Posted on by Kristina Knowles

The budget that…

Saved my life from more debt.

Raise your hand if you are in bad debt? Wow, look at all those hands! Ok, ok put them back down. Now raise your hand if you want to learn how to spend and save your money differently. Awesome, start today and contact me after reading this blog.

I started to “truly” immerse myself in the bible over a decade ago. And I noticed something immediately. The closer I got to God, the less money I wanted to waste. The deeper I got into reading the bible, the less money I wanted to spend on things. I learned to differentiate what I merely wanted vs. the things I truly needed.

I know what separates us spiritually is how we define prosperity and God’s blessings over our life. We think and believe the very word blessing means, lavish, expensive, dripping in diamonds, closets filled to the ceiling, gold encrusted jewelry, luxurious items. All of it and more.

I don’t want you to keep holding on to the frivolous things of the world instead of being grateful for the blessings right in front of your face. I don’t want you to pine away for unrealistic expectations of your own selfish wants. Do you see that you don’t see the pure blessings right in front of your face?

The roof over your head, or are you wanting a bigger roof? The clothes on your back, or are you wanting a shopping spree for clothes you don’t need? The car that gets your family every where, or are you wanting a more expensive car? The food on your table, or are you wanting to eat out more than eat in?

I recently had a great conversation with a person I have been mentoring with their image and spending. They were so proud that we made a fashion budget, stuck with it and was elated with the outcome. Do you want to know why? The guilt of overspending takes a toll on you, your finances and ultimately your relationship with God our Father.

I know the difference between the God who loves me and people who love me. And neither one has to do with things. You should also know that I am not perfect, no one person is. I make an effort every day to be better, we all should.

Peace be with you!

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

Exercise can change…

Your mind.

Yes, it can, I promise. Have you ever wondered what the big deal was about when you heard people talk about a “runner’s high”? I didn’t because I played sports at a very young age, so I understood immediately.

Running period is amazing for your mood and your body. The wind across your face, in your hair and the blood pumping through your veins, so awesome. And if you don’t want to run, I get it, walk briskly and keep that heart rate up.

Now, I have some great advice for all of you who might develop joint pain after years of exercise. If you are just starting out, heed my warning: preventative, preventative, preventative. Maintaining your body like your car is imperative to living your best healthy life.

I run my body like a well oiled machine with vitamins and supplements. When I first experienced knee pain, I didn’t take a pain reliever. I instantly researched a holistic remedy to deal with the pain. My solution? Glucosamine HCI 1500mg with MSM 1500mg. And I am here to report that my joint pain slowly disappeared and I have no joint pain to speak of. I live on the 4th floor of my apartment, I take the stairs for free exercise-every day.

I always recommend talking directly with your Dr. about starting any new vitamins or supplements and exercise program. Make an effort to have an honest relationship with your primary Dr. who cares about your well being. My last Dr., Dr. April heard me, listened to me and respected my healthy life-style.

So here are a few quick reminders about exercise.  Start as little as walking 20 minutes in the morning and early evening. Realize that you might experience pain because you are moving different muscles and ligaments. Be proactive and preventative when it comes to your body, it’s important. And always consult a Dr. you respect and trust when starting a new work-out plan.

New healthy thoughts will occupy your mind as soon as the endorphins kick in. The more you take time for your mind, body and soul you will ultimately feel better, then look better. God gave us one body to love, to care for and to respect. When you take the time to care for your body properly you will be abundantly blessed by God the Father.

Peace be with you!

 

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

A gift that came out of…

God’s plan.

I recently came upon a very cute and adorable picture of my son and his childhood friend, Erica. The two of them look so happy, innocent and full of joy. Griffin and Erica were always up to something, lots of laughing and plotting. I always enjoyed watching them have fun being children.

We were blessed to have met Erica’s family, Kristin and I became best friends. We had so much in common, our families enjoyed each other. When we got the news they were moving to Kentucky we were so disappointed but excited they were moving on to bigger and better things.

After they moved, Griffin and I felt a great sense of loss. How do you prepare children for loss of any kind? You offer support, love and care while you mend the hurt. We also did something else, we planned a road trip to Kentucky. We left with excitement and anticipation.

As the years went by, we tried to stay in touch and see each other whenever we could. Our lives and schedules got more and more busy as Erica and Griffin got older. It’s to be expected but still hard and we missed our friends. But the story doesn’t end there…

Griffin decided he would be going into the Air Force, February 2017. I knew it might be coming but we kept it a secret until he was sure. And then one day I was reading my news-feed on Facebook that Erica had joined the Air Force and would be in BMT at the exact same time Griffin would be there. I started to weep with shock and joy.

I am proud to report that Griffin and Erica graduated from the Air Force on the same day just like they did so many years ago in preschool. After graduation we sat down for lunch and caught up. We reminisced about all the shenanigans Griffin and Erica got into while friends in Gainesville, Virginia. Thank God for unbelievable surprises of joy!

Kristin and I could not have planned this if we had tried. God is so good to me, so good to all of us. I don’t question God, I don’t have to. He shows up every day and reveals Himself to me, for you too. We have to be open to receiving Him on His terms and not our own. It’s better, safe and awesome…I promise.

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

Every girl needs her…

Signature fragrance…right!?

I was invited by my Mother to go the local Department store named Woodworth & Lothrop to pick out my fragrance. Fragrance, me…really? I was sixteen and felt excited and scared at the same time. Did I need a fragrance, if I did why? What was this all about?

My Mother, a tall beautiful blonde, who I looked up to “literally” for most of my life. I write most of life because I eventually caught up to her in height. And she smelled amazing, her fragrance is Chanel #5, still wears it. Whenever I smell Chanel #5, I instantly think of her and smile.

So here I am, sixteen years old heading to “Woodies” to pick out my signature fragrance that I would wear forever. We parked the car, headed straight for the perfume counter. The lights and colors felt like I was at an elegant Carnival without the food, it was beautiful. A beautiful woman, full make-up, long manicured nails and dressed to impress approached us as soon as we touched the glass counter. I have no idea where she came from, but it was like she popped up from the floor. I was memorized by it all and rightfully so, I was only sixteen and impressionable.

The women greeted us with a big beautiful white teeth smile, and then the question: How may I help the two of you? My Mother instantly spoke up and said we are here to pick out a signature scent for my daughter. Then her smiled turned to me, and said,”Well isn’t this a special day?” Then the festivities begun.

The fragrance woman asked me some questions, then she sprayed a little white piece of paper with popular scents for me to smell, she also used my wrist or I smelled sticks from the perfume bottles. It was intense, at times overwhelming but I was spending a special moment with my Mother that I would never forget. I pray that I will never forget the day my Mother took me to find my signature scent. We found it by the way that day at the Estee Lauder counter, I picked “Beautiful.” It smelled beautiful, it was in a pink and gold box and my Mother liked it too.

I stopped wearing “Beautiful” and started wearing “Flower Bomb.” I thought it was time for a change. Then this past Mother’s Day a package arrived that brought tears to my eyes. My Mother sent me my signature scent “Beautiful”, I was blown away. And it brought me back to that very day when my Mother told me we were going to pick out my very own fragrance.

via Daily Prompt: Fragrance

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

Beauty hurts…


But I never believed it should.

 

I recently tried a new hair care product for hair coloring by Madison Reed. I was optimistic because I was using a box color that left my scalp irritated, red, burning and itchy. I dreaded coloring my hair every 6 weeks. Then suddenly I was seeing social media ads about Madison Reed and I had to try it for myself.

When Madison Reed first came out, the coloring line was only available on line. Then I was so excited to see that Ulta Beauty Stores were going to start selling Madison Reed in June 2017-woohoo. This was my chance to buy the color and try it.

Madison Reed claims the following about their product:

  1. 100% gray coverage
  2. Long-lasting color with beautiful multi-tones
  3. Works in 35 minutes
  4. Thick cream color: no drips, no mess, no harsh smell
  5. Free of: ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, PPD, phthalates & gluten
  6. Made from ingredients you can feel good about: keratin, argan oil and ginseng root extract
  7. Compliments guaranteed

I got it home with complete excitement, I opened the box and was pleasantly surprised to see all the awesome accoutrements. The box contained the following items: Radiant Cream Color, Conditioning Color Activator, Gloves, Cap, Barrier Cream(so cool and professional), Cleansing Wipe, Color Protecting and Conditioner. Also inside are instructions and instructional pictures.

Here is my honest opinion with pictures; I love this product!!! I chose 4NGV VENEZIA, Darkest Golden Brown. First of all, I had the experience from using a box color before so the items in this box blew me away. I enjoyed using each and every item as well, I felt like a Pro. The second thing I noticed immediately was there was no awful smell when I mixed the color and activator together. The barrier cream worked perfectly, no stains on my skin. The extra pair of black gloves and wipe is a nice touch.

I left the color on for 37 minutes, washed it out and headed to my Stylist for a cut and style. I have no complaints, except for one which really isn’t a complaint.  The price was not in my budget, but I am willing to move some finances around to give Madison Reed hair color a good 6 months.

Now please know that hair color reacts differently for everyone. Life-style, medication, product build up, menstrual cycle and diet all interfere with hair color results. So just because a hair color brand, any hair color, may not react positively it is not necessary because of the dye, just FYI.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

The happiest place on Earth…

Should be your relationship with God?

It’s not a place, a location, a vacation, a house, it’s truly not even Disney World or Land. The happiest place on Earth exists within the Trinity. When we give ourselves completely and freely to God that is when we find true happiness.

We all have our own walk with God, some realize this faster than others. Others struggle day in and day out to let go and let God in our hearts to take over. And sometimes our own inability to let go of control impedes our own success in life and more importantly with God.

We need to teach our children this very concept as well. It’s so important we clean up our own thinking so we can help our children to understand the true meaning of happiness. Children need to understand the importance of God’s Love and not love of toys, things or lavish experiences or vacations.

Do you know how differently the world would be if we were all able to start today to put God in the center of everything we did, say or feel? If we stopped putting ourselves in the position of God and truly lived for Him? You would be healthier, wealthier and happier.

I pray you start today to let God inside your life, totally and completely. Not before every meal, not on Sunday or Saturday evening Mass, not before you go to bed but totally and completely inside your life, everyday.

 

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

New York & Company…

Is an awesome clothing store for women from sizes to 0 to 18!

 

I recently found a $20 rewards certificate that I had not used but was about to expire. I was running errands and it just so happened a New York & Company was in my sight. I suddenly stumbled upon a major sale that was going on. If you know me, you will know I need nothing but I had a $20 reward certificate that was burning a hole in my pocket.

Then from across the store I saw a beautiful rack of dresses that had a sign with the price of dresses…$16.99. I almost fell over, beautiful dresses and an amazing price?! Ahhh, yes! I found and purchased 1 super cute dress with change to spare. The dress is perfect for the hot weather of Texas, my size, beautiful blue and a very comfortable material.

And this is why I love New York & Company, this company has corned the market on affordable, beautiful clothing for almost every female alive. I could literally find something perfect for every women I know in my life. New York & Company offers an on-line store as well. I have experienced on-line shopping and the in store experience. I happen to like both for different reasons.

I also adore the costume jewelry and accessory line as well. Over the years that I have shopped at New York & Company, I always seem to get a compliment on what I am wearing. So not only do I applaud the cuts, styles, colors and pricing, I also enjoy receiving praises on my clothing choices from New York & Company. One more to remember I notice they offer different discounts for the amazing women making a difference in this world like the military, nurses and school teachers. And even though New York & Company has amazing deals and discounts, I love the special shout out to these professions.

Great job New York & Company, great job!!!

 

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

Are you the Victim or Victor…

Of your life?

 

I pray you are the Victor and you are living a life with joy, peace and happiness for God. And if you are the Victim, I pray if you are reading this you will make an effort to read this entire blog to no longer be the Victim but the Victor. Let me show you the difference.

A Victim will constantly complain about almost everything in life, even down to the food served to them at a fast food restaurant. Victims live in the past of their hurt and refuse to heal or see a therapist. A Victim will relive their unhealthy past to everyone they meet, even relive it in their own head over and over again. And you can’t even be who God wants you to be because you are so focused on your dysfunctional past. You can’t be in a healthy relationship with yourself because you are so focused on your past. Since you can’t be healthy with yourself, you certainly can’t be in a relationship with another person. Shocker, right!?

When someone is living in their past dysfunction, I like to call that a dust storm. And when there is a dust storm, you can see but not clearly. And until the dust storm settles in your life and mind you can’t be who God ultimately created you to be.  Easy right!? Not so fast, easy if you truly want to be healed. Most Victim’s love to play the Victim, it’s like a role. People expect them to be negative, melancholy, angry and or sad, it’s their normal but not normal.

So when you want to stop playing the madness of the Victim role these are the things that will start to happen almost immediately when you want to be the Victor in your own life:

  1. You will no longer bring up the past hurt and chaos.
  2. You will no longer complain about everything.
  3. Your heart will heal and become happier, day by day.
  4. You will no longer hurt.
  5. You will no longer play the role of Victim.
  6. You will no longer use drugs, alcohol, retail therapy or food to make you fake happy or high.
  7. You will stop blaming the past for your present or future.
  8. The people around you will notice how different you are for the better, not worse.
  9. You will notice that you will begin to love yourself and essentially love others.
  10. You will get closer to God.

The Victor is the goal, Satan loves his Victims. Satan whispers the bad memories of your past to bring you down, not lift you up. Satan would love nothing more to ruin you and your family. We have the power of God to rebuke Satan and his evil. Remember God loves you and me, He is constantly pulling for us each and every day.

 

 

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

What Wheel are you on?

I ask this question because some of you might feel like you are on a hamster wheel, a ferris wheel, wheel of fortune or maybe you feel like you are on a wheel rolling down a hill totally out of control with no breaks.

The Hamster Wheel makes me think of people who wake up everyday and go about their life in the same exact manner everyday. Unfortunately, these people don’t even realize the one track life they are on. Why!? I will help you, it’s because when they look around they see that most in their inner circle behaving the same way. Tunnel vision living is not for you.

The Ferris Wheel makes me think of another group of people that live in very high, high’s and very low, low’s. Sure you might say to yourself, isn’t that life? Well, it doesn’t have to be, more importantly it’s not healthy. We make so many different decisions everyday to make our lives good or bad. It’s safer to always strive to make good healthy decisions in order for our life to be whole and holy.

The Wheel of Fortune might remind you of a television show but that is not what I am referring to. I am talking about being on the wheel of gaining wealth, aka fortune. What good is it to gain the entire world, and lose his own soul? (Mark 8:36) You can’t only focus on money, wealth and fortune if you truly want happiness. The love of money will lead to greed, emptiness and corruption. You can’t have two Masters of any kind.

The lone Wheel rolling down the hill out of control. The people on this wheel are experiencing anxiety, addiction, despair, fear, loneliness and/or abuse. Unfortunately, these people rarely reach out for help and feel totally, completely out of control.

No matter what wheel you might be on, get off! God ultimately wants you to release yourself from the trappings of your unhealthy decisions. God sent his one and only Son to die for our sins. He didn’t say,”Go child of mine, be dysfunctional, be emotionally unstable, angry, mad or sad.” It’s the exact opposite, God wants you to love Him and His ways, not man’s. God wants the best, His best for you and me.    


                                                                via Daily Prompt: Wheel

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

The night I went to jail…

To minister to an Inmate.

I was so confused to why this person was in jail after receiving a phone call one morning. So, I wanted to make sure what I was allowed to bring(bible) and wear. I contacted the Chaplain of the jail before my visit just to be prepared.

When I arrived to the jail, I was in a line of Attorneys, friends and family members. The welcome/waiting center of the jail was cold and unwelcoming. I checked in with my drivers license and gave the inmates first, middle and last name. Easy enough, right!? Not so fast, I was instantly denied access because I arrived on the wrong visiting evening. But wait, I had just talked to the Chaplain of the Jail who told me to arrive tonight at this time.

Once I told the woman about my dealings with the Chaplain, she acted as if she didn’t care. So I asked to speak to her Supervisor, famous last words. Then this big, tall, burly Officer appears and takes me to the side. I told him that I spoke with the Chaplain, the Chaplain told me to arrive tonight at this time, so this why I am here. He listened and had this real big ego and fake smile to go along with his big persona. The Officer proceeded to tell me that he was sorry that I was misinformed but I wasn’t going to be able to meet with this inmate under no circumstances.

I couldn’t believe it, I had cancelled my own bible study, I got my information from the Chaplain and I waited in line patiently with everyone. I then looked into his eyes and said very kindly, “May I speak to your Supervisor, please?” Then he lost it, he started to say,”Oh you want to talk to MY Supervisor, YOU want to talk to MY Supervisor?” This man turned bright red and no one watching flinched, I sat there in shock that he was acting so unprofessional and inappropriate for a Jail Guard. Then he walked away to make a call to his Supervisor.

As I sat and waited for the next Supervisor, the original Jail Guard came up to my face and stated I would not be getting in tonight. He was so mad and upset with me,  but before he slammed the door as he left I said,”God bless you.” He yelled back to me,”God bless you!” He was still so mad and angry, I couldn’t believe my eyes and what I experiencing?

Then to my surprise, I was greeted by a different, more professional Supervisor and he brought another guard with him; a female. I ,now, was telling my story for the 3rd time. I even played the message from the Chaplain of the jail from my cell phone. The Supervisor listened to me, heard the cell phone message and then looked at his colleague. At this point, I had no idea what was going to happen. Then he looked at me and said,”We are going to let you in tonight.” I instantly thanked him and God.

I was amazed how good God was to me that night, I held steadfast to my convictions. Satan didn’t want me to come into the jail and minister to that inmate but God did and that was beautiful. Whatever is right, holy or just is that of God and that is how we should live, everyday.

God is everywhere, Satan is not but unfortunately Satan leaves this stain on some of our lives if we let him. I see the stain on so many people’s lives, it’s disheartening. However, God sent His only Son to remove the sins or stains of our past. A stain is this lingering mark that doesn’t seem to disappear not matter how hard you try to remove it but that only comes from your lack of faith in God. God is the ultimate stain remover, just have faith.