Day Two:
I thank God that He blessed my life with such a wonderful wife to share my life with. We have so much in common and we enjoy doing so many things together: hiking, gardening, blogging, shopping and even church event planning. I never could have imagined my life with any one better. And who would have imagined that I would have met my wife while at work.
Some years back, Michael W. Smith had a song that I really liked, “Place In This World.” This song really spoke to me and I sang it passionately because I was searching for my place in this world. Little did I know that God was listening to me and He helped me find my place in this world by placing my wife into my life.
My wife has taught me so much and helped me grow as a man and as a husband. I am thankful that God has brought her into my life. I love you so much, baby!!!!
Me and my baby, JT, beginning our life together
JT looking so pretty!
JT and me hiking in the mountains of New Mexico
Let us know how you have been blessed by your spouse!
November is upon us and many people are turning their thoughts to Christmas. Shopping lists, family get-togethers and decadent meals are present in their minds. While I love Christmas and its true meaning, I believe many people completely overlook Thanksgiving. I believe that Thanksgiving has become the forgotten holiday, with all the other things happening during the fall and winter. As summer ends, kids are going back to school and even before we make it through September, Christmas planning is in full-swing. Christmas trees can be found in the department stores. Christmas tunes are being played on the radio
Thanksgiving is no longer a day of giving thanks. Instead people think of it as the day before the day after Thanksgiving, when people look to get their Christmas shopping started in full force. I do not succumb to this madness. Instead, I believe that Thanksgiving should be celebrated for what it is. A day when I give thanks to God for all the wonderful things that he has given to me in my life. As I was thinking about it today, I decided that I did not want to limit my thanks to only one day. God is blessing my life every day so I decided that I would take each day in November and give thanks for something in my life. This will be joint effort from the Bubbling team. JT and I will be taking turns writing from our hearts to you. Come back each day for a new post.
Day One: I look around and I see people who are hurting, who are battling sickness and even seeing people who are leaving this Earth too soon. Each day when I wake up, I thank God for being alive and that I am walking in divine health. I am thankful that no sickness or diseases are in my body and that I have full use of all my body.
We are asking you, the Elegant and Graceful readers, to share your thoughts and reasons why you are thankful. Leave a comment below. Or if you have your own blog, create a post and leave us the link and we will read it.
I was reading Katherine’s story about bullying and her granddaughter dealing with bullying on Katherine’s Corner. It made me think about one bullying memory.
To think that I post photographs of myself on my blog is a sheer miracle. Considering as a child I was shy and quite introverted; and I was starting to figure out who I was as a person. First and foremost, what purpose God had for me to be here on this earth. It was hard because I was always different and never fit in.
Bullying is such a terrible and emotional thing. As a child you really have to face your fears; and it can be tough to defeat it. I remember when I was in the seventh grade and I left my jelly sandals (rubber sandals that was really popular in the 80s) outside after recess. I had to go back outside to get them. Well, the eighth graders were outside and when they saw I was walking towards my sandals, they started throwing them around. I became quite frustrated because they would not give them back. I kept reaching as they were tossed in the air. Finally they dropped the shoes on the ground and kicked them out of the way. I had to fight back the tears because I couldn’t let them see me cry, I wouldn’t let them see me cry. I ran over and got them and went back to class. I don’t think I told my parents about that because it was too embarrassing.
I tell this short story not for you to feel sorry for me because situations like this made me stronger and tough. But no one should have to deal with stuff like this. Being bullied is wrong and I know a lot of kids are going through a lot of similar situations. The last thing they need is for a another kid that they have to see everyday in school harassing them.
Now I say that is great being different; but when I was a child it seemed like fitting a square into a circle. My mother would always say, “Baby being different is a wonderful thing because God made only one you and you are special.” I cherish those words each and everyday.
This is an interesting video on how to prevent bullying in schools. What it appears that can be done to make bullying non existing in schools can very challenging. I think it is not only the school; but also the parents partnering, with the schools to make bullying non existent.
The word of God says in
Proverbs 23:7 NASB says For as a man thinks so is he (paraphrased).
Please realize that if you are reading this and are being bullied or remember the past of being bullied; remember that you are special and God made only one you. You are BEAUTIFUL and don’t ever forget that!
If you are experiencing bullying, I pray that you are able to reach out to somebody that you can trust. Whether it is a parent, teacher, friend, or a best friend. It is not easy but bullying has to stop and stop now. Bullying prevention starts with me.
It took me some time to put these pictures up because I was not the weight I would have like to have been. I was dealing with some medical challenges at the time and the medication made me bigger at a time when I wanted to be in the best shape. People told me I looked great; but I did not think so. I so loved my wedding day; but I was not happy with the way I looked. Well Praise the Lord, I am healthier now and I lost over 50 pounds. I have a lot to be thankful for because I married my best friend and we can renew our wedding vows next year and on our 15th wedding anniversary. So here are the pictures.
Jay and I so happy we are officially married.
Happy that I am married to my best friend.
We love Italian food so having the reception at an Italian Restaurant hall was perfect.
My daddy stepped on my train by accident so I am holding it. Jay caught off guard in mid take of picture.
My nails were mega long, I can’t have them that long when I am practicing piano.
My Daddy is with the Lord now so this is even more of a special picture to me. My mother-in-law is so sweet and kind. It is a pleasure to be a part of the family.
September 11, 1999 — the day that I walked down the aisle with my best friend to become his wife. My hubby and I planned the entire wedding ourselves, without the help of any family members or a wedding coordinator. A lot of hard work and time went into planning out all the details. The day turned out so wonderful and beautiful. We thank God for the glorious memories.
J and T during their first dance!
We do not usually celebrate just for one day, but instead of the whole month. Anniversaries are a treasured milestone and we believe that they need to be celebrated.
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.
Follow!