Super Woman

New Year's was SERIOUSLY a great time.  How about for you? 

I got to be creative (what I love) by putting together a FAB gold glitter DIY 2014 sign & spend some much needed time with my husband & friends.  However - this new year will be a time to reflect on my business, my marriage, my health & more.   In the midst of everything,  I've been trying to listen to God's voice.  Like anything else, with so much going on, it's easy to miss a beat & end up doing the opposite of what I know I'm supposed to be doing.  I've made a few quirky goals for myself such as working out at least one more day a wk. & longer workouts. I'd like to get those 4-6 pack abs I had back a few years ago.  Why not?!  I'm aiming to stay healthy & maintain a stronger core, which means less back pain for me.  Another thought was painting larger paintings, I know that I tend to do a lot of little 8"x10"'s - but with the lack of time, they're easier to get through.  However, I need to focus & figure out when I could just drown out & paint. Noted.

Another thing was our on going journey to having a child.  I'm not going to lie, it's been a long road & certainly an emotional one.  There are days, I smile in public while quietly yearning for a child. I know it's a part of life to feel pain, but I'm learning that the way we deal with that pain... is what matters.  And, although I'm not ready to fully speak about this, I hope to soon. Until then, we are trusting that God is working behind the scenes for us.

Let's see....is that it?? Hmmm - now Marriage. It's not easy. Ups & downs are constant - but this year we are working to tip the scales, so that we could see more ups THAN downs. Trusting God - having family, good solid friendships & always picking ourselves back up when we fall...that is where we both want to be.  All in all, I AM blessed, and the blessings I see every day are reasons to celebrate.

My hope is to keep on inspiring women all over the globe..... to be strong, courageous, to be loving, kind, caring & to not be discouraged.  Even when I'M A MESS,  I somehow find my SUPERWOMAN vest & I put it back on.  To quote Alicia Keys....'I'm a Superwoman, yes, I am"- and we HAVE TO believe that... despite what others feel or view us as.  This year, I will strive to constantly see myself the way God sees me & I hope you ladies will do the same.  Happy New Year!!

-images by  jen ramos

Thank You

Many of you may recall this post I did back in August where I wrote about my 'not so pretty' past, which I have eventually moved passed. I spoke about how the TRUTH sets us free. That statement couldn't be more true.  In John 8:32 Jesus says, “And you will know the truth, and that truth will set you free.”  I can NOW say with certainty that God is faithful. This is what I've experienced.

I dedicated 100% of profit for 3 days of sales from my business to 2 different charities, Women's Initiative & Children's Cup. It was a PLEASURE to act on what I felt God was directing my heart to do. He used me in a wonderful way to help others, despite the bad others were trying to inflict on me. It's no secret, I believe God is awesome. Below is a thank you note I received from one of the women I was able to assist through my donation.

If you're looking to donate to charities, the ones I listed above are some good ones! THANK YOU so much to all those who wrote emails, who bought from my shop & who commented - plus all my friends, family & husband - I love all of you!



-images by jen ramos