Designer's Original Preschool ~ Grand Opening!!

I am proud to announce my new blog - Designer's Original Preschool. I have been (and still am) a preschool teacher for a little over six years. It's truly a pleasure teaching little ones (ages 2-4). However, the two-year old age group has always been my favorite. Two year old is the age where they are beginning understand and learn new things. There are learning how to potty, talk, developing their personality, and so much more.

With this blog, I am hoping to provide resources to preschool teachers and even parents that can be helpful. Please understand to be a preschool expert. However, with my years of experience, I would like to share my knowledge, my opinion, and my ideas. I think it's great to share what you know, because you never know who can benefit from it. So, please visit Designer's Original Preschool.

Please keep in mind it's still under construction.



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Blessings to you!!

Saturday Psalm Reading ~ Psalm 119:33-40

Psalm 119:33-40 (Amplified Bible)
Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,
and I will keep it to the end [steadfastly].

Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law;
yes, I will observe it with my whole heart.

Make me go in the path of Your commandments,
for in them do I delight.

Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetousness
(robbery, sensuality, unworthy riches).

Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity (idols and idolatry);
and restore me to vigorous life and health in Your ways.

Establish Your word and confirm Your promise to Your servant,
which is for those who reverently fear and devotedly worship You.

Turn away my reproach which I fear
and dread, for Your ordinances are good.

Behold, I long for Your precepts;
in Your righteousness give me renewed life.



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Blessings to you!!!

Word-Filled Wednesday ~ Romans 16:20

Photograph By: Jenna Welch

It's time to crush satan like a piece of can because he is and forever will be) under our feet. He is a defeated foe!!! The God of peace reigns in our lives in all situations, circumstances, and so much more!!! It's the kind of peace that passes all understanding.









Happpy WFW!!!
Toia

The Best in Me ~ Marvin Sapp

No matter how many mistakes we may make in our lifetime, God will always see the best in us. Before, you were concieved in your mother's womb, He saw the best in you. Just like the song says, "....when everyone around you can only see the worst...," God will see the best. We are made in His image. And in everything God made, it was the best. Believe in yourself and know that you are not your behavior, your flaws, or imperfections!!! I hope that watching this video would bless you mind, body and soul!!!

Scripture Sunday ~ 1 Peter 2:1-3

"SO BE done with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind.

Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation,

Since you have [already] tasted the goodness and kindness of the Lord."
(1 Peter 2:1-3 amp)






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Blog~Hop Friday - #2

"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

BlogHop is a great way to fellowship with other bloggers as well as network. As you visit other bloggers, try to leave an encouraging comment, even if it's as simple as, "I am bloghopping!!! I enjoy my visit!! Enjoy your weekend!!"

It's the thought that counts!1 So try to visit as many bloggers as you can and get connected!!!!



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Blessings to you!!

Toia

Word-filled Wednesday ~ 1 Peter 5:10

"And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you." (1 Peter 5:10 amp)




Blessings to you!!!
Toia

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!!!

Saturday Book of Psalms ~ Psalm 9:9-10

"The Lord also will be a refuge and
a high tower for the oppressed,
a refuge and a stronghold in times
of trouble (high cost, destitution, and desperation).

And they who know Your name
[who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy]
will lean on and confidently put their trust in You,
for You, Lord, have not forsaken those
who seek (inquire of and for) You
[on the authority of God's Word and
the right of their necessity]."
(Psalm 9:9-10) Amplified Version


These scriptures really popped out at me. Knowing that I can confidently put my trust in the Lord, can definitely keep me steadfast in my faith. And He has never forsaken those who seek or inquire of Him. It's blessing to know that someone, who is able to the exceedingly, abundantly far above anything I can ask or think, has my back.

Blessings, Peace, and Confidence to you!!!
Toia

Thankful Thursday ~ Promises

This edition of Thankful Thursday I am thankful for God's promises. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful," (Hebrews 10:23). God is faithful to come through on His Promises. Just like He promises an abundant life through His Son Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit (The Comforter, The Helper) that works through us.

I am thankful for everlasting life. "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).

I am thankful for my benefits that God has promised me. "Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: (1). Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, (2). Who redeems your life from destruction, (3). Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, (4). Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's," (Psalm 103:2-5).

I am thankful no weapon formed against me, my family, my loved ones, my blogsisters, my finances, my marriage, my children, etc., etc., etc., shall not prosper no matter how hard the enemy tries. "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn," (Isaiah 54:17).

I am thankful that God promises to provide for me and give me strength through Christ to do all things. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," (Philippians 4:13). "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:19).

I am thankful that when I put my trust in God and acknowledge Him for who His, He will direct my path. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." (Proverb 3:5-6)

I am thankful that God will never leave me nor forsake me. He is always there through the good and carrying me through the bad. "....For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," (Hebrews 13:5)

I am thankful God will give me rest when I am heavy laden. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30).



God promises so many things. Yet, we tend to lose hope or lose sight of the God we serve. A God who is faithful and just, which is why we can hold fast to our confessions without wavering, without doubting, wondering if they will come to past. Through the mighty power of the Holy Spirit and through the mighty name of Jesus we are more than able to tap into God's promises and wait in encouragement for their fulfillment.

So, whenever you feel like you're alone, no sense of hope, or everything is crashing down on you, look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith and read God's Word so you can know or remind yourself of what God has promised you.



Join Laurie at Women Taking A Stand - our host for Thankful Thursday!!!!


Blessings to you on this Thankful Thursday!!!
Toia

Word-Filled Wednesday ~ 1 Peter 3:4

"Don't be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." (1 Peter 3:3-4)







This goes along with my previous post - Beauty Quotes. Happy WFW!!!


Blessings to you!!
Toia

Beauty Quotes

We are beautiful!!! We are made in our Father's image. We are fearfully and wonderfully made...His Original Creation...A Designer's Original!!! Beauty can be in our dreams, our personality, our integrity, and our hearts. Do not allow anyone to tell you---that you're not beautiful or that you don't matter. That is a lie from the pits of hell!!!

God took time to make you, to conceive you in your mother's womb for a purpose...for a plan. God look at you and said, "It is good." We are and forever beautiful people in Christ. Amen and amen!!! So, here are few quotes about beauty to inspire, encourage, and empower.



Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
-- Margaret Wolfe Hungerford


Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.
-- Kahlil Gibran


Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
-- Confucius


Far away in the sunshine are my highest inspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead.
-- Louisa May Alcott





Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel unsure around you.
We were born to make manifest
the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
As we let our own Light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission
to do the same. As we are
liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

-- Marianne Williamson


The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
-- Eleanor Roosevelt


Don't be concerned about the outward
beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles,
expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.
You should be known for the
beauty that comes from within,
the unfading beauty of a
gentle and quiet spirit,
which is so precious to God.
1 Peter 3:3-4






Blessings to you!!!

Toia

You Ought to Know ~ James Howard

James Howard - author of "What So Proudly We Hailed." Check out his book an excerpt at amazon.com. It's a must read. James Howard is a man of God, who is doing what God has purposed in his life. Let's show him our support.

Image by Amazon.com


Product Description from Amazon.com
One family, one old boat, one test of faith to stay alive. Imagine what would happen if eighty percent of the United States were without power for three or four months. All banking and commercial transfers locked up; funds inaccessible. Wholesale and retail distribution shut down; no computers to manage sales. Passenger and freight lines grind to a halt; no electricity for the fuel pumps. No cell phone or landline service; systems down indefinitely. And the worst aspect of all; a total breakdown of law and order. This is the setting of James Howard's novel, What So Proudly We Hailed. The unthinkable has happened; a limited nuclear missile strike has destroyed the power grid beyond any immediate repair.

The protagonist, Jason Ribault, sensing the societal breakdown to come, flees with his family in an old cabin cruiser to wait out the worst of the chaos behind the deserted barrier islands of the South Carolina coast. There they listen to unfolding events on a short-wave radio, not the least of which concerns a hostile political influence that seeks to seize control of a nation struggling to right itself once again. Pursued by their own immediate dangers, the family is pushed farther and farther into the desolate salt marshes where they find other families in hiding.


Eventually, anxious to unite with a family member in danger, they turn back into the chaos, to see the full extent of what happened to the America they knew. Electric with page-turning suspense, What So Proudly We Hailed is an eye-opening book every American must read.


Click Here to read an excerpt.


Blessings to you on your support!!!

Saturday Book of Psalms Reading ~ Psalm 20

Psalm 20
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.

May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings. Selah

May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name
of the Lord our God.

They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.

O Lord, save the king!
Answer us when we call!



Have a bless weekend!!!!

Blog Hop Friday!!!

Blog Hop is where you visit other blogs and meet new people. Just leave a comment and if you see a blog you like or interests, follow it. It's just that simple. Join our hostess - Design It Chic!!


Happy Blog Hop Friday!!!


Blessings to you!!!

Thankful Thursday ~ Trials and Tribulations

I am thankful for various trials. I am thankful that devil is so afraid of me (a woman of God) that he's trying everything in his little power to hinder the plan God has for me. Not knowing, with his ignorant self that his tactics and his devices cannot harm me. Because the God I serve promise me that "no weapon formed against me shall prosper..." The devil messing with me....gives me confidence to know that I am doing something right by the Kingdom of God.

And for this reason I..."Count it all joy when I fall into various trials,..." because trials make me stronger in God, through His Son, Jesus, and by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit.

I refuse to moved by circumstance, my current situation, and most of all my feelings. Because I know without a shadow of doubt "that the testing of my faith produces patience. And I will always "let patience have its perfect work, that I may be perfect and complete (made whole), lacking nothing."

If I have to go through to breakthrough, so be it!!! I do not "wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."

No matter what trials I face or what storm tries to wreak havoc in my life,..."in all these things I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved me. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Blessings to you!!!

Scripture References - Isaiah 54:17, James 1:2-4, Ephesians 6:12, Romans 8:37-39



Join Laurie at Women Taking A Stand - our host for Thankful Thursday!!!!

Word-Filled Wednesday ~ Psalm 91:16

"With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation."
(Psalm 91:16)

This is a picture of my two cousins and my granddaddy. Their birthdays always fall in the last week of July. However, my handsome granddaddy celebrated his 85th birthday on July 25th. That's such a blessing....hence my scripture choice..."With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation."
(Psalm 91:16)






Happy WFW!!

Lay Aside Weights and Cast Your Burdens

There are times when I get frustrated, aggravated, overwhelmed or have those moments of despair when things don't seem to be going quite right...at the same time I try not to waddle in it...Because I must and have to keep in mind the God I serve. He is the God who takes away through the power of the Holy Spirit every feeling of despair, frustration, aggravation, and so on. He doesn't want us to carry around such feelings that would hinder our faith in Him.

Feelings such as those are mere distractions. Distractions that can keep our eyes not fixed on Jesus. Now, don't get me wrong, we are entitled to have those feelings because after all, we are only human. However, just to waddle in it and stay in that place far away from God and not allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to destroy those feelings so that you can breakthrough and go forth in victory is another thing.

Hebrews 12:1 says, ".....let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." When it comes to being steadfast and immovable in our faith, there is no one else we should look to but Jesus. We look to Jesus (who sits on the right side of our Father interceding on our behalf) to give us the tools needed to endure when our faith is being tested.

The minute you take your eyes off of Jesus [because you were distracted by your feelings or situations], is the very minute the devil will try to use in order to sneak in and try to distort your faith in Christ Jesus. When the opportunity presents itself, the devil will try to devour you the very chance he gets.

6 Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,

7 Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

8 Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.
(1 Peter 5:6-8)

God has a plan for every one of us - a journey. However, there will be obstacles, trials, tribulations along the way. Even though they may trip us up and make us fall along the way, that does not mean we have to stay down for the count. We have a choice to get up, dust ourselves off, and keep going. No matter what is thrown your way...whether its financial problems....marital problems....problems on the job....problems with your child(ren)...car problems....etc....etc....etc...refuse to give up and not lose faith in our God and His plan for your life. Stay in God's word and keep the faith.

Let these scriptures encourage you in the spirit and increase your faith in Him.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth but you shall meditate in it day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
(Joshua 1:8-9)

"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," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11 - NIV)

"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)

Lord, I pray that we will not grow weary in well doing. I pray through your Son, Jesus, that we refuse to let the cares of the world, our problems, our circumstances distract us from the author and finisher of our faith. That we will lay aside every weight and cast every burden so that we can endure and perservere on the journey that you have prepared beforehand on our behalf. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray....Amen.


Blessings, Peace, and Faith be to you!!!
Toia