Navigating Holiday Challenges with Grace and Faith

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Navigating Holiday Challenges with Grace and Faith

Growing up, my family spent time at home celebrating the holidays. I remember my mom cooking and preparing before dawn, and as the home filled with wonderful aromas, Otis Redding, Bobby Blue Bland, and B.B. King would be blasting. The holidays were always fun and peaceful. Things shifted a bit when I got married, and we had three families to visit: my parents, his mom's family, and his dad's family. Things were busy, and navigating people and "comments" was quite interesting. Over the years, I've learned a few things that I hope will be helpful to you!

Navigating Negative Nancy's: Tips for a Peaceful Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for joy, love, and togetherness. Unfortunately, it can also bring out the worst in some people. If you find yourself surrounded by negative individuals who seem determined to start arguments, here are some tips to help you maintain your peace and enjoy the festivities:

1. Set Boundaries and Prioritize Peace:

• Limit Exposure: If possible, limit your interactions with negative individuals.

• Disengage Gracefully: When confronted with negativity, politely excuse yourself from the conversation.

• Practice Non-Engagement: Avoid getting drawn into arguments or debates.

• Focus on Positive Interactions: Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you.

2. Cultivate a Positive Mindset:

• Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life.

• Meditate or Pray: Spend time in quiet reflection to center yourself.

• Engage in Self-Care: Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

3. Trust in Divine Protection:

• Remember God's Sovereignty: Trust that God is in control.

• Claim God's Promises: Believe in His promises of protection and peace.

• Pray for Your Enemies: Pray for God's blessing and guidance for those who are difficult.

4. Focus on the Future, Not the Past:

• Let Go of Resentment: Release any negative feelings towards others.

• Embrace Forgiveness: Forgive those who have wronged you.

• Look Forward to Better Days: Focus on the positive aspects of the future.

5. Walk in Power, Peace, and Prayer:

• Walk in the Spirit: Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and actions.

• Live a Life of Peace: Strive to be a peacemaker in all situations.

• Pray Without Ceasing: Continuously communicate with God through prayer.

By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the holiday season with grace and peace, even in the face of negativity. Remember, you have the power to choose your response to difficult situations. By focusing on positivity and trusting in God's divine protection, you can emerge from the holiday season stronger and more resilient.

Focus Forward

It's hard enough facing challenges, but sometimes it feels like we have to deal with the peanut gallery, too. People who are all too eager to point out where they think we're falling short. Their judgment can make it tough to stay positive and keep believing in ourselves.

But here's the truth: their opinions don't define you. They don't get to decide your worth or dictate your journey.

Remember the story of Samuel and David? God chose David, not because he looked the part, but because of his heart. Just like Samuel, people may judge you based on what they see on the outside, but God sees your potential, your strength, and the beautiful heart within.

1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us: *"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" *

So, hold your head high. Focus on your strengths, celebrate your progress, and lean on your faith. Trust that God is with you, guiding you through every trial. You are stronger than you think, and with God's grace, you can overcome any obstacle. Keep moving forward with confidence and grace. Your journey is yours, and your faith will light the way.

Staying Positive and Focused on Your Goals

Realistically, We all have goals that we want to achieve. Whether it's losing weight, getting a promotion, or starting a new project, having something to strive for can give our lives purpose and meaning. But sometimes, it can be difficult to stay positive and focused on our goals, especially when we face setbacks or challenges.

If you're struggling to stay on track, here are a few tips:

1. Remember your why. Why is this goal important to you? What will it mean for you to achieve it? Keeping your "why" in mind can help you stay motivated when things get tough.

2. Break down your goals into smaller steps. It can be overwhelming to think about your goal in its entirety. Instead, focus on taking small steps that will move you closer to your goal.

3. Set realistic expectations. It's important to set realistic expectations for yourself. If you set your sights too high, you're only setting yourself up for disappointment.

4. Find a support system. Having people to support you can make a big difference. Find a friend, family member, or mentor who can help you stay on track.

5. Celebrate your successes. It's important to celebrate your successes along the way. This will help you stay motivated and keep moving forward.  

6. Don't give up. Everyone faces setbacks at some point. Don't let a setback derail you from your goal. Just pick yourself up and keep going.

Here are some additional tips for staying positive:

• Practice gratitude. Take some time each day to appreciate the good things in your life.

• Surround yourself with positive people. The people you spend time with can have a big impact on your attitude.

• Take care of yourself. Make sure you're eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.

• Challenge negative thoughts. When you have a negative thought, challenge it. Ask yourself if it's really true.

• Visualize your success. Take some time each day to visualize yourself achieving your goal.

Remember, it's important to be patient with yourself. It takes time to achieve goals. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep working hard and stay positive.

I would also like to add that it is important to be flexible and adaptable. Things don't always go according to plan, so be prepared to make adjustments along the way. And finally, don't forget to enjoy the journey. Achieving your goals is important, but it's also important to enjoy the process.

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

#StayStrong #FaithJourney #FocusForward #AngelaSnead #positivity #encouragement

“Fashion: Balancing the Art of Feeling Good and Looking Good”?

The Interplay of Confidence and Fashion: Dressing for Success

Recently, I attended a holiday event where the atmosphere was wonderfully festive. People of all ages, from young adults to middle-aged, were dressed to impress and ready to mingle. While I thoroughly enjoyed the event, what stood out to me the most was the incredible variety of fashion styles and the beauty on display. It was a true delight to be surrounded by confident, fashionable individuals whose ease and comfort with themselves radiated both inner and outer beauty.

In the dynamic world of fashion, the clothes we choose to wear are more than just a statement of style; they are a reflection of our inner self-esteem and confidence. The interplay between confidence and fashion is a fascinating dance where each influences the other, creating a cycle that can either uplift or undermine our sense of self-worth. This blog post delves into the symbiotic relationship between the two, offering insights into how fashion can be a tool for enhancing confidence and, in turn, how confidence can elevate our fashion choices.

### The Role of Confidence in Fashion Choices

Confidence is the cornerstone upon which personal style is built. It's the invisible accessory that complements every outfit, the foundation that allows us to experiment with trends, colors, and cuts without fear of judgment. When we dress confidently, we send a message to the world about who we are and how we wish to be perceived. It's a form of non-verbal communication that speaks volumes before we even utter a word.

### Fashion as a Vehicle for Self-Expression

Fashion offers an expansive palette for self-expression. It allows us to showcase our personality, mood, and individuality. Whether it's the boldness of a striking color, the elegance of a well-tailored suit, or the comfort of a cherished sweater, our fashion choices can boost our mood and self-esteem. By aligning our external appearance with our internal values and aspirations, we create a harmonious self-image that radiates confidence.

### Intentional Fashion Choices to Boost Self-Esteem

Intentionality is key when it comes to fashion. It's not about donning the most expensive items or blindly following trends; it's about making choices that resonate with our personal identity. Tailored pieces that fit perfectly, accessories that tell a story, and colors that uplift our spirit are all intentional choices that can significantly enhance our confidence. These elements of style work together to empower us, making us feel poised and self-assured in any setting.

### Overcoming Fashion Fears

Many of us have experienced the hesitation that comes with trying a new style or stepping out of our comfort zone. However, overcoming these fashion fears can be a liberating experience that bolsters our self-esteem. Embracing new trends, experimenting with different silhouettes, and breaking free from the constraints of "dressing for your body type" can open up a world of sartorial possibilities and personal growth.

### The Impact of Confidence on Fashion Industry Trends

The fashion industry is not immune to the influence of consumer confidence. Designers and brands are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating collections that cater to a diverse range of body types, personal styles, and comfort levels. This shift towards inclusivity and personalization is a testament to the power of consumer confidence in shaping industry standards and practices.

### Conclusion

The relationship between confidence and fashion is a powerful one, with each element reinforcing the other. By making conscious fashion choices that align with our personal style and values, we can enhance our confidence and project an image of self-assuredness. Conversely, by cultivating a confident mindset, we can approach fashion with a sense of adventure and creativity, embracing the full potential of our wardrobe to express our unique identity.

Fashion is not just about the clothes we wear; it's about the stories they tell and the confidence they inspire. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of style, let us remember that the most important fashion choice we can make is to wear our confidence with pride.

What are your go-to outfit choices that compliment your confidence? If you’re looking for some fashion ideas, check out our store: www.pinkblu02.com

Consistency in Christianity:Growing Your Faith Daily

Routine vs Ritual

As Christians, we desire to grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God. But if we’re honest—things happen, life gets busy, distractions creep in, and before we know it, we’re not staying consistent.

When we focus so much on building consistency that it becomes more about following rituals than seeking Christ, our desire for true spiritual growth can be hindered.

The good news? Spiritual growth isn’t about ritual it’s about relationship, all without personal perfections. This is accomplished by seeking God daily, even in small ways, and trusting Him to do the transformative work in us.

Scripture Romans 12:2 says “ ….be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” Which comes with our consistency in Christ moments.

The Importance of Consistency in Our Spiritual Journey

Our relationships are not a destination but an ongoing journey of growth and transformation. Likewise the Christian life is a process of continual development, not a static endpoint. As once said, “a plant needs constant nurturing to flourish,” the same can be applied to our faith requires consistent cultivation.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This verse highlights the vital role of perseverance in our spiritual lives.

Cultivating Consistency in Our Walk with Christ

How can we foster this essential consistency in our relationship with Christ? Let's explore practical strategies rooted in Scripture and applicable to our daily lives.

Consistency in our spiritual journey allows us to:

• Build a stronger relationship with God: Regular engagement with God through prayer, scripture meditation, and studying His Word deepens our connection and understanding of Him.

• Become more Christ-like in our thoughts, words, and actions: As we consistently strive to live according to God's teachings, we gradually align our lives with His will.

• Equip ourselves to face life's challenges with faith and hope: A consistent spiritual practice strengthens our resilience and enables us to navigate through life's difficulties with unwavering trust in God.

Navigating the Challenges to Consistency in Faith

Even with the sincerest desire to walk consistently with Christ, we often encounter obstacles on our path. Some common challenges include:

• Busyness: The demands of work, family, and other commitments can easily consume our time and energy, leaving little room for spiritual nourishment.

• Distractions: The constant barrage of information and entertainment from social media, television, and other sources can divert our attention from God.

• Discouragement: When we feel stuck or stagnant in our spiritual growth, it's easy to become disheartened and tempted to give up.

But amidst these challenges, we are never alone. God's grace is sufficient to sustain us, and His Spirit empowers us to persevere.

2 Corinthians 12:9 beautifully reminds us, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

This means that even in our moments of weakness, when we stumble or fall short, God's grace is there to lift us up and help us continue our journey. His strength shines through our imperfections, enabling us to overcome challenges and remain steadfast in our faith.

Nurturing Your Spiritual Growth: Finding a Rhythm that Works for You

Building consistency in your walk with Christ is a personal journey. It's about finding a rhythm that aligns with your individual needs and preferences. Here are some gentle starting points:

1. Begin Your Day with God

Starting your day with God is like setting your spiritual compass. It doesn't have to be elaborate; even a few moments of quiet reflection can make a difference.

• Find a practice that resonates with you: Perhaps you enjoy reading a Psalm and pondering its message, or maybe a simple prayer of gratitude sets the tone for your day.

• Seek His guidance: Invite God to lead you through your day, asking for wisdom and strength to navigate whatever comes your way.

As Proverb 3:5 encourages us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

2. Set Realistic Goals for Bible Study

Don't feel pressured to conquer the entire Bible in a week! Start with small, manageable steps that fit comfortably into your routine.

• Find your pace: Perhaps reading a chapter a day feels right, or maybe focusing on a specific book of the Bible sparks your interest.

• Explore different approaches: A Bible reading plan can provide structure, or you might prefer a more spontaneous approach.

• Prioritize quality over quantity: Take time to truly absorb the words you read and reflect on how they speak to your life.

Remember, this is about cultivating a loving relationship with God. Find practices that nourish your soul and draw you closer to Him.

Nurturing Your Spiritual Growth: Finding a Rhythm that Works for You

Building consistency in your walk with Christ is a personal journey. It's about finding a rhythm that aligns with your individual needs and preferences. Here are some gentle starting points:

1. Begin Your Day with God

Starting your day with God is like setting your spiritual compass. It doesn't have to be elaborate; even a few moments of quiet reflection can make a difference.

• Find a practice that resonates with you: Perhaps you enjoy reading a Psalm and pondering its message, or maybe a simple prayer of gratitude sets the tone for your day.

• Seek His guidance: Invite God to lead you through your day, asking for wisdom and strength to navigate whatever comes your way.

Remember, Matthew 6:33 encourages us, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

2. Set Realistic Goals for Bible Study

Don't feel pressured to conquer the entire Bible in a week! Start with small, manageable steps that fit comfortably into your routine.

• Find your pace: Perhaps reading a chapter a day feels right, or maybe focusing on a specific book of the Bible sparks your interest.

• Explore different approaches: A Bible reading plan can provide structure, or you might prefer a more spontaneous approach.

• Prioritize quality over quantity: Take time to truly absorb the words you read and reflect on how they speak to your life.

• Meditate on Scripture: Choose a verse or passage that resonates with you and spend time contemplating its meaning and application to your life.

• 3. Cultivate a Conversational Prayer Life

  Prayer is a lifeline to God, a way to communicate with Him openly and honestly. It doesn't need to be formal or complicated.

  • Make time for conversation with God: Set aside even 5-10 minutes each day to simply talk with God. Share your joys, concerns, and needs.

  • Keep a prayer journal: Recording your prayers and reflections can help you see how God is working in your life and deepen your awareness of His faithfulness.

  As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages, "Pray without ceasing."

  4. Connect with a Community of Believers

  Surrounding yourself with fellow Christians can provide encouragement, support, and accountability on your spiritual journey.

  • Connect with your church: Attend services regularly to worship, learn, and connect with others.

  • Find a small group: Join a small group or Bible study to share your faith with others and grow together.

  Hebrews 10:25 reminds us, "Let us not give up meeting together…but encourage one another.

5. Practice Gratitude and Reflection

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude keeps our focus on God's goodness and the many blessings He bestows upon us.

Count your blessings: Take time each day to express gratitude for the things, big and small, that bring you joy.

Reflect on God's faithfulness: Look back on your life and consider how God has answered prayers, provided guidance, and seen you through challenges.

Real-Life Inspiration

Throughout history, countless individuals have found strength and purpose through a consistent walk with God. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, maintained a disciplined life of prayer and study, starting each day at 4 a.m. His consistency bore fruit in countless lives touched by his ministry.

   From my own personal experience, I’ve learned starting my day in Christ has been instrumental to my success. I’m able to remain connected with Christ throughout the shifts & turns of the day without loosing focus on the promise that everything will work out for my good . ( Romans 8:28 “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” )

Take the First Step Today

What’s one small habit you can start today to grow closer to God? Maybe it’s committing to 10 minutes of prayer or reading one chapter of the Bible.

Whatever it is, begin now. God delights in your desire to know Him more, and He will honor your efforts.

Leave a comment below: What step will you take this week to build consistency in your faith? Let’s encourage one another on this journey of spiritual growth.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your unfailing love and patience with us. Help us to grow in consistency as we seek to know You more. Strengthen us to overcome distractions and challenges, and guide us in building habits that honor You. Thank You for beginning a good work in us and for Your promise to carry it to completion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Would you like to add anything more, such as additional scripture references, examples, or personal touches? Connect with me @ https://www.angelasnead.org/contact-1

“Embrace the Boho Vibe: How to Style Your Bracelet with Flair”

Boho bracelets can beautifully enhance any outfit, offering a free-spirited, trendy, and timeless vibe. To wear them effectively, layering different styles and textures, such as leather, beads, and metals, for a rich, eclectic look.

In fact, Boho bracelets are more than just accessories; they are expressions of individuality, creativity, and a free-spirited lifestyle. They often feature a diverse range of materials, including natural stones, leather, beads, metals, and even fabrics. This eclectic mix gives each piece a unique and personalized touch. These bracelets are known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. From earthy tones to bright, bold hues, boho bracelets can complement any outfit and add a pop of color to your look. And, one of the hallmarks of boho style is the art of layering. Boho bracelets are often worn in stacks, combining different textures and styles to create a rich, layered look. This allows for endless customization and personal expression.

Many boho bracelets incorporate natural elements like turquoise, jasper, and agate. The stones not only add beauty but also carry unique meanings and energies, enhancing the wearer’s connection to nature. Charms, tassels, and other decorative elements are common in boho bracelets. These details add a playful and whimsical touch, making each piece feel special and unique. Mix and match colors that complement your attire, opting for earthy tones or vibrant hues based on the occasion. The first step in making a boho bracelet is selecting the materials. This can include beads, stones, leather cords, metal charms, and more. The choice of materials sets the tone for the bracelet’s overall style.

Some designs are symmetrical, while others embrace a more random, organic look. Balance is key; if you choose bulkier bracelets, keep the number to a few, and if you're going for delicate pieces, feel free to stack several on one wrist. Don’t hesitate to mix in cultural or sentimental pieces that tell your story, creating a unique expression of your personality. Finally, match your boho bracelets with other accessories like rings or necklaces, ensuring a cohesive look that radiates your individuality.

Check out one of my favorites: One-of-a-kind, Natural stone ladies nomination bracelet – PinkBlu02

Yummy Burger

If anyone knows me, they know I like to eat! From healthy to greasy, as long as it's yummy I'm ready! I can honestly say whenever I visit a new restaurant, my gauge of "good" food is if they can cook a good burger. We've had those dry, tough burgers right. Those lumps of meat so chewy and extra "filled" with tough ground beef that I'd rather eat a condiment "burger" instead! So, now that my oldest son has adapted my habit of burger ordering and burger requesting my quest was to make a burger good enough to crown "YUMMY". Here's the thing, I didn't want a burger....I needed a good burger! With my new 'secret" ingredient...(it's not much of a secret since I'm telling you about it!) I ventured out to try to make a yummy burger

Recipe:

In a bowl add 2 lbs of ground beef, 8 oz ground sausage ( I just use my favorite breakfast sausage; Jamestown) 1/2 onion ( mine was a red onion because that's what I had). season to taste, breadcrumbs, one egg, 2 tbs liquid smoke, 1/4 cup buttermilk....form into patties, and prepare to be amazed!!

Give it a try and let me know what you think.....

Girl, Please.....

let go of "failure pressure" & embrace freedom 💗

freedom, motivation, encouragement, positivity, empowerment

Life gets busy! I get it. Trying to get everything on your "to-do" list can sometimes feel overwhelming. But here's the thing......prioritizing leads to promise. Notice, it doesn't say anything about making and keeping promises to other people. This promise is all about YOU!

Girl, please stop getting weighed down and distracted. Instead allow yourself to operate in grace & self-love. Then you can see the areas in your life that pressure you into letting go of your own dreams. Failure pressure in this sense is when you've allowed situations / expectations to pressure you past your breaking point. That moment in time when you're so bogged down with the obligation's others have placed on you that you don't have the mind nor time to focus on your own dreams. Instead, it's time to be free to embrace and reclaim your freedom!

Tips to escape pressure that block your performance.

~ Start your day with a list. Differentiate between what needs to be done, what you'd like to get done, but could delegate. And then list items what can wait for another day. Here's an example: ( https://a.co/d/6cQ4FXB )

~ Start reminding yourself of your successes, too many times, we miss moments of inspiration and motivation because we're dwelling over things from our past.

~ Start being intentional about your thoughts, stay possitive! Again, using your journal...write down your favorite words of motivation & encouragement.

~ Start saying " No." That's right, "no" with a period, not question mark, no exclamation. Just say it and mean it.

~Start being ok with not being the one to save the day.....That kind of pressure keeps you in a cycle of trying to prove yourself to others and needing someone else's approval.

These are just a few suggestions I've used for myself and for many of my clients. There will always be opportunities to be distracted, that's normal. With a little determination and discipline, you're able to turn those situations around. But then there's situations when others' expectations become the driving force behind many opportunities missed and before you know it your dreams are on the shelf. It's because of this we need to evaluate our truth and honestly assess the best ways to let go of those things that don't belong. Here's a few things to consider:

~ Other people's plans don't belong in the forefront of our agenda.

~Other people's words don't have to become your words.

~ Other people do NOT have control over your decisions.

~ Other people have no right to your time (Not those for whom you're responsible, balance and planning would be helpful)

Overall, please stop trying to do everything, for everyone and missing out on yourself. Take some time to for yourself, remain encouraged and focused, you'll get there!

I hope you enjoyed this snippet, from my upcoming book FocusForward . Be sure to share, comment, and subscribe.

Hope through the disappointment..

My hope through my journey with PCOS…………

Almost 20 years ago I was still "wishing". My desire in that moment was to have a baby. I'd been married a little over 6 years and finally I was ready! In fact, a majority of my life, I knew I wanted to be a wife and mother. I adored children and enjoyed babysitting, teaching pre-school. Once I was married, I enjoyed setting up home and spending time with my husband. We traveled, joined a new church and even decided to complete my advanced studies. Things were seemingly lining up, but they were far from smooth sailing. Because, once things had settled down in that wonderful honeymoon period, I realized my fertility journey was not like everyone else’s. This time, almost three months pregnant, I was having yet another miscarriage. That was a very trying time (I talk about that more in another blog) I distinctly remember the moment. Our shock and disappointment, that moment when I knew I needed to do more than "wish".

Have you ever had that moment when things seemed to be clear and almost obvious. Like, you’re looking around and everyone else seems to “get it” but for one reason or another you couldn't get to that moment yourself? Well, that was me! And even as I struggled through the miscarriage, I was also struggling to remain hopeful. I just couldn’t understand why this was happening. But GOD sent an earthly angel! I was on the phone with my friend Jessy and she, being the mom of three little ones and pregnant with another was encouraging me. And she said, I was wrong!

In fact, she yelled. Jessy told me, I had crossed the line, and she wasn’t going to stand by and let me. Don't you love those friends that can tell you the truth, in love? I was telling Jessy how hopeless I’d felt. How this situation of another month of "not pregnant" and I just didn’t have anything to hold on to. How much I wanted this to happen, how I wished it would happen, but I'd resolved, it was too much to keep hoping for. In all my wishes, I thought I could build faith and I was wrong! Those wistful, empty wished could do nothing but set myself up to be disappointed again! And that's when she said it, flat out told me I was wrong!

Jessy reminded me of GOD's word, how I could believe and hope while still "waiting". Hebrews 11:1 "now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." She reminded me, hope is not built on wishes, they are built upon the promsessif GOD. So, when I refused to hope I was in essence refusing to trust GOD. Well, she got me on that one! One thing I didn't want to do was linger in doubt. I may have been struggling but I knew how important it was to not be “double minded” ( see https://rb.gy/nkgy70 ) So, with that conviction in my spirit, I put forth the effort to activate my faith. Daily, I began speaking affirmations of scripture and listening to scriptures throughout the day (https://rb.gy/7fqpic) honestly, it wasn't long before things began unfolding.

Instead of staying stuck in the problem, I was open through the process of healing. I started asking questions and researching to find out why. One thing that answered the "why" was a diagnosis I received from my Gynecologist. But first, I had to be open again to making a few changes. After my last miscarriage, I found a new physician who was a believer in Christ and phenomenal doctor. At my previous Ob-Gyn, I felt ridiculed and objectified when my husband and I refused the D&C after the ultrasound appointment that indicated a “non-viable pregnancy”. Which again is discussed in detail in another blog post, so, needless to say, I had my reasons to find another physician. My new Ob-Gyn was patient, knowledgeable and filled with faith. I was tested for and discovered I had PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) Here's an article that gives more information. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | Johns Hopkins Medicine.

In my case, because my glucose levels were so close to pre-diabetic, she started me on Glucophage (Metformin). This was the worse experience so far in my life! I would eat and bloat so much with extreme nausea that many times, I had to learn the hard way what I could & couldn't eat based on the stomach discomfort. But it was so worth it! Within a few months of starting metformin, the excess weight was quickly coming off and believe it or not, the metformin triggered my thyroid to release just the right hormones and I was pregnant! Imagine the sheer delight of the news, and as the apprehension tried to choke me with fear, I continued applying my faith focused lifestyle. Each time doubt would try to settle into my soul, I defended my peace with the Word of GOD. Learning to lean into hope has helped me so much in my life. From that point to now, I remind myself the importance of hoping and walking in faith. Certainly, everything I've hoped for hasn't occurred, which is perfectly fine because I've also learned how important it is to me to align myself to GOD's plan, so while I may have hoped for things that didn't happen, I soon learned that I really didn't want all those things, I thought I wanted.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Bow Out Gracefully

Bow out gracefully, that's what my mentor has always said to me. Leave the situation, dignity intact and let things be the way they are to be. Walk away from trying to make people respect you, agree with you, care about you or even see you. If they do, they do if they don't, they just won't. Walk away and respect yourself enough to accept folks for who they are. Not everyone is going to agree with you, they may not see things your way but you're not here for them. As a child of GOD our only audience is the kingdom of GOD. If you're not causing the trouble don't entertain the trouble!

Now, I know we all can go through tough times. Each of us can meet folks that "rub us the wrong way" and often those folks are the iron that sharpens iron in our lives. We can grow through many situations that may cause us to stretch in life. I'm really referring to those seen though wisdom, that are exposed in the spirit of causing confusion and seeking to offend and condemn. Those that try to steal your joy & peace. I often remind myself to "bow out" when I've tried every point possible to "help someone" who in truth doesn't want nor do they see the need for help.

Those who are intent to cause trouble ..... will cause trouble. It's really just that plain and simple. We've lived enough to know people know the difference between kind and unkind behavior. As Maya Angelou said, " when people show you who they are, believe them". Doing so, dismisses a need to change people, to "make people" or force people to see things from our perspective. And it will keep us, if we let it, it will keep us from getting offended. This offense can distract us from the path GOD has for us. My mom was big on drilling that idea of conscience and watching how people act the way they act. She would tell me to be so confident in GOD that we are not shaken by the behavior and words of those round us. She'd say " they didn't make you and they can't break you!"

Bowing out gracefully leaves the need to explain and "agree to disagree" at the door. It allows you the freedom to let GOD change what needs to be changed in the situation. We can move out of the way so GOD can have HIS way. Bowing out allows us to show respect & regard for all parties involved and trusting GOD enough to fix it, because us trying to tell people, explain our view and being offended can often lead us to dishonor GOD in the handling of the situation. As 1 John 4:1 reminds is we are to "test every spirit"; in other words, pray and allow GOD's wisdom to guide you. When you're led to leave it alone, leave it alone. If you're led to persevere do so allowing GOD to lead your steps, bottom line you would do best to let GOD show you & lead you. Remember, what GOD has for you is for you and you don't want to give away your peace...

2 Thessalonians 3:16 -

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

Drunken Forgotten Noodles 😋

stock photo

So, this girl here LOVES Carbs!!! I dream about pizza, pasta and everything yeast plus any kind of buttered bread! It's a true fact, if asked my favorite food it would have something to do with Carbs! But with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome ( PCOS) These four letters are the difference between loving foods vs loving my life. Yep, it's really that big of a deal! I'll follow up with more about PCOS at a later time, but I want to just truly emphasize my "no nonsense" very intentional low/no carb lifestyle. To be exact there's four types of polycystic ovarian syndrome see here for more details ( https://www.pcosliving.com/pcos-living-blog/types-of-pcos) the type that's affected my life is insulin resistant.

For my journey one of the ways I manage PCOS is by watching my carbohydrate intake. I cannot have a lot of carbs. But again, I was looking for a new recipe for my husband and my dinner and I came across a delicious, yummy recipe for drunken noodles. I couldn't wait to make it and even though I could use the rice noodles, it's really not that bad. I ultimately decided to make it with mushrooms. When I tell you this was one of the most delicious meals!!! Whew!! This meal delivered on every level! The heat, the sweet, with the fresh spinach, complimented the shrimp perfectly!

So, here's what I did, I added the oils to a sauce pan to heat ( olive & chili sesame oil,) then began to saute the mushrooms and added the diced onions & garlic paying attention not to overcook them! In fact when they became a bit translucent I added the soy sauce & oyster juice to the mix just before adding my cleaned; deveined shrimp which I cooked just until"done" and turned off my gas. Without removing it from the stove I folded in the spinach with my spoon making sure to fully mix all the ingredients. Lastly, I added the sliced tomatoes. Another couple stirs and our delicious Drunken not Noodles dinner was done!

So, I hope you'll try it. Let me know your thoughts. I've also added links* to some of the seasonings used in this recipe. I hope this helps you if you're interested in making a dish so delicious and flavorful that the noodles were not missed!

Seasonings used:

Salt & pepper

Kinders seafood blend; https://amzn.to/3aE9xLj

Chili Sauce; https://amzn.to/3H7M3dG

T-Dons; www.tdons.com

Soy sauce; https://amzn.to/3NwAzCC

Oyster juice; https://amzn.to/3H41cwC

Also, here's one my favorite pans for my sauteing pleasure...things don't stick and they're pretty lightweight so I'll grab these before the cast iron with these types of meals. https://amzn.to/38YldI6