LIVE & LEARN: Detours Ahead

Originally, I started my blog for my love for fashion, Natural Hair, and poetry. Yet, whenever I am moved to blog, it has been more about  my growing faith in Christ. I don't believe, it's a mere coincidence, but, more of a divined intervention. Sometime we set ourselves to do something, but God has a completely different Agenda for us. Sometime the detours makes absolutely no sense to us but it is perfect in his will. 

 I used to login and want to write about my faith or just share some motivational insights,but would say to myself, "This is  your fashion blog JoJo. People do not wants to read about your faith again". Each time, I would log out feeling defeated. Recently, I thought to myself, what service am I doing for the Kingdom of God by being intimidated to share the goodness of his words? In these growing times of trials and tribulations,  it seems evident that more of us should share our faith, but due to fear we seem to lack the confidence to share the gospel with our friends and neighbors. 

 This weekend after a great talk with a relative of mine, I was reminded how a testimony once helped me find Christ. When we testify to others how God saved us from sin and how God’s grace, has made us a new creation in Christ,  and has filled us with joy and peace by the Holy Spirit, we are reminded of God’s awesome work in our own lives. Being unafraid to share his love deepens our love and understanding of Christ. Sharing his love also save others who are in need of the gospel.

God has been very clear in His Word. He wants us to go forth and spread the Word. As Christians, it is part of my duty to try to reach as many people as possible in sharing the word of God(Mark 16:15). 

So,blogger, If I overwhelm your feeds with goodness, I offer no apologies. There is someone out there that is waiting and needs to hear the Gospel. In moments like these, I am learning to Trust God's Detours. I am learning to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding because  He will direct my path( Proverbs 3: 5-6)

Love Naturally,

JoJo

Originally, I started my blog for my love for fashion, Natural Hair, and poetry. Yet, whenever I am moved to blog, it has been more about  my growing faith in Christ. I don't believe, it's a mere coincidence, but, more of a divined intervention. Sometime we set ourselves to do something, but God has a completely different Agenda for us. Sometime the detours makes absolutely no sense to us but it is perfect in his will. 

 I used to login and want to write about my faith or just share some motivational insights,but would say to myself, "This is  your fashion blog JoJo. People do not wants to read about your faith again". Each time, I would log out feeling defeated. Recently, I thought to myself, what service am I doing for the Kingdom of God by being intimidated to share the goodness of his words? In these growing times of trials and tribulations,  it seems evident that more of us should share our faith, but due to fear we seem to lack the confidence to share the gospel with our friends and neighbors. 

 This weekend after a great talk with a relative of mine, I was reminded how a testimony once helped me find Christ. When we testify to others how God saved us from sin and how God’s grace, has made us a new creation in Christ,  and has filled us with joy and peace by the Holy Spirit, we are reminded of God’s awesome work in our own lives. Being unafraid to share his love deepens our love and understanding of Christ. Sharing his love also save others who are in need of the gospel.

God has been very clear in His Word. He wants us to go forth and spread the Word. As Christians, it is part of my duty to try to reach as many people as possible in sharing the word of God(Mark 16:15). 

So,blogger, If I overwhelm your feeds with goodness, I offer no apologies. There is someone out there that is waiting and needs to hear the Gospel. In moments like these, I am learning to Trust God's Detours. I am learning to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding because  He will direct my path( Proverbs 3: 5-6)

Love Naturally,

JoJo

LOOK FABULOUS: 1950-60s Retro Glam

Can I tell you how much I am addicted  to Vintage Styles?  

From polka dots, to floral, to the emphasis on silhouette and form. The 1950s was an era where women defined their curves while still remaining elegant. My biggest love for the vintage era are the prints and patterns.My all time favorites are the bold colors mixed with polka dots. So, while browsing my local Salvation Army on their 50% Wednesday, my eyes made contact with this Joann Leslie 1950s-60s black polka dot high waist skirt. At $2.50, I knew we were destined to be with each other. My first thought was, I pray that it fits! Vintage sizes tends to run really small. This skirt was a size 16 but looked like a size 7. I was surprised when I slipped this little number on,and it was perfect. I paired it up with a ruby red Preston & York blouse and my over sized Black Fashion Express bag. To step out with class, I wore  my Nine & Co black peep toe

GIVE ME THE LABELS!
Joann Leslie(Skirt)
Preston & York,(Blouse)
Fashion Express(Bag)
Nine & Co(Shoes)

Chatting Bloopers
My photographer is my 7 year old Niece 

Can I tell you how much I am addicted  to Vintage Styles?  

From polka dots, to floral, to the emphasis on silhouette and form. The 1950s was an era where women defined their curves while still remaining elegant. My biggest love for the vintage era are the prints and patterns.My all time favorites are the bold colors mixed with polka dots. So, while browsing my local Salvation Army on their 50% Wednesday, my eyes made contact with this Joann Leslie 1950s-60s black polka dot high waist skirt. At $2.50, I knew we were destined to be with each other. My first thought was, I pray that it fits! Vintage sizes tends to run really small. This skirt was a size 16 but looked like a size 7. I was surprised when I slipped this little number on,and it was perfect. I paired it up with a ruby red Preston & York blouse and my over sized Black Fashion Express bag. To step out with class, I wore  my Nine & Co black peep toe

GIVE ME THE LABELS!
Joann Leslie(Skirt)
Preston & York,(Blouse)
Fashion Express(Bag)
Nine & Co(Shoes)

Chatting Bloopers
My photographer is my 7 year old Niece 

LIVE: To Do List

Dear JoJo,

1. Love always.
2. You were born a dreamer,.Dream on..
3. If you are lost, God will always find you.
4. Your heart is neither briar patch nor tumbleweed. It is lush, tropical rain forest.TREAT it accordingly.
5. Listen to your head, trust your heart but let your gut break the tie..
6. If they demand your silence in exchange for your friendship or love, then they aren't worth the sound of your voice.
7. You dream. You act. You plan. You work. You be. You will. I promise.
8. Your failures don't define you. Your successes won’t SUSTAIN you. 
9. Never stop growing.
10. Patience may not be your strongest suit but it has always revealed your greatest rewards.
11. You are a necessary part of prayer. You are one. You are peace. 
12. You are at your best when you are smiling. Find at least one reason an hour to be at your best.
13. Despite what you've told yourself or others, it is never too late to steady yourself and start again.
14. It isn't about forgiving and/or forgetting, it’s about moving on and getting better.
15. Make new mistakes, It makes you wiser.
16. Edit. The poem. The WRITING The conversation. The choice. The decision. The life. Nothing is final. Edit.
17. You are an empath. Be careful.
18. Remove yourself from those that drain and refuse to replenish.
19. What scares you most isn’t the action, it’s the reaction. Don’t let it stop you 
20. Every morning provides a new opportunity to start again. Take it.
21. You are a blessed thing when you’re laughing and dancing.
22. Who you were and what you did, good or bad, has nothing to do with who you are and what you will do.
23. Never apologize for how you choose to take care of yourself.
24. Let fear be the wind at your back not the brick that keeps you from moving.
25. Go find something to be. Something that tells you why you’re here.
26. Be beautiful without permission.
27. Live like poems written when strength was common..

Dear JoJo,

1. Love always.
2. You were born a dreamer,.Dream on..
3. If you are lost, God will always find you.
4. Your heart is neither briar patch nor tumbleweed. It is lush, tropical rain forest.TREAT it accordingly.
5. Listen to your head, trust your heart but let your gut break the tie..
6. If they demand your silence in exchange for your friendship or love, then they aren't worth the sound of your voice.
7. You dream. You act. You plan. You work. You be. You will. I promise.
8. Your failures don't define you. Your successes won’t SUSTAIN you. 
9. Never stop growing.
10. Patience may not be your strongest suit but it has always revealed your greatest rewards.
11. You are a necessary part of prayer. You are one. You are peace. 
12. You are at your best when you are smiling. Find at least one reason an hour to be at your best.
13. Despite what you've told yourself or others, it is never too late to steady yourself and start again.
14. It isn't about forgiving and/or forgetting, it’s about moving on and getting better.
15. Make new mistakes, It makes you wiser.
16. Edit. The poem. The WRITING The conversation. The choice. The decision. The life. Nothing is final. Edit.
17. You are an empath. Be careful.
18. Remove yourself from those that drain and refuse to replenish.
19. What scares you most isn’t the action, it’s the reaction. Don’t let it stop you 
20. Every morning provides a new opportunity to start again. Take it.
21. You are a blessed thing when you’re laughing and dancing.
22. Who you were and what you did, good or bad, has nothing to do with who you are and what you will do.
23. Never apologize for how you choose to take care of yourself.
24. Let fear be the wind at your back not the brick that keeps you from moving.
25. Go find something to be. Something that tells you why you’re here.
26. Be beautiful without permission.
27. Live like poems written when strength was common..

LIVE & LEARN: Gratefulness

  Nobody needs to prove to anybody what they're worthy of, just the person that they look at in the mirror. That's the only person you need to answer to.

— Picabo Street

Champion alpine ski racer with the U.S. Ski Team

 Have you ever come across a person that is relatively ungrateful? Those that always expects you to extend more of yourself and alter your character, yet hardly budge on their own self improvements? Often we find ourselves trying to make an impression, over extending ourselves and giving time to those who do not appreciate it, purely because we believe or hope it will make us feel a little better, accepted or acknowledged. Or simply because we feel we have to. This can apply to almost every aspect of our lives including work relationships, friends, intimate relationships or family.

 I used to believe that an order for those to see who you truly are, you had to go above and beyond the call of duty and put aside your needs to prove your self-worth. Crazy right? Well, although it took some time for me to realize this, I've learned  that saying no is ok. In fact, it's a necessary action that protects you from disappointments and frustration. Now, I am not saying that you should not help people or extend yourself to those who may need your help.There are people out there who are  sincerely grateful for any aid you've provided. What I am saying is, I've  learned that constantly extending yourself to people who are naturally ungrateful does nothing for your self-worth. It is a vicious cycle that will eventually leave you burned out and frustrated. 

 Helping others  should never make you feel like you are proving something. It also should never  be based on what someone else will think or say. Ungrateful people, who take advantage, dismiss your opinions, do not value who you are or what you do, speak badly of you, criticize or make you feel insecure, do NOT have a place in your life.  I've learned that people that add value to you, do not require you to work or prove anything to gain emotional satisfaction from them. I have also learned that those who truly respects you, and knows your character  will never seek a validation.  Support and gratefulness is unconditional, as well as love admiration and respect. You will  never have to prove your character or your actions to those who respect you. These are the kind of people I am learning to appreciate more each day. Surrounding myself with quality people that extends their unconditional love creates a ripple effect of goodness that I am very much grateful for.

Love Naturally,

JoJo

  Nobody needs to prove to anybody what they're worthy of, just the person that they look at in the mirror. That's the only person you need to answer to.

— Picabo Street

Champion alpine ski racer with the U.S. Ski Team

 Have you ever come across a person that is relatively ungrateful? Those that always expects you to extend more of yourself and alter your character, yet hardly budge on their own self improvements? Often we find ourselves trying to make an impression, over extending ourselves and giving time to those who do not appreciate it, purely because we believe or hope it will make us feel a little better, accepted or acknowledged. Or simply because we feel we have to. This can apply to almost every aspect of our lives including work relationships, friends, intimate relationships or family.

 I used to believe that an order for those to see who you truly are, you had to go above and beyond the call of duty and put aside your needs to prove your self-worth. Crazy right? Well, although it took some time for me to realize this, I've learned  that saying no is ok. In fact, it's a necessary action that protects you from disappointments and frustration. Now, I am not saying that you should not help people or extend yourself to those who may need your help.There are people out there who are  sincerely grateful for any aid you've provided. What I am saying is, I've  learned that constantly extending yourself to people who are naturally ungrateful does nothing for your self-worth. It is a vicious cycle that will eventually leave you burned out and frustrated. 

 Helping others  should never make you feel like you are proving something. It also should never  be based on what someone else will think or say. Ungrateful people, who take advantage, dismiss your opinions, do not value who you are or what you do, speak badly of you, criticize or make you feel insecure, do NOT have a place in your life.  I've learned that people that add value to you, do not require you to work or prove anything to gain emotional satisfaction from them. I have also learned that those who truly respects you, and knows your character  will never seek a validation.  Support and gratefulness is unconditional, as well as love admiration and respect. You will  never have to prove your character or your actions to those who respect you. These are the kind of people I am learning to appreciate more each day. Surrounding myself with quality people that extends their unconditional love creates a ripple effect of goodness that I am very much grateful for.

Love Naturally,

JoJo