Don't Let the Storms of Your Past, Cloud Your Future

ARE YOU GOING THOUGH A STORM IN LIFE?
I love the saying: "Don't Let the Storms of Your Past, Cloud Your Future"
I've had many storms in my life, from being cheated on, hurt, feeling like my dreams were over, being broke losing my first love, I could keep going on and on (ha ha ha)...and I definitely could have let that gloom up my future.

* Whether it was a relationship "storm"- someone hurt you, cheated on you, broke your heart, betrayed you.
* A depression storm- you feel hopeless, sad, and feel like giving up.
* A financial storm - you are feeling like your wallet is way to empty, your bank account has gone on a diet, and your bills are scaring you...
* Past Storms- you had a bad childhood, loss of someone dear to you, you've grown up with a bad family life, you've had trouble in your past, you feel guilty over something.


Chase the Storm Clouds Away
You have to make sure you chase the storm clouds away, and let the beautiful rainbow of your future come out and shine.
Your thoughts are more powerful than you know!!!

* If you just let any old "stormy" thought keep creeping into your mind- you are sure to stay in "stormy-land"!
* You must "re-set" the weather in your life!
* Think about how you want things to be, instead of how things are or how they have been. ~ If you've been hurt or disappointed, stop thinking about how hurt and disappointed you are and think about and tell yourself, "I am strong and have a bright future! I am getting better and better each day!"

* And just like you can't eat once a week and think that will keep you filled, you need to eat several times a day...same thing with your thoughts- you need to feed your mind with positive thoughts all day long!


GET READY TO LET THE RAINBOW SHINE IN YOUR FUTURE
Sure we may have more storms in life...but as long as you don't let the rain and clouds ruin your future...you can anticipate the rainbow!
The sun will always come out!

And sometimes our tears are like the rain that waters the rainbows in our heart! So, my precious hearts....if the rain or tears are falling right now in your life....know that I am sending you a hug right now, for my arms to hold your heart...and say, "it's okay....this storm will pass, and your future will grow full with blossoms, for even the flowers need the rainstorms to grow!"

My life has seen storms of all kinds....heartbreak, hopelessness, hurt, sadness, no money...just feeling like I can't go on...
and through it all I would tell myself, "Stop it Kandee...you better stop it with this sinkin'-stinkin'-thinkin'....and get your mind back on track with positive thoughts right now!"
*where the mind goes...the person follows....
Lead your self into great thoughts and places.
Tell yourself:

* I am great (even if you feel you're not...yet!)
* I am cherished and adored!
* My future is going to be awesome!
* I can't wait to see what is waiting for me in this life!
* I will make my dreams come true!
* I will find someone that will cherish and love me so much they will NEVER even think of hurting me in ANY way at all!
* I am worthy of being loved!
* I am happy- rain or shine!

I love you all so much...and I don't care what storms you have in your past...THEY WILL NOT CLOUD YOUR FUTURE....the storms only watered the blossoms in your life....and will make your future that much more beautiful with "watered" flowers!

This day is great and is waiting for you to change your thoughts, which will change your mind, which will change your life!


Watch your thoughts, for they become your words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become your character.
Watch your character, for it becomes you destiny.
- Anonymous

People always ask if it's okay to repost something I've written- PLEASE, please, please feel free to pass this on, post it where ever you'd like...I want to be able to encourage as many hurting, "stormy" hearts as possible!

Think about thoughts that are wonderful today....don't let those little "cloudy" thoughts sneek in...
huge love and even bigger, better thoughts

your Leah

Having a Generous Heart

What are you doing to help someone else?

Jesus says "If you love me get about in helping somebody." I think we need to live our lives like this.

Everyday we need to ask ourselves, "what am I doing to help someone else?"
Put it as a reminder on your mirror, on your fridge, on your door, your desk. Wherever you go frequently!

Always think, "Am I making a difference in someones life?"
We show our love for God, through the love we pour onto others.

The cycle of love is not complete until we take what God pours into our lives, and pour it out of us to meet other peoples needs.

Build into your character generosity.
Think everyday, "I am a very generous person!" build that into your character.
Be a giver!

Don't be a Stingy, small-spirited, narrow minded person.

Ephesians 3:20

If you want to be like God you have to always go the extra mile, always give more than enough, always do more than you have to, and always be generous.

Because our natural nature is to be selfish and self-centered, I think its a mind set you have to build in yourself.

Look for opportunities to give. Who can you bless today?
That should be the way you think.
Lay in your bed in the morning and think, "God who can bless today?" not how can I get blessed today.

Get your mind off yourself, and spend your life seeing what you can do for someone else. You don't even know what happy is till you get your mind off yourself and look for ways to make others happy.

Don't be Greedy.

You know, everywhere asks for money! The only place people complain about it is in church.
You go to Mcdonald's, buy a cheeseburger, they will ask for your money.
I think what we get from God is more valuable than any worldly possessions.
But when it comes to giving to spread the word to the world, to make it a better place,people hold tightly to their money.

He who gives generously, will be blessing generously.

When you give, do so with a good attitude.

Questions to ask yourself

How do I tip?
If you were a waiter or waitress, would you want to wait on you?

what kind of gifts do you give?
The cheapest thing you can find? something no ones going to like, just to meet the obligation? maybe you wrap something up you already got at home?

Do you freely and frequently encourage and compliment?

Are you willing to share what you have?

Do you hoard possessions? or do you give away what you are not using?
how much stuff do you have hidden in drawers in your house that when Jesus comes back, you still have not touched it. lol
How much fun would it be, to just go through your House, and get a big box, and get rid of what you know you are not going to use, and just have a big give away!
Don't just try and sell it, try and give it away, to someone who may really need it!
Stay on top of that stupid stingy spirit! you spend more money and time trying to sell your junk than just to give it away.

If you are with someone and they have cold and runny nose, and ask for a Kleenex, and you haven't had a cold in over a year, do you give them one, or the whole pack.

Do you give the restaurant seat with the view? or do you take it for yourself?

Do you take the steak with he least amount of fat for yourself?

Who gets the largest piece of pie? The last piece of candy?

You need to start thinking, "I am a very generous person, i always do more than I have to, and I always go the extra mile." Keep saying it, meditate upon it, and acting through it, until you choke the life out of your stingy spirit.

I am working through this myself. It puts piece in my heart knowing that everyday I am becoming a better person, and I challenge you to do the same. Have a little promise to yourself, that you will keep working at it everyday. We aren't going to change into perfect little people over night, but the point is we are making progress everyday. And you can be the change in the world.

So I leave you with this,

Have a generous heart in all you do.
Really treat others how you would like to be treated, and give your love away.

Hope all your little hearts make someones life better today!

Love, sunshine, smiles, and laughter!

Your Leah

be the light in someones day today.

Good Afternoon Everyone!!!
I love brightening days, and lives with little lessons I've learned, wisdom I've gained, or love that I want to pour out!
I just figured out the message all friends button, and thought i would take advantage of it everyday to send out a little message of smiles and little words that are on my heart!!

Today I wanted to encourage you all to do something to brighten someone's life. Whether it be some kind words, and little act of kindness, or anything else you can put your heart into!

We live in such a hard world, with people who want to take our joy, or bring us down. We are faced with circumstances that can break our spirits, and make us feel alone in whatever we are facing.
All it takes sometimes is a little impact of love from someone who loves us, to lift our spirits.
Be that person today for someone else.
Sometimes you may not even know that someone is going through something, and your little acts of love, could change the course of their day, week, or even month.

Lets be the change we want to see in the world.

love, smiles, and sunshine!

Your Leah

My Favorite Things of August!

Woo Hoo! It's Sunday!! First Sunday of September...time for my favorite things for the past month, and what I am loving right into this one!!

My Favorite Products of August and September!!:


First, as you all know my caramel apple hand sanitizer is product of the week number one! need I say more! I swear all week, I have been washing my hands, and making everyone smell them!! mmmmm de-licious!! Must try!!



Second product of the week that I love is the pure + simple face oil for sensitive skin! I have combination skin, and this oil does not make me break out at all, except put back good oils to my skin, keeping it moisturized! It's 100% organic, which is another reason I love this product so much! love love love this! Also, the place that makes this also has a spa in the Toronto area. They use all organic products, and do a facial call the urban facial! Best facial I have EVER had! =D



I love Martina Gebhardt's Black Mud Lotion!! It is just fabulous! It has little black mud beads, and makes my skin feel so good! Again, does not break me out and is the perfect texture! smells fresh and clean too! Again this is organic and makes me happy because it is!



Next! At night I like to give my skin extra moisture, so I use Alba Un-Petroleum which locks in all the moisturizing elements that I use prior. It DOES NOT clog pores, which you might be scared of, if you try this. It's thick, but when you wake up in the morning your skin will be so soft! This one is Organic too! =) Love love love this!!!



Oh my goodness!!! If you want to smell like fresh baked vanilla cake, spray this! I am in LOOOOOVE with this perfume! It's Sud Pacifique in Vanilla Extreme! Whenever I wear it ( which is everyday ) I am always asked what makes me smell so good! This is my secret! Absolutely Delicious! haha In case you haven't guessed yet.. i love smelling yummy!! =D



HELLO KITTY PURSE! YAY! This is by far the best purse I have ever owned in regards to making me happy! I smile every time I see it, and it honestly automatically brightens my day by just using it! It is so cute, inside and out! You can get it at Baghaus.com! You will love it! I use it everyday, I even leave it out at work so I can walk by it, and have a little boost when serving!



I also love LORAC's Sparkle Pencil, in midnight sparkle! It's so pretty and sparkly, and make your eyes look brighter! I usually use this over my regular eyeliner, because it isn't very dark on it's own. But! if I want a more natural look, I'll just use this! You can get one a Sephora!



This Lipstick is simply amazing! It lasts so long, and doesn't come off on anything!! I literally went to bed with it one night, and woke up, and it was STILL on!! This is the L'Oreal Paris Lip Infalliables! I like the bright red one in Crimson Red! I think it compliments my skin and face so well. Just wearing it, makes me feel and look prettier! It's cheap too! They have lots of different colors, but I only got too! I got a light pink one too, but it doesn't have the same effect as the red! I have been wearing this everyday, and I don't like lipstick! It will feel really weird, at first because it dries to your lips, but then you use the little lip balm they give you. Throughout the day the excess will flake ff, and just leave you with a red stain! You'll love it!



I have used this product for years, and have been absolutely loving it, especially in the last couple months because of the heat! This is S-Factors Dream Drops, and I must say, it is very pricey =( .. That being said, it is my favorite hair serum I have ever tried. And the smell of this is soooo yummy! It smells like fresh strawberries!! I put it in right after I wash my hair once ( before I blow dry, and sraighten.) Then I finish it with a second little bit for extra serum moisture. You only need one pump, and put it mostly on the ends!



This is the best cream blush ever!!! I always get asked what I use on my cheeks! and this is it! It's the most beautiful color, and you don't need a lot! This is Stila's convertible color in Gerbera! You can also use this on your lips, for a pretty pink color!! You can get this at Sephora! and try it before you buy!



Last but not least is St.Tropez Bronzing mousse! This stuff is absolutely amazing! It gives the perfect glow, and doesn't make you look orange! It also has a better smell, then any other self tanner that I have ever used. I am in love with this! I use it everyday!!
Sadly Sephora stopped carrying this in Canada so I had to order it online! Go to, www.sephora.com and order this on their website! You also get 3 free samples with your purchase!! you won't be disappointed!! =D



So there it is! My favorite products of August and the beginning of September! =D Try them out! See if you fall in love with these as much as I have! I put a lot of personal care products in here this time, because I have just finally found a skin care routine that finally works wonders for me. ..So lately this has been something I've been super loving!! Next month, I'm sure there will be other cool little things!!

May your days be filled with sunny skies, beautiful smiles, and big hearts!

-Your Leah!

Sweet Smells and Autumn Air!

I can't express how much I love smelling good! There is something about delicious smells that awaken my senses, and take me to another place! I love delicious scents! =) mmm! I went shopping the other day to pick up an amazing smelling hand soap for the bathroom, but they were all out of the one I wanted! I walked past a lady who was putting out brand new scents for fall, and decided little ol' me would try one of these sweet fall scents and maybe buy one too! I picked up the apple caramel and took a little smell of it! I was taken to a beautiful fall pathway with red and orange leaves everywhere! Little pumpkins on the side of the road, the smell of fresh baked pie, and orange skies! It is fabulous, and honestly prepares me for the autumn months just around the corner!! Everyone needs to smell this, especially if you want to get into the mood for fall! I miss summer already, but having this soap is making me excited for Autumn!
I picked up the anti-bacterial foaming hand soap in the caramel apple, from bath and body works! even if you don't want to buy this, go in and smell it!! =)
may your day be filled with the smell of sweet smells, happiness and smiles!

Happy early Autumn love

Leah!

What Condition is Your Heart in.

I have been learning about the conditions of our hearts, and how much it matters in our daily lives. The way we live is reflected from the inner most parts of our hearts, and I want to inspire you all to heal the parts of your heart that need to be.
What's in us, comes out of us. The quicker we can detect a bad heart condition, the better we are. The longer that we leave a bad heart condition unattended, the deeper the problem will get, and the harder it is to heal.

Matthew 5:8

The tests that God gives us in life is very important. He doesn't test us to play games with us to see what we can take, or to see what's in us ( because he already knows everything). The truth is, God TESTS us because he wants US to see what's inside us. sometimes we are surprised what's in there. We may think, " wow, I can't believe I did that, or said that." He wants to show us these things because he wants us to face them, and deal with them. That is how we grow. The truth makes us free! If we are able to look at our problems within us, and let God deal with it properly, we will be taken to a new level, and grow into an even better person.

If we know how to keep our heart in the right condition, we can be at absolute peace inside and out. Even in all the the turmoil and hurt in the world, if we have a right heart to deal with it, we can be happy through it all.

1 Peter 3:3


I think we should spend time checking our heart, over checking how we look in the mirror. If we spent at least equal time on our inward beauty, the world would be a better place. It doesn't matter what you are wearing to God, its how you are dressed on the inside. and I really think we should pay more attention to our inner life, with our thoughts and attitudes.
When I talk about our heart, I am talking about our emotions, our thoughts, our spirit. Our heart is the innermost deepest part of our life. and it matters. not our looks.
How we treat people, and how we make our self beautiful on the inside, is what makes us really beautiful in life. i think this is an every day thing that we need to work on.

I also think we need to learn how to guard our hearts. We don't know on any given day whats going to happen to us. we don't know when someone could hurt us, betray us, make us feel angry, or sad. We have to constantly work with God, to guard our heart, and how we are going to react to situations, that come our way.

Now lets look at Motives. 1 corinthans 3:13-15

We need to look at the motives at why we do things.
some people spend their whole life doing good works and things just to look good and impress other people. When you do good works, don't do them to be well thought of by other people. If we are honest with ourselves, which can be very hard to do, its easy to face truth about someone else, and its sometimes not so easy to see truth about ourselves, but if we can do that, we can be taken to a whole knew level. and yes, we all do usually want to impress people. Freedom is when we no longer need to do things to impress people. Start living your life by what God would think of you, not what others do. Do good for others because its in your heart to do good. Be generous, because you want give. Don't do good, because an audience is watching you, and you want them to see you do good. God Will see you.

Take time for yourself, and look over all the things you do, and why you are doing them. it may surprise you.

So what condition is your heart in? everyday we grow, and we learn new things about ourselves. Learn to recognize the negatives in your heart, and how to change them, and kick them out! Be gentle, and humble, and generous, and loving.

I myself am working through this everyday, and I hope you all will come with me on this journey to tenderize and soften our hearts.

love, smiles, and beautiful hearts!

Leah!

The Way You Live Your Life Matters!

Whether you realize it or not, you are a person of influence! You are influencing the people around you even in the most subtle ways. You are setting standards and affecting change everywhere you go! It's like when you toss a stone into a pond and it sends ripples out across the water. Your life "ripples out" and has influence on those around you.

Influence is simply the power to produce an effect without an apparent exertion. In other words, just by living your daily life, you are producing an effect. If you fail to understand your full value and just go around living without focus or purpose, that's an example that allows the people around you to rationalize living the same way. But, if you go out determined to live at your best, you are raising the standard. You are being a leader and influencing others in a way that pleases God.

Remember, people are constantly watching and learning from our example—whether positive or negative—and we are responsible for how we influence those around us. That is why it's essential to hold on to the truth that you are important! Pen those words on your heart and hold them dearly to you because the way you live your life matters. When you recognize your importance and respect yourself, you are honoring God and reflecting to others the value He has placed in you.

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1, NIV)