Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Looking Up


My attitude has been crappy today, but I am still looking up. I feel like my emotions go from hope to despair so quickly right now. I keep reminding myself of the positive, and I keep giving thanks no matter how lousy I feel.

Good things are already happening. Right after I shared my post yesterday, I received a hug from God in the form of a $100.00 gift card to Hattie's Branches Boutique from the Lakelander magazine! I entered their Instagram contest, and I WON!!! How cool is that?

My entry! 


Still Counting #1000 Gifts
144. Hotel stays
145. Clear skies, warm sun
146. Live music by a crystal blue pool
147. An elephant parade
148. Food that is bigger than you are
149. Chocolate mustaches
150. Afternoon cuddles
151. Long naps in fluffy beds
152. Beautiful sun rays through white clouds
153. Crisp, juicy apples
154. Friends that love you when you need it most
155. Winning a prize
156. New recipes
157. Easter candy
158. DIY decorations
159. When a friend reads your mind
160. Jellybeans in a pretty dish
161. Quiet nights under cozy comforters
162. Being covered in prayer
163. Long talks during haircuts



Monday, March 25, 2013

Discipline


When I signed on to The 12X12 Project, I thought I was just signing up for a yearlong shopfast, and a way to reach out to those in need. What I didn't realize at the time was that God was preparing me for something huge, a hardship that my family would face that I had absolutely no control over. Immediately following my commitment to The 12X12 Project, my husband and I felt lead to go through the Dave Ramsey financial class with our church. You may have read my post about cutting back, and that is just what we have done gradually since October of last year.

Last week, the world came crashing down on us again. My husband called me and told me that he had lost his job. There was nothing that he could do, they were making cutbacks and started with major players. He is the sole provider for our family of six, so you can imagine the panic that set in after hearing those words. Although ashamed to admit it, I immediately questioned God.

Why now God? Why would you take away our income when we have finally committed 100% to tithing and to your commands for how we handle our finances? 

He answered, and reminded me that He was preparing us for this. By committing to The 12X12 Project, and to the Dave Ramsey class we were able to downsize. I was able to train myself that I don't need "stuff" even though it is so nice to have the latest trends. I downsized my vehicle, my husband received a bonus in February that allowed us to pay off some debt that had been hanging over our heads, and I cut up all of my credit cards.

Had this news come with no financial cutbacks or preparation, I think I would still be in the fetal position. Now, I have to stay positive for my husband and my family. I have to believe in God and His plan for our family, and to trust Him to provide for us. This is a situation that we have never been through before, and God is using it to mold us and to show us that we have to cling to him to make it through. I don't know what is going to happen, I don't know how He will work this out....but in addition to posting my outfits, I will be using my blog to track our new journey. Hopefully very soon I will be reporting the wonderful things He is doing for us through this time of discipline.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Casual Friday





It's casual Friday, and I am packed and ready to head to Orlando for the weekend with my family. Clear skies, and warmer temps will be the icing on the weekend. :) Enjoy friends!


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Stripes....or Spots?




My answer: Both....together, they are super fun.

I have been trying to keep my focus on contentment lately. I have had help this week as our sermon Sunday was on contentment, and my devotion yesterday focused on the same. I love what my devotion said:

"The abundant life has nothing to do with material abundance." 

This is good to remember. When I think about my wants and desires right now, they are totally different than a year ago. I am okay with having less, in order to have more. The gift list continues below.

1000 Gifts
133. Mother daughter dates
134. Dancing with friends
135. Watching a crowd ask Jesus in their hearts
136. Long talks with my teenager
137. Strawberries
138. Making jam
139. A hot stove
140. Sleepy kisses
141. Soap and water
142. The buzzing of the refrigerator
143. A sink full of dishes!

Thursday, March 07, 2013

No Words





I totally have writer's block today. So I'm just going to share my outfit. Honestly, I'm just plain exhausted!! It's almost Friday right??

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Workwear Remix




I have absolutely nothing to write about today. I paired a Vans t-shirt with a blazer and black pants and called it a day. Not shopping = mixing lots of casual items into my workwear! Happy halfway day! Halfway to Friday that is! :)

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Logistics




It's Tuesday, and getting my kids where they need to go this afternoon is going to be a logistical nightmare. One has his first T-ball game, one has her last soccer game of the season, and one has dance class. To top it off, each event is in a different neighboring city. As if it could get any more complicated. I really don't know what I would do with out the help of my parents, they are a huge blessing.

The topic at MOPs this morning was super timely. We talked about being intentional with our children, making time for devotions, and reading the bible together. In our busyness, our family finds time to be consistent with everything else but not this most important thing, time together in God's word daily. I know that He was speaking to me through MOPs today, saying the SAME thing he has been saying to me for four years now, "You are too busy!" I know some of it can't be avoided, with four children how can we not be busy? But there are some things that we could give up to make more time at home together. Time to start the weeding out process again, wish me luck! :)

Monday, March 04, 2013

Monday Gift!


Happy Monday! My gift to you is a 20% off coupon code from eShakti. I am absolutely in love with their spring line. You can customize the sizing of their beautiful Anthropologie-like designs for the perfect fit for your body type. You will not be disappointed with the quality either. Have a fabulous start to the week, and enjoy shopping eShakti!

Code: CTHYKHYES
Good through March 30, 2013

Friday, March 01, 2013

Hooky




I played hooky yesterday. My littlest had a tummy virus and had to be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school. So......after a day spent inside at home on Wednesday, we decided we needed fresh air. We went to the mall, had lunch, and stopped off in Plant City for an amazing strawberry shortcake at Parksdale Farms. Yum, yum! I can't think of a better excuse to take the day off.  I am feeling very thankful this week, enjoy your weekend friends! XO

#1000 gifts
124. Window Shopping
125. lunch dates
126. Warm bread with soft butter
127. Sharing dessert
128. Farmer's Markets
129. Drive time talks with a 4 y/o.
130. School carnivals
131. Pizza
132. Friday nights