Afternoon Walk

Today Hosanna, Helayna and I headed out for a walk along our back roads. I was thinking we'd be gone for maybe an hour and then back home but it was so nice out with this warm weather we've been having! The sun was shining nicely and it was so peaceful.

Of course, there's always time for a few pictures :)

25 MPH wasn't quite her speed ;) However I was very proud of this little girl because she walked a total of 8 miles today!!!! We walk all the way to the main road (the Glenn) which is 4 miles from our house and all the way back....don't ask how long it took! We made it there in an hour and half but the way home was a little slower. We stopped frequently both directions for Helayna who's 7-year-old legs couldn't quite keep up with our's and spent a lot of our way home carrying her!

We had a little company on the way home :) Some of the neighbors dogs came out to the road to "greet" us and so did some moose....

Not sure if you can see but in the picture on the right the moose are in the middle there close to the road. Just glad we didn't have a moose charging us or those dogs!

And here we are celebrating our goal of making it to the hwy!!! YAY! 

A TOTAL OF 8 MILES ALTOGETHER!! ;)

So proud of us!! Then we just had to make it home...yeah, not as many exciting photos, we were pretty tired!

It felt so good though and I am so glad we went for it, feel a little bad we pushed Helayna a little too far I think but she'll sleep good tonight from it ;)

I'm going to try and convince my siblings to do it again Sunday evening for evening service and walk as far as we can to the Church! {Already looking forward to it}

Hope you are all able to get out and enjoy this "spring" weather we're having, cause it won't be long and we'll be under snow again I'm sure! And as for everyone in the south...sorry our cold decided to pay you a visit, I hope you're able to stay warm and snuggle indoors!

Bible Book for January...

I decide to read through Isaiah this month! I've started it but haven't ever actually finished the whole book through. Im excited to do it this time!

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord : though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." 

Isaiah 1:18 KJV

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