THE WORD ON THE STREET – Dianah Ellis

Dianah here- veteran prosecutor turned stay at home mommy. I know, there is something inherently weird sounding in that, but it’s true. Kind of like superhero, Elastigirl becoming Helen Parr and being a stay at home mommy in the Incredibles. It happens. I prosecuted for 10 years in the District Attorney’s office after law school and loved it. During the last half of those 10 years, I met and married my Sunday school sweetheart. I also found out I was pregnant – right after a guilty verdict on an attempted murder case. Never a dull moment at the DA’s office… So after baby, I decided to let someone else handle the criminals for a while and my colleagues seem to be doing fine- no huge increase in general mayhem since I left.

As for me, I have found that surprisingly a two year and criminals have more similarities than you might think. But I digress… What I want to say is that all this life and living took place against a backdrop of myriad spiritual discoveries. Slowly (mostly because of me) but surely, God has revealed so much of who He is and now He has given me the opportunity of his forum to learn even more by sharing, learning and praying with you as we go about living by the WORD on the street.

SOUL CAFE´ – Kristy Ensor
 

Welcome to Soul Café -the online home of Kristy Ensor’s Southern Beauty BlogSpot. Pull up a chair. Sit back. Relax. And…enjoy a glass of sweet iced tea as you soak up a little inspiration.

Kristy lives near Nashville, TN with her husband, their teenage son and a very sweet (but spoiled) dog – a rescued Rat Terrier mix named Alex. She’s the founder of Southeastern Charm online magazine and also spends her time as a freelance writer, a booking agent/artist manager and a self-proclaimed “Project Girl”…always working on one project or another. She has a BA degree in Communications from Carson-Newman College and is passionate about using her creativity!

A lifelong southerner, Kristy embraces the south’s culture and celebrates her roots. She’s happy to be part of the Southern Beauty team because she enjoys keeping up with beauty and fashion trends. Mostly though, she feels it’s important to let your natural, inner beauty shine through each day.

A GIRL’S GUIDE TO WHAT MATTERS MOST –

Brittany Trotman

I’m definitely what you call one of those creative, artsy types. Growing up singing, writing, and playing piano were my biggest loves and still are besides my new husband I actually met him in the recording studio when he recorded and produced a CD with my former band. The band split up, but we stayed together.

I knew at an early age that I would carry those interests into a career, but of course, didn’t know in what form.

I obtained my B.A. in English and have taught high school for the past two years, while obtaining a master’s degree in secondary education. It has been challenging, especially trying to convince my students that I am not a high schooler like them! I also lead worship at Redstone Church in Birmingham, AL where my husband works full-time. I am also a contributing writer for Birmingham Christian Family magazine.

Just recently, I launched my own website called http://beautygirlblog.com. This new passion has pleasantly surprised me, and I see a different path for my future now. I hope through this site that girls will gain a definition of TRUE beauty, while becoming aware of important issues through the blogs and discussion.

I may be young, but I am an old soul with an ever-growing faith and trust in God. My candidness, challenge to the media, and counter-culture views will hopefully inspire and give you a different perspective than what you had when you first started reading.

ASHLEY AMISS – Ashley D. McGee

After having my first short-story published in third grade, I became addicted to seeing the words “By: Ashley D. McGee” and decided I wanted to pursue a career in writing. I am currently a senior at the University of South Alabama pursuing a B.A. in Communications/Print Journalism and a minor in Professional Writing. In 2007, I founded Code BLUE Youth Mentoring Program, which is dedicated to encouraging young girls from difficult backgrounds to “stand out in a good way” by breaking the negative stereotypes society has set for them. We spend a lot of time teaching the girls the benefits of going to college and to take an active role in the betterment of their communities, even at such a young age.

Born and raised in Mobile, AL, I proudly wear the title of a true Southern Belle who is constantly emerged in political issues, community service, and her spiritual connection to God where I try my best to serve my church family through my gift of writing. I’m young, determined, a little stubborn, can never get enough chocolate or Skittles, and have a strong faith in my Christian upbringing. I consider all of these a recipe for nothing less than greatness!

HERE’S JENNA – Jenna Tanner

My name is Jenna Tanner, and I am a junior at Samford University. First off, you should note that I am an easily inspired individual. This lovely trait, in my opinion, is what has not only led me to be a Mary Kay Consultant as well as a Latino Day Care Teacher, but has also led me to my major… CONFUSION! You see, while being at college for a mere 2 ½ years, I have changed my major three times (Exercise Science and Nursing being two of the three). Miraculously, I now have a minor in Health Care, and I am working on getting a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Although I was born in a small town outside of Atlanta, I have lived in Alabama for the past 15 years. While not at school, I live at home with my incredible parents, rowdy three brothers, and our two dogs- Buck and Bell…good southern names, right!? Growing up with brothers I have found a love for the outdoors, fishing, hunting (I killed my first deer this past year), and most sports. Don’t be mistaken though, I also love sewing, dancing, singing (I aspire to be on Broadway), makeup , fashion, and any other girlie thing. Honestly though, I am simply a passionate person who loves life and is in love with Christ.

So here I am, Jenna Tanner, an easily inspired person. Working for Southern Beauty inspires me to learn to be a good writer, and to learn more about beauty and fashion. Maybe one day I will be a writer, a beauty consultant (once more), or even a fashionista, but honestly, I have no idea. So I guess I’ll keep working at what I am doing, and see where the Lord takes me from here!

BLOND MOMENTS and BUBBLE BATHS – Manthie

I am a thirty-something self-confessed ditzy blonde. My life is a series of “blonde moments”, which I have learned after many years to embrace and enjoy – it makes me “me”, and continuously helps me to remember that I have to depend on the Lord to guide my every step.

The journey that’s led me to this place in my life hasn’t been ideal – losing my mom to cancer, starting my life over after divorce – but it has molded me into the woman I am today, and I am grateful for every step. Along this road I have come to know God in a much deeper way and learned that His grace truly is sufficient. These experiences were instrumental in bringing me to my first venture in writing. This year I compiled my first book – Bubble Bath Moments – “Real stores by real women about real life”.

I believe we can enjoy our lives abundantly every day by applying three things.

1.  Learn to laugh at yourself. Laughter is good like a medicine, and the more humor you find in your weaknesses the easier they are to overcome.

2.  Don’t complain. There is something to be thankful for to be found in every moment. We limit our vision by complaining. Thanksgiving opens our eyes to the unseen.

3. Know that everything is purposeful – the good, the bad and the ugly. Every single thing in our lives works together for good.

Your life can be as amazing as you allow yourself to believe it can be. It’s all about perspective!!

“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