That's right. I did it. Something I never thought I would do. Maybe I will regret it, maybe I won't. It's too early to tell. Probably what I need is a picture taken. Then when I have had a couple of weeks to sleep on it I can look back and see what I did.
Likely I will laugh and say, "that's not so bad!" But the next time I try to do it, it just won't be the same.
I wore my favorite jeans with a dress!!! Ahh, there! I said it.
Not a formal wear to church on Sunday type dress, but an above the knee, cotton shirt-like dress. Pink.
You might not think that's a big deal, but let me explain. I have often wondered about it, and never been sure I'd seen it successfully pulled off. On the other hand I could definitely imagine it on a mannequin at New York and Co. or Forever 21, but at the same time, not everything you find on a mannequin should actually be worn in public.
In the corner of my mind I could also imagine someone thinking I was pregnant becuase of the "big shirt" effect: not cool. "But I don't look pregnant, do I?" (I'm not either, just in case that thought is crossing your mind right now. This mental rant is a normal occurance in my very UN-pregnant, female brain).
So, I finally decided I that since I wanted to wear something cute and create a new outfit from clothes already in my closet, I would hopefully be able to pull of the confident, trend-fashion gait as I left my apartment in a style I couldn't have imagined myself wearing 6 months ago.
And here I am. Sitting at Panera, enjoying this blog confession while simultaneously feeling "I did okay" and being grateful that I don't have a camera (and that I'm alone. :)
My wardrobe affirmation: As I walked into Panera, a lady walked out wearing (you guessed it) a long dress like shirt. The only problem...she was carrying a baby in her arms.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Promises in Truth
Psalm 3:3 "But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."
"Sometimes when you live by faith, all you have are God's promises"--Jarrett Stephens
How full is your memory bank: can you claim the Lord's promises from memory when things are difficult? Practice putting God's Word in your heart. Do not students practice for the ACT in prepration for college? Do not athletes train for the big game? Is it not wise to build a savings account for emergencies? Should we not fill up our memory in preparation for the trials of life? Be prepared. Hide God's word in your heart, that you might have truth at your fingertips to claim in time of need!
"Sometimes when you live by faith, all you have are God's promises"--Jarrett Stephens
How full is your memory bank: can you claim the Lord's promises from memory when things are difficult? Practice putting God's Word in your heart. Do not students practice for the ACT in prepration for college? Do not athletes train for the big game? Is it not wise to build a savings account for emergencies? Should we not fill up our memory in preparation for the trials of life? Be prepared. Hide God's word in your heart, that you might have truth at your fingertips to claim in time of need!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Results are in...
..."Following all that the Lord my God has commanded" and not turning "to the right or to the left" is quite a challenge. (Last week's memory verses Deut. 5:32-33)
Last week's scripture memory has been one of my favorite verses to think on in terms of God's will, and God's best. He knows what is best for His children, and sometimes it's as simple as obeying what He has already told us.
One big way that we can obey is to be debt free. It's hard. Really hard in this culture of 'have it now' and 'pay later.' But so important. This is a goal that my husband and I have been diligently working toward, and God is blessing our obedience already. Can't wait for the day to be able to say we are DEBT FREE!
Another way we know we need to obey is spending time with our Lord. Good, quality time. Oh, car conversations are important, and so is corporate worship and group Bible study, but we need to make time for Him on our own. Time to read. Pray. Listen. Obey.
House work. "What?" you might ask. "How is housework God's will?" It's a seemingly small thing butI think God considers it important. In it's place (not above family or God) it is part of being diligent and responsible for what God has entrusted us. Spending time dusting and doing dishes on a regular basis is a way to obey God by taking care of His gift to us.
So why am I going on and on about all this? These are some of the things that I believe take discipline in the Christians life. God's Word says to follow what God has told us, and not to get sidetracked by things on our right hand or left. And one thing I've noticed is that when I'm distracted from even little things like house work or saving money, other areas of my life don't run as smoothly.
A week ago, my husband and I sat down and talked about one area we needed to address in our discipline: watching TV. Although not bad in itself, TV for us was relaxation after a long day at work, but consumed our energy and time which affected our timeliness in chores, and time with the Lord. Together, we decided that during the week we would not watch any TV. Shows we wanted to see would be recorded and watched on the weekends (fast forwarding commercials), and weeknights would be spent taking care of our house, devos, couple time, and true relaxation.
And what fun it has been! By practicing discipline in one area, I have found discipline in many! I have had time to work out, cook dinner, clean up the house, play games with my husband and fall asleep as early as 8:30pm if I needed to! Such freedom! And another example of how God blesses our obedience.
So, two weeks into the memorization, and God is already at work. His Word is alive, and does not return void.
*************
My heart is burdened in prayer for several brothers and sisters I know facing health issues. Would you please pray for Matt, *Amy* and *Tammy* (names changed for privacy) who are facing serious health problems. Pray for God's peace that passes understanding, and wisdom for the doctors and family, as well as healing of their bodies.
How can I pray for you?
Last week's scripture memory has been one of my favorite verses to think on in terms of God's will, and God's best. He knows what is best for His children, and sometimes it's as simple as obeying what He has already told us.
One big way that we can obey is to be debt free. It's hard. Really hard in this culture of 'have it now' and 'pay later.' But so important. This is a goal that my husband and I have been diligently working toward, and God is blessing our obedience already. Can't wait for the day to be able to say we are DEBT FREE!
Another way we know we need to obey is spending time with our Lord. Good, quality time. Oh, car conversations are important, and so is corporate worship and group Bible study, but we need to make time for Him on our own. Time to read. Pray. Listen. Obey.
House work. "What?" you might ask. "How is housework God's will?" It's a seemingly small thing butI think God considers it important. In it's place (not above family or God) it is part of being diligent and responsible for what God has entrusted us. Spending time dusting and doing dishes on a regular basis is a way to obey God by taking care of His gift to us.
So why am I going on and on about all this? These are some of the things that I believe take discipline in the Christians life. God's Word says to follow what God has told us, and not to get sidetracked by things on our right hand or left. And one thing I've noticed is that when I'm distracted from even little things like house work or saving money, other areas of my life don't run as smoothly.
A week ago, my husband and I sat down and talked about one area we needed to address in our discipline: watching TV. Although not bad in itself, TV for us was relaxation after a long day at work, but consumed our energy and time which affected our timeliness in chores, and time with the Lord. Together, we decided that during the week we would not watch any TV. Shows we wanted to see would be recorded and watched on the weekends (fast forwarding commercials), and weeknights would be spent taking care of our house, devos, couple time, and true relaxation.
And what fun it has been! By practicing discipline in one area, I have found discipline in many! I have had time to work out, cook dinner, clean up the house, play games with my husband and fall asleep as early as 8:30pm if I needed to! Such freedom! And another example of how God blesses our obedience.
So, two weeks into the memorization, and God is already at work. His Word is alive, and does not return void.
*************
My heart is burdened in prayer for several brothers and sisters I know facing health issues. Would you please pray for Matt, *Amy* and *Tammy* (names changed for privacy) who are facing serious health problems. Pray for God's peace that passes understanding, and wisdom for the doctors and family, as well as healing of their bodies.
How can I pray for you?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
New Year Challenge
It's a new year and there are lots of things we as people try to do to better ourselves and our lives as we move forward with a fresh calendar. Amazingly, I have a pretty open calendar in the year of 2010 so far, but one thing I know is that I want to mark it up with scripture memory.
Most believers agree that it is important to memorize scripture, but find it hard to commit to, make time for, and follow through with. This year, ask God to show you how important it is to your walk, and commit to put His Words in your heart. No one can ever take away what you hide in your heart, and what goal for such a time as this!
"I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11
"They Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16
At the end of last year I saw http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/ (Beth Moore's ministry blog) where ladies across the globe had been working together to memorize two verses a month. That's my challenge to myself and to you this year. Choose two passages a month that you can commit to memory. I will post my verses here as I work on new ones every other week, and I would love to hear what you are working on, and how God is using it to empower your daily living!!
Verse one for me is found in Deuteronomy 5:32-33.
"Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess."
Ready! Set! Memorize!
Most believers agree that it is important to memorize scripture, but find it hard to commit to, make time for, and follow through with. This year, ask God to show you how important it is to your walk, and commit to put His Words in your heart. No one can ever take away what you hide in your heart, and what goal for such a time as this!
"I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11
"They Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16
At the end of last year I saw http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/ (Beth Moore's ministry blog) where ladies across the globe had been working together to memorize two verses a month. That's my challenge to myself and to you this year. Choose two passages a month that you can commit to memory. I will post my verses here as I work on new ones every other week, and I would love to hear what you are working on, and how God is using it to empower your daily living!!
Verse one for me is found in Deuteronomy 5:32-33.
"Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess."
Ready! Set! Memorize!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Jesus is the Reason for the Season
A friend gave me a copy of the following and I thought it was worth sharing :)
Can't believe we're ten days away from Christmas. I have done SOOOOO much in preparation for the special day and have enjoyed the season very much. However, there are still several important things that I had hoped to do waiting on my to-do list. I must buckle down and finish them up. In the meantime, may this make you smile as you take a moment to read it through, and truly rejoice in what it means for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior!!
Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
Santa lives at the North Pole
JESUS is everywhere
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS supplies all your needs
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks. . . and then enters your heart
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms
Santa Doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa says, "You better not cry."
JESUS says, "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength
Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
JESUS is still the reason for the season.
Can't believe we're ten days away from Christmas. I have done SOOOOO much in preparation for the special day and have enjoyed the season very much. However, there are still several important things that I had hoped to do waiting on my to-do list. I must buckle down and finish them up. In the meantime, may this make you smile as you take a moment to read it through, and truly rejoice in what it means for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior!!
Jesus is the Reason for the Season!
Santa lives at the North Pole
JESUS is everywhere
Santa rides in a sleigh
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water
Santa comes but once a year
JESUS supplies all your needs
Santa comes down your chimney uninvited
JESUS stands at your door and knocks. . . and then enters your heart
You have to stand in line to see Santa
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name
Santa lets you sit on his lap
JESUS lets you rest in His arms
Santa Doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"
JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.
Santa says, "You better not cry."
JESUS says, "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you."
Santa's little helpers make toys
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions
Santa may make you chuckle but
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength
Santa puts gifts under your tree
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree
It's obvious there is really no comparison.
JESUS is still the reason for the season.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
THankful that it's Wednesday!
God has been so good to me and my family this last year. It would take Santa a year to read the list of all the wonderful things God has done, so 5 or 6 things a day, barely scratch the surface. However, it is a way to summarize in quantities palatable to the fast paced reading culture we are in. Longer post for another day. :)
Windows: With screens so that I can open them and let the fresh air in. We have had wasps get in our house the last few times we have opened the windows (screens with holes) and so I've missed being able to open them this week during the nice weather!
Egg Nog: Last year I didn't have any, and so this year I bought it early. One sip and everything starts reminding me of Christmas!
Defrosters: THis morning was the first time I had frozen precipitation on my window...very thankful for defrosting capabilities in the car!!
New Curtains: Did some decorating last night. Guest room is now my favorite!
Earrings: Accessorize! I love being a girl and all the fun "extras" we get to use to express our style :)
Sanctification: My Savior always deserves the greatest thanks, and tonight I am super grateful for the sanctification process. I also love knowing that it is a process!! Each day is part of it, and we have grace enough for each day.
Dominos: The game that is. Good for days that you need to last all day!
Animals: I'm so glad that God loves animals...they are my favorite lap buddies :)
Yummy Pumpkin Dip: I love trying new recipes, and this one will make a nice Thanksgiving treat. Might raid the fridge for a pre-eating!
Windows: With screens so that I can open them and let the fresh air in. We have had wasps get in our house the last few times we have opened the windows (screens with holes) and so I've missed being able to open them this week during the nice weather!
Egg Nog: Last year I didn't have any, and so this year I bought it early. One sip and everything starts reminding me of Christmas!
Defrosters: THis morning was the first time I had frozen precipitation on my window...very thankful for defrosting capabilities in the car!!
New Curtains: Did some decorating last night. Guest room is now my favorite!
Earrings: Accessorize! I love being a girl and all the fun "extras" we get to use to express our style :)
Sanctification: My Savior always deserves the greatest thanks, and tonight I am super grateful for the sanctification process. I also love knowing that it is a process!! Each day is part of it, and we have grace enough for each day.
Dominos: The game that is. Good for days that you need to last all day!
Animals: I'm so glad that God loves animals...they are my favorite lap buddies :)
Yummy Pumpkin Dip: I love trying new recipes, and this one will make a nice Thanksgiving treat. Might raid the fridge for a pre-eating!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Mon-Tues-day of Gratitude
So, I missed yesterday's list due to a multitue of projects, so one thing I'm thankful for is the completion of those important tasks! I am a day behind an postin and will work on catching up :o)
Mom: My mom deserves a novella, but for the sake of a brief posting, please know she is amazing and has always done everything she could to show her love and support in my life. And she is coming to visit tomorrow!! M can also stand for Mother-in-law, of which I also have the best: her love and support of my husband as he was growing up helped prepare him for "us"--familial blessings all around.
One Skein Scarves: The perfect evening passtime. Both productive and fun.
Never ending security: Found in Christ and overcomes all fears and insecurities if we call on Him.
Dad: My dad is terrific, and I'm blessed to have him in my life. He too has done imeasurable numbers of things to encourage and support me. Can't wait to see him tomorrow!! My Dad-in-law is also a blessing. He lives out many of the same servant minded traits that I see in Justin. Praie the Lord!
Angle food cake: you can eat the whole thing and not even feel full :)
Yogurt: Braums frozen yogurt. Great refreshment any time of year
Mom: My mom deserves a novella, but for the sake of a brief posting, please know she is amazing and has always done everything she could to show her love and support in my life. And she is coming to visit tomorrow!! M can also stand for Mother-in-law, of which I also have the best: her love and support of my husband as he was growing up helped prepare him for "us"--familial blessings all around.
One Skein Scarves: The perfect evening passtime. Both productive and fun.
Never ending security: Found in Christ and overcomes all fears and insecurities if we call on Him.
Dad: My dad is terrific, and I'm blessed to have him in my life. He too has done imeasurable numbers of things to encourage and support me. Can't wait to see him tomorrow!! My Dad-in-law is also a blessing. He lives out many of the same servant minded traits that I see in Justin. Praie the Lord!
Angle food cake: you can eat the whole thing and not even feel full :)
Yogurt: Braums frozen yogurt. Great refreshment any time of year
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