Sunday, October 23, 2011

Break Time

I can share about something that has officially changed.

I am taking a break from singing on the worship team at my church.

This change has been brewing for a couple of months now. Tonight was my last night until at least the beginning of the year.

With everything else that my hubby and I are praying about, it's just a good time for me to take a break. I don't want to be doing something just because I've been doing it for a year and a half. I want to do it because it's truly what God wants.

So, I am going to take this time to truly meditate and figure out if this is something God still wants for me.

I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.
(Psalm 7:17, NIV)

I'm excited to see what comes of this break.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Change is Brewing...

The hubby and I are spending some serious time in prayer this month.

We both feel like change is brewing...and it's exciting and scary all at the same time.

In the midst of everything going on in our lives, there are some things that (thankfully) are not changing.

Our love for one another.

Our love for God...and His love for us.

Our love for those around us...including this little beauty that I can't get enough of.



Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
(Hebrews 13:8, NIV)

Thank goodness.

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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Accessorizing

It's time for Gussy's Inspiration Workshop!

This week's prompt was your favorite accessory.

I have a couple that I love.


{just.lovely.things}



I absolutely love these headbands! They are super comfortable and add so much to any outfit...and any style of hair (especially those messy hair days).


Lisa Leonard Designs


I love my new necklace! I have worn it every single day since it came in the mail. I love it and what it means to me.


Scarves

It's that time of year when I would be wearing a lot of scarves...if only it was cold enough. Hopefully that will change in the near future! I have collected quite a few scarves over the years and love what they add to an outfit.

What do you love to accessorize with?

Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop!

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Just a few more days to sign up for my Secret Sister Blog Party!! You have until Friday, October 21st! Learn more here. Sign up here.

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Monday, October 17, 2011

Over the Top

I went to the Women of Faith conference this weekend (this year's theme was Over the Top).

This was my third year going (you can read about my experiences from past years here and here). Each year has been unique in what I've taken from it and the things God has taught me there.

The worship was amazing, the speakers spoke awesome truths, and I got to spend some time with some wonderful women.



Some of the big points I took away from this weekend were:

  • Everything we do makes a difference to the world around us (kind of like the butterfly effect. Even something small that we think won't affect anyone, really will). It really made me think about how I spend my time.
  • Our cravings will never be satisfied here on earth, but we will be completely satisfied in heaven (as in, we are constantly looking to the people around us or earthly things to make us feel satisfied in this life, but we will always be wanting more. Nothing is going to make us feel complete here on earth, no matter how hard we try). It really made me think about the things I pursue or chase after in this life, that really have no worth eternally.
  • Change can be good. One of the speakers shared that she is one of those people that hates change...unless she's the one doing the changing. And, that is exactly how I feel. But, change can definitely be good sometimes. Without change, we just remain stagnant and can't see the things that God could have in the works for us.
  • When we have dreams, and it seems like God is saying no to them, that is not the case. God isn't saying no to our dreams...He's just saying yes to ones we haven't had yet. How cool of a thought is that?

I also had a huge breakthrough on Friday night. Mandisa was up there singing one of her songs, Broken Hallelujah, and I just lost it... At first, I didn't understand why I was so overcome by that song, but God began speaking to my heart as I sat there, literally shaking and sobbing. He told me that I need to stop worrying so much about the people and situations around me, and just focus on Him. I have definitely had some situations in my life recently where I've been letting other things take my focus off Him... I've also been allowing fear to reign in my heart in other areas of my life...and I didn't really realize until that moment how much it was actually affecting me. I just sat there, with tears pouring out of my eyes, letting the words to that song, and the truths God was speaking to me, seep into my heart.

With my love and my sadness
I come before You Lord

My heart’s in a thousand pieces

Maybe even more

Yet I trust in this moment

You’re with me somehow

And You’ve always been faithful

So Lord even now


When all that I can sing
Is a broken hallelujah

When my only offering

Is shattered praise

Still a song of adoration

Will rise up from these ruins

I will worship You and give You thanks

Even when my only praise
Is a broken hallelujah


Oh Father, You have given
Much more than I deserve

And I have felt Your hand of blessing

On me at every turn

How could I doubt Your goodness

Your wisdom, Your grace

So Lord hear my heart

In this painful place


Hallelujah
I lift my voice

Your Spirit moves

I raise my hands

I reach for You

(Broken Hallelujah, Mandisa)

She then began singing Blessed Be Your Name, which, if you've been reading my blog for any length of time, or know me in real life, you'll know it is my favorite worship song. She ended by singing the Heart of Worship...which really hit me as well. At times, I let my worries of what people think of me hinder the way I worship...and I shouldn't. My worship to God is not about the people around me...it's about me giving glory to Him.

(Some of the beautiful women I went with)

There, of course, is so much more that God spoke to me over the weekend...but I will leave you with this:

Never give up.

God knows what you need, He knows all of your hurts and fears, and He loves you still. Never give up...because He will never let go of You.

Have a blessed week, my friends.



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You can still sign up here! Click here to find out more info.

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Random

Life has been a bit busy lately.

I spent the majority of my weekend at the Women of Faith conference with a group of women from my church. It was a wonderful time of worship and fellowship, and I am excited to share some of the things I learned (which will be saved for another post).

(Me and one of the women I went with)

On Sunday, I helped my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law throw a baby shower for my other two sisters-in-law and their baby girls. It was a lot of fun to celebrate new life...with lots and lots of pink!

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I also recently won a giveaway on Danielle's blog for a $50 credit to Lisa Leonard's shop!! I had a hard time choosing which item I wanted, as I love so many of her products, but I finally settled on her Faith Hope Love necklace.


(Such pretty packaging!!)

(So pretty!)


Since there was the option to put something on the back, I choose this verse:

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
(Psalm 62:5-6, NIV)

(The back)


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I also wanted to share pics of the treats I made for my Girls Night In a few weeks back. Both were found on Pinterest and I shared about them in this post.




I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend!!

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P.S. I'm also extending sign ups for the Secret Sister Blog Party until this Friday, October 21st!! Feel free to spread the word!! You can sign up here.

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