Destiny Awakes

Warning....

2012-02-07T00:51:00.000-06:00

A long over due 2011 wrap up and a whirl wind of wedding related post in 2012 are on the way!!! I am engaged to the man of my dreams and I could not be more excited! I will leave you with a sneak peak....

Celebrating Life: My 32nd Birthday Recap

2011-12-26T23:55:00.002-06:00

My 32nd birthday was definitely one that I will treasure forever. When I was on the verge of turning the BIG {30}; I so dreaded celebrating anything over 29.... Now, things are so different! I am so thankful for this life that God has gifted me with and it is my wish for everyone else to to open the gift of {true life} and experience the goodness of God....

What better place to start seeing this wish come true than with family and friends? My longtime blog pal Adrienne shared this splendid idea on her blog after she celebrated her birthday this year and I shamelessly {borrowed}it..... I was so touched by it and felt as though it was a great witnessing tool!!!

Instead of having some type of bash I {like Adrienne} invited my family and friends to come to worship with me at church on the Sunday before my actual birthday. I was overwhelmed by the love and support shown to me by my family and friends... My family drove over four hours to worship with me!!!! It was incredible... Can you spot me?

God, has answered so many of my prayers this year {more on that later} and this, for me, was the icing on the cake! It is so good to worship with your loved ones in spirit and in truth!

After church, my {natural} family joined my {spiritual} family at our annual Christmas dinner... This year we stepped outside of the box and at dinner at one of our favorite local Japanese restaurants, Umi's. It was entertaining, edifying and efficient! What a great time of fellowship...

Once we finished dinner, I exchanged gifts with my family members and they headed home... I on the other hand, had a laundry list of chores to complete, gifts to wraps and loose ends to tie for work....

I managed to complete all of my to-do's just in time to celebrate.... On my actual birthday, I wanted the day to be calm and relaxing.... Well, with the exception of my blackberry dinging from the tons of birthday wishes from my facebook friends. {Side Note: I made a personal goal to either to "like" or respond to everyone who took the time out of their day to make my day extra special... I did it}! I actually ended up with nearly 250 facebook birthday wishes!!! Who needs Hallmark when you have facebook? LOL!

My boss had given me a gift certificate to spafinder.com a few weeks ago. So, I found a local spa and scheduled my appointment for the afternoon of December 22nd! My spa experience was super! Such a relaxing and refreshing way to celebrate!

I think that I will do a repeat of all the above next year and add more as I see fit :)!
So.... there you have it... No bells and cocktails... No hussle and bussle... No stress and no dress... Just a calm, well balanced and meaningful birthday!

What a wonderful way to celebrate! I think I will hit instant replay next year!!!!

Today is My Birthday and I Celebrate My {Life}

2011-12-22T07:48:00.001-06:00

Hi, my name is Melanie and today I am 32 years old! There, I said it... Wow! Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday; I was a naïve college girl bee-bopping around Normal's Hill walking in four inch stilettos and going nowhere fast! My, how the times have changed!
As I reflect on my life today… I thank God for seeing a purpose to call me forth out of eternity and into the earth to fulfill the plan and purpose that He has predestined for my life. My heart is overwhelmed with thankfulness this morning… As I celebrate my 32nd birthday I am so thankful for all that He has done in these years.

Here is an excerpt from my early morning prayer time:

Father, I don't receive another gift, I thank You for the greatest gift of all... I thank You for a second chance at life through Son Jesus Christ! Inspite of all of the bad decisions, wrong choices and numerous mistakes...You loved me, when I didn't love myself... You kept me, when I didn't want to be kept... You believed in me, when I doubted... You trusted me, even when I was unfaithful... and You forgave me, even though I thought my sins were unforgiveable!!! Today I am thankful that I am able to celebrate my {birth} and the {life} that you have gifted unto Me!

This prayer only encompasses a portion of what I truly feel toward His love, mercy and kindness that He has bestowed upon my life… I am blessed beyond measure and I have many more years to treasure!

Thank you Jesus for life! For He said in His word… He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life (1 John 5:12). It is because of You that I celebrate my {birth} and {life} on this day…

Happy Birthday to Me!

Our Disney Adventure: Part Three

2011-12-18T20:01:00.001-06:00

I am a frequent traveler, but I must admit that this was one of my most exciting vacations ever!!! While we were there Mr. Falsetto's father turned 60 and we celebrated his 60th birthday with a private birthday bash at a restaurant called Eleven in Orlando.

During the day the girls went out for a round of shopping while the guys enjoyed a round of golf. We both enjoyed our day activities, but we could not wait to celebrate this awesome man of God. He is a great husband, a loving father and great example of what every man should strive to be!

We love to celebrate in this family... and we love to make it special.... this 60th birthday was no exception! We had to make it exceptional! So we made mad dash to a TJ Maxx nearby and purchased some pieces to set the atomsphere for this special celebration...

Here's the a photo of the tablescape that we created... The cracked glass and candlelight made an excellent combination for the warmth that we wanted our space to exude...

He was so excited and suprised that we were able to create such a warm and special celebration even though we were miles and miles away from home! Here are a few snapshot of us before we went into the restaurant....

The food was delish and the cake was delectable!

Happy 60th birhday!!! You are the greatest!!!!!

Up next, our day adventure at Magic Kingdom!

Our Disney Adventure: Part Two

2011-12-13T07:23:00.000-06:00

Shhh! It's no secret! I love Thai Restaurants!!! Prior to leaving for Orlando.... Mr. Falsetto's sister and I planned the events for our arrival night! Thai Food it was!!! So, the whole family packed up and headed to Thai Thani in Orlando! It received raving reviews on trip advisor!

We arrived at the restaurant in record time and proceeded to indulge in fun and laughter after we placed our orders!

Finally, our food was ready.... and we were ready for it! It was delish!

After we finished dinner, we walked around in the shopping center... It so was hot there! They did manage to get a little snow though! LOL!

As were neared, we realized that it was not make shift snow.at.all! It was bubbles and they were having a blast! We continued our journey and we saw Mr. and Mrs. Claus.... We also saw this huge Christmas tree! A family of two was kind enough to take this group photo for us!

We completed our walk around the outdoor shopping center, visited a Wal-mart nearby to purchase snacks for the week and figured out how to avoid tolls on the way home!

Up next, a day of golf for the guys... outlet shopping for the girls and a 60th birthday celebration for one of the greatest men on earth!

Our Thanksgiving Disney Adventure: Part One

2011-12-12T07:17:00.001-06:00

Yes, Thanksgiving update and we are less than two weeks away from Christmas! Life has been extremely busy for me.... Actually, it has been quite an adventure! I will start from the beginning and bring you up-to-date...

Almost every Thanksgiving I take a trip with Mr. Falsetto's family! This Thanksgiving...they chose to go Disney World and my oh my was I excited! I had never been to Disney before and this for me... Well, it was a dream come true at almost 32!

We left for Orlando on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving... I checked Mr. Falsetto and I in online and to my amazement, we were given the opportunity to upgrade to first class for less than $100 for the both of us! Yes, that was only $10 more than the baggage fees... And once we upgraded, our bags were free!!!We were off to a good start! My first trip to Disney, our first plane ride together and our first time flying first class! God is good!

Side Story: Okay, we had a little mishap on the way.... I bought a PINK track suit from Victoria Secret in Arkanas and I shipped it back to home because I wanted to take it with me on my trip. Well, it was the morning of our flight and I still did not have it! So I decided to be proactive and contacted FedEx. The driver agreed to meet us at a gas station that was on our way to the airport! Score! We met him... I packed up my PINK outfit and we were on our way! Mr. Falsetto was a little annoyed that I was making us late for an outfit and he wanted to make up the five minutes that we lossed by stopping at the gas station and he speeded up a little... It started to rain heavily and just as we topped the hill...the blue lights went off... Yes, we were stopped in the rain by the police... We were praying that he was merciful... but the time kept ticking away...He was not merciful, but God is! We still managed to get to the airport on time, board our flight and take our seats in first class together for the first time ever!

We listened to music, ate snacks, laughed, talked and before we knew it we were in Orlando! The sun was shining, the weather was beautiful and I was only days away from visting the happiest place on earth!

Mr. Falsetto's mother purchased us a house in The Villas; so that is where we resided for the week! It was gorgeous! Here are a few shots of our arrival!

The home was beautiful and tastefully decorated... Here are a few shots from the home! Mr. Falsetto's mother did an excellent job! We were all so thankful!

We were all so full of excitement! Excited to be there... Excited to see one another (Mr. Falsetto's sister and brother-in-law currently live in LA and they met us there).... and excited just see the glory of God manifest before our very eyes...

We took a few moments to wind down and unpack.... We managed to unpack, but we never winded down! LOL!

Up next, we found an awesome Thai restaurant to have dinner our first night in Orlando!

Soooo....

2011-10-27T13:04:00.000-05:00

It has nearly a month since I last posted {insert blank stare}....

I am not sure where the time has gone {insert puzzled look}....

I was on a role for about a week or so there {insert smiley face and slowly release}....

But life has a way of slowly sucking away your time and before you know it there is not enough time to tend to this little bloggy of mine....

I often visit it and began to post only to realize that I have 5.5 seconds before my next meeting or appointment....

But after all this my little corner of the virtual world and I love it.... If I get to tend to it fine... If not fine... I have learned a long time ago not to allow this little bloggy of mine to become a task... It's something that I created to be an outlet and that's what it will remain for me... It's the only thing in my life right now that I can neglect and come back only to find it the way that I left it...

Soo......

With that being said....

What have you been up to?

Well, for me..... The month of October has been super-de-duper BUSY! Let's recap shall we?

I had to coordinate a major summit for my line of business----talking about a tremendous undertaking!
Our church celebrated our 24th Anniversary! It was wonderful!
I attended AAMU's Homecoming! And I celebrated a 10 year reunion with my sister's!
Custom Creations has been on the move! YAY!
This past weekend I planned and decorated 5 events in 2 days! Yeah.....
And..... DRUMROLL.................................................
I have been planning a trip to Disney!

You see? I am certain that I left something out, but at any rate you get the picture....Life had been keeping me pretty busy.....

Just wanted to peep in and give you a brief update.... I will recap the individual events in the days to follow....

Until next time,

M'Shonta

De-Masked for Destiny

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Last week I ran stumbled across Richie Carter's Blog and it truly "captured" my attention... He is a local photographer that is allowing God's creative power to work through a project that he is calling “Project 50/50″. Throughout the month of September, he is going to take 50 photographs over 50 sequential days of 50 different people telling their stories in 50 words or less with a 50mm lens. Very interesting! You can follow it here!

After reading his Mirror, Mirror entry from Day 15 of Project 50/50; I began to reflect....
One can't help but to reflect upon themselves when seeing this work of art. For me I saw a Mask!

So many things opened up for me in my life when I removed the mask... Beyond the beauty, brains and boatload of accolades was a broken girl whose pain was masked by glitz and glamour...

When I removed the mask, I was healed from the inside out and the beauty of God radiated in every way imaginable!

I was De-Masked for Destiny!

Today My Dad Retires!

2011-09-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

My relationship with my dad was not always the best one... in the beginning we did not have one at.all! However, over the years we allowed God to come into our lives and I was free to forgive and he was free from guilt. We have grown to love each...respect each other....and celebrate with each other!

On this day so Godly proud to celebrate with him as he end this old cycle in his life and start a new... May the mercy and the grace of God guide him.....

In the Mind of M'Shonta

2011-09-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Around 578,678, 325, 998, 546 thoughts run through my mind each day. Sometimes I capture them and most of the time I don't! LOL! In some cases that may be a very good thing! LOL!

Below are a few of those thoughts that I have managed to capture to share in this post... Some are deep; some are not so deep... but never the less...they are mine :)!

I need to write a few prayers... Maybe I should even post that on fb and allow others to comment on the prayers that they would like to write...
Would people think that I am a Holy Rolly if I did that?
Who cares? I will pray and see what the Holy Spirit is leading me to do...
Gosh, my to-do list is as long as the bathroom line at Disney World in the middle of July....
Speaking of Disney World... I need to finish planning my trip! My dream is finally going to come true at almost 32!
Did I just say that out loud?
I wish I had a Milo's in Muscle Shoals... I could surely use a burger RIGHT NOW!
Some days I miss college...
On 2nd consideration....
NOT!
Oh my! My boss is still asking for that project and I am still not finished!
Why is it so hard for adults to concentrate!
Sometimes I wish I had a professional organizer in my brain.
Traveling for work definitely has it perks.
I want to join Pinterest! What's up with this being invited? But I have to admit that it has a great marketing plan!
I miss the beach!
What does it take to become a vendor at this game?
God gives us witty inventions and new ideas, but it is up to us to pursue them!
I had a weird dream the other night...
I need to create a website for all of my businesses...
Yeah I want that one!
Can't wait for Disney!

Carry on... I am tired of typing... My mind is still racing!

Until Next Time,
M'Shonta

Top It Off Tuesday!

2011-09-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Over the past few years; I have learned to never commitments in blogging... THE.HARD.WAY! LOL! But today I am going to feature a post that I am dubbing as Top It Off Tuesday. Wait! Let me explain! I am not talking about a drink or latest stop at the gas station... But that one thing that "topped it all off for me!" It may range from a centerpiece at an event or an eclectic pair of earrings on a stylish sister! Get it? Got it? Good! LOL!

Months and months ago, I was planning a shower for a client who was having a baby girl. Fun huh? Well, here's the kicker! She did not want any PINK! NO Pink! So I began to peruse the internet for inspiration.... Naturally, I started with PURPLE since it is my nextest favorite color to pink! And found this beautiful baby shower that was conceptualized by Corrie S at Teacups and Trucks.

And this is the image that "Topped It All Off" for me! I thought that the cake was very original for a baby shower and it fwas a perfect for theme!

What images have you seen that Topped it Off for You? Please feel to leave a comment and a link! I love to explore!

Until Next Time,

M'Shonta

Serenity by the Sea

2011-09-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

This past week I was blessed with the opportunity to spend a few days in Destin, FL at a hotel that was on beach front property... God knew just what I needed and as always He provided!

I started my mornings with 5:00 AM prayer as usual... But with this breathtaking view....

At 6 AM after prayer... I walked along the beach admiring the masterpieces painted by our Creator....

After a brisk walk... I began my day.... Refreshed, renewed and revitalized... No stress, no worries, no rinnging phones and dinging email alerts... Just me and God!

And in the midst of this breaktaking beauty, I began to reflect on the Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him

Forever in the next.

Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

That day I embraced the strength of serenity and I did so by the sea.... The waves of the sea; helped me to get back to where God purposed for me to be!

Until next time!

M'Shonta

Talents are Like Tokens; Destiny is Like a Treasure!

2011-09-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

This year has been extremely busy for me... A brand new position in which I travel nearly 85% of the time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, cultivating a consistent prayer life, volunteering at my church and running three successful businesses have proven to be quite a challenge!

I really admire those of you who do all of the above and yet still find the time to be nurturing mothers and loving wives! I pray that when the time comes for me to begin a family; I will able to sustain all that I am doing now as well as meet the needs of my family.

But for now, I have a full plate with corn to boot! Amazingly, I have been able to fulfill all of my obligations…but I question whether or not I have been fulfilling my purpose….

I have always been a creative individual, but since I have started serving God in Spirit and in Truth my creative ability has continued to multiply. My steps of faith have granted me miles of favor and blessings. I often liken my current state in life unto the servant in Matthew 25:14-30 who was blessed with ten talents only after he was obedient and maximized the gifts that God had initially given him.

I am in awe of all of the gifts that God has entrusted in me. I am thankful for His creative power. I glorify the works of His hands through mine… Nothing is more rewarding than the smiles on the faces of happy clients… And no one can imagine the joy that I feel; the connection that I feel with the creator when I am creating… It is so pure! But yet when the smiling faces have disappeared into the shadows of the personal lives, the events are over, my “big” project was a success and I have made my final sale at the craft shows… There is a still small voice on the inside of me that says….. “This is not it!”

Although, I have a great job and all the endeavors that I’ve pursued have been lucrative…. I have learned one great lesson in life…. In time my talents have brought fulfillment, but only my purpose will fulfill my destiny.

And so the desire to fulfill my purpose and destiny deepens and the heart to seek the Kingdom of God and all of His righteousness develops daily. Your talents are like tokens and your destiny and purpose are like treasures. Guard it with your life! After all, it is one the most valuable thing that you will ever possess.

Think Pink Wine Glasses

2011-09-22T09:52:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago... I made these "Think Pink" wine glasses to sale at a local craft show. I was really pleased with them after I added the pink ribbon. They just looked bare before! LOL!

I don't drink wine but I do enjoy tea and Kool-aid and these fit the bill... These wine glasses are just $10 each and 20% of the proceeds will benefit the 2011 Liz Hurley Ribbon Run!

Let me know if you are interested in purchasing one! They are shippable!

Asha's Awesome 21st Birthday!

2011-08-24T23:58:00.002-05:00

My baby sister, who graduated from high school on what seemed like only yesterday, has turned 21! Growing up... we never really celebrated birthday's, due to financial constraints, so I wanted to make this day very, very special for her. So, I drove 3.5 hours with centerpieces, candles, cutely {is this a word?} wrapped gifts and a custom birthday cake in tow.

I wanted this to be a surprise for her as I was sure that she was only expecting the normal gifts and a card from me via snail mail due to my new job and extremely demanding travel schedule. However, it is often said that love is measured by sacrifice and I wanted to show my love toward my precious little sister by making some major sacrifices in order to join her in celebrating her 21st birthday.

Enjoy the photogs that follow as they highlight the night that we celebrated my little sister entering into the world of womanhood. Enjoy!

Happy 21st Birthday Asha!

This is the cake that added 30 minutes to my normal travel time... I just wanted to make sure that it arrrived in a single piece and not crumbles! It was beautiful and fitting for the occassion. We received tons of compliments on it.

I truly enjoyed bringing this night together for my sister. If I could do it all again... I would.... only bigger and better! I love you Asha! May the blessings of the Lord continue to overtake you in this year!

Nobody's Greater

2011-08-03T07:42:00.000-05:00

Nobody's Greater than God! I just wanted to poke my head for a moment and give God all the glory, honor and praise for what He has done in my life and in the lives of my family members!

He has been a:

Healer
Deliver
Inspirer
Motivator
and a Job Finder!

Thank you JESUS! Nobody's greater!

10 Secrets { Day 10 of 10}

2011-07-13T09:03:00.000-05:00

10 Secrets

I love to write poems...

I am a country girl at heart...

I can't swim... {I actually flunked swimming}

I hated my middle name until about a year ago...

I can't watch Titanic all the way through....

I wanted to go on the Oprah Show before it ended....

I snore....

I couldn't hold a note even if you put it in my hand...

I am a facebook addict

Victoria is a man!!!!

HA! This was fun! LOL!

And just like *that* it's over! I think that I was making this waay to hard!

9 Loves { Day 9 of 10}

2011-07-12T08:57:00.002-05:00

Nine Loves

God
The People of God
Family and Friends
Thai Food
Seeing Dreams Come True
Helping Others
Creativity
Mr. Falsetto
Life

8 Fears {Day 8 of 10}

2011-07-10T08:45:00.000-05:00

I think that this is one of the most challenging post that I have written throughout this 10 day challenge... Let's see what I can conjure up :)

Eight Fears:

God
Snakes
Not Being a Good Mom { I don't have children yet}
Failure
Rejection
The Voice and Music on Unsolved Mysteries
Missing Out on Opportunity of a Lifetime
Forgetting Choreography While Dancing

Were almost there!

7 Wants {Day 7 of 10}

2011-07-08T08:38:00.000-05:00

Whew! Day 7 of the 10 day challenge! I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am going to make these really quick and easy....

To Live a Life that is Pleasing to God
To Fulfill My God Given Destiny and Purpose
The Favor of God on My Life Daily
Family Salvation
Debt Freedom
A Beautiful Home
A Royal Wedding

There you have it! LOL!

6 Places {Day 6 of 10}

2011-07-07T20:35:00.000-05:00

One of the things that I love about my job is the {travel}! I have been blessed to travel to at least 36 states and 2 U.S. territories. I have yet to {travel} outside of the continental U.S., but when the opportunity comes I will have my list ready....

London, England- World-class fashion and theatre, unrivalled music and clubbing, and a stunning, eclectic array of bars and restaurants are all wrapped up in a city built on historical grandeur. London is chic, royal, cutting-edge, ever-changing and always fascinating. {Source}

Paris- Who wouldn't want to getaway to this city of love??? This is actually one of the locations that I would love to honeymoon... While in Italy I would also journey to Florence or Venice. Explore the cities fine art galleries, palaces and waterways. We, we.... I how I would love to experience musical serenades while floating in a famous Gondola with the man of my dreams.

Africa- Not sure what part and I am not even certain as to what I would like to see... This is just somewhere I would like to go... I just as though I owe it to myself to make at least one trip to the motherland.

Disney World- The happiest place on the Earth... The place where dreams come true... This really should have been #1 for me! I have always wanted to go to Disney World and the kid in me is cryiing out because I still have not had the opportunity to go!

Home- I currently live in an apartment and I would love to have a place that I called affectionally call "home." A place where I can paint the walls and retreat to quiet hideout to create or read. A place that I can pull into the garage and sit in my car and take a power nap. A place where I can raise my family and cook for my husband... A place that I can call my own.

Heaven- I live my life the way that I live it today because when it is all said and done... When I have lived a full life and completed the destiny and purpose that God has for me on the earth... This is where I want to be.... After all, that's what life is all about... living a life that is pleasing to God so that in end we will be able to live in eternity with Him!

So there you have it! Six Days... Six places...

This 10 day challenge has really found a way to s-t-r-e-t-ch itself out! I am going to wrap this up... Soon! Very soon!

Until next time!

M'Shonta

5 Foods {Day 5 of 10}

2011-06-23T09:16:00.000-05:00

Five foods... Just five.... LOL!

Well, I travel a lot...so when it comes to foods... I am very diverse! So I put a little spin on this and shared my favorite five restaurants. First up, Surin of Thailand in Huntsville, AL! My #1 ALL TIME FAVORITE!!!!

Thai
Favorite Restaurant: Surin of Thailand located in Huntsville, Alabama
Favorite Dish(es): Chicken Curry and Sweet and Sour Chicken
Website: http://www.surinofthailand.com/huntsville

Japanese
Favorite Restaurant: Umi's located in Florence, Alabama
Favorite Dish(es): Steak Hibachi
Website: http://www.umijapanesesteakhouse.com/menu.html

Chinese
Favorite Restaurant: Golden Star located in Huntsville, AL
Favorite Dish(es): Beef Lo Mien
Website: none :(

Italian
Favorite Restaurant:Ricatoni's in Florene, AL
Favorite Dish(es): Chicken Parmesan
Website: http://www.ricatonivalentino.com/

Soul Food
Favorite Restaurant: Nikki West in Birmingham, AL
Favorite Dish(es): Everything on the Menu
Website: http://www.nikiswest.com/index.html

And now I am officially hungry!

Until next time,

M'Shonta

Wedding Wednesday 003- As Good as Pink, Brown and Gold

2011-06-22T06:30:00.000-05:00

My little cousin {and I use the term loosely, she's really not that much younger than me} is getting married next May. We have been planning her wedding since the beginning of this year and we can't wait... At least once a week she calls me and we shrill and giggle on the phone as we peruse through wedding websites and facebook in search of wedding inspirables.

She has enlisted me to do the planning and decorating for this shindig and I want it to be as good as gold! She is my little cousin after all! LOL!

Almost all of this wedding will be DIY; so I am constantly on the lookout for future projects in which to indulge in preparation for her big day!

Today I will look at the big picture view using some images found on google and then we will go from there... We still have about 11 months so I am certain that I will do a few {breakout} post of this wedding.... so bear with me... Hopefully, this will serve as a reference for us as well....

The creativity is really flowing now.... And if you have any creative ideas or can point me in the direction of some create DIY wedding sites please share.... Thanks in advance!

M'Shonta

4 Books {Day 4 of 10}

2011-06-22T00:39:00.000-05:00

Ummm... Okay! I have been venturing in the wilderness for the past few days; so now it's time to play catch up...

Where were we??? Yes, books...

Four books. When I began to ponder on my favorite four books... I immediately thought of the four that I know have shaped my life forever.

For my spiritual life; nothing has impacted my it like this Daily Reading Bible by Max Lucado. Several years ago I set a personal goal to read the bible in a year. I had made several attempts with my church family; but I was never successful... That is until one of my coworkers blessed me with this daily reading bible!!!! Not only have I accomplished my goal of reading the entire bible in a year.... I have read the bible in its entirety three times and each time/each day I read it; I get new revelation! Reading the bible has become an integral part of my daily regime; it is a wealth of knowledge and my source of strength.

For my professional life---Brand Me. Make Your Mark: Turn Passion into Profit by Melissa Dawn Johnson just did it for me. After reading this book I finally got it! Oprah is the queen of branding yourself and this girlie is the princess! I mean...I could not believe that take-a-aways that I gained from the short read. Here is an Amazon Editorial that really sums this book up: "In this compelling book she shares the 7-Step Brand Me Blue Print T designed to offer a personalized action plan to turn your passion into profit. Her practical insight and personal passion enable anyone to apply these power points of branding in any situation. Make Your Mark: Turn Passion into Profit is more than a book, it is a movement that is sweeping the world. You are the product the world has been waiting for. Now is the time to market your success."

For my personal life I chose a book from one of my favorite authors, Maya Angelou. I would love to sit in here class and hear her lecture just one day... that lady is full of so much wisdom. I read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings as a very young child and unfortunately I could identify with EVERYTHING that she shared. It was a coming of age story that served as a motivational tool for me. After everything that I had endured after reading this book...I felt as though a had a reason to sing. God had given me a life, a purpose and a destiny and one day I would be free to fulfill it. I never allowed {the cage} take away my song... I only allowed its bars to carry my melody.

And finally, for my emotional life I choose a collection of books by Javan. I was introduced to these books by an old college friend. I remember feeling the textured cardstock and thumbing through the pages like a pupil seeking an answer for an open book test. I did not put those books down until I had completed the entire collection. I loved them so much that since then I have purchased two copies of this collection. This reviewer from Amazon said it best; Javan's books are not literary poetry. They are short reflections on our relationships with ourselves, others, and the world we live in. They are not only beautiful and easy to understand, but as indicated by several hundred people who have signed the guestbook on Javan's website they are especially helpful when things are going bad. I tell you...whenever I am going through a tough time this collection paired with a hot bath and a glass of cold Welch's white grape juice does just the trick :)!

{This is only one of the four books. The others are entitled, "Meet Me Halfway," "A Heart Full of Love" and Footprints in Mind."}

So....there you have it....

4 God

4 Motivation

4 Reflection

4 Love

4 Books

Until next time,

M'Shonta

3 Films {Day 3 of 10}

2011-06-17T06:11:00.010-05:00

Yes! Yes! Yes! Finally, an easy one! When I think of 3 films... here is what comes to mind immediatley!

The Color Purple... A classic and a must have! I can watch this movie a million times and never get tired of it! Can't wait until the day that I can say... "I's married now!"

What's Love Got to Do With It? That's right, what does it have to do with it??? This movie was so personal for me... It really gave me the strength to fight to get a glimpse of the light at the end of the tunnel. No more tunnel vision for me; I only see by faith and by faith I will fulfill my destiny!

And finally, Poetic Justice... I guess the poetic nature of this movie captivates me every time!!!

Until next time,

M'Shonta

2 Songs {Day 2 of 10}

2011-06-16T22:10:00.000-05:00

There are sooo many songs that I could pick.....soooooo many! I love all types of music---contemporary Christian, Gospel, Old School, New School...music to listen to On the Way to School! Pop, Country, R&B, Techno, Rock and Roll...you name and I could name at least my top three songs and artist from that genre of music.

So.... with that being said.... I decided that I share a song that I will play on my wedding day! The title of it is "Never Thought" by Bebe and Cece Winans. It really describes how I feel about my relationship with God and Mr. Falsetto!

The second song would have to be He's Able by Preashea Hilliard! Such an inspiring an uplifting song! The entire cd is awesome! If you don't have it...get it!

So there ya go! 2 days...2 songs... 2 down...

Wedding Wednesday 002- When Inspiration Comes to Life

2011-06-15T12:51:00.001-05:00

It's wedding Wednesday!!! YAY!!!!

This week I will be sharing with you some photographs from a wedding that I coordinated and decorated on June 11th. In our initial meeting the bride expressed to me that her #1 favorite color was yellow and so we went with yellow, black and white! I immediately began to surf the internet for inspiration and here is what I found...

Yes! Yes! Yes! Lots of yellow-yumminess!

And here is what you get when inspiration comes to life!

The wedding turned out beautiful and the bride was glowing and gorgeous! Oh how I love happy endings!!!!

S.N.- Have I mentioned how much I love the new blogger? Whew hoooo!!!! Four post in one day! A new record for me!!!

1 Picture {Day 1 of 10}

2011-06-15T11:30:00.000-05:00

I love to take pictures and I love to {take} pictures; so when it comes to photographs... I have no shortage! LOL! When I initially thought about finding one picture of myself...I was overwhemed for a milli-second... And then I thought about the photograph from the climax of my life... My 30th birthday!

This photograph encompasses everything that I am at this point in my life:

A Devoted Woman of God
Happy
Free
Loving
Open
Outgoing
Fearless
Living the Blessed Life
Comfortable in my own skin
And most of all ME!

It took ME 30 years just to be me! 30 years is a long time to live with a person that you know and it is even worse when that person is YOU! When I turned 28; I decided that it was time for a change and the change that I was seeking all started with me! Little did I know that 2 year process would end in a 30th Birthday Celebration! But it was a very special celebration to me because for the first time I celebrated a life that I never had... A life where I could be "Free to Be Me."

........................... One decision
........................... One change
........................... One life
........................... One me
........................... One picture

Until next time,

M'Shonta

Ten Day You Challenge... {Something I Really Need These Days}

2011-06-15T11:17:00.000-05:00

A challenge... This is something that I really need these days... I saw that over at Adrienne's blog on and I am going to give it a try... Starting today!!!

Wedding Wednesday 001

2011-06-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

I have been caught in a whirlwind of weddings and I am sooooo loving it! After assisting my best friend with planning her wedding.... I thought to myself... I can do this and so I did! Now, I offer day of wedding of coordinating services as part of my event planning company- Visuality Planning and Events. You can read more about it here!

Planning and coordinating these beautiful weddings have been blissful for me. Words can not express the emotions that I feel as witness two lovely individuals joined together in mutual love and respect for God and for one another.

At the culmination of each wedding I am filled with mixed emotions... I am happy for the new couple... I am delighted in the way that day unfolded.... I am thankful for the gifts that God had given to create and coordinate... I am exhausted from all of the energy and effort put into making their day extra special... and I am sad that it has all come to an end... No more countless phone calls, no more locking-in vendors, no more looking for the perfect jewelry and flower girls dresses... Just like {that} it is over... And I am on to the next bride!

I wish I could plan a wedding every weekend, but since that is next to impossible right now... I will settle with my new blog series Wedding Wednesday! As time alots, I am going to post my wedding inspirables on Wednesday. I will try and focus on the small details that will make a world of difference on your wedding day.

Life is Great!

2011-04-19T07:32:00.001-05:00

Life has been great.... This year my life has proven to be very positive, progressive and on a perpetual increase! Yes, I have had some moments that I felt as though I could have done better, done more, done less or not done at all! I have had some situations that could have been viewed as a failure, I have made some decisions that could have been viewed as unwise and I have invested time into somethings that may have been viewed as a waste. Yet, I still say that life has been great!

Why? Because my view of it has changed! I am a winner; so regardless of how any given situation in my life unfolds... In the end I will always win! Why? Because all things work together for the good of those who love God and who are called according to His purpose... So the good things and the not so good things are working together for my good and in the end... I will win!

It feels so good to be on the winning team... It feels so good to know what you were called to do and in what capacity... Life is great!

Nothing replaces the joy that you have in knowing that your life has meaning... that God has given you a promise; He is given you a destiny to fulfill... Life is great!

How wonderful is it to have a God that turns your mourning to dancing and your sorrow to joy? How blessed it is to serve a God who turns your whole life around in an instant! Life is great!

To be able to see things in the seed and bring them into fruition is a gift from God. Every time we create something; we open a gift that God has given us... How blessed are we to serve a God who gives us gifts daily? Not because it's a special holiday, nor your birthday or your anniversary! Sometimes we don't even deserve them... but He gives them to us anyway! Life is great!

Life is great isn't it? When I sit down and I reflect on the goodness of God... I think about the depths from which I have come... I think about all the self-destruction from which I have been delivered.... I think about a {me} that I have grown to know and to love... I think about a love that no man can give.... I think about a giver that saved my life.... and think about a life that I now live that I never imagined possible... and I think about all the possibilities that it now holds....

I smile and I say to myself... Life is great!

Greatness is achieved when realize that good isn't your final destination...good is your assurance that you are on the right path!

How grateful I am to serve the Great I Am! Life is Great!

Easter Bells and Easter Pails...

2011-03-29T14:48:00.011-05:00

As I write this post; I am reminded of my first Easter speech... Easter Bells by Lizzie Akers... As i searched for the words... I quickly discovered that either I recited the wrong speech or I don't have the mind of perfect recall as it pertains to memorizing my first Easter Sunday Speech...
Presenting the first-ever Easter Speech delivered by M'Shonta:

O the Easter bells are gladly ringing,
Let the whole world join the happy lay,
Let the hills and vales break forth in singing,
Christ, the Lord of Life, is ris'n today.

Okay, so I remember something like:

Easter bells are gently ringing,
Little children are gently singing,
Christ was born on Easter day!
Little mothers tell the story of how Jesus, Suffered from death and shame...
And with the power and the glory may He ever more reign!!!

Now that I look at it... I believe that I combined my Christmas and Easter speech... I am going to leave that alone! LOL!

Moving along... to the Easter Pail... Each season Custom Creations by M'Shonta introduces something different to the product line... This season we have created Easter Pails that can be used in any season! They can be used after Easter to organize around the house ~ store small things, bathroom supplies, art supplies, socks, you name it! The customer will also get to personalize their pail however they choose with a name, monogram, or custom phrase.

We have been doing really well with selling these Easter Pails... However, it has always been my belief that there is always room for improvement and innovation... So with that being said; which pail do you like best? What other designs would you like to see? Please feel free to comment; all will be appreciated!

A Time for Change...

2011-03-18T08:06:00.004-05:00

I had to change my blog background again... Loved, loved, loved the other one but font color did not show up well.... So... I had to change... Again! LOL!

It's all good though... spring is officially here and it's time to change some things in my life.... When I start spring cleaning I don't leave one stone unturned.... I clean from the inside out... I clean naturally and spiritually.... Hey, it has to be done...so why not do it all at once... I don't promote pain...So I always opt for the quick shot and get it over with...

So what's on the agenda to be changed:

My personal time of devotion {This is the #uno priority; lots of things coming up in my life and lots of things
My blog {Check}
My clothing {gotta let some go; I really need to simplify my wardrobe}
My eating habits {new job=lots of travel=lots of eating out=lots of pound= I have to get it before it gets me}
My self care {I often find myself taking care of others...now its time to take care of me... mind, body, soul and spirit}
My house {I have to create a home office}

As you can see everything on my list is about {me} and that is the way that I intended to be. In order for me to be effective in anyone's else life I must first make my life both efficient and effective.

God has truly blessed me and for that I am extremely grateful... I am at a great place in my life right now, but I realize that this is only Elam {a good place but not the place that God has ordained for me}..... I want the Promised Land.... I want place that God has promised to me... I want to the place flowing with milk and honey!

So with that being said... God is changing some things in my life... God is moving and shaking some things.... God is eliminating and elevating somethings.... This is the season for elimination to take place and it starts right here with you and me.... It start right now...

Last week I posted this quote on facebook:

"Sometimes God eliminate things in our lives because He knows that we don't have the strength to do it our ourselves... So if you are going through a process of elimination.... Praise God because His hands are on your life.... After you eliminate... you must ELEVATE... The weights have been lifted and its much easier for you to rise!" #Quote Me by M'Shonta

It's time for change... It's time for God to make some changes in our lives... My Life... My Life... The time is here... It's time for change!

Bad, Bad Blogger: Bringing You Up to Speed in One Post

2011-03-09T08:07:00.018-06:00

Yes.... I must confess that I have been a bad, bad blogger.... If I am going to ever to fulfill my dream of becoming a Weddingbee Blogger someday; I will have to kick this habit really, really soon... :)

So here's how we are going to do it... I am going to bring you up to speed in one post! Yes, one post...this is not for the faint-hearted or the fast surfer... This will probably be one of my longest post ever!

What's new with me?

On the Professional Front...

Hmmm...well I started a new job! I actually started it on the 18th of January... I am working as a product manager with a huge, huge Fortune 500 company! I absolutely love it and it is truly a blessing! Here are a few shots from my first day of work! You gotta love a company that treats you like this!

On the Business Front....

Custom creations by M'Shonta has proven to be a very successful endeavor! Valentine's Day was awesome! Below are a few shots of the items that we created for Valetine's Day... We will be promoting Easter items really, really soon! I can't wait to share!

{Lover's Day Mugs}

{Mini-mailboxes containing Love Letters from God}

Baby Door Couture

Custom Creations by M'Shonta has added another element! Baby Door Couture! We will do customized framed layouts like the one seen below and they can be hung on the hospital doors shortly after the birth of beautiful little baby boys and girls! All the customer will have to do is snap and picture and print it and place it on the layout! There is also room for them to fill out the baby stats such as weight, height, birthdate and time...

Since we are on the subject of babies... I would like to share a few highlights from a Dr. Seuss themed baby shower that I planned back in January! It was a blast!

And keeping in the character theme... I would like to share with you a couple of snapshots from MaKenzie's Hello Kitty 3rd Birthday Bash!

On the Exciting News Front....

My logo for my Event Planning Company is finally complete... Visuality Planning and Events is premier event planning solution for any of your event needs. Our creative minds create events that meet your individual needs and execute your vision. We look forward to creating a first class event with you because you deserve nothing less! Be sure to leave a comment and tell me what you think! Mr. Falsetto is full of suprises...

I saw this in a mall when I was traveling home from a long week of work and when I got home he had it for me!

And so is my little sister... Tears still well up in my eyes as I think of this moment! OMG! Words can not explain how much I love her... She is super sweet and the best sister in the world!

{The flowers were beautiful, but the card was even sweeter}

While on a business trip in San Antonio... I had the opportunity to visit the Alamo and River Walk... Here are my thoughts about my visit to this historical site. "It's impossible to know where you are going...if you don't know where you have been." I have always had a passion for history. I was blessed to be able to visit The Alamo during their 175th anniversary. There was so much rich history! I even discovered that a freed slave was also recognized as a hero of the Alamo... I am so thankful that I get to travel and see different parts of the world.. But I am even more thankful that the more I see...the more I see the hands of God at work in the universe.

I am Fulfilling God-Given Purposes through Pageantry. This year I am coordinating the 2011 Rhinestones and Rabbits Easter Pageant! Only $65 to enter and that includes beauty, casual, photogenic, best smile, best dressed and best personality!!!!! We will crown 20 Queens 2 Kings , 2 Grand Supreme’s and 1 Ultimate Grand Supreme! $10 from every entry received will benefit the American Cancer Society!

And finally, I have allowed my DESTINY TO BE AWAKENED!

This blog has a played a major role in my quest for destiny... Don't get me wrong... Only the Creator can reveal to you what He created you to do... But my bible and this blog served as a compass...

Because of DESTINY AWAKES...I can now confidently write my mission... my purpose in life...

Melanie S. Smith is a Christian motivational speaker, business owner and a product manager for a Fortune 500 organization; whose purpose in life is to turn the hearts of girls toward God. Drawing from her experience in pageantry and coupling it with her desire to train young women to live life from the inside out; she is able to creatively inspire and motivate young girls to find their true in identities in Christ.

My destiny has been awakened...what about yours? Please share! I'd love to hear your comments!

Until next time,

M'Shonta

14 Reasons Why I Love You: Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-14T07:58:00.006-06:00

This year Mr. Falsetto and I celebrated Valentine's Day a little early because my weekend was jammed packed with events. The theme for this year's celebration was 14 Reasons Why I Love You.

I went with a red, black and white color scheme because it looks so masculine and classy. I loved the way that it turned out :). I just wish that the beauty of the tablescape would have conveyed to the camera... Here is place setting. I also blinged out a glass for him... He loved it!
Here's a little close up.... It was adorable!

The evening started with me preparing one of his favorite dishes: steak fajitas {with all the fixings}, corn on the cob and french fries.

I also packaged his presents in red, black, white and silver wrappings to correlate well to the camera. Each also contained a gift tag that correlated to the gift...

Mr. Falsetto really enjoyed our celebration and I was so glad that he did! His favorite gift was the coffee table book... I could have really stopped there... LOL! Note to myself for next year. He is supposed to take me shopping for a new outfit and out to dinner tonight... I can't wait!

Happy Valentine's Day!

M'Shonta

Our Destiny Awaits - In Our Dreams

2011-01-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

Today as I weaving through the Internet; I came across this article written by Barbie Breathitt on Oct 4, 2010. The title really struck a string in my spirit because I started this blog and entitled it Destiny Awaits in October 11, 2008. You can see my first post here . I was out on medical leave and desperately needed a way to unleash my creative juices without disobeying the doctor's order and blogging was just the right cure for me.

I had no idea where God was taking me with blogging... I started out writing deep {well deep to me} thoughts on destiny and purpose and creativity.... However, that did not last long because my focus quickly shifted to wedding planning as my I celebrated with my bff on her engagement. During her wedding planning I unlocked some talents that were embedded on the inside of me and once the wedding was over my blogging shifted to the events that I planned... Well, in 2010 I was blessed with a new job, an event planning business, a handmade gift business and so much more that I did not have the time to blog about all the great things that God was doing in my life. {Looking back I wish that I had kept a journal and jotted down some of those things until I had the opportunity to blog them. Case and point: I was able to find the date that I was officially launched this blog because it was here).

I am not sure how I got off on that tangent, but I am going to drop it and simply share this article that I found... I hope that it blesses you as much as it blessed me :)!

What is the purpose of a dream? How does God use dreams in our lives? What dreams should we pay attention to and what dreams should we ignore? How much influence should they possess in our lives? Is it safe to ignore them, and how safe is it to act on them? The premise of this article is to explain the depths to which the Lord uses dreams to affect our lives. He uses dreams to wake us up, to give us prophetic insight, and to spur us forward toward our dreams and destiny so that we don't lose sight of them.

In a society where success often looks like busyness and hurried insanity, God sometimes talks to us the only way He can – when we are asleep (that is, when we are quiet enough to hear Him). He can reveal our emotions, our pain, future events, and even the secrets of other's lives to us. The puzzles that God uses in dreams are a secret language known to us, God, and to the people we have the dreams about.

What Happens in Our Sleep
Do dreams have restorative power? Can a good dream life make the dreamer live longer, be healthier, happier and even thinner? In today's society of rush and clamor, everything is tied to speed and production. Whipping around a drive-through or "speed" surfing the Internet, we tend to spend less time sleeping and more time searching. While we sleep, our soul continually searches for God. We desire to make intimate contact with the all-knowing Creator. "He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:3-4 NIV).

Sleep is the time God chooses to give us His perspective, to steer us away from harmful events and to give us life, vision, direction, provision and destiny. As our understanding is enlightened, we will be able to follow the leading our dreams provide. A scoffer may seek wisdom and find none, but spiritual knowledge comes easily to one who has an understanding heart. Wisdom rests in the hearts of those who seek to have spiritual understanding of their dreams.

A true dreamer is one who sees the impossible and knows through God it will become possible. Dreamers are able to see the shadow of things to come as if by moonlight; by joining their faith to believe, the rays of the morning's dawn bring the understanding and visionary clarity. "In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds, He may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings, to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride, to preserve his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword" (Job 33:15-18 NIV).

Dreams in Biblical Times
A fantastic, almost nightmarish and horrific dream sequence is recorded in Genesis 15:12-13 when Abram the patriarch was cast into the dream realm by hearing the voice of the Lord as a deep sleep fell over him. "As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him. Then the Lord said to him, 'Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years'" (NIV).

God spoke to Abram in the night seasons so that Abram would listen and hear God's voice while in a peaceful state. Dreams unlock the deepest depths of knowledge and understanding as we peacefully rest in God's embrace. Dreams allow our hearts to express our inner beliefs in a grand way.

Abram's descendant, Jacob, experienced a desert sleep, which allowed him to see a heavenly stairway that joined the gateway of Heaven to an entrance point on earth. The Lord's angelic messengers were ascending and descending upon the ladder delivering the Lord's prophetic declarations and visions to Jacob as he slept. Genesis 28:10-17 is an account of this heavenly event.

Jacob was able to feel and sense the powerful presence of the glory realm that was deposited in the natural realms of earth. He presented a memorial offering in honor of God's visitation. Jacob left that place with an assurance that God was with him, and was watching over him to direct his path as he journeyed through life. To know the path to our future and destiny we only have to embrace the dreams God gives. Out of the obscure will rise the clear, out of the dark chaos will rise the light of a new day dawning, and out of a dream will rise our destiny. God-given dreams of destiny and success will empower us to conquer our mistakes and nightmares of the past.

Dream Largely!
Dreams are God's night parables that direct our path and speak to our daily needs in life. These dream events and awesome promises came while the dreamers, both Abram and Jacob, were sleeping.

It is the same for us today. The questions we have about the future are answered in our dreams today. The time we spend sleeping has many diverse and varied benefits. Sleep allows the physical body to rest, repair itself and improve our health. It also gives us the vision for tomorrow.

Life would be so much smaller if we were not able to dream. So dream largely and see God's hand move to bring increase, largeness, sufficiency and a grand future to pass! The quality and length of our lives is related to the quality and quantity of our sleep patterns and dreams. The lack of proper sleep cycles is directly related to an increase in high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, migraines, diabetes and weight gain.

Hormones become imbalanced due to anxiety and stress, which leads to a decrease in the proper function of the immune system, stomach problems, metabolic changes and other physical ailments. These conditions appear more frequently in people with insomnia or sleep apnea who only sleep an average of four to five hours a night.

Sleep deprivation for prolonged periods causes forgetfulness. It also affects our cognitive reasoning, our concentration, our moral judgments and memory skills as well as our physical performance. This accelerates the aging process. No wonder our physical appearance changes with the lack of sleep. As we grow older, the levels of growth hormones drop drastically, causing variations in our moods, muscle mass, skin tone and energy levels. Sleep disorders cause disruptions in the normal patterns of brain waves, heartbeats and respiratory system which affect our dream cycles. Depression is also prevalent in people who are not able to maintain healthy sleep patterns. Getting the proper amount of sleep is a good way to keep our hormone levels in balance and maintain a youthful appearance.

Dreams Unlock and Release Creativity Within Us
It is essential that we learn to still our racing minds by releasing stress and calming ourselves. Instead of ruminating or mulling over problems and concerns of the day, make it a habit to compile a list of thoughts, worries and concerns on a pad of paper kept near the bed. Whisper a simple prayer. Ask God for the needed answers and then allow His peace to take over. We should believe that we will receive God's divine intervention and answers and enjoy peaceful, deep sleep.

Proverbs 3:24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

We can trust God to supply the needed answers by formulating dreams that bring needed insight as we slumber. Our dreams are God's answers to the questions we hide within. Once our dreams are embraced, we have the courage to give them expression. 1 Peter 5:5-7 tells us, "'God resists the proud (those who try to deal with their problems on their own without asking for his assistance or Divine intervention), but gives grace to the humble (to those who ask).' Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you (raise you above the problem so you don't remain beneath it) in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

As we learn to bring our cares and concerns to God, He will deliver us from the weights that try to bury us. There is a biochemical nature to dreams in that we all carry the capacity to dream. Dreaming by day and by night allows the Holy Spirit to fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle with the wisdom God sends in answer to our prayers. Our souls desire spiritual growth and fulfillment. Dreams unlock and release the creativity that is held captive within the soul. We must dream to maintain a healthy life, both spiritually and physically.

The body's need to rest, relax and rejuvenate is an essential part of remaining healthy and prosperous. 3 John 2 says, "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."

A Physical and Spiritual Event
The link between our ability to enter into a deep, restful, good night's sleep in order to receive and then to understand the messages of our dreams is an important part of maintaining the health of our physical and spiritual bodies. In this way, dreaming is as much a physical event as it is a spiritual one. We must cherish the dreams we are given and guard them with determination. If we allow them to be stolen, or fall to the floor by ignoring them, they will be trampled underfoot and their benefit will be lost.

Biblical history agrees that God has spoken to mankind through dreams since the beginning of time. Our dream life is like a highway on which messages are carried to the mind's eye and then to the spirit. These messages may come from a variety of sources: from the body, from the soul, from evil influences in the demonic realm, or from God through messengers of the angelic realm. As the Holy Spirit hovers over mankind, He embraces us during the night season and gifts us with dreams that call us to pursue Him with all our hearts. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The mysteries He seals within our spirits create urgency within us to seek after Him for the key to unlock the revelation He has deposited. "And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You" (Psalm 9:10).
When the message is from God, REM sleep is an opportunity for Him to bypass the rational thinking of our logic and deposit messages through the mind's eye, or what we refer to as the image center. The mind's eye can be defined as: the human ability for visual perception, imagination, visualization, and memory. In other words, the mind's eye is one's ability to see things with the mind.

Symbolic Mysteries
Because many dreams are symbolic mysteries, God's guidance is necessary to uncover their hidden meanings. God intended that we get to know Him better through this process of discovering the meaning of our dreams. Our image center is a vehicle that the Holy Spirit can access if we are open to Him. The Holy Spirit will give us dreams in the night or streams of thought during the day to bring revelation and direction to our lives.

We must activate and train the human spirit to open the door of our hearts by inviting the Holy Spirit to search, test and teach us; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that our life flows. The Spirit of God will show us glimpses of our nature and our responses to our natural life situations through a spiritual window. The Bible tells us, "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13).

Symbols are often used in comparison to counterparts. They represent something else by association, convention or resemblance. Usually symbols depict a material object that is used to represent something more abstract.

Similarly, dreams are God's symbolic parables of the night. They are a part of His parabolic language that He uses to speak to us in our sleep. These same symbols may also appear to us as an answer to our prayers. He makes us aware of our true selves, as well as others' true identities, through the symbols He interjects into our dreams. The color, shape, size and number of symbols will all give us needed information about the message our dream was meant to reveal. The more dream symbols and their corresponding meanings we know, the more clearly God can speak to us in dream pictures that we will understand.

It is always beneficial to encourage people to record, track and categorize their own dream symbols. This will enable them to recall the dream's meanings, which are integral to our growth and development. This picture language has been given to us so that we might understand the mysteries of their symbolic representations in our dreams. Hosea 12:10 says, "I have also spoken by the prophets, and have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets."

Dream symbols can be defined as things or objects that represent something or someone else in a dream or vision of the night. Again, these symbols can also be material objects representing something subjective or abstract.

We must always rely on the Holy Spirit to give us the correct interpretation for the symbols that appear in our dreams. In one dream a symbol may represent something, but it may indicate something else entirely in another dream – because the colors, characters, context or setting of the dream is totally different. We cannot insist that one symbol is always going to mean the same thing every time, because if we did, we would be putting God in a stagnant box and trying to wall Him in to our limited understanding.

God is a Spirit who flows like a progressive, changing river that is always new. We must learn to flow and change with Him.

31 and Cultivated

2011-01-05T15:41:00.006-06:00

Last year I had a huge 30th birthday party ; so this year I wanted to host a small celebration with a few of the women that I feel have influenced my life most... I simply wanted to celebrate those who helped to cultivate me into the woman that I am today in a traditional Japenese setting at UMI.

Not a good idea... I received immediate resistance from my friends and boyfriend. Work...previous engagements...doctor's appointments...you name it...I HEARD IT! So just like that I cancelled my {31 and Cultivated} themed birthday party. No kimonos....no Japanese fans for favors... no sitting on the floor without shoes around a small dinner table...no chopsticks...no red and black invites.... Nothing...

So my party plans for me and the girls quickly turned to a night out with Mr. Falsetto... Not bad, Huh? Well, he wanted to take me to UMI's and I was not all that thrilled about going because all that I could think about was the party that none of my "friends" could make times for. But I GAVE IN and went anyway.....

And to my SURPRISE was..........

Yes, yes, yes..... he along with the help of my girlfriends pulled off a surprise birthday party for me... yes....me.... I WAS SURPRISED!

I was sooo impressed with my friends party planning abilities. So you see the small favor boxes and the chopstick favors? The small bags had a tag on it that read "thank you" and inside was a fortune cookie. (I opened my fortune cookie and it read, "Your next endeavor will be a success." I will fill you all in on that one later...)

I am still in shock as I am writing this post... it meant soo much to me to have my friends celebrating life with me. It was truly a dream come true and it came with a kimono too!

Ja Ne!!!!!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

2010-12-21T15:19:00.009-06:00

We have 4 days until Christmas and I am just now putting the finishing touches on my pad. I had great plans about decorating every room and having at least 3 beautiful Christmas trees {1 large ones and 2 small ones}. Well, I did not get around to putting up the 2 smaller trees this year... My ornament business accounted for every.spare.moment of my life. For the past month I have been operating off five hours {if I am lucky} of sleep. Today, I am thrilled to announce that 200 ornaments and 175 gifts later.... I have completed and delivered all of my orders just in time for the holidays!

I am beyond tired.... To be completely honest... It is 3:27 p.m. and I am falling asleep in between each sentence.... I hope that what I have written thus far is coherent...

It's not the best idea to write a post while your sleepy...but I am not sure which is worse... Writing a post in between naps or napping under a dryer that has the potential to topple over every time I lean forward...

You guessed it.... That's why I am typing away....

Well, back to my initial statement.... It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here... even if I have a few more days to enjoy it ;}. Come on in.... and I will take you on a quick tour...

First off....the Christmas tree....

Okay, I am such a tease... Here's the real thing...

What some daytime shots with gifts under the tree?

{I changed the netting at the bottom to pink upon Mr. Falsetto's Request}

Let's do a close up of the gift wrapping... I am believer that it is all about the "present"ation!

The wreath....
And finally my table scape...

There you have it.... Christmas with M'shonta is all wrapped up....

Up next... Christmas with the Turner's and other Holiday festivities...

Until next time...

Hope, Joy and Peace Themed Christmas Tree

2010-12-15T09:58:00.004-06:00

My mother has had a very challenging year... She was severed from her job after 25 years of service. So before after our family Thanksgiving dinner; I decorated her home for her---knowing that it would help to lift her spirits... This year's tree is called Hope, Joy and Peace. Here are a few snapshots of her Christmas decor...

I loved these ornamenets! The pewter ornaments and the word ornments were purchased from Wal-Mart.

May hope, joy and peace fill the rooms of her house this holiday season and for the season's to come...

Tap...Tap...Hello Is This Thing On?

2010-12-10T08:55:00.004-06:00

Good morning!

TGIF! Can you say it with me? TGIF!!!!! I know that I have been kind of absent around these parts, but I have very good reason... In my last post I announced the launching of my new business Custom Creations by M'Shonta! I must admit that it has been a blessing.... My cup runneth over and I thank God for everyone second of it.

I am not sure when I will be able to start blogging on a regular basis again, but I promise that whenever I get the opportunity to come up for air that I will stop in to say hello. Here are a few bullet points on what I have been up to:

In addition to my ornament and gift business... The party planning has been very steady as well... I have an event planned for every week throughout the month of December! Wow! I am just in awe at God!

I have managed to put up my large Christmas tree and wrap a few presents... I need to put up two small ones and decorate my dining room table. Please send me some inspiration photos for Christmas tablescapes! I like....really need them!

Business is booming so I had to hire two people to help me :)! Have I mentioned how good God is? Just in case I didn't...GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!!!

I have lost over 10 pounds and I am still MAINTAINING! I think that it is partially because of all of the hard work! LOL!

I am still on track for completing my bible for the year of 2010! The word of God is good!!!

Got some reallly exciting news about some reallly exciting opportunities! More on that later...

I am almost done Christmas shopping... LOL! Almost!

I adopted a Christmas tree angel this year and I have enjoyed shopping for her more than I could ever enjoy shopping for myself! I just love it and I hope that she loves it as well!

I have some cookies to bake this Christmas... just wondering if I will have the time...

I had a blast at home this year for Thanksgiving... Our family prayer breakfast was exceptional! I love my family!

Hobby Lobby has become my second home...Everyone there knows me!

I feel like the man with ten talents and the more that I use them; the more God multiplies them! I love it!

Overall life is great...business and creativity and flowing... and my destiny has been awakened! Question: Are you still reading...just curious? Leave me a comment and let me know...

Custom Christmas Creations by M'Shonta

2010-11-12T08:20:00.008-06:00

I guess that this is the season for witty inventions and new ideas for the Believers. My blogger bud Jessica over at From Marriage to Motherhood announced the grand opening her new Etsy Shop Morgan Lane, which specializes in handcrafted fabric hand accessories. I encourage you all to take a peek at all of the beautiful pieces that she has created!

And today............................................................DRUM ROLL PLEASE................................................... I announced the opening of my seasonal shop, Custom Christmas Creations by M'Shonta on my facebook page.

Below are some images of the ornaments that I have created recently. I also have custom picture frames and wine glasses that will be added to the batch, but I must put on the finishing touches before I upload :)! I had just as much fun naming them as I had creating them! So much love and attention was poured into every ornament!

A Traditional Christmas

Ask Yourself
Dotted for Me!
A Different {Type of} Love

Totally Blessed to Have You in My Life

A Burst of Joy

Kaptured with Kuteness

The Rose of Sharon

Jammin' with Jaydin

Butterfly Kisses

A Walk on the Wild Side

Tiffany accented with brown and bling

Any of my creations would make for a great gift for those individuals in your life with who would like to express your “genuine” love and compassion! All these gifts are reasonably priced at just $5 each and I promise that you will not be disappointed with the elaborate embellishments that are worked into every creation! Let your comment for a chance to win a Cusotmized Creation!

Fall in is the the Heir...

2010-11-10T07:17:00.003-06:00

In the deep south, we are blessed to have good fall weather until Decemeber in most cases... The leaves are changing colors and the wind is a little breezy... so I guess that it is safe to say that fall is in the heir...

Yes, heir and not air... This coming Saturday, November 13th @ 11:00 a.m. I am hosting a Miss and Master Fall Festival Pageant at the Underwood Petersville Center in Florence. I am soo excited and can not wait to see will be the next heirs to the throne!

I founded a series of pageants to serve as fundraisers that will aid in advancing the various learning enrichment opportunities in the area of the arts for the NBM Praise Dance Ministry. In every community, young girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them.

The NBM Praise Dance Ministry offers just that and much more. Group programs and services promote and enhance the development of young girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. It also teaches them the importance of giving back to the community through volunteering their time and participating at various outreaches in the community, nursing homes, schools and churches. We embrace the countless opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead.

All proceeds from the pageant are donated to the NBM Praise Dance Ministry; which is a non-profit organization. As a nonprofit organization, your donations are tax deductible.Please feel free to email me at mshontasmith@hotmail.com for information on how to enter the upcoming Fall Festival pageant or how to make a contribution to this wonderful cause. Help us to equip these young ladies with the tools that they need as they dance into their destinies!

Taking it Personally...

2010-11-04T08:07:00.004-05:00

This holiday season, I have decided to have a personal take on gift giving! I have always loved personalized gifts and in my opinion, you can NEVER go wrong with a personalized gift!

So, earlier this week I took a trip to my local Hobby Lobby to purchase these:

So that I can make these...

I will also purchase some wine glasses from the Dollar Tree soon so that I can make these as favors for my {Girlfriend} Holiday Bash:

Cute huh? I thought so too! So, there you have it! It is not always bad to make it personal!

Happy Holiday Hunting!

M'Shonta

An Array of Tablescapes

2010-11-01T07:52:00.000-05:00

Oh my; it's November! My blogging has been so sporadic and my life has been sooo jammed packed.

Today, I am going to share with you an array of tablescapes that I created for several events during the month of October. I will spare the words and share the pictures.....

Fall Festival.....

An Elegant Winter

I had so much fun creating these tablescapes... While uploading my photos, I realized that I failed to take pictures of two of the tablescapes :(! I am sure that my friend captured them so I am off to call her now to see if I can obtain them.

Enjoy your day!

Until next time,

M'Shonta

Corisha's 30th Cirque De Fete

2010-10-26T07:07:00.005-05:00

Inspired by the Cirque de Bebe baby shower on Hostess with the Mostess; I decided to do a Cirque De Fete themed party for Corisha's 30th Birthday Celebration. I had a blast! I think that Mr. Falsetto was absolutely right when he stated that I had as much fun planning the party than the guest had at the party :)! Planning is a party that I can have all by.my.self {that's me posing for the photographer as she worked on her lighting; I grew tired after 4 shots}!

Let's take it from the top shall we? For the invites we decided to do a large poster. A huge shout out to my girl Printable Bride for setting the stage for the party with the smashing poster invite seen below.

Corisha has a huge clientele base and we wanted to ensure that everybody was invited. We hung the poster in the fourier of her business and provided a feathery pen and a flashy guestbook for her guest to RSVP. {I had the pen on hand and purchased the guestbook from Hallmark; I embellished them both with bling, ribbon and feathers; can you say a Fete with a little Feathery Flair}?
The walls of the room in which the party would take place were painted lime green and purple! Ideas begin to instantly race through my mind about how I could incorporate those colors and still create a fabulous party for an emerging business leader turning 30!

So I did what I do best and took a field trip to Hobby Lobby. With the photos from the Cirque Bebe in mind; I suddenly found myself traveling down the feather aisle. And then it happened... I laid eyes on package of lime green and magenta pink speckled feathers. The light bulb went off, the sirens sounded and the bells rang! Magenta pink, lime green, purple, black and zebra print. I know it sounds like a lot, but I assure you that there was an instant love affair between the theme for party, the colors and me! I can't wait to show you how it all came together!

First off the cake! I surfed the web and found about five inspiration photogs to carry to the cake designer. The first photo is of my original inspiration and the second one is of the actual cake. I must admit that I liked ours much, much more :)!

Secondly, the cake stand! I wanted the cake presentation to WOW the guest! So, I solicited the help of a great friend {thanks Jana} to help me cover two large square boxes... I was sooooo happy with the outcome of the stand! Did I mention that I had bling EVERYWHERE?

I love all of the new connected birthday banners that are being created using scrapbook paper, ribbon and the Cricut! I decided to try my hand at creating one for this birthday bash. I was really pleased with the outcome! I think I found another hidden talent!

I hung this banner over the magenta photo backdrop that I ordered online for $4.99! It showed up really well.

For the centerpieces I alternated between ballons and feathered glass centerpieces seen below... I used a little bling and floating candles in the glass centerpieces. They were absolutely adorable with the lights out!!!!

I was very pleased with the overall outcome of this event and the guest were double-ly impressed! I just thank God for the gift of creativity and the ability to make it all come together... Give me your vison and I will make it your reality at Visuality Planning and Events!

I will leave you with some bonus pics.... enjoy!

The gift that keeps on giving...

The welcome table...

And that all folks!

Until next time,

M'Shonta

I am taking a Little Blogging Hiatus...

2010-10-11T16:05:00.005-05:00

The next two weeks will be extremely busy for me... I have family coming in town and most importantly we will be celebrating our 23rd Pastoral & Church Anniversary... So over the next few days I will be cranking our administrative documents, festive tablescapes, centerpieces, delectable desserts, team building training and creative spiritual dance movements... There you have it! My cup overfloweth... so I am cutting back a few other hobbies/tasks so that I will not have a major spill :)!

Not to worry, I will be back soon and when I return I will shower you with photos from my time with the family, a Cirque de Fete themed birthday bash and our church anniversary. If I get really fancy I will post a video (yes, I am being extremely optimistic).

See you on the flip side!

A Time for Witty Inventions

2010-10-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

Today I am going to share with you an article that was written by Jeff Doles on this Faith Blog. It was posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, but I think that it it just as relevant today as it was yesterday.

I hope that you will enjoy! After reading this article I had a light bulb moment that if it is carefully carried out; it will shape the rest of my life! This entry truly blessed me and I hope that it will do the same for you!

I wisdom dwell with prudence and find out knowledge of witty inventions. (Proverbs 8:12)

Prudence is the practical application of wisdom. It leads to “witty inventions.” Young’s Literal Translation renders this as “knowledge of devices.” The English Standard Bible has “discretion.” John Wesley calls it “ingenious contrivances for the glory of God, and for the good of men.” In his Commentary on the Bible, Adam Clarke has this: “The farther wisdom proceeds in man, the more practical knowledge it gains; and finding out the nature and properties of things, and the general course of providence, it can contrive by new combinations to produce new results.” Here is Keil and Delitzsch (Commentary on the Old Testament) on this verse:

It denotes well-considered, carefully thought out designs, plans, conclusions, and da’ath [“knowledge”] is here the knowledge that is so potent. This intellectual power is nothing beyond wisdom, it is in her possession on every occasion; she strives after it not in vain, her knowledge is defined according to her wish.

God wants to give you some witty inventions, clever devices, ingenious contrivances and bright ideas. Surely, that would be very helpful for these challenging times. Crisis is really opportunity in disguise — and what a lot of opportunity has been dumped in our laps!

Witty inventions come from prudence; prudence is the practical application of wisdom; wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord — living in awe and honor of God. When we seek Him, He will give us wisdom for the asking (James 1:5), for His desire is for us to succeed and prosper in all things and every situation (Joshua 1:6-8; Psalm 1:1-3; 3 John 2).

In Genesis, Joseph experienced many adversities, but he looked to the Lord and prevailed over them all. When famine was about to come upon the land, Joseph recognized it by Pharaoh’s dream and the wisdom God gave to interpret. Then he received divine wisdom about what to do about it. As a result, Joseph ended up as vice-regent over all of Egypt, and his “witty invention” blessed all the people in the land and brought in much wealth and prosperity for Egypt.

The prophet Daniel was another man who knew how to face adversity with divine wisdom. As a captive in Babylon, when other young men were being fed rich meats, foods and wines from the king’s table, Daniel developed a very healthy diet for him and his three friends, and then devised a clever test to convince his superior of the benefits of this diet. Not only did these four young men turn out to be the healthiest in the bunch, God also gave them great knowledge and skill in literature and wisdom, and they were ten times better than all the king’s magicians and astrologers (Daniel 2). Like Joseph before Pharaoh, God gave Daniel the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dreams, which brought glory to God and promotion to Daniel. He ended up as the chief of the wise men, lived in the gate of the king and became governor over Babylon.

Faithpoint: This is a time for the practical application of wisdom in crafting solutions, a time for ingenious contrivances, clever devices and bright ideas. This is a time for Josephs and Daniels to arise, a time for witty inventions. Ask God for divine wisdom, then watch for what He will show you. You might very well end up with something that brings great glory to God, great blessing to others and great promotion and prosperity for yourself.

A Pink & Zebra Print/ Top Model themed 13th Birthday Bash

2010-10-06T05:52:00.007-05:00

Back in August, yes August, I planned a 13th birthday bash whose theme consisted of a perfect blend of zebra print, hot pink and ANTM. Oh, how I love the three...

First off the invites... Playing off of the "Tyra Mail" that is given to the on contestants on the show ANTM, we went with the "Kristin Mail" invites seen here... From what I here they were a hit among her friends and classmates! Can I say S-C-O-R-E!

Inside of the invitations were two inserts: one provided the directions and the other one instructed the girls on what to wear for the fashion show, which was scheduled to take place during the party. So on the day of the party all the giddy teenagers arrived with garment bags containing their outfits of choice.

The fashion show was a blast! Over a year ago, I found a Make Me a Fashion Model themed cd at the Dollar Tree with the expectation of using it to volunteer with a local 4-H club's fashion show. I didn't get use the cd for that event, but it sure did come in handy for this one! Thank God for good deals!
We found these adorable zebra print plates at Hobby Lobby! It took us nearly a month to purchase enough of them for the party. I think that it is safe to assume that the zebra print was very popular for events in our area. (On a side note, I judged a Jr. Miss pageant a couple of weeks ago and they used these plates as well). Assumption confirmed! Ha!

I decided to take the simplistic, yet chic route with the decor for this party because I had so many other events taking place around the same time. If I must say so myself, everything turned out A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E! Sometimes less is best especially when you are dabbling in the animal prints.

Next up were the party favors. I originally found them on Etsy as seen in the the photog below, however, I just could not bring myself to pay full price for something that I felt could be done for a fraction of the cost.

So the birthday girl's mother and I collected toilet paper rolls for over a month. I purchased the zebra scrapbook paper, filling and ribbon from Hobby Lobby and she provided the labor and lavish treats that rested on the inside of these lovelies! Another successful DIY! Check!

Lastly, the birthday cake! It seemed as though every child in our area had a birthday in the month of August. It became seemingly impossible to have a cake made with our most popular cake decorators in the area. I guess with shows such as the Cake Boss everyone wants a fabulous cake for their events and heck, I can't blame them! We went with a lady who does cakes part-time out of her home, and boy were we pleased! The cake was beautiful and quite tasty too!

In my other world, I am Kristin's pageant coach. So, I could not resist the opportunity to coordinate our outfits with the party theme!

Fierce!

Until next time,

M'Shonta

Happy Birthday to My Spiritual Mother

2010-10-03T22:05:00.003-05:00

You let me know you love me
In so many different ways.
You make me feel important
With encouragement and praise.

You're always there when I need you
To comfort and to care.
I know I'm in your thoughts;
Your love follows me everywhere.

Thank you for all you've done
And given so generously.
I love you, my wonderful spiritual mother;
You're a heaven-sent blessing to me.

By Joanna Fuchs

Observing Yom Kippur

2010-09-17T05:00:00.001-05:00

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

2010-09-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-15T06:25:00.002-05:00

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

2010-09-14T06:03:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-13T06:45:00.002-05:00

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

2010-09-10T07:47:00.004-05:00

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

2010-09-06T06:56:00.007-05:00

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

I'm a Cracker Jack Box Full of Surprises

2010-08-27T10:57:00.004-05:00

Recently, I have had the challenge of pulling off a surprise anniversary celebration for a couple that have been married for nine years!

I must admit that I had a blast planning it! And I even uncovered a few new talents that I can add to my decorating repertoire.

As I excitedly recapped the event with Mr. Falsetto, he mentioned that he loved surprises...

He also added that I had not surprised him since his 25th birthday; he is going on 28. Bad me!!! So this weekend, I have a lot of catching up to do...

This weekend I will be a cracker jacks full of surprises!

A Missed Crowing Moment

2010-08-25T05:54:00.006-05:00

Yesterday as I walked into my office several of my coworkers {who were all well aware of my love for pageants} began to question me about this year's Miss Universe pageant. Miss Universe 2010 was crowned on Monday night, August 23rd and I missed the entire pageant!!!!

A southern, belle from south Alabama, a former crown chaser and an eternal lover of pageant and all things bling-missed a crowning moment. What can I say? Life has been busy, yet fulfilling! I guess I will need to get TIVO! Until then I will have to rely on the world wide web for recaps... Click here to read more of the article from which the excerpts below were taken.

Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete, of Guadalajara, beat out 88 other women from six continents at the 59th annual pageant held in Las Vegas, broadcast live on NBC.

Miss Jamaica Yendi Philipps took second place, Miss Australia Jenista Campbell took third, Miss Ukraine Anna Poslavska got fourth, and Miss Philippines Venus Raj—the projected favorite coming into the competition—took fifth place.

Navarrete was the top scoring competitor in the evening gown component of the competition, and was the second-highest scorer in the swimsuit portion.

Judges asked Navarrete about the effect that the Internet has on young people and she said it is an indispensable tool.

Miss USA Rima Faikh, the first Muslim-American person to win the Miss USA competition, did not make it to the final round.

Now that was shocking for me.... We always make the final round....

On another note, there seems to be a lot of controversy surrounding the answer of Miss Philippines 2010. Some say that her answer or lack thereof seemed to have cost her the crown...

Did any of you get to watch the pageant? If so, what was your opinion?

Keeping the Faith to Endure in Troubled Times: My Personal Testimony Part III

2010-08-23T07:57:00.003-05:00

So where was I? Oh yes, now I remember....

I was so engulfed with helping God's people that I forgot all about the 100 applications that I had on the job market. I was so engulfed with helping God's people that forgot all about me, my problems and my situation. It was all about the people of God!

And in that I had also found joy, peace, happiness and a sense of fulfillment that I had never felt before. I was really content with my life and with doing kingdom business...

All of sudden, I received a call from a major food and beverage corporation concerning a training supervisor position. I was ecstatic! I said within myself, if this is for me God, you will make it happen! I felt so peaceful about the opportunity.

The company that I was working for made several counter offers; some of which were VERY hard for me to refuse. But in the end I chose purpose over immediate financial pleasures. And what a wise decision that was... {If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him~James 1:5}.

I landed a better paying job, that was closer to home with stellar benefits in a career that I loved!!! I give God all the glory, the praise and the honor to Him because it is in this economy that He blessed me with a new opportunity to fuel my passion and to fulfill my purpose in life!

I hope that my testimony will encourage you to keep your faith in troubled times!

T.G.I.F.

2010-08-20T14:03:00.004-05:00

It's Friday and I can hardly wait to go on a date with Mr. Falsetto!!!! I will return on Monday to finish up my Keeping the Faith to Endure series...hopefully! In other news, I did something really exciting yesterday!!! I will have to wait to tell you more on that! sOrRy)!

Have a great weekend!

Keeping the Faith to Endure in Troubled Times: My Personal Testimony Part II

2010-08-17T06:09:00.000-05:00

It took all that I had to get used to the day to day operations of my new positions... I had to make sooo many adjustments. Among those were:

Moving from the corporate level to the local level
The work load
Managing over 30 hourly employees
The hours {my hours were very flexible in my previous position}
and most of all the MONEY!!!!!

I could be a little more detailed, but I digress. After spending the first few months in agony, I got this *bright* idea that maybe God had put me there for a reason. So I repented for being unthankful and I made a vow to Him that I would fulfill His purpose for Him having me there for such as time as this...

It was not long after that; that He revealed His purpose for my being there... It was so simple for me to receive but so hard for me to give... My purpose for being there was to share and show the love of God in my life and in my daily walk with Him....

Wow! What a mission to complete...

So I began to channel my creativity and have {themed} monthly birthday parties and holiday celebrations for my staff . That fostered so much unity... So many lives were touch and so many began to love and to care about one another...

Soon I was so engulfed with helping God's people that I forgot all about the 100 applications that I had on the job market. I was so engulfed with helping God's people that forgot all about me, my problems and my situation. It was all about the people of God!

Keeping the Faith to Endure in Troubled Times: My Personal Testimony Part I

2010-08-16T06:09:00.001-05:00

In 2009, I had several major challenges that I faced that really *shook* the core of my faith. One of those things was being affected by the RIF {reduction in workforce} that my company had implemented.

I can remember it like was yesterday... It was a beautiful, sunny Friday afternoon and I had just finished my last training session. The location at which I was training was less than an hour away and I was on the way back home. It was going to be a great weekend... That is... until the phone rang...

They wanted me to come by the office which was an hour in the opposite direction in which I was currently traveling... So, I made a U-turn and perhaps one of the longest trips that I had *ever* made in my life...

I knew that it was not going to be good, but somehow I had this assurance that everything was going to be okay. My company had been riffing for the past year and somehow they always managed to do it on a Friday. Their reasoning was that it was statistically proven that lay-offs and terminations were always better to do at the end of the work week. I am not sure as to who was responsible for those stats, however, I was seriously consider finding someone else to do that job... What a way to spoil someone's weekend!!!!!

After what seemed to be a 15 hour drive; I arrived at the office. Inside the HR manager awaited me armed with a severance package and an option to take a lower paying job that I knew that I would not enjoy nearly as much as I loved training. I was devastated! They assured me that it was not performance related and of all the riff's that had taken place that day; I was the only one who had received a counter offer... I immediately thanked God for thank opportunity and listened to the rest of their spill that really sounded like whomp, whomp, whomp to me at the time...

Now my beautiful, sunny day did not seem so sunny and bright now... The weekend that was initially going to be filled with fun, shopping and good food would now become a weekend filled with decisions, decisions and more decisions. They gave me a week to make a final decision.

So after much fasting, praying and seeking spiritual guidance from my leaders I decided to humble myself and take the lower paying job...

{to be continued}

The 2010 Miss North Alabama Pageant

2010-08-11T06:10:00.003-05:00

This year's Miss North Alabama Pageant was a huge success!!!! God truly answered all my prayers concerning this event and He definitely exceeded my expectations!!!! I give God the glory because He ensures that all we set our hands to be will be blessed!

Here some of the winner's from this year's pageant! They were all very beautiful and poised young ladies.

I pray that next year will be {doubly} successful as this pageant is used for a fundraiser to support the Free to Sow, Free to Grow and Free to Flow Praise Dance Ministries. This praise dance group is affiliated with New Birth Ministries and community outreaches throughout the Shoals area...

Take and Bake Pizza

2010-08-10T05:52:00.003-05:00

About a month ago Mr. Falsetto and I ordered a take and bake pizza from Papa Murphy. What it take and bake?

According to Papa Murphy's it is whatever you want whenever you want... It is handmade and fresh. You get to choose your favorite Papa Murphy's pizza or create your own custom pizza - get exactly what you want. Then they will make your pizza fresh right before your eyes with the finest ingredients.

Once you make your selection; you take your pizza home and bake it in your oven whenever you are ready. Every Take 'N' Bake pizza from Papa Murphy's is always served piping hot and delicious. It doesn't get any easier!

It made a fun movie and date night... I wasn't particularly fond of the toppings that he choose but it was still good. Here are the steps that {we} took...

First, {we} removed the plastic....

Then {we} placed it in a preheated oven, and waited for 30-45 minutes. This was the most grueling part of the process as we were both {starvacious} LOL....

Finally, the wait was over and we dove into this baby.... It was delish!!!!

We really enjoyed this!!!! I don't know that we would be doing this again in the near future, but we had a fun first experience!

Diamond's 2nd Sesame {Sweet} Birthday Bash

2010-08-05T06:00:00.008-05:00

We recently celebrated Diamond's 2nd birthday with a Sesame {Sweet} themed birthday bash. We ended up with the theme Sesame {Sweet} because her theme was originally going to be Candy Land. After her undeniable love for Elmo blossomed; we decided to combine the two.

Fusing the two themes together was such a blessing because the color schemes were the same! Ha! Go and figure that one! I was so happy with the outcome of the invitations, decorations, gift wrapping and the overall outcome of the party... Let me share it with you...

You're invited!!! I love these lollipop invites! They worked well in the theme {fusion}...

These are the gifts that I wrapped for her. I {heart} gift wrapping...

The Sesame Street gift wrapping paper was a hit!

Next the decor... Notice all the vibrant colors... I so wish that I had {real} photography skills...

The cake was phenomenal...

And lastly the fun... The party was held at a splash pad. And with the Alabaman heat; the location was perfect!

The birthday party was a blast... I have a {Sweet 13} coming up in a few weeks... I can't wait to share it with you. Hint: The theme is Top Model and the colors are zebra and pink!

Do you know of any great party planning sites? Would you like to share them with me?

Hello August!!!!

2010-08-01T21:56:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that it is August already! Where is the year going??? LOL! I have been busy beyond belief... One project after the other... And enjoying every waking moment of it!!!

There are sooo many ideas/thoughts/plans/visions swarming around my head right now... I think that I will take a moment to {gather} myself over the next few weeks.... I really need to chart my course for the remainder of year... I have a short time to do some major things and by the grace of God; it is going to happen!!!!

I just wanted to pop in for a moment to say hello... More updates to come... I am going to turn it in now :)!

Visuality Events: A Fabulous 33rd Birthday Bash

2010-07-14T08:38:00.000-05:00

I think that this is the last of the birthday parties that I will be featuring...for now! It thrills me to share with you this birthday celebration that proclaimed fun and fabulousity...

I did not take a picture of the invites; but they were absolutely fab! Kimora Lee Simmons reality television show, "Life in the Fab Lane," and her fragrance "Fabulosity" both served as the driving force of inspiration for this clients birthday theme, "The Fabuluos Life of *Annie*." (*name changed to protect to innocent, lol)

This party was also held at George’s Steak Pit, a locally owned fine dining steak house, that was founded in the mid 1950’s by George and Vangie Vafinis.

The tablescape was opulent. I drew from the gold colors of the perfume advertisements and added rhinestones and lots of candlelight to achieve the overall look and appeal that we had envisioned.

I also added rhinestones to the gold chargers to carry out the theme throughout the tablescape. Just like Kimora, this client likes everything over the top... She could *never* get enough bling...

Each guest received two favors. One was a beautiful basket, seen below, that contained an assortment of chocolate treats and the other was a small cellophane package that contained two chocolate covered strawberries that read "Thank You."

The cake was really, really cute and I heard that tasted even better than it looked.

Overall, this party was a success. All the glitter, the glitz and the glamour made for a very enjoyable and memorable celebration.

Visuality Events: Kylin's King of the Jungle Baby Shower

2010-07-13T06:31:00.000-05:00

In May of 2009, I planned a Jungle themed baby shower so for this shower I was able to incorporate many of the same ideas; especially the centerpieces. You can read the full recap of last year's shower here.

With that in mind, I began to work on projects that would enable me to pair new concepts and ideas along with the pre-existing ones.

For a different take on the centerpieces, I replaced the glass mirrors with bamboo place mats.

I also embellished the wooden frame from the Dollar Tree. It tied in with the theme as well as enhanced the gift table.

Lastly, I made a DIAPER CAKE! You read it right... For the first time in my life I created a DIAPER CAKE! I was very pleased with my trial run, but for future ones I would ensure that the diapers are all white and I would use a thicker ribbon...

Using ideas from a precious event and improving them; made planning this event somewhat challenging. I had to channel my creativity in ways in which I probably never would have thought to do had I not been presented with this opportunity...

The most important lesson that I have learned from this experience is that creativity is recyclable. Use it and reuse it... that's how you progress from goodness to greatness!

Up next, a fabuluos 33rd birthday party!

Visuality Events: Sex in the City Themed 30th Birthday Party

2010-07-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

Planning a Sex-in-the-City Themed birthday party was extremely challenging for me. Why?

I never really watched Sex-in-the-City television show.
I am not all that familiar with the characters or the plot of the show, but I must admit I loved their fashion.

I never watched Sex in the City I...

Therefore, I had no plans in watching Sex in the City II...

Now do you understand why it was so hard for me to plan this party? LOL! I actually had to do research...but in the end it really payed off. The Birthday girl was very pleased with the party and that makes for a very happy me :)!

Let's recap...

First off the invites....

I used paper from the Martha Stewart eyelet line and embellished them with some old scrapbooking stickers that I had in my stash for over 3 or so years...

Next up the centerpieces..

Because of the limited space; I went with small items that would make a big impact... I purchased the round vases from the Dollar Tree. They were filled with the same crystals that were hanging from the candlelit black iron centerpieces and I placed a large Gerber daisy on top. I loved the way that they turned out!

My favorite piece of the night... the birthday cake!!!

I absolutely loved it! Have I said this before? Yep! LOL!

After dinner, the girls headed Chili's to grab a Cosmo before catching Sex in the City II.

I, on the other hand, loaded my car and headed home. This party was my 3rd and final event for the day...

Up next, a baby shower fit for a King....of the Jungle that is!

Visuality Events: Mecossia's Foxy and Forty Birthday Bash

2010-07-09T05:25:00.011-05:00

Okay, I am really playing catch-up here! LOL! If you can remember....I announced....ok subtly announced... that I launched a small event planning business called Visuality Events and Designs.

It simply amazes me when I think about the gifts and the talents that God has placed on the inside of us. It is hard for me to believe sometimes that up until two years ago; I had never, ever planned an event or had any desire for event planning. And now I have been bringing joy and happiness to the faces of many men, women and children through taking their {vision} for their special event and making it their {reality}.

So today I am sharing with you the images from Mecossia's Foxy and Forty Birthday Party. I thoroughly enjoyed planning this event. In alignment with the {Foxy} aspect of the theme; I decided to go with the oh-so-chic pink and zebra print. It was so appropriate for this occasion! I hope that you enjoy the images.

You're invited! Here are the invitations were sent to her guest. I found these at TJ Maxx on clearence! I believe that they are from the Martha Stewart wedding invitation line. I loved them and they really set the atomsphere for this {foxy} birthday bash!

Her party was held George’s Steak Pit, a locally owned fine dining steak house, that was founded in the mid 1950’s by George and Vangie Vafinis.

We placed a sign outside the restaurant to welcome our birthday girl. I can't take credit for this, her wonderful husband Casey created and executed this wonderful idea.

Now on to the tablescape... I went really simple and sophisticated her and used black vases with all pink rose arrangements. I think that they turned out splendid! I really need to hire a professional photographer or become better at capturing the beauty of every element of the event. But I digress... One thing that I did not capture was the beautiful array of candles and the different shades of rose petals that graced the table. It was simply stunning!

Next are the thank you cards, that matched the sign and the birthday banner... all compliments of her cre8tive hubby. I propped these against the water glasses on the table. They had a great effect and I was sure that the guess would not overlook them there! Lol!

And last but not least, the birthday cake! It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!!!! The Victorian Tea Room was responsible for this beautiful creation.

So there you have it! A Foxy and Forty Birthday Bash that was comprised of elegance, fun and class! Who says that you can't have it all?

And that's wrap....this event has been {Visualized} by Visuality!

Up next, a Sex in the City themed 30th birthday celebration...

My Version of a Sarong... It's a Wrap

2010-07-07T06:05:00.004-05:00

On the 4th of July I put on my sarong and attempted to take several pictures of me in it (displaying the different styles), but Mr. Falsetto grew a little antsy after the second photo shoot (boo)!

However, on a good note, after watching youtube I was able tie my sarong in at least seven styles that I would definitely wear on vacation or in everday day life.

Here is my first take... The halter neck....

I wanted to add the belt, but I could not find the one that I wanted to use right away.... Maybe I will get to do a Part II really soon :).

Here is the second take... The one shoulder......

I really loved this one... I mean really... but the dress made me look a lot bigger than I am! That's wear the belt would have been handy! LOL!

Overall the sarong was extremely comfortable and is known all around the world as a staple of the wardrobe. {I guess I am a little late getting in on this one.. LOL!}

Here are two great ways to wear what is essentially nothing, but a large piece of fabric. The best part of it is that when travleing it will take up very little room in your suitcase. Take a few sarongs and you won't even need clothes! If you are like me you can use the extra room to bring even more shoes, hand bags and jewelry!

It's a Wrap

2010-07-03T21:53:00.005-05:00

A good friend of mine went on a cruise to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary and brought me back a beautiful sarong as a souvenir!

I absolutely loved it! Here are a few ways that I may consider wearing it...

Look #1- I like this one.... It is very simple and looks like an easy tie to duplicate... I think that this look paired with some cute sandals would be ideal for an outdoor event.

Look #2- This version in the right pattern/fabric can be worn almost anywhere... The belt just adds so much class to it! The only change that I would make would be to add a pair of 4 1/2 inch stilettos :~)!

Look #3- My absolute favo! Nuf said!

I think that I will mosey on over to youtube and see how I can recreate this looks...

Until next time!

Buggin' Out!

2010-06-07T07:08:00.000-05:00

I told you all how behind I was in my blog post and just to prove it here is a post about my goddaughter McKenzie's 2nd Birthday Party. Since her birthday was on Valentine's day, we decided to go with a love bug/lady bug theme... She doesn't look really happy in this photo because I caught her a little off guard... However, I love the serious look!

Now this one is more McKenzie... in full effect... See what I mean? ANTM I think we have a winner... LOL!
If I had been going in sequential order; I would have put these photos first... but at any rate here are the invitations created by yours truly.... Are they just too cute?

I just love these... Take note of the love bug on the return address area and the {love stamp}....

And what about a close up of the cake..... just darling...

And last but not least, a group shot of the birthday party gang! We had a blast!

This year I have hosted several "milestone" birthday parties... Stay tuned for more...

Up next.... a {Foxy and Forty Birthday Bash}!

A Sweet Shower for a Sweet Baby Girl

2010-06-04T05:40:00.001-05:00

Somehow, someway I became the official event planner for my old job =~)! Don't get me wrong... I enjoyed every moment of it!
This shower was for Tonya and her sweet baby girl. She decided to go with the ever-so-popular pink and brown. I just can not get enough of it...

I did not get as many pictures of the shower as I would have liked; but I did manage to get a picture of this cute little diaper cake... Another coworkers daughter made it for the shower...Isn't it just a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e?
I loved it! So much so that I promised myself that I would learn how to make one....

Side note: **** If you ever want to learn how to make a diaper cake, YouTube is a wonderful resource!*********

A Shower for Sandra

2010-06-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Back in March I hosted a birthday party/ bridal shower for Sandra at work.... Sandra is was one of my favorite employees as she always made me the absolute best homemade salsa ever!!!!

I decided to go with pink and zebra as the theme... The picture frame seen above and the candles seen below where purchased at the Dollar Tree and embellished with ribbon, rhinestones and flowers that were all in my scrapbooking stash at home!

I once asked a very popular event planner/florist if he could offer me one tip for hosting/having a fabulous event and he said lights make a world of difference.... And I believed that he was right! Here are a few more close-ups of the candle light....

And for my most cr8tive piece.... An altered bucket.... I purchased the bucket and ladle below from the Dollar Tree and altered it to make a punch bowl/bucket. As you can see I removed the handle and embellished it using the ribbon and flowers from my scrapping stash...

It was a major hit and I am soo proud of it!

Have you altered any common household items only to become a hit at your event? If so what was it and how was it used?

Up next.... do you have your umbrella!

I predict that a few showers are headed your way!

Is it really June 2nd?

2010-06-02T22:33:00.003-05:00

I simply can not believe how quickly the time has passed... So many things have been happening in my world that I think that it is almost easier to just pick up where I am now than to try and go back and recap the past few months.

But I love you guys so much that I will not cheat you all like that =)! Instead, I will try and play catch up over the next few days/weeks/months.... LOL!

Up next.... Showers of Blessings!

Chuck-e Cheese's.....Where a Kid Can be a Kid!

2010-05-02T19:08:00.000-05:00

A few months ago Mr. Falsetto and I took out our goddaughter, Diamond, on a little outing. Since we live in a somwhat rural area, we are very limited as to where we can enjoy time with our little "sparkle." So we headed off to Chuck-e Cheese's...

Now, I must admit that I was very anxious about our little outing... #1 because Mr. Falsetto and I were getting to take Diamond to Chuck-e Cheese's and it would be her first time going... and #2 because neither one of us had darted the door since it was Show Biz....

Being Show Biz prior before becoming Chuck-e Cheese was not a big deal, but what was a big deal was this:

We both feared this creature and as adults dreaded seeing anything remotely like it! As we recapped our childhood stories about our encounters with these creatures; we laughed so hard that we could not breath and could not wait to share Diamond's first trip to Chuck-e Cheese.

After picking up Diamond, we made quick dash for gas and cash before we journeyed on to Chuck-e Cheese. Upon our arrival, we were overwhelmed by all the families and children who were also out spending time with their loved ones. It did not take long for us to warm up to the crowd and be able to capture moments like this...

We truly enjoyed ourselves and especially our time with Diamond. Once we got back her to home and placed her back into the arms of her loving and wonderful parents... she began to whimper... that blessed our hearts beyond measure... As I am writing this entry, it is still very hard for me to find the words to express how I felt in that moment...

I guess I can just some-up all up by saying that she glimmers everywhere that she goes and because she is in my heart... she glimmers there too...

Crazy for Christ

2010-04-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

As I was driving along to work one morning... I saw this...

I looked over to my passenger seat and noticed that my camera was hanging out of my purse... Without a second thought I grabbed the camera and proceeded to chase this truck as if I were a member of the paparazzi...

I was so captivated by this painting and when I got close enough to the read the words; I just rejoiced. They read: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)

I know that I may have looked a little crazy riding down the road chasing this truck trying to get a photo to share with you guys in bloggyland... but if I must be called {crazy}.... I would much rather be Crazy for Christ!

Don't Count Me Out....

2010-04-08T05:20:00.004-05:00

Do you have the new Marvin Sapp cd, "Here I Am?" Oh my.... it is such a blessing!!! If you do not have it, I would encourge you to go and grab a copy today...

Although the most popular song on this cd is "The Best in Me," my favorite track happens to be #8, "Don't Count Me Out." I just love the lyrics. He is a very annointed writer, psalmist, artist, and most of all Man of God!

If you are looking for a cd that is uplifting and that will nuture your mind, body and soul... this is the one... it will minister to you right where you are today...in your car, in your home, in your office... this is {such as time} as this type music...

Go out and grab a copy and leave me some feedback :).....

Until next time,

Don't Count Me Out!

Reaching {Out} to the Community: Ministering Outside of the 4 Walls

2010-03-26T22:00:00.004-05:00

As I sit here typing this entry, I am propping my eyelids open with some twigs (LOL). Not really... But I have been working off of less than 5 hours of sleep and loads of positive energy! Simply put, my spirit is just overwhelmed with joy and excitement.

Why?

Because tomorrow, my church is hosting it's first outreach for 2010 and I am excited about all that God has done and all that He is doing.

The general itinerary for NBM Outreach is as follows:

Opening and Welcome

Prayer

Praise Dance

Step

Praise Dance

Play, “Once My World Ended, My Life Began”

Altar Call

Closing Remarks

Benediction

Lunch Will Be Served

The reason that I said that it was a general itinerary is that we will defeinitely allow time for the Holy Spirit to move as He pleases to minister to the people. If you read the program carefully, you will notice that there is not a quote "sermon." Instead, the Holy Spirit promoted our pastor to task us with the challenge of writing and creating a skit that will address issues with teenage suicide, premarital sex, single parenting, child molestation, poor grades in school, low self esteem, insecuirty, rejection, poverty, gossip, back-biting, lies, slander, sexually transmitted diseases, and all of many issues that teens face on a daily basis.

It is my belief that this play will minister to the children and parents alike. Not only will it minister to them, but it will allow them to identify with the various scenerios within the skit and to find solutions to their problems by choosing to end their world (way of living and thinking) and to begin their lives for Christ.

So as we break out our of four walls to "reach" out to the community; please pray for God's peace, purpose and power to manifest in our lives and the lives of those connected to us...

God Bless!

M'Shonta

Hollywood Glam: "The Long Overdue Birthday Recaps"

2010-02-24T00:35:00.007-06:00

Warning: This post is long and pic heavy, but I promise you this is the brief version!!!!

I promised you months and months ago that I would recap my Hollywood Glam themed 30th birthday party... Just a couple of days ago 2.22.2010 to be exact; it dawned on me that I have been 30 for two whole months and I have yet to recap my party as I promised.

In between all the pageant training, coaching and judging all while holding down a full-time job and volunteering in the ministry... Somehow I have shamelessly failed the test of time... However, I must admit that it has been time well spent.

I orginally planned to recap my birthday detail by detail, but at this point I don't think that it will serve much of a purpose... So I have made the decision to share with you the "Highlights of Hollywood Glam."

I kicked off the day with hair and make-up at Demi-House Salon in Huntsville. Unfortunately, I did not get a before pic of my hair, but I did manage to get a before of my face. Not too shabby... the hair really helps :)!

In between hair and makeup, I made a last minute dash to Bebe's still on the quest to find the perfect purple birthday dress. Yes... the day of my party... And yes... it HAD TO BE PURPLE... My colors were purple, black, silver and white. I already had several at home (7 to be exact), but none of them tickled my fancy like this one... Perfect... And best of all it was on the sale rack!!! Cha Ching! There is nothing like the {perfect} dress for the {perfect} price!

I darted out the door after hair and make-up and headed to my official 30th birthday photo shoot. Side note: the only {new} outfit that I wore for my official photoshoot was the purple dress that I purchased for the party...everything else of oomc {out of my closet}. Even the yellow dress, I bought it after prom season last year for less than $30.00. Here a few shots from the photo shoot. I will not bore you with them...

I am an extrememly proud aunt... and this picture made me just that much more proud to be the aunt of this blossoming beauty. She could not withstand all lights and cameras... she had to get in on the action... {Tear jerking moment: A little diva in the making... I am so proud)!

Next off to the birthday party...

Shortly after I concluded my photoshoot, Mr. Falsetto arrived and wisked me off to the party. We entered the room and I walked the {red carpet} jigging to "Make this a Night to Remember." {singing} I'm gonna make this a night to re-mem-ber....

Next, I glanced at all the beautiful decor done by Something Ele'gant Events and Florals and I smiled within... I was delighted! Mr. Falsetto did well in setting the tone for such a glamourous event! {I hate that I did not get better/more pics of all the decor...it was beautiful)!

After a brief introduction by Mr. Falsetto I proceeded to greet all my guest personally and take a moment for photo opps. Yeah, true Hollywood Glam style. Here are a few of my favo shots of the night:

The Family

Tish and I

Mr. Falsetto and I

Dad and I

The food was delish and my birthday cake was beautiful and truly fit for a "queen." However, Mr. Falsetto put the "icing on the cake" when he sung happy birthday to me....truly making it a night to remember...

After the food, cake, and gift opening... We played an orginial game created by {yours truly}entitled "Hollywood Glam Movie Trivia." It was a hit!!! The only pic that I have of the game cards is the one that she is holding in her hand in the picture below... Can you see it? Ummm... Maybe I will recap that one later along with my "Hollywood Walk of Fame" inspired guestbook in which guest signed their autographs on stars as they arrived at the party. It was also a hit because everyone was a star!!!! Oh yeah and the invites... I will have to do a recap on all paper goods!

And after all the formalities we danced the night away....

What a night to remember.... It was true Hollywood Glam.

"Glamour is something you can't bear to be without once you're used to it."

~Author Unknown

What a {Love} Day

2010-02-15T17:38:00.004-06:00

I must say that this {Love} Day was the best day ever! I.mean.the.very. best! Let's recap... shall we?

I took off work on Friday... I decided that after all of holiday hoopla and the very busy pageant season that I needed to take a {me} day. So I took a {me} day and journeyed to Huntsville to indulge myself in some {super} star treatment at a day spa. Hmmmmm! Just pure goodness!

Manicure (check)

Facial (check)

Pedicure (double check) I needed to winterize my feet :)!

Hair (check) (I wanted it cut, but that did not work out... Looong story)!

After finishing up a long day of unsuccessful sale shopping I decided to journey back home... Mr. Falsetto instructed me to be back in town by 6:00 p.m. (I have been known to take several extended trips in the past... What can I say? The sales and Thai food were both very good). But this time that was not the case so I headed back towards Florence around 4:00 p.m.

On the way back I got a call from someone needing me to stop by and look at something... Ah man! I told him that I would be back by 6:o0; so I did the right thing and gave him a call and he assured me that it was okay :)! Great... So I stopped by her place and got so excited and caught up in the moment that I lost track of time.... ten minutes until seven my phone rang.... Oops what time is it?

Mr. Falsetto: You lied to me!

Me: How?

Mr. Falsetto: You told me that you would be home by 7:00 p.m. You lied!

Me: Uummm, baby I am sorry! I didn't lie, I will be there in 5 minutes (and I zoomed out the door and into the car). Five minutes later I arrived at my place and Mr. Falsetto met me outside.

Mr. Falsetto: How long will it take you to get dressed? We are supposed to be at dinner at 8:00 p.m.

Me: (Grabbing a pair a jeans by the loop out of a shopping bag) Ummm! Not long I promise. (I proceeded to climb the stairs)

Mr. Falsetto: How long again???

Me: 30 minutes... My hair and everything is already done... I just need to freshen up and change clothes.

Mr. Falsetto: Yeah right!!! That will be a miracle! ( I am notorious for taking too long to get dressed for a date)

Me: (walking into the cracked door) Oh my God!!!!

Mr. Falsetto: Yes, we are having dinner in tonight. I had your favorite Italian restaurant to cater it! Your favorite dish is Stuffed Chicken Marsala right?

Me (trembling with excitement): Yes! Yes, it is !

Mr. Falsetto: I thought so... Have a seat... (He proceeded to pull out the chair for me to be seated and I sat there staring at the beauty that surrounded me). Wanna see?

Is it 2010 Already???? Where has the time gone???

2010-01-07T19:39:00.003-06:00

i can not believe that it is January already. i had so many plans for this ole' blog of mine...

i planned to post a recap of 2009 like the ones seen on two of my favo blogs: From Marriage to Motherhood (formerly An Atlanta Bride) and Adrienne's Little World. {Yeah it is 2010 already... i will just count that one as a missed opportunity}

i planned to do a step by step post of the planning of my 30th birthday. {This never happened; but maybe the recaps will suffice}

i planned to take photos by the Christmas tree with my goddaughter Diamond, but this did not happen because we ran out of time. The second year in a row!!! {My Christmas tree is now in storage, but i will solve this issue next year! These photos will be taken as soon as my tree goes up... huuuummmph! LOL!}

i planned to recap all the events that "Visuality" planned in December. {Again I ran out of time and even forgot to take pictures. Now that was a mess because it was in my opinion some my best work..}
i planned to.....
and to.....

There were so many things that i wanted to do in 2009, but it just did not happen. i guess what took precedence were my plans to spend the remainder of my year enjoying my friends, family and loved ones... and i did just that.

So to 2009, farewell.... what a year it was! i laughed, i cried, i built, i destoyed, i learned, i forgot, i moved on, i stayed, i saw, i was blind, i mourned, i danced, i won and i lost...but most of all i grew!!!! i want to continue this growth so in 2010, i don't plan to but i will live out Jeremiah 29:11 to the fullest:

" 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." (NIV)

If nothing else in 2009... i learned one very valuable lesson... God plans for your life are always in your best interest!

So in 2010, i challenge you to live out Jeremiah 29:11 in your life and do so on purpose!

Preparing for the Party of the Year...

2009-12-08T08:10:00.003-06:00

Just to give you a little update... I will be taking a mini hiatus from the ole' bloggy blog for the next few days... I am having to spend every.free.moment. that I have planning for my 30th birthday party. Not to worry... When I returned I promise to post full picture heavy, detailed recaps as the paparazzi will be in attendance...

Until next time!!!!

A Christmas Photoshoot Gone Bad

2009-12-04T00:00:00.002-06:00

After the fashion extravaganza we proceeded to the living room with plans of capturing a cute snapshot of the little one in front of the Christmas tree. We decided to pose the picture a bit and gave a ornament to the little one so that she could {pretend} as if she were hanging it. (Did I mention that she is only 21 months old) No, things did not go as planned and I never got that perfect shot that I had envisioned... Don't judge me.... I told you that I wasn't a mother! LOL! Instead she became totally engrossed/frustrated with trying to get the ornament to hang back on the tree and refused to cooperate for the photo {insert sad face}.

After many tireless efforts on my behalf to get the {perfect} shot and on her behalf to get the freakin' ball-ball (as she calls it) to hang on the tree; we decided to play a game of patty-cakes with feet.

I had a joyous time with my friends... This is what Christmas is all about... Making Memories!

Rippin' the Runway in Stilettos

2009-12-03T00:00:00.001-06:00

Saturday night, one of my goddaughters (who happens to be 21 months) visited me while she and her mom were out and about purchasing Christmas decorations for their home. Lemme' tell you....she was a hoot! Upon entering the house she proceeded to my bedroom and started browsing through my vast collection of stilettos. Finally she selected a pair (the most comfortable pair btw) and immediately began to rip the runway!

We ALL fell into the floor laughing as hard as we possibly could. This.little.chic put on a pair of 31/2 to 4 inch stilettos and walked in them 300 times better than most adults that I saw in the mall during the Thanksgiving holidays. I did not get a picture of her actually walking in them; but I did manage to com[pose] myself enough to snap these shots!

I am not yet a mother, but watching little girls play in high heels brings about a somewhat maternal inner diva joy that I just can not explain... Perhaps, I won't think it is as cute one day when my little one grabs a pair of my priceless pumps and precedes to rip the runway or hallway.. But for now I think it's a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e and I can't wait to tune in for the next fashion show.

So... Do you have any little divas that pass their playtime to pick out their favorite pair of shoes? What is your favorite dress-up story of all times?

Up next, the little diva trims the Christmas tree..literally!

All Decked Out

2009-12-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

While on Thanksgiving vacay I decided to go ahead and deck out my home for the holidays. From a girl who was never into Christmas trees until about two years ago; I think that I did A-okay. Now don't expect to see a fabulous tree like you would see over at Teresa's.... I am still working to get there! LOL! She is my inspiration!

As I started to unpack all of the containers that housed all of my Christmas decor; I was surprised to find all of the items that I scored after Christmas last year! It was like shopping all over again. I was so giddy! I was good that I made those purchases late last year and earlier this year because I was.not.at.all.happy.with.the.Christmas.wrapping.paper.for.this.year! Not.at.all! LOL!

However, I had a joyous time putting the tree together with Mr. Falsetto. We listened to Christmas music, sang along, sipped on Welch's White Grape Juice and before we knew it we were done! Here are the finished results! ( I am not loving my green bow; I am debating getting another one made this week) Enjoy!

P.S. ~ All seasoned Christmas tree decorators---Please feel leave comments on the likes/dislikes about this tree! I welcome any/all suggestions!

A Sneak Peek...

2009-12-01T00:00:00.005-06:00

I have been working hard all weekend to create this... I will be sharing the completed project with you very, very soon....

Thanksgiving Cupcake Stand

2009-11-30T00:00:00.000-06:00

I created this a while back for a harvest themed party; but I did not get the opportunity to post it. As fate would have it; I was able to reuse it at a company Thanksgiving dinner. It was fairly easy to make and relatively inexpensive.

Supplies:

1 large square cardboard box (free)

1 medium square cardboard box (free)
1 yard of brown fabric ($1.00/yard at Wal-Mart)

1/2 yard of orange fabric ($1.99/yard at Wal-Mart)

1 roll of brown and white striped ribbon ($3.99/ at Hobby Lobby)

3 floral fall picks ($1/each at Dollar Tree)

Glue Gun

Glue Sticks

Toothpicks

Fall Leaves ($1/per pack at Dollar tree)

This can be re-created for almost any event. If you have question please feel free to leave me a comment and I will be more than happy to assist you.

Creating a Prettier Christmas Tree

2009-11-18T00:00:00.000-06:00

I am so engrossed with all things Christmas related that I am spending every free moment that I get surfing the net for ideas to spruce up my space for the holidays. Today I came across these tips on http://www.bhg.com/ on how to create a prettier Christmas tree. So go and grab and cold glass of milk and some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and I will be here when you get back...

Got it..... Great! Now sit back and clear your mind so that you are able to tap into the tips provided and imagine all the different ways to deck your halls...

Tip #1: Think Overscale
Our first tree illustrates a technique that most home decorators miss: using overscaled ornaments. The large silver balls and stars have a huge impact. Though oversized decorations may cost a bit more, you won't need many (about a dozen for an average size tree), and the effect will be stunning.

Tip #2: Stick with a Theme
A large white butterfly gives a clue to the leafy garden theme of this tree. Green dragonflies and a selection of artificial leaf sprays add to the theme that's further enhanced with green ornaments and glittered netting. Even the tree skirt was embellished with floral sprays.

Tip #3: Glam It Up
Crystals add sparkle and shine to any tree. Because they are see-through, however, you'll want to place them near lights and mix them in with more colorful items.

Tip #4: Fill in with Floral Sprays
Fill gaps between branches with floral filler such as silk flower sprays, leaf bunches, or a DIY nosegay as shown here. We used a base of artificial leaves, a floral pick of silver berries, and green ornaments, then wired and tied it with sheer ribbon. Plan to make at least 24 of these decorations for an 8-foot tree.

Tip #5: Remember to Repeat
Repeat one type of ornament so it creates a color, shape, or theme through a tree. These red decorations help unite the other one-of-a-kind ornaments. We recommend buying two to four dozen of a main theme element (like these red balls). Various sizes, shapes, or finishes of such an element will add even more flair.

I hope that these tips were as helpful to you as they were/are to me. There are actually a total of 12 tips on the site, but I chose to only share a few. Do you have any other tips that you would like to share?

Dreamin' of a Pink Christmas....

2009-11-17T00:01:00.001-06:00

While searching the web for more inspiration for my pink and green theme; I came across the following images:

I love the originality and shades of pink and gold in this tree... Also take note of the beautifully wrapped gifts...

{Source}

What about the continuation of the clock theme onto the stockings... Hmmm... What a nice idea... I think that I will be stashing this one in my BOI (Book of Inspirations).

{Source}

The pink and green balls below make me smile.... I love them! These would probably look really good on a wreath. Note to self: find a tutorial on how to make a Christmas wreath... It can't be that bad right?

Okay... that's all for now... Excuse me while I swoon over Christmas decor and gift wrap. Are there any websites that you visit to swoon over hoilday images?

Let Me Give you the Run Down...

2009-11-16T00:01:00.003-06:00

Sooo....

Where do we start? First of all let me say that I am elated to be back and I am sooo excited to share with you all the things that I have been up to since I have been on my blogging hiatus... There have been soo many new and exciting things going on in my life that I really do not know where to start...

How about a run down?

Lots and lots of scrapbooking... So much so that I have put up all of my supplies until the new year... Ooops! I forgot that little sister has to do a book for the debutante in January... I guess that I will take them back out for that... {insert sigh} After that it will be a very, very long time until I deal with any more pink and green paper!

Reading. I highly recommend Brand Me and Reordering Your Day. They changed my life and I am sure that they will do the same for you.

Decking the halls... Yeah, it's that time again... I think that I am going to use my pink and green tree once more this year and then I will begin shopping of cream and gold decor for next year.

Party Planning. Have a few parties coming up and I have to start working on a theme so that I can find my decor. I am really feeling the colors red, black and white right now..

Launching out. I am launching an event planning business with a close friend.

Focusing. I have been doing a lot of focusing and restructuring in my life. A lot of it brings me all the way back to the launching of this blog, Destiny Awakes. I have had some serious victories as far as my destiny and purpose goes, but I also have a lot of work to do in order to receive the full manifestation of what God has for my life. By focusing I have learned to be an "Eagle in the Chicken Business." (Title of my book that will be coming to you soon)

Cooking. Call me Mello-Garden. I have been trying several Olive Garden inspired recipes and they have turned out wonderfully. I have learned that when you are patient and passionate when you are cooking the dishes are always delectable! ( I really own an apron like this)!
Loving. I am learning to love and appreciate all that life has to offer. I just love my life and I love what God is doing in it!
Celebrating.... I am turning 30 this year and am not sure how I want to celebrate it! We will count down the days together and hopefully devise a plan as to how I can celebrate my life in a way that is creative, original, fun and reflective of me!

So, there you have it! A run down of what I have been doing over the past couple of months/weeks? What has been goin on in yours? Also, if you have any fun and creative ideas on how I can celebrate my 30th birthday please post them here. I would really appreciate it!Thanks!

My Weekend at the Creation Station

2009-10-30T16:49:00.005-05:00

This weekend, I will not be attending any Classic festivities (although I am a AAMU alum) or attending a chic custom party (don't celebrate Halloween)....

This weekend I will be docking in at the creation station...

I have a lot of really, really good news to share with you soon....

Stay tuned!