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”.