RSS

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

My new purchase!!!

You guys already know how much I lurve Todd English. I have his greenpans and they are just fabulous. I had been eying all of his products since then. The cook in me looks making things from scratch but with everything I have going on, it is getting harder and harder to do all that I would like. Well Todd came up with this wonderful idea named flavor perfections. They are these concentrated powders of different flavors made directly from the food he cooked. You basically cook the food and then sprinkle the powder on the warm food and like magic it starts to glaze on the food giving a nice sauce. The set I got came with Alfredo, Au Poivre, Bonfire Barbeque, and Mediterraean. Tomorrow I plan on using the Mediterranean on some shrimp with brocolli. Then I am going to put it on top of some brown rice. I will post pics tomorrow. I can't wait!!! Q

Day 2 Discussion

4Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
Jesus was mentioning His death. If you also read Matt 26:18 He mentions it there. I believe the disciples took for granted the time they had with Jesus. Because they believed in Him, they figured they would always have Him with them. Jesus was constantly teaching them in order to give them the tools they would need when He left. But God is such a wonderful God that He never leaves us alone. Because although Jesus in His earthly form is no longer here, His spirit lives with us and we have the Comforter to lead and guide us.

10And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

I love how God uses people to speak His word without them knowing it. Here the master at the wedding was talking about wine. But I believe He was also speaking about God and how good He is to us. Just look throughout the bible and you can see all the great men He raised up to help His people like Moses, and Elijah. But yet He saved the best for last when He sent His only begotten son. Jesus broke all of the chains, and gave us complete victory over death. He that the Son sets free, is free indeed. The best is yet to come for us as well. Although God is blesses His people everyday, our great reward will soon come when Jesus comes to take us home to heaven. There will be no more tears, no more heartbreak, no more hurt or worries. Yes the best is yet to come!!!
16And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

17And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

18Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

20Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

21But he spake of the temple of his body.

22When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
Jesus always taught by example. Ephesians 4:26 Tells us to Be angry, but sin not. Jesus was not only angry about what was being done in the temple, He had a zeal for things of the Lord. I look up the background of the word zeal. I found this: "a Church word, from Gk. zelos "zeal, ardor, jealousy" I also found some definitions. Zeal means fervor for a person, cause or object; eager desire or endeavor;enthusiastic diligence
Synonyms: intensity;passion
Ardor means intense devotion; eagerness; burning heat
Jesus has a passion and a desire for the things of the Lord. We too should have that within us. We should be so filled with devotion to the Lord and His way that it should eat at us like a burning heat. The bible says the Lord is a consumming fire.

The Jews reaction to Jesus' word shows how lacking man can be in our thoughts. They were thinking of an actual building but Jesus was talking about the temple that was His body. Even His own disciples doubted Him but when He rose, they remember the words He spoke. That happens to a lot of us in our walk. That's why it's important to write things down through this journey. We receive a word from God and sometimes forget about it. Then when things come to pass we have an Aha moment and remember that word. Take notes people because God is speaking into your life everyday and He is not like man that He should lie. Whatever He says He will do, believe it!!!



25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man
In Matthew 9:4 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?" God knows what's in our hearts. Jesus knew that some of those same people that was praising Him at that moment, would soon be the ones calling for His death. The world is in a mess right now because so many people put their trust in men and not in God. We need to believe what God has to say about our lives and not of those who will have to answer to Him as well. Men will lift you up and love you and praise you while you are doing good. But one slip and they will cast you by the way side. Can you imagine if God was like man? We would all be in hell right now. But thankfully we serve a loving, merciful, grace giving, and forgiving God. We can come to Him, cast all our cares, and repent of our sins. As long as you have breath in your body, you have a chance to get it right.

In your journal tonight, I want you to write down all of your cares and in your prayer time, give them over to the Lord. Instead of trying to do it on your own, trust God to work it out for you. As you pray, ask God to take all of your burdens off of you. Forget about what you have done in the past because you can't change that. But you can make sure you don't make them in the future. As you ask God to forgive you, forgive yourself. Let go all of the hurt, all the mistakes, all the lies, all the slip ups and all the things that kept you from being where you needed to be. Feel the love of God close in and around you. Let your heart receive the fullness of joy that you can only get from being in His presence. God loves you and His love is true. His love will keep you and protect you. Embrace it. Q

21 Days to a Closer Walk with Thee (Day 2)

Good morning everyone. I woke up this morning feeling so blessed. During my prayer time, I prayed for each and every one of you guys. I am so happy about this journey. So today we are studying John chapter 2. Because the bible is so extremely rich and one verse can preach all by itself (I've done this before) we are going to once again focus on some key verses from this chapter.

4Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

10And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

16And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

17And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

18Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

20Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

21But he spake of the temple of his body.

22When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man

I'll be back with my thoughts a little later. Q

Monday, March 30, 2009

Day 1 discussion part 2

So now I want to focus on the significance of the 21 days. We all believe in the Holy Trinity. We also know that 7 is God's number for perfection. So we will devote 7 perfect days for each part of the God head. Praise God for that revelation!!!

I want you to think about what you would like to accomplish in the next 21 days. For some of you, these daily readings will get you into the habit of studying the word daily. For others, maybe it's the daily morning prayer that you needed. Or it may be just sharing your insight about the word like you do on here. Either way, I want all of us to take a pledge to use this time to add some Godly habits into our lives and give up something that has held us back. You don't have to post it here but I want you to write it in your journal and make a commitment to move to where you want to be in the next 21 days.

As you read the scriptures, write in your journal what it means to you. What is the scripture saying to you? How does what you are reading make you feel about your relationship? Use those questions and the answers you get in your prayer time with the Lord. Also take a look at the extra scriptures provided in order to see how God's word connects throughout the bible. Make notes in your bible as well.

Lastly, I want all of us to pray before going to bed every night. For those of you who are unsure, of how, you can simply pray Our Father, who Art in Heaven.... I will go more into praying in the next couple of days as well. I hope this first day has blessed you and know there is so much more good stuff in store for us through this journey. It is my prayer that at the end of the 21 days, we all will walk with the Lord just like Enoch did in Gen 5:24. That's how I came up with the other part of the title!!!

Also you can follow this along with some other ladies on this site right here. It is free to join and I am Queeny over there. We are taking this journey as a group named Women of the Word. Q

Day 1 discussion of the word

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2The same was in the beginning with God.

The first 2 verses speak about Jesus, the word and God the Father. This is the connection to the old testament. Jesus is the word made flesh and He was with God the father in the beginning and they are one. In Gen 1:26, Then God said, "Let us" meaning the father, son and the holy spirit. This tells us that we are serving the one true and only God.

11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

It wasn't just the Jews that didn't receive Him, we didn't either. All of us have sinned and fell short of the glory of God. But now that we believe in Him and born again (also see 1Peter 1:23), we will now children of the most high. We have POWER to move mountains, and to defeat darkness. To call those things that be not as though they were. We have privileges that no one else have. Think about your own relationship with either your kids or your parents. Your parents do things for you they won't do for other people. As parents, we make sure we give our kids the best because we love them. It's the same with God, our Daddy, our Father. He not only provides for us here, but He will take care of us in heaven as well. We will spend eternity living in our Fathers' mansions!!!!

50Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
51And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. (Also See Gen 28:12)

Okay this is where I want you guys to get your journals out. Verse 51 is shouting news!!! We know one day Jesus will come back for us, the children of God. The ones mentioned in 12 and 13.
The greater things Jesus talked about was not just the miracles He worked, but the miracles WE too will do in His name. Now I want you to write down some of the great things God has already done for you. Some of us have been healed from diseases, some of us have been promoted on our jobs when we didn't have the qualifications for it. Only you know those things so write them down and rejoice in what the Lord has blessed you with.
Now I want you to write about the great things that are yet to be done in your life. There are GREAT things that God wants to do for you and through you. Write them down so you can later come back and see how faithful God is.

After I eat dinner with the fam, I will go a little deeper into the significance of the 21 days. Be blessed. Q

My hair regimen *Updated 6/2*

*I updated my regimen and changed the order and hopefully this makes it easier to understand.*

A friend of mine was asking me about my hair today. Suddenly it clicked that I haven't posted my regimen here. Funny how I have been featured on other sites but yet neglected to put my info right here. It sounds like a lot when it's typed out but it's really simple.

Winter- I wash or co-wash my hair while in braids or twists at least once a week. Then I detangle if needed, put some oil or butter on my hair and ends, and style. If my scalp is dry or I am seeing dandruff, I will apply some sulfur 8 grease to my scalp.

Spring and Summer- I do a lot of conditioner washes and wear a lot of wash n gos. Having a micro fiber hair towel is key to soaking up all the water.

Once a week I take out the braids or twists, I apply castor oil and let it soak in. Then I put my hair in 4 loose braids, wash and, apply conditioner. I rinse each braid individually and rebraid to avoid a head full of tangles. I apply castor oil or avocado butter to my hair, detangle with my bone comb and then rebraid or twist.

I apply a dime sized amount castor oil or avocado butter to my ends every night and sleep with my satin bonnet or scarf. Occasionally, I will spray my ends at night with some water mixed with fermodyl 619 and then put on the butter and/or oil on my ends to seal.

Once a month I clarify and do a protein deep condition. I follow it up with a moisturizing dc and then proceed with detangling and styling.

Every 6 months, I go to my beautician. She flat irons,then presses, trims and curls my hair. That is the only time I trim my hair and I usually lose about 1/2 to 1 full inch each time. I wear my hair straight for a week or so just for dh and then the first wash after, I do a deep condition with protein and moisture.

Products:
Shampoos- Suave biobasics, humectant, Hair One, and Envia ultra hydrating
Conditioners- Suave biobasics, humectant, Envia, Hair One, The Body Shop's honey conditioner, and pantene relaxed and natural hair mask
Protein- ion reconstructor, 2 minute aphogee, and Jasmine's
Moisturizing dc- I'll use the pantene mask or the Body's Shop's conditioner and let it sit on my head for about 30 minutes.
Styling aids- castor oil, avocado butter, coconut oil, hairveda and afroveda products
Leave ins- I will leave a little of the Hair One on my hair
Must have tools- bone comb, micro fiber hair towel, denman brush, satin bonnet, and scarf

Keys to healthy hair:
Find what works and stick to it.
Proper moisture and protein balance.
If you can't wash or cowash often, spritz your hair to add moisture back to it.
Take care of your ends for retention.
Baby your hair. Don't just rake through it and abuse it.
Play around with different styles.

Hope this info helps. Q

21 Days to a closer walk with Thee (Day 1)

Good morning everyone. I started this morning ready to go. I got up early to pray and was well on my way. I am currently typing this from home instead of work like I had planned. My dh is having car trouble and so I have yet to leave. But I rejoice because I know God is going to bless this journey and that's why it's being met with opposition. Yesterday while in church, I prayed asking God to reveal to me which way to go. I was led to the book of John. Ironically, John has 21 chapters so it will fit right into our studies. We will examine other scriptures as well.

Your task for today is read the first chapter of John. There are a couple of scriptures that stood out and I want to focus on. They are:
John 1

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2The same was in the beginning with God.

11He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

12But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

50Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

51And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

We will discuss the scriptures throughout the day. Be blessed. Q

Sunday, March 29, 2009

"21 days to a closer walk with Thee" pre post

The other day while I was driving to work and talking to the Lord, something was placed on my heart. I thought about when I first got saved and how lost I felt sometimes. I wish I had someone to guide me and help me along the journey. As I grew in the Lord, I adopted so many things that have helped me to be a better and stronger person. But every now and then, even I can use a refresher. It was then on that drive the series, "21 days to a closer walk with Thee" came to me. I have invited women from all over who have the heart and mind to join me on this journey.

Studies show that it takes 21 days for something to become a habit. Over the next 21 days, with God's help, we will form holy habits, eliminate the ones that distract us, delve deeper into the word of God, and get all the more closer to Him. I also explain the spiritual significance of the title of the series as well.

So in order to get going here is what you need:
1. Your bible
2. A journal to write down your thoughts and to keep track of your progress
3. An open heart and mind to receive what God has for you.

Your first assignment is to wake up at least 5 minutes early every morning and spend that time praying. Putting God first every morning is one of the habits we all should have. I am looking forward to this journey. Much love. Q

Sunday's Quick, easy and healthy dinner

I usually cook big elaborate meals on Sundays but this week I want to mix things up for the family. I always cook healthy but I also wanted to do more quick meals and very little leftovers. So my goal is to make nothing but 30 minute or less quick, easy, and healthy meals.

Today I made lemon chicken with brown rice, and a mixed salad. The salad is a pre-mixed organic one that I picked up from Sam's. Here is the recipe for the chicken:
4 med boneless chicken breasts about 1 pound
1/3 cup of all purpose flour
1/4 tsp of pepper
2 T of margarine or butter
1 cup of chicken broth
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 T of cornstarch
lemon slices


Rinse and pat chicken dry. Place between plastic wrap and pound lightly with a mallet until about 1/4 thick. Combine flour and pepper and lightly coat chicken with mix. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 4-6 minutes or until no longer pink turning once. Keep chicken warm after cooking. Combine broth, lemon juice and cornstarch in a bowl. Add to skillet and cook on medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Serve on top of chicken and top with lemon slice (optional).



I used real lemons of course so the sauce was really tangy. If I do this recipe again, I will cut back on the amount of lemon juice used. Otherwise, it's a hit. Q

Low twistout puff

That's the best way to describe my hairstyle today. I did a couple of big twists a few days ago. Today I took them out with my fingers, applied some whipped baggy cream, and used a satin scarf to push my hair back into a low sitting puff. Pop in a flower, and some nice earrings and I was good to go. I'm happy to be nappy again!!! Q



Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Called to be the moon



When most people think of the moon, they think of the night time. On it's own, the moon has no light. Although it lights up the sky at night, it is not shining on it's own, it's reflecting. The moon is reflecting the light from the Sun. We who are called of Christ are the same.

We have no light and no power on our own. Instead we get what we need from the Son as well which is Jesus Christ. It is through Him that we are then able to shine our light on the dark world and help others to find our way. Every now and then, the earth comes between the sun and moon and the moon has no light. But as it keeps moving, it is able to catch hold of the sun's rays so it can keep on reflecting. We are like that as well. We let things and sometimes the people of this world get in the way of us and God. For a moment, we get off track and darkness takes over.

No matter who you are, or how long you have followed God, your focus has shifted at one point or another. But understand that as long as you are alive, you have a chance, to keep moving like the moon, and to get back on track. We all have been called to be moons. We are here to reflect the love, the peace, the joy, the hope, and the salvation of Christ unto this dark and evil world. We are here to help others know, there is a better way, and there is more than what this world offers. Never stop seeking God. Never stop following Him. Never stop reading His word. Let your light shine no matter what others say about you. If they talked about Jesus, know they will talk about you. But take comfort in knowing the Lord will redeem you. He will bless you and give you a reward for doing His will. Be blessed. Q

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Hair pics

Here are some pics of me playing with my curls. Q





Thursday, March 12, 2009

Busy, busy, busy

Hey readers. I have so much going on in my life right now. I haven't forgotten about you all. Right now we are in the middle of a huge church conference. I took off from work and have been ripping and running since Wednesday. Actually I didn't see my family all day on Wednesday. Anyway, God has been doing some great things and opening up some doors because of our obedience and faithfulness. I will be sharing them soon. I got my 6 month press, trim and curl. It was supposed to be a rollerset but that was a big fat FAIL. My hair laughed at me. So after sitting up under the dryer for 1 1/2 hours, we went back to the regular routine. I got spiral curls again but I jazzed them up a little. I'll have pics up once the conference ends on Saturday. It's late, I'm tired and it's raining right now. I love when it rains, I sleep like a baby. Off to bed I go. Take care everyone!!!! Q

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Send help please

We just got back from the Lady Lobos basketball game. Along with the Supremes, we have 4 other kids at the house. So yes we have 7 kids here!!! Help us please. Thanks Q

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Time to unpack in order to repack!!!

I had a completely different title for this post but my Pastor said this during bible study this week and I decided to use it. We have been studying the word regarding fasting for the past 2 weeks. I am about to embark on one myself. On Tuesday we were discussing the reasons why some people don't fast. He gave the analogy of packing for a trip. He bascially said, some of us live our lives like we do when we pack for a trip. We pack all of these things in our suitcase and then when we stop and think for a moment, we realize we left out some important things. So it is then that we have to unpack in order to take out some stuff and then repack and put in only those things that are necessary.

I've been dealing with this situation in my life as well. With school, work, church, T and the Supremes, I am feeling overwhelmed. I kept thinking I needed more time when really I just need to get rid of some things. It is hard but I know I can't keep going like this. Some of you may think this doesn't apply to you but it can.

So many of us are feeling the financial crunch right now and we're struggling. Instead of trying to get another job or a way to bring in more money, maybe you need to take a look at what you currently have going out and unpack some items. Do you have to have the cable plan with the 500 channels or will basic suffice? Do you need to see every movie as soon as it comes out or can you just wait and rent it? Do you have to eat out during lunch or can you just bag it? There are so many things we can do to make the money that we already have go farther.

Or maybe you need to unpack in your personal life or personal time. Have you stretched yourself way too thin trying to do everything for everybody? Are there some people in your life that have been dragging you down and you need to cut loose? Are you taking the time to care for your body like you should? Do you have to watch all 50 versions or CSI? Or can you pick one and then the other nights, go to bed early and get some rest? Okay that last one was for me but you get my drift.

Take a good hard look at your life and begin to unpack some things. Before you put stuff back in, focus on those things you need first, and then carefully choose what will follow. My plan of action is very simple, God first, family and friends, personal time, physical health, school, and everything else. Be blessed. Q