Saturday, May 28, 2011

Romans 12



Romans 12 (The Message)
4-6 In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we're talking about is Christ's body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn't amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't.
6-8 If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.
14-16 Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody.
17-19 Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
20-21 Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

I have a situation at work. I don’t understand why someone treats me the way they do, it seems like they are out to get me and are always looking for something to get me in trouble for. I prayed on the way home one day this week, and I forgave the person. I felt God’s peace about the situation. When I got home, I started reading Romans 12:14… “Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath.”
Instantly, I felt bad for being upset. I was mad at this person because I felt they had wronged me for no reason.  Yet, God put it so simple how we should treat someone who is an “enemy”… “Bless our enemies.” He also tells us not to get even, to leave it to him, and he will take care of it. God amazes me! He always gives you just exactly what you need or allows you to read in his word exactly what you need to hear. 

Reading Romans 12, I became convicted about how I live my life and how I treat people. It is amazing to me that God laid it out so plainly how we are supposed to live our life.  I want to let this be my daily prayer, and to change my view and my way of thinking. I know I’m not perfect, but I’m thankful that God is still working on me.

Simeon Costa is at our church right now, training people on “Life Studies”. He taught our College and Career Bible Study this past Sunday. He taught out of Genesis on Jacob. And the one point that stuck out to me, was this:
God allows trials and situations to happen in your life to teach us to depend on him through everything.  Sometimes, in the midst of situations we will pray, “God change this person who has done me wrong” or “God change the situation”, but instead why don’t we ask “God change ME through this situation.”  Jacob wouldn’t let go of the Angel until God changed HIS name. That has been with me all week! God, I want you to change me, and teach me to depend on you through whatever situation comes my way.
I feel like God directed my attention to this chapter of Romans, to change ME through my situation this week.  My attitude has changed, and I can feel a difference in the way I’m thinking about things.

I challenge you to study this chapter of Romans and examine your own life and how you live daily, and see how God changes you and your attitude.

Hope everyone has an awesome Memorial day weekend. Don’t forget to honor the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom. 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Table Re-do

Re-finishing furniture has become a passion of mine. I love the feeling that taking a worn piece of furniture, that others may think deserves the trash, sanding it and giving it a fresh coat of paint brings.
A little over a year ago I bought this Duncan Phyfe table and chairs for $85 dollars.
Starting this project, I didn’t have a plan, other than knowing that I wanted to refinish the table and chairs. It all just came to me as I went. The paint counter at Home Depot, became my best friend as I studied paint chips to find the exact colors I wanted. I adore the color green, and once I found the perfect shade, the ideas started flowing.
I read a lot of blogs, like All Things Thrifty, My Repurposed Life and A Life of Blue for ideas, and tips on refinishing furniture.
Then, came the process of finding the perfect fabric to recover the chairs in. I love Amy Butler fabric, and was thrilled to find Hawthorne Threads which carries a wide variety of Amy Butler fabrics.
I chose two different prints, Paradise Garden in Midnight and Trumpet Flowers in Emerald for a bright fun design on the chairs. I love the look of the two contrasting fabrics on the chairs.
This is my favorite piece of furniture in our house right now. Ever time I look at it, it just makes me smile.
I have several other projects sitting in the garage waiting to be re-finished. I will be posting "before and after" photos of those projects as I get them finished. Now that I’m getting my energy back, I will hopefully get them finished soon.

Hope everyone has a blessed day!

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Macelyn is 2 months old!

I can't believe that my baby is 2 months old. It seems like just yesterday that I was pregnant, counting down the days until she was here.
Now I'm back at work, and she is with the sitter, and time is going by way too quickly!!
I snapped a few photos of her today. She woke up mid shoot and didn't really want to be in the pictures. I managed to capture a few good shots. One day she will learn to love the camera.
Hope everyone has had a good weekend, and has a wonderful Monday!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Adventures in Thrifting

so i love drifting through thrift stores, looking for that special item that will become my next treasure. 
its amazing what some people get rid of that is actually pretty awesome.
or decor items that you can spray a coat of paint on and make look brand new.

a couple of weekends ago, i went to check out a new Goodwill store that open in our area.
it is very clean, and their clothing is very organized and easy to go through. usually Goodwill prices their stuff a little higher than i want to pay, but i'm just spoiled with some of the smaller privately owned thrift stores where i can walk out with 3-4 outfits for $10- 15. every now and then though, you can find a good deal. 
this day i stumbled up on a marc jacobs dress for $10
 and a vintage stoneware pot for $3.99.




i love my treasures. 
can't wait until my next treasure hunt! 

Friday, May 20, 2011

TGIF

(photo from our colorado vacation last year)

TGIF everyone!! Dreaming of being in the mountains of Colorado today.

I can't wait to get home and play with my baby girl!! 
I finally got Photoshop!! yay!! Now comes the fun part... learning it. I was playing around with it last night. Definitely going to be watching all kinds of tutorials!! I'm excited to start using it to make my photographs extra special! 
I think we are going to stay in this weekend, and just enjoy being home, instead of rushing off here and there!! Maybe I'll get Macelyn's 2 month photos done. :) 
I also wanted to share one of my favorite inspirational blogs. I love Indiana's story and I love the revelation God gave to her. Check out God's Wardrobe and also you can go visit her fashion blog as well as her mommy blog. She is one busy lady, I love her spunk and spirit. Plus, she lives in Austin, one of my favorite cities! :) 
Hope everyone has a wonderful day! 

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Looking for the weekend


I love my weekends! I always get a million ideas I want to cram into each weekend, and never complete half of them. There just isn't enough time.

My ideas for this weekend: (in no particular order)

• sleep in really late
• take pictures of baby
• edit pictures from a friend's wedding shower
• refinish a couple pieces of furniture for Mace's room
• spend time with my husband and daughter
• plant a garden
• go to the park
• unpack boxes

That is what runs through my mind when I think of the weekend! :)

Hopefully I will accomplish a few things off that list, and save the rest for another weekend.

A couple posts I'm working on for next week:
* my table project
* sewing project: faux chenille blanket

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

good day!!

Bea, Mama and Mace
So this is my first attempt at a blog post. I am excited about starting this blog, and look forward to the places it will take me.

A little about me, I am a newly married (2 years in November), new mother (Macelyn is 2 months old), who loves God, my family and living life to the fullest! I love all things outdoors, playing with my baby girl, cooking/baking, photography, decorating, refinishing furniture, sewings, crafts, and I'm not afraid to try new things!!! I will be blogging about all of these things in the future! you will also learn all about my family and especially my wonderful and amazing husband!

Today, Macelyn had her two month check up which meant she had to get four shots. I have been dreading it for a month! A nice surprise was my parents (who live in Midland) came for a quick visit on Monday, so my mom was able to come with me to her appt. She was such a good girl! Of course she screamed when she got the shots, but she calmed down very quickly! I was so proud of her!

Since my parents don't get to see her much, we let them keep her over night in their hotel room. This was the first time she has spent the night anywhere. I was happy to let my parents have the night with her, and I enjoyed a good nights rest!!! I sure was happy to see her this morning though. :)

We visited with my parents for lunch, then they headed home to Midland. Darren's brother and his wife, Summer, and our nephew Carson came over for dinner! I made Tacos. Then Summer and I did Zumba on the Wii! It was a workout for sure! We will be sore tomorrow!

It was a good day after all! Well I'm off to sleep, back to work tomorrow!
DESIGNED WITH LOVE BY BDD