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