Self: Little Things

I am a little things person.  The little things mean so much more to me than big things do.   If you know me well, you know the little things that matter to me. 

What are those things?  They can be simple or complicated, but they are not grand.  Some little things for me are...

• Opening a door for me
• Getting a handwritten note in the mail
• Snapping a pic of something that reminds someone of me and receiving it in a text message with a fun memory described
• Knowing that I love Dr. Pepper and stopping to pick up fountain cokes before meeting to leave for a road trip
• A fun surprise like handful of glitter pencils because I love pens and pencils  
• Turning up the radio because my favorite song is playing
• When someone makes a known sacrifice for me 
• Receiving a text message on a hard day that someone is praying for me
• Alerting me of a sale (I do love a bargain) on a favorite item or store
• Baking treats without nuts in them for me, maybe even a separate pan (thanks Mom!)

The little things begin to add up.  They are my language.  They build friendships and relationships.  Ultimately it is because I know that person really knows me well.  They have taken time to get to know me and what matters to me and they act on it. I try to do this in return. 
 

But, sometimes in life we let the "little things" go unnoticed that we want, we think God can't be in the "little things", He's got much "bigger things" to worry about.  I was recently reading Mended by Angie Smith and this spoke such truth to me...

He can make the waters part.  No problem.  That makes sense to me. BIG hands.  Got it.

He can resurrect His dead Son from a cross. He is God after all. 

But can - and does - He wrap those same hands around the "little things"?

<insert whatever little things you feel like is too small for God>

Are there places in your life where you think, "God wouldn't care about this.

He's got too much on His late to try and figure out how to help me through this day."

As much as I trust in Him, believe He is Who He says He is, and welcome the opportunity to praise Him, there are moments when I think I might have fallen off His radar because He

is busy, you know, saving the world and all. 

The truth is ....

There is nothing too small for Him to care about. 

(Mended, Ch 9 - The Sea and the Scarf, pg 48-54)

 

And, I started thinking. The little things matter most to me.  That's because they usually come from people who know me really well.   Can't know little things if you don't know someone well. 

 

Who knows me better than God? 

 

No. One. 

 

Why in the world wouldn't the little things matter to him?!?! 

 

They do, they matter greatly to him.  I have been reminded of this over and over as I have faced what sometimes seem like big challenges to me, though when I compare to other sufferings in this world, I feel they can be insignificant.  I have to remind myself, He cares Angie. 

 

He cares about the little things, the details, every one of them. They might seem little to you, or little in comparison but that doesn't de-value them.  Let them go, stop trying on your own and bring them before Him.  There is such freedom in doing so and trusting that His hands, the same hands that created the world and part the seas are at work in the little things & details for me. 

 

 

One of my favorite Bible teachers Christine Caine said "Small things in the hands of a big God can make a big difference". I pray you can lay your head down at the end of the day and remember, enjoy the little things, believe God is in the details and in the little things because one day you look back and realize they were the big things!

 

“. . . if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20, NKJV)

 

Blessings,

 



Style: Uniform

I was talking to my niece this Spring on the phone.  She is into clothes and definitely has her own style and puts together outfits on a regular basis.

Niece:  "Gigi, what are you wearing?"
Me:  "Black soft pants (read: yoga pants) and t-shirt."
Niece:  "Oh, I know your tight pants (read: running leggings) and green shirt"
Me:  "No, different today"

That's because she knows my winter uniform ... running leggings, half-zip or hoodie and flip-flops or (faux)Uggs depending on the weather. 

For example: 

But, now it's summer and that means the uniform has to change.  Nike tempo shorts and Hanes v-neck tshirts.  If I'm headed somewhere that AC is subject to be set at sub-zero temps I add a hoodie.  I keep it fancy.  However, my nephew told me "Long sleeves don't go with shorts". 

And, the laundry pile pretty much looks like this every week. 

If you don't have a stack of white Hanes v-necks, you should.  They go with everything and are perfect for workouts, weekends and lazy days.  Before you cast judgement, there are other white T's for occasions, and the JCrew Vintage T is a favorite.  But, back to matters at hand, Hanes T's are cheap, bleachable, and make great rags when they are done for.  

This summer has a new piece to the uniform. Cut-offs.  I've hunted for cut-off shorts for a long time, but I think I have found a couple for this summer that are going to be in hot rotation and don't judge if you see them a lot, they go with everything.  And, for all the expensive cut-offs in the trendy stores, just take yourself to Target or Old Navy for  great pairs under $20! 

They can easily go for day or night as well!  And, yes, there I am again, violating my nephews rule, long sleeves and shorts, PLUS a scarf!  Summer time!! 

So, whatever it is that you love and feel comfortable in, make it your signature, your uniform! 

Blessings,

Success: Passed!

Tuesday morning I took what I was hoping to be my last Certification test, completing the "Board Room to Classroom" transition of life over the last couple of years.  It was the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities" test and is known to be a mind game with multiple correct options, but having to choose the "best" of the options.  I had a specific plan to start my day, breakfast at a favorite cafe close to my location, fueling up for my test.  I was texting with my Mom while I was eating and shared with her the verse of the day from Bible Gateway - an app I check every morning. 

That verse is my story ... I am completing the task of the first year of teaching, I have truly been shown grace throughout this year, and I definitely feel I am right where I need to be.... all testifying to good news of God's grace after a rough few years.  I felt confident going into the test, I was studied up,  prayed up and I had a handful of my besties praying for me too. 

It happened to be one of the most torrential rain weeks in recent Houston history, and the Internet was down at the testing site, delaying our start for over 1.5 hours.  I called in for a full day sub, waited (a constant theme in my life) and finally began a little after 9:30am.  I finished just after 11am, and walked out thinking I might be signing up to take that test again, I had no idea.  The test center administrator told me most people come out crying after 5 hours (max allowed time) and that it is one of the hardest tests.  I wasn't crying, only took 1.5 hours and agreed - it is a confusing test, and would wait to see what happened. 

FFWD to today ....

This morning the sunrise was beautiful!  I actually pulled over to take this picture.  I love the sunrise and have watched it so many times from my classroom window on the world, but knew it might not look like this when I got to school, and I wanted to capture it.  It is our last Friday with students, the only thing remaining after today is final exams and the bell will ring at 11:35 on Thursday to signal the official end to this school year.  I thought today would be the day for my test results. 

As my classes are working to wrap up projects and reviews I was looking at my planner and thinking back to August when I thought "what the heck will I teach" and how will I ever fill these days.  They have been filled with so many moments (another post for another time) that I will forever remember.  It is the end of the year and my planner is filled with lessons, projects, quizzes, tests, guests, school activities and to-do's. 

I needed to file for my Standard State of Texas Certificate by end of week, it's Friday and I figured it was time to do it.  I really wanted to have my PPR Test scores to file my application and for it to be complete when I filed!  But, I went ahead and filed the application without knowing my scores. 

I got to my desk to eat lunch and got the email ... Subject:  "Your ETS TExES Scores".

Heart stop.  

I did have a thought when filing application (less than 30 minutes prior) - I am filing this in confidence that I passed, this is what I'm to do to complete the task and testify to the grace of God. 

I opened the email, clicked the link, logged on (for the 3rd time today, because I've been checking) and this is what I saw ...

Status:  PASSED!!!!!   Not only passed, but a better score than I received on any review. 

Amen.  The task is complete.  I testify to the good news of God's grace. 

Success: Disney

I'm late to the Frozen world, but I did just get "Let it Go" on my iPod a couple of weeks ago and finally have listened to the lyrics.  It has resonated with me for so many reasons, but mostly because maybe Disney can inspire a generation that it is ok to not be "ok" and to truly "let it go" when necessary.  And, maybe if the younger ones believe it the older ones of us will begin to believe it as well. 

I'm not sure where we got into the habit of answering the  "How are you?" question with "Ok", "tired", "busy" and "fine".  Sure, there are times when that is the only response we can give based on the audience.  But, somewhere our society has succumbed to the expectation to appear we have it all together and no one wants to admit some days, weeks, months, heck years aren't going like we hoped and we feel just like this ...

Don’t let them in, don’t let them see
Be the good girl (guys too) you always have to be
Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let them know

We become bound by meeting expectations of what we think others want  to hear and/or expect to hear and eventually begin to feel like living trapped in a bird cage.  I was just running this weekend and listening to my iPod when Lauren Chandler's "The Sparrow" came on and I was reminded.  His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...I sing because I'm happy and I sing because I'm free.  There are no details God isn't into and He sets us free from having to be "perfect" and "ok". 

 

I am selective in who I am "not OK" in front of.  I have a tight group of besties who are my wise counsel - they range in age and stage of life, but I know I can always be 100% myself and it is ok, and they are the same to me.  Just within my circle of besties life is tough ...

challenges with children

dealing with Government & VISAs

major illness and life changing diagnosis

loss of loved ones

marriages that are hard

seasons of unemployment

infertility - adoption - miscarriage

jobs that are demanding and require time away

blended family challenges
and the list goes on....

 

I talk to this circle most every day and always at least weekly.  We keep tabs on real life.  What is going on and how to pray and support one another.  We are free to let it go when life is hard and we celebrate big when prayers are answered and life is good! 

Let it go, let it go
That perfect girl (guy) is gone
Here I stand
In the light of day
Let the storm rage on

 

This group is my steady in my day to day, but they aren't my lifeline.  There are times I want to spread my wings and solve it myself, because doing something is better than doing nothing.  And, sometimes no matter how much we've covered a burden there comes a time to set it free and let it be.  I have been reminded through so many seasons of Exodus 14:14....

 

 

I know my friends will fight for me here, but the  greater comfort is that I know The Lord ultimately fights for me every day. I am free from the birdcage, but I need to sit on top.  And, I need only to be still. In prayer. In reading. In not doing. 

 

So, if you're not ok, it is ok.  Find a trusted circle, let it go and then be still.  One of my favorite reminders is Amy Grant's song "Better than a Hallelujah" ...

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

 

Trust Jesus. Perch outside the birdcage and let him sing over you, his eye is on you and he is fighting for you.  Be a role model to the tiny prince and princess who are watching. Teach them the value of trusted circle, but ultimately to trust Jesus when life is hard.

 

Blessings,



 

Space: Music

I've never been a big TV watcher, I don't turn it on immediately when I get home, I don't need TV for the "noise" and there are days in a row I never turn it on.  My apartment came with a TV installed in the bathroom, and anyone who knows me well and sees that TV questions why I, of all people, would have an extra TV.  Believe me, it's not that big of a space that  I couldn't hear or see another TV from the bathroom! 

The TV I love the most is from 7am - 10am, Good Morning America and Kelly & Michael show.  But, I can't see that on a daily basis, though will work it into the summer routine some.  However, I don't love it enough to DVR every day and watch at the end of the day either. 

Most often I fill my space with music.  While I'm doing anything around the house I will turn on my iPod.  The iHome player some friends gave me as a gift is one of my favorite gifts.  When I have a new playlist, sometimes I will even turn it on as I go to bed and let it play because it is all of my new/recent favorite songs.  I definitely wear out a new playlist while running and if I'm on a road trip, that's what is playing in my car!

I keep a running list of songs I want to get from iTunes on my phone and add them a couple of times a year.  They are usually a mix of Country, Pop and Christian music.  I do listen to TV radio every morning, so I hear new songs there, who ever thought I would like a Jamie Lynn Spears song?!  I also play Pandora in my classroom and pick up new songs I like from those stations.  Songs we sing at church usually make it onto my list as well.  This year The Voice has had a couple of songs that are in new renditions I love.  (That is one show I do try to watch weekly, but usually just the singing, not the judges comments, intros, etc. -- that's why I love DVR!) All in all, a new mix-tape a few times a year!   

My most recent playlist...

• All of Me - John Legend
• Blessings - Laura Story
• Brave - Sara Bareilles
• Callin' Me When I'm Lonely - Sheryl Crow
  (she should have gone country a long time ago)
• Drunk Last Night - Eli Young Band
• Everything I Shouldn't Be Thinking - Thompson Square
  (one of my favorite duos)
• Hold On, We're Going Home - Christina Grimmie (The Voice)
  (Never liked the Drake version of this)
• How Could I Want More - Jamie Lynn Spears
  (cast no judgment)
• I Won't Give Up - Christina Grimmie (The Voice)
• Kiss You Tonight - David Nail
• Lay Me Down - Chris Tomlin
  (My daily prayer)
• Let It Go - Idina Menzel
  (Everybody needs a little Disney in their life)
• Love Is War - American Young
• Love Knows No End - Hillsong Live
  (Thankful for this promise and truth)
• Me and My Broken Heart - Rixton
  (Who the heck is Rixton?  Thank you Pandora)
• Meanwhile Back at Mama's - Tim McGraw feat Faith Hill
  (I love Mama's house and I love Tim + Faith duos)
• Light em Up - Fall Out Boy
• Radioactive - Imagine Dragons
• Rest Upon Us - Caedmon's Call
• Riser - Dierks Bentley
• Sober - Little Big Town
  (I loved LBT LONG before Pontoon)
• Some Nights - Fun.
• That Power - Will.i.am
• This is Amazing Grace - Phil Wickham
  (Grace that Humbles me daily)
• Timber - Pitbull

And, this just released this week, which I will be purchasing ASAP!  Passion:  Take it All

Try filling your space with music.  Sing along when your favorite is on!  Turn it up!  Heck, dance if you want to!  Music speaks volumes to me, and I get lots accomplished when I'm just listening vs. sitting down in front of the  TV. 

This week, I made a cake, cooked dinner and did some computer work...all while my new playlist was playing!

 

 

Blessings, 

Self: Stolen

One month ago … my favorite car I’ve ever had was stolen.  It was the weirdest experience to walk out of a quick mall trip and not be able to find my car.  I’m not one who “loses” my car in a parking lot, but I thought I had lost my mind as I wondered that parking lot for 30 minutes thinking “I know I parked right here”.  

As I’ve been frustrated, mad, sad and a whole other range of emotions about it I began to realize, I feel like this was the ending of 2 years ago when I felt like my life was stolen out from under me.  (2012, 2013) At the end of the day it is just a car.  But, I’ve always said I would drive that car until the wheels fell off!  I had 140,000 miles of memories in that car and for the better part of two years have hauled my life from one location to another, traveling, working, living, visiting friends, seeing family and finally settling into one place again.  It’s taken me a long time to work through these 2 years and am just feeling like I am getting settled this Spring in my “new life” … moved, finally have all my stuff in one place and trying to adjust to living in a new location. 

 

 So, what is it about something tangible being stolen vs intangible?  The intangible cuts a lot deeper, takes longer to heal from and changes everything within you.   I couldn’t wait to get all my stuff in one place and quit living out of a suitcase and temporary living situations.  But, I worked, traveled, ate, did errands and lived with people day in and day out for these last 2 years, and I miss that community.  My new place doesn’t seem quite mine, there are things I love about it, but I don’t love it like I did my old place.  We are made to be in community and despite being a couple of the toughest years of my life; I was surrounded by community that I miss.

I’m in a new town, where I have best friends, but am also 30 miles from other best friends and what was familiar to me for 15 years.  There are conveniences I miss, they require more effort/scheduling now, effort I’m willing to make, but element of last minute and spontaneous, which I thrive on, isn’t as readily available.  It’s an adjustment, one I’m not quite settled into.  

 

There have also been changes in relationships and friendships.  Some that I never thought would be different are now very different due to time/distance.  I have made new friends at my new job and from life on the road that are the sweetest gift of these two years.  And, the friends who stand the test of time, no matter the distance, time apart or other life circumstances…we make effort to keep in touch, see each other when we can and for those people I am very grateful.  They have at times carried me through this season. 

I didn’t really realize the magnitude of adjustment. I moved, worked to unpack, started a new semester teaching new classes and went right into a busy season of Rodeo and then my car was stolen.  Sitting with an empty garage and trying to figure out what next, I felt like time stopped, and realization set in this is reality.  What does it look like for me!?  Why is there a struggle? 

 

I believe being aware of my weakness, asking for help in those times and realizing it can’t be done on my own has been the hardest.  Change isn’t typically difficult for me, in fact I usually embrace it.  Ultimately my faith has been stretched and my dependence on Jesus has been increased.  It doesn’t matter that my place doesn’t feel like home yet, or that my new car doesn’t feel like mine yet….at the end of the day things (both tangible and intangible where we falsely place security) are temporary.  They can be stolen at any time and the One who sustains us remains faithful. 

I can remember my Mom sending me a verse at the beginning of these 2 years…it has stuck with me, despite not thinking I could ever see the end as better, but ultimately coming to realize the end can be  better. 

Ecclesiastes 7:8 “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride”. 

No new beginning can start without something else ending, even when you think it was the best before it ended.  I know my pride put security in those things and patience has taught me to wait for that which is best.  Over, and over again, to wait, but still believing that wait is purposeful. 

 

 
Anticipating new beginnings,

Style: Stacks

Bracelets, rings and necklaces ... I like a lot of them and layered up!  Lots of people have asked me about stacking, how to stack and putting stacks together.  There is no real secret ... just grab a handful, add one more and layer it up! 

My everyday is stacks with my watch, stack of rings and stacks of necklaces if I'm not wearing a scarf. 

Here's a few lately ... again, no right or wrong, just grab what you like, put them together and go! 

Some staples that get stacked a lot ...

 

 

Ring stack with brown center.  These are all a mix of Pandora, Nordstrom, Amazon, Brighton and rings I found along the way on Rodeo show trail 



 

My Papa's watch and mix of gold, silver and wooden beads.  Yes, you can mix metals. 

If one is good ... 4 are better ...

More ring stacks, all are interchangeable, mixed metals happens again! 

Part of outfit, and yes, I did layer a necklace with a scarf, bracelets stack and ring stack with yellow center ring.

Necklace stack . I have several brushed gold, stone, pearl and chain necklaces that get interchanged all the time!

And, lately, these are a new favorite style.  Similar at Nordy's for $28+, perfectly trendy priced at Sam Moon for $5.  Added this stack to leggings, white T and cardigan. 

 

 



More bracelet stacks, sometimes need a little bling ...

Necklace layers + bracelet layers ... leather & pearls mixed one day working on the Rodeo Show road ...

 Layer up!