The V-8 Moment

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see"  Hebrews 11:1

WOW!  I feel like I have been in a "V-8" commercial the last few days.  You know the one where the person hits themselves on the forehead and says "should have had a V-8".  The only difference is that God is asking me "Do you truly BELIEVE and have FAITH to walk the path that I have set aside for you?  Powerful questions that really got me to thinking about the alternate routes that I have been taking over the last several months...

I believe that there is a plan for all of us and despite the fact that we may veer off the road, we will get to the ultimate destination if we truly trust and believe.  Having had the V-8 moment on Saturday, went to Church on Sunday only to hear that the sermon was on FAITH!  I was definitely in the right place.  Pastor said a few things that really hit home:

• It is not a matter of what we say we believe but what we do that indicates what we truly believe.  I need to not only talk about the walk but I need to walk the walk.
• What we truly believe effects the way in which we live our life.  If we truly believe and have faith, we will not bail out when the going gets tough.

The last thing was his "department store" story.  Faith is like a department store.  First you have to enter in the building or make a conscience decision to have faith in a higher power.  Once you have made that choice, you check out all that is offered on the ground floor before you are ready to move up to the next floor or grow deeper in your faith.  See there is always more to learn and understand if we are only willing to grow.  Sometimes though we get stuck on a floor and are not willing to grow - this is me lately - stuck on a floor because of FEAR.  

My two biggest struggles: 1) reaching my goal weight and 2) becoming successful in my direct sales business.  

Over a year ago, I left my full-time job with the goal of having a thriving direct sales business and not ever going back to work for someone else again.  In January, a touch of fear hit me and instead of praying, believing or having faith - I took a part time job.  I enjoy the people and it is only 1 or 2 nights a week but the reality is that it is just a crutch for me.  The nights that I used to work my business with training, customer calls, etc. is now spent at a part-time job.  The only nights that I am actually off are when I have booked parties/ events or when my hubby is off.  Let me tell you this was definitely a V-8 moment. 

So what alternate route are you taking?  Do you have reasons/ excuses why you needed to veer off the path, heading in another direction for the moment?  Acknowledge those FEARS and find FAITH in your higher power BELIEVING that he will bring you through whatever it is you are afraid of.  

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.

Spring Cleaning the Clothes Closet

Over the last few days, I have begun to do some spring cleaning - my first stop is always my closet.  A chance to put away the heavy sweater,pull out my capri pants, flip flops and short sleeve shirts.  Okay, so the weather may still be a little cool but to me - spring is here!  

While doing this, I came upon some things that were bought and still had the price tag on them.  You know - the perfect sale, something that seemed right at the time or the never ending impulse buying.  So, I have a Closet Filled with  (some) Regrets.  I saw an article the other day that made me stop and think about what is in my closet, the opener said - 

Only about 20% of clothes in the average person’s closet are worn on a regular basis, says Ginny Snook Scott, chief design officer of California Closets, the designer of customized closets and storage spaces. That’s especially the case for women since “men tend to wear more of their wardrobe, as they stereotypically have less,” she says. “They tend to have less than 10 pairs of shoes that they rotate fairly well, whereas women have four to five times that amount, on average.”

WOW!  This made me take a look at my closet again.  What were the things that I wore on a regular basis?  I am a jeans girl all the way in the winter so why do I insist on buying skirts that never seem to make it out of the closet?  Since I am still on my weight loss journey, I have not been buying as many clothes - holding out for milestones in my journey to treat myself to something new. 

The St. Paul's Church Rummage Sale is coming up in May so as I clean out my closet, I add to the pile of things to be donated.  My impulse shopping may be just the right thing for someone else.  What will you do with the "regrets" in your closet?  Do you have a favorite charity to donate to or is there something else that you do with them?

I saw a tip somewhere on a blog or Facebook, I can't remember which that someone shared which I think is going to be my new rule of thumb:

My grandmother always says you should wear something once for every dollar you spend on it. I thought it was silly the first time I heard it, but now I find myself holding up items and thinking "Will I really wear this 25 times?" It definitely helps my impulse buys! G-E-N-I-U-S! 

What tactics do you use to avoid purchase regrets?  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Sunday - A day of rest

A day of rest - we all need it.  For some, it is for religious reasons.  For some, it is just a day to spend with family - you know the only day when the whole family is home together.  For some, it is sleeping late and catching up on some much needed rest.

For me, today is a blessing.  I am going to be spiritually energized at church with our amazing Pastor - JD. Then get to serve by being part of the count team.  I will wind up the day with an amazing group of Thirty One Sisters at Celebrate and Connect.    The NEW Summer catalog will be premiered today for the consultants and revealed to the public on Monday.  An exciting afternoon that will re-energize my business.  Over the last few years I have learned to treasure these days to rejuvenate my body, mind and soul.

Each of us need a day to rest, relax and restore ourselves after a week at work.  Pamper yourself today - whether it is a walk around the neighborhood, a trip to the beach, quiet moments reading, sleeping in or a bubble bath.  Find a way to pamper yourself for one hour and see what a difference it can make in your life or even your week.  Have a ThirtyOne-derful day.