I am writing my random and linking up with Carissa.
1. The Olympics are here!! I love watching the Olympics…we have had it on basically non-stop & it’s been really fun.
2. It was a lovely weekend! Saturday, William & I got to go on a “date day!” We saw Batman at the IMAX (Just being honest here, I didn’t think I would like it. But I did. It was incredible.), grabbed some dinner, dodged some rain clouds…
3. Chelsea learned how to climb up into this chair all by herself this weekend. She was having the best time until she fell out. She hasn’t been back up yet. And…I cannot believe that my babies are getting this big?! When did this happen? I must have blinked…
4. These three. I was busy folding some towels in the living room & they did this. Laughing the whole time! Love them.
5. This silly boy had his first experience with a temporary tattoo. I don’t think I need to say anymore…he likes it.
Well, there you have it…a glimpse into my very random, very ordinary weekend. Happy Monday, y’all!
Hello, friends! Welcome to week nine of Worship Wednesday. I am so glad you are here!
This week, I have absolutely loved this song & the truth about the character of our God that is packed inside of it. I was introduced to Aaron Keyes in college when he joined us for a series of chapel services. The Lord has truly gifted him as a writer and a leader in worship.
I am so incredibly thankful for our Savior’s wisdom & perfect love. I am fascinated by the picture of Him “reigning high above the heavens, reaching down in endless grace.” He surrounds and upholds us. He is our everything, no matter the circumstance or season. He, indeed, is sovereign over us. And I am forever grateful.
As a side note, I would just like to mention that I’m writing this post in the middle of a pretty intense thunderstorm. I love those. Something about them just makes me fall that much more in love with Him…& recognize that I only know just an ounce of His power. Lastly, I love the atmosphere of worship in Aaron’s living room as this video was shot. Praying that His Spirit would fill our home with many sacred moments like that as we worship & honor Him.
V1 There is strength within the sorrow, There is beauty in our tears You meet us in our mourning, With a love that casts out fear You are working in our waiting, Sanctifying us When beyond our understanding, You’re teaching us to trust
CHORUS Your plans are still to prosper, You have not forgotten us You’re with us in the fire and the flood Faithful forever, Perfect in love You are sovereign over us
V2 You are wisdom unimagined, Who could understand your ways Reigning high above the heavens, Reaching down in endless grace Youʼre the Lifter of the lowly, Compassionate and kind You surround and You uphold me, Your promises are my delight
BR Even what the enemy means for evil You turn it for our good, You turn it for our good and for your glory Even in the valley You are faithful Youʼre working for our good, Youʼre working for our good and for your glory
Words & Music by Aaron Keyes, Bryan Brown, and Jack Mooring. Copyright (c) 2011 Thankyou Music (admin. worldwide by worshiptogether.com songs excluding Europe, which is admin. by kingswaysongs.com) (PRS)
Mrs. Tiffany Pate and I would love for you to link up your own Worship Wednesday post with us. We are always so blessed by what you share. To Him be all honor and glory! Have a wonderful week!
So, I thought my June Birchbox was fun, but I have absolutely loved everything in my July Birchbox!! If you aren’t familiar with Birchbox, check them out. I know you will love them! Here’s a little about how it works: Each month, you receive a box filled with samples of high-end beauty and lifestyle products. It’s such a neat treat (especially for a mama of 3 under 3 who doesn’t get out much) to receive brand new beauty products each month. Each box is just $10 & it’s always a fun surprise to see what’s inside! Once you get your Birchbox in the mail, you sign in online for a list of the products you received, more information, videos on how to use the products, as well as the option to purchase them with free shipping during that month. With each product in your box, you have the option to submit a small review and receive 10 points. 100 points are worth $10 for future redemption in the Birchbox shop on any product they carry or promote. Pretty neat! (And, if you save up your points, you could get your favorite item free!) For more information, or to subscribe click here.
Birchbox teamed up with Glamour this month to offer a box that provides an experience for each of our five senses.
So…what was in my July box, you ask?
Color Club | Blue-Ming: A bright, summery, green-turquoise nail polish. This polish definitely screams summer fun! I loved having it included in the box. The full-sized product is just $8! Can’t beat it! This one was definitely a winner for me.
Gloss Moderne | High-Gloss Masque: This is a vitamin-rich conditioning cream to restore shine, and replenish hair after exposure to sun, heat, & pollution. You apply it in the shower to rinsed hair for five minutes and then rinse it out. I have enjoyed using this one. I let it replace my Moroccan Oil and it did a decent job. The full-sized product retails for $39. I’m enjoying the sample, but plan to return to my Moroccan Oil for the long-term.
Harvey Prince | Eau Flirt: This is a flirty perfume with layers of citrus & jasmine over a base of lavender & pumpkin. Sounds iffy on paper, at least to me, but it actually is quite nice. It’s light, youthful, and absolutely perfect for summer! The full-sized products range in price from $55-$98. It’s definitely a product I’ll keep in the back of my mind next summer when I’m shopping for a new fragrance.
Manna Kadar | sheer glo shimmer lotion: This shimmery lotion can be combined with your foundation, or used alone as a highlighter to cheeks and browbones, or can be used as a lotion anywhere you would like to boost radiance without adding shine. This one was fun to try. It feels light on the skin, and really achieves the look it advertises. It reminded me of a tinted moisturizer I used to use and really loved. It retails for $29. Not too bad, but not something I’m ready to add to my daily routine.
suki | Balancing Kit: This came as an all-in-one set with the goal of calming, and purifying your face, leaving it smooth, hydrated, and healthy. It was fun to get an entire set to try all at once (cleanser, clay, toner, moisturizer, etc.). The full-sized set is $40. You get everything you need to care for your skin from morning till night. So, it really is a nice value.
LÄRABAR | über: So, I’ll admit, it was super fun to get to try a new snack in my Birchbox! These bars come in four flavors: Roasted Nut Roll, Apple Turnover, Bananas Foster, and Cherry Cobbler. I sampled the Roasted Nut Roll and it was tasty! Loved it! You can buy a variety pack of the bars (16) for $27.95. A bit steep for a snack, but if you buy me one, I’ll eat it!!
Birchbox Exclusive | Earbuds: As an added bonus in the box, I received a pair of earbuds! How fun?! They are cute, bright neon green and pink. I am keeping them in my purse and have loved using them! Thanks, Birchbox! (Retail, $0.)
Overall, this box gets an A! I would love for you to sign up and enjoy Birchbox with me! Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Welcome to our 8th week of Worshiping Wednesday! I’m so glad you’re here! If you’re new to this weekly link-up, you can read more about it here.
This week, really in the last 72 hours, the Lord has been doing some stirring in my heart. I have been studying the book of James in recent weeks. Chapter 2 is intense. James just boldly, clearly, and directly gets to the point: there is no room for favoritism in the life of the Christ follower. If you’re like me, the most immediate reaction that comes to mind is that favoritism is not something you really struggle with. But, favoritism can take on many sneaky forms in our hearts, minds, and actions, and can creep in unnoticed if we aren’t careful to intentionally guard against it. In 2:10, James tells us, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” Guilty! Right here. So grateful for a Savior!
Stronger | Hillsong
I was reading Melissa Fitzpatrick’s post from a few days ago, titled, Common Brokenness. She pastes in a portion of an email from a friend who is in a rehabilitation hospital. He explains that he shares this temporary home with about 30 others. He writes:
“For many of us, nights are the worst time – marked by restlessness, chasing fleeting sleep, often enduring pain. Please remember to pray for all who suffer—especially when you do not—in hospitals, at home and elsewhere. It is a difficult and weary ordeal.”
He continues:
“The human beings around me are Christian, Muslim, atheist, secularist and whatever else. They are white, black, brown and, in the dark, visibly none of the above. But they share something in common that is fundamental to their identity and to mine. In this identity is our oneness as humans. I am not talking about eternal destinies or theological categories, but about here and now. I have come to know many of these people—not by their jobs or professions, not by their achievements or connections or honors. I know them—and they know me—by their brokenness. We are one in our brokenness—our mortality, our frailty, our creatureliness. Made in God’s image, we have dignity and worth. Broken, we have needs—perhaps as obvious as a drinking straw wrapper that needs removing to begin our meal together in the cafeteria.
This is my experience on this night. Take it or toss it aside. Reflect on it or ignore it. I simply have to tell it. We are one with all humankind, but we probably will not see or feel that at the deepest level until we experience it in our brokenness, we who at best are always but a breath away from knowing what that means. So let us serve each other with awe and respect.” (emphasis my own)
I love how Jesus completely levels the playing field in each personal encounter He has with someone. We are all broken, feeble, & finite creatures in desperate need of a Savior. How dare we create classes, or show special attention to one over another! The truth is that if we, as believers, do not allow the Spirit to minute-by-minute transform our minds & hearts to see people the way He does, we will never really love and serve like Christ. Only what is eternal will last – everything else will die away. You can take it to the bank. So, for me, it’s clear what I want my life to be about. I want to be about His work;His way. And He is the only one who can make that happen. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your salvation! May your name be lifted HIGHER!
My friend, Tiffany, and I would be so honored to have you link up your Worshiping Wednesday post with us today. It is such a privilege and encouragement to read what you write.
Hey there! I am writing random and linking up with Carissa this morning!
1. Here I am! Yes, I am writing this post from my laptop. In the car. Starbucks in hand. You do whatcha gotta do, right?
2. I really do think that parents of young kids should be immune to all illness. Isn’t being sick and taking care of babies the worst?! And why is it that William & I get sick together? Who knows. Yesterday, we both felt it coming on. Everyone in our house napped for 2 hours. I woke up feeling worse. Like I had been hit by a Mack truck. My head was throbbing, my skin was crawling, and I was not looking forward to this week at all. Took some meds and packed it in early (like 10:30) last night. And prayed. Then, I woke up this morning a little grumpy (just keeping it real), but otherwise feeling normal. Thank you, Jesus!!! I have never felt that bad one day and this good the next. I have no idea what’s going on in this little body, but I am so thankful.
3. William ordered this book for me. Plus two more. One on PHP & one on Photoshop. Note to self: If you ever express a desire in learning anything technical to your IT professional of a husband, he will make sure you have the opportunity to learn it! This can be good or not so good. I’m thinking I’m way in over my head. I am about halfway through this one and haven’t touched the other two yet. Maybe there’s hope for me yet? Who knows.
4. I love that I began writing this post in the car, but am finishing it on the couch a few hours later. Somewhere in the middle of #3, William called. He was leaving work & headed to grab a bite to eat. So, he met us and we enjoyed an impromptu family lunch! Love extra family time!!
straw swords with daddy at lunch.
happy baby ladies.
5. I am really excited to get into this month’s Birchbox & try all of the goodies!! It was a really fun box this month, and I can’t wait to share my review with you!!
6. I read Jessi’s post today and was seriously blessed! (You will be too.) I feel like she took the words right out of my mouth! It’s something the Lord has been speaking over me lately & impressing on my heart regarding online ministry. So thankful for her.
7. Also, check out the LinkyHere blog this afternoon to learn a little more about me, my heart for this site, and our weekly link-up, Worship Wednesday!
Welcome back to Worship Wednesday! If this is your first time joining us: I am so glad that you are here! Make yourself at home!
This is the place we come to hit the pause button in the middle of the week to worship our incredible Savior and share what He’s teaching us.
Knees to the Earth | Watermark
This song by Nathan and Christy Nockles has always been so dear to me. I found myself singing it this week as I have been cleaning, changing diapers, cooking, bathing babies, etc. (Mr. Ayden, my 2 year old, even tries to sing along…so adorable!) I started thinking about the lyrics and what this song has meant to me over the past several years, as I transitioned from living at home with my parents to college life to married life, and to motherhood. It has been and still is my heart’s cry.
And it’s my heart’s cry for this blog too. More than anything, when people spend any amount of time on this little slice of internet, I want them to leave knowing it’s all about Jesus.
I am studying the book of James with some lovely ladies over the next few weeks. This week, I was reading James 1:19, “My dearly beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Woosh! I have trouble with all of these, but probably, most often, I find it difficult to remember to be slow. to. speak.
I was struck by this quote from USA Today, referring to how incredibly and constantly connected we are electronically: “Often, we’re effectively disconnecting from those in the same room.” Man, how true is that for me so often? How sad. Beth Moore writes in her study on the book of James, “Face-to-face repartee is slipping through our fingers lightening-fast, so the only way we’re apt to develop the art of listening is to become rabidly intentional.”
So, Lord, I pray that you would make me intentional to see and listen to the people around me, right in front of my face, even. And to you. Especially to you. I don’t want to miss one, single thing you have for me. And when I do speak, let me consider the weight of my words, and let them make much of you. Be blessed. Be loved. Be lifted high. Be treasured here. Be glorified. My life is yours. Here I am.
My friend, Tiffany, and I would be so honored to have you link up and share your own Worship Wednesday post with all of us. Grab a button for your blog from the sidebar and share what He’s been teaching you and how you are worshiping right where you are today. If you don’t blog, feel free to leave a comment on the post. I can’t wait to read what you have written!
This month I subscribed to Birchbox. Each month, you receive a box filled with samples of high-end beauty and lifestyle products. It’s great (especially for a mama of 3 under 3 who doesn’t get out much) to receive brand new beauty products each month. Every time is a surprise, almost like unwrapping Christmas! With every $10 box, you receive 10 points for future redemption in the Birchbox store. In addition if you submit a review online via Birchbox’s website, you receive an additional 10 points for each product you review. 100 points can be redeemed for $10 in the Birchbox store (good for any product they carry or promote). One month in and I’m already over half way there. For more information, click here.
Here’s a look at my June Birchbox!!
This month’s theme is Jet Set! It is full of products from all around the world and that are easy to take along with you in a snap!
The card included in the box lists the products you have received along with descriptions. As it happened, the card included in my box listed several products that I didn’t have, and in turn, there were products in my box that were not listed on my card. I gave the customer service number a call, and they explained it as a packaging error and shipped me a brand new box that same day! So, I technically received two June boxes, with some duplicate products. So, what I have decided to do is provide a review for some products from both boxes.
Eyeco | Fat Eye Stick: A fat shadow stick that can be used as an eye liner, or can be smudged to create a shadow. I LOVED this product. The price for the full-size item is only $15, and I think it would last a while. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Petrol Blue shade, but in another color, I would totally buy this!
theBalm Cosmetics | Stainiac in Beauty Queen: This is a 2-in-1 lip and cheek stain. It is a sheer gel that is really easy to apply. The color looks dark and bold in the tube, but it goes on sheer and is simple to get the boldness of color you want. The full-size product retails for $17, which in my opinion is a little much…but then again, it doubles as a lip and cheek color. Overall, I loved this product and would probably purchase it were it a bit more inexpensive.
tili | Bags: These are essentially zip plastic bags with adorable designs and colors. The suggested use was for storing your travel sized essentials to take through airport security. But they could be used for absolutely anything. The bags really are adorable and I love them. They retail for $8.49 – $9.49 for a package of 9-12 bags, which in my opinion is ridiculous. But, that’s mainly because I don’t have expendable cash to spend on cute plastic bags. If I did, though, I might get these. You can bet I’m saving the ones I received in my Birchbox for my trip to Nashville in September.
Number 4 | Super Comb Prep & Protect: This is a leave-in spray for your towel dried hair that detangles and defrizzes. It smells absolutely incredible (which is always a perk, if not a deciding factor, for hair products)! It has nutrient-rich botanicals and built-in UV filters to protect your hair. I really, really like this one! The full-size product (200 ml – which is a little less than 7 oz) runs for $32. A bit high for me, but on an impulse I would totally snag it!!
I received 4 other products between both boxes that I haven’t tried yet. If they end up being absolutely spectacular, I’ll let you know. The Birchbox comes with six products, but I lucked out because of their mistake.
Once you get your Birchbox in the mail, you sign in online for a list of the products you received, more information, videos on how to use the products, as well as the option to purchase them with free shipping during that month. Pretty neat! (And, if you save up your points, you could get your favorite item free!)
I am completely hooked and cannot wait until I get my July box! Click here to sign up! (You also get 50 points for each friend who joins!)
Happy, happy 4th everyone!! I hope you all are enjoying the holiday and celebrating the Lord’s blessing of freedom. It’s Worship Wednesday here for us. I hope that you will join me and Tiffany today as we stop what we are doing to just sit at the feet of our Savior and worship. He is so, so good. And so, so worthy.
After a week that has left me drained on all levels, I am especially thankful for His abundant grace. I am resting and abiding in Him.
I absolutely love and look forward to this little link up every week. Not just because it gives me the opportunity to refocus and worship, but because I get such an incredible blessing by reading and worshiping along with you as well.
So, grab a button to put on your blog and post a song, Scripture, or anything that is leading your heart into worship today!
As a mama to 3 littles under 3, it is tricky to grab a moment for a coffee date with a friend. But, thanks to this little slice of internet, we can have our very own virtual coffee date whenever it is convenient for us and no matter how many miles separate us. So…can I get you a latte? Let’s catch up a bit…
If you and I were grabbing coffee today, I would tell you that this week has been nuts! Sometimes, when it rains, it pours. You may have noticed that I haven’t blogged since the 22nd! Our site was down for nearly a week. We have changed hosting companies, so we are hoping not to have that trouble again. Truthfully, it was kind of nice to be forced to take a break. Last Sunday, my twins came down with a virus. Then, on Tuesday, I had my four wisdom teeth extracted. That day was rough, but overall it hasn’t been a terrible experience. I was so grateful to have a lot of good help with the kids so I could focus on feeling better. By the middle of the week, the girls were feeling better. Friday, Ayden came down with it. He has been running fever…and last night we were up with him throwing up. He’s been a little better today, so I am praying that all the kids will sleep through the night so William and I can get some good rest!
How’s your week been? Hopefully, it hasn’t been this crazy. But, maybe it has been…or maybe it’s been worse. Regardless, I know that this is true: Our God is faithful. His pursuit of our souls is relentless. And He loves us more than we can understand. That helps me through any week.
“But I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle…Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption…But as for me, I trust in you.” Psalm 55:16-18a, 22-23a, 23c
And…I may or may not whip out my iPhone to show you some pics from today. In real life, I probably wouldn’t…but that kind of thing is way more acceptable on virtual coffee dates 😉
Thankful for church online with sick little ones at home!
Brooklyn decided to chill out in the dog bed for a while…I don’t think she minds one bit…
Finally…Happy 16 months to my sweet baby ladies!! I love you!
I’d love for you to leave a comment and let me know what’s been going on with you and what you’ve been learning…thanks for sharing a latte with me!
I’m linking up (like 4 days late…but who cares?) with Rags to Stiches for our coffee date.
