#Write31Days - Oct 16 - Choice

I love quotes, especially ones that make me think.  I have quotes in my house, my classroom and on my phone for good reminders.

Last week my school bestie had this quote in her classroom for students...

You are free to choose

but you are not free from the consequence of your choice.

 

 

Fortunately, I was allowed to fail at some things from an early age, suffer what were mild consequences and learn lessons.  I've also failed at larger things that were more difficult consequences and harder lessons.

 

Throughout our lives we have to remember there are results to all choices we make, some great and some not so great.  Learning that lesson from a young age equips us to the bigger choices later in life with greater consequences.  Letting kids fail is hard.  Letting them learn a lesson that they will apply for the rest of their lives equips them.  I've seen this in friends parenting and I've seen it in my students. 

 

No matter what, based on our choice, we endure the consequence.  Young or old. 

 

Here's to good choices!  

#Write31Days - Oct 15 - Dad

Today is a special occasion, my Dad's 70th Birthday!  Will be headed home for the weekend for a traditional 4G party with many of our family's dear friends included to celebrate!

I've learned lots from my Dad over the years...

He's taught me about wisdom and courage. 
He's taught me how to check the oil and put oil in my car.
He's taught me how to check the air in my tires.
He's taught me how to use a variety of tools.
He's taught me to always believe in myself.
He's taught me to be independent.


He's shown me how a husband loves a wife.
He's shown me how a Dad loves a daughter.
He's shown me how to persevere in times of adversity.
He's shown me how to make the most with what you have.

He's lived a life reflective of his beliefs and values, he stands firm in his faith. 

I am thankful for a Dad who is a role model, who loves good food and treats, who's priority is his family, who can laugh, who believes in me and who loves me unconditionally and also the grand-pup :)!

 

Happy Birthday Dad! 

 

Love,

#Write31Days - Oct 14 - Break-up

If you've been here before, you might have read my post on being single, and as you can imagine with being single comes break-ups.  No ones favorite, but a part of life.

There have been cases of being lied to, of rebounds, of false intentions, been careless with my heart and the hardest one for me which has happened more than once, the disappearing act with no reasoning.  I guess it's hardest for me to wrap my mind around someone that you talk to throughout the day, speak to by phone pretty much daily and see multiple times in a week/weekend to all the sudden just disappear, never to be heard from.  I really value relationships, and as an adult feel like I owe it to someone that I have built a relationship with to at least tell them it's over for me, and I have, vs to tell them I will call and never do. 

All that said, I have been fortunate to suffer no deep wounds like I have seen so many friends endure due to bad relationships.  Any past relationship that I cross paths with I could have a civil conversation with and move on. 

With any breakup I always try to learn a few lessons, and here's a couple for me over the years...

• "It's not you, it's me" is a phrase I will never use in terms of a break-up.  At the end of the day there is something about the "you" in that statement that doesn't work for the "me".  I have consciously made an effort not to not use this phrase when I've chosen to end a relationship or what I felt might be moving towards a more serious relationship. The way I see it is the "you" doesn't meet some need, moral/fundamental belief or value, or some other red flag that is not a point to compromise on.  It doesn't mean you rip their character.  But, "me" isn't being truthful to that  person and choosing an easy out. 
• Protect their character.  I have had my fair share of times that I have said not nice things about someone in venting to my friends.  But, I have learned that to be in a relationship long term, like a marriage,  you have to protect your spouse's character and the only way to learn to do that is to practice in all other relationships leading up to the one that you marry.  Plenty of people have bashed someone and my typical response is "I just don't understand" which is 100% true because said actions usually blindside me and are out of character I knew and expected.  This is also a lesson I've learned from watching married friends.  I want to respect my husband, I want him to know that a "girls night out" isn't a husband-bash session because I also don't want him doing that to me.  Yes, there has to be "that" person who you can vent to from time to time, but that is a very protected relationship who is also free to correct you in love when you need it and reset your opinions.  That person is not his or her mother. 
• Have the hard conversations.  At the end of the day if it's worth it to you to fight for that relationship to succeed, then learn to have the hard conversations.  If you want to be married, there are going to be hard conversations.  I can't ignore them, nor can he.  We have to learn how to express opinions, feelings and questions in love with another person.  I just this week sat and talked with married friends, their exact words "marriage is hard" and "marriage with kids is really hard".  Not practicing and learning how to communicate in the "easy" dating phase will never pay off later in life. 

Recently at our church a reference was given about family, in this instance to the family of God, but it pertains to all "family" which I see as marriage family, parent/child family, and even closes friends who are like family.  We love all of those people in unique ways. 

Liking people is neat.

Loving people is messy. 

With any relationship, the more you get to know someone the messier it can be at times.  People will let us down. I KNOW I will let down a boyfriend, fiance and husband.  I also KNOW that he will do the same to me.  It isn't intentional but it will happen.  I know that also happens in friendships and families. 

When relationships are new, every day learning a little more and every day seems "fun" it is neat.  You like them, they like you. It's all very neat. 

Then time goes by, the heart gets involved, feelings are definitely involved and it starts to get messy.  Hard conversations come up.  Feelings get hurt.  Disappointments happen.  However, if you care enough about that person, you're willing to persevere through it.  If you don't, then be straightforward, respectful and have the conversation to end the relationship. Don't leave questions and don't just turn and walk away. 

There's always a lesson to be learned, there's always a way for us to do better.  Ultimately a husband loves his wife like Christ loves the church.  He esteems her and builds her up.  She respects him as the head of the home.  To get to that point takes practice, a willing spirit and a consistent forgiving heart.  Here's to the next time around!

Blessings,

#Write31Days - Oct 13 - Skinny

I was reading a magazine recently and saw this Q&A post: 

Self Magazine - 8/14

Body image is such a tricky subject for women. We look at someone else and think "I wish I had ___________" and that would make me ____________ (prettier, more desirable, fit in, beautiful, etc.).  It is hard not to compare yourself to an array of magazines and advertisements that are thrown at us on a daily basis. 

Remember:  They are dressed & styled by professionals for hours before that photo is taken. 

Then photo-shopped and edited to "perfection".

I have been considered thin most of my life.  I am tall (5'9") and if my weight fluctuates a bit, it's not as noticeable to someone else. For that reason I have often received the "why do you even workout" question. Even though I get asked that question, no one really wants to hear the answer. 

That's just like us though - to compare ourselves to someone and never really seek to understand a "why".  This applies in so many areas of life.  (Posted last week on comparison and lies people let us believe about ourselves)  I have a friend who was constantly called "skinny" and to her that was a mean comment, even though most intended it as positive, though was always sort of back-handed compliment.  She couldn't do anything about her size, and she grew to really resent the word "skinny". 

I am sensitive to so many who have had/currently still dealing with body image struggles.  A couple of my close friends fight this on a regular basis. It is a real struggle every day to love and accept themselves.  So, I am very sensitive to women and being comfortable in your skin.  If there's something you want to change, don't go for a quick fix, make a lifestyle adjustment and slow and steady wins the race in this case. 

For me, here's why I work out: 

1. Heart disease runs in my family. If you aren't aware, heart disease is one of the #1 killers of women in America.  Both my grandmother and my Dad have heart disease.  Unfortunately my grandmother died before I really knew her - I was just a baby.  I have seen my Dad undergo 2 scary heart incidents resulting in stents in his heart. So, this is in my family.  I want to do everything I can to prevent heart disease in myself. So, eating relatively well and exercise are a part of my routine.
2. I have scoliosis.  Most wouldn't know it by looking at me, but I have a decent curve and from time to time experience back pain.  I wore a brace throughout High School at night for treatment during my growing years and that helped to stop my curve from becoming worse. Bless my Mom for not always making me take it to slumber parties, but I hauled it with me to every camp I went to. I am not going to point it out on a regular basis because there are certain things that I notice my curve in more than others and I choose not to draw attention to it.  However, the more active I am, the better I feel and my back doesn't affect me.  So, exercise is a part of my routine. 
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis runs in my family.  This is a disease of joints and I have watched my Mom suffer from the affects and seen her cope remarkably with great medication.  I am approaching the age where RA could affect me.  Again, I want my body to be as healthy as possible.  So exercise is a part of my routine. 
4. Workouts are a way for me to work out stress and process things going on in my life.  I often times turn on my iPod to praise and worship music, head out for a jog and spend some time communicating with Jesus, oftentimes asking why, sometimes in tears, looking for answers, or peace, or to quiet my what-ifs, and on and on of 100 other circumstances that might happen in a day or span of days. Lyrics of songs remind me of His great love for me, of His perfect plan for me, of His hope, of His grace. This time is precious to me, it is just me and Jesus, in creation and I come back equally refreshed and drained. Hope encouraged, peace restored, physically drained.  So exercise is a part of my routine. 

As I am in my "late 30's", taking care of my body is more of a priority.  None of us are guaranteed our health. If disease strikes me, I want to be as capable to fight as I can be. I don't have a magic formula, a daily/weekly routine. I just try to be active several times a week, a fast paced walk, a jog, a bike ride, plank exercises, weights, yoga...something to keep my body moving, get my heart rate up and do my best to take care of myself. I also try to eat relatively well.  That doesn't mean I don't indulge.  I love a fountain Dr. Pepper, but when I catch myself getting in a habit, I have to consciously decide to cut it off. 

We were all created to be unique, no two exactly alike.  Embrace who you are.  Seek to understand who others are and be careful what you question, you just might not know the sting you really cause in that question/statement. 

Above all, strive to be healthy, not to look like a magazine cover.

BeYOUtiful,

#Write31Days - Oct 12 - Vision

I can still remember the first time I read about this new church starting in Houston, late Spring 2011.  It was set to open for the first Sunday in the Fall. In my own life I had spent almost 11 years in one of Houston's mega-churches, where I was very involved including teaching Bible Study for almost 6 of those years. In fact, I was teaching a class when I heard about this new church coming. 

I had to go. 

It was an immediate stir in my heart when I read the blog post about the church plant. I went to church with my best friends,  we ate lunch together every Sunday, I wasn't sure how I would walk away from the teaching spot I had nor walk into a totally unfamiliar place, most likely alone.

I had to go.

Everything in me was needing something different. The one thing that overrode all things was I needed teaching that dissected the Scriptures and told me how to apply them to my every day life.

When I walked into Bayou City Fellowship on the first official Sunday, September 11, 2011, I knew why I was there. The Pastor talked about what BCF was going to be: about 1 thing.  Jesus. 

Simple. That was it. Bayou City Fellowship is about one thing:  Jesus. 

It has been repeated every Sunday I have been there since. I kept going, Sunday after Sunday. A few friends came and went with me, but none stayed. I most often went alone. I sat in basically the same spot every week.  I eventually met a family who was almost always in front of me only because of our greeting time, we would exchange hellos for what became weeks on end. I sat, listened, took notes, and had a sermon that would be on my mind for the entire week to come. Oftentimes stepped on my toes, but that is what good Biblical teaching should be. 

We don't always leave church with a warm and fuzzy feeling. When the Bible is unpacked and the way that we are to live our lives is taught, if we truly want to live our lives like Jesus, then our toes are going to get stepped on.  But, I was never mad about it. 

BCF is about Jesus.  And, Jesus loved all.  He showed grace and mercy to all.  He still does today. 

I joined a Community Group Fall 2011 and met a few people in our church. For the most part though, I was a taker of teaching.  I came in, sat, listened, and left.  I often didn't talk to anyone other than the person at the coffee line because the BEST Texas Pecan coffee is served at BCF, but I was content. I needed this season of being taught. I was so thankful for that season.

Only 7 months after I started attending BCF life was interrupted, more about that here, and the one thing I missed the most was weekly sitting in that Chapel, worshipping, opening my Bible and being taught. Any time I could work it out to be in town, I would attend BCF, though it was rare, I was always grateful to be able to attend when I could. When I was finally settled in January of this year, I was back in regular attendance and so thankful. 

Through the Spring and Summer my heart began to stir, I was ready to start giving back and serving in my church.  Where was my place and what would I do?  I prayed for the right place, not just to be a body doing something, but to be utilizing my gifts and in the place meant for me.  Over several months I had a few conversations about this and this fall have plugged in to a place, and can't wait to see what will come through this portion of our church I am involved in. 

Here we are 3 years later and tonight we will celebrate as one church in one location for Vision Sunday. See, BCF has grown from that first service to 3 services on a Sunday, then to a second location and quickly adding a second service there.  Currently we meet in 2 locations with 9:15 and 11am services at both locations. It will be so fun to see the entire family together.

For one purpose: Jesus. 

Caught this preview of Vision Sunday prep from my friend Corey on Instagram!
The small-world moment when I met Corey recently was her husband was one of greeters and first
person I saw  on the first Sunday of BCF.  I love how God connects people.

I anxiously await to see how God continues to work through our faithful Church leadership. How we continue to get out of our comfort zone and meet the people of the City of Houston. 

If you've never been in church, been a long time since you've been in church or just need a church...visit Bayou City Fellowship. Don't worry about what to wear or who's going to be there. Even if you just come in and sit on the back row, come. Jesus will meet you there.  And, really that's all you need at church. 

With a thankful heart,

#Write31Days - Oct 11 - What I'm Wearing 10.10.14

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.

Also linking up this week with Momfessionals for her "What's on Your" series...this week: feet! 

I'm finding these shoes on my feet regularly right now as the weather is cooling off. 

In fact, this week 3 of the 5 made an appearance.  More details below!  

 

Monday was apparently wear every shade of neutral I have day.  Laughed when I was looking at my outfit a little closer, I don't think any 2 colors are the same and I have black, white, brown, tan and cream all mixed in together. Oh well! It works. At least for me. Last winter I found a really cute leopard skirt at Banana Republic outlet for a sweet $79 tag which I passed up for this one from Target at almost 1/4 the price! Sweater and tank also from Target.  I sort of felt like a walking Target ad. Since we're also talking about "What's On Your Feet", Nine West is one of my favorite brands for heels, they are classic, I know an 8.5 will fit most every time and I can wear them all day without my feet hurting.  Picked these up from Ross clearance rack, I think they were $14 or $17. #bargainshopper 

 



Tuesday I wore one of my Round Top finds. If you're ever passing through Columbus, Texas look up Donna's Attic - she has great tops and they are really reasonable. She also sets up a booth during Antiques Week which I always try to stop by. This black top with lace cross was $17!  Paired it with one of my "What's On Your Feet" pairs of shoes to add a little color and a bracelet with an angel watching over my heart.  There is a constant running group text with my college besties, who I went to Antiques Week with (pictured in my Friday Favorites), and through conversation Tuesday we realized we were randomly all wearing something Tuesday we got while shopping together on Friday.  #kindredspirits

Wednesday is Spirit Day for Football and it was "Confuse the Cougars"; mix and match.  I felt like this was the perfect opp to wear my buffalo check + leopard heels.  (Pair 2 of "What's On Your Feet" shoes".)  My school bestie also mixed up buffalo check + leopard.  One of my students told me "she didn't know anyone who could pull off Jeans and heels - but I did." Sweet students.  :) Truth be told, I would regularly pair this shirt and heels with darker jeans, but felt like these added a little extra to the mix and match theme of the day.  Also this day - wearing Noonday Metallic Pearls necklace which I mentioned in yesterday's Friday Favorites post. 

Thursday, I finally broke in my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale boots.  I loved these black boots - the cut at the top, roughed-up suede and the light brown heel mixed it up just a little for me.  This is pair 3 of the "What's On Your Feet" shoes pictured above that I  wore this week.  LBD is another from Target. If you've been reading these a while, you should know I stalk the 50% and 70% clearance racks at Target for dresses.  This one can easily be dressed up or down, it has a little (p)leather trim on it.  I felt like this look made it a little more casual. Scarf is $6 investment from Sam Moon. If you love scarves and are in the Houston or DFW areas - I recommend checking their selection, they have a lot of the same scarves I've seen in boutiques for 1/4 - 1/3 of the boutique pricing. 

And, then it was finally FRIDAY! This week felt so long! Football T plus a navy chevron scarf, also $6 from Sam Moon a year or so ago. Wore my standard stack of navy bracelets (that are years and years old but come out often since Navy is a school color after all) and navy stack rings. Mixed it up with some colored heels that I randomly found early this year at Stein Mart on clearance. They are Nine West which as mentioned above is one of my favorite brands for heels, often found for discounts at Ross (Monday's nude pumps), TJMaxx and Marshalls. 

And, here is the week in review.  The summer tan is slowly fading, will be time for leggings & tights soon!  PS - can you spot Barney dog?



As a bonus, here was my #SundayStyle from last week.  Keep up with me on Facebook, I usually post a Sunday Style picture of what I'm wearing to church.  And, behind the photo this day...I wasn't feeling awesome - allergies were in full force over the weekend and I still felt a little rung out.  However, I knew I wouldn't regret getting up and making it to church, so I made it.  Yes, this is the same b&w stripe tank as seen with Monday's neutral paint pallet.  :) 

Blessings,

#Write31Days - Oct 10 - Friday Favs

...we interrupt the #Write31Days challenge of stories for Friday Favorites!

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

This week's favorites....a perfect couple of days of sunshine with my besties and family and my favorite shades...They are from the Duck Commander line and are sold at Walmart Opticals.  I think price was around $30 and the lenses are polarized.  Speaking of Duck Commander, how great is Sadie Robertson on DWTS?!? Even though I never vote on TV shows, I'm #teamquackpack! Here's the link to find aviators at your local WalMart:  Duck Commander Aviators.

These are my college besties, almost 20 years later, still hanging out and never too old to all buy the same T, change our shirts in the booth, snap a bunch of fun pictures and spend all day together roaming fields and booths!  Pictured here in front of Zapp Hall, getting my favorite grilled chicken sandwich for lunch during Texas Antiques Week in Round Top, Texas. 

This day was the MOST BEAUTIFUL fall day! 

If you've never been to Antiques Week, grab some friends and put it on your list!

And this was another perfect fall day, wearing my sunglasses again. with my Mom and the Littles taking in some culture - the Ballet Folklorico at our local Fall Festival.  Aunt life is so fun!  These people are also all my favorites! 

One of my finds during Antiques Week was this sequin skirt.  I've been on the lookout for fun sequin skirt or shorts for a while, but one of those things I didn't want to make a huge investment in...and, lo and behold in the barns of Antiques Week I found one AND on 50% off sale!  Quickly paired it with denim shirt, but I know it will get mixed and matched with several styles of tops and jackets. 

The denim shirt is another favorite staple in my closet. Mine is a real "boyfriend" shirt - aka straight from the men's sale rack at Gap a few seasons ago. #tallgirlperks.

Also shown are 2 of my favorite pieces from the Noonday Collection...the metallic pearl earrings and metallic pearls necklace.   These pieces are handmade in Ethiopia from upcycled metal and artillery, symbols of conflict melted into symbols of hope.  Each piece of Noonday jewelry sold helps provide sustainable jobs & income to Artisans around the world, ending poverty and empowering these Artisans to a brighter future!  #purchasetoempower #FairTrade 

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Blessings,