giving thanks. day 5. november 5.

Day 5 | Home

I'm so thankful to live in a beautiful home that has heat and AC... a place where memories are made... we can fellowship with friends... a safe place to come home after a long day... surrounded by beautiful scenery... and with lots of wiggle room. So much more than I deserve. And I sure love the people in it. Thankful. Here are some photos that show you what I mean. :)

christmas 2008

christmas 2009

giving thanks. day 4. november 4.

photo by: me | designed for life 2010

Day 4 | my church

I know that there are many great churches. But, I'm so thankful to be a part of James River Assembly... a church that is active, growing, changing, where the truth is preached, and lost people are being brought to Jesus. People are being raised up to share Jesus around the world... and there is active involvement in international missions projects and opportunities. I'm currently involved in the worship department and youth department. God is doing great things. I'm so thankful to be a part of it. It's exciting to live for Jesus. :)

giving thanks. day 3. november 3.

Day 3 | USA

Yes. I am proud to be an American. Despite all this country's shortcomings, I'm thankful to live in a country where I can be who I was created to be, where soldiers serve to protect me rather than harm me, where I can dream a big dream and see it come true, where I can read my Bible, pray, and go to church without fear of being persecuted, imprisoned, or killed, where beauty can be found from the atlantic to the pacific. Yes. I am thankful for this country. :)

giving thanks. day 2. november 2.

Day 2 | Family

This is a family photo from last Christmas. I so dearly love my family. No... we aren't perfect. We each have our flaws and challenges, but we sure know that we love each other... more than words can say. "I love you" is a common yet very meaningful phrase around our home. I'm so very blessed and absolutely love to spend time with my family. They are my best friends. Family vacations/trips are the best! :) I know everyone can't say this about their families. May I never take them for granted.

giving thanks. day 1. november 1.

Day 1 | Salvation

Because of Him- I am abundantly free.

Okay. I'm going to jump on the bandwagon here to share 25 days of what I am thankful for. :) Such a healthy thing to do.

To start things off- I'm first and foremost thankful for salvation through Jesus's death and resurrection for me and you. Because of Him, I live each day with hope and purpose.

Psalm 103:3-5, 10

"He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.

He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve,
nor pay us back in full for our wrongs."

My heart is forever grateful.

I've been reading...

God's Leading Lady | by T.D. Jakes

Well, it has been way too long since I have written a blog post. These past couple of months have been insanely busy. But, I have still been doing my best to make time to read. This is a recent book that I have read... I just love T.D. Jakes' writing style... so, I thought I would give you my thoughts on the book. :)

I would say that the first 2/3 of the book deals with a lot of life-controlling issues that many ladies face- from relationships to abuse to loss, etc. I was unable to relate to many of the issues discussed, but I know people in my life who could relate... and I'm sure that you do as well. It's healthy to be aware of these things to be able to impart wisdom to others, even if it does not directly apply to you. These are the issues that many times keep ladies in the shadows and out of the potential that God has placed within them.

The parallel was made between a leading lady in a play or performance and being a leading lady in your life... hence, "out of the shadows and into the light." The 3rd part of the book began talking about dreaming impossible dreams as you move past your life that has been holding you back. T.D. Jakes used examples of leading ladies in the Bible... instances where God did the impossible... as well as being a good steward of God-given dreams. In the last portion of the book, he wrote a lot about not only being a leading lady for your own life but rather for the purpose of leaving a legacy that would be significant for those following you.

Here are a few quotes from the book that stood out to me.

"Sometimes His promise for us is so much more, so much bigger, than we could ever imagine. To limit ourselves to the aspirations of human musings is to obstruct the limitless potential that our Creator has instilled in us. We must trust that God knows how far to take us, and let Him carry us that that place He ordains. We must be willing to let go of our dreams and remain open to receiving what our Lord chooses to give."

"For the work you accomplish can be undone, the dishes will be dirtied again, the floors muddied. But you cannot take away the indelible memories of time with your Lord, your children, or with those in need. Those gifts establish a legacy that continues long after the last supper is eaten and the last carpet is vacuumed."

"What sacrifices are you willing to make today so that you will have greater resources [not just financial] out of which to give in the future?"

"But the enemy wants to trick you out of these legacy moments by selling you a cheap bowl of soup. If the devil can distract you from the issues of eternal consequence through the use of the urgent, then he can leave the rest to you."

"While what you do onstage is notable and noble, what really counts is what remains when the show is over. What do you have left when the lights go down?"

Also check out one of my favorite books.

The Lady, Her Lover, and Her Lord | by T.D. Jakes

camera straps | special offer.

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I've been reading...

Enjoying Where You Are on the Way to Where You Are Going | by joyce meyer

This was my first experience reading a Joyce Meyer book, and it took me a very long time to get through it (like 2 months!). Although she is an incredible lady, I had a hard time engaging in her writing style. The content was good, but I felt that it was somewhat unorganized. The overall theme of the book was making the choice to enjoy live no matter where the journey takes you. She covered topics such as simplicity, regret and dread, legalism, diversity, and waiting. Each page was full of Scriptural references, which is good! :) But, I think it kept the book from flowing as well. The chapter I was most able to connect with was called "Joy in God's Waiting Room". We all enjoy different writing styles, so even though this book was not my favorite read, it might be just what you need to hear.

Here are a couple of key points that were significant to me.

"Except the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it..." Ps. 127:1 If God is not the builder of my life, my business, and my relationships, then there is no stability to any of it... because my work and labor is futile without Him.

"And God said [to Moses], 'I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, THE LORD, before you; for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy and loving-kindness on whom I will show mercy and loving-kindness. But... you cannot see My face, for no man shall see Me and live... Behold there is a place beside Me, and you shall stand upon the rock, and while My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by... Then I will take away My hand and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen." Exodus 33:18-23 This is an incredible passage to me. We can't always see what God is doing or when He is coming, but we know when He has been there... and can often sense when He is getting closer. God showed up "suddenly" and revealed His glory to Moses... it left Moses changed. By the radiance of his face, people could tell that God has passed by. Incredible.

pictures of a perfect {to me!} friday.

Today was seriously the best. So, I decided to semi-document it with photos. I completely took the day off and forgot about work and enjoyed some much-needed time with my sister. (and mom for part of the day!) I love them dearly, and even though I see them all the time- it has become rare to spend undivided time with them. Here is a walk through my day... with snapshots.

We started out with breakfast at Gailey's... a Friday tradition and one of my favorite restaurants! Unfortunately, Mom isn't in any of the photos. :( But, I love this one of me and my sis!

Oh how I love time at Hobby Lobby.... and I love how they are already celebrating Christmas! :)

CHRISTMAS! ;)

Looking all cool riding around town in my sister's shades. ;)

We then went to Target (no photo), where I bought a "cooling base/raised stand" for my laptop... I'm thinking it's going to be better for my back and neck since I'm on my computer so much! I also got a super fun headband with giant flowers that I can't wait to wear! :)

Then, of course, Michaels to look for more crafting supplies! :)

And, at my sister's request, and to my enjoyment- we made a trip to Redeemed...

and, of course, walked away some time later with a stack of books that I look forward to reading. :)

Made a trip to the mall... haven't been in FOREVER it seems... we just love walking around and talking and....

STARBUCKS! ;) [p.s. this photo was on the first try! wow!]

We bought a couple of awesome sale items at Charlotte Russe, and they gave us our choice of candy necklace or blow pop... okay? sure. :)

and dinner happened at BAMBU vietnamese! I love that place. Fresh spring roll. Lemongrass beef vermicelli. Avocado boba smoothie. YUM. :)

Then- we met up with my parents to see the movie "Letters to Juliet" at the Palace...

It was a precious love story... and there were some amazing shots of the Italian countryside! :)

To top it all off- I went home and ate a pear. I had one the other day, and it had been years since I've had one... I used to eat them all the time when I was a kid. mmm....

Today was great. Hope you enjoyed the recap. :)

check out my sister's awesome blog here: liveoutlife.com

blueberry greek yogurt- yummo! :)

Brown Cow All Natural Greek Yogurt (with Blueberries on the bottom)... best Greek yogurt I've had! :) I have some of the strawberry kind too... so, I'll have to try that! :)

saturday morning.