Inspiration Workshop - DIY

This week's Inspiration Workshop prompt was DIY.

Since my life has been a bit crazy lately, I haven't had time to do any projects (though I'm hoping to change that in the near future. I need some fall in my house!).

Here are some of my favorite DIYs:

Fall Leaf Window Dressing

This is a great one to do with kids. Super simple and super cute.

Eggnog Fudge

We used to make this at the Hallmark I once worked at. It is amazing stuff, if you haven't tried it before.

Wall Art Blocks

How amazing is this? You could change them for the seasons or just to bring different colors into the room!



What DIY have you done...or want to do?

(All of these ideas came from Pinterest...one of the greatest ways to spend a few hours)

Ways to Encourage

While I was not one of the lucky ones who was able to attend Blog Sugar this weekend, I have been blessed to read the many posts on various social networking sites about how much it impacted those who did attend.

It seems the common theme most women came away with was that of being honest and sharing your story on your blog...no matter how many people read it. Everyone has something to share.

One of my favorite verses, that I've used many times on my blog, is this:

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
(Galatians 6:2, NIV)

How can we do that if we aren't honest with each other?

The greatest way you can encourage others is by sharing your real self...your imperfections, your victories, your hard days, and your days filled with joy. We all need to see the good and the bad.

If you want to hear more about this, check out these blog posts:

Casey
Jamie
Rachel
Alyss


Some other ways to encourage those around you?

April over at Gingerbread is hosting a Journal Exchange. You can be as creative as you want with the journal you purchase/make. I think it would be so cool to either buy a journal with Scripture verses and encouraging sayings throughout...or to add them in! What an awesome way to be a daily encouragement to someone else! For more info, click here.



Another way is through my Secret Sister Blog Party. Sign ups start this Saturday, October 1st! Read this post for more details. I will be posting a link for the sign up form on Saturday. If you'd like it emailed to you, send me an email: breeann {dot} findingrefuge {at} gmail {dot} com



<a href="http://breeannbowers.blogspot.com/2011/09/secret-sister-blog-party-2011.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h383/breeannbowers/christmas32.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br />

We all need encouragement. Let's do our best to encourage those we encounter this week.

Eureka!

I am linking up with Mrs. T, Naturally and her Blog Outside the Box weekly challenge. Her challenge this week was to have someone in your life, like a spouse or good friend, write a blog post about you! This is the post my husband wrote about me (it totally made me cry when I read it. He's too good to me):

Proverbs 31:10-12, 25-31

A Wife of Noble Character

¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
¹² She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
²⁶ When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
²⁷ She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

²⁸ Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
²⁹ “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. ³¹ Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise

Six years ago today my wife and I started on the journey to what would start our relationship. We had dated two times prior to this, but my heart wasn't where it needed to be before that September 26th to be able to commit how she wanted me to. Then came that day, where God spoke oh so clearly to me. He told me that Breeann was the girl I was going to be with. The one who he wanted me to be with. I was utterly confused at this. I mean, I had just broken this girl's heart, twice! Still though, I trusted in God's direction and decided to give it one more go. I couldn't help but think, maybe it was just me debating within myself. Why the heck would this girl want to take me back?!

Though I'm sure she was given advice by plenty of her friends and family not to trust me again, she said yes. So there we were, at the beginning of what God would turn into a marriage just 28.9 months later (2 years, 4 months and 28 days).

Now that girl is my wife of 3 years, 7 months and 4 days. A friend of mine asked me the other day if I was still enjoying being married to Breeann, and of course the answer is yes. For so many reasons I will give a little later. My initial response though, was something like this, "Well, of course I am still enjoying being married to Breeann, but sometimes it's less about my feelings and more about the covenant that we made to God to stay together through all times, no matter what." That, my friends, is how I know that our marriage is strong and can last through anything. Because we have decided to make God the center, our marriage can and will defeat the odds.

The verses I started with, Proverbs 31, Speaks to me that finding a woman who truly loves the Lord is not only rare, but it's to be treasured. To find a woman like this, truly is a blessing. It's why I titled this blog 'Eureka!' Or more specifically, I found it (her). God placed her before me, with specific instructions that if I really wanted love in this life, to #1 - seek Him first, and #2 - Sacrifice what I think is best for my life and trust Him because He knows what's best for my life. Breeann, my wife, WAS and IS the best possible wife that God could have picked for me.

Some of her qualities that I truly admire is her willingness to reach out to others, especially those who need it most. I've seen the way she sacrifices for others, and it truly is admirable. It's given me a desire to have a bigger heart for the people that we are around or the people that we work with. Sometimes she sees this as a weakness but I see it as a very Christlike quality in her and I do not think it should be discouraged.

Another thing that I enjoy about my wife, is the fact that she has a beautiful singing voice. When she sings, especially when it's worship, for a brief moment, all seems right in the world. I get to see her live out her reason for being created, to see her Worship her God is something that I treasure and it makes me truly see the beauty of her Heart and the uniqueness God gave to her.

Another thing I love about my wife is her smile, this one she does a lot, but never quite enough. I could always use one more in my day, because it's at these moments, I know she truly is happy and I like seeing her happy.

Breeann also is extremely beautiful. That's a nice way of me saying she's smokin' hot. Hard to believe that someone as gorgeous as her could love a guy like me. I don't think I'm much, though I know she thinks much differently about me than I do.

The thing that I admire most about my wife though, is her passion and her intense longing to serve God, at all costs. When things are difficult, she doesn't give up or throw the towel in, even though there are times when she wants to. She is persistent and she loves to seek God's will and my friends, that is how I knew that out of all the women out there, this would be the woman I was supposed to marry.

I couldn't feel more blessed to be her husband because she truly is a rare find. I am blessed in ways that I truly do not deserve. She makes my life so much richer and gives it a depth that I know could only come through God's blessing. Thank you Lord for blessing me with Breeann as my wife. Thank you that she loves you and puts You first, so that she can be the awesome wife that she is. Please let me be equally as great of a husband to her. We love you.

If you want to read more from my husband, visit his blog here.

Ten Fingers and Ten Toes

This little beauty is on my heart today.


As I mentioned earlier this week, my niece was born on Sunday. She was 6 weeks early, and some very crazy things happened surrounding her birth and the days after, for both her and her mommy...but thankfully, they are both doing well.

(Proud Daddy)

My brother-in-law told me yesterday that God has His hand all over this whole situation...and trust me...if you knew the whole story, you'd see it, too. But, since it's not my story to tell, I just have to leave you with this:

God works in mysterious ways...and His ways are always best.

And, we all have this precious little one to remind us of this.

Secret Sister Blog Party

Have you heard of it?

If not, read this post.

The important things to note?

Sign ups begin in about a week and a half (October 1st)!

The party itself will run from November 1st-December 31st.

And, feel free to spread the word! I have created a button that you can post on your blog. You can also use the following to post on Twitter:

Have you heard about the #secretsisterblogparty ? Find out more here! Sign ups begin soon!! bit.ly/plPdc5

Need more info? Send me an email:

breeann {dot} findingrefuge {at} gmail {dot} com

I hope you will consider joining us to encourage a fellow blogger!



<a href="http://breeannbowers.blogspot.com/2011/09/secret-sister-blog-party-2011.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h383/breeannbowers/christmas32.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br>

It's been another week of God giving and taking away.

My beautiful niece was born this weekend! Things are still a little crazy and there is much I don't feel I have the right to share, so I will just leave it as this: Please keep my family in your prayers.

The same morning, my dear friend found out her dad had passed away. While it was very hard for her to hear, her heart was rejoicing that he is now in heaven in the arms of Jesus.

It reminds me of this verse:
"The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up."
(1 Samuel 2:6, NIV - part of Hannah's prayer)

(Taken on our honeymoon)

God has the power to do anything He wants...and while we may not always understand it, that is just part of who He is.

I find great encouragement in this. Because I know that He can do the miraculous, and I know He can do the impossible...but that doesn't mean He always will, either. But, I rest in the fact that I can trust in Him and know His ways are best.

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him."
(Psalm 18:30, NIV)


Take comfort in that.

Covenant

I spent my evening doing a couple of different things.

First, my hubby and I went on a date. I love when we are able to get out of the house, on a night when we aren't super busy, and just talk and be with each other. It's so refreshing and so needed.

After that, I met up with my beautiful bestie who's getting married...and we started talking wedding plans! It's so exciting to see her excitement for being a wife in the near future. It makes my heart so happy. We ended our night by praying...and it was amazing. All of us that were there lifted up this wonderful couple and their future as a family. I am so blessed to be in their lives to be able to watch all of this take place.

Following that, I came home and watched a movie with the hubby. We rented Something Borrowed, because a) we're watching The Office all the way through right now and we love Jim and b) because it was a movie we'd planned to see in the theaters but never saw. I won't spoil the movie for you...but I was pretty disheartened with how it ended. There's so much unfaithfulness and infidelity throughout the whole movie...and it just made me sad.

After it was over, I couldn't help but contrast it to the rest of my evening.

My date night with my amazing husband...one of the ways we stay connected as one in our marriage.

My planning/prayer session with my friend who's getting married...a wonderful time of figuring out the details of how their marriage is going to come about...under God.

And then this movie full of people hurting friends, sleeping with people that were already in committed relationships...things that God despises.

(Taken on our first trip to CO)

We've been going through doctrines of our faith with our college group...and we just finished studying God's covenants this week. We went through each of the different covenants God made with men, with the final covenant being the one established with Jesus. Understanding that covenant is a relationship with God on His terms...and that it's the perfect example of how He pursues us...well, there was nothing exemplifying this at all in that movie.

Marriage is a covenant, to God, of two people committing their lives to serve Him as one. It's a big deal. It's not something to be taken lightly and it's supposed to be lifelong.

While my hubby and I are not perfect, we made that covenant with God three and a half years ago, and we are sticking to it, no matter what. It's not optional...it's not only for a short time or until we get bored or whatever...it's 'til death do us part.

My friend is getting ready to make this same covenant...and she understands that it is a big deal. That it is to be kept until they die.


Tonight was a perfect example to me of how different the world is from those who follow Christ...or at least how different it should be. We were not meant to have affairs, or get divorces, or betray friends and loved ones...yet, when we give into temptation and sin, those things can happen. Tonight was a good reminder of how important it is to stay strong in Christ, to keep Him first in everything, and to truly think through the importance of a covenant (such as marriage) before actually agreeing to it. I know I fail God every single day...but that doesn't mean I shouldn't try to follow Him better.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
(Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV)

This is my prayer.


(oh, and the cloud of witnesses referred to in that first verse? Read Hebrews 11. It's called the Hall of Faith...as it gives some examples of imperfect people who had great faith that God used in mighty ways)

Pretty Things

It's time for Gussy's Inspiration Workshop!

This week's prompt was your favorite shop.

While I don't really shop at any one place for clothing (and never really have)...the first shops that popped into my head were the following:

(Me sporting the first {just.lovely.things} headband I bought)

(One of my other ones. As soon as I saw what the button said, I knew it had to be mine)

{Just.lovely.things}

I love Heather's headbands. I currently own four and am waiting on a fifth to arrive in the mail. They are so much fun to wear, add so much to any outfit, and are the most comfortable headbands I've ever worn in my entire life. If you are looking for cute accessories (she also makes really pretty jewelry), you should check out her shop!

(Source)

(Source)

The Disneyland Emporium

Yep...it's true. It is one of my favorite shops ever. Why? Because it has so much character. The merchandise is, of course, all Disney themed, but the store windows...and the old fashioned feel the store has...it just makes me really happy. Even if I don't buy anything in there, I love to look around this store every time I visit Disneyland.

(Source)

There is one clothing store that I do love to look in...and occasionally buy things from...and that is Forever 21. Our local store has recently expanded...and I have been dying to go in there and look around. A couple of my favorite clothing pieces have come from there.


Where do you like to shop? I'm always interested in new online shops to browse...or cute (somewhat affordable) clothing shops!





(Haven't heard of my Secret Sister Blog Party? Click on the button below for more details)

Encouraged

There is something so magical about a wedding.

I seriously love them.

Especially when I get to be a part of them somehow.

I have such fond memories of planning my own wedding...and I have many fond memories of being a bridesmaid/maid of honor in many of my dear friends/sister's wedding(s).

But to me, the part that truly makes a wedding magical is the God honoring part. Every wedding I have been a part of in the past four years has been a celebration of a man and woman coming together under God, committing their lives to Him. It is such a truly beautiful thing to witness.

My dear bestie...who I've mentioned on this blog many times...just got engaged over Labor Day weekend (on her birthday). I am so excited for her and her fiance. They are two amazing people who are striving to live their lives for God...and it has been so wonderful to see the growth they've experienced as a couple, and in their relationships with God, over the past several months.

(Aren't they adorable?)

Her hubby-to-be proposed in the cutest way possible. He's a techie guy (like my hubby), so naturally his proposal involved an iPad, a website, and a blog. If you want to check out how he proposed, visit their blog. And, while you're doing that...you should read the past blogs he wrote. Pretty amazing... You should also check out the website that he used to propose to her. It's seriously adorable.

It is so encouraging for me to see a beautiful couple following Christ and trying to honor Him with every step of their engagement and future marriage.

I can't wait for this wedding!

Blog Love

I received the following award from a beautiful blogger with a wonderful heart:


Check out Myriah's blog here (and her blog should look familiar...I guest posted on her blog last week)!


My requirements for this award are to:

List 7 random facts about myself

Link back to the sweet blogger that gave me this award

Pass it on to 8 other bloggers


1. I have this thing about washing my hands. I wash them a lot. I'm really not a fan of germs.

2. I have to take a shower in the morning. Even in the winter, I feel like I sweat too much in my sleep...or I just feel dirty...so I have to shower every morning. There are very rare occasions that I won't shower in the morning...or for a whole day.

3. Even though I have a Sonicare toothbrush, I still brush my teeth with a regular toothbrush every day. I use the Sonicare first and then the regular brush. I just don't feel like my teeth are clean enough with just one brush.

4. I like my dishwasher to be loaded a certain way...and my husband doesn't usually load it the way I like...so I rarely ask him to help me with the dishes.

5. I rarely order new things at restaurants I frequent. I usually have one or two things that I always order at one place...and hardly ever differ from them.

6. Unless I'm at the movie theater, I have a hard time sitting down and watching a show or movie without doing something else (i.e. be on the computer, mess with my phone). I think I just have a hard time justifying only doing one thing at a time.

7. I have been in four car accidents...all hit from behind...all not my fault...and have back problems because of them. Some days, my back is perfectly fine. Other days, it hurts really bad... I've been told the only thing that will fix it permanently is surgery...and that is just not an option for me.

(After writing that list, I'm feeling a little OCD. Am I really that particular?)


I would like to pass this award onto the following bloggers:

1. Stacey

2. Bailey

3. Laura

4. Kim

5. The New June

6. Laura

7. Jamie

8. Crystal

Now it's your turn, beautiful ladies!!

Overwhelmed... 9/11

(Source)

I have been so overwhelmed all day today.

Reading the many posts on Facebook and Twitter, watching the videos, viewing the pictures, watching the tributes on TV...it just brings up so many emotions.

I posted this on Facebook this morning:

I can't believe it has been 10 years. I remember the deep sadness I felt watching things unfold on the news that morning. But I also remember how much people came together and turned to God for comfort and help. It's time we as a nation do that again. Let us not forget the lives that were lost on 9/11/01.


And, that's about all I can put into words. I've teared up today, I've been in shock at the things people have found important today (that have nothing to do with what happened 10 years ago), and I've remembered...where I was when I found out, how I felt, and how frightening things were for many weeks and months prior to that horrible day.

I hope you haven't forgotten...

Book Worm

So, I have always had a love for books.

I spent many hours in used book stores with my dad. He would take me there on father/daughter dates and we would just get lost in the books.

I love the smell of them...the feel of the different pages...it's just so comforting to me.

So, when I found out Gussy's Inspiration Workshop this week was about inspiring books, I was really excited.

I have read many, many books...but there are some I have been so moved by.

(pinned by Danielle via Google)

One of my favorite recent books is Nicholas Sparks's The Last Song (the book is 10 times better than the movie). It's a beautiful story of redemption...and the power of faith. The book focuses a lot on the faith aspect...where the movie barely addresses it. It's a must read.

(pinned by Danielle via Google)

The Chronicles of Narnia

I have seriously read these books so many times. I first read them in my elementary years (maybe 4th grade?). I loved the imagination of the stories as a kid...as an adult, I love the comparison to Jesus and His love for us. The movies are good...but the books are definitely better (seeing a pattern here?).

(pinned by Breeann via Google)

Harry Potter

Yep. I am one of those people...and I'm quite proud of it. While there is controversy revolving around these books and their content...I find so many values of God throughout them. If you haven't read the last book (or seen the last two movies) and picked up on the comparisons there, you're really missing out. The stories are so good...and I enjoy the books (better than the movies) and the movies so much.

Click on over to Gussy's blog to find out what other people find inspirational...or to link up your post with the books you find inspiring.

In Word and in Deed

Today is a good day.

Not only is today Tuesday (and the first day of the work week, due to our wonderful three day weekend) which means it's time for We Encourage...but it's also the start of my women's Bible study for the fall. We are going to be reading Forgotten God by Francis Chan and I am super excited about it.

This verse has had significant impact in my life in recent months...because I've witnessed and experienced many different things that demonstrate the truth of these words.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
(1 John 3:16-18, NIV)

We are not supposed to live our lives only thinking about ourselves. We are supposed to live our lives looking out for those around us and helping them out when we see they have a need. Otherwise, we need to question if we are truly in love with God.

(Me and some of the ladies from my church at the missions conference last weekend)

In Matthew 25, Jesus talks about the sheep and the goats. After asking why some helped those around them...and why others did not, Jesus says this in verse 45:

"...I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."

Ouch.

It's not enough to say that we love other people...our actions have to reflect that.

That does not mean that we should only show people God's love with our actions...and never breathe a word to them about Jesus. I know many of us have used this verse and others like it as a cop-out, thinking all we have to do is show them our love through our actions...but that's just not right.

What does "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20) mean, if it doesn't mean to use our words? We have to use our words...but our actions need to reflect what we're saying as well.

Let's be a light that shines and reflects Christ to those around us...with our words and our deeds.



(This is my 200th post. Just thought I'd throw that out there)

My Testimony

To read it, you'll have to visit this wonderful woman's blog today for her "His Faithfulness" series! You can find my post here.

Secret Sister Blog Party 2011

So, the other night, I was up late (which should come as no surprise to those who know me), and this idea came to me. I am really excited about it...and I hope you will be, too!

I am going to host a Secret Sister Blog Party!

The way it will work is that each participant (who obviously must be a female, hence the name, Secret Sister) will be given the name and info of another fabulous participant. You will need to either send some sort of note in the mail, through email, or leave an anonymous comment on your sister's blog at least once a week. The final note you send will be when you reveal your identity! You will also be required to send a gift of at least $10, but not exceeding $20 to your sister (although, if you own your own indie biz, you are free to send something from your shop that you made that is valued over that amount).

The party will run from November 1st-December 31st (to give everyone a little extra time to get their reveal gift to their sister around the holidays).

The other big detail is that you must have a blog to participate. The reason being so you can link up a post of who your secret sister was, how you revealed yourself to her, and how your experience was.

More details will be given through email to those that want to participate!

Sign ups will not "officially" start until October 1st, but I will send out the additional details before that to anyone that is interested in participating...so that you can be sure it is something you'd like to do!

This will be limited to the US only, so that no one is having to send anything internationally.

And, most importantly, all information you send me will be kept confidential and will only be given to your secret sister.

If you would like additional details sent to you, click on my Email tab on the right side bar. I have also created a blog button to help promote this party, so feel free to grab and add it to your blog! You are also welcome to post about this party on your blog, Twitter, or Facebook.

I am very excited about this party and I hope you will consider joining it! It will be a wonderful way to encourage another blogger and give her some love!




<a href="http://breeannbowers.blogspot.com/2011/09/secret-sister-blog-party-2011.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/h383/breeannbowers/christmas32.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a> <br />

It Comes in Waves

It's been one of those weeks...

I know you've had them before.

The kind where you get lots of good news...and lots of bad news.

And, many of the good and bad things were the opposites of each other.


One of my friends got engaged this week...and another broke off an engagement.

One of my friends is due to have her baby any day now...and another lost her precious little one far too soon.


I don't pretend to know why God allows things to go this way. Not even for a second. But, times like these always remind me of the song Blessed Be Your Name:

You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

There always seems to be moments of giving...and moments of taking.

And while I would much prefer if God only gave us things...I know He takes things away for a reason.


I am beyond excited for my beautiful engaged friend. Having known her for almost four years now, my heart is just so full for her. I know she has been longing for the day that she would be married...and now it will be here before she knows it.

I am so very excited to see pics of the beautiful baby boy that will be born very soon. It seems like it was just yesterday that his amazing momma sent me an email to tell me she was expecting (and told me she didn't want to tell me right away because she didn't want to hurt me. She is truly a beautiful soul). My heart longs to hold him close...and I'm hoping that moment will come sooner rather than later.

But then there's the flip side...

I am sad for my friends that broke off their engagement.

I am beyond heartbroken for the beautiful woman who had to say goodbye to her sweet Addison...who died before ever entering this world. Yet I know that Jesus is taking care of that sweet little baby...and that my wonderful friend is going to be able to hold that baby in her arms again one day.

But the one thing I know beyond a shadow of a doubt...through all of this...is that God is in control.

And, in each and every situation, He will receive the glory. Whether it's a joyful situation or one filled with sadness and many tears, He will be glorified...some way, somehow.

And that is all this bittersweet heart can hold onto tonight.