The approach......

Lately I have noticed there is an increase in the use of memes and person being expressive on Social media about: fake friends, jealous people,dream killers, negative talkers, gossipers, hypocrites, et al
I have found myself liking, reposting and commenting when applicable to the situation I'm faced with-sometimes when I want certain people to see. Yes I'm guilty!
However, lately I've been thinking, why is there a need to point out these characteristics and "throw shade?" We share htem hoping the person who has done us wrong, in our friend list or their associates will see it and feel embarrassed- I have been there- sometimes we just want to get it off our chest. There are times we even add captions like, "you know who you are,"
"I en calling name," "If the cap fit you draw the string." Often times I try to find the purpose for doing this; why not meet the one who has wronged you and calmly express your feelings.
As a christian I see no need for us to partake in such 'shady' behaviour. The Bible says, in Matt 18:15 Moreover if thy Brothershall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
That scripture hit me! This put simply, no need for shade, no need to make a scene but more importantly no need to tell anyone.
Also, there are times you are wronged by someone, but they have no idea. To them, their attitude may have been right but to you it wasn't.  This is based on perspective and how they have been nutured. There are times they cannot be blamed because issues of life stirs an emotional eruption, that wasn't meant for you.
Go calmly, state your claim,  disappointment and hurt.  Forgive as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Eph 4:32).

I will share about forgivess on another post...

Here are some verses that solidifies today's post:
Eph 4: 29- 32
Gal 6:1
2Tim 2:24-26
1John 1:7
Psalm 32:5

The journey of Peace

As I sat and looked at this photo. I started thinking of life, my christian journey, journey with friends and family and so on.
This picture (to me) shows that we all have a journey, a path on which we must walk...we may be walking the same roads but our experiences are quite different.  Some while walking may shake or waiver some maybe hit by leaves, twigs or falling branches others may slip through a loose board or slip when it gets wet.

It's a jungle out there, but it's imperative that you remain focused. Our priority should always be Christ first; He keeps our minds stable. He promised perfect peace if we keep our minds stayed on Him (Is. 26:3).

Many crave peace-through yoga, meditation, and different therapeutic forms of mind relaxation but, TRUE peace can only be found in Christ.

This photo on the flip side can depict the epitome of a peaceful environment, meditative,  therapeutic..... But this is temporary-what happens when this environment is no longer accessible? The song writer penned it so beautifully, "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."

Standing on Christ the Rock: Resting in Christ the shelter: Resisting the devil

Walk through the journey set before you with peace of mind, knowing God will be your everything...

My Journey

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." This was one of the scriptures that kept me; that kept my mind. In the song "No Fun Alone" by Mali Music, "it gets cold in this world, make sure somebody loves you...be there for you....it's no fun alone"
This was my problem, I had no one there, because I wanted no one there and even when I did, I was cautious and constructed a wall of defense before entering the conversation. My philosophy was 'people you know are more than likely to hurt you, than people you don't know.' However, this statement is not entirely true, everyone is prone to hurt and to being hurt.
God has called us to be friends.....
Proverbs 18:24(KJV)
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
I had to put myself out to be "friendly" not only as a business owner but as a Christian,  how can I minister to others with a selfish character?
Being friendly helps to eliminate the feeling of loneliness.  Having people around youwho share common goals etc, has proven to be very uplifting.
I had to pick myself up and TRUST God to strengthen my heart when disappointment comes.

I am still learning many things as human but more so, as a Christian.

2 Timothy 1:7King James Version (KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

My trip

I'm back! I know I didn't say I was going but, I'm back at home.
I spent the last 5 weeks in New York, shopping,  networking etc. This was my first time in the US and  it was a memorable one. I stayed with family, met family, made friends and of course got a chance to advertise my business.
I attended two events while in New York, the first put on by my fellow iGrind sister Seanna and her sister, together they are #naturalhairdoescare. It was a financial seminar and it was amazing, our presenter showed us how to apply principles to everyday issues, while showing us how they worked for her.  
The second was put on by Lusters for their You be Natural brand, this event also highlighted celebrity blogger Bella Kinks birthday celebration. We saw and learnt about the newest products from the Lusters line. Stylists were present demonstrating the use of products with different styles.

I was happy to meet so many naturals, business owners,  photographers, stylists and makeupartists.
Here are some pics