Tally Bally

So I am definelty one of those people that think their nieces and nephews are the best. Currently I am in Portland seeing the Farris family where my niece Taylor and new little nephew Sam J are. Taylor and I are having an absolute blast where at any given moment a photo shoot might break out. Hannah Montana, Littlest Pet Shop and Puppy in my pocket dominate most of our conversation.  I have to thank my little sis for influencing Tay's spunky little personality. Thanks Ruth! 

Amazing Grace

I have been thinking about a conversation that a friend an I had over a recent email and thought I would share my last response...

"I really enjoyed our conversation also. I am so glad that it was encouraging and you received some direction. Isn't it so nice when you really know what your focus should be in the season that you are in. One thing that I am learning is that even in the light of obedience and following the direction that He has for you if you do not filter it first and formost through grace then you miss out on His ability to carry it out. And you always find yourself coming up short on the promises that you make to God and to yourself. It is all about Him and His power in our life to do what He has designed and made us for. I think that I am really getting His grace and how to walk out the christian life for the first time in my life. Yah, I have understood a little here and a little there, but it has never resinated in place deep in my heart where it transforms how I live my everyday life. I am thankful for His Amazing Grace. It really is Amazing."

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Ok, so my husband and I have had a bit of a disagreement...He thinks that I am a borderline "shopaholic". Every time it is brought up all I can say is "I can't believe you think that; I have a budget and rarely break it:) But in all fairness, I have to say, that I never realized just how much I love to shop until we got married. He plays basketball. I go shopping. He finishes up work. "I run a few errands". He takes a nap. I go shopping. He grabs us a coffee. While I continue shopping. I think you get the point... I enjoy shopping. So it got me thinking about this "hobby" of mine and why I enjoy it so much?

1. Finding a deal at the gap for $3.99



2. Finding the perfect gift for someone you love
   


3. Purchasing my favorite pair of jeans at Forever 21 for $12.50!!!!
   
4. Finding something new to go with something old I already have
   
5. Occasionally splurging on something beautiful that I wouldn't normally buy
   
6. Shopping for my hubby
   
7. Realizing that you don't have to spend alot of money to get something you love
   
8. Me time... It helps me clear my mind.


9. It is definelty therapy


10. Inspiration... I love looking around and getting new ideas


11. Putting together a new outfit

Thankful

Today I am reminded of all the things that I am thankful for. But there is one this year that sticks out a little more than others... my husband kyle. This is our first "married" holiday together and it has caused me to reflect back on all that God has done in my life this last year. Kyle and I met in Colorado Springs in July of 2007 , He moved here to Tulsa from San Diego last Thanksgiving, and the rest is history. He really is more than I could have ever asked for. I am thankful.

ANTHROPOLOGIE

When I think of lovely things one of the first things that comes to mind is... ANTHROPOLOGIE.

Growing up, I always hoped that my Uncle Jimmy, that lives in New York, would draw my name for Christmas because he would get me a lovely gift from there. I don't know what it is about this store, but I always come away inspired and filled with a ton of new ideas and somehow a fresh perspective.

If you are looking for the perfect gift, inspiring idea or party dress... make sure you check it out.

Here's is a pic from my latest trip to Anthro in Kansas, City.

http://www.anthropologie.com/

Too Big for Me

I was just talking with Kyle about something in my life that to be honest, I don't have my mind quite wrapped around. For the last few weeks I have really worked hard trying to figure it all out and come up with a solution (to no avail).  We talked and prayed and then we both went back to work.  I was preparing for Sunday mornings message and decided to do some reading in Romans.  I came across this verse and I found the answer that I think I have been searching for.

   

"He trusted God to set him right instead of trying to be right on his own.  If you are a hard worker and do a good job, you deserve your pay; we don't call your wages a gift.  But if you see that the job is too big for you, that it's something only God can do, and you trust him to do it- you could never do it for yourself no matter how hard and long you worked- well, that trusting-him-to-do-it is what gets you set right with God, by God. Sheer gift.

                                                                                              Romans 4.3-5 (Msg)

When we find ourselves coming up against something that seems to big for us... may we trust him to do it instead of relying on our own insights and abilities.  

God's Mind

A few weeks ago I was in our weekly staff meeting and our Pastor asked us all a question, "How a can we stay relevant as a church while still creating an atmosphere where God is honored?"

The room went quiet as everyone began to think and reflect. As I did, a thought popped into my mind "People are on God's mind, God is not on His mind". This thought has seemed to linger with me and caused me to rethink a few things in my life over the last few weeks. Not that it is a new thought.. but I guess for me it helped me get it. Really get, how much God really loves people, loves the world and is consumed with that love. He wants people to experience how good he is without all the religious do's and don'ts that so easily can overtake if not careful. Does God want to be honored? Yes!! Then what really honors God? Ordinary people being involved with the extraordinary privilege of reflecting the love of God in such a real way that others are changed. It makes me wonder... Do I live a life like that.

Everything Beautiful

One of my favorite verses is found in Ecclesiates...

God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
Ecclesiates 3.11 (NLT)

I love this verse so much because it has always challenged me to trust God with all of my heart. I don't know about you, but there have been times in my life when things didn't look so beautiful and I would get frustrated, try to fix things up and change things around (in my own strength) all to find out that nothing had really changed inside of me and I was back where I started. When I would read this verse I would grab hold of a hope that I needed... the hope that God knows what He is doing and that if I will "let go" He will continue to transform me into the woman that he has called me to be... all in the right time:)
Whatever season you find yourself in today, know that times of beauty are on there way and that God is faithful to finish everything that He has started in your life.