When I look in the mirror these days I don’t see the same person I use to see when I was in my twenties. I see a person who really has to watch what she eats and work out at least 4 to 5 times a week. And even though I work out and eat the best that I can, I still have never got to that miracle size 0 or 00 that everyone is loving these days. I weigh the same but it seems like my weight has shifted so I have to work out those areas harder than before because clothes fit differently. No matter how many creams I use on my face or weights I lift, I still get caught up in that fight for trying to look young and youthful. If you are over the age of 25 the media bombards you on news ads, movies, etc. that you have to do this or do that to get that youthful glow that your daughter or niece has at the age of 14. I have not had any children so I can’t blame them on having to keep my tummy toned and thighs tight. I still have to work out to keep myself toned and it’s not the dancing only, I have to work out with weights and do leg lifts and it’s not easy.
It’s what’s inside that matters, right?
Yes, it’s what’s inside that matters, however, what people first see is me not my guts. I have often heard people say that when they are over 40 that they don’t care anymore and if they want the gray hair to show or those wrinkles to appear that it doesn’t matter because they feel free. I have never considered myself beautiful so it’s really odd that I am doing videos and talking about fashion and beauty. I think that what matters is that I love myself because God made me. And I must admit that it has not been easy for me to be an influencer because I have always been my worst critic and enemy.
I created this blog as an outlet for my passion beyond work. I feel good that I have succeeded at that goal. My blog is not about popularity because this girl has never been voted Ms. Popular in life, not even by my family. When I fall down I have always managed to get myself up and dust off my britches to start again. It’s that never quit factor.
Resilience and Stamina
Reflection: When I was asked if I had any children, I said no not now. The first thing out of this person’s mouth was, “that’s a shame.” What is shameful about it? That I don’t fit the status quo? I know that people assume I hate kids and that’s why I don’t have them. You don’t know my story, and the point is you don’t have to know my story because we should treat everyone with kindness and love. Yes, the kindness and love seem to be forgotten and in today’s world. It’s making assumptions about everyone’s life when you really don’t know who they are in any shape or form. I have never fit into a specific click, status quo, with the cool kids, group, race, or club. Even in my childhood days even if I tried I never fit in.
I use to think that only certain people really had true joy and better opportunities. We have a choice and it is so simple to say F###! it and screw the whole universe, but God sees no benefit in that for us. God gives me a choice and it’s up to me to make that decision to do the work on the inside so the outside projects how I truly feel.
What do I mean?
I have been reading, “The Power of I AM,” by Joel Olsteen. This book has been very therapeutic for me. Having a positive outlook on life is not popular and too much negativity can really bog you down. If I had looked at some of the reviews on Amazon I wouldn’t have purchased the book but Joel is one of my favorite people to listen to and I looked past all that.
The Power of I AM: Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today
I am somebody and I do count. When we talk down about ourselves, we give place to the enemy because the devil doesn’t want you to live your best life. No matter what economic status or title you may have God sees us all the same in His eyes.
We have so many reasons to throw in the towel, but that would be too easy. As long as there’s breath in your body you have a chance to change and be the best you possible.
I wanted to get on the blog and say have a safe and Happy Independence Day! Let Freedom ring! I was talking to a colleague yesterday and this society we live in is so interesting. I stand for unity because divided we fall.
It’s hot and humid in the midwest, but it’s great being with the family and my fur babies. My style today is natural and carefree. When it’s hot you really don’t want to wear much of anything so I don’t like synthetic fibers sticking to me.
My lace-cut out top is from Soft Surroundings. I purchase it on clearance this past winter and it is not available now. The top has an attached camisole tank and the material is 100% cotton. It’s beautiful and so comftable without looking frumpy. My paisley pants are from Isaac Mizrahi and really flatter my figure, very Katherine Hepburn style. My Patricia Nash Pisticci Linked handbag is so cool and hip. It is vintage and glam at the same time.
JTwisdom Independence Day Style
And my flag inspired shoes are Skechers Bobs Lil Americana. I constantly get compliments because the design is so tastefully done. I bought them about three years ago and they are still available.
Have a wonderful 4th of July and Independence Day!
Volunteers place flowers at headstones from the Memorial Flower Foundation in Section 33 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, May 26, 2019. Every year over Memorial Day weekend, over 142,000 visitors come to Arlington National Cemetery to honor those who are laid to rest in these hallowed grounds. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)
I hope you are enjoying time with your family and friends over this holiday weekend. I can smell the lighter fluid and people ready the charcoal started. It rained part of the weekend but the flowers are in bloom and are looking beautiful. While all this is great, please make sure you take time out of your Memorial Day holiday to honor the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. We have so much to be thankful for and I know that I cannot take it for granted.
When a soldier is buried with military honors, their family is presented with a folded United States flag. I did not know that each fold of the flag had a special meaning until I saw this informative video, seen below.
The Folding of the Flag
DEDICATION: Dedicated to Honor Guards and our Fallen from across America, as well as to all patriots who keep our Veterans, 1st-Responders (& families) in their hearts.
During a Memorial Day ceremony on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Spcs. Kenroy Daly and Christina Murray, 42nd Military Police Brigade, place a ceremonial wreath near the brigade memorial. The names of 29 fallen 42nd MP Bde Soldiers were read during the ceremony, which was held at Memorial Park.
It’s wonderful that you are having fun and enjoying your holiday, but please take time out this Memorial Day to remember and thank the fallen soldiers who fought for our country.
Work takes up a lot of our time. Even if you enjoy work and you’re someone that has built a great career, you may find that after work, you hit a brick wall. Maybe you don’t have the energy to do anything, or you head home and you’re bored? Maybe you do the cleaning to avoid doing it on the weekends or, you just crash on the couch exhausted? Either way, this isn’t allowing you to make the most of your week. Because you can use those hours after work to enjoy yourself and have fun! Sometimes, you could make your life more enjoyable and rewarding, just by squeezing in some extra excitement. Let’s take a look at five ways you can have more fun after work.
Go For Dinner First of all, you could always go to dinner. If you don’t want to go home and just eat a boring dinner and go to sleep, why not arrange to go to dinner with your friends? If you don’t always get to see your friends, then this is a win-win.
Salsa practice lessons
Take A Class Next up, you could take a class. Maybe you want to get fit? Do you want to look after your body and health? Then go and take a fitness class after work. If you do yoga, you’ll also find that you’re winding down well before bed too!
Go To An Event Another really great idea that can be a ton of fun for you after work, is for you to think about attending different events. Because you will find that here are always different things on in the evenings that can entertain you. Maybe this is an open mic music or a play? Maybe it’s a talk with an author you like or even a course! Just see what’s going on in your area and sign up for anything that sounds cool!
Attend A Group Or Club The next thing that you might want to consider here, is attending a group or a club after work too. Maybe you have an interest that you can pursue? Maybe you want to start a book club or join a music group or go to games club? You could even get together with a group of friends that you have with a similar interest and just go for a drink too! So think about any clubs near to you that could allow you to do this.
Have A Date Night But then also, you could totally do a post-work midweek date night too! You don’t just have to save your date nights for the weekends. Instead, you can easily make plans with people for the week. Plus, this then also means that you get things to look forward to in the week too! So get planning and make sure that you have a lot to look forward to when work is out. This could be with your sweetheart or even catching up girlfriends as we mentioned in the first point!
I was at work Monday afternoon when my husband came into my office with a concerned look on his face. He showed me a live video from his phone of the Cathedral Notre Dame of Paris engulfed in flames. The church’s spire had fallen and it looked like the entire structure on fire. I felt such sadness because the news reports were saying that it would be a total loss. But thank God, the flames were contained after twelve hours and keeping the fire from spreading to the main sanctuary. French President, Emmanuel Macron vows to rebuild the historic Gothic structure. Fundraising efforts are already underway and donations are coming in from all around the world. French billionaires and global companies are coming together to raise money to rebuild one of France’s most important structures. Over $700 million has been raised so far to rebuild.
Construction of The Cathedral of Notre Dame began in the twelfth century and took over two hundred years to complete. It has outlasted attacks during the French Revolution and being bombed during World War I and World War II. It is an architectural masterpiece and was a monumental feat to build. In an article from The USA Today, Emmanuel Gregoire, the deputy mayor of Paris, told BFMTV on Tuesday that he felt “enormous relief” at salvaging many priceless relics from the church, including what is believed to be the Crown of Thorns, which many believe was worn by Jesus Christ at the Crucification, and a small portion of the cross and one of the nails.
The Cathedral Notre Dame is not only a symbol of Christianity and the Catholic faith, but it is at the heart and soul of what makes up of France. It chronicles Christianity’s storied history. This is Holy Week and Christians all over the world will be worshipping in churches on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Easter is one of the most important holidays of the year because Jesus died on the cross and he is risen to give us eternal life. At first, it looked like the Cathedral Notre Dame was beyond being saved, but miracles happen and the fire was contained.
Prior to the fire breaking out, the church had begun an extensive remodeling project. Scaffolding had been placed around the spire to make much-needed repairs. The sculptures housed in the attic were removed only a few weeks ago. When the images of the fire were shown on social media, our fear was that the entire would be destroyed. But now seeing how much of the building is still intact, it truly is a miracle and a blessing from God. Showing, once again, how resilient the Cathedral is. Having been around for over eight hundred years, survived a revolution and two world wars, the Cathedral will rise again.
My hubby and I extend our thoughts and prayers to the people of France. Although, we have not been to France to visit the Cathedral; it is on our list of elegant places to visit. We stand with France in their efforts to rebuild this treasure of history.
I often hear so many people saying how crazy this world is right now. And how there are so many reasons to be in fear. My Pastor during service this month gave me words of wisdom to mediate upon. I wanted to share some notes and what I learned from the message.
Fear limits what God can do in our lives. Fear is afraid of challenges and other people.
John 8:36 (NIV) says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:36 (NIV) via YouVersion
We can’t be fearful of what people think about us.
Overcome fear and step out in faith.
I find that I have to check myself. I have to ask myself, am I complaining?
Complaining is the language of non-achievers.
How do we step out in faith?
Dream Big!
One of the focuses is to get our eyes off of our circumstances, one good way to do this is to create Blessing list. A Blessing list is writing down all what you are thankful for and when ever you are feeling down, fearful, or negative take a look at this list to remind you of what God has done in your life.
How Do we Break Free From Fear?
We have to take through with the words we speak. We have to watch we are saying. It’s so important to speak encouraging words and uplifting words; and not words that will bring us down.
We have to know that God is for You, that He Loves You, and that He has a plan for my life
So from my notes you see that it was not only a message; but it requires homework on my part. God wants each one of us to have a vision, without a vision the people perish. It takes inspiration to do the impossible.
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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