Observing Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Friday, September 17, 2010. It is observed on Saturday, September 18.


What is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement. The day is devoted to communal repentance for sins committed over the course of the previous year. Because of the nature of Yom Kippur and its associated rituals, it is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar.
• Read more about Yom Kippur prayer services.
• Read more about Jewish attitudes toward repentance.

What are some customs and practices for Yom Kippur?

On Yom Kippur, Jews are commanded to fast as a symbol of atonement. Yom Kippur begins and ends with two special prayers, Kol Nidrei at the start and Neilah to conclude the holiday. Before Yom Kippur, many Jews perform kaparot to symbolically rid themselves of all their sins.

• Read more about kaparot.
• Read more about Kol Nidrei.

Does everyone have to fast?

While it is a commandment to fast on Yom Kippur, there are exceptions. Children are not required to fast, but as they approach the ages of Bar/Bat Mitzvah (12-13 years old), many are encouraged to fast for part of the day. If a doctor says it is dangerous to fast, one should eat.

To learn more about how to observe Yom Kippur with the Jews please visit this site http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Yom_Kippur/At_Home/Fasting_and_Asceticism/Fasting_Details.shtml .

Have a blessed weekend!!!

Channeling A Purple & Green Event

I am in the midst of planning a purple and green birthday party and the following are inspiration photos... Enjoy!

The Invites




Like the front of this one...

The cake... Lurves it!

The favors...


And I am still looking for centerpiece ideas... Do you have any inspiration photos that you can send my way?

The Power of Reading the Word Daily

I love reading... I especially love reading Christian and self help books...

A few years ago; I took on the challenge of reading the bible... Since then, I have made it a part of my daily routine and I must add that it has been a wonderful habit to form...

I did a google search on the benefits of reading the bible and I came across the article below which was a study on Deuteronomy 17:18-20. I will just post Verse 20; it made the biggest impact on my life... If you would like to read the entire article you can visit http://www.hurtingchristian.org/PastorsSite/otherscripture/deuter17-18-20.htm.

Verse 20

That his heart may not be lifted up above his brethren, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left; so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.

There are three benefits from Bible reading mentioned in this verse - we will gain humility, we will be steadfast in our walk, and we will be blessed. When we truly understand our condition before God and how we are so dependent on his mercy and forgiveness, it gives us a different perspective toward others. We understand how futile pride, arrogance, and feelings of superiority really are. We realize that we are all sinners together saved by grace. So we learn to overlook the shortcomings in others because we know our own frailties, weaknesses, and sins. The more we understand God, the more humble we feel.

Wilson comments, "It is here intimated that the Scriptures diligently read are a powerful means to keep a person humble, because they show that, though a king, he is subject to a higher Monarch, to whom he must give an account of all his administrations, and receive from Him his sentence agreeably to their quality, which is sufficient to abate the haughtiest person in the world."

This verse tells us that Bible reading helps us to keep to the straight path - "he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left." The more we learn about God, the more we love him and want to please him. This causes us to resist temptations and to exhibit self-control. As we turn our life over to God, the path seems clearer and the snares and traps are easier to see and to avoid.

Finally, this verse tells us that we will be blessed. God will bless our endeavors and will bless our family. When we live our life according to Biblical principles, we will avoid many dangers that others face to their physical health, mental health, and especially spiritual health. We will have a peace and confidence because we know who holds our future.

If you want God’s blessings on your life, be like the rulers of Israel were to be - read the Bible and allow it to guide and instruct you everyday of your life.

And there you have it... There is power in the word!

What I am Wearing: Crossing into the Fall

Animal print has never and, arguably, will never go out of fashion simply because it reminds us of a time when, as hunter-gatherers, we would envelop and adorn ourselves in the warmth and wonder of genuine exotic skins.

Fashion has embraced this deep-seated connection with animal style prints and clothes and accessories remain crafted from these beautiful skins into such art pieces as ostrich handbags, crocodile belts and snakeskin purses to this day.

As a status symbol

Animal print has also long been regarded as a status symbol and, in traditional societies, as one ascended in social standing, more and more expensive exotic pelts and furs were added to their haute couture.

Even today, an African man with royal blood will have leopard skin somewhere on his person, be it a trendy hat or the more traditional loincloth.

Perhaps because of its strong link to Zulu kings, leopard print in particular is back in the limelight with everyone from Katie Holmes to Catherine Deneuve cladding themselves from head to toe in faux leopard.

Internationally acclaimed designers like Betsey Johnson, Roberto Cavalli and Prada have been the biggest supporters of animal print and have consistently included it in their collections over the years.

Pattern synergy

It is also the remarkable synergy of the patterns on genuine zebra skins, for instance, that make it enduringly popular and glamorous. And these pelts aren't only used in their traditional appearance.

More and more trendy stores are catering for the alternative in society, offering animal print clothes and accessories that have been dyed bright pinks, greens, blues and oranges, adding versatility to an already exciting combination of patterns and colours.

Even couches, ottomans and other furniture look particularly impressive in exotic skin print and, if history is anything to go by, animal print will join the irrepressible in our society and never, ever go out of fashion.

The Safari Club specializes in timeless exotic skin goods, ranging from fur, crocodile & ostrich purses, wallets and belts to zebra skins, leather luggage and home accessories like Ottomans, antique chairs, sofas and frames.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amelia_Stenson

As days are getting milder and the nights are getting colder; I pulled a few animal prints to wear as I officially cross over into the fall season... I love animal prints and these two pieces are just my style... A zebra print jumper and a leopard print dress.

I found both of these on sale (at $10.00 each) as many of the major department stores are clearing out their summer merchandise... How I love great finds...

I will add a pair a black tights and boots to the jumper and a black or red bolero to the leopard dress...

What are you wearing as you cross into the fall?

Finding an Even Distribution: An Update

Last week I ended with this post on Finding an Even Distribution http://destinyawakes.blogspot.com/2010/09/finding-even-distribution.html. However, this weekend I shamefully report that I did not find anything except rest and relaxation...

Maybe, I'll do better next weekend... Hopefully....

Finding an Even Distribution

I have so many different projects/responsibilities/creative ideas going on in my life/head right now that I have decided to take a moment to evenly distribute my time.


It's a good thing to be creative, but what good is it when you always find yourself not been able to complete the task at hand to the best of your creative ability.



There are a few major things that I have on my plate right now and I am reaching out you, my friends in the www, to help me to prioritize these key action items that I must complete this year.

How do you stay organized? What tips can you as successful professionals offer me so that I can accomplish my day to day task and aggressively pursue my destiny and purpose?

Just post your thoughts in the comments section... thanks in adavanced for your input!

{Speaking} the Words, {Demonstrating} my Love

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of assisting a friend in planning her surprise 9th Anniversary celebration. She was sooo excited to express her love for her husband in a special and unique way. It wasn't long until her excitement spewed over into me as well...

Her theme for the night was {Speaking} the Words, {Demonstrating} my Love and colors were red, black and white. I could not wait to help make her {Vision} a {Reality}. And with being said, my bloggy friends, it was another event for Visuality!

Playing off of the word {words} she selected 9 words that best described the nine years of their marriage and we created cards that expounded on that one word. For example, she selected the word "Grow." And the card read a little something like this:

Word: Grow

Meaning: To increase in amount or degree; intensify. To come into existence from a source; spring up.

Demonstration: My love for you has grown so much over the past 9 years. I have grown in {love} and I have {grown} in love. As our love for one another continues to intensify; I will be forever grateful for the seeds of love, joy, forgiveness and assurance that you have planted into my life.

Gift: A Packet of Seeds

Now, that you have a little clearer picture... Let's share a few photogs... The first few are pictures are of the cards. There were nine cards; each one symbolizing a year of their marriage.




Next, are photogs of the dollar tree finds that I was able to dazzle up using some scrapbooking embellishments that I already had on hand... You likey?






Her neighbor was kind enough to bake them this delish Alabama themed Anniversary cake. Ha! A very funny inside joke!



And lastly, are photogs of the room once we were all done with the decorating...







I am sure that the night was thoroughly enjoyed by the married couple and I was gracious for being a part of their 9th Anniversary celebration.

If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. ~ 1 John 3:17-18