Thanking my Lord and Savior for everlasting life. Thankful for being surrounded by my hubby and my family.
“I thank you from my heart, and I will never stop singing your praises, my Lord and my God.” Ps. 30:12 (CEV)
Thanksgiving Day is a time to reflect back on what I am thankful for. Thank God each and everyday for health, family, abundance of prosperity, and much more.
What about creating a list?
It’s so good to sit down and make a list. When you make of list of what you are thankful for, you can always go back to it for encouragement and even add more to it.
Thanksgiving is about the food, right?
No, it’s not just about the food. A lot is going on in America and the World right now, and we have so much on our prayer agendas to put before the Lord. I was searching for more information about the protest over the Dakota pipeline, and adding that on my prayer list. Praying for the Indian nation.
With today being Thanksgiving and thinking about the origins of the holiday, I remembered back to what I was taught in history class about the Pilgrims and the Indians. I didn’t know it was the Wampanoags nation, nor did I know much about these encounters. It is a shame that the history books then did not more provide the students with the full story. As a child I would read about that first thanksgiving and would watch cartoons during the holiday that depicted peace and unity.
However, I was not taught that the peace agreement between the Wampanoag nation and the Pilgrims did not last very long. On the Manataka American Indian Council website I read, “The Real Story of Thanksgiving,” the relationship between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag nation turned from peace to hatred. There was once peace but it didn’t even last 50 years. the The Pilgrims looked at the Wampanoag nation as teachers who taught them how to sustain the land they came to on the Mayflower, In contrast shortly after the peace agreement the relationship deteriorated in a downward spiral.
As a person of color researching her ancestry, I am disheartened because the story of Thanksgiving is not an entirely happy as some may have thought. Most of the time we only read one side of the story, but it is important that we take the time to read and study the whole story from all viewpoints.
I recently watched an American Experience (PBS) documentary about the Puritans. I don’t want to spoil it for you and give you all the highlights.However, I found it very interesting and thought-provoking. It made me want to learn more. The documentary is an hour and fifty four minutes so grab a cup of tea and let me know what you think afterwards.
Knowledge is power. Thanksgiving is not just another day.
A resource I plan to read:
“Invasion of American” by Francis Jennings on Amazon.com
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving and remember that if you are not with your loved ones or friends remember that Jesus loves you and you are special to Him and to us here at
BubblingwithEleganceandGrace.com
I was invited to attend a #MOTOZFASHIONNIGHT BY #VERIZON, at Laurie Solet. The Laurie Solet store was closed to the public for this special event. I found out more about the new New Moto Z Device and accessories; available exclusively to Verizon Wireless. I also was able to learn about Verizon’s Hopeline program.
It was an awesome night and I had the privilege of meeting the Verizon representatives in person, and seeing some familiar faces and a great group of bloggers who blog about various genres from Fashion to mom-hood.
Motorola Droid Z
The Moto Z Droid Phone is one of the thinnest phones I have seen and very lightweight. Verizon representative, Megan gave a demonstration of how to use the phone. The Moto Z has a battery that can last a full day and includes the turbo drive charge that can charge your phone for eight hours of use in only fifteen minutes. The snap on interchangeable Moto Mods that attach to convert the phone into a projector and speaker.
Moto Droid Z
I was amazed how the Moto Droid Z projected the image onto the screen up to 70 feet. I can envision friends and family showing photo galleries at get-togethers. It could also be used for presentations at work if the presentation was downloaded on your phone.If I get the opportunity to try out the phone and the snap mods I will do an in-depth detailed review on my blog.
moto-droid-z-as-a-projector
The night included some great shopping, I and the other bloggers received a Laurie Solet gift card. The store has beautiful women’s apparel and jewelry that are perfect for fall and winter. The designs are from local designers and the styles are relaxed and laid back.
fashion-at-laurie-solet
What I thought was most important was learning more about Verizon’s Hopeline program. Megan gave a presentation that shared some of the Hopeline facts. If you have old cell phones or devices, Verizon will collect them and either give them to people in need or recycle them an a environmental manner.
Did you see in the chart that 1 in 4 Women, 1 in 9 men, and more than 3 million children are affected by domestic violence in the USA.
Please watch William Gay’s story.
The color purple represents Domestic Violence Awareness month. In the gift bags were the Mophie power station charger and a pair of LG Tone Pro headphones.
On each box of a Verizon purple product for Domestic Violence Awareness Month reads:
hopeline
“Support victims and survivors of domestic violence by going purple. For every purple product purchased for Domestic Violence Awareness Month , Verizon- through its HopeLine program will make a $3 donation to Camp Hope America. Your purple purchase will help victims and their children gain access to valuable services to help them heal, survive and thrive.”
Thank you Verizon for inviting me to this event. Great opportunity to learn and support Domestic Awareness Month.
JTwisdom received a Laurie Solet gift card for attending the event; and a Mophie Powerstation and the LG TonePRO in the gift bag in exchange for writing about the Hopeline Program. This blog is my honest and heartfelt review of the event.
So your boyfriend has just proposed – it doesn’t get more exciting than that! Now begins a period of careful planning so that you can have the wedding of your dreams! Whether you want an intimate ceremony with just your nearest and dearest or a huge day with hundreds of people, you’ll need to be very organized. Here is what you need to do before you can say ‘I do’!
Get An Engagement Ring
First things first; you need an engagement ring now that you are engaged! Sometimes men like to pick one out to propose with, but these days many couples like to choose a ring together after the proposal. Online jewelry shops have gotten a lot better than they were a few years ago and today many couples buy their Verragio wedding and engagement rings online. While you are browsing for your engagement ring, why not think about your wedding bands as well!
Set A Date
When do you want to get married? You will need to choose a date before you organize anything else. Summer weddings are very popular, so if you are planning on getting married in June, July, or August you will need to book everything well in advance. One new trend that seems to be taking the wedding world by storm is getting married on a weekday. Traditionally, couples wed on Saturdays. But now, as people have less money to spend, they are opting for cheaper mid-week weddings.
Check with your church to make sure the date you want is available
Send Out Invitations
Once you know your date, it is time to let all your guests know. If you are not getting married for a year or two, send out a ‘save the date’ card first. This way, they will know to keep the date free and request time off work if they need to. Handmade invitations will look extremely cute and are a great way to start adding some personality to your big day. They can also hint at the theme you have chosen for your wedding. However, if you want to save some money, you can always just send out emails to let people know.
Ask Bridesmaids And The Best Man If you already know who you want to be your bridesmaids and best man, let them know as soon as possible. Then they can keep the date free and start helping you and your fiance with all the important preparations. They will also need to make sure they are free for the wedding rehearsals.
Get In Shape
You will want to look your best on your big day. After all, every camera will be on you in your gorgeous dress! To make sure you look absolutely flawless now is the time to start getting in shape. Hit the gym to tone up your body. Take a look at your diet to see if there are any changes you can make to make it healthier. It is also a good idea to start working on your skin now. Moisturize every day to make it soft and smooth.
Happy planning!
FTC Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.
Today is Mothers Day and it’s suppose to be a special day, right?
Well, many people are celebrating and having fun with their mothers and families, however for many it can be a day that they can’t wait until it’s over.
My mother
My mother’s highschool graduation picture before going off to college
My mother passed away almost 22 years ago. I know she is with the Lord in heaven, however I do miss her. I see people enjoying the day, saying what they did with their mother or how they spent the holiday. Am I jealous? No, but it makes me think of how she and my Dad raised me. I am not supposed to cry; but sometimes I do.
Happy Mothers Day! How many children do you have?
No birth children, my hubby and I have two fur babies that are very energetic and spoiled. As I reflect when my husband and I got married right after the honeymoon, we realized that we would be taking care of my dad, there was no baby in the plan. I had no brothers or sisters to help with making sure meals were prepared or taking turns to go to doctors visits, etc. I am not asking for sympathy that’s just how it was.
My Daddy was priority and thank the Lord I have a husband who was there with me all the way when we were taking care of my Dad.
My Grandmother
My Grandmother and I at Union Station
My Grandmother went to be with the Lord seventeen years ago. She’s an inspiration and worked hard to provide for her family. She was there for me in many ways and a great role model.
My Aunt
My Aunt DJ, my mother’s sister is special to me and my husband. She lives out of town; but we are very close and if she needs me I am there for her.
I have 3 nieces and 3 nephews by marriage that I have seen grow up, graduate and do great things and that’s a blessing. Seeing them in our wedding and now they are working, married and with their own kids, going off to college and graduating from high school is pretty amazing. They grow up so fast. I am an only child so being an Aunt is special. I don’t get to see them as much because we don’t stay in the same town, but hubby and I make sure we keep in contact.
Make sure you celebrate Aunties Day on July 24, 2016!
This is a great saying from Melanie Notkin, Founder and Author of Savvy Auntie “Babies are born from the womb. Maternity is born from the soul. There are many ways to mother.”
What’s so special about Mothers Day!
That I realized God is my mother and my father because both of my parents are with the Lord. Spending time with my heavenly Father and focusing on a relationship with him not just lip service soothes my soul.
Psalms 23 (Message Bible) A David Psalm
23 1-3 God, my shepherd!
I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure.
5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.
6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
If Mothers Day is not such a great holiday for you and you can’t wait for Monday to come, I am praying that the Lord would comfort you and wrap his loving arms around you because you are his child.
This is an open letter to the Retail Industry
of the United States!
Today we, as Americans, honor the life and remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is a solemn day because Dr. King lived his life to fight the oppression and the racism that plagued America during the 1950s and 1960s. He gave speeches, lead marches and even went to prison in an effort to break this curse that had a stronghold on the American culture from the beginning of slavery. He had a dream where people of all colors and backgrounds would come together and live in peace and harmony. Unfortunately, King’s life ended prematurely by an assassin’s bullet in April 1968 while he was in Memphis, fighting for the rights of striking sanitation workers.
Room 306: The room where Martin Luther King stayed and the balcony where he was assassinated.
Today is not a day when you, as the retailers of America, need to have specials deals and sales in your stores. It is not a day for a “Holiday Sale!” You do not need to mail fliers that are labeled as “Martin Luther King Day Specials.” You do not need to send emails with “Martin Luther King Day Coupons.” I don’t need another excuse to save 50 percent on that winter coat that you could not sale over Christmas, or during the New Year’s clearance sale.
With the racism and oppression that is so deeply rooted in American culture, it is a mockery to King’s Dream and his fight to encourage people to head to the mall to find the latest deals. We, as Americans, do not need to be shopping. We need to come together to break these strongholds and find a way where Dr. King’s Dream is no longer a dream, but a reality.
We need to be going to Libraries, Museums or other Cultural Institutions where King celebrations are being held. if people of all colors and backgrounds could sit down and find the thread that binds us together as Americans. It is a day to come together in peace and not finding the pair of shoes at a rock-bottom price.
The future of America is dependent on working and living together as one America, not how much we can save on flannel bed sheets.
Hey Retailers, save the specials and sales for another day. What about Groundhog’s Day? How about that day?
If the Groundhog says we are having six more weeks of winter, put the winter coats on sale. If the Groundhog says spring is on the way, the put the garden supplies on sale.
But not today! Not Martin Luther King Day! His life and his legacy is much too important to be used with a clearance event at your store.
The holidays are just around the corner so soon it will be the new year. Who likes setting goals and resolutions? They are great to do, and we always start off so well, right? By the end of March, though, sometimes our good intentions for change have fizzled out. Here are just a few tips that should help you to stick to those goals that you have. The start of a new year is the perfect time for a change.
Eat Little & Often A lot of us make goals of weight loss right after the holidays, and it does make complete sense. We may have indulged over Christmas and want to feel fresh and less sluggish. Starving yourself or skipping meals is not the answer, though!
Eating smaller meals more often, will help control blood sugar levels. This will keep your energy up and stop you reaching for some sugar. You will feel so much more energized! Smaller meals more often will also help you to control your portion sizes. That is a great way to help shift a few pounds.
String beans and potatoes make a great meal option!
Make Some Changes Sometimes, goals like running a marathon, or losing 20lbs, can take a long time. Sometimes we feel that we need some more immediate results. Making a change or two can help you feel like a new person. How about getting a new hairstyle or dye your hair a colour that you’ve always wanted to try? It could be as simple as getting a new outfit. A change can help you feel good until longer changes like weight loss, happen.
You could even consider a form of cosmetic surgery if you felt that was appropriate for you. As a woman, if you feel anxious about talking to a male surgeon, you could request a consultation with a female plastic surgeon instead.
Keep a Food Journal A food journal is a great way to monitor what you eat and drink. You should make a note of your exercise too. When you are accountable and have to read through what you have eaten that day, it will help you to use control. It can also help you to stop over snacking or from eating just because you’re bored.
Another great thing to include in the food journal is how you felt. If you wrote that you weren’t particularly hungry, it could stop you eating out of habit. Sometimes you might grab a candy bar at the gas station out of habit. You probably aren’t even hungry when you buy it. Writing it all down will help you to realize this and help you become healthier.
Drink More Water It may sound easier said than done, but it is so important. One way to help you improve how much water you drink is always to have a filled water bottle with you. Have it by you at work, or in the car or your bag. If you always see the bottle, you will remember to drink from it.
All the best to you and your new goals to a better you!
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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