Miracles

Sometimes, I think we lose the sense that miracles still happen amongst us every day.  I can remember my Pastor preaching on miracles in a season that I really needed a lot of things to come together in my favor and his words resonating with me "we have to need a miracle to see a miracle". As a society we become calloused to the reality that the miraculous happens around us all the time. Often times it is written off as chance or lucky.  Reality is, Jesus is still capable of performing miracles.  However, it is our lack of belief that often misses them.

This summer a post came across my Facebook news feed to pray for the son of one of my college buddies, Keith. He was in critical condition, not sure he would live through the night after a drowning incident at Lake Tahoe. You might have heard of this story.  Immediately my mind flashed back through our friendship...

We were college buddies...Keith, Eddie and I. We met through our Church's college ministry and I know the weekly Bible studies, retreats and camps we attended were formative to our faith. Each of us have walked unique paths through life and I don't doubt those days when we were young and carefree our faith was truly forming.  This was summer '97 when we were Camp Counselors. Bless my overalls and bangs.

My College graduation, December 97. 

Keith's wedding, summer '98. 
(Since I do write a lot about style, I was working at Harold Powell and the cardigan was in full swing, specifically tied around the neck! I can remember wearing that dress and cardigan more times and longer than I probably should have!)

Keith and his beautiful bride LaNay and little Jake.  Such a sweet story of this family coming together. I knew I had this picture from their wedding, and this was the image that came to mind immediately when I heard this story. 

Since our college days there are years that go by we don't see each other, but thanks to home towns, emails and social media you can "keep up".  I ran into Keith at my church a few years ago and was so good to catch up and see how their family had grown.

 

Like so many thousands of others, I prayed for them.  I checked the Caring Bridge site daily for LaNay's updates and rejoiced each step of recovery and marveled at the goodness of God in this miracle.  Sometimes we see them in little ways and sometimes in grand ways. This was a grand story of miraculous healing. 

 

Keith and LaNay recently shared Jake's story with their church, one of Houston's mega-churches which I attended for years.  I love to see the testimony go forward and the impact of "that day on the beach".  If you have a few minutes, you won't regret watching this and perhaps your faith will be renewed that God is still very much capable and doing miraculous things among us. I know mine has been! 

Thankful, 

What I'm Wearing {JEANS!!!} 11.21.14

Dear Jeans,
I love you so. 

One of the perks of life on the road, was jeans every day.  I have always loved jeans. One of my best friends used to ask me what I was wearing when we were going out...my response was always "jeans and t-shirt" which really meant jeans, graphic (usually Junk Gypsy or the like) T, heels or boots and lots of jewelry: stacks of bracelets and layers of necklaces. After a while, she knew that is what I meant by "jeans and a Tshirt".

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have Pinterest, so these are just my daily creations. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

This week was "Generation Texas" week at school, promoting college to students with dress up days to focus on going to college! 

Monday...I'm a Bearkat!  It was still really cold, in fact in the 30's the beginning on the week with howling wind.  I layered up my Tshirt with cardigan and cozy scarf.  Jeans and cowboy boots this day, and yes, I like a crease in my jeans.  #countrygirl

Tuesday was something about a tie...but I don't have a tie, and it was still super cold, so my "tie" was on my sweatshirt. It was also our Take Flight day with Community Partners in school.  Changed up my normal ring stack for brown ring and these boots, if I knew how old they were, they are some of my favorites, even if they aren't the latest trend for "heel" or "toe", I will wear them until they are not wearable!

Wednesday..."Pair up for College" and my school bestie and I love a twin dress up day. I think people think we shop for these days, but literally have same taste in clothes, we have similar things that it's pretty easy.  We attended rival schools and she's a few years younger than me, but one of those friends that is life's greatest blessing, seems like you've known forever!  So thankful to work alongside someone like her every day! 

Thursday, the future is bright, wear shades!  These are trouser jeans pants that I know will see lots of wear through the winter months, including under cover on days that aren't "jeans days".  :) Shhhhhh.  I love pairing bright yellow and turquoise, even in winter months when I tend to lean towards blacks and greys a lot. 

TGIF!  Friday was 80's but I just went traditional spirit day. Threw in leopard belt and stacks of wooden bracelets and suede flats.  Student asked me this day if I was the only one in school who wore bracelet stacks like this because he's never seen anyone else wearing them.  Ha! 

 

Another week of bundling up, but most of all...5 days of jeans.  Amen.  If only it could be every day! :) 

 

Blessings, 

What I'm Wearing {Polar Vortex} 11.14.14

This week included the first round of cold weather in south Texas, and really the first time I remember such a cold November! 

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have Pinterest, so these are just my daily creations. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Monday...I wore this dress early Fall one Sunday to church, but added leggings for extra warmth this day.  Perfect transition piece. Could also have jacket/cardigan layered on too.  Not sure why looks a little like disco stripe in the photo, but I promise it's just a simple black and white stripe dress, also available in Navy/Red stripe on  your local Target clearance rack. 

Tuesday...Love Life!  First school appearance of my fav wedge booties.  These pants are actually navy though hard to tell. It's no secret that I love words, and this is one of my favorite sweaters.  It will repeat this winter! 

Wednesday...brrrrr!! Favorite  camo skirt layered up with tights, long sleeves, scarf and vest that is from the early Gap "puffer" vest days and still going strong.  I'm picky about vests and I love the old style of this one with the banded bottom. I also had a tank on this day that was black and white strip under my button up.  I love tanks in the summer and they are extra warmth in the winter!

Thursday...one scarf is good, 2 are better!  This day was SUPER cold, by our standards so I layered up a couple of scarfs to start the day.  I love gray.  These black jeans pants (jeans only on Friday) are from the Loft, the fit is relaxed skinny and if you're in need of a pick-me-up, head to the Loft and just try on jeans, their new sizing is in your favor! I won't even tell you what size these are because anyone who is really that size wouldn't wear these, but trust me and try on some pants next time you're at the Loft.  The fit for these is relaxed skinny, which accommodates my not stick-thin-slightly-athletic quads.  :)

Friday was still chilly and I finally got to wear my favorite winter spirit item!  Jeans are dark version of Gap's always skinny (same as Loft, fit my legs) that I mentioned last week.  Plaid scarfs are very in right now and I like ones like this that I can mix up with my crimson and navy for a little extra color/variation to jeans and t-shirt Fridays.

Here's the week in review! If you're somewhere that only gets cold a few days out of the year, layer up, it's the best when you don't need a massive winter wardrobe!

 

Bundled up,

Friday Favorites

It's Friday, so time for Friday Favs!

Linking up for Friday favs...with Andrea, Erica & Narci

 

I recently judged a Small Town Queen pageant and was given a gift to a local boutique as a thank you.  I had a little time to spare and love supporting local boutiques, so I stopped on my way out of town.  Found these little vintage shotgun shells by Lizzy J ready to go on a wire.  They are a fun addition to my regular stack and I've worn them about every day since.  The wire bracelet is special because it is from my late best friend Wendy's collection, and if you remember Jeep Collins jewelry, this was a piece from that collection. 

 

FINALLY!!! I have looked and looked and looked for a pair of wedge booties that 1) weren't $75-100 and 2) were comfortable.  Ross for the win!! Nine West, also a favorite brand for heels, and $34.99...perfection! I have already worn them 3 or 4 times, including Wednesday which was a 15 hour day and lots of time on my feet. Love them!! 

Somehow I stumbled upon end cap at Target with some clearance nail polish.  I know Essie and OPI is all the rage, I love them too.  But, if you haven't used Sally Hansen's line of Complete Salon Manicure, you should give it a try.  These colors, (l-r) Dark Knight, Shattered Stars and In the Flesh are all great choices!  I know I will use the navy and blush pink over and over, and most likely treat my nieces to a little glitter polish too over the holidays!!

 

Barney is my favorite side kick and he has been sporting his $3 Target Sweater this week as the arctic blast has hit South Texas! I think the Gap missed their mark on the holiday dog model...they should have called Barney!  I do love their Holiday collection this year and have resisted the urge for the striped sweater pants...at least for now...

 

Bundle up and have a great weekend!!  



Restorative Love

My students are working on a Career unit right now which started with completing surveys related to their career interests, skills and work values. As we were talking about the results I explained to them how surveys like this will sometimes reveal something to you about yourself that you might not have realized.  For example, my top "work value" is the workplace which means I value honesty and integrity and a friendly work environment. This is so true about me and after working for years in sales and seeing lack of integrity and unethical business decisions, I definitely value honesty in the workplace. Funny enough, income was last on my list...

Last Sunday in church was one of those "ah-ha" moments for me as well. Verses I've read many times before, in fact topic that is very familiar...loving others. This week though, it struck me fresh and explained something within me. Our church is going through 1st John, and for background the book centers around relationship and fellowship - with both God and others. This week's text:

1 John 3:16-18 (ESV)

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay

down our lives for the brothers.  But if anyone has the world's goods

and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does

God's love abide in him?  Little children, let us not love in word or talk,

but in deed and truth. 



 

What is real love?  {Not romantic love.} 

 

Real love is selfless: freely given, no expectation of repayment or reciprocation, no strings attached.

 

Real love is restorative: always seeks to restore in relationship, honor, dignity, health, identity, etc. 

 

Before love can be given, a domino effect takes place...recognize and receive God's love....love God....love self - realize created for purpose and have identity...then love others. 

 

I have mentioned before about being disappointed in friendships, that my level of investment is deep, I don't do surface well.  My "ah-ha" was this: restorative love matters to me in relationships in my life.  People in my circle going through the trenches, I want them to see hope, to know love, and to reach restoration. 

 

The same that God wants of us for himself, he wants us to give to others...I know, dear God, that you care nothing for the surface, you want us, our true selves, and so I have freely given from the heart, honestly and happily.  1  Chronicles 29:17 (Msg)

 

What does that love look like? 

 

Aware:  recognize the need of love around us.  Just today I was reminded as I was reading student assignments how many people have an area of their life they struggle.  Friendship, families, moving, new schools, new communities. That applies to all of us. 

 

Willing:  decide to love regardless of the cost.  Liking people is neat.  Loving people is messy.  You have to be willing to get your hands dirty, potentially be inconvenienced. 

 

Engage:  In both deed and truth.  Point them to the truth of Christ, he gave us the greatest love "for the joy set before him endured the cross" Romans 12:2.  Put our willingness into action. 

 

Fitting that today is World Kindness Day.  Take a chance on someone.  Reach out. Love them.  Expect nothing in return.  Point them to hope in Jesus and restoration. 

 

 

Be loved,

What I'm Wearing 11.07.14

Dear Blog,

The stomach bug attacked.  I miss you.  Here's to better health!!

Was a long week and after a week, finally ate 3 meals in the same day and worked out again.  Feeling back to normal!!

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have Pinterest, so these are just my daily creations. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Monday...green + leopard!  Favorite for this fall!  Hard to tell, but cardigan is just a light kelly green color.  The scarf will make repeated appearances through the colder months. You can't go wrong with a black infinity scarf! 

Tuesday I was knocked down and at home.  My "nurse" worked hard all day to keep me company and we stayed on the couch all. day. long. 

Wednesday Spirit Day...Stomp the Stangs!! Boot day!! And, proud of our football team who's endured a long building season entering 6A varsity play with only 10th and 11th graders this year.  Our best game was the last game, they had a chance to win, but ended up losing. As a side note, I've never been able to wear "skinny jeans", they never fit me.  However, the current Gap style of Always Skinny jeans is a cut that might work for you if you've had trouble.  I've found a couple of pairs on the clearance rack including these, which were about $20 I think. Don't be fooled, I still love a good pair of flare leg jeans!  :)

Still struggling through the week, this was a repeat from Sunday church.  Same black dress from the summer, just added fall favs:  scarf, cardigan, leggings and booties!  I'm planning a "then and now" post for transition pieces.  Stay tuned!

Friday!! So glad to get to Friday!  Last week of Falcon Football!  That navy cardigan also made an appearance last week, will continue to  gets lots of wear through cold months!  Added printed heels, changes up the  Friday looks a little! 

 Here's the week's looks....

Blessings,

What I'm Wearing 10.31.14

In case you need some inspiration for your closet, my hope is that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have Pinterest, so these are just my daily creations. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Here's the week in review...

Recently scored this maxi dress at Target for $8.98!  Who can pass that up!?!?  In fact, the scarf is a previous Target purchase too.  My favorite thing about it (aside from being green) is unexpected details of slits on the sides and it is long enough for me to wear with heeled shoes. I've been wearing stud/smaller earrings some with scarves this year, saves the snagging. These are from the Noonday Collection, you can find them here. They also are available in silver.  

Tuesday was our monthly Take Flight meeting with our Community Partners in our classrooms with students. I have mentioned these booties on my favorites, they were a find from Ross, and I've worn them already more than the $20 worth I paid for them!   

 Team Jersey day for Football's spirit day this week . I don't own a jersey, but wore my Texans tank, plus that cardigan in my hand while I school.  Navy and white stripes, it will get lots of wear this fall and winter being one of our school colors is navy!  Noonday water drop prism earrings here. 

Schools are celebrating Red Ribbon Week this week to say drug free and Thursday was "Wear Red" Day.  Our Student Council designed these cool shirts "Believe there is good in the world, also read as Be the good in the world.  Thought today was a good day for that T.  Paired with colored khakis from Gap and leopard heels for some added color! :) Noonday horn hops here.

TGIF and Halloween as well! When our students get dress coded they have to wear OTHS PE shirts/sweatpants instead of their inappropriate outfit they wore to school. One of my students asked me if I got dress coded this day.  Um, no.  Also, get lots of comments at school about this sweatshirt, it's just a plain sweatshirt, but I trimmed the neck off of it to give it a little flair.  :)  Standing in Ulta after school a lady asked me if I had a student at Tompkins.  Um, no.  I realize I am old enough to have a high schooler, but no.  No, I don't have a High School student.  :|

And the week in review!  3 jeans days!! Those are my favorite kind of weeks! :)

Blessings,

Angie

#Write31Days 2014

A summary of my stories from the #Write31Days challenge in 2014...

(Fridays are a break of stories and dedicated to "Friday Favorites"

Saturdays continue my School Year "What I'm Wearing" posts)

Click the link for each post to read...

Oct 1 Here we go...Write 31 Days!

Oct 2 Bike Rides

Oct 3 Friday Favorites

Oct 4 What I'm Wearing

Oct 5 Rest

Oct 6 Real Talk

Oct 7 Rise & Shine

Oct 8 Try

Oct 9 Grief

Oct 10 Friday Favorites

Oct 11 What I'm Wearing

Oct 12 Vision

Oct 13 Skinny

Oct 14 Break Up

Oct 15 Dad

Oct 16 Choice

Oct 17 Friday Favorites

Oct 18 What I'm Wearing

Oct 19 Noonday Collection

Oct 20 Tall

Oct 21 Honor

Oct 22 ESL

Oct 23 The Road

Oct 24 Friday Favorites

Oct 25 What I'm Wearing

Oct 26 Real

Oct 27 Uncomfortable

Oct 28 Better

Oct 29 Start Over

Oct 30 Story

Oct 31 Friday Favorites