Hallmarks of True Love

1. A genuine interest in the other person and all that he or she says and does.
2. A community of tastes, ideals, and standards with no serious clashes.
3. A greater happiness in being with the one person than with any other.
4. A real unhappiness when the other person is absent.
5. A great feeling of comradeship.
6. A willingness to give and take.
7. A pride in the other person when comparisons are made.
-Newell W. Edson

I love my Treasure Chest book :-) had a crazy dream woke me up in a puzzled state of mind and this nugget help put my mind back at ease.

I said Yes

I will always remember September 19, 2009. On that night Brian proposed! It was very romantic. That morning he took me for a manicure and pedicure. Then we went shopping at the mall. I was not feeling well, actually I think I had a fever, he took care of me. We stopped by CVS he went into the store bought some medicine and orange juice for me. After we left CVS we went back to my parents and I rested for a few hours. He was very attentive, making sure I was ok. When I awoke I felt better. Glad I was feeling better we continued on with our plans. He treated me to Vic&Anthony’s, delicious food! I recommend everyone go there at least once. Following dinner he mentioned he wanted to go to the Water wall. We drove over there, walked around, took pictures… And that is when he got down on one knee.

Me being the silly fashonista that I am, said "what are you doing down there? you are going to get dirty". He then professed his love and asked me to marry him. I saw the ring, the one I have been wanting… The one that is on my vision board and tears started to fall. Under my breath I kept saying thank you Jesus!

Brian, the proposal, our story is all a testimony of the Lord. He gave me the desires of my heart. I refused to settle and the outcome I am marrying the man of my dreams. Good is so AMAZING!

Now it is time for me to plan a beautiful wedding. I am excited to share what the Lord has done for me. I wonder what Brian’s story will be…

I am sure I will have blogs to come with future wedding plans

Ladies I cannot say this enough, wait on the Lord, write your vision, state what you want in a man and whatever you do… DO NOT SETTLE!!! Men do the same when you are looking for your wife. The Lord did it for me and He will do it for you.

The future Mrs. Swartz

"I've got to be direct, If I'm more please--correct"... la la la la la

I have not really been in the blog mood. A lot has transpired since the summer… really needed me time, quiet time…keeping to myself…

But I am starting to feel renewed so for this blog…

Things that have been plaguing my mind or topics of conversation lately

I do not believe in sex before marriage. Now as a child of God, if you ask me how I feel on the subject I will tell you. Will I judge you if you are having sex? Of course not…

I am not perfect, that is not my place, in all honesty that is between you and the Lord.

Ok living together, I think that is a definite no no… more for protection of the woman. A lot of people I know that are living together plan on getting married but very few have made it to the altar or the courthouse. Why settle? Living together is not the Lords best. Once again though, if you are that is your prerogative, need someone to converse with, I am here to listen but if you ask me how I feel about it, I will be honest with you.

This is an interesting one, I had this conversation earlier. Same sex marriage… sorry not for it… God made marriage for men and women. I was so upset how they treated Miss California. I like her she stood for what she believed in.

Tattoos everywhere on your body? Why? One or two I get, covering your arms, neck, face, etc… I don’t

why do that? I cannot wait to see the people who have them all over their bodies in 40 years.

Ghetto fabulous names not my style… I will never understand why people put Ja’ La’ Sha’ or eka on every name. I mean do you, but it is not for me… not for many workplaces either.

Young girls wearing the most provocative outfits they can find just to go to the grocery store, or grab a bite to eat. I saw this one girl not too long ago at forever 21, had on some short shorts, bra top, wedges, so much makeup caked on her face it was pitiful. What happen to class? I left the store. I could not even shop in there after I saw that. Trying to attract attention? Ha the wrong attention not a good look.

PETA… they just annoy me, they really do. I love animals, I do not believe in animal cruelty however they are little too extreme for me. I was chatting earlier with someone and he said “ I was on my way home, animal was in the street, car saw the animal and swerved only problem almost hit a dude in the process” pitiful

Healthcare program… It is too expensive; too many people are without insurance some changes certainly need to be made

Chris Brown interview with Larry King hmmm… the Lawyer money well spent, he cleaned up every word that was questioned. Love how the lawyer said putting a fist through the window that is not assault that is vandalization… but in other words sounds like he did that too in the past. His mom she has been through a lot and I know she is just being supportive of her son; I will let her demeanor slide. Chris Brown, interview did not do a thing for me just shook my head. I pray he has learned from his mistakes and that he will get the help he needs.

My friend Kevin who was charged with assault, he punched a girl in the nose and has been serving time since 2003. He is up for probation in 2012. That still hurts he was wrong, should have never laid a hand on that girl. Sad

Wish he had the same attorney as Chris Brown.

On that note

I am out

Venting

I usually try to post something at least every month as of lately though, I have not felt the urge to blog... so... I decided to share a previous blog I wrote, when I was frustrated and just needed to vent.

Here goes...

You ever have one of those days where you just want to say shut up?!? Been around people where sometimes you think they just love to hear themselves talk… Lately I seem to be surrounded by these kinds of people and I cannot get a word in edge wise. One day I even tested my theory I would open my mouth to pretend like I was going to say something and before sound could come out the other person was talking. UHHHHH!!!!

I am all for listening but some days, I do not want to hear it or maybe I want someone to listen to me.

And then I have conversations, I want to express my thought, simply just converse. Yet those conversations seem to turn into arguments, debates, and heated conversations ahhh!!! Some days I just want to scream!

I want to say just because you believe it does not mean that it is right

Maybe here is a thought … everybody is not going to feel the same way

There is a way to talk to others without being insensitive of their feelings

Can I talk? I mean really? Can I speak?

Uggg asinine …

And people wonder why I am so quiet, and when I talk I give short answers… by the time they stop talking I am either tired, frustrated, over it, or realize it is no point of even trying to say anything.

I am glad that people are passionate in how they feel but you cannot always impose/ bully others into feeling the same way. Ding ding ding it turns people off! Well… at least I can say it turns me off…

And the sad thing I do not have anyone that I can talk to and they will just listen… sigh

I really miss those days.

Praise God for the Lord and Holy Spirit I know they are listening to me. Usually by this time I would put a spin on my blog … but today… I just do not have it in me… I just needed to vent

The Shack

Today the subject of my blog was “Venting” but there is a lot of truth in it that I know some are not ready to hear.  However when the time is right, you guys will see. Instead I decided to share a true treasure with you all…

I have been reading The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. We (me and Brian of course… who else) just finished reading chapter 14. This book is beautiful and eye opening. It is not about religion, it is about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It shows you how much in spite of ourselves and the messed up situations we get into, He loves us also He is not disappointed in us.

I have always believed God loves me unconditionally and reading this book fills my heart with joy to know how much He truly whole heartedly loves His children. I do not know if I can say it is life changing for me yet.  Although I can say I so far find it to be refreshing and uplifting.

If you have not read this book, I recommend you pick up a copy and tell your friends about it.

In the beginning I did not find it to be an easy read but keep reading and eventually you will discover all the many treasures God wants to share with us.

The more I read, the more I want to experience this intimate journey with God.

Until next time

Stay prosperous

I’m out

Where would I be without my digital camera

I could not sleep last night. Ok... maybe because when I got home from work I was so tired I took a five hour nap.  But those kids wore me out! It was field day... I was outside in the heat most of the day... very draining.

Well I decided to switch up my blog a little and show you guys what happens when I am bored, have my digital camera nearby and cannot sleep.

Toddles

Dear Jesus

Last year I cleaned out my closet, put off old things and doors were opened. A profound book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young was recommended to me, and it changed my outlook on life. It is a devotional that is always right on time.

I recommend it to anyone that wants to grow closer to the Lord. 

This year I wanted more.I searched amazon.com looking for what else Sarah Young had written and Dear Jesus was recommended if I enjoyed read Jesus Calling. I just started reading the devotional today and once again... right on time! It is just what I needed.

So I figured since I was blessed today I would share the first entry from Dear Jesus by Sarah Young.

Dear Jesus,

I'm thankful it is my soul You love, rather than my appearance or performance. So often, I'm dissatisfied with both of these, especially when I make them my focus. I'm grateful for your perfect understanding, since I sometimes feel misunderstood or simple overlooked. Help me experience more fully Your compassionate, unfailing Love.

Jesus Response:

Beloved, relax in My loving Presence. Let the Light of My Love soak into your entire being. Rest deeply while I massage your thoughts and feelings, helping you change your focus from yourself to Me. Cease striving and know that I am God. I created you to know me: to enjoy Me and center your life in Me.

The world abounds with idols-- things you turn to when you want to feel better about yourself: eating, entertainment, exercise, mastery of something or someone. However, none of these things can slake the thirst of your soul, which yearns for Me alone. Idolatrous substitutes may suppress your appetite for Me, mainly by distracting you, but they provide no satisfaction. When you get that gnawing sensation around the edges of your soul, return to Me. Your soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.

Amazing! Something simple things we know, but forget so quickly. I love this! Lord I ask that whoever reads this let Your Love soak into their entire being. Help them draw closer to You. Show them their worth. Also Father, bless them today with abundant living, because I know You have already provided everything we need, In Jesus Name

I did not make it to church today and I was feeling kind of bummed about that... after reading Dear Jesus and sharing this Word with you all today. I feel better.

Have a glorious sunday

I am out