I'm In A Charity Pageant And Need Your Support! :)

When I say the word “pageant”, what comes to your mind? I’ll bet they’re the same things that come to my mind as well: gorgeous girls, swimsuits, crowns, and of course “world peace.”

I don’t know if most people have a favorable opinion of pageants. Personally, I’ve never fancied them much. I’ve done a couple fashion shows, but they were non-competitive and all you had to do was model clothing. They were just for fun, and I was perfectly content with doing things like that (you might remember The Salvation Army Fashion Show that I was in, back in September).

However, the opportunity has come up for me to be in a pageant. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get involved, but this isn’t your standard beauty pageant. This pageant is the Salvation Army’s “Queen of Charities” pageant. The focus isn’t about outer beauty but rather, inner beauty (and there are NO SWIMSUITS! Hallelujah!). ;) The pageant focuses on the contestants’ poise and charitable works; and all the money raised benefits The Salvation Army.

Now THAT is a pageant I can get into! Not only will I get to fellowship with other women, but I will be advocating/representing my favorite charities (as well as raising money for one!). The added bonus is getting to dress up and be girly! How can I say “no” to all of that?!!

The only thing left to do now is wait for the big event; which is on April 18th (I will let you know when you can get tickets!). The only other thing I can do in the meantime is ask for support and sponsors. Even though this is an optional part of the experience, why would you want to be involved in a charity pageant and not raise money for charity? Therefore, I am hoping that my loving family and friends (and their businesses) will be eager to support this charity by sponsoring an ad in the program. If you’re a business, this would be a GREAT opportunity for you to advertise your company’s ad and information in the program (and support a great cause at the same time!). And, if you’re one of my awesome friends or family members, you can just send your amount along with a “best wishes” message for me that will be printed in the program! Oh, that would make me feel SO LOVED! ;)

Additionally, there is one more way I can raise money. I can have a “kettle” displayed at someone’s business. All I need is for a business to volunteer to promote it (and have written consent from you to do so). I will decorate and bring my kettle to you so that you can display it at your cash register (or wherever) and people can drop their spare change into it. I must have my kettle turned in by April 10th; so the longer it can be displayed, the better! Once again, all the money will go to The Salvation Army (and your business will look REALLY good to your customers as you show your charitable spirit of support!). The kettle money will also count as “votes” for an “audience choice award” at the pageant. The one with the most sponsors will be awarded as well. While I am not concerned about “winning” these awards, I am VERY concerned about trying to do whatever I can to encourage others to give generously for the cause (especially in an economy like this where organizations are getting less and less donations). This is not about “me”; it truly isn’t. Whatever “glory” I gain, I will give back to Him; because it’s not mine. This is about Christ and helping His people. My greatest award and achievement will be whatever hearts I can win to Christ through this (that’s always my goal!). I am already “titled” and “crowned” as a child of God. Nothing can top that!! I am an ambassador for Christ and a co-heir with Him. I’m already a “queen”, and winning or not winning a pageant won’t change that (2 Corinthians 5:20, Romans 8:17).

Below, you will find the information form. You can either give your information and check (payable to THE SALVATION ARMY) to me, or mail it to them directly (specifying that it is me that you are sponsoring). If you have any questions, let me know!! Remember, all of this is for CHARITY (and tax deductible)! All of the money helps feed and clothe people in the community and sees to it that children don’t wake up to an empty sight underneath the Christmas tree this year. My friend, Jama, is the coordinator of this event. She has told us all so many stories of how countless families have been blessed because of the kind hearts of people, like you, who give so generously. I can also say that personally, The Salvation Army helped a VERY dear friend of mine have a beautiful and special Christmas last year. That tearful and heartfelt moment full of happy children, a full refrigerator, and a stress free holiday couldn’t have been possible without the generosity of caring strangers; who displayed their faith by helping others. You have NO IDEA what a difference you will make in someone’s life; and it might just be someone you know!!

My hope is that God would be glorified and that His light would shine in me as I participate in this! I know that money is tight for so many people, but I’m hoping that there would be an outpouring of support anyways! I know I have a lot of GREAT friends, so I’m expecting GREAT things! ;)

God bless you all, and thank you for supporting me!! Make sure that you give me (or mail) your contribution before the deadline of MARCH 15th!!! Thank you so VERY much!! ;)

EVENT PROGRAM ADVERTISEMENT ORDER FORM

Business Name:

Contact Person:

Address:

City:

State: Zip:

Telephone:

Ad Size (circle)

Platinum ($500) Gold ($250) Silver ($100) Bronze ($50)

Friends and Family ($25)

Amount Paid:

$________

Signature of Purchaser:____________________

Your advertisement will appear in the Miss Queen of Charities 2010 Pageant Event Program on April 18, 2010. In order to ensure proper placement, we request that you respond no later than March 15, 2010.

Please include this form and make checks payable to:

The Salvation Army

2901 N Clinton

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

God on the Greenway: Sunglasses

I love sunglasses! In fact, I have several pairs; all different colors and styles. As much as I love them for style, I also love them for their purpose. That’s why I often wear a pair when I am running on the Greenway. Otherwise, the sun can be nearly blinding!

Of course, there are often days where sunglasses aren’t extremely needed. Either it’s cloudy, or the sun is almost set for the day (I usually run in the evenings). I often start out wearing them and then perch them on my head when it starts getting dark. However, the darkness is so gradual that I often end up wearing them for longer than necessary. Then, when I finally realize how dark it has gotten, I take them off and I’m like, “Whoa!” I feel a little disoriented for a second as I adjust to the dim light. What a difference! It’s like a veil being lifted!

Every time I have done that, I think about the metaphorical sunglasses we all wear. They are like masks. I read once that people who habitually wear sunglasses sometimes do it as a comfort or as a way to kind of hide behind a wall. It’s a form of protection (besides the obvious protection from the sun). I’ve caught myself doing that. When you wear sunglasses, no one can see your eyes and look into them. The eyes are the window to the soul; the lamp of the body (Matthew 6:22, Luke 11:34). Sometimes, like on the Greenway, I like “hiding” myself from people. I don’t want to look at them or have them look at me. I’m focused on my run and I don’t want to be bothered. So, if I have my glasses on, they can’t see if I’m looking at them or not and wouldn’t be able to make a judgment about whether I was staring at them or ignoring them. It’s kind of like in the movie “Big Daddy” where Adam Sandler’s character gives the little boy some sunglasses so that he can put them on and be “invisible” if he feels shy or scared. That’s another reason I like wearing my glasses on the Greenway. I’m not only shielded from the glare of the sun, but of the glares (whether real or not) from others. I become invisible! ;)

That’s probably why I forget to take them off when I should. I become so comfortable in them that I don’t want to take them off; even as my view becomes darker and darker. It’s SO EASY to end up doing that in real life as well! We are wearing our metaphorical sunglasses. Whatever style or shade of lens we have, we are shielding ourselves from something and building a false sense of security. Maybe some are wearing the “invisible glasses” (like me). Or, on the flip side, maybe they are the “LOOK AT ME!” sunglasses. You don’t want to be invisible. On the contrary, you are practically BEGGING for someone to notice you and pay attention to you! So, you do that by setting yourself apart with a “trademark” kind of look (like Dennis Rodman who is so “cool” that he has to wear them all the time).

In addition to whether we want to be noticed or not, we also got different “shades” don’t we? Some glasses are nearly transparent; open, inviting, and not really trying to hide anything. Then, you have the REALLY dark shades or shades that are tinted different colors. You know how there’s that saying about having the rosy tinted glasses? Yeah, some people view the world in beautiful shades while others see the world as a dark place.

In all instances, I think there comes a time where we have to take the glasses off and face the sun (more specifically, the Son). We have to break out of our comfort zones and allow the light to shine in our darkness. Yes, we often fear the light and think it will be too much, but how soon we forget all that the light chases away (and that light brings warmth as well as clarity). Light is GOOD! It opens our eyes to the fact that darkness isn’t our comfort or our friend. It’s LIGHT that liberates us!

Psalm 84:11 says: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (KJV). God is my light AND my protection! Pretty awesome! He is my lamp who turns my darkness into light (2 Samuel 22:29). I don’t have to grope in darkness like a drunkard (Job 12:25). I choose light, for it is better than darkness (Ecclesiastes 2:13). I will live as a child of light (Ephesians 5:8) for that is what He calls me to do (1 Peter 2:9). I do not belong to the darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5). I will do my best to make sure His light shines in me and that my light will burn brightly and not be a dark one (Luke 11:35).

Grace and peace to all of you!! I pray that you are all walking in the unveiled light of God’s glory!! There is warmth, beauty, and clear sight in Him! If you haven’t experienced it, I pray that your day is dawning and that you will “see the light” (Matthew 4:16). John 1:5 says: “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” I pray that everyone will indeed comprehend and understand the light that is shining in their darkness. It is Christ reaching out to save, heal, and restore!! God bless you all!!

Helping Others Is Always "In Style"

This past weekend has been tiring, but extremely worthwhile. As many of you know, I took part in The Salvation Army Fashion Show on Saturday (and it was a great success!). The success was a result of the love and compassion that every volunteer poured into the event; none greater than my best friend, Jama. When she puts her heart into something, she puts it ALL in! She planned and organized it all - everything from the gift baskets (which her Mom tirelessly wrapped ALL OF THEM!), the clothing, the selection of models, EVERYTHING! In my opinion, she can’t be thanked enough because no one has any idea just how much time and effort went into this event! The fact that it did as well as it did and was absolutely perfect was the result of her tireless efforts and the passion for people that God has placed within her heart! I am so blessed to know a woman such as this!!

I posted my pictures on Facebook and Myspace, but here is a link to the pictures that I have in case you haven’t seen them. They were taken by Mitch (and he did a good job considering that photography isn’t his forte lol. Thanks Mitchie Bear!). There were also photographs taken by a professional and when/if those pictures are available, I will make you aware of the link to that.

Though, as I said previously, this had precious little to do with us models, our clothes (all of which were directly from The Salvation Army stores!), or the gift baskets that were auctioned off. What the event all boiled down to was the fact that all the time and effort put into this show was to raise money for this organization; an organization that touches peoples lives. In fact, right before the show, Jama came back into our dressing area with tears in her eyes (and was trying desperately not to cry). The rest of us started tearing up as well when she told us about a woman she just talked to. She said that The Salvation Army had adopted their family for Christmas last year and she wondered if Jama remembered who she was. She did. This was a family who had been through a lot; the greatest of which was their son that was very sick. In fact, that ended up being his last Christmas. However, the woman wanted Jama to know that because of the Salvation Army, they had had a WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS! Jama reminded us that the outfits we were wearing were going to be sold in order to make lasting memories and happy moments for families like that little boy‘s. All the money raised would be going to families who might only have one last Christmas and because of those that support The Salvation Army, last Christmases are filled with joy and not barren Christmas trees and lonely forgotten people.

I don’t know the grand total raised for sure, but Jama said that all the gift baskets sold and I know that much of the clothing did as well (in fact, she said that there were some girls fighting over the vintage jacket I wore - which I should have bought myself lol). Everything went extremely well and everyone enjoyed serving in whatever role that they had. Things went smoothly and there were no trips, falls, or wardrobe malfunctions (well, during rehearsal I experienced some lol. Glad THAT was cleared up!). Plus, our master of ceremonies, Sandy Thompson, did a great job with the event! In fact, her descriptions and comments were so thorough that it gave us models plenty of time to change; especially when we REALLY needed to hurry (thanks Racheal for keeping us moving!!). It was a great time and we had a lot of fun; even in the chaos of flying clothes backstage. ;) We had several good laughs (like when Sandy Thompson said “umpire waist” instead of “empire waist” lol). I am SO GRATEFUL that I was able to be a part of it all!!

The icing on the cake is the fact that all of the money is going to help families in desperate need this Christmas. Now, more than ever, people need our love and support. Interviewing for that Christmas program will start soon, and I can only imagine the heartbreaking stories I will hear during that time. I’ll tell you what, I will look at those red Christmas kettles more fondly and favorably than ever (and I pray that you all will do the same). Spare change adds up to a LOT; and it may just buy a family some unforgettable and priceless memories that they will forever treasure!

Grace and peace to all of you!! May you all be blessed and encouraged to serve others with your gifts and talents! Be the hands and feet of Jesus and watch as hearts and lives are forever changed!! Remember, love and mercy never go out of style!! You’ll always be in fashion if you clothe yourself with Christ (Romans 13:14, Galatians 3:27). Jesus isn’t a “trend”, He is the “MUST HAVE” for EVERY season!! May compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience be your garments (Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 5:5)! God bless you all!!

I'm Modeling In A Charity Fashion Show!

As evidenced by the title, I will be modeling in a charity fashion show for the Salvation Army on September 12th! Hence, it is my job to invite and recruit people to come and support this great cause! The cost is $25.00 per ticket or $200 for a table of eight. This admission cost grants you entry to the preview, luncheon, fashion show, and silent auction. All of the proceeds fund the Salvation Army programs that aid needy families in the community. They do MUCH MORE than just ring bells for spare change at Christmastime! They also serve the community through youth programs, tools for schools, community care, emergency disaster services, and much more! To see a list and description of what your dollars would be funding, please click here.

My dear friend, Jama, is in charge of this event and she never disappoints!! This won’t only be a great night to raise funds for those in need, but it will be a fun night that you’ll be sure to enjoy!! Contact Jama via the Fort Wayne Fashion page in order to purchase tickets (and be sure to check out the pictures of me and my fellow friends/models!). And, when you send in payment for your tickets, be sure to mention me on the referral form that‘s included!! ;) Thank you so very much!! I appreciate your support!! Hope to see you at the show!!

In the meantime (just for fun) check out this list of “Fashion Fiascos” that my friend (Amy) and I conjured up (Jama, I hope I made you proud lol!!). We made this list after Amy posted a few blogs about her pet peeve fashion faux pas. We originally collaborated to bring you a “Top Ten” list of “Fashion Fiascos” but ended up with 15 because there are just SO MANY!! ;) Anyways, we hope that you’re in good humor because chances are, you have “been there done that” (or ARE doing it lol). This is only done for a laugh and is in no way meant to be mean-spirited or judgmental. After all, who doesn’t look back on fashions past and present and say, “What was I thinking?” It can be hilariously funny, as well as a learning experience! He he. Feel free to share your own fashion "pet peeves" and enjoy the blog!

TOP 15 FASHION FIASCOS

#15. “Matchies”20(as my friend Jama calls it)

“Matchies” is a disease in which your “outfit” matches a little bit TOO MUCH. Amy cites the example of when someone wears too much denim; like a denim shirt with denim pants. Of course, it’s GREAT not to “clash” but “match” carefully. ;) LOL

#14. Crocs

Sure, they’re comfortable, but CLUNKY! They stand out like a sore thumb! Although, the one perk is that they are so outrageous that they won’t “match” with anything and so you will avoid “Matchies” disease (though “Clunky Crocs” disease is not much better!). ;)

#13. Humongous Belt Buckles (Guys)

It seems that ladies can rock out any kind of belt, or belt buckle. But for guys, nah, they just don’t have the knack! It’s just plain old tacky (especially when paired with tight Wrangler jeans! I don’t know what’s worse, those or Gloria Vanderbilt jeans - as explained in Amy’s blog LOL).

#12 Pleated Pants

(explanation on Amy’s blog).

#11 Over-Accessorizing

Some mistakenly acquire this disease after recovering from “Matchies” disease. In an attempt to learn how to mix it up and add some diversity to the wardrobe, they overcompensate and end up looking like a gypsy or Mr. T....which is great (if that’s your Halloween costume).

#10 Outdated Or Overdone Hair And Makeup

Now we are getting into the REALLY serious fashion boo boos! You would think that the huge hair or "Queen Amidala" hair, mullets, rat tails, and the like would be extinct right now but alas, they are alive and well. If I have to explain why this is sad, then you are probably sportin’ one of these styles right now!! Scissors were invented long ago. Scissors are your friend - say it with me - “Scissors are my friend.”

Also, overdone make-up (and even underdone make-up) is another no-no. Treat yourself to a makeover (or make-under) if you look like the walking dead or Mimi (from “The Drew Carey Show”).

#09. Time Warp Clothing

There are times when “vintage” clothing can look neat. However, that's only if you know how to pull it off and if the particular “style” works. For example, stirrup pants just don’t work (my friend, Saundra, told me about someone she knows with this obsession!). Though, the pants that were called “bell bottoms” are now “flare” jeans and THOSE work.

#08. Stripes And Polka Dots

Once again, we have something that can sometimes “work” (if you KNOW how to “work it”). Otherwise, it can be a total disaster and leave you looking like you either escaped from prison or the circus. Probably the worst of the worst are when these two patterns are huge (as in wide stripes - ESPECIALLY horizontal ones - and LARGE dots). Be very careful with these patterns! Otherwise, you might be mistaken for a referee, a lost zebra, or a circus clown!

#07. Orange Tans

Sometimes too much sun (or sun tanner) is just too much!! The Oompa Loompa look works for NO ONE (remember Anne Hathaway in "Bride Wars"? LOL).

#06. Fanny Packs

OH THE HORROR!! LOL Though, I think all of us are guilty of this one. Me, personally, I have had at least three in my lifetime (and one was neon! I thought it was totally awesome at the time lol). Though, all of those fanny packs died long ago and are no longer in my possession. They died with the decade they were made popular in. I understand that they can sometimes be very “convenient” (believe me, I have been tempted). However, I have recovered from fanny packitis. If you are wearing a fanny pack, you might as well be carrying a superman lunch box and wearing a propeller hat on your head as you skip down the lane. (Are you laughing, Cindy? You know I’m just having fun don’t you lol? I know you don‘t technically “wear“ yours!). Oh, and in case you don't notice right away, the last picture is also a nice example of #4 and #1 (which you will soon read about!). ;)

#05. Spandex And Tight Clothes

Ahem, enough said!

#04. “Muffin Tops” And “Tuckers”

This is classic as well as epidemic. I know we have all been guilty of these! I think everyone knows what a “Muffin Top” is. It’s the “my pants are too tight and my fat oozes over like a muffin top” look. Yeah, ew! This happens when you are in what Jama calls “size denial” (and can go along with fiasco #5). In addition to “muffin tops,” “tuckers” are the ones that almost always tuck in their shirts. Sometimes, it can look ok; but more often than not, it doesn’t.

#03. Granny Dusters aka "Mu Mus" (IN PUBLIC!!)

Ok, I won’t knock the granny dusters in the privacy of one’s own home. After all, some do prefer those kinds of “nighties” (if you want to call them that). But, you cross the line when you wear them IN PUBLIC!! It’s made doubly bad when it’s paired with the “curlers in your hair” look. WHY would anyone want to wear that out in public anyways? That’s like someone going shopping in a hospital gown or something! LOL There’s a time and place for those kinds of “nighties” and “gowns” but it’s in the privacy of one’s sleeping quarters. ;)

#02. No Support For “The Girls”

Sometimes this one can go along with the granny dusters. It must be another kind of disease where you think if you wear a granny duster, you don’t need a bra and “the girls” can just “hang low”(think Tyler Perry as "Madea"). Hang low? No, no, NO! There are PLENTY of great bras out there, ladies! There’s no reason why you have to trip over your ta tas!! (No picture here. I'll spare you the horror!).

AND NOW………THE #01 FASHION FIASCO IS………

#01. MOM JEANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That’s right, MOM JEANS!! No woman should EVER have to be subjected to jeans that make her butt look monstrous and totally screw up how she looks proportionately! Mom Jeans have that eerie way of making you look like you have all butt and breast and no middle (to guys, this might originally sound appealing, but when you actually see what I‘m talking about, I think you‘ll ultimately be appalled)! Maybe we can call that “the accordion look” where your upper body and lower body scrunch together (see SNL's Mom Jeans "commercial" lol).

So, there you have it!! That’s our top 15 “Fashion Fiascos”. I hope you had a good laugh (maybe even at yourself! I know I did! I’ve had LOTS of my own “Fashion Fiascos” in my time!). I also hope that it’s given you a new sense of “fun” when it comes to fashion. To Amy, me, and most girls (and sometimes guys), it’s creative expression. It’s like art. It’s fun to put a “look” together. Though, as you can see, be careful in your creativity or it won’t end up looking like a masterpiece! LOL If anyone spots someone that is doing all 15 of these no-nos at the same time, I would LOVE to see a picture of it!! LOL (Or, even if it's just most of the no-nos). Wouldn't that be a sight?! Beware of mullet men in spandex with tucked in denim shirts, as well as ladies in polka dotted granny dusters (with no “support”) with “matching” Crocs!! ;) Have a “fashionable” day everyone!! ;)

My Birthday Blog

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged. I’ve had a lot going on and haven’t been online to blog as much. So, I thought I would post something a little fun and interesting (and maybe a little off-the-wall) to lighten the mood a little. Ya’ll don’t know about how weird I can be do ya?! Ha ha!! This blog is about my birthday (which was Tuesday). I’m 27 now.…… (yeah, I’m just a baby, I know lol).

Prior to my birthday, I was a little on the down side. Ok, a LOT on the down side (but that‘s a long and complicated story and who cares anyways?!). In fact, my friend Jama actually got worried when I wasn’t online for a couple days (she actually wondered if I died - no joke!). ;) But, I’m alive and well…..well, for the most part lol. And, she and I did go out for my birthday as we planned (gosh I love girly time!!). We had some Chinese food and then we went to see a movie: “The Proposal”. Overall, the movie was pretty good and was pretty funny. Though, there were a few (shall I say, “inappropriate”) moments that we could have done without (we wanted to gag….ew! But, I won’t talk about it because it’s too disturbing lol!). At least one of the highlights was all the cool things we got to wear Sandra Bullock wear or carry “hey, look at that handbag”….or…”oh my gosh, I love those shoes!” And, I also gave Jama a hard time about not going to see “Confessions of a Shopaholic” with me when it was in theaters. She REALLY missed some fashion eye-candy there!! Well, at least it’s on DVD now; it’s fun and hilarious (in my opinion). ;)

Oh, and speaking of fashion, here’s the link to the charity fashion show she’s organizing for the Salvation Army: www.fortwaynefashion.org . If you can, come support the event! Who knows, you might even see someone you know on the runway (click on the link I cited and then click on “models“ to the left). ;)

Ok, now that I have cleverly embedded that little promo for the show into my blog, back to my original topic. ;)

After the movie, we went to Starbucks. We sipped our coffee outside and chatted it up for a while before calling it a night. Yeah, the fun has to end sometime (I just hate that!). Though, I was so grateful for the fun time we had; and for the BEAUTIFUL Anne Geddes book that she gave me that is just FILLED with gorgeous photos of babies!! Yes, what a perfect present for me! Isn’t she awesome?! Jama, you’re the best! You freakin’ rock you gorgeous diva you!! OXOXO

Speaking of presents, there are a few more things that I got that day that were also pretty awesome. I got lots of birthday wishes from so many people on Facebook (and some on myspace too). *Sigh* I felt the love (even from the belated wishes)!! “You like me, you really like me!!!” ;) Thanks, everyone!! And, I got a beautiful picture frame from Holly (with a picture of her and I in it). It says, “Smile, you have a friend” on it. I see it every day in my living room. It‘s the perfect reminder of how blessed I am; especially on the days (usually PMS days) where I can sometimes get into an “I hate the world” mode and forget that I have so many awesome friends! ;) So, THANK YOU, Holly, for that!!

Also, a big thanks to my family for the cards and gifts of cash/gift cards (and to Mom for my necklace!). I used my gift card from my bro to get a couple movies on walmart.com. Have you ever heard of “Savannah Smiles” or “Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken”? Yeah, CLASSICS!! They’re sweet, inspiring, and fun!! Can’t wait to get those in the mail! And, I can’t wait to read the boxed set of C.S. Lewis books that I bought with some of my birthday money! Gosh, he’s so brilliant!! Normally, I probably would have bought clothes or something, but clothes wear out or lose their luster. Knowledge lasts much longer; hence the books! I also got a book on the bargain pile that caught my eye: “Jesus in Blue Jeans”. It’s short little chapters about Jesus’ poise, perspective, passion, and power (and how to be more like Him). I’m reading it day by day like a devotional and it’s AMAZING! I’m lovin’ it!! Our small group is also doing “The Lord’s Table” (about weight management) so I got LOTS of reading to do each day, but it’s all good! I’m foreseeing some spiritual growth spurts! Glory hallelujah! ;)

I got a few other little things (like a totally awesome scarf, and some earrings and stuff at Claire’s) but what really took the cake was something that wasn’t a cake at all. I didn’t have a birthday cake, for my birthday….however, what I had was MUCH better!! For one, my Grandma made me some blueberry muffins (as she typically does for me on my birthdays; but I always seem to forget that that awesome treat is coming!). Gosh how I love those! And Grandma wasn’t the only one that blessed me with delicious wonders on my special day. My dear friend, Cindy, baked me her special zucchini bread! Though, I think it’s technical name should be “a slice of heaven” or something, because it’s SO MUCH WORTHIER of a greater title!! Though, that name doesn’t go far enough either so maybe we’ll just call it “the awesome something that has no name” or “the bread of high regard“ or something far more distinguished that I can‘t think of because it‘s just THAT GOOD!! Maybe, “the bread to which none compares”? How can you POSSIBLY call it BREAD when it is soooooooooo much better than that?!! It’s moist, sweet, and delicious! Not quite “cake” but BETTER than a muffin! Oh, it’s glorious!! And, before ya’ll go thinking that I gorged myself silly, please know that I did share with Mitch and the kids. ;) Jama got to try the “bread” too. Lisa missed out this time, but at least she got some of Grandma’s angel food cake a while back (for those of you that aren’t on Facebook, it all started with something I posted about it on my status and my friend, Lisa, practically pleaded to help me eat it lol. So, I brought her a piece! Ha ha!! And, her and her husband made a hilarious video about it if you want to see!! It's on Facebook, so you'll have to login to see it).

Well, that was my birthday in a nutshell! I did go for a run in the morning. Holly called it my “birthday run.” I just called it “making myself exercise on my birthday even though I would rather take the day off “ lol. When your loved ones lay offerings of muffins and insanely delicious “bread” at your feet, you got to work off the side effects of those “gifts” somehow! ;)

The only other thing I can think of to say about my birthday was the fact that I totally messed myself up (unintentionally) with caffeine. For those of you that don’t know, caffeine really has weird effects on me. It can make me super giggly and retarded, or it can make me borderline crazy if I drink it when I’m on the tired side. Such was the case Tuesday, because I had WAY TOO MUCH! I had a mocha from McDonald’s on my way to see Jama. Then, I had a pop at the movie. Then, of course, Starbucks. I figured there was enough hours between the two coffees that I would be ok - but I forgot about the pop I had. So, by the time I got home, I was starting to feel the effects. I was getting woozy and starting to stagger and stammer like a drunk (I’m not kidding! Ask Mitch!). I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me until it dawned on me. I could have about kicked myself for that because now, I had to deal with the “I’m so wound up I could climb the walls! I’m SPIDER-MAN” feeling. Caffeine messes with me so bad that sometimes I even hallucinate or end up experiencing every emotion known to man (from laughter to tears - and everything inbetween). I don’t know why my body is so ridiculously sensitive to stuff, but yeah. I couldn’t really go to sleep that night; tossed and turned and sometimes I have very absurd dreams. I don’t know why I’m babbling about all this (no, I don’t currently have any in my system!) but I guess I just wanted to make you all laugh! Did it work? ;)

Ok. Enough said!! I had a great day! Thank you, everyone, for being in my life! Hopefully, the Lord will bless me with many more years of joy and being able to share myself and my gifts with the world!! Thanks for reading the things that I share on this blog!! Grace and peace to you!! God bless you!

A Weekend To Remember: Day 3

Sunday was a remarkable culmination to all of the events of the weekend!! Even though we were tired from being on the go so much, we still managed to have the energy to brave the events of the day.

We checked out of our hotel and drove to the mall where myself and fifteen other girls met at Torrid to prepare for the fashion show. We all gathered around and listened as Jama (one of the store employees) explained why these fashion shows mean so much to her. Aside from the fact that it’s fun and brings exposure and revenue for the store, Jama has a greater reason for organizing these events. She and one of her friends had once tried out for modeling and her friend, who was a size 2-4, was told to lose weight. Well, that sent her into a tragic downward spiral to where she was basically living off of microwave popcorn and water (as Jama put it). It brought tears to my eyes as she explained how terribly thin her friend got. She was always trying to lose “just five more pounds.“ She said that her friend ended up killing herself because, as she stated in her suicide note, all she saw in the mirror was an “ugly fat girl.” How heartbreaking!! There is no reason why this girl had to feel so bad about herself!! She was beautiful just the way she was!! But, because of the cold and vain comments of the superficial “you gotta be thin to be beautiful” world, it shattered her confidence and self-esteem!! My friends, that is awful and senseless!! It angers me that our society is so petty as to put down others to the point where they would hate themselves so much as to take their own life!! It’s about time that the world stops putting so much emphasis on weight and external beauty!! A society that continues to place value and worth on superficial things will forever be discontent, shallow, and unfulfilled!! This madness has got to stop!! That is why Jama works so hard to encourage girls to just be who they are so that they will be “one less”; ONE LESS woman who feels badly about herself and ONE MORE woman who feels beautiful and confident about who she is and not the number on a tag of a garment or on the scale!!

So, after Jama’s inspiring and tear provoking speech, we set out to get our outfits ready so we could proudly display to the viewers of the fashion show that even though we aren’t stick figures, we are beautiful and confident women. We are beautiful women created in the image of God and His love and light is in our hearts and radiates outwardly. The love of Christ, and knowing that we are His beloved, cherished, and beautiful daughters (His PRINCESSES), is what gives us worth, meaning, and TRUE BEAUTY!!! (“True Beauty” hmmmmm, reminds me of a song by Mandisa. ;) Check that one out!!).

So, after we put together all of our clothes, accessories, and shoes, we practiced our “walks”. Man, I am telling you, we got some super-fine gorgeous girls with lots of flair and unique personalities!! They are truly fabulous and I am proud of every single one of them!! I am grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know the majority of them, talk to them, and laugh with them!! Another girl read my thoughts when she commented on the fact that we were all having fun and getting along. I guess she assumed, as I sort of did, that we would all be super competitive and jealous of each other (as portrayed in the media). But, NOT SO! We were all respectful and sweet; not to mention mature! It was great to be ourselves and feel comfortable with each other so quickly!! I truly enjoyed being around all of them and sharing the experience with everyone. And, the day only got better from then on!!

One of the models, Amanda, owns the salon “The Surface” (which she later explained to me that it was so named because they want to bring the inner beauty to “the surface”). Her salon was one of the sponsors for the fashion show and they graciously did the hair and make-up for all of us!! The salon is just beautiful and very welcoming and the staff was just great!!

So, after I got my hair and make-up done, I went back to the mall to meet a few of my friends and go shopping before it was time to go back to Torrid to get ready for the show!!

As we gathered together, we were just wowed by how amazing everyone looked!! Amanda and her staff had done a really great job bringing that beauty to the surface!! ;) Then, we all got the store ready and set up for the show and put our first outfits on. Before the show, we all joined hands and prayed together (oh yeah, I TOTALLY loved that!!). I just couldn’t have asked for a greater group of women who had their focus in the right place!! And, Jama once again inspired us by telling us all that we were definitely “one less” and that: “You aren’t beautiful despite your size, but BECAUSE of your size!” That statement resonated with every single woman and all of them were saying, “That’s good!! I’ll remember that!”

So, with that in mind, we nervously (but confidently! LOL) did our thing as we worked the runway and a packed room full of people!! Many of my family and friends were there to cheer me on; as well as enthusiastic strangers who told me to, “Work it, Melissa! Work it!“ LOL
After we “worked it” we met the representatives from the modeling agency, did some shopping, and then, the “top model” and the runners up of the fashion show was announced. And no, I didn’t win. ;) Well, not in the way you are thinking anyways!! I didn’t win the tiara, trophy, gift basket and audition with the modeling agency, but I won in many other ways!! One being that I now have a greater wealth of friends (don‘t worry Terra - you are still my bestest LOL Forever and always!). I value and treasure that more than any tiara or trophy that will rust away and be forgotten. True treasures never fade away!! ;) Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. You’re like “you wouldn’t be saying that if you won!” Well, sure, if I had won, I would have been excited - but, I know what TRUE treasure is!! I would have likely been one to want to share the whole thing with my girls; making sure they all had their picture taken with it, and then dedicate it back to the store or something. LOL I don’t know. There’s no way to know what “might have been” because it didn’t happen that way. All I know is that we ALL truly did win!! Everyone did fantastic and we all shone like stars!!

Well, that’s the end of my amazing weekend!! If you want to see pictures of everything, please visit the link provided. Also, be sure to check out my You Tube play list that I put together. It’s clips of my runway walks (minus the first one because Mitch was just learning to work the camera) as well as our final walk together and the announcement of the winners. I hope you enjoy the pictures and videos!! God bless you all!!