Let It Go!

Ok, you can stop singing it now, I'm not talking about Elsa.

Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal. If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me...  John 12:23-26

I want to focus on the last part of that verse... But if you let it go, reckless in your love. There is no better example of reckless love than Jesus dying on the cross for us. He chose to die a humiliating painful death for you and me. Our sins kept him on that cross. With nails through his feet and wrists. That's what love looks like. Pure and reckless.

As you continue to read through verse 26 you find this "Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me."


Love and service go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other.

Always Remember Who You Are

"Come on, everyone else is doing it," they urge you on. "Come on just do it!"

You want to be 'in'. You want to 'be cool'. You want to 'fit in'. To be 'one of them'. You dress like them. You talk like them, now the door is open- if you just smoke it you'll be in. It's what you've always wanted, to be one of the big kids. To be included. What harm could one puff do? It's not like you'll get hooked or anything. Your fingers stretch out to take it...

Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12

Its such a great feeling, to be included. To be wanted. That sometimes we don't realize just what the consequences are. Peer pressure is a strong thing.  It can sweep you away like a bubble on the ocean. It is so easy to get caught up in  the 'want to be cool' feeling that we don't realize that what they want us to do isn't that great. We get caught up in the high of being accepted and we forget who we are. That we aren't supposed to be like the world.

Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. ... I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,  says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

References for 2 Corinthians 6:17

• Cross References
• Footnotes

• 34 6:17 - Rev 18:4
• 35 6:17 - Isa 52:11 ; Eze 20:34,41

• d 6:17 - Isaiah 52:11; Ezek. 20:34,41                                                                                                                                                             

One of the times our family from out of town came for a visit we went bowling. Everyone got hungry so we were taking turns waiting in line for our pizza and drinks. One person would go bowl and then trade with the person in line. It was my turn to wait in line and one of the cousins who had already bowled was standing there talking to me- and swearing up a storm. As I picked up one of the drinks that were finally ready I noticed that he was wearing a Christian shirt that basically said: "ask me about my faith". I was a little stunned, what faith?

Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

References for 1 Thessalonians 5:21

• Cross References

• 36 5:21 - 1Co 14:29 ; 1Jn 4:1
• 37 5:21 - Ro 12:9

If it weren't for the shirt I would swear he wasn't a Christian, and yet he wanted people to ask him about his faith? The same guy who was swearing enough to be a sailor, want to tell people about Jesus? How does that work? We are supposed to be different, not look like and sound like the world.

 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Whenever we leave the house my mom says two things, pray before you leave and remember who you are and who you belong to. Never lose sight of who you are, who you serve. It doesn't matter what 'those' kids are doing, or what they want you to do. You can't lead from the back of the line. You have to lead by example. You never know who is watching, who will see what you did and want to be like you and repeat it.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16

Check out our other post "Let It Go" by clicking the photo below!

Are We Called To Be Neutral ?

Gabby slipped through the busy hallway with her two best friends in tow, careful not bump into anyone. She squeezed one ear to her shoulder trying  to shield it from the roar of voices, clanging, footsteps and laughter. The first day of seventh grade, she smiled. It was going to be a great year! The locker next to her clanged shut, she winced. Hopefully, her ears lasted that long. She opened her locker and began gathering her books and laughed as Jen told a funny story of her plane ride home from vacation.  It was good  to be back with her friends. She had missed them.

A loud crash sounded at the other end of the hall. All other noise instantly stopped. They all turned to see what had happened, a backpack lay on the ground its books strewn across the floor. Three boys surrounded a girl. She was short with red curls that made her resembled little orphan Annie- that is if Annie hadn't washed her hair in two weeks and had a black eye. The boys began to push her back and forth between them spitting in her tangled hair. Grabbing her by her hair and pulling her by it.

I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure  suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the  tormented. - Elie Wiesel

As if on cue the noise started again. Lockers clanged, students talked, people laughed.  Jen grabbed her arm- "Come on. You don't want to get involved, besides we'll be late for class. Gabby stared at the girl for a moment longer, as she pushed her locker closed. What could she do? It's just part of being the new kid, we've all gotten beaten up once, right? It's better to ignore it, they will leave her alone eventually. She turned her back and followed her friends to class- after all what business of it was hers? What was she a referee? Soon 'little orphan Annie' in the hall was long forgotten as she told of the things she had done on vacation. As the year went on she noticed the 'Annie' every once in a while, felt the pull to talk to her. But then she simply reminded herself that she didn't have time for more friends, and so she turned her back and walked away.

Gabby grew up, and Annie was long forgotten. Boxes lay strewn around her childhood room filled to the brim with the things she would be taking with her to collage, and what would be packed away. Collage! She couldn't wait! Her phone jingled, she sat the box on the bed and picked up her cell. It was Jen, packing as well. She had found an old friendship bracelet they had made when they were little. She smiled at the memory. An old yearbook tumbled from its precarious perch on top of one of the boxes. She stooped to pick it up and smiled as she thumbed through the pages of the book from 7th grade. Wincing at the picture with braces.


Curly red hair caught her attention. She studied the face for a moment, trying to remember the little girl 'Gertrude Hamms'. What a name. She picked up her phone and asked Jen if she remembered her. She didn't. She snapped a picture of the page and sent it to Marcy. Surely she would remember. Her phone rang, and she answered it.

"Why do you want to know about Gertrude?" Marcy asked, sounding more than a little annoyed. Over the years, we'd grown more apart, but that was her doing not mine. Why was she so touchy about Gertrude? Or was it just the fact that I had called her?

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

"I don't know," What was with Marcy anyway? The silence stretched, uncomfortably between us. Finally, I couldn't bear it anymore "I just don't remember her... I asked Jen, but she didn't remember her. Errr... and I thought you might," I babble. She is silent for a long time. "Uh... Marcy? You still there?" I finally ask. She lets out a breath-

"Yes I am still here, and yes I remember Gertrude- though I guess there is no reason you and Jen should." If tones could kill- she'd be dead.

"Hey, what did we do?"

"Nothing. That's the point you walked away."

"What are you talking about?" That's it she thought, she's lost it.

"You saw those boys beating her up and you turned around and walked away," Marcy answers, tears choking her words. "And I followed you. That is my greatest regret. Maybe I could have saved her."

A click and then dial tone left Gabby staring at her cell. What on earth? She pulled her laptop out of its caring case and typed in 'Gertrude Hamms' in a search engine. A newspaper clipping pulled up. She opened it and scanned the page. The story headline ready Local Girl Commits Suicide. Gabby froze. Suddenly a memory surfaced battered 'little orphan Annie' tossed between boys. Spit on. Her turning away. Ignoring. She'd killed herself? Guilt hit her in the gut and she understood what Marcy meant. Maybe, if they had only not turned their backs. Not been neutral she would still have been alive...

Love Is. But Am I?

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 

Whenever I'm annoyed with my sister my mom reminds me of this verse. I've heard it so many times over  the years as soon as someone says "love is" I can finish the verse for them without thinking about it, and sadly I think I may even take this verse a little lightly... 

Sure, I get it. It's a picture of what love is supposed  to look like. It goes arm in arm with  Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 But I think it has become like the song you sing in church- over and over. Until its just words coming out of your mouth with no meaning or thought. 

It tells us what love is supposed to look like, but do we apply it to our everyday lives? For a minute remove the word 'love' and insert your name. 

• Am I patient with friends, strangers and my family? 

• Do I boast?

• Am I arrogant?

• Am I kind?

• Do I keep a record of the things people have done that hurt me?

• Am I jealous?

• Do I put others down to elevate myself?

• Am I self-seeking?

• Do I delight in other people's misfortune?

• Do I rejoice in the truth? 

• Do I always protect?

• Do I always trust?

• Do I always hope?

• Do I always persevere? 

• When other people hurt me, does my love for  them fail?

20 Books Every Teen Girl Should Read

 

Passion & Purity by Elliot
One Girl Can Change The World by Mitchell & Goad
Made To Make A Difference by Lucado
It's Not About Me Teen Addition by Lucado
Courageous Teens by Catt & Parker
Case For Creation by Strobel
Case For A Creator by Strobel
Case For Faith by Strobel
Walking His Trail by Saint
Jesus Freaks by DC Talk & Voice Of The Martyrs
Not A Fan by Idleman
God's At War by Idleman
Christ Commission by Mandino
Cost Of Discipleship by Bonhoeffer
God Smuggler by Brother Andrew
Kisses From Katie by Davis
Sister Freaks by James
Beautiful Battle by DeMuth
Re-Creatable by Scott
100 Ways To Reach Your Community by Sjogren

Invisible

You walk in the doors- teens mill about chatting with friends, laughing, texting and checking social media on their phones. The wall of sound hits you square in the face, for an overwhelming moment you want to walk back out. You side step the crowd coming in behind you and slip into a corner. No one notices. The garbled conversations make you want to press your fingers over your ears.

Service starts and everyone else sits down with friends their conversations now in hushed voices. You sit by yourself in the back and fiddle with a nonexistent piece of lint on your clothing.  The lights finally go out and you let out your breath. The songs go on and you finally begin to relax.

The lights go on and they break down into small groups and you inwardly groan. How much longer?

Invisible...

The others chat, laugh, joke- without giving you even a glance. The teacher asks your name and tells you how glad she is that you are there. Minutes creep by, finally, the teacher closes with prayer and you can escape.

I know how it feels to be ignored, to feel like your invisible, that your an outsider, not wanted. It's horrible- it's just as horrible to have the people you consider friends ignore you. When you see the "new kid" or the one in the corner-  or the person sitting by themselves. Reach out, talk to them, ask them to sit with you or if you can sit with them. Invite them to sit with you next week.

You never know what someone else is going through. If you are a person that is outgoing and makes friends easily. Reach out- be Christ to someone. No one likes being the new kid.

Summery Navy Blue Outfit

Hi guys! It's raining today so we can't work out in the yard today, so its house work for us- er ah ok so actually I am working on a photo book with the photos from our trip to California. But I'm inside and I'm working, so therefore I'm doing "House work" right? 

We got so much done in the yard last week! It looks wonderful. And I may have started the pool, what? Its almost Memorial day... its only about 5 weeks away, give or take a few days. The mower is still in the shop (going on week 2). AHHHHH! We really need to mow- and while it is possible to use our push weed-eater its is extremely unpractical on an acre and a tenth. Especially since we live on a very sharp hill.  I think we need goats. Think it would bother the neighbors? They are just big dogs right? Baaaahhhh. What? He has a cold! 

I finished a great book called The Confessions Of A Prayer Slacker by Diane Moody this morning. Loved it! 

Brianna is helping me out this week :) , She is wearing a blue printed skirt, and dark blue tank top today.

Skirt: Vintage Store

Shirt: Vintage Store

Sunglasses: Ross

Chiffon Skirt and Lavender Top

 Good morning! Hope you all had a wonderful Easter. We went to a local church to watch "The Thorn". It was great! Also over the weekend I managed to get into something and now I have welts from my wrist to my elbow that itch like crazy! Leave it to me to get into things.

Also over the weekend we decided to sponsor a little boy from Uganda. He is so cute, I can't pronounce his first name but the name after it is David so I call him that. Keep him in your prayers?

Someone is supposed to come pick up the mowers to fix them, so we can get the grass mowed. We are the only ones with really long grass in the neighborhood now. Hopefully they can fix it soon so we can get it mowed this week. In between thunderstorms that is. Who knows maybe by the end of the week everyone else's will be the same length as ours.

It's hot and muggy today like it is in summer, which is strange for April but that's Tennessee for you. Always doing the opposite of what you expect. Makes me wish the pool was open for swimming, and we were having a BBQ. The window next to me is open and my cat is staring at me, when I look at her she gives me a short meow. She is trying to figure out how to get in, but to her disappointment the screen in the window keeps her out.

The eggs in the incubator are supposed to hatch next week,  I still need to get a brooder set up for them. Hopefully the hatch is a good one and all 4 eggs hatch (and please God no roosters!).

Today I am wearing a purple sweater and cream skirt and cream shoes. For accessories and jewelry I am wearing a dark purple flower in my hair, black sunglasses, pearl necklace and bracelets and simple stud earrings. I parted the front part of my hair to one side and bobby pinned it there. Then I used a Bumpit to push up the back half of my hair and pulled it all into a ponytail. Then used the flower to cover the bobby pins.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

He Love's Us

He love's you...

Three simple words we take so lightly. We sing to babies "Jesus loves me this I know..." we sing it in church "O, how he loves us..." Easter rolls in this year, and we race to church activities, Easter egg hunts, and family meals- stop, just for a moment.

Stop at the foot of the cross and listen to those words one more time. Turn off your phone for just a second and just listen. They will still be there. Really listen, "I love you," Can you hear Him? Can you almost see that day in your mind? Linger a moment longer and touch the rough wood. Trace the grain with your finger. Pick up one of the nails. Feel the weight in your palm... He loves you, so much he died for you.

We let those words slip by without much thought.

Remember this Easter, that it's not about the eggs, the candy, the hunts, the baskets, or even the time with family around the dinner table as delectable as that ham is...

It's about how much He love us...

eShakti Anchor Embellished Colorblock Dress Review

Hi everyone,

 I wanted to share this amazing dress with you that we received from eShakti last week for our opinion on their product.
 I have always loved "Sailor" themed outfits (probably something to do with my mom dressing us in sailor suits when we were tiny so we could match dad - a Navy boy himself.) Anyway, eShakti sent us this beautiful custom made dress to review and I am totally in love with it! And the service has been great! They did a great job custom sizing it to fit me which means it fits like a glove.

I love how the navy blue looks against the white! And the pockets! Not many skirts much less dresses I own have pockets, but I love how handy they are! They let me customize the size, the neckline, the length, and choose whether I wanted sleeves if I wanted to remove the pockets and if I wanted to leave the anchor on it.

I chose to pair it with a set of pearl earrings and simple pearl necklace of my grandmother's, but it's one of those amazing dresses that look great a dozen different ways. I love how comfortable it is!

All in all, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress and can't wait to shop there again (dad this is the point you run for the hills)! And I have gotten lots of compliments on it.

eShakti offers dresses, skirts, blouses in off the rack sizes or custom made to your size. First-time customers also get 40% off coupon and free customization of their first order (a $7.50)

*Affiliate Links 

Cinderella Movie Review

Hi, guys! Meant to get this up last week but lost track of time. We went to the movies last week to see Cinderella. I have to say I LOVED it! One of the best fairy-tale movies I have seen in a while. Even my dad liked it. Cute, funny and sure to surprise they did a great job spinning this story so that all ages could enjoy it. From small children to teenagers to adults. We even met a Korean Veteran and his wife there to enjoy the movie.

And I absolutely loved her hair, and her dress, and her glass slippers! Anyway, great movie! We really enjoyed it as a family. Can't wait for it to come out on DVD so I can watch it again! Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It is about love, kindness, hope, and forgiveness.
Have you seen the movie?  Tell us what you thought of it! Have a great week!

Black Printed Tiered Skirt Outfit

Good morning... It is morning, right? We got a pup Friday, he is absolutely adorable! He just is an early bird. And insists on getting up at 6:30 to eat breakfast. Which wouldn' t be so bad if I hadn't stayed up late watching a movie? So today I'm letting my sister take over while I get some sleep since I am the one that gets up with him and she sleeps in... So Brianna take it away and get Puppy off my toes! I'm going back to bed.

Hey there! Brianna here taking over my crazy life today to share this outfit I wore in California with you. I am wearing a black tank top and black and white skirt with white sandals. I braided a piece of hair by my face on one side and left the rest hanging.

Shirt: Vintage Store

Skirt: Vintage Store

Shoes: Vintage Store

Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips. Ecclesiastes 10:12

Wispy Green and Blue Skirt Outfit

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! It's a beautiful day with a high in the 70's here in middle TN. The daffodils are in full bloom and all the trees are budding. One of our hens is broody, and quite cranky these days. We're expecting rain showers this afternoon. We are going to the movies tonight to watch Cinderella. I can't wait! 

Friday we went to Nashville's first Irish Fest. Despite the rain, there was a pretty big crowd. The first time I have ever seen a Parking Garage used to park people. But it did keep you dry and it was close enough to the stage so you could listen to the music. We went because my sister is such a big fan of the Willis Clan.  We saw them perform one song but we had to leave an hour before they did their full performance because we were so wet and miserable when it was getting dark.  Brianna was sad but understood.  They seem to be a very sweet and talented family.  Hope that we can go and see them again for Brianna. 

 Shirt: Vintage Store

Skirt: Vintage Store

Tank: Vintage Store

Shoes: Walmart

Headband: Walgreen's 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.  Psalm 23:1-3

Mrs. Darcy's Coffee Shop - The Healers Apprentice

Sunshine made the snow covered sidewalk glow in the late afternoon light. She pulled her thick coat tighter. It was cold, but it was still a beautiful day.

"Good morning Lizzy" She called as she stepped through the door and began unwrapping her scarf and removing her coat to hang on the rack by the door. Lizzy poked her head out of the back room and smiled.

"Good morning! A Beautiful day isn't it? What can I get you?" Lizzy ordered. She ordered a chocolate chip cookie and a peppermint tea before scanning the rows of books for the perfect treasure- ahh there! "The Healers Apprentice" snuggling down into a chair by the fire she opened the book and flipped to the first page as she nibbled off the end of her cookie. Outside snow began to fall again...

The Healer's Apprentice written by Melanie Dickerson. This beautiful telling of a Christian fairy-tale loosely based on Sleeping Beauty is one that kept me enthralled until the last page. I love a good fairy-tale and this one was no exception. Of the books I've read by this author this is my favorite (but I could be just a tad prejudiced because I LOVE Sleeping Beauty). I love how believable the characters are. 

Open the cover and dive head first into Rose's world. The daughter of a Woodcutter turned the apprentice of the town's healer and make new friends along the way. But beware not everyone is who they seem to be... 

Click picture to visit Amazon

Leaf Print Skirt And Sweater Outfit

Good morning! Its a bit dreary today... it supposed to rain for most of the week. Anyone care for a boat load of mud? LOL! Well I'm sure someone other than me could do something creative with it, I really can't stand mud. Especially when the chicken decide to lay their eggs at the back of the runs where there is no door and I have to crawl through it to get them. But hey, on the bright side- its much warmer than last week! Which is very nice.

Yesterday mom and I were working on matching skirts, I can't wait to get them finished!

So today I am wearing a gray top, brown and cream skirt, camera necklace and tan sandals.

Skirt: Vintage Store

Shirt: Vintage Store

Necklace: I Made

Shoes: Ross

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect 1 Peter 3:15

First Impressions

They say the first impression you make on someone is the one that will be remembered. 

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left. 2 Chronicles 34:1-2

 Out of all 66 books in the bible and the tons of people in it and all the things that could have been said this is how we are introduced to Josiah, an eight year old boy who became king. At eight years old he was called to lead an entire nation... 

"He did what was pleasing to God." 

"He followed in the ways of his father David."

" He did not turn to the right or the left."

This is what, out of everything he did we are supposed to remember. Not what he had for breakfast, or what he did on the weekends, not what school he went to, but that what he did was pleasing to God. What will we be remembered for? How we snuck around? Cheated on that math test? Teased the kid with glasses? How we acted during the week when we are out of church and our "church friends" weren't around to see? Or that what we did was pleasing to God? 

In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David. In the twelfth year, he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of high places, Asherah poles, and idols.
Under his direction the altars of Baals were torn down; he cut to pieces the incense altars that were above them and smashed the Asherah poles and the idols. These he broke into pieces and scattered over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them 2 Chronicles 34:3-4

It's so hard to do what is "pleasing in God's eyes" for a short amount of time... But it is so so easy to let life claim our focus. At 16, Josiah was a man after Gods' heart. How many of us can that be said of? At 16, he was leading not one or two people but an entire nation back to the God of their ancestors. Can you imagine how absolutely terrifying that would be?  Can you imagine the honor?

In the eighteenth year of Josiah's reign, to purify the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan son of Azaliah and Maaseiah the ruler of the city, with Joah son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the temple of the LORD his God. 2 Chronicles 34:9

I drop my purse and notebook under the seat at the end of a row. The sanctuary fills quickly from the front row back. After a quick game, the band comes on stage, and the youth leader tries to settle the crowd of rambunctious teens that somehow all seem to be on a sugar-high as they giggle and joke. cell phones in abundance glow from hands of owners surfing twitter and whatever new social media form there is in the darkened room as the band begins a soft tune and someone on stage begins to pray. Some bow their heads- others make no attempt to even look like they are trying to be involved. 

The band goes into a worship song and one girl in the front row closes her eyes and raises her hands along with the song... beside her two more girls chat sidetracking the row of boys behind them that are already barely paying attention to the song. Singing along  to  a word here or there. A few others take their Que from the drummer increasing the beat to raise their hands. The pastor comes on and mentions what a good time they had the event over the weekend and how many kids got saved. A cheer rises as the number is announced. Then he begins the lesson for tonight. 

He talks about how when you're in the moment when the band is good and you're on a spiritual high its easy to be on fire for Him. To say I'm going to seek Him. I'm going to read my bible and go to church etc. But when Monday rolled around and the world hits you square in the face, you remembered you had a test do that you haven't done any work for. Why didn't God remind me about that?! Or an ugly situation raised its head and life went back to normal...

We have to seek God every single day. In every aspect of our lives... the way we talk, the way we dress, the way we treat others. Every way.  It's not easy, it's a constant battle. Because when you are seeking him you are a threat to Satan. We have to acknowledge who God is. Who is He every single day? But we can not let church be our idol. We love the idea of church but we don't always love Christ. How do we get to the point that our biggest desire is Him and our tradition is Church? Destroy the idols in your life. An idol is anything and everything that keeps us from putting God front and center in our lives. The world needs Christian leaders. There are plenty to fill in the cracks but we were called to lead. To be bold and be different. 

Ring The Bell Movie Review

Hey there! Brianna here, its been awhile but I'm back with a new movie in hand. Popcorn ready? Good! Gather around the TV for a great family movie...

(Click the picture to find this movie on Amazon)

Ring the Bell

Synopsis:

A sports agent Rob Decker arrives in a small town looking for his next major league prospect. But he finds something he didn't expect at the Cooke Boy's Ranch. As he works to secure the top high school baseball shortstop he finds that he can't buy everything he wants, and that happiness and His plans are better than fame and money. 

Directed by: Thomas Weber 

Written by:  Mark Miller, Thomas Weber

Staring: Ryan Scharoun, Ashley Nicole Anderson, Steven Curtis Chapman, Casey Bond, Trenell Mooring, Robert Caso

Let me know what you think! 

Brown Skirt And Graphic Tee

Good morning! It's cloudy today with a high of 55 but we are expecting an ice storm tomorrow which at some point is supposed to turn to ice and snow. NO!!!!! Spring, I want spring! LOL! We've been watching an old TV show that is based in Hawaii, needless to say, it is making me miss the beach... a lot.

Today Brianna is helping me out. Everyone say hi to Brianna. *Hi Brianna* ok now that that is out of the way. Brianna is wearing a printed capped sleeve printed purple shirt, brown knee length skirt, and black boots.

Skirt: Vintage Store

Shirt: Vintage Store

Boots: Vintage Store

Headband: Ross

Even small children are known by their actions, so is their conduct really pure and upright? Proverbs 20:11 

Mrs. Darcy's Coffee Shop - Gods And Kings

Snow flurries gently floated toward the ground where they turned the pavement white. The door opened and she couldn't help but smile as she stepped through into the small coffee shop.  Lizzy smiled "ahh your back. What can I get you?" She ordered, peppermint tea and a scone. Then turned and studied the shelves of books... A white spine with gold lettering on the forth shelf three from the end caught her eye. She pulled it from the shelf, settled into the chair by the fire and cracked it open to the first page...

Today's book is God's and Kings. An amazing book by Lynn Austin. It is book one in her Chronicles Of The Kings series. It follows the life of King Hezekiah (or Hezzy as we have nick named him... Hey its cute!) The story starts with Hezekiah as a young child being dragged from his bed and jerked into the world of adults as he witnesses his father sacrificing his older brother to "Moloch" [Molock] the "god of fire". It continues as her learns the love from his grandfather of the One True God, and fights for his life. I don't want to give away the story so I'll stop there. If you enjoy a great biblical story, this is definitely a series to read!

Click on the picture to buy it on Amazon. 

Sock Bun Tutorial

This post has been sitting in drafts since we were on vacation so I decided to finally get this up! Hope you enjoy!

The bun can be high on the head or down low.  Where ever you want your bun to be that is where you need to make your ponytail.  I wanted mine lower on my head so that is where I have it.  Make sure it is tight so the elastic band won't just slip off. I like to spritz my hair with a bit of water before I make the bun.  This will make curls or waves for when you take the bun out. Pretty easy. So, here we go. 

Step:1 Start with a pony-tail.

Step: 2 Pull your hair through the sock thing-y ( You can buy a sock bun thing or you can take the toe off of a sock and roll it up from the toe to the top and it will make a great sock bun form.  A more mens sporty sock will of course give you a bigger bun a dress sock will give you a smaller bun.)  and pull it to the bottom ends of your hair.

Step: 3 This is where the spritz of water helps.  You then fold the ends of your hair over and tuck them under the sock as above.  Try to get all the ends in the bun.

Step 4: Fold the sock & hair outward moving up the ponytail so that more hair is wrapped. 

Step: 5 Stick your thumbs into the center and flip it inside out again and again working your way up the ponytail.

Step: 6 Keep flipping try to keep the hair pretty tight.

Step: 7 Here is where it gets a little trickier. You need to keep the hair between the back of your head and the bun pretty straight while still twisting the hair around the bun piece and grab any shorter hair that would be loose ends and put in the bun.

Step: 8 Fold one last time so that bun is snug against your head like the picture above

You can finish off if you want with a hair spray or mousse to just hold it if you have lots of little ends but other than that, it is done.  If you find it loosening up just fold it in tighter during the day.  This needs no bobby pins or any fasteners.  Enjoy!  Let us know what you think.  Share your pictures with us!  We love to see pictures!

Silk Leaf Skirt And Sweater

Good morning! Well the snow and ice has all melted from last week, at least most of it, There is still a few slick places. Most of last week we were stuck at home but at the end of the week dad was finally able to get out and go to work but he had to park at the bottom of our 150' straight up a hill driveway. Sledding was fun though especially at night, when its hard to see to dodge the trees and the hole or two the dogs dug... ok and the telephone pole. But very very cold! We could only stay out for short amounts of time. It warmed up a little Sunday and we were finally able to get out and run to the store for chicken food.

Sunday was my grandma's birthday. I miss her so much... It seems so weird to not have her here.

It's cloudy here today and cold. We haven't been able to clean up after the ice storm yet. The chickens are just glad that the tarps we had around the coops to keep them dry and warm are off during the day now. As for me? Well I can't wait for spring! Tired of the cold weather ready to start planting. :)

Today I am wearing a brown and cream skirt with a leaf pattern on it, black sweater, tear drop necklace and black boots.

Shirt: Vintage Store

Skirt: Vintage Store

Boots: Vintage Store

Jewelry: Necklace: A gift Earrings: Walmart

Have a great week!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah: 43:2