Pumps And Gloss » Faith

Some Favorite Gospel Songs

Pumps And Gloss — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 19:53:16 +0000

Hey Pumps and Glossy Ones,

I have been kinda under the weather, so please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Nothing major (Don’t worry too much!)

Here are some of my favorite gospel songs. I like these songs because they give me the extra hope and faith I need to make it through the day, that “Yes I can” feeling.

Ricky Dillard & The New G – “The Light” I like this song because it reminds that even when we do not realize it (at times) , God is always with us. The song has a great melody. This choir is quite hip and incorporates a lot of current dance moves. (I am surprised that they did not “Walk It Out.”

Marvin Sapp – “Never Would Have A Made It” Marvin Sapp is a powerful singer. His songs tug at the heartstrings and engage the listeners to reflect on the goodness of God. He is one of my all-time favorites singers.

DeWayne Woods – “Let Go and Let God” I love, love, love this song. When we are stressing about the cares of the world, we need let go and let God have his way. A great testimony.

What are some of your favorite gospel/inspirational songs?

Mix Maven

Glossy Monday Variety

Pumps And Gloss — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 01:43:17 +0000

Hey Glossy Ones,

Hope you all had a great weekend!

MONDAY MELODY

I have always loved this song – “Valentine” by Lloyd.

MONDAY FLASHBACK

“Boomerang” had some of the greatest songs on its soundtrack. Here’s “I’d Die Without You” by P.M. Dawn.

I had to throw this clip in! LOL!

JOY’S PURSE PICK

I adore this Kate Spade Daisy Shopper bag – with the dimensions of 10 1/2″H x 8 1/2″W x 5″D, it is the perfect size for work, school or travel.

JOY’S SHOE PICK

This Via Spiga Shoe is too darling – not too loud in color and cool enough to wear with jeans. The Equate Mary Jane Pump is a must have.

A QUICK HISTORY LESSON ON VALENTINE’S DAY

from Wikipedia.com

Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other; sending Valentine’s cards, or offering candy. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine’s Day. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of “valentines.” Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The mid-nineteenth century Valentine’s Day trade was a harbinger of further commercialized holidays in the United States to follow. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.

GOD’S DEFINITION OF LOVE

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. ~ I Corinthians 13:4-8

LOVE IS…ACCORDING TO THE SIMMPSONS

EIGHT HATEFUL THINGS WOMEN DO TO EACH OTHER

I got this through e-mail, so the author is unknown – if anyone knows who wrote this, please let us know!

It’s become the silent emotional killer among women. Women who are downright mean, malicious and disrespectful with each other. This trend is creating havoc in our relationships with each other, for it strikes the core of sisterhood. Real sisterhood can only exist when respect and trust stand unshakeable. In this particular, most men are quite opposite to us. For a man, a brother is a brother. However, what is most disturbing about our malicious ways is that we are passing on a legacy of a broken sisterhood to our daughters. Girls that are mean and catty are usually this way because their understanding is that this is a normal part of femaleness. They grow up to become mean and catty women who perpetuate a diseased sisterhood. To break this cycle we each need to make a conscious effort to validate all women. Be their friends or not.
Otherwise, we will continue to find ourselves moving within circles of female hostility, suspicion, and pain. Here is my list of the most detestable practices that we need to discontinue in order to heal our sisterhood:

1. Talking about each other – You are really not her friend if what you
have to say about her is so bad you can’t say it in front of her. If you
are a real friend you should be able to tell her your concerns for her
life to her face. If you have the need to tell others, but you haven’t
found the time to tell her – red lights should be flashing. Believe it
or not, gossiping is not an intrinsic part of being female. Women who
gossip do it not because it’s a woman-thing, but because they want to
elevate themselves and put other women in a place of inferiority.
Gossiping is just another symptom of deeper insecurities.

2. Fighting for men – One of the most undignified things that any woman
can do is to fight, argue, or curse another woman over a man. It’s a
disgusting trend that used to be a school girl thing, but today adult
women are doing it too. If both of you are in conflict – because his
choice is not clear – then that means that he’s really not into any of
you. He’s probably playing both of you. That man really does not deserve
love or attention from either one of you. Let him go.

3. Joining female gangs – Women who make you feel unwelcome and unwanted within their circle of friends are not to be trusted. Women cliques have
become common in the workplace, at church, in the neighborhood. Cliques
are the dwelling place of insecure women. Women who join cliques are
seeking refuge from their own lack of confidence by cocooning themselves
within this circle of supposed exclusivity. Again, the need to belong
to, or be part of a clique is also a sign of deeper insecurities.
Beware, cliques are usually encouraged and thrive on a type of gang mentality.

4. Undermining each other – Beware of any woman who can never celebrate your accomplishments with you. It could be a new boyfriend, a promotion,
an award, a new job, a new acquisition, weight loss. If she has nothing
positive to say to you about it, does not show emotional support, or
chooses to remain silent she is not a true friend. Real friends know how
to recognize and genuinely rejoice for our successes with pride.

5. Competing against each other – You need to get this straight. There
will always be another woman with nicer hair, a more caring husband or
boyfriend, better behaved children, a better paying job, a bigger house,
a more fashionable wardrobe – there will always be some woman with more
of what you don’t have. Consequently, the only person that you need to
compete against is yourself. Strive to be the best that you can be – for
you. Competing against other women to prove yourself superior is a
financial and emotional drainer. Because of this mindless competition we
become mean, envious and hypocritical. It is pointless.

6. Disrespecting boundaries – To survive peacefully every relationship
and every friendship must have clear boundaries. Good relationships
operate within margins of respect. Within this level of respect, privacy
and intimacy are keywords. Yes, you are my friend, but that doesn’t give
me the right to walk into your bedroom or your kitchen, unbeknownst to
you, and help myself to your stuff. I don’t do this not because you
won’t allow me to, but because I respect your privacy and your things.
Consequently, we both need to know and respect each other’s levels of
privacy and intimacy.

7. Crossing boundaries – This is similar to the above; the only
difference is that my respect of your boundaries should never depend on
my friendship with you. We need to respect women for the simple fact
that they are women. If she is a woman she is a sister. Period.
Therefore, from that understanding I will have the utmost respect for
her children, her man, her opinions, her choices, and for her as a
person. It amazes me how women are quick to disrespect another sister’s
boundaries, but feel offended if another woman does to them the same
exact thing. Honestly, that type of inconsistent behavior can only be
credited to some form of mental illness.

8. Exploiting our friendships – This is a major one. Why are you
friends? Do you only remember her being around whenever she could get
something from you? It doesn’t even have to be material. It could just
be your time or your positive energy. Does she happen to be always on
the receiving side, with you dishing out ton loads of yourself or your
stuff? Or is she your friend because of what you represent? It could be
that your husband’s position or yours, your possessions, your talent,
whatever, represents some form of achievement. Is she a friend because
that link to you places her on a higher platform? In a real friendship
appreciation, support, and loyalty must be reciprocal.

Have a wonderful week!

~ Joy

Glossy Monday – The Pink Edition

Pumps And Gloss — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 02:39:37 +0000

Hey Glossy Ones!

Hope all of you are doing well, staying warm, and living stress free….well, as stress free as you possibly can!

MONDAY MELODY

Keyshia Cole stepped up her game in the video for “I Remember.”

MONDAY FLASHBACK

I had the BIGGEST crush on The D.O.C. – whew, so fine! Check him out in “Funky Enough.”

JOY’S PURSE PICKS

Sensual Element can tell you how hot Dooney and Bourke is - not only does she have a D&B, she has a fabulous matching wristlet that she better watch closely or it will be in my possession! The D&B Crossword Bucket bag is darling in light pink.

The Shop Girl 2 Tote by Kenneth Cole is a must have.

JOY’S SHOE PICK

I love the color of this shoe! So bright and pretty. The Nine West Lecia is a must have for you ladies getting glammed up for Valentine’s Day.

THINK PINK

I have been coming across some really cool pink items for the ladies, including those suede bad boys above this section!

How I LOVE these jeans! The pink cat is too fly. The Baby Phat Large Black Cat Hipster Jean will be purchased with my next check! LOL! They come in sizes 0 through 13 and 14 through 24.

Are these Baby Phat Silvie Wedges adorable or what?

I love this Coach Heritage Stripe Wristlet with the two dramaticlly different shades of pink.

Why Sprint couldn’t come out with this pink Palm Centro before Christmas, I don’t know! I’m not hating on my red one, but oh, this pink one is sooooooooo cute!

MONDAY PRAISE

Kirk Franklin is back with “The Fight of My Life.” I call myself hip to Contemporary Gospel, but this cd came out without much publicity.

WORD TO CARRY YOU THROUH THE WEEK

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

~2 Timothy 4:7

Have a GREAT week!

~Joy

Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Pumps And Gloss — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:03:29 +0000

Video: Morehouse Remembers Dr. King

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Our God is Marching On” speech resonates still

By Marc Ramirez

(Source) Seattle Times staff reporter

Listen.

Listen — and you’ll hear the words of a man who was more than just an orator. Listen, and in those words you’ll hear not only yesterday’s struggles but the challenges of today.

Nearly 43 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech under the most trying of circumstances, forging rays of hope amid tragedy and strife of landmark resonance. On Monday, the Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas (CD Forum) will present “Our God Is Marching On,” a staged reading of that speech, at Seattle Center’s Center House Pavilion.

The reading is the fifth in an ongoing partnership between the CD Forum and Seattle Center’s annual holiday celebration. Past readings have included King’s most famous speech, “I Have A Dream,” as well as his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.

Through his words, a much broader picture of King emerges, showing a civil-rights leader who, steeped in the African-American church experience, addressed issues ranging from segregation and poverty to nuclear proliferation and the Vietnam War.

“All of those issues are relevant today,” says Timeca Briggs, director of Monday’s stage production. “We saw in the last couple of elections problems with voting, with who gets to vote and who doesn’t. … So this is the time for this speech.”

Selma march

By March 1965, the nation’s new Civil Rights Act was on the books. But parts of the South were slow to embrace such a paradigm shift. In particular, in Selma, Ala., African Americans faced corruption, intimidation and gerrymandering on their way to becoming registered voters.

Early that month, two weeks after the assassination of Malcolm X in New York, King and more than 500 demonstrators left Selma on U.S. 80 en route to the state capital of Montgomery to tell Gov. George Wallace their rights had been infringed.

But six blocks away, at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, state troopers and sheriff’s officers attacked the group with bull whips and tear gas.

Prompted by media coverage of the assault, supporters from around the country descended on Selma two days later for a second try. But when King agreed to abide by a federal restraining order, the 2,000-plus marchers made the march purely symbolic, once again halting at the bridge.

That day, after the curtailed demonstration, James Reeb, a Unitarian Universalist minister who had traveled from Boston for the march, was attacked outside a Selma bar. He died two days later.

On March 21, King and thousands more took to the road again. For four days and 54 miles, they braved pouring rain, roadside naps and “trying hills,” finally arriving in Montgomery, a place often called “The Cradle of the Confederacy.” There — like Jonah in the belly of the whale, as one historical account put it — King faced an eventual throng of 25,000 from the capitol building steps.

They told us we wouldn’t get here. And there were those who said that we would get here only over their dead bodies, but all the world today knows that we are here and we are standing before the forces of power in the state of Alabama saying, “We ain’t gon’ let nobody turn us around.”

A history lesson

They were here to talk about voting rights.

But King saw the injustice they faced was rooted in the post-Civil War period, and he took his listeners there with him, giving focus to a speech at once broad and epic. “There were no laws segregating the races then,” King noted. But “toward the end of the Reconstruction era, something very significant happened,” he said. Segregation became a weapon used by Southern business interests threatened by the Populist Movement that had united both poor whites and African Americans.

If it may be said of the slavery era that the white man took the world and gave the Negro Jesus, then it may be said of the Reconstruction Era that the Southern aristocracy took the world and gave the poor white man Jim Crow. … And when his wrinkled stomach cried out for the food that his empty pockets could not provide, he ate Jim Crow, a psychological bird that told him that no matter how bad off he was, at least he was a white man, better than the black man. …

And his children, too, learned to feed upon Jim Crow, their last outpost of psychological oblivion.

“Revolutionary”

This is a Dr. King many may not recognize. That’s what CD Forum director Denee McCloud sought when she chose this year’s production.

“I wanted something people had not heard,” she says. “This was a culmination of so many things that were going on. … He goes into so many things — where racism comes from, why we are here at this place. He talks about it in terms of class, of voting rights — which we’re still dealing with. There’s still people being disenfranchised. So in that way, I thought the speech was very powerful.”

Stage director Briggs and her six cast members aim to capture the speech’s religious rhythms, the call-and-response cadences King built his prose upon. The passage above, with its potentially controversial linking of religion to oppression, gave them chills.

“How very revolutionary and forward-thinking,” Briggs says. “How out of the box. He was just heroic. Somebody could read that as blasphemy — but he was courageous enough to be honest about the role that religion played.”

The imagery of eating Jim Crow also struck a chord. “We talk about food and feeding our bodies, but he’s talking about feeding your mind and your souls and your heart,” she says. ” … What we put in is kind of what we are. If we’re eating junk, our bodies are going to reflect that. And if your mind’s eating junk, you’re going to reflect that.”

Reaching out for unity

They were on the move now.

Today I want to say to the people of America and the nations of the world, that we are not about to turn around. We are on the move now.

Yes, we are on the move and no wave of racism can stop us. We are on the move now.

The burning of our churches will not deter us. The bombing of our homes will not dissuade us. We are on the move now. …

Like an idea whose time has come, not even the marching of mighty armies can halt us. We are moving to the land of freedom.

Despite the unnatural divisions King said had led to their circumstances, the speech breathes with hope, which production members say still resonates today. “Though he goes to some really radical places in the speech, he always comes back to remind his audience that the goal is not to divide, but to connect,” says actor Lin Lucas.

While CD Forum’s McCloud hopes the reading will showcase the breadth of King’s work, she also wants “to let people know his dream is still alive today. I heard somebody refer to [presidential candidate Barack] Obama not being Martin Luther King, but Obama is Martin Luther King’s dream. King is still alive, because his dream is alive.”

Briggs says she hopes it inspires people to think and act differently. “That’s what I hope to do with all my art,” she says. “At the end of the speech, he talks about that great day, not of the white man or the black man, but of man,” she says. “He’s still holding out hope. … He’s talking to all people, saying, we can come together. And that hope is always relevant.”

A seemingly inconceivable task. King knew his weary followers would ask: How long?

How long? Not long, because “no lie can live forever.”

How long? Not long, because “you shall reap what you sow.”

… How long? Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.

Weary road

In his conclusion, McCloud says, King offers nothing less than a spiritual call to action. “He’s taking us and shaking us and saying, ‘Listen, people — we’ve been on a long march where we’ve been physically attacked. We’re pushing though a certain moment. It doesn’t matter that the Civil Rights Act just passed — look what’s happened here.’ People were tired.”

The battle, as he said, was in their hands. Against the current backdrop of an oft-divided, election-minded nation, the speech’s relevance remains.

Listen, King was saying. Listen. And in doing so, he invoked a song with spiritual foundations but whose lyrics carried a powerful, universal reach.

How long? Not long, because:

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;

He has loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword;

His truth is marching on.

Within five months, President Johnson had signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Joyful 2008!

Pumps And Gloss — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:12:59 +0000

Hello Glossy Ones!

Happy New Year and all that good stuff! I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season as much as I did. While I didn’t have a whole two weeks off like some people, I enjoyed my holiday time off all the same.

Since we at P&G are getting back into the groove, no formatting from me today. Just straight blogging!

Let’s talk about my great Christmas gifts! Yippee – I must have been a really good girl because I was blessed with such awesome gifts! First off, I have FINALLY joined the iPod revolution!

My hubby really spoiled me and got me the green (my fave color) iPod nano. I love, love, love it!!!! I started loading songs Christmas day and as it stands, I have over 400 songs on it already. I found a very cool and slender speaker for it at Target for $15.00 and the sound quality is excellent. So I put the iPod, the cool leather case hubby got for it, the ear buds and the speaker inside a make up bag (got it from BBW and it says “SPF-Stay Pretty Forever” – so cute) and carry it in my bag to work.

Hubby surprised me with this Palm Centro too! Yummy and I chatted about about this phone when I initially posted it last month. The phone is a small size and if you wear fake nails, this is not the phone for you! The buttons are on the small side, but still very functional. SO MANY great features on this phone, I don’t even know where to begin! Great access to e-mail, four instant messenger programs, including Yahoo and AOL, awesome On Demand features that let you check the news, weather, entertainment, and even TV Guide, and a Call Tone feature where you buy a song clip to be played when people call you. So if you are special enough to have my number, you will hear “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder playing while the phone rings on my end. I haven’t bought a case for it, so it gets carried in one of my Coach wristlets – it’s a perfect fit.

My girl Dani got me the greatest gifts ever, including this Coach signature frame keyfob. Dani got me black on black with the white stitch, which matches my Coach hobo and shoes perfectly!

I got a number of gift cards – Bath and Body Works, Macy’s and Nordstrom to name a few. I used the Nordstrom gift card to get the Amazing Grace perfume, which I absolutely love!

No pics of what my folks got me – a fly suit for work, gift cards plus money, and shoes. They even bought a stocking full of toys for my pup, which have all been chewed to shreds!

Switching gears, the only song that I am really jamming right now is “Falsetto” by The Dream. “Ooo, Ooo, Baby, I, I, I!” Love it!

My first must have shoe for 2008 is the Nanette Lepore Snake-Embossed T-Strap. Four inches high and I love shimmer of the snakeskin against the neutral color.

Gotta leave my Glossy Ones with a Word to carry you all through the week. Short, but powerfl clip – Martha Munizzi singing “I Know The Plans I Have For You.”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

~ Jeremiah 29:11

Have a Wonderful Week!

~Joy

Party All The Time

Pumps And Gloss — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 23:43:27 +0000

Hey Pumps And Gloss-y Ones,

As many of you know, Mix Maven loves the shimmer and glimmer, which is one of the reasons why I love the Holiday season. Many of us will have many shindigs to attend, which means we have to be looking good. (Please make sure to acquire appropriate attire for your parties. For example, if you are going to a formal church banquet, no one should have to accidentally see the crack of your buttocks.)

I like J. Crew and I think this store is a good place to find classic, tasteful looks for any occasion.

I found this wonderful dress in the clearance section of the website. The empire waist is flattering on most figures. Pair with chunky pearl necklace or white gold or sterling silver with a solitaire pendant.

I like this dress. This J. Crew Silk Taffeta Dress in Charcoal is for ladies that are not too busty. (If you are busty, back away from this dress right now!!) What about pairing this dress with blue or olive leather opera gloves for a pop of color?

I am totally in love with the Black Betsey Johnson and Kelly Green Maggy London shift dresses. The sequins brighten up the Betsey Johnson dress. Most, if not all, body types would look great in this style of dress.

I adore the layered box pleated-collar because it creates visual interest to an otherwise plain dress. The silk chiffon is glorious and looks chic and comfortable. This dress is also figure flattering and great for the petite ladies who are a few months pregnant.

If you get bored with all the carols and other holiday songs at the soirée, ask the DJ to play “Dumb it Down” by Lupe Fiasco …. great message in the song!!

My new favorite song!!

Tis The Season to be Jolly,

Mix Maven

Glossy Monday Variety ~ 12/03/2007

Pumps And Gloss — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:31:02 +0000

Hey Glossy Ones,

Happy December!

I sit here all bundled up because my cold turned in to a sinus infection. Can you believe that I have been sick for the whole month of November?! Ugh, it hurt me SO bad that I couldn’t get out on Black Friday. Hopefully, I will be able to get out and shop with Mix and Sen – I know they must be half way done with their Christmas shopping by now!

MONDAY MELODIES

P&G Reader D-Dub has requested Alicia Keys’ new song, “Like You’ll Never See Me Again” (above). I’m really digging this song too. D-Dub also pointed out that Alicia and Common are in this video together, as well as in Common’s video “I Want You” (below). Common is SO fine! Thanks D-Dub!

MONDAY FLASHBACK

Speaking of Common, here is my all time favorite song by him, “Come Close” featuring MJB.

SHIFT HAPPENS

I received this link through e-mail and I found it completely fascinating. I encourage all of you to take the time to watch it.

The video was created by Karl Fisch and modified by Scott McLeod.

MONDAY CHRISTMAS MELODY

For the month of December, I will share a Christmas song to help spread the holiday cheer.

Mix Maven posted the orginal version of “This Christmas” by the late, great Donny Hathaway (any of you know anything about “Where is the Love?”) last week. Here is Chris Brown’s version from the movie of the same title. I’m told it was a good and cute movie that will become a holiday favorite. I’ll be going to see it as soon as I can!

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FOR MY FOLKS

I got started on my post today and almost forgot that I told you all last week that I would share what I plan on getting my parents for Christmas. Here goes…..

I don’t know about any of you, but my Father is the HARDEST person EVER to shop for, be it Birthday (could it be because he’s a Taurus?), Father’s Day or Christmas. My Dad is a BIG sports fan and player – believe it or not, my Dad will be 60 next year and he actively (and competitively, trash talk and all) plays tennis and basketball.

I have already bought many a basketball, tennis racquet, gymshoes, etc. But when I got my Mom some Jordan’s for Mother’s Day this year, I could have sworn a saw a smidge of jealousy in his eyes. :-) So check out the Jordan gymshoes that I am debating on getting my Dad this year:

Jordan Men’s Hoop Low Basketball Shoe – Currently $59.98 at Finishline.com

Jordan Men’s B’Loyal Low Basketball Shoe – Currently y $79.98 at Finishline.com

Jordan Men’s Pure Game Basketball Shoe – Currently $79.98 at Finishline.com

Jordan Men’s Rising Star Basketball Shoe – Currently $99.98 at Finishline.com

I am leaning towards the last two pair. I’ll probably order a long sleeve Jordan tee and be done with Dad. Whew!

On to the sunshine of my life, my Mommy. Here are a few ideas I have in mind for “my girl”:

Now Mom has asked for Adidas wear. She is an avid walker and loves the fit of Adidas jogging suits. I’m not going to post any Adidas stuff here because there is a lot to choose from, but check out this link to JCPenny’s to see what they have to offer.

My Mom has a Burberry purse with matching boots. I was thinking these cashmere ear muffs would be so cute!

I always try to give Mommy a piece of jewelry. I think this Tiffany bracelet is so pretty. I love how the heart is integrated in the bracelet. This is a definite gift for Mom this year. The Tiffany store is always crowded beyond belief during the holiday season – so much so that a line is formed inside the store for help. I will order this online and have Mom’s first initial engraved on the back.

Still debating on what else I could get Mom, so brain storming is still in effect. I’ll keep you all updated.

MONDAY PRAISE – The Christmas Edition

I love, love, love Vanessa Williams’ version of “What Child Is This” – jazzy!

Let us remember the real meaning of Christmas!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6

Have a wonderful week!

~Joy

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pumps And Gloss — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:19:22 +0000

The Ladies of Pumps and Gloss will be vacationing the week of Thanksgiving – November 19th – 23rd. We’ll be back on Monday, November 26th.

Happy Thanksgiving Glossy Ones!

We Gather Together

Pumps And Gloss — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 04:45:38 +0000

Hey Pumps and Glossy ones,

God willing, next week this time, we will be en route to our Thanksgiving destination, cooking up a storm, and/or getting ready for the Turkey day football match-up.

I recall a former classmate whining about feeling forced to spend time with her family and friends. She wanted to control how often the family gathered together. I told her to take it for what it was that if people wanted to get together for major holidays, then deal with it another way. Stop all the whining!

As we were reminded over the weekend, family and friends should not be taken for granted. I know that many of us make sure we connect with our loved ones.

We have a lot to be thankful for. In our daily devotionals, Mr. Maven and I thank God for our blessings. There are times in life, when everything is not what we want it to be, but God continues to provide.

What do you have to be thankful for? My friend LH and I were talking about how God has strengthened our Faith because sometimes we do things that we did not intend to do on a specific occasion like give an extra offering, helping out a student, church member or neighbor in need. God continues to provide and we are thankful. For example, one of my “aunts” told us about how she helped a friend who needed money, she gave the lady all the cash she had. She was happy that she could help her friend. She was reading her Bible and she found the exact amount of cash that she gave her friend. She is not sure how the money got there!! Wow, what a praise report!

So as we see, we all have something to be grateful for. Even if you are not a particularly religious, that does not exempt you from being thankful. Keep a Grateful or Thanksgiving journal. You will be surprised at all the things you have to be thankful for.

The ladies of Pumps and Gloss wish all of our wonderful readers a wonderful, fun and safe Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Mix Maven

Glossy Monday Variety ~ 11/12/2007

Pumps And Gloss — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:06:49 +0000

Happy Monday Glossy Ones!

I hope you all had a great weekend. I have been sick since last Saturday – yes, over a week now, so consider yourselves special because I dragged myself out of bed to do this post! LOL! I’m tired, so this post will be short and sweet.

MONDAY MELODY

How I wish I was doing “Just Fine.” Here is Mary J. Blige’s new jam – can’t wait to hear her new cd.

MONDAY FLASHBACK

I can never get enough of New Edition – they are my boy band of choice for always! LOL! The “Home Again” Reunion cd is in my top ten favorite cds. Here is “Hit Me Off” (above). Who knew BBD would jam the way they did? Here is “Poison” (below) - “Do Me” will have to be saved for a Friday.

TREATING AND PREVENTING COLDS from Tylenol.com

Believe it or not, it’s possible to sneak through the season without getting the cold that everybody else has. Below are tips on how to do it. And just in case you still catch a cold, we’ve got tips for feeling better until the cold goes away.

Tips for Preventing Colds

Frequently disinfect surfaces in your home and office-especially things like phones and doorknobs that many people touch.
Wash your hands often.

Tips for Treating Colds

A cold has to run its course (usually around a week), but you can make yourself more comfortable while your body fights it off by getting plenty of rest, and drinking plenty of fluids.
Stay comfortable. Treat the symptoms that bother you most.
A humidifier may help ease your congestion and throat discomfort.
To avoid spreading the illness, try to stay away from others if you can-and wash your hands frequently.

JOY’S BOOT PICK

I love this BCBGirls Karla Knee High Boot. I like it in all the colors offered, but I especially like it in the Vintage Pewter because you get the imprint on the shaft of the boot. Hot color and design – it’s a win-win.

MONDAY PRAISE

Whatever happened to Take 6? What great harmony! Here is “I L-O-V-E -U” (above) and “The Biggest Part of Me.” (below)

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. ~Proverbs 15:30

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. ~Proverbs 16:24

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. ~Isaiah 53:5

Stay Well Glossy Ones! It’s back to bed I go…

~ Joy