~♥.Diary.Of.A.Perfectly.Imperfect.Diva.♥~

~ ♥.My.5.Clinical Essentials.♥ ~

2014-06-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Are you the student nurse that always has to run to the supply room because you always forget one thing or another when trying to practice skills on patients? WELL look no further. Here's 5 clinical essentials that will have you ready for almost anything you need to do while on your 'shift' [aside from major items like IV catheters, NG tubes, syringes, etc]. The video is detailed but still fun and friendly.

I would say 10 mL syringes to dc catheters or give IV meds should have made the list too, but I wanted the 5 things I use the most often to be on the official list.

What's in your top 5 clinical essentials student/licensesed practical/registered nurses?

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I hope you enjoy, and as always happy studying, peace, and blessings ... we out!

~ ♥.Student.Nurse.Brain.♥ ~

2014-02-20T05:06:00.001-08:00

In this video I just give a brief description of what I use to organize the things I have to do to prepare for each exam using a brain. I hope you enjoy. Happy studying, peace, and blessings!! =-]

~♥.Words.Of.Encouragement.♥~

2014-01-31T08:09:00.002-08:00

Its officially "Free to Be me Friday" and today I wanted to talk about encouraging others. I have listened to Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers song "Encourage Yourself" a billion times and I always take heed to it. Recently, I have had the opportunity to encourage friends in those moments when they feel like they can't go on anymore. I am natrally optimistic so its nothing for me to look at the bright side. It gets a little more dificult when pessimistic personalities come into play though. Earlier this week a young lady, X, liked a picture of mines from instagram (above) and commented saying she needed to speak with me. Now our relationship is mentor/mentee because I am in nursing school and she is trying to get in. She asked me if it was realistic for her to get in nursing school. In return I asked her if she repeated any courses and she responded with a number I would rather not say. Nonetheless, because of this she said she felt like she should change her major although her advisor told her to stick with it. At this moment I offered her some tips to do the work and take tests, my shoulder to lean on if she needed to talk,my help if she didn't understand something, or any other way she may need my help. I didn't have to do this but I did. People often say I am my sisters keeper, but I say scratch that I am my sister and she is me (put yourself in her position and form methods to help from their). Moral of the story sometimes the single moment we decide to stop and encourage others may change so many things in the world. She might have changed her major had I not talked to her or felt discouraged and quit school, but because I intervened and offered her a way where she saw none she is doing better. I will be helping her until she graduates and some time after that rather in nursing or another major.

Have you mentored someone or been mentored? How was this experience helpful or not helpful? Leave your responses in the comments below.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN,SUBR

~♥.Spoken.Word.:This.Type.Love.♥~

2014-01-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

~♥.My.Thoughts:.Love.Is.Blind.♥~

Valentines day is approaching and everybody will be showing their loved ones how much they love them from the past year and for this new year. I find it funny that throughout the other 364/365 days (leap year) people don't put forth as much effort to show their significant others how much they love them. I personally want flowers on May 23 just because you saw how beautiful they were as you passed the floral shop and you remembered "April showers bring May flowers" from grade school. I want chocolates or other candy on November 19 because thats one of my expected menstrual cycles and you know I hate chocolate but crave it during "that time of the month". I want a or a card on March 8 because its International Woman's day and you appreciate the woman I am and the woman I am becoming and because you love me unconditionally as your woman. I feel this holiday is glorified for and by women. We as a people need to go back to the simple things of showing one another gratitude not buying into this ridiculous American tradition. Have I ever gotten somehing on valentine's day? Yes. Have I ever given someone something on Valentine's day? Yes. I also have given and received things on other days which is the point of it all. In this piece the poet talks about what type of love he wants. It has funny, touching, and even OMG moments. This is the poem that first got my interested in spoken word. His word choices and firm belief in what he said just made me want to be able to get my point across in the same manner. This is one of my all time favorite spoken word poems. I think everyone wants to experience true love. NO matter what they say. I want a love that is so great … you finish the sentence. I hope you enjoy!

~♥.This.Type.Love.♥~

~♥.My.Favorite.Parts.♥~

And, check this, I want to fall in love with the melody the phone plays when none of us dialed into it type love and talk to you until I lose my breathe. She leaves me breathless but with the expanding of my lungs I inhale all of her back into me.

I want a love that makes me need to change my cell phone calling plan to something allows me to talk to her longer ‘cause in all honesty, I want to avoid one of them high cell phone bill type loves.

And check this, I kind of feel comfortable now so I even be fantasizing about walking out on a green light just dying to get hit by a car just so I could lose my memory, get transported to some third world country just to get treated, then somehow meet up again with you so I can fall in love with you in a different language and see if it still feels the same type love. I want a love that’s as unexplainable as she is, but I’m married, so she’s gonna be the one I share this love with.

~♥.In.Closing.♥~

What are you feelings after watching this piece? Did you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why? What are some poems that may have inspired you in the same way?

Leave your comments in the section below. Peace and blessings.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

~♥.Eggstraordinarily.Eggstravagant.Homemade.Protein.Treatment.♥~

2014-01-29T12:10:00.001-08:00

Featuring the edible, incredible, extraordinary, exquisite, exceptional, extraordinary EGG. The egg is one of the fundamental building blocks of life. You can use it for a variety of things from emulsifying/biding foods, to being a breakfast staple, to strengthening your hair. Yes, I did say for your hair. Eggs are protein's finest creation on this side of heaven. They are packed with vitamins, cholesterol, and proteins to strengthen hair and make it more shiny. So today I'll be sharing the recipe for my homemade protein treatment. I usually do it 1-2 times a month depending on how I feel, what I think my hair needs, and how the weather is outside.

~♥.The.Recipe.♥~

1 egg
2 Tbsp of your favorite hair oil (I mix a few in a bottle and use that)
2 Tbsp of your favorite moisturizing conditioner
Measuring cup (a bowl would work too)
Bottle with a funneled tip
Spray bottle filled with water
Plastic cap (and other satin caps, towels, etc to keep the heat in or a hooded dryer)

~♥.Mixing the Ingredients.♥~

Mix the ingredients together. The conditioner and oil help to moisturize, soften, and give hair a scent . This makes it easier to use so you won't get the egg mixture all over. I use an old Do Grow oil bottle, but you can also use a bowl, cup or even an applicator bottle for dye from your local beauty supply store (Sally's). Next, pour the mixture into the bottle with the pointed tip.

~♥.The.Process.♥~

After shampooing (with my hair in 4 sections) I separate each section into four smaller sections, finger comb the section (spray with water to dampen hair if it is too dry) and put a little bit of the mixture in my hand coating the length of my hair in the small section. Next, I put the coated piece in 2 strand twists and move on to the next small section until I have completed the big section. I two strand twist the big section and clip it into place until I have finished my entire head. Then I put on a plastic cap, a satin cap, a wool cap, and a towel to keep heat in. You can use a hooded dryer with just the plastic cap too. I just prefer to use as little heat as possible. I let it sit in my hair for 1-4 hours depending on what my hair is telling me. If it feels strong I'll do 1 hour if it feels weak/dry/brittle I let it go overnight (I usually wash my hair on Friday nights so its fresh for church o Sunday mornings.

Rinsing and Reapplying

Rinse with cool to tepid water. Remember this is an egg in your hair so you don't want it to cook while you are rinsing it out. Rinse your hair thoroughly because I can't tell you how many times I've been drying or taking my hair down and seen little whit clumps of eggs. So I rinse thoroughly and sometimes vigorously for approximately 5 minutes. Once it is completely rinsed out your hair will feel rough. this is good it's what protein does you want this. Next, apply your favorite MOISTURIZING CONDITIONER to soften hair and some oil for flexibility, let it sit for 30 mins with all the same coverings or a hooded dryer. Rinse then style and your hair is replenished with protein and ready to wear. Repeat process every 2-4 weeks (more or less depending on your hair).

Do you have any homemade hair recipes you'd like to share? Have you ever used an egg in your hair? Leave your responses in the comments below.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN,SUBR

~♥.Tropical.Island.Smoothie.♥~

2014-01-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

~♥.The.Recipe.♥~

1-1.5 cups frozen fruit mix (pineapple, strawberry, mango, and peach mix)
2-3 Tbsp peach yogurt (any flavor works but I picked this one for the tropical theme)
1-1.5 Tsp Honey (substitute with agave nectar, sugar, vanilla almond milk or even banana)
1/4-1/3 cup apple juice (substitute with water or any other type of juice)

** Optional :

1/2 cup of ice to thicken (more or less just adjust to the thickness you like)
1 piece of each fruit on top (eat them later for a snack and they keep the smoothie chilled)

*** DISCLAIMER :

The measurements are estimates because I typically "eyeball" everything when cooking or preparing food. So just play with the recipe until it meets your likes maybe add blueberries or raspberries to make it a little tangy.

Do you have a smoothie recipe you'd like to share? When dieting and exercising do you make smoothies? What is your favorite smoothie? Leave your answer in the comments below. Peace and blessings.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

~♥.Video.♥~

2014-01-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

There are so many things I'm inspired by whether it be a line from a movie or something that should be brought to recognition by mainstream America. One of the things I'm most inspired by is music because like love it seems to be a universal language. Something we all understand without even knowing or understanding the specific language. I usually listen to music that evokes thought, helps me to deal with problems I may be going through, or makes me feel liberated. In this case the song made me feel the most liberated I have ever felt up to this point in my life. It is a direct message to women, men, the world on the importance of just being yourself and how you can become tainted from the things in the world but try to be yourself! I have always loved the song and video. My running joke is she is a modern day hippy and I love her for that #Peace.

With that said the song is Video from the Acoustic Soul album by India Arie. In the song she basically says she isn't the average girl in the video, her worth is not determined by the price of her clothes, she isn't built like a supermodel but she learned to love herself unconditionally because she is a queen, and no matter what she is wearing she will always be India.Arie. The song is a R & B song and kind of neosoul.

How did you feel after listening to the song? What songs make you feel liberated and free? Did listening to the song help you through anything like self-esteem issues or just learning to love yourself? I hope it brings as much happiness, liberation, and thinking to you as it has to me. Leave your comments below. Peace and blessings.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

2014-01-26T11:43:00.001-08:00

~♥.Sunday.Funday.♥~

~♥.Spirituality.In.Short.♥~

II woke up this morning not knowing if my friend was going to pick me up or not so when I found out she couldn't I went to my church website and attended the live stream of the message. I'm glad I did the message was one I think a lot of people need to hear.

~♥.Scripture.♥~

The message this morning came from Philippians 4:1-14

1 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters,[a] stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

Words of Encouragement

2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner, to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts

10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ,[c] who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

~♥.Blind.Spots.♥~

The pastor opened up with the medical definition of blind spots (blind points)

"A blind spot is an obscuration of the visual field. A "blind point", or punctum caecum , is the place in the visual field that corresponds to the lack of light-detecting photoreceptor cells on the optic disc of the retina where the optic nerve passes through the optic disc. Since there are no cells to detect light on the optic disc, a part of the field of vision is not perceived. The brain interpolates the blind spot based on surrounding detail and information from the other eye, so the blind spot is not normally perceived."

In other words a place in the visual field that can't perceive light, which forces your other eye to make up what the brain thinks would be in the blind spot so you don't even know you have a blind spot.

He then went to explain we have blind spots in our cars, because most people view their car in the side view mirrors even though there is no point to seeing your car while driving. If you adjust your mirrors to where you can only see your car in them if you lean over you will see in what would normally be your blind spot. Now this is not to say that driving like this will be comfortable at first but its a new sight. We all have areas of our lives that we may not see well and those parts need adjustments. We magnify what we can see and minimize what others see, because we are knowledgeable about what we can see not what we can't see. Example: A husband may tell his wife to lose weight and she needs to stop eating so much, but he may not pay attention to how she has been balancing the books and keeping the house out of financial trouble (Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married). We can't always see the things we need to change because change is not natural its spiritual and its not a step its a process that we can all make with the help of God.

Next, he explained that knowing God for ourselves is the biggest and most important thing we can do. We have to know him during his suffering to appreciate him in his resurrection. The flesh dwells no other things and thats why we feel temptation and weakness in our lives from various sources. Just because you're working toward being what God wants you to be doesn't give you a reason to wallow or let one another go through things.

The 2 women who once got along and helped put out a message to save people are now in conflict. So many spiritual people can't get along and can't see what God is trying to do in their lives. Prayer has the power to alleviate blind spots because God gives you a vision (discernment) of disorder even when it may seem like everything is in order.

The scripture says REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS, AGAIN I SAY REJOICE IN THE LORD. So you might not feel like waking up and going to church because you're too tired, or you don't feel like it, or you want to do something different this week but you need to ask yourself somethings.

Why rejoice?

We rejoice because we might have an absent body but a present spirit. Because we aren't exactly qualified but should be disqualified had God CHANGED some things in our lives. Rejoicing is a step of faith that depends on God. We lift our hands as a sign of dependency, and surrender; to say "Lord I need this but I can't do it on my own". Its a sign of humility which is a spirit of learning.
Example: Last week in my post on the parable of the lost sheep the son was in the hog pen of life but that was the only way God was able to teach him.
Example: Pottery sometimes you can make something from the clay but sometimes you need to wet it to get it to be workable. Sometimes God will rain down in your life to teach you humility so you can appreciate the sunny days.
You have to be humble not proud, because pride doesn't equate to effective prayer, it is in close minded, selfish, uppity, rigid people. Remember it is God who won the battle for us and our lives are the way they are because he did it for us.
Side Note: Moses lifted his hands and Israel prevailed as soon as he put his hands down it fell. So when his arms got tired they gave him a rock (God). Symbolic of in our weakness his strength is present. Sometimes we walk past people beefing, but we have to remember the cross is symbolic of relationship. Vertical representing the relationship of God and man. Horizontal representing the relationship of man to man. (Exodus 11; Mark 11).
An issue is not a worry or a fear when you communicate with God. Perception may be the ultimate reality, but it isn't the ultimate truth. Communication sets expectations in relationships and thats how you let them know things are changing (update). Example: When your phone gets an update its saying we are changing this app whether you like it or not and its up to you to install the update. If you don't install the update you won't be meting my expectations. Example: Meetings before games the coaches gives the teams plays initially and they may be losing before half time but in the half time meeting they might give an update to change some plays and win the game as a result.
Many people want things from God but don't want to seek intimacy with him. Gratitude is the seed for more (being grateful and thankful). Don't trip on what you don't have be thankful for what you do have. Gratitude keep us connected to the word of God. Example: action is equal and opposite to reaction. If you extend out your hand in God's direction he will extend his hand out in your direction. An outreach to God will never be in vain it will cause you to reap a harvest of closeness. So if you insult your significant other you will get an insult. Gratitude is equivalent to gratefulness. Gratitude helps you to be grateful. You can't be negative and grateful because gratefulness translates into faithfulness

~♥.Past.Weekly.Goals.♥~

Finish cardio chapters by Wednesday. PASSED

Start on neuro chapters by Wednesday. PASSED

Type and schedule 2 blogs on each day. FAILED
Plan semester schedule with organizations. PASSED
Exercise 3 times. FAILED
Drink at least 2-3 bottles of water a day. PASSED

I didn't pass all my goals but I can deal with most of them and I'll work on achieving them along with this weeks goals.

~♥.Weekly.Goals.♥~

Listen to all lectures 1 more time.
Read cardio and neuro chapters again.
Finish ultimate blog challenge.
Drink more water.
Exercise 3 times.
Read bible and devotional daily.

~♥.Advice:DivaTalk.14.4.♥~

Earlier this week one of my post was brains vs. beauty. In this post a spoken word artist talks about how much more important an intellectual relationship is with his significant other than a sexual relationship. He uses double entendre and a heap of sexual innuendoes to communicate his point. He definitely walks the fine line between raunchiness and intellectual romance.

Now I will be the first to say I am not the brightest color in the box but I'm a far mile from stupid. Naive yes even gullible, but in the words of a dear friend of mine "I ain't no dummy". I've have talked to many types of people some brilliant and others make me cringe so much when they speak that I just think to myself "If you used your brain you would be dangerous". As a matter of fact a friend of mine just came to the fact that we are both sapoisexuals meaning we both are attracted to intelligence. The thing about this is he pursues numerous flings with women of lesser intelligence and often calls me after the dense conversations he has with these women to "rehabilitate his brain cells."

There has always been the battle between brains and beauty and one always seems to out trump the other depending on the person that is deciding between them but which one is actually more important?

I understand everyones standards of beauty and what they want out of life are different. Personally, I feel like as a woman of today you can have it all family, career, brains, and beauty too. As I've said it before I am no feminist but a strong believe in justice and equality. There are some males and females alike that disagree with this.

Bottom line shouldn't you want a bit of both not a surplus of one and a shortage of the other right? After all there an abundance of intelligent beautiful women like Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton.

What is your take on beauty and brains? Have you ever felt like a woman one was more important than the other? Why? Put your responses in the comments section below! I can't wait to hear from you. Peace and blessings.

Signed,

Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

~♥.Spoken.Word.:Penny.For.Your.Thoughts.♥~

2014-01-24T10:18:00.002-08:00

~♥.My.Thoughts.♥~

The movies, music, and music videos today are tainted by sexual innuendos to sell their products. Music videos are typically obliterated with women gyrating their bodies for viewer entertainment. The industry tells us that sex sells and there are many studies that have been conducted saying more attractive people do better with job promotion, hiring, and pay. Beauty is glorified evn more than brains today it seems. This poem sheds light on the mental connection 2 people share not just the physical attractiveness of one another. We need to promote loving our children and teaching them not to judge others and not to be so vain. I could only hope that we as a people would come together and let the person having the most credentials and being the most qualified for a job, promotion, or increase in salary be the ones to actually receive them. Wasn't this country built on being just? This is a favorite of mine. It provokes thought, plays with words, and has an underlying theme of actual sex although not explicitly said. I think society as a whole is fixated on sex and it is a shame. It’s sad that women have stooped to the level of showing off their bodies, told there sexual experiences to the world, and exploited themselves to become famous. I blame them, but I blame society more for it is society that says “Sex sells” and although these girls are fools for falling for this all to many times the theory has been proven true. Here the poet is more interested in your thoughts and how your mind works ... a true man. One who sees past the outer because he is so focused on the inner. I hope you enjoy!

~♥.Penny.For.Your.Thoughts.♥~

~♥.My.Favorite.Parts.♥~

Can I have a penny, for your thoughts? As a matter of fact how about three. One penny for you. One penny for me. And one penny for our minds engaged. Not so sexually. Getting intimately closer. As we approach the climactic altitude. Of nude mental sensational conversation cuz I’m trying to get to know everything about you from the neck UP

~♥.In.Closing.♥~

What are you feelings after watching this piece? Did you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why? What are some poems that may have inspired you?

Leave your comments in the section below. Peace and blessings.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

~♥.Daily.Natural.Hair.Maintenance.Regimen.♥~

2014-01-23T16:41:00.001-08:00

Most days I wear my hair in 1 of 3 styles. Either protective styles like braids or two strand twists, ponytails or puffs for fast and easy on the go days, and on those days I'm feeling my self and have a few extra minutes to get ready I rock my 'fro. The days I choose to wear my hair in a 'fro I'm often plagued with compliments of how pretty, long, and healthy my hair looks or the question of "how did you get your hair like that, because I've been thinking about going natural". So I felt a need to provide my hair regimen for daily maintenance.

Every day I like to spray my hair with an oil and water mixture just to moisturize not to dampen or wet my hair completely. I also like to put a little oil on my hands and gently rub it onto the ends of my hair sometime I massage my scalp just to stimulate it too. Depending on the hair style I have or am trying to achieve I also use my homemade shea butter mixture to seal in moisture especially in the winter months. I try to drink a lot of water, keep my hair from rubbing against my clothes, and not play in my hair even though everybody likes to put their hands in it.

How do you maintain your hair on the daily basis? Do you do any of the same things as me? What do you do that is different? Put your responses in the comments below. Peace and blessings.

Signed:
Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

~♥.Base.Coat.101.♥~

2014-01-23T06:36:00.002-08:00

So I was polishing my nails one day and a friend asked why I didn't use a base coat. I responded by saying I never have. Since then I have researched and used a base coat from then and I realized I didn't use a base coat because I didn't know why I should use a base coat.

The base coat acts as a more smooth surface for your nail polish to adhere to, protects your nails from staining, and extend the viability of your polish remaining intact and not chipping. I typically grab one from the dollar store that is combined as a base coat and top coat, but I also like the OPI pink tinted base coat.

Do you use a base coat? What type do you use? When did you start using a base coat? Why have/haven't you use a base coat?

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

Nursing School: ~♥.Peds.Update.♥~

2014-01-21T18:58:00.001-08:00

In this video I just give a brief update on my peds 1 class/clinical experience. Beware I was tired so there is some stuff straight from left field, some rambling, and a lot of randomness ... all of which are normal for my videos lol. I hope you enjoy. Happy studying, peace, and blessings!! =-]

~♥.His.Dreams.Are.Now.Our.Realities.♥~

2014-01-20T17:48:00.001-08:00

~♥.His.Dreams.Are.Now.Our.Reality.♥~

Today marks the celebration of the legacy left behind by one of the most nonviolently involved people in acquiring civil rights and liberties for African-Americans. He is honored by many for is persistence, diligence, non militant manner in reaching his success, and is faith in God to bring this country to unity. He believed love, compassion, and faith would help the "civil people" realize that not many things differed between the 2 races and that each sex and color should not be treated indignantly purely based on physical characteristics but on the depths of their personality. The first form of the constitution was written and signed on September 17, 1787. This country was founded on the principle of "life liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" (unalienable rights in which every person born under the constitution were guaranteed). Liberty is defined as the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.

So how was the conversation of who does and doesn't have civil liberties and rights even possible 100+ years later? I digress. We as a people have come a long way, but as a black woman I know we still have a long hard journey ahead of us. I say this simply because on the south lawn of the white house on July 27, 2006 George W. Bush signed the Voting Rights Act extension for another 25 years. This allows African-Americans and other minorities the right to vote, bilingual voting booths, etc. My only question is why is it being extended and not an actual law?I know many have marched both with him and on his behalf over the years, had many programs in his honor, and celebrate him and his courageousness to stand up for what he believed was right.

How do you feel about celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day? How did you spend your MLK Jr Day? How do you feel about that in which I have explained above?

Leave your answers in the comments. Peace and blessings.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN,SUBR

~♥.Leaders.vsFollowers.♥~

2014-01-19T11:12:00.003-08:00

~♥.Sunday.Funday.♥~

~♥.Spirituality.In.Short.♥~

I woke up this morning kind of late to actually get to church on time since I'm at school, but I was able to catch it via online streaming. My friend sang solo "The Place Where God Lives" and yes it was awesome she has a very angelic voice and he songs she selects to sing truly stimulate the church to praise and worship whole heartedly.

~♥.Sexfocal.or.6focal.♥~

The message this morning came from Luke 15:11-27 which is the Parable of the Lost Sheep.

¹¹To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. ¹²The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. ¹³“A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. ¹⁴About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve.
¹⁵He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. ¹⁶The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. ¹⁷“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! ¹⁸I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, ¹⁹and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”
²⁰“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. ²¹His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. ²²“But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. ²³And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, ²⁴for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
²⁵“Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, ²⁶and he asked one of the servants what was going on.²⁷‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’

~♥.6.Ways.To.Look.At.Life.♥~

Oversight
Sight
Hindsight
Insight
Foresight
Out of sight (if you serve god correctly)

He than explained that once the father died the oldest son would inherit 2/3 of the estate while the youngest son would only get 1/3 of the estate. The younger son was anxious and didn't want to wait for his father to die so he asked his father to divide the estate prematurely because he didn't want to be dictated by his father (when to come home, what to do, where to go, etc). The son was operating out of SIGHT. Not knowing that everything that looks good isn't good and everything that glitters definitely isn't gold. However, the son wanted to come and go as he pleased, sleep with prostitutes, drink with friends, etc so he asked. The father could have said no for various reasons (you've always been under my covering, you don't know how it is to be on your own, etc) but he doesn't say no. The son has sight but the father has OVERSIGHT. The father can see what the son can not. In this parable the son is = to us as children of God and the father is = to God the father.

Side Note: God is the alpha and the omega. The beginning and the end and he will be here at the beginning and end of your life so he can see what has happened, is happening, and will be happening in your life. It's like when parents tell their children to do or not to do something. The parents know from experience so they give their children advice from wisdom, but some of them don't take it because it doesn't resonate with the children. Those children don't listen and don't have life experience but want to make decisions so they have to go through life lessons to learn from their mistakes.

So now the son is the man to be; he drinks, sleeps with prostitutes, and lives wildly, but one day he ran out of money. You always go back to the level of your mindset but your thinking has to be wealthy first. If not you will always come back to the amount of your thinking. Too much money without proper mindset is not good because you will always go back to having nothing. The son finds himself in the hog pen of life. All his friends have left him because he has no more money and its easy to attract friends when you have money but hard to keep them when you don't. For the first time the son experience failure. Sometimes failure is a good thing though. You might be so low it doesn't even cross your mind to get up. Hitting rock bottom is ok IF GOD IS THE ROCK. You have to be in a mindset of "I have nothing else to lose, so why not try God and his grace and mercy."

So the boy comes to himself and looks back over the decisions he has made. He is now operating in HINDSIGHT. God saw this happening in oversight but this debacle causes him to look at his past. The common cliche says hindsight is 20/20 but only if the person's sight is not good. Hindsight kicks in after you mess up or you wouldn't have messed up. Sometimes God gives us a little bit of lead way to mess up so we can look back and learn from it. Failure is the accumulation of poor thinking and poor choices; an error in judgement being repeated everyday. So this bad decision the son made was the straw that broke the camel's back. He had a pattern of poor thinking and poor choices. People make repeated bad decisions because it doesn't matter to them and there aren't immediate consequences. Example: If a child touches a hot stove immediately the hand us burned and they learned the stove is hot immediately. Some people haven't read their bibles or prayed in over 30 days and say the sky hasn't fallen in so I'll be ok. Example: You eat a donut today not so bad you're still the same size and you got something you wanted. Do it for 3 months and you might gain 5-10 pounds, so your clothes might be snug. Do it for a year and you won't be able to fit into any of your clothes. People don't become 300-400 pounds over night. What is done in the dark comes to light though.

Failure is so dangerous because it is so subtle and so quiet; it's the essence of little by little. It's the small foxes destroy the vine. Example: If you ask someone how their relationship fell apart the way it did and they respond by saying I don't know I just woke up one day and it was in shambles. It's those small things that have torn it to shreds.

The son's hindsight lead to insight. INSIGHT is seeing into something you previously did not see. In this case it was the point when the son decided to go home, began rehearsing his speech. When the dad saw his son way off. Some people are way off from where God is but his compassion saves us. We praise him because his love is constant and his mercy and grace are always available to us. He set me up for success by putting me here today. Everything I have is all because of him and that alone deserves praise. When I wanted to quit he kept me even with failures. Through our failures and debacles we learn more about God. Example: I (pastor) had some hard times where I would just cry and ask God when are you coming to get me I'm ready to go home. One of those times was when we found out my brother had cancer, but I earned more about grace and mercy at that time than any other time in my life. He gave me understanding and peace from being whole, as well as strength and courage to get through this situation presented before me.

When the father saw his son coming he ran towards him (hebrew men didn't run unless there is an emergency). The son tried to remember his speech and said I'm sorry but the dad wanted the best robe for him and then the son said I turned against you and the father said get a ring and put it on his finger and the son said i turned against God and the father said kill the fattened goat we need to celebrate because the son that was dead is now alive my son who was lost is now found and hugs his son. Some of us are longing for the embrace of a woman or man but to be eld by God is the best thing. He is the one who does not waver. Husbands and wives have attitude, but God is unchanging. Dad gets sandals, rings, robes, but the son realized his dad wasn't not hearing his speech. Here the dad said he didn't care because his son who was dead is now alive. INSIGHT always bleeds into foresight. Now that the son has seen it he can see into his future and be lead by the spirit to make decisions.

With a few alterations our lives can be OUT OF SIGHt. Our success lies in our daily choices. Example: People want to say "I'm going to be a millionaire." Not with those spending habits. People want to say "My marriage is going to be better this year." Treat your wife better first. You can change your life in 3 weeks if you commit to it. because the daily regimen is what helps us meet our goals. People who make $20,000 a year have $20,000 problems and people with $1,000,000 wages have $1,000,000 problems. If you're tired of the backwards and forwards and the ups and downs go to God he provides stability but you have to seek a relationship with him.

~♥.Past.Weekly.Goals.♥~

Finish cardio chapters by Wednesday. FAILED
Start on neuro chapters by Wednesday. FAILED
Type and schedule 2 blogs on each day. FAILED
Plan semester schedule with organizations. FAILED
Exercise 3 times. FAILED
Drink at least 2-3 bottles of water a day. FAILED

I didn't even write my goals down so I didn't complete them, but I'll actually write them down and try this week even try to complete them.

~♥.Advice:Diva.Talk.14.3.♥~

So week before last I watched the series premier of Blood, Sweat, and Heels on Bravo. I definitely recommend it. I love that successful black women are being filmed about their lives on the day to day and that they were are friends.

On that episode Daisy has a brunch and chooses to do an icebreaker question to get the guests to mingle in a comfortable environment. The question: "Can women rule the world?" while the girls all disagree a woman can't for various reasons Demetria ,feminist extraordinaire, says yes there is nothing a man can do that a woman can't.
The girls respond by saying women are more compassionate because when they think about war they think about death, the innocent people, the families, so and and so forth and men aren't thinking like that. Demetria then responds by saying there probably should be less war then and why do you think this. Brie responded by saying "because men are more stable." The camera pans onto Demetria's confessional where she says she is a Southern woman but her mother always told her she could do anything a boy could do as she called the responses she received "a piss poor display of womanhood." She then goes on to say she could do it and well at that and says she wouldn't want any woman only qualified individuals. Geneva chimes in in agreement with Demetria followed by Daisy's rebuttal saying even though women may be in positions of power they can still be emotional and she blames it on PMS. Which warrants a response of "Thats complete bulls***" by Demetria. Demetria later makes a comment saying no my chocolate boy wonder and I are equals and the leader will be the one who knows more about it and who is better at it.

Okay I get it some women do have tendencies to be horrible leaders and men also. Leaders aren't born as any particular sex they are created through trial and triumph and understanding how to best approach and persuade a group to achieve success. I just don't think a leader is only a position a man can fill. No I'm not a feminist I think I fit in more on the lines of and equalist ... If thats a word LOL. I fight for justice and equality among individuals no matter their sex, race, religion, sexuality, etc. Bottom line all opportunities available should be equally presented to both men and women. After all you marry your wife not your child and she should be treated as such ... united we stand divided we fall.

What is your take on leading? Have you ever felt like a woman could or couldn't lead? Why? Have you ever experienced a woman leading you or anyone you've known? What was the outcome? Success or failure? Put your responses in the comments section below! I can't wait to hear from you. Peace and blessings.

Signed,

Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

~♥.Imma.Homo.♥~

2014-01-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know with a title like that the burning question is, "Are you really?" Unlike, some people the answer for me is no. I don't agree with the gay lifestyle, because my morals and values are different. However, I do fight for gay rights and treat gays the same as straight men and women. I don't think it is fair to restrict civil liberties from any person especially based on their sexual preference. I find this song uplifting for the gay community, it is upbeat and empowering and liberating for the journey they are on to equality. As a person whose people had a judicial system in opposition of their civil liberties I simply feel NOBODY should have to go trough this. Okay, so now you know my spill on that. I have always been in love with music that makes you think, inspires you, and leaves you feeling liberated, so this song definitely hit home. It is flat out telling you that they are proud of their homosexuality and nobody can ever change that. I'll leave you with this ... If you don't stand up against diversity, be ready to be stood on.

With that said the song is Imma Homo from the self titled album by Rainbow Noise. Rainbow Noise is a record label that signs members of the LGBTQ community despite their sexuality.

How did you feel hearing the song? Did you get the message? Do you agree or disagree with homosexuality? What feelings did the song evoke in you?

Leave your answers in the comments section below. Peace and blessings.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

~♥.Spoken.Word.: Barbie.&.Ken.101.♥~

2014-01-17T15:05:00.003-08:00

~♥.My.Thoughts.♥~

With plastic surgery being at an all time high and the chances of you breaking a limb being smaller than that of you getting a nose job, I think this poem makes an excellent point. It is vital in the revolution of society's standard of beauty. We as a people, nation, community, and most of all our sisters keepers need to come against these people in the music, movie, and fashion industries. to fight for the truth to be persuaded and presented to its audiences or victims rather. These days its more likely for the model not to even be the size of their own pictures on magazine covers, needles to say, thanks to photoshop.

I choose to stand up against a society's mentality that is holding its youth down by snatching their dreams, spirits, and even lives of some by brainwashing them into thinking they aren't good enough, pretty enough, or fit enough to be labeled as beautiful because they don't fit society's standard of beauty. These very things are what popularized people calling one another "real" and "fake". We as a country but a community FIRST need to wrangle the youth and assure them they are worthy, their lives are special, and beauty isn't described by any one person to define for another. Everyone does have a different aesthetic after all right? With that said, on to the poem. I absolutely adore this piece, it was the one that first caught my eye for spoken word poetry, so I hope ya'll enjoy!! =-]

Disclaimer: There is some cursing, but I weighed it and I think the benefits of listening outweigh the risks of listening to someone curse a couple times.

~♥.Barbie.&.Ken.101.♥~

~♥.My.Favorite.Parts.♥~

Less gut, less pudge, less looks, less real. 

More looks, more love, more Barbie appeal. 

Fuck Barbie and Ken. They’re the reason 15-year-old girls arms are slit.

 The reason 12-year-olds think skinny is a compliment. 

And it’s too late. I can’t write my way through these bathroom doors. 

So I raise my hand in class, cuz I can’t take it any more. 

Teacher, teacher, your lecture’s all backwards. 

You got mothers and daughters forgetting what matters. 

Cuz above hips, ass, lips, legs, and uggs, 

The most real ass shit is women who don’t give a fuck. 

So screw all your teachings, your lessons, and plans. 

You skewed sick distant relative of the man. 

Your plan for brainwashin’ my baby I reject. 

I’m walkin’ out of your class,  And I will proudly take my F.

~♥.In.Closing.♥~

What are you feelings after watching this piece? Did you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why? What are some poems that may have inspired you?

Leave your comments in the section below. Peace and blessings.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

~♥.Hair.Story.♥~

2014-01-16T18:41:00.001-08:00

So I've been putting this off all day because I couldn't think of what I wanted to say. I finally made myself sit down to do it as it seems virtually impossible with the load of work that has been pushed on us for the first week of my senior year in nursing school. I just want to talk about my favorite hair style for class, clinical, errands, and even for casual looks.

This past Monday was my first day back to nursing school ... unfortunately my teachers showed us no mercy. They came in not going over the syllabus, but rather lecturing. So I had lots of reading and studying because we have tests back to back so I can't afford to get behind on any of my reading. Every night I would intend on plaiting or twisting or bantu knotting my hair (see my old posts on protective Styles for examples if you don't know what I'm talking about) , but I would never get to it. I would instead put on a satin cap and go to sleep on my satin pillow case and wake up doing this donut/bun. Eventually I'm sure I will make a video on stretched out old hairstyles or something.

How do you style your hair when you're rushing? Do you have any go to styles?

Leave your comments in the section provided below! Peace and blessings!

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN,SUBR

~♥.Everyday.Perk.Up.♥~

2014-01-15T04:12:00.001-08:00

~♥.Her.Story.♥~

So since the last 2 posts I've blogged about have been absolutely rushed and not really cared about I am determined for this post to be about something I can make sound somewhat interesting. Now, I love to wear makeup (typically eye wear), but I don't like going through the application process. I usually for everyday natural looks choose to ether use a skin tone eyeshadow and dress it up with eyeliner and mascara. I'll give the dish in reviews posts on the eyeliner and mascara that are my favorites on later dates.

~♥.The.Perk.Up.♥~

I typically choose this look on a class day when I have the extra time. Its a dozy to put make up on for me . Okay honestly I like the after but going through the process of applying, blending, etc is beyond me. Anyways, This is more an everyday plain Jane look for me. These are the days I choose to apply just eyeliner and mascara just to perk up my almond shaped eyes and give them a little extra something. I use Maybelline's Define-A-Line eyeliner for a more dramatic look and an NYC pencil for a more subtle look. I use Maybelline's Falsies Volume Express for a more dramatic look and Cover Girl's lash blast fusion for a more natural look.

It never hurts anybody to add a little product to perk them and thier faces up so on those days when I'm really wanting to look nice I go find my Rimmel London 002 Smoky burn palette and put the color that is on the right over my lid and highlight with the color on the left. Simple, subtle, and so quick.

So what do you use for your everyday look? Do you put anything at all on? Do you use any of these products? What's your take on them. Leave your responses in the comments below. Peace and Blessings.

~♥.Health.&.Fitness.Honesty.Hour.♥~

2014-01-14T17:49:00.001-08:00

~♥.The.Ugly.Truth.♥~

Ok let me start off this post by being honest. I haven't been working out... I know horrible I've literally been getting up at 7 then going to "work" aka nursing school until around 4:30/5 and then going home getting a snack then grabbing my laptop to do a blogpost, study, and then going to bed around 1. This is the second day of school so I'll just change the routine as I need to for next week and let ya'll know how it works out.

~♥.Diet.Plan.♥~

NO soda

More water

No red meat

Fish and poultry only

More fruits and veggies

~♥.Starting Weight.Goal.Weight.♥~

256 lb. and I want to be 180 lb. so lets get moving

~♥.Measurements.♥~

As promised: in inches

Bust - 51

Chest - 42.5

Waist - 47

Hips - 52.5

Thighs - 29

Calves - 18

Upper arms 15.5

Forearms - 12

Neck - 16.5

So do you plan on losing weight or just getting your body to a healthier state? How do you plan on doing it? What exercises will you incorporate in your plan? What diet changs will you implement? Leave your answers in the comments below.

Signed,
Darchelle D. Smith SN,SUBR

~♥.First.Day.Senior.Nursing.Student.♥~

2014-01-13T19:12:00.001-08:00

So today was the first day officially as a Senior level student nurse and God willing I WILL be graduating NEXT semester. I was anxious all day yesterday in wonder of what would partake today. I literally wen to bed at 10 but didn't fall asleep until after 1 ... smh ... so sad. So one of my closest friends calls at around 7 and of course I answer because I've been waking up to look at the clock every hour since 4 am. She then tells me she'll be picking me up around 8:30. I had bananas and cream oatmeal cooked with almond milk .... yummy, shower and soon am off to school in the rain bummer. This is the first day so I'm thinking I wont have to worry to much about learning it'll be more introduction of the corse and then we will get into the actual learning part. Who am I to think though because apparently I had it all wrong. I get there and good thing I brought a pen, paper, highlighter and textbook because my teachers decide to teach the hardest lecture content today (Cardiovascular). The cake is I actually have that class once a week and its for 3 hours. So little we talked about for 3 hours though. Bleh ... next.

The icing on the cake is that I then had to go to a class for issues in nursing. I actually adore the teacher for this course he is hilarious. We have a bunch of group projects and a few individual projects but whatever. We picked our group members, ethical nursing issues, nursing groups, and debate nursing topics then followed with a movie about the history of nursing. We ended class early with my teacher is saying class is being moved to Thursdays ugh.

All in all I had a good day. I got to meet with the nursing honor society to plan now that I'm the Vice President and made it very far into planning for the semester and made groceries. I know this post is seemingly boring but I didn't have time to make and edit a video like I wanted to do so I'll post it next semester.Yawn ... sleepy but I know I have to say up to study. Peace and blessings.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN,SUBR

~♥.To.Snoop.Or.Not.To.Snoop.That.Is.The.Question.♥~

2014-01-12T19:49:00.001-08:00

~♥.Spirituality.In.Short.♥~

So today started off pretty shaky. It's the day I go back to college for the spring semester. My family went to church late because we changed our minds about where we wanted to go a few times and still ended up going to the church we go to very week. I know I know ridonkulous. So we get there in time to catch a song or 2 and then sit to hear this Sunday's sermon. Just when I sit I realize a few people had on black and then I hear the preacher say "Welcome to Sister Eva's Memorial Service I know she's up there dancing this morning, as he pointed towards heaven." Needles to say the sermon was based on her life and the things she's been through (illiteracy and sickness, not having a birth certificate, etc). The pastor also made the message about being saved and offering prayer and acceptance of the Lord as savior for those feeling ify so I won't bore you with scriptures or other things he said because I'm sure you've heard this sermon a billion times if you're a christian.

~♥.Past.Weekly.Goals.♥~

Finish up cardiovascular chapters b Wednesday. FAILED
Start on neurological chapters by Wednesday. FAILED
Type and schedule 2 blogs on each day to get ahead. FAILED
Plan semester schedule with organizations. FAILED
Exercise 3 times. FAILED
Drink at least 2-3 bottles of water a day. FAILED

So it seems like just when I made those goals everything else needed to be done so I'm going to try them again this week and if I don't make them then I'll know they were unrealistic not because of a crazed week.

~♥.Advice:Diva.Talk.14.2.♥~

So last week I watched the series premier of Blood, Sweat, and Heels on Bravo. I enjoyed it so much I chose to watch again tonight. I definitely recommend it. I love that successful black women are being filmed about their lives on the day to day and that they were are friends.

On last week's episode Daisy has a brunch and chooses to do an icebreaker question to get the guests to mingle in a comfortable environment. The question: "Is snooping on your partner ever ok" while the girls all agree it is for various reasons Demetria ,relationship expert, says no if you have to check his email/text messages/call log etc., then you don't trust him and you shouldn't be with him. The girls respond by saying they had reson so then they checked and another saying had she not checked she would have never known it happened.

Now I know that everyone isn't a good judge of character and sometimes you have to go through the storm to enjoy the rain, but doesn't something in the pit of your belly say "something isn't right about this?" at some point. I just think if you can't trust or communicate there's no point in trying out a relationship. Snooping is NEVER EVER EVER ok. If you have to snoop then you probably don't need to be with the person or you may have a trust issue that you need to work on alone. Bottom line it is never ok and if you want to do it then you probably should face your insecurity head on to have a successful relationship in the future. After all doesn't that create a problem between the two parties involved in the relationship ... it might even push them away if you get caught. So is it really worth it?

What is your take on snooping? Have you ever snooped on a significant other?, what was the outcome? Have you ever been snooped on?, what was the outcome? Put your responses in the comments section below! I can't wait to hear from you. Peace and blessings.

Signed,

Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

~♥.Spoken.Word:.Imagine.By.Black.Ice.♥~

2014-01-10T22:00:00.003-08:00

~♥.My.Thoughts.♥~

I think this poem sheds light on the ups and downs of the African-American community! I think everyone wants to think just b/c slavery ended and segregation was overruled the world is equal now and the truth of the matter is simply it’s not. Problem is most of us get lost in the lifestyle of the bad leading to becoming drug dealers, junkies, strippers, and ex-cons, although its harder for us as a people to achieve the same success other races throw around we should still attempt it. It’s like having a boulder on your back on a journey up a hill it’s hard but well worth it once you get to the top and see how far you’ve come! This man is brilliant , I absolutely adore this piece, so I hope ya’ll enjoy!! =-]

~♥.Imagine.♥~

~♥.My.Favorite.Parts.♥~

The deconstruction of the black family has been in perpetuation ever since Willy Lynch set his theory in motion.

De-characterization was his soul promotion therefore if you take the basketball out his face and put the coke in it’s place he’ll still score!!

Most of our families are fatherless and quite poor so we miss out on meals as well as kisses and hugs!! You have the audacity to close the facilities that keep us off the street then ask us why we sell drugs

Imagine if she wasn’t forced into a game where you assume a filthy name and put your soul and your ass up for show

Imagine if she was taught to love herself imitate no and demand and demonstrate respect when she walks through the door

Imagine if she watched the telly and saw herself doing the primetime hour instead of the 4 o’clock video whore IMAGINE

~♥.In.Closing.♥~

What are you feelings after watching this piece? Did you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why? What are some poems that may have inspired you?

Leave your comments in the section below. Peace and blessings.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN, SUBR

~♥.Redeeming.Love.♥~

2014-01-10T18:45:00.000-08:00

~♥.My.Take.♥~

Growing up my mom had various jobs, both before and after receiving her teaching certification. One of those jobs was working in the public library as a librarian. This along with my vivd imagination as a child facilitated my love of reading and getting lost in the different stories being told.

I came across this book through recommendation from a friend. I looked at the book and said "But its so long and the words are so small". To which she said its so worth it going through each person's life and journey through their personal struggle." I couldn't argue with that I checked out some reviews and the book description and then picked it up from Barnes & Noble.

This novel is probably my favorite it has a little something for everyone, and each character faces something different, although they are all connected to one another. Each character faces highs and lows some more lows than highs and vice versa, and that is exactly what makes the book so good. The experience you get as a reader watching the challenges that the characters go through gives you insight, at some point or another, with your own life and the decisions you've made. This book was a definite page turner and was hard to put down ... even for sleep.

~♥.Why.♥~

Now for the actual review of the novel. I love that this book is loosely based on the biblical book Hosea. Francine Rivers creates a love story between two people whose lives ,seemingly, would never have even collided in a million years. Just as you foreshadow the storyline will go into one direction, the author takes the story into the complete opposite direction. This book comes highly recommended by me anyways.

Angel is a prostitute, the best in her brothel, and is used of a high class kind of life. One day Hosea, a God fearing farmer who loves the simple life, sees Angel as she goes on a walk to advertise her "services" and he is set on marrying her after receiving the word from God. The story of how these two come together and unite through marriage is remarkable. It is a journey to change the ways Angel thinks and convincing her to stay out of prostitution for good.

~♥.Book.Description.♥~

Can God’s Love Save Anyone?

California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside. Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father’s heart in everything, Michael Hosea obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband’s pursuing love, terrified of the truth she can no longer deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael Hosea does…the One who will never let her go. A life-changing story of God’s unconditional, redemptive, all-consuming love. Over 1 million copies sold!

Have you read this book? What did you think? What did you learn from it? Would you read it in the future if you haven't read it? What is your favorite book? Why?

Leave your answers in the comments section below. Peace and blessings.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN,SUBR

~♥.Protective.Styles.♥~

2014-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Braids. Flat twists. Bantu knots. Plaits. Two strand twists. Buns. The list of protective hairstyling methods is endless. In my opinion to grow and maintain your tresses in the healthiest state protective styling is a must no matter the length, texture, or type of hair.

~♥.The.What.♥~

What exactly is protective styling you may asks? Protective styling is pretty much styling your hair with low tension, low manipulation, and protecting your ends. Specifically, hiding your ends from being completely exposed.

~♥.The.Why.♥~

Why? Why? Why ... would I want to do a thing like that? Protective styling protects; more specifically, hiding your ends from being completely exposed to weather conditions, friction against clothing, products that may cause splitting or breakage, styling, dye, and even heat. Protective styling may not prevent breakage or splitting all together, but it definitely does minimize damage.

~♥.The.When.♥~

Protective styling for me is the most effective during the winter months because it allows my hair to retain moisture for longer periods. I also like to do protective styling in the summer because the wash and go gets kind of crazy in the summer and it helps with minimizing heat damage caused by the sun. Another time to utilize them are when you don't have any extra time for hair styling in your day to day life. Often times these styles can be utilized to make other styles like up dos etc.

~♥.The.How.♥~

In the future I will be posting tutorials, but until I do so feel free to utilize youtube. Even after I post the tutorial videos/posts about those styles it is smart to continue to utilize youtube because although I may post somethings other things I haven't and maybe even won't ever get to them.

~♥.Triple.Threat.♥~

I utilize a number of protective hair styles. Below are those I consider my absolute favorite.

1.) Two strand twists This is my number 1 go to protective style. I first stated using this style around December 2011. Throughout the whole month I used this style by leaving it in for 4 days, wearing it out for 2 days, and washing it on the last day of the week. It's quick, easy, low tension, low manipulation, and low stress on the hair. See picture above with the woman in the brown dress for example of how it looks.

2.) Plaits I love this protective style because it is quick, easy, and really pretty when I take the plaits out. I have always used this style even before I stopped getting relaxers. I use this style the same way I use 2 strand twists because of its low manipulation and beautiful end results. although it has low tension. See picture above of Brandy for an example of how it looks.

3.) Flat Twist The final of my 3 favorite protective styles is the flat twists. I first stated using this style around February 2012. It took a while for me to learn how to do this style, but once I learned it I modified it to my liking and wore it frequently. I still do them from time to time as a compliment to a style, but I haven't used them as a protective style in a few months because I've been utilizing the first 2 so much. This style does have medium tension.See picture above with the woman with yellow earrings for example of how it looks.

Do you utilize protective styles? Which ones are your favorites? Which ones do you like the least? Have you tried any but to no avail?

Leave your answers in the comment section below. I hope today's post helped inform those that didn't know about protective styling and persuaded those that don't necessarily utilize them. Peace and blessings.

Signed:

Darchelle D. Smith SN,SUBR

~♥.Color.Me.Happy...My.Eyes.Anyways.♥~

2014-01-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

~♥.BHCosmetics.3rd.Edition.120.Color.Palette.♥~

I am the quintessential college student, with no money and what I do have I choose to spend wisely. I have so many things to pay for between life, organizations, and nursing school. Drug test. TB skin test. Car insurance. Cell phone bill. The list goes on and on so as soon as I see a break for my wallet I take it.

I absolutely love putting on eyeshadow and creating new looks. I don't do it everyday, but when I do I like to get the most wear out of it and look the most polished. I have used a few bargain brand eyeshadows ,that needless to say, didn't stay on longer than 2 hours or didn't show up well on my skin.

With this all that malarky goes out of the window. My eyelids immediately perk up when I use the 120 Color Palette 3rd Edition.

These colorful little beauties can accommodate any outfit for that feisty, fierce, and/or refined look! Not to mention they are very economical. Unlike when I brought my palettes , now days the price is cheaper and they even come with a mirror to achieve your best look without the hassle of standing over the bathroom sink trying not to ruin your new outfit. The colors are very bold and even include that rare red eyeshadow everybody wants, but nobody can ever find. No more fighting to find the perfect shade of makeup or going between two palettes to achieve a certain "look" because every color and/or shade you need is here. You can look at this palette and more at the BHCosmetics website here. The palettes are a low price of $15.95 plus shipping and handling. Which is a steal in comparison to just 1 eyeshadow from high-end brands such as MAC.

Whether you need new eyeshadows, make-up brushes, lip glosses, false eyelashes, or other beauty products just check out BHCosmetics for their low prices and quality products.

BHCosmetics is also a company with great morals and values. I liked the 3rd edition palette so much I decided to buy the 2nd edition palette. When this palette arrived although it had a lot of bubble wrap and packaging some of the shadows were broken. I sent pictures to the company email with my feelings of unhappiness and had another sent to me in no time. They also allowed me to keep the broken palette, which I gave to my younger sister.

In addition, I like that this product is that it has warm colors too. The fact that it has warm colors was the reason I chose this palette first. As a woman of color I appreciate the various hues of browns yet still the offering of very bold colors. I hope you have enjoyed my review of this product, maybe even enough to check out the website and even purchase some things from this company.

This is a product review written by me on behalf of BHCosmetics. The opinions and text are all mine. I am not being paid for this review and I remain honest throughout my personal review of this product.

What are some of your favorite make up tools and products? Do you use any BH Cosmetic products? Do you like the product from BH Cosmetics that you have used? What other eonomical makeup products do you have that wok well for you?

Put your answers in the comments below. Peace and blessings!

Signed,

Darchelle D. Smith SN,SUBR

~♥.Diary.Of.A.Perfectly.Imperfect.Diva.♥~

~ ♥.My.5.Clinical Essentials.♥ ~

~ ♥.Student.Nurse.Brain.♥ ~

~♥.Words.Of.Encouragement.♥~

~♥.Spoken.Word.:This.Type.Love.♥~

~♥.My.Thoughts:.Love.Is.Blind.♥~

~♥.This.Type.Love.♥~

~♥.My.Favorite.Parts.♥~

~♥.In.Closing.♥~

~♥.Eggstraordinarily.Eggstravagant.Homemade.Protein.Treatment.♥~

~♥.The.Recipe.♥~

~♥.Mixing the Ingredients.♥~

~♥.The.Process.♥~

Rinsing and Reapplying

~♥.Tropical.Island.Smoothie.♥~

~♥.The.Recipe.♥~

~♥.Video.♥~

~♥.Sunday.Funday.♥~

~♥.Spirituality.In.Short.♥~

II woke up this morning not knowing if my friend was going to pick me up or not so when I found out she couldn't I went to my church website and attended the live stream of the message. I'm glad I did the message was one I think a lot of people need to hear.

~♥.Scripture.♥~

The message this morning came from Philippians 4:1-14

Words of Encouragement

~♥.Blind.Spots.♥~

~♥.Past.Weekly.Goals.♥~

~♥.Spoken.Word.:Penny.For.Your.Thoughts.♥~

~♥.My.Thoughts.♥~

~♥.Penny.For.Your.Thoughts.♥~

~♥.My.Favorite.Parts.♥~

~♥.In.Closing.♥~

~♥.Daily.Natural.Hair.Maintenance.Regimen.♥~

~♥.Base.Coat.101.♥~

Nursing School: ~♥.Peds.Update.♥~

~♥.His.Dreams.Are.Now.Our.Realities.♥~

~♥.His.Dreams.Are.Now.Our.Reality.♥~

~♥.Leaders.vsFollowers.♥~

~♥.Sunday.Funday.♥~

~♥.Spirituality.In.Short.♥~

~♥.Sexfocal.or.6focal.♥~

The message this morning came from Luke 15:11-27 which is the Parable of the Lost Sheep.

~♥.6.Ways.To.Look.At.Life.♥~

~♥.Past.Weekly.Goals.♥~

~♥.Imma.Homo.♥~

~♥.Spoken.Word.: Barbie.&.Ken.101.♥~

~♥.My.Thoughts.♥~

~♥.Barbie.&.Ken.101.♥~

~♥.My.Favorite.Parts.♥~

~♥.In.Closing.♥~

~♥.Hair.Story.♥~

~♥.Everyday.Perk.Up.♥~

~♥.Her.Story.♥~

~♥.The.Perk.Up.♥~

~♥.Health.&.Fitness.Honesty.Hour.♥~

~♥.The.Ugly.Truth.♥~

~♥.Diet.Plan.♥~

NO soda More water No red meat Fish and poultry only More fruits and veggies

~♥.Starting Weight.Goal.Weight.♥~

256 lb. and I want to be 180 lb. so lets get moving

~♥.Measurements.♥~

~♥.First.Day.Senior.Nursing.Student.♥~

~♥.To.Snoop.Or.Not.To.Snoop.That.Is.The.Question.♥~

~♥.Spirituality.In.Short.♥~

~♥.Past.Weekly.Goals.♥~

~♥.Advice:Diva.Talk.14.2.♥~

~♥.Spoken.Word:.Imagine.By.Black.Ice.♥~

~♥.My.Thoughts.♥~

~♥.Imagine.♥~

~♥.My.Favorite.Parts.♥~

~♥.In.Closing.♥~

~♥.Redeeming.Love.♥~

~♥.My.Take.♥~

~♥.Why.♥~

~♥.Book.Description.♥~

~♥.Protective.Styles.♥~

~♥.The.What.♥~

~♥.The.Why.♥~

~♥.The.When.♥~

~♥.The.How.♥~

~♥.Triple.Threat.♥~

~♥.Color.Me.Happy...My.Eyes.Anyways.♥~

NO soda

More water

No red meat

Fish and poultry only

More fruits and veggies