Confessions of a shopaholic!

A day in the life of a shopping trip with me: Yesterday I went on a trek to Ross to purchase a one-piece bathing suit for more coverage than my much too itty bitty bikini’s I normally don, so I can stop worrying about adjusting and just have fun in the sun.  

I found the perfect Calvin Klein simple black one-piece for only $19.99 (instead of $92, which why I love Ross, designer duds for less) But then, of course, I also found the “perfect” over-sized, sheer button-up shirt / cover-up (only 12.99!) I tried it on and it was the ideal, on-a-vacation-at-a-fancy-resort look, I was going for, for a day at the spa with my sister and Mom.  Reasoning in my head that it’s so cheap, I then move on to shorts.  What will I wear with my new one-piece and cover-up?  After trying on shorts, I rule them out but then decide to (window) shop shoes.  

Low and behold, I find the “perfect” Roxy bronze flip-flops to complete my resort look.  I have to get them (I tell myself), they’re only 12.99 (Apparently Ross likes this price).  However, I took a moment of calculating in my head, that I’m now up to almost $50, to solemnly conclude that this is why I can never stick to my budget(s).  Little things add up oh-so quickly!  Deciding to be obedient to my budget, I put the must-have accessories away and triumphantly walked out with one item. (after paying of course) The one item I needed.  

As I walked out, it felt rewarding to realize that I do not need things or the perfect accessorized outfit to have a great time.  I think as a woman I put a great deal of importance to (wanting) to look just right and wear new things every new season, but God says that beauty is fleeting (I think He must have meant fashion too) but that a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised (who doesn’t want to be praised!) :)  To not allow our adornment to be merely outward but that of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.  

Just a little reminder to myself to spend less energy (and God-given resources) on what’s fleeting and focus more on clothing myself with God’s word (which produces hope, patience, kindness, compassion and love, to name a few - the true “perfect” accessories) and so that even if I don’t outwardly look as fabulous as I would hope, I have so much more to offer others, through God, who makes us beautiful within!  

A NEW BEGINNING

This was very fitting for me tonight!

“…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…”

READ: 2 Corinthians 5:12-21

Through the grace of God, endings are always beginnings for believers.
The end of sin is the beginning of righteousness…the end of guilt is
the beginning of freedom…the end of fear is the beginning of love.
Jesus asks us to let our lives end – to lay to rest our will to do
what we want – so that His will can begin anew within us. In
exchange, He promises an ultimate end to all that has meant
frustration and fear and dissatisfaction…and a new birth of hope, of
faith, of love in our hearts.

AS YOU PRAY TONIGHT…in the glow of all the candles of Hanukkah,
dedicate yourself anew to Jesus. Place in His scarred hands the joys
and troubles and memories of the past – and let Him give you the
promise and the possibilities, and the power of His presence in the
new days ahead.

From: Devotions for Hanukkah, by Dr. Ben Alpert

Eat-Clean Diet!

Getting motivated reading Your Best Body Now by Tosca Reno!  Preparing to start eating clean & a weight lifting regimen (holidays, what holidays?)  Diets haven’t motivated me for more than a few weeks lately so I’m really inspired to not focus on diets but to change the way I eat for life with eating whole and natural foods, cutting out sugar and chemicals.  Plus the recipes look amazing!  Thinking of food as fuel and how what I’m putting in my body will affect how I feel, my energy levels and health really helps!  Highly recommend! Website: http://www.eatcleandiet.com/

Anonymous asked: Did you teach your self photography? Your photos are beautifully done. God bless and have a beautiful weekend

Thank you so much!  I did take one class but mostly have taught myself!  Still have a lot of learning to do!  :)

:-)

GOD RECYCLES.
He made you out of dust.

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7