Be a Blessing Every Day

As followers of Christ, we are called to be a blessing every day.  In our hearts we are royally crowned, designed to walk with character and dignity, producing harvest that makes the Lord proud.

We were created to love God with all we do, whether it’s cooking breakfast, making the bed or finding a parking space at the mall.  Whatever you do, do it well.  Each minute we breathe, we should show up and give our best effort.  Focused on giving all He said to give, there are many ways we can be a blessing every day.    

If your family had to give you a report card, what would your grade be?  Are you anticipating the needs of those in your family and making the load lighter for someone else if and when you are able?  Are you seeing the best in your family and building them up? Let’s make sure we’re not just screaming “what about me” all the time.

Genuine support is a rare find these days.  Let’s go the extra mile, even when we don’t feel up to it.  Jesus, an expert builder, wants us to build in the lives of others. Someone somewhere can benefit from what you have to offer.  Make optimism and providing answers be your calling card. Help others whenever you can.  Put forth your best effort to work well with others.

Kindness makes you beautiful.  Sow seeds of kindness, joy and love.  Realize that you may be the only one reaching out to someone.  So, keep encouraging even when others don’t.  Call people and see how they’re doing.  Check on friends you haven’t heard from in a while.  Tell someone you love them every day.  Any of us who have ever been thirsty for encouragement should appreciate the value in offering uplifting words to the people in our lives.  Sometimes a person just needs a little inspiration or a different thought to get them propelled in the right direction.  So, seize each opportunity to give away the grace God gives to us.

Giving to another person takes nothing away from us.  We truly help ourselves by blessing and supporting others.  Be a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear. Let others know that you understand what they’re going through. My grandmother Mary used to say “the person you help won’t always be the one to help you when you’re in need.”  Remember that the Lord will always make a way for you.  Those who give water will get water.  So, invest in yourself by investing in others.

Have you encouraged someone today? Think of blessing others as your mission.  Take a zest for life with you wherever you go.  Yell out and tell someone “you look pretty today,” which happens to be something my mother does often.  Girlfriends pray for one another often and ask the Lord to give the ladies in your life strength and guidance for whatever they’re facing.  Pray for the people in your life and hold someone’s hand just to let them know they are not alone.  Offer solutions and help others achieve their goals.  Share your gifts, knowledge and lessons acquired along the way.  Congratulate, compliment and cheer for others.  Be happy when others do well. The success of others is not your failure.

Let’s love our neighbors, even when their beliefs are different than ours.  Love and embrace others even when you don’t agree with their lifestyle.  Let the ears of your heart perk when you realize you are able and blessed enough to meet the immediate need of someone else.  Send out positive vibrations.  Let your joy, happiness and positivity be a good contagion.  We can all do good things.  The Lord, King of creation, has a specific plan for you.  Open your heart and allow Him to show you exactly how you can be the greatest blessing. 

“Lord, help us to be powerful prayer warriors.  We’re eager to be a part of your will being done on earth as it is in heaven. Please keep blessing us, so that we can be a blessing to your kingdom.”

The Blessed Woman Endeavor  and You Really Do Deserve Me are available now on Amazon. 

Show and Tell Tuesday Textile Necklaces

Inspired by an upbringing full of DIY and mend and make do, I strive to create useful items to make you smile.  When you support this business, not only are you supporting a small family-owned business, you're also an important part of the spirit of artistry, craftsmanship and creativity.



Made right here in the USA by our own little hands, often using reclaimed materials, this jewelry is unique and one-of-a-kind.  Everything we do is personal.  Our family name is on our work and to us, a good one is worth more than gold.



Thank you for stopping by!

You Really Do Deserve Me

You Really Do Deserve Me is available on Amazon now!

"You Really Do Deserve Me" explores just a few of the qualities of a Super Wife, some things we can all try to have more peace in our marriages, and little ways wives can support and complement their husbands. 

Dictionary.com defines complement this way: “something that completes or makes perfect.” That beautiful definition succinctly fits a Super wife to a T. 

A Super wife is queen of motivation in her home. Her grace, strength, insight, comfort, resolve during a storm, brilliance, and even her joy make up a very unique skill-set that any man would be blessed to have. A Super Wife faces every challenge with optimism and strives to handle day-to-day circumstances with grace, strength, and humor. 

This quick little read offers 52 affirmations and 6 Bonuses including: 

* How I Saved My Marriage 
* Who Told You No? 
* A Mother's Work 
* Room for What Inspires You 
* Beautiful Smile Girl and 
* A New Beginning 

Tondeleya Allen, author of "The Blessed Woman Endeavor," believes every wife has the power to complement her husband and inspire him to be a better man.

How I Saved My Marriage

Divorce is a difficult prospect.  Actually staring down the barrel of an impending divorce is terrifying.  So many thoughts plague your mind.  The uncertainty, the despair, and the pain can overtake you and leave you in a state of emotional paralysis.  “How did we get here?  Is this our only option? Once upon a time, we were really good.  We did love each other, right?  Yes, we still love each other.  Why can’t we make this work? This place though is just too hard and neither of us knows how to fix what’s wrong. I’m just tired of fighting.  I’m sick of trying.  I’m tired of being in pain.  I just want to start over. I need peace. Obviously, we weren’t meant to last forever.”

Early on in our marriage, before we even had our first child, we had taken one another through so much.  We married long before we should have.  Young and naïve, we had all the wrong ideas about how to make marriage work for both of us.  And any good ideas we may have had, we weren’t sure about how to properly implement those ideas.  After several crazy years, full of love, mistakes, struggle, and blame, our marriage was over.  We just didn’t like or trust each other much.  So, what’s the point of forcing it?  The divorce papers had been signed by me.  The only thing that was left was to mail them to my husband to get his signature.

I’m so glad that the Lord had other plans for us.  He touched our hearts and made us believe for just a minute (at the same time) that there was some way to salvage– to restore our marriage.  Over time, a great deal of time, He brought us back from the brink of divorce.  It was not easy. It was not overnight. There was no quick-fix. Getting back “on track” was probably one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done.   

All those years ago though, at just 24 years old, I knew it was over.  I knew that there was just no way to put the pieces back together.  No one alive could’ve told me that there was any hope for us.  No one could have told me that there were steps that we could take, if we were both willing to try and to remain dedicated to one another.  Sadly, there was no one around to encourage me, to speak blessings over my marriage, or to lead me to the Lord for guidance.

Well, with God’s grace, we made it through that storm.  I saved my marriage by believing that God could restore us, despite all the awful pain and trauma.  I saved my marriage by ignoring popular opinion that said, “Yeah, just let it go.  You've gone as far as you can. It wasn’t meant to be.”  I saved my marriage by asking, “Lord, what should I do now?”  I saved my marriage by having faith that God’s promises are true and that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 

We have been tested by fire.  Today, we’re stronger than ever.  We hold on tighter to one another in the storms. Is it always easy?  No, but it’s worth it.  Are we perfect? No.  Is our marriage perfect?  Of course not.  We do, however, share deep love and respect for one another.  We enjoy laughing, talking, and being silly together. Now, we realize that every argument or disagreement isn’t fatal.  Now, I know how important it is to let love dictate my response to my husband and to any difficulty we face.  Lord, thank you for saving my marriage.

Despite the 50% US divorce rate, there are couples who have made it back from the brink of divorce.  There are other couples whose marriages have been saved.   If you're willing to try, there are steps to work toward reconciliation.  Below are a few interesting stories/articles that I hope will inspire anyone who believes that there is no way that their marriage can be saved. 

“How I Saved My Marriage” by Richard Paul Evans http://new.www.huffingtonpost.com/richard-paul-evans/how-i-saved-my-marriage_b_6958222.html

“The List That Saved My Marriage” by Becky Zerbe http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2008/september/list-that-saved-my-marriage.html

“7 Steps to Fix a Broken Marriage on the Brink of Divorce” by Dr. David B. Hawkins http://www.crosswalk.com/family/marriage/doctor-david/7-ways-to-save-a-marriage-on-the-brink-of-divorce-11604471.html

“Unexpected Ways That Only You Can Save Your Marriage “as told by Leigh Newman”

http://www.oprah.com/shiftyourlife/unexpected-ways-that-only-you-can-save-your-marriage

My book, The Blessed Woman Endeavor is available on Amazon.
My book, You Really Do Deserve Me is available on Amazon.

Got value from this post?  I'd love for you to comment below and share it on Facebook or Twitter. 

Thank you. Blessings & love!

The Blessed Woman Endeavor

Get your copy today on Amazon!

Read an excerpt from "I Am Enough"

"You belong to the Lord.  His faithful hand rests on you.  Your portion of eternal love is set.  Always know your worth.  You are a complete, content and confident conqueror.   You’re a survivor.  The championship ring has already been won.  Your past trials are now victories under your belt.  His staff of beauty and favor remains intact regarding you.  In Christ, you have no fear.  It’s the enemy who should be somewhere afraid and trembling.  You know who you are and what belongs to you.  You can really start living when you know your worth in Christ.

Never a fan of the convincing game, you refuse to waste a minute trying to convert anyone into a believer.  You’ve discovered that fitting in neither works nor lasts.  The world is way too fickle.  You see yourself as the Lord sees you and the picture is amazing.  You refuse to let others ask you to take an emotional seat at the back of the bus.

The world screams, “Don’t love yourself.  Compare yourself.  Doubt yourself.   Subdue yourself.  Be someone else.  Just sit down and let someone else.”  The world wants you to feel that you need society’s stamp of approval.  The world wants you to buy into its standard of beauty.  The world wants you to beg to be loved.

I have some good news for you.  Your beauty is not everyone else’s beauty.  The Lord, a magnificent artist, must love variety.  Your uniqueness.  Your heart.  Your eyes.  Your smile.  Your ideas.  Your creativity.  What a gift you are to the world.  Romance, nurture and cherish yourself.  Go right ahead and love yourself.   When you love yourself just as you are, the right people will love you too."

My Red Plaid Heart Textile Necklace

Part of my new collection, this one-of-a-kind textile necklace is fun, lively, expressive, imperfect, eclectic, unconventional, genuine and simple, yet brave.  This Tondeleya Allen original is for you!

* Coil, comprised of new cotton fabric, accented with beads, sewn on by hand, a salvaged button, a #-sign charm and a new red heart-shaped rabies vaccine tag.  Don't worry.  None of our furry friends have ever worn this.

* Colors: red, black, blue, yellow, green

* Materials: fabric, thread, beads, button, charm, grosgrain ribbon

* Measures about 27" long from end to end (not including the ribbon)

*hand-stitching, hand-beaded

* closes at nape with grosgrain ribbon

* each tie measures approximately 12" - 13" long

* Proudly made here in the USA, never mass-produced

* Whenever possible, to add more charm and character, I use vintage fabrics, buttons & other accents & include recycled/re-purposed elements. 

* Due to the length of the necklace, it may be shipped folded or coiled/wrapped in bubble wrap. Thanks for understanding!

* To ensure this item will last, spot cleaning is recommended. Please do not shower, swim or bathe while wearing.  Due to handcrafting, no two items are ever alike.  Please expect variation in color, stitching and patterns.

* Fabric, vintage buttons and colors speak to me, excite me, and shout of creative possibilities.  Even the smallest bits and pieces of exquisite fabrics are cherished and nestled away, where they wait to become an integral part of just the right project.   

* Hours of love and attention to detail went into this wearable art.  

I loved making this necklace and I hope it speaks to you and your individuality. I hope you'll be proud to call it your own.  Perhaps this vibrant piece can become one of your favorites.

Romantic Green Rose Textile Necklace

 Part of my new collection, this one-of-a-kind textile necklace is fun, lively, expressive, imperfect, eclectic, unconventional, genuine and simple, yet brave.  This Tondeleya Allen original is for you!

* Coil, comprised of new cotton/cotton-blend fabric, accented with beads, sewn on by hand

* Colors: green, white, pink

* Materials: fabric, thread, beads, resin rose

* Measures about 28" long from end to end 

*hand-stitching, hand-beaded

* closes at nape with toggle clasp

* Proudly made here in the USA, never mass-produced

* Whenever possible, to add more charm and character, I use vintage fabrics, buttons & other accents & include recycled/re-purposed elements. 

* Due to the length of the necklace, it may be shipped folded or coiled/wrapped in bubble wrap. Thanks for understanding!

* To ensure this item will last, spot cleaning is recommended. Please do not shower, swim or bathe while wearing.  Due to handcrafting, no two items are ever alike.  Please expect variation in color, stitching and patterns.

* Fabric, vintage buttons and colors speak to me, excite me, and shout of creative possibilities.  Even the smallest bits and pieces of exquisite fabrics are cherished and nestled away, where they wait to become an integral part of just the right project.   

 Hours of love and attention to detail went into this wearable art.  This necklace is accented with fibers, stitching, and beads.  Hand-stitching as well as machine-stitching were used to put this piece together.  

I loved making this necklace and I hope it speaks to you and your individuality. I hope you'll be proud to call it your own.  Perhaps this vibrant piece can become one of your favorites.

Ocean Blue Button Textile Necklace

 

* Part of my new collection, this one-of-a-kind textile necklace is fun, lively, expressive, imperfect, eclectic, unconventional, genuine and simple, yet brave.  This Tondeleya Allen original is for you!

* Coil, comprised of new cotton/cotton-blend fabric, accented with beads and charms, sewn on by hand

* Colors: blue

* Materials: fabric, thread, gears, beads grosgrain ribbon, gear, washers

* The focal point is a big decorative button.  

* Measures about 26" long from end to end (not including ribbon)

*hand-stitching, hand-beaded

* each tie measures approximately 12"- 13"

* closes at nape with grosgrain ribbon

* Proudly made here in the USA, never mass-produced

* Whenever possible, to add more charm and character, I use vintage fabrics, buttons & other accents & include recycled/re-purposed elements. 

* Due to the length of the necklace, it may be shipped folded or coiled/wrapped in bubble wrap. Thanks for understanding!

* To ensure this item will last, spot cleaning is recommended. Please do not shower, swim or bathe while wearing.  Due to handcrafting, no two items are ever alike.  Please expect variation in color, stitching and patterns.

* Fabric, vintage buttons and colors speak to me, excite me, and shout of creative possibilities.  Even the smallest bits and pieces of exquisite fabrics are cherished and nestled away, where they wait to become an integral part of just the right project.   

 Hours of love and attention to detail went into this wearable art.  This necklace is accented with fibers, stitching, and beads.  Hand-stitching as well as machine-stitching were used to put this piece together.  

I loved making this necklace and I hope it speaks to you and your individuality. I hope you'll be proud to call it your own.  Perhaps this vibrant piece can become one of your favorites.

Wild Child Bohemian Boho Yellow Textile Necklace

* Wild Child Bohemian Yellow Textile Necklace

* Part of my new collection, this one-of-a-kind textile necklace is fun, lively, expressive, imperfect, eclectic, unconventional, genuine and simple, yet brave. And you won't see another one exactly like it.

* Comprised of new vintage Dick Tracy cotton

* 1 long strand (sewn on my sewing machine) is accented with an assortment of beads (size, style and color).  The beads are only sewn on ONE side of the necklace.

* This necklace measures approximately 90" long.

* Colors: yellow, pink, black, white

* Bead colors: 

* All beads were hand-sewn with red thread

* This necklace is so long it can be doubled or tripled around your neck.  It can be wrapped and/or twisted around your wrist and knotted to take up any slack.  It can be folded in half, placed around your neck and then tied in a knot in front (see the 5th photo).  It can even be tied around your head as a headband.

* Proudly made here in the USA, never mass-produced

* Whenever possible, to add more charm and character, I use vintage fabrics, buttons & other accents & include recycled/re-purposed elements. 

* Due to the length of the necklace, it may be shipped folded or coiled/wrapped in bubble wrap. Thanks for understanding!

* To ensure this item will last, spot cleaning is recommended. Please do not shower, swim or bathe while wearing.  Due to handcrafting, no two items are ever alike.  Please expect variation in color, stitching and patterns.

* Fabric, vintage buttons and colors speak to me, excite me, and shout of creative possibilities.  Even the smallest bits and pieces of exquisite fabrics are cherished and nestled away, where they wait to become an integral part of just the right project.   

 Hours of love and attention to detail went into this wearable art.  This necklace is accented with stitching, beads and charms. Hand-stitching as well as machine-stitching were used to put this piece together.  

I loved making this necklace and I hope it speaks to you and your individuality. I hope you'll be proud to call it your own.  Perhaps this vibrant piece can become one of your favorites.

You Can't Give Up

Ever have moments in your life where everything is just so ridiculously crazy?  As Christians, we go through so much.  People all around the world are going through tough times. Pain and problems just won’t stop coming. Sometimes you don’t feel like your situation will ever improve. You’re putting forth effort.  You’re trying every day. You’re giving life the best of yourself. Still, things are so bad, you don’t know whether you want to laugh or cry.  Maybe you have talent, but few opportunities.  Nobody’s knocking on your door trying to give you a chance.  You’re even turned away whenever you try to reach out to create opportunities.  Romans 8:22 reads “For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.”

Joseph, even after being in prison for years, didn’t give up.  Abraham, had a promise from the Lord and he didn’t give up.   Noah was entrusted with a particular mission and he didn’t give up.  Ruth endured a series of awful events, but she never gave up or grew bitter.  Paul didn’t give up.  Even as he sat in prison he remained faithful to the work that God had given him.

Well, we can’t give up and I have a couple of very good reasons why.  You only need one reason. You’re alive. A live dog is better than a dead lion.  Many possibilities lie ahead.  Good things can still happen.

You’re creating a legacy for the people you love.  They’re depending on you.  Your family, your children are depending on you to create a life that benefits them.  Your children’s children can reap the benefits of your not giving up now.

The world needs what you have to offer.  The world is screaming for more quality, something that can actually improve the lives of people.  There are so many superficial endeavors in this world that demand the bulk of the attention.  Isn’t it time that something substantial blossoms and has its place in the sun? 

You can be the one to offer something real, substantial, and lasting to life.  You have purpose.  I don’t know what it is, but you’re the only one who can get the job done.  Sure, someone else can do something similar, but no one can do exactly what the Lord called you to do.

The light of victory reaches out to people.  Other people need to see you standing in your victory.  Your victory can inspire others to keep moving forward. Your victory lets other people know that they can make it.

So, you can’t give up.  Make a promise to yourself that you won’t give up.  Keep putting one foot in front of the other.  Keep offering one prayer after another.  No matter what you feel like or what a situation looks like, the Lord does hear you. He loves you. So, keep sending up one praise after another. Thank the Lord for everything that you have, no matter how little, no matter how far away from the dream you seem to be. Keep your eyes on the Lord.

Think about this. You could be this close to your breakthrough. You could be this close to making it happen.  You could be this close to everything lining up in your favor. You could be this close to that door opening.  You could be this close to having all your heart’s desires.

Even when you seem to lose a few rounds in life, keep fighting.  Keep getting back up. Keep your optimism. Remain enthusiastic about life. While there’s still breath in your body, stay dedicated to the purpose in your heart, the calling placed on your life, and the dream that courses through you.

I’ve been through too much to give up now. I’ve come too far to turn back.  I’ve come too far to just sit this one out.   I’ve conquered too much.  I’ve learned too much.  I’ve made promises to the Lord, to myself, and to my family.  I won’t give up and you shouldn’t give up either.

The Blessed Woman Endeavor is available on Amazon. Get a copy and share it and this post with other women of faith.

You Really Do Deserve Me is available on Amazon. 

Until next time, blessings and love!

Handmade Cher Charm Bohemian Textile Necklace

* Part of my new collection, this one-of-a-kind textile necklace is fun, lively, expressive, imperfect, eclectic, unconventional, genuine and simple, yet brave.  This Tondeleya Allen original is for you!

* Coil, comprised of new cotton/cotton-blend fabric, accented with beads and charms, sewn on by hand

* Colors: black and white

* Materials: fabric, thread, charms (hope, joy, love), grosgrain ribbon, gear, washers

* The focal point is a handmade Cher charm.  Cher's face was hand-painted by iCONS artist Aristotle.

* Measures about 23" long from end to end (not including ribbon)

*hand-stitching, hand-beaded

* each tie measures approximately 12"- 13"

* closes at nape with grosgrain ribbon

* Proudly made here in the USA, never mass-produced

* Whenever possible, to add more charm and character, I use vintage fabrics, buttons & other accents & include recycled/re-purposed elements. 

* Due to the length of the necklace, it may be shipped folded or coiled/wrapped in bubble wrap. Thanks for understanding!

* To ensure this item will last, spot cleaning is recommended. Please do not shower, swim or bathe while wearing.  Due to handcrafting, no two items are ever alike.  Please expect variation in color, stitching and patterns.

* Fabric, vintage buttons and colors speak to me, excite me, and shout of creative possibilities.  Even the smallest bits and pieces of exquisite fabrics are cherished and nestled away, where they wait to become an integral part of just the right project.   

 Hours of love and attention to detail went into this wearable art.  This necklace is accented with fibers, stitching, and beads.  Hand-stitching as well as machine-stitching were used to put this piece together.  

I loved making this necklace and I hope it speaks to you and your individuality. I hope you'll be proud to call it your own.  Perhaps this vibrant piece can become one of your favorites.

Black White Number One Key Necklace

 

* Part of my new collection, this one-of-a-kind textile necklace is fun, lively, expressive, imperfect, eclectic, unconventional, genuine and simple, yet brave. And you won't see another one exactly like it.

* Multi-coils, comprised of new cotton/cotton-blend fabric

* Colors: black, white, blue, brown, turquoise, rust/orange

* Top coil: Measures about 24" long from end to end (not including ribbon)

* Bottom coil:  Measures about 28" long from end to end (not including ribbon)

*hand-stitching, hand-beaded

* 3 round coils, 1 accented with beads, 1 accented with charms (including a oval "1"), gears, a ruler charm and a key and wrapped fibers

* closes with grosgrain ribbon at nape
* each ribbon tie measures approximately 13" long

* Proudly made here in the USA, never mass-produced

* Whenever possible, to add more charm and character, I use vintage fabrics, buttons & other accents & include recycled/re-purposed elements. 

* Due to the length of the necklace, it may be shipped folded or coiled/wrapped in bubble wrap. Thanks for understanding!

* To ensure this item will last, spot cleaning is recommended. Please do not shower, swim or bathe while wearing.  Due to handcrafting, no two items are ever alike.  Please expect variation in color, stitching and patterns.

* Fabric, vintage buttons and colors speak to me, excite me, and shout of creative possibilities.  Even the smallest bits and pieces of exquisite fabrics are cherished and nestled away, where they wait to become an integral part of just the right project.   

 Hours of love and attention to detail went into this wearable art.  This necklace is accented with stitching, beads and charms. Hand-stitching as well as machine-stitching were used to put this piece together.  

I loved making this necklace and I hope it speaks to you and your individuality. I hope you'll be proud to call it your own.  Perhaps this vibrant piece can become one of your favorites.

Black White Respect Time Necklace

* Part of my new collection, this one-of-a-kind textile necklace is fun, lively, expressive, imperfect, eclectic, unconventional, genuine and simple, yet brave. And you won't see another one exactly like it.

* Multi-coils, comprised of new cotton/cotton-blend fabric

* Colors: black, white

* Top coil: Measures about 27" long from clasp to clasp

* Bottom coil:  Measures about 31" long from clasp to clasp

*hand-stitching, hand-beaded

* 3 round coils, 1 accented with beads, 1 accented with charms (including a round "Respect" charm and a "Time" charm), washers, and a vintage dangling silver-tone focal piece salvaged from a vintage earring.

* closes with toggle clasp

* Proudly made here in the USA, never mass-produced

* Whenever possible, to add more charm and character, I use vintage fabrics, buttons & other accents & include recycled/re-purposed elements. 

* Due to the length of the necklace, it may be shipped folded or coiled/wrapped in bubble wrap. Thanks for understanding!

* To ensure this item will last, spot cleaning is recommended. Please do not shower, swim or bathe while wearing.  Due to handcrafting, no two items are ever alike.  Please expect variation in color, stitching and patterns.

* Fabric, vintage buttons and colors speak to me, excite me, and shout of creative possibilities.  Even the smallest bits and pieces of exquisite fabrics are cherished and nestled away, where they wait to become an integral part of just the right project.   

 Hours of love and attention to detail went into this wearable art.  This necklace is accented with stitching, beads and charms. Hand-stitching as well as machine-stitching were used to put this piece together.  

I loved making this necklace and I hope it speaks to you and your individuality. I hope you'll be proud to call it your own.  Perhaps this vibrant piece can become one of your favorites.