Your Divine Voice: A Healing Source of Inspiration

Have you ever heard of the phrase "divine voice" and truly wondered what it meant? I think at times I've struggled with this terminology myself. When I hear of someone "using their divine voice," I think of this supernatural bodily takeover where the Holy Spirit does a complete 100% takeover of your body, mind, and spirit -- takes over your tongue, says what the Lord wants you to say to the listener, and then goes back into hibernation. I know...slightly dramatic, but these are the visions I get in my head. I've always told myself that I'm not necessarily sure that I have a divine voice but once again, God proved me wrong.

Several days ago, I ventured out to a low-key coffee shop here in town to conduct an interview for my online magazine. It started off as just another interview -- prepped a little before by reading the bio of the individual, other write-ups she's received, etc. I was ready...or was I?

I get to the coffee shop, chat it up with my favorite server, and order my soy cappuccino. The time was just around 8PM. As she approaches, I'm still under the impression that this will be just another monotonous interview. She sits...a tad nervous...but after a "Hey girl!" here and a "What's up?" there by me, she slinks back in her chair knowing that I'm human just like her. She's now comfortable.

We get through the first set of introductions and I turn my recorder on. It all starts off as super cliche and all of the basic journalist questions. It then begins to rain and we move inside the coffee shop. We started talking about her inspirations for her craft and she begins to reveal some basic insecurities. As a creative artist driven by her passion but financially tied to a job that will "provide," her inner struggle of passion and purpose begin to surface. As an entrepreneur who recently took a deep dive into "crazy-land" to fully pursue my passion, I immediately began to minister...unknowingly.

~Proverbs 18:21 - The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat of its fruit. ~

Out of nowhere, I began to speak to her situation by telling her my story, where I came from, how God wants her to use her gifts and how she will never really experience the fullness of what He has for her until she steps off of faith, dives off the cliff into "crazy-land," and has the utmost faith that He will provide. Seeing her eyes well with tears, I turn off the recorder and continued to fill her with all of the things God was telling me to tell her. It was probably one of the most powerful moments I've ever experienced.

I sat there for probably an hour with my interview subject ministering to her and she gratefully accepted. She went on to say that she knew our meeting was one bathed in divinity -- that everything I had to say spoke to her situation and was exactly what she needed at that moment. As if awoken from a dream, I re-emerge...only to remember bits of pieces of what was spoken, but alive enough to know that God was there, He spoke, and she was refreshed.




I don't know what the future will hold for this talented artist, but in that moment she was inspired and she felt hope. I now know what it means to speak in my "divine voice." Have you recognized yours? Your divine voice is never for you.  It's when God uses you to share his vision with others based on their need. You won't have to think long and hard about what to say, because it will flow like a river. In what ways has your divine voice healed others? Have you truly allowed God to use you? Just some things to think about as you move forward.

XOXO - Leah

When Destiny Calls: NFL Player Jason Brown Leaves $37.5 Million Contract to Follow God's Calling

When I first wrote my blog post on pursuing my dreams in fashion, it was welcomed with an overwhelmingly positive response. I openly discussed acknowledging God's voice, following his calling, and going after my purpose regardless of what others said or without the necessity for their approval. (Read more here: Dream Big: What God Has For You is Just That--For You)

Today I was on Facebook when I came across the story of Jason Brown, an NFL player who turned down a $37.5 million contract in order to follow God's calling on his life and start a farm. Not only did Brown admit that he had never farmed a day in his life, he also admitted to having to watch YouTube in order to learn more about the business and how he was going to make it work. All he knew, was that there was more purpose in growing crops on his farm to feed the less fortunate, than making money in the NFL.

I am so incredibly inspired by this story and hope that it touches your heart too.  Read this post here on Examiner.com for more on Jason Brown and his farm called First Fruits Farms. Hopefully it will light a fire for you to go after your passion and calling. Life is not always about the money.

~Your Purpose Is Greater Than A Paycheck~

Dream Big: What God Has for You is Just That--For You

I'm writing this today after admittedly taking offense from people, particularly those close to me and of spiritual likeness who "don't understand" or who are "confused" at what I'm doing. After I write this post, I'm going to lay this offense down, be done with it and let it go because I know that this is not a thing that is of God and will deter rather than further my mission.  So here goes nothing...

Running into my purpose? Ha, maybe!  On set at a photoshoot for one of my music clients.

I feel like sometimes when we have a dream or a vision albeit from God or otherwise, we seek acceptance and approval from others naturally. What is your first instinct when you have a dream or something that you want to accomplish?  You want to go and tell all of your family and friends right? In doing that and not even on purpose, we have the ability to give these individuals so much power and influence over our decision in whether to continue or further whatever dream/vision has been placed on our heart. 

Me on set of a photoshoot for one of my music clients

I always compare this situation to an episode of Say Yes to the Dress. The bride-to-be walks in knowing 100% that the dress she has on is "the one."  She's brought her whole entourage of family and friends to the momentous occasion only to walk in and to be greeted with a bunch of frowns at the dress she so truly adores.  It's a classic situation--bride walks away, discouraged, and this "dream dress" goes back on the rack, never to be purchased all because of dissenting opinions of close family and friends.

Me with SMU football player and Calvin Klein model, Myles Crosby

This is the same sometimes I feel of dreams and visions that we have. We disclose this to close family and friends and if they don't "get it" then we bury the dreams and go back to living our normal lives. I've been blessed (or maybe it's a curse) to be strong-willed and VERY independent.  Four years ago, when I started my company and ventured out into fashion, EVERYONE thought I was crazy.  I got the same question over and over..."Why would you go to law school, rack up over six figures in student loans, study and take a bar exam, excel in private practice and then (randomly) wake up and decide to go into fashion?"

This is me in a nutshell...happy to enjoy life.  This was taken at Suburbia Fest...

I really didn't have an answer but to say, "Because that's what God put on my heart." Many didn't understand and I didn't have the time or patience to make people understand. I just knew that I had the same voice waking me up over and over and over again out of my sleep until I said, "Ok God--I'll do it...I'll go into fashion, I'll start a business, I'll empower women, I'm up for the challenge...I SAY YES." And like magic--the voice telling me to go into fashion and to become a personal shopper/stylist/image consultant went away. Coincidence? I think not!

VIP Backstage at Suburbia Fest...I found rap star J. Cole's trailer!

For years and really up until recently, I hid what I was doing. I was undercover going to fashion shows, events, networking, building up my business and writing on fashion. I knew that people wouldn't understand, so I didn't want their negativity to affect my mission. Frankly, I knew on the surface and at face value it wouldn't make sense to anyone; but underneath it all, my dreams, my visions in fashion made clear sense to me and to God and that's all that mattered to me at the end of the day.

Me at a Shops at Park Lane media event with Dallas blogger, Alex of Eat Style Dallas blog

Over the course of 4 years, my business and clientele has quadrupled, I have had the opportunity to meet and interview some of the top players in the fashion industry; I have positively impacted women's lives who come to me so broken and with little to no self-esteem left because of their outer appearance; I have partnered with highly recognized brands on blogging initiatives....and the list goes on. I know without a doubt that this is what I was made to do.

Me covering a Mally Beauty event at Ulta

Just recently, I met with some folks from the church and received the same reaction...and one of the people I met with made the suggestion of me merging my law degree within fashion, which I knew immediately was not what God had for me.  I politely replied, "I understand what you're saying, but that's not my ministry." This person pretty much ignored what I said and kept going on about how I could do this and that and fill the void in the fashion industry of doing fashion law, etc. etc. Again, I politely listened and said, "That's not my ministry. I've already created a committee within the Dallas Bar Association to semi-fill that void because I didn't have a passion in undertaking that avenue." I was really irritated and bothered that I had to repeat myself.  See, to this person, it made sense on its face for me to merge law and fashion because that's what they saw as "making sense." I walked away from the conversation ticked because out of everyone who I believed could understand vision and purpose, I thought for sure it would be my spiritual peers.

My awesome selfie with Eva Chen, Editor in Chief of Lucky Magazine

After talking about the situation with my mother, I realized this person meant no harm. However, I was strong enough to know that what God has for me is for me and that at times it will make no sense to anyone else but me and Him. Our dreams will not make sense on a secular level but in His will and purpose, it's a PERFECT plan.

Me headed to cover the DIFFA Masquerade ball..just finished getting my masquerade mask painted on my face at MakeUp Forever

I write all of this to be encouraging. If you have a dream, don't just dream big...GO FOR IT! Don't listen to the naysayers. I have experienced that you can't expect people to be in your corner in the beginning, especially if your ideas are unconventional.  Just keep at it and eventually they will come around...or not. If something nags at your heart, like my vision did--it may be your calling. Seek after God and His will for your life, and everything will fall into place.  Take it from me...I listened and followed His calling, excelled at a rapid pace and have never looked back.

A little selfie in the car (parked at a light) on my way to a wine and duck pairing with my sis and mama

God please forgive me for quoting Kanye West (lol) but I always think of this lyric when people try to bring negativity to my passion:

Now I could let these dream killers kill my self-esteem

Or use my arrogance as the steam to power my dreams

(Kanye West - Ego Remix w/ Beyonce)

Single Ladies Inspiration - Waiting for Greatness

I'm actually super excited to write this blog post...migraine and all.  Right now I'm propped up on my couch, with Hollywood Exes playing in the background on my TV with a fresh mug of my favorite Starbucks Tazo chai tea. All in all, I really felt like this was so important to write because so many women settle for the wrong man...thinking that God has forgotten about them, or maybe that it's "taking too long" for them to get settled down as they look around and see their friends getting hitched and starting a family one by one.

Anyways, I was recently given the assignment for a website that I write for, Believe.com, to write a review on the book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. They only gave me 5 days to read the book and to write the review!  I was completely freaked out and pissed...because for one, I have a full-time job and two, I just don't have the time to read as much as I used to...for a 5 day turn around!  So, I picked the book up from Barnes and Nobles only to discover that the book was approximately 450+ pages long! *GROAN!*

Low and behold....I was blessed BEYOND MEASURE by reading this book and finished it in 2 days. I literally could not put the book down.

As a 30 year old Christian single woman, it can be easy sometimes to fall victim to society's pressures of "You're supposed to be married and have children by this age...." and yada yada yada.  I've been single for 2 years now and I'm like every other single woman out there that wants to love and be loved.  BUT...in my quest for a God-fearing Christian man, I'm not settling and definitely not desperate. I sometimes wonder "Is there really someone out there for me?  Is there really a guy out there with the same values as me? Does a man who loves God with all of his heart really exist? When will God deliver me my husband?"

Well after reading this book, I am so encouraged that just as God pursues us, so will my husband-to-be.  This book re-tells the bible story of Gomer and Hosea.  In the book, Gomer is likened to Angel, a prostitute who has been through many challenges in life and who feels unworthy of any man's love. She's only used to men wanting her for that one thing and is hardened to men because of that.  Hosea is Michael Hosea in the book...a man who looked at Angel walking in the street one time, and knew that she was his wife. He was a Christian man; well known and respected in the community but risked it all...to pursue a prostitute who God put on his heart as his wife.

After catching just a glimpse of Angel, Michael pursued and pursued Angel...knowing that this is the woman that God wanted him to marry.  Many times Angel strayed away but he loved her nonetheless, praying to God that she will seek after Him.  Angel wasn't perfect...she was known in town as the best prostitute on the block...but Michael loved her through all of her imperfections and led her spiritually to God.

~He who finds a wife, finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. Proverbs 18:22~

There are many lessons in this book--self-forgiveness, redemption, God's pursuit after us, restoration.  But the theme of what it truly means as a woman to have a man of God love us with all of his heart--to cherish us and pursue us, to pray with us...to be there for us when we are weak and to lift us up spiritually was very comforting.

Could it be that I'm a hopeless romantic just entangled in a well-written love story?  Nah!  When it comes to relationships, I just always leave the outcome up to God...but reading this book at the most inopportune time and as my first assignment for Believe.com was not a coincidence.  God was speaking to me and reassuring me that he's got this one in the bag.

One of my senior leaders at church told me: "Hey Leah, just as you are preparing yourself for your husband...just know that somewhere...your husband is doing the same for you."

So if you're single...or maybe not single, just in a tough area in your current relationship...you're just wondering whether there really is a man out there for you.  One who's on fire for God, who goes to church and worships God for real and not for show...one who will look at you like the queen that you are...then definitely read this book.  It will have you encouraged and comforted in knowing that your patience in waiting is not in vain--it's all a part of God's plan.

Pic taken in Lihu'e, Kauai, Hawaii...I was really just overtaken by how beautiful everything was and how fortunate I was to be there

~Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31: 30~

Can I Act "Hollywood" Now? I'm on Vogue.com!

Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

So everyday when I wake up or even when I'm in my car I always pray to God that I continue to stay humble, to stay grounded.  It's hard when I'm getting boxes and boxes of fashion and beauty products sent to me everyday or this comped and that comped to not get full of myself.  When I think about the blood, sweat and tears I have put into fashion for the last 4 years, it's hard not to want to take all of the credit and think that I've gotten here on my own.  But as I continue to reflect on the verse above and at the end of the day I circle back to the thought that everything I do, everything I am is all for His glory.

Today was a big feat for us (me and God).  I was featured on Vogue.com.  I had a great shoot with an amazing photographer, Thomas Garza displaying Fall looks.  To see my blog name "Beauty 4 Ashes" on Vogue.com literally just made me pause.  I want people to question what it means...I want people to come to my blog out of curiosity...whatever it takes to redirect people to Him.

With all of my personal goals with fashion and with all of the distractions of getting invites to this show or that show, so and so put you on their VIP list or here's a bag full of luxury items just cause...I want to let all my friends and family members know not to have any worries.  Leah's not going to go and get "Hollywood" anytime soon. My purpose through HIM is much bigger than all of this.

But.....if someone wants to put me at the Chef's table feeding me and my "plus one" a five-course meal while I sit in my Jimmy Choos and sip Veuve Clicquot, I won't complain! haha (Just kidding...kind of)

Vogue.com Clarks Fall Shoes Promo 9.17.2013 (Best. Day. Ever) / Photography by Thomas Garza, Make-up By Melanie Ann

Keep Calm and TRUST GOD

So I've reached this point in my life where I thought EVERYTHING was going exactly how it should be. It wasn't perfect but it was in all of its ways comfortable and satisfying. Just two years prior my world was torn to pieces--shattered by a nasty, unexpected divorce between my mother and her ex-husband, a break-up with a guy I had been dating for almost a year and a lay-off from my job. Things couldn't have been worse and I went into a deep depression. These things brought me to my knees and to God. Now here I am...almost two years later where my world has been shook again and I'm at another set of crossroads.  Do you ever wonder..."God, can I have calmness for just a little bit?"  "Can't I just CHILL?"  But God says "no".  He doesn't want us to get comfortable, he doesn't want us to settle.  He wants us to MOVE.

(Taken at the Covenant Church Women's Flourish Conference 2013 

Photo Credit: Leah Frazier)

So now here I am.  My job that looked so promising before is now on the fence.  I had plans of moving up the ladder to being a managing attorney and maybe even one day partner! We laid off 70+ people a month ago... and by the grace of God, I survived. What to do? So I came to the women's conference this year at church hungry. Hungry for answers and starving for clarity. Just weeks before I had asked God after the recent earthquake of layoffs, what is it that YOU would have me do? God answered immediately and simply, "Move to California and start your own law practice."

"May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all you purpose." ~Psalm 20:4~

Of course I'm like, "Nah...maybe I heard you wrong."  There is NO way, that I can afford to move to California AND go out on my own. I will be so broke and so homeless. Where would my clients come from?  Would I be financially stable?  Is this even possible???  But low and behold, it has always been my desire to move back to California since my short stint out in Los Angeles in 2007 clerking for a bankruptcy judge. I've always had an emotional and spiritual connection to California but never really knew why.  So okay, here's that whole God knows the desires of my heart thing...ok, ok.  And I know I've always wanted to be my own boss....let's face it.  I hate taking direction from other people...I'm sooooo insubordinate!  Most importantly, I love to serve people. I love being able to counsel people through their legal situations and have them look at me and say "Thank you."  This is my purpose and now God is saying, I've trained you up, you have 5 years of courtroom and legal practice under your belt...go forth and be great! So why am I afraid?

"The Lord IS my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?  The Lord IS the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" ~Psalm 27:1~

So imagine my surprise when I arrive at the Flourish Women's conference all confused, all shook up and seeing the sign above the stage saying "MOVE".  Of course me "the insubordinate one"...I'm thinking "Oh yeah, move as in move your bum and get down for Jesus!"  Cue the music!  No, for me...the one who kept asking for clarity and for God to speak, he spoke again by telling me to MOVE...of which now I will do at the end of next year. I will be headed to California, to the city of Angels. All of this so that I can LIVE (see below picture) in purpose and follow what God has put on my heart.

(Flourish Women's Conference 2013 at Covenant Church, Day 3 Photo Credit: Leah Frazier)

Alright, so I've made my decision to move and to open up my own law practice in California.  This morning as I did my devotional, I realized that over the past several years, God had been preparing me for this. I wrote down all the opportunities that I felt that I wasn't given however all of the things I had learned and wouldn't you know it...it was for me to do exactly what I am planning on doing.  I learned so many different areas of law this year and succeeded in helping people with their cases. Positions in the legal community that I felt I should have gotten, I didn't receive.  But now in hindsight I realize that I could not commit myself to another 2-3 years in Dallas because God was moving me on.  So during the times where I wasn't getting promoted or receiving leadership positions, it was all a part of his plan.  As I wrote down in my journal this morning: GOD HAS PREPARED ME FOR THIS MOMENT AND ALL DURING THAT TIME, I WASN'T EVEN AWARE.

Me, after church one lazy Sunday!

I found this picture that I had taken several months ago, but it comforts me because of the small halo above my head.  I feel like this is God shining down on me and letting me know...you were chosen for this, I am here with you and everything is going to be ok.  I've decided to blog and journal about this journey KNOWING that in the end I'm going to be victorious.  I'm going to be 100% transparent and tell you the pain, fears, joys and tears that I'm going to experience through this.  Are you ready? I am! LEGGO!

So here's the "keep calm" saying I created, just after thinking about all of this.  I'm going to put it on a shirt and a poster to remind myself of where my strength comes from and WHY I am making this drastic life changing decision.  By next September, I will be in California fulfilling the purpose, design and calling that God has on my life.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6~

New Year: Living a Life of Abundance

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

(From top to bottom...shades: Dolce and Gabbana, Necklace: Loehmann's, Sweater: AnnaLee + Rose, Jeggings: Express, Shoes: Bandalino from DSW, Handbag: Brahmin, Nails: OPI Russian Navy)

I hope that everyone will have a great and abundant 2013.  While we have entered a new year, it is never too late today or tomorrow to get on the right track if you falter.  We shouldn't wait for the New Year to adopt resolutions as this should be something that is continuous and ongoing as we mature.

A big shoutout goes out to my lil' sis Ashleigh Ray (again) for the awesome photos!

In 2013, I will continue to smile and to instill a beacon of hope to those who feel hopeless. In doing this...I will continue to put God first. I may not be the "conventional" fashion blogger, but even in fashion God will go first.

In 2013, I will continue to become a better me in Christ.

CHEERS TO A FULFILLING AND PROSPEROUS 2013!!!!

Smile...even when no one is watching

"A glad heart makes a happy face..." ~Proverbs 15:13~

There's something to be said when the light from within can't help but to shine all over one's face. That's how I felt when I took this photo today.

My day didn't start out so great. I woke up today consumed with thoughts about work and other things that easily stress me out. I wore "army" green today purposely because I knew today at work would be a battle for me. Who does that? Yep, that would be me...

When I truly thought of my blessings...how blessed I am to have a job to go to, a family to relay my stresses to and a place of my own to lay my head down at night...I couldn't help but just to smile.

So if ever anyone catches me smiling...even when no one is watching and at times when they can't understand why...I'm smiling because He has blessed me beyond measure.

*For those who always ask me about my hair/clothes.....I did a wet two-strand twist for my hairstyle using Curls Unleashed leave-in conditioner, Entwine styling cream and a setting lotion.*

*For the look (even though you can only see me from the neck up) Classic green button-down army inspired top by Express with gold-button details, tassel necklace by Lia Sophia*

Cool, Confident and Collected

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about what we cannot see. ~Hebrews 11:1~

I took these pics fresh off of learning that I had passed the California bar exam. Knowing that all of the odds were stacked against me but that I had God in my corner was just a light that was beaming from inside of me and ready to shine upon the world.

The odds were NOT in my favor...I had to continue to work full-time and study at night. My bar study course administrator pretty much hinted that I would not pass during our first conversation because I continued to work full-time.  I had co-workers who doubted and other horror stories of individuals who took the bar 3 or more times only to see another "FAIL".

I did the best that I could, prayed about it, gave it up to God and rested assured that in my faith, I would pass.  I also had many amazing women from my Covenant Church group who prayed every hour on the hour for two days while I was taking the exam to see me through. 

All that to say, you can do anything that you put your mind to.  This phrase is not cliche'....it's the absolute truth.  Imagine how many people shy away from their desires and dreams because they listen to other people who doubt them.  Surround yourself by people who will support you and your dreams...who will uplift you when you're feeling down.  I guarantee that you will be steps closer to achieving your purpose here in life and experiencing your dreams.

I guess I should talk a little fashion, huh?  In my celebration, these pics were taken.  Are we loving the infamous Angelina Jolie leg action?

• Jewelry - Red[i] by Chelsea
• Belt - NYC and Company
• Skirt - Urban Outfitters
• Black Mesh Cuff - Lia Sophia

Unpredictable and Unconcerned

Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes.  This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful...they trusted God. ~1 Peter 3~

This was probably one of my most simple outfits because this Texas weather is so unpredictable.  It's November and I'm still wearing peep-toe wedges, cropped pants and flimsy blouses!  Can you believe it?  Often times as a lover of fashion I can become consumed by what I'm wearing, my make-up and how my hair is styled.  Why so much emphasis on outward appearances..when all along it's what's on the inside that's most important?  At times when I need to humble myself and go back to what truly should be my foundation of beauty, I reference the verse above.

For this photo, I went sans make-up *STARE* and pulled together my most comfortable pieces.  I left my hair natural and pulled into a simple bun.  Funny how the most simple of outfits turn out to be the most beautiful of photos.  [Jewelry: {Red-i} By Chelsea, Blouse: Nordstrom's, Peep-toe Wedges: Nine West]

Beauty illuminates from within

You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. ~1 Peter 3~  (Make-up: Tom Ford, Neiman Marcus counter, North Park, applied by Justina Joseph)

I never quite understood what people meant by loving yourself first and then everything else will fall into place.  It took me 30 years to come to the realization that my spirit, my heart and everything that is unique to me is beautiful.  Not the love of a man, the love of others, but self-love.  I'm now at a point where I am so completely happy with myself and with the presence of God....being able to serve Him daily, being able to share His love with others...my passion for all of these things radiates from within; these things in and of themselves make me beautiful.  So step back Elle, Glamour, Vogue and other misconceptions of what beauty is...my beauty if unfading and neverending. 

Time is of the essence, Seize the day

Proverbs 1:24 ~I called you so often but you wouldn't come. I reached out to you but you paid no attention.~

Today it was revealed to me how precious that thing called "the window of opportunity" is. Often times, we take it for granted. I recently participated in a mentoring program to help law students network with professionals and to possibly put them in contact with professionals who could offer valuable and possible job opportunities that could enhance their career. As a past judicial extern, I recognized the value of working closely with a Judge and offered a student the opportunity to use the relationship that I built with a local judge in order to gain a possible internship. At the time, I advised the student to start preparing her interview materials ( resume, writing sample, etc.). A week after I met the student, I reached out to one of my favorite Judges who immediately requested the information from the law student to which I relayed the information to her. The reply back from the student was rather daunting as she told me that she was busy and would get me her information "in a week or so."

I immediately became furious. There are a million law students scraping for the opportunity to get what she was given so freely yet she did not seize the moment; it was not prioritized, it was not important. By one simple act, she missed her window of opportunity and the door was closed just as quickly as it was opened. Truly my heart ached for her knowing of what a great blessing she missed out on because she was simply unprepared and not ready.

I then let my mind wander to how many times God has opened windows of opportunities for me yet I was unprepared or fearful or prioritizing the wrong things in my life. How much longer did I have to wait to regain that opportunity had I have just been prepared that first time? Time is of the essence when God chooses to bestow a blessing or opportunity on your life. Seize it without fear and without hesitation! Carpe Diem!

Just as my heart ached to know that the student made an ill choice in not taking advantage of her opportunity....so is the same with God. He wants us to be favored, he wants us to receive blessings. So going forward, I will prepare and be prepared when that window raises open once more....I can only pray for the same with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Beauty for Ashes - The Intro

"He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair." ~Isaiah 61:3~

(Navy Jumper and Fedora from Macy's, Gladiator Sandals by Kelly & Katie from DSW, Dolce and Gabbana Sunnies from Nordstrom's)