Christmas Beau by Norma L. Jarrett - An Excerpt

AVAILABLE NOW!  A HOLIDAY READ BY BESTSELLING AUTHOR 

NORMA L. JARRETT

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EXCERPT - CHRISTMAS BEAU

"God, you have until 11:59 p.m. December 31st to deliver my '+ one'.  I'm not spending another holiday single!"  When Haven's sister Harper joined forces Project + One went in full affect!  

Chapter 6 - Betty Knows Best  

            “Omigod.  Did he really say Michele and Barack kinda love?  That is hilarious!” Harper fell back on her bed laughing hysterically, while Haven stood there with her arms folded.

            “I’m glad you find this all so amusing, but your little Project + One experiment and advice thus far are a fail!”  Haven turned around and stormed out.

            “Wait, wait girl!”  Harper jumped up and grabbed her sister by the arm.  “When you are trying to change something, of course forces at work are going to discourage you at the onset. You can’t give up. We’ve done a lot of prep for this.”

            Haven stood there and rolled her eyes.

            “C’mon, sissy.” Harper grabbed her sister’s arms and shook her slightly. 

            Haven sighed.  “I guess I can’t let one bad experience discourage me.”

            “Now what was that affirmation?” Harper waited for her to speak.

            “I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I thank God in advance that my husband will recognize me.  The beauty and light that is within me has now been released and I attract whatever God has for me.” Haven mimicked like a parrot.

            “Okay, you really need to take this seriously.”

            “After Jungle Fever on crack, how can I?”

            “You know God has a sense of humor.  Okay, we need to step this up.  So you’re going to come with me to the Jingle Ball next weekend, right?  We went through all that trouble to pick out that cute sequin dress at H & M.  You got great legs and you can’t let this dress go to waste! Project Glam is in full effect.”

            Oh brother.  Haven stood there with her hand on her hip.

            “Shake your head yes with me. I will go to the Jingle Ball.  It’s for a great cause – a pet charity.”

            “Okay, okay, I’m going.”

            “And you can’t close your online dating account.”

            Haven poked her lip out, folded her arms and shook her head. “I’m glad you have enough faith and enthusiasm for the both of us.  Excuse me while I head to my second job, where I have the luxury of waiting on materialistic, snobby, and cranky shoppers.” She walked off in disgust.

                        “Haven?”

                        “Yes, Harper.”

                        “You look cute!”

~~~~~ 

            “Ma’am, these are not on sale. They’re two different shoes.” Haven raised her voice.  Patience was definitely not her best attribute.  Why on earth did I let Harper talk me into wearing these heels?  I don’t care what color the bottom is, in a minute they’re coming off and a pair of flats from the shelf are going on! These are going right back in her closet.

            “Well, you don’t have to be so rude about it. You know, never mind.  Where’s Betty? She always gives me superb service,”  the tanned, blinged out and bleached-haired woman said.  

            Betty overheard and was there before Haven could call her.  “Mrs. Culbertson, let me see if we have a promo for that shoe. I’m sure there’s some type of discount.  At least 10%.”

            Haven put her hand on her hip. She knew there was no such discount, but that’s what Betty did for lifetime customers.  After she rung up the lady, she walked over to Haven.

            “You okay?” 

            Haven was straightening up the shelves.  “I’m fine.” She uttered, then rubbed her temples.  She turned to face Betty.  “I’m sorry. I’m just a little tired and maybe I’m not feeling this holiday season.  Just got a little touch of the blues, I guess.”

            “Well, happens to the best of us.” Betty helped her put up some of the other shoes. She started humming and singing, which usually irritated Haven, but for some reason tonight it soothed her.

            “Betty?”
            “Yeah, sugar.”
            “Why are you always so cheerful?  I mean do you ever get upset?  Does life ever get the best of you?  Life can’t be great every day, can it?”

            Betty looked Haven in the face. “Sweetie, when you get to be my age, every day is a gift. You think I’m going to sit here and let these rich, condescending women ruin my day? Uh-uh, no way.  The joy of the Lord is my strength, and the Lord of the strength is my life.  I’ve seen tragedy…almost died myself.  I’m a breast cancer survivor two times over, you know.”

            “I didn’t know.”

            “How could you? You are too wrapped up in yourself. You young people kill me.  You don’t have it as hard as the generations before you.  Especially the people of your generational bloodline.  Are you picking cotton? No.  Are you living on the street? No.  You can be and have whatever you want in this life.”

            “You make it sound so simple.  I mean Betty, look at me. I’m young and attractive and I can’t keep a man to save my life.”

            “A mate is a reflection of you.  Just maybe if you change your attitude, you might attract somebody. You act like you’re a hundred years old.  Positive energy is contagious.  Nobody wants to be around an old stick in the mud. I’ve learned to dance and sing and not worry about who’s lookin’.  I like to wear bright colors and yes, I know sometimes it’s a little much, but I don’t care.  I own it!”  She said, pretending to model.

            “Wow, am I really that bad?”

            “Um, maybe not. But if you’re not careful, you will be.  Promise me something.”
            “What?”

            She slapped Haven on the arm. “That you will get out there and have some fun this holiday season! Just because Mr. Right hasn’t shown up, doesn’t mean you have to live like a corpse.  Besides, God’s not gonna just send anybody.  The man God has set apart for you is looking for you, too.  God’s getting him ready.  In the meantime, you got to make sure you got it together when he finds you.  Take my Harry.  He knows he has a good thing.  Took me to his church last Sunday and I tell you that choir tore the roof off.  We got down, honey! I was dancin’ and shoutin’.  It was a good time.”

            Haven smiled at the visual of Betty in full on praise and worship at a Black church.  “I’m glad you enjoyed it.  And I hear you, Betty…loud and clear.”  She could not believe she was taking advice from a person with a big mistletoe barrette clipped to starched hair, but since Betty was getting more action than she was, she had to know something.

Every Brunch Lady has...

A signature item 

Something that represents your taste, style, personal touch.  They are so signature, when your best girls see one of them when shopping they immediately say that's so "_________" (fill in the blank with your name).  In the spirit of the shopping season, I thought I'd share a few of my personal signature items with the rest of my Brunch Ladies!  

Bows 

Who doesn't love a little touch of femininity?  

This short sleeve sweater from Ann Taylor is perfect!

    

Monograms

Shirts, linen, stationary, monograms are so classy.  But I fell in with these felt clutches and the price is just as delicious.  These adorable accessories and more monogram items are available at monogram lane.

Drop earrings.  

These easy on the eyes and the purse "gems" from the Bauble Bar are gorgeous!

Beautiful Journals...

Every writer keeps them in their purse, on a nightstand,  in the bathroom.

Shh!  You never know where inspiration is going to show up!  This floral find is from Rifle Paper Co.

 

 

Pretty (but inexpensive) ink pins! 

This one by Michael Kors is an irresistible "steal" and it's scented!

 

and...I'm a pearl girl (of course) 

This Kate Spade necklace adds a little "Brunch" flavor with a cute bow

Signature read?    

CLICK FOR ALL BOOKS IN THE SERIES!!!!

The Brunch Series (of course)

Don't have your own signature items? Get inspired by the Brunch Lady Pinterest Board :)

7 Books that Bless

Okay, so I'm a little biased.  For your bookshelf.  Brunch Lady approved reading from members of 

the 

Anointed Authors on Tour!

                        

 

 

                                                           

Who is this Proverbs 31 Chick?

Perhaps you are like me. You’ve read all about the Proverbs 31 woman. You’ve probably even sat in on a Bible study or two. You've dissected every line. Over a period of time you painstakingly checked off every attribute: strong, noble, virtuous, wise, kind; works willingly with her hands; brings food from afar; rises early to prepare meals (not just for her husband but her maidens?); plants a vineyard; gives to the needy, makes fine linen and sells it …okay, okay! We get it. She's a goddess! Exhausted? Have no fear…Brunch Lady is here! You've probably figured it out by now - The Proverbs 31 Woman is a model, a person to emulate; but we don’t have to BE exactly like her. We strive to embrace her attributes as part of our journey to become our best selves.  Brunch Lady is partly about that journey. And we can't do it alone!

Brunch Lady was born out of the spirit of my first faith based fiction book Sunday Brunch, a novel about five ladies on the way to self-discovery. The characters Lexi, Jewel, Jermane, Capri and Angel are besties that meet for weekly brunch to share everything inspirational at the girlfriend table. Sunday Brunch and the sequel The Sunday Brunch Diaries are faith-based fiction fan favorites (Voted Best Girlfriend book - Upscale magazine/Rawsistaz Book Club). Each “girlfriend” is  at a different place professionally, personallyand spiritually and they are all a work in progress. Brunchspiration: A Quotable Devotional, a non-fiction book (devotional) is inspired by the Brunch fiction series. Brunchspiration gives readers uplifting, witty wisdom to satisfy their spiritual appetite.

BRUNCH FASHION

Brunch Lady is a natural extension of my books. As I prayed about what God had for me in the recent season of my life, he led me to Proverbs 31. Many of us aspire to be the Proverbs 31 woman. However if we study the Proverbs 31 woman we realize we have some tough stilettos to fill! Brunch Lady reminds us that we are all Proverbs 31 women in progress and we all need encouragement. The official mission of Brunch Lady is to encourage women to lead passionate, purposeful and prosperous lives with grace character and style. It is a timely message. Many would agree we need a “ladylike” movement. Our images have taken a beating and some of the wounds have been self-inflicted. In that spirit, Brunch Lady is all about the girlfriend journey; A journey where positivity and encouragement are abundant and “iron sharpens iron”. It extends to every area of our lives! So, Brunch Ladies...get ready for everything inspirational at the girlfriend table:

BRUNCH MERCHANDISE

• Brunch Books (The Brunch Series: Sunday Brunch, The Sunday Brunch Diaries, Brunchspiration, D.C. Brunch - upcoming)
• Brunch Media - (Facebook, Twitter, Website, Youtube, and others)
• Brunch Life (Brunch Fashion, Brunch Table, Brunch Bride and others)
• Brunch Merchandise (The Brunch Boutique)
• And however else God plans to take the Brunch Lady Brand!

The Brunch Lady understands she must shine from the inside out, but both are important! Brunch Lady is more than books, merchandise and media...it’s a lifestyle. Brunch Lady is to remind us to the think and act like a lady and....“Pearl Girls Rule the World!”


Always keep it “Brunch” (Classy),
Norma L. Jarrett Author, Blogger & Lifestyle Entrepreneur (C.E.O. - Brunch Lady)

Too Good to Keep to Myself!

So, I can’t take credit for this post, at least not all of it. Only the whiny, “God I have a bone to pick with you and I don’t really feel like going to church,” part. So, here it goes.  I was riding up I-10 on my way to Lakewood (Church). I definitely had my “come as you are” uniform on (jeans, top, boots – shame on me). So on the way I started to “have a little talk with Jesus” moment. But guess who was doing all the talking? Me. It started off sort of like, “God, you know this vision you gave me? Well, I need this and that, and aren’t you supposed to do a, b & c so I can get on with your program?”

The rest of it went something like, “Whine, whine, complain, frustrated…blah, blah, blah!” You get my point. But God, in His usual cool fashion let me vent. He didn’t say much…until I got to church. We went into worship, it was good. Hands up, singing, I’m into it. Then Pastor Joel began to preach. You know one of those “This one is especially for you Norma Jarrett” sermons. Not really, but you get my point.

So the primary message was about staying in the game. Pastor Joel said specifically: Sometimes in life you have to play through the pain…sometimes you have to show up even though…

• You don’t feel like it
• You’d rather be at home watching the Texans
• You are hurting
• You are grieving
• You are frustrated
• You are disappointed

He was all up in my seat with the microphone in my face (not really, and besides I don’t think Victoria Osteen would appreciate all that). Then he talked about a young man he used to see in church all the time. He was upbeat and fully participating in worship with hands raised. Pastor Joel had no idea this man had been in Dialysis treatment for over twelve years. He was younger than Pastor Joel!  One Sunday this same man came up for prayer. Pastor Joel noticed one of his arms was red as a beet from his treatment. Then He realized just how much pain this man had been in.  However, in spite of this pain, he raised his hands in worship every Sunday with an expectant heart.

The next time the man came up for prayer, he brought another person with him.  He told Pastor Joel the man was going to donate a kidney.  Shortly after, he had the surgery it was successful. This man no longer had to go to Dialysis and had no more pain! What was Pastor Joel saying? In this life sometimes you have to “play through your pain”.  This man didn't have the ideal circumstances but was more faithful than some people with two good arms and perfect health. (Ouch!)  I'm sure he had his days but he was consistent.  Because of his attitude and obedience, "God turned his scars into stars!"

We have all have pain in this life. Hurts, disappointments, unfair outcomes...but we have to "play through our pain!" God does not promise a one time Ephesians 3:20 blessing! For as long as we live we should expect Him to show up. But WE have to do our part. We have to continue to walk, work, pray, keep a good attitude, show up and press beyond the circumstances.

Pastor Joel told of another man that had major surgery but insisted he be released to go to church that Sunday. His doctor said no way. The man said, “You don’t understand, I never miss church!” The doctor said, “You must go to Lakewood…I’ll tell you what, I will release you for 3 hours. Just for church.” He showed up with his hospital bracelet! Man, talk about faithful! Boy did I had the big convicted label across my forehead. I know I was not the only one.  There were plenty of tears and tissues in the congregation!

What am I saying?  When we are about to give up, get bitter, complain or fall short, remember this one thing…in this life, sometimes you have to play through the pain. God rewards those people who do.    It’s one thing to do the right thing when all the conditions are ideal, but it's another thing to do the right thing in the midst of our own suffering. Those are the type people God looks for to bless!

Hope this blessed you the way it did me!

Norma 

P.S. - If you loved this blog, find similar inspiration in my latest book Brunchspiration: A Quotable Devotional available on Amazon.com for $2.99!

Heart Condition

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me - Psalm 51:10

Sometimes nothing else but the word of God will do. This morning while reading the  "My Daily Sanctuary" portion of my New Living Translation Bible, this scripture touched me in a profound way.  Many of us suffer from heart conditions. These heart conditions affect our walk, our purpose our ability to lead others to Christ.  Just like our physical hearts we can look great on the outside but suffer from infirmity.  We can show up for church, say the right things and obey all the spiritual laws; but if our hearts aren't right it poisons our offering. The inability to forgive, jealousy, fear, broken relationships, anger...can all "clog our arteries". Some, the result of our own life experiences, others generational.  Regardless, we need to ask God to search our hearts.  Even the kindest, sweetest, most loving people have heart conditions that may hinder God given purpose. I'm reminded of a dear friend who told me she'd led an elderly woman to Christ recently in the course of her job as a caregiver.  At the end of the day we should have this ultimate goal in mind, show people Jesus. To lead them to His love and salvation.  All that we are doing, the books, the blogs, the movies, the businesses should in some way glorify Him.  We can not do this successfully with heart conditions that are not acknowledged and healed.  God will reveal our heart conditions.  He will be our source of healing and in doing so release us to set others free.  To do so we must meditate on the word and expect to hear and receive from Him the deliverance we need.  We must remember to ask God, "Create in me a clean heart, renew a loyal spirit within me and restore to me the joy of your salvation." Psalm 51:10,12.  Hope this word blesses you today.


"Pray it forward"
Norma

Brunch Spotlight - Inspired Sistah founder Tangie Henry

Someone you should know...a place you need to go!

Tangie Henry, Founder of Inspired Sistah & host of the Inspired Sistah Courageous Woman Retreat

Tangie Henry - Center

BL: What inspires Tangie?
TH: I am inspired by God,  the Master Architect of creativity. The entire premise of what I do as Inspired Sistah is divinely inspired. But I'm also motivated by other women who overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to win and succeed in life. I admire people who can "take a licking and keep on ticking"!

BL: What does the phrase "gifted to inspire” mean?
TH: I believe one of the gifts I’ve been given from God is the ability to inspire women beyond their current circumstances. Whether it's through my words or my life.  I have the grace to inspire women to hope, purpose and action.

BL: What makes the Inspired Sistah experience so unique?
TH:  The Inspired Sistah experience is unique because, as an individual and as an entity, I offer relatability and genuineness. I absolutely love inspiring women and I genuinely care about the "internal success" of others. Often, people chase after "shiny objects" only to find that the organization or individual was not really interested in their well-being. On the contrary, I and everyone connected with Inspired Sistah have an authentic, vested interest in seeing women win in life.

Fellowship

BL: Tell us about your Pretty Power workshop.
TH: The "Pretty Power" workshops is derived from my interaction with women who were successful and "pretty" in their own right, but struggled with knowing how to balance the two. The term "pretty" is not used in the traditional sense. When a woman fully understands how to possess her "pretty," she can walk in her true God-given power. For example, one of the workshop titles is, "Say So!" During the workshop, we learn how to design a pretty lip, but then we talk about the power of our words and how we can use them to shape our world.

BL: What role model can you look at and say, “Now that is an Inspired Sistah?” Tell us why.
TH: The first woman that comes to my mind is Michelle Obama. Not to sound cliché, but she appears to be a woman who knows how to fully possess all of who she is; yet submit to her husband's vision without conflict or competition. Our First Lady seems to be a woman who is deeply committed to her family and the well-being of others. Now that is an Inspired Sistah!

An "Inspired Sistah"

BL: How do you balance marriage (and everything else) with walking out your purpose? Is that what inspired , “Marriage ain’t for whimps?” Explain.
TH: “Marriage Ain’t for Wimps” was inspired by my frustration with seeing women be successful in every area of her life, but fail at her marriage. There’s this notion that a woman can’t be the CEO of her company and have happy, well-adjusted children and a loving marriage. I’m the first to admit that balancing marriage with interests outside of the home is very difficult, but it is also very doable. Personally, I have to keep in mind that my first ministry is at home. It would be hypocritical of me to “inspire women to live on top of the world” and neglect my home. I’m not saying that I have it all together, but I work very hard at it. I think it’s vitally important, however, that the spouses communicate about their goals and gain a mutual respect for each other’s desires. My husband and I have a saying, “One dream at a time.” So, while he was building his company, I pulled back, held down the fort at home and supported him; and vice versa.

BL:  You have stated false motives and hatin’ are strictly prohibited from your Inspired Sistah workshops. Why did you feel it was necessary to state this?
TH: One of my mandates as Inspired Sistah is to foster the bond of sisterhood. While that sounds good, it really can be a challenge. Unfortunately, there are a lot of women who have not had favorable experiences with other women; they have cultivated unhealthy attitudes. So instead of being supportive, they are divisive. They may show up at an event with the intent to “check out” other women and criticize and compare. So, I make the disclaimer up-front that this is not the environment for that. We foster a supportive environment where women genuinely care about one another. It’s an attitude that starts from the top down. I’m like that, the ladies on my team are like that and we emanate that attitude from the first hello to the last goodbye

BL: Tell us about your Inspired Sistah Retreat. What should attendees expect this year?
TH: The Inspired Sistah Retreats were started as an extension of my workshops. Each year we have a different theme. This year, the theme is The Courageous Woman Retreat: Living Fearless and Free. It will take place in Madison, GA (1 hr. east of Atlanta), September 21st-23rd, 2012. In general, the Inspired Sistah retreats are opportunities for women to invest time in being renewed from the inside out. We laugh, we cry, we pray, we play. The setting is always intimate and we offer different workshops centered around the theme that allow women to really receive the refreshing that they need in order to continue on their journey of greatness. What’s unique about the retreat is that we lay aside all pretention and fluff and we just love on each other and foster an unbreakable bond. For some women, it is a little unnerving at first because they may not be use to that type of interaction. But by the end of our time together, they are undeniably affected in a positive way and are grateful for the experience. To learn more about Inspired Sistah Retreats, you can visit: www.RetreatsbyInspiredSistah.com.

BL: Tell us about your book 30 Days to a More Powerful You. When and where can readers purchase it?
TH: “30 Days to a More Powerful You: Inspired Sistah Style” is my book that came about as an extension of my blog. The book is a 30 Day Devotional broken down into four weeks with four categories: Self-Examination, Self-Acceptance, Self-Image, and Self-Love. The devotionals are short, they begin with a scripture and they end with a positive affirmation for the day. It also has an accompanying journal so that you can deepen your experience for that week. It’s a book designed for any sistah who wants to continue on her journey of self-improvement. I believe we all constantly evolve and never really arrive. And the book is just one tool on that journey. An autographed copy can be purchased on my website: www.InspiredSistah.com and a digital copy is available at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/Tangieh1.

BL: What is your favorite Inspired Sistah Quote/FB post?
TH: My favorite Inspired Sistah quote is, “I’m not your competition; I’m your sister.”

Tangie Henry

Learn more about Tangie Henry at www.InspiredSistah.com. Pssst! We also think she's a fabulous...

Brunch Lady!

Copyright(c) Norma L. Jarrett. All rights reserved.

The Me Nobody Knows

I’ve always believed one could live many lives through the way we dress and the places we travel to, even if just in our imagination. The world is open to us, and each day is an occasion to reinvent ourselves.
~Ralph Lauren~  

When I stumbled upon this quote it required a pause. It was yet another (in the words of Oprah) “a ha” moment. Most of who we are is shaped early in life, influenced by our parents, society, grade school, a sorority, etc. What we need to realize is self identity and awareness is organic.  It is an awareness of who we're meant to be, what we've become and the distance in between. Now is the time to lay aside the weight. What weight?  Take your pick:

• Perceived normalcy
• Conformity
• Cautiousness
• Boxes
• Safety
• Labels

One early summer morning while on the beach at Martha’s Vineyard I watched the Polar Bears, a group of women, all shapes and sizes, do their morning swim. I chatted with a few of them after they'd emerged from the water. They weren’t concerned about their hair or whether they were photo ready in their swimsuits. Most of these ladies had reached an age when they recognized how much time had been wasted with that nonsense.  The  morning ritual was about the fellowship, spirit, encouragement, exercise, and sisterhood. They were enjoying life, their little piece of the island and peace of mind. They were free. For some of us it takes a life time to reach that place of authenticity. However, we shouldn’t waste another second on mulling over the changes we’ve been too passive to make or that real person that exists inside. That journey to authenticity takes a while so we better start now. Go ahead:

• Go natural (or get a perm), wrap your hair in a turban
• Get that passport and go to Greece (or plan the trip)
• Take a painting class
• Go on a mission's trip
• Go to the beach and actually swim
• Write that song, book or screenplay
• Trade printed fabrics for your traditional black
• Date outside your race 
• Join a running group
• Try those DIY projects you've been saving
• Tell people how you feel

Live your life. Get off Facebook and into your car.  You can become the person that’s been hiding inside. Step out, and don’t apologize. The rest of the world will come along for the ride.

What does a Brunch Lady wear...and keep in her purse?

What does a  Brunch Lady wear and...

just as important, what does she carry in her Purse?

It’s Sunday, I’m headed out the door to meet my girls for brunch. The ensemble...

 

Statement necklace - love pastels

Keep it classy and simple - "peep" the tulle

Ultra feminine shoe

I grab one of my favorite print purses and I’m set. My purse holds the essentials: Blackberry, quirky sunglasses, Nook Tablet, makeup bag, wallet and my latest read “Good Self, Bad Self” by Judy Smith (Brunch Ladies are always working on their, best selves right?). Why does this Brunch Lady have so much in her purse?  A Brunch Lady is always prepared!

 

Our Guest Blogger...Simone Hawks

I'm a Jersey girl who fell in love with her college town and never looked back. 
I love reading,sports and most of all the world of fashion. Clothes, shoes, a beautiful ring or a purse can 
often transform a person. Each day when I go into my closet, I am 
putting together a work of art and spreading my wwn ray of sunshine. I am 
Simone Hawks, a lover of Fashion!

Brunchspiration is here! (Book Excerpt)

 

DOWNLOAD EBOOK NOW!

PAPERBACK

I am so excited! My first non-fiction book Brunchspiration is now available on Kindle, Createspace (Paperback) and Nook. Inspired by my faith based fiction bestselling novel Sunday Brunch, Brunchspiration is a fun, faith filled, witty encouragement filled devotional for anyone seeking an uplifting word! With personal and real world examples of contemporary culture, it will have readers laughing, smiling and crying as she delivers Brunch Wisdom!  Here is just a little "taste" of Brunchspiration for your motivation...

WHEN YOU AND GOD HAVE THE LAST LAUGH

 Thanks to YouTube, no faux pas remains private.  How many times have we seen the video of a beauty pageant contestant or a singer taking a tumble?  How about the much publicized Ashley Simpson lip sync flub on Saturday Night Live?  It happens.  We all may have had one of these moments, but often you and God have the last laugh. 

I am convinced; if you are on your purpose path there will be some less than stellar moments.  There will be moments when you want to just melt, cry, or do both.  If you are lucky, they won’t be recorded on social media. News flash!  We are all human.  The minute we send another person’s failure into the viral stratosphere, we are sowing seeds of judgment for ourselves.  No one is exempt.  Embarrassed moments may occur if we aren’t as prepared as we thought.  Or maybe we didn’t listen to Him because we were too busy basking in the light of our own glory.  Other times we need a little piece of “humble pie”.  God is in control.

In these situations, we can be honest, laugh at ourselves and learn the lesson.  We can grow as we go.  Let others on the sidelines, who have nothing to do with your purpose, watch.  Let them have a good laugh.  Pretty soon, you and God will have the last laugh when those who laughed will be trying to connect with you to get a hook up.  Besides, you’d be in good company:

• Oprah Winfrey was ridiculed about her hair, her weight, her marital status…you name it.  I’m sure she’s having the last laugh now.
• Bishop T.D. Jakes was preaching prosperity when he could barely put food on the table.  I’m sure he could have a big laugh, but he is too busy with his worldwide ministry, his books, his speaking engagements, and his film company.
• Many people ridiculed and laughed at a then little known Senator Obama.  He has been called everything in the book.  He is laughing all the way into the history books, as a great president, despite the naysayers, opposing party member, and the doubters and….yes, the racists.
• Michelle Obama was painted in a negative light, made fun of, and talked about. They mocked her features…she is having the last laugh as one of the most poised, intelligent , beautiful and yes, photographed first ladies in our nation’s history.
• India.Arie was mocked because of her hair.  They laughed about her lyrics in Video.  She can have a laugh because her song, I Am Not my Hair is a timeless “self love” anthem for women with all hair textures.

When we have moments when we ask, “How am I going to come back from this?” Or highly embarrassing incidents when we know we are doing the right thing, God has a plan.   He wants us to have thick skins because we are going to need it.  The higher you grow, the more resilient you need to be.  Victory shows less mercy and success is not for weaklings!  A Brunch Lady knows how to dust herself off and try again!  She uses failure as momentum for future success!

Copyright 2012 Norma L. Jarrett

Book Club Pick - Produced by Faith - Devon Franklin

Okay, before Oprah stumbled upon Author, Devon Franklin we were already reading and telling anyone who would listen about his book! (Sorry Oprah, you got seconds - smile). This is a must have for any Brunch Lady library.  Produced by Faith is abundant with spiritual and business wisdom and clearly divinely inspired.  You can be a Christian and work in a secular profession.  Enter, Devon Franklin a minister and Hollywood Producer.  He provides timely sage advice on how to set goals, thrive and be successful in "the world" without compromising faith.  Mr. Franklin not only talks the talk but he walks the walk. Produced by faith is motivational and provides an intimate look at the various seasons of our destiny.  It is a nuanced combination of career and spiritual savvy principles in preparation for the journey.

• God's distribution plan puts us in position so that others can be blessed.
• God will pull assets from all different areas of your life and career and put them together to create one part of your story.
• God (doesn't) put us into production to get things done fast, but to get them done well.
• God might keep you in development for ten years until you have just the right mix of skills an intuition to excel in production.
• The process that starts in development continues in production-shaping your character, refining your mind, and testing your faith until you become someone with the influence, standing, and strength to be a beacon of light to Christians and non-Christians alike.
• (We) must do our jobs in a way that makes God's presence apparent to others.
• If you serve money only, you will drop your principles in a heartbeat to chase wealth.
• Money should be in our minds but, we must see the submission of God as the means by which we achieve prosperity.
• Don't cast position as the lead in our story....if (we) only pursue position, we limit what God can do for us.

When your “Happy Father’s Day” isn’t so “Happy”

Like all holidays, Father’s Day can be bittersweet.  It can incite a range of emotions from joy and celebration to melancholy or borderline suicidal.  How we respond to certain holidays depends on our perspective.  We must be careful not to let our emotions dictate everything.  I had a colleague once tell me, “Never let your highs get to high or your lows get to low.”  Holidays, if we are not careful, have the tendency to have the opposite intended affect. Father’s Day is for us to show our fathers how much we love and appreciate them. It’s a time for us to come together and celebrate as a family.   However, for every family that’s celebrating, there are families grieving over a recent father’s loss or a single parent frustrated over a missing-in-action Dad.  My father was a great father. He was my best friend. For those who are close to me you know I am a forever daddy’s girl.  However I had to figure out how to enjoy this day despite the lost of my father in 2009.  I just want to share with you some “Father’s Day” wisdom that may bless us all:

•  If your father is still living, celebrate him on a regular basis. Tell him “I love you” often. Take a break from “conquering the world” to spend time with him – make memories.

• Put thought into the way you honor your father on Father’s Day.  It is not necessarily the amount of money you spend but the time you put into it.  Some of the best gifts are handmade!  If you need some ideas log on to: Pinterest - Homemade Gifts for Men.

• Sitting on the front porch, sharing a meal and seeing all the children together (and not fighting) is a gift!  I’ve never seen my Dad happier on the day I got married because he was surrounded by family.

• If you and the father of your child are not together, try not to hinder his relationship with the child.  I know it may be difficult, but think about your child’s future.  A child needs his father.  And if you can’t do it in your own strength, take it to God.

• If you are a single mother it’s okay to say “Happy Father’s Day to me”.  Make it a fun day your children will never forget!

• Honor and pray for the other fathers in the family. 

•  If you and your husband want to have children and it hasn’t happened yet, have a “Pre-Father’s Day” celebration (vision).  Prepare for the child God will bring you and be open to the way and time and which it comes!

• If you are grieving over a father’s recent loss, it will take time.  Try not to immerse yourself in the emotion of the day. Don't keep listening to "Dance with My Father Again".  I love Luther Vandross but this song tears me up every time - LOL! Do something to honor your Dad. Listen to his favorite music, bake his favorite cake or put together a scrapbook.  If this is too difficult do something fun and enjoyable to take your mind off of Father’s Day – it is okay!

Remember, Father's Day is like any other holiday. It serves a purpose, but it's one day-24 hours. The good news? We all have a heavenly father who pours love into us if we just ask.  There have been times when I needed “a God with arms”.  I’ve prayed, “Lord, I just need to feel some extra love today.” Don’t you know God would answer that prayer?  I’d get a phone call, compliment, invitation or some flowers.  Lastly, we are responsible for our own happiness and emotions.  It should never be contingent on any one day or person.  If we keep an attitude of gratitude and shower others with love daily we will always keep that extra joy on reserve when we need it! Happy Father’s Day to all. Hope this blessed you! As always, pray and post it forward! :)

Norma L. Jarrett

Author & Creator of Brunch Lady

SHOPAHOLICS ANONYMOUS - THE REMIX

I enjoy shopping, like most women; making new purchases and discovering pretty things. However, I was recently forced to treat my closet as a shopping mall! Due to an aggressive effort to save and make better decisions in my spending, I had to use what I had in my closet to create the look that I was hoping for.  (Brunch Ladies – you too?  Phew, thanks!)

This created somewhat of a challenge for me. I had to change my prospective.  I decided to look at my existing wardrobe in new and interesting ways. After a few struggles and near breakdown, to my surprise I was able to come up with a few really chic outfits!  I was even able to create an outfit for a very big event; normally I went have went out and made a wardrobe purchase.

This both a fun exercise and a learning experience. I realized that fashion is personal style; it starts with who you are and how you want others to perceive you. Without personal style, your fashion will be unauthentic and you'll be constantly searching for the next new trend and item to purchase. I also realized that this can translate to other life lessons.

As women, we must start with our “inner man” (spirit). We must build confidence and trust in ourselves and our choices before we can exemplify that on the outside for others to see. So, I challenge you to start your next shopping experience in your closet, you might be surprised!  You may never have to leave your home to get what you need.

FASHION AWARD EVENT

CASUAL BUT CUTE

“Live for Fashion, Fashion IS … Life”

Charquis Meadow is the designer entrepreneur of Charm Apparel Brands based in Maryland. For more information about Charquis visit www.charmapparelbrands.com .

Brunch Ladies:  We so agree!  Authenticity that’s affordable and beautiful rocks and we are all about beginning with the “inner bling”.