Come Back Again Now.....Ya Here!!!

Hello blogland!! It's been awhile since my last post. Time definitely has a way of getting away from you, that's for sure. But, one of the many things I love about blogging is that you can stop for whatever reason and for how many long of time that you need and still come back as if you never left blogland. Depending on how long you haven't blog, you might have to play a little bit of catch up to what's new, who's still blogging, or who's taking a blog-cation. Nonetheless, it's all good.


At this point, I don't know which way God is taking my blog but we will see in due time. God is awesome. He is not going to lead me astray!!! Won't you please join for the ride of a lifetime. :)

Where Did The Time Go Today!!??!!

Today flew by like crazy. I managed to get a few things done here and there, which is a good thing. I do feel like I accomplished something today. One thing for sure no matter how fast time flies, God will never linger behind. He is always at a constant, never changing. He has our backs in the slow times and in the fast times.



Besides, as long as we are good stewards over our time throughout each day, we may not feel like time is wasted. Nonetheless, always be in encourage and praise and thank God for the time He has blessed you with each day.


Blessings to you all this week and then some!!!

Workin' It Out!!

In one of my posts, I announced that I was getting into shape by doing Zumba. I am proud to say that Friday will make it two weeks for me doing.....ZUMBA!! Woo Whoo!!  Zumba works every muscle in your body. I think I discovered muscles that I didn't realize I had. I do it for an hour each day. After I finished each class, I have this sense of accomplishment, which feels great by the way.






To change things up, I have decided to incorporat water aerobics at least 2-3 times a week. I love getting in the water. Another plus for me is that the pool at the gym is an indoor pool. Yay!! From there, I will look into other classes that may peak my interest. I want my workouts to be fun and exciting. I don't want it to feel like a chore. Chores are not my cup of tea.

There are so many styles and methods for exercising. There is something for everyone. If you like to dance, then Zumba is just for you. If you are very competitive, there is an exercise program for that. You just have to find out what best suits your needs and weight loss goal. You just have to start somewhere.


Hopefully, when I do my weigh in and check my measurements, I will like what I see.




So until then.....try not to be like this lady below :)





And that's why I don't wear leotards!!! =D

Posting This Week :)

Hello there!!


I will be posting very soon!! I am working on few that God has given me and I want to make sure I listen to what God is saying. I am expecting to have it all together by the end of the week.


Until then.....I leave you with a picture I took. I call it "Sunset in Lake Murray". **SMOOCHES!!**






Enjoy the rest of the day and week!!





Blessings to you!!

Getting Back into the Swing of Things!!

It feels so weird posting after a couple of months, which seems to be a bit longer than that to me. However, it has been awhile since I have been really consistent. I am hoping I can get back to that. I really enjoy blogging and reading other blogs, as well as getting connected with great people via cyberspace.

Sometimes, I tend to over analyze about what I am going to post, instead of just doing it and not waste valuable time. So, with that being said, I pray that I can back into the swing of things because I have missed everyone so much. Enjoy the rest of your Monday!!!

A Change is Coming

Hello there to all my people in blog land!!


As you can see it's been about a month since my last post. Due to a crazy, hectic schedule, it has been very hard trying to be consistent with my posts. Only because after I get home from work, I am only left with enough time to cook dinner, get my children ready for school the next day, etc. and etc. Then I have to make sure I am in bed at least by 9 so that can get enough rest in order to do all over again 4:30 in the A.M. the next morning.


However, I am proud and even bless to say that my schedule will be changing drastically in February 2012. Whereas, I will be able to post more and take my blog on a whole new level for the new year!! I ask that you pray for me and even my family as I embark on this new endeavor in 2012.


Until February 2012....if not before then!!!





Toia
 

Something To Think About....

I was looking for a joke or funny video for my "Start My Week Off With A Laugh" Post and came across this. I had to post it instead. My first response after reading it was, "WoW!!"

The Cleaning Woman

There was a little old cleaning woman that went to the local church. When the invitation was given at the end of the service, she went forward wanting to become a member. The pastor listened as she told him how she had accepted Jesus and wanted to be baptized and become a member of the church.

The pastor thought to himself, "oh my, she is so unkempt, even smells a little, and her fingernails are not clean. She picks up garbage, cleans toilets - what would the members think of her." He told her that she needed to go home and pray about it and then decide.


The following week, here she came again. She told the pastor that she had prayed about it and still wanted to be baptized. "I have passed this church for so long. It is so beautiful, and I truly want to become a member."


Again the pastor told her to go home and pray some more. A few weeks later while out eating at the restaurant, the pastor saw the little old lady. He did not want her to think that he was ignoring her so he approached her and said, "I have not seen you for a while. Is everything all right?"


"Oh, yes," she said. "I talked with Jesus, and he told me not to worry about becoming a member of your church."


"He did?" said the pastor.


"Oh, yes" she replied. "He said even He hasn't been able to get into your church yet, and He's been trying for years."

Author is Unknown

---

"That He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:27)

"But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24)

"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (I Samuel 16:7)

First Day of School

It's that time again.....the first day of school. Can you believe it!!! I'm not sure if I were ready or not. But, it doesn't matter because the time is now. I have three starting school today. Michael - it's his first day in middle school. And my little princess, Ketirah, who is in 2nd grade. Jonathan (my oldest) is being homeschooled.


There are some parents who have children who are going to school for the very first time. I know that can be scary for both parent and child, especially when this is a clear sign that your little one is now a baby anymore.

On this first day of school, I speak blessings on our children as well as the teachers. I pray for the new friends they will meet, new adventures they may encounter, their new school, and everything else that will make their first day of school a great day. And most of all, no weapon formed against our children, their friends, their teachers, their buses, or anything or anyone else that can try to attempt to hinder our child(ren) from having a great day. Amen and Amen!!!

I am a firm believer in praying over our children, especially for school, because their being exposed to many different influences that can either have a positive or negative effect. I'm all for the positive influences.

Pictured below is a picture of my children...first day of school. My son (Michael) was little....how do you say.....apprehensive because he thinks he is too old to have his first day of school taking. Ha!!! That's what he thinks. Now, of course, my darling little princes, embrace the fact that mommy wanted to take her picture.















Blessings to you!!!

Untitled

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!!

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!!

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

Back in Full Effect!!

Praise the Lord!! Praise the Lord!! I am back. It's been almost a week since I last blog. I was having some technical difficulties with my computer. Now, it's fix and now I am up and running. I really missed you guys. I can't to catch up to see what I miss.




Myspace I Miss You Comments & Graphics




Myspace I Miss You Comments & Graphics


Blessings to all of you!!



Your Sister in Christ,



Free Signature Generator

Back in Town

Hello everyone!!

I am back in town. Home again.....Thank You, Jesus.

I hope everyone had a bless and fulfill weekend. I can't wait to play catch up.

But anyway, I had a great time. Our theme for the conference was Love, Laugh, and Learn. And we done all of that. I laughed so much until I cried and until my whole insides seem like they were about to explode. It feels good to get out of town every now and and then. The great thing about is that most of my co-workers are good friends of mine. There are some I call sisters. We had a blast.

There were other schools there as well. They enjoy laughing and having a good time with us. But I must admit, when I got back home I was tired with a capital T. Once I get my pictures downloaded, I will post them as soon as I get a chance.

Happy Monday to you all!!


Your Sister in Christ,
Toia

Silly Saturday - Meme of Fives

I was tagged by Melanie to a meme of fives. So here it is...



1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.

2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.

3. At the end of the post the player than tags 5 people and posts their names, than goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they done got tagged and to ask them to play and read your blog.



What was I doing 10 years ago? 1998

1. Giving Birth to my son, Michael

2. Living in an apartment

3. Moving

4. Missing my Uncle Jerry's Funeral (in the hospital giving birth to Michael on the same day)

5. Starting a new job



Snacks I enjoy.....

1. Yogurt covered raisins

2. Sweet and Salty Bars made by Nature Valley

3. Oatmeal Raisin cookies

4. Homemade chocolate brownies

5. Pop Tarts



5 Things on my to-do list today.....

1. wash dishes

2. workout - I'm in dire need of getting rid of this junk in my trunk :)

3. relaxing

4. clean my room

5. grocery shopping



Things I would do if I were a billionaire....

1. Build a two-story home with 6 rooms, library, office, big kitchen, indoor/outdoor pool (the works)

2. Tithe 10% to my church



3. Buy my mom a car and home



4. Send my brother to college



5. Give and help out communities in need



Five of my bad Habits



1. Procrastinate when it comes to housework

2. Saying no to sweets especially when I'm trying to lose weight

3. Don't drink as much water as I should

4. Ride my car on empty before putting anymore gas in it

5. Never close the door to the dishwasher after getting a dish out of it



Five Places I lived......

1. New Jersey

2. Columbia, SC

3. Summerville, SC

4. Charleston, SC

5. my mother's womb (but I was evicted after nine months :)


Five Jobs I had.....

1. Holiday Inn Customer Service Rep

2. Attendance Specialist

3. Bell Atlantic Rep

4. Cashier at Carlton Cards

5. Preschool Teacher (current)





I tagged...

1. Jan (Bold & Free)
2. Kay (Loop De Loops)
3. AJ (Romantic Suspense)
4. The Bluest Butterfly (Virtual Coffee Shop)



Your Sister in Christ,
Toia

What Does God Look Like?

A kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they drew. She would occasionally walk around to see each child's artwork. As she came to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.


The girl replied, "I'm drawing God."


The teacher paused and said, "But no one knows what God looks like."


Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing the girl replied,. . . . "They will in a minute."


Author is Unknown
Christian-Jokes




Remember that the JOY of the Lord is your STRENGTH!! So, LOL LOL LOL, until it hurts.

I See Your True Color Shining Through......

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Yellow

You're yellow, the color of joy and energy — two things you definitely bring to everyone around you. It's hard for anyone to be sad or lonely in your presence; your sunny disposition and cheery outlook just won't allow it. The warmth of your personality shines through in the kindness you show friends and family (and strangers, too). Always ready with a lighthearted joke or heartfelt compliment, you know how to make people feel good about themselves, so they can't get enough of you. Yellow is a warm and inviting color for a warm and inviting person — you!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

Ultimate Blog Party Post - Introducing.......

Hello, my name is Toia - blog owner of Designer's Original. Designer's Original encourages, inspires, empowers you and uplift your faith in Jesus. It's full of fun and cool stuff as well. This blog will help you discover who Jesus is and develop an everlasting loving and intimate relationship with Him, giving you hope and joy.

Designer's Original is the home of the Freedom Word Fighters Friday, Scripture Sunday and Words of Wisdom Wednesday. Check out some my articles located under encouragement or inspirational. Coming soon.....Designer's Original Bible Study.

I am a wife of 12 years to my dear husband, Larry. We have three beautiful children Jonathan - 12, Michael - 9, and my little princess, Ketirah - 5. I have been blogging passionately, since the beginning of this year and I love it. To learn more about me check out my profile and don't forget to leave a comment so I can stop by.

Please don't forget about 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party - March 7 - 14. It's not too late to join in on all the fun. Just add your name to Mr. Linky after your Blog Party post. It's about meeting fellow women bloggers, getting your blog noticed, and having a real good ol' time in cyberspace.

Your Sister In Christ,

Toia

Ring Finger

I love being the ring finger. I wish my nails look as
good as hers in this picture. :)
Index finger beware ;)

You Are the
Ring Finger

You are romantic, expressive, and hopeful. You see the best in everything.

You are very artistic, and you see the world as your canvas.

You are also drawn to the written word.

Inventive and unique, you are often away in your own inner world.

You get along well with: The Pinky

Stay away from: The Index Finger

What Finger Are You?

Your Sister in Christ,

Toia

I am .....

Take the Quiz here!

You Are...Elinor Dashwood!

You are Elinor Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are practical, circumspect, and discreet. Though you are tremendously sensible and allow your head to rule, you have a deep, emotional side that few people often see

Toia

What Does Toia Means...

What Toia Means

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?