Friday Favorites

Chanel's new Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow

Happy Friday!  I hope you had a fabulous week!  Just a few of my latest favorites:

Saturday in Dallas, my fabulous friend Ansley and I popped over to Neiman Marcus and landed ourselves at the Chanel counter.  They are REALLY good at roping you into their chairs and they lured us in with "their new fall colors."  So for 2.5 hours, Ansley and I settled into the counter with our new best friend Linda, a Chanel makeup artist diehard who has worked for them for 24 years!  Anyways, in addition to selling us overpriced, yet fabulous cosmetics, she also was full of fabulous wisdom on make-up and skincare.  My two favorite tips?

On exfoliation--"Exfoliation is the key to great skincare because it loosens your skin cells and lets your skin breathe.  Without exfoliating, it's as if you're wearing a pair of nylon hose over your face and trapping your skin!"  (See, I told you Linda was smart!)

On moisturizing--"Before you put on any foundation, a good moisturizer is essential.  Your skin is thirsty and if you don't adequately moisturize, it will drink up all your foundation, so you won't get good coverage."

Thanks Linda!!


Cake Batter Rice Crispy Treats--while perusing Pinterest the other day, I stumbled upon this recipe for Cake Batter Rice Crispy Treats.  Can you say delicious?  Good thing Walmart is right next door!  I walked over, picked up all the essential ingredients and have been feasting on them all week.

Elaney shared the most fabulous P&G Olympic commerical.  Warning: you will most likely tear up:




Happy weekend!!

Something New

Image via Pinterest

If you've been around the Bible for a few years, chances are, you have a few favorite verses.  I don't know about you, but I certainly have mine (and some of you may know exactly what they are, since they're continually making appearances on Long to Love).  But every once in a while, a stumble upon a new verse and think, "How have I never seen this before?"

Chances are, I have seen it, only my heart wasn't primed and ready to hone in on it.  Yesterday, by way of Jesus Calling, I found such a verse and I'm just crazy about it:

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.

Genesis 28:15

Much like the promise of my May memory verse that God will not desert us, I love the promise that God will not leave us until He has done what He has promised.  LOVE!!  

CPR

I mentioned on Monday that over the weekend, we popped down to Dallas for a wedding.  It was a fabulous weekend, but our flights reinforced the fact that I most certainly don't enjoy flying.  I don't mind the actual flight, but the lines, the security, the liquids, and the crowds overwhelm me.  

Additionally, I refuse to check baggage.  A scarring experience five years ago where my checked bag was torn to shreds, combined with the unnecessary baggage fees, have resulted in my becoming a dedicated carry-on girl.  

I have a suitcase that while technically is beyond the limits for checked bags, still manages to squeeze into the overhead compartment up above.  Several times, I've been forced to gate check it, but here's a tip: if you get your bag to the gate, there's no charge.  

The thing is, with space so limited now, I have to be ruthless to claim my spot; standing up early ready to be first in line when my group is called and eager to claim the overhead space.  Sunday, after calling first class passengers, they then opened up boarding to the entire plane (something I've never seen before).  I saw a new lane opening up and I bolted, leaving B completely behind.  When overhead storage space is at stake, one would be wise to get out of my way.  (Don't worry, B still made the flight!)  

Monday, I was thinking about my zealousness for overhead storage and I wondered what my faith would like if I was that eager, aggressive, and passionate about seeking out God.  

Fast forward to last night when I attended a Beth Moore Bible study.  Most of you know that I love and adore Beth, but it's been a while since I've enrolled in one of her studies.  Ya'll, this woman loves Jesus.  

To be honest, I wasn't completely enthused about going.  I didn't know anyone, I was feeling pretty sick, and with traffic, the church was 45 minutes away.  But by a small miracle from God, I actually made it in the car and to the church.  

When I settled into my seat as the video played, I wanted to cry as I saw Beth take the stage, because my heart was so hungry and I felt so grateful to be able to sit and listen to a woman who is more passionate about God and knowing and understanding His word, than I will ever be about ensuring my bag is properly secured above me before takeoff.  

Her passion and enthusiasm about the things of God is contagious.  As I watched for an hour, I felt as though God was using her energy and hunger to resuscitate my weary heart and breathe new life into it.

There are several people God has put in my life that without even knowing or trying, just by being with them, I walk away longing for more of God's presence in my own life.  If you, like me, have found yourself weary, tired, and spiritually dry recently, find someone who is wholeheartedly going after the things of God and sit in their presence.   It could be over coffee, a walk, a book, or even through the TV screen; just make some time to be with them and let their passion and love for God wear off on you.

I love that when we're too weak to move forward and lagging behind, God can put people in our lives who are going for it to encourage us to keep moving forward as well.  How beautiful!

"This is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ." 

Philippians 1:9-10  

   

Tuning In & Tuning Out

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  We had a marathon wedding weekend in Dallas and it was so great to spend it with so many wonderful friends!  First up on the agenda?  Within minutes of landing on Friday, we rushed to Chik-Fil-A to grab a chicken biscuit.  I tell you, that biscuit never tasted so good!  I was one happy girl!!

Before we left for Minnesota this summer, B's dad let him borrow his fancy Bose noise canceling headphones.  Ya'll have you used these?  They are amazing!  As we were flying home, I decided it was time for a little sharing and asked B if we could switch headphones.  In exchange, he got my fancy, cheap, pink $8 ones.  (what a guy!)

As soon as I put the headphones on, it was like magic--all other noise disappeared--no engine sound, no loud talking passengers, no overhead announcements that always wake me up--just peace and quiet.  I was one happy girl.

While I think it's important to be tuned into to listening to the world around us, sometimes, I wish I had a pair of magic headphones that would tune out all the distracting sounds around me and allow me to just hear God; to find a quiet and still place where I'm solely focused on tuning in to Him.

As far as I know, those headphones have yet to be invented, but I think we can create our own focused channel, by quieting our hearts and our environments for a few minutes each day, tuning out the distractions and "to-do lists" plaguing us for the day, being still, and resolving to simply listen.

Give ear and come to me;

    hear me, that your soul may live. 

Isaiah 55:3

Phoning Home

As soon as I discovered that movies are only $4 up here, I quickly began taking advantage of the summer box office.  A few days ago, I went to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.  Since it was a matinee and about a retirement home, I was definitely the only person below the age of 70 in the theater, but I didn't mind!

The movie was by no means the best of the summer, but it was a fun, mindless escape into beautiful India with a few witty Brits.  There was one scene, in particular, that really resonated with me.

A few weeks into the trip, which turns out to be nothing like anyone expected, Judi Dench's character, a recent widow, sneaks away to find a phone to call her son.  The minute she hears his voice on the other end, tears are quick to fill her eyes and she gets choked up.

I cried in the theater as I found myself completely relating to he character.  I thought about several times as a teenager when I would travel internationally on missions trips and no matter how good, or horribly the trip was going, the minute I called home and heard my parents' voices, I would inevitably tear up.

Thousands of miles away, hearing their voices and what they were up to made my heart ache to be home with them--I would even get jealous of the typical activities--trips to the grocery store, swim practice, family dinners, or even just sitting home watching the latest reality TV competition.  But more than wanting to be home on the couch watching TV and eating popcorn with them, hearing their voices provided a sense of safety and consistency that I so badly needed as I was in the midst of a completely strange and unfamiliar situation.

I left the movie thinking about how much comfort hearing my parent's voices had provided me through the years and how grateful I was for their stable support.

At twenty-eight, I try to tell myself I'm too old to call home crying, and I'm still only about three weeks into my new world way up north.  But as I continued my drive home, I found myself so grateful that no matter where we are, or what new season we're entering into be it a physical location, a new job situation, a new marriage, even a new baby--God is just a call away.

When we're scared, alone, or just a little unsure of the recent changes, He's there; whispering words of strength and comfort; and bringing us the consistency we're desperate for amidst new transitions, and promising to lead and guide our way.

Yes, this is one of the most quoted verses here on Long to Love, but it's a verse I never grow tired of hearing.  I just can't get enough!

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths Iwill guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."
Isaiah 42:16

Stand Firm

Yesterday, I shared the sad and tragic story of how my sweet, fluffy dog went from this:

To this:

My three-year old niece said she looked both "funny" and "naked".  My sister Abby texted me and said, "Poor Neely, she looks like a skinned chicken!"

Poor Neely indeed.  She has lost, arguably, her most beautiful and definable feature: her curly, fluffy hair.  When we first arrived in Minnesota, people would stop us on the trail by our apartment to comment on how beautiful she was.  I tell you, I was one proud mama.  Now, we get around the loop much faster, because no one's stopping us to comment on her girlish good looks.

Here's a little factoid for you: Neely is actually from Minnesota; this is her homeland!  I was emailing the breeder to schedule a visit for her to run around with some of her relatives, but in light of the tragic recent events, I had to email her to ask if we could push it back as far as possible.  When we journey out to the land of Irish Water Spaniels, I want Neely to feel as much as of an Irish Water Spaniel as she possibly can.

The good news?  Hair always grows back!  Eventually, Neely will make a full recovery!

And yes, I'm fully aware this is just a dog, but I had no idea this little trip to the "Wizard of Paws" would be teaching me so much.  In addition to thinking about heeding the warnings from the Holy Spirit, I've also thought a lot about our identities and what we use to define ourselves.

No, Neely can't talk, but if she could, I bet if you asked her she would tell you that her beautiful coat is her most flattering feature.  When she got in the car after the massacre, she was fully aware that something was different and it was not good.  So what do you do when all of a sudden, the feature or attribute you put so much weight on suddenly disappears?

The job title you've worked hard to earn goes away, your glorified "temple of a body" just can't seem to bounce back after having kids, your beautiful hair color begins to turn grey, your "perfect children" that helped define you as a "perfect parent" suddenly start to show a few more imperfections than you'd like...

It's so easy to allow ourselves to be defined by our looks, our talents, or our accomplishments, but ultimately all of these things are fleeting.  If we're trying to stand up on them, we're going to fall, because at the end of the day, they're not solid.  Remember the story of the foolish man and the wise man?  The wise man who built his house on the rock was able to withstand the storms.  And similarly, we need to be looking to build our lives on a solid foundation, so that when some of the things we hold on to so tightly fall out from under us, we have the strength and perspective to keep moving forward.

By standing firm you will gain life.

Luke 21:19

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

Psalm 20:7-8

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

Psalm 40:2

Mary Had A Little Lamb

Settling into a new place can always be tough.  Not only do you need to make new friends and attempt to settle into a new community, but you also have to research and discover the best of the best--the best restaurants, doctors, salons, and even dog groomers.

Neely was long overdue for a new do, so I called around, read some reviews and thought I had found the perfect place.  My first warning sign was when I arrived at said address and there was nothing there.  I called the groomer and learned that I was still fifteen minutes away.  In a trip that was supposed to take ten minutes, 40 minutes later, I finally found it.

Warning sign number 2 was that is wasn't called "Precious Paws" as I thought, but rather "Wizard of Paws" (get it?)  I walked in and asked if I was in the right place and they said, "yes, we've been waiting for you."

I introduced them to our little pup Neely and gave them specific instructions as to how to groom her.  She's an Irish Water Spaniel, not a poodle, so we like to make sure they know how to take care of her.  Many times, Neely has come out fluffy and full, and not quite sure what to make of her new do.

Warning sign number 3 was when Neely, my sweet, friendly dog, was pulling away trying to run for the hills and not wanting to go behind the gate.  I'm sure that's a common response, but not one I've ever seen from Neely.

I coaxed her behind the wall and left her helpless and fully susceptible to the hands of the "Wizard of Paws."

As I got into my car, feeling slightly guilty, I was extremely worried that I had just made a huge mistake.

Nearly two hours later, it was time to pick up Neely.  I walked in and before I even saw Neely, I saw a mountainous pile of black hair in the corner.  "Oh no," I thought.  Then all of a sudden, bounding out of a cage came my sweet little dog, completely shaved.

Ya'll, I walked in with an Irish Water Spaniel, and I walked out with a baby lamb.

My sweet little fur ball, in just one day, went from this:

Snuggled up near me while I work

To this:

Bernie joked later that we should have kept her hair to make a sweater.  They even shaved her ears!!

The warning signs were all there: we should have steered clear of The Wizard and left Neely's paws to someone else's care, but by the time I finally got there, I was tired, frustrated, and desperate, so I just went with it.  Big Mistake.

Sometimes in life, I think God tries to warn us about certain situations through His Holy Spirit by giving us a yellow or red flag.  Things that might give us a check in our spirits that we're walking into a danger zone--be it a certain relationship, a business agreement, a big purchase, or even a new move.

When that happens, are our eyes opened and ears clear to be able to see and heed His warnings?  I'll be honest, usually, I'm much too distracted and trying to make things happen, to be bothered about waiting and listening to God's warnings.  But if you pray and look around, you'll find that He's quick to send signs and checks to help us navigate little and big situations.

So what can we do?  Pray and ask God to help us discern what's what in certain situations.  Ask Him to lead and guide us throughout our days and protect us from evil.  Be alert and looking to see where and how God might be speaking to you.

I realize my illustration above is about my dog, and no, I don't think this was a spiritual example, but similar to the Holy Spirit, had I listened to my dog when she begged and pleaded not to go in, she would have been protected. Instead, I was too busy to be bothered and start over, so Neely was sent to the chopping block.

When it comes to the BIG stuff, and even the little stuff, I don't want to be too busy to be bothered to pay attention to God's warnings.  Rather, I want to be tapped in, ready to go, and willing to move according to His promptings.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ...

Philippians 1:9-10

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

The Father's Love

One of my favorite wedding pictures taken by Patricia Lyons

Happy Monday!  The post below is something I wrote for Proverbs 31 Ministries' High School Ministry a few years ago and in light of Father's Day, I thought I'd share it here as well. 

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

1 John 3:1

My dad is the father of five children, four girls and one boy to be exact, and he loves each one of us to pieces. He is constantly going out of his way to provide for us and take care of us. When we go on family vacations, he always goes above and beyond to make sure that every detail is  perfect. He researches ahead to see what the best spots are to visit, and wakes up each morning to make us breakfast and a fully planned itinerary.  He even goes so far as to make several CDs we affectionately refer to as "Red Dog Radio" for some fabulous family dance parties along the way. In the big and small things, he is a true servant and I am constantly blown away by the way he loves us.

Yet, as much as my dad loves and provides for his children, I'm even more blown away to discover that our heavenly Father loves us even more!

Some of you might be able to relate to a hands-on dad who has always been there for you, and then there are others who have never known the love of their earthly father. No matter what kind of relationship you have with your dad, I hope you know how incredibly loved and cherished you are in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. His love for you is unconditional. He cares about every detail in your life—the big and the small. He longs to hear from you, spend time with you, and wrap you up in His loving arms.

The verse above reminds us that we are children of God and He is always there to lavish us with His everlasting love. Even though Father's Day came and went yesterday, I hope you still take some time to stop and think about what a privilege it is to be the child of the Heavenly King. It doesn’t matter what kind of dad you have here, always remember that you have a Father up in heaven who absolutely adores you!

Friday Favorites

Image via Pinterest

Happy Friday, friends!  I hope you've had a fabulous week.  Here are a few favorites to carry you into the weekend:

A friend of mine who's a fashion designer in New York (yes, she's pretty cool) recently helped found a new website called bSmart and I'm honored to be included as a featured contributor.  It's a great site that offers girls advice on pretty much everything--relationship, careers, and even if those Jack Rogers wedges are a do or a don't.  Click here to sign-up. 

Yesterday, my friend Trish, who loves shopping and bargains almost as much as I do, emailed me a link to a new "app" her friend started called PickN'Tell.  This app is designed to help you easily answer the age-old question, "does my butt look big in these jeans?"  PickN'Tell lets you video yourself and send it instantly to your friends for their feedback.  Plus, it gives you points and prizes just for shopping--my kind of app!  Check it out here.

And ever worry about whether or not your toenail polish matches your sandals (we're talking real problems, here, people!)  Check out this great mix and match guide from Birchbox.

You know I love a good deal, so ladies, if you're in the market for a new pair of pants for your significant other, Bonobos has quite the deal for you!  Now through June 25th, new customers gets $50 off their first purchase.  Check it out here. 

And finally, I'm obsessed with this Jimmy Fallon & The Roots rendition of Call Me Maybe using classroom instruments.  It makes me happy! (Email subscribers, click here)

Life Lessons from your Local Walmart

Since coming to Minnesota, I've been a bit surprised by how much more expensive the groceries are--$6 for a 3-pack of organic lettuce, $5.50 for a 12-pack of LaCroix, $5.00 for Yogi Tea, $8 watermelons, or $6.59 for Weight Watchers ice cream bars--seriously!  

I'm a bargain grocery shopper and I know the prices of each item at multiple places in Charlottesville so I can make sure I'm always getting the best value.  The first day we grabbed groceries in Minnesota, we bounced around to several stores to make sure we were getting the best value.  The $6 lettuce really threw us for a loop.  These prices have been frustrating to me, because I know way down in Virignia everything is much cheaper.

All this time, while I've been on the quest for groceries, Walmart was literally within walking distance from my apartment (as in directly across the street).  Did I tell you that we live in suburbia?

Yesterday, I wandered over there to pick up a few things and lo and behold, their grocery selection was AMAZING!  Organic celery for $2.50, $4 watermelons, Yogi tea for $4.00, and my favorite Weight Watchers smoothie bars that I haven't been able to find anywhere else were just $4.19--even cheaper than Virginia.  Ya'll, I was beyond happy to discover my new grocery store.

All this time, I had been searching high and low for the best grocery prices, but reluctant to go into Walmart because I didn't think they'd have everything I needed.  (I admit it, I'm a snob).  Little did I know, they had more than everything AND were by far the cheapest prices around!  When they say "always low prices," they're not kidding around.

Sometimes in life, I think we waste so much time searching for everything else when usually what we need is right in front of us.  How many times in my life am I looking for answers, but rather than head straight to God's word, I wind up bouncing around from my friends, magazines, or even the internet trying to figure things out on my own.  All the while, the guidance, encouragement, and answers that I need are right in front of me.

 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Jeremiah 33:3

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Psalm 32:8

 

Young At Heart

Recently, I got my hands on a copy of The Jesus Storybook Bible, and I have to say, I just love it!  Yes, it's technically a "children's Bible", but the back says "Ages 4 & up," so I count myself in the "up" category. 

I'm a simple person, as you can probably tell.  Believe it or not, I'm not really into deep theological debates.  Rather, I like things laid out plain and simply, which is why a children's Bible is just perfect for me!  I'm recalling all kinds of stories that I've either never heard or just don't remember. 

But yesterday, I stumbled upon a familiar passage, Psalm 23, and I absolutely loved their interpretation.  As far as I'm concerned, No matter how old you are, you never tire of being reminded that God is our Shepherd, He is always with us, and in Him, we have everything we need.

God is my Shepherd

And I am his little lamb

He feeds me

He guides me

I have everything I need.

Inside, my heart is very quiet.

As quiet as lying still in soft green grass

In a meadow

By a little stream.  

Even when I walk through 

the dark, scary, lonely places

I won't be afraid

Because my Shepherd knows where I am.

He is here with me

He keeps me safe

He rescues me

He makes me strong

And brave.

He is getting wonderful things ready for me.

Especially for me

Everything I ever dreamed of!

He fills my heart so full of happiness

I can't hold it all inside.

Wherever I go I know

Gods' Never Stopping

Never Giving Up 

Unbreaking

Always and Forever

Love 

Will go, too!

God gave David this song to sing to his people, so they could know that he loved them and would always look after them--like a shepherd loves his sheep.

If you're in the market for a new Bible for the little or big kids in your life, you should definitely check it out!

Future Hope

Image via Pinterest

Yesterday, we talked a little bit about how in a canoe, only one person can lead the steering.  Yes, it may be incredibly challenging to surrender control, but when it comes to letting go and trusting God, below is one of my favorite assortment of verses from Proverbs.  I'm fairly certain I've referenced these before, but since my first year of college nearly 10 years ago, these little nuggets have been an invaluable lifeline to me: 

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord;
    he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.

My (daughter), give me your heart
    and let your eyes keep to my ways...

There is surely a future hope for you,
    and your hope will not be cut off. 

Proverbs 21:1, Proverbs 23: 26, 18 

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Image via Pinterest

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  We had a great weekend up here exploring our new home.  Saturday, we went to a huge lake in downtown Minneapolis and rented a canoe.  Even little Neely pup got to hop on board.

As we bounded out on our adventure, I was trying to recall my canoeing skills I acquired at camp from 14 years ago to impress my beloved.  I kept switching sides to help navigate us and set us on the right path. 

After a few minutes, B gently told me that when it came to steering a canoe, there could really only be one navigator, and it was better if it came from the back.  Every time I switched sides, I was messing up our direction, so I needed to pick one side and stick to it.

Only one person can steer us in the right direction...what a concept!  Eventually, my arms got tired, so I handed all responsibility over to our chief navigator while I rested and enjoyed the view.

As we floated along, I thought about how many times I'm in a boat where I've agreed to let God steer me, but eventually, I get tired of being still and I try to shift my paddle to begin navigating the way I think we should go, rather that trusting His plan and going with the flow.

Sure, letting someone else steer involves an increased level of trust and faith that can be scary, but there's also a benefit to implicitly trusting the One in control: you can sit back and enjoy the ride and know that He will lead you in the right direction.  Why bother dipping your paddle in the pool, when the One behind you is ready and willing to steer you into a good and perfect plan?   

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

Proverbs 16:3     

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."
Isaiah 42:16

Friday Favorites!

Image via Pinterest

Happy Friday!  My first "Minnesota Friday Favorites"...one down, nine to go, but who's counting?

I loved Trish's post on the Changing Seasons blog about how watching Bridesmaids encouraged her to relax (sans sedatives and alcohol).

This post from Beth Moore was a perfect read for me.  She references the NET version of Psalm 55:22 that says, "Throw your burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the godly to be upended.”  How's that for a translation?!  I think we could all use some throwing off of the burdens, don't you?


My cousin Barbara wrote a hilariously honest post on Miss Wiggy--it even includes a Bridget Jones reference, which I adore.


I found Katherine Wolf's post on Celebrating Imperfections Over Burgers And Fries to be simple, honest, and refreshing.  I just love her outlook on life. 


And is anyone out there waiting for Mr. Wonderful aka Boaz?  This post on Waiting for Boaz from Lincee is hilarious!  

Image via Vegetarian Times

Last night, yours truly, a diehard carnivore, make a delicious veggie dish with tofu, mushrooms, and bok choy.  Check out the recipe here.  


While perusing Pinterest the other day, I stumbled upon this: 17 tips to make your life easier.  Check it out, there are some fabulous, simplifying tips!


And lastly, I just have to say that I'm currently LOVING G-Mail's video chat.  This week I was able to have yet another quality video chat with my sweet nieces and I even got to catch up with a dear friend who was in India for work--how cool is that?!  


Have a fabulous weekend!!  

Consider the Lilies

If you've been around the Bible for a few years chances are, you're well aware that it tells us not to worry.  But like many things, hearing it is one thing, believing it is another.

Every few months or so, I'm brought back to a beautiful passage in Luke where Jesus himself gently tells us not to worry.

He talks about life, money, priorities and what's truly important.  And though I'm very familiar with the passage, each time I stumble back to it, I'm so grateful that it's in here.  It's one of those "even though it was written long ago, I think God put it in there just for me" kind of passages.  But even though I claim it as one of my special passages, today, I'm feeling generous, so I'll share it with you as well:

Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

 Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.  But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 

-Luke 12:22-34 (NIV)

Running Free

Many of you know that I have a dog.  A beautiful Irish Water Spaniel named Neely that we inherited from my parents because she was a hunting school dropout.  This little birddog has absolutely no interest in birds.

I'm definitely NOT what you would call a dog person.  I like them okay, but I'm not the kind of girl who runs up to dogs and pets them and lets them lick me.  I tend to take more of a "Tiger Mom" approach that dogs should be seen and not heard, yet somehow, little Neely wiggled her way into my heart and now we're besties.

Several times, I'm embarrassed to admit, when I leave town and she sees my suitcase, I actually shed tears when I see her try to follow me to the car.  When we've been gone a majority of the day, I let her sleep in our room so she won't be lonely, and I often feed her people food.  What can I say, I'm a goner.

At our "summer home" here in Minnesota, right across the street is a beautiful lake with a great path for walking and running.  Each morning, Neely and I set off on a new adventure, but the path is narrow and Neely has to be leashed.  Her latest discovery up here has been the rabbits.   Each time she sees one, she goes crazy.  Unlike the squirrels she seeks out in Virginia, a rabbit she could actually catch.  She tries to break away from me, but each time is restrained by the leash, unable to catch them.

Watching this has started to make my heart hurt, because I don't like seeing Neely being held back from what she was designed to do.  She was made to run, explore, chase rabbits and I hate seeing her bound by our silly leash.

My favorite times with Neely are when we're in the mountains, the beach, or even UVa's lawn, where there are no restrictions and she can run free, track scents, and chase squirrels to her heart's content, and be the dog she was created to be.

Similarly, each one of us was made with a unique and distinct purpose, but often, we allow certain things to hold us back and hinder us from living the life we were created for--fear, laziness, busyness, insecurities, mindless distractions, heartache, rejection, the opinions of others, not knowing where to start--the list could go on and on...what's holding you back?  What has you by a leash?

Unlike my dog who's not able to always be as free as she would like, in Christ, We. Are. Free.  We have each been created by God to do good works that He has prepared for us.  Yes, we still have boundaries and boundaries are a good thing, but if God has put a dream, a vision, or a purpose on your heart, don't let the leashes of life hold you back.  Go for it.  Stay close to God, run free, and make it happen!

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Psalm 119:32   

 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

 

6-Word Prayers

Happy Tuesday!  Quick reminder: if you haven't yet picked your memory verse for June, there's still time!  Just click here to leave your verse in the comments!

So on Sunday, before my $4 movie, to delay the inevitable unpacking, I nestled in to Anne Lamott's memoir, Traveling Mercies.  Many of you may be very familiar with Anne, but for whatever reason, I was hiding under a rock for the past few years and it wasn't until a few months ago when I discovered her.  Nina likes her.  Shauna likes her.  Trish likes her...how have I never even heard of her?

We may not agree on everything, but she's a beautiful, poignant, and insightful writer and she loves her Jesus.  I'm so enjoying her spiritual journey through her book, Traveling Mercies.

In one chapter, Anne is praying through whether or not she should let her young son fly in a small plane for his birthday and says, "Here are the two best prayers I know: "Help me, help me, help me," and "Thank you, thank you, thank you."  


Sometimes, we overcomplicate things, when all we really need to do is cry, "Help me!"  or our hearts bend to a point of gratitude and we simply whisper, "Thank you."

These prayers may be short and sweet, but in my opinion, they often come from the most genuine and real parts of our soul.

The past several weeks, my prayers have been a combination of the two, but I've been keenly aware of the Truth that as I'm  going through life,  at each turn, God's presence is there and is going before me.  All I can think to do is whisper, "Thank you, God," nothing too specific, but I know that He knows.


"Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Scripture Memory for June!

Our little road warrior Neely...she had plenty of room, but she liked to keep her head in between us to sit "up front" with us!  She's adorable!

Elizabeth, here, coming to you all the way up north from Minnesota!  Yes, 19 hours and 1200 miles later, we finally made it!!

Thanks to many of you for your texts, emails and calls...I feel so blessed to be supported and encouraged by so many special people.  

Some initial thoughts about the past few days:

West Virginians are not very good drivers...the only 3 wrecks we passed were in West Virginia.  But I will say, when their emergency crews are needed, they come out in full force — no less than 8 emergency vehicles were at each accident.  

Ohio...hmmm, not much to say about Ohio.  Their mile marker road signs weren't very impressive.  

Indiana--GREAT country radio stations and LOTS of churches.  We stopped in Indiana for dinner at a steakhouse I found on a billboard (when you're on a long trip, billboards with beautiful steaks are VERY effective), but I think it was a local bar and with my sundress and pearls and B's polo and tortoise shell spectacles, we didn't quite pass the "local test," so they sat us in a separate room by ourselves...not that we minded, but it was pretty funny!  

Illinois — WAY too many tolls!  

Wisconsin — I liked this state.  Lots of signs for cheese, homemade ice cream, and there was a place called Biscuit World...my kind of world!  

There are not enough Chik-fil-A's and more Arby's and KFC's in our country than I ever realized.

A John Grisham audio book is a valuable tool for a long trip and carried us 11 hours of the drive.  

And now, at long last, we're here in Minnesota.  It's beautiful here and the weather is great!  When we pulled in to our apartment, the song from Annie played in my head, "I think I'm gonna like it here..."  (Yes, sometimes I think in musicals!)

My biggest discovery, so far, is a movie theater with $4 tickets!!  For just $15, B and I got two tickets, a large popcorn, and soda.  I quickly texted my movie loving friend Molly to tell her of this new discovery.  Movie goers out there will know that this is a find!  

Also, don't fret, while I haven't yet found a Chik-fil-A, I have confirmed that they DO have La Croix here.  And not only do they have it, but they have additional flavors like orange and lemon...who knew?!  

Orange La Croix!

Okay, sorry for the random thoughts on our big summer move.  Now, let's get to the important stuff...remember last month when we started doing some scripture memorization?!  Well, it's that time again!  Can you believe it?!  

I'll be honest, I had to do a refresher on my May verse this morning before I could move onto the next, so if you're in that boat too, don't rush it.  But, I'm finally ready and I'm so excited about my new verse courtesy of my mom via Pricilla Shirer:  

In that day he will be your sure foundation,

    providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.

    The fear of the Lord will be your treasure.

Isaiah 33:6 (NLT)

I love the image and reassurance of God being our sure foundation!  

Have a memory verse for June?  Leave it in the comments below!  

Need some ideas?  Click here and scroll down to the comments to see some great ones!  

Friday Favorites

Image via Pinterest

Happy Friday!  It's 7:15 am and we're in the throws of packing for our big trip.  But I managed to steal away five quick minutes to post 3 of my favorite links from the week!

This post from Lysa Terkerust was amazing!  I especially LOVED the verses at the end. 

Per usual, Mary Elizabeth's post was both real and insightful.  I love how beautifully she navigates her journey--both the pain and the joys.

And with summer upon us, who needs a little SPF tutorial?  I loved this Birchbox post on Sunscreen Secrets for Every Skin Type.


Happy weekend!  If you need a phone buddy today or tomorrow, give me a call!  I'll be making my way through 7 states!