Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
Protective Hairstyle (Big Curls)
Check out my video here as I show you how to achieve a protective hairstyle that looks elegant, but can be worn as an everyday look for work, business, school or church. This style is good on natural hair or any type of hair or hair length. Check out my channel on Youtube for this style and more styling information and go ahead and subscribe while you're at it.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Big Thank You
This is a big thank you to all who have viewed my blog and/or commented! I hope I can help all naturals better understand their hair and to appreciate it a little more. Handling natural hair can sometimes be challenging, but in the long run, natural hair can work positively, if you get to know your particular type of hair and what works best for it. I hope in the near future to put up more information that can be useful to all the "nappies" of the world. I still have natural hair, meaning I do not use any type chemicals to alter the structure of my God given hair. I also do not use any type of heat on my hair and am still on the journey of discovering how to love my particular head of hair and treat it with great care.
Happy Easter to all and hope the rest of your year is full of God's good graces and blessings. Take care and check back for more information and check out my three videos on Youtube. Please subscribe and comment! Also, if there is any kind of video anyone who reads these posts would like me to put on Youtube, please don't hesitate to either email me or comment on this blog and I will try to honor that request.
In closing, One Love Under God!
*The link to my YouTube page is at the top on this Blog.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
SUAVE ROSEMARY MINT DUO
I recently purchased this shampoo and conditioner since I'm a PJ (product junkie) and wanted something for my itchy scalp. The shampoo does have sulfates, which I don't like very much, but it left my hair nice and soft. (Click here to see my YouTube page for info)The conditioner contains silicones but is also nice and left my hair feeling moist and conditioned. Each one of the duo was under $3 for a large size (32 oz.) product. I would still recommend using a good moisturizer on your hair after shampooing and conditioning with these products or similar products if your hair is in it's natural afro state simply because most shampoos and conditioners robs the hair of needed moisture. Suave and White Rain products are quite inexpensive if you are on a budget or just want to save money on hair products. I haven't CW (conditioner wash) with the conditioner yet, but plan on doing so in the near future. I have been perusing quite a number of websites/pages for info on making a moisturizer and have made a nice moisturizer for my hair that really works out very well. I will post information for this moisturizer in a future post, so please check back for this and other great information for your hair.
*Note: Information for this product says Star Magazine beauty editors named Suave Professionals® Rosemary Mint Shampoo “Best Shampoo” for the 2010 Star Beauty Awards!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
REVELATION: THE 144,000 CONCLUSION
While imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos, more than nineteen centuries ago, the Apostle John received an extraordinary vision that took him on a spiritual journey far into the future. As his supernatural vision unfolded, twelve vital keys were revealed. Each key is a clue that helps solve the longstanding mystery surrounding the 144,000. Together these twelve keys form a body of unimpeachable evidence that finally reveals the identity of this fascinating group of people.
The 144,000 are sealed with the holy Spirit as servants of God. They are an exact number of people who have been redeemed from among men. They stand on Mount Zion--the New Jerusalem, a city of whose dimensions are multiples of twelve and which has the names of the twelve tribes inscribed upon its gates. The 144,000 are destined to rule from this magnificent structure. They are the first fruits--spiritual Israel--God's true Church. They will rule alongside Christ, as kings and priests throughout the millennium, and beyond, for all eternity.
The 144,000 are those who have not allowed themselves to be defiled by the false doctrine, superstition, and practice of the counterfeit religions of this world. They are virgins--clean and pure--ready to marry Christ at His return. They are part of a better covenant with better promises--heirs to a better citizenship and a better resurrection (Hebrews 8:6, 11:16, 11:35).
The 144,000 are the first resurrection, raised up to work personally with Jesus Christ. The final members of this elite group will be finally chosen before God executes His wrath on the Earth. These will join the New Testament apostles, ancient prophets, righteous kings and holy people of God from all ages. They will be Christ's bride. They will be His friends and coworkers for eternity.
The rest of mankind will come up in another resurrection. Unlike the first resurrection of 144,000, this resurrection will not be limited in number. Rather, it will be a multitude that is so vast it cannot be numbered by men. Because of God's love and never ending mercy, He desires that all people who ever lived on earth be saved. The Apostle Peter tells us that: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9).
God loves all mankind, no matter what color or culture. No matter how squalid our lives once were, He loves us all. For this reason, He will give every man and woman a chance for salvation. Once God makes that chance available, most of mankind will likely be brought into the family and Kingdom of God by choosing to live His way.
A REWARD WORTH WORKING FOR
Although the vast majority of mankind will one day be saved, the greatest rewards are reserved for the 144,000. Jesus will marry only one bride. At present he is working with a comparatively few number of people who will be included in the 144,000--the elite group that will be His bride.
At the same time, He is preparing a wonderful home in excited anticipation of His bride to be. The New Jerusalem will be the home of Christ's beloved wife. This magnificent edifice will contain the palatial estates where God the Father, Jesus Christ, and His bride will live and work for all eternity.
The future of the 144,000 is truly staggering to the imagination. It is a future more glorious than anything the human mind could ever conceive. Compared to it, the material rewards and physical pursuits of this life pale into utter insignificance. Nothing else can equal the promise of such a wonderful and stupendous future.
This incredible future has been the motivation of the faithful men and women of God throughout history. They were willing to give their lives, if necessary, to attain this goal. They understood the magnitude of what God is offering. Do we?
Abraham looked to a city "whose builder and maker is God"--the New Jerusalem! The inspired prophets of old also envisioned the time of the Kingdom, and they were fueled by this same hope. It is what transformed the Apostles--men who once ran in fear--into men willing to die if necessary, to continue preaching the gospel message of the Kingdom. The apostle Paul also confirmed that this future, which God offers us, is worth more than any sacrifice we might make. He writes: I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (Philippians 3:).
Winning Christ means having the exhilaration of working directly with God the Father, and Jesus Christ. Imagine the excitement of eternally sharing an intimate relationship with Jesus, discussing intimate details of his projects, hopes, and dreams for man and the universe. Imagine enjoying God's sense of humor, and sharing in the pleasures He experiences. For those who are called during this age, it is more than the opportunity of a lifetime. There is nothing greater, and nothing more compelling. Christ explains: The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it (Matthew 4:44-46).
Christ is saying that in comparison to what God will give His servants, no sacrifice is too great. It would be worth losing literally everything we count valuable in this life, if it means gaining the Kingdom.
In the Kingdom, the 144,000 will experience the intense excitement and interest of life at the very hub of the universe. The cultural, artistic, and musical events, sponsored in the presence of the Father and Christ, are no doubt elevated to a level beyond comparison to that of the human realm. The fascinating discussion of ideas, projects, and inventions conceived and implemented will delight and awe the inheritors of God's Kingdom. This itinerary of incredibly creative activities and projects will continue for all time, uplifting and enthralling all who are included therein.
At present, among those who enjoy this glorious atmosphere at the the throne of God are the twenty-four elders. These magnificent and glorious beings, who apparently act as advisers at God's throne, are so awed by the decisions and judgements they witness that they cast their crowns before God in praise. These twenty-four elders are not simply programmed to do this automatically. Instead, this is a spontaneous reaction done in deep and profound admiration (Revelation 4:10).
Is it possible that in His Kingdom, Christ will include the 144,000 in His decision-making process, much as a man counsels with his wife? The thought of being able to think and plan with the very God of the universe is more than thrilling! This thought should inspire Christians everywhere, lifting our imaginations to the very heights of God's throne.
A NEW BODY
Each individual included in the 144,000 will be given a new body to complement his or her position and office of responsibility in the Kingdom. Christians often wonder, "What will this new body be like?"
Paul explains that what is sown in corruption will be raised in incorruption. What is sown in weakness and dishonor will be raised in power and glory. These weak, corruptible, physical bodies will be changed into powerful, glorious, spirit bodies (I Corinthians 15:42-44). The new spirit bodies will shine with the brilliance of the sun and stars (Matthew 13:43; Daniel 12:3).
Just as stars vary in brilliance, some spirit bodies will shine much brighter than others. God designed life so that the physical reflects the spiritual. Therefore, Paul explains that each spirit body has a different glory, as do the sun, the moon and the stars (Romans 1:20; I Corinthians 15:40-41).
In this life, some have more beauty than others. Some people are blessed with hair and skin that seems flawless-their bodies sleek and beautiful, the differing beauty of each human being pictures the fact that each person in the resurrection will also differ in glory.
Human beings can be very beautiful, but God is much more than beautiful. He is glorious. He radiates a resplendent glory, majesty, and dignity so awesome that humans cannot look upon Him and survive. Christ's hair is white as snow, and His feet appear as brilliantly burning brass. Looking into the face of Jesus as He now appears, is likened to looking into the very heart of the fiery sun (Revelation 1:15-16).
God is offering those who will be the 144,000 this same kind of glory. Paul describes the change that will take place in the resurrected Christian. He says the Christ will: Change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself (Philippians 3:21).
Those who are a part of the 144,000 will have greater glory than the great multitude. They will be more beautiful to behold. As John writes in his first letter: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is (I John 3:2).
When the 144,000 stand before Christ, He will perform a miracle in each one. He will put each person's reward in their body. It will be visible--evident to all. The apostle Paul explains: For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (II Corinthians 5:10).
Our spiritual reward will be reflected in our body. Even in this life, to a greater degree than most people realize, a person's body is a reflection of who and what he or she is. Most psychologists realize that personality traits, talents, and abilities are tied to a genetic code that is reflected in the physical body.
In a similar way, our spirit bodies will reflect who and what we are in the family of God. Depending on the gifts that God has given us, and what we do with those gifts, our new spirit bodies will shine brightly, radiating a beauty and brilliance befitting our reward.
SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
With the realization that all we will become depends on what we do in this life, we should be more diligent in our quest for the Kingdom of God. If we truly comprehend the glory of the first resurrection, it will become our consuming desire. We should, and yes, we must, seek it with all our might and with all of our strength (Matthew 6:33).
We cannot allow anything to stop us from pursuing this most magnificent quest. The problems we experience, the setbacks we endure, the pain we suffer--these are nothing compared to the glorious future God has in store for us. As Paul writes: The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:16-18).
Unimaginable glory can be yours, if you have been called to be one of the 144,000. The glory which shall be eventually given to us is worth any sacrifice--any effort. Make up your mind now to push toward the "finish line" in this extraordinary race. Pick up the pace and give your whole heart to seeking God's Kingdom. Commit all resources to it!
Do not let down! Even if you have let down in the past, even if you have failed miserably in some way--don't quit! Instead, commit yourself to overcoming. Fast often to draw close to God. Talk to Him in prayer on a continual basis. Listen to what He has to say through reading and meditating on His Word. Strive to fill your thoughts with the mind of God. Work at truly understanding and living God's perfect, spiritual laws of liberty.
SEEK HIM WHILE HE CAN BE FOUND
There now exists a window of opportunity for each of us who has been called. There is still time for us to change our lives. There is still time to overcome, and to succeed in attaining the first resurrection.
The time is coming, however, when the window will be closed. The door will be shut, and there will be no more time left (Revelation 10:6; Matthew 25:1-5). There will be no more time to overcome, and no longer a chance to qualify for this magnificent reward. Notice Gods warning: He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with Me, to give every man according as his word shall be (Revelation 22:11-12).
Right now is the time to begin to DO more and to BE more. Now is the time to prove to God that you belong in His Kingdom. Now is the time to give God reason to finally say about you, as He did Abraham, "Now I know." Seize the moment! Give God the best that you have. Use this remaining time to rededicate your life to God, and strive to develop the qualities of the 144,000.
TWELVE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
The Scriptures reveal twelve keys that identify the 144,000. These keys are the character traits that qualify these individuals to attain the first resurrection. Therefore, these are literally our keys to God's Kingdom. We must recognize who and what God is, and the incredible price He was willing to pay to redeem each individual. We must see that our real value lies not in our material possessions, or even our own talents and abilities, but in what God is creating within us.
We must strive to be led by the Holy Spirit which seals us. We must become faithful servants of God--not servants of the self, or Satan. We must live up to our covenant name--Israel.
Before God will allow us to rule over others, we must first allow God's Spirit to rule over us. We must study to understand God's law and meditate on how to apply it in everyday life. We must then strive to live by that law. We cannot permit ourselves to be defiled by the doctrines, and practices of this world's counterfeit religions.
We must seek to emulate God's holiness, and work at keeping ourselves pure. We must strive to follow Christ in every way--to think and act as He would in every situation.
To be His firstfruits, we must eliminate hypocrisy, and become a people who are completely sincere. We must become what Christ saw in Nathanael--a people who live without guile.
TWELVE KEYS TO UNDERSTANDING THE IDENTITY OF THE 144,000
KEY------ATTRIBUTE---------APPLICATION
(1) They are sealed---Christians are sealed by the Holy Spirit
(2) They are servants of God---God's servants are converted, obey Him, and will be
resurrected
(3) They are a precise number, consisting of 144,000---Their number is a factor of
twelve picturing divine government
(4) They are spiritual Israel---Spiritual Israel is the Church
(5) They stand on Mount Zion before God's throne---They stand at the base of New
Jerusalem in Heaven
(6) They sing a song no man can learn---They are the only ones in the first
resurrection
(7) They have not be defiled by women---They have not accepted doctrine from the
false churches
(8) They are virgins---They are qualified to marry the High
Priest, Jesus Christ
(9) They follow the Lamb---They are Christ's followers
(10) They are the firstfruits---This is the first resurrection
(11) They are redeemed---They accepted Christ, overcame and are resurrected
(12) They are without fault,having no guile---They lived without deceit, and
raised as faultless
The 144,000 are sealed by the Holy Spirit in their foreheads (minds). Revelation 14:1 shows that this sealing is done by writing the Father's name there. Jesus' very last prayer was that His church would be kept--preserved, guarded--in the Father's name (John 17:11). This suggests that the 144,000 are set apart, and thus protected (in an eternal sense), by God's work of building character in them, as God's name identifies and defines His character.
So, like those is Ezekiel's day who "sigh and cry over the abominations that are done," the 144,000 will be sparred the terrors of the Day of the Lord because they have proven their sterling character before God. Their sealing is obviously based on their spiritual condition rather than their physical descent.
They are also called "redeemed from among men,...firstfruits to God and the Lamb" (verse 4). This can only mean that they are those who take part in the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6; I Corinthians 15:23). They are a special first "crop" of God's harvest, who are given special rewards and privileges because of their struggles in overcoming of Satan and their sins--Hebrews 11:35 calls it "a better resurrection".
The 144,000 are a unique group of people who overcome their sins and grow in character, and their reward is to live and rule forever by the side of Jesus Christ."
RUN THE RACE
We are now living in the lull just before the storm of the last days. It is a time of sifting in the Church. God is separating the wheat from the chaff. It is a time of final decision-making about who will be accounted worthy for inclusion in the 144,000.
The Scriptures tell us plainly that judgement is now upon the Church (I Peter 4:17). God is watching and making decisions about where we will fit in His Kingdom, or even if we will fit there at all. Our purpose should be to dedicate ourselves to proving to Him that we do!
This time of proving ourselves has been compared to running a race. The Apostle Paul makes this analogy to convey the urgency of this critical time in our lives. He writes: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain (I Corinthians 9:24).
Not all who run this race will reach the finish line, and not everyone who is called will automatically be chosen. Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). Christ is very selective when it comes to choosing whom He will marry. Many run the race, but not all will obtain the prize. The apostle Paul reaches down and pulls from his vast personal experience in order to give us an important warning message. He writes: And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we are incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others I myself should be a castaway (I Corinthians 9:25-26).
Some will be castaways! Paul realized that even he could be disqualified. For that reason, he ran the race with diligence. He worked to bring himself into subjection to Jesus Christ in all things. While there is yet time, we must also run the race. The end is nearer than before. We must be diligent, and continue to run with renewed zeal.
HANG IN THERE
Far too many in God's church today seem willing to let the prize slip through their fingers. Some are completely turned off to the Church. They complain that the Church has wronged them or failed them. Perhaps they have been hurt by the ministry or offended by another Church member. Some have simply been disappointed by their own failure to measure up.
Others have become distracted by the pressures and cares of this world. They have been caught up in careers, investments, and the pursuits of this physical life. In this age of spiritual indifference, few pay real attention to the spiritual anymore. Many have become weary of well-doing and have begun to let this precious calling slip through their fingers. What about you?
Perhaps you have seen the poster that captures the image of a somewhat frantic little kitten suspended in mid-air, while desperately clinging in wide-eyed panic to the most precarious of paw holds. The caption under the kitten reads, "Hang In There, Baby."
Many of us have felt like this kitten during difficult times in our Christian walk. Sometimes the trials we face while striving to live God's way can make us feel as if we are desperately holding on for dear life, but we cannot afford to give up. We must hang in there! The following story is a fitting illustration of this point: Off the coast of New England many years ago, a fishing boat was being tossed about in a rough sea. Suddenly, a seaman noticed a young man clinging to the mast, lashed by the biting wind. In horror, the seaman ran to the Captain and exclaimed, "Look, Captain, it's your son up there in grave danger. If he lets go he'll be dashed to pieces!" The Captain looked up calmly and replied, "He won't let go. He's my son! He won't let go!"
In the story, the Captain knew what his son was made of. He knew that he would not let go. What about your Captain, Jesus Christ? Does He know that you won't let go? Will you let go of the magnificent calling God has given you? Is there anything that could cause you to let go of the fantastic reward God offers to those who endure to the end?
The understanding of God's Word that you have been given is priceless. You now know who the 144,000 are. You now know what it will take to be counted among them. Let this knowledge motivate you. Realize that you are being given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with absolutely fabulous rewards that will last for all eternity. Recognize what has been laid at your feet. Pick it up and run with it. Overcome! Strive to be worthy of your calling and be chosen as one of the 144,000.
This information relates to the end of time as we know it and includes information on the 144,000, or the servants of God who will be sealed and set apart from the rest of humanity at the end of time. Jesus' explanation of the 144,000 states: They are of the tribes of Israel, 12,000 of each tribe (verse 4). In Galatians 6:16, the church is called "the Israel of God," so this separation into "tribes of the children of Israel" may be a spiritual designation rather than physical lineage, meaning that these 144,000 will be of a spiritual nature rather than only decendants of Israel as we know it. So that being said, everyone can be included in this number! Take the time now to bow your head and go deep inside of yourself and put yourself out there humbly to God. We must subject ourselves to Jesus Christ and hold steadfastly to our belief of being saved.
Jehovah, Lord most High, I put my life in your hands and ask to be included in this 144,000 and pray that every human being may come to rely on You and You alone. I worship You from the bottom of my heart and hearken to hear Your Word. Thank you for all you have done for me when I pour out my heart to You. I only pray that EVERY HUMAN can know You as I know YOU!
The 144,000 are sealed with the holy Spirit as servants of God. They are an exact number of people who have been redeemed from among men. They stand on Mount Zion--the New Jerusalem, a city of whose dimensions are multiples of twelve and which has the names of the twelve tribes inscribed upon its gates. The 144,000 are destined to rule from this magnificent structure. They are the first fruits--spiritual Israel--God's true Church. They will rule alongside Christ, as kings and priests throughout the millennium, and beyond, for all eternity.
The 144,000 are those who have not allowed themselves to be defiled by the false doctrine, superstition, and practice of the counterfeit religions of this world. They are virgins--clean and pure--ready to marry Christ at His return. They are part of a better covenant with better promises--heirs to a better citizenship and a better resurrection (Hebrews 8:6, 11:16, 11:35).
The 144,000 are the first resurrection, raised up to work personally with Jesus Christ. The final members of this elite group will be finally chosen before God executes His wrath on the Earth. These will join the New Testament apostles, ancient prophets, righteous kings and holy people of God from all ages. They will be Christ's bride. They will be His friends and coworkers for eternity.
The rest of mankind will come up in another resurrection. Unlike the first resurrection of 144,000, this resurrection will not be limited in number. Rather, it will be a multitude that is so vast it cannot be numbered by men. Because of God's love and never ending mercy, He desires that all people who ever lived on earth be saved. The Apostle Peter tells us that: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9).
God loves all mankind, no matter what color or culture. No matter how squalid our lives once were, He loves us all. For this reason, He will give every man and woman a chance for salvation. Once God makes that chance available, most of mankind will likely be brought into the family and Kingdom of God by choosing to live His way.
A REWARD WORTH WORKING FOR
Although the vast majority of mankind will one day be saved, the greatest rewards are reserved for the 144,000. Jesus will marry only one bride. At present he is working with a comparatively few number of people who will be included in the 144,000--the elite group that will be His bride.
At the same time, He is preparing a wonderful home in excited anticipation of His bride to be. The New Jerusalem will be the home of Christ's beloved wife. This magnificent edifice will contain the palatial estates where God the Father, Jesus Christ, and His bride will live and work for all eternity.
The future of the 144,000 is truly staggering to the imagination. It is a future more glorious than anything the human mind could ever conceive. Compared to it, the material rewards and physical pursuits of this life pale into utter insignificance. Nothing else can equal the promise of such a wonderful and stupendous future.
This incredible future has been the motivation of the faithful men and women of God throughout history. They were willing to give their lives, if necessary, to attain this goal. They understood the magnitude of what God is offering. Do we?
Abraham looked to a city "whose builder and maker is God"--the New Jerusalem! The inspired prophets of old also envisioned the time of the Kingdom, and they were fueled by this same hope. It is what transformed the Apostles--men who once ran in fear--into men willing to die if necessary, to continue preaching the gospel message of the Kingdom. The apostle Paul also confirmed that this future, which God offers us, is worth more than any sacrifice we might make. He writes: I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ (Philippians 3:).
Winning Christ means having the exhilaration of working directly with God the Father, and Jesus Christ. Imagine the excitement of eternally sharing an intimate relationship with Jesus, discussing intimate details of his projects, hopes, and dreams for man and the universe. Imagine enjoying God's sense of humor, and sharing in the pleasures He experiences. For those who are called during this age, it is more than the opportunity of a lifetime. There is nothing greater, and nothing more compelling. Christ explains: The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it (Matthew 4:44-46).
Christ is saying that in comparison to what God will give His servants, no sacrifice is too great. It would be worth losing literally everything we count valuable in this life, if it means gaining the Kingdom.
In the Kingdom, the 144,000 will experience the intense excitement and interest of life at the very hub of the universe. The cultural, artistic, and musical events, sponsored in the presence of the Father and Christ, are no doubt elevated to a level beyond comparison to that of the human realm. The fascinating discussion of ideas, projects, and inventions conceived and implemented will delight and awe the inheritors of God's Kingdom. This itinerary of incredibly creative activities and projects will continue for all time, uplifting and enthralling all who are included therein.
At present, among those who enjoy this glorious atmosphere at the the throne of God are the twenty-four elders. These magnificent and glorious beings, who apparently act as advisers at God's throne, are so awed by the decisions and judgements they witness that they cast their crowns before God in praise. These twenty-four elders are not simply programmed to do this automatically. Instead, this is a spontaneous reaction done in deep and profound admiration (Revelation 4:10).
Is it possible that in His Kingdom, Christ will include the 144,000 in His decision-making process, much as a man counsels with his wife? The thought of being able to think and plan with the very God of the universe is more than thrilling! This thought should inspire Christians everywhere, lifting our imaginations to the very heights of God's throne.
A NEW BODY
Each individual included in the 144,000 will be given a new body to complement his or her position and office of responsibility in the Kingdom. Christians often wonder, "What will this new body be like?"
Paul explains that what is sown in corruption will be raised in incorruption. What is sown in weakness and dishonor will be raised in power and glory. These weak, corruptible, physical bodies will be changed into powerful, glorious, spirit bodies (I Corinthians 15:42-44). The new spirit bodies will shine with the brilliance of the sun and stars (Matthew 13:43; Daniel 12:3).
Just as stars vary in brilliance, some spirit bodies will shine much brighter than others. God designed life so that the physical reflects the spiritual. Therefore, Paul explains that each spirit body has a different glory, as do the sun, the moon and the stars (Romans 1:20; I Corinthians 15:40-41).
In this life, some have more beauty than others. Some people are blessed with hair and skin that seems flawless-their bodies sleek and beautiful, the differing beauty of each human being pictures the fact that each person in the resurrection will also differ in glory.
Human beings can be very beautiful, but God is much more than beautiful. He is glorious. He radiates a resplendent glory, majesty, and dignity so awesome that humans cannot look upon Him and survive. Christ's hair is white as snow, and His feet appear as brilliantly burning brass. Looking into the face of Jesus as He now appears, is likened to looking into the very heart of the fiery sun (Revelation 1:15-16).
God is offering those who will be the 144,000 this same kind of glory. Paul describes the change that will take place in the resurrected Christian. He says the Christ will: Change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself (Philippians 3:21).
Those who are a part of the 144,000 will have greater glory than the great multitude. They will be more beautiful to behold. As John writes in his first letter: Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is (I John 3:2).
When the 144,000 stand before Christ, He will perform a miracle in each one. He will put each person's reward in their body. It will be visible--evident to all. The apostle Paul explains: For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (II Corinthians 5:10).
Our spiritual reward will be reflected in our body. Even in this life, to a greater degree than most people realize, a person's body is a reflection of who and what he or she is. Most psychologists realize that personality traits, talents, and abilities are tied to a genetic code that is reflected in the physical body.
In a similar way, our spirit bodies will reflect who and what we are in the family of God. Depending on the gifts that God has given us, and what we do with those gifts, our new spirit bodies will shine brightly, radiating a beauty and brilliance befitting our reward.
SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
With the realization that all we will become depends on what we do in this life, we should be more diligent in our quest for the Kingdom of God. If we truly comprehend the glory of the first resurrection, it will become our consuming desire. We should, and yes, we must, seek it with all our might and with all of our strength (Matthew 6:33).
We cannot allow anything to stop us from pursuing this most magnificent quest. The problems we experience, the setbacks we endure, the pain we suffer--these are nothing compared to the glorious future God has in store for us. As Paul writes: The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:16-18).
Unimaginable glory can be yours, if you have been called to be one of the 144,000. The glory which shall be eventually given to us is worth any sacrifice--any effort. Make up your mind now to push toward the "finish line" in this extraordinary race. Pick up the pace and give your whole heart to seeking God's Kingdom. Commit all resources to it!
Do not let down! Even if you have let down in the past, even if you have failed miserably in some way--don't quit! Instead, commit yourself to overcoming. Fast often to draw close to God. Talk to Him in prayer on a continual basis. Listen to what He has to say through reading and meditating on His Word. Strive to fill your thoughts with the mind of God. Work at truly understanding and living God's perfect, spiritual laws of liberty.
SEEK HIM WHILE HE CAN BE FOUND
There now exists a window of opportunity for each of us who has been called. There is still time for us to change our lives. There is still time to overcome, and to succeed in attaining the first resurrection.
The time is coming, however, when the window will be closed. The door will be shut, and there will be no more time left (Revelation 10:6; Matthew 25:1-5). There will be no more time to overcome, and no longer a chance to qualify for this magnificent reward. Notice Gods warning: He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with Me, to give every man according as his word shall be (Revelation 22:11-12).
Right now is the time to begin to DO more and to BE more. Now is the time to prove to God that you belong in His Kingdom. Now is the time to give God reason to finally say about you, as He did Abraham, "Now I know." Seize the moment! Give God the best that you have. Use this remaining time to rededicate your life to God, and strive to develop the qualities of the 144,000.
TWELVE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
The Scriptures reveal twelve keys that identify the 144,000. These keys are the character traits that qualify these individuals to attain the first resurrection. Therefore, these are literally our keys to God's Kingdom. We must recognize who and what God is, and the incredible price He was willing to pay to redeem each individual. We must see that our real value lies not in our material possessions, or even our own talents and abilities, but in what God is creating within us.
We must strive to be led by the Holy Spirit which seals us. We must become faithful servants of God--not servants of the self, or Satan. We must live up to our covenant name--Israel.
Before God will allow us to rule over others, we must first allow God's Spirit to rule over us. We must study to understand God's law and meditate on how to apply it in everyday life. We must then strive to live by that law. We cannot permit ourselves to be defiled by the doctrines, and practices of this world's counterfeit religions.
We must seek to emulate God's holiness, and work at keeping ourselves pure. We must strive to follow Christ in every way--to think and act as He would in every situation.
To be His firstfruits, we must eliminate hypocrisy, and become a people who are completely sincere. We must become what Christ saw in Nathanael--a people who live without guile.
TWELVE KEYS TO UNDERSTANDING THE IDENTITY OF THE 144,000
KEY------ATTRIBUTE---------APPLICATION
(1) They are sealed---Christians are sealed by the Holy Spirit
(2) They are servants of God---God's servants are converted, obey Him, and will be
resurrected
(3) They are a precise number, consisting of 144,000---Their number is a factor of
twelve picturing divine government
(4) They are spiritual Israel---Spiritual Israel is the Church
(5) They stand on Mount Zion before God's throne---They stand at the base of New
Jerusalem in Heaven
(6) They sing a song no man can learn---They are the only ones in the first
resurrection
(7) They have not be defiled by women---They have not accepted doctrine from the
false churches
(8) They are virgins---They are qualified to marry the High
Priest, Jesus Christ
(9) They follow the Lamb---They are Christ's followers
(10) They are the firstfruits---This is the first resurrection
(11) They are redeemed---They accepted Christ, overcame and are resurrected
(12) They are without fault,having no guile---They lived without deceit, and
raised as faultless
The 144,000 are sealed by the Holy Spirit in their foreheads (minds). Revelation 14:1 shows that this sealing is done by writing the Father's name there. Jesus' very last prayer was that His church would be kept--preserved, guarded--in the Father's name (John 17:11). This suggests that the 144,000 are set apart, and thus protected (in an eternal sense), by God's work of building character in them, as God's name identifies and defines His character.
So, like those is Ezekiel's day who "sigh and cry over the abominations that are done," the 144,000 will be sparred the terrors of the Day of the Lord because they have proven their sterling character before God. Their sealing is obviously based on their spiritual condition rather than their physical descent.
They are also called "redeemed from among men,...firstfruits to God and the Lamb" (verse 4). This can only mean that they are those who take part in the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6; I Corinthians 15:23). They are a special first "crop" of God's harvest, who are given special rewards and privileges because of their struggles in overcoming of Satan and their sins--Hebrews 11:35 calls it "a better resurrection".
The 144,000 are a unique group of people who overcome their sins and grow in character, and their reward is to live and rule forever by the side of Jesus Christ."
RUN THE RACE
We are now living in the lull just before the storm of the last days. It is a time of sifting in the Church. God is separating the wheat from the chaff. It is a time of final decision-making about who will be accounted worthy for inclusion in the 144,000.
The Scriptures tell us plainly that judgement is now upon the Church (I Peter 4:17). God is watching and making decisions about where we will fit in His Kingdom, or even if we will fit there at all. Our purpose should be to dedicate ourselves to proving to Him that we do!
This time of proving ourselves has been compared to running a race. The Apostle Paul makes this analogy to convey the urgency of this critical time in our lives. He writes: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain (I Corinthians 9:24).
Not all who run this race will reach the finish line, and not everyone who is called will automatically be chosen. Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). Christ is very selective when it comes to choosing whom He will marry. Many run the race, but not all will obtain the prize. The apostle Paul reaches down and pulls from his vast personal experience in order to give us an important warning message. He writes: And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we are incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others I myself should be a castaway (I Corinthians 9:25-26).
Some will be castaways! Paul realized that even he could be disqualified. For that reason, he ran the race with diligence. He worked to bring himself into subjection to Jesus Christ in all things. While there is yet time, we must also run the race. The end is nearer than before. We must be diligent, and continue to run with renewed zeal.
HANG IN THERE
Far too many in God's church today seem willing to let the prize slip through their fingers. Some are completely turned off to the Church. They complain that the Church has wronged them or failed them. Perhaps they have been hurt by the ministry or offended by another Church member. Some have simply been disappointed by their own failure to measure up.
Others have become distracted by the pressures and cares of this world. They have been caught up in careers, investments, and the pursuits of this physical life. In this age of spiritual indifference, few pay real attention to the spiritual anymore. Many have become weary of well-doing and have begun to let this precious calling slip through their fingers. What about you?
Perhaps you have seen the poster that captures the image of a somewhat frantic little kitten suspended in mid-air, while desperately clinging in wide-eyed panic to the most precarious of paw holds. The caption under the kitten reads, "Hang In There, Baby."
Many of us have felt like this kitten during difficult times in our Christian walk. Sometimes the trials we face while striving to live God's way can make us feel as if we are desperately holding on for dear life, but we cannot afford to give up. We must hang in there! The following story is a fitting illustration of this point: Off the coast of New England many years ago, a fishing boat was being tossed about in a rough sea. Suddenly, a seaman noticed a young man clinging to the mast, lashed by the biting wind. In horror, the seaman ran to the Captain and exclaimed, "Look, Captain, it's your son up there in grave danger. If he lets go he'll be dashed to pieces!" The Captain looked up calmly and replied, "He won't let go. He's my son! He won't let go!"
In the story, the Captain knew what his son was made of. He knew that he would not let go. What about your Captain, Jesus Christ? Does He know that you won't let go? Will you let go of the magnificent calling God has given you? Is there anything that could cause you to let go of the fantastic reward God offers to those who endure to the end?
The understanding of God's Word that you have been given is priceless. You now know who the 144,000 are. You now know what it will take to be counted among them. Let this knowledge motivate you. Realize that you are being given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with absolutely fabulous rewards that will last for all eternity. Recognize what has been laid at your feet. Pick it up and run with it. Overcome! Strive to be worthy of your calling and be chosen as one of the 144,000.
This information relates to the end of time as we know it and includes information on the 144,000, or the servants of God who will be sealed and set apart from the rest of humanity at the end of time. Jesus' explanation of the 144,000 states: They are of the tribes of Israel, 12,000 of each tribe (verse 4). In Galatians 6:16, the church is called "the Israel of God," so this separation into "tribes of the children of Israel" may be a spiritual designation rather than physical lineage, meaning that these 144,000 will be of a spiritual nature rather than only decendants of Israel as we know it. So that being said, everyone can be included in this number! Take the time now to bow your head and go deep inside of yourself and put yourself out there humbly to God. We must subject ourselves to Jesus Christ and hold steadfastly to our belief of being saved.
Jehovah, Lord most High, I put my life in your hands and ask to be included in this 144,000 and pray that every human being may come to rely on You and You alone. I worship You from the bottom of my heart and hearken to hear Your Word. Thank you for all you have done for me when I pour out my heart to You. I only pray that EVERY HUMAN can know You as I know YOU!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
REVELATION: THE 144,000
The book of Revelation clearly reveals twelve distinct keys that identify the 144,000. Each key is a characteristic that unmistakably proves that this unique assembly is the first resurrection in its entirety--but what about the great multitude? Are they not also in the first resurrection? Doesn't the Bible state that they attain this reward, having gone through the Great Tribulation that comes on the whole world? The Apostle John continues his vision, he states: After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues...These are they which came out of a great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:9-14).
Many read these verses, and assume they refer to the Great Tribulation which comes upon the whole world at the end of the age. Armed with this assumption, readers may then conclude that the great multitude must be a part of the first resurrection.
All the evidence, presented thus far, has shown that the 144,000 are the entirety of the first resurrection. They are spiritual Israel, the redeemed, and the firstfruits. Therefore, the great multitude cannot be part of the first resurrection.
If this is true, then what does the Scripture mean when it states that the great multitude come out of great tribulation? The answer is found in the fact that there are different tribulations mentioned in the Bible. One type comes upon individuals, another upon specific churches, and one is a worldwide ordeal that lasts three and one-half years at the end of man's misrule. Which of these does the great multitude experience?
THE GREAT TRIBULATION THAT COMES ON ALL THE WORLD
The word "tribulation" has a wide range of usage in the New Testament. In the broadest sense, it means any difficulty or trouble. In all but one case in the New Testament, the word "tribulation" is translated from the Greek word "Thlipsis," which can mean "trouble," "pressure," "affliction," "anguish," or "persecution."
When the disciples asked Jesus about the end of the world, the Savior used this word, "thilipis" to describe the time of terrible trouble called the "Great Tribulation." The Lord answered them, saying: For then shall be Great Tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:21).
The Tribulation that Christ speaks of in this Olivet Prophecy occurs only one time in the whole history of mankind. It is so awesome, frightening, and destructive that if God did not intervene, there would be no flesh left alive on the earth (Matthew 24:21-22).
This Tribulation is a three and one-half year period of Satan's wrath, beginning shortly after the armies of the beast surround Jerusalem and the abomination that makes desolate is set up (Matthew 24:15-16). It culminates in Christ's triumphant return to rule the earth as King of kings.
This end time Tribulation is perpetrated by a political, military leader the Bible calls the beast. This beast leads a united Europe, fueled by religious fervor. This combined European power forges an awesome military machine that will control Eastern Civilization. It will destroy any opposition, whether it be military or religious.
This Great Tribulation will span the entire globe, but it primarily focuses upon the modern day descendants of Israel. As Jeremiah states: Alas! for the day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it (Jeremiah 30:17).
The modern day descendants of Jacob, including the United States, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, will suffer more than any other people ever have. They will experience an even greater time of trouble that the Jewish people suffered during world War II.
Eventually, the other great powers, such as Russia, India, China, and Japan will be pulled into the fray, but only at the very end (Revelation 16:12). Small groups in many third world countries, described in Revelation seven as "every tribe and tongue," may be little affected by the Tribulation until the day of the Lord. This "day," which lasts an entire year, is God's wrath. It will affect all the inhabitants of the world.
Some believe that this is the "Great Tribulation: from which the innumerable multitude emerge. However, such a belief contradicts all the previous evidence that makes it clear that the 144,000 are the entirety of the first resurrection.
Consider the fact that the majority of those who lose their lives in the end time Tribulation are physical Israelites. The description of the great multitude as being "of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues," cannot possibly apply to a group primarily composed of Israelites.
Is it possible that the tribulation which the great multitude comes through is not the Great Tribulation that engulfs the whole world at the end time? Could it be that the Bible be speaking of another type of tribulation?
TRIBULATION EXPERIENCED BY SPECIFIC CHURCHES
The Bible also speaks of tribulation that is to come on specific churches. The messages in Revelation, chapters two and three, were sent to seven Churches on a mail route in Asia Minor. Each of these individual churches were representative. Each pictured the entirety of God's Church during a specific era of time as history flowed down through the centuries culminating at Christ's return.
The first church on the route was Ephesus, and Christ explained that this church experienced tribulation (Revelation 2:9). This tribulation was the persecution by the Jews and the martyrdom perpetrated by the Roman Emperor Nero.
Jesus also predicted ten days (years) of tribulation that would fall upon the church of Smyrna (Revelation 2:10; Ezekiel 4:6). This was actually fulfilled by a ten year persecution against Christians instituted by Diocletian in 303 AD and abolished by the edict of toleration in 313 AD.
Christ further threatened Thyatira, representing the Church during the Middle Ages, with "great tribulation." Jesus Christ said: Behold, I will cast her (Thyatira) into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds (Revelation 2:22).
The "great tribulation" spoken of in the above verse was actually the Crusades and the inquisition, not the Great Tribulation which will come at the end of the age. It is not the tribulation the great multitude experiences, nor is it the one to come on the entire world at the end of the age. The great multitude come out of a kind of tribulation different than either of the two types mentioned thus far.
TRIBULATION ON INDIVIDUALS
While imprisoned and suffering on the island of Patmos, John spoke of being a companion to other Christians who were in tribulation (Revelation 1:9). In another case, Christ explained to His followers that Christians should expect tribulation simply because they were required to live in this world (John 16:33).
Paul also suffered many difficulties and troubles as he performed God's work of preaching the gospel. As a result, this great apostle reminded believers down through the ages that Christ's followers should also anticipate tribulation. Paul taught Christians: To continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).
While tribulation is certainly part of the Christian life, non-Christians are by no means exempt. Suffering occurs in even greater degrees to those who know nothing of the truth. Paul states that every person who does not obey the truth will suffer tribulation.
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the gentile (Romans 2:9).
It is this kind of anguishing tribulation from which the great multitude emerges. Rather than being firstfruits, the great multitude is all the rest of mankind who are not now called to salvation. They are not God's true Church, and are not sealed with the Holy Spirit during this life. Instead, they are those who, in their lifetime, have experienced the tremendous suffering that all mankind has endured throughout the ages--the consequence of sin.
OUT OF GREAT TRIBULATION
Every generation has suffered tribulation in its lifetime. Violence has covered the globe. Terrible atrocities have been endured, but also perpetrated, by virtually every race and religion throughout the history of mankind.
Jews, Albanians, Rwandans, Kurds, Armenians and Africans, to name just a few, have all suffered terrible tribulation during their lifetime--some even the specter of genocide. Many who will read this are facing some sort of suffering and tribulation of their own even now.
Beginning with Cain and Abel, man's history has been a parade of violence, and a path of blood. Since mankind was evicted from the garden of Eden, and cut off from God, the character of our world has not changed. In the last four thousand years, the world has only known some two hundred and fifty years of relatively calm and peaceful times!
The vast numbers of people, since the time of Adam and Eve, have experienced tribulation of one kind or another! All have borne some of the heartache, pain and suffering that this present life brings. All have witnessed the terrible ravages of illness and disease such as smallpox, cancer and AIDS, and more recently mankind's latest affliction, SARS. Everyone eventually loses loved ones, and everyone eventually comes face-to-face with his or her own death (Hebrews (9:27).
In the course of human history, there have been millions who have suffered terrible upheavals of nature. Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, bitter cold, scorching heat and floods have exacted a heavy toll in the form of human lives. Many have lost everything.
The earth naturally responds to the anguish mankind has brought upon it. From God's perspective, the planet actually groans with the suffering of this world. It convulses within itself as a consequence of all the destruction inflicted upon both it and mankind (Romans 8:22-23).
In addition, the vast majority of people on earth exist in suffocating poverty and oppressive squalor. Most inhabitants of the west have no idea of the tribulation that afflicts those who live in third world countries on a daily basis. For many millions of people around the world the greatest challenge, each day, is to find enough food to survive one more day.
The tribulation this world suffers is a direct result of man's human nature. Man's greed and self-centered way of life have caused pain to everyone. None have escaped the tragic consequences of living in Satan's world (II Corinthians 4:4; James 4:1-6).
This is the kind of great tribulation the innumerable multitude comes out from. It is the tribulation each person experiences from living in Satan's world.
Although Satan is prevented from influencing the world during the millennial reign of Jesus Christ, he is once again loosed at the end of the thousand years. He will once again create the kind of suffering that man has repeatedly known for 6,000 years. He will influence men to wage war.
Christ will put down this rebellion, but people will again suffer under the devil's power and influence. Those who live at this time will be required to overcome his sway, both in the world and in their personal lives.
This is what the Scripture means when it states that the multitude come out of "great tribulation." It is not speaking of the Great Tribulation that comes on the whole world just prior to Christ's return. It is speaking of the tribulation that each person experiences while living in a world influenced by Satan, both during the first six thousand years of human history and the "little season" when Satan is once again free to sway the minds of men.
The great multitude is a collection of all those who will be saved after a second resurrection. All those who lived and died without knowing the true Jesus Christ will be raised.
They will be given physical life at the end of one thousand years of God's Kingdom, and with that new life, their real and first chance at salvation. This is their time of judgement (Revelation 20:5-6; 12). During this time, the great multitude must overcome Satan's influence. In this way, they follow the example of the 144,000, but are called at a different time and for a different purpose. They are not called now. They are not called to be Christ's bride, or to have rulership roles in the Kingdom.
They will receive salvation and have eternal life, but not the same reward as those who are called to the first resurrection. For this reason, they are not called firstfruits, or Israel. Instead, they are called the "great multitude." Their story is a fascinating one, and it also proves the identity of the 144,000.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Christmas Message
And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the color of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, ad I heard a voice of one that spake. Ezekiel 1:26-28.
Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee, and pourtray upon it the city, even Jerusalem; And lay siege against it, and build a fort against it, and cast a mount against it; set the camp also against it, and set battering rams against it round about. Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city; and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel. Ezekiel 4:1-3.
Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in the midst of thee, and the sons shall eat their fathers, and I will execute judgments in thee, and the whole remnant of thee will I scatter into all the winds. Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord God; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thy abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare neither will I have any pity. A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee; and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds and I will draw out a sword after them. Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted; and they shall know that I the Lord have spoken it in my zeal when I have accomplished my fury in them. Moreover I will make thee waste and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in sight of all that pass by. So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment unto the nations that are round about thee, when I shall execute judgments in thee in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I the Lord have spoken it. When I shall send upon them the evil arrow of famine, which shall be for their destruction and which I will send to destroy you; and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread. So will I send upon your famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the Lord have spoken it. Ezekiel 5:10-17.
And they shall know that I am the Lord, and that I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them. Thus saith the Lord God; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence. He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine; thus will I accomplish my fury upon them. Then shall ye know that I am the Lord, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savor to all their idols. So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations; and they shall know that I am the Lord. Ezekiel 6:10-14.
And the angel that talked with me came again and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep. And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and the seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof; And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying , Not my might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel those shalt become a plain; and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to the from through the whole earth. Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
These passages are indicative of what we as humans beings face in our world today. We are embroiled into the midst of opposing figures that want to destroy the opposition, and when this is not achieved, place their fury on whatever they believe in their minds, holds the key to destroying the opposition. We must hold steadfast to the words of God and utter His holy name and give Him thanks and praise without ceasing. I thought I would put up these passages from the Holy Bible to inspire myself and anyone reading this to know that there is salvation for us all and we must always put God first in our lives and trust that no matter how we suffer and are caused to suffer, God loves us.
Thou also, son of man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee, and pourtray upon it the city, even Jerusalem; And lay siege against it, and build a fort against it, and cast a mount against it; set the camp also against it, and set battering rams against it round about. Moreover take thou unto thee an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between thee and the city; and set thy face against it, and it shall be besieged and thou shalt lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel. Ezekiel 4:1-3.
Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in the midst of thee, and the sons shall eat their fathers, and I will execute judgments in thee, and the whole remnant of thee will I scatter into all the winds. Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord God; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thy abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare neither will I have any pity. A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee; and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds and I will draw out a sword after them. Thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted; and they shall know that I the Lord have spoken it in my zeal when I have accomplished my fury in them. Moreover I will make thee waste and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in sight of all that pass by. So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment unto the nations that are round about thee, when I shall execute judgments in thee in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I the Lord have spoken it. When I shall send upon them the evil arrow of famine, which shall be for their destruction and which I will send to destroy you; and I will increase the famine upon you, and will break your staff of bread. So will I send upon your famine and evil beasts, and they shall bereave thee; and pestilence and blood shall pass through thee; and I will bring the sword upon thee. I the Lord have spoken it. Ezekiel 5:10-17.
And they shall know that I am the Lord, and that I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them. Thus saith the Lord God; Smite with thine hand, and stamp with thy foot, and say, Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence. He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine; thus will I accomplish my fury upon them. Then shall ye know that I am the Lord, when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars, upon every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the place where they did offer sweet savor to all their idols. So will I stretch out my hand upon them, and make the land desolate, yea, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblath, in all their habitations; and they shall know that I am the Lord. Ezekiel 6:10-14.
And the angel that talked with me came again and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep. And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and the seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof; And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying , Not my might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel those shalt become a plain; and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to the from through the whole earth. Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
These passages are indicative of what we as humans beings face in our world today. We are embroiled into the midst of opposing figures that want to destroy the opposition, and when this is not achieved, place their fury on whatever they believe in their minds, holds the key to destroying the opposition. We must hold steadfast to the words of God and utter His holy name and give Him thanks and praise without ceasing. I thought I would put up these passages from the Holy Bible to inspire myself and anyone reading this to know that there is salvation for us all and we must always put God first in our lives and trust that no matter how we suffer and are caused to suffer, God loves us.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Some Answers to Questions
Since I'm no expert on this blogging stuff I tried to post some questions that I received on this blog. One of the questions was where you get liquid lecithin. I'm thinking that you can probably pick that up at any health food store or maybe even at a GNC type store. I also got a post about pulling or tugging on the hair causing the hair follicles to be irritated or something like that. I try not to pull my hair tight, but sometimes to achieve a style you do have to pull your hair tightly to stretch it to get it to the straightness you want for the style you are trying to achieve. I can be found on most days rocking one of my many wigs and wear my hair out when I feel like it. I do twists on my hair, but have never worn them out since I don't believe I can do them properly and make them look nice enough to wear out in public. I've had people question as to why I do what I do with my hair and it escapes me as to why anyone would care what I did with my own hair. Whether I intend to wear a wig everyday until I die or style my hair stretched to breaking shouldn't matter to anyone but myself. This type of thing is a constant when you have natural afro type hair because some people would like to dictate to other people how and what they should do with their hair and shouldn't be so. I love all types of hair and have in the past had my hair straightened and relaxed to within one inch of my hair's life. I decided that I didn't want to do that to my hair anymore and decided to try to go natural. I tried many times before in the past to go natural and was met with some very rude comments from my own people (afro American). What a shame when it matters to someone what is on someone's head, rather than what is in someone's heart. I am constantly puzzled by some people's actions as they relate to someone's hair. In case you don't know or do know, hair is dead when it comes out of your head. How something that is dead could warrant so much attention is beyond my understanding. I guess I didn't invent the love or hate of hair and that's that. It is what it is. I happen to like my nappy hair now, because I didn't for many years and tried to alter it to fit into what was considered "good hair." I have seen many a head of so called "good hair", (in the black community hair that is either curly or wavy) looking just awful. I've seen many a head so relaxed that the whole front of the hairline was moved back about an inch or two. I like curly, wavy, straight and afro hair equally and find all of them beautiful, especially when taken care of and kept up. So in closing, we should love what God gave us and style it the way we see fit. Whether you have natural, straight, curly, wavy, relaxed, or no hair at all, more power to you. Love your hair and love yourself more and focus on the positive things in life and leave the negativity at the doorstep.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Heartfelt Thanks For Viewing My Blog
Thank you to all who have viewed this blog for great information on hair care and other stuff. Sorry I haven't been putting up more information, but I have some things that I'm currently working on to put up in the very near future. I have more comments on numerous products that I have tried and even some I've concocted my own self. My hair remains natural (without chemicals or heat straightening). I may one day try out some of the more popular heating implements eg. flat iron, to straighten my hair, but for right now I'm living and loving my natural hair. Yesterday I did some flat twists in the front and regular twists in the back of my hair and am posting a pic of the results of that. I am interested in starting maybe some tutorials on You Tube or maybe some photos of my hair and what I've been doing with it for the past three years, since I went all natural. It isn't super easy to deal with natural African American type 4A thru 4C type hair, but you can make it more manageable with diligent conditioning and paying attention to ends and trimming as necessary. I had someone ask a question about 4C type hair & I posted their question on here. I'm by no means an expert in hair, just a quasi expert with my own type of hair, which is all different all over my head. I have heard on different websites and pages of people referring to 4C type hair. We are more familiar with up to a 4B, which is coarse and frizzy type African American hair. I believe the 4C to be a bit more frizzy and coarse than the 4B. There are numerous websites with information about hair typing and you can visit these types of sites if you need additional information about hair typing. As I said, I'm no expert in hair, but I try to give out as much information as is readily available to myself and also from trial and error. I will in the near future have links to any other web pages that I create, especially You Tube and Fotki for your perusal and to give additional information on styling and caring for mostly 3C to 4C type hair. I love all types of hair and believe everyone should take pride in their own unique head of hair. I will never have hair down to my waist that can blow easily in the wind and I'll never have juicy, plumped up curly ringlets either, but I can work with what God deemed fit for me to the best of my ability. In closing love yourself and love the hair that God gave you and never think of anyone's hair as "better" than yours, but rather different than yours.
P.S. I couldn't get my camera to work to show the twists I have in today so I have posted two photos of twists I did a few weeks ago, with one photo showing some of the length of my very shrunken twists.
Monday, June 15, 2009
This Blog Stuff...Geez
I hadn't been on my blog for a few months and am quite surprised to see my viewing count in excess of sixteen thousand. Wow! I can't believe that many people are interested in my little old blog. He he he. WFT! Now I'm no slouch in the intelligence department and happen to know that roughly fifty percent of the viewers of this blog are cultish haters who haven't got much of a life. The Internet has so many pages, websites and blogs, that I can't fathom how mines get so much play. Wow! That's about all I can say. Now to all the legitimate people who come on my blog to get hair information, I welcome you and sincere thanks for viewing my blog. I happen to be somewhat a celebrity in my part of town to certain people, who just can't get enough of me. They are constantly up on here absorbing every single word that I put on here and looking to see what or if I say anything about them. I feel sorry for all of you and pray for you all and hope that you all find God and put Him into your lives instead of doing all the things that you all do. I'm a simple woman who happens to appeal to numerous folks who are on a path straight to the bowels of hell and believe that my intervention can save them or something. Newsflash: God is the only entity that can correct your evil ways and redeem you! The next time you have me on your mind, which I know is all the time, ask God for forgiveness and turn your lives around! I was watching Dr. Phil today and the topic was about mind control and cults and it hit home for me. Any human being that wants to control another human being in a very negative way, is surely in line for the harsh reality of what God has in store for them. You will see yourself and your offspring spiral to the point of no return. If people really knew what hell consisted of, they would get on their hands and knees and beg God for forgiveness and never do wrong ever again!! Hell is not a really hot place where you go and see a man in a red costume with a tail and pitchfork. Think of hell as a place where you are in a free fall for all eternity, with no one to help you, while you are tormented with bitter pain, with demons ripping your flesh off, burning you, causing the worst feelings you could not even imagine! Intense fear, anxiety, and the worst nightmare that you cannot awaken yourself from. This is not a joke! So don't believe that what you do in your day to day lives goes unnoticed. Maybe your family, friends etc. will miss some of it, but God misses nothing! Think twice before you succumb to someone telling you what to do to other human beings and what to say! Be careful of what you do and say to people because you can never be one hundred percent sure of who people really are!!! There are numerous angels on the earth who work in tandem with The Almighty and watch everything that goes on constantly. Your best pal who you like to brag to about all your "doings" just might be that angel who was sent by God for a purpose. Now being an observant and intelligent woman I know numerous people are in the frame of mind that what they do doesn't matter at all and they can conduct their lives in whichever manner they choose. True, we all are given the gift of free will and can choose to do evil things and cause chaos and then we can choose to behave in a way that is pleasing to God. It is very easy to love the people who you love, but the real test is to love the people who you feel you hate or don't like. The Bible teaches us that God finds favor with people who have the ability to love their enemies. That's a bitter pill for most people to swallow including myself. But if you wish to see God's face and not end up in hell, then that is what you are required to do. Anyway in closing, DO NOT TAKE REVENGE ON ANY HUMAN BEING, BOW DOWN AND GET ON YOUR HANDS AND KNEES AND ASK GOD FOR FORGIVENESS & LIVE YOUR LIFE LIKE CHRIST LIVED HIS AND DECIDE THAT FROM THIS DAY FORWARD YOU WILL WALK IN GOD'S FOOTSTEPS AND NOT YOUR OWN!
NOTE: The above photograph is taken from the Shroud of Turin and is a depiction of that Shroud. This is said to be a likeness of Jesus Christ by many people. They do not know how this shroud came to be and how the image was put on there to this very day. I myself am mesmerized by the man's eyes and find it hard to not stare at the photograph. I find this photograph to be a comfort for me when I'm feeling down. The face is of a man who enjoyed smiling, by the deep laugh lines. Every time I look at this photograph I am reminded that Jesus Christ did indeed walk on the Earth, was crucified, died and arose from the dead all for us!! He was mocked, jeered, and generally hounded by non-believers. Now imagine if the Son of God could have sustained this kind of treatment from humans, then whatever we go through in our lives that is negative and causes us pain is nothing compared to what Jesus Christ suffered on our behalf. For this reason I put my whole trust and faith in the Almighty and pray for folks who do wrong to me because I know that that is the way that Jehovah wants all of us to be. Look deeply in this man's eyes and in doing so you will be able to search your soul and know that there is salvation and so much love for all of us from the One Most High!
Kinky Curly Curling Custard
I had been on numerous sites that sang the praises about this product and wanted to try it for quite some time. I was a little leery about ordering off the Internet and had read many a blog and website of people complaining about their orders taking forever to arrive, so I never did order this product online. I happened to be in a grocery store (Whole Foods) and was looking at the hair and beauty products that they had and noticed the product on the shelf. I was shocked to see it there and promptly snatched one up to the tune of $25 dollars. For me that's a lot of money to spend on one hair product. I didn't try the product out right away because I had been sporting my collection of wigs. I finally decided one day to try the product out, so I washed and conditioned my hair and applied it to my hair. Now on account that my hair is fairly coarse and doesn't have a curl pattern, I was pretty much sure it wouldn't curl my type of hair. I was right. This product left my hair hard and extra dry by the next day. My hair seemed like it wanted to fall out from it being so dry. I don't know if I applied too much of the product, which has the consistency of slimy gel. My hair only waved up some, but no curl whatsoever. I believe my hair type is 4a,4b & some 3c. I would not buy this product ever again. My daughter, who has a curl pattern to her hair, loves this product and it works beautifully for her. She can't say enough good things about this product. Well to each head, it's own. I would say that you have to have at least 3c hair for this product to work and produce a curl pattern to your hair. Also if you have baby fine 4a-c hair, it might also work. My hair is very thick and coarse and it doesn't work well for my hair. I recently twisted my hair using a fair amount of regular gel (Fantasia IC) with good moisturization, and noticed much more of a curl pattern to my hair than when I used the Kinky Curly. I would recommend if your hair is less than a 3c curl/wave pattern, that you use a lot of moisturizer with this product due to the dryness it produces on a more kinky wave pattern of hair. Please check one of my Youtube videos below. Please watch, comment, rate & subscribe!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Dr. Bronner's Magic Peppermint Shampoo
I bought a bottle of Dr. Bonner's Peppermint shampoo to try out since I sometimes have a dry itchy scalp because I like to keep my hair braided up in the winter months, and I like it. I previously posted on the soap that I tried, but the shampoo is a little better than the bar soap. After shampooing my hair with this shampoo, my hair felt very soft to the touch. It didn't stop my scalp from itching and I still had some dryness and flaking on my scalp after using this particular shampoo. I still say it's a fairly good shampoo. Now I went to my usual BSS (beauty supply store) and priced it at $9.99 for, I believe, 16oz. bottle. I think I used to see a smaller bottle and wanted to try the smaller bottle in case I didn't like it and decided to check into another BSS to find it. I didn't find a smaller bottle, but found this product a little cheaper at $7.29, so I bought it. The consistency of this shampoo is rather watery. The label says it's concentrated and to dilute, but I just poured some in my hand and lathered away. This shampoo has no detergents and says it's 100% vegan. This shampoo is a castile based shampoo. Now one thing I noticed after using this shampoo is that it dried out my hair somewhat. So if you are going to use this shampoo, follow up with a good conditioner and a good leave-in type conditioner. Below I list some of the ingredients & claims of this shampoo.
Ingredients: Water, saponified organic coconut*, & organic olive* ( with retained glycerin), organic hemp oil, organic jojoba oil, organic peppermint oil, mentha arvensis, citric acie, vitamin E.
*Certified Fair Trade Ingredients (I don't know what this means)
Claims: 1 soap for 18 different uses. Guaranteed no synthetic peppermint oils and 100% vegetarian. Super mild castile has outstanding water softening and cleansing powers. Preferable to harsh soap & defattening synthetics. It does not cut dirt, but dissolves it. it is the mildest, most pleasant soap you ever used or your money back.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Dove Anti-Frizz Cream
I recently purchased this cream and tried it out on my hair and I happen to like this a lot. You don't need to use a lot of the cream and it made my hair feel nice and smooth. The day that I used it I didn't happen to have any gel to smooth my hair back and it worked like a charm all by itself. I don't know if this product is an active product on the regular store shelves, since I bought mine from a dollar type store for $1.99. A lot of times you get products in the dollar store that are either discontinued or not actively placed on store shelves like CVS, Wal-Mart etc. They had two different types of the cream and I have the "Smooth & Soft" type. I believe the other one was a botanical type anti-frizzant if I remember correctly. Below I will list some of the ingredients of this cream and the claims the product makes. This product has silicones and if you don't like to apply silicone to your hair you may want to skip this one.
Claims:
*For a smooth, finished look with enhanced shine
*Smooths away frizz and tames fly-aways
*Won't leave hair weighted down, even after reapplying
Ingredients:
*Water,Dimethicone, Silk-Amino Acids, Glycine, Arginine, Cystine, Hystidine, Borage Officinalis Seed oil & Glycerine.
*I included some of the ingredients. For a full disclosure of ingredients look up product information.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A Comment On Something I Read
'4 Little Details Men Notice About Women'
Here's something I read on the Yahoo page that I thought I would post a comment on.
Someone wrote about the things that guys (4 little details) notice about women.
Below is a condensed version of the article.
Hands:daintiness, complexion, how they look holding a wine glass, whether they are manicured.
Hair: doing simple actions provoking powerful emotions (hair blowing in the wind) giving a man a good mood.
Attitude Towards Others: how she treats others ie. nicely respectfully.
What She Notices: someone who can laugh at and notice little things, and who always brings new insights to different situations.
Firstly, as for hands, I have big hands (nothing that dainty about them). As for the complexion, the writer didn't say what they meant by complexion, eg. light, dark, tanned, porcelain like. I don't know because the writer didn't elaborate on it.
Now about the hair blowing in the wind...Come on, don't men know that we women don't like our hair blowing in the wind? You spend all day getting your hair just right, perfectly coiffed, all hair sprayed up, with finishing spray to boot. And then it happens. The big swoosh of wind that dismantles the entire hairstyle. So maybe you guys should rethink that blowing hair in the wind stuff. And how could someones hair blowing in the wind evoke such a strong emotion that could change a man's mood anyways? All I know is us sisters don't usually have that "blowing" type of hair unless it's got a relaxer in it and mine doesn't have a relaxer and I don't believe it could blow in the wind. he he
Now as for attitudes of women, and how they treat other people whether 'nicely' 'respectfully' etc. I try to treat people with respect and I believe that's a good thing. So I agree with this one.
What a woman notices is also a biggie for me. I notice things about people, but don't dwell on it. I might give a little sly remark about things I notice about people and like a guy that can appreciate my brand of humor.
Now a word for the gentlemen of the world since the aforementioned writer of the article asks: What is a little thing (appearance, moment or personality)that you notice in a guy that is a simple, beautiful thing?
Here are some things that we women do notice in you guys: height, hair, well dressed/groomed or not, roving eye or not, chivalry and how they smell.
Me personally, I am attracted to a well groomed guy, meaning, his hair is neat and not wild looking. Someone who dresses well (love, love suits), and I don't quite care what type of clothes a man wishes to wear as long as it's fitting him good. nothing more sexy for me that seeing a man in a nice polo type shirt and a nice pair of slacks & shoes without socks (sexy sexy). A guy who listens to his woman and who realizes that we women are hormonal, meaning we do get our times, and who can still see beauty in us when we act a fool, is the kind of guy that, in my pinion, is ideal. Men should also realize that some women are simple and appreciate the simple things in life and are low maintenance and then there are some women who are high maintenance and like to have everything done, but that's only one's personal preference, and either way it's all good. My hair won't be blowing in the wind anytime soon and my nails may not be manicured to perfection all the time and I'm not always 'nice' he he (you can tell this by some of my posts). I can hold a wine glass and swig wine like a guy if I want to, even though I'm not really a drinker, or I can drink a soda and be fine. It's about time we women and you men did try to understand each other a bit more and not place so much emphasis on things we read about on how someone should be or act and pay more attention to our own feeling about a particular person and try to enjoy the good aspects as well as the not so good aspects of that person.
In closing, both women and men should 'notice' what's on the inside as well as what's on the outside. We should also 'notice' whether someone is being authentic or if they're being what you or someone else wants them to be. Some simple and beautiful things that we should notice is how we feel around someone, how they react to us, and how the dynamics feel when we are just letting loose and being ourselves are all simple things that we can notice about someone.
Here's something I read on the Yahoo page that I thought I would post a comment on.
Someone wrote about the things that guys (4 little details) notice about women.
Below is a condensed version of the article.
Hands:daintiness, complexion, how they look holding a wine glass, whether they are manicured.
Hair: doing simple actions provoking powerful emotions (hair blowing in the wind) giving a man a good mood.
Attitude Towards Others: how she treats others ie. nicely respectfully.
What She Notices: someone who can laugh at and notice little things, and who always brings new insights to different situations.
Firstly, as for hands, I have big hands (nothing that dainty about them). As for the complexion, the writer didn't say what they meant by complexion, eg. light, dark, tanned, porcelain like. I don't know because the writer didn't elaborate on it.
Now about the hair blowing in the wind...Come on, don't men know that we women don't like our hair blowing in the wind? You spend all day getting your hair just right, perfectly coiffed, all hair sprayed up, with finishing spray to boot. And then it happens. The big swoosh of wind that dismantles the entire hairstyle. So maybe you guys should rethink that blowing hair in the wind stuff. And how could someones hair blowing in the wind evoke such a strong emotion that could change a man's mood anyways? All I know is us sisters don't usually have that "blowing" type of hair unless it's got a relaxer in it and mine doesn't have a relaxer and I don't believe it could blow in the wind. he he
Now as for attitudes of women, and how they treat other people whether 'nicely' 'respectfully' etc. I try to treat people with respect and I believe that's a good thing. So I agree with this one.
What a woman notices is also a biggie for me. I notice things about people, but don't dwell on it. I might give a little sly remark about things I notice about people and like a guy that can appreciate my brand of humor.
Now a word for the gentlemen of the world since the aforementioned writer of the article asks: What is a little thing (appearance, moment or personality)that you notice in a guy that is a simple, beautiful thing?
Here are some things that we women do notice in you guys: height, hair, well dressed/groomed or not, roving eye or not, chivalry and how they smell.
Me personally, I am attracted to a well groomed guy, meaning, his hair is neat and not wild looking. Someone who dresses well (love, love suits), and I don't quite care what type of clothes a man wishes to wear as long as it's fitting him good. nothing more sexy for me that seeing a man in a nice polo type shirt and a nice pair of slacks & shoes without socks (sexy sexy). A guy who listens to his woman and who realizes that we women are hormonal, meaning we do get our times, and who can still see beauty in us when we act a fool, is the kind of guy that, in my pinion, is ideal. Men should also realize that some women are simple and appreciate the simple things in life and are low maintenance and then there are some women who are high maintenance and like to have everything done, but that's only one's personal preference, and either way it's all good. My hair won't be blowing in the wind anytime soon and my nails may not be manicured to perfection all the time and I'm not always 'nice' he he (you can tell this by some of my posts). I can hold a wine glass and swig wine like a guy if I want to, even though I'm not really a drinker, or I can drink a soda and be fine. It's about time we women and you men did try to understand each other a bit more and not place so much emphasis on things we read about on how someone should be or act and pay more attention to our own feeling about a particular person and try to enjoy the good aspects as well as the not so good aspects of that person.
In closing, both women and men should 'notice' what's on the inside as well as what's on the outside. We should also 'notice' whether someone is being authentic or if they're being what you or someone else wants them to be. Some simple and beautiful things that we should notice is how we feel around someone, how they react to us, and how the dynamics feel when we are just letting loose and being ourselves are all simple things that we can notice about someone.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Shea Butter As A Hair Conditioner
Recently I bought some African shea butter at a festival down at Penns Landing that I thought I'd put something up about. The gentleman I bought it from said that it was all natural, so I plunked down $10 for it. So far it's a good conditioner, but the only thing that I don't happen to like about it is that it causes the hair to shrink a lot, especially in humid type weather. It also builds up on the scalp with regular use and I had to really shampoo my hair a few times to get it out of my hair. I think I'm going to mostly use this on the ends of my hair and not too much on my hair because of the build up problem and the tendency for the hair to attract a lot of lint if you are heavy handed with this. I know that some people on the Net swear by shea butter for their hair and it is a good product for your hair, but for all the people that like to CW (conditioner wash) their hair, should probably use it sparingly because you'll have to use shampoo to get it out of your hair. Anyway, I've posted a photo of what the tub of shea I bought looks like if you'd like to try some of this.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Something For Your Spirituality
This post isn't about hair, but I thought I would post it anyway to help people come to terms with their spirituality. I've posted photos of St. Edward the Confessor who was canonized a saint in 1161. I'm also posting information about this saint for anyone interested in saints in general. Please read the following information and really reflect on your life and doings:
ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR
King of England, born in 1003; died 5 January, 1066. He was the son of Ethelred II and Emma, daughter of Duke Richard of Normandy, being thus half-brother to King Edmund Ironside, Ethelred's son by his first wife, and to King Hardicanute, Emma's son by her second marriage with Canute. When hardly ten years old he was sent with his brother Alfred into Normandy to be brought up at the court of the duke his uncle, the Danes having gained the mastery in England. Thus he spent the best years of his life in exile, the crown having been settled by Canute, with Emma's consent, upon his own offspring by her. Early misfortune thus taught Edward the folly of ambition, and he grew up in innocence, delighting chiefly in assisting at Mass and the church offices, and in association with religious, whilst not disdaining the pleasures of the chase, or recreations suited to his station. Upon Canute's death in 1035 his illegitimate son, Harold, seized the throne, Hardicanute being then in Denmark, and Edward and his brother Alfred were persuaded to make an attempt to gain the crown, which resulted in the cruel death of Alfred who had fallen into Harold's hands, whilst Edward was obliged to return to Normandy. On Hardicanute's sudden death in 1042, Edward was called by acclamation to the throne at the age of about forty, being welcomed even by the Danish settlers owing to his gentle saintly character. His reign was one of almost unbroken peace, the threatened invasion of Canute's son, Sweyn of Norway, being averted by the opportune attack on him by Sweyn of Denmark; and the internal difficulties occasioned by the ambition of Earl Godwin and his sons being settled without bloodshed by Edward's own gentleness and prudence. He undertook no wars except to repel an inroad of the Welsh, and to assist Malcolm III of Scotland against Macbeth, the usurper of his throne. Being devoid of personal ambition, Edward's one aim was the welfare of his people. He remitted the odious "Danegelt", which had needlessly continued to be levied; and though profuse in alms to the poor and for religious purposes, he made his own royal patrimony suffice without imposing taxes. Such was the contentment caused by "the good St. Edward's laws", that their enactment was repeatedly demanded by later generations, when they felt themselves oppressed.
Yielding to the entreaty of his nobles, he accepted as his consort the virtuous Editha, Earl Godwin's daughter. Having, however, made a vow of chastity, he first required her agreement to live with him only as a sister. As he could not leave his kingdom without injury to his people, the making of a pilgrimage to St. Peter's tomb, to which he had bound himself, was commuted by the pope into the rebuilding at Westminster of St. Peter's abbey, the dedication of which took place but a week before his death, and in which he was buried. St. Edward was the first King of England to touch for the "king's evil", many sufferers from the disease were cured by him. He was canonized by Alexander III in 1161. His feast is kept on the 13th of October, his incorrupt body having been solemnly translated on that day in 1163 by St. Thomas of Canterbury in the presence of King Henry II.
Note: (top photo) The Wilton Diptych, depicting Richard II being presented by three saints to the Virgin and Child. Nearest to Richard is his patron saint John the Baptist. Behind are Saint Edward the Confessor and Saint Edmund.
(bottom photo) St. Edward the Confessor
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Stretching Out Natural Afro Hair
When you have natural kinky type afro hair, trying to achieve certain styles can be a bit difficult at times. After I wash my hair it shrinks way down and I look like I have about two or three inches of hair, even though it's much longer than that after I braid it and it dries. Just the other day I was in a rush to style my hair after washing it and I braided it & used a hood type dryer to dry it quickly, but my hair didn't dry all the way & it was shrunken when I slicked it back. Maybe had it dried thoroughly, it would have been more stretched. I do not apply any type of heat to my hair and usually like to stretch my hair by braiding or twisting it up. Usually after the second day of braiding and re-braiding my hair it's usually sufficiently stretched so that I can pull it back. There are many "straightening" type products on the market, but I have only tried one of them by Smooth & Shine, a straightening balm, with minimal results. The product I tried recently escapes my memory, but I will post a photo & name of the product as soon as I am able to. I've posted a photo of the relaxing balm, which I tried on my hair many years ago when I was trying to go natural and wanted something to stretch out my new growth hair and it worked okay, but nothing spectacular. Some people like to use a hair dryer to stretch out their natural hair, but I have not done this myself, since I don't like to use heat on my hair. If I were in a pinch I might use a hair dryer though. Another good way to stretch out natural kinky hair is to use some type of roller after washing the hair, making sure the hair is sufficiently damp and rolling the roller tightly on the hair and either letting the hair air dry or by using a hair dryer. Here is a helpful link to a page on follica.com with reviews for the Straight Out product: href="http://">href="http://www.folica.com/Smooth__N_Shine_r1510_1.html Check out one of my Youtube videos below. Please watch, comment, rate & subscribe!
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