Top 5: April 14

April usually means reinvention. While that also holds true to September, April is a time to razzle dazzle your wardrobe, making it pop with freshness and effervescence that Spring brings.

1.

This black-and-white polka dot Lanvin sheath is a wonderful twist on the classic '50s style. It's one of those dresses that lifts your spirits and perks you up. If you really want to make an impression, wear some nice red heels--nothing major, but it will definitely turn heads. 

2.

How do I even begin to describe Carrie Underwood's bling-tastic (sorry, that sounded wrong typing it) mini dress? First of all, it does exude a boisterous personality and secondly, the interesting detail and colour makes it fascinating. Her shoes match and that brings an extra point to a dress made to disco! Again, a bubbly dress.

3.

This perhaps captures my clothing on a regular basis. Classic tweed jacket, a nude shirt underneath, a long simple necklace, dark skinny jeans, colour-blocked flats (in the style of Coco Chanel) and a white tote. Mandy Moore is a burgeoning style icon.

4. 

 

I like Brittany Snow's dress because the cut is modest, the design is flattering, and the look is overall classic. However, with the sparkly details, you take something of a bygone era and up the ante. The nude platform heels and black clutch shouts muted elegance. 

5.

Real life Betty Draper, aka January Jones, is the epitome of classic sophistication. What with the striped shirt, flared jeans, black sunglasses, bag, and shoes, she grabs attention with asking for it. That, my friends, is being cool without trying. 

Also, I should add that to whom it may concern, to who may be reading my blog, I just want you to know that due to my very busy and hectic schedule, cramming school work with university prep, I will not post as frequently as I have. Although I will still be blogging, I will take a short moratorium and focus on school.

Photo Wednesdays

Be Different; Be You

Superchick: I won't sell out even if the whole world thinks I'm crazy

Skillet: I'm at war with the world cause I am never gonna sell my soul. I've already made up my mind; I can't be bought or sold

There are countless ballads and rock anthems shouting the maxim, don't give in/be yourself/just be yourself, but in these turbulent times, when the media, the pressure your peers inadvertently put on you (or your parents) or the thought of fitting in comes in factor, just how easy can it be to truly be yourself?

In a word, hard; it is a constant battle to not give in, to not flow or blend in with the crowd just because it's "cool" or "popular". And if you have a religious preference or serve Jesus, well, then it's all the more difficult to stay true to who you are because you have a million and one other voices who are all that willing to pinch in their two cents of they'd like you to become. But what about you? What about your tastes, dreams, preferences, passions? What or who do you want to become? And once you have discovered who you want to be, are you going to be the real you? When everyone is dressing out of a Hollister ad, it's okay to look like Grace Kelly or epitomize the Southern belle look. When everyone is listening to nu metal or over-synthesized pop, be different and listen to old school pop (circa 1950-70) or Parisian jazz. When everyone is talking about becoming a cheerleader or the star of the track team, go wild and join the debate team or the photography club. When did it become a crime to be different, to stand out (in a good way), to mix things up (for a positive effect), to just be you? When the whole world is screaming to be someone else, to be someone different, why don't you be who God created you to be: yourself? Being yourself makes you different because you are the only one of your kind; you are one of a kind. Be true to who you are; don't give in to the demands of your peers, school, Hollywood just so you can up your coolness factor or be popular. You can't get far in life if you are not being yourself. Ask yourself this: Am I shopping at those stores because everyone else is shopping there? Am I listening to that music because everyone else is listening to it? Am I talking like that because everyone else is going that? Am I doing that just because everyone else is doing it? We are created to be different, to be set apart from everyone else, yet being true to ourselves. If you don't like listening to the popular music or you don't like the hottest trend on the runway, who cares? You make your preferences, not everyone else. Why do you want to blend in and be like everyone else when you can stand out and shine as you? Do you really want to be like everyone else, wearing the same types of clothes, listening to the same types of music, watching the same types of shows/movies, uttering the same jargon as everyone else and having a limited vocabulary? Are you mousy and timid because the world sees you as that so you comply with the standards of someone else or are you something totally and completely different?

I think it's time to rise up and be the person who God created you to be, to be the person you really are. People want different, people want real. There is enough artificial, fake, and plastic in the world and same, mundane, blending-in-the-background people that everyone wants something genuine, something real, something different. The world needs more different, more genuine, and real people because we are experts at concealing and it's time to break that facade. It's time to be different, to be real. People want a person who is unwilling to settle for less, who is unwilling to compromise their beliefs of morals when it seems easier to give in, who is unwilling to change their conduct just to fit in, who is willing to stay true to who they are, who is unwilling to change anything about them just because someone else has a problem with it. The world needs a people who is steadfast on their identity, unwilling to give to the demands of the flesh, and refuses to be something the world wants, rather than what you (and God) wants. You've  heard the phrase, "Just be yourself" before, but when did you start to live it? We are, ultimately, based on the decisions we make, choosing our own destiny (while God has a plan for each and everyone one of us, we can choose to follow or disregard it, making our own plans). Our decisions shapes our lives, including where to eat, shop, and buy, which subsequently will shape who you are.

Therefore, who do you want to be?

Raving about Florida!

Today is my last day in Florida after spending just over two months here. Foregoing the nostalgia I'm sure I'll feel, I'd rather reminisce about the places I've visited and that are worth visiting again. NOTE: The following pictures aren't mine (I would have taken some but for some bizarre reason, I never go to...unfortunately).

1. C'est la Vie Bakery

If you're looking for a place that sells delectable treats or if you're a connoisseur of fine pastries, then this is the place for you. With its impeccable pastries, cakes, and French treats, homemade croissants, croutons, and breads, it is a taste of France in southern Florida. C'est la Vie truly is worth the money, with its zenith-standard quality. It also serves breakfast and dinner, classic French style. C'est magnifique! Definitely worth checking out and stocking up on food and treats (because they run out. Fast.) They're croissants are sublime and the pastries are nirvana.

2. Premium Outlets Ellenton

If you are scouring for quality designer goods for a discounted price, this is one excellent place to check out. It has Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth, BCBGMaxAzria, Coach, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Brooks Brothers, Lacoste, Juicy Couture, Cole Haan, Perry Ellis, GUESS?, Ralph Lauren, Cosmetics Company Store, Quiksilver, Pacsun, and other stores. While I cannot guarantee that you'll arrive at a mega sale (but if you gauge holidays, Boxing Day and Black Friday are good days to check out for major liquidations), most, if not all stores, usually have at least 30% off retail price as well as 50-70% sale so you receive discounts anyway. Personally, my favourite ones to check because there always seems to be a sale is Coach (every week there is a 30% off clearance items which are reduced significantly), BCBG (has dresses from $49), and Cosmetics Company Stores (it has brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinque, MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Prescriptives for at least 25% off). A worthwhile experience.

3. Premium Outlets Orlando

While it has all the stores (such as Coach, Banana Republic, Cosmetics Company Store, PacSun to name a few...), this mall is more--how should I name it?--better in certain perspectives. It has Burberry, Dior, DKNY, 7 for all Mankind, Diesel, Elie Tahari, Etro, Fendi, lululemon athletica, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Salvatore Farregamo, Tory Burch, Barney's New York Last Call, and various other stores. So, as you can see, there are several brands that can be found at Neiman Marcus that can be bought for a fraction of the cost (I found a Marc by Marc Jacobs shirt--new!!--for $84 from $238). It's a really good mall to go to if you want to wise with your money yet still desire to look fashionable, as all of us do. Trust me, good mall. It has my stamp of approval.

4. Tampa International Plaza and Bay Street

If you like typical American stores, then this is the pinnacle of American malls. It has Macy's, Nordstrom, Dillards, and Neiman Marcus. It also has Zara, Hollister (on this particular endeavour, there were t-shirts on sale for $10, denim capris for $35, shorts and skirts for $20, and newer designs were 30% off), Abercrombie & Fitch, and a myriad of other brands that I fail to remember. Plus, if you're with your friends and you just want to enjoy yourself and have fun, this is an awesome mall to do that--it's massive. Plus, and although this detail is insignificant, I hear from various sources that when celebrities hit Tampa, this is a hot spot...I'm just saying...

5. TJ Maxx in Sarasota, Florida

You all know my amour for TJ Maxx but I have visited several others TJ's and none seem to be as good as this. Marc by Marc Jacobs swimwear in sale for $39? Tory Burch sunglasses for $35? Swarovski bracelets and necklaces for $50? Talk about a good deal. This TJ Maxx is likely one of the best I've visited so far. (I'll post an update once I visit a TJ Maxx in Virginia Beach, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City. )

6. Siesta Key Beach

Paradise. That is the only world that comes to mind when describing Siesta Key Beach. It has powdery white sand, turquoise water, a myriad of activities, this is a must-visit spot for adventure goers, or beach bums. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! The local scene here is superb!

7. HOPE Church

It went without saying but I felt that I should include it because it was worth it. A wonderful church with excellent worship, relevant message, and yummy treats and beverages afterward.

If you are visiting Florida, I hope you find this review helpful in assisting your decision of what to visit. I should caution that I spent time only in Sarasota and Tampa, not any other places. The aforementioned locations are worth visiting and worth your time.

:)

Be ReAL

Upon my arrival in Florida, my family vowed that this time we would spend time and go to church. I harboured hesitance and ambivalence towards going to church because if we found a church that fit with our spiritual walk, then it would be a bittersweet farewell for when we would have to leave. Of course, having a wonderful church that not only allowed us to grow but gives us opportunities we wouldn't otherwise have is a sad thing to adieu when it is a full country away. To be perfectly honest, when we first went to HOPE Church in Sarasota, Florida, I was flummoxed! Why? Because finally there was a church that believed in what we live daily. For once, we wouldn't be labelled as crazy radical Christians because we believe that Jesus is Healer or that His plan for us is prosperity. A church taught what Creflo emphasizes daily and is a confirmation that such a church exists and no one can tell me that such an aspiration is non-existent, since obviously it exists and flourishes. There are certain things I'd like to point out that really stick with me and, well, should be in Barrie too. So if my peers from back home are reading this, you might as well take note because there are certain important things that are lacking that shouldn't be...Although I will mostly digest the youth life in the church, I will attest to the church as a whole.

1. Aside from its multi-million dollar value, expensive equipment, and large lot, HOPE is a church that preaches the Word of God and believes wholeheartedly in Jesus. How is that any different that the churches in Barrie? For instance, HOPE church has life. It's alive. It's not a stagnant church, that sees going to church and reading the Word as a religious obligation but rather a joy. I sensed it in worship, in the pastor's teaching, and the way the church members live. I can feel life, true life, that is manifested in actions, rather than words. One colossal difference is that people live in God's blessing and The Blessing. The church believes that healing is part of God's plan for our lives, which is why at the end of every service, there is a healing service, laying hands on people who need physical healing based on the biblical principle of Mark 16:18; it believes that the Word of God is higher than any situation; they put more trust in Jesus than in doctors, bank advisors, or so-called friends; they refute the wickedness of the enemy, not allowing his attacks to prevail upon us; and, (although many will frown upon this) they dress nicely. Why would anyone care how people show up to church? Well unfortunately, people judge people based on their looks. It's something everyone wants to disregard but it's true. When the pastor talks about prosperity and how God desires for us to be rich and have abundance so that we can reach more people, it seems to be truthful when they own a nice home, dress in suits, and drive a nice car. Moreover, the church parking lot is always filled with BMW's, Mercedes, Jaguars, Escalades, and several Porsches. I've seen more than just my mom's Louis Vuitton; I've seen Chanel bags and even a Balenciaga. It's true that it's not the most important thing, but it does count. The teachings at HOPE brings life to your soul, encouraging you to rise above the situation and look to the Word of God regarding your problem. It's too late to preach about if Jesus really is the Son of God or God's judgement on us or sin. It's too late in the game to talk about it, what with people sitting in church, people leaving the church, and people departing from their faith because the church has nothing to offer with its redundant, mundane, boring messages. It's time to explain and describe the power and authority and what we have in Christ. It's time to be, live, and get real. Finally, HOPE delivers just that and it brought food to my soul. People want more than just talking about Jesus, talking about what He did (and skimming over it, reading it without actually paying attention to what He did and emulating it today); people want to see Jesus in action, practising what He did and doing it. It's not enough to say that "I love Jesus" or even minister to people with ulterior motives (such as having this attitude: "oh, I've lead/ministered someone to Christ; I've done my duty"). You have to love Christ in your actions. For example, going to parties, getting high, getting jacked up on alcohol, or fornicate and then exclaim your love for Christ will probably be followed with laughter and then, "are you serious?" You have to walk the talk. You're not perfect (no one is), but hey, you're pursuing a life of holiness--a life one with God.

2. It's been a while since I've been to a youth group. I attended one for a year but then my season was over so I subsequently left; the next one I went strictly for a guy (bad, bad choice); and the last didn't meet my spiritual needs and was ostracized for having "crazy" ideas such as believing Jesus is Healer, not the doctors [as a healer]. I've missed that atmosphere, where a hundred teenagers (the youth attendance is there, more or less) gather and bask in Christ's glory, admiring His love and professing His beauty. I've missed that, where people gather and have pure, clean, genuine fun. When I attended ReAL Sarasota, the youth group of HOPE, I felt at home. Not only is the youth room the size of most churches and congregations back home (that is both a complement and a sad reality), but these teenagers truly live a life for Christ. They are not sissy Christians, cowering at the moment to proclaim one's faith in front of your peers and in uncomfortable surroundings. They boldly take their place and lift their face, knowing their identity in Christ. They have several Bible groups; extend their hands, asking anyone if they need prayer (even when they're not saved); and they are not afraid to let the world know that Jesus saves. At Sarasota High, people lined up to receive prayer for healing (as people line up for food in the cafeteria), to have people lay their hands on them and guess what? They got healed. People lined up, asked for healing, and they saw the manifestation. I think it's safe to say that most of them received Jesus. Why? Because they saw Christ behind the actions, seeing the power of Jesus. Instead of hiding with the "Christian" clique, they emulate Christ's character and they go and healed people!!! The next time you wander down the hallways and you laugh with your friends, if you decided to go that bold, would they still be your friend? Or would they laugh at your ludicrous, preposterous beliefs? But what happens when what you say comes to pass? Mhmm...different story...For the weekly sermons, they talked about not being a sissy, cowardly Christian, living life in The Blessing instead of in fear, living your life saturated in Christ (instead of little sprinkles or a dip), explaining the power we have in Christ, and they believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Did you know that half of the youth group can speak in tongues and when the baptism of the Holy Spirit fell upon the place, more than 75% of people received it (myself included)? There is power, power, wonder working power in the precious Blood of the Lamb...yes, there is! I have an enormous amount of gratitude for being a part of a youth group that is not afraid of speaking their faith in their classrooms or hallways. There was a beauty pageant for the school (Sarasota High) a while ago and one of the contestants (a Christian) was asked, "What is your greatest passion?" And her response was "Jesus". Naturally she was kicked out of the competition but everyone knew her greatest passion and was not afraid to share it. Some people may not have liked it, but others applauded her and approached her, inquiring of her Jesus, thus receiving Him and living his or her life for Him. You never know the impact you have when you live your life completely sold out to Him, living what the world sees as abnormal but what God sees as obedience and seeing Christ as your Healer, Provider, Source, etc. When you are unrepentantly go out in the world with such an attitude, people will want it. They may not verbally declare it, but they certainly want it and because what you do clearly works, it will be easy to get to their hearts because you have what they want. Boldness gives birth power.

I am so blessed and profusely grateful to have found a place that believes that Christ is Healer, there is absolute victory in the Blood, we are created to live a life of blessing, and that Jesus loves us more than He loved His own life. While it is bittersweet to leave, this experience will not depart from my heart. Now no one can tell me that such a youth group doesn't exist. It does. And people flood in week by week by week. And it's not about youth attendance; it's about people growing.

This is who I am

I want to make something perfectly, crystal, and wholly clear: I am an unabashed, unrepentant, and obedient lover and follower of Jesus Christ. Maybe you stumbled across this blog for whatever reason; perhaps it was purely by random chance or from obscruity that you have discovered my blog. However you discovered this, I am most privileged that you have entered my little "world". As much as I like to look at fashion, admire clothing, and listen to music, there is no one--I repeat--no one that I love or harbour more love and adoration that Jesus Christ. While the maxim, "go and be likewise" is a biblical truth, I am diligent to live in absolute obedience. And unfortunately, it's difficult to be 100% passionately following Christ when there are a hundred million different distractions telling me not to. Notwithstanding, I will say this: the core of my blog is Jesus. How I speak, how I conduct myself, the way I present myself and follow protocol, my actions, my words, and my life is surrounding Jesus--the Risen Son of God. I love Jesus Christ because He first loved me and with His extraordinary amount of love, He died for a hell-ridden sinner like me, and because of that, I will never ever be able to repay Him for all that He has done, is doing, and is going to do in my life. All that I can do is serve him wholeheartedly. Jesus is my Healer, my Provider, my Source, my Prince, my Best Friend, my Comforter, my Shelter, my Refuge, my Joy, my Rock, my Strength, and the Lover of my soul. Without Him, I lack identity and have no point of living. I love Jesus with my heart, soul, strength, and mind. If you don't like that, then you don't have to follow this blog or even view it. In fact, if you don't like the fact that I am a radical Christian who is relentlessly pursuing Jesus, then I invite you to click and view another page because you will likely not like the majority of what I write. If that is the case, too bad, because I don't listen to people's opinion of my in that regard. I am not going to change my life or how I live it simply because you don't like it. It is because of Jesus that my life will never be the same so I will not compromise my faith for some people who may or may not prove to be my friend. Jesus Christ is the only real Best Friend I will have. This is an open invitation: if you want to discover who Jesus is and what He has done for you, continuing reading. I will provide insight with love, truth, and authority. If you don't love or even believe in Jesus, then you can look away. It's your choice. But I've made mine and I will never be ashamed to proclaim that I LOVE JESUS CHRIST!!

Photo Wednesdays

Top 5: Stepping into Spring

Spring has eclectic meanings: for some, it brings memories of cherry blossoms swiftly flowing in the air; for others, it's reminiscent of rainy, gloomy rain showers that is penchant for SAD. Whatever Spring means to you, it's a new season--it's a new time, a refreshment, and a time of renewal. The snow has melted away and grass is growing while perennials begin to bloom, developing a symbiotic relationship. And usually, spring means warmer and warmer and warmer weather. But the weather seems to be holding off on you, bring constant rain and cloud cover instead of sun and warmth, you need another way to perk your spirits. One perennial spring trend: florals and lots and lots of colours.

1.

I generally gravitate towards pops of colour, especially when the surrounding vista is dark and gloomy. Amy Adams's ensemble is the perfect remedy for the rainy blues and it is the perfect look for a stroll around the park. Fun and fresh. I suppose Jason Segal's blue suit might help matters. 

2.

Usually, Whitney Port creates looks that I would not normally wear. However, she does usually wear fun clothing that makes me want to blast some Icelandic electronic music and dance. This dress is no exception. I like the bubbles (I think they're bubbles) on her dress because it's humorous and lightens the mood. Plus, it's really fun. Personally, I would have pulled my hair into a messy knot and wore a different coloured clutch, but hey, the dress is a keeper. 

3.

I can't wear orange. I really can't because my tanned, olive complexion won't allow it, so imagine my dismay when I see a nice orange ensemble (who knew such a thing existed?) on Emmy Rossum. The colour blocking is flattering, the heels are complementary, and her earrings add a classy touch and pop against her dark tresses. It's so pretty.

4.

What spring without a little retro fever? Lauren Conrad's photo shoot for the November 2010 issue of Teen Vogue is ravishing. While this may be directed for fall fashion, I like to think that this is more spring than fall, what with the flowery design on her dress and the pastel/nude hue of her flats. All in all, this picture sums up my ideal spring outfit. 

5.

Apart from the matchy flats and cardigan thing going on, it's a typical and flirty spring outfit. Again, I would have opted for a red cardigan and a pair of coloured heels, bringing more life into the outfit but that is only my personal opinion. I generally like it so I can tweak it in my mind.

BONUS!

6.

I know, I usually have only five for my Top 5 but this week, I couldn't decide on just five. Emma Roberts's top is legitimately my favourite thing about her outfit. The leather leggings and matching hued heels may be a bit much, but the top with a pair of jeans and coloured wedges is absolutely divine.

7.

I can't amass the words to encompass my admiration for retro/vintage clothing. Moreover, I admire it even more when the fashion world (Teen Vogue, in my eyes) emulates that classic feminine look with recent and modern pieces that captivate poise and grace. Emma Roberts has just that in Teen Vogue's April 2007 photo shoot. The dress, the cut, the belt, the brooch, the hair! It's just amazing. I lack description because I am at a loss for words.

8.

This looks completely describes April weather in Barrie. However, Emma Watson makes it classy with her blue double-breasted pea coat and her messenger bag. Her makeup simple, her outfit takes center stage. And it looks so collegiate! Perfect inspiration for my university look...

Make Tomorrow Today

I agree; that title is utterly cliche yet very fitting. There is something I want to address. Christians in particular have a problem believing God for big things. If Bill Gates were to have one million dollars ready by tomorrow, it would be as easy as a phone call away. For a Christian, well...God, I don't know if you can do that, y'know? We are limiting God when God Himself is limitless! God cannot be measured in metric or imperial units! So when a Christian looks as a Porsche or a Jaguar, he has a very hard time believing that one day he'll have that. You recall that Scripture when Jesus is asked by a wealthy man what he must do to enter the kingdom of Heaven and Jesus' response is to sell all his things. Now, listen to me very carefully...that Scripture is under severe scrutiny and heavily misconstrued. From this Scripture, many Christians take in account that God doesn't want to bless us, that it is considered humility to sell all our things, live with burlap dresses and no makeup, and live as lowly as possible, when that simply isn't so. In the right context, what Jesus is saying is to sell all the things that he purchased or achieved or got without Him. Jesus is asking that man where his faith lies: in Christ or in his riches. He's not asking you to sell all your things and live on the streets like a monk, but rather is asking you to put a new mindset on, trust Him with your finances, and put away the old way of getting things, promotions, jobs, etc.

I highly encourage that when you look at a car or a bag or a house, you should say, "One day, I'm going to have that. Maybe not right away, but someday, I will." That's not necessarily the power of positive thinking, but rather planting a seed that needs to be harvested. You shouldn't have an idol in your heart, making that your ultimate pursuit, but you should remember that planting a seed is a start to something far larger than yourself. Instead of saying "Oh, I'll never have that/afford that" whenever you glance at something--let's face it and be honest with ourselves--you really like, say "I will have it one day." Because guess what? If your mantra is "I'll never have this or that", you never will! God is your only Source; He's not someone you look at when you're in trouble. He's someone you worship at all times because He is good all the time. Just because a circumstance arises and attempts to contradict that truth, rise above it and stand your faith.

Here are some of the things that I will own in my lifetime. Maybe not in 5 or even 10 years, but praise God! I will have it! And when I walk around in my designer goods and people ask me what it is that I do, I will answer without blinking, hesitating, or breathing: "Jesus."

A BMW 545i or a Mercedes C300

An Hermes turquoise scarf and a Birkin Bag, also Hermes

A Chanel 2.55 bag

The classic Chanel tweed suit, not the modern, avant-garde versions created recently but that original one that Coco Chanel herself designed, which is the epitome of French haute couture. Plus, it really is classy.

Harry Winston necklaces, whether sapphire or diamonds. 

Louis Vuitton travel cases and travel duffel bags--travelling in style and fashion.

Oscar de la Renta dresses that are fun, retro, and stylish all at the same time. And he makes wearable clothing that regular people can wear, not just size 2 models.

A pair of classic Christian Louboutin heels--not the crazy 5 inch heels, but wearable (albeit not so comfortable) heels that would nicely match my Chanel bag

A nice beach house in Florida or somewhere off the Gulf. Even though hurricanes comes and climatic weather occurs, my house cannot be touched because the Blood is on it and the enemy cannot even think of touching it. If the enemy dares to destroy or touch the house that has the blood of Jesus, the enemy will pay me back sevenfold. I have dominion and I employ that dominion wherever I go and live. (Don't understand this principle? Don't worry; I'll cover it in the near future so you can understand exactly what type of power you have over this earth and over the evil one.)

A beautiful Monique Lhuillier dress (wore on Drew Barrymore and Mandy Moore) or a Maresha dress (worn on Sandra Bullock and Cameron Diaz).

I will emphasize this point: There is absolutely nothing wrong with having nice things. Not at all. But when your desire is to make money only to have nice things, that's when the problem arises. God gives us things richly to enjoy. We acquire money so we can further the kingdom and go greater things here on earth, but Jesus, through His Blood, gives us channels to have and enjoy rich and lavish things since God is, after all, not stingy or frugal. He goes all out. 

What do you see in your near future in regard to things? Make a list and say that you will have it. Be aware that things might not happen magically (as my peers would mockingly exclaim) but you are planting a seed and like a seed, it takes times to grow and mature.