Deadline

I rarely bother going to the movies anymore.  There just isn't anything worth seeing, so I'm usually disappointed.  But that's about to change in early 2012.  The movie "Deadline" is a family friendly flick, based on a true story, about a cold-case murder, family ties, race, and redemption in a small town in Alabama. But don't take my word for it.  Watch the trailer, and visit www.deadlinefilm.com to sign up for email updates.

6 ways to look prettier on the outside. (Even though you don't need it.)

Six articles to help you look better on the outside.  
But I know you don't need to. 


What to wear when you don't know what to wear.   Suggestions on how to dress for any occassion.
Wake up prettier.  How to look a little more appealing when the alarm goes off. 
Perk up your smile with these simple steps.  Easy steps towards a whiter, brighter smile. 
7 beauty products for $7 and under.  Great products for cheap.

Is navy the new black?  All about navy blue.
How to wear gold makeup.  Be totally on-trend in gold.

Praying expectantly.

 ¹ I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 

² Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. 

Psalm 116, NIV

Twice in the last few weeks I've felt frustrated, anxious, and scared.  I didn't know which steps to take next. And I didn't know if I could handle what the future would bring. So, I cried.  I cried a lot. Probably a few buckets worth.  And through my tears, I desperately prayed to God to have mercy on us, and to move swiftly on our behalf.  

Well, I really should not have been surprised that God made things happen the very next day. I mean, it was me that asked Him to work fast, right? I received a phone call in the early afternoon that turned my entire day upside down.  I was stressed by the task I had to face.  I hate to admit that I tried to find a way out of it.  And it wasn't until later that I realized that although the day was mixed up and inconvenient, it was God answering my prayer.  He moved fast and He moved big.  Why was I so surprised?  In the end, I was grateful for the answer that I needed.  But I wish I had my eyes open to see how God was moving that day.  I could have faced the upheaval with a lot more excitement, anticipation, and joy if I had only been expecting God to answer me. 

The second time I prayed that prayer, the answer happened nearly the same way.  The only difference was it took a few more days for me for things to come to fruition.  Again, my eyes were closed to God's work in my life.   Why didn't I learn this lesson the last time?  

Through these two experiences I learned a few things about me, about God, and about my faith.  I learned that God is faithful even when we're not.  I really didn't show very good faith that He was going to answer my cry.  I should know God better than that.  But He answers our prayers, always.  Even when we don't fully expect an answer.  

My prayer for today is that I will have my eyes open to all He is doing around me.  And that I won't just ask for God's help, but that I will fully expect the answer and pray expectantly.  

Have a beautiful day!

Why you never had to worry about a bad hair day again.

Bad hair days.  Ugh.  Even us hair stylists get them.  It's no fun, is it?  And it usually happens when you're getting ready for something important, like a job interview, family pictures, or a class reunion.  I think I have more than my fair share.... probably because I hate to spend more than five minutes styling my hair. It's hard for me to wake up that much earlier than my kids!  If I wouldn't look weird without hair I probably wouldn't even have any.  :)


But I suppose there is hope for me, yet.  While I may stress when my hair isn't doing what I want it to, what I really need to recognize is that I don't ever have to worry about a bad hair day.  Why?  Because God's opinion of me won't change with how I look.  No matter if my hair is perfect or punky. 


1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV) reminds me: "For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." 


And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing, indeed.  Have a great day!  

Do you tweet?

Are you a fan of Twitter?  I love tweets - such short snippets of thought that can be chock full of encouragement and hope!  Here's a few of my favorites.  Who do you follow?

womenoffaith Women of Faith - encouraging women everywhere.

KayWarren1  Kay Warren, wife to Rick Warren.  Her tweets are profound and full or God's love.

RickWarren  Rick Warren, pastor, author, and funny, too.

lensweet  Leonard Sweet, Speaker.  And just because he's cool.

OfficialSanta  Santa will tweet his location all night long as he delivers toys.

JoyceMeyer  Joyce Meyer Author, speaker, spreader of hope

beautifulmanda That's me!  :)

My Beauty Wish List for Santa

If I could write Santa Clause a letter, I would send him my beauty wish list.  Santa may never read my wish list, but you can.

10.  To be able to wake up in the morning, already dressed, coiffed, and with perfect makeup.

9.  For a never ending supply of Sephora Black Glitter Waterproof Mechanical Eye Liner.

8.  For a Magic Eraser for pimples, varicose veins, freckles, wrinkles, and scars.

7.  For a bigger closet.

6.  Instant Dry Nail Polish that really does dry 'in an instant.'

5.   Rock star hair.

4.  Another Magic Eraser that removes muffin tops, crows feet, and arm jiggle.

3.  For more of the purple sparkly eyeshadow from Tarte's Glamour to Go palette.

2.  To find a cotton ball substitute that doesn't take up space in landfills.

1.  To feel beautiful all the time.  And for other women to feel the same.

Thanks, Santa, I hope you can fit that all in my stocking!
If you're reading, please share your beauty wish lists for Santa, too!  Merry Christmas!

A Fresh-Brewed Life, by Nicole Johson

Fresh-Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson
I admit it.  I love all things coffee and I certainly can’t get my day going without a cup.  Or three.  So when I saw the title of Nicole Johnson’s book, Fresh-Brewed Life, I was hooked.   In her book, Nicole calls us to wake up from our hum-drum, dazed, and sleepy approach to life.  She encourages us to reflect inwardly, discover our weaknesses through the act of journaling, and turn them over to Jesus.  He, and only He, can set us free from those damaging issues, like hidden anger, that wear us down.  In it’s place, we’ll have a refreshed, revived approach to life and a renewed relationship with Christ.  Nicole uses interesting, heart-wrenching, and funny examples from her own life to illustrate this book.  

I love the coffee references in Fresh-Brewed Life.  I love the coffee trivia, and the thought of curling up with a good book and a hot cup of Joe.  What’s not to love?  The book is interesting to read and spiritually challenging.  I love that Nicole calls us to journal our lives.  Not only is it cathartic, it helps us see patterns, prayers, and God’s answers in our lives.  She even gives great tips on how to incorporate journaling into an already busy life.  While this book is a great read, and Biblically accurate, I would have loved to see Nicole go even deeper spiritually.  But I’ll take it as a bonus that her words left me hungering for more, both from her writing and especially, from God’s Word.   If you’re a woman who needs a boost, a coffee lover, and someone looking for some insight into another woman’s journey, then this book is for you.  Drink it up!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”