Posted on by Kristina Knowles

Have you ever had an unexpected…

Best. Day. Ever with your Former spouse. I did, this past summer.

I came home to Maryland to spend time with my son while he was on leave from the military. I was having an amazing lunch with my Spiritual Mentor in Washington, D.C. After lunch, I headed back to my car suddenly I got a call from my son. I was so happy to hear from him, he invited me to meet him in Annapolis to jet ski. I jumped at the opportunity and headed to TJ Maxx to purchase a swimsuit first.

I made it to the pier in Annapolis where we planned to meet. I changed and sat patiently waiting for my son. A few minutes later I got a phone call. Hi, Mom. Hi, Griffin, Mom? Yes, Griffin! Can Dad come jet skiing with us? Of course, Griffin. But Griffin, are you sure he wants to come? Yes, Mom. Ok Griffin, see you both soon. Bye Mom, I love you. I love you too, Griffin. See you soon, click.

Shortly after that phone call, Griffin and his Dad showed up to the pier where we would all go jet skiing. There was a significant wait time for the jet ski’s, so we went to have lunch. And after lunch and jet skiing we all went to Griffin’s Dad’s home near by. We shared a steak, a Ledo’s pizza and amazing conversation. It was a happy, healthy day and all deemed so by God.

Griffin was able to bask in the enjoyment of his Mother and Father spend the day together in right relationship with each other after 12 years of divorce. It was something I had prayed for with my Priest, Father Joe 11 years earlier. I have been on my knees lifting up  prayers to God for a day like this one. In recent years, my relationship with my former spouse was cordial sprinkled with frustration in disagreements at times. Never perfect but we would always show up and be present at Griffin’s sporting events, ceremonies and birthdays the important things.

I share this beautiful story, trust me it was so beautiful, with you because our world continues to break every day. Our children are growing up in broken homes. Angry, ugly, mean, homes were people have lost their common sense. Children are growing up to be fractured adults from the brokenness of these divorces. Families everywhere continue to divorce, the very foundation of the family is cracking right before our eyes. The media, movies, television and reality television have made this nightmare of divorce “normal.” There is nothing “normal” about divorce, God hates divorce. Give in, throw in the towel, it’s all about me, not you, not the children but the “me” mentality. Instead of being about God first.

Lord, Father God, forgive us please!!! We are so sorry Lord, forgive us. Help our hearts to be Christ centered focus and NOT self centered. Stop the madness of the “me” and let us be about YOU Lord. Help us see our family and friends who struggle with their marriage so we can help them Lord. Help us send in reinforcements, Father God. Please rescue our families from the evil one. Let us live in a state of gratitude, mercy and grace. Take what the enemy wants for evil and make it good God. Restore the brokenness, the confusion, the hate, the bitterness. Let us be soldiers for you in love. Give us the discernment to help each other instead of tearing each other down. Thank you Lord, for everything even the hard times. In Jesus’s name we pray…Amen.

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

How do you feel when…

You wake up in the morning, at school or work, throughout the day and right before you go to bed? Have you ever wondered and watched as a child, adults and their behavior? I believe I was blessed. I watched highly active adults play sports my entire childhood. Sweat, blood and tears of winning and losing in the name of sports and being active.

Today I want to highlight the positive benefits of being raised in an active, athletic household. We were encouraged to try something new, and we played outside in the fresh-air most days. Our brains react positively to safe cardio and activity. I believe parts of my Mother’s personality were cultivated by being athletic and active. Sleeping was something we did to recharge, sleeping in was not something our bodies tolerated. And when we woke up, we were happy not negative or groggy.

There was something interesting about my Mother, she was never tired. Well, at least not in front of me. I never saw her do drugs or get drunk, thank you God. I watched how she made real food, with real ingredients. My Mother was on the go and active, she appeared to love life. And laughter and jokes was a source of light in our home. Thankful that I was able to be blessed with those positive traits.

What if we realized that the positive traits of our parents can be utilized to benefit our life, immediately. Even being smart enough to watch the negative attributes and turn them into positives.

God always wants us to be alert, He does! I ask you today to be alert, pay attention, be open. Stop and realize that our biggest obstacles in life might be a generational curse we have not even realized. Joy is possible, happiness is real and love is all about God.

My Mother suffers from anxiety and is somewhat shy in some circumstances. As a little girl, I watched my Mother in many situations struggle with finding her voice . I struggled with trying to understand my Mother’s struggle. It was incredibly hard to watch, so I vowed not to be like my Mother in those circumstances. God gave me the assurance that the enemy wants the worse possible scenario for your life. Unfortunately, the enemy knows our weaknesses and is always willing to remind us.

My prayers for all of you today, Lord let my family, friends and neighbors see and feel your love above all else. May you open their eyes and let them truly see their obstacles, so they can fix them. Let’s be in agreement that no one is perfect but you Jesus, so please rain down your love so we can feel your presence. We are thankful for you Lord, your blessings are amazing. Make us open, make us more alert and help us love you more.

In Jesus’s name we pray, Amen!

 

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

“Who do you say I am?”..

Jesus asked.

I love this question, it makes me ponder how people truly view Jesus. And Jesus was just as curious as I was, that is why he asked. Jesus wanted to know after everything he did, after all the conversations, after all his teachings, after every miracle performed. Who do you say I am?

I recently thought to myself, that if we asked this very question to all the people we met in our lives, who would they we were? Would they focus their response on all the positive or negative? Would they have a little to say, or a lot to say? Or would they remain silent?

When I ask this question to myself about Jesus, I instantly smile. I say, Jesus is the Savior, Jesus is the only way, I say Jesus is my Redeemer. I say, Jesus died on the cross for our sins and performs miracles each and every day. I would say, Jesus because of God through Mary, conceived by the Holy Spirit became man and is seated at the right hand of God. I say, Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead and his Kingdom will have no end. I say, Jesus is amazing and his teachings have influenced me and touch my life.

Could you and I start today to recognize the value of asking ourselves,”who do you say I am?” Would you live your life differently if you cared about who people say you are? Are you living your life in a way that would be pleasing to God? Are you living like Jesus? Are you loving more, helping more, forgiving more, happy more?

I challenge you to ask yourself this very question every day. Feel, each and every word in this question: Who. Do. You. Say. I. Am?  Would you hear? I Am Loving to everyone, I Am Kind to everyone, I Am Good to everyone, I Am more like Jesus to everyone. Let’s decide today to be different, to be better. When we change for the better in every facet of our life, we change the world for God!
 

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

Do you really love Jesus or…

Are you just going through the motions?

I spend a great deal of time in the Gospels. I listen to at least 3-4 sermons a day, I pray and attend church weekly. I love the good news of the bible, I relish in it. And I am stunned to see so many Christians so unhappy and disconnected. Are we reading the same good news of God?

I have come to realize that our family and friends play a huge part on who we are but God is bigger and better. If I stayed in a mediocre state of life, I guess I would be walking around unhappy and disconnected too. Instead I am filled with joy, I am so grateful I wake up happy and grateful every day. If you don’t believe me, ask my son Griffin.

At some point in life you must believe what you are reading in the bible and activate your faith. We all must truly live like Jesus, help like Jesus and most importantly love like Jesus. Within yourself, within your home, at your job, where you volunteer. Wherever you go and whatever you do, be more like Jesus.

Share your testimony when appropriate with those who need it. Almost every day someone asks me why I moved to Texas, I always respond excitedly, “Jesus!” Then I get to share the story when I was led by Jesus to move to Texas 11 years ago while on a business trip for Proctor & Gamble. It was a moment I will never forget.

Let’s all be amazing stewards of this great gift of life. In a blink it will be over. So let us not waste another moment focused on things that never truly fulfill us anyway and share the only thing that will last forever, faith in Jesus!

 

Posted on by Kristina Knowles

National Girlfriends Day…

Is today, August 1, 2017!

Where would I be without the amazing friendships I have made throughout my life? I often think about how God brought the right women into my life for a season and others  for longer. The girlfriends who taught me who I did and didn’t want to be based on what I learned from them.

I recently moved to Texas, leaving my girlfriends behind. I was able to say good bye to most of them, which was very important to me. Some girlfriends came to my going away party, some came to my Bon Voyage party and the others met me one on one. Leaving them behind was hard and difficult but grateful we have phones, texts and social media to stay updated.

I must admit I am blessed in the girlfriend space. God has given me the type of girlfriends that have looked out for me. The type of girls that lift me up, make me laugh and support my endeavors. Some of my girlfriends have even been here to see me in Texas already, awesome; right?!

In fact, I am amazed at the new girlfriends that I have met over the last 3 years including the new girlfriends I recently met in Texas. These women have been life changing for me. The older I get, the newer the friend, we all have God in common. I am so grateful, pleased and thankful to God for the great girlfriend flow.

May you take today to reflect on all the wonderful women who gave their friendship to you. May you say a prayer to the ones that you lost for better or worse. And may God continue to bless your life with women who uplift, love, care and make you laugh all the days of your lives.

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.