Here's a little sneak peek

THANKS FOR DROPPIN' IN

For takin that extra mile - here is a reveal of one of our Bags coming out tomorrow, Jan 8

shhhhhh 😉 

This is called the "Bohemian Bag" beautifully Handcrafted by our Artisans in India.

Totes are my go-to for a carryall bag, just ask my mom and sister.  Sometimes I load them up as is if i'm about to go on a long vacation trip, can you relate??  I think this bag fit's the bold and bright styled as well as the classic styled.  Pop's of color always has it's place!! Especially in a fast paced area like San Jose, CA, sometimes pops of color and vibrance can really catch our eye and attention that we can't help but stop, slow down & admire for a moment.

Here's a bit more info on the Bohemian Bag & our Artisans:

Product Details: 

This intricately woven bag is finished with fun fringe on the edges, a pop of vibrant color on the sides and a colorful pom pom removable accent. Crafted in India. 

Approx. Measurements: 13 1/4" x 15 3/4" Handles: 28" 

Materials: Cotton, polyester, vegan leather. 

Color: Navy blue, white, brown, pink, yellow, orange, blue 

Artisan Information: 

The women we partner with in India do so much more than just create beautiful products. With every purchase, another woman is empowered out of poverty to be self-reliant! Women have the opportunity to earn an income, attend financial management classes, and receive education and healthcare. These women are now able to give their family a promising future because of your purchase! 

REMEMBER - THIS RELEASES TOMORROW

If you would like to purchase this piece and empower a woman in India - simply CLICK on my "TRADES OF HOPE" Tab found at the top.

Every product has variations as a part of the artisan-made charm! 

Tell me some of the things you would use this Bohemian bag for?  I always love learning new ways to use things.

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope to see you soon!!

~ Walkin With Joy ~

YOU SHINE WITH ROYAL BEAUTY

“If you only lose 5 pounds you would be gorgeous”

“If you were just half your size you would be perfect”

“Size 6 and lower means you are healthy”

“Are you sure you don’t want a hair straightener for your birthday?”

“You’re pretty but your mom and sister are gorgeous”

I quickly learned early on in my counseling journey that I truly had a hard time believing and seeing the beauty God has clothed me with.  Insecurity followed me well into my adult years because of words like the one’s up top that were constantly being spoken over me.  What was ultimately being programmed in me was that I could never quite reach beauty.

I truly LOVE being filipino but one of the skewed understanding we carry as a people group is Beauty.  Culturally I don’t live up to the “standards” - our outside appearance seems to be one of the things that ultimately define us.  I have been told i’m too fat, my skin is too dark, my hair is too big, that I am an “Old Maid” because i’m not married and so much more.

Not here to vent or point fingers ;) but what I do what to ask is WHAT IS BEAUTY? 

Beauty had already existed before we were even created and I believe because we don’t recognize it we’ve come up with our own definition and standard of beauty.  The message the world is putting out is that beauty is defined by how thin a woman can be, how much skin she can show, the number on the scale, that make up is necessary to create “flawless faces” and so much more.

Uuugh it’s impossible to keep up!!!! 

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A woman named Leslie writes, 

“Women who exuded enchanting beauty can be found all throughout the pages of Christian history...they rejected the empty feminine charm of the world and embraced an altogether different kind of beauty – the beauty of Jesus Christ. They showcased femininity as God intended it to be in all its elegance, grace, nobility, and lasting loveliness...God created us to shine with royal beauty. Not to dazzle with a self-promoting beauty; but to be a sparkling reflection of the stunning beauty of our King. 

True beauty is found in Jesus. When a set apart woman is captured and captivated by Him, and her life is all about one thing – Christ – then to a warrior poet, she truly is the most beautiful, romantic, and enchanting thing to behold. It is not about outward appearance; it is about the life which flows out of intimacy with the King.”

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Some days I have to look at myself in the mirror and unlearn the false identity/definition of beauty and see that the beauty I behold is the reflection of the Stunning beauty of our King who lives in me.  

The Israelites were described as a beautiful people simply because a beautiful God inhabited them.

Daughters of God I want to encourage you to look in the mirror (every day until you believe it) and ask the Lord to help your eyes see the incomparable, heavenly defined, royal, powerful and everlasting Beauty YOU are clothed with.  

Lets Restore God’s standard of Beauty.  We are His Beautiful People!!!!

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I have an exercise for you too - when we take pictures its so easy to look at the parts that are “wrong” with us am I right??  So take one and look at all the things that are “right” with you 😍 and share it!!!!

TIPS TO CREATING A HEALTHY "WORKING FROM HOME" SPACE

I'm currently in the process of turning my garage into my NEW OFFICE!!!

And I AM SOOO EXCITED!!!

Stepping into the Entrepreneurial life has taught me that I need to:

- be organized -> work wise (which is not easy for a creative lol)

- create systems (can I just hire someone to do them)

- and have my own space (coz I live in a FULL HOUSE)

So this year I am making it a point to create my own space to 

First off:

get out of my families way (whom have been very gracious btw and putting up with my clutter EVERYWHERE), to get out of the living room and the dining room!!!

Second:

to create healthy boundaries for myself so that I can be honorable in my work and give it the time it needs.

Third:

for my SANITY.  Working at home has such a fine line that it can be really hard to find balance.  Living in a full house makes it's difficult to stay on track because of all the distractions.  

So this is 

MY JOURNEY TO 

A HEALTHY "WORKING FROM HOME" SPACE 

I live in a pretty small town home with 4 other adults so we do have A TON of stuff.  Over the years we've been down sizing and getting rid of things that's why the garage if FULL!!

Ok - first things first:

I need to clear out my garage :)

Not very many people outside of my circle know that I actually enjoy moving things around and creating new spaces.  That's what i'll be doing and throughout my journey, i'll post some creative and hopefully helpful tips/ideas to YOU - who are on the same journey as me or those who are wanting a change but don't know where to start.

Here's my VERY FIRST TIP:  

*Have a vision.  Take a moment and think/picture it: if you could have your own space, what would it look like?

*Write it out or draw it out - whatever works for you.  

*Look at the space you have and see if it's possible to create that vision.  If not then go back to the drawing board and see how you can tweak it.  Tweaking doesn't mean you have to forgo your vision, it just means you have to revise a bit ;)

My vision for my office is to have:

1) A carpet because I LOVE SITTING ON THE FLOOR

2) A spacious desk ( not too big but not too small either)

3) A place to have my Quiet times with the Lord

LETS SEE HOW THIS GOES!!

I'm excited & I hope this helps someone 💖

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I remember when I was around 19 or 20 years old, living on my own with my big sister, my mom told us she was coming to visit us.  I love my mom so much and anytime she would come visit was such a treat and a time I really enjoyed because I missed her so much.  

I remember just feeling sooo excited leading up to the day she would arrive.  The night before I was overwhelmed with excitement and expectation that I couldn't really sleep.  I was basically up all night waiting for the phone call early early morning that she had arrived and then I'd know to go pick her up at the airport.  And when I got that call and hurried on over to the airport I was so eager to see her face and when I did, I jumped out of the car to give her a HUGE HUG!!!! The whole time I was filled with this exciting anticipation and expectancy because I knew she was coming and I knew it was going to be a wonderful time.

For a while now the Lord has brought these two words into my vocabulary: EXPECTANT & BREAKTHROUGH! 

But the word Expectant is what i'll talk about today.  What does that mean?

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Expectant: 

having or showing an excited feeling that something is about to happen, especially something pleasant and interesting.

synonyms:

eager, excited, psyched, agog, waiting with bated breath, hopeful

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I don't know about you but even just reading the definition makes me feel all those things!! 

I'm coming into the New Year with a GREAT EXPECTANCY that GOD WILL DO ONLY WHAT HE CAN DO!!! 

I believe that when we come into a place of EXPECTANCY it's because we've coming into a place KNOWING he will fulfill the promises he's made and we've come into AGREEMENT with the Heavenly Things.  When we come into agreement with Him then we've come into a place of FAITH and where there is Faith - there is MIRACLES & BREAKTHROUGH - that's where you see THE MOVE OF GOD!!!

I'm reminded of the book of Acts and just before Jesus ascended into Heaven He told his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Promise of the Father that they will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.  And when that would happen, they will also receive power and become witnesses to Jesus in Jerusalem and in all Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:4-8)

These disciples/friends of Jesus knew him to be someone who they can take at his word.  When Jesus told them of the promise that was to come and be fulfilled - they waited and I believe, with Great Expectancy.  They KNEW it was going to happen, they had FAITH that they would receive the Holy Spirit and power and that gave way for the MOVE OF GOD to happen in their lives.  

The promise Jesus left for his friends is the same promise he left for us and sooooo much more!!!!

I know it can be hard to come into this place sometimes because we've been disappointed by the world in more ways than one but I want to encourage you friend, to fill your mind and heart with the things of God.  What has he whispered to you?  What are the written promises He's left for you in His word?  Who are you to Him? When you know His heart for you - you will know that He is a God who will never let you down.  He does have quite a solid record of never breaking a promise 😉

God is waiting for a people who will stand with Great Expectancy and Great Faith so He can come in and do what only He can do.  And I believe the world is waiting for such a people too.

2018 a year of GREAT EXPECTANCY!!!!

#YES&AMEN

BEAUTY IN THE IMPERFECT LINES

This year has been so full of breakthroughs.  Breaking through Fears I wasn't even aware of and really learning to ALWAYS lean on the Lord and TRUST HIM 💖  because at the end of the day - it's always in The Lords Hands.  And I am soooo ok with that!!!! Rather Him lead than me trying to make my own way/path and because lets face it, His path is ALWAYS BETTER anyway 😉.

This might seem so small but i've been learning to be free of fear even in creating.  My hands aren't as steady as they used to be and I am one to have always steered clear of colors (you could ask all my art teachers).  Black & white, pencil sketches and unrefined lines were my thing.  I could get really really particular  if I let myself.  If I wanted something to look refined I could spend soooo much time in making sure that line was straight, those colors blended just perfect and everything was centered.  But the truth is, I would waste & wasted sooo much time because to be quite frank - nothing can ever be perfect!!!!  So I would give up and just stick with black and white, sketches and unrefined lines because that's where I always felt free to be imperfect.  And It was good to stay in that zone but I was also missing out on what could be.  The colors that could make a black and white picture come to life.  Seeing where my creativity could go and grow.  And seeing a richer creation unfold.

Many many years later, I drew something and decided to paint with water colors.  I was afraid at first but I did it anyway.  What went through my mind as I started painting was: "I love this!"  Yes, it was obvious to me that my hands were shaky, the lines were unrefined, the colors didn't blend perfectly but I found beauty in the imperfect lines.  

I couldn't help but Thank the Lord that He gives beauty to the imperfect - which makes it just perfect.

My choice to paint in spite of my fear - that in itself may seem small outwardly but it's a HUGE step inwardly into breaking off fear.  Every time I decide to create and create with colors - I still find myself at times being overwhelmed with fear that it wont look perfect together or people wont like it.  But then I take a step back, take a deep breath and remember to create out from my own heart.  

There is beauty and perfection in the imperfect and folks - THAT'S ME // THAT'S US.

Imperfect because of sin but made perfect because of his redemption.  God has never called us to be perfect - He just calls us and even loves every shaky line, every non-blended color and every raw & unfinished sketch - Then attaches a Heavenly beauty!!!  WE'VE BEEN GIVEN LIFE!!! How incredible is that!!!!

I remember Peter just being a fisherman, unbridled and without education from any prestigious school turned into the very man God used to build His Church.  I remember Paul who was a Christian assassin turned into one of the most unforgotten Christian/Jesus followers.  I remember the Samaritan Woman at the well who was an adulterer turned into one of the First to be told by Jesus Himself, that He is Christ the Messiah.  

There are so many things God wants to unlock inside of us.  I want to encourage us not to live our lives for the sake of people but to just FREELY LIVE & WITHOUT FEAR!!!  Those are the times where we will see the unlocking of deeper things within.  Where black & white is given color and life.  Where beauty becomes unveiled 💖.

This is Walkin With Joy

my simple extraordinary life

"WHAT IF OUR MINDS & HEARTS WERE LIKE THAT OF A LITTLE CHILD"

Just came back from visiting one of my best friends/sisters in LA.  I loved every bit of it but what I loved the most was just sitting and watching her little boy

MAXWELL

I absolutely love watching little kids.  I can literally stare at them all day.  There is such a wonder and beauty in watching their purity, their personalities, their fearlessness, bravery and innocence.  It's like seeing heaven in a small little body :)

This little boy truly amazes me.  In just his 3 years of life, he has gone through more than what an average person goes through in a lifetime.  But on more than one occasion, the Lord has used this little one's warrior spirit, unbreakable strength and infectious Joy to remind me of who the Lord is.

*****

Max reminds me of David.  In David's young age, God chose Him.  He knew without a doubt that He was the King of Kings,  the Almighty God,  the Defender of His people, the Lover of souls, the Covenant Keeper, the Forgiver, the Protector - David was truly a man after God's own very heart. 

I remember the story in 1st Samuel when Saul was King and the Israelites were going to war against the Philistines.  There they were faced with the Philistines' BIG weapon & champion - a HUGE man named Goliath.  He literally was HUGE - over 9 feet to be exact.  Goliath called and challenged for one man from King Saul's army to fight him.  The challenge was: If he defeats Goliath, then the Philistines would surrender and give themselves as slaves, if it's the other way around then the Israelites would have to give themselves as slaves.  

(Gosh, that's too much pressure foreal - I mean the fate of the people would rest on one mans shoulders - uuugghh - no thank you!!)

So naturally there was so much fear,  intimidation and uncertainty that filled the Israelites. Then there was David.  The youngest of 8 who helped his father by taking care of their sheep & goats.  David's dad asked him to go and see how his brothers were doing.  David obeyed and went.  He saw what was happening, heard Goliath taunt the Israelites and heard him shout his challenge again.  The Israelites were too afraid they even ran away after seeing how big he really was.  No one wanted to fight Goliath that King Saul even thought giving a reward would make someone do it.  But still, no one was stepping up to the plate.  But then there was David!!! Who fearlessly says: "I'LL DO IT!!!!" He even says: "Don't worry about the Philistine!" 

( ok yeah, no worries - WHAT!!!!!  David, you crazy!!!!)

Even King Saul had the same reaction as me!!!! David goes on and explains how he will do it and says:

 “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” 

And so he manages to convince King Saul.  He was given an armor and a sword but David refused because he's never used them.  Instead chose to take with him 5 smooth stones, a shepherd's staff and a sling.  He started across the valley to meet Goliath and when they stood face to face David tells him:

“You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.  Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head...."

Those were some BOLD & BRAVE words!!! But David knew them to be true and nothing less.  So the fight begins - David reaches in his shepherds bag, grabs one stone, places it in his sling, pulls back and releases the stone the hit Goliath dead in the center of his forehead.  The stone sank in once it made contact and the GIANT GOES DOWN!!!

VICTORY

*****

Max reminds me of David because i've seen him face "Goliath" after "Goliath" and he defeats them EVERY TIME!!!  This little boy has every right to give up, but quite honestly, I don't think he does because he doesn't even know what that means.  I don't know what goes through the minds of little ones but with Max, what I can see is that he walks with so much faith without even really knowing it.  He doesn't have to use words - he just goes to battle everyday leaving no room for the possibility of defeat.  He just simply gets stronger and is victorious every time.  No need for a fancy armor and sword, - just a purity of Faith.  He's surrounded by such amazing parents that show him how incredibly loved he is and they've given him no reason to doubt their care.  

God does the same for us.  He shows us how incredibly loved we are and he absolutely gives us no reason to doubt his care. What if our minds and hearts were like that of a little child?  What if we took God at His word?  What if we never left any room for the possibility of defeat when we are faced with our 'Goliaths'?

Max truly Walks With Joy -  the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of his life.  The quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright.  This young boy truly amazes me!!!  Oh the things he will do in his lifetime.  The devil trembles in fear knowing God has already anointed Max to do GREAT things for the kingdom.  Keep watch world because God has chosen this one and the Lord of Heaven's armies he carries with him!!! 

Hope this encourages you just as much as it has me.  Share this with someone who might need this today.

This is Walkin With Joy
my simple extraordinary life

Faith and Miracles go together?

"Daughter, your FAITH has made you well.  Go in peace. Your suffering is over."

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was what Jesus said to the woman who suffered from twelve years with constant bleeding.  Who spent all her money going to the doctors but as a result had just made everything worse.  Her only hope was Jesus.  "If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed" is what she thought to herself and that's exactly what she did.  IMMEDIATELY the bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed of her terrible condition. 

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Jesus realized at once that healing power had gone out of him and He stopped, turned around in the midst of a large crowd and began to search for the person who touched his robe.  The woman felt frightened at the realization at what just happened to her, she came and fell to her knees in front of Jesus and told him what she had done.

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And Jesus' response was that of a Good Good Father.  He calls her Daughter.  He begins by speaking her identity, in just one word.  Just that in itself could make anyone feel absolutely loved, worthy, adored, special, fearless.  Then He assures her that the thought in her head that lead to action was indeed Great Faith.  She was right, just a touch of His robe would make her well.  

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But what if she only thought that and didn't fearlessly take the action to touch the robe of Jesus?  What if she didn't squeeze herself through that crowd?  Back in the day, any woman who was 'bleeding' was considered unclean.  What if she didn't for a moment break out of that fear of man and make her way towards the only one who can heal her?

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Faith requires Action of some kind.  And when we step in an Active Faith 

it gives way for God to do MIRACLES!

Mark 6

Thanks for Walkin With Joy today