Shut Up & Pray

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You may find this hard to believe, but I'm a total control freak.  Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted things to go the exact way that I plan and envision them.  The problem is, the older I get, the more I realize that there is so much that is completely and utterly out of my control. 

So what's a girl to do? 

I could waste countless hours of my life trying to scheme and calculate how to manipulate situations and people to go my way, OR I could choose to hold on to my sanity and peace and opt for the power of prayer. 

There's not really much in life that we can control, but in God, we have an advocate and ally who wants to hear from us and is able to respond.  He also has the ability to change our hearts if what we're praying for is not lining up with His bigger plan.

I'm reading what I consider to be the best marriage counseling money can buy for $10 called The Power of The Praying Wife.  It's teaching me how, believe it or not, the best solutions in marriage aren't found from nagging, arguing, or trying to control or manipulate the other.  Rather, choosing to go God in prayer and praying specifically for results.  Even in just a few short months, I'm already seeing how this is majorly paying off in our marriage. 

And this principle holds true in all aspects of our lives—with our parents, siblings, children, friends, jobs, home buying, travel plans, and even exercise..we don't need to try to control or fix everything by ourselves.  Keeping up with everything can be exhausting and let's be honest, without God, we'll never begin to see the results we're looking for!  Instead, let's shut up and pray!

"Pray continually"

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)

 "Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

Mark 11:24

 

He Knows What He's Doing

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Happy Monday!  I hope you had the most wonderful weekend!  My weekend was relaxing and laid back.  All three nights I was in bed by 10...have I mentioned how much fun I am?!

So lately, in my little corner of the world, it seems like I've been surrounded by lots of good news—high schoolers getting into the college of their choice, college freshman accepted into their top sorority, and business school students getting the interviews or summer internships they've wanted.

But for each one of these people, there's someone who didn't get into their top college, girls who didn't get into any sororities, and MBA students trying to figure out their plans, now that their top choice is no longer an option.

When things are going your way, it's a beautiful thing!  Rejoice in the Lord who is faithful, good, and has a perfect and wonderful plan!

But, oh, how I hate disappointment. Sometimes I think I'm God's favorite, and that because I'm His favorite,  He needs to do exactly as I say.  The problem with that is, often, He sees things and knows things that I have no idea about, and sometimes the disappointments we experience lead us to something better.  Even when things don't go our way, we need to remember that God is still God and He knows exactly what He's doing.

A little less than two years ago, Bernie and I were trying desperately to get out of DC, and nothing seemed to be working.  We figured business school was the answer we were looking for and so he applied in the third round to a few schools.  We knew the third round was the most difficult, but did I mention that I'm God's favorite?  This would not be a problem for the God of the Universe to figure out for me!

When Bernie was wait listed and then didn't get in, we were both so discouraged.  What were we going to do now?  We felt stuck with no way out.

When you're buried deep in the pit, it's hard to trust and believe that God will dig you out, but don't lose hope!  He's coming!

The result of that initial disappointment is one that continues to bless us—instead of heading straight to business school, God gave us a year at the beach where:

• I could grow and establish myself in my job

• Bernie had the opportunity to work with two incredible guys on a daily basis

• I got to live in the same city with my sweet sister Cally the year before she got married

• Bernie and I had a year together  to recover from DC and relax, holed up in a little beach cottage one block from the beach—a year in our marriage that I will always cherish and a definite gift prior to heading to business school!

Now that we're at business school, we continue to see why having God delay our plans a year was the best idea.  Bernie is now pursuing a completely different job path (which last year helped him to see) and we have made the most incredible friends—friends that would not have been there a year ago. 

Two years out, it's easy to talk about all the ways the disappointment has evolved into a tremendous blessing, but let's be honest, when you're in the thick of disappointment, it totally stinks.  But even when things aren't going our way, we can still choose to: rejoice in the Lord who is faithful, good, and has a perfect and wonderful plan! He ALWAYS knows what He's doing, and eventually, He gives us a glimpse too! 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice...The Lord is near."

Philippians 4:4-5

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

Proverbs 16:3

Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday!  Here are a few of my latest favorites:

Plain Jane's cards came up with homemade Valentine Kits.  Isn't this the cutest?

I LOVE this DIY pillow idea from Mel & Liza. 

We all know that I love Birchbox, but one of my favorite things lately is their hair tutorials that they do on their blog.  Check out these videos on the "party pony" and "styling second day hair:"
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Have a great weekend!

It Never Hurts To Ask

In less than two weeks, my brother is going to be married to the most incredible woman.  I can't wait for them to become husband and wife, but let's get to the really important stuff--what in the world am I going to wear?? 

Over Christmas, I was on the hunt for the perfect dress and stumbled upon the cutest, brightest cocktail dress that you ever did see.  Even better is that fact that it was 50% off!  I tried it on, did a few twirls, and decided this was the one!

A few weeks later, when Bernie and I headed up to DC to see Mary Tobin, I begged and pleaded to pop back into Neimans to see if there were any other dresses we might have missed. (I needed a rehearsal dinner dress, too, you know!)  To my shock and delight, all of the sale dresses were an additional 35-55% off!

Typically, when we buy things only to learn they're on sale, we kick ourselves and just wish we waited a few more days.  But in retail, there is a beautiful thing called a price adjustment, which states, that if something you buy goes on sale after you purchase it, within a certain amount of time, they'll adjust the price and give you the lowest price.  But you have to ask.  (You can even do it with customer service over the phone!) 

I wasn't sure if they would honor the adjustment, but I decided it was worth a try.  So I marched up to the counter, handed the woman my receipt and asked for a price adjustment.  She tinkered around, pressed a few buttons, and said, "There you are, you just saved an additional $80."

To say I was pleased was an understatement.  I was so excited.  Similar to my birthday, I did nothing to deserve the extra adjustment, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, and decided I had nothing to lose by asking.

My philosophy in life is it never hurts to ask—for hotel upgrades, rental car upgrades, certain tables at restaurants, price adjustments, extra sizes in the back, extra sizes from other stores, samples—the worst thing that will happen is they'll say no, and you're left in exactly the same place.

This week, I've thought a lot about this in terms of my faith.

Sometimes I'm afraid to make my requests known to God, because I don't want to be disappointed.  I'm scared to hope, because I worry that God won't come through.  But the thing is, in the Bible, Jesus tells us to ask...

“ASK and it will be given to you; SEEK and you will find; KNOCK and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

 

   Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?  If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, HOW MUCH MORE will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Matthew 7:7-11

Ask...Seek...Knock.  Sounds simple, right?  

Yet, even with all the asking, seeking, and knocking, there are things that I have prayed for years and still haven't seen the answers come.  There are healings I have begged and pleaded for that never came to fruition on earth.  That's something that's hard to wrestle with and something I will never understand. 

But rather than focusing what I don't know, I want to focus on what I do know to be absolutely true:  God loves us, God hears us, and God wants to give good gifts to His children.  

Knowing that, we can confidently and boldly go to God asking, seeking, knocking, and being specific.  What do we have to lose? 

JOY!

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You make known to me the path of life;
   you will fill me with JOY in your presence,
   with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

Psalm 16:11

Always Loved

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Sorry for my absence yesterday, for the past week or so, I've been fighting off a winter bug, and late Saturday night, the bug won.

Don't you hate being sick?  I hate feeling weak, helpless, and of no use to anyone.  Mostly, it's unsettling not to physically and emotionally feel like yourself.

The one thing in married life that has sweetened the sick pot is my wonderful husband.  Don't get me wrong, he's sweet and caring all the time, but when I'm sick, he really makes it a priority to go out of his way to take care of me.  I have no household responsibilities, I get special yummy treats from Whole Foods, and the TV is mine for the day—no Discovery documentaries for me!  (For a girl with a slight flare for the dramatic, I love that he is so quick and eager to assume the role of doctor!) 

It's incredibly freeing to see that when you're at your weakest point, there is someone who sees you at your worst—runny nose, upset stomach, and sickly eyes—and sticks around to care for you and nurse you back to health.  

At times marriage can be difficult and messy, but all the wonderful and challenging complexities marriage can bring results in something SO beautiful. 

But even more beautiful is the truth that no matter what our relationship status may be today—married, single, dating, or "it's complicated," each one of us is so wholly and dearly loved by our God that when we're physically ill, an emotional wreck, or a betraying mess, our God is faithful, constant, and does not leave our side.  He's sees all of it—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and chooses to love us no matter what.

I know I referenced this verse last week, but it is an all time favorite of mine.  One that I hear God whisper to me through tears when I feel like a complete and utter failure:

I've never quit loving you and never will.
   Expect love, love, and more love!

Jeremiah 31:3 (MSG) 

 

  "Expect love, love, and more love"...don't you love that?!

"All beautiful you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you."
 Song of Solomon 4:7

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!  A few favorites from the week:

I'm lucky enough to get to contribute to the Changing Seasons Blog each week with a fabulous group of women and every Friday, my friend Dee Oliver shares honest, practical advice on preparing for death.  Even though the circumstances of death and her own experience is not lighthearted, Dee has a refreshingly honest, fun, relatable tone that makes thinking about and planning for death sound doable, check out her Going Out In Style posts here. 

Bernie and I are in a "fancy food" club with a few friends in Charlottesville and this month's menu did not disappoint.  Here's the link for our "Cozy Winter Supper."  Delish!!  If you like delicious food, I definitely recommend putting together a little gourmet club, it is a blast and the wonderful people at Bon Appetit pull the whole menu together for you, event the wine recommendations!  All you have to do is know how to read a recipe!

Image from Bon Appetit

I loved Mary Elizabeth's post on Milestones & Baby Proofing. 

I somehow rediscovered Real Simple's New Uses for Old Things.  They're pretty smart, ya'll!  Like using an old toilet paper roll to store hair clips--fancy, fancy!

 

Image from Real Simple

And last but not least, my sweet friend Catherine, party planner extraordinaire, just so happens to be married to a rock star.  He was on Leno Wednesday night alongside Jennifer Garner, no big deal.  Click here to watch it on Hulu.  They're at the very end.  

Have a great weekend!

A Reason To Sing

If you know me well, you know that when I get excited/mildly obsessed about something, I make it a personal mission to share it with as many people as humanly possible...I mean, we're talking LIFE CHANGING things like the Neiman Marcus Outlet, Scout coolers, Birchbox, Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, Downton Abbey, Lollia hand lotion, and even the occasional book.  I just love sharing the things I love with other people, because I just know once they try it, they'll love it too!

So this week, as I was perusing Growing in Grace, I learned about a new band called All Sons & Daughters.  I listened to their song, A Reason the Sing, saw that their latest album was only $6 and I've been hooked ever since!  Their lyrics, their heart, and their passion for more of God have touched me deeply this week.  Now, I'm just waiting for my credit card statement to reset so I can buy their first album!  Watch the song below.  I've included the lyrics as well.
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When the pieces seem to shatter
To gather off the floor
And all that seems to matter
Is that I don’t feel you anymore
No I don’t feel you anymore

I need a reason to sing
I need a reason to sing
I need to know that You’re still holding
The whole world in Your hands
I need a reason to sing

When I’m overcome by fear
And I hate everything I know
If this waiting lasts forever
I’m afraid I might let go
I’m afraid I might let go
Oh Oh Oh

I need a reason to sing
I need a reason to sing
I need to know that You’re still holding
The whole world in Your hands
I need a reason to sing

Yeah

Will there be a victory
Will You sing it over me now
Oh
Your peace is the melody
You sing it over me now
Oh Lord
Will there be a victory
Will You sing it over me now
Oh Lord

Your peace is the melody
You sing it over me now

I need a reason to sing
I need a reason to sing
I need to know that You’re still holding
The whole world in Your hands
That is a reason to sing

Don't Be Tardy For The Party

A little pic from the fabulous party.  So bummed I didn't take more!

Remember my sweet friend Catherine who turned 27 on the 27th last year?  Well, last week, in honor of my birthday, my sweet, beautiful friend,  flawlessly executed a fabulous little tapas party for me. 

If you know Catherine, you know that her middle name might as well be "hostess with the mostest."  Ya'll, she is SO gifted. 

To prepare for the party, she arranged beautiful flowers, cut magnolia for her front porch planters, made incredible sangria, researched my favorite dessert, AND threw together some tasty tapas. 

She also decided that hosting a party was a great time to pull her house together and finally got around to making (yes, making) a beautiful headboard in their bedroom and sewed some fabric to go over her decorator's table in the main room.  

If that wasn't enough, she also organized the invites and instructed the guests to each bring a tapa and wear cocktail dresses (I just LOVE an excuse to be fancy!)   

I can't tell you how loved I felt.  If you're lucky enough to have a friend in your life like Catherine, one that you SO don't deserve, you know what I'm talking about. 

The week before the party, I kept asking her what I could do, and she would always reply, "Nothing, it's your party.  All you have to do is show up."   

So that's what I did.  I showed up and the party was amazing!  I don't think I'll ever be able to thank Catherine enough and fully convey how much her extravagant labor of love meant to me. 

Since then, I've been thinking a lot about the party and if you really look at it, there's nothing that I did to earn or deserve such a lovely party.  A birthday party isn't a party because you did anything—it's not fueled by getting married, having a baby,  graduating, or retiring.  It's a party simply because you were born, and I really didn't have any control over my birth—one day, I was just born.

Similarly, there is nothing we can do to earn or deserve God's lavish, abundant love for us.  We are so undeserving, but God, so rich is He in mercy, chooses to love us, in spite of ourselves.  Each day, He's ready to throw us a party using only the best of the best and there's nothing we can do; we can't even bring anything.  All we have to do is show up.  Talk about an incredible gift!

He brought me to the banqueting house,
      And his banner over me was love. 

Song of Songs 2:4 (NKJV)    

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20 (NKJV)

I've never quit loving you and never will.
   Expect love, love, and more love!

Jeremiah 31:3 (MSG)

 

God Is Sufficient

Happy Tuesday, friends!  I hope you were able to enjoy a nice long weekend.  We rounded it out with a last minute trip to DC to meet this little beauty:

Mary Tobin Ortega is incredibly cool (she was wearing jeggings).  She's totally a girl's girl (she invited me and Anna Kate to go change her diaper with her so we could have some "girl talk").  AND she's an extremely gracious and welcoming hostess (she invited us for lunch less than two days after she moved into her new palace on Capitol Hill).  She's breezy like that.  Packed boxes everywhere?  No biggie for Mary Tobin, she's just that cool.

I also got to see these little beauties:

All in all, it was a fun, spontaneous trip!


In other news, I have a new "birthday book"!  Last year, my "birthday book" was Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist.  If you haven't read it, I strongly encourage you to check it out.  It's amazing!  This year, my "birthday book" is called The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer.  I'm not that far into it yet, but I'm already loving it!  Here's a little sneak peek:

"When you've concluded that what you already have on hand is enough, that it's adequate—that it's been deemed by God as sufficient—then you're equipped and empowered to participate fully in the tasks set before you during this season of life.  Paul described it like this:

God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work."

2 Corinthians 9:8

Can't wait to read more!  Thanks, Eliza Joy!!

Have a great day!!

Friday Favorites!

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Happy Friday!  I hope you had a wonderful week!  I had a wonderful birthday week and have felt so incredibly loved.  Thanks to everyone who made it so special.  More on that to come! 

A few favorites from the week to carry you into the weekend:

Shauna Niequist shares her four words for 2012.

Caroline McCain fills us in on her favorite reads from 2011.

Trish Ryan talks about contentment and includes a challenging and inspiring list of character qualities. 

My friend Molly turned me on to Cup Of Jo's Travel Week.  I especially loved this post and this one.  I don't really get to travel much these days, but if I do, I like the idea of making it fabulous! 

Have you all seen the "stuff" people say videos going around?  elaney shared a "Stuff Nobody Says" video that's hilarious!  My favorite is, "Mmmmm...Captain Ds!"

Lastly, I must share my current obsession: fancy champagne flutes!  Think pink champagne from An Affair to Remember.  I was fortunate enough to receive a pair for my birthday.  Talk about fancy! 

Cheers!!

  

the Rock Smitten

Trust has been a common theme in recent posts! Yesterday we saw how Daniel fell before the Lord in prayer, trusting that his powerful God would respond to his pleas. 

I know that the closer I come to seeing God through prayer and repentance and study, the more His greatness will consume everything else in my life with blinding light. The pure in heart will see God. Matthew 5:8. To gain that heavenly perspective, of life illuminated by truth, will lead inevitably and enthusiastically to trusting my Heavenly Father.

Scott and I are memorizing Isaiah 55 in the upcoming months (please, hold me accountable!) and he recently sent me the Matthew Henry commentary for that chapter. It is a beautiful summary of why we would be silly not to pursue God. I encourage you to read commentary for the whole chapter, but this is just an excerpt:

            In Christ there is enough for all, and enough for each. Those satisfied with the world, that see no need of Christ, do not thirst. They are in no uneasiness about their souls: but where God gives grace, he gives a thirst after it; and where he has given a thirst after it, he will give it. Come to Christ, for he is the Fountain opened, he is the Rock smitten... 

          The gifts offered to us are such as no price can be set upon. The things offered are already paid for; for Christ purchased them at the full price of his own blood, 1 Peter 1:19. Our wants are beyond number, and we have nothing to supply them; if Christ and heaven are ours, we see ourselves for ever indebted to free grace. Hearken diligently; let the proud heart stoop; not only come, but accept God's offers. All the wealth and pleasure in the world, will not yield solid comfort and content to the soul. They do not satisfy even the appetites of the body; for all is vanity and vexation. Let the disappointments we meet with in the world, help to drive us to Christ, and to seek for satisfaction in him only. Then, and not before, we shall find rest for our souls. Hear, and your soul shall live. 

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God responds

A zest for life and McDonald's birthday parties

First of all, I want to wish dear Elizabeth Robertson Williams a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I praise God for her friendship and insight and faith. I'm amazed at how God continues to work through her to encourage and challenge me in such pointed and personal ways. Thank you, God, Tim and Lisa for a job well done.


Second, I commend Elizabeth for recognizing and addressing her growing anxiety, as she wrote about yesterday. I must be a bit more dense because it took God removing all possible distractions to help me remember to turn to Him and be still. On Monday, Scott was out of town and my computer was in the shop (and we don't have cable). So that evening I did some laundry, ate dinner, wrote a letter, read for school, and then I was just bored. I felt so lost (yet productive) without my computer! I eventually conceded and sat before the Lord for a while in silence. I enjoyed praying, listening and reading about Daniel.

In chapter 2, Daniel faces the threat of execution because no one can interpret King N's dream. We see that Daniel does trust in the Lord, but not passively. He gets the 411 from the commander of the king's guard, gathers his friends and urges them to plead for mercy from God. Daniel doesn't just recite a promise about God's everlasting love for his people. He unites in desperate prayer with other believers. And then God responds and reveals the mystery of the dream.  

I often let the unknown of the future weigh down on me as sinful anxiety.  I know God has a good and perfect plan for my life, but that shouldn't cause me to resign from praying for it. I should plead and pray to the Lord all the more. God responds to our prayer. By praying to God I am trusting in Him to listen, to answer and to move. And by communing with my Father in prayer, makes it easier to see He is good and to continue trusting in Him. 

Daniel could have easily collapsed in despair upon hearing the news of his impending execution. Yet he acted on a hope in a God that was bigger than any harm he might fear. And as soon as God answered, Daniel praised the God of heaven:

 “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; 
   wisdom and power are his. 
He changes times and seasons; 
   he sets up kings and deposes them. 
He gives wisdom to the wise 
   and knowledge to the discerning. 
He reveals deep and hidden things; 
   he knows what lies in darkness, 
   and light dwells with him. 
I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: 
   You have given me wisdom and power, 
you have made known to me what we asked of you, 
   you have made known to us the dream of the king.”

   Daniel 2:20-23

Well said, Daniel.  Amen.

God IS

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Some of you may recall that last week, I wrote about my theme words for 2012, one of which was to trust.  However, pretty much as soon as I wrote that, crazy, anxious, worried Elizabeth took over and began to fret.  About the unknowns, about situations beyond my control, and, quite frankly, about some things that really don't make a bit of difference.

Yesterday morning was the first morning I had in a few days to sit, be still and pray and God was kind enough to lead me to Psalm 46 via   Jesus Calling:

God is our refuge and strength,

         A very present help in trouble.

 Therefore we will not fear,

         Even though the earth be removed, 

         And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea...

God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;

         God shall help her, just at the break of dawn...

Be still, and know that I am God...

The LORD of hosts is with us;

         The God of Jacob is our refuge.

Isn't that wonderful?!  I love the New King James Version of the Bible for oh so many reasons, one being their emphasis on italics to really get their point across.  

Friends, we need not fear...

God IS our strength.

God IS in our midst.

God IS  our God

The Lord IS with us.  

God IS our refuge.

Thank you, thank you, thank you God!

Let's Kick It!

Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater

 Happy Monday!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Yesterday, I decided to sit and watch the majority of the Broncos/Steelers football game, mainly because my mom was at Mile High Stadium taking in all the excitement live.  She hearts Tebow big time and like most mothers, she is convinced that he and my youngest sister Abby would be a match made it heaven!  

Believe it or not, I don't typically sit to watch a football game in its entirety...although it did help that we flipped to Real Housewives of Beverly Hills during commercials.  We're just so diplomatic!  During this particular game, beyond Tebow being awesome, I was particularly struck by the kicker. 

Kickers are pretty fascinating—on the one hand, it doesn't look like they do that much.  I mean, they're not the ones calling plays, catching balls, scoring touchdowns, intercepting, or making tackles.  They pretty much have one job: kick the ball through those two poles at the end of the field. 

But,  kickers. win. football. games.  Often, it comes down to one final kick.  The pressure mounts and the hopes of both teams rest on one little kick.   

He might only have one job, but it's an extremely important one.  A role that he practices, perfects, and makes sure that when the team needs him, he's ready to perform.

Sometimes, our roles and gifts might seem simple to us, but each one of us has an important role to play—student, mother, wife, friend, daughter, sister, employee, volunteer.  One that through prayer, we can practice, perfect, and excel in.  It may seem simple to us, or we may easily tire of it, but when push comes to shove, there's someone who needs us and we need to be ready to be excellent.

You are Christ's body—that's who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything.

1 Corinthians 12: 27-28 (MSG)

   

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!  I hope you have all had a wonderful week.  A few favorites to send you off into the weekend:

My friend Mary Elizabeth Stone just started a new blog, He Makes All Things New.  I can't tell you how excited I am to hear more from her on this platform.  Check it out here. 

One of my oldest and dearest friends recently emailed the following image to me and I just can't get enough:

Isn't that the best?  I love Pinterest!  Are you pinning yet?  If so, can we be friends?

I stumbled upon this verse on Monday and was moved to tears.  I love how eternally faithful and loving our God is:

"Even to your old age and gray hairs
   I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
   I will sustain you and I will rescue you." 

Isaiah 46:4 (NKJV)

Lastly, I must share that starting New Year's Day, Bernie and I were whisked away to England in the early 1900s through a British mini-series that has taken the world by storm, Downton Abbey.  Have you heard of it?  My friends Josie and Anna Kate promised me I would be obsessed, but something about a period mini-series seemed a bit boring to me so I never tried it...boy, was I wrong.  The love, the suspense, the intrigue....Bernie and I were both hooked and I've been speaking in my most proper British accent ever since.  They're streaming it on Netflix and Amazon Prime if you're a subscriber, or if you need some sketchy websites that stream it, just let me know!   

Have a wonderful weekend!

Do Something

Image from Real Simple

So yesterday, I shared one of two the theme words I'm claiming for 2012.  Ready for number two?  Do. Something.  

I realize for many their words might more closely resemble rest, take a break, or breathe, but for me, there are areas in my life that I convinced myself that I need at least 1-2 hours to actually make it worth while: cleaning my house, exercising, spending time with God, writing thank you notes....the list could go on and on.

The problem is that I never manage to chisel out the golden hour (who really wants to make time to clean?), and all of these little projects are swallowed up and never completed.

Rather that sitting around feeling like a failure in a messy house with flabby thighs, I want to be intentional about stealing minutes when I can and making the most of my time throughout the day.

Have you ever had fifteen minutes before you needed to leave the house (this isn't typical for my, since I tend to run late, but just go with me...)  Usually, if I have fifteen minutes to kill, I'll pop open the computer, bounce around, and pretty much do absolutely nothing.

But fifteen minutes is more time than you might think— it's great for putting away clothes on the floor, clearing off your kitchen counter, squeezing in a 10 minute pilate session (thanks to this DVD), writing a thank you note, starting a load of laundry, sending an encouraging note or text to a friend, or pausing to read a Psalm or Jesus Calling.  You can't do them all, but you can at least do one!

15 minutes isn't much, but it's something.  And something is far superior to nothing.

Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

Colossians 3:17 (MSG)

Trust

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Yesterday I talked a bit about looking back, but in addition to looking back the new year is a great time to look forward.  Like many others, each year, I try to come up with one or two words to help prepare my heart for the upcoming year.  Past words have included Simplify, Dwell, and More.

This year, as I prepare to move forward, there are two words or phrases that have settled on my heart.  First up?  Similar to my beloved Meg, my word is Trust.

I don't know about you, but most of my twenties has been one big question mark.  There are so many unknowns and uncertainties.    I wonder if God lovingly smiles at me as He watches me fret, worry, and stress over every single detail, step, and question, when ultimately, He knows that He has it under control.

I realize I spoke a bit about Trust yesterday in my wrap-up of 2011, but seeing Trust emerge as a theme from 2011, makes actively seeking to Trust in 2012 that much more appropriate.

So this year, rather than losing sleep over what may or may not happen, I'm hoping to be able to let God take the day watch and the night watch, as I seek to fall backwards into God, hand over everything, and simply Trust.


Trust that God will ultimately lead my little family of two to the perfect place, professionally and physically.

Trust that He will fully equip me to do the things that He's called me to do.

Trust that as long as I'm seeking out God's ways, and not my own, I will not be deprived.

Trust that God loves me fully and absolutely has my best interest in mind.

Trust that with God, the impossible becomes possible.

Trust God to bring healing and redemption to that which is broken.

"Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."

Psalm 9:10

Looking Back

Cally's Wedding with my mom, siblings & cousins, a definite high from 2011!

So yesterday, I finally took the time to process 2011.  I love what Beth Moore said about looking back before looking forward, so I decided to take her up on it. (I mean, I guess she's kind of smart.)  So I sat, I prayed, and I reflected on the highs—new relationships, strengthened old relationships, weekends away, women's retreats, planted dreams, jobs, new family members, answered prayers—and the lows—heartbreaks, hurts, disappointments, difficult adjustments, and failures.  As I sifted through the good, the bad, and ugly I looked back and asked God to show me three words that defined 2011.  Here's what we came up with:

Understanding—In 2011, God gave me a tiny glimpse that even though everything might not always work out how we plan or want to, and at times we may find ourselves stuck in a pit, God knows what He's doing.  If we wait on Him, He is faithful to dig us out and take us higher. 

Trust—with a deeper understanding of God's ways and His plans, God asked me to trust Him.  To let go of my need for control and my vision for how I think things should unfold and trust that in ALL things (jobs, relationships, new homes, etc.) He knows what He's doing.

Prayer—2011 was a year where I dug deeply into prayer.  Prayers for miracles, my marriage, my heartaches, my friends, and our future plans.  This past year, my eyes were opened wide to see that when we pray, we have a God in heaven who not only hears us, but is quick to respond.  

I know that today the holiday is officially over, but even if you have twenty minutes to spare, I definitely encourage you to take some time to reflect on what 2011 brought to you and where and how you saw God show up!

For more on looking back, hop over to Caroline McCain's blog.

2012!

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Well, we made it to 2012!  Happiest of New Year's!  I still haven't set aside time for me to process 2011 and think about kicking off 2012, but there are several things that have ushered me into 2012 that I want to share:

My friend Mary Stafford, who wrote this beautiful post, posted an amazing video.  I only know one person in the video, but it brings me such JOY and expectancy.  I'm also so glad she introduced me to the song, "Let Us Love" by Needtobreathe.  I may just have to claim it as my theme song for 2012:
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Let us love  

Like we were children  

Make us feel 

Like we're still living

Beth Moore wrote a beautiful invitation to reflection.  I haven't yet taken her up on it, but I'm hoping this morning is the day!

Caroline McCain's post on her word for 2012 is simply. beautiful.  

My friend Amber wrote post on New Year's resolutions that's both insightful and challenging. 

Also, in case you missed Mary Elizabeth Stone's post or Meg's post, I would definitely encourage popping back.

Happy New Year, sweet friends!  May today give you a sliver of time where you can pause, reflect, look back, and get ready to move forward—2012 is here!