Amazing Savings

With a limited budget it's best to save where we can. Today I took my girls out for some after Christmas shopping. While we were out, I was able to pick up a few rolls of Christmas wrapping paper and bows for next year. By thinking ahead, I was able to save over 50% off the regular price. I got everything I needed for under $10.

This is a great way to get a head start on your next year's Christmas budget. Keep your eyes open for some amazing savings now through the end of January.

Red is lovely on you!

If you're like me the Christmas budget is tight this year. You might not have the extra funds to purchase a new outfit for that Christmas party. Why not add a red scarf to that old black dress, or white blouse. A red scarf can make it all good. A punch of color like that can bring a lifeless outfit or oldie-but-goodie alive again. Add a red gloss and some red polish and you've got a fresh Christmas look for that party. Way to be savvy friend, change it up for a low price.

Christmas Blues

For some, Christmas can be a time of sadness or despair. Many who have lost a loved one or are financially strained, can be burdened by the sorrows that come this time of year. Like Mary, our circumstances may not be what we had hoped for our life, or maybe we didn't expect this at all. BUT GOD, despite our circumstances, has a plan. When things seem sorrowful or our circumstances make us blue, we can rest assured that nothing is impossible with God. It is in the times of the deepest despair or longing, that we can find peace knowing that God is working in our lives. Mary could have been angry or frustrated in the sorrow of conceiving a child out of wedlock, but instead she chose to trust God in something she would not have imagined for her life. She recognized His power in her life and knew that she could trust Him in any situation even in this unfathomable birth. May we find Hope in this... that He is the same God who is as trustworthy as in Mary's time. He is Loving and has a plan to give us a future and a hope. He can make something that seems hopeless and impossible, fruitful and possible. Although we will never experience the miracle that Mary experienced, God's purposes are still accomplished through our lives.


Luke 1:37 "For with God nothing will be impossible."

Candlelight

Have you ever pondered the power of a flame. A flame, can be so romantic, beautiful and soothing. Yet that same flame can be disastrous, igniting damage for years to come. While we enjoy this beautiful season and many will light candles to set the ambiance for their Christmas parties or evening dinners, we should consider the power of the flame. God's word describes the tongue as a flame of fire, it can cause enormous damage, by an awful word spoken. In contrast, it can be the source of warmth, and heat bringing a soothing and beautiful sound. So when you go to light that candle consider what kind of flame you want to be. Do you want to be one that brings a cruel and unkind word or one that brings comfort and warmth? Lord, use us to bring warmth and kindness to those around us. Help us to remember Your Word and the power of a flame.

James 3:5-6 "So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness that can ruin your whole life. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself." (NLT)

Busyness A Foe

With the holidays arriving so quickly it is easy for many to become overwhelmed with the various to-dos that bombard us with each day. I tend to easily get distracted with the preparation of meals, gift purchasing and home cleaning. Phew, just thinking of it makes me tired. In these hurried times, it is best if we can take moments to sit and ponder why we celebrate and what it really means. One of the enemy's sly tactics is to get us so weary, busy and distracted that the meaning of each passing holiday is hardly a thought. We are reminded in God's word that in whatever we do or say we should do giving thanks and ultimately glory to God. Yes, even in stirring gravy or standing in a shopping line we have reasons to be thankful. Don't let these important times pass you by without truly reflecting on all that He has done for you, giving thanks in everything you do and say.

Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Just Do It

As my family and I watched the movie Evan Almighty, I couldn't help but ponder the significance of that movie. God, in His desire to accomplish His purposes, asks us to be a part of what He is doing. He wants to use us to change the world. He's looking for those who are willing to be obedient to His call, no matter the cost or how daunting the task. Whether it comes with ridicule or misunderstanding by those around us, are we really willing to do what He asks? If we are willing to live life in reckless abandon to Him, He will do something amazing. Lord, I am willing. Help us have the courage to be obedient to whatever You call us to do. Let us not be concerned with those who may be watching, but let us stay true to our purpose to bring You glory. Let us live like Noah, and just do all that God commands us.

Genesis 6:22 "Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did."

Genesis 7:5 "And Noah did according to all that the LORD commanded him."

Sweet Aroma

Potpourri, aromatherapy, and essential oils all come to mind when I think of a sweet aroma. In my years in the spa industry, the thing I most enjoyed was the aromas. There is something beautiful and intoxicating about pure essential oils. I can almost smell them now. When we walk through a spa or even a store that permeates with beautiful essential oils, we naturally want to stop and breath in. Paul, in Ephesians, describes walking in love as an offering and sacrifice to God. He gives the great description that it is a sweet-smelling aroma to God. It is clear that God too, enjoys beautiful aromas. He, all through scripture, describes burnt offerings as a sweet-smelling aroma. But here in the new testament, we see walking in love described as a sweet-smelling aroma. I knew aromatherapy was no new invention, it truly originated long ago for God's glory. If we walk in love, we will not only be pleasing to God, but also to those around us. We'll make everyone who comes within a breathable distance of us want to stop and breath in.

Create a sweet-smelling aroma in your home, add a few drops of Peppermint Essential Oil or your favorite essential oil to a tart warmer or a simmering pot of water. As your home permeates with a beautiful aroma, let it be a reminder to you to walk in love.


Ephesians 5:2 "And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma."

Self-Check

I recently was told by a friend, she was having a mid-life crisis. After more inquiry I resolved with her that she was having a life evaluation. Many times we find ourselves unsure, wavering or simply feeling insecure in our current state. If you're like me you desire God and Him alone, wanting to serve him in every way possible. Why is it then when we desire godliness, that we find ourselves feeling slightly off center at times? I think we've all been in this place. It is then, when we should take the advice of Paul and keep walking! Unloading unnecessary baggage, unimportant commitments and futile relationships, can keep us lite on our feet. Keeping our focus on what is important and who we are serving is key. As we journey through this life, we are to re-evaluate regularly what we are doing while being aware of our course. My desire is to be on track with what God has purposed for me and if that requires a regular self-check along the way, than I'm all for it! How about you?

Eph. 5:15,16 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

Display His Glory

God's creation is amazing! As the splendor and beauty of the Fall season flourishes around us, have you taken the time to enjoy it's beauty? Have you marveled at His splendor and workmanship in this beautiful season? Why not take some time to display some of the magnificent beauties of Fall in your home or space. There are numerous ways to bring the beauty of Fall into your home with little effort. Filling a large glass bowl or dish with pumpkins and gourds is an easy way to add a touch of beauty to your table or counter. Sprinkling some fall leaves on an already set table can add just a subtle touch of fall without re-doing you're whole decor. Changing out your candles to reflect Fall's colors and fragrance can be a quick way to bring that warmth of the season in. You can utilize nature in so many creative ways. For the more eager and creative woman, why not make a Fall wreath?! Gather your favorite fall flowers, leaves and ribbon and create a unique and decorative wreath all your own. However you choose to display His Fall glory, let it be a reminder of God's faithfulness to you.

Psalm 1:3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Rest In His Hand

Are you brokenhearted, stressed or weary? Has life been turned upside down, is it in disarray or are you just simply overwhelmed? I recently read an analogy that came to life for me. Imagine a broken tattered teddy bear, it's worn on the edges, frayed, maybe a few tears and even a missing button. BUT GOD, in His warm soft hand, holds that bear and like a seamstress, gently weaves his thread and needle to mend His broken love. He cannot mend what is not broken and He cannot repair without a little pain. Although things may be difficult, it is His warm loving hand that holds us as He gently mends are broken hearts and makes us new again.

Rest in His hand knowing that the gentle mending He is doing can only be done while He holds you. There's no other place you can be.

Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted, binding up their wounds.

Catch His Wind

Have you caught His wind lately? It may be in the form of a soft whisper, a gentle breeze or even a strong rush of wind. Whichever form God is using to impact your life with His Spirit, be aware of it. Are you noticing that still small voice or that rustling of the leaves? We can become so busy and preoccupied with our agendas that we so easily can miss His presence or acting in our lives. If we are too busy to notice, we may not even realize His movement at all. Although we don't see His presence, like the wind, we can see its effects. Pay attention, reflect daily. He is working in your life, just look for the signs of His movement. If you don't take the time to look and see, you'll miss it.

John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Fall On Your Knees

As we enter into this new Fall season and life seems to wind up in anticipation of the upcoming holidays, let's be aware of the ever so subtle deception of busyness. I am prey to this every year and I suspect you are too. If we arm ourselves with keeping our lives in balance and our knees on the ground in prayer and quiet time, we will more calmly step towards the greatest time of the year with peace and smiles. It is when we are focused merely on our own tasks at hand, that we forget to assess the whole picture of our lives and roles as women. Taking careful steps of planning and realizing it's okay to say no, along with lots of prayer are key to keeping that balance through the most wonderful time of the year. We can do it in His strength.

Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Do Him Good

Proverbs 31:12 "She does him good and not evil All the days of her life."

Are you living to glorify God by doing your husband good? Is this first on your list of duties? Well if you're anything like me, it's easy to get into your motherly routine of quiet time with God, groceries, errands, laundry, etc.. The list goes on. In our revolving hat collection we must be sure to wear one that brings good to our man. Note that it says, "All the days of her life." We're not supposed to do him good when he makes us happy or fulfills our needs. There really is not "if" included in this description of the virtuous woman. She just simply "does." She does him good all the days of her life. That means every day of her life forever. What exactly does "doing him good" mean, you might ask? I believe doing him good is building him up, encouraging him and helping him lead our family. This looks differently and translates differently with each man, but generally speaking it is being his helper. So, are we living out that virtuous task of doing our husbands good?

Lord, give each of us the strength to do our husbands good all the days of our lives. We can only accomplish this task in your strength.

Step Out

As we observe the sweetness of fellowship within the body of Christ, it is important for us not to confine ourselves to merely those we love to fellowship with. We are called to go into the world to proclaim the Good News. It is easy for us as women and moms to find our sweet circle of friends and settle into a bubble of safety. Although fellowship is necessary for building up and edification, it alone is not what we were made for. We were not created to live in a Christian commune while awaiting Christ's return. We are on assignment, a task has been set before us by our God, to go into all the world. If we are too busy in our Christian safety nets, we are unable to affect or even influence those around us. We are all guilty of this in some degree. But I challenge each of us, myself included, to step out of that safety and proclaim His Good News by loving those who are lost, hopeless and without Christ.

Lord, give us the courage and the opportunities to share your love and the hope of your salvation to those around us. Add to your Kingdom, for you are not willing that any should perish.


Mark 16:15 "And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere."

All Choked Up

Have you ever felt like you just didn't have the words to say? Or maybe you're like me at times, you have too much to say. Which ever category you fall into, we all face challenging situations where we just don't know what to say. It is in those moments we should seek the Lord for just the right thing. Sometimes just saying nothing at all but simply listening is best. A hug might just be what's needed in that moment. It may not come natural for you, to simply keep quiet and listen. But know that there is sometimes more power in the absence of words than many words spoken.

James 1:19, "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath"

Be Strong and Courageous

It so challenging sometimes when we face an insurmountable trial or task. Our flesh gets in the way and we start to have a thread of worry. It is in those times we are to kneel before our Lord and rely on His strength and simply meet Him there. We know that whatever we face He will carry us through. What ever challenge confronts us, whether it be a Goliath or a lion, as He was with David, our Lord is with us. I am reminded of God's endless faithfulness when He walked the fiery furnace with three young boys who stood for righteousness. We too can face each day or each trial with the same courage and strength as these men did.

Joshua 1:7 "Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go."

Sweet Endings and New Beginnings

Tomorrow as summer vacation ends and a new school year begins, I can already feel the pressure rising with to-dos, paperwork, soccer, volleyball, etc. Although my anticipation of routine will soon start with early mornings, I must be sure to continue my early mornings with Jesus. I must abide in Him, so that I can face each day along with its challenges and victories. Keeping Him at my focus will enable me to joyously walk through this next year. I am so excited to see what God has in store, but apprehensive to see how hectic it may become. Whatever is ahead I am reminded that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13).

Always Smiling

Today as I saw my kids' excitement for school, I smiled. The anticipation we all face when we're looking forward to something new and exciting can't help but burst out into smiles. We count down while counting the hours and minutes in anticipation. If only we had this same excitement and smile when we faced the hard times that come our way. I am reminded in James 1:2, "to count it all joy when you fall into various trials." This is no easy command. Really, count it all joy? We can do this only in His strength, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience (Jms 1:3). If you're excited about something new you're about to face, or if you're suffering through a trial, remember to smile.

Altogether His

No matter what your background, history or journey know today that you are altogether His. His beloved...is how He thinks of you. I often wonder what life would be like if I had..., or if I hadn't... done such and such. If all my daydreaming had really happened I would not have experienced the highs and lows of the journey I have walked. Despite past mistakes, failures and losses, God is still on the throne. His love is still reaching and His faithfulness never ceases. Whatever your story be encouraged by Hebrews 12:1b "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." As I enter a new chapter in my journey, I am anxious to see God's hand move and direct in amazing ways. I must however, keep running with endurance. Together we can watch and see what God does in our lives. Run my friend, run.

Trustworthy or Not

Proverbs 31:11 "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain."

Our roles as women, wives and even mothers can be a daunting task. With every hat and chore to juggle, our lives can become a disarray of tasks and disorganization. Although this might be you I'm describing, rest assured that the virtuous woman described in scripture was noted as trustworthy. Amidst her many tasks we'll later discover, and second to her value, is mentioned her trustworthiness. Am I trustworthy? Does my man safely trust me? Although we may focus on our outward tasks, duties and even our appearance, this verse draws attention to a heart issue. The dictionary gives the following definition of trust:

TRUST: reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, confidence; confident expectation of something; hope.

As I look at my own heart, reflect with me and see if you can be safely trusted.

Lord, fill in our gaps and fill us that we may be safely trusted in every possible way.

Change It Up With Pillows!

Freshen up your spaces with a new pillow or two. You can pretty much make a pillow out of anything! Try something creative like re-using some dinner napkins, an old dress, a sheet, or old drapes. Use something that has a pattern you love but maybe needs a new purpose. If you don't have the ability to use a sewing machine, you can buy no-sew or even hand-stitch the edges. By simply being creative you can add a splash of color or whimsy to your space. Sewing is no new art, the Israellite women used this craft so can you! Try it, create something unique!

Exodus 35:25 "All the women who were skilled in sewing and spinning prepared blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen cloth, and they brought them in. "

Beauty Tidbit #2

Natural...what is "natural"? We see it everywhere these days. Natural is...well natural, something that exhibits it's intended and original beauty. I say be natural! Use sun-kissed summer colors this season that are light and natural. Shimmers, glosses and soft petal colors are all complimentary on any skin type, especially in the summer. Try something different, daring, and natural by using a new shimmer gloss or a shear shadow! It may be different from your ordinary, but you can do it!

Diggin' Up the Dirt

Today as I weeded my garden and enjoyed the voices of my kids in the background, I pondered what weeds might be growing in my heart. What is it that the Lord wants to remove from the soil of my heart? How about you? Do you too, have weeds like mine that need to be pulled by the hand of our expert Gardener? In our efforts to hold on to things that appear beautiful from the outside, we become unaware of what the consequences of keeping something that was never meant to be trapped, trapped in our heart's soil. Discontentment, jealousy or the like, whatever your weed may be, be sure to give it up. Let it be pulled by our caring Gardener who wants to see us grow and flourish. We will grow and become that beautiful flower He intended us to become if we allow Him to keep the soil of our hearts tilled and weeded.

Lord, grab a hold of the weeds in our hearts that we may bloom for you and that others may see the beauty you intended for us.

John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener."

Beauty Tidbit ...#1

I've always made it a habit of daily wearing a moisturizer with spf of 15 or higher, even when the sun is not shining. Adding foundations and powders that also have sun protection for added protection is great too! Even for the budget savvy there is moisturizer available. So, no excuses my friends!! Really, sun exposure adds up over time and you'll be glad you did.

Peering Through Beauty

Like the virtuous woman, if our desired value is to be above rubies, then we should consider ourselves as though arrayed for all to see. Christ's beauty shining in and through us is the beauty we desire. Really...when it comes down to it, are we truly beautiful? Are we representing Christ's beauty through our words, actions and physical appearance. Imagine coming across a beautiful stain glass window. As you walked closer, you realized it really wasn't as beautiful as you thought. It had cracks, chipping and even bugs stuck to it. Although the stain glass window could still shine it's beauty at night, the more cracked and dirty it was the less light you would see. Are others drawn to your beauty? As they walk closer are they still seeing the handy work and beauty of the Creator or are they distracted and unimpressed by the cracking, chipping, and bugs that block the light that was intended to shine through?

Lord, cleanse us and purify our imperfections that others may see your beauty shining through us.

Individuality as Intended

I once made matching dresses for my girls when they were toddlers. Although they are sixteen months apart in age I often dressed them alike. How sweet they looked, but even so they were completely different girls. We try to do the same as women. We have the tendency to compare or want to be similar. However, God created each of us not as clones, but as a piece of who He is. We each are a reflection of Him just as a child is a small reflection of its parent. Our gifts and talents though they may be few or many, are a talent our almighty God possesses; we've inherited that trait from Him. So if you experience a feeling of insecurity, or inadequacy be reminded that you are unique, unlike any other creation of God's. Know that He admires you like a beautiful one-of-a-kind piece of vintage pottery. We may be a little warn on the edges, but in His eyes we are so beautiful and UNIQUE!

Be encouraged today by Psalm 64:8, "And yet, LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand."

Watermelon and Rubies

Today as I enjoyed watermelon slices with my kids I remembered how much I love the color RED. Red flowers, red jewelry and red decor all make me smile. Proverbs 31:10 reminds me, "Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies." Not only did God create the color red, He made jewels such as rubies red. Red rubies are something of such value to Him that he used them in describing the value of wisdom and a virtuous woman. Although rubies are beautiful, we can know that wisdom and virtue exceed their beauty. So if Red isn't your color yet, it should be! Try it on both spiritually and physically. Try red polish, red earrings, or a red scarf, and make it your new mission to be as Proverbs 31:10 describes a virtuous woman and capable wife.

The Sun is Shining!

Although our days can be filled with lots of "to-dos" it's important to stop and realize the sun is shining, His Son, is shining in our lives. If we'll stop and pay attention we can feel His warm embrace even through the rays of the sunshine. May we as women radiate that warm embrace to those around us, those God has put into our lives. We may at times feel as cold as the night sky, but even in the night we can still reflect Him just as the moon does.

Bring a little sunshine into your space today, paint a wall or something that seems a little drab, with a punch of color to remind you of His love. Every time you walk by it you'll smile and remember,"He Loves Me."

Welcome - be wise and virtuous

I begin with Proverbs 14:1...a wise woman builds her home. Are you wise, am I wise? Are we building our homes or are we frantically whirling through life like a tornado slowing dismembering our homes. Let us be wise together, let us build our homes. We will do this through Christ's strength, while striving to become the Proverbs 31 woman. She was clothed in beauty, worked hard and nurtured her family while yet utilizing her gifts and talents. Although a tricky balance in an already speedy life, we know that all things are possible. Join me as I encourage and discuss all areas of womanhood...beauty, decor, home, family and purpose in Christ.