Tuesday Tidbits - Welcome April, Spring's Arrival, Birthday Party, and More

The last half of March passed in a whirlwind and...no joke...here we are...it's April 1st! I'm still trying to figure out how time passes so quickly! 😲

Here in the Northern Hemisphere, winter slipped quietly away as, on the 20th, we celebrated the First Day of Spring! 🌷

The crocus and daffodils have come and gone and, at present, my yard is purple with "bunny ears" (a term of endearment coined by my children when small for "henbit"); jonquils are blooming, as are the bridal's wreath and lilac bushes (my favorite)!

Tiny spring flowers dot the lawn...spring beauties, tiny bluets, grape hycinth, and violets. I noticed that the redbud tree is dead and I miss it's tiny, pink blossoms. I will have to plant a new one in its place after the old one is taken down.

From the kitchen window, I watched a robin gathering nesting material this morning. Blackbirds were walking around gathering insects and seeds and an Eastern bluebird flew across the yard. I'm so very thankful to be able to clearly see and observe all of them!

My new glasses should be in on Thursday. This will mark the end of a nearly four-month long ordeal in regaining my eyesight...for which I am extremely thankful!!! After this, the eye doctor said I'd have to return in six months to make sure the prosthetic lenses are still centered properly, then, after that, only once a year. Hallelujah! 

I worked twice as many days at the park this past two weeks over what was originally scheduled and the Mary Kay business continues to grow. I had two on-line parties that ended the 31st and conducted my first in-person skin care class. I have three in-person skin care classes scheduled this week and another online party starting soon. If any of you are interested in holding an online party and having an opportunity to earn $100.00 or more in FREE product, please, message me! I'd love to be your consultant and set that up for you! Message or email me!!! 

Saturday night we had a surprise birthday party for Amber (my eldest daughter) and I still can't believe we pulled it off! She truly was surprised and received just a small smidgen of the honor she deserves. She doesn't realize how much she does. By simply allowing the Truth and love of Jesus to radiate and flow through her, she touches, not only her family, but everyone she comes into contact with. She's amazing! Happy Birthday, Amber! I love you! 💓

My van is in the shop. Please pray that there are no major issues. I don't think there is, but there is a slight misfire and that is concerning. 

Well, I've jabbered enough and need to move on with my day. I pray that this post finds you and yours happy, healthy, and serving the Lord with gladness. Have a great day and a wonderful week ahead!

Until next time...

~Rebecca

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The Valley of Baca

So many I talk to are experiencing trials and troubles right now. I have shared this post before, but felt impressed to share it again...

This story is for anyone who is experiencing trouble in their life right now...

Psalm 84:5 and 6 says, "Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools."

Baca means "weeping." There is a massive valley in northern Israel on the direct route south to Jerusalem. In Bible days, the valley was heavy with mulberry trees. Pilgrims who came down from the north country for the Passover feasts had to pass through the valley. The pilgrims would stop to rest in the heat of the day and would often spend the night there and sleep beneath those same mulberry trees for refuge in case it would rain. 

You see, the mulberry tree, whenever one of its twigs or leaves is wounded by man or wind, exudes from the wound drops of thick saplike tears on the underside. Thus, the valley once dense with mulberry trees became known  as the valley of Baca...the valley of weeping. 

Isn't that a beautiful picture? A hidden treasure from God's Word!

Now, the valley of Baca in Psalms 84:6 can also be used in a figurative way. It presents an image of human life in this world...our troubles and sorrows. All believers go through the valley of Baca on their journey toward heaven. 

But in order to have a valley there must be mountains on both sides. Christians will have their mountaintop experiences while passing through this world, but at times they will find themselves loaded with heartaches, trials, troubles, and burdens that will take them down into the valley of Baca where they will shed tears of sorrow and grief. 

But, remember the part of that verse that says, "...Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well...?" The Lord is saying that His children won't stay in the valley. They will get through the valley. And beyond the valley lies another mountaintop.

(Originally written and posted on the Proverbs 31 Woman 2 (Yahoo Group) March 3, 2002)

Until next time...

~Rebecca

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Happy St. Patrick's Day, Seasonal Color Analysis, and More

 

It's Monday and a brand new week! Happy St. Patrick's Day! How was your weekend?

“May the saddest day of your future be no worse than

the happiest day of your past.” - An Irish Blessing

My weekend here was FULL! I worked Saturday. That evening Amanda and Aaron and the girls came down from Kansas City and Tony and Nicole held a belated birthday party for two of their young children. On Sunday the clan gathered for an early St. Patty's Day celebration. I served corned beef, cabbage, baked potatoes, and Emerald Isle Cake.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those in the weather-ravaged areas of our country over the weekend, including thos of our own state. Wind, rain, snow, tornadoes, fire, earthquake. Crazy!!!

Now, here it is Monday...sunny and beautiful! The first day of spring is coming up Thursday! How will you celebrate?

I've already celebrated by slipping down to my cousin's property and collecting a lovely bouquet of pretty yellow daffodils! 💛 I look forward to getting outside and working in the yard more in the days ahead.

I think I'm getting the hang of doing my makeup a little better now, than I was a couple of weeks ago.

I had three online Mary Kay parties going last week and they all closed last night. I've done 20 Seasonal Color Analysis in March and still have 10 to go.

If you're willing to be one of those 10 shoot me a message and I'll facetime you. I will simply ask you a short list of questions and try to narrow down which seasonal color palette you are. This gives me practice in helping future customers narrow down color options in the way of make-up and clothing choices in future. Thank you to all who are willing to help me out with this.

Well, that's all for today. I hope you're having a lovely St. Patty's Day and wish you all a beautiful first day of spring!

Until next time...

~Rebecca

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Rain, Wind, Eyes, and Faces

After torrential rain, strong wind, and even some snow yesterday, and into the night, it's a chilly, but sunshiney morning here on the tallgrass prairie of southwest Missouri.

Carnations From My Daughter

I had my one-week-out follow-up appointment following the second eye surgery yesterday morning and was released to resume normal activity (except for rubbing my eyes...can't do that for a month!). No more eye sheild at night and only two more days of eye drops. (YEAH!!!) New glasses and being able to see up close as well as far away are still a few weeks away. 

I told my eye doctor that I started selling Mary Kay and asked her long it would be before I could start using eye makeup. She said I could do it now...just don't rub!!! 

Now, keep in mind, I've not worn makeup for years...decades even! ...and, not only am I completely out of practice, but am, also I think, lost in the 70's forever. LOL! I feel like a 13-year-old just starting out! Ha-ha!

Here are this morning's before and after face shots...

 

Before                                      After

As you can see...I need a LOT of practice!!! My eyeliner is all over the place! 😆 

Speaking of faces, I am looking for 30 faces to help me earn my Seasonal Color Analysis certification. If you are willing to spend 5 to 10 minutes on facetime with me and be one of my faces just email or message me on Facebook Messenger (Rebecca Brown Knox). I will ask you a few questions and try to correctly determine which "season" of color families work best on you. Thanks in advance to those that are willing! 💗

Have a beautiful day and I'll be with you again soon!

"This is the day which the Lord hath made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it."

(Psalm 118:24)

Until then...

~Rebecca

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#MyMKLife #Beauty #MK

Embracing The Journey

You've probably noticed that I've not posted much on here lately. There's been a lot going on on my end the past month or so, including having two eye surgeries and starting my own business.

What I have shared in recent months hasn't amounted to much. I've not felt that I've really had too much TO share since my husband's death. The first couple of years found me lost in a blur of long days and dark nights. I was just trying to survive.

When John passed away, in July of 2021, I was at the highest weight I ever remember weighing and, to be honest, I didn't care. Eventually, I did start caring, but it seemed so hopeless. At 62 years of age it felt too late...for everything. I didn't even know where to begin.

Then, I came across a Bible verse that, in the past, had been very familiar to me (I Thessalonians 5:23) but, this time, coupled with the verse that immediately followed it, something transfixed itself deep within my spirit. I knew that God was, not only calling me to do something, but empowering me to do it. I still don't understand it all, but, one small step at a time I AM doing it.

Instead of fighting against everything and making excuses as to why I can't do something, I am trying my best to be obedient in, and faithful to, the little things. 

I still have a long way to go, but since June 10, 2024 I have lost 65 pounds and have gone from a tight size 28 to a comfortable size 18.

I've noticed that since losing weight my face and body are getting saggy. I know that a lot of that will straighten out in time, but, that's one of the reasons that I signed up with Mary Kay. It's time to do something with this face! 😧 

I haven't worn makeup for decades and, unfortunately, I can't do a lot with my eyes right now (eyeshadow, mascara, etc.), but, as soon as they heal, that will change. In the meantime, I will focus on skincare. 

It's also time to be honest with myself and everyone else, too. The bottom line is...I want to be the best 'me' that I can be...a woman that glorifies God in spirit, soul, and body...and a woman that helps other women to be the best that they can be, too...spiritually, mentally, physically, financially. 

I've come to the conclusion that it's not too late. My days are in the Lord's hands and, as long as I'm here, I want to serve Him in whatever way He allows me to do so. I've decided that I want to embrace the journey that I'm on and I look forward to whatever is next.

In the days ahead I hope to be much more transparent with my journey. If I can be of service to you somewhere along the way, please, don't hesitate to reach out. 

In the meantime, know that my thoughts and prayers are with each and every person that has found their way into this site tonight. I praise the Lord for bringing me through one of the darkest times (if not THE darkest time) of my life and I look forward to the next chapter with absolute delight!

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" (I Thessalonians 5:23-24)

Until next time...

~Rebecca

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Kickin' Off My Mary Kay Business

Hey, Y'all! I am excited to announce that I'm starting my very own Mary Kay business! In fact, my online "kick-off" party is being held right now and I would love for you to come be a part of it! To join in the fun just click the link below! I can't wait to see you there!

Rebecca's Mary Kay Kick-off Party - Click HERE

Until next time...

~Rebecca

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