(faith + knowlege) - love = nothing

I consider myself fairly logical. I'm not one of those who go by a feeling in my gut. I rarely make decisions by feeling alone (I'm still a woman, ya know. It's kind of apart of the package). In school, I always liked math, as well as a psychology class I took. I think that most things in my life can be organized, analyzed, or simplified.

So is it any wonder that I broke up these verses into a simple equation? :

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so to remove mountains, but if I have not love, I am nothing.

Hence the title. Although I have been on this faith journey for almost eleven years  now, I still find myself trying to figure out the enigma that is salvation and the redeemed life in the fullest sense. I believe every word of Scripture, so I take great faith in the work of Christ and the inconceivable sacrifice of His own life. It's everything I put my hope and trust in, and everything I live for.

I don't try to figure out why He came or why He thought me worthy to die for. That's just it. I wasn't worthy. I'm still not. My puzzle is how do I best respond to this act of loving kindness? How exactly do I live my life in a way that pleases my King above all else?

This is where the equation comes in.

(faith + knowledge) - love = nothing

 

Order of operations states you must first deal with what's in the parenthesis. This means that you can have as much faith as you can imagine, or more...like enough to move a mountain. You can know all the characters and stories and wise statements of the Bible. You can know all the knowledge of the world. Add it all together, but subtract love, and you're left with nothing. Or something in vain.

Sometimes in my own personal Christian life, I think that what I'm lacking is more faith. I just need to trust God more, that's all. Which I do, don't get me wrong. I don't even have Peter's amount of faith which allowed him to walk the waters. Or, maybe I just need to study my Bible more. That's it. I need to spend more time reading, all day every day just reading and memorizing Scriptures. And I do need that.

But God says I need something even more. Love.

Love which never ends. Love which is greater than faith, greater than knowledge, than hope or doing good or trusting. Loving God, and loving others. Loving the sweet infant who only wants to be close and feel secure. Loving those we deem worthy, but also loving the unlovable. Those we don't think deserve it because of all of the terrible things they've done or the hurtful things they've said to us or about us.

However, greater than a lifetime spent reading and performing great acts of faith is one small act of love toward God or another. Did not Christ also say that when we have done something for the least of these, we have done it unto Him?

Love is the thing that motivates us to spread the gospel news to every soul that hasn't experienced the joy of salvation and the comfort of Christ's crucifixion. The greatest of all is love.

Deeper Than My Feet Could Ever Wander

"Go ahead, I'll meet you on the other side." This is what Jesus told his disciples as he dismissed the curious followers that had crowded around him. The disciples went ahead as their Master broke away to spend some time with the Father in prayer. They had no idea what events would fold before their eyes in the next few hours.

That evening, waves bounced heavily upon the boat that held the closest followers of Jesus Christ. Then, in the distance, they saw an image of what appeared to be a man. Or a ghost? The disciples cried out in fear, only to hear the sweet voice of their Savior calm them with His very presence. It is the same "I AM" that spoke to Moses in the burning bush.

It is God.

"Lord, if it is You, command me to come to you on the water." Peter called out to the figure. Who else would be so eager to prove himself to Christ, the others, or perhaps even himself? Regardless, Jesus beckons him to come. And he came.

Peter slowly stepped on foot out of the boat and felt the salt water wet against his skin, perhaps a hundred feet or more above the bottom of the ocean, and yet it is as solid as the sand that the waves kiss at the shore. But Peter thought of none of this as he defied the laws of density and took one step, then another, and another and his eyes are only on the God-man.

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew across Peter's face and he began to feel water not only on his feet, but ankles and legs. He began to sink. "Lord, save me!", Peter cried out and Christ surely lifted him up. He would never leave him to drown. What reason would Peter have to doubt?


I know for certain if I were one of the disciples in the boat, I would not have been the one to step my foot out. I recognize this lack of faith in my own heart. I would be quick to encourage another to take that step of faith and allow myself to sit back and witness the miracle being performed before my eyes all within the safety of the boat.

But is that truly where the safety resides? In the boat? Is the boat the safest place to be, with only pieces of wood nailed together to support this house that holds my soul?

Or is it on the waters, where waves crash hard and where proven laws of science state that I cannot walk? Is that not where my Savior is?



Miracles are occurring all around me everyday. More often than not, they go unnoticed. Or maybe I get too used to their existence. But what miracles wait for me to just say "yes" to the gentle pull of God on my soul? Indeed, they may seem dangerous. Opportunities that bring the fears that plague my spirit along with them. But...what if I say yes? What if I, knowing the danger and fear and all else that is certain to come along with the package, say yes anyway? What miracles would I have the opportunity to experience?

Winter Wonderland Christmas Decor

Can you believe that Christmas is only a week away? I've done all of my Christmas shopping, except for one gift card that I need to pick up this week. Other than that, I'm done. And most of it is wrapped. Now I can sit back and enjoy the last few days of the holiday season rather than including myself in the last-minute-frenzy.

This past weekend we finally put Christmas decorations up at my house (I'll try to get some pictures to come) and during the process I made a few realizations regarding my own personal decorating taste.

For one, I don't like Santa Clauses. I don't believe in hiding the fact that Santa isn't real from kids. I mean, why would you want to let him get the credit for the presents you bought for them with your own hard-earned money? That's just me. I also think it's important to emphasize that Jesus is the reason for the season. Especially to young kids, and the whole Santa idea takes away from the real reason we celebrate Christmas (I know it's kind of cliche, but seriously). I don't necessarily see anything wrong with incorporating a little Santa fun with the Christmas traditions as long as Jesus Christ is magnified first and foremost this holiday season.

Okay, rant over. Back to the point of this post :) ...

In my own home someday, I plan to decorate with snowmen, snowflakes, and items that point more toward the real reason we should celebrate Christmas. I also like the idea of doing a "winter-wonderland" for the fact that you can keep it all up after the holiday, too. I lean more toward neutral colors like white, gold, and silver while adding some red and blue accents for color.

Here are a few things I pinned on my Christmas pinterest board that sum up my holiday decorating style:

          

               

Cute, isn't it? The holiday decor was already 50 percent off at Target today so I picked up a few things I could keep and use in my own Christmas decor in the future.  Maybe after Christmas I'll be able to score a few more things like ornaments marked down even further. I plan to do a post on that after Christmas :)

I hope you have an especially wonderful Christmas this year and that you allow all of the seasonal magic to point back to the Christ that was born to pay the price of our sin many years ago.

The Journey of Becoming a Godly Homemaker Part 2

In my last post, I talked about some things I'd like to learn during this season of singleness (technically in a relationship but unmarried) while I have have many less responsibilities and much less stress.

Since I was about 14 or 15 (or so?) I started collecting a few items in a "hope chest" to save for when I get married one day. Has anyone else done this? I have a few holiday and holiday decorations, some dishes, and other things I'll be able to use in my own house someday. Many of these things were given to me, found on major sale, or bought at some sort of thrift store. I figured this would save me serious money down the road.

Here I will make a list of tangible items that would be good to add to my collection of things that would be useful in my future home someday:

1. Cookbooks
2. Christmas ornaments
3. Picture frames
4. Coffee mugs
5. Dishes
6. Kitchen towels/potholders
7. Blankets
8. Candles
9. Little things to fill shelves
10. Things to hang on the walls
11. Kitchen placemats
12. Baskets
13. Pillows
14. Coasters
15. Canisters I have some of these that I want to paint and put chalkboard labels on
16. Bedspread I actually just bought a cute comforter set a few months ago that I plan to use

Like my other list, I will be marking things off/adding more things! Let these two lists be inspirational to you as to what you may want to save for when your "one day" comes! And feel free to share any other ideas of things that would be useful to a future homemaker :)

The Journey of Becoming a Godly Homemaker Part 1

I've always been the type that likes to know what's coming. I'm a planner for sure. Spontaneity? Not quite my thing. I like to know what's coming ahead and how I can best prepare for it. I am, however, working on having a more go-with-the-flow mindset. Life is full of the uncertain, unplanned, and unprepared for. The truth is that I can't know how anything's going to turn out, but I can hope and prepare for the best, right? Right.

At twenty years old, I don't know for certain what lies ahead for me, but I do hope that a part of the grand plan God has for my life includes marriage and having a home and family of my own someday. I recognize this season of my life to be a very special time that I will never regain during my lifetime. It is a time to prepare. I desire that God would help me to use this special time to cultivate me into becoming the best wife, mother, and homemaker that I could possibly be one day if and when that time comes

Here are a list of goals, which I will be striving to work on while I am still unmarried.

1. Get into the habit of making my bed everyday first thing (Something I'd not like to admit I struggle with)
2. Make a recipe book
3. Have at least 15 meals that I feel completely comfortable making
4. Learn to make homemade cookies, bread, brownies, and cake.
5. Learn home decorating skills
6. Learn to make no-sew pillow covers
7. Learn to make jewelry
8. Learn to make little girls' bows
9. Make homemade detergent and house cleaners
10. Make my own soap
11. Collect more books for children (especially Bible stories)
12. Read 5 books on being a Godly wife
13. Read 2 books on being a Godly mother
14. Go back to college and finish a degree
15. Gain much more financial wisdom
16. Learn to make a detailed budget and stick with it
17. Put money into my savings account with every paycheck and let it build
18. Learn couponing skills
19. Become more organized
20. Read more fiction books
21. Know what makes a good hostess
22. Be more kind, gracious, humble, and forgiving
23. Refrain from gossiping. Learn that it is often better not to say anything at all.
24. Collect some potential holiday traditions


I will also be adding to this list, but hopefully also crossing many of them off! What are some goals you would like to work on to become a good, Godly homemaker one day? :)

Raving

Two wonderful things happened this past weekend. 1. I saw Catching Fire.  2. I started reading the Divergent series.

I read the first book in 2 days and the second book in 4. I could have read the second in three, but my forgetful self left my book at work last night...right on the shelf. Each book is about 500 pages. To state the obvious, they were awesome.  

This morning I arrived at work and headed to the toddler room where I start and end my days. Thankfully, my book Insurgent was right where I thought it was...in the toddler room. Another girl I work with was already in the room and my mouth dropped open when she said she had never heard of the Divergent series...or The Hunger Games.

Where have you been hiding? Under a rock?

Of course I didn't say that out loud. But seriously?


First off, the Catching Fire movie was seriously amazing. I could go on and on for hours about how close the events in the book matched exactly what I envisioned while reading the book. I was already impressed with the first book with how closely the characters matched the books' description of what the characters looked like. I think that's very important. Honestly, in the book, I hated Finnick. Like, really hated him. I didn't like him much in the movie at first, but I was able to trust him much more quickly. (Living in the book, much?) I could tell they really stepped up their game with the second movie when it came to graphics, costume, etc. The Hunger Games was super popular, so I'm sure they had more money to play with this time. People liked the characters they chose, so this one was almost given to be just as...if not more...popular.


Now for the Divergent serious. I. could. not. stop. reading. I've only read the first and second but they've been the best books I've read since the Hunger Games trilogy. I cried at the end of The Mockingjay. I don't cry at the end of a book or movie. I never had before that one.

The difference in my opinion? The Hunger Games was more emotionally enticing (hence I cried) while the Divergent series is much more involved in intellect. The Divergent series was full of so much psychology. I took a psychology class in high school and became so fascinated with how the brain works. The mind truly is an amazing thing. I have enjoyed putting the pieces together in this series, and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the third and final book!

Who else who read this series fell in love with Tris and Four? Especially Four? Four is so strong and brave, and yet doesn't mind showing all his weaknesses in front of Tris. And then she became his greatest, and possibly only, weakness. I liked their romance more than Katniss and Peeta's.

My beef with what I've seen of the Divergent movie, like many others, is that the characters aren't what I envisioned. At all. I plan to forget my own perceptions the books' descriptions and see the movie with an open mind. It comes out in March, very close to my birthday, so I will be seeing it for sure then! I can hardly contain my excitement.

I love a good series, but who doesn't get all nostalgic when it's all over? I will attempt to savor the last book of the series while I am still ignorant of how it all ends.

While there's still much, much more to feel and discover.

Nineteen Degrees

It was 19 degrees outside when I woke up this morning. Brrr.

Where did fall go? Thanksgiving is this week and I'm so excited about the time I'll be off work and with my family.

It's technically still fall, but here are some things I love about winter :

1. Bundling up! Heavy coats, scarves, gloves, hats, boots :)

2. Seat warmers in my car (LOVE this feature!)

3. Peppermint Mocha creamer in my homemade coffee

4. Starbucks anything. I love Starbuck's white chocolate mocha year-round (my fave), but it's somehow so much more delicious when the temperature comes down outside! Side note: I had a white chocolate mocha from McDonald's this morning also (later after the Peppermint Mocha...) and it wasn't that great. I'd rather splurge another dollar and get one from Starbucks. Their hot chocolate is good too for you non-coffee people out there. I feel deeply for you. Truly.

5. Cozy-ing (so not a word) up on the couch with a blanket, a good book, and a cup of coffee. Or even swap the book for a good movie. Or the cup of coffee for homemade hot chocolate.

6. Christmas music. Yes, I have already started listening to it. Especially Michael Buble. Enough said here.

7. Holidays coming up! This means Christmas shopping. I love shopping, even when it's not for myself ;)

8. Christmas parades!

9. Christmas lights. Okay...it's a little early to be even talking about this. But starting next week, perhaps?

10. Charlie Brown holiday specials.


And I made it to ten. My plans for this week? Work through Wednesday, church Thanksgiving dinner Tuesday night, Thanksgiving with family Thursday, Black Friday shopping and Catching Fire on Friday!

May the odds be evah in your favor.

Making the Most of My Closet

I have come to reeeeally love blogs. I have a list of blogs that I look forward to reading on a daily basis, which I actually wrote about here. Of course I've mentioned The Small Things Blog is my absolute favorite. If you've somehow haven't experienced the greatness that is Pinterest, and you therefore haven't seen her many hairstyling tutorials, she's definitely worth checking out! She's the best at natural-looking makeup tutorials. They have pretty much changed my life...dramatic much?

I love reading about all types of things, like encouraging spiritual posts, delicious recipes, crafts, and clothes. I really enjoy the blogs that inspire me to mix things up a little in my closet or try out things that I wouldn't usually wear.

In fact, I just read an old post of Janssen's about how she ruthlessly took the plunge to go through her closet and get rid of things that she never wears (twice, actually!) I really related with her when she said she hates to throw out things because she equates it with throwing out money. Unless an article of clothing has a stain that won't come out or a rip of some sort, I usually won't throw it away right away. I'll stare at the piece, wondering if there is some way, some how, that I could just make it work.

But then I realize that I just don't like it. It's that simple, huh? So why do I allow it to take up a hanger in my closet that could be used by an article of clothing that I absolutely love?

That's my plan for slowly perfecting my wardrobe. I want it to be so much easier to put together outfits, and I want to have a closet that can be easily mixed up to create many different options.

Some tips I've learned from blogs:

1. Neutrals are your best friend. The great thing about neutrals is in the name itself : they go with anything...include each other! If you have a closet with mostly neutrals, you can basically mix and match your entire closet to create endless outfit possibilities.

2. You can't go wrong with solids. Once you've laid a good foundation of neutrals, the solids will be a second group that you can bring into the mix.

3. Don't have too many different patterns. This is really a tip I'm going to try to apply to my own wardrobe. I feel like it's going to work for me...so do what you feel is best for you! A wild patterned blouse could really go well with a solid black skirt, but it may not match much else in your closet. My plan is to stick with only two of my favorite patterns: polka dots and stripes (for the most part...I will probably still have some other patterned options, but very few). Pattern mixing is huge right now, and polka dots and stripes are easy, classic patterns that will probably never go out of style. I really don't ever wear plaid to be honest, but that would be another easy pattern to mix. Gingham is another favorite :)

4. Have a good selection of accessories. Necklaces, earrings, belts, bags...you name it! They are an easy way to add a little fun to an overall simple wardrobe.

The Habitual Meek and Quiet Spirit

I'm your typical girl. I love shopping, makeup, getting dressed up, learning new hairstyles. (Let's just sum it all up in the one simple word, Pinterest, shall we?) Sports and the other "guy stuff", eh whatever.

I believe God made us women with the intention that we should be beautiful. Beauty in of itself is not a vain or negative thing whatsoever. God is the epitome of beauty, and He chose to showcase His beauty in creation : the museum that is this world. We women are meant to be part of His museum - each of us capable of manifesting a unique portrait of the beauty of God.

1 Peter 3:3-4 says:

Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of hair and putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear - but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

 1. God intends for women to be feminine. You would think this would be more obvious than it really is. Men are meant to be manly, strong, and confident. Women are meant to be sensitive, lovely, fragile, and of all things, feminine. Women have adapted the mindset that femininity equals weakness, but that is not true. Godly femininity is so strong it has the ability to help shape men to be the men that God intends for them to be, the men that we desire for them to be. If women try to be like men, then what are men left to be? Allow (and encourage!) the men in your life to be the manliest they can be simply by being the most feminine version of yourself you can be.

2. There's nothing wrong with making yourself look good! Do not be deceived to believe that God doesn't want you to do your makeup or hair or care about what clothes you wear because those things are "wordly". He just said not to rely on those things alone to make up your beauty. Nothing ruins a pretty face more than an ugly, angry look. So...take care of yourself! Put on a pretty shade of lip gloss, wear an outfit that makes you feel cute, and fix your hair if you'd like. Allow your outer appearance to be a mere visible reflection of your inner beauty.

3. Most importantly, work on the inside. Like I said previously, there's nothing wrong with working on the outside unless you do so while ignoring your spiritual beauty. The only way to attain true, lasting feminine beauty is through reading the Word of God, allowing Him to softly smooth out the rough areas in our souls, and through prayer. It is God's desire to use us to manifest His own beauty, so if we seek Him, He will surely answer us and begin to do a work in us.

4. Pray for and work toward a meek and quiet spirit. God names a "meek a quiet spirit" has a very precious thing in His eyes. Truly, isn't the most lady-like of all women those who are just that: meek and quiet? Quiet does not necessarily mean introvert! It doesn't mean unopinionated, either! We should certainly speak up for what's right as well as be able to talk to anybody. God uses those characteristics to draw the lost to Himself. A meek and quiet spirit is not concerned with others seeing them, but others seeing HIM. A woman precious to God Himself seeks that all glory be directed to Him rather than self.

I pray that God would continually mold me to be a woman who is kind, sincere, gentle, has a quiet voice, laughs often, smiles at strangers, is humble, knowledgeable, organized, goal-driven, encouraging, and who, most of all, loves Him supremely and has a desire to share the love He has given me to the world.

How about you? :)

Near the Brokenhearted

During my time attending a Christian college right out of high school, I had the privilege of developing close friendships with girls my age who loved God supremely. I recognize this as a true blessing from God, since I attended public school and therefore had very, very few Christian friends in my teens that I spent time with regularly. Perhaps my public school friend attended a church every once in awhile to flirt and hang out, but none of them had a similar passion and love for Christ as I did. He really used these close friendships in my college years to draw me even closer to His loving arms, and their counsel helped get me through my time there.

These girls are still close friends of mine, and although I don't see them now nearly as much as I wish, they still hold a very special place in my heart.

While reading over a few psalms today, I happened to come across a particular passage that a very special friend (who was also my suite mate my freshman year) pointed to me at a time were I was, to put it simply, absolutely brokenhearted. I find myself returning to the comforts of this chapter often when I really need to feel that God knows and He understands and He is in control of it all and with me through it all.

Psalm 34:17-22:

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

 I'm not sure that if my dear friend had not pointed me to this passage in my time of sorrow that I would truly grasp the meaning of this passage or hold it so tightly to my heart as I do today.

God hears.
He understands.
He delivers.
He is near.
He saves.
He protects.
God is very, very good.

I thank Him for allowing me to come back across these words in my own personal reading. I thank Him for godly friends.

The Fun Part of Fall

Who doesn't love fall? Leaves on the ground in hues of bright reds and yellow, holidays just around the corner, and pumpkin spice flavored e v e r y t h i n g .

Bring it on.

My fun part of fall, of course, is the cute clothes that come along with it :) Scarves, cardigans, boots, and jackets anyone?

Here are some things that have caught my eye:

By the way, no I didn't post links. But I did post the website store that I found these all, so you can easily search for them there :)

1) Chunky infinity scarf (Target) : Aren't they everywhere? I can't go into target without taking a moment to admire this scarf. It's a perfect neutral that would match just about anything, and it would work perfectly to do just what a scarf is supposed to do (keep you warm, duh).

2) Brown wedged boots (Belk) : I have a pair of flat brown boots similar to this that I purchased last year (my first ever boot, can you believe that?) but I've really wanted a pair that were wedged because they'd look much more dressy, but they would also be much more comfortable. I think they'd be the perfect completer for a dressy- casual fall outfit.

3) This peplum cardigan (Target) : I almost died. Grey + white + peplum + cardigan all in one? I haven't seen this in my town's Target, so I just may think about getting this online.

4) Brown mini-wedge (Target) : I saw these the other day at Target and thought I need these in my life! I love these because they're a mini-wedge that really almost look like a flat. If I do a wedge, I do a very mini one, as you can probably tell. I love the color, too.

5) Black opaque polka dot tights (Gap) : Ahhh I love these. I have found that tights are actually something worthy to be invested in. Cheaper tights will hardly make it through the winter. I love the size of these polka dots, and they'd make a fun piece to pattern mix easily.

6) Navy and white scarf (Gap) : Navy, white, and polka dots? Enough said.

As you can tell, I really lean toward neutrals in the fall. They're that much easier to mix and match. Of course, I still like color, but these are all very versatile pieces that make for an awesome fall wardrobe.

Happy Fall :) Now to go get a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks.

Abounding Thanks

God has really been nailing me with the principle of thanksgiving recently. He has blessed me with so much that I too often take for granted. There are times that I do not even notice His loving hand at work , and yet, He is always there. Always loving. Always on my behalf.

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught abounding in thanksgiving. -Colossians 2:6-7

I have received Him and He has washed my sins scarlet to pure, unmarked, untainted snow. He has made me not just a servant but a child. His child. He only asks that I walk with Him constantly, not too quickly to jump ahead and not lagging but right beside Him as He guides. Rooted and built in the faith, what do I do now?

Give thanks.

But not just give thanks. Abound in thanksgiving. Let the joy overflow from my covetous, conceited soul. Thank Him for the big and for the small, the noticed and the overlooked, all significant blessings in the eyes of God.

 

Life Lately...And A Little Grace.

Okay, so it's almost October and my last post (in which I promised myself mostly I'd be writing more) was in August. I should really get myself together. Maybe one of these days...

But these last few weeks have been crazy busy! I just recently started working full-time at my daycare (yay!) so most of my days are filled with childish laughter, sticky hands, and time-outs. Exciting, huh? I'm loving it. There's nothing else I'd rather be doing.

Of course I've still been keeping up with my favorite blogs, some of which I talked about in my last post. These people really make me want to go shopping which is an issue considering I'm broke! (Ha...no but really). I love getting ideas about how to mix up my wardrobe because I find myself buying something and re-wearing it the same way over and over until it wears out. Like, a lot.

Anyway, I've been reading a fantastic Christian book entitled "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. She is an awesome writer. Her style is very unique from many books I've read before which I definitely like. While reading I feel as though I'm reading a detailed journal about this woman's deepest thoughts and day-to-day events. The book is about recognizing the beauty and grace of God's gifts, most of which we tend to be far to busy to ever notice. She has such a unique perspective of the world in general. One of my favorite quotes from the book that I just read the other day:

"Humbly let go. Let go of trying to do, let go of trying to control...let go of m own way, let go of my own fears. Let God blow His wind, His trials, oxygen for joy's fire. Leave the hand open and be. Bend the knee and be small and let God give what God chooses to give because He only gives love and whisper surprised thanks. This is the fuel for joy's flame."

Pretty awesome, right? She talks much about why God allows the things in our life we would name "bad" to happen. But that's just it. We entitle things good or bad. All things God allows are for good. He has a perfect plan for everything if we just let go and let Him do what He intends because He only intends good for us. He only intends love and grace and joy for His loved.

So are you in the market for a good Christian living read? Here it is on amazon.

Hello, It's Been Awhile...

So I really haven't neglected my blog. It only looks that way. Honest :)

It has surprised me how I have become a huge blogger fan this summer not because of the things I get to write, but because of the blogs I get to read :) I get on blogger at least every other day, but usually daily to look over any new posts by my favorite bloggers.

Some of my favorites:

The Small Things Blog

Kate is my absolute favorite. Just ask my boyfriend Casey :) This is my favorite blog because this girl has the best makeup and hair product advice around. She also has amazing an amazing style (she shops at all my favorite stores: Loft, Target, TJ Maxx, so on and so forth). Also, she's a professing Christian who speaks often about her faith and loves Christ above all things. So yeah, she's my fave.

Putting Me Together

Another style blog by a girl named Audrey. She has the best tips for remixing your wardrobe by creating new outfit possibilities with things you already have in your closet. She's pretty much awesome.

A Dash of Ash

This is Ashley McNeese's blog. She's one of the very few bloggers that I follow that I know somewhat personally (or at least that I've met haha..). She graduated from the same Christian College I attended and she has great posts about teaching, fashion, and all things Disney.

I have several other blogs that I follow that can be found on my page, but these are the ones I've been into most lately. Especially Kate's :) I really expected to do more writing this summer but I've found myself too busy reading other people's posts...let's be serious. They have much more talent than I do! Hopefully this will be the kick-off to some posts I can write about things like my personal walk with Christ, teaching, clothes, etc. etc.

In the mean time, enjoy some of these lovely ladies :)

Etsy Wishlist...

I assume you've heard of Etsy. If not, you need to check it out.

 

Like, seriously.

 

I haven't bought anything off of the website yet, mostly because I'm a poor college student and I've snagged a few good deals in stores lately. (Like an 118 dollar adorable cotton dress from Belks for 17 bucks? Yepp, that is how I do it, guys.) A few friends of mine have purchased some items off of the Etsy website, and they said only fabulous things about it. Many of their items can be personalized how you want it, but you'll want to ask the seller before placing your order. The shipping can be a bit pricey, depending on the item and where you live, but many of the items I was interested in weren't all that bad.

 

After a little browsing, I've found a few items that have caught my eye that I would love.

You know, in case anyone feels the desire to make me a very happy girl :)

 

Chevron makeup bag for 16 bucks + shipping.

Not a bad deal if you ask me. My makeup supplies have expanded over the past months, so I'm in need of a bigger one. Chevron, navy, and pink? So made for me.

 

How cute is this summer dress? I'm in love with the stripes, plus I don't have one in these colors or anything like it.

 

More chevron. Too cute.

 

I found this cute cocktail dress for a decent price that would be perfect for Spring Banquet next year. I am definitely going to do a knee-length dress, so something like this would be ideal.

So modest too :)

 

Now this isn't an item I would purchase online. I can't see myself paying 60+ dollars for a wreath that I could easily make myself for a small fraction of that price.

 

This is more like inspiration for my next wreath project...we'll see :)

 

Alright, folks that's it for today. And if you haven't ever been to the Etsy website, I hope this convinces you to do so! Something cute is only a click away :)

 

A Snapshot of Saturday

 

Since my weekly schedule follows the basic routine of work Monday through Friday and church and Sundays, Saturday is usually the only day I get just to sleep in, relax, and hang out with Casey :) Can I stress how much I love Saturdays? Yesterday was as fun as any other. We had a big breakfast at home and we spent the afternoon out around town :)

 

 

Mocha Cookie Crumble from Starbucks? Perfect drink for a hot day.

Also notice: no braces :)

 

We also took a trip to Goodwill (Saturdays are the best because people usually donate most of their stuff on the weekends) and I got the 12th book of the Series of Unfortunate Events. I posted a few weeks ago about how I found the second book of the series there, so maybe I can look online and fill in the empty spots :) About a dollar for a good book? Sounds good to me! Of course the series is moreso aimed for a younger audience, but so was The Hunger Games, Chronicles of Narnia, Twilight (btw not into the vampire and warewolf trend going on right now) and countless others that have become popular among all ages. Anywho, I love browsing the book section to find a few good, cheap treasures for my own personal library ;)

 

Then we went to Gamestop and looked around at the games. I figured as much as he goes around looking at clothes and shoes with me, I could spend a little time in a store he's into :) I know, I'm an awesome girlfriend.

 

So this is a basic overview of how I spent my wonderful Saturday yesterday. Not the most exciting, but it was some much needed weekend fun :)

 

A Little Lace

This evening after eating supper, I had a few minutes to spare before I had to head to church...so where better to go to allow the time to pass than Target? Of course I headed straight for the clothing section and perused through their clearance section, and I found the most adorable lace skirt. Just so happened to be the same one I have had my eye on for the last couple of weeks, but now it was half off, 12 bucks.

Here it is, in all its glory.

 

I must admit this is my second lace skirt. My first is more of an A-line shape in coral but I love it. Lace + pink? So made for me.

 

Paired with a solid cotton tee and the right accessories, it's a sure winner.

 

I may even venture out of my comfort zone and try it with a striped cotton shirt. I usually don't mix patterns or textures but I love the idea of stripes on top of floral patterns or lace and I'd love to give it a try for a fun little twist :) I'm living life on the wild side these days.

 

 

Did I mention I'm getting my braces off tomorrow? Maybe I won't be mistakened for a 15 year old anymore ;) Pictures to come!

Summer Lovin'...

Okay, so it's technically still springtime, but summer break away from school is HERE! Can you sense the excitement?

I may love the winter clothing...ya know, scarfs, peacoats, boots... etcetera, etcetera...but the actual weather for which one would wear such apparel I am not a fan of. Eh, I'm a woman. I'm not supposed to make sense.

So what are my plans for this summer?

First on the list is allowing the sun to transform this ghastly white skin of mine. Perhaps a beach trip or two may be in order? Of course I will be working at my daycare during the week. I only have about two more weeks before my k5 students move on to the summer camp program. Although this causes a certain extent of melancholy within my soul to be losing a few great kids, I will be receiving a class full of new ones :) what teacher doesn't relate to this?

Our church is also having a women's Bible study on the book of Ruth. I've really enjoyed how God has revealed to me what a godly woman Ruth truly was. Her faith in God was unshakeable no matter what devastating circumstances came her way. God used her love story with Boaz to demonstrate the relationship between the Christ and His bride, the church. He is constantly showing me how unworthy I am of His love. As undeserving as I am, He still allows me to sit at His table.

Also...drum roll...
Thursday, June 6th at precisely two o'clock PM I will finally be getting my braces off! With two and a half years behind us, how will I ever be able to part? ....eh, I'll manage. Before and after pictures will be posted soon!

Banquet 2013: A Red Carpet Affair

So this past weekend was my school's annual spring banquet. The junior class chooses a theme and prepares everything and the rest of us just get to get all dolled up and enjoy it :) I'm a true girly girl, so any opportunity to get my hair done, put on makeup, and get all dressed up sounds great to me!

This is me and with my handsome date (aka my boyfriend Casey) Yeah, we're cute ;)

 

One of my good friends came to do my hair. This is my first updo and I think it turned out to be beautiful!

 

 

And this is me and my best friend, Auty :)

 

 

 

 

And these two are pretty cute, too.



 



Then on Saturday the school took a trip to Kings Dominion. I'm a total baby when it comes to rides. I wish I enjoyed rollar coasters but I just don't. I don't get the whole adrenaline rush, just the feeling I'm about to die. And that's just not fun. I did get out of my comfort zone and ride something that was a bit more exciting than the Scrambler or the carousel (I'm not kidding) and got on one that actually left the ground. I know, I know. I'm living life on the dangerous side. Let's just say that Casey witnessed a two minute panic attack.

 

 

I did, however, get a picture with Lucy :)

 

                                

         
Of the three banquets I've been to, this one was by far the most fun. I still don't think I've caught up on my sleep though.

 

 

We also had our Patch the Pirate Club performance Sunday night. Casey and I took on the teaching roles this semester and we had so much fun teaching these great kids the Word of God. What a privilege it is to be doing the work of the Lord! They did a great job :) Casey preached in the evening service on prayer and did a wonderful job also. It really opened my eyes to see how self-centered my prayer life can truly be!

 

Okay, so I know this post is super long but this weekend was just so packed! Only a little over a week left and sweet summertime will finally be here :)

 

 

 

Makeup Must-Have

Okay, so I had heard a lot of hype about BB creams recently and thought about giving it a try.

Yesterday  when I was at Wal-Mart, I saw that Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream was on sale for a little over $6 (usually just over 7) so I thought I would give it a try. Here's the link to find it online.

And...I loved it!

It works as a primer/foundation, moisterizer, and facial sunscreen. It has an spf of 30. (With my pale complexion these sunny days, that sounded like just what I needed!)

I am now in love with this product. It is definitely one that I will have to keep on my makeup routine.  In fact, I won't need to use foundation. It just takes a couple of tiny dots, so I know that I will certainly get my money's worth out of it. I then cover with a layer of powder and...done! :) Just add a bit of mascara and eyeliner and you're good to go.

And let me tell you, I'm not one of those girls who buys a ton of makeup products. In fact, when it comes to makeup, I keep it simple and cheap. When you consider what great use you will get out of it though, 6 dollars isn't bad at all!

There are other brands who also sell BB creams of course. Maybe I'll venture out and try another brand when this one runs out, who knows! BB creams in general offer so many perks that they're a must-have for every girl's makeup bag.

Friday, Friday, Friday!

Okay, so did I mention that it's Friday?

I'm not sure if I have longed for this particular day of the week so badly in quite some time!


Quick recap of the past week:
 
This was the first full warm week of the year :) I must brag that I got a bit of a tan on the playground this week (while at work of course)...of course my "tan" is equivilant to most peoples' complexion in the middle of December. Ha!

This week was camp meeting at school. It's an annual conference that includes lots of fantastic music and awesome preaching. I really enjoyed all the sessions that I was able to attend around my work schedule. Also, I was able to enjoy some quality time with some of my good friends at school that I don't get to see as often now that I live at home. As much as I enjoyed the speakers and challenging music, I must admit the break away from classes was far from a break! I suppose you can see my reason for absolute excitement for the weekend :)

I also played keyboard for the first time in chapel today! As intimated as I was when I was first offered the opportunity to play, it really wasn't bad at all. It has certainly improved my sight reading skills. I'm so thankful God has privileged me with the talent and opportunity to play the piano. It's definitely something that can be greatly used for His glory! In fact, on the cover of my piano binder reads, "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent." Music is able to portray so much beauty. It is the clearest and most beautiful way to portray how we feel.

Okay, so off of my mini ramblings about piano and school. Driving to work today from school, I came into a huge storm. At one point, I had to pull over for a few minutes while the rain calmed down. As much as I love the warmth of the spring sun against my skin and bright spring colors and floral patterns, I absolutely detest this side of spring weather!

So four classes, five workdays, one chapel service, two papers, and one rainy day later, IT IS FINALLY THE WEEKEND! :)

Oh, summer days, how I long for thee.

Goodwill Scores

On my day off of both school and work,, I found some awesome books at the Goodwill in town!

1) The Story of Jonah : I remember reading this exact book when I was a kid, probably a dozen times. I thought that I'd keep it for my little sister to read...or perhaps even for my own kids a very, very long time from now! Children should learn from a very early age of the importance of obeying God wherever He may call.

2) Red Letters : This one is for my boyfriend Casey. I hadn't  heard of the author, but according to the back cover, he is the president of a Christian-based child-advocacy organization that helps orphans in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Author Tom Davis urges Christians to truly live out the "red letters" spoken by Christ in His Word by radically and recklessly reaching out to the abused, lonely, and hurting.

3) Radical : I must admit I already own one copy, but 75 cents for another copy in practically new condition is something I just couldn't pass up! This is a Christian non-fiction must read, so I thought it wouldn't hurt to have a spare to give to someone who hasn't yet experienced its compelling truth.

4) Persuasion : A Jane Austen classic that I actually have yet to read, this was a deal worth snagging!

5) The Reptile Room : This is the second book of the "Series of Unfortunate Events" by Lemony Snicket. I would love to have the other books to complete the series, but this is a good start :)

6) The Devil Wears Prada : I've seen this movie countless times, but I was so excited to find the book! 9 times out of 10, the book is tremendously much better than the movie. Even that may be a generous understatement, because I can't name one movie that is better than its parallel book.


So there you are, folks. The best part is that I got all six of these books for only 75 cents each! This was almost as excited as purchasing a 12 pack of Dr. Peppers from Target today for only 2.75 :) What can I say?

 

six awesome used books + Dr. Peppers on sale = pure bliss for this girl