On this Father’s Day, I honor my Dad who went to be with the Lord in 2003.
Love and compassion. He was a kind, God-fearing man who worked hard to provide for his family. My mother did not work she was an awesome stay at home mother; so he was the bread winner. It was not always easy; but we made it. I will always remember him giving me undercover candy when my mother wanted me to constantly eat healthy snacks. He always looked out for me; and I admire him for that.
I am the only child and I knew that I was in a house of love.
I remember my Daddy riding the bus with me to college because my mother did not want me to be on the bus by myself. I needed to be close to home when I went to college so I went to a small private college in town. At the time, I did not understand why he had to ride the bus with me. But I look back now and I am so thankful for him being with me and taking care of me.
When my grandmother became ill, my Daddy stayed with her after he would get off of work so that she would not be in the house alone. She had previously walked out the house and became disoriented. After that time, it was important for someone to be in the house with her. He did not have to do that, but he did when no one else stepped in. I admire him so much for giving of his time.
JT’s Grandmother and Dad
I know I should be cheerful on this Father’s Day. However, as I write this, tears role down my face when I see these pictures. My Father is with the Lord in heaven and I am happy that I know that I will see my Dad, my Mother and my Grandmother again.
I celebrated my birthday on Saturday with my hubby. Every year, my birthday and Mother’s Day always seem to to fall on the same weekend. Some years, both are on the same day. I have feelings of joy and sadness. I have to cast that sadness down because my mother and grandmother are both with the Lord and would not want to come back.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)
I miss my mother and grandmother; but I know I will see them again so that puts a smile on my face.
Today I was going through vintage photos and came across a photo of my grandmother and I. I might have been eight years old in the picture above. She was coming off the train from traveling out of town. Sometimes, she would travel with her church friends. Other times she would visit family in Mississippi or Chicago. She was a sweet lady who loved the Lord and loved her family very much.
My Grandmother was a sharp lady. I know that is where I get my style from. It is in my blood. The picture above is one of my favorite pictures. She looks like she could be on her way to church or an evening out at the theater. I am not sure when this photograph was taken, maybe the 1940s. This stylish outfit could work today, just as it did then. Her classic style has inspired me ever since I was a little girl.
My mother was strong and confident in who she was as a person, and I admire her for that. I do not have many photographs of my mother and none of us together. She did not like to be photographed, even though she was very pretty. My mother died in 1994. It has been nineteen years; but sometimes it seems like yesterday. I hold on to the values she taught me, and the love she gave me.
Cherish your mother if you are blessed to have her with you. Tell her that you love her; even if you have already told her and give her a hug. A mother is a wonderful treasure to have, she is a queen to behold. If you treat your parents well, you will continue to be blessed beyond measure.
Carman is raising funds for his new album through Kickstarter and is 90% complete.
I grew up listening to Carman’s music. This is wonderful to hear that he is planning to write new songs and record an album.
On Carman’s Facebook page he announced that he’s battling an illness. I am interceding for and I am believing for Carman’s complete healing.
Carman’s words on the Kickstarter Fundraising site page said,
“I’m so excited about this incredible opportunity we all have through “Kickstarter” to make something happen as a team and a family. Through this fundraiser for a new CD and Video project, we can finally have something big we can interact on, on a personal level. 8 weeks ago I was diagnosed with incurable Multiple Myeloma Cancer and given a 3-5 year window of time. It seemed like a death sentence but through Kickstarter God have turned it into a life sentence.”
Carman has given free concerts where thousands gave their lives to Jesus. He has ministered for years and I support him and his music.
Getting ready for church this morning and I realized my hair is still wet from my twist out. What is a girl to do? I washed my hair last night, detangled, conditioned and had six twists on each side of my head. Ready to be styled in the morning. Well, I had let my hair air-dry last night; but my hair is quite thick. This morning my hair was not dripping wet; but it was damp.
Again I say, What am I to do?
Thoughts in my head of wearing a cap, but it is way too warm for that today. Maybe I could wear it up and no one would never know that I didn’t get the soft lustrous curls that I wanted.
What did I do?
I untwisted my hair added some Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk and styled it to the best of my ability. As you can see in the photo below, this is naturally me.
JTwisdom’s natural curls.
I am not fond of hair shrinkage; but I said to myself, “This is who I am, so people can take it or leave it.” A few years back, I would of never had worn my hair in this style. It was always straightened either with a pressing comb or by a relaxer. Almost four years ago, I decided to go relaxer free. I had to learn how to style my hair and find out through trail and error what products work best for my texture.
JTwisdom’s natural curls
Here I am, hair shrinkage and all. My hubby was constantly saying that he thought it was cute; but all I could think about was how short it looked.
But you know what, I went to church and got received several compliments.
My hubby said, “Is it better hearing it also from someone else?”
I said, “No.” But his comment made me think that I have to be fine with myself.
God’s word says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
God made me and He gave me curly hair and I have to love me some me. If I do not love myself; how can I show love to anyone else.
JTwisdom
I find that the times when I don’t think I look my best are the days that I get the most compliments. Here I am talking about the shrinkage in my hair and a lady today said to me that she would have to pay to get hair like mine, meaning she would have to buy a curly wig. Go figure?
But the tidbit of advice to remember: Compliments are great; but if there are no compliments, you have to feel that self love inside that you know that you are beautiful.
Outfit in Review
Cardigan Macys Silk Blouse J Crew Tights Macys Wedges Vince Camuto
Necklace – Nolan Miller
Bangle – Bronzo Italia
Gem silver cuff – gift
Fragrance – Fabulous by Isaac Mizrahi
Hope you had an awesome weekend and a fabulous Monday!
I ask the question, “What does it mean to be in love forever? To share a bond that will never separate.” Is it easy? No! Is it worth it? Most certainly yes.
Having God as the center of our relationship I know is the key.
I put these questions in your mind because my hubby and I went to a friend’s wedding this weekend. The couple was renewing their wedding vows after 30 years of marriage. Totally awesome! The couple looked so grand. A highlight was when their son came down the aisle with shades on, a cell phone and a briefcase in his hand labeled ring security. That was really cute, he was really looking like a secret service agent.
The wedding reception was beautiful also, the talented husband and family of musicians. It was a privilege to attend such a special occasion.
Everybody was line dancing and having a lot of fun.
I get questions often on what to wear to occasions like this one. I love to dress up, however I like to be comfortable yet chic at the same time. I wore black and white which can be typical. However, I kicked it up a notch by adding a contrasting of color in my tights.
I enjoyed wearing this outfit it is breath of fresh air. Would you believe I have on a dress with a close fit to the body cardigan? I constantly say get pieces of clothing that work for you in your wardrobe.
If you wear black or monotone, add an eye-popping tight to your ensemble , completely changing the game.
Learn More About JT
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace started out as an outlet for my passion for fashion but has evolved into a place for me to teach, collaborate, and inspire. My hubby has since joined the team and we have been digital creators for 13 years. We are thankful for those who believed in us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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