeed," (Proverbs 16:3;NLT).

God wants us to succeed in everything we do as long as it give Him glory and edify His Kingdom. We cannot do anything without God's help, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the authority of Jesus' name. Also, we have to make sure our plans or works are God's will.

However, there are so many times that we want to go on our own will and understanding. When that happens, nothing seems to work and all our plans crumble right before our eyes. Then, during our cry of frustration, is when we decide to pray to God for help. But, not realizing we never committed our work to Him or prayed for His will in the first place. God cannot bless what we have not ask permission to do or committed to Him.

There are few ways that we fail to commit our works to the Lord.

*Commit superficially - You may say out loud the work being done is for the Lord, but deep down inside, it's being done for your benefit.

*Temporary Control - You give God full control at first. But the moment things are going great (just the way you planned), you're ready to take over and do your own thing.

*No effort - This is where we commit our work 100% to the Lord, but expect Him to do all the work. No effort or work is put forth. Then at the same time wonder why things are not working out.

Looking at this list, I realize majority of us don't intentionally mean to treat God that way. Sometimes we can caught up in the hype (or lack there of) of a new endeavor. However, the great thing about is that we can repent and communicate with God in the way He would want us to go. Once we get a clear word on His plan (His work) that He has for us, we can then commit every work of our hands and heart to Him.

If there is any plan (i.e. new business, new career, new ministry), roll it over to God. "No good [thing] will He withhold From those who walk uprightly," (Psalm 84:11).

Fellowship...........Doing Life together!!

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:59:00 +0000

This past weekend was my church's 22nd anniversary. It was awesome!! It was amazing how God moved, the atmosphere of praise and worship, God's word that came forth, and the fellowship. God's presence was very evident. Words really can't describe it.

I really love to fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I love getting connected. There are no hidden agendas in true fellowship. There are no big i's and little you's. Everybody are one with the same game plan......to give God all the praise and glory, edifying one another, sharing God's word and/or testimonies, bearing each other's infirmities, and so much more.

According to the Webster-Merriam Dictionary, fellowship means to join in fellowship especially with a church member. There is power in fellowshipping with your brothers and sisters, mommies and daddys in Christ. God loves it when we gather together as one body ushering in His majestic and glorious presence. "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them," (Matthew 18:20).

Gather means to bring together. When we fellowship, we gather or bring together our faith, our minds, our joy, our hurts and pains, our insecurities, our hope, our love, our hearts.......so that healing, miracles, blessings, restoration, transformation can take place.

Fellowship is the one thing that the devil doesn't want us to have. He knows that we are very powerful in numbers. Even if we gather in groups of 2's and 3's, we are too powerful for satan to overtake our joy, peace, love, hope, etc. and etc. "You'll chase out your enemies and defeat them: Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand and do away with them," (Lev. 26:8)

To fellowship with one another is to do life together. It's communion. It's being a family. Even what we do in cyber-space, is fellowshipping. We encourage, inspire, and pray for each other through our blogs and/or emails. I am thankful and so bless to have people at my church and even you to call my family, to fellowship with, and do life together.

"Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near," (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Your Sister (Always) in Christ and........

Walk, Walk, Walk

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:14:00 +0000

Just the other morning, I had to take my little girl's lunch to school because she accidentally left it home. But anyway, as I pull up to school, it seems the parking lot was still crowded from the morning rush traffic. I was trying to find a parking spot in front, but then the Holy Spirit prompted me to park in a spot where I had to walk a few feet in order to go through the front entrance of the school. It was a beautiful brisk morning. I wasn't in a rush or anything so I had no problem walking.

As I began to walk towards the front of the school, that's when God spoke to me and help me realize that a lot of us don't want to walk anymore. We just want to dash in and dash out. God was not referring to a physical walk (like a walk around the park), but spiritually walking with Him. We don't want to take the time to walk with Him and get to know Him, like you would do on a first date when you are getting to know each other for the first time.

God wants us to walk with Him; to take the time out of our busy schedule to talk, get to know Him, and build a relationship with Him. According to the Webster's Dictionary to walk means to pursue a course of action or way of life : conduct oneself. When you walk with God, you are pursuing Him, His way of life, which is a life of praise, worship, abundance, joy, hope, peace, love, and etc.

"Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him." (Deut. 8:6)

"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deut. 10:12)

In the bible, there's a lot of scriptures telling us to walk in one form or another. In my opinion, I think it's because walking allows you to stroll instead of running or rushing so that you will have time to stop and ponder, to hear the voice of God and take heed to what He is saying.

Just as walking can be effective to your body, when it comes to exercising; walking with God (instead of running) can be very effective in increasing and building your relationship with God. As your relationship increases with God, your love and the idea of knowing Him increases. When I talk about knowing God, I'm not talking about knowing Him as if God is a mere aquaintance, but knowing God (experiencing Him, His presence and all He has to offer).

The greek word for "know" is "ginosko." The Strong's Concordance number is 1097. In the W.E. Vines dictionary, ginosko means to be taking in knowledge, to come to know, recognize, understand," or "to understand completely." Knowing is about understanding God completely, the knowledge of His Truth and the importance of it.

If haven't already, try walking with God. He's already walking with us. He just waiting for some of us to acknowledge His presence. God knows us already. "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world." He loved us since day one," (Jer. 1:5). And the love He has for us go far and beyond any love a person can give. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life," (John 3:16).

After reading this, I pray that you will take time to walk with God, hold His Hand, get to know Him, experience Him and His beautiful and majestic presence. Here are a few scripture in reference "to walk":

"For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good [thing] will He withhold From those who walk uprightly." - (Psalm 84:11)

"Teach me Your way, O LORD; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name." (Psalm 86:11)

"Blessed [are] the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance." - (Psalm 89:15)

"Blessed [are] the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the LORD!" - (Psalm 119:1)

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." - (Galatian 5:16)

"This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it." (2 John1:6)

It's A New Season!!

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:31:00 +0000

I know that fall season began in September, but it didn't seem official to me until this month. In October, that's when you really begin to see the leaves turning to beautiful red, yellow and orange colors. It's a beautiful earthy transition.

"To everything there is a season...." (Ecc. 3:1). This scripture is very much true. There is a season for everything. They may be seasons where things are undeniable hard and chaotic. It seems like if it is not one thing it's another.

However there can be seasons when things seem to be going your way. Bills are paid on time; you or spouse gets a job promotion; money is in the bank when you need it.

Of course, you know and I know that there are good seasons and not so good seasons. The point I am trying to make is that you must remember to praise God and give Him glory in and out season, during the good and the bad times, during the summer, during the winter, during the spring, and during the fall.

Everytime it's a new season, look at it as being a new day (good or bad). It's about embracing and preparing for what may come next in your life. We must believe that every season we go through is part of God's plan for us. But what if that's season is bad? God has way of turning our bad seasons into good seasons. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose," (Romans 8:28).

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope," (Jeremiah 29:11)

There's always a chance to prosper no matter the season. But the question really is.....Is it your season to prosper? (I'm talking spiritual prosperity.) It's all in God's timing as well as being spiritually prepared and ready to receive what God has for you. Think about this scenario. When someone joins the army, they don't automatically become a 5-star general. That person has to work their way to that level. Even though each level gets harder and harder, that person has to remember not give up, if their goal is to be a 5-star general. And when that season comes, after years of enduring and working hard, it will pay off in the end.

As for the spiritual aspect, we have to go through many seasons to grow spiritually from a baby Christian to a mature Christian. But as we go through many growth stages (or many seasons), there will be many challenges we have to face. However, we must stand on our firm foundation and refuse to give up and not be move. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord," (1 Cor. 15:58).

"In His kindness God called you to His eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation," (1 Peter 5:10).

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart," (Galatians 6:9).

"You shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever you do shall prosper," (Psalm 1:1).

What can man do to you?!?

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:31:00 +0000

"......Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)

This scripture has been part of my daily bible reading for about a couple of weeks.

This is one of many scriptures that needs to be embedded in our spirits. Knowing that God will never leave me nor will He ever forsake me, is more than enough to give me confidence of who my God is. And to top it off with a bold affirmation, "
I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

If God has our backs, why should we be afraid? There is nothing or no one to fear, but God. He is the Alpha and Omega, our Prince of Peace, our Everlasting Father, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He is everything and so much more. God's word says, "What then shall we say to these things? If God [is] for us, who [can be] against us?" (Romans 8:31)

and

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind," (2 Timothy 1:7).

It is not in our spiritual DNA to be a afraid. Fear is a weapon the devil uses to distort our faith and contradict God's Holy Word. But if we grab hold of Hebrews 13:5-6 and say with boldness and immeasurable confidence that..."God will never leave me nor will He never forsake me; He is my Helper; I will not be afraid; What can man do to me?", we will have devil quaking in his boots. The devil is afraid of bold and confident Christians because we know who we are in Christ and stand firm on all of God's promises in the bible.

And to answer the question in Hebrews 13:6, 'What can man do to you?'............Nothing! A big fat nothing. "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue [which] rises against you in judgment You shall condemn...," (Isaiah 54:17).

I pray that this a blessing to your spirit. Remember, to stand firm and be bold. There is nothing to fear. Let the devil know that fear is no longer part of your vocabulary. Hallelujah!!

I'm Heading In a New Direction

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:18:00 +0000

In a previous post, I talk about taking my blog in a different direction with more insight and instructions from God. And one of the things he placed upon my heart is to put more of me (my heart and soul) in my posts. This will give you an opportunity to get to know me better and my relationship with God.

As I put more of self and more of God's word in my blog, I pray someone will be truly blessed, saved, inspired, empowered, and so much more. I believe that our testimonies are other people's hope. There are so many people who are in a desperate need of hope and even a speck of light in their dark world. If not a testimony, a word from God send to us (His vessels) to be share with His people, so that He can be glorified.

God is such a faithful and merciful God. And as He blesses and shares with Me, I want to bless and share with others. So as I pray for you, please pray for me that I will stay on this path God has intended for me and that I would take heed to every instruction and plan He has for my life and my blog.

Blessings to you always!!!

"Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever." (Psalm 86:11-12)

Your Sister in Christ,
Toia

Get Some Rest....If Needed

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:29:00 +0000

Well, it's Monday...again. But, it's all good. I woke up this morning with it raining outside. It's been raining pretty much all day. Sometimes, I kind of struggle with getting out of my bed on Monday mornings. But I didn't. I got right out of bed. Maybe it has something to do with being in bed since 10pm last night.

10 o'clock at night is very early for me to go to bed, especially when I'm so use to going to bed at 11 pm or 12 am. Trust me, going to bed around that time every night has the tendacy of catching up with you and not in a good way. So, I definitely don't make it habit of going to bed that late each night.

Going to bed that late sometimes, can make you feel really tired and sluggish. If or when I am feeling that way, when I get off of work, I definitely try to squeeze in a nap. Otherwise, I am no good for my family the rest of the evening, since I do have to help with homework, prepare and cook dinner, and on and on and on.

Many people don't realize that you cannot neglect your body when it come to getting some rest. I know with a busy schedule it's easier said than done. However, if don't take the time to give your body the rest it so desperately needs, your body will shut down and force you to make the time. And if it ever gets to that point, that means your immune system has very high and possibly chance of becoming weak, which will make your body vulnerable to the flu, infections, and etc.

So be wise with your body as I will be wise with mine and get enough rest or sleep. Remember, no matter how much we try, we are not superwoman.

Blessings to you all, always!!

Your Sister in Christ,
Toia

Untitled

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:59:00 +0000

For these past couple of months, I think I was trying to get a grip on reality as far as school starting, getting back to work after a nice two month summer vacation, and etc. and etc. Even though I was not posting, my heart never left blogging and still felt connected with everyone. My heart was forever drawn.

At one point, I think I got too comfortable and complacent, not to mention a little lazy. After things began to run a little smoothly, I found myself making my way back to the computer with little time here and there. It was as if I was taking baby steps back to what I love. And now, here I am.....again.

I really don't know what direction my blog is going to go in, whether or not it will be like it was before or 360 turn. I'm just waiting and listening for instructions from God. In the meantime, I will take it one day at a time or should I say one post at a time.

Blessings to you all, always!!

Your Sister in Christ,
Toia

Hello...Again!!

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:05:00 +0000

I am getting back in sync slowly but surely. I will be making my rounds to see what all of you've been up to. Thanks for all your prayers and love. Have a bless weekend!!

Your Sister in Christ,
Toia

Getting Back on Schedule........Soon!!

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 22:53:00 +0000

Hello all!!

I've missed you all so much. My schedule has been crazy from being sick one week with a nasty virus, starting back work @ school, getting my chldren ready for school, going to meet the teacher nights, etc.

So many things coming my way so fast. I'm just trying to get a grip on a few things. I will be getting back to posting real soon. I'm just not sure when. I miss you all so much. I can't wait to catch up. Just keep me in your prayers as I will do the same for you.

Blessings to you all!!

Your Sister in Christ,
Toia

Word-Filled Wednesday ~ Psalm 102:1

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:26:00 +0000

This psalm was written for those who are afflicted or overwhelm with so many things that they just have to pour out their hearts and cry out before the Lord. Throughout the bible you can read many scriptures based on joy. Or even read one of my favorite scriptures on joy from James 1:2,"count it all joy when you fall into various trials,".

Before there can be joy, there has to be a cry. In God's eyes, crying is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of humility and strength. When you cry and pour your heart out to God, that's when you began to feel a releasing in your spirit and weights or burden are being lifted off your shoulders. Crying can come in your darkest hour and the lowest point of your life, esepcially when facing an overwhelming obstacle.

Once you cry a good cry, then joy comes. "Weeping may endure for a night, But joy [comes] in the morning," (Psalm 30:5). God knows our hearts and hears our cries. We just have to trust Him that everything will work for good.

Scriptures relating to crying out to the Lord:

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears;" - (Psalm 39:12)

"Hear a just cause, O LORD, Attend to my cry; Give ear to my prayer [which is] not from deceitful lips." - (Psalm 17:1)

"Hear, O LORD, [when] I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me." - (Psalm 27:7)

"I cry out with [my] whole heart; Hear me, O LORD! I will keep Your statutes." - (Psalm 119:145)

For more Word-Filled Wednesday check out the160acrewoods.com

Your Sister in Christ,

Free Signature Generator

Monday's Graphic

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Your Sister in Christ,

Free Signature Generator

There's Nothing Like A Good Laugh Friday ~ :-D

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0000

Writing on the Wall

After hearing a Bible lesson in Sunday school about miracles, a little girl went up to her Sunday school teacher.

"In my house," said the little girl, "when handwriting appears on the wall it's not a miracle, it's the work of my little brother."

Who Will Pay Your Bill?

Mr. Smith was brought to Mercy Hospital (a Catholic hospital),and taken quickly in for coronary surgery.
The operation went well and, as the groggy man regained consciousness, he was reassured by a Sister of Mercy, who was waiting by his bed.

"Mr. Smith, you're going to be just fine," said the nun, gently patting his hand. "We do need to know, however, how you intend to pay for your stay here. Are you covered by insurance?"

"No, I'm not," the man whispered hoarsely.

"Then can you pay in cash?" persisted the nun.

"I'm afraid I cannot, Sister."

"Well, do you have any close relatives?" the nun questioned sternly.

"Just my sister in New Mexico," he volunteered. "But she's a humble spinster nun."

"Oh, I must correct you, Mr. Smith. Nuns are not spinsters - they are married to God."

"Wonderful," said Mr. Smith. "In that case, please send the bill to my brother-in -law."

Here's a preview to Tyler Perry's New Movie "I Can Do Bad All By Myself."

"If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you're old." - Edgar Watson Howe

Enjoy Your Weekend!!

Your Sister in Christ,

Free Signature Generator

Quench Your Thirst Thursday #15 ~ Lord Have Mercy

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:40:00 +0000

It's time for another "Quench Your Thirst Thursday." To understand the purpose of "Quench Your Thirst," please click here!
(Don't forget to come back!! :)

This edition (#15) of Quench Your Thirst Thursday will be "Lord Have Mercy" by Michael W. Smith. David said it best in Psalm 51:1, "Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions." Have ever thought or could imagine where would you be without God's mercy, His multitude of His tender mercies?

Despite all of the wrong we've done or may do in the future, God will never cease to have mercy on us. Psalm 86:13 says, "For great [is] Your mercy toward me,....".

How about Isaiah 30:18, "Therefore the LORD will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the LORD [is] a God of justice; Blessed [are] all those who wait for Him." As we exalt His name, give Him praise, give Him worship, and ask for forgiveness, God will have mercy on us.

As you watch this video, pray mercy for your love ones, those you who are lost and need to find their way back to God, your enemies (people you can pretty much do without), and yourself. We are in need of God's mercy every second, every minute, every hour, and everyday. (Don't forget to pause my playlist to the bottom.)

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit," (Titus 3:5)

Created By Toia Just For You :)

Your Sister in Christ,

Free Signature Generator

Word-Filled Wednesday ~ Psalm 92:12 (amp)

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:15:00 +0000

No matter what situation you are dealing with (whether it's a rude boss, someone offended you, family doesn't seem to appreciate you or financial needs) never compromise your relationship with God. Stay and remain stable rooted and grounded in God's word. God will make you flourish like a a palm tree and grow more and more in Him for remaining faithful to Him and His Word (His promises).

For more Word-Filled Wednesday check out the160acrewoods.com

Your Sister In Christ,

Free Signature Generator

Monday's Graphic

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Your Sister in Christ,

Free Signature Generator

Scripture Sunday ~ Habakkuk 3:18

designers_original4life@hotmail.com (Toia) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Habakkuk 3:18

"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will joy in the God of my salvation." (NKJV)

"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation." (NLT)

"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior." (NIV)

"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult
in the [victorious] God of my salvation!" (AMP)

"I'm singing joyful praise to God.
I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God." (MSG)

Your Sister in Christ,

Free Signature Generator