St. Louis, Missouri is experiencing some tough times; so all I can say is I continue to pray for this city and the world. Right now, I am listening to U2 on my Bose while I am writing this. My husband had surprised me with tickets to the U2 concert here in the Gateway City. It was meant to be a part of our 18th wedding anniversary celebration. The concert was suppose to be tonight; but was canceled this morning. On Friday, a local judge ruled a St. Louis Police Officer not guilty in a murder trial of a local man. Protests and unrest spread throughout the city, including the destruction of several buildings and the even the Mayor’s home. I am not bummed at all about the concert, considering the Police Force was not able to provide adequate security for the concert.
Two U2 Tickets
Statement from U2 “Live Nation and U2 regrettably announce their St. Louis show scheduled for tonight, September 16, 2017 has been cancelled. “We have been informed by the St. Louis Police Department that they are not in a position to provide the standard protection for our audience as would be expected for an event of this size. We have also been informed that local crowd security personnel would not be at full capacity. In light of this information, we cannot in good conscience risk our fans’ safety by proceeding with tonight’s concert. As much as we regret having to cancel, we feel it is the only acceptable course of action in the current environment.” – Live Nation and U2 Fans who purchased tickets online will receive a refund on the credit card tickets were ordered on. Refunds for non-internet purchases will be available starting Monday at 10am at point of purchase.” Statement from U2.com
I know there is anger over the recent decision; but breaking windows at the public library and spray painting the mayors’ home is not peaceful protests. I see images of protestors giving peaceful demonstrations. I see images of tear gas in the air and people running in the streets. I am saddened by this and the way for therapy is for me to pray and write.
The St. Louis I know is a big city with a down home feel and I know that is stained right now.
My head is all over the place but my pastor is so true that the way to defeat violence is on our knees in prayer.
There’s a lot of fear in the air. Psalm 91 keeps coming up in my head and it is a prayer that my husband and I stand on everyday.
Psalm 91Jubilee Bible 2000 (JUB)
1 He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, He is my hope and my fortress: my God; in him will I secure myself.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler and from the mortal pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings thou shalt be secure: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 Thousands shall fall at thy side and ten thousands at thy right hand, but it shall not come near thee.
8 Surely with thine eyes thou shalt behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the LORD, who is my hope, even the most High, thy habitation,
10 no evil shall befall thee, neither shall any plague come near thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands lest thy foot stumble against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he has set his will upon me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high because he has known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and glorify him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my saving health.
We can always show love and keep that flow going each day.
The Joyce Meyer Calendar quote for the day.
“Our heavenly Father wants us to know that we are his precious little ones – His children – and that when we come to Him as such, we show faith in Him which releases Him to care for us.”
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 1 John 3:1 KJV
Please stand in agreement with me for peace in St. Louis.
I pray that your week has been filled with many wonderful blessings.
Do you find yourself looking for that one camera that you can use for all of your photographic needs?
Are you frustrated your smart phone camera cannot get the quality photos you need?
Do you need a high-quality video recorder; but you don’t want to carry a bulky device?
Are you looking for a camera to capture those moments when holding a device is not an option?
Bubbling With Elegance And Grace recently had an opportunity to try the GoPro Hero 5, courtesy of Verizon Wireless. After trying this tiny, but mighty multi-purpose camera; I would recommend if you answered yes to any of the questions above.
The GoPro Hero 5 is the latest GoPro to hit the market and it is by far the best one.
The GoPro Hero 5 measures only 1.26inches x 2.44inches x 1.75 inches; and weighs only 4.13 ounces. It is small enough to fit into your pocket or in your handbag and can easily be taken on the go with you. With limited buttons on the camera itself, it offers touch screen and voice commands to easily change the settings. Video options include changing the frame per second and resolution, with an option for 4K. The camera features time-lapse photography and micro-burst photo shoot with 30 images per second — all at 12MP. Additional accessories can be purchased that allows you to attach the camera to helmet, a bicycle or your dashboard; if you want to capture those action moments of your life. It is waterproof down to 33 feet of water if that action means going under water.
The camera retails for $399.99 on the Verizon website.
While that price may be higher than what you are typically would spend for a camera, think about what you are getting for that price. You are getting a fully-functioning camera that can capture your memories in high-resolution. You can spend twice as much for a camera on your smart phone; but the quality will only be half as good.
You are getting a video recorder that can be used to capture the hummingbirds in your backyard; or to record your next YouTube video. With resolution capacity at 4K, the GoPro Hero 5 keeps up with the current standards for video recording devices.
My latest YouTube video recorded with the GoPro Hero 5.
I recommend the GoPro Hero 5 to anyone who desires to have quality photographs and videos. This device fits into all facets of your life with its many options and features. I suggest you spend time to learn what those features are and how to incorporate them into your photographic needs. The more you know about what is packed into this tiny device and what it is capable of doing, you will not be disappointed with the GoPro Hero 5.
FTC Disclaimer:
Verizon Wireless provided Bubbling With Elegance And Grace with the GoPro Hero 5 for thirty days to write this honest opinion. At the end of the thirty days, we returned the camera back to Verizon Wireless. We did not receive any monetary compensation for this review. All opinions are express in the review are own.
What Are The Four Cs By Which Diamonds Are Judged?
Diamond merchants and jewellers judge diamonds by four criteria: carat; colour; clarity; and cut. These are known as the Four Cs, and anyone wishing to buy diamonds to be mounted in jewellery should be aware of these.
Image by Campbell Muir via Flickr
Carat: The Weight Of The Diamond
Carats are the unit of weight used for diamonds. The word derives from carob, going back to times when old fashioned scales were used, carob seeds were a uniform weight and this became how diamonds were weighed. One carat is divided into one hundred points, so a diamond merchant could call a .50 carat diamond “a fifty pointer” or “a half carat”. The letters TW after a weight in carats means Total Weight, which is the combined weight of the smaller diamonds surrounding a central stone. There is a magic about a carat. A diamond of just over one carat will cost a lot more than a diamond of, say, .94 carats. To the untrained eye there will appear no significant difference in size, but the buyer pays for that whole number magic. There is nothing wrong with smaller stones; they just don’t have the cachet of the full carat.
Colour: The Lustre Of The Diamond
Diamonds are a naturally occurring stone and very few are totally colourless. The GIA grades diamonds on a scale ranging from virtually colourless to noticeably yellow. Traditionally, the whiter (or less coloured) a diamond is, the higher its price. Coloured diamonds suit some tastes, and currently blue, champagne, cognac, and yellow diamonds are sought after. Pink Argyle diamonds are also highly prized for bridal sets. When judging diamonds for colour, ask to see a Master Set of CZs, stones typifying the colour range, and compare the diamonds you are perusing with them.
Clarity: The Brilliance Of The Diamond
Diamonds contain flaws to some degree. Flaws in the stone are termed inclusions; flaws on the stone’s surface are blemishes. Costlier diamonds have fewer inclusions or inclusions so small as to be invisible to the naked eye. Inclusions can cause parts of the diamond to appear cloudy or milky. There is a GIA scale for clarity, have one to hand, and a magnifying glass when inspecting diamonds. Reputable jewellers should offer you these, so, if you are looking for diamonds in Canada, purchase from trusted diamond merchants in Toronto.
Cut: The Magic That Releases The Diamond’s Lustre And Brilliance
The art of the diamond cutter is to take a stone and work facets and planes into it to allow its colour to stand out, and its naturally light refracting properties to be released with the brilliance jewellers call fire. The most frequently seen cut for diamonds is the round brilliant. There are a number of other cuts, called fancy cuts. Among these, there are styles to suit a wide range of tastes. Lovers of Art Deco will be drawn to Emerald or Asscher cuts. Romantics may find the Heart shaped brilliant cut speaks best for them. Pear shaped diamonds have become popular with celebs and are often seen worn on red carpets. Princess, Oval, and Marquise cut diamonds are known or their fire and brilliance. When you are looking to buy diamonds, shape, and cut are the factors which will be most immediately apparent to you.
Whenever you plan on buying diamond jewellery or loose diamonds, make sure to remember the points we’ve discussed.
This week my wife and I are celebrating our wedding anniversary.
18 wonderful years! Praise God!!
I am often reminded of this scripture in Proverbs, especially now as we remember our wedding. He who finds a wife, finds a good thing; and obtains favor from the Lord!
Proverbs 18:22 (NKJV) – created with YouVersion
When I found my wife, it definitely was a good thing and it changed my life forever. Before meeting my wife, I thought I was destined to be single and have a lonely and miserable life. Up to that time, that described my life precisely. But when she walked in my life, I began to see life differently and I felt it now had purpose. The joy that she brings me is because we share many things in common, including hiking, cooking, music and movies. I look forward to what each day has to offer because I know I have an amazing wife to share it with.
Because I have my wonderful wife, I can say that the favor of God is on my life. Before meeting her, I had no faith in God and doubted that He even loved me. Now, I know that God has great things planned for my life; and that He is blessing me everyday. His favor is upon my life; and I cannot thank Him enough.
We recently collaborated with LEV3L Digital to promote their movie ALTAR EGOS. This light-hearted, but meaningful movie is one that the entire family will enjoy. Here is short preview of the movie.
The movie touches on several important themes, including loving the unlovable, reconciliation with those who have hurt you, and working through conflict. The movie will be released on DVD on September 5th and we would recommend it to everyone.
But now, one blessed reader of ours will receive their own DVD copy of the movie. And the winner is….
KIM H.
Congratulations Kim! I hope you enjoy the movie! We will be in contact with you to let you know how you will receive the DVD.
Thank you to everyone who entered!
Until our next giveaway!
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