Bad Habits

I think some people are reckless with their bodies. They eat whatever, do whatever and just don't care. Which saddens me. Your life is precious. You should care enough for yourself and your love ones to care what you put in it and how you manage your body.

Some people, they rely on God to just make them well. Yes, as believers we should know that our Heavenly Father will heal us. However, you shouldn't purposely not take care of your body and expect him to heal you from something you caused all on your own. It's one thing, to get an sickness/illness/diseases from other reasons....but if it's simple because you are just stuffing your face with whatever, doing harmful things. When you are physically & mentally able to not do them. If, I were God I would be like. I am not helping you, until you are ready to help yourself; by eating right, stopping those bad habits and doing the right things. You know you should be doing. Well, you can REJOICE and be glad I am not God! We all should rejoice and be glad that man is not God...or we would forever suffer.

I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers....and the old negative habits diminish turning into positive healthy choices.

Read more

Knowledge is POWER!

Workshop for Fashion Designers....that I attended over the weekend....

Last week, I spoke about how important it is to be Passionate. If you have passion for what you do, you will be more productive.

Today, I want to talk about KNOWLEDGE!

It is very important for you to be knowledgeable in your field. It doesn't matter how talented you are....you need to know the ins and the outs of how things work in your industry.  [ins and outs means: the correct and successful way to do something]

You will learn this stuff by researching, attending workshops, taking classes, speaking with others in the same field - who are successful! All of these things will help you to be more productive in your business.

To be successful, you want to know what you are talking about and doing. It will also save you money...the more you know, the less you will have to pay someone to do something for you.

It is something, I have been doing myself with starting my business. I've been taking classes and in the process of taking courses and attending workshops, events - you will be able to meet others in the field...who will give you pointers. You will meet people who have just started, been in for awhile or maybe a veteran. All of these stuff will benefit you in the long run.

So, I encourage you to get out there and learn, research, network and be productive!

I just discovered this site recently....check it out to meet others in your field. Meetup.com

Read more

Encouragement: God's Protection

These last few days, I've been thinking how many times GOD has stepped in and Protected me! He has given me many insights over the years. Protecting me from those who would have caused me serious harm. Had I not walk away, when He told me too….a lot of times I didn't understand it and I even cried. When He said: No, Coasta walk away. It was hard many times....but GOD stepped in right on time to protect me! Oh, to be kept by Jesus!

I have many examples but here is a couple:

Ten years ago, I miscarried a child. Then a few years later....the father of the child I was carrying and I were dating again and were talking marriage. In the midst of us dating, this Pastor, came to my church at the time...and said there is a woman in here - and she wants to know if this guy is for her. He was like I don't know who you are but he's not for you. Run. Get out of that relationship. I was like is he talking to me? I was like no...he's not talking to me b/c I know this guy and he’s for me. Ha! 

Two weeks later...I found out he was MARRIED and had a kid with his wife. He even had 2 extra kids (from a previous marriage)....that I knew nothing about. I found all this out from his current WIFE! She called me, after seeing my number in his phone… she said, she was wondering who he was talking too giggling, etc. So, she checked it. She told me, that me losing my child that I carried with him was a ‘Blessing in Disguise’ as painful as it was….b/c we were planning on getting married back then…and losing that child caused us to drift away and kept me from marrying him. Had I had the child, I could have possible be in her shoes. She was not mad at me....b/c she knew I didn't know of her...and by everything I told her...she knew, I wasn't some random person - that we had history...b/c I knew too much about him to be someone he just met. She was relieved in some aspects....b/c she had finally had someone who understood what she was going through and finally had evidence that she could use. She said, that no one believed her when she spoke ill about the guy…b/c he was a very respectable man. Anyone, who knew him would never think anything negative about him. Looks can be soooooo misleading. Let me tell you! Oh,  I’m so thankful…we DID NOT sleep together during that phase of dating! Lord knows, what else would have happened!! 

Another scenario: In the past, I was always helping people with their business. I was helping this one person with their business and all of a sudden. I felt in my spirit. I should not work with that person anymore. I was like Lord…but why? I can use the extra funds. Hello! Why, Lord!?!? He didn’t answer me. I just knew I needed to stop working for that person. I cried for all sorts of reasons. However, I listened to my Heavenly Father. I told the person, I could no longer work for them. They didn’t like it of course. Later, I saw why God told me to stop working with that person. It would have caused me hardships and possible ruin my reputation b/c of their bad business practices. 

They are several others, who have asked me to help with their businesses…but my spirit says ‘No’…so, I do not. We have to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit! 

The other day, I had an encounter with a spider….creeping up on me from the side…and I saw it in the corner of my eye. That illustrated to me, God will warn us when something is coming that could cause us harm. Therefore, we won’t be blindsided! 

Yesterday morning, while looking for something. I killed a bug without knowing it was even there. I notice I killed it b/c it was attached to my leg, after the fact. Eww! That illustrated to me, that there are times when harm is near us and God steps in and block it, without us knowing it even existed. 

Sometimes, things don’t make sense to you. You don’t know why you shouldn’t do something. LISTEN & Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit!
  
GRATEFUL for His PROTECTION…even when I may not have understand! He Kept Me!

Proverbs 2: 1-11 NLT

My child, listen to what I say,

    and treasure my commands.

² Tune your ears to wisdom,

    and concentrate on understanding.

³ Cry out for insight,

    and ask for understanding.

⁴ Search for them as you would for silver;

    seek them like hidden treasures.

⁵ Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,

    and you will gain knowledge of God.

⁶ For the Lord grants wisdom!

    From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

⁷ He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.

    He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

⁸ He guards the paths of the just

    and protects those who are faithful to him.

⁹ Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair,
    and you will find the right way to go.
¹⁰ For wisdom will enter your heart,
    and knowledge will fill you with joy.
¹¹ Wise choices will watch over you.
    Understanding will keep you safe.

 

Read more

Quiet Place

A lot of people have a quiet place inside their homes. It's a place where they go to be alone to study, read, invent, be creative, etc. In this place, they are relaxed, are at peace and their spirit gets rejuvenated. It's a place where they usually get a lot accomplish and they are able to fully concentrate and their thoughts come together, etc.

Me I like the outdoors and would like to find a nice safe quiet place outdoors! In my hometown, my quiet place was going to the beach or the water park. Those places were just so relaxing and comforting to me.

BUT living in Atlanta.....there is no real beach nearby - meaning like within a 30mins drive. So,whats a girl to do for a quiet place around here?

So, since my allergies are not a big issue anymore. Thank God for His Grace!! I have been on the quest recently to find a nice quiet spot...where I can go and just relax and enjoy nature - to study, read and/or draw. Get clarity. Get creative. Be at peace and enjoy the great outdoors. I expect to go to this place at least once a week.

If, you live in the Atlanta area. I welcome any places of interest, that you may consider.

You can comment on this post or tweet me @coastag

Blessings!! 






Read more

Picking out a Gown!

Sorry for the delay in the posting. Got a lil behind in my schedule.

So, my church is having it's 20th year Anniversary in August. Since I am a very picky person. I've already started looking at various gowns....for the occasion.

So, in selecting a dress. Things about me...I do not like halter top dresses. I think they are pretty but I don't like how they feel around the neck...when I wear them. So, I prefer not to wear them. A lot of dresses these days expose the boobies....so will have to fix that! I always try on clothing before I purchase. Since I don't like returning things. So, I will go to a physical store to purchase one....but so far these are ones I found online that interest me....

I'm not big on sequence dress either.....but it's kinda cute.

This one is a maybe considering the neck issue.

This one maybe a lil too much lol but I love it!

Read more

What I Eat!

My Health advice from personal experience:

I’m not a big health nut. Meaning, I don’t eat/drink things that say:  low-fat, fat-free, diet stuff or drink those protein shakes. Those things that you see in gyms and all that stuff. That stuff just screams disgusting, when I look at it! LOL

I’ve tried a few so I wouldn’t be biased and for me it’s disgusting! Yuck! Yuck! Yuck! My taste buds do not agree with a lot of that stuff. I do like NAKED juice - the green, red, blue machine and berry veggie flavors!

Anyhow, since I have been watching my body more and more. I do notice when I eat certain things. I get sick! For instance, when I eat beef, lamb meats – I get really bad heartburn and/or it upsets my tummy! So, I try to limit my intake of those meats!!! If, I must indulge I try to take some digestive enzymes supplements before or after I eat it. To reduce, the side effects from eating it.

I use to love this Spinach & Cheese pizza but after awhile it started upsetting my stomach. So, I don’t eat it anymore. I don’t eat fried food much at all. BUT when I do, it tends to cause heartburn…so that helps keep me away from that! 

See my pattern, when things cause harm to my body -> I just stop eating it or limit my intake of it. Healing myself from issues! 

My diet typically consists of fruits, veggies, fish, turkey and some grains.  I don't eat a lot of grains like I use too!

Since, I have been eating a lot more veggies and fruits foods. I have notice a BIG difference in my health. I am not nearly as sick...like I use to be (not missing days at work from being sick) AND I am losing weight. Not quickly but it's coming off!! Healing thyself! It really makes a BIG difference of the foods we consume! I do try to get things that say organic, natural, no sugar added, no preservatives/additives, etc. It works! No diet pills! Just healthy eating of the RIGHT foods and RIGHT Exercise for your body! What may be a healthy food for one person, may not necessarily be healthy for your body. Same with exercises. Some people have to do extensive workouts to see results....where some people all they gotta do is take a walk. Do some research!

Everybody is different and what works for one person...may not work for you! Be patient and get to know your body and figure out what works for you....but healing is in the foods we are putting in our system. It is literally life or death! Choose foods and drinks wisely! RESEARCH!

Read more

Passion + Business

When, you do what you love! You will have the zeal to do whatever it takes to be successful. Stay up long hours, put in the extra effort to get things done in a timely manner. When you have passion for something, it doesn't feel like work.

People who love what they do, tend to be more happy with their business. They may not make millions of dollars doing what they love but the mere fact that...they are doing what they love. It brings happiness, joy - they feel whole and at peace. That is a wonderful feeling. So, when you find something you are passionate and good at - that can be profitable. Educate yourself more about that field and GO for it. It will be the best decision you will have made for yourself. Your future self will THANK YOU! :)

Read more

Encouragement: My 1st Trip to Las Vegas

 
My first trip to Vegas...

I was 20 years old and it was around Thanksgiving Nov. 2003. My boyfriend at the time...was going home to visit his family and he was catching a flight out of Vegas to go home. So, while he went to see his family. Since, I didn't have any other plans - I figured I would just spend the four day weekend in Vegas. That way I would be there when he came back and wouldn't have to drive back there. At this time, I was stationed [Military] in Fort Irwin, California.

My plan, while their just browse around and check out what all Vegas was about. I had gotten me a cheap hotel room downtown of the strip at El Cortez....I believe that was the name of the hotel. So, I figured since it wasn't really in a safe place...with me being a female traveling by myself. I would only go out in the daytime and be back in my room by at least 6pm. I didn't have any extra money at the time to do anything extra. ..just window shop.

So, in the midst of me going through one of the hotels - walking through the casino area. I saw $200 on the floor by the door....and the first thing I did was I picked it up and immediately asked the guy who was sitting on the stool right next to it...if it was his.

This guy, just so happen to be a homeless man. So, when I asked...he didn't want to say no....but I knew after looking at his face and his appearance it was not his either. I remember looking into his eyes. He wanted it to be his so bad. I didn't really know what to do...so what I did was...I split the money between the two of us. Gave him $100 and I kept $100. He was sooooo happy and secretly so was I b/c I didn't have any extra money. Money was tight! I was buying food cheap at a local Chinese spot. It cost like $6 a plate with drink. So, finding that money came in handy and just in time. I had a smile, just as he had a smile!

Although, I don't think I thought of it this way back then....but we both needed extra money and GOD supplied both of our needs!

It may not come in the form or place you would think BUT God will supply our needs. Grace!

Read more