Everything Beautiful

My Prayer for You Today

2011-08-09T09:25:00.001-05:00

May He grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. ~Psalms 20.4

Your Creative Best

2011-08-04T09:07:00.003-05:00

Comparison is so easy. Refuse it. Don't waste your life, your thoughts, your energy wishing you were someone else. Desiring change is good, but instead of regret and complacency... Take responsibility to do your CREATIVE BEST WITH YOUR LIFE. Galatians 6.5 Msg

Big Vision = Extreme Discipline

2010-06-29T11:12:00.005-05:00

I read this blog post, this morning, by Pastor Perry Noble and I was inspired & challenged to become more disciplined in my pursuit of the vision that God has placed in my heart.

Click Here to read the full post.

I Corinthians 9.25-28 (Msg)
You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.

I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.

Summer Shoes, Summer Fun

2010-06-28T12:56:00.004-05:00

Looking for some cute shoes for fab prices... Check out Lulu's!! I just purchased these, and they are even cuter than I thought (Just a tip: They seem to run a half size to big).

Treasure + Hunt

2010-06-24T15:45:00.006-05:00

A few finds from my latest treasure hunt

Making Peace with Yourself

2010-06-24T09:25:00.004-05:00

I am learning that there are just some things in my life and about myself that I need to make peace with.

John 14:27 (NLT)
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

God wants to give us peace of mind & heart.

It amazes me that when I take the time to get God's perspective on a situation or something about myself, that I so easily compare with others, I begin to find peace. When I begin to experience that peace, I have learned, that I now need to choose to intentionally walk in it everyday, even if don't feel like it. When I discipline myself to do that, I begin to experience freedom in Christ at whole new level. There is nothing like having freedom where you once where bound.

Galatians 5:1 (The Message)
Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.

Decisions

2010-06-17T11:51:00.005-05:00

Last week at Girl’s Bible Study, We started a three-week series on Becoming Women of Faith. This week, we continued by discussing Making Decisions based on Faith.

Fear is the opposite of Faith and it will always try to come and sabotage the dreams & desires that are in your heart. I think, as women, it is so easy to allow fear to settle in our hearts and before you know it our fears can be driving our decisions instead of the promises of God.

God wants to prepare us for MORE... MORE than we have already experienced but in order for that to happen we are going to have to prepare, take steps of courage and intentionally ENLARGE our lives.

Isaiah 54.2-4
"Enlarge the place of your tent,
stretch your tent curtains wide,
do not hold back;
lengthen your cords,
strengthen your stakes.
For you will spread out to the right and to the left;
your descendants will dispossess nations
and settle in their desolate cities.
"Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame.
Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth
and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood."

If we want to be Women of FAITH it is going to take COURAGE.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather moving ahead despite the fear, difficulty & pain. Many times our past experiences have come quite short of the promises of God. We are left discouraged & disappointed. I believe that when we find ourselves in these seasons, God is wanting to speak His word to us for the purpose of redefining our future. It takes courage to believe what God is saying over our feelings & personal experiences. Your past does not have to overshadow your future unless you choose for it too. God’s best is available to you today, no matter what you have gone through, you just have to believe it!

Take some time and ask yourself…

What drives your decisions?
Are your past disappointments overshadowing your future?
What has God promised you? Are you making your plans based upon His promises or are you just playing it safe?

Let’s be Women of Faith, that make decisions based upon the promises of God for our lives.

Joshua 1:9
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Vintage Glam Lawn Party

2010-06-11T10:37:00.005-05:00

What girl doesn't want to go to a lawn party as cute as this? I do! I do!
(Picture via Sunset Magazine)

Love God. Love People. Love Life.

2010-06-09T12:33:00.003-05:00

Every Tuesday evening a group of us girls meet together for a Bible Study that we call, Everything Beautiful. We share our lives, hearts and most of all grow closer to the Lord together. This time has become very special to me, I have made so many wonderful friends and just love seeing God at work in our lives.

I think all of us girls would agree, that their is nothing like getting together with our girlfriends, shopping, dining, laughing, crafting etc. just doing what us girls do. But one thing that I like even more is, having a group of women that we can do all that, but we have a mission together. We realize that together we are more powerful than apart. That we are all different for a unique purpose and when we join hands we can truly change our families, our churches, our city and the world. We can reach out and bring hope, healing, laughter and joy to where it has been desperately lacking.

Last night we discussed what we are all about as a group & individuals and basically it's very simple... Love God with our whole heart. Love People. Love Life.

Luke 10:27 (NASB)
And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

John 10:10 (NLT)
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

God has a rich & satisfying life for you. You might feel like you are so far from it, but I would like to encourage you that as you love God with all that you are and begin to love people you will truly begin to discover and walk in that amazing LIFE that He has planned for you. Whatever you have been allowing to hold your back, why you don't you find the courage today to let it go, move on, receive a fresh start, be assured by His promises to you.

God's Grace is Bigger, His Mercy is Newer:), His peace is available, His joy uncircumstantial, His Life uncomparable.

Lots of Love.

~Liz

Live Carefree

2010-06-01T08:03:00.003-05:00

I Peter 5.5-7 (Message)
God has had it with the proud. But takes delight in just plain people. So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you, He'll promote you at the right time. Live Carefree before God; he is most careful with you.

Girls + Glasses

2010-05-29T11:07:00.004-05:00

I Am A Girl - The Girls With Glasses Theme Song from The Girls With Glasses on Vimeo.

I discovered these girls a few months ago & love, love, love this video. It is so clever & cute. Hope you enjoy, as much as I did.

Have a great holiday weekend!

A few of my obsessions

2010-05-28T09:44:00.006-05:00

Voluspa Candles (currently Japanese Plum Bloom) + Vintage chairs (I have a collection of over 50 at the moment, my husband definitely calls it an obsession) + Pretty fabrics (I love a vintage modern mix) + Pillows (I can't get enough of them)

PS... I am working on a refinishing a few occasional chairs, at the moment. I'll post pics when I'm finished.

Crafting for a Cause

2010-05-26T13:49:00.011-05:00

Last night all of us girls got together to do a little crafting. We made our own stationary, fabric flowers & Brandi Bloom shared with us some tips about saving money while shopping! All to say, it was a fun time. I am so thankful for the wonderful ladies in my life.

Transform... The Power of a Changed Life

2010-05-20T12:14:00.002-05:00

This past Sunday I had the privilege of speaking at The Cause Community Church (have I mentioned how much I LOVE my church, greatest people around!) My message was called: Transform... The Power of a Transformed Life. Thought I would share a few of my thoughts...

"You can argue an argument, but you can't argue a transformed life"

Transform:
• to change in form, appearance, or structure;
• to undergo a change in condition, nature, or character; convert.
• to change into another substance

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

James 4:6 (NIV)
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Humility is the difference between the person that continues to allow God to transform them and the person that gets stuck and in their old ways. You have to learn to HUMBLE OUT so that you continue to grow & change!

Transformation is not a one-time experience, but an ongoing process

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NLT)
For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are transformed into his glorious image.

I Samuel 10.6
“The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.”

You continue the ongoing process of Transformation, by allowing God to change the way you think

Romans 12:1-2
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good, pleasing and perfect.

God changes the way you think through:

1) Spending time in the Word of God
2) Being in Community w/ other believers (Discipleship)
3) Spending time In God’s Presence

God’s promise of transformation is for you, but it is not suppose to STOP with you

That’s where the GREAT COMMISSION comes in...

God wants to transform us so that we can experience His freedom and then help bring HOPE & HEALING to others!!

An Old Favorite...

2010-05-17T16:11:00.004-05:00

I have some of the best memories antique shopping with my Mom, we always find the best things! A few years ago we were strolling through a few antique stores on Cherry Street in Tulsa and found this fabulous find... a vintage framed chalkboard. We loved it. We bought it. And I still use it today. I use it to post Kyle & I's weekly schedule (what we have going on in the evenings and meals). It's a fun way to plan and it looks fab.

PS... It would be an easy DIY project:)

Endure

2010-05-14T22:17:00.002-05:00

At Girl's Bible Study this week we wrapped up the final chapters of Christine Caines book, "Can I Have and Do it All Please?" It has been such a wonderful study (you should grab a copy) and all of us girls have gleaned so much for the individual journeys that we are on.

I wanted to share a few scriptures & notes from this week, where we discussed how endurance is vital in our lives if we want to embrace all that God has for us!

Hebrews 12.1
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

James 1.2-4
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

It's in the times of waiting, pain & tests where the Holy Spirit wants to work in our lives and develop His fruit in us.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

I really believe that so many people just give up to soon. They get discouraged, disillusioned, bitter, hurt or just tired and they give up before they realize the promises of God in their life.

If we would take a close look at the lives of most of the great men & women of faith in the Bible (Joseph, David, Sarah, Abraham, Moses...) they all had to endure, believe God’s promise even when it looked like their lives where going backwards.

What do you do when you want to quit? When you find yourself in a really hard season? When you wonder where God is at?

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (New Living Translation)

17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

Make a decision that not matter what, you are always going to serve the Lord & have & do everything that God has planned for your life!!

1) Rejoice No Matter What
2) Always Forgive/Refuse to Bitterness
3) Be quick to repent
4) Never stop believing God’s Word
5) Never quit

DIY Stationary

2010-05-12T23:31:00.007-05:00

I have to admit that I'm a little traditional when it comes to correspondence... I love to write & receive a note or card. Of course, I thank God for email, facebook & twitter but when I really want to let someone know that I care, there is nothing better than dropping a note in the mail just to say hello.

I absolutely LOVE fun stationary and really enjoy making homemade cards. So instead of blowing my monthly budget by taking one to many trips to Papersource. I put together some fun note cards (could also be used for recipe cards) from a notecard set that I already had from Target & some journaling labels that I picked up from Hobby Lobby.

Total Cost for each card with envelope: $.46 cents (Who said thrifty couldn't be cute!)

Everything Beautiful: Bible Study

2010-03-29T10:41:00.003-05:00

Hey Ladies,

Just wanted to take a minute and invite you to Everything Beautiful's Bible Study every Tuesday Night from 7 to 8.30pm... Great Gals + Delish Desserts + God's Word. We host it at my home and would LOVE to see ya there. I promise that you'll be glad you came!!

Location: 210 Emmanuel Cleaver (Right off The Plaza)
Need better directions? Call: 816.898.8401

Hope to see you soon!

Liz

Stumbled Upon

2010-01-21T14:38:00.004-06:00

Stumbled upon this quote today and it spoke so loud to me. I am easily inspired, so I have to often evaluate what I am pursuing and remind myself to remain consistent. Inspiration important, but consistency vital to bring anything to life.

"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together"~ Van Gogh

My ultra-fab christmas gift

2010-01-12T19:48:00.006-06:00

I absolutely LOVE fun art and as many of you may know one of my fav stores is Anthropologie!! Somehow, in her own brilliant way, my little sis Ruthi combined these two loves of mine for a wonderful handmade Christmas present for Kyle and I’s new place. I am going to be framing them in black lacquered vintage frames. I think they will look lovely in them. She is so talented. This is just a taste of what she can do. Please excuse my photo quality, I have temporarily misplaced my nice camera during the move. Ugh! I will be showcasing some of her other pieces from time to time. I think you will enjoy.

Grace + Faith

2010-01-11T14:15:00.002-06:00

Ever since I was a little girl, I always had the sense that God wanted to use my life for a special purpose. I was raised in a family where faith was not just something that we talked about but the way we lived our lives. When I was young, I remember my Mom gathering my sisters and I together to pray; she would encourage and teach us how to hear God’s voice. We would pray for the president, our nation, local pastors, our family and then whatever our needs were. It was always in that order. As a young girl, it was the most amazing thing to see God answer my prayers even for things that only a little girl would ask for!

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about faith, what it is and what it is not. I really think that faith is much simpler than most people make it out to be. Faith is really just simply trusting in God; Who He is, what He says and living our lives in a way that reflects hope to the world around us.

If you don’t know Him it might be hard to trust Him. But the more you spend time with him, learn who He is, I think it is just natural to begin to rely on Him. Religion seems to make things so complicated, there’s always something more that you should be doing, it’s like you walk around with the feeling that you are always be critiqued. As I grew up, and began to make a stronger commitment to the Lord, there were times that I was trying so hard to please God. My faith did not bring peace, joy or fulfillment but it was something that was always just a little out of reach. Can I say frustrating! I was working so hard trying to accomplish what Jesus had already done for me. As I continued down my journey with the Lord I began to experience his grace, and out of that I began to walk God’s peace on a daily basis. I woke up this morning with this thought, “Peace is not overrated”. I am learning that real faith always leads to peace. In a world where most everything we need is at our disposal, one thing that most people want but can’t seem to obtain is peace.

I pray that this year will be a year of great faith for your and your family. Not faith in what you can do, but faith in what Jesus has already finished for you. And out of that faith, a greater peace than you have ever none will fill your heart, your family and your home.

Lots of Love.

Liz

Everything Beautiful Podcast: Free From Fear

2009-11-10T15:45:00.003-06:00

I have talked with so many girl's lately that have been struggling with fear. So I just wanted to take a minute to encourage us all that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and a sound mind. Fear comes to stop you from being all the God has called you to be. Don't let it. You are an amazing woman with a bright future. Press past fear and move into the promises that are on the other side. Below is the link to the latest podcast:

Click here for the Latest Podcast: Free From Fear

Lots of Love,

Liz

Love on Purpose

2009-11-07T10:54:00.003-06:00

Just a thought today... Your life is beautiful for a reason. Be aware of what is going on in others lives today and use what is in your hand to inspire or encourage someone else. You have what others needs. Refuse to get so caught up in your own life and desires that you miss the opportunity to reach out to those around you. You are person of destiny. Love on purpose.

Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted
and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed
He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come,
and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.

Lots of Love ~ Liz

Win Everyday

2009-10-06T10:51:00.002-05:00

This past Sunday I had the privilege to teach at church... I just love getting to study the Word of God and hopefully communicate it in a way that is relevant and applicable to our everyday lives. I have been challenging myself to Win Everyday... not just the big events, Sunday mornings or when others are watching. Below is the link if you would like to listen. Hope you enjoy!

Everything Beautiful Podcast: Win Everyday

Here's to the beautiful lives we all live!

Liz T

Sitting Pretty Vintage

2009-09-28T23:30:00.003-05:00

I absolutely love vintage chairs, especially adding a modern twist to them... so I decided to turn my love into a little business. Sitting Pretty Vintage... Custom Design Finishes and Fabrics. I currently have over 50 styles that you can choose from as well as five fabric lines. Whether for your dining space, office, entry, or just an occasional chair...they would make your space just a little more beautiful!!

KC here we come!!!

2009-09-21T13:47:00.003-05:00

Well, I have some exciting news... In just a few short months I will be living in Kansas City!! Kyle & I are moving to plant The Cause Community Church. We just love it there and are so excited about what God has put in our heart to serve the city with the love of Jesus and to build a local church that it going to change the world! The church is going to be right in the heart of the city around the The Plaza, UMKC & Westport area. We are in the midst of lots of planning and would love it if you would be praying for us!!

Love you all!! ~ Liz

God is on your side

2009-06-04T11:22:00.003-05:00

Here's a little excerpt from my devotion this morning. Thought it was worth sharing.

Perhaps you need to look up and around instead of back and down. Lift your eyes and see the amazing future which bursts with hope for in you God. Don't spend your life mourning over what you have lost and what is already gone; take an inventory of what you have left and keep going, one foot in front of the other, one step of faith at a time. Remember, God is on your side.

Have a wonderful day!! Lots of Love.

Liz

For the LOVE of mags

2009-06-01T14:19:00.006-05:00

Three things I love... a leisure morning, a great cup of coffee and a stack of good magazines. So if you are a fellow mag lover like me, here is a new site that I found that will keep you stocked with great reading material while staying within a budget!!

www.maghound.com

Enjoy! ~ Liz

My mom the urban alchemist

2009-05-28T12:00:00.005-05:00

Urban Alchemy: Creating Something entirely new from pieces that were previously unnoticed and unrelated.

I am loving this definition. When I read it, it made me think of my mom. She is definetly an urban alchemist (yes, i did just make that up). When I was in the process of moving from tulsa to bartlesville, I had seriously underestimated the time that it was going to take to pack up my place. So, my mom came to the rescue. Kyle, had just moved to Oklahoma from California, so he was still getting to know my family and ALL of our eccentricies. So long story short my mom, came in so excited about this gift that she had gotten me. So we went outside to check out this "gift"... and all we could see was this 20 ft tree branch. Kyle was a little confused at this point; but I could see my mom's creative thought come to life. She went onto explain how she was on her way to pick up my little brother from school and she saw this branch in the back of a truck and followed them to ask if she could have it. I'm sure this guy thought, "who is the lady and why does she want this branch"... but to much avail she became the proud owner of the oh so lovely branch. This was not just a discarded member of a tree, this was decor at it's finest. So today this "piece" is part of my collection of art that I enjoy viewing daily.

Here's to the Urban Alchemist in all of us.

~ Liz

Back in Action

2009-04-17T14:17:00.002-05:00

Hey girls, the Everything Beautiful podcast is back in action!! We have been in the process of changing over our equipment. You can use the link below to listen to the latest two podcasts.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST PODCAST

Love ya,
Liz

Everything Beautiful Weekly Podcast

2009-02-19T16:10:00.005-06:00

Hey Everyone!

Hope that you are having a wonderful week. Listen below for this weeks Podcast. The scriptures are already up on the previous post. Love you guys!

Everything Beautiful Podcast 2

~ Liz

Podcast 2: Scriptures

2009-02-17T03:40:00.003-06:00

Hey girl's!

Here are the verses that we went over this week. Our second podcast should be up later today or tommorrow. Enjoy!

Lots of Love ~ Liz

Ephesians 3.20 (Amplified)
Now to Him who is able to carry out His purposes and do superabundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams). According to the power that is at work within us.

Matthew 6.33
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.

Proverbs 18.21 (NLT)
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.

James 3.3-5 (Msg)
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything or destroy it. It only takes a spark to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.

Ephesians 2.6 (Amp)
And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together, giving us joint seating with Him, in heavenly places in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Hebrews 4.12 (Amp)
For the Word of God speaks and is alive and full of power, making it operative, energizing and effective; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the soul and spirit and the joints and marrow (of the deepest parts of our nature), exposing, sifting, analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

Scriptures From Podcast 1

2009-02-09T16:00:00.002-06:00

Below are the scriptures that go along with Podcast 1. I encourage you to go over them and allow them to begin to be reality in your life!! Let me know if there is anything that I can do for you. Have a wonderful week ~ Liz

Ecclesiastes 3.1-11 (NLT)

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.

What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has places on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for it's own time.

Proverbs 3.5-7 ( Message)

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best.

2 Corinthians 10.12b (Amplified)

When they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.

Matthew 6.34 (Message)

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tommorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Everything Beautiful Podcasts

2009-02-09T15:24:00.012-06:00

Hey Everyone!

I am so excited to announce the first Everything Beautiful Weekly Podcast. We are currently hosting it on our church website, but soon it will be on everythingbeautiful.tv.
I would love to hear to what is going on in your life... so fill free to leave a comment on any thoughts, questions or stories that you have!! Click on the link below to listen:

Everything Beautiful Podcast 1

Lots of Love,
Liz

Begin with the end in mind

2009-01-13T14:43:00.006-06:00

Now to Him that is able to carry out His purpose and do exceedingly abundantly,

far above all that you dare ask, think, hope or imagine.

Ephesians 3.20

I have been pondering this scripture for the past few weeks, and have decided to make it my scripture for the year. It really peaks my interest to believe that I serve a God that can and will do above and beyond anything my finite mind can imagine. I can imagine alot... but I am ready to experience the things that God has been dreaming for me. By the end of the year, I want to look back and say "that was my plan, and God your plan was so much greater"! So I guess I am kinda writing to you, but in another way really sharing with God that I am ready for everything that He has for me. Be extreme. Show me your goodness in ways I never thought possible. Be God. The Only True God. In My Life. For All to See.

Something New

2009-01-04T12:19:00.004-06:00

I was reviewing some of the top designs of the 2008 and found myself challenged and amazed how the design industry always seems to be moving forward with innovation, skill and possibility. Boundaries broken, ideas pursued, concepts coming to life and somehow always something new. It's like great designers and architects are not afraid to dare to believe that their far out thoughts and ideas could actually become reality. Sometimes form and function flow together, sometimes not, but either way my imagination is always stretched and I am reminded that there is an entire world of possibility just waiting to be discovered.

This year...

2009-01-04T11:40:00.005-06:00

This year I am believing for more than I could imagine. For my life to display God's goodness in such remarkable ways. To... have the best marriage on the planet. Fall more in love with Jesus. Be more comfortable in my own skin. Master the piano. Make it to New York and London with my sweet hubby. Spend more quality time with my mom and sisters. To take two trips with my mother in law. Love people unconditionally... even if they don't love me. Develop the most genuine friendships. Get to know the Bernards more. Be content. Go camping & hiking. Create sweet memories with my family one on one and together. Lose sight of myself. Focus on my strengths. Speak at many women's conferences and events. Purchase a new car. Live by faith in a real everyday way. To reconnect with old friends. To help others shine. Take more girl trips. Visit a few new anthropologies. Write some music. Visit the Turners in So Cal. Stop drinking diet coke (this one is for you mom:) Do hard workouts and get in the best shape of my life. Return voicemails much quicker. Be diligent in confessing the Word over Kyle and I and our future. Impact more lives. Inspire those around me to be all that God has made them to be. Go to Isreal. Find the good in every situation. Do crafty things with Christa. Buy an antique piece and refurbish it. Continue to develop my design skills. See Citizen Cope in concert. Coldplay. Counting Crows. Be a great aunt. To build one of the most life giving church communities.

Tally Bally

2008-12-30T17:41:00.005-06:00

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

2008-12-04T10:18:00.003-06:00

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

2008-12-01T15:32:00.010-06:00

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?

Finding a deal at the gap for $3.99

Finding the perfect gift for someone you love

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

It is definelty therapy

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

Putting together a new outfit

Thankful

2008-11-27T10:26:00.003-06:00

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

2008-11-17T14:24:00.004-06:00

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

2008-11-11T14:21:00.009-06:00

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

2008-11-08T11:44:00.003-06:00

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

2008-10-06T16:54:00.003-05:00

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.