Oh My!

There is SO much going on. Between home, work and everything else, my head would spin off if God didn't provide grace to keep it on! For real.

In the midst of life, here is the 2nd trailer for By God's Grace, a project that will produce a song each month and at the end of the year - you have a whole album!

Download available 2.28.14 on pazzion.bandcamp.com

(if you haven't already, check out "I'm Free (Stomp Mix)")

Coffey Anderson, lol

I'm not laughing at Coffey's name (Laila did, though), I'm laughing because I was just talking about a song that he covered. (Click here to see that post)

We approached it differently, but I like the spin he took on it...check it out:

Coffey Anderson can be found on YouTube and his official site: icoffey.com 

Ingenuity

I ♥ creativity. Especially functional creativity.
I am such a city person. If we lived downtown with our lil people, I would have to grab one, or two, of these.

Check them out @ longboardstroller.com

Complex

Look.

Closer.

Check out this article on Complex.com that features my Sweet♥'s artwork!

Harlem Shake

I know, I know...I don't really wanna see another Harlem Shake video unless there was some serious thought put into it and it's worth using 30 seconds of my life to watch it. This one caught my attention because who would've thought that an iOS device could Harlem Shake, too...

created by Filippo Bigarella

Chapters

A new chapter.

That little phrase says big things. That's currently what I'm experiencing. I'm sure you have experienced it many times throughout your life. It's inevitable, really. 

Manny, Kaelin, Laila & Jaelie. They are growing fast.

Our chapters create a unique book. We've read the books of Job, Ruth, Daniel and others.
Well, someone is reading the book of YOU!
The bible is filled with regular people living their lives, believing in an awesome God and allowing Him to use them in His plan. 

That's you - a regular person living your life, believing in an awesome God and allowing Him to use you in His plan! It's me, too. 

And that is the essence of this blog - Virtuous Journey. A place where those chapters can be shared.

At this point in my book, I am working full-time after three years of being out of the workforce. That's where my time has gone. That's why my last post was January 21st. I have started this post a gajillion times before finally finishing. *sigh* BUT HERE IT IS! So...

Things change; God stays the same. We get weary; God remains strong. We're fickle; He's faithful.

This should be an interesting year! I have more to share, but - you know - my time is limited. I'll be back...

Art of MBB

This isn't the first time you've read me raving about my Sweet♥ and his amazing God-given gift to be an awesome artist! Now he has a store where you can purchase prints. Before I show-off some of his art, I'll show off a piece of his heart.

He makes wonderful text art, too. = )

And now, here are some things he's been working on:

3 & a 1/2

This blog was born in June of 2009, which makes it 3 1/2 years strong! I didn't even realize that until this post.

THANK YOU...

that's a big thank you to YOU for walking with me on this Virtuous Journey!

2013. Wow. I'm feeling that Great Things are in store for this year & that's on the strength of the Great God that I serve. 2012 was truly a "set-up" year as I underwent some real character building experiences. 2012 was a heavy weight that I could not lift in the first quarter, but by the 4th I was able to do enough reps to build solid muscle. Now, in 2013, I'm stronger than ever - by the Grace of God! 2012 set me up to withstand anything & succeed in everything that comes my way in 2013 and beyond. 

http://themadeshop.goodsie.com/2013-linear-calendar

I spotted this calendar during my Flipboard travels and I was intrigued. This is definitely an interesting calendar layout and it grasped my attention...for longer than I anticipated. I think it's simplicity shows just how quickly an entire year can pass. This calendar, if it were hanging on your wall, would show you your whole year at a glance. If you X'd off the days that go by, it would seem to take forever, but soon you'd see that there aren't that many days left. Hmm...

That's life. A vapor. Who is to say that you will even see all those days on that calendar? Hmm...

So today, and everyday that God allows us to see, let's live it for Him in a way that is pleasing to Him. Sure, there will be attitudes, violence, trials & tribulations - all the things that this fallen world has to offer. But ultimately, there's Jesus Christ, who died a horrendous death on a cross so that we don't have to pay the penalty for sin which is eternal separation from the Father. Jesus' death is worth withstanding anything these calendar days throw at you because in the end you will be in a glorious, peaceful, "the-bestest-greatest-thing-you-can-imagine-and-it's-better-than-that" place called Heaven. That's where the Father is and where anyone would want to spend eternity. The only other choice for eternity is hell.  

A closer pic. Pretty decent, right?

Nike x Doernbecher

I ♥ Nike. I do.

Here is another reason to love this innovative brand.





Doernbecher Children's Hospital, an integral part of Oregon Health & Science University, provides cancer treatment, specialized neurology care, heart surgery and care in various other pediatric specialties. In 2004, A Doernbecher board member, who also works at Nike, proposed that the two work together and the collaboration has been magical. Nike designers pair up with kids who have battled or are battling serious medical conditions to create shoes. Kid's are known for their creativity and so is Nike which makes this a beautiful marriage that should last a lifetime.

In 2005, the program's inaugural year, $145,000 was raised for the hospital. Since then, the Doernbecher Freestyle shoes have raised over $5 million for the hospital and its patients - even uninsured patients. Nice.

Visit ohsu.edu to read more about Doernbecher Freestyle and meet the 2012 designers!

Check out nike.com for some BTS of the 2012 Freestyle process.

Keep Reading to see last year's kicks.

DaySpring Notebooks

During back-to-school shopping last year, my mom bought our then 3rd grade son some DaySpring notebooks that feature bible scriptures and modern phrases that summarize them. I meant to post them then, but I didn't. The pic below are not his, lol; she was thoughtful enough to buy some for me, too!

iDig these and was excited when I saw them. I was even more excited that Kaelin was not ashamed to take them to school and use them. Honestly, I think I was more concerned about him receiving any negative responses than he was.
SN: God is always using our little people to convict me. Here I am wondering if he will be ok using them in school and he has the boldness not to care what people think! I pray that attitude about God sticks with him. 

The notebooks also have a QR code on the back for free desktop & mobile backgrounds.

Who doesn't dig free stuff?

Here are a few of this year's designs: 

They stepped up the inside of the composition books. There are helpful insights about life that are supported by scripture. That's decent. It's cool to see companies supporting youth who follow Christ.

These are available online through DaySpring, but we got ours from good ol' Walmart.

M. Brian Bowens

I want to put y'all on to an amazingly gifted artist.

pen sketch

If you frequent this blog, you've seen his work before. If your new to VJ, you will want to add his name to your memory bank.
His name is M. Brian Bowens.

custom tee; hand painted

He has a graphic design company called KingdomWork Graphics, with a clothing line called KWG. First & foremost, he is a child of God - that's always a nice bonus.
His work is getting popular. People are waiting in line to have his God-given talent grace their walls, their clothes, their clothing lines, their websites, their...you name it!

custom request of Swoope

Check out his work. Email him at mbbowens@gmail.com to get a quote and have your idea come to life. Or you can hit me up on Twitter or Facebook for more information on how you can be down.

In the words of B. Reith, "Better book him now before he gets too pricy, yup!" Ha, ha.

See more of M.Brian Bowens' artwork after the break...

(including a ridiculous rendering of one of my favorite 76ers)

Until I Pass Out

My Sweetheart, @B_Sketch, shared this vid with the fam yesterday & we LOVE it!

Uncle Reece is Maurice Hicks, co-owner of Without Jesus I Suck. I blogged about them in March 2011 because I loved the simplicity of the message on their shirts. I'm blogging about them again because iDig the zeal of this song & video.

THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! 

Worship until I pass out! 

That's some serious worship & HE is certainly deserving. I love seeing people passionate about Christ! 

I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. 

Romans 1:16

TOOFLY

With a name like that her work has to be. 

tooflynyc.com

And it is.

iDig this! This is SO my style - straight up.

It is always encouraging to see women operating passionately in their gifting.

TOOFLY is truly too fly.

Game On, World

iDig this new Nike commercial! I'd love to play in a real life version of video games I've played.
Although a little confusing at first, Nike has brought their NikeFuel agenda full circle - and I get it.
It makes sense.
Shout out to Nike for innovation - excited to see how far it goes.

As of today, all my runs captured by Nike+ translates to 113,931 in NikeFuel. Sweet.

The Nike+ Running site is being updated in phases. When they complete the Nike+ Friends section, look me up!

#GameOnWorld

Summer Mod

I strive to keep this blog's content fresh and updated. That has not been working for me this summer - lol!

My plan? An entry a week. 

You're probably as busy as I am during the summer. Go 'head...get out & enjoy the weather. That's what we'll be doing. And for that day when you just want to chill inside with the AC, come back & check me out.
*kool-aid smile*


Actually, maybe 2 entries - gotta keep #BoldAsALion going so keep sending your pix!

Also...If you're a pro Scrambler, like me, hit me up - my screen name is "toyx".
I'm nice, though...

iDig Scramble With Friends

Reading: FUNdamental

Poplar Library

iDig this library design.

I wish I could have gone to this library as a child. I'd love to go as an adult.
This library was created by SAKO Architects. If our family ever visits Beijing, we must check out this spot.

Keep Reading to see more pix!

Spring Kicks!

Yes, I'm a little late. I have so much time and little things to share - strike that, reverse it.
It is still Spring, though, and these kicks can go smoothly into Summer.

Puma x Undefeated Clyde: Ballistic Collection

iDig the classic look. iDig the colors.
I did not dig that they were only dude shoes, but ladies can get away with rocking them.

Then, I saw these & they are a touch sweeter.

Adidas Gazelle Ice Cream Pack

Firebird

iDig The Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky. It's definitely one of my favorite pieces. We played it in marching band one year & I've loved it ever since. It's a very beautiful piece of work. I found a piece of the Suite on YouTube - The Finale. It's great! Such a triumphant song.

If you've gone through anything, are going through anything, or you've finally come out victorious on the other side - STAND UP! Praise God for His grace that has gotten and will get you through! #ENDURE

You can listen to all 6 parts of the Suite on YouTube.

Coffee Stain Art

When I first saw this portrait my exact words were, "Wow, yo!" Every time I see it, I say the same thing.
iDig it! 
The artist is Hong Yi. Her gift is crazy.
It makes me marvel at our God. He created a woman whose brain came up with the idea to create a huge portrait out of coffee stains and with a coffee cup.
Our brains, our imaginations are so outta this world because an infinite God with an infinite imagination created them! Creativity is so awesome. We can create because He created.
I hope you enjoy her gift as much as I do.

Great Run, Pat!

BREAKING NEWS: Tennessee announced that head women's basketball coach Pat Summitt will step aside after 38 seasons w/ Lady Vols
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 18, 2012

Pat Summitt was one of the few people I admired growing up. Her accomplishments will affect the women's basketball forever.

I went to MSG to see the Lady Vols play Rutgers. 90% of my time was spent watching Pat Summitt. 

#ThanksPat