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It is my hope that through this blog I can share experiences and challenges from day to day life.

Friday, April 15, 2016

Beauty for ashes


It doesn’t matter what your size, any shape or form, most women at one time or another do not like what they see in the mirror; some are never happy at all.  This is sad. This is wrong.  This is not healthy.  This is a lie.

I had a realization, revelation, whatever you want to call it this morning.  I got up this morning, got dressed, made hubby lunch and coffee and kissed him out the door.  I then greeted children, directed them for the day’s activities, loved on my houseplants, and then I had to use the bathroom. 

Then I saw myself in the mirror. “Blah, what a mess.”  That was my first thought upon what I saw.  I got dressed and had not bothered to look in the mirror; I was not going anywhere.  I was focused on loving my family-prom queen not needed.  But as THAT thought ran through my head, so did countless others telling me why that thought was not valid.  As well as how so many women have the same thoughts or worse, daily. 

I know this, because I read it so often on media.  My usual thought to those with the same thinking is stop that stinking thinking.  Then there is the frustration with those that, in my opinion, are beautiful-and oh how I wish I looked half what they do.  I hear it or read it frequently; “I’m too fat,”  “the baby bump, marks,  ______________ (fill in blank) won’t go away;” And countless other thoughts of oneself that are negative.

There are equally countless things out there, claiming to fix ALL those issues. Some issues may be valid, but most are not. And most of the fixers do not address the HEART of the issue.  How many “perfect” people do you know, who talk bad about themselves?  I personally, have lost count.

So as these numerous thoughts ran through my head this morning, so did this verse from Isaiah 61:3.  “and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

The heart problem many of us share is not seeing ourselves for who we are, whose we are, and the simple fact that we ARE precious in HIS sight.  If I were a betting person, I bet that despite what we see in the mirror, despite what we may think, there are friends, and spouses that see us as beautiful, period. Even with major bedhead, or crinkly clothes.

The truth is Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised; Proverbs 31:30.”  I think that a woman who fears the Lord will always be beautiful, because true beauty comes from the heart not the outward things we see.  I also think that if we have negative thoughts of ourselves, that negative stuff can seep out and affect the outward beauty. 
There are enough negative people in the world spewing junk at us, and the world around us.  Don’t add fuel to the fire by talking badly about yourself.  That is not from God.  Those are lies of the world.  Just look into the eyes of your children they will tell the truth. They will and do love you just as you are. So does your spouse. So do your friends. Above all God does.

There is picture I see a lot lately of a young girl carefree putting a crown on her head. I really like the caption.  “On the darkest days when I feel inadequate, unloved, and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my Crown!”

Ladies, men too, straighten your Crown!

Okay, so we may not always like what we see in the mirror.  Seriously, yard work can be messy.  Painting can get messy. Caring for our child can get crazy gross. Looking in the mirror then, might deserve a personal reprimand to “clean thyself.”  However, never is it okay, to look in the mirror and tell GOD His work is ugly.  Last I heard, “God don’t make no junk.”

YOU are beautiful.  YOU are loved.  God is good and He loves you right now, this moment, in the middle of your crazy. He’s got your back, and there is nothing you can do to make him love you less.  We do a disservice to our friends and spouses when we down talk ourselves.  What your ears hear your heart believes.  We speak truth to our children and spouses and friends.  Speak truth you yourself and repeat as needed. Shout the mouth of the liar and do not allow him a foothold.

Straighten your Crown!  You are a child of the most high and he made you beautiful. Now go let your light shine.


Monday, February 29, 2016

Time Warp

The last 2 years have been full. I have thought often of posting but when I had a moment to sit, all I wanted to do was sit, which would often lead to sleeping or vegging.  I got on today to see if I could update a post.  I was honestly relieved to see that other blogs I follow were also several months or more since their last post.

Our baby turned 3 last month.   He has grown so much.  He is my cuddle bug and my constant shadow.  Although, in the last 3 weeks he has been testing the waters of his independence and begun to shine on his own.  He is quite the ham, and he knows how to manipulate to get what he wants, or at least look cute while trying.



I spent the last two years teaching again. 2014 - 2015 was spent mostly in the elementary schools, and fall of 2015 was spent in the High school.  I have learned a lot by my time in the schools.  I am thankful to be back at home teaching my children, as my husband started a new job in January. I am so excited for him. On top of the new job, he finishes his Associate of Science degree in March 2016.


My other 2 children are doing well, despite reluctance to do school.  Middle school has been fun for Josh and Shelby is plugging along in elementary. Caleb loves to join in and get messy whenever possible.

Now that things have settled down slightly, I hope to keep up if at least more frequently with posts.

Till next time....

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The Turning by Davis Bunn

The Turning
ISBN (Trade Paperback): 978-0802411686

304 pages
April 1, 2014 from River North, a division of Moody Publishers


The message was unexpected but instantly recognizable. 


A voice resonated from a distance and somehow from within.  Against all earthly logic, it carried a divine command.  And five very different people knew they were summoned to obey.

Their actions were demanding, but not particularly grand.  Only later would they see a pattern emerge - one that links their tasks together and comes to challenge the cultural direction of the nation.  They realize that one small personal response unveiled a new realm of moral responsibility.  And this affirmation of everyday hope captures the attention of millions.

Have you ever thought you heard God’s voice, but then decided it was just your imagination? Or maybe you thought you heard but were afraid to act? Maybe you thought you heard and felt compelled to respond. Davis Bunn has captured this felling and experience thru 5 individuals that come to together through no power of their own to stand up against something beyond them. How will they respond? 

Davis has me in every chapter. I fell I can relate to so many of the characters in some way. I really like the follow up materials that can help readers learn more about what taking the turning can mean.  Will you take the turning?  I received a complimentary copy of The Turning from River North Fiction in exchange for my honest review.

Video trailer for THE TURNING, by best-selling author, Davis Bunn.
http://youtu.be/oIP6FhBjgOI
Davis Bunn talks about his upcoming novel, THE TURNING.
http://youtu.be/e3dodFsx9WI

Read Chapters 1-3 of The Turning for free
Read chapters 1-3 of “The Turning” by Davis Bunn for free: http://statictab.com/fvrrsxz (Like his Facebook page to start reading.)

It gets even better!  Visit Davis Bunn's Facebook page next week. He'll be giving away copies of The Turning and will be kicking off a sweepstakes. You could win an Apple iPad Air or a Ryrie Study Bible, Moody Bible Commentary, and $100 Gift Card for ShopMoodyPublishers.com! 

One of my favorite authors! Check him out for a good read. He has SO many!