Spiritual Challenges

My hearts desire this year is to grow in my walk with Christ...to know Him more and to allow Him to work through me. I decided that as I focus this new year on Him, I should have purposeful ways of putting Him first in my daily life. First things first, I decided that besides my usual night time devotions with Him, I wanted to start each day off being in His presence. I love my time with the Lord each night and wouldn't trade it for anything so in addition to that, I'll be beginning my days a half hour earlier to read a chapter of the Bible and dedicate my day to Him. Maybe have a verse or two to carry with me through my day. 

My other commitment for the new year (which is what this post is really for;)), is to challenge myself spiritually each month. I was really thinking about this the other day and made a list of monthly challenges...each one is different and some may be easier then others but they are still there to move my life to becoming less of me and more of Him. 

Here's a breakdown of my list....

January- Read through one book of the Bible. 

February- Pray for someone daily--starting with a new person each week. 

March- Cut out influences, each week being something different--things that don't set my focus on Christ. 

April- Reach out to someone new each week with a blessing of encouragement. 

May- Read and write reports (blog post!) on one of the Gospels--pretty sure it'll be John! 

June- Memorize a new passage (2-4 verses long) each week. 

July- Do a random act of kindness for a stranger once a week!

August- Read through Proverbs that month and do a daily post on each chapter.

September- Spend an extra hour in devotion every other day.

October- Study 4 women in the Bible and write something on their characters and actions. 

November- Witness to someone each week. 

December- Mystery Month!! --Can be whatever I feel led to do during that time. 

Im excited and anxious to see how the Lord will change me and hopefully those touched by some of these challenges. I hope to challenge myself more each day, but wanted a guideline to something each month to help me stay focused in the pursuit. You are welcome to come along and join me in these challenges!

I'll share in the next couple days which Bible book I decide to read this January as my first challenge! 

Blessings!

Welcome 2014

Philippians 3:13-14 KJV~

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do , forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

I wish you all a wonderful year of 2014. May you always strive to please our God and Maker. I pray the Lord's blessings and peace be on all those that walk with Him this year! Blessings!

Looking To A New Tomorrow

When we come to the closing of a year and the beginning of a new one, its the time we can reflect, remember and gain new hope for things ahead. I like to do end-of-the-year posts, but 2013 was not the greatest of years in many respects. I wish I could go back to the beginning of it and change its course but I cannot, so I've decided I just won't reflect over it. There's really nothing I'd like to share of it, just that I have had a difficult time in many areas of my life personally and the lives closest to me.
To be honest, I've never looked so forward to the beginning of a new year as I have this time around, with 2014 around the corner of just a few days, it brings new hope and new goals.
My ultimate prayer for this coming year is to grow daily in my walk with the Lord and to trust in Him. Listening and watching always for His direction in my life. To be His hands, feet and voice in a world that shuts Him out. To shine His light and grace. I want to bless others, to speak His truth, to be in a prayerful spirit always, and to worship Him and Glorify His name!
I do not know what the Lord has planned for my life this year, no doubt it will change as it does with each new day we live, but my desire is that it would change to the glorification of my Lord. I want my desires, dreams, and inspiration to be completely in line with His heart and plan for my life.
I've grown greatly in my walk with Christ since June this year! I am very grateful for His patience and direction in my heart and the love He shows me every day.

So as I sit here and think on how in just a few days we'll celebrate a new year, I look forward to the new tomorrow it brings.

1 Corinthians 13--Love at Christmas!

 

1 Corinthians 13---Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime: but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity; but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angelsand crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love does not envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return; but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust; but giving the gift of love will endure.

---Sharon Jaynes, Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas

 

From the blog A Wise Women Builds Her Home

Merry Christmas~

Wishing each of my faithful and dear blog followers a very 

Merry Christmas! 

Have a safe, warm and blessed Christmas of 2013!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know I am quite over due for some blogging and am hoping to catch up soon! But for now my dear friends, have a very happy Thanksgiving!

Random Fact

I was just crawling into bed tonight and added a third blanket to the mix!! I don't know what Im going to do when we get below 40*s ;) It seems a but early to be adding more blankets, I guess it's just catching me by surprise after the spoiled summer we had!

The cold will be here soon enough though...I have a bet going with my Dad that the trees will all be yellow by the 15th (not an actual bet as I wouldn't do that;), I have a feeling I'll be right though! Those trees are turning fast, and the snows been on the mountains a few times....oh, winter here we come!

Still wanting to get some nice fall posts up though! 

Happy September

Haylee picked Mom these beautiful flowers from her garden the other day and I had fun taking pictures with them. I used the warming effect when editing, but they really didnt need much help, they already looked so beautiful!

 I put the vase in the window and was able to capture the sun coming through on them!

 Can you believe these beautiful sunflowers came from Haylee's garden?! It seems like we were just helping plant them ;)

Loving my photo editing app that gave me the perfect lighting and these amazing frames. Having fun learning to use a new app that allows me to make photo slid shows...too much fun!

State Fair Fireworks

We had alot of fun going to the state fair fireworks show a few nights ago! 

I also had fun trying to capture some of the fireworks with my phone. I watched most of the show through my opening and closing camera lences and still only came out with a few "good" ones. I deleted at least 70 photos from my camera roll...needless to say, capturing fireworks really isn't that easy! Oh well...I have until December to read up on how to better myself at this!

Here are a few of the best out of my "good ones" ;)

We didn't actually go to the fair to watch them (we didn't even hit much fair traffic!), but our location is a secret as we don't want this parking lot to fill up each year...it's our tradition! Although, we are nice enough to share the space with a few people as you can see!

It made me look forward to seeing the Christmas fireworks come Decemeber!

Modest Wardrobe #5

~Unpopular Modesty Beliefs~

So I know this week's post may ruffle some feathers, but I wanted to share with all of you what I believe. These things are just as important to me as any of the past or future other posts on modest wardrobe.

Before I begin I want to start by saying that unlike many people may think, these beliefs are not forced upon me, nor am I convicted in these things because I was raised this way. It is simply this...I love the Lord very dearly and have prayed about this and have felt His leading in my life to follow Him in these areas (plus many more:). And whether or not it is easy I am happy to follow Christ's leading in my life and do so contentedly!

I have shared with you what I believe the inward adorning should be, but today I'm focusing more on the outward adorning. I've divided it into about 4 different areas of outward adornment but something I'd like to say of them all...no matter what our outward adorning is, it should always be in humility, glorifying to Christ and never with the desire to draw attention to one's self.

Clothing:: Just visit my Pinterest board, it about covers that :) No, in all seriousness this is a matter I've always been passionate about. As you have probably been able to gather, I do indeed wear skirts/dresses at all times.

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with reverence; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becomes women professing godliness with good works." 1 Timothy 2:9-10

I talked about how I believe skirts are more feminine in my Feminine on the Outside wardrobe post, but I also believe that skirts are more modest then pants. They are looser and fuller then pants allow and they don't draw the eyes to any particular parts of the body. However, this is not to condone all skirts out there, there are many that I do not consider modest.

Another thing I always try to make sure is that my tops are not to tight-fitting, figure-shaped, too low or too eye-catching. I also always where a second layer underneath any top as it gives an extra layer of modesty...plus its funner to coordinate outfits like that :)

Hair/Head-covering:: I think we often get more focused making ourselves feel more beautiful (which is natural to some degree), but to be carried away in these desires is dangerous. 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Peter 3:3 both state to not let the women's adorning be 'of braided the hair' or 'not with braided hair' I think it is important to not spend our time/money in fancying up our hair. God gave each women the hair she was meant to have, and we are all the more beautiful for it. His plan is always perfect, why would we want to change it?

"Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man." 1 Corinthians 11:4-8

  And there you have it, why I believe in wearing the head-covering. Why I believe in wearing it all the time is because it says when praying or prophesying, and though I could put it on most of the time when I'm praying, I have found that I pray often throughout the day for guidance, prayer requests, ect. Whatever the case, I believe it is right to always stay within the spirit of prayer, praying without ceasing as it states in 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Make-Up:: To be honest, I do wear some foundation make up but I have always drawn the line there. I really believe the Lord has made everyone beautiful and adding all the different make-up almost is saying you don't think He did a good enough job. And it's bringing attention to one's self, rather then focusing it on others! This also is pretty much what I believe for jewelry, I do believe wedding rings are appropriate and are many times a good thing, but I do think there is a fine line to draw there as well.

And that about wraps that portion up! Now it's off to get some pictures of the day...you know that is the hardest part of these modest wardrobe posts, I always forget throughout the day and never feel like it at the end!
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What I wore::

This is a new favorite fall-ish outfit! As it gets closer to fall I've been putting together different pieces of clothing that make nice fall outfits. This sweater goes well with a cranberry colored skirt I have as well making another fall outfit ;)

This turtle neck I got last year on sale from FredMeyers, the sweater was a score that I pulled from the yard sale items this Spring, and the skirt was passed on to me by one of my sisters I believe! 

Activity of the day:: Working the shop!

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Im sorry I've been absent with the Modest Wardrobe posts...I have alot going on right now ;)

How I love Him!

Im still trying to find the correct time to do some blogging, but if you saw my room and my list of 'things to do' you would know that blogging is not the only thing I've been lacking with ;) But our days have been full with getting together products for the state fair. 

But as I knelt before my bed this evening I was just reminded of the Lord's goodness and His mercy! Oh how I love Him! He has led me to believe the things I believe, to do the things I do, and is continually leading me to becoming the person He created me to be. 

One of the things that struck me tonight is the fact that as I ask for things (tonight it was a few prayer needs of others), the Lord already knows the need, the solution and the outcome, but it is my faithfulness He desires in my prayers. I am loving being His child and His servant.

He is my Friend, my Saviour, my Rock and my Leader! I love Him very dearly and couldn't resist sharing how I love Him with you as I am overflowed with His goodness and love!

Glory be to Christ!

Evening Activity...

Getting started on a new embroidering project! There's several pieces and it won't be complete for a couple months, but I can't wait to show them all to you then!

There's just something about sitting quietly and embroidering...and on this particular one its a design that I hand drew :-)

This is the color scheme, can you guess what the design is? ;)

I am so excited about these and can't wait to have them done!

Thoughts for Tea Time

Monday, August 5th's

Thought for Tea Time

Today's Thought:

"The further a society drifts from the truth, 

the more it will hate those that speak it."

~George Orwell

Exciting Announcement!

I am so happy to announce that I will be a Auntie again in March!!

My sister Haylee and her husband Christopher are expecting a little bundle of joy!

Congratulations guys!!

Gardening at Haylee's

Haylee put a garden in at her little house and due to our amazing Summer it has done remarkably well! We have enjoyed spending time in it while helping plant, weed, ect. As well as eating the yummy vegetables ;)

It all started by cutting away the sod, rolling it up, and seeing the nice fresh dirt!

 And now they have a beautiful fresh garden!

Oh, and the tip I was going to share with all of you...we had heard (I think from Pinterest!) that if you put lettuce in a jar it stays fresh longer then regularly. We tried it with some of the fresh lettuce from Haylee's and it actually lasted at least 2 weeks! And a little bonus...you can fit alot in the jars, so we pretty much only needed 1 jar for a salad for our family! We were happy to find out it really worked...of course who could've doubted, I mean it was on pinterest! :)

Happy Gardening my friends!

Modest Wardrobe #4

Femininity on the Outside

I like to talk about being feminine on the outside as I enjoy wearing skirts, feeling elegant and lady-like. I do know however that not everyone would agree with me, some women find it difficult to be feminine all the time. Not to worry, I know it can be difficult but I also know that it is possible...and needed, I if I may add! 

Being  feminine does indeed have alot to do with if we dress like a lady. Deuteronomy 22:5 states that "The women shall not wear that which pertains unto a man, neither shall a man put on a women's garment; for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord your God." I know customs have changed over the many years, but in our day today men's garment is obviously pants and everyone associates a skirt/dress as a woman's garment. This is also a great way to be a light for Christ, and believe me as someone who wears skirts at all times...people will notice and ask.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Matthew 5:16 Although it is Christ's light within us that shines, we still have the responsibility to live in a way that allows it to shine. There are many ways we can allow that light to shine that don't leave it up to our clothing alone. We can let our light shine by our words...

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29. Am I the only one who struggles with this? I think this is something alot of us could work on. Its important to be a good testimony when we are out in public and also when we are at home. Another way we can let our light shine is by our attitude...

"Do all things without murmurings and disputing: that all of you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Philippians 2:14-15 As women, it is our duty to live with meek and nourishing spirits and to have a contented countenance at all times. This is so important I think as we tend to be emotional and sensitive, we should try to have a polite and kind attitude all the time, no matter how we're feeling.

We should also allow our light to shine by our deeds...

"I have showed you all things, how that so laboring all of you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give then to receive."

Acts 20:35 One of the biggest things that leave an impression in people's minds is sacrifice. There are many areas in which we can give in service, we can serve our families, our churches, our community and ultimately our Saviour through it all. The giving of one's time, of one's energy or gifts, of one's wishes and dreams can be so God-glorifying and is a true testimony of our love for Someone greater then ourselves. 

Seeing a women in the grocery store who has all of the above in check and presenting herself as a true lady of God in clothing, speech, attitude, and deed is such a wonderful testimony for Him.

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What I wore...

The under shirt I have had for a little while now, got it to go with a different outfit this Spring.

And the skirt and top blouse came from my sister Heather as a pass-alongs!

Activity of the day:: Working the shop!

Please feel free to pin any of these pictures to Pinterest, just put my blog address in the caption please.

Have a blessed day!

Psalm 19:1

Looking at my to-do list and getting to the list of blog posts I promised was one of the first things I knew I needed to tackle today!

I was at Haylee's house a while aback and the sky was so stunning I just couldn't resist trying to capture it.

It reminds me of Psalm 19:1....

"The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament shows His handiwork."

Thoughts for Tea Time

Monday, July 22nd's

Thought for Tea Time

Today's Thought:

"Outside the will of God there is nothing I want. 

And in the will of God there is nothing I fear."

~AW Tozer

10:30 pm

I've had a protective day at home today! It started with taring and "canning" (more on that later) fresh lettuce, doing a good amount of dishes, giving Helayna a bath, washing my laundry (including my blanket :-)), making banana crumb muffins, making dinner, and labeling soap for restocking the shop! 

I have been inspired with some posts I hope to put together within the next few days, and I know...last week was empty and it's already Friday and I haven't even gotten the modest wardrobe one put up yet, not to worry....it will be up hopefully by tomorrow evening! 

And here's a list of titles to blog posts coming up...

Modest Wardrobe #3,

Psalm 19:1,

Gardening at Haylee's,

I have an answer!!,

Banana Crumb Muffins,

and a few more that are on the pending list ;) And as these posts roll into next week's blogging, there will be a TFTT posts in the mist of them!

I wish you a blessed and delightful night!

Modest Wardrobe #3

Modesty of the Heart

As I mentioned last week, I truly believe that all modesty should start from the faith of the heart and today's study is really only a few more details for the heart's actions. It is my belief that no matter how good of a women we are, that it will bear little to no fruit if our heart's actions are not first in line with God's plan. One of my favorite verses when on the topic of modesty of the heart is 1 Peter 3:4 "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

I want to be seen in God's eyes as a ornament of great price, wouldn't you? The Lord never changes, so still today women of meek and quiet spirits are of great value to Him.

I will share next time on what I believe it means to live a meek and quiet spirit on the outward but this week I want to focus a little closer in on the meaning of a inward meek and quiet spirit and a modesty of the heart that is in all pureness holy before God. I often think of Philippians 4:8 and what it means to apply this verse in all that it states.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

I once did a study of what each of these main words mean, I wanted to look at this in a way that I could apply it to my daily life. What I discovered was that each thing goes beyond just 'true, honest or lovely', they mean more, new things I hadn't thought of when just reading this verse. Its a deeper challenge when you look around at the world and see all the wickedness...everything is opposite this verse, that's why when we think on these things we adjust our focus to be lined up wholly on God, and by following that focus we will be in line with His heart. 

I cannot share with you the definition of each word due to length of this post, but I highly recommend that you look each one up, print them out, and stick it in Philippians 4 in your Bibles as a reminder!

 And the last but certainly not the least thing I wanted to mention that I believe goes along with being modest on the inward, would be attraction...or rather, the sustaining from attraction. ouch! This can indeed be a hard one to swallow, it has been for me in the past many times. I know many of us would agree that we don't want/try to attract physically, but what about our actions, habits, words, or just over all wish to attract? It is a dangerous place to be, and certainly not one that rests within a humble and pure heart. I think that it is important to ask ourselves the question, why. Why do I want these 3" heels? Why do I think this skirt looks so nice clinging to my hips? Why do I layer the make-up so? Some of the most beautiful women I know are the ones who don't desire any approval man can give, but rather the approval of God.
My desire is to be meek and quiet, honest before God in my thoughts and actions, humble in heart and mind, and a lady of great value before my Lord and Saviour!

What I wore:

This white skirt was something I pulled out of a yard sale pile this spring,

The tank top I've had for a long time,

This top was given to me by a friend,

And these sandles were just given to me by my sister.

Activity of the day::Going to Anchorage to help Hope with her cleaning job!

A quick link--

I wanted to link up to this new ebook that has just come out by one of the authors of a blog I enjoy getting the subscription emails from...A Wise Women Builds Her House. Her book is called More than Rules: Exploring the heart of beauty and modesty, if you follow either links it will take you to her blog where you can find more information on it. I can't wait to read it myself!

Have a blessed week my friends!

Thoughts for Tea Time

Monday, July 14th's

Thought for Tea Time

Today's Thought:

"The only thing worse then being blind 

is having sight and no vision."

Modest Wardrobe #2

Hope everyone is having a blessed week!

I will be explaining what being a Godly, feminine and modest lady means to me in the next 10 Modest Wardrobe posts! I have really been studying and praying about this and my hope is that through my sharing these next several weeks that it would be a blessing and encouragement. Please at any point feel free to leave a comment expressing your own convictions, asking questions, or giving some encouragement which is always nice for everyone ;) 

This week I'll start with what I believe is the root of all that follows...
Faith of the Heart

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his statue; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

So often when talking about modesty and femininity we quote this verse, and so often I believe we use it more as an escape to dress as we please for 'only the heart is what matters'. However since we are not speaking of the specifics of how to dress this week, we will use this verse just the way it is written!

The most important part of our walk with Christ is the secret walk that no one can see, it is easy to deceive by our actions but no one can deceive God and He knows what is within the heart. The test of all is what our life is like in secret, being a person of integrity....doing what is right even when no one is watching or listening.

"Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool." Proverbs 19:1 

I haven't always been innocent in following Christ and having my own faith from the heart, but I have begun anew and I have found that while increasing my faith it has become my prayer to have more wisdom. I want to be close to the Lord, and I want to understand what His Will is for my life and how to follow Him in all things. I pray for the wisdom to determine what the wrongs and rights are in my everyday life, to clean out the unhealthy things within me to be holy before Him. I love the promise in James..."If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and reproaches not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5 Just while praying about writing these posts I quoted this verse and asked for wisdom, wouldn't you agree we all need more of it?

I believe it is so important to know who you are in Christ. To know where you stand before Him. To have an intimate, precious relationship with Christ. To have faith like a mustard seed and to follow the Lord with all your heart in order to keep it with all diligence.

"Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23

So though there are many more things to ponder and pray over within this "being a lady" subject, I believe this is the root of it all. The only thing I ask is that you make sure your faith of the heart is right before Christ's eyes and the rest will follow into play!

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What I wore...

sorry about the quality of these pictures...
This is one of my very favorite skirts EVER, I scored it at a black friday sale last year! Im wearing it with my purple turtle neck and a new cream top I just got from a thrift store. This is a very comfy and casual outfit that I love to wear.
Activity of the day:: Cleaning house and doing some quick errands in town with Harmony!

Please feel free to pin any of my outfit pins to Pinterest, please make sure to leave my name and blog address in the caption. 
Have a blessed evening my friends!

Happy 4th!

Happy Independence Day America! 

Hope everyone has a safe and sound, happy and festive, proud and GREAT 4th of July weekend!

Thoughts for Tea Time

Monday, July 1st's

Thought for Tea Time

Today's Thought:

"Work for a cause, not for applause.

Live life to express, not to impress.

Don't strive to make your presence noticed just make your absence felt."

~Unknown

Follow us on Pinterest!

Here's a little exciting fact...you can follow pictures from our shop and business on Pinterest! You can find the board under my name Hannah Shields and follow the board Gladheart Acres Shop. My Mom and I are the pinners to that and I actually have some pictures of our new shop location to pin, so keep a watch out!

Picture Editing with Apps!

I recently got a new phone app Aviary for editing pictures! It took me a few times to really see what all it can do but it does have some really neat effects to it! 

**Without Effects...Original**

I took this picture a while ago of some dry flowers with my summer hat that I had been arranging in bud vases. It is such a beautiful picture and one of my all-time favorites, so I decided to add a few effects to see what it would look like (making sure to keep a copy of the original)!

**With the Boardwalk effect**

**With the Lucky effect**

**With the Avenue effect**

**With the Clyde effect**

Which one is your favorite?

I like that all the effects still leave it looking like a vintage looking picture!

Again the editing app I used was Aviary!

Not of this world

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

Do you ever tire of the constant draw for 'the biggest, newest thing'? It seems that in our world today there is always a great effort put into "being in". The newest fashion, the latest device, the coolest vehicle, the just-released movies. The world is drawing people farther and farther in by making us believe that it is important to be in the 'in crowd', to be excepted and approved. But are these the standards we want to be approved upon? I would hope not! My advice would be to stay as far away as possible from the newest and best things that the world is embracing. It is easy to get drawn in, but ever so hard to find the path to return.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

Just some food for thought!

Beautiful Scenery

Here are just a few snap-shot pictures I took while in town on a gorgeous day!

I love that a quick picture out the window while driving can turn out so stunning!

This one is probably my favorite, it is so beautiful with the green, blue, and white crisp colors, and then of course the road sign helps to add a little art to the picture!

We live in such a lovely and vibrant state! 

I don't know if I could survive living somewhere without the mountains on all sides of me ;) I truly am blessed here!

Thoughts for Tea Time

Monday, June 24th's

Thought for Tea Time

Today's thought:

"Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last." 

C.T. Studd

Sunday Morning~

Happy Sunday Morning all! Here is one of my daily verses from this week...

"Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him." James 1:12

Wedding Coordinating

I have been so blessed to turn my dream into a small piece of reality by coordinating 3 weddings!

I have always had a huge interest in weddings and can't ever get enough wedding pictures.;) Several years ago as I grew more involved with the blogging world and older, I realized that all my hobbies were linked together and it has since become my dream to be a wedding planner! After dreaming and reading/studying all about it for a few years I got a chance to plan my first wedding for my sister Haylee in December.

It was such a wonderful experience that I enjoyed beyond words!! I love the whole process of planning, decorating, organizing, and making sure brides get the wedding day of their dreams!

Since then I had the opportunity to be the day-of coordinator for two weddings this June. One was an outdoor wedding on June 1st, it was a cool and beautiful day. The colors were wonderfully tied into the beauty of nature and we were able to enjoy the scenery all around without needing to stress over the wedding colors!

The second day-of job I did was for a gal in our Church who got married on the 15th of June. I had such an enjoyable weekend at the rehearsal, setting everything up and decorating, and then the wedding day! There were a few things that caused a some different stressful moments but we fixed it up...I did learn a few things that may be helpful in the future...did you know they made floral spray paint? Go figure right?! But they do indeed and it fixed our crisis of having the wrong color of flowers delivered to the wedding.

The big question now that I have been asked many times is the famous..."what next?" The answer...well I really don't have one. My desire and would-be plan is to start my own business in wedding and event planning but I am just beng patient right now and praying for direction. I don't want to do anything outside of the Lord's Will for me, and therefore am just taking the decision making slowly through the summer!

Anyhow, that is where I am in that area of my life and thought Id share with you! Prayers for direction and an open heart would be greatly apprieciated!

Friday Flings

Spending my day working our family's booth at Friday Flings (our small town Farmer's market). It's a refreshing day with cool weather and a little chilly breeze, but there's no complaints after all the beautiful sun we've been getting!

This above picture is from a few weeks ago when the sun was shinning and Hosanna captured a few pictures of our booth!

What are you filling your Friday with?

Need a laugh?!

I really truly don't laugh usually at things like this but I guess I was just in need of a laugh when I saw this! And just in case you need a laugh right now too, Im sharing it ;)

Modest Wardrobe #1

Welcome to this new series 'Modest Wardrobe'! Since I've been in the blogging world, modesty is one of the big subjects with the blogs I follow and it has always been interesting to me to read about different people's views on this subject. I respect it when ladies have the courage to post their convictions and beliefs with others, I don't always agree about everything but it is sadly a very controversial issue with many people and can start a huge discussion, so I do appreciate ladies that take the time to put together posts on this particular matter.
I will share with you what my beliefs are on modesty probably more on a step by step plan rather then all at once, but for this week I'll just kick off this new series with my 'Modest Wardrobe' for the day and a few quick links :)

This is what I wore yesterday...I have been baking this Summer and have had to become adjusted to wearing short sleeves, which in the past has never been an issue for me, I've normally just worn turtle necks or at least elbow length shirt all throughout the year but with our record-breaking heat this year Ive had to find some other options ;) And although yesterday was another very hot day it was very breezy out and help hugely with the temperature! So I went with a used-to-be-white tank top (now its a cream/gray :)), a light sweater and a flowy long skirt.

Activity of the day::::Attending a class on how to grow Peonies in Alaska!

A few Quick Links...

First, my Pinterest Feminine and Modest Style board! This is my most popular board with the most followers and re-pins :)
But I get these pins from other great boards and thought I'd share some with you today!
Here's a big one, Kimberly with femininity, femininity ll, femininity lll, and femininity iv! Plus she has some of the most beautiful boards with all sorts of pretty things and places!
I will share more with you in other Modest Wardrobe posts but I think those boards are enough to keep you busy for now!

Side note: You are more then welcome to pin my pictures, just please be sure to link back to me in the caption :) Thank you!